Becky Wade's Blog, page 16

Cara’s Favorites

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We hope you are enjoying these weekly feature posts from the authors of Inspired by Life…and Fiction. We’re sharing some of our favorite things to help you get to know us a little better—and we’d love to hear your answers to these “favorites” questions in the comments below.

Favorite Holiday: Christmas. I know many of us are saying this, but I adore Christmas for what it means in our faith as well as the opportunity to spend so much time with family. I love that my kids are best friends with their cousins, and a large part of that has been our annual trips to Nebraska for Christmas pilgrimage. We play games, bake cookies, and more during our times.

Favorite Dessert: I love tiramisu and snickerdoodles. Two very different desserts, but so yummy. My oldest makes tiramisu, and I love to bake snickerdoodles when I have time.

Favorite Vacation: Any opportunity to travel to Europe is my favorite. In June 2024 I was in London, so that this is my most recent favorite, but this year it looks like I’ll have the opportunity to spend time in Barcelona, Prague, Italy, and hopefully Copenhagen. I’m pinch-me excited. I adore any opportunity to explore a city and see what’s around the next corner. There’s something magical that happens when you get to sink into a town long enough to have the map embedded in my brain. I love that…Here are a few photos from London.

I love my writing life

Many times over the last 40+ years, rather than say, “I love writing,” I’ve said, “I love having written.” That is still true; I love having written. I love meeting my word goal and feeling good about the accomplishment. However, I’m in a stage of my career where I am loving the writing as much as having written.

So I thought I would look at a few things I love as I write:

1. Bringing History to Life – I love weaving historical details into my romances. I find joy in making the past feel real and vivid, allowing readers to step into another time and place.

2. Crafting Meaningful Relationships – My stories focus on deep, heartfelt relationships, romantic and otherwise. Whether it’s a heroine finding love, a couple overcoming obstacles, or a town coming together, I love writing about how people grow, change, and find where they truly belong.

3. Exploring Faith and Redemption – My novels carry themes of faith, hope, and second chances. Whether through a reformed troublemaker, a heroine seeking purpose, or a couple finding love after hardship, I cherish writing stories that reflect God’s grace and the power of love to transform lives.

I really hope readers can perceive the love that goes into the stories I write.

So tell me, what makes you fall in love with the books you read?

~robin

Word Game & Prizes!

Do you enjoy word games? I’ve found that people who enjoy reading and writing tend to also enjoy word games. I usually have a crossword puzzle going at the breakfast table, and I enjoy playing Words with Friends, Wordle, and Word Warp on my phone.

Since I was having a little trouble coming up with a blog topic this week, I thought, why not play a game?

I love seeing people get creative with words, so let’s play a game that involves words that tell a story. My latest series, Texas Ever After, focuses on western fairy tale retellings, so let’s play with fairy tales.

ACROSTICS

Make a sentence using the letters from FAIRY TALE to start each word in order. The words you select should flow together in a sentence that makes sense when read together. I’ve give you an example in the graphic below.

Enter your acrostic in the comments for a chance to win an autographed copy of one of my reimagined fairy tales.

PRIZES

I will pick my two favorite acrostics from the comments, and each winner will receive their choice of either If the Boot Fits or Cloaked in Beauty.

Winners will be drawn on Friday, March 7 and announced in the comments of this post.

(U.S. addresses only)

Ready? Set . . . Go!

God and His Name

Have you ever had a season where you find yourself face to face with the same theme everywhere you turn in life? I’m currently in a season like this. And I’ve learned that such things warrant my close attention!

In January of this year, my next-door neighbor began a neighborhood Bible Study on the names of God. I was interested both because I haven’t done a ladies’ Bible Study in years and because my neighbor has been teaching Bible Study classes for a very long time. The study is on the names of God. While we are reading Kay Arthur’s Lord, I Want to Know You as a foundation, Cindy takes us deeper into the context of each name of God. 

This is all well and good and interesting. But then I picked up the book I gave to Jeff for Christmas—John Mark Comer’s God Has a Name: What You Believe About God Will Shape Who You Become. I devoured it. Comer comes at God’s name from a bit of a different perspective, using the passage in Exodus 34 where God tells Moses the character attributes that define His name.  Because in the Old Testament world, your name equates to your character. 

