When people say Always Faithful is short, they are right. But that is exactly what it was supposed to be – a one-and-done short novella published at an extremely low period in my life when my husband was going through a major health crisis. I did not want the year to end without publishing a book, so I opted to publish the novella. Years later, after deciding to turn that single book into a series, I listened to my mother, who insisted I keep Gunter in the book. 

While it was my mother who insisted the dog stay, it was the readers who raced through the first three books and begged for more who are responsible for making this series what it is, as they wouldn’t (or couldn’t) let it go. Those first fans were relentless in their quest to get more of this series. I admit I struggled with this: I had only intended on writing two additional novellas before returning my attention to my Orphan Train Saga. In the end, I listened to the loudest voices. It was the right decision, as this series became a pivotal turning point in my career.

I commissioned a new cover and retitled the original book and wrote another, picking up exactly where Always Faithful left off. If I had it to do all over, I might unpublish Always Faithful and continue that part of the story under one cover. Then again, maybe not, as doing so would make it a novel instead of a novella, and that would disrupt the entire series. Aside from a few low reviews for Always Faithful being too short, I am glad I made that decision, as the books in this series are novellas. I write them as episodes, which my JMS readers often call their "popcorn" or "potato chip" series. I’ve had more than a few telling me this, saying they can’t read just one. Isn’t that the goal of a series? To keep readers reaching for more.

 For the most part, The Jerry McNeal Series is written for readers who might be intimidated by longer reads. They are for readers who need a palate cleanse between larger, heavier books. For readers who prefer to sit and read a book from cover to cover in one shot. They are for readers who need a break from reality, allowing them to escape the ugliness of the world. It is not my job to preach to you. Nor do I intend to force my political beliefs on you. It is my job to entertain you. To make you believe that a gentle breeze or unexpected itch is a visit from a loved one. To believe that your beloved pet is still at your side and that it is okay give in to imagination and laugh out loud at things that some would feel too crazy to be believed.
 
Today, I would like to announce the second exception to the novella series model, Spirit of Deadwood being the first.

Maine Event, book 20, will be released as a full-length book this summer. While I haven’t written Main Event yet, I’ve had the title and cover for this book for over a year. The story has been percolating since my trip to Maine in 2024. I fell in love with Maine during our second visit to the state, and believe the town of Belfast is the perfect setting to bring the story to life. I knew from the beginning that book 20 would be the perfect book to mark my 40th book release, which I feel should be a bit special to commemorate that milestone.

As with all the JMS books, Maine event will be available in eBook (including Kindle Unlimited), print, and audiobook upon release.
You can preorder the eBook on Amazon. I will add a print pre-order on my website closer to the release date.
 
And to that question that I'm sure is on the minds of my devoted Jerry McNeal Series fans, yes, there will be more! 
 
 
 
#thejerrymcnealseries #ghostdog #ghoststories #belfastmaine 

Family Ties, Jerry McNeal Series Book 19, is now available to preorder on ebook. Please note, the April 28th release date is just a placeholder. I will move the date closer when I finish the book. If you preorder the e-book Amazon should automatically send you a notice when I update the release date.
As with all the books in the series, Family Ties will also be available in print and audiobook.  Amazon does not allow preorders for those formats, so they won’t be available until the book is released.
For those who would like an autographed copy, I will put the paperback on preorder in my author store as soon as I finish the book.
Thank you for reading!
Like this post, then hop over to Amazon to preorder your e-book. 

​Ya’ll, said in a true Kentucky accent, which is pretty pronounced these days since the hubby and I are binge-watching Justified. I’m absolutely having a blast writing Family Ties, which is book 19 in The Jerry McNeal Series.  So much so that I am ready to share the cover with you today and will put it on pre-order shortly!
There is a line in the movie ‘The Blues Brothers’ where they say We’re getting the band back together. I can totally relate, as it feels like I am back at home with my Jerry McNeal family.
I’m a multi-genre author and have deep feelings for every series I write.
I love The Kentucky Bluegrass Series because I know Amber and Dalton have overcome heartache and obstacles to find a love that will withstand things that might try to pull them apart. 
The Orphan Train Saga is my heart series, as I’ve made it my mission to keep the memories of the children who rode the orphan trains alive. I enjoy telling the children’s stories as they might have been, and love sharing history that makes readers want to know more.
And I love the Jerry McNeal Series with its made-up world full of unpredictable spirits who show up at the right time to either make us laugh, save the day, or to teach a lesson or two. One of the fun things about being an author is I get to “read” the book before anyone else.
Jerry says he has the gift. I believe Jerry and crew are the gift both to myself and the readers who can step into the pages of a book and enjoy a fun universe where we can let go of reality for just a little while. Through them, we are allowed to believe that a gentle breeze, a whispered breath, or a sudden itch is a message from beyond. And who are we to say it isn’t true?
I sometimes wonder why the writing voices chose me. Perhaps it is because they knew I would believe in the characters I write. When I spend time with them, they become real. I can hear their voices, see them in my mind, and feel their pain. I share their joy, worry over their decisions, and get angry at those who hurt them. I pray they will somehow find their way and that through my words, they will each get the ending they deserve. 
Perhaps instead of asking myself why me, I should ask myself why not me.
I don’t know how this is my life, but I am so very grateful that you are sharing this wonderful journey with me as we step into the new year.

