Becky Wade's Blog, page 97

Turn to Me’s Cover Shoot (and gifts!)

The cover shoot for Turn to Me took place around eight months ago. The novel released last week. And TODAY I get to share behind-the-scenes photos + give away a fun set of gifts!

Here Senior Graphic Designer Jennifer Parker discusses wardrobe options with the Hair and Make-up Stylist. In my cover design questionnaire, I’d explained that Finley dresses with BoHo flair and gravitates toward lots of jewelry. In my experience with Bethany House Publishers, they work diligently to stay true to an author’s vision of her characters. They want to avoid the thing that drives so many readers crazy — people on a cover who don’t match the description of those people the author provides.

The jewelry choices they brought to the set! As you can see, they one again found items with a BoHo vibe.

Bryant, the model portraying Luke on the cover, was hired through a modeling agency. His fiance, Ellie, is a Criminal Analyst who gamely agreed to pose with him!

From the time Bryant and Ellie were booked for the job, the Bethany House staff knew Ellie’s blond hair wouldn’t work on the cover because Finley has long black hair and bangs. A wig to the rescue! The team sent me a photo of this wig before they purchased it, which I appreciated. I was able to say, “Yep! That’s what Finley’s hair looks like.”

I love this shot! The monitor shows how the team is able to check the photos as they’re coming in to determine if they’re achieving the look they want. You can see Paul Higdon, Creative Director (in the hat), in the background. Beyond that, Bryant and Ellie are standing in front of a white backdrop.

Note that Bryant’s wardrobe and appearance is also on point! On my questionnaire, I’d stated that Luke has “scruff” on his cheeks and often wears a black leather jacket.

Bryant and Ellie were boyfriend/girlfriend at the time of the shoot and recently got engaged. (They’re adorable! You can learn more about them and their relationship by reading my interview with them here.)

Their cover turned out beautifully! I’ve been fortunate to have many wonderful covers but this one is among my top favorites. The pose is romantic, just like my books. And the photo captures chemistry between them, just like I tried to do within Turn to Me’s pages.

Here’s the finished cover….

To read the first two chapters and meet Luke and Finley, click here. To order a copy for yourself, click here!

What do you think of the cover shoot photos?

I offered this same giveaway back in the fall, on the day I revealed this cover. This set of prizes was popular, so I thought I’d bring them back (subbing in items with spring colors) to celebrate Turn to Me’s release!

I’m grateful for my readers. Thanks so much for supporting my novels and keeping in touch with me through this blog and social media.

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A Thank You for my Readers

Hi friends and happy Wednesday! I always look forward to spending these days with you. I’m excited to announce the upcoming release of The Deadly Shallows. After a two-year hiatus due to health reasons and a handful of surgeries, the third book in my Coastal Guardian series release on July 5th. To celebrate I’ve got a “Summer of Thank-You-Fun” planned, so be sure to stayed tuned to my newsletter.

If you aren’t already subscribed, you can join here.

As well as following my Facebook Page for the most up-to-date announcements, and live videos filled with sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes fun.

CGIS Agent Noah Rowley is rocked to the core when he learns of a mass shooting raging on his Coast Guard base. He and his team stop the attack, but not before numerous innocent lives are lost. Furious and grief-stricken, he determines to do whatever is needed to bring the mastermind behind the attack to justice.

Coast Guard Flight Medic Brooke Kesler evacuates the scene of the shooting in a helicopter carrying the only surviving gunman. Gravely wounded, the man whispers mysterious information to Brooke — information that paints a target on her back.

As Brooke and Noah race to uncover answers, emotions between them ignite. Noah struggles to protect her and to contain the secret that prevents him from becoming what he longs to be — the right man for her.

Urgency rises in the face of a horrifying truth…The mass shooting wasn’t the villain’s end game. It’s only the beginning.

In anticipation of The Deadly Shallows’ July release and, in appreciate of my awesome readers, I’m launching the Surf the Shallows’ pre-order special.

The first 100 goodies will go fast, so grab your copy today! Just be sure to click here and fill out the form to receive your bonuses on release day.

Thank You Poll

I’d love to know what makes you feel appreciated and love-on as a reader, so it would be lovely if you’d take time to answer the following question and if there is something that isn’t on this list, please feel free to share it in the comment section below. Also, feel free to answer with as many as you like.
Appreciate your time!

