Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

First Line Frenzy—& GiveawayS!

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I love reading first lines of novels. One of my favorite pastimes is pulling books off the shelf (or opening samples downloaded to my Kindle) and reading first lines of novels to see which ones pull me in the most. A phenomenal first line doesn't automatically guarantee a great read, of course. But it does mean the author has given thought as to how to capture—and keep—your interest! So … [Read more...]

New Carnton Novels video!

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Two weeks ago, I shared that HarperCollins and I filmed some video vignettes for the Carnton series on location at Carnton in Franklin, Tennessee. We had such fun! Here's the first of those videos! I'll share the other videos once they're edited and ready—and would love to hear your thoughts on this one! I love making these videos for several reasons. I enjoy sharing real history. And … [Read more...]

With This Pledge Revisited (the love story—and love letters—that inspired a novel)

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Have you read my Carnton novel With This Pledge? If you have, then these photographs of the real people who lived and worked at Carnton—and who populate this novel—will mean even more to you. Especially the image of the heroine, Lizzie, that was just unearthed this year! Roland and Lizzie met following the Battle of Franklin on November 30, 1864, and the story in With This Pledge … [Read more...]

Belmont Mansion Transformations

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Are you a fan of Fixer Upper? Home Town? Then I have a home transformation I'd love to share with you! I posted a few weeks back about the restoration of the grand salon floor at Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion—the setting of my Belmont Mansion novels. Here's a shot of the grand salon floor as they were just about to start the project. They gave us a glimpse of the floor at that … [Read more...]

Marginal Promises & prayers

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'Fess up! Are you a person who writes in their Bible? Last night I attended a Bible study and as I was looking up various Scriptures, I spotted precious notes, timely reminders, and personal pleas that I've written in the margins through the years. And I was reminded, yet again, of how faithful God is in answering prayer. One big prayer especially—which I listed last below. I loved running … [Read more...]

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