Becky Wade's Blog, page 2

Laughter and mourning…balancing life

Last Tuesday, the wonderful Karen Watson (Tyndale Publishers) and I had dinner before attending Michelle Shocklee’s book signing in downtown Franklin. The evening was pure pleasure—catching up with Karen and supporting and celebrating Michelle and her new book.

The Women of Oak Ridge is out in the world and is truly a must read for historical fiction lovers—the real history of Oak Ridge Tennessee, the depth of characters, a captivating plot. I highly recommend it.

In the hills of Tennessee, two women work at a Manhattan Project site during World War II and uncover truths that irrevocably change their lives in this captivating new story from award-winning Southern fiction author Michelle Shocklee.

More about Michelle Shocklee

Move a week ahead…

Today is a Tuesday, which means it’s a Gram Tam (and Papa Joe) day, which I love (but gracious, do Joe and I sleep well on Tuesday and Thursday nights!). Here are our grands, almost 3 and 2 years old. They are a handful but so precious, and growing way too fast. These pics pretty much capture their personalities.

They’ll be here shortly, so I need to get things set up and lunch started. But first…

In the midst of your busy Tuesday—and in this world full of gut wrenching tragedy and incredible heartfelt blessing—here are verses that have brought me such comfort in the last week…

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am… Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 14:1-3, 16:33b (NLT)

Jesus is our Rock, our Redeemer, an ever present help in time of need. He’s our Shelter, our Comforter, the King of the Universe through whom all things were made and hold together. He’s our Champion. He’s for you. Whether you’ve turned to him as Savior and Lord or not, he’s for you. And even after we’ve bowed the knee to him and confessed our sins and have accepted his saving grace, he still pursues us, wanting to deepen the relationship, wanting us to know the Father more and more and more.

Almost a decade ago, a Bible teacher and good friend challenged me to spend as much time in the Word of God as I did watching Netflix or the news or scrolling through social media. That brought awareness, then conviction, then repentance, then life-renewing change—the Creator of the Universe meeting me at every turn—and I’ll be forever grateful.

Whatever life has you doing today, let’s boldly speak the name of Jesus with a depth of love that can only come from his heart. And if you’re not in a Bible study yet this fall, please check out Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). We’ve just started EXILE AND RETURN, which promises to be another powerful study.

In-person gatherings are available as well online. YES, THERE ARE ONLINE GROUPS, which I’m part of this year. I’m betting there’s room for you in both.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT BSF / FIND A GROUP NEAR ME

Blessings on your week, my friends,

Tammy

The Song of the Morning

In April, I ordered eight new day-old female chicks–to replace the hens we had lost over the last couple of years. The hatchery I ordered from sent me eleven chicks, which is very nice of them, considering that baby chicks are fragile things and some don’t make it through the first week.

Well, I raised those little chicks and didn’t lose a single one. And now they are almost five months old and two of them are crowing. Two others are suspected roosters, even though they haven’t found the courage to cockle-do-a do. Probably intimidated by the others.

Conventional wisdom says you shouldn’t have more than one rooster in a coop where there are hens (oddly enough, a bachelor coop of all roos does just fine), because they’ll fight. But about a month ago, one of my old roos died, so I did a little repositioning, so the roos are a little less crowded– and I’m hoping they’ll get along just fine.

But at our house, the musical medley starts right outside our bedroom window at four or five a.m. I like the sound and usually sleep right through it, though I have had dreams where someone is trying to sing opera and not quite getting it. I think that’s my new lavender orpington Roo–he has a very melodious tone. There’s an Easter Egger Roo who is definitely the top of the heap, and he crows ALL THE TIME. Round the clock. If something moves, he’ll crow at it. But that’s his job, I think.

Fortunately, my neighbors tell me they like the songs of the roosters–makes them feel like they’re out in the country, even though we’re in the middle of the most densely populated county in Florida. I like their music, too, but hubby is a light sleeper, and he loves to moan about them. But that’s okay. He’ll get used to them–he always does.

