Five years ago today, I married my best friend 

The day was warm and turned out beautifully. I was so excited to be getting married, seeing years of hopes and dreams come true.

Three years ago, we celebrated by taking a couple of days in Galveston, Texas. We had so much fun and just celebrated a year that had its ups and downs, but had been so good.

Two years ago we did a low-key date on our anniversary. Not only did my sister get married on the 9th, and we were tired from that, but there were some emotionally heavy things looming. It hadn't been an easy year. We had another pregnancy loss and a battery of tests. We knew the next season would be a challenge because of things going on outside of us.

One year ago, we had been on a roller coaster throughout the year. The Januray-Mid March was exhausting and emotional. Mid-March, I got a positive pregnancy test for the fourth time in our marriage; we were excited and scared. I started in on daily shots and followed the guidelines my OB set out.

And then I started bleeding

And then we found out our baby had a heartbeat.

And then I was bleeding again

And then we heard our baby's heartbeat.

And then I was bleeding yet again,

And our baby was still fine

Things settled down, and then a plummet as some things with a family situation weren't going well.

Another exhilarating high of finding out we were having a girl.

Another dramatic drop as I dealt with extreme insomnia. I didn't know you could go that long without sleeping and still function. I really would have been happy not having that knowledge.

We celebrated another year as we settled into another calmer moment, anticipating the birth of our little girl.

Today, we took a hike with our little girl who has now been outside the womb longer than she has been inside. We have had an amazing year, full of smiles, joy, and renewal.

 

What inspired Across the Land I Love?

I wrote this for the second A Very Bookish collection, for the 4th of July. It was inspired by Around the World and my relationship with my sister Rose.

What was the biggest challenge in writing Across the Land I Love?

Well, my longtime friend decided to tell me to write before I started on the writing that he loved me. So, navigating a wonderful relationship and writing this story by the deadline was hard. It was totally worth it.

Why read the book?

Who will enjoy this book?

Those who enjoy novellas, summer stories, and road trip tales.

The story behind the dedication:

To my sisters, Rose, Grace, Rebekkah, and Mikayla

Wherever we go, it’s an adventure

Here’s to all our past adventures and to all our future ones

I wouldn’t want to travel life without any of you

Sisters one, sisters all

Fun Bonus Content:

I created a Pinterest board with photos of some of the locations in the book.

Today's Deal: 

99 Cents

The very first novel I ever wrote was a Robin Hood-like tale. I started it when I was 11 and finished it when I was 14. The story was very close to my heart. Years later, I reimagined the tale, rewrote it, and had so much fun doing it. Today, we are going to talk about that story

 What inspired Brothers and Betrayal?

My childhood obsession with all things Robin Hood, knights, castles, and princesses. That and my love for stories of siblings and doing what is right even when it's hard.

What was the biggest challenge in writing Kate's Truth?

The book starts out on a very intense note. Getting that right without making it too scary or intense and also coming up with a realistic but happy ending. 

Why read the book?

Who will enjoy this book?

This book was written for ages 11-15 in mind, but appeals to a wider audiance. This is perfect for readers who enjoy tales for the young, non-magical fantasy, and faith-filled adventure tales.

The story behind the dedication:

To my brother Michael:

You are a protective brother like Bryon,

courageous in standing up for what you believe like Brianna,

and you have the faith and care for the hurting like John.

Thank you for inspiring me and being there for me.

Today's Deal: 

Brothers and Betrayal  is on sale for 99 cents and Befriended is Free

Is the summer brutal where you are? We have had a very hot August here in Texas, which is pretty typical, but the cooler weather is coming. And what better way to cool down on a hot day than talk about a book set in the cool months of fall?

What inspired As Long as I Belong?

After finishing Emmeline and having such a blast with my fellow Vintage Jane Austen writers, I was in love with doing group projects. So, I gathered a group of friends to do a novella collection of stories, inspired by classics and set during a holiday. The first one we picked was Thanksgiving. Originally, I had picked another book to inspire me, but that wasn't working, so I decided a novella inspired by Mansfield Park would be the ticket. 

What was the biggest challenge in writing As Long as I Belong?

I've never been the best at deadlines, but having a deadline where people were depending on me... Well, it was a challenge. I also struggled to get my story started. Once I did, it came together really easily.

Why read the book?

Who will enjoy this book?

Those who enjoy contemporary stories, Thanksgiving vibes, and works inspired by classics.

The story behind the dedication:

To Redemption Hill Church in Round Rock, Texas

Well, you let me in, proving you aren’t perfect.