Okay, so two things. I’m paying attention. 

Then, I ran across an old book by George MacDonald called Discovering the Character of God. Not sure of the original publication date of this book, but it would have been before 1900. I love George MacDonald, so I wanted to hear what he had to say on the subject. I haven’t read this yet, but it’s coming!

Finally, our church announced its new sermon series, which will lead us up to Easter—the “I am” statements of Christ in the gospel of John. In other words, who Jesus says He is. 

Do you think the Lord is telling me to pay attention to who He says He is? I do! 

Each of these resources is similar yet different. I love this because it makes me think more deeply about any subject when I can come at it from several different starting points. And so I’m trying to slow down. Absorb and meditate. Search scripture and listen to the Holy Spirit. 

I have no doubt there is a reason for this deep dive into who God is. And so I will follow because I know my Shepherd leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. (Ps. 23:3)

Have you ever had a season where the Lord shows you something about Him or yourself over and over again? Tell us about it! 

Happy book birthday!

Today is release day for my novel THE DAUGHTER OF ROME, and I’ll be busy all day videotaping (do we still say that if it’s digital?) bits of “a day in the life” for AVID READERS OF CHRISTIAN FICTION’s Instagram story feed. Which is probably why I’m late posting this!

Because I grew up reading and watching book like THE SILVER CHALICE, THE ROBE, and BEN HUR, I have always been fascinated by Ancient Rome. It was very much like our society, and in some ways, it was just as advanced. (Did you know the Romans had heated marble floors?). So I hope you’ll check out the book and join me over on Avid’s FB page and Instagram feed. Enjoy!

~~Angie

Books on my nightstand

Here are three books I’m currently reading and would highly recommend. And get ready, because I’d love to know what’s on your nightstand and if you’re enjoying the read!

#1

You might already know I’m a fan of Kristi McLelland’s Bible studies and teachings. She’s an excellent teacher and has a God-breathed gift of communicating the Word through a middle eastern lens, which always informs (and corrects) my western lens.

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“The Scriptures are a feast. They are meant to be experienced, taken into our hearts and lives as we trust they will do their work in us.” —Kristi McLelland

BONUS RECOMMENDATION:
If you’re looking for an excellent Bible study for your small group, Kristi’s latest Luke in the Land video study is truly special. It includes seven video teaching sessions shot on location in Israel with Kristi, beautiful color photography that helps you visualize places where Jesus ministered, and six weeks of personal study. Highly recommended!

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#2

We’re studying the book of REVELATION in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) this year, and I’m really enjoying this particular book, which is providing further insight and clarity.

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“Revealing Revelation provides an eye-opening look at what lies ahead for every person in the end times—either in heaven or on earth. Are you prepared for what is to come?”

#3

Lastly, a much-beloved “staple” in my annual reading . . .

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I always find such encouragement, conviction, and timely reminders of eternal truths in this study. Streams in the Desert makes a wonderful gift, especially to someone who’s hurting or struggling.

That’s what’s currently on my nightstand (along with a grape-flavored Waterloo and my Kindle). So what are YOU currently reading and would you recommend it?

Much love from Nashville,

Tammy

Romantic suspense at a wild animal refuge? Yes, please! Ambush by friend and author Colleen Coble has it all: family secrets, a second chance romance, and all kinds of animals—both darling and deadly.

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Dani’s Favorites

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The authors of Inspired by Life…and Fiction are offering a new weekly post featuring some of our favorite things. We hope you enjoy getting to know a little more about us—and we’d love to hear your answers to these “favorites” questions in the comments below.

Favorite Holiday: Christmas for sure. I love the beauty of celebrating our Savor’s birth and the stillness of the week surrounding it. Focusing on the gift of Jesus, time with family and church. I especially love candlelight services. My family goes all out for Christmas. I’m not sure who is more excited. My grandkids or my husband. Seriously, I think he’s the biggest kid of all at Christmas. 

Favorite Vacation Spot: Kona, Hawaii. My husband and I took our girls there when my oldest was graduating high school, then back again for our 25th anniversary and recently to Maui (also a favorite) for our 32nd. We love the islands and have a special spot in Kona on the edge of the water on a little beach peninsula. We have bracelets we always wear with the coordinates to our “spot.” 