And a happy good morning to you!

Angie

Join the Fun!

I love having the opportunity to gather with fellow readers and writers. Last November, I was able to do just that at Reader Rendezvous in Chicago. I’m not going to be able to attend this fall. But they’re hosting it in St. Louis in November. If you live near there, I recommend it! Click here for details.

Rendezvous 2024

I also gathered with readers and writers via the Texas book tour back in April that Dani Pettrey and I organized. I’d never attempted a book tour before. It was tiring–involving lots of events and lots of driving. But I’m very glad we did it because it was a joy to spend time with so many people in the bookish community.

Texas Book Tour 2025

I’ll have the chance to hang out with readers again later this month…

On a day trip to Waxahachie two years ago, my mom and I ambled into O’Brien’s Book Shop back when it used to be housed inside a larger antiques store.

My mom mentioned to Lisa O’Brien, the shop owner, that I was an author. Lisa asked, “What type of books do you write?” When I answered with, “Christian romance,” she was enthusiastic. (Often times when I tell people my genre, they’re befuddled or carefully polite.) Lisa then kindly hosted me for a book signing that December.

Lisa now has a shop of her own in Midlothian. When she reached out to invite me back for another signing, I jumped at the chance. She’s lovely and I have a special place in my heart for indie book stores. If you live in North Texas, I’d love to see you at Lisa’s shop on September 27th!

Finally, I’ll be traveling to Georgia in February to serve as the luncheon speaker for this wonderful event…

I chatted with Beckie Burnham, a long-time Christian fiction reader, at Reader Rendezvous. She told me about the book festival that she’s involved with in Georgia and asked if I’d be interested in attending and speaking. I said that I would, she followed up, and I’m looking forward to taking part! If you live in Georgia, please join us. Registration isn’t yet open, but when it is, you’ll find that here.

What do you love best about interacting with readers and writers in person?

ACFW 2025 Recap

Last week found me traveling to Springfield, Missouri, a seven hour sojourn by my trusty GMC to reach the hotel where the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference was held this year. Each year this is my few days to spend time with my writing friends, interact with editors and agents, and get to spend rare time with readers. Each year elements are different, but some things never change.

I adore the opportunity to spend time with my writing friends. These are just a few of the lovely souls and amazing writers that I have the privilege of calling friends. There’s Robin Jones Gunn, Gabrielle Meyer, Kate Angelo, Denise Hunter, Colleen Coble and Kelsey Anderson. Then there’s that group of laughter below. “Pivot!” Somehow the Friends clip became a thing with Bethany Turner and me — and by extension Pepper Basham. Karen Witemeyer taught a great class on humor — if you have read her books, you know she’s great at it!

There is something beautiful about being in a space where I get to pour into other writers, and at the same time take so many notes while sitting in other amazing authors’ classes. It is always such life to my writing soul to get inspired to dig deeper in my writing and perspective as I listen and think about how to try new things in my writing. We also had a fun evening of pizza and games by genre. It was entertaining to interact with other suspense writers as we played bingo and answered some fun questions.

We also had a wonderful book signing on Saturday morning. SOOOOO many readers turned out for the event. These lovely women are just a few of them that I interacted with. It is always life-giving to get to chat with people who love books, and if they happen to like mine, too, that’s an added bonus.

Do you enjoy going to writer or reader events? What’s the last one you attended? What’s your favorite part of going?

Cozy Fall Reading Essentials

Hi friends, 

So happy to be back with you today. Can you believe we’re into September. It’s growing into that lovely Fall season in so many places. We moved from Maryland to Florida last year, so our Autumn is definitely new and different for us. Instead of Fall leaves in bursts of orange, yellow and red outside my office window, this year I’m looking at beautiful palm trees, bright blue skies and sunshine. 

Luckily, I’m a summer girl so Florida is a perfect fit for me. However, there are so many things about Autumn I love: pumpkins, sweet apple cider with a cinnamon stick, the crispness in the air and picking fresh apples off the orchard tree.

