Becky Wade's Blog, page 50

A Christmas for the Books

On December 8th, I participated in a FABULOUS Christmas event for readers and writers. It was planned and hosted by my local Dallas/Ft. Worth friend Jenny Snow (who has a YouTube channel and podcast called The Book Club Life). Her vision? An evening that would feel like a festive indulgence to all who attended. She 100% succeeded!

The authors who took part . . . .

L to R: Me, Laura Frantz, Jenny Snow, Gabrielle Meyer, Jocelyn Green. I was able to drive to the venue in Arlington, but the other authors flew in for the event.

In my opinion, the itinerary for the night included the perfect mix of activities . . .

As you can see, we authors came forward for 3 panels, but each was only 15 minutes or so long. That left lots of time for delicious food, conversation, prizes, a quiz, a contest, and shopping.

Many thanks to delightful bookseller Haley from A House with Books in Keller, TX.She brought numerous books and bookish items to sell.One of the prizes–a Jane Austen gift basket! The five of us had dinner the night before and getting to hang out with these women was one of the highlights for me. They’re all wonderful, smart, funny, talented, caring.The event was held at Inclusion Coffee, a fantastic shop owned by Jenny’s brother. The venue was exactly right for a large gathering like ours.Readers came from all over! One pair drove almost five hours to attend.

Everyone I spoke with at A Christmas for the Books had brought either a friend or a relative with them, which was so heartwarming. I met lots of moms and daughters. I met co-worker friends. I met church friends who don’t get to see each other as often as they used to, so set this evening aside on their calendars. I met women who gave this event to each other as a Christmas gift.

Everyone present had one enormous thing in common. All were readers who love books. Like me! And so, for one starry night in December, it was a joy to be surrounded in-person by “my people”.

Before I go, I wanted to let you know that pre-order swag boxes for my next book (Rocky Road) will remain on sale here via my website until I take them down December 26th. Last chance to snag one!

Merry Christmas, everyone! May God’s love surround you this coming week and throughout 2024. Hugs! -Becky

Thoughts on A Christmas for the Books? Did you (or will you) attend any special experiences this December?

A Launch of a Different Kind

We talk a lot about book launches here, but this past Saturday, I got to celebrate a launch of a different kind. My youngest kiddo graduated from college!

We had lots of family on hand to help celebrate the occasion, and as you can see from the photos, we enjoy having fun together. Peter chose his dad to be his escort, so that is why my husband in robed in white. (In case you were wondering.  ) Peter’s fiance and her family came too, which was lovely.

One of the fun places where we took pictures was at what I call the Peter Rock. Since ACU is a Christian university, there are scripture references around campus, which I love. When we made Peter’s high school senior pictures, we did a few in the stone garden that included a reference to 1 Peter 1:3-4. I told him he was my first Peter, so we had to do it. 

Now that we are closing the circle with his graduation we returned to the Peter Rock with the entire family.

My prayer is that his faith will be built on the true Rock and will serve as a guiding force in his life as he steps into the world of adulthood.

What fun family times are you anticipating during the holidays?

Christmas Family Time

We’ve had a wonderful whirlwind of family time. 

First, all our kids came for Christmas at our house on Saturday the 16th. We packed all our favorite Christmas things—presents, Christmas cookie baking and decorating, and a huge meal together, all surrounded by Christmas music (and football games) into our few hours all together. My parents joined us as well. Here are a few of the highlights: 

We had a day to recoup on Sunday, then we were off to the Dallas Arboretum! This time it was just me and Elizabeth joining our son Nathan’s family—which meant time and fun with the little girls! A beautiful sunny day in the mid-60s. It couldn’t have been better! 

Last night we crossed the Metroplex to watch our other son coach his JV girls basketball team. It’s always a joy to see him in his element. 

Our days will slow down now—and that’s not a bad thing. I really enjoy quiet moments in which to savor the new memories made during our frenzied family time. And as our boys spend time with their in-laws for Christmas, we will be quiet with our girl, a luxury we don’t usually have. Christmas night, she will wing her way back to Boston and family Christmas 2023 will be in the books. I can already say it’s been a good one, which is such a blessing at the end of a hard year. 

What is your favorite part of family time during the holidays? 

