Hello everyone,

On the Island hit bookstores across the country on Tuesday! I didn’t realize just how awesome it would feel until I saw the trade paperback sitting on the shelf. This picture is from the Barnes & Noble at Jordan Creek Mall in West Des Moines. I sure do like their sign!

I went to Target next and there on the shelf, sandwiched between Elin Hilderbrand’s Summerland and Kristin Hannah’s Home Again, was my book.

My last bookstore was another Barnes & Noble. I almost didn’t stop, but it was on my way home so I thought, “Oh heck, why not.” While I was standing there taking a picture of the display with my phone, I overheard someone say “On the Island” so I totally started eavesdropping stood there, all nonchalant, and a woman and a B&N employee walked over. The customer was looking for On the Island. But she wanted to make sure it was the book written by the woman who lives in Des Moines. She questioned the B&N employee and the employee responded that she wasn’t sure but would find out. I couldn’t take it anymore because I was literally standing right there so I opened my big mouth contributed helpfully to the conversation. “Yes, that’s her,” I said. “I mean, I’m her. It’s me.” The customer looked shocked but then gave me a big smile despite my deranged grin. I explained that the book had just been released and that I wanted to stop in and see it on the shelf. She was buying a copy for herself and her daughter and I offered to sign them because I just happened to have a Sharpie in my purse. She was so nice and she made my afternoon. For the rest of the day I told that story to anyone who would listen.