Becky Wade's Blog, page 27

America, the Beautiful

Ken and I are traveling for the month of October and discovered our campground for tonight in Vermont doesn’t have phone service or wifi, so we drove into a little town in search of wifi and now I’m posting quickly before we need to get back to our campground. We never like to arrive after dark, so this will be quick!

We left a week ago Sunday and in the 7 days we’ve been traveling, we have seen so much of God’s incredible creation! Here are just a few of the most stunning views we’ve seen, most of them in state parks, which we love. (If you’d like to see more photos, I’d love to have you follow me on our Raney Day Trippin Instagram account.)

HOCKING HILLS STATE PARK, OHIO

FOUR MILE CREEK STATE PARK, NEW YORK

on Lake Ontario near Niagara Falls, NY

NIAGARA FALLS STATE PARK, NEW YORK and CANADA

We added a new country to our passports, walking across the Rainbow Bridge

to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls!

WATKINS GLEN STATE PARK, NEW YORK

VERMONT

We also added a new state to our list of states we’ve visited and wow! did Vermont show off for us!

What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever visited? I’d love to know so maybe we can add some new destinations to our next trip!

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.

Cover Model Update!

It’s been 10 years since my book Meant to Be Mine released. 10 Years!

Trade paperback coverMass market paperback cover

The hero of this book (Ty Porter) has lived on in the hearts of a lot of readers. Leigh Foster posed as Ty for the cover shoot. He was gracious to answer some interview questions for me back then (which you can find HERE) and just as graciously provided me with an update when I reached out to him recently to ask where life has taken him over the past decade.

“I can’t believe it’s already been 10 years since I posed for the cover of Meant to Be Mine. The memories of that shoot are still so vivid; it’s like it happened just yesterday. So much has unfolded in the past decade. I’ve been lucky enough to carve out a nice career for myself in the world of acting and modeling, which remains my profession to this day. But what truly excites me is a newfound passion I discovered only two years ago.

Although I moved to Chicago 13 years ago, I remained under the representation of my agency in Minneapolis, often making the 450-mile trek for work. It was during one of those drives that a random thought popped into my head: “I wonder if I could bike this distance.” Little did I know at the time, that fleeting thought was the spark that ignited a whole new chapter of my life. It took me a few years, but I finally mustered the courage to give it a shot — and once I did, there was no turning back. I bought a bicycle, packed my bags, and took off. I was hooked right from the start, before I even left Chicago. Nine days later, I found myself in my parents’ front yard in Saint Paul, eagerly planning my next ride.

Since that initial ride, I’ve covered thousands of miles all across the United States. I’ve biked from Pittsburgh to DC, across Missouri, from the Canadian border back down to Chicago, and even ventured into Mexico, spending a week camping alone in the wilderness. In a few days, I’ll be heading to Minnesota to bike the length of the state. Viewing the world from the seat of my bicycle is constantly on my mind; it’s all I want to do. I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed sharing photos and videos from my adventures on Instagram, allowing people to follow along. If any of your readers are interested and want share in my journey, I’d love to have them along for the ride. My Instagram handle is “theleighfoster.”

These past 10 years, since the Meant to Be Mine shoot, have been nothing short of amazing, and I’m hopeful that the next decade will be even better. I can’t wait to pen another update for your readers then. Who knows where I’ll be or what I’ll be doing. The anticipation of discovering what’s next is half the fun!”

Thank you, Leigh! [ Photos re-posted with his permission]

His joy in biking is infectious, isn’t it? What hobby or pursuit is bringing YOU joy lately? Do you remember my annual cover model interviews? (They were always one of my favorite posts of the year.)

The Juggling World of Writers

This week is a classic example of the wonderful, juggling world of writers. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to write, the best descriptor for me is high switching efficiency. In other words, the ability to switch between tasks easily or at least agilely.

For example, a month ago, I decided to put two of my books on sale this month. Call it a welcome to fall sale. The first of the two books, Deadly Exposure goes on sale October 12th on all platforms, but because Amazon doesn’t make it flip-a-switch easy, I changed the price a day ago to make sure it had adjusted on time. Then I’ll have to go in at the end of the sale to switch it back. All the other sites allow you to set on and off dates ahead of time. Super easy. How do I remember? A very old school 3×5 card. Crazy, right?!?

At the same time I’m writing book three in the Secrets to Keep series while thinking about the cover the publisher sent me last night for book two, the Accused. I’m also thinking about rereleasing Secrets to Keep, which is a novella I had in a collection a couple falls ago that was a prelude to the prelude for the Secrets to Keep collection. I’ve been building this world for a while, ya’ll. I created this cover a couple years ago and I still like it. What do y’all think? Should I keep it or try again?

If I like it, it could be up for sale in a week or so. Basically the next time I get stumped on book three, instead of kicking cabinets, I could finish loading this to sell. Then I could package all the prequel novellas together in the spring or next fall into one collection. See, I never have a lack of ideas. I just need time. Maybe a clone, but I’m not sure I’d like my clone. Too much me, you know.