Our little cub turns ONE

Leo turned one last week, and we celebrated with a “Lumberjack” theme party complete with lots of flannel, buttermilk flapjacks, bacon and sausage—and cakes, of course. At this age though, the parties are really for the adults, right? Still, Leo seemed to enjoy it, too.

Kellie, Kurt & Leo

Kellie requested a “Lumberjack Smash cake” for Leo, and she made a delicious “lumberjack” red velvet cake for us to enjoy. Wait until you see the inside of her cake!

Here’s the inside of Kellie’s red velvet cake. Beautiful! And the chocolate ganache between the layers was scrumptious.

Meanwhile, I made my first ever SMASH cake—and loved every minute.

Kellie shared that she wanted Leo’s Smash cake to look like a stack of pancakes but for it to really be a funfetti vanilla cake on the inside. And she wanted it to be rustic looking (good thing for me!). So I started googling and came up with this…

It was Kellie’s idea to put it in a little Lodge cast iron skillet. So cute!

The birthday boy took some tentative bites at first, then dug right in!

Even though I’ve baked almost since I could stir, this was my first time to work with fondant, and I’m especially grateful to Rose at Rose Bakes for her tutorial on how to make a pancake Smash cake. And for her recipe for marshmallow fondant. So easy! She helped me tremendously! (Thanks, Rose!) Just please don’t compare my cake to hers! LOL

I always love to know the step-by-step process, so here was mine…

After Leo’s bath time that evening, we cuddled up and read one of his new books (thanks, Miss Kim!), and Kelsey got some snuggle time in, too. It was a sweet night.

If you can’t tell, I’m loving being GramTam, which is a good thing since Kellie and Kurt are expecting Leo’s little sister (daughter Ari) in late January. We’re pretty pumped!

So tell me…
Have you ever made a Smash cake or worked with fondant? Are you gearing up to bake for Christmas? If yes, what are you making? A traditional pumpkin pie is on my agenda, along with a pecan pie. I love being in the kitchen. Only thing, I always miss my sweet mom even more during the holidays because we were always in the kitchen together, cooking and baking up a storm. Such precious memories!

Since I won’t see you again until after Christmas, I wish you a warm and wonderful holiday with loved ones—and the peace of Jesus Christ which passes all human understanding.

Much love from Nashville,

Tammy

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Be Not Afraid

In the midst of the menorot [menorahs], I saw One like a Son of Man, clothed in a robe down to His feet, with a golden belt wrapped around His chest. His head and His hair were white like wool, white like snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the roar of rushing waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came forth a sharp, two-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining at full strength.

When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid! I am the First and the Last, and the One who lives. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever! Moreover, I hold the keys of death and Sheol [the grave]. . . .” –Revelation 1:13–18

God gave us Christmas so we could be courageous in everything we do.

Mary was undoubtedly startled when Gabriel appeared, but she had no reason to fear: “The angel spoke to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Miriam, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you shall call His name Yeshua’” (Luke 1:30–31).

Joseph didn’t know what to do about his pregnant fiancée, but assurance soon arrived: “Behold, an angel of Adonai appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Miriam as your wife, for the Child conceived in her is from the Ruach ha-Kodesh [the Holy Spirit]’” (Matthew 1:20).

We are surrounded by a great cloud of invisible witnesses, the saints who displayed parresia, the Greek word translated as boldness, courage, and confidence. Placing obedience to God before the opinions of men, they upheld God’s truth, often at the risk of their lives.

A dear friend of mine likes to say that when God sent Jesus to earth, He didn’t send the Savior off by saying “Take care!” Instead, God sent His son with this encouragement: “Take risks!”

Risk living as a man in a world filled with temptation.

Risk living as a human in a world with disease, hunger, and weakness.

Risk bearing the world’s sin upon your shoulders as You die in the worst possible way.

Jesus took those risks . . . and won the victory over temptation, weakness, and sin. He is our victory, and with His Spirit within us, why should we ever fear?

This Christmas, let’s keep this thought uppermost in our minds: God Almighty so loved this fallen world that He sent His Son to be born in vulnerable mortal flesh. Jesus had the courage to take risks, so why don’t we?