Favorite Dessert: Anything that combines chocolate and espresso. A flourless chocolate cake with espresso on the side or even more enjoyable if it’s part of the cake itself. Runner up its gluten free chocolate lava cake with raspberry drizzle. Okay, now I’m getting hungry for desert out at one of our favorite restaurants  

We’re Baking up a Book Tour

Dani Pettrey and I will be hitting the Texas highways this April! I just released Uneasy Street this month and Dani’s Two Seconds Too Late will come out in April. We wanted to do something special to celebrate and so we’re baking up a book tour. To make things even sweeter, our writer friends Natalie Walters and Lynne Gentry will be joining us at some of the locations!

That’s Natalie Walters on the left, Dani in the dress near the middle, and me second from right with wonderful reader friends and fellow authors this past November.This photo of Dallas/Ft Worth area writers was taken earlier this month! I’m second from right and Lynne Gentry is left of me in this photo.

Here’s our itinerary…

We’d love to see you at one of our book tour stops! If you don’t live anywhere near Texas, but know someone who does, we’d really appreciate it if you’d let them know about our tour.

Here’s more detailed information about each event:

Friday, April 4th, Longview, 11:30am — Becky Wade & Dani Pettrey — Booksigning at Mardel at 305-B W Loop 281

Saturday, April 5th, Dallas, 10am-12pm — Becky Wade, Dani Pettrey, Natalie Walters & Lynne Gentry — Books & Brunch: Meet the Authors at Park Cities Baptist Church 3933 Northwest Pkwy. This event will include a panel discussion with the authors, brunch, games, and prizes. Participation is free, however you’ll need to register in advance HERE.

Saturday, April 5th, Arlington, 3pm — Becky Wade & Dani Pettrey — Booksigning at Mardel at 4632 S Cooper St

Sunday, April 6th, College Station, 1:30pm — Becky Wade & Dani Pettrey — Author Talk at Ringer Library at 1818 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy S

Sunday, April 6th, The Woodlands, 5pm — Becky Wade & Dani Pettrey — Meet and Greet at the Barnes & Noble at 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. This is not a formal signing, rather it’s a casual chance to chat at a place where we’re all comfortable–the bookstore! You definitely don’t need to buy or bring a book of ours to attend! Please, just come to hang out. But if you would like to add a book of ours to your collection, please order it ahead of time from this B&N to ensure they’ll have it ready for you to pick up at this day/time.

Monday, April 7th, Houston, 5:30pm — Becky Wade & Dani Pettrey — Booksigning at Mardel at 19650 Restaurant Row

Tuesday, April 8th, Bastrop, 11am — Becky Wade & Dani Pettrey — Booksigning at Living Room Books & Gifts at 301 Highway 71 West Ste 100

Tuesday, April 8th, San Antonio, 5pm — Becky Wade, Dani Pettrey & Natalie Walters — Meet and Greet at the Barnes & Noble at Northwoods Shopping Center, 18030 US-281 #140. This is not a formal signing, rather it’s a casual chance to chat at a place where we’re all comfortable–the bookstore! You definitely don’t need to buy or bring a book of ours to attend! Please, just come to hang out. But if you would like to add a book of ours to your collection, please order it ahead of time from this B&N to ensure they’ll have it ready for you to pick up at this day/time.

Wednesday, April 9th, San Antonio, 8am — Becky Wade, Dani Pettrey & Natalie Walters — Reader/Writer Breakfast at La Panaderia at 301 East Houston Street

A head’s up! Dani will be visiting additional locations in Arizona and Iowa, but I’ll let her fill you in on those in a separate post.

Readers, have you taken part in an author’s book tour in the past? If you’re an author who’s been on a book tour, do you have any suggestions for us?

A Sneak Peek & Giveaway

Hi friends! 

I’m SO excited to share here first….

Look what came in the mail!!! Advanced copies of Two Seconds Too Late! It releases at the end of April, so it was very exciting to hold a copy in my hands. I’ll be doing a special giveaway next week (when I’m back in town) for my newsletter subscribers, along with some really exciting news, so sign up if you haven’t already, or drop by one of my social media sites next week to enter.  

