Yesterday, I received a note from Sandie Herron’s husband, Bill. Sandie died on March 11, but she had sent me an early birthday gift, cards she made for me, and Bill didn’t want to tell me about her death until after I received them. That’s just how kind both Sandie and Bill are. His note made me cry.
I’ve “known” Sandie for over twenty-five years, although we only met in 2018 at the St. Petersburg Bouchercon. Sandie was the owner of A Novel Idea bookstore in Sarasota, Florida. When I became chair of Authors’ Programming for the Lee County Reading Festival, Sandie put me in touch with a number of Florida authors.
Over the years, Sandie and I found out how much we had in common. We both had a menagerie of cats. Although I’m down to just Josh, Sandie and Bill still had a family of beloved cats. We also shared a love of mysteries. Sandie reviewed mysteries here under “Sandie’s Corner”, and audiobooks under “Have You Heard?” William Kent Krueger was one of her favorite authors. I introduced her to Linda Castillo’s books. And, we both missed Bill Crider.
As I said, we finally met at Bouchercon in St. Petersburg, and Bill took a picture so we had proof. I had never met him, either, so it was a surprise when he came up to me after a panel, and said, you can’t leave until you meet Sandie Herron. That was one of the highlights of the conference for me.
Sandie was about a year and a half younger than me, but her health hasn’t been good for quite a long time. We’ve all been lucky that she took time to share her reviews and her knowledge of mysteries. I’m going to miss seeing her name pop up in my email. She often sent along a note about her cats or Josh. And, many of you don’t know it, but if you won a book from me in the last year, you probably received a card made by Sandie. She was so creative.
She loved her crafts, books, her mysteries, her cats, and her life with Bill. May she rest in peace.
Lesa, I’m so sorry for the bookworld in general and you in particular. I enjoyed her reviews. Sometimes life leaves us wondering why someone is taken so soon, but it helps to have really good memories of them! Hugs!!
Thank you, Lisa. And, I have nothing but good memories of Sandie.
RIP.
I had no idea that those cards were made by Sandie. I’ve kept them all because they were so artistic.
This place won’t be the same without her.
You’re right, Glen. All of Sandie’s cards were beautiful. You should see the ones she made especially for me. They were works of art. Thank you.
I am so sorry to hear this, Lesa. Of course I don’t know Sandie at all except through your blog, but this announcement has me in tears. Her reviews were so intelligent and enthusiastic. I just recently read one on Goodreads for a book I read recently, FENDER BENDERS by Bill Fitzhugh. And she encouraged me when I started reading the Jule Hyzy White House Chef series.
I’m sorry, Tracy. She loved books, and when Sandie found a series she loved, such as Julie Hyzy’s White House Chef series, she was enthusiastic about sharing it. I’m going to miss her.
Oh, no . . .
Lesa, I am so, so sorry.
I’m stunned and at a loss.
She will be missed by many.
You’re right, Kaye. And, I don’t even know all the people she touched when she had her bookstore. Thank you.
Sandie was one of a kind and so, so lovely and generous. This is such sad news. Sending love to you, Lesa, and to everyone who was lucky enough to know or be reviewed by her.
It is sad news, Wendall. There are so many authors who are now going to miss her reviews. Thank you.
Wow, that’s terrible I spoke to her at the Florida Bouchercon too. RIP
It is, Jeff. And, after that kind of sad news, I’m sending an extra hug to you and Jackie. Safe travels home to NY.
Oh dear. I am so sorry to hear that. It is hard to loose dear friends. All of us will miss her so much.
Thank you, Carolee. Yes, we’re going to miss her.
Oh Lesa, I am so very sorry. I enjoyed her comments on Thursdays with Lesa and her guest reviews on your site.
Thank you, Sharon. Sandie worked so hard on her reviews here, and for her Best Books of 2022 list. I’m glad people appreciated her comments and reviews.
Sandie was my friend too, and a compassionate and steadfast supporter during my illness. She always had understanding and kind words for me, because she had been through so much of what I’m going through. The world has lost a great soul.
You’re so right, Sandra. And, I’m sorry for your loss of a friend and supporter. It’s not easy to let go.
I’m so sorry, Lesa. She sounds like she was a wonderful friend.
She was special, Ingrid. Thank you.
I’m so sorry to hear this, Lesa. I never met Sandie, but she was a wonderful presence on your blog with her reviews. It sounds like she was a beautiful spirit and artist, and she will be missed.
You’re right, Margie. Sandie will be missed.
