winners of cover contest and Bonus

FRIENDS of HALLIE,

I have exciting news!! I'm looking at the cover of Book 5 of the Shady Gully series right now! I cannot wait for you to see it! I absolutely love it and think y'all will as well.

Especially good news for three lucky winners who guessed the correct color of Book 5's cover!!! Although there were a lot of guesses, and a lot of you guessed this particular---or blend of---colors, the first three to email me were:

Bryan Bumm of Arizona
Aimee Tanner of Virginia 
Shakira Roy of Missouri 

Congratulations to these three Shady Gully readers, who have each received an ADVANCED REVIEW COPY of the fifth and FINAL Shady Gully book. (They promised to keep the cover color a secret until I share it with y'all later this week.)

Meanwhile, as a consolation prize to the rest of my FRIENDS of HALLIE subscribers, I've decided to post "Thursday Thoughts....by Piper" on this newsletter. (Piper the Orange Cat is convinced she's famous and urged me to spread word of her Thursday column on Facebook. Follow me there, so you don't miss her musings: www.facebook.com/HallieLeeBooks)

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THURSDAY THOUGHTS.... by Piper

Yes, it's been a minute, but I'm here now to confess all, to reveal the "state of the union" as they say. Folks, it's not good. In fact, I'm quite beleaguered. Not only has my mama been "busy" and "preoccupied" (whatever that means) but my own dwelling, my very home, has—how do I say this? My home has been invaded! Taken Over. Conquered. And, I’m sad to say, I’ve become nothing more than a spoil of victory.

​While I’m not allowed to show you pictures of the “conqueror,” as apparently, he’s in the Witness Protection Program and my Auntie Bree and Uncle Phil forbid me to show you his face, I can, however, give you strong clues. For example, note the attached photo of his strange garments. Clearly, his authority is inevitable as he boldly wears his rank across his chest.
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Woe is me.

Rank and Title.

​I’ve tried to investigate further but am constantly shoo’d away with cross words. Once I got very close and was able to observe him in his own habitat, where I secretly planned a night excursion to explore his bougee toys more closely. Occasionally, when the humans are distracted with His Majesty, I sit proudly on his changing table, imagining I still have power and influence.

Reconnaissance.

Melancholy over the loss of my throne.

Truly, if not for the beasts outside my kitchen window, I would be oh so lonely. Derek the Deer peeks in to console me, and Rick the Racoon and I commiserate all hours of the night. They assure me that I’ll come to enjoy the Little Dude, and that perhaps, someday we’ll be buddies. I wonder, will my mama provide me with my own title? My own royal garment? Little Dudette?

Derek, my friend, consoles me with a game of Peek-A-Boo!

My buddy, Rick the Raccoon

Keeping a Low Profile

Either way, I’ve popped in today to reveal a secret. The reason my mama has been so distracted. You see, her new book will be out very soon. A matter of weeks now. And now, she has an official book cover. I heard her say that she will reveal it NEXT WEEK.

I’ve seen it, and I must say, I really like it. It’s purrrrrfect for the finale!

And now, I must go, as I risk discovery the longer I’m online.

Always, 
​Piper
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That's all for now, y'all. Be sure to check your inbox later this week as you'll see the cover of my next book BEFORE it hits social media. Now, I'm going to go pay attention to Piper :)

Until next time, 
​Stay Fearless....and Faithful