June 2010
Dear Readers,
I would like to say a special thank you for all the heart felt notes and emails you have sent over the years encouraging me to write Scott and Jenna’s story. Some of you have been hanging on since AFTER DARK was released in 1997. CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF YOU will be in the bookstores on June 29th.
Don’t delay, please go out and pick up your copy. And tell friends and family. I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this very special, long awaited love story.
My editor sent me an advance copy of the book this week. My hands were shaking when I opened the package. This one really comes from the heart.
I have been busy, sending out announcements and bookmarks to fans on my mailing list. If you have entered my contest and/or written me in the last year, you’re on the list. If you haven’t received a bookmark or would like to have bookmarks for your friends, family or your book club members, please send a legal-size, self-addressed stamped envelope to Bette Ford, PO Box 944, Saginaw, MI 48606. There is a limit of 20 per person. Thanks again.
Take Care and God bless,
Bette Ford
Website:Bette-Ford.com
Email: BetteFord@sbcglobal.net
May 2010,
Dear Reader,
It’s finally looks like spring is here in Michigan. It’s perfect time for new beginnings. The grass is bright green, the tulips are coming up with the promise of many flowers to come, the trees are full of buds and the birds are singing.
I’m so look forward to the release of my new book, CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF YOU in July. Good news. It has been picked up by Black Expression Book Club. Please, don’t forget to pick up your copy and pass the word, tell someone new about the book.
The funny thing about life is just when you think you have it all figured out something happens. There have been many changes in Scott Hendricks’ life. His basketball career has come to an end and he’s returning to Detroit. He plans to make good the promise he made to his family years ago. But he’s also at a cross road in his life. He believes he has let go of the past until he learns his lost love is back in town.
Jenna Gaines is excited, eager to start a new career and a new chapter in her life. She is not the same girl who left town with a broken heart and her dreams of love shattered. She is strong, confident and determined not to look back or repeat past mistakes.
As always I look forward to hearing from readers. I thank those who took time to post a message in the guestbook at the website. Bookmarks for CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF YOU, will be available in June. Please send a stamped self-address, legal size envelope, if you would like one bookmark or would like to help promote CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF YOU by giving out bookmarks to your friends and family. There is a limit of 20 per person. I thank you in advance for helping to get the word out about CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF YOU and thank you for your prayers and friendship along the way.
Take care and God bless,
Bette Ford
Website: Bette-Ford.com
Email: BetteFord@sbcglobal.net
US Mail: PO Box 944, Saginaw, MI 4860
March 2010
Dear Reader:
March is finally here and I think we all can use a break from the cold and snow. I keep reminding myself that spring is coming, just a few short weeks away.
I can’t tell you how excited I am about the release of CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF YOU, Jenna and Scott’s story. In few short months, you will understand what went wrong between them, but more important, how they find their way back to each other.
I was so pleased when I first saw the cover shot, it said without words that those two belong together. Time and distance have kept Jenna and Scott apart for over ten years and they had both moved on with their lives. Yet, what they once shared no matter how hard they tried couldn’t be forgotten. They were little no more than teenagers when they first fell in love and became college sweethearts.
When I first introduced Jenna in AFTER DARK, I knew she was special and deserved to have her own story. Jenna has held a special place in my heart all these years for two reasons. The first reason was her sweetness and unspoiled joy for life. The second reason was her determination to succeed despite the difficulties of her early years and the odds against her. She didn’t have parents to back her up or a cushion to fall back on. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you will think Jenna and Scott’s story was worth the very long wait.
Take care and God Bless,
Bette Ford
March 2010
February 2010
Dear Reader:
February is the perfect month to remember on our African ancestors, many having made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for our freedom and the countless others, whose contributions continue to affect our lives.
Yes, February maybe the shortest month of the year, but it offers a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the strength, intellect, elegance and grace of remarkable Black women, like Harriet Tubman, Eunice W. Johnson and Michelle Obama.
February gives me a good excuse to indulge in two of my favorite things, chocolate and romance novels. I’ve been re-reading a few of my old favorites. That’s the most wonderful thing about a good book. It’s right there waiting for you to pick it up, again.
Special shout out to Deanna from Chicago, Destony from Washington, A. Corbett from Virginia, Mina Hornsby from Texas. Thanks ladies for taking time out of your busy schedule to leave lovely comments on the website.
The cover for CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF YOU will be up soon.
