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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
The weeks are flying! Today Book 4 in The 12 Brides of Christmas debuts with a feisty heroine forced to ask, “Do bullies ever change?” This story reminded me that sometimes the Christmas miracle takes place in the heart. Can we really forgive – and forget – …
It’s here! – The Evergreen Bride, by Pam Hillman, book 3 of the 12 Brides of Christmas collection. I enjoyed this story because it took me where I’ve never been – the piney woods of Mississippi. However, as a California girl originally, I could relate to the …
Already we’re in week 2 of The 12 Brides of Christmas novella collection. This week’s story offers: Family traditions, outlaws, Texas Rangers and a beautiful blue-eyed baker – it’s all here in The Nutcracker Bride by Margaret Brownley. Each of the 12 Brides stories celebrates a special, …
Did you realize there are twelve weeks left until Christmas? Some of you are jumping up and down in excitement like you did as a child … and some of you are screaming and running to the other room. No worries either way—you are perfectly entitled to …
Voices from the box on my desk tell me the world is too hot, too wet, too cold, too out of control. Those voices shout doomsday declarations about the industry I’m involved in. They tell me that evil is on the rise and justice is on the …
Too many books; too little time. No one can read all the good books out there, but everyone can read a few, and what a great way to relax, learn, experience, escape. Last week I shared some award-winning novels with you. This week I’m adding a few …
Last week’s comments about why you read fiction were enlightening, encouraging, and as varied as the titles on my office book shelves. But it was the results that really touched my heart. Here’s a breakdown: Reasons for reading fiction: Refueling Entertainment Emotional and mental relaxation Stimulation Mental …
Last weekend I met a scientist who shared with me her recent bout of burnout. Blackout, checkout, whatever term fit, she needed out. The only books she had in her home were nonfiction, science, history, how-to. They weren’t what she needed during those weary days. Too much …
Our daughter Amanda came out from California to spend a few days here last week, and one of the first things she noticed was the blue sky—a crystal clear, sapphire canopy right overhead. Where she lives, the sky is typically white. While she was here, we went …