What do you enjoy your favorite writers sharing most?

A) Behind-the-scenes information
B) Live Q & A with the author
C) Signed bookplates
D) Little launch goodies
E) Virtual Book club time with an author
F) Fun giveaways!
G) Other: share in the comments section below!

Blessings,
Dani

Mothering Sunday vs Mother’s Day

As someone who has read many British books and watches programs from the UK, I have heard and often wondered how “Mothering Sunday” compares to Mother’s Day as observed in the US. I also wondered if Mother’s Day was a “Hallmark holiday,” or if it had other, older origins. So, with the passing of Mother’s Day a few days ago, I decided to look into it. Maybe you’ve wondered as well.

Mothering Sunday (UK)

The origins of Mothering Sunday can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when people who had left their families to work elsewhere returned to their home, or “mother” church on the 4th Sunday of Lent. This might be the church where they were baptized, or the local parish church, or the nearest cathedral. Travelers who did this were said to have gone “a-mothering,” which may have influenced the term, “Mothering Sunday.”

In later times, “Mothering Sunday” became a day when domestic servants were given a day off to visit their own mothers and other relatives. It was often the only time that whole families could gather during the year.

Young people would sometimes pick wildflowers along the way to place in their home churches or give to their mothers, which likely led to the modern tradition of giving flowers to mums.

Anna Jarvis

Mother’s Day (US and 40+ other countries)

In America, Mother’s Day is observed on the second Sunday of May. Apparently, it has no connection to Britain’s Mothering Sunday. The US observance began due a tireless campaign by Anna Jarvis, a woman from the state of West Virginia whose own mother had desired the creation of such a day. West Virginia declared it official by 1910, and the rest of the states soon followed suit. President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day an official national holiday in 1914.

Early traditions typically included attending church, family dinners, and the giving of simple carnations.

1915 card

Sadly, shortly after the official launch of Mother’s Day, Anna Jarvis began to regret her efforts, especially when she saw florists raising prices near the big day and candy and card companies focusing on profits instead of the reverential family observance she had intended. (See, I knew Hallmark came into play there somewhere. )

Conclusion

While their origins are different, Mother’s Day and Mothering Sunday are now celebrated in very similar ways, often with gifts for mom, a thoughtful card, and perhaps a special dinner as a family.

So, here’s a belated “Blessed Mother’s Day” to every Mom—whether Stand-in Mom, Would-be Mom, Struggling Mom, Cat-Mom, Dog-Mom, and anyone else I may have missed. ♡

Sources:

Family Wise

Wmbfnews

Difference Between

National World

From You to Me

Inspired by Scripture

Wishing you a very happy Mother’s Day from all the writers of Inspired by Life…and Fiction.

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.

Book Release (And a Giveaway!)

To Tame a Cowboy, the third book in my Colorado Cowboys series, is now available!

I’m happy to report that early readers are loving this new story! It centers around the third handsome and hunky McQuaid brother, Brody. Unlike his brothers, Brody fought in the Civil War. The death and destruction he witnessed destroyed his sensitive spirit and left him a broken man. His only interests in life are his adorable niece and the wild horses that he tames.

Lucky for Brody, he meets a sweet and sensitive veterinarian, Savannah Marshall, who has a healing touch that soon begins to work its magic on Brody. And of course, the two develop a romance that is off the charts!

In doing research for this story, I focused on learning all that I could about horse training, including reading The Man Who Listens to Horses: The Story of a Real-Life Horse Whisperer by Monty Roberts. His life is fascinating and his love of horses amazing. I had fun having Brody utilize some of his training methods as well as those of the Ute Indians.

In developing Savannah’s veterinarian skills, I read James Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small. Although Herriot’s techniques and medicines were sixty to seventy years ahead of Savannah’s time, I was able to learn a lot about what being a vet was like and the emergencies that came often came up.

Biographies are some of my best friends! I always love basing my research off real people. They have so much to teach us, not only about their area of expertise but also about life.

For those readers wondering what will be coming next, I’m happy to report that there are FIVE books in this Colorado Cowboys series. Falling for the Cowgirl releases this October and gives Ivy McQuaid her happily-ever-after. And The Last Chance Cowboy releases in February of 2023 and tells the story of Dylan McQuaid, the prodigal of the family. (Although the cover is done for the fifth book, I haven’t been given official permission to share it, so stayed tuned for a reveal soon!)

