The synopsis of Shadow Sister grabbed me. C’mon, Spanish, vineyards, vinters, and family? It’s like my Legacy of the Vines series but in Washington. I had to read it. Women’s fiction? Awesome! It wouldn’t be steeped in heavy romance. Score! I signed up to request a review copy within seconds Continue Reading
Book Reviews
So, What Made Me Decide to Read a Book Like This?
There are specific reasons that I don’t lay out my personal understanding of Scripture with detailed exegesis here on my blog or in my writing. As I’ve stated numerous times, I also have my characters do and believe things that I disagree with. I do it because I have brothers and sisters in the Continue Reading
So, Did I Find a Great New Series?
Like anyone, I love when I find a new author’s work, love it, and then discover there are half a dozen more books… in the same series! WOOT! It’s like my favorite thing. So, when I requested a review copy of Ashley Dawn’s Shadows from the Past, I might have squealed a bit when I saw the Continue Reading
Why Would Grief Make You Dance with Jesus?
Why Would Grief Make You Dance with Jesus? I don’t know the answer to that. But I suspect it’s similar to why tears heal. Or, perhaps it’s just backwards—that when someone “dances with Jesus” in heaven, someone here grieves a loss. But Dance with Jesus claims to take the reader from grief to Continue Reading
What Happens When North Korea Puts You in Time Out?
The cursor winked at me. Mocked me. I’ll admit it, my head connected with the trackpad on my laptop. The cursor skittered across the page leaving spaces and a choppy mess of Bs and Vs in its wake. She stepped into my room and stood there. “What are you doing?” “Writing a book Continue Reading
How One Fluffy Read Betrayed Me & Why I’m Thrilled
The post promised a great historical read—FREE through Tuesday, August 14. Well, the last time Smitten Romance informed me (through a friend) that I’d love this “great historical book,” I’d found myself lost among the pages of Among the Poppies. So, I dashed off to Amazon. Then I saw it. Free for Continue Reading
When a Unique Premise Really Is Enough
A sign greeted us as we entered, but not just any sign. This four-foot silver-framed blackboard hinted at the amazingness within. It makes sense, actually, because it was the launch party for the Kingdom of Ruins, and we were about to enter “the lands within.” Author D.C. Marino knows how to Continue Reading
What I Loved about These Books & How I Fail at Specials
The place? Facebook—Avid Readers of Christian Fiction. The thread? Got no clue. I can’t remember what the thread was about anymore. But something about it caught my attention, and I began scrolling through the pictures posted by readers who wanted to share their suggestion. Or, maybe it was one Continue Reading
What I Loved about Running and What I Hated
He joined our group as if he’d been there forever. Laughing, joking. The two of us were the disruptive influence that night. That probably shocks everyone… that I could be a disruptive influence, I mean. I love fun repartee. Dave knows how to do it and do it well. So, when he asked on the Continue Reading
3 Reasons I Have Nothing but High Praise for This Book
“Mom… there’s this guy at church. His name is Kevin HAVOC!!! Can you believe it? His poor wife.” “Mom! Remember Kevin Havoc? The quiet, shy guy at church? Guess what his nickname is? Mayhem! Isn’t that like calling a giant of a dude, ‘tiny?’” The day eventually came. “Hey, Mom. Kevin Havoc? Continue Reading
5 Reasons to Hire This Guy Next Time You Need a Bodyguard
He wore a Stetson. Boots. Jeans. And plaid. He had a mustache some years and a beard, others. And a twang. His voice had that distinct Okie twang that always reads “home” to me. My Uncle Gene. A short man. Wiry. I always pictured Marty Robbins’ “Mr. Shorty” as being like Uncle Gene. And when I Continue Reading
What about Minding the Light Did I Love & Hate
The balmy night air blew hair about my face as I made a long loop up the short block in front of the Lighthouse. A young man smoking a cigarette approached, crossing the street as he did. So, I did what anyone would do. I greeted him. “Nice night.” “It is now—just got off work.” We Continue Reading
