What inspired Quest for the Beast?

After writing Waltz into the Waves, I was interested in trying my hand at some other fairytale retellings. 

What was the biggest challenge in writing Quest for the Beast?

Trying to pack a big theme into one tiny short story was hard. I don't think this was my best work, but I enjoyed it

Who will enjoy this book?

Those looking for a quick read, filled with summer and fairytale vibes.

The story behind the dedication:

To Jessica and Julia Coggins

You are both beautiful on the inside and out!

Keep following God and pursuing what is right no matter what, 

and never forget the transforming power of the forgiveness of God

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What inspired Emmeline?

One of my friends and I were talking about a fairytale collection I had submitted a story to. She had read the collection and said my story was better. I laughed and told her she couldn't know that because she hadn't read my story. She told me it had to be better, but what she thought would be really fun is if I did a Jane Austen retelling collection. The idea was born. Soon, I gathered some friends, and we started working on the project together.

What was the biggest challenge in writing Emmeline?

Balancing having enough differences that it's interesting, but not so different that it didn't feel like a faithful retelling.

Why read the book?

Those who love historical fiction, Jane Austen, Grace Livingston Hill, and stories where characters are transformed.

The story behind the dedication:

To Hannah

You were the inspiration for this project.

Your enthusiasm kept me going.

Your friendship is a blessing in my life.

Thank you, for everything.

Well, it seemed only fair that the woman who inspired the whole project would have the book dedicated to her.

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What inspired Kate's Informant?

When I was first plotting out the series, this was one of the books I had a pretty clear idea of the plot. It is a critical point for character development and a turning point. So I guess one could say it was inspired by the overall vision for the series.

What was the biggest challenge in this story?

It was an emotional story to write. Also, I found researching the setting challenging. I was grateful to an online friend from the area who was willing to read the book and make sure I got it mostly right.

Why read the book?

Who will enjoy this book?

Those who like the series, character-driven fiction, and mysteries

The story behind the dedication:

To Kate Hoppman

Your support of my writing endeavors is a blessing

Your enthusiasm is infectious

Your positivity is a delight to everyone

May God bless all you do

I hope my Kate always does justice to your name

Today's Deal: 

I'm giving away a Kate and Patrick sticker!

Enter HERE

Of all the books I share with people, this is actually the hardest... because it's true. It took more courage to put this book out there than any other book I've done before or since. I knew people would make a lot of judgments; I knew that people would disagree, and I knew a lot of people would think I was whitewashing because I didn't share a lot of dirty details. But this book was written with a lot of love.

What inspired this book?

An older couple I had known for years had told me I should write a book about my family. "You need to call it ' There Was Always Laughter in Our House." I smiled and told them I would think about it. I went home, did my chores, and thought fondly of this older couple. They just didn't understand that I was neither a non-fiction writer nor a humorous one. 

Well, inspiration struck late that night, and I think I was up until 2 am working on the idea. It took me a while to figure out how I wanted to organize the book, but I ended up loving the project.

What was the biggest challenge in writing this book?

The biggest challenge was figuring out what to share and what not to share. I made sure that each person in the family had a chance to read the book. I told them if there was anything I shared they didn't want to, I would chop it out. It was funny because the siblings who voiced the most concern when I started the project didn't even read it until after it was published, saying they trusted me. 

Why read the book?

If you are interested in big families, homeschooling, or even just my growing-up years, this is your chance.

The story behind the dedication:

The Casts are now in heaven. I don't doubt they heard from Jesus, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." 

I was so, so grateful I got to give them a copy and read some of the stories aloud to them. The impact these two had on my life will last for my whole life.

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What inspired this book?

The case was loosely based on some random bombings that happened in my area a few years back that had my community living in a lot of fear. 

The setting was inspired by a brief stop my family made on a road trip in Franklin, Tennessee. The people were so nice, and the place looked fun I've always wanted to revisit it. 

What was the biggest challenge in this story?

The story was intense. Trying to balance that intsity and with some things in a much lighter tone was hard. The other thing that was a challenge was that I made a major research error my editor caught, which made me have to rework a couple of sections late in the editing process.

Why read the book?

Those who enjoy positive church representation, a little more serious mysteries, and strong faith elements in their fiction.

The story behind the dedication:

To Jessica Greyson

Your faith inspires me

Your friendship is a blessing

Your adventurous spirit pulls me in

You are truly a woman worth far above rubies.

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Ah, can you just feel those cool autumn breezes? Okay, so it is August in Texas. Which means it's hot. But the next book we're exploring is set in the fall and could be a nice escape for all of us from the summer heat.

What inspired Kate’s Conundrum?

The case was actually inspired by my mom. She had a great idea for a story told from the point of view of the victim. As I approached writing this book, it struck me how perfect the idea was to go along with the story, but of course it would be from the investigators' perspective. Mom was gracious to let me use the idea. 

The setting was one I came across in my searching the internet for a fun setting (it really made me want to visit Ashland, Oregon in fall). It was fun to be able to look up pictures and feature real places.

What was the biggest challenge in writing this book?

One I have a lot with mysteries - the rate of revealing information. This one proved especially difficult, because I had to include some information but not make it super obvious I was including the information. I will never be the master of a who-dun-it novel, but I sure enjoy working with my team of FBI characters.

Why read the book?

Who will enjoy this book?

Those who enjoy cozy mysteries, series about teams working together, and strong faith elements.

The story behind the dedication:

You can check out her books HERE and the videos we made of the first couple of years of classics we read HERE

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