Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Reader Pet Peeves

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I recently posted this question on my Facebook author page... "I'm curious! Do any of the following things bug you when reading fiction? 1) Misunderstandings that go on too long. 2) A predictable plot. 3) Unlikely calamities (for example: fire followed by sickness followed by a blizzard). 4) When one honest conversation would really help matters, but the characters avoid having that … [Read more...]

5 Books I recommend + Giveaway

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This week I crossed having read or listened to 68 books. You can see the whole list here on Goodreads. Because I read voraciously and because we are officially in summer, I thought I'd take the time today to share some books I've enjoyed. At the end you'll also find links to two givewaways on my blog -- one ends today! Have you read any of these books? I don't know if you were able … [Read more...]

Lots of Extras

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Hi friends and happy Wednesday! Can here believe it’s nearing the end of June? Summer is flying by for me. I’m so excited to announce that my upcoming novel, The Deadly Shallows, releases in less than two weeks on July 5th. This leaves less than two weeks for you to snag the pre-order specials. If you haven’t visited my special, pre-order page you can here. It fully explains all the options you … [Read more...]

Boy or Girl? What will it be?

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Our son Kurt and his lovely wife Kellie recently shared they're having a baby! Our first grandchild, and we're beyond excited. This past Sunday, we had a reveal party, and their sweetly rambunctious double doodle Malcolm was the "revealer!" Watch the 15 second video below to see the reveal... Yep, we all waited in the front yard and Malcolm ran out with a blue bandana and balloons to … [Read more...]

Time for a new puppy

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For several months now, I've had a yearning I couldn't shake. I wanted to get a puppy. It's only been two years since my last puppy, mind you. Only two years since the potty training, the incessant chewing, the nibbling on my toes (which gave me cellulitis), and the gnawed corners on my dining room bench. But perhaps it's because my oldest dog is getting slower . . . or because I'm getting … [Read more...]

New Release!

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It’s that time again!! Time for another book release! ENSNARED, the third book in my medieval series, Knights of Brethren, hit shelves this past Tuesday June 14. If you missed out on the first two books in the series, then I invite you to go read them right now! ENAMORED and ENTWINED. The series is very loosely based on King Arthur, his knights, and some of the legends surrounding … [Read more...]

24 Hours in Silverton

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My husband and I recently celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary, and in honor of this momentous occasion, my hubby planned a fabulous vacation for us in Colorado. Knowing my love for all things historical, he planned a trip to Durango and Silverton for us. Since we just finished our stay in Silverton, I thought I would share some highlights with you. Silverton is a historic mining town that … [Read more...]

Off to Scotland!

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Tomorrow night we board a plane for London. Friday afternoon in Heathrow Airport, we catch a flight to Edinburgh.  We’ve long wanted to do a Scotland trip, but especially after learning several years ago that Jeff’s family did, indeed, come from Scotland many, many yeas ago. But we had kids to get through college and Jeff had a job where it was hard to take any time off, let alone enough … [Read more...]

Coming Soon: Retreat and Signings in Iowa

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Next week I plan (Lord willing) to meet author-friends Michelle Griep and Erica Vetsch for a writing retreat in Iowa. We’re looking forward to catching up and writing LOTS of words! While we’re there, we’ll also be doing two book talks & signings: Thursday, June 23, 2022 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Grinnell (1009 Main St) 2:00–4:00 p.m. at Marshalltown (14 W Main St) We'll be … [Read more...]

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