One of the most sobering moments during my trip to Israel earlier this year was standing atop the Herodium—one of King Herod's fortresses and luxurious palaces—and looking out toward Bethlehem, the birth place of Jesus. Only three miles separate the two. Look straight out toward the two buildings that stand very close together in the far distance, just on the horizon. That's Bethlehem. … [Read more...]

Do you love books? Does someone on your Christmas list love books? Then here's a bookish gift giving guide just for you! Ten other authors and I have teamed together to give you some book buying ideas for every genre under the sun—contemporary, historical, romance, suspense, and more. Plus, we're giving away "11 gifts" that are really fun! Especially if you love to bake! Hint, … [Read more...]

Are you old enough to remember life before cell phones? Before you carried 2,000 books—and at least that many songs—in your hip pocket, and could be reached anywhere, anytime (whether you want to be or not)? I write historicals. 19th century, to be exact—1860s-70s, during the Civil War and Reconstruction period—and I often marvel at how much life has changed in the past 150+ years. At other … [Read more...]