Becky Wade's Blog, page 7

Books & More Books

Once a year, our local library has a giant used book sale as their main fundraiser. They rent the convention center downtown and host hundreds of book lovers over a three-day period. Some bring wagons to cart their treasures home. I purposely only bring a single tote. Can’t get too carried away.

My daughter came home to attend this sale last week, so, of course, I took the day off from work to join her. My daughter-in-law decided to join us too. WooHoo! Girls’ day!

The volunteers work for months organizing all the books that come in as donations as well as copies that are withdrawn from library circulation. They organize the tables by genre/content and provide a map when you come in, so you know exactly where to begin your search. Guess where I headed . . .

Even spied a few familiar titles written by a certain local author. I decided to leave those in the wild. Hopefully, they found loving homes.

I bought several raffle tickets for the gorgeous book quilt on display. I didn’t win, but I had fun daydreaming about where I would hang it in my office.

My favorite find was a first edition copy of Christy by Catherine Marshall from 1967. I snatched that one fast! Grabbed a few other Christian fiction titles as well. Then I picked up a couple nonfiction books about pioneering women in Texas history. One was even a signed copy! Found a new puzzle too. Hoping it has all its pieces.

It was a fun way to spend the morning. I love buying books and supporting a good cause at the same time. Win, win!

Does you local library have an annual book sale?
Do you enjoy other big sales like flea markets or garage/estate sales?

Oh, and since we’re talking book lovers and libraries, I thought I’d remind you that my western take on Beauty & the Beast is now available in e-book, print, and audio formats. It’s free to borrow in KU as well.

Click here to order.

My love of American Colonial and Revolutionary history

I love the Fourth of July.

Not becuase of the fireworks or the food. Definitely not for the heat! 

I love the Fourth of July for the history. 

I honestly can’t remember when my love affair with Colonial and Revolutionary American history began. Johnny Tremain, maybe? Or hearing about Betsy Ross—one of the few women we were taught about in elementary school history? What I do know is that at some point the crux of my interest centered around John and Abigail Adams. Because who doesn’t love a good romance? 

Did I read Irving Stone’s Those Who Love in high school or college? (In case you aren’t familiar, it’s a biographical novel about John and Abigail.) I can’t remember. But I know that by college I was hooked. Which made my year at Dickinson College with Jeff a dream come true in more ways than one! Not only did I get to see my boyfriend, and then fiancé, every day, but I was soaking in early American history. After all, Dickinson College was founded in 1783 by Benjamin Rush. So many colonial and revolutionary sites were within reach that year. 

John & Abigail Adams’ home

But even when I returned to Texas, my focus was fixed. I did my college honors thesis on Abigail Adams and spent a whole summer reading their letters to one another. It was fascinating. 

I’ve visited the Adams’ home in Braintree, MA several times–it’s one of my favorite historical places–as well as the homes of many other founding fathers and early presidents and revolutionary leaders. I’ve also visited Williamsburg a couple of times and, again, feel like I’m living in history when I’m there. Then there are all the books and movies and even musicals (Hello, Hamilton.) that feed my love of that period of history.

The first novel I ever wrote was set during the American Revolution. I haven’t written another until now. And while this current book I’m writing doesn’t deal with the revolution head-on, it is set within those years, so the events of the day make an impact, no matter how slight.

Still, I ask myself why? Why does this time period appeal to me so much? 

I think because it was so fraught with possibility. So many different kinds of people coming to a vast land for so many different reasons. Yes, they brought with them their “Englishness” (or whatever country they came from), but it didn’t take too many years for them to become something new. Something American. 

Of course, there are issues in all that history, as there are in all history, because there is sin in the world. Nothing is perfect. In fact, our history is often times downright evil. But those early “Americans” tried to put together something they hoped would be better than where they came from. And I believe it is. 