Two Seconds Too Late is the second book in my Jeopardy Falls series, following One Wrong Move, which you have time to read before Two Seconds Too Late launches, but I write my books so you don’t have to read them in order, but I know many prefer doing that. 

Jeopardy Falls follows the MacLeod family, and this book focuses on Greyson Chadwick and Riley MacLeod, the youngest in the family. Here’s how I picture them and a sneak peek at Riley and Greyson’s adventure.  

A missing woman. Two hit men. When every second counts, who will survive? 

In the stark but beautiful wilds of northern New Mexico, a couples’ retreat at a luxury resort turns into a chilling nightmare when a woman vanishes. Skip tracer Riley MacLeod and private investigator Greyson Chadwick pose as a couple to hunt for clues that might reveal the missing woman’s location. Those leads uncover a harrowing truth: They’re not the only ones looking for her. What begins as a normal tracking case turns into a deadly chase when they, too, become the hunted. 

As Riley and Greyson work together, their partnership ignites a tumultuous attraction, but Greyson’s secrets prevent him from acting on his feelings for her, and Riley can’t bring herself to fully trust him. Delving deeper into the case, they find themselves fighting not only for justice and the chance at a loving relationship . . . but also for their very survival. 

Dani Pettrey Hooks Readers With . . . 

“A fast-paced, thrilling ride. Readers of Lynette Eason and Colleen Coble will enjoy.”–Library Journal starred review on One Wrong Move
“Romance that’s as thrilling as the action, and faithful characters integrated seamlessly into a complex web of crime.”–Booklist on The Killing Tide 

“This action-packed romantic suspense novel is the second in Dani Pettrey’s Jeopardy Falls series. Filled with crime and spy investigations, this clean Christian thriller will appeal to fans of Mission: Impossible, Lynette Eason, and Irene Hannon.” ~Cokebury 

I hope you’ll check out Greyson and Riley’s story. And, be sure to keep an eye out next week for the giveaway. I’ll be giving away three copies and these cute bookmarks. 

Have a blessed week. 

Dani

12 Perks of Being Married to an Author | guest post by Julie Klassen’s husband

Everyone, it seems, wants to be a writer, and who wouldn’t? So many are drawn to the allure of spending all day conjuring up spellbinding stories while wearing pajamas, and with a cat on your lap to boot.

But have you ever considered the other half of the marital equation, the husband of a bestselling author? The “Proser Partner”? How does this station rate in the grand scheme of things?

Well I’m here to tell you that being married to an author is a pretty good gig if you can get it. Here are just a few of the perks:

Group Trip 2019, Bell Inn, New Forest, EnglandAuthors often travel to distant lands like England to do research and sometimes the spouse gets to go along. Sure, while other people are touring Buckingham Palace or Big Ben, I’m spending four hours in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Museum, but who’s complaining? The best part is the author’s travel expenses are tax deductible. Authors are good at writing things. So when it’s time to fill out those Christmas cards, who do you think gets tasked with that? Yep.Authors are good at spelling and grammar and their editing skills are top notch. These skills come in handy when it’s time to create that resume and those cover letters.Authors get lots of practice writing their name at book signings and such. So when it’s time to sign the guest book at a wedding or funeral? You guessed it.Authors have a wealth of knowledge regarding the time period in which they write. So if “Regency era England” ever comes up in a Trivial Pursuit category or a pub quiz night, I am sitting pretty.Reading material is never lacking at our house. We have stacks of books piled upon stacks of books. My future reading list will take me up until at least 2050.Authors know other authors and some of them are quite famous, and almost all of them are quite nice people.Access to office supplies is off the charts. Not to mention the thousand or so ‘Julie Klassen’ bookmarks I’ve got stashed away in a drawer someplace.Who else gets Figgy pudding at Christmas time?Let’s just say that if I wasn’t married to an award-winning author, our family trophy case would be a lot smaller. I already mentioned research travel, but even better are the group trips Julie leads to England. These trips are truly a highlight and I look forward to any and all future trips with fans who have become friends.Probably my favorite perk of all is getting to eat all the left-over candy from speaking engagements and book signings.

There you have it. Just a short list of the perks associated with being married to an author. I truly have enjoyed seeing my better half doing what she was born to do.