But I need to get back to writing book three. It had a working title, but I’ve forgotten what it was. Excuse me while I go check the proof for The Accused. That’s right, the Targeted. Oh, I like that. It fits really well. Hmmm. I’ll have to work that in somehow.

See? This is how my brain works. Endlessly switching between tasks. And then there’s marketing and the business and all the other details. What’s a writer to do, other then keep her head down and fingers on the keys. Back to writing!

But before I leave, I’ve been going through my books and found some double copies of books that I purchased two of. Oops. My excess is your gain. Use the form below to enter to be gifted a book from this overflow. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hurricane Relief for Dani

Today’s Dani Pettrey’s blogging day, but she’ll be taking a break from posting for a while, so I’m here to give you an update on her.

I met Dani in 2011. At the time we’d both traveled to Minnesota for a gathering with the team at Bethany House Publishers. We’d both recently signed contracts with them for our first Christian fiction novels and later learned those debut books would be releasing on the same day of the same month. We’ve been friends and have prayed over one another’s writing ever since. A few of my favorite pictures from over the years…

L to R: Betsy St Amant, Katie Ganshert, Courtney Walsh, Dani, meL to R: me, Katie Cushman, Dave & Sarah Long (editors), Dani, Katie Ganshert, Julie Klassen, Karen Witemeyer, Jody Hedlund

Dani and her husband recently moved from Maryland to a new home in Florida. On September 11th, she blogged about the move HERE on Inspired by Life. Then, two weeks ago, Hurricane Helene hit. It flooded their home with three feet of water. They lost most of their belongings, furniture, and both cars. They’re facing months of restoration before they can move back into their home. And now Hurricane Milton is bearing down and their house is in its path.

Many of us wanted to find a way to show our care and support to Dani during this really hard time. A mutual friend of Dani’s and mine, author Jill Kemerer, has set up a relief fund to assist in meeting practical needs. I love how Jill set it up because donating isn’t the only option. You can also help by volunteering to share about the fund or to pray. Click HERE or on the image below to visit the relief fund’s page. Dani’s community of friends and readers has already raised over $3,000! Even small donations add up.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Dani, may the Lord protect you, strengthen you, and fill you with His peace.

Book News & Second Chances

I am both humbled and gratified to announce the upcoming release of a revised and updated Tenth Anniversary Edition of the novel, Lady Maybe. This is a novel that caused a bit of controversy and earned negative reviews from some readers while others (still) claim it as their favorite novel.

It’s hard to believe it will soon be ten years since the book’s original release. Though in some ways, it seems a lifetime ago.

I am a fallible human, obviously, and I have (I hope) learned a lot since then, personally, spiritually, as well as about the history and customs of the Regency era in which I write, and about writing in general. I am thankful for the opportunity to make improvements, correct a few anachronisms and other gaffes, revise a couple of sections that admittedly went too far in the first edition and expand somewhat on the faith components, which were already there, but hopefully are now clearer.

This is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to update one of my older manuscripts. A humbling and challenging task for sure! (Though I suppose it might be equally concerning if I had not learned anything in the last decade.) The good news? I still love this story ten years on, and I hope you will, too!

I am deeply grateful for my publishing team at Bethany House Publishers/Baker Books for walking alongside me during this new and unfamiliar part of the journey and all the ways they champion me and my books.

The new edition is slated to release May 6, 2025 and has a beautiful new cover, which I love. If you are not familiar with the story, here’s a description:

In the midst of a fierce storm, a carriage carrying Sir John Mayfield, Lady Marianna Mayfield, and her lady’s companion, careens off a narrow cliff road, changing their fates forever. When the wreckage is found, Sir John is gravely injured, and a woman is discovered unconscious, wearing a valuable ring. As the woman regains consciousness in a strange house, she grapples with fragmented memories of the accident, unsettling dreams of a child in peril, and a deep mystery tied to the ring on her finger. Surrounded by unfamiliar faces and haunted by a sense of foreboding, the survivor realizes she cannot trust anyone and must uncover the truth of what happened that stormy night, even as danger mounts and enemies conspire against her. 

What about you? If you are a writer, have you had the experience of updating an older book? And if you are not, have you had the opportunity for a “do-over” in your life you’d care to share with us?

This is one believer who is grateful for grace and second-chances!

Happy October!

October may mean fall color and falling leaves for some, but for me it will always mean the end of the long, hot summer–and the busiest time of hurricane season.

As I’m typing this, it’s been two days since Hurricane Helene roared up from the Gulf of Mexico and created havoc throughout the south. We were fortunate–and blessed–at our house, because the creek didn’t rise and my wooden house held together despite the pounding winds. But others were not so lucky. Friends who live on the “barrier islands” have still not been allowed back to their homes, and others are still without power. My messianic synagogue had a foot of water in the building. And I’ve been glued to the television, watching scenes of horrific damage to businesses and homes farther north, even into the Carolinas and Georgia.

And there’s another storm brewing in the gulf. Maybe I’ll keep my storm window polycarbonate panels on a few days more . . .