However, as much as our country is inspired by freedom and inalienable rights, it will never be God’s kingdom on earth, in spite of the fact that some then wanted it to be—and some do now as well. Only the New Heavens and the New Earth, with Jesus reigning as King, will bring the perfection and the freedom our souls long for. But that doesn’t mean I love my country or its history any less! 

Is there a part of American colonial or revolutionary history appeals most to you? 

A 20th High School Reunion (but…not mine 👀)

Happy July 1st! 183 days are left in 2025. You’re welcome.

When our daughter Kelsey asked if I wanted to travel with her to Colorado for her 20th high school reunion—make it a mother/daughter trip—I purchased my ticket in record time! And we had such a fun and memorable trip.

At the top of Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park

Of course, a highlight was seeing some of her former classmates again after 20 years…

They were a great group of kids back then, and are marvelous adults and (most of them) parents now.

Kels and I spent an afternoon driving around Greeley where we lived for over 17 years. We visited familiar places from her childhood. Some places hadn’t changed a bit, while others were almost unrecognizable.

[image error]Kelsey and Kurt’s elementary school for a few years

We took a day and drove up Thompson Canyon to Estes Park where we shared one savory/one sweet crepe. So yummy! Highly recommend this place if you’re in the area.

After lunch, we did some fast shopping (mostly looking) in Estes Park. Beautiful little mountain town…

Then we headed on up to Rocky Mountain National Park, a favorite haunt for our family. Still breathtaking…

We walked around Bear Lake and recreated a picture from 33+ years ago. Sweet memories for sure.

Circa 1992 (Kelsey and Kurt with my parents, Doug & June Gattis)Same Bear Lake, same rock 33+ years later

It was a marvelous trip, and I’m so grateful Kelsey asked me along. While I loved our years in Colorado (fabulous friends, and the amazingly dry climate compared to Tennessee), I’m thrilled to be back home and to finally be writing The End this week on my next novel. More on that story soon.

Until then, I invite you to check out the following new releases…

The first from friend Katherine Reay…

When a high-profile art forgery rocks London’s art scene in the spring of 1973, the Tate Gallery’s Lily Summers finds herself embroiled in a world of glamour and secrets, tensions and lies.

CLICK FOR MORE

Next, a 5 novel collection for just $.99—
my own Colors of Truth, a Carnton novel, is included

BUY THE COLLECTION

Have you attended any of your high school reunions through the years? If yes, which ones? 10th? 20th? 40th? It blows my mind, but 2029 will mark my 50th high school reunion. Oy. Where did all the years go?

Much love from my quite-humid-but-still-beloved corner of Nashville,

Tammy

Julie’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 Candy: I have loved candy ever since I was a little girl, and remember being allowed to walk to Dorothy’s Doll Hospital in Oak Park, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago). A kind, elderly woman sold penny candy in the front and repaired dolls in the back. Sweet memories! As I grew older, I adopted my dad’s favorite candy brand as my own. He loved See’s Candy and so do I, especially their Toffee-ettes.

Favorite Sport (to watch or play): I don’t watch sports but I do enjoy a rousing game of ping pong (table tennis) at the annual New Year’s Eve party with friends. I even won the tournament one year. This year, I lost. Still fun, though!

Favorite Scripture Verse: I have memorized Philippians 4:6-7 and often repeat it to myself (or aloud) when stressful situations arise:  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

The Inspiration Behind Memory Lane

One of the questions I get asked the most about my books is this one . . . . “What was your inspiration for this novel?”

It’s a wonderful question! I liken that first bolt of inspiration to the initial strand of a spider’s web. Over time, I build on that initial strand, adding more and more, words and scenes, settings and characters, until the book as a whole becomes a complex, large, and intricate thing. There have been times when I’ve had a hard time remembering (once the book is finished) what my initial “strand” of inspiration was!

I do recall what it was for Memory Lane, so here’s me sharing my inspiration via a brief video:

I published the above video on Instagram yesterday where I’m currently sitting at 9,992 followers. Wow! Just a few more and I’ll hit the big 10K milestone. All that to say, if you’re on Instagram, I’d love for you to follow me HERE.