Take care and God Bless,
Bette Ford
December 2009
Dear Reader:
Season’s Greetings to you and yours. I hope your Thanksgiving was filled with family, friends, warmth and laugher.
Things are going well with the new book. The new title is CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF YOU. It has been nearly eleven years since Scott Hendricks and Jenna Gaines have seen each other. Both have gone on with their lives. CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF YOU is the perfect title for their long awaited love story, due to be released summer 2010. I just finished the copyedited and everything is right on schedule. I can hardly wait to see the new cover.
A special thank you for the readers that have taken time away from their busy schedules to leave messages in the guestbook section of the website this past month. I really enjoy hearing from you. My continued thanks to those readers who have written and asked for reissues of earlier books. The market is tight and nearly impossible to keep books in print without a great deal of support from readers. You have the power. You can make it happen. Please keep the emails and letters going to the publishers with your requests, especially those who wish to see the Prescott Series reissued. For more details please look in the FAQ’s section of the website.
If you can’t decide what to get for a special friend or beloved family member this Christmas, please consider giving a book. A good book is a gift that can keep on giving enjoyment for years to come. There are so many wonderful books out there. Please remember, Francis Ray’s ONE NIGHT WITH YOU, Beverly Jenkins’ CAPTURED and Brenda Jackson’s WESTMORELAND’S WAY. All three can be a delightful surprise under the tree.
Please, during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, let’s not lose sight of the reason for the season, Baby Jesus. I’d like to wish you and yours a blessed Christmas and a glorious New Year.
Take care and God Bless,
Bette Ford
September 2009
Dear Readers,
I hope your summer was a healthy and joyful one. I can’t believe it’s nearly gone. It’s my favorite time of year, although I do enjoy the fall leaves. I’ve been busy working on a new project, but I can’t give you any more information just yet.
Things are going well with for ALWAYS YOURS. The revisions are complete and I’m waiting for the copy edit and final proofs. I’m also looking forward to seeing the cover. As soon as I get, it I will post it on my site. A new book is always exciting and this one has been such a long time coming. I especially enjoyed going back and bring you up to date on Donald and Taylor. The road to true love is never smooth, but Jenna and Scott deserve a happy ending after so many years. I can hardly wait for you to tell me what you think. I am hoping for spring of 2010 release date.
Please look for new books from some of my favorite romance writers, Beverly Jenkins has a new historical that I highly recommend, Brenda Jackson had several new books this summer, and my good friend Francis Ray also has book out there. Don’t forget to pick up your copy.
Take care and God Bless,
Bette Ford
June 2009
Dear Reader,
I’m pleased to announce my new book, Jenna and Scott’s story is out of my hands has been turned over to the publisher. Now the long process of getting it ready for print begins. The new book, tentatively titled, ALWAYS YOURS will be released in the spring of 2010.
I’m thrilled by your warm responses to the project. It has been a long wait for many of you. I thank you for your continued interest and encouragement over the years and hope you find ALWAYS YOURS was worth the wait. Scott Hendricks and Jenna Gaines first appear as college sweethearts in AFTER DARK published by BET Books 1997. AFTER DARK is Taylor Hendricks and Donald William’s love story.
I’m still waiting to hear from two contest winners. You may contact me at my post office box. Please let me know the name of the book you would like to have autographed.
Good news for those of you who have a Kindle (ebook) for Amazon.com. UNFORGETTABLE and AN EVERLASTING LOVE are available on the Kindle.
I never get tired of hearing from readers. For those of you who haven’t had a chance to read a book dealing with the topic or cause that is close to your own heart, please drop me a line. I’m not making any promises, but I’m interested in knowing what topics you feel has been sadly neglected and you would most like to see in print some day.
You can always write me at the PO Box 944, Saginaw Michigan 48606. Or leave comments in the guest section of the website. I hope this finds you and yours happy and well. Enjoy the warmer weather and sunshine.
Take care and God Bless,
Bette Ford
May 2009
Dear Reader,
I hope you all had a blessed and glorious Easter. I love the spring, can’t wait to see the flowers and trees in full bloom. The winners for the April 25th and final drawing are Kelly M. from Fuquay Varina, NC and Kim F. from Miramar, FL. Congratulations ladies and all of the six winners! If you are one of the lucky six and for some reason you didn’t receive your favorite Bette Ford title, please contact me immediately. I’d like offer a special thank you for all who participated.
