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
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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
Is The Lost Art of Relationship Worth Your Time?
“He’s your father.” I can’t tell you how many times that was my mother’s response to me complaining about something Dad had done. Look, this isn’t easy to say, because I have a great love and respect for my father. But he’s not perfect. Dad made serious mistakes in his life—some that affected all Continue Reading
Sometimes Readers Get Inspired & That Inspires Me
The first email came sometime in July of 2012. I admit… I opened an email from “Wesley” with trepidation. Too often emails that come in from men are fake emails from guys in Russia trying to convince you that they’re American generals dying to get to know you. Why they think I can’t hover over their Continue Reading