Fear not, brothers and sisters in Christ! Your heavenly Father loves you and He’s willing to use your life in ways you can’t even imagine. Hallelujah!

And because I won’t be posting again until after the holidays, have a blessed Christmas!

~~Angie

Inspired by Scripture

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As 2023 Races toward the End

BOOK STUFF

A few days after I wrote my last IBL post, I received the finished edits of To Marry an English Lord from my sainted editor. That sent me into a flurry of production activities, including but not limited to:

Assigning ISBNs to both ebook and paper editionsApplying for a LCCN (Library of Congress Control Number)Submitting for copyright registrationFormatting the book filesMaking final tweaks to the back cover copyRequesting a full cover treatment from my cover designerForming a new Advance Reviewer Team (apply if interested) Sending copies to my Beta readers to catch all those typos that still made it through editingSending copies out for endorsementsSending the script to the audiobook production companySetting up preorder product pages on Amazon, B&N, Kobo, and AppleCreating and uploading A+ Content to the Amazon product page

Later in the week, I received my first endorsement for the book which included the line “I literally could not put this book down and was up much of the night delighting in the story world and watching the characters grow, both in their faith and in their love for one another.” I confess, I love it when a book of mine keeps a reader up past her bedtime.

CELEBRATION

This past Wednesday (December 13), I celebrated 13 years cancer free. In some ways my cancer journey feels like yesterday. In other ways it seems much longer ago. But what is as true now as it was true 13 years ago is my thanks to God for the life He has given me.

And before I leave this subject, have you had your mammogram this year? If not, get it scheduled. Early detection is so important!

WORD FOR THE YEAR

Many people choose a word for the year ahead. You see it a lot in the planner community. But I don’t want to choose a word for myself. So it has been my practice for the past couple of decades to ask God each fall to give me a word that will play a part in the year ahead. Something He wants to teach me. A word He wants to use to guide me. He has been ever faithful.

Every word (sometimes a combination of words) I’ve received has come with at least one Bible verse. My first year (2005) my word was ENDURANCE. Not my favorite year because endurance was truly needed. This year (2023) my word is DWELL, and God has taken me deeper in my quiet times as I have sought the ways He wanted to apply the word in my life.

For 2024, my word is SHELTER. The verses God gave me are Psalm 91:1, Psalm 27:5, and Psalm 31:20.

The shelter in Psalm 91:1 is the Temple where the godly find safety under the protective wings of the Lord. Psalm 27:5 tells me that “in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me.” And Psalm 31:20 tells me that He will hide me in the secret place of His presence from the conspiracies of man and keep me secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues.

Amen. 2024 will be a year where I shelter in Him.

Do you have a word for 2024?

I pray that this Christmas, you will draw ever closer to the One who is the reason for the season. May Christ dwell in your heart, and may you know true abundance in your relationship with Him.

I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

~robin

Book Mail and Recommendations for Your TBR Pile

This week I got the best book mail:

It was a box of books from many of the authors that will be on Book Talk in the spring season. I felt like a kid at Christmas. I’ve already interviewed the Revell Authors and cannot wait for you to hear these interviews. And I’m so excited to start the next round today with… drum roll… Jerry B. Jenkins. Gulp

But look at all these lovely books and the hard work and authors they represent. It’s going to be so very much fun to talk with all of these amazing writers. Do you have any questions you’d like me to ask them? And I have a mystery author who I am still a bit agog about. It’s been so fun to see what’s happened with this little project of mine.

There are so many great books coming out, I thought I’d tell you about a couple I’ve read in the last couple weeks.

Many of you know and adore Jody Hedlund. I’ve known Jody for years, but I haven’t read as many or her books as I’d like. Then I read one like this, and I want to find a week on an isolated island and inhale them all. Calling on the Matchmaker was filled with such vibrant characters that it pulled me into the pages and only let go reluctantly.

Calling on the Matchmaker is a richly detailed historical novel that firmly deposited me in the world of 1849 St. Louis. Finola Shanahan has committed to a life in a convent, but her family is opposed. In fact her father his hired an Irish matchmaker to see her finely betrothed and married after eleven failed attempts. Riley Rafferty is a widower who is determined not to remarry until he is asked to reconsider. Reluctantly he does so, and his consistent efforts to save others plays at odds with Finola’s desperate need for a safe, ordered life. Both leading characters have a deep pain in their past that shadows their current moments and what’s possible in the future. Calling on the Matchmaker has some heat that is sweetly tempered with self-sacrifice and a commitment to what is best for the other. I truly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to those who love a good historical romance.