It’s hard to believe this little guy is now 11, but we have the best memories from our pumpkin patch days.. 

Fall is also a fabulous season for reading. Kids head back to school, and the evenings get dark far quicker. It’s a great time to curl up and read. Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite cozy reading essentials for Autumn. I hope you’ll enjoy them as much as I do. 

First and foremost, I pick a cozy place to read: a porch swing, a comfy reading chair by the window, or a couch you can sink into by the fireplace. If you’re really lucky, you might have a special reading nook with a window seat. I’ve always wanted one. 

Then, you must have a warm and soft blanket to curl up with. Here’s my favorite. It keeps the chill of Fall away even on the porch and feels luxurious. 

You can grab the same cozy blanket for yourself over on Amazon!

Next, you must have something warm to drink. I found this recipe on Pinterest, and it’s delicious. It tastes just like Starbucks but for a fraction of the price, and it gives off a wonderful aroma for your home. 

Get the recipe!

And, of course, something yummy to eat with your latte. Here’s a recipe from my Chesapeake Valor series. It’s from Still Life and one of Parker Mitchell’s favorites and mine too. 

Parker MitchellDate Of Birth: February 8. 1987Height: 6′ Eyes: Deep greenHair: Dark brownAppearance: Parker has a dynamic smile. Irish brogue, and is extremely charmingWork: Crime Scene InvestigatorFamily History: He immigrated with his family to Chesapeake Harbor, Md from Ireland when he was four. Close with his parents. No siblingsInterests: Forensics. Hiking. Kayaking and Avery Tate

Grab Your Copies of the Chesapeake Valor Series!

Last but not least, you need a good book to curl up with. Since I’m a suspense author, I’m recommending a few romantic suspense books to keep you glued to the page this Fall. Hope you enjoy! 

Grab Your Copy!

Teri’s book was released a while ago, but it’s such a favorite I couldn’t leave it out of my list. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, you should check it out. It’s riveting. 

Two more of my favorite suspense authors have new releases in October. I can hardly wait. If you haven’t

Grab Your Copy!

Grab Your Copy!

I hope you enjoy these yummy treats and great reads. Happy Fall! 

Blessings, 

Dani

ACFW 25th Anniversary

This past weekend Ken and I attended the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in Springfield, Missouri. Our own Angie Hunt, Cara Putman, and Karen Witemeyer were there also, all teaching workshops or continuing sessions. Because I had no real responsibilities at the conference this year, other than a book signing on Saturday morning, I was able to attend five different workshops, including one that Karen taught on adding humor to your writing. It was excellent, as were all the classes I took.

Our book signing was open to the public this year and we were blown away by the attendance! I wouldn’t be surprised if we broke some fire laws in that ballroom!

At my table at the booksigning.

The highlight of the conference is always the Saturday night gala where the contest winners and other awards are announced. Below I’m with my wonderful husband, Ken; with Robin Jones Gunn; and with my literary agent, Steve Laube.

We were so blessed by Robin Jones Gunn, who was not only the conference keynote speaker, but also the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award. It was so great to celebrate with her, and so sweet that Robin’s husband, Ross, sent her a lei from Maui (where they used to live) all the way to Missouri in honor of her award.

One of the highlights of each conference is the opportunity to worship together with others in the publishing industry. Such a privilege.

I came away refreshed and ready to dive back into this work God has given me to do. With great joy!

The Growing of a Series

Throughout my traditional writing career (40+ years), most series were three books long. In fact, back in the 1980s, instead of calling them a series, they were called a trilogy. Most authors wrote three books and moved on to something else.

There were exceptions, of course. Sue Grafton with her alphabet books. Harry Potter. Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum novels.

But things really changed in the last decade as indie authors wrote longer series and readers gobbled them up.

When I came up with the idea for my British Are Coming series, there were three books. Each book would feature a British character (Sebastian, his sister Amanda, and his friend Roger) who would then each find love with an American character on or near a ranch called Eden’s Gate.

