It’s almost Valentine’s Day! Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for information on the Valentine’s Giveaway some author friends and I are offering. 🙂
In mid-January, I received a lovely email from a reader/book club leader. Here it is (slightly abbreviated):
Hi, Becky,
I just finished reading My Stubborn Heart and loved it! Your characters are so real I believe they exist!
I’m hosting book club at my house for February and wanted a romance. I just googled and found you — and I believe God had a hand in that. I know there are tons of Christian romance novels, but He led me to this one, yours.
Any time you want to write about Kate and Matt again will be just fine with me! I’m wondering what they’re up to these days!
By the way, I live in Carrollton — close to you, I’m guessing, so please feel free to join us for book club!
Thanks for writing this — please keep it up!
My best to you on behalf of GGs (God’s Girls Book Club),
Peggy
First, I’m astonished that Peggy found my book on Google. I’ve certainly never prided myself on my stellar SEO.
Second, I responded to Peggy to let her know that I’d be more than happy to join her for her book club meeting.
On the appointed night, I drove thirty minutes due north to reach her home in Carrollton, Texas. As planned, I arrived after the ladies had finished dinner and just before their book club discussion.
We had a wonderful conversation about My Stubborn Heart, writing, reading, and publishing.
Peggy, in red, with the other members of the “God’s Girls” book club. They attend several different churches. They take turns hosting meetings every other month and each meeting’s hostess chooses the book.
Peggy had created a display featuring aspects of My Stubborn Heart that she’d found on my Pinterest board. Some of these were posted near the living room, others were posted in the kitchen where the ladies filled their dinner plates.
Even the TV screen welcomed me. (!!)
The My Stubborn Heart themed hands-outs.
The My Stubborn Heart bookmarks Peggy made for the ladies.
I was already flabbergasted by Peggy’s thoughtfulness. Then she presented me with two gifts. One was a paper tree dangling ornaments on which each member had written me a note. The second gift was this gem….
A piece of art with my name + words and quotes from my book.
If encouragement is to writers what gas is to cars, I left that meeting with my tank full. I was so touched. I spend the lion’s share of every work day at home, alone, penning my books. I feel more than a little hermit-like at times. It was so inspiring for me to change out of my yoga pants and visit face-to-face with women who’d read one of my novels.
Readers can have such a positive impact on writers!
Before I go, here’s the Valentine’s Giveaway I mentioned at the outset. The winner will score: 6 novels, 2 gift cards, a movie, fuzzy socks, coffee, and chocolate. To enter, click here or on the image below.
USA only. One winner will be randomly selected on February 15th. Best of luck!
Becky Wade
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That is a first-class book club, Becky! How cool that you got to be there in person! And I just LOVE the typewriter art piece! That’s a keeper! 🙂
I love the art piece, too! I’ll treasure it. 🙂
What a gift that club was to you, Becky. God bless all those wonderful book clubs for encouraging us authors!
That was an awesome opportunity for you to meet some dedicated readers! I only wish North Carolina was a little closer to Texas and we would invited you to ours!
I wish I could visit your North Carolina book club, Rebecca! You’re a wonderful example of a reader who encourages Christian authors all year round. You tell other readers about books you enjoyed, you interact with authors online, and you make an effort to see us in person when you can. Thank you!
I agree, Lynn. God bless book clubs!
What a great event! I can imagine how excited the book club was. It is so special to interact with an author and so nice of you to give your time.
Thanks also for the giveaway!
You’re welcome, Betty!
What a wonderful treat, Becky! It looks like a wonderful evening. How could it not be with such dedicated readers? 🙂
Exactly!
So thoughtful! They are a well prepared book club for sure!
Extraordinarily well prepared! I was amazed by the effort, time, and planning Peggy invested in the meeting.
Wow! What a fun book club! So fun you were able to join them and benefits for both. They were able to meet a fabulous author in person and you received their encouragement and love. Too cool!
Love, love, love this book club! What a treasure for you to attend. I’m feeling inspired to start my own when my life settles down.😊 So glad you were blesssed and inspired, too! My Stubborn Heart was the first book I read of yours and I was, still am hooked!❤️❤️❤️
Thanks, Denise! The God’s Girls group reminded just what potential for fun and friendship book clubs really can hold.
What a neat story! What a thrill for the book club participants & for you. I love your books!
Thank you, Rhonda! 🙂
What an amazing hostess! So clever!
So glad you were able to enjoy such an encouraging experience!
Thanks, Jen!
This is such a fun story! Makes me wish I could join their book club!!!
I know! Their book club rocks. 🙂
What a great story! So much fun!
This will always be a special book to me because it got me started on good Christian fiction. It was also the first time I sent an email to the author to let her know how much I enjoyed her book! 😊 📚
Oh, wow! I didn’t remember that My Stubborn Heart was the book that got you started on Christian fiction. Yay!!! That brightens my day. 🙂