However, thank you for being a place where I can belong.

I pray in the coming years, God will continue to use us in mighty ways.

Fun Bonus Content:

Today's Deal: 

Welcome to one of my favorite worlds I've ever created. A world of knights, maidens, castles, and a deep faith in a fictional country called Taelis. This non-magical series holds a close place in my heart. My first ever novel I wrote was a book set in a made-up country with knights, a Robin Hood-type character, and castles. I used many of the ideas I had from that series and remade them into the world of Taelis

What inspired Adventures and Adversities?

I actually don't remember when the idea first came to me, but I wanted to write a story about a peasant in the age of castles and knights instead of a royal. This story developed out of that desire

What was the biggest challenge in writing Adventures and Adversities?

I started writing right after finishing writing a sci-fi with a different kind of main character. It was hard at first to get into the rhythm of writing historical 

Why read the book?

Who will enjoy this book?

I wrote this with 11- to 15-year-olds in mind who wanted to read a book that dealt with deep themes and didn't feel like it was written for kids, but was still appropriate for them

The story behind the dedication:

To Rose

This book is dedicated to you

You have listened to all of my stories, 

and encouraged me every step of the way

You have a smile that is brighter than Alditha’s

You have taught me to see the blessings around me like Marian

You have been as close to me as Eleanor

You have insight into the heart of God like the priest

You have loved me unconditionally

You have been the best sister I could ask for

I love you!

Fun Bonus content:

Today's Deal: 

The prequal short story, Adrimable, is Free HERE, and Adventures and Adversities is $0.99 HERE

Father, Forgive Them

What inspired Father, Forgive Them?

I actually wrote a story about Pentecost that I still haven't published, but I wanted to write the backstory for one of those characters, and this was it.

What was the biggest challenge in writing Father, Forgive Them?

The pressure of handling Scripture honorably in a fictional setting.

Who will enjoy this book?

Those who enjoy short stories, biblical fiction, and Easter tales.

The story behind the dedication:

To Drew Larkin

You’re a good friend and a wise one.

This story is for you.

Today's Deal: 

 

What inspired Kate's Hope?

Honestly, this was one of the books I had very clear ideas for at the beginning, and it ended up looking nothing like what I thought it would. I took some of the basic ideas I had and did some research for a setting that would make it work well

What was the biggest challenge in writing Kate's Hope?

The pacing in this book was hard. This book is a mix of part of the team having a lot of action and part of the team being stuck in one place. It made it hard to get this book to feel right. There was a lot of rewriting that went into making this book work

Why read the book?

Who will enjoy this book?

Those who like tickling time bomb mysteries, character development, and faith-filled stories. 

The story behind the dedication:

To Deborah H

Thank you for being such a supporter of my writing and of the Kate’s Case Files.

This story is for you.

Fun Bonus content:

Here is a fun lock screen and printable that are in keeping with the story theme

Today's Deal: 

What inspired  Joseph of Arimathea?

I was reading one of my favorite stories in the Bible, The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus, and I was thinking about who the two people walking on the road were. I wondered if they were connected with other stories in the Bible and... this story was born.

What was the biggest challenge in writing  Joseph of Arimathea?

It's always challenging, as well as a huge responsibility, when writing biblical fiction to honor Jesus. Having fun with how some stories could be connected, while staying true to scripture, is always a fun challenge. 

Why read the book?

Who will enjoy this book?

Those who enjoy short stories, biblical fiction, and stories about the resurrection.

The story behind the dedication:

To my Dad

For your example of a living, thriving faith

Today's Deal: 

*Note* I messed up and set up deals and posts accidentally skipping over Kate's Hope. I will be doing something on that book a little later

What inspired Kate's Truth?

The case was based on a bank robbery I found while doing some research. I read a book that really gave me a lot of ideas. But mostly, I as insipired by how the characters had grown and changed.

What was the biggest challenge in writing Kate's Truth?

Getting this book started was hard. I had to restart a couple of times because it just wasn't working. I finally hit upon the right way to start and how to get the mystery moving. It came together pretty quickly after that.

Why read the book?

Who will enjoy this book?

Those who are interested in lighter mysteries, personal growth stories, and who already love the series.

The story behind the dedication:

To Scott

Thank you for having the courage to tell me you loved me

Even more, thank you for having the courage

to follow Jesus every day with an undivided heart

I love you back

Always

Fun Bonus content:

Here is a phone lock screen!

Today's Deal: 

Kate's Informant and Kate's Truth are $1.99 each.

 

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

Fun bonus content for you:

Today's Deal: