Becky Wade's Blog, page 130

Inspiring Stories

Hi friends,

I don’t know about you, but I love movies as much as I love books…okay, maybe not as much, but it’s very close. I love movies because they tell powerful stories in a couple hours, they have the visual component on the screen that books don’t, and my favorite part are the beautiful scores created for each movie. Such talent!

I believe movies can reach us in many different ways. They can take you on an adventure, along an inspiring journey, on an exciting thrill ride, or even provide the fun of guessing whodunit.

My hubby and I watched a new movie over the weekend, and it got me thinking that it would be fun to share my favorite inspirational films. These movies, in particular, have inspired me to be a better person, to persevere in the face of trials, to show me how Christ can change lives, and to watch characters triumph over great adversity. So, in no particular order, here are my top four favorite inspirational films. Two are based on true stories, and the other two are based on novels.

Image Source: IMDB

We watched Amazing Grace as a family many years ago, and every time I think of it, my heart is crushed for the atrocity of slavery. Yet I’m inspired by a man, who despite health issues and strong opposition, never wavered in his faith or gave up in his calling from God.

Image Source: Film Music Reporter

We just watched GREATER over the weekend. It was inspired by real events and it showed how faith in God and obedience in our lives for Him can anchor us like nothing else.

Image Source: Amazon

We read these books out loud as a family while we were homeschooling our girls. Seeing it in the movie together brought it even more to life. Watching Aslan sacrifice himself brought us all to tears. It gave us an even deeper appreciation for how Christ laid down His life for us. 

Image Source: Amazon

We’ve read the books, seen each movie in the theatre, and own the extended edition trilogy. If you haven’t watched the extended edition you are seriously missing out. Each movie is close to an hour longer. There are so many nuances and pieces of background that deepen each film on the extended version. Not to mention all the behind-the-scenes footage and extras. My favorite part of all the films comes in The Return of the King with Samwise’s Worth Fighting For speech. You can read it here.

Question for you: What is your favorite inspirational movie?

Blessings,

Dani

Meeting Charlotte Brontë

Some of you probably know that reading Jane Eyre (as well as The Secret Garden) at a young age spurred my early love of British literature—which is at least part of the reason I now write fiction set in England. You may also recall reading a post here a few years ago about my memorable visit to the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, Yorkshire where Charlotte, Emily, and Ann Brontë wrote their enduring novels. (If you missed it, you can read that post here.)

A few days ago, I added something new to my Brontë experience. I talked to Charlotte Brontë herself.

Ok, not really, of course. But I had the pleasure of hearing from (and talking to) an actress who convincingly portrays that authoress and who has obviously done a TON of research into the Brontë family and their various histories and experiences.

Laura Rocklyn as Charlotte

Laura Rocklyn is an actress, writer, and first-person historical interpreter. She disappeared into the character of Charlotte Brontë and brought her to vivid life through her one-woman show called, Charlotte Brontë: To do More and Better Things. Here’s a description:

Rocklyn transports us to 1853. Charlotte has recently published Villette, her third, and most personal, novel. The remarkable writer reflects on her extraordinary family, unconventional education, and the life-changing experience in Brussels that inspired her most recent novel. Learn about the difficulties and unexpected opportunities that literary fame has brought about in Charlottes’ life as she shares the hardships faced by single women who attempt to make a living and, possibly, a name for themselves as authors.”

-Jane Austen Society of North America, Minnesota chapter

Laura gave a stellar performance in a monologue dramatizing a specific period in Brontë’s life, but she also interacted with the audience while in character, so we were able to ask her questions like, “How did you feel about your first novel (The Professor) struggling to find a publisher? Which of your novels is your favorite? And to listen, rapt, to her thoughtful, compelling answers, all delivered in a charming Yorkshire accent.

Laura Rocklyn, mid-performance

The performance was given over Zoom during a recent meeting of the MN chapter of the Jane Austen Society of North America. (And yes, I did find it rather ironic that Miss Brontë was addressing Janeites when she was not a fan of Miss Austen’s work. Thankfully, Laura herself is—in fact, I first met her at JASNA’s Annual General Meeting, and she also portrays Jane Austen and other historical figures as well.)

Laura will give additional performances of her one-woman show to other JASNA chapters. That’s one good thing about the current prevalence of Zoom meetings. Anyone from anywhere can attend, and often for little or no cost. Follow Laura Rocklyn for announcements of upcoming presentations and perhaps you, too, can meet Charlotte Brontë, or at least, the next best thing this side of a heavenly-reunion.

Are you a Brontë fan as well? Is there an author from the past you would like to meet?

Because of the Rain

Today I’m giving away one copy of my novel Because of the Rain. This was the second book I wrote and was originally titled In the Still of Night. This version features one of my favorite covers (designed by my husband, Ken). To be entered for the drawing, simply comment on this post with the answer to this question: What is your favorite thing about Spring?

The new title for this novel came because the original title had been used for several other books in the years between its first publication and Raney Day Press’s reissue of the book. The idea for Because of the Rain came when a friend gave me a beautiful photo frame that said, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” That quote made me realize that so many of the really good things in my life have ultimately come about not in spite of the rain, but because of it! It’s not fun to go through the storms of life, but so often, there is a beautiful rainbow on the other side if we can only hang on tight to the Father’s hand until we are on the other side of our difficulties. I hope that thought might encourage you today!

I’ll name a winner here tomorrow morning, so be sure to check back and see if your name is drawn! Hope you’re having a wonderful spring so far.

Inspired by Scripture

This Sunday feature is brought to you by ClashVerseoftheDay.com. You may sign up to receive a beautiful photo with Scripture in your inbox each morning or view the verse each day online.

A String of Mysterious Gifts

A month ago, I received an unexpected gift in the mail….

A WHOLE BOX of Bordeaux chocolates from See’s Candies. My absolute favorite! Three reader friends– Joy, Crissy and Amy — had sent it to me.

The note accompanying the chocolate indicated that I should be on the look-out for more gifts. More gifts? But why? It wasn’t my birthday. Nor had anything celebration-worthy occurred with my writing.

Soon after, I received…

A gun toy that shoots rubber bands. I knew my friends were aware that Let It Be Me, the book coming out next month, is a milestone book for me. It’s my tenth Christian fiction novel. Clearly, this toy gun held significance. I wondered if it represented my book Her One and Only. In that one, the bodyguard heroine carried a handgun.

All of a sudden the chocolate took on an additional meaning. I, personally, love chocolate. But the heroine of Sweet on You is a chocolatier.

Ah! I told my daughter that I suspected that they were sending me gifts to commemorate all ten books. Joy, Crissy, and Amy confirmed it. So charming! So thoughtful.

My daughter’s imagination (and mine) have been captured by these mysterious gifts. She asks me every day, “Has a new gift come in the mail?” I finally had to tell her, “You don’t have to ask. You can trust me to let you know when a new one arrives.” Which it did.

I guessed Meant to Be Mine on this one, because the heroine is a baker. I was right!

I was visiting my sisters when the fourth gift arrived. My daughter took it upon herself to open it for me. When I returned home, I found an empty box that looked like a raccoon had torn it open. It took a little digging to discover where the raccoon my daughter was hoarding the items.

Three adorable bowls. This one wasn’t as easy to guess as the first three. After some thinking, I settled on Falling for You because the heroine buys housewares when anxious.

I was right! (Though I won’t be at all surprised if they stump me before all is said and done. To be honest, they remember the books better than I do.)

Praise be to God for equipping me, by His grace and strength, to write ten books! I’m always so aware that I’m able to do this job only because of His provision. And I’m also aware of how fortunate I am to have friends like these — who are a steadfast source of encouragement and support. They’ve made this journey so much sweeter.

I’d love to hear about a gift you’ve received that meant a lot to you!

Before I go, I wanted to let you know that Baker Book House is currently offering a wonderful pre-order deal for Let It Be Me. 40% off the list price for a signed copy + free shipping! Click here or on the image below to order.

Spring has arrived!

Spring has arrived in Indiana, and I am loving it! Spring has always been my favorite season, and this year I’m delighting in discovering flowers and their simple beauty as I walk on campus or in our neighborhood. Maybe spring is my favorite because it starts days before my birthday. Daffodils were my birthday flower, so it is delightful to walk by this patch of beauties when I arrive on campus each day this week.

For me, a quick walk around the block when I arrive at work, helps me break between the morning and other thoughts and transition to thinking about my students. I often spend that time praying and asking God to be part of that part of my day. I miss this ten minute transition in the winter when it gets to cold to do this little transition. Do you have something similar that you do during your day?