I have long adored Julie Klassen’s books. I’ll never forget reading her first, Lady of Milkweed Manor, and realizing I loved the Jane Austen timeperiod after all. Since then I think I’ve read most of her books, and look forward to diving into the worlds she creates.

While her early books were stand alones that independently told stories of the time, this series is simiar to her most recent Tales from Ivy Hill. and On Devonshire Shores. These are sweeping series that focus on one town and family. With A Winter by the Sea, Julie Klassen has created a new set of characters that are rich and will pull you in. The sisters are delightful and the interchange between them is engaging and real. These are cardboard cutout dolls, but people I could imagine in my mind’s eye. Over the course of the rich 429 pages of plot, there are so many lovely forays into characters, history, journeys, and more. It’s so engaging, sweet, and vibrant. I felt swept away each time I opened the pages.

If you enjoy historicals, and adore the Jane Austen timeperiod, then I can highly recommend A Winter by the Sea.  I loved it and think you will, too.

Also if you’re looking for a Christmas read, I’d be grateful if you check out We Three Kings. You can find links to your favorite retails by clicking the link or the image. When you read this or any book, if you’d take a moment to leave a review, I’d be grateful. So much of the way that readers discover our books is through visibility — and the algorithms partly determine visibility through the number of reviews. It can be a slow process to get to the magical number of 50 and 100 on Amazon. It doesn’t have to be a full review. Even leaving stars that represent your impression of the book is helpful. Thank you! And to celebrate, I’m giving away one more copy below.

Have you read any of these Christmas books? What’s your favorite Christmas read?

A Christmas Wish List

Hi friends, 
So happy to be with you today! It’s that time of year when family and friends are asking what I want for Christmas and I don’t know about you, but books top my list. Along with a few writer items. Today, I thought I’d share the Christmas books I plan on reading, the books I can’t wait to read in 2024, and a couple of writer gifts for that writer friend of yours. Hope you enjoy the list! I’d love to know what you’d most like to receive at Christmas, if there’s a book you read every year and what book are you most anticipating for 2024. I know that’s a lot of questions so feel free to just share one if you like. But I love hearing what upcoming releases everyone is excited about. I had a hard time limiting my list to just a few. There are so many amazing books out there. I’ll definitely be reading more than I featured on my list. But these popped out at me the most. 

First, I always re-read Pride & Prejudice at Christmastime. It’s my favorite novel and there’s just something special about setting aside that time during the stillness of winter to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa in a fuzzy blanket in front of a roaring fire to read. I never grow tired of it. Lizzie is so plucky, and Darcy is swoon-worthy once you get to truly know him. They are my second favorite story couple. My first favorite? Aragorn and Arwen—particularly in the movie version. To add to my Christmas reading, I’ve picked up the fabulous Amanda Dyke’s Christmas novella, Bespoke: A Tiny Christmas Tale. If you aren’t familiar with Amanda, you need to be. She writes lyrically and I’m always in awe of her storytelling. 

Now, for the books, I’m anticipating the most. I’m making a list of twelve. But, to keep this post from getting super long, I’m going to highlight just a few. 

Can’t Wait to Read!

Born of Gilded Mountains

When newcomer Mercy Windsor arrives in Mercy Peak in 1948 after a scandal shatters her gilded world as Hollywood’s beloved leading lady, she is determined to forge a new life in obscurity in this time-forgotten Colorado haven. She purchases Wildwood–an abandoned estate with a haunting history–and begins to restore it to its former glory. 

But as she does, her every move tugs at the threads of that mountain’s lore, unearthing what became of her long-lost pen pal, Rusty Bright, and the whereabouts of the infamous Galloping Goose Engine No. 8, which vanished years ago, along with the mailbag it carried, whose contents could change the course of countless lives. Not to mention another fabled treasure that–if found–could right so many wrongs. 

