Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Ornaments Galore

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At our house, Christmas ornaments aren't a coordinated masterpiece of elegant design. They are a hodgepodge of memories hanging on a tree - and I love them! From the ugly Old King Cole plastic ornament that belonged to my husband when he was a kid that I always manage to hide in the back of the tree, to the baby picture ornaments from first Christmases, to the ones brought home from school, to the … [Read more...]

On Elevators and Christmas

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Yesterday was a normal day. Wake up. Spend some time with Jesus. Run some errands. Do a bit of online shopping. (Oops! Not on the to do list, but there you go!) Change into workout clothes intending to walk for a little while on the treadmill before sitting down to work on this post. But first, a trip downstairs to get the mail and pick up a package. As you know, I live in a downtown high rise, … [Read more...]

Southern Mansion Reader Weekend

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Hey friends! I'm in ATL with Dad right now so this will be brief—and mainly a sharing of pictures from this weekend's Southern Mansion Reader Weekend! #SMRW2018     First, an update on Dad. He continues to decline. Sadly. But I'm soaking up every moment with him. We went out yesterday morning and got him a shave and a haircut (how many of you just silently said "two … [Read more...]

A Child is Born

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Tomorrow is our oldest son, Joshua’s, birthday. My husband and I are looking forward to celebrating it with him and his wife, Vanessa. Joshua was born in Bogota, Colombia where we lived for two years while my husband performed in Colombia’s National Symphony Orchestra. Those were interesting and memorable years—learning a new language and adjusting to a different culture far from home. When our … [Read more...]

Hope for the Holidays Facebook Fun (and a Giveaway)

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Listen along as some of your favorite authors share special Christmas memories or holiday inspiration! Plus have a chance to win these 12 books and a $150 Amazon card! WIN A BOOK—you have 12 chances! (US addresses only) 1. Listen to author’s FB Live video on her FB page, live or recorded. (Schedule and links below) 2. Leave a comment below video as per author’s instruction. 3. One commenter … [Read more...]

Cover Reveal for Legacy of Faith #2

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  I have been waiting a long, long time to share the title and cover of Book #2 in the Legacy of Faith series. But now that it is available for pre-order on Amazon and Audible and other online stores, there is no reason to keep silent any longer. So without further ado, meet Cross My Heart (June 25, 2019).   Two broken paths lead toward God’s redemption in the next … [Read more...]

Preparing Our Hearts

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  Hi friends, I’m excited to be back with you this week! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. I had a very busy one. We spent most of it outside. Brrr.   We celebrated Thanksgiving on Thursday staring out with a breakfast at my daughters with chocolate chip pancakes, fresh fruit, some lovely maple bacon, and, of course, copious amounts coffee, at least … [Read more...]

The Unheralded “Blogger” Who Gave Us Thanksgiving

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Guest Post by Brian Klassen (History & Genealogy Buff, and Julie's Husband) What more can be said about Thanksgiving? We all know that the holiday is about eating turkey, being thankful, and spending time with family and friends. We all know that Thanksgiving started with that plucky band of self-styled Pilgrims who got together with a group of Native Americans and gave thanks to God for … [Read more...]

Family readers (and a Cyber Monday deal)

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My family members were some of my earliest critics, reading my manuscript before I ever even tried to get published. Ken, the world's most supportive husband, first read the prologue of the manuscript that would become my first novel, A Vow to Cherish, and deeply encouraged me. I'm not sure I would have continued without his affirming words. But he gave me the courage with his words: "This is … [Read more...]

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