Michael Connelly and Cheryl Kaye Tardif

While vacationing in Mexico last week, I realized how many people read books while on holiday and I said to my husband that one of my dreams was to walk past someone reading one of my books. I had no idea that would happen by the end of that week.

The second day, we decided to spend some time on the beachfront of the Riu Vallarta. By the way, I highly recommend this hotel! Beautiful rooms, stunning views, soft sandy beach, yummy all inclusive buffets and restaurants and refreshing pools.

While relaxing on a lounger and working on my freckles, I noticed two couples a row in front and a few seats down. I saw books in their hands. Immediately, I plotted how I could anonymously leave them one of my books. When they disappeared into the beach restaurant for lunch, I strode toward their loungers and left a copy of The River on one seat and Divine Intervention on the other.

Inside each book, I wrote a special message--something like this:

If you found this book, it is yours.

This is a Random Act of Kindness from the author.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif,

Riu Vallarta - Feb. 22 - Mar. 1st, 2008

When the two couples returned, I shamelessly spied on them and watched their puzzling looks. Okay, I admit, it was fun to do this unexpected thing, even though my husband Marc was worried they'd just throw the books away. But mischief me got a big kick out of watching them covertly from my wrap-around sunglasses while I tried hard not to smile.

I saw them look around, then finally one of the men opened the book and saw my message. I was torn between wanting to go over and say Hi and just wanting to revel in doing this random act. So I remained in my seat. The reward came first when I saw one of the men open up my book and start reading.

Even more ironic was the fact that on the day we left, we came across the same couples. As we drew closer I realized that one of the men was holding Divine Intervention. He was halfway through it. Then I saw the other man with The River, also halfway finished. So I leaned down and said, "Can I ask if you're enjoying your book?"

It didn't take them long to figure out who I was and I was rewarded with smiles and praise.

But it's the words of the one fellow I won't soon forget.

"Your style is similar to Michael Connelly's," said the man reading Divine Intervention.

WOW! That is high praise! And I am immensely honored.

So, to these kind couples, if you come across my site and blog, please sign my guestbook.

And to anyone reading this blog post, please check out Divine Intervention and The River on Amazon, and please let me know what you think when you read them. :)

http://www.cherylktardif.com/