Among the towering mountains that stand as silent witnesses, the ghosts of the past entangle with the courage of the present to find a place where healing, friendship, and hope can abide amid a world forever changed.

If the Boot Fits

Determined to prove that cattle king Eli Dearing has no justification for evicting his stepmother and half brothers, Asher Ellis uses the cover of a fancy ball to break into the Three Cedars ranch house to search for proof of wrongdoing. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy’s cry compels him to make a daring rescue.

Spunky and independent, Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting in her honor is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from her unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother’s life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind–his boot–and resolves to find him herself.

But when Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. Although Asher tries to keep his distance from Samantha for reasons of his own, a series of suspicious accidents befall her, and his protective instincts flare, no matter the cost to their future.

This Western reimagining of the classic Cinderella fairy tale is an enchanting story of courage, family, and the power of true love.

Rocky Road

FBI Agent Jude Camden handles every aspect of his job with by-the-book professionalism. There’s no reason why his latest assignment—which calls for him to pose as the boyfriend of perfumer Gemma Clare—should be any different.

Except Gemma is different. She’s creative, bold, and feisty. And as soon as she meets Jude, she wants to loosen him up, wrinkle his perfect shirts, and test every ounce of his towering self-control.

The FBI has an ironclad rule against romances between those working together on operations. Jude’s never met a rule he didn’t respect. But adhering to this one is going to be tough because, as time goes by, he finds Gemma more and more irresistible.

Buckle up! It’s going to be a rocky road.

Favorite Writer Gifts 

Over the years, reader friends, fellow writers, and loved ones have given me writing gifts that I adore. Here’s a quick roundup of my top three. 

I’m a pen fanatic. These are my favorite. I bet each author has a favorite, but there’s nothing like erasable pens when furiously writing that first draft or rewriting. I love the variety of colors as well as each has a different meaning for me during revisions. 

And, last but certainly not least, a coffee gift card. I have to keep that coffee-fueled writing going. 

Reader Question: 

What book have you read that has encouraged you in difficult times? 

Blessings, 

Dani

The Biggest Night Of My Year

On December 5th, I hosted a party at my local Barnes & Noble—a big party. And me, an introvert. It was a party to celebrate the second book in my On Devonshire Shoes series and my nineteenth novel overall.

We ate refreshments. We wore crowns. We talked. We hugged. We laughed. All my favorite things. And I sincerely appreciated everyone who came out to celebrate with me.

Author Erica Vetch, my hubby, me, editor Rochelle (L). Author Gabrielle Meyer (R).Author Amy Green (L). Favorite book-club friends (R).

I gave a talk, describing the inspiration behind A Winter by the Sea, the research, cover design, and more. Then I took a few questions before signing books.

Why did we wear crowns? If you’ve read many of my books, you know I don’t usually include royalty, but in this book, I have several royal characters for the first time, and probably the last, so I wanted to mark the occasion. In fact, I have more historical characters in the first two books of this series than in any of my other novels. Plus, it gave me great pleasure to look into the audience and see old friends, new friends, and family wearing crowns. Readers are definitely royalty to me!

ROYAL INSPIRATION

When I learned that the Duke and Duchess of Kent and their baby daughter (the future Queen Victoria) visited Sidmouth—the town where the series is set and in the same year I set the first book, I knew I wanted to include them. The royal couple and their entourage rented Woolbrook Cottage (on the same lane as fictional Sea View) for the winter of 1819-1820. They arrived with too many attendants to accommodate in the house they’d rented, so some of their staff had to be lodged elsewhere. That part is true, and I thought it would be fun to send a few of the duke’s staff to stay at Sea View. Much of what I’ve depicted about the royal couple’s stay is historically-based, although I did take liberties with a few details and of course fictionalized their interactions with the Summers family.

Q & A time. Good questions!Beloved beta-readers Cari and Anna.

After taking a few days to rest up and recover after the big event, I am back to working on Book three, The Seaside Homecoming.

Judy M (L) hosted my first ever book-signing many years ago.

Have you hosted or attended a book release party? Does it sound like fun to you? (P.S. If you were there and don’t see your photo, I’m sorry! My friend David took too many great photos for me to share here. I’ll post some on Facebook as well.) Thanks for reading!