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.

Fun bonus content for you:

Today's Deal: 

I'm doing a giveaway! Enter HERE.

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.

Fun bonus content for you:

Today's Deal: 

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

Fun bonus content for you:

Today's Deal: 

Get the deal HERE

Remember when everyone seemed to be doing fairytale retellings? Well, I jumped on that bandwagon for a while. I had a lot of fun (not as much as my Emma retelling, but that is a story for another day). I'm excited to share with you today about one of my favorite short stories ever, just because it was so fun.

What inspired Waltz into the Waves?

There was a short story contest to be included in a cindrella retelling. Since it's my favorite fairytale, It inspired me. I thought it would be fun to have a beach setting. I also wanted to have a story where it was vary obvious why the stepmother resented Cindrella, or in this case Amelia.

What was the biggest challenge in writing this book?

Making it short. This was the first time I had written a short story. It was challenging because I'm used to taking more time to show off my characters. It was also fun to see how much I was able to do in a short time. I still prepfere longer stories, but I think dipping my toes into short stories has helped me tighten my storytelling.

Why read the book?

Who will enjoy Waltz into the Waves?

Teens, those who enjoy simple and sweet retellings, or those who are looking for a fun, quick beach read.

The story behind the dedication:

This book was dedicated to my nieces who were little at the time and were in a princess phase. Someday, I'll need to dedicate a full sizd book to each of them. 

Fun bonus content for you:

I did a lot in the political arena in my teens and early twenties. At some point, I'll have to write a post about why I left a lot of that behind me because I don't think I ever have. But all I did led me to my first job, which I loved: working for my state representative at the Texas state capitol. And that job inspired the setting of the second Kate book. 

My time working at the Capitol, Sue Thomas FBEye, and doing a lot of thinking about good intentions versus doing what's right.

What was the biggest challenge in writing this book?

Not getting too bogged down in details. Trying to keep it interesting when the case was a slower paced on.

Why read the book?

1. To continue the series 

2. To read Kate being alternately tough and yet have moments where you see her vulnerability

3. You get to see Patrick and Kate in a rose garden

Today's Deal: