Kathie Ridings lives in her native southern Illinois on the land her family settled in 1839. A former teacher of tole folk-art painting, basket weaving and crochet, she’s always loved to read. Now she plots her books while painting, weaving a basket or crocheting something warm to wear. Readers may contact Kathie by emailing kathieridings@gmail.com or find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/Kathie-Ridings-100209191904884.