This picture of our pooch about sums up my time at home right now. It is time to be in the sunshine after another long Indiana winter filled with grey skies and cold. Our puppy has decided she is a solar energy collector and is spending extra time on the patio, especially when one of us is out there reading. This last weekend, our 17 -year-old son was in the chair next to her reading Pride and Prejudice. He was flying through it, and it was such fun to talk about the characters and the other classics he wants to read. He’s determined to read good books. As an author, those words are music to my ears.

My ten-year-old and I are almost through the Little House on the Prairie series on audio. The Long, Hard Winter definitely gave us some perspective as we listened to it while we had a foot of snow. Yesterday morning, Laura and Almanzo got engaged. I definitely need recommendations on the next classic series we should listen to together. Be sure to give me recommendations below!

Yesterday my copy of Hope Between the Pages arrived, and I can’t wait to inhale it this weekend. The Biltmore is one of my favorite places to visit in North Carolina, and Pepper Basham is one of my favorite writer friends. We talked about this novel in the March 30 Book Talk, and I preordered it that night. Let’s just say I love split-time novels, and she had me at Biltmore.

Speaking of Book Talks, mark your calendar now to join me on May 4th, when Robin Lee Hatcher is my guest. I’ve had such fun chatting with all my writing friends, including many of the ladies here, including Becky Wade and Deborah Raney. If you click here and say you’re interested in attending, Facebook should send you reminders to pop over. My assistant and I are also working on turning these into a podcast, so even more ways to listen in.

I just finished a stack of romantic suspense, so I’m definitely looking forward to a but of historical fiction. I would love to know how spring is starting for you. What books are you reading or looking forward to right now? Any recommendations about what I should add to my to-be-read pile?

The Big Boston Birthday

We spent the last weekend in March in Boston for a very special birthday. Our oldest—our only girl—turned 30! Jeff and I had already planned to go up there to celebrate with her when one of my sisters called. She and my other sister were worried Elizabeth would be alone on her birthday and wanted to be there with her. (Both of my sisters have a unique relationship with my daughter.) I said, the more the merrier! Then we concocted a plan to keep their arrival a surprise.

Jeff and I arrived in Boston on Thursday afternoon. To kick off the birthday bash weekend we went straight from the airport to James Hook and Company for lobster rolls! From there, it was off to the Italian district to sample cannolis and decide our favorite. We bought from three different bakeries, but we all agreed Mike’s Pastry was the winner. To be honest, that was our choice going in, we just wanted to make sure we were’t missing out on something better!

Good thing we took it easy that afternoon, because starting Friday morning, we were on the go! We hit Flour Bakery for breakfast. Then we went to Brattle Book Shop, which was fabulous! Used and rare books. 3 floors! And then we walked outside to this:

Cue the Hallelujah chorus! Books in a cute, old alleyway. And all priced at $5, $3, and $1. Of course we left with more than we’d intended to get!

After that we walked the park, the gardens, Beacon Street and various others areas of the city. My sisters were flying in that afternoon, so I had one eye glued to my phone the whole time. 15,000 steps later, they arrived at Neptune Oyster Bar—our daughter’s birthday pick—for an early dinner. And she was definitely surprised! She had thought someone else might be showing up, but had no clue it would be her aunts! They both ate their first ever lobster roll and cannoli! Then we walked them over a good bit of the city before returning to the hotel and collapsing into bed.

Next morning, a fabulous breakfast at J&M Diner, then a day in Lexington and Concord, with a side trip to Walden Pond. It was a day of glorious sunshine with barely a nip in the air. We happened to arrive in Lexington just as they were filming a Patriot’s Day virtual reenactment! So fun to watch! Love the history at Concord beyond the first battle of the Revolution. And Walden Pond was gorgeous! It was much bigger than I expected. We did the 2 mile walk around it, through the woods. I can see how it would have inspired Thoreau. That night, we ate at a restaurant on a farm that has been in operation since the 1600s.

Sunday promised rain, so after booking a time at a museum for the afternoon, we decided to walk until the weather drove us indoors. We got donuts at Blackbird. Oh. My. Then we walked around Fenway Park. It was great to see this area of the city without being crowded with baseball fans! By the time we arrived for our time slot at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the rain had begun. We spent a lovely couple of hours in the museum, but that will be it’s own post in the near future!

