Dear Readers, On Sunday morning, I learned that my novel, “Beneath the Mimosa Tree,” received a TOP 5 FINALIST AWARD for Contemporary Romance in the annual Readers Favorite contest. This is such a thrill for me, and I could hardly contain my excitement. My family can attest to it. When I read the email, we were in the car, and I think the sound of my scream startled my children, who at the time, were listening to their iPods. “What is it?” they asked, eyes wide. “I don’t believe it!” I said. “I placed in a contest.” My husband’s hands remained steady as he kept the car on the road. It was…