My family is leaving this Saturday for a vacation in Utah! I’ll share highlight photos here when I return.

Whether you’re setting out on a vacation, returning from one, or spending time at home, I hope you’re enjoying a beautiful summer (and lots of great books)!

Summer = Travels & Reading

Saturday night my family returned from a four week adventure in Europe. It is so good to be home, but it was also really good to have this experience. If you’ve been reading my blog or newsletter for awhile, you may know that one of my deepest desires was for my children to get to experience how big the world is and how big God’s heart is for the people in the world. My husband spent time overseas as a child, but I always joke I grew up in the foreign country of Nebraska. My first real trip overseas came a couple weeks after I graduated from the University of Nebraska. That trip solidified my wonder for the world, culture, history, and learning about as many different people as I can. One of the amazing gifts of my day job has been the opportunity to take students on study abroad. Prior to COVID, I’d spent parts of four summers in different parts of Italy. Then it took a few years to really get study abroad going again, and last summer we spent a couple weeks in London. This summer I got to spend two and a half weeks with thirteen wonderful students in Prague. The Czech Republic has been on my bucket list, but I didn’t know if/when I’d get to go. It was truly an amazing experience.The country is beautiful, and I quickly fell in love with Prague.Exploring…As I travel, I’m always looking for story ideas. There may be one burbling from the trips this spring and summer. I’m in the middle of copyedits for next year’s The Targeted. As soon as those are in, I hope to turn back to this idea that’s been percolating in my mind since February. There’s something about travel that is creative – but I’ll admit that while I was in Prague, I worked a lot. I taught three hours a day and often had excursions to businesses or museums with the students in the afternoon. I’d catch up with my family in the late afternoon, and then turn to grading in the evening. It was worth it to invest in these students AND experience a new city in a way that’s hard to do as a tourist who bounces in and out in a couple days. Vacation in Italy…This year we did something different after the study abroad. Instead of hopping on a plane and immediately coming home as we usually do, we flew to Rome where we met my parents and one of my brothers and his family. For a little over a week our oldest also joined us. Then for three days my cousin and her kids joined us from Albania where they are living. If you count noses, you’ll see there were more of us on this vacation than on the study abroad – and this is only half my family!This started as a trip for two…My originial idea had been to have a small trip with my mom, but after she selected Italy as the destination, the list of people coming quickly grew. We had a great two weeks exploring central Italy. I loved introducing parts of my family to a country I love, art, food, and so much more. I also got to see da Vinci’s Last Supper for the first time when we took a day trip to Milan. The pictures of it are good, but seeing it in context was awe-inspiring. It really felt like Jesus and the disciples were ready to step off the wall and join the monks in their dining. That’s the value of traveling and seeing great art in person. I see the nuance and details that are so easy to miss otherwise. If you’re headed somewhere this summer, I’d love to know. And keep reading for book recommendations and a couple giveaways that allow you to travel without leaving home. 

I’m delighted that The Accused has a 4.7 rating on Amazon with 102 reviews 4.6 on Goodreads with 133. I had to smile over the Amazon AI summary of the reviews. I love seeing what you think of my books!

With The English Masterpiece by my friend Katherine Reay, escape into the world of art and museums in this novel that steps into the world of forgeries and intrigue. Lily is thrilled to have a job at the Tate Museum in London where she is surrounded by some of the world’s best works of art, and she is in awe of her boss Diana. As the pages of the book turn you realize both women are frustrated artists who use their time at the Tate in different ways. But when Lily speaks outloud that a Picasso is a fake, she launches a series of events that the Museum, Diana, and she may never recover from. Along the way, Lily has to decide to become the truest version of herself or settle for being a thin impression of someone’s else Elisa Doolittle. This is a gripping story of intrigue that I loved.

