Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given

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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...]

Merry, blessed Christmas

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By now, no doubt, it's looking Christmas-y at your house or in your town. With just a few hours left for last-minute shopping and baking and decorating, if you're not ready now, well, somehow it always seems to work out. And if there are only 11 dozen cookies on the dessert table instead of your usual 15 dozen, nobody will likely complain. :) Our kids don't start arriving until Dec. 27, but … [Read more...]

What Causes a Reading Slump?

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Every year I keep a running total of the number of books I read over on Goodreads. Unfortunately, the number of books I read this year is slightly lower than the past few years. I’ve still read 42 and have time to squeeze in a couple more. But that number is eighteen less than the 60 of the previous year. Why didn’t I read as many books in 2019? As I thought about that question, it occurred to … [Read more...]

Getting Crafty at Christmas

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One of my favorite things to do at Christmas is to decorate the family tree. It's no magazine showpiece. It's a walk down memory lane. Photo ornaments from when my kids were babies. Ornaments they made in school. Ornaments we made together at home. The handmade ornaments are always my favorite. As an avid cross-stitcher, I love to make ornaments as gifts for others. My publishing team has been … [Read more...]

Christmas Reads 2019

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I love a good Christmas novel or novella as much as I love a good Hallmark Christmas movie. Of course there are the perennial favorites like The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, A Christmas Carol, Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, and The Night Before Christmas. But every year there are other great stories set around Christmastime. Here is a list of what I’ve read and enjoyed this year: Royally … [Read more...]

Visiting Bethlehem

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The first time I visited Bethlehem more than 25 years ago, I expected to feel a sense of the beauty and simplicity of the much-loved Christmas story: a crude stable, the holy family, shepherds, wise men, and the Son of God in the manger.  I was sadly disappointed. The traditional site of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem is inside the Church of the Nativity—a truly ancient church built in 565 … [Read more...]

Holiday Book Title Make-overs

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Recently, I read this adorable blog post. Erin added a word to book titles in order to transform them into holiday stories and then gave each one a plot line with a Christmas-y twist. Her post inspired me to attempt the same with my books! I asked my Facebook reader group (which you are all invited to join, by the way) for brainstorming help. Here are the results. My book titles, made … [Read more...]

My Favorite Christmas Movies & Giveaway

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Ever since I researched 1940s Hollywood for Stars in the Night, I've been a bigger fan than ever of classic movies. Growing up, my favorite movies were from the 30s and 40s...that hasn't changed. There's something I love about the simplicity of that time that shines through in movies that make me laugh and feel. So today I thought I'd share a few of my favorites. [Tweet "Love #Christmas? Have … [Read more...]

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