I've addressed this topic informally on my blog, but in the last few days, I've received four nearly identical emails from new readers, so I think it's time to address the topic formally.

Each reader spoke of discovering me with The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes, and each went on to read Before the Storm. A couple have worked their way through all of my books in their local libraries. Now, as they await my next book, they want to find an author who writes like me and they want to know who I'd suggest.

I'm never sure how to answer that question, since I really don't know who writes like me. I'd say the relationship element in my books is similar to the same element in books by Barbara Delinsky, Mary Alice Monroe, Emilie Richards and Luanne Rice. I'd say the hard questions being addressed in some of my stories are similar to those addressed in Jodi Picoult's books. Then you have to throw some supsense and/or mystery into the mix. Who do you end up with? I really don't know.

So I'm hoping that you, my current readers, will help my new readers. I suggested they check out the blog this week for the answer to the question, "Who should I read while waiting for Diane's next book?" Who do you suggest?