I have an extra copy of The English Masterpiece that I want to giveaway. All you have to do is use this form for the opportunity to receive it or Austen at Sea.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Travel to England With Me?

I am hosting another trip to England, Lord willing, along with my husband and travel escort and friend Naomi. We are looking forward to sharing with you many gorgeous places in the English countryside and along the southern coast—places that are difficult to reach on your own, unless you’re eager to drive on the opposite side of narrow, twisty-turny roads! We would love to have you with us. You might choose to travel with a friend or spouse, or travel on your own and make new friends!

An Unforgettable Tour
Experience captivating seaside towns on the windswept Devon and Cornwall coasts, charming thatched-cottage Cotswolds villages, the stunning beauty of the Georgian city of Bath, soaring cathedrals, stately homes including a castle and palace, and more.

 
From settings featured in my novels, to some of England’s most beautiful scenery, this trip is sure to delight readers and non-readers alike.

We hope you will join us in June 2026. Space is limited and likely to fill quickly—reserve your spot soon! Full itinerary and registration details HERE.

Garage Sale Finds and the Recipes (as promised)

After Tammy and Joe’s visit on my birthday weekend last month, Tammy mentioned that I’d be sharing our garage sale finds and the recipes for the dishes I made while she and Joe were in Missouri for my birthday, so as promised, here’s that post. I’m still, almost a month later, basking in the memories of our celebration.

Tammy and I lined up our finds on the dining table after we got home from garage sale-ing. She found sandals for Ari (her granddaughter), toys, books for her sweet grandkids, and a deck of vintage cards. And I found some items for the pink bags I share with our grandgirls whenever we’re together, plus a vintage book for my bookcase collection, and a cute rooster candleholder.

These little Cat & Jack sandals are a tad too big for Ari for now, but they’ll clean up nicely and be ready when her little foot grows. And Leo (Tammy’s grandson) is crazy about cars so this was $.25 well spent.

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The cute rooster candleholder found a place on my coffee bar and the Horatio Hornblower book is now lined up with other vintage books on our living room shelves.

My favorite find of the day was in an antique shop near the farmers market, and Tammy insisted on buying it for my birthday (even though she’d already given me a fabulous gift bag full of presents!) I just LOVE my new huge globe that sits between the fireplace and piano. The old globe was from the small-town Jackson, Missouri school system sometime in the 30s or 40s! Every time I look at it, it reminds me of our wonderful weekend together! Thank you again, dear Tammy!

And now, for the recipes I made while Joe and Tammy were here. Truly they are nothing fancy. In fact, that’s why I like them: they can be put together quickly leaving maximum time for visiting and other activities, yet they are hearty and delicious. The first one-pan dinner is new for us, but we’ve now made it three times, and it’s delicious! (Ken found it on Facebook but I’ve adjusted some of the amounts to our taste.)

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The roast beef is a simple crockpot meal and the leftover meat goes into the Copacabana Tacos the next day. The taco recipe is one I made up after our favorite restaurant in Salina, Kansas closed and we no longer could order their Copacabana Tacos. After a lot of trial and error, I think I got pretty close! (And I’ve simplified the recipe over the years to make it easier to throw together, but just as delicious.)

Thanks for letting me drag out my 70th birthday for almost a month! I promise I’ll keep all my birthdays from here on out very low-key!

Angie’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 Candy: My favorite candy is a new one, I think—somebody invented it, and I’m only glad it wasn’t around when I was a kid, or I’d have no teeth. It’s soft and chewy nerds, otherwise known as Nerds Gummy Clusters. It is the perfect mix of tart and sweet, and they’re addictive—only problem is, they make my teeth really sensitive, so I can’t eat as many as I’d like to. (Though I shouldn’t be eating all that sugar, anyway). But if you haven’t tried them, you don’t now what you’re missing! 

