When I met River Jordan she was donned in all black. She pretty much still wears black, though one of my main goals is to get her in something pink! She did tell me she had on red I think the other day. I told her I could believe she didn’t take a picture. We met at my friend Kathy Patrick, Founder of the Pulpwood Queens and owner of Beauty and the Book, the only hair salon and book store combo in the nation. River and I were both attending her annual Girlfriend’s weekend event she holds in January.

I gave her one of those, “Would love to get together.” And I actually meant it. I called her and before you know it we developed a wonderful friendship. River makes me laugh. I mean belly laugh. When she starts telling me stories about her aunt honestly, who needs an ab workout by the time I’m through.

She is also an amazing story-teller. I recently had the privilege of reading her new book, Saints in Limbo early to write an endorsement. As I began to walk through the pages of this incredibly crafted story, have to admit my first reaction was jealousy. “I want to write like that. Be literary and all fancy.” And then I pushed that aside, knowing it would never happen and relished every word.

When I sent in my endorsement I told her publicist that I thought I had gotten jaded with reading novels. Then I realized it had been a while since I had read a story that moved me. Saints in Limbo moved me. I didn’t want to miss a word. Because every word River puts on the page is thoughtful, enchanting and another layer of amazing beauty to her already amazing gift. The child can even make the word “and” sound like it could have multiple meanings. She is a gifted story-teller. But she is an even more wonderful friend. And I count it a privilege that she is mine.

On May 5th, her new book hits the shelves. It’s been a while since her last book, The Messenger of Magnolia Street came out and won accolades from “Southern Living” and “The Pulpwood Queens.” The wait was worth it. Enjoy it…