In January 2023, I shared the story of how a novella set in England, To Enchant a Lady’s Heart, was added to the mix and why it took more than a decade for the series to begin to be written. You can read that blog post at https://inspiredbylifeandfiction.com/a-long-and-winding-road/.

Anyway, the last of the original three books (To Reveal a Reckless Love) is now ready for the editor to do her final magic. However, the series isn’t going to end with that book. It is continuing to grow.

Soon after the publication of To Marry an English Lord, I began hearing from readers, wondering if they were going to get William’s story. William is the rancher who owns Eden’s Gate. The requests increased after the publication of To Capture a Mountain Man.

Thankfully, the perfect woman for William rushed into my imagination. She’s an Irish housemaid who escapes from trouble in England and finds herself in William’s employ. And so I began to write To Find Where She Belongs. The story is coming along, and I’m having great fun watching these two fall for each other. God willing and the creeks don’t rise, the book will release in February or March of 2026.

But wait! In To Reveal a Reckless Love, Reverend Truman Blankenship, a fixture in all the books set in America, was hoping to find love but didn’t. I found myself feeling sorry for him. I mean, he’s a nice guy. He’s eligible. He ought to find a good woman with whom to share his ministry and life. And so, he is going to get his own story. Once again, the perfect heroine marched (yes, she is the sort who would march, determined and head held high) into my mind. I think I know the title but haven’t decided absolutely. The story will have a Christmas setting, and I plan for it to release in the third quarter of 2026.

And so, a series that began with only three books has grown to six. Who knows if there might be another resident of Eden’s Gate Ranch or the town of Gibeon, Idaho who needs a little help from this romantic writer. Time will tell.

One side note: I write all of my books to stand alone, even if they are part of a series. Naturally I hope readers will want to read all the books in a series, but I make sure no one feels lost if they pick up book #4 without reading the first three.

Do you enjoy reading series books (especially ones that stand alone)? Or do you prefer single title releases?

~robin

You’re Invited

I’ve participated in several large-scale reader retreats over the last few years, but I’ve been cultivating the idea of putting together something more intimate. A relaxing weekend with just me and up to 30 of my readers. In an effort to plan ahead, I’m making reservations now for a spring retreat in April 2027. I know that’s quite a ways into the future, but the retreat center I found is already booked for most of that spring.

I’m currently writing my second spinster book, and the hero just happens to work in a grist mill, so when I found Summer’s Mill Retreat Center, I knew it was the perfect place to gather. It is located in the Texas Hill Country, which brings the added bonus of likely bluebonnet sightings.

Summer’s Mill Retreat Center

My inspiration behind the retreat is to have a relaxed atmosphere with friends. There will be scheduled activities, but there will also be unscheduled time to read or chat, play games or piece a puzzle, hike a walking trail or hide and recharge.

We will play group parlor games, explore historic sites on the property, and enjoy an old-fashioned hymn sing on Sunday morning to close our time together. You are welcome to bring books from home to have me sign. All meals are included.

Date: April 2-4, 2027 
(Friday – Sunday)
Cost: $240 – $325 per person 
(final amount will be determined by how many attend)
Deposit: $75 – $90 per person

100 year old chapel at Summer’s Mill

In order for me to make the reservation, I have to pay a significant retainer, so I am needing to collect a deposit, even though we are a year and a half away. The deposit you pay up front will be subtracted from the full retreat cost, and should you need to cancel for any reason, the full amount will be refunded.

To learn more and to register for the retreat, please use the link below:

Retreat Registration

I’d love for you to join us there!

Choosing Your Next Read

I know many of you, like me, have an overflowing TBR (to-be-read) pile. 

Lately, I’ve been struggling with choosing my next read. 

For the most part, I’m a mood reader, so I choose based on how I’m feeling.

However, I also enjoy reading books from different genres simultaneously, so if I finish one genre, I pick something else from the same genre, as I likely have other genres I’m also reading. 

