Lee Tobin McClain's Blog, page 3

Farmhouse Decorating Tips

Am I the only one who gets into a home-project mood at this time of year? I’m taking it easy, just redoing one bathroom closet. I’m fixing a couple of holes in the wall, painting the inside, and converting it to open shelving. A tiny project that is taking me forever due to complications I wasn’t expecting… isn’t that the nature of home projects?

Last year at this time, it was our dining room–we shifted it from southwestern to farmhouse style. Here are the decorating tips I learned along the way...

The Forever Farmhouse – Release Week!

What an exciting day–The Forever Farmhouse is out in the world! It’s available at bookstores and online retailers. Ebook, print, or audio, take your pick! “A magnetic second-chance romance.” Publishers Weekly starred review. 

Writing Full Time!

 

Did you ever let go of something good so you could do something even better? That’s how I feel about retiring from my beloved teaching career in order to write full time. I have loved my job teaching English and Creative Writing at Seton Hill, especially my many wonderful students and colleagues. It’s been a huge part of my life for thirty years. But I finally reached a point where my writing can support me, and it’s wonderful to be able to put my full focus into writing my stories. In additi...

A Starred Review from Publishers Weekly!

Publishers Weekly gave The Forever Farmhouse a starred review! Here’s what they said:

Bestseller McClain (the Safe Haven series) launches her Hometown Brothers series with a magnetic second-chance romance. Marine biologist Ryan Hastings returns to the Chesapeake Bay’s Teaberry Island to stay with his foster mother, Betty Raines, as she mourns the death of her husband, Wayne. He’s nervous to see Mellie, his high school girlfriend and Betty’s neighbor, for the first time since he moved away for co...

Teacher Gifts Under $10!

It’s that time again! You love your child’s teacher and want to give her a meaningful end-of-year gift… but all that comes to mind is a gift card. Resist the notion! Why not buy her a novel featuring a strong, resourceful teacher?

Two books in my latest series, Cottage at the Beach and First Kiss at Christmas, have teacher heroines who overcome challenges along the way to a happy ending. 

Most teachers love to read, and these two books would make especially good teacher gifts. Why?

Priced under...

Forever on the Bay is a Harlequin Junkie Top Pick!

What a kind review from Harlequin Junkie! It reads, in part: “This was a beautiful story of regret, grief, justice, and starting new lives. Evan regretted the choices he made when he was younger and choose to drink alcohol rather than face his emotions… Cassie’s past had given her strength and courage and it was amazing to see her grow and become independent and more confident in herself. This story was inspiring, and will touch your heart.” 

Her Easter Prayer Release Day!

Her Easter Prayer is on shelves now! This book is special to me for so many reasons: its focus on schools, reading, and literacy; the therapy dog who helps the heroine overcome a difficult past; and the Easter message, including a beautiful country church on the cover. It’s my first Love Inspired book with a church!

Release days are funny thing for authors. Far from being glamorous and exciting, they’re usually about sending a newsletter, posting on social media, and hoping that readers will dis...

The Perfect Teacher Gift Under $10

You love your kid’s teacher and want to get her a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, something she’ll really like. But you don’t want to spend a fortune. What to do?

Most teachers love to read, so why not get her a book? Two of my books would make great teacher gifts: Cottage at the Beach and First Kiss at Christmas. Why?

Priced under $10Main female character = strong, feisty teacherRomantic, emotional escapesG-rated (won’t embarrass your child!)Between now and December 15, 2021, you can ge...

Three More Books!

I’m overjoyed to announce that I’ve just signed a contract to write a brand new series for HQN! Set on a small island on the Chesapeake Bay, it’s a trilogy featuring three foster brothers who come home to help their foster mother spruce up the tumbledown farmhouse where they spent their teenage years. Of course, they find love in the process! Series title is Hometown Brothers, and the tentative title of book one is The Forever Farmhouse. 

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to write three more ...

Publishers Weekly Bestseller!

I’m always thrilled to learn that one of my books has hit a bestseller list. It means that my book made its way into a lot of readers’ hands, and that is exactly what I want. Finding a Christmas Home is a story full of poignant moments, laughter, and a few tears… and of course, a happy ending. Thank you to everyone who bought the book! If you’d like to get your hands on a copy, links are on this page.