Book 1: Patchwork Family

• The Milestone: The Arrival. She is the “new piece” being added to the existing fabric.
• Book 2: Finding the Rhythm
  • The Milestone: The Adventures. She stops being a “guest” and starts being a “sibling.” This is where she and the brothers get into trouble and learn to work together.
• Book 3: Learning the Language
  • The Milestone: The Connection. Not just the difference between British and American English, but the “silent language” of this specific family—their inside jokes, their support systems, and their comfort.
• Book 4: Keeping the Promise
  • The Milestone: The Security. A situation arises where she might feel like she doesn’t belong or fears she’ll be sent away, and the guardians prove they are her “forever” safety net.
• Book 5: Naming the Heart
  • The Milestone: The Belonging. The final step. The “titles” (Mom and Dad) are the last thing to fall into place. The heart already knows they are her parents; she just finally says it out loud.

These are the first series I have ever attempted to write. I believe I’m writing the second book right now. I want book two to be about Shannon connecting with her newfound brothers. How she feels more like a member of the family than a stranger. It occurred to me that this book might be the hardest to get in and out of trouble with all four of her new brothers.

I hope these books will help her spread her wings as she learns to trust the family who holds her life in their hands. In the second book, she first gets into trouble with one of each brother. It made me wonder whether she wants a birthday party. The first birthday she wants to celebrate.