For those of you interested in seeing reissue of UNFOGETTABLE and AN EVERLASTING LOVE, please take time to write Avon/Harper Collins to ask for a reprint. The more fans write the better the chances of the books being reissued. You will find the address and who to contact in the Frequently Asked Questions section of the website.
A special congratulation to Francis Ray who recently made the New York Times best sellers list with her new book, NOBODY BUT YOU! That is exciting and wonderful news! Just look how much power, you readers have. You sent strong message to the publishers by letting them know how important our African American writers are with your buying power. When you go out and buy the book, the first week its release that tells the publisher to pay close attention to that writer. Let’s them know they have a winner on their hands. There is no doubt about it. Francis Ray is a winner!
I never get tired of hearing from you. For those of you who haven’t had a chance to read a book dealing with the topic or cause that is close to your own heart, please drop me a line. I am interested in knowing what topics you feel has been sadly neglected and you would most like to see in print. You can always write me at the PO Box 944, Saginaw Michigan 48606. Or leave a comment in the guest section of the website. Congratulations again to all six contest winners. I hope this finds you and yours happy and well.
Take care and God Bless,
Bette Ford
April 2009
Dear Reader,
Spring! It’s one of my favorite times of year. I love the tulips and green grass. I’m thrilled by your response to the contest. The winners for the March drawing are Alisa G. from Slidell, LA and Gabrielle T. from Landover MD. Congratulations! And a special thank you for all of you who participated.
The last drawing will be on April 25th. So if you haven’t entered, do it today. This is your chance to win a new autographed copy of your favorite Bette Ford book. Look for the details on the site. The books can be any of my eleven titles, the exceptions being the anthology, A MOTHER’S LOVE and PASSIONATE HEARTS the three-in-one volume. (Sorry, I don’t have copies of those two.) The names of the two winners for April will appear in the May Dear Reader section of the website. All entries for April must be in before the 24th. Good luck!
I never get tired of hearing from you. I am interested in what topics you would like to see discussed in upcoming books. Please take time and send me a note or comment in the guest section of the site. Thanks again for entering the contest. I hope this finds you and yours happy and well.
Take care and God Bless,
Bette Ford
March 2009
Dear Reader,
I’m pleased that so many of you have taken part in the contest to win an autograph copy of your favorite Bette Ford book. There will be two names draw in February, March and April, a total of six books given away. The winners for the February drawing are Cherylle from Columbus, GA and Adrienne from Orlando, FL. Congratulations!
Don’t be disappointed if you didn’t win. There will be another drawing on March 25th and again on April 25th. Look for the details on the site. The books can be any of my eleven titles, the exceptions my anthology, A MOTHER’S LOVE and PASSIONATE HEARTS the three-in-one volume. (Sorry, I don’t have copies of those two.) The two winners for the month of March will appear in the April Dear Reader section of the website. All entries for March must be in before the 24th. Good luck everyone!
I’m hard at work on my next book, Scott and Jenna’s story. They first appeared in AFTER DARK. How many of you remember how Scott and Jenna met?
I’m look forward to picking up new releases from two of my favorites, NOBODY BUT YOU from Francis Ray and BRING ON THE BLESSING from Beverly Jenkins. Please don’t forget to pick up your copies. I love hearing from you. If you have questions that you want answered, please take time and send me a note. Thanks again for entering the contest. It’s my way of saying thank you for your loyal support. I hope this finds you and yours happy and well.
Take care and God Bless,
Bette For
February 2009
Dear Reader,
I am wishing for you all a happy and blessed New Year. There is so much excitement and joy in the country because of our new President and First Lady.
I know how frustrating it has been for some of you, not able to purchase a new copy of your favorite Bette Ford book. I hope to ease that problem for a few lucky people.
I am excited to announce that I will be giving away two autographed copies of my books during months of February, March and April, a total of six free books. The free books can be any one of my book titles, the exception being my anthology, A MOTHER’S LOVE and PASSIONATE HEARTS the three-in-one volume. (Sorry, I don’t have copies of those two.) There will be a drawing for the two books on Feb. 25th, then another on March 25th, and the last drawing on April 25th. The two winners will be announced the following month in the dear reader section of the website.
To enter the contest, readers must agree to fill in their full name, address and email address and name of the book they would like to receive. All personal information will remain private and the names and addresses will only used to update my mailing lists for future book announcements. If you would like to enter, please complete the form on the website. All entries for the month must be in before the 24th of that month. Good Luck to everyone.
I love hearing from readers. A special thanks to Denise, Selena, Roslind F. and Denise A. for the wonderful comments you left in the guest book section of the website. If you have questions that you want answered, please take time and send me a note. Hope this finds you and yours happy and well.
Take care and God Bless,
Bette Ford
February 2009
December 2008
Dear Reader,
This is such a wonderful time for year. I wanted to take the time to send along my best holiday wishes to you and your families. I hope it’s a happy and healthy season for all of you.
Like you, things have been hectic with so much that needs to be done. I finally finished the Christmas cards, shopping, but not the wrapping or shipping things out. Hopefully that will be done soon. I’m looking forward to seeing and spending time with friends and family on Christmas day and the excitement of a New Year.
I haven’t done much reading, just enjoying the season and trying to stay warm. I have a stack of books that I’m so looking forward to get into, but my writing keeps me too busy, so I am focusing on getting my work done. I can report the new book is going well. I am excited about this one.
I would like to offer a special thank you, for all the kind and thoughtful messages that you have left on the website. I especially enjoy learning how the stories have touched your lives.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Take Care and God Bless,
Bette Ford
December 2008
November 2008
Dear Reader,
I can’t believe it. The snow will soon be falling around here! It’s a good excuse to close the drapes and snuggle up with a good read.
I can’t keep the smile off my face from your wonderful responses to CAN’T SAY NO. Vanessa and Ralph’s story really touched so many of you. I loved writing that book, but then I am bias since I love all of them.
I must admit at the moment, I’m hopelessly in love with Scott Hendricks and Jenna Gaines. (I am so bad about keeping a secret.) All I can say is that I have brought Jenna and Scott up to date. Life has gone on for both of them, but love. Well, love is another matter.
Questions! There have been so many. These are the names that keep coming up in the comment section of the site. (Lana, Wayne and Kyle, the teens from the Prescott series. Wesley and Kelli also from the Prescott series. Zachary’s brother, Bradford McFadden from WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN and the single ladies (Laura, Trenna, and Maureen) from Brynne Armstrong’s book club in AN EVERLASTING LOVE. Answers: not yet, maybe, yes. Want the details? Look for them in the FAQ section of the website.
No news on reissue of the WHEN A MAN LOVE A WOMAN and UNFORGETTABLE and AN EVERLASTING LOVE. A used copy of UNFORGETTABLE is going as high as $55. Remember, with used books the money goes to the bookseller, not the publisher who printed it or the author who wrote it. If you haven’t written the publishers, please consider it as a way of getting the books reissued.
As for my reading this month, I haven’t done much of it. I’m been much too busy writing but I’m planning on getting Brenda Jackson’s new book. I did pick up the old knitting needles and made a pair of slippers during my down time. Please, don’t forget to vote and enjoy Thanksgiving. I’m sending my best wishes to you and yours.
Take care and God Bless,
Bette Ford
November 2008
October 2008
Dear Reader,
Thank you for the warm responses to CAN’T SAY NO. I am so happy that so many of you enjoyed Vanessa and Ralph’s story. As a special thank you, I wanted to give out autographed copies of CAN’T SAY NO to the first five fans that left comments on the new site.
Congratulations to Brenda Sanders and Maria Anderson. You will receive your book soon.
I’m hard at work on my next book, Scott and Jenna’s story. I finished the first draft and started on the rewriting. I won’t bore you with the details, but it takes a lot of time and effort to take a book from the manuscript stage and put it into the readers’ hands. Many of you assumed because my deadline is April that the book will come out then. That’s not true. Once it reaches the publisher it can take six months and more before it is ready for printing. At this time there is no release date. Don’t worry, I will tell you as soon as I know.
Many of you are trying to find copies of my older books or want new copies of the Prescott series and have found that they are out of print. I am working on the problem. The rights to WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN, UNFORGETTABLE and AN EVERLASTING LOVE remain with the publishers. You can write to Kimani Press to ask for a re-issue of WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN. You can also write Harper/Collins to ask for re-issues of UNFORGETTABLE and AN EVERLASTING LOVE. If enough fans write, the publishers may respond positively. I can’t make any promises, but at least they will know there is demand for the books.
I own the rights to all my other books. And I’m looking for a publisher to get the books back into print. I will get back to you when I have news.
Look for updates in response to your questions in the dear reader section and details such as publishers’ addresses in the frequently asked question section of the new site. If you’d like your name, current address and email added to my mailing list or if you have requests, please contact me at P O Box 944, Saginaw, MI, 48606. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you wish a reply.
I’m currently reading Beverly Jenkin’s WINDS OF STORM. Yes, I’m behind but because I’m loving it so much I have to go back and re-read Sable’s story. Hope this finds you and yours happy and well. Keep reading, there are lots of wonderful books out there.
Take Care and God Bless,
Bette Ford
October 2008
September 2008
Dear Reader,
Welcome to my new website. Hope you like it and find it to be an improvement. I’ve been busy trying to finish my first draft of the new book. Just trying to get it out of my head so I can think about some thing else…anything else would be a help. I can’t even read, my favorite past time, because my characters are demanding I keep at it and finish telling their story. My favorites all have new books out…Francis Ray, Carla Fredd, Beverly Jenkins, Brenda Jackson and Angela Benson. There is nothing like kicking back with a good book. I can hardly wait to dig in.
I was pleased to learn that CAN’T SAY NO was picked by Black Expressions book club to be the feature alternate in their magazine in the fall. Here’s hoping the book club readers who don’t like paperbacks or romance will give it a read. Life is full of surprises. I’m waiting to hear what you think of Ralph and Vanessa’s story. So far the reviews are looking good, although I try hard not to take reviews seriously. You can really get your feelings hurt, some people can be brutal.
Good news! I am pleased to announce that I’ve signed a new two book contract with Avon. They are talking about trade size this time. The new book will be Scott Hendricks and Jenna Gaines story. I know you are screaming…FINALLY. I’m excited about it, for two reasons. The first being that it was a promise I made to the fans years ago and I keep my promises even if it takes me years. The second reason is my editor, Esi Sogah, (a real dynamo) loves the idea behind the story. It’s looking good.
Now all I have to do is keep up my end of the bargain. My deadline is April 2009. Please, wish me luck. No release date, yet. Hope life is good to you and yours.
Take care and God Bless,
Bette Ford
July 2008
Dear Reader,
I hope you enjoy the new site and find that it answers more of your questions. I'd like to take a moment to thank all of you for your continued support and interest in my books. You have no idea how much your letters, cards and emails mean to me. Without fail, they put a smile on my face and brighten my day.
You've waited a long time, now it's finally here. The third and last book in the Prescott Series, CAN'T SAY NO (9/08). You first met Ralph Prescott, Anna's 'love-them-and-leave-them' cousin and Vanessa Grant, Gavin's hard working secretary in UNFORGETTABLE. Ralph thinks she takes life far too seriously and needs to lighten up. Vanessa thinks he's nothing but a player and needs to grow up. Despite her best efforts to prevent it, night after night he invades her dreams.
The unlikely couple has nothing in common but find themselves becoming friends as they take on the duties of being the best man and the maid-of-honor in Brynne Armstrong and Devin Prescott's upcoming wedding. How the two bridge the gap between friends and lovers, will hopefully keep you turning the pages. You'll also rediscover old friends along the way.
The Prescotts are a warm and loving family, who don't always agree on the best way to handle a situation and aren't shy about voicing their opinions, especially when it comes to family. When faced with trouble the Prescotts always stick together, lending whatever is needed, along with large doses of love and support.
The first book in the Prescott series kicks off with UNFORGETTABLE (12/03), Anna and Gavin's story. An accomplished chef, Anna Prescott finds growing up as the baby and only female in the rough and tumble sports world of the Prescott males challenging. Her father, brothers and cousin are over-protective and easily intimidate any male looking her way. When Gavin Mathis sparks her interest she's determined not to let her family get in the way.
The second book in the Prescott series AN EVERLASTING LOVE (3/05) is Devin and Brynne's story. NFL quarterback, Devin Prescott believes in the life-long commitment his parents share, until the woman he loves walks out of his life without explanation. Despite being broken-hearted, he refuses to track her down. If she truly loved him she would have married him when he asked 4 years ago. When he sees his long-lost love, Brynne Armstrong at his cousin's birthday party, all the hurt, the resentment and the relentless need come rushing back.
I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on CAN'T SAY NO. Thanks again for your patience and continued support.
Best Wishes
Bette Ford