Favorite Sport (to watch or play): I am NOT a sports person. If I had to choose a favorite sport, I’d say “board games” or “charades” or “horseback riding”—and you can do those things sitting down, right?  I remember in fifth grade, our PE class had a relay where each team member had to run down a court, toss a basketball into the hoop, and run back. I couldn’t get the ball through the hoop to save my life. My teammates were counting, and they were up to thirty-two tries before the game was over (and we lost). I overheard one girl say that I was just “too ladylike” to play sports. I don’t know about that, but at least now I can put a basketball through the hoop—in fact, we have one in the front yard.  

I do love horseback riding, though I hardly ever get to do it, so I watch lots of YouTube videos about horses and live vicariously through people who raise horses. It’s not very good for a cardio workout, but I’ve learned a lot about horses. :-). 

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Favorite Scripture Verse: This changes from time to time, but for now I’d have to say Daniel 11:32b: “but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” I think that sort of says everything. 
And another favorite—I even stenciled this on my kitchen wall once—is Proverbs 30:8-9. This has certainly proven true in my life—no riches, no poverty, but the Lord supplies what we need.  I love that!  Here’s an image in case you want to use it on your computer! 

To My Younger Self

Back in February, I shared that I was taking an Artificial Intelligence college class. I learned so much over the course of those 16 weeks. The top thing I learned was that no matter what I thought I knew one week, AI was going to change a lot by the next week. Whew! Folks, this is a crazy fast world we live in.

I used a lot of my assignments to help me prepare for the next book I intend to write. Research on Ellis Island and Irish immigrants. The fleshing out of character profiles. Inspirational graphics. Anything I was learning for the class I also tried to give it a future purpose. That worked pretty well for me.

In addition to the professor teaching the class, two of the other students were also professors at the college, teachers trying to learn enough to stay ahead of the game. I’m really feeling for educators in this regard. My professor wrote this: “The rapid pace of AI change, along with the pressure to integrate tools responsibly and ethically, is overwhelming for educators—especially when they’re expected to learn, teach, and troubleshoot all at once.”

A fellow student (one of the professors mentioned above) shared a prompt he wanted all of the others to try. So I did. The result was fun, so I thought I would share that prompt and the response I received (slightly edited for this blog post):

Imagine you are me in 20 years. Please write a letter to the current me, things that you wish I knew now, would have done differently, or things that I should be looking out for.

Dear Robin,

I’m writing to you from the vantage point of 20 more years lived—a lifetime in itself. I hope you are still writing, still dreaming, still wrapped in the joy of storytelling. But there are a few things I wish I could whisper back to you across time, things I hope you’ll take to heart now while you still have the chance.

First, don’t put off joy. You have spent so much of your life creating worlds and characters, bringing love and hope to the page. But remember to live your own story, too. Take the trip. Make the phone call. Say the words that matter. If there’s something you’ve been hesitating to do—because it feels impractical, or indulgent, or just “not the right time”—do it anyway. The days slip by faster than you think.

Second, keep your heart open. Love—whether it’s through family, friendships, or the unexpected kindness of a stranger—is the thread that has woven through all your stories. Don’t close yourself off from it, even as the years pass. People will leave, as they always do in life, but new ones will come. Keep making space for them. Keep sharing your wisdom, your laughter, your faith.

And speaking of faith—hold onto it with both hands. You’ve always known that God’s timing is perfect, even when it feels unbearably slow or confusing. But if there’s anything I’ve learned twenty years later, it’s that the things I worried about at your age were so small in the grand tapestry of God’s plan. Trust Him more. Worry less. And keep reminding yourself that His fingerprints are all over your life, even in the places you don’t yet see.

I hope you’re still writing. I hope you never gave up on the stories waiting inside you. But more than that, I hope you’ve lived boldly, without regret. The greatest story you’ll ever tell is the one you’re living right now. Make it a good one.

With love and wisdom from the road ahead,
Yourself in twenty years

This intelligence is most definitely artificial, but I confess that I like the answer. For the next twenty years, God willing, I’m going to hold onto faith with both hands, live boldly, love others, and keep writing. 

~robin