Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

A Launch of a Different Kind

By

We talk a lot about book launches here, but this past Saturday, I got to celebrate a launch of a different kind. My youngest kiddo graduated from college! We had lots of family on hand to help celebrate the occasion, and as you can see from the photos, we enjoy having fun together. Peter chose his dad to be his escort, so that is why my husband in robed in white. (In case you were … [Read more...]

Christmas Family Time

By

We’ve had a wonderful whirlwind of family time.  First, all our kids came for Christmas at our house on Saturday the 16th. We packed all our favorite Christmas things—presents, Christmas cookie baking and decorating, and a huge meal together, all surrounded by Christmas music (and football games) into our few hours all together. My parents joined us as well. Here are a few of the … [Read more...]

Our little cub turns ONE

By

Leo turned one last week, and we celebrated with a "Lumberjack" theme party complete with lots of flannel, buttermilk flapjacks, bacon and sausage—and cakes, of course. At this age though, the parties are really for the adults, right? Still, Leo seemed to enjoy it, too. Kellie requested a "Lumberjack Smash cake" for Leo, and she made a delicious "lumberjack" red velvet cake for us to enjoy. … [Read more...]

Be Not Afraid

By

In the midst of the menorot [menorahs], I saw One like a Son of Man, clothed in a robe down to His feet, with a golden belt wrapped around His chest. His head and His hair were white like wool, white like snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the roar of rushing waters. In His right hand He held seven … [Read more...]

As 2023 Races toward the End

By

BOOK STUFF A few days after I wrote my last IBL post, I received the finished edits of To Marry an English Lord from my sainted editor. That sent me into a flurry of production activities, including but not limited to: Later in the week, I received my first endorsement for the book which included the line “I literally could not put this book down and was up much of the night delighting in … [Read more...]

Book Mail and Recommendations for Your TBR Pile

By

This week I got the best book mail: It was a box of books from many of the authors that will be on Book Talk in the spring season. I felt like a kid at Christmas. I've already interviewed the Revell Authors and cannot wait for you to hear these interviews. And I'm so excited to start the next round today with... drum roll... Jerry B. Jenkins. Gulp :-) But look at all these lovely books … [Read more...]

A Christmas Wish List 

By

Hi friends, So happy to be with you today! It’s that time of year when family and friends are asking what I want for Christmas and I don’t know about you, but books top my list. Along with a few writer items. Today, I thought I’d share the Christmas books I plan on reading, the books I can’t wait to read in 2024, and a couple of writer gifts for that writer friend of yours. Hope you enjoy the … [Read more...]

The Biggest Night Of My Year

By

On December 5th, I hosted a party at my local Barnes & Noble—a big party. And me, an introvert. It was a party to celebrate the second book in my On Devonshire Shores series and my nineteenth novel overall. We ate refreshments. We wore crowns. We talked. We hugged. We laughed. All my favorite things. And I sincerely appreciated everyone who came out to celebrate with me. I gave a … [Read more...]

Ten Things About Me

By

I enjoyed Julie’s Q&A a few weeks ago so much that I asked if she minded if I played copycat and did the same. So here are my answers to Julie’s ten questions. 1. Who are you? I’m a believer in Jesus Christ, blessed wife of Ken, mother to four awesome married kids (with four awesome spouses), and “Mimi” to thirteen precious grandchildren. After being privileged to stay home with our … [Read more...]

Recent Posts