If you’d like a chance to WIN a copy of To Tame a Cowboy, then enter the Rafflecopter form below. I’m giving away TWO paperback copies!

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What about YOU? What do you like most about stories that are inspired by real people or real events?

Where Does the Time Go?

Nearly 22 years ago, I welcomed an amazing human being into our family. Wyatt is the second of my three children, and I’ve had the honor of watching him grow from a sweet-natured boy with irresistible dimples into a godly young man poised to make an impact on the world.

In two days, Wyatt will graduate summa cum laude from Abilene Christian University with a 4.0 GPA while double-majoring in Math and Computer Science. He was selected by the faculty of his department to be a University Scholar as well. I couldn’t be more proud of him! He has always worked hard and given his best effort in ever endeavor he undertakes.

Not only has he excelled in the classroom, but he has also exhibited great spiritual leadership for one so young. He has served as our congregation’s college minister for the last two years, often leads singing, and even preaches on occasion. Not only that, but he and his fiancé McKenna started up a VeggieTales chapel on campus that quickly grew into one of the largest small group chapels on campus.

He already has a job lined up following graduation, which is good thing, because one week after he walks cross that stage, he’ll be standing before the altar with the love of his life to recite wedding vows. (I’m sure there will be a post coming soon about that!)

Big changes are upon us, but I have every confidence that Wyatt will handle it all with grace, hard work, and humor. I will miss having my pun-loving son around the house to laugh at all my goofy one-liners, though. My husband’s eye rolls aren’t quite as satisfying.

Thanks for putting up with my proud mama gushing. I’d love to return the favor. Share a gush of your own in the comments about one of your kids, grandkids, siblings, etc. Anyone you’re dying to brag about.

God Doesn’t Give “Busy Work”

I’m sure you are familiar with the concept of “busy work.” It’s the work given in an educational setting that keeps the students occupied for a period of time but doesn’t contribute much to the overall educational goals. Teachers use it when they need to work with smaller groups of students. Or when they need to get paperwork done. I think we’ve all experienced this at one time or another. But a couple of weeks ago I realized the concept of “busy work” had crept into my spiritual life. 

When we were on a week long business trip recently, we decided to go to a local church on the Sunday morning we were there. The pastor preached on “I am the vine, you are the branches.” A very familiar passage and concept, one that has been significant in my own spiritual journey. So while I was listening and engaged, I wasn’t necessarily expectant.

But the Holy Spirit tends to speak loud in those kinds of situations, doesn’t He? 

As I was listening to the pastor talk about bearing fruit—both internally, as in the Fruit of the Spirit, and externally, as to the work the Lord gives us to do here on earth—a thought plopped loud into my head. An idea I’d never considered before:

God doesn’t give busy work. 

Within a few moments I knew exactly what that meant, and I bowed my head in repentance. 

You see, when the Lord brought extraordinary circumstances to bear in my life last year, providing not only an agent but a book contract, I was elated. I have continued to be elated because I have something to do. I’m no longer bored or waiting around on other people or even just reading all day. My days have purpose—to meet my deadlines. To try for other book contracts. And I’ve been blessed to indeed have a second book to write. 

I know those things came from God. I have worked hard on them. Been grateful for them. But honestly, I thought of them as “busy work.” I unconsciously pictured Father God patting me on the head and saying, “Here’s something to keep you busy and out of the way.” 

But God doesn’t give busy work.

As the pastor continued to talk about fruit that comes from abiding the vine, my conviction grew. I hadn’t considered my current work as fruit for the kingdom. Because of the nature of these publications, I don’t even own my words, I’ve simply been hired to write them. Even the republishing of my previous books. They aren’t new except for covers and my name. See? It all seemed like busy work.

And yet is isn’t. Because the truth is that the branches that abide in the vine bear fruit in all things because that’s what they are made to do. The vine doesn’t give the branches “busy work” that leads to nothing. 

And so I’m in the process of changing the way I’m looking at some things in my life at the moment. Have I considered this or that as “busy work” or as a call from God to bear fruit for His kingdom in some form or fashion? Because how I view my work is important. It is part of being a healthy branch attached to the vine. 