I read this post earlier this morning, but I keep thinking about it, so came back to add my condolences. Sandie did come across as such a kind person. I admired her ability to take her health issues or the results of the recent hurricane as just a part of life. I’ll miss reading her reviews.
Thanks for sharing Lesa.
Thank you, MM. You’re right. It takes a great deal of strength to handle life with grace. Sandie had that.
So sorry, Lesa, and everyone. I never met her either, but I felt like I kind of knew her through the reviews and comments here. Deepest condolences.
Thank you, Kevin. I know you understand how you get to know someone through their writing. I’ll miss Sandie.
Lesa, I am so sorry to hear this news about Sandie. I also enjoyed her reviews and I send my thoughts and prayers winging toward you and Sandie’s husband and friends. Sigh. She’ll be missed for sure.
Thank you, Kay. I really do feel for Sandie’s husband, Bill, and the beloved cats she left behind. They’ll miss her.
So sorry. It’s hard losing someone special in your life. Condolences to her husband, family, and friends.
Thank you, Bonnie.
What a sad loss for her family, friends and cats. It is also a loss for us as her reviews were very special. It seems she was a good friend of many who are regulars here as well. And of course Lesa with her many years relationship.
It is a sad loss, Jeannette. I hope Sandie’s husband stops by sometime, and reads these beautiful comments from everyone. This is his busy time at work, and I don’t know if he will. But, they’re such kind tributes.
I never met Sandie, but it appears she was such a good friend to you Lesa and many others. Sorry to read that a sweet soul has left you.
Thank you.
I’m so sorry to hear of Sandi’s death. Although I did not know her, I also am a fan of audio books and I enjoyed her reviews on your blog. It is hard to lose a friend but nice that you have that picture, cards and great memories to cherish.
Thank you, Pat. She enjoyed series on audio books, and loved to share her reviews here. Thank you.
So very sorry to hear this. Sandie reviewed for Mystery Readers Journal, and we exchanged many emails..and, of course, I received her hand-crafted cards on birthdays and other holidays. This is so very sad. I, too, met her at the St Petersburg Bouchercon..but I felt I knew her for so many years.. Cats, books, and more..
You’re right, Janet. Even if you hadn’t met Sandie in person, it felt as if you knew her. She was so kind. And, I know she loved to review for you. She always felt as if she let someone down if she didn’t get reviews in. Yes, cats, books, and more. I’m sorry, Janet.
I didn’t realize she made the note cards you sent, Lesa. I too have kept them as they were so pretty. I will miss her reviews here. Her enthusiasm for books really showed and she really seemed like such a positive person. Very sorry to hear about her passing.
Yes, Jennifer. Sandie made many of the note cards – the ones with bookshelves, and the ones with a dog and cat. You’re right. She was so excited about good books, and so eager to share them. Thank you.
I am so sorry to hear this, she sounds like she was so very special.
Thank you. Sandie was special.
I am so very sorry to hear this! I loved getting Sandie’s notes and cards. She was a dear woman and an asset to the community.
I know, Clea. We were so lucky to receive Sandie’s notes and cards as well as her friendship.
Lesa, I didn’t know Sandie except for your blog, but she sounds like such a lovely person and someone who will be missed by so many. And, of course, I’m so sorry that you’ve lost a dear friend. Love and hugs to you.
Thank you, Kathy. You’re right. Sandie will be missed.
I’m so sorry, Lesa. I didn’t know her but wish I had. I know you’ll cherish your memories of her.
Thank you, Edith. I know you would have met her if her health had been better because she loved the mystery community.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Lesa. Her comments and reviews were so insightful here, and she sounds like a wonderful person.
Thank you, Trisha. She was a wonderful friend.
Thursdays at Lesa’s will not be the same. Loved Sandie’s reviews and comments. One of the reasons your blog is so special, Lesa, is this kind caring community you have created and Sandie was such part of it.
Thank you, Eileen, for your kind comments about the blog. Yes, Sandie was an important part of the community here. We’re going to miss her.
I knew Sandie for many years. We were good friends. I last heard from her on February 28 when she told me about her review of The Devil’s Bed. Somehow, time flew by before I realized it and I went to write her today (4/01). I went over to her FB page to see if she had posted anything recently. I could not believe my eyes! I can’t believe she is gone. I am numb. How can my friend be gone? I feel for Bill and the fur kids.
I know, Karen. I’m sorry. I feel for Bill and the furbabies, I know this is his busy time of year, so I hope the cats don’t feel too lost. I’m sorry that your friend is gone.