Patty sat across from me at Denny’s in Bakersfield. Smiling, excited about her new release this week, telling me all about the book that inspired it and how it had become even better under the advice of another author. “When I shared the book, she told me that I needed to cut out the first Continue Reading
The Things That Change In 75 Years Will Capture Your Heart
“Whatcha readin’?” (said with a perfect imitation of Isabella from Phineas and Ferb). I passed the book across the table with great reluctance. "12 Days at Bleakly Manor." He gave it a cursory glance. “What’s it about?” “The author gave Charles Dickens a bit of writer’s block and had him Continue Reading
7 Reviews of Loss, Love, & Lighthouses on the Great Lakes
Living in California and flying out of LAX means that I often soar over the ocean as planes take off. They shoot out over the water and double back before starting across the country. The sun creates the look of sequins on a shimmering dress below—one of my favorite sights. I’ve flown over other Continue Reading
The Best and Worst Parts of Castle on the Rise
I can’t recall who asked me the question, but I couldn’t get it out of my mind. “Is contemporary or historical fiction more popular?” Based on the recommendations in my favorite Facebook group, I guessed it would be contemporary. But guessing isn’t good enough. I wanted to know. So, of course, Continue Reading
Why World War 2 Inspires the Best Historical Fiction
If you want to make me cry, don’t give me a movie where someone dies or someone’s greatest dream gets snatched from her (but #1daughter dissolved into hysterics when Angela Landsbury’s dress was taken away from her to be destroyed in Mrs. ‘Arris Goes to Paris). No, let someone do something heroic. Continue Reading
Can You Really Write a Great Novel about Food?
If the word “book” came up in certain circles, someone would mention it. That’s an understatement. Rather, finding a book recommendation list that didn’t include it would be like changing the name of Mount Rainer to Mount Dryspot. Impossible. Then a friend started having monthly dinners. This Continue Reading
How to Have a Jane Austen Valentine’s Day
Pretty in Print It was all quite incredible, really. A flowery Valentine card, filled with his eloquent poetry, had been sent to the wrong lady. And so charmed was she by this, that he was now her bridegroom. Well, a week from now he would be. At the moment Sir Walter Elliot sat gazing at a Continue Reading
Novelly Upon A Time is the Best Book I Read Last Month
“The Stacks.” I remember some book or movie talking about some part of a college library as “the stacks.” I’ve taken to calling my room that. “The Stacks.” Seriously. I can count no less than eight stacks of books in my bedroom. That’s not including the ceiling height bookshelf that runs all Continue Reading
The 3 Most Interesting Things about Atoning for Ashes
Continuing with: For the Love of Books: A Valentine’s Week Book Extravaganza! we have, Atoning for Ashes! When Kaitlin Covel emailed and offered a review copy of her upcoming debut novel, a Regency romantic suspense, I had to try it. I mean… Regency. Suspense! I can suffer through a bit of Continue Reading
How to Bless Your Husband for Valentine’s Day
Yep, all week I have reviews and giveaways planned to celebrate Valentine’s Day. So, for those of you who get my blog posts emailed, I’m sorry. This’ll be a heavy email week, but I won't send emails every day for the rest of your life. I promise! As my apology, and to make it a little less Continue Reading
3 Unexpected Ways Learning to Trust Will Change Your Life
“Help.” I don’t even remember who I was talking to, but I suspect it was my editor, Christy. However, I do remember the answer. “Okay. What’s up?” Everyone needs friends like this!!! “I’ve done contentment and acceptance, in the Journey of Dreams Series, but I realized I don’t have a Continue Reading
Is On the Rails a Great New Role for Judy Garland?
“Give ‘em ginger-peachy service, or their appetite’ll spurl. That’s the first requirement of a Haaarvey Girl.” Say “ginger peachy” in my house, and someone will bust out into song. Harvey Girls was a favorite of the kids—likely because of Ray Bolger’s fabulous dancing and Virginia O’Brien’s “Holy Continue Reading
