An inspiring photographer friend of mine, Michelle Moore, decided to pick an aspirational word for the New Year. She chose the word "elevate," which I really loved--both the word and the idea. I thought a long time about what word I'd choose. Lots of words rose to the top, but the one that resonated most is: grace. I don't always feel that graceful. In fact, a lot of my life is about rushing and worrying and clumsily getting from point A to point B. Snapping when I should speak in a kind voice. Criticizing myself, sometimes cruelly. I don't always show myself grace, and, even worse, sometimes I don't give others the grace I should give them either. I've always loved Grace Kelly, above; her life seemed to embody her name. I'd love to write about her someday. Maybe. For now, here's to a grace-filled 2017!

One of the most memorable moments for an author is the moment a box arrives in the mail from your editor/publisher with finished copies of your novel! Seriously, after nine books, published in (I think) 30 countries, this never gets old. Yesterday, a few boxes of my eighth novel in the US, and my ninth novel in the world, ALWAYS, arrived! I was so excited to see them, and also a little shy about the ENORMOUS photo of my face on the back. Eeks! What do you think? I'm so excited to be working with the BEST publishing team in the U.S., Random House/Ballantine, to release the first of three new novels of mine in the U.S. Have you preordered your copy yet? I can't wait to hear what everyone thinks of this story. Lots of love from Seattle!

Hello friends! There has been some confusion about my publishing schedule in the US and internationally, so I thought I'd try to explain. I have had the lovely good fortune of signing a multiple book deal with Pena, my wonderful Turkish publisher. Pena is publishing a new Sarah Jio book each November. Because the appetite for my books in Turkey is so strong, last year, I decided to take the summer and write a special book to be published as a world exclusive in Turkey. The novel hasn't been published anywhere else, but will be soon sold to other countries by my amazing literary agent. The novel, BACK TO YOU, or in Turkish, Kelebek Adasi, was published in November, has hit the #1 spot on the Turkish bestseller list and has already gone through multiple printings. I continue to be so honored by the love and support from my Turkish readers. US readers: ALWAYS (which was published in Turkey last year, and will be published in a list of other countries this year!), will be in bookstores across America on February 7! I can't wait! Love to you all!