Red versus Grey

Seriously? Women are supporting the book, Fifty Shades of Grey? They approve exploitation? Where are those who will stand up and say, “This is not a story of love”? If you want romance, read romance. Read uplifting, liberating stories of “love wins.” There are countless books by

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What does doubt whisper in your ear?

Doubt crawls up my shoulder and whispers: “Writing make-believe stories is a worthless occupation. What good can fiction possibly do? And romantic fiction? Ha! What a joke.” And then I walk down the hospital hallway to the coffee room, past artwork and photographs of my genre –

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Circling the Wagons

My heart stops when I see the hospital number displayed on my ringing cell phone, but it is only the nurse helping my loved one call me. Other callers I don’t have to answer, though I cherish their hearts and prayers, for they weave together into the

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The $5 Bill

I spotted the bill on the carpeted hospital hallway as I rounded the corner from the rehab unit where I’d been sitting with a loved one. Folded twice, it looked like mine. Instinctively, I reached into my left pocket and felt the few ones and fives I

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Dying can be easy…

… especially for the believer who knows his God awaits him. Death of the human body, of a dream, of a goal—not necessarily painless, but easy if one lets go in faith. The death is not an end, but the beginning of a new life, a new

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Expectation or Expectancy?

I’m learning the difference between expectation and expectancy. Expectation weights my foot on the gas pedal because I need to arrive at an appointed time. Expectancy allows me to enjoy the ride, respond to careless drivers without elevating my blood pressure or hand, and consider the view.

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First day after Christmas we wrecked our car

Not exactly the plan. No, I take that back. Not at all the plan, not even a little bit. Who wants to ride a spinning teacup across a snowy road only to slam into a highway sign? Sometimes things don’t go as planned. I’m sure Mary didn’t

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Book 12 – The Fruitcake Bride

This final tale in the 12 Brides of Christmas collection is well worth the wait. The delightfully complex heroine had me empathizing with her insecurities and laughing at her dilemmas—not in a bad way. But who doesn’t need a good chuckle now and then? Lighthearted moments in

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Book 11 – The Snowbound Bride

I had such fun writing The Snowbound Bride, imagining that I could really step back in time to a cold Colorado winter in 1885 … and wondering what I would do if I were the one traveling alone, stalked by a less-than-reputable character. And then I met

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Book 10 – The Christmas Star Bride

Christmas traditions play such an important part of the holiday for many people. Most of us like to celebrate with specific foods, gifts, and company. But what happens when those expectations are not met? Can it still be Christmas? For some, it’s hard to find hope once

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Book 9 – The Festive Bride

This is my favorite time of year – getting ready for Christmas – because it’s so festive. Book 9 in The 12 Brides of Christmas collection has a very picky Alma Pickens—but in a good way. I so enjoyed reading about this spunky heroine who refused to

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Book 8 – The Christmas Tree Bride

Author Susan Page Davis invites us to the hearth of a loving family’s bleak Christmas on the Wyoming plains. Well, maybe not so bleak, if a certain hardy, young stage driver has his tree-hunting way. But all that snow and wind … is such a temporary gift

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Book 7 – The Nativity Bride

The Nativity Bride by Miralee Ferrell touched my heart with its setup of tender young love thwarted by outside circumstances. And I wondered: Would love win? Even in the face of long-standing resentment? You won’t be disappointed with The Nativity Bride.     About the book: Deborah

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Book 6 – The Gingerbread Bride

  Fall is snuggling into its wintry coat and we’re halfway through the 12 Brides with Gingerbread Bride by Amy Lillard. Seeing is believing, right? But what about believing the wrong thing, in spite of the evidence? I couldn’t help but laugh my way through this delightful

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Book 5 – The Yuletide Bride

Music – the voice of the heart. Especially at Christmas! I loved the part music plays in The Yuletide Bride and you will too if you set out looking for author Michelle Ule’s hint of “eleven pipers piping.” Obstacles abound, in this delightful romance but so does

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