One of my favorite hobbies is interior decorating. I’m an avid fan of magazines and TV programs that transform a rundown house or a piece of outdated furniture into something beautiful. I love scouting thrift stores and yard sales for bargain items that I can repurpose, just like my favorite interior designer Joanna Gaines from HGTV’s “Fixer Upper.” As anyone who has visited my home knows, I enjoy … [Read more...]

Most of you know I love to visit historic houses—usually in England where my books are set. But this past weekend, I toured a historic home in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. We were there to visit my younger brother, his wife, and their three girls for a weekend of board games, swimming, walks, and boat rides (and yes, Pokemon Go). Touring a historic house was icing on the cake. I’m glad my … [Read more...]

My husband and I are still floating on a bit of a cloud from the trip we took earlier this month. We flew to Seattle where our sons both live. At the same time, our two daughters and their families were in St. Louis boarding a plane for Seattle (all eight of them on the same plane—you can believe some prayers were going up for that flight!) By early Saturday morning, we were all under one … [Read more...]

Please welcome author Catherine West to Inspired by Life...and Fiction today!  This month, Cathy is celebrating the release of her first traditionally published novel.  Many of you may have already read her independently published books, Yesterday's Tomorrow, Hidden in the Heart, and Bridge of Faith.  Glad to have you here, Cathy! -Becky The release of a new book comes with … [Read more...]