Now, tell me, don't you just love this cover? 
​
~Sherry 

1969, a few weeks before my seventh Christmas. I was lying on the living room floor with my three-year-old brother, coloring paper Christmas ornaments cut from a coloring book. My mother was out on an errand. My dad and older brothers were working on pipes under the house that had broken due to the frigid temperatures.
One minute, I was an innocent child excited about coloring decorations for the family Christmas tree; the next, chaos broke out. My father ran into the room shouting for my brother and I to go outside. We balked at the idea of leaving our projects unfinished and going out into the cold. There was a short standoff after which my brother and I were each tossed unceremoniously out into the front yard with orders to run to the neighbor’s house to call for help.
The house was on fire!
The rest of the night has remained a vivid memory all of these years as I stood listening to the neighbor, who kept voicing her concern in elaborate detail, saying how our house was a total loss and was burning to the ground. I still remember how terrified I was staring out the window, watching helplessly as the flames flickered high into the night sky.
I was upset that our Christmas tree was still in there, and I felt a tinge of guilt that I had not gotten out when my father first told me to go.
I can recall the amazement of seeing the firetrucks race down our otherwise quiet street. And trembling as the water shot high in the sky, as the firemen worked to squelch the flames.
Fortunately, the house did not burn to the ground. The only real damage was in my bedroom. While the rest of the house sustained smoke damage, my bedroom was destroyed. I lost most of my toys, including my favorite stuffed rocking horse and my Thumbelina doll.
What I did not know at the time was that the top of my closet was the hiding place for the much-awaited Christmas presents. Presents, which were burned beyond recognition.  My parents, having little money to begin with and now faced with major home repairs, did not have the money to get new ones. As it was, my dad was working two jobs and barely making ends meet, so this was an added stress that left them feeling even more helpless. No parent wants to let their kids down, especially at Christmas time.
Mom and Dad sat us down and explained to us that we would not be getting any presents on Christmas Day.
I was not worried as I knew Santa would bring us presents.
They tried to tell me that Santa was struggling and could not visit, but I wasn’t worried. Santa always visited, so I didn’t think he would stop now.
We moved into my grandparents’ home. They weren’t used to having kids underfoot, so we had to be on our best behavior. My brothers and I were all under nine, being good in a small house without toys was mighty difficult.
 Dad continued to work his two jobs and then went to the house to work on it. Mom and my grandmother didn’t get along very well, so it was not a happy time. We were a family of six, cramped into a house that was really only big enough for my grandparents. Not being a close-knit family to begin with, the tensions were high, and we were all ready to return to our home or at least what was left of it.
We ended up moving back in to our house even before the work was completed. Our neighbor graciously allowed my parents to run an extension cord for power. And while my bedroom was still unlivable, that was the only real damage to the house. I slept in the room with my little brother while Dad continued repairing my room.
 While I was happy to be back in the house, I did not understand how helpless my parents felt as Christmas approached, knowing there was nothing they could do about the lack of presents under the tree.
Christmas Day arrived, and much to my dismay, there were no presents under the tree. I was confused, as I had really thought Santa would make it, especially since he knew we really needed some presents. I had seen him, sat on his lap, and made sure he knew he really needed to come. 
While we did not have any presents, we were greeted by a white Christmas, with lots of white, fluffy snow. Saddened by the lack of presents, Mom and Dad encouraged us to go out and enjoy the freshly fallen snow.
Upon opening the front door, we were greeted by a small array of toys sitting on the front porch with a note that simply said Merry Christmas, from Santa Claus.
I do not remember what my brothers got, but I received a wonderful little table with four chairs. Painted like denim jeans, the alphabet was printed around the edges. It was a simple gift, only a single present on a cold Christmas morning, but it was mine.
Santa had not forgotten me.

My mom and dad were brought to tears that Christmas morning so very long ago. Presents were found where none were supposed to be. They never had the opportunity to thank that anonymous Santa for the joy he brought to four very grateful children, but he is remembered to this very day by one grateful girl who truly believes in Santa Claus.

How about you? Do you have a special Christmas you remember? 