We finished our time with dinner back in the Italian district, followed by, you guessed it, cannolis at Mike’s for the third time in three days! In fact, it was a good thing that we walked a lot, because our daughter is quite the foodie, so any vacation and/or celebration with her–and we were doing both!–involves fabulous food! Here’s a sampling of what we ate besides lobster rolls and cannoli!

from Flour Bakery and CafeThe birthday girl’s dinner at Neptune Oyster Bar: Squid Ink RisottoJ&M Diner’s peanut butter cup and bacon pancakesfettuccine bolognese from Quattro

It was such a joy to celebrate my daughter. And to do it with my sisters was extra special. She has grown into such an amazing woman. I can’t wait to see all that God will do in and through her in the coming years. And I love the memories we got to make with her during the Big Boston Birthday weekend.

Have you ever pulled off a surprise for someone’s birthday? Or have you been completely surprised by someone on your birthday? Please share!

Podcasts worth listening to

I enjoy listening to podcasts and have several that I routinely follow—and highly recommend!

In no certain order, they are:

I listen to these as I’m getting ready in the morning, walking (me—and the dogs!), washing dishes, etc… It’s a great (and easy) way to keep learning, keep growing, to be challenged in my thinking, and to laugh.

Do we have any podcasts in common? What are your favorites?

Blessings from Nashville on this lovely Tuesday where I’m tucked away writing, working to finish another book.

Tammy

Bikes and More Bikes!

If you’ve read my blogs before, you’ll know that I’m an avid bicyclist. That’s why I’m thrilled with the cover of my newest book, “Chasing Shadows,” which releases June 8. The windmill reveals the novel’s setting in The Netherlands. The low-flying airplanes, the model’s clothing, and her concerned expression hint that it takes place during World War II when the Nazis invaded that peace-loving country. But best of all, in my opinion, is the bicycle!

I have loved cycling since I was a girl. I still remember my first bike, a clunky, secondhand single-speed with coaster brakes that I repainted red. My sisters and I would ride into the countryside in rural New York State where we grew up, or to the ice cream stand in a neighboring village, three miles away. And my love of biking has only increased with my age. One of the deciding factors in choosing our new house was the bike trail right at the end of our driveway. It goes for miles and miles in both directions. It’s an easy six-mile ride into town to go to the library or the farmer’s market or for lunch with friends. And only 1 ½ miles to the beach on Lake Michigan.

Our vacations are chosen with biking in mind. We spent the month of February in Florida where we accumulated 400 miles. Ken and I bought new bikes last August and already maxed-out the odometers at 1,000 miles. In 2019 we joined friends from church on a cycling tour around Lake Constance, traveling through Germany, Switzerland and Austria. My most memorable day was in the Austrian Alps where we ferried our bikes up Mt. Pfander in a gondola, then cycled back down the nearly 3,500-foot mountain. It was equal parts thrilling and terrifying! Of course, I want to do it again.

The Netherlands, where “Chasing Shadows” takes place, is filled with bike-loving people like me. The first time my Dutch publisher invited me on a book tour there, I was astonished to see how many bicycles there are in that tiny country. A huge tangle of them greeted me outside every bookstore, their owners all waiting inside to hear me speak.  Bicycles whizzed through every village and city, often at breakneck speed. Dutch bike paths even had traffic circles at busy intersections to keep people from crashing into each other.

I’m told that there are more bikes in Holland than people, and I believe it! It’s a common sight to see professional men and women commuting with briefcases strapped to their bikes. Thousands of bikes are parked at every train station, some perched in double-decker bike racks to conserve space. I can’t imagine how people ever find their own bike again at the end of the day.

Naturally, bicycles play an important role in “Chasing Shadows.” Lena de Vries relies on her bicycle to travel from her farm to the nearby village, often with children perched on the handlebars and rear fender in true Dutch fashion. Her daughter Ans rides home from her townhouse in Leiden to visit her family. Later, Ans uses her bike for her dangerous work with the Dutch Resistance. I traveled to The Netherlands to research this book, and my husband and I rented bikes in Leiden to ride out into the countryside like Ans would have done so I could research settings for the de Vries family farm.

Here’s a sneak-peek at the Dutch version of the cover. Naturally, it also features a bicycle.

I doubt if my bicycling hobby will ever coincide so perfectly with my novel-writing research again, but it certainly worked out nicely for this book. I hope you’ll enjoy journeying into the past in “Chasing Shadows” and visiting the bike-loving Netherlands. And watch for a great deal on pre-orders, coming very soon!

Inspired by Scripture

We wish the readers of Inspired by Life…and Fiction a very blessed Easter! May you know that your Redeemer lives!

This Sunday feature is brought to you by ClashVerseoftheDay.com. You may sign up to receive a beautiful photo with Scripture in your inbox each morning or view the verse each day online.