And yet, even with those two loose parameters, I often find myself doing a switch-up either because a book I want to read just came out or I’m suddenly wondering why a book that’s been in my pile for a while hasn’t yet been read! 

So I’m wondering . . .  how do you choose? 

Latest published date? 

Earlier published date? 

Date acquired in your collection? 

In other words, do you have a system? 

Or do you choose by mood, genre, or even just a random selection (I’ve seen people wrap their TBR books and pick one to read without knowing what it is)? 

Do you have different criteria for picking your next physical book read vs. an ebook or an audiobook? 

Inquiring minds want to know!

Hold the Onions

While I’m still basking in the thrill—but mostly tremendous relief—of turning in yet another tome of a novel, I asked my husband Joe if I could share one of his life lessons from his book From Start to Finish that released earlier this year. He said, “As long as you choose it.”

More about the book
Available on Kindle Unlimited

So I chose the following lesson about always giving our best, no matter the situation.

It’s a favorite memory from our daughter Kelsey’s college experiences at Belmont University here in Nashville…

Lesson 14
Hold the Onion

Our daughter, Kelsey, did what most college students do—she changed her major halfway through. I think it was near the beginning of her third year in college when she had learned enough to finally make an informed choice. 

After toying with one completely different path for a while, she landed back where she began, in marketing. Like her dad, and to some degree, like her grandaddy. 

But also like her dad, she was finishing her degree at a time when the world’s economic cycle was mired in a recession and when finding the right job was a real challenge for someone approaching graduation. Many of us know that when you major in marketing, you end up in areas like sales, advertising, retailing, or maybe product management. But banking?

Toward the end of college, Kelsey was waiting tables part-time at a local establishment in downtown Nashville, and she often worked the lunch shift in between classes. The restaurant was in a multi-unit building complex that included numerous businesses, one being the headquarters for a local bank. As a result, the restaurant where she worked was a convenient lunch option for many of the bank’s executives. 

As her job search continued, she read about an opening for a “concierge banker” at that nearby bank on the other end of the same building where she waited tables. After reviewing the job description, she thought it would be a good match for someone with her marketing background. Only one problem—she knew nothing about banking beyond a single finance course, and with the lack of available jobs out there, she knew competition would be stiff.

Still, she applied and managed to make it through the first two rounds of screenings, an interview or two and ultimately, the final interview where she was offered the job. The offer took her somewhat by surprise as she knew at least one other candidate with whom she was competing, and he was a finance major from her university. But when she ended up being offered the position, she couldn’t help but ask the executive VP Vickie Storm somewhat sheepishly, “But why me? I don’t really know anything about banking.”

Vickie’s response? “Yes, we’re aware you’ll need to learn more about the banking industry. But we can teach you that. What we can’t teach you is what we observed when you were waiting tables for some of us who grabbed lunch at the restaurant down the hall. The first time you served me, I ordered a salad and asked you to “Hold the onion.” From that point on, each time I came in for lunch, I never again had to tell you how I wanted my salad prepared. You remembered. We can’t teach that.” 

And that’s how Kelsey secured her first full-time job out of college. She was interviewing long before she began her job search. She just didn’t know it at the time. And that’s something I’ve learned over the years. We are continuously interviewing for future opportunities a lot more frequently than most of us recognize at the time. 

Putting your best foot forward and being your best self is a great habit to develop.

Giving your best matters. No matter how big or small the opportunity may seem at the time.

What “small” opportunity has God put in your life that turned out to be bigger than you originally thought? What did it lead to? And have you taken the time to write down important life lessons and family history not only for you to remember, but for the encouragement of loved ones coming after you?

I’m so grateful Joe did this. From Start to Finish was certainly a labor of love—and a season of remembering how faithful God has been to us in our 40+ years together.

Love from Nashville where I’m baking Pumpkin Spice Muffins in the hope of hurrying fall along. It’s my favorite time of year.

Tammy