#Christmasmiracle #Ibelieve #Ibelieveinsanta #secretsanta #childhoodmemories #Thekindnessofstrangers 

​Press Release 
Release Date: December 27, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
Award-Winning Author Sherry A. Burton Announces Endurance, Book Seven in The Orphan Train Saga
SANDUSKY, MICHIGAN -- Bestselling author Sherry A. Burton is proud to announce the upcoming release of Endurance, the seventh installment in her multi-award-winning Orphan Train Saga. Scheduled for release on December 27, 2025, Endurance continues the series’ tradition of blending rich historical detail with deeply emotional, character-driven storytelling. Although part of a larger series, Endurance stands firmly on its own, offering both longtime fans and new readers an unforgettable journey.
Endurance: 
 As an American child lost in Germany who must somehow find her way back to the United States, Dorthia knows that once she is there, she will have no home or family waiting for her, as she does not know how to find them.

From the uneasy streets of pre-war Germany in 1914 to the crowded avenues of New York City and then via an Orphan Train to Guymon, Oklahoma, join Dorthia as she uses her wits to navigate this new life fate has given her and struggles to fill the void left when her father is suddenly taken from her.

Will Dorthia be able to overcome the obstacles that plague her at every step?

Will she ever find the family she longs for?

Will she find all she is seeking in the Oklahoma Panhandle, a place history still refers to as No Man’s Land?

Find out in this standalone novel as the journey continues with Endurance, book seven in The Orphan Train Saga.

A Note from Author Sherry A. Burton
“Although the children in The Orphan Train Saga are fictional, I use true history to tell their stories. I knew from earlier books that Dorthia was more worldly than some of the other girls. Research from the era shows that girls living on the streets often faced impossible choices—sometimes resorting to prostitution not out of promiscuity, but as a means of survival. With Endurance, my goal was to portray that harsh reality honestly but compassionately, without overwhelming readers.
“The mention of a young girl being held captive in a house of ill repute comes directly from my research. The child was just fourteen when she was found imprisoned on Roosevelt Street, and her story stayed with me.
“Around the same time, a woman commented on one of my posts and shared how her grandmother came to America as a governess. That story called to me, and I knew immediately it was the perfect foundation for how to tell Dorthia’s story.
“My mission with this saga remains the same: to preserve the history of the orphan trains and keep alive the memories of the children who rode them.”
Sherry A. Burton’s Orphan Train Saga is officially endorsed by the National Orphan Train Complex. She offers lectures on the History of the Orphan Trains and is a proud member of the NOTC Speakers Bureau.


Availability
Endurance is available now for pre-order on Amazon and through Sherry’s official author store.
Softcover, hardcover, and large-print editions will be available through major book retailers beginning December 27, 2025.
For more information, visit: sherryaburton.com

#newrelease #Theorphantrainsaga #pressrelease #historicalfiction #awardwinningauthor #orphantrains #OklahomaPanhandle #Oklahoma #GuymonOklahoma
 #dusbowl #orphan #sherryaburton 

​

I’m thrilled that you enjoy this series, but the short answer is no, as that is not the vision for this series. I have always imagined this series as a television series. Perhaps someday that will come true. Think a one-hour weekly television episode. 

 They are novellas intended to be quick and easy reads- books that will not intimidate slow readers.

My motivation> I have a friend who picked up the first book and was genuinely intrigued. He said, “I might be able to read this.” He went on to say that while he wants to read every time he picks up a book, the sheer size of it intimidates him. He doesn’t read, as he isn’t a good reader and doesn’t think he could make it through a long book. I have since had other readers contact me letting me know they love the lengths of the books for precisely that reason. 

Part two of this is that shorter reads also keep the price down. Yes, I could make more money writing longer books, but those books would cost you more in return. 

With all of this said, there will be the occasional book within the series, like Spirit of Deadwood, which is a longer read. I do not foresee book 19 being one of those. I won’t know about book 20, They Call Me Gunter, until I get into it. If I can make it longer, I will, but it has to be because the story warrants it,  not just to make a profit. I have a future storyline set in Maine that involves Susie, which could also become a longer book; again, I won't know for sure until I get into it. 

Please note that if you prefer longer books, you may want to check out some of my other titles, especially the Orphan Train Saga, which are much longer. While they do not have our favorite ghost dog, many of my JMS readers have crossed over to reading them. 

#Thejerrymcnealseries #Ghostdog #Readerquestion #Novellaseries 

​I already knew Jerry to be psychic and that he liked to work alone. The writing voices gave me the idea for the dog. People like dogs, so I thought, why not? Only when I started writing the book, it was clear it was a partner that only he could see.
As my established readers already know, Gunter was only supposed to be in the first book. This is the part where I say, Thanks, Mom, for it is she who insisted the dog stay in the book!

#Ghostdog #Readerquestion 

Chambersburg was chosen for the simple reason that we lived there at the time. It was easy to drive through the area and describe the things I saw along the way. It was also why I was able to pinpoint the precise location of the accident. We moved away shortly after writing that book, and when I decided to continue the series, I thought it would be best to bring him closer to home. With that said, as you continue the series, you will join Jerry on new and exciting adventures around the U.S.


If you have a question you'd like answered please send me a message or e-mail me @ [email protected] 
​
#readerquestions #Inquiringminds