But understanding this had led to a further reminder of truth. God doesn’t give “busy work” because I’m not an afterthought. An inconvenience. He hasn’t set me aside. He doesn’t just need to keep me occupied so I won’t bother Him. No, He has fruitful work for me to do. Big or small, doesn’t matter. If He’s given it, it is important, and I need to view it as such. 

How about you? Is there something in your life right now you’ve thought of as “busy work,” not really important to God or His kingdom? Is it something you need to let go of or  something you need to shift your mindset about?

Girls Night Out at the Symphony

For months, our family has had tickets to The Music of John Williams at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center featuring the Nashville symphony. And this past Sunday night was the night!

Except the boys got sick. So it turned into a girl’s night out!

Kellie, moi, Kelsey, Rachael, and Caroline

The Schermerhorn is a lovely building with, as you would guess, fabulous acoustics!

If you think you’ve never heard any of John Williams’s music, think again! If you’ve seen any of the following movies, you’ve heard John’s amazing talent—

Star Wars
Harry Potter
Jaws
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Memoirs of a Geisha
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
and the list goes on…

Listen to samples of soundtracks played that evening

It was such a fun night. Seeing these pieces performed live—watching the musicians as they worked together to create such beauty—was a real treat. Talk about a talented lot.

What’s the last “Girl Time” you’ve shared with the women in your life? And what about the Symphony? Attended lately?

Lastly, the boys in our family (husband Joe and son Kurt) are on the mend! So all is well.

Tammy

Need a fabulous gift idea for Mother’s Day?
Check out The Filament Bible from Tyndale

I absolutely love mine. The accompanying phone app is like having an entire study library in the palm of your hand. And the videos! Amazing.

Check out my post on the Filament Bible

Lost and Found

Two weeks ago, my gentle, adorable grandson went to preschool for the first time. His entire family went to drop him off, and once he was safely at school, they left for work. Dad would pick him up when school dismissed.

So at the appointed time, Dad drove into the pickup line and turned on his phone’s video camera, because he wanted to record the moment for posterity–GrandBoy’s first pick up from school. But GrandBoy was not in the pickup line. (He does have a name, but I don’t use it in posts.)

(Not my grandboy).

Video camera still running, Dad goes to meet GB’s teacher. When she can’t find him, she says, “He must have walked out of the line.” Really? A child who has never been to school before is supposed to know what a line is?

No one could find GB. They went to the office, and people began to search everywhere. His dad calls my daughter at work, and she freaks out, as you might expect.

Then Dad suggests something simple: “Could he have gotten on a bus?”

Now–this school usually has a teacher who notes every kid who gets on the bus, and the bus driver should know the kids on his/her route by late April, don’t you think? But while they are debating if this is even possible, the school’s office phone rings.

In the mean time, a few miles away, my hubby is sitting in my office, checking in with me after his day, and his phone rings. It’s our daughter, and she’s hysterical. I can’t hear her side of the conversation, but suddenly my husband starts screaming, “They lost GrandBoy?!”

I respond with, “What? WHAT? Call the police!” And then I pray. Out loud. That angels would protect my precious grandson until he is found.

Meanwhile, back at the school, someone answers the ringing telephone. It’s an apartment manager a few miles from the school, and he’s with some girls who just got off a bus. They have a little boy with them, and they know he doesn’t live in their building. It’s GrandBoy.

Dad has to drive to the complex, where he picks up GrandBoy–who, thank the Lord, thinks this has all been a big adventure. The office managers have given him crackers and told him that Daddy is on the way.

That night, when our three grandkids come to spend a couple of hours with us, GrandBoy is proudly wearing his new school backpack, none the worse for his “situation.”

But hubby and I know how badly things could have gone. He could have stepped off that bus into traffic. He would have been taken by anyone. He could have started walking and we never would have found him.

But thanks to the kindness of those little girls and those office managers, what was lost was found. (And I’m not even sure he realized he was lost!)

And now I am reminded of the old parables–the missing lamb, the missing coin, the missing prodigal. God cares desperately for the lost, and our job is to be the ones who get in the car and go find them. And to be the kind girls who escort the lost to shelter. And to be the office managers who say, “Eat, drink, and be comforted, child . . . because Daddy is on the way.”

And that’s a parable for our time.

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.

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