For those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, navigating the holidays can be like tiptoeing through a landmine. Three big ones come one right after another – Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s. BAM! BAM! BAM! Memories erupt unexpectedly, and some feel like punches in the gut. I lost my husband, Ted, in July. Since then the holiday season …
Blarney Castle, Ireland
October 2, 2023 was the culmination of the Ireland trip for me. The whole reason I wanted to come to Ireland. As some of you know, I have three books coming out starting next August 2024, that are set in Ireland. In Blarney, to be specific. Today we visited Blarney! Oh my gosh, it was so amazing. Especially Blarney Castle! …
Ireland!!!
Back in early 2020 I received a book contract from Annie’s Publishers, a direct-to-consumer book club publisher. I love Annie’s. My editors there have been awesome and amazing, and I’ve published more than 10 books with Annie’s. Anyway, my editor said they were considering launching a book club mystery series set in Ireland. The main character would be a woman born in …
All Saints Day 2023
Today my church celebrated All Saints Day, a day when we remember those in our church family who have died in the past year. I forgot–until I walked through the door and saw the banners. One had my husband’s name on it. The service was beautiful, but unexpectedly difficult. I am thankful to all those who comforted me during and …
Life After Ted and Changes
It’s been a while since I posted anything here. I’ve been distracted, and trying to come to terms with Life After Ted. It has been almost four months since he died, and to be honest I’m still struggling. Whatever those “terms” are, I don’t like them. It’s interesting that I’ve found myself wanting to change things. Nothing huge or life-changing, …
A Life Well Lived
On July 10, 2023, I lost my husband. We have been married 32 years. He hasn’t been well for the past few years, and has had several major setbacks since January. Even so, his death was completely unexpected. He fell down a set of stairs in our home and suffered a skull fracture. He did not regain consciousness on this …
What Am I Working On?
I get this question a lot. Probably because I’ve been such a dismal failure at sending newsletters and keeping people informed. Mea culpa! I’ve been busy with … well, with a million things. Not an excuse, really, but definitely the reason! I’m super excited about the two books I’m working on right now. The first is for Guidepost’s series “Extraordinary Women …
World Fantasy Award Judge – ME?
You know I love fantasy stories. I’ve even written a few myself. So I was pleased–and surprised–to be asked to be one of the 5 judges for this year’s World Fantasy Award. I’m not sure what I’ve gotten myself into, but one thing is sure: I’m going to be reading a lot of fantasy in the coming months! Here’s …
A Goose Creek New Year
Happy New Year! Harvest House, the publisher of my series, Tales from the Goose Creek B&B, has once again put the eBook versions of the entire series on sale! You can read all 5 eBooks for just $2.99. That’s eighty-five percent (85%) off the regular price of $19.99! f you haven’t read my bestselling, award winning series, now’s your chance …
Who Wrote Away in a Manger?
Away in a Manger Away in a Manger, no crib for a bed The little lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, The little lord Jesus asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, But little lord Jesus, no crying He makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus, …