Can we talk about the magic that happens when a reader opens a book and dives into a story? It's phenomenal, actually. Not only does the reader watch the story, as they would when consuming a TV show or movie. Within the pages of a book, they become the characters. They step into the hearts, lives, and setting of the novel. This lovely poem captures it well.... I Opened a Book by Julia … [Read more...]

On Saturday May 4, I had the honor of joining NYT Bestselling author Jodi Thomas and four other authors from the Lubbock area at a fundraising dinner to benefit literacy. The event took place out in the country at The Red Barn, a wonderful retreat center and quilting barn. I got there a bit early and had the chance to walk around and drool over all the gorgeous quilts on display. The Red Barn … [Read more...]

As I’m writing this, I’m getting ready to pack for a crazy fourteen day journey. I wish I could say it was a fourteen day vacation to somewhere really cool, but, alas, it much more complicated than that. Although, in the end, much more fulfilling than a “relaxing” vacation. First I’m headed to Dallas to see friends and family as well as celebrate one of my nieces’s graduation from high … [Read more...]

When I write about tea-drinking in my novels, I am thinking of tea grown in China or India, but last week I visited the only tea plantation in North America. The Charleston Tea Plantation is located on Wadmalaw Island about 20 miles south of Charleston, South Carolina. I was in Charleston for a retreat with my Literary Agency (Books & Such) and enjoyed spending time with agents and … [Read more...]

My husband's nephew who is a pitcher for a college baseball team in North Carolina, just happened to be playing in a series here in Wichita over Mother's Day weekend. Thanks to Zach, we had a little Raney family reunion at our house and it was a blast! We talked several times about how MUCH fun we managed to pack into a few short days. There was a lot of eating … [Read more...]

A couple of weeks ago I had the fun privilege of speaking at the Rauchholz Library in Hemlock not too far from where I live. Though it’s a small building set in a small town, there’s nothing small about the heart of this particular library. In fact, I’d say the Rauchholz Library, its librarians, and the many patrons who frequent the library have very BIG hearts for reading and are taking BIG … [Read more...]

Hi friends,  So happy to be back with you this week. I’ve got some really exciting stuff going on in anticipation of The Killing Tide’s release this summer (August 2019). I’ve partnered with the Coast Guard Foundation for a fun pre-order bonus giveaway.  The first 200 people to pre-order The Killing Tide and submit their information via the application page will receive: A … [Read more...]

This past week has been a full one, and it was filled with some wonderful—and not-so-wonderful—moments. I was reminded at nearly every turn of the brevity of life and of how incredibly blessed I am! Last weekend we had to take Joe to ER (he felt his body "shutting down," was nauseated, weak...), and while I felt a very real sense of peace as we waited to find out what was wrong, there was also … [Read more...]