I have to do a lot of research to write novels set in England in the early 19th century. Some books have been more difficult to research than others (The most challenging: The Apothecary's Daughter. The most fun: The Maid of Fairbourne Hall.) But after thirteen novels, there is still one historical tidbit in a novel of mine that stirs more discussion and raises more questions than any other. … [Read more...]

It's rare that my sisters and I get to treat our generous dad—we are usually the "treatees"—but this past weekend, we got to treat him to a getaway at the beautiful Clover Cliff Ranch Bed & Breakfast near the charming little town of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas. We'd planned the trip for last month to celebrate Daddy's 86th birthday but got snowed out. We couldn't have picked a nicer weekend … [Read more...]

Our family recently returned from spring break! We took an epic road trip from Dallas all the way to western North Carolina. Not only is that area of the country beautiful, but because I'm setting my next series in the Blue Ridge mountains, it's also creatively inspirational for me. Until this trip, I'd only visited NC one other time. Back when I was in college. It had been too … [Read more...]