When I was a kid, hurricanes were no big deal. I’m a Florida native, so I’m used to them. But Florida wasn’t as populated then, cities weren’t overbuilt, and nature has a way of taking care of itself. But when you build right smack next to the ocean, and when you take away area that the water needs in order to escape . . . well, you have problems.

Our lot has several HUGE live oaks, any one of which could fall and utterly destroy our house. Our insurance companies routinely ask us to take them down, but they shade us in the summer and delight us all year long, not to mention providing homes for squirrels and birds and those little green worms that dangle in mid-air every February and March. I figure the oaks have been here far longer than the house, so they can stay. Not surprisingly, it’s the skinny little non-native trees I’ve planted that tend to be flattened by hurricane winds. I have two Australian rainbow eucalyptus trees, however, that are still standing and swaying. Those things are fantastic!

A rainbow eucalyptus tree. Mine are still babies, but in about 100 years, they should look like this.

So if you ever want to experience a hurricane, come to Florida in late September or October. That’s our busiest time of year. (I actually did have an Airbnb guest with us this week–he did just fine.) Just don’t stay on the beach.

Say a prayer for us, will you? Hurricane season isn’t over until November!

~Angie

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 Chance to Win an Early Copy

I hoped I would be the first to post that picture of me “nabbing” Karen during the Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers conference, but our posting days being what they are, she got to share before I could. Like Karen, I had a wonderful time in Phoenix, and while I have quite a few photos from the weekend, that one will remain my favorite. We laughed so hard.

There is something about being around other authors, people who have stories rolling around in their heads, that energizes me. I came home ready to write up a storm. I’m better than two-thirds done with the first draft of To Capture a Mountain Man, book #3 in The British Are Coming series, and it looks like I will be finished by the end of this month, much to my delight.

In the meantime, it is a little over four weeks until the release of Wishing for Mistletoe, and I cannot wait to share this sweet Christmas romance with you. Here’s what a few early readers have had to say:

[Hatcher’s] sweet love story is best enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate and a Christmas cookie or two—and if you can arrange a snowfall, that would be perfect. I finished this satisfying blend of love and hope against the quaint backdrop of Sanctuary Island with a smile on my face.” — Beth K. Vogt, award-winning author of Dedicated to the One I Love

Charming and delightful with all the feels you want in a Christmas novel, Wishing for Mistletoe is a must for your holiday reading.” — Rachel Hauck, New York Times Bestselling author

Hatcher inspires me to believe in happily ever afters. Wishing for Mistletoe is a true delight from beginning to ahh-inducing end.” — Kim Vogel Sawyer, bestselling author of Bringing Maggie Home

This sweet story of faith and family touched my soul. The obstacles against Tom and Ariel were real, but their faith and the Christmas spirit brought them together. Grab your mug of hot chocolate and enjoy this story!” — Lenora Worth, NYT bestselling author

Hatcher expertly weaves a gentle romance while exploring the role of faith in decisions both big and small. Grab a cozy blanket and snuggle up with this heartwarming, romantic tale!” — Denise Hunter, bestselling author of Before We Were Us

I’m giving away autographed paperbacks via a Goodreads Giveaway (US Mailing Address). The giveaway ends on the 27th of this month, and I plan to pop those signed copies into the mail as soon as I receive the names and addresses from Goodreads. Meaning the winners should receive their book a few days before the book releases on November 6th.

Question: Do you like to save Christmas books to read in November/December or do you enjoy reading them year round?

Until next time,
Robin

Faith, Hope, & Love (and a giveaway)

This past weekend proved to be a wonderful time of fellowship, learning, and mental and spiritual renewal. Writers need to get out of their offices every now and again, and a writer’s conference is a great excuse to do so. Nearly 100 of us gathered in Phoenix for the Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers Conference.

The picture above was taken on the first night when our very own Dani Pettrey presented the first keynote address. She spoke of finding joy in the journey, and as someone who craves joy, I found it incredibly inspiring. And Kimberley Woodhouse is one of the sweetest, most encouraging cheerleaders I know, so I found a lot of joy hanging out with her over the weekend.

Laughing with friends has to be one of God’s most precious gifts.

I’m actually on the Board of FHLCW, so I was involved with the conference committee, and there was an additional layer of joy to be found in seeing the conference we’d be working on and praying over for the last year, finaly come to fruition.

I taught a session on . . . wait for it . . . Winning Readers with Humor. (Are you catching on that I’m a joy junkie?)

And in keeping with my theme for the weekend, Robin and I hammed it up for the camera at the photo booth.

Besides all the fun and games, there were many opportunities to worship, be spiritually uplifted by devotionals and keynote messages, and gain professional development from the excellent sessions. I came away ready to serve my Lord at the keyboard with renewed dedication.

.

Since I’m all about the joy, I’d like to share some of that joy with you! While I was at the conference, I had the chance to pick up some new books including these two beauties. One person who leaves a comment will win both of these books. (US addresses only.)

When was the last time you got together with family or friends for a fun weekend? What did you do?