As I've been working on the fourth book in my Chicory Inn Novels series, I've been very aware of how much of the research for these novels, more than any others I've written, has been simply living life! So many of the scenes in these novels come from my experiences as a daughter, mother, grandmother, granddaughter, daughter-in-law, wife, sister, aunt... I've truly pulled from just about every … [Read more...]
A Snowflake Party
Thirteen years ago my little story about one of our family's long-standing traditions was published in the December 2001 issue of the now (sadly!) defunct Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion Magazine, which was a huge favorite of mine. I think I was a subscriber from the very beginning to the end of the magazine's publication. I'm still a fan of Mary Engelbreit's illustrations and decorating books, … [Read more...]
Heirloom Recipes
I have to admit that between working a day job full-time, writing full-time, and running Mom's taxi service, I purchase dinner as often as I make it at home. OK, maybe more often than I make it at home. However, with the holidays approaching, I have big plans for getting back into the kitchen. I'll be hosting Thanksgiving and have already purchased the turkey, red garnet yams for my mom's candied … [Read more...]
Saying Thank You to Servicemen and Women
This week I've been thinking about the time my Dad and his National Guard unit were called to active duty. I vividly remember the challenges my family faced when my dad's unit was activated for Operation Desert Storm. I was 16 when my dad got activated -- two days before Thanksgiving. But I was 17 when he returned right around Easter. I didn't recognize my dad -- might have had something to do … [Read more...]
Giveaway: Karen’s Website Launch Party 11/12/14 – 11/26/14
Big News! My website has a new look, new content, and a fabulous contest to celebrate the launch. My goal for this redesign was to create a site that was completely reader-focused. It's all about you! I loaded the site with bonus material, contests, book information (of course), and fun ways that we can connect. And since contests are so much fun, I couldn't resist putting together a gift … [Read more...]