A REALLY sweet reader meet

Back in October, my dear friend Alli who teaches high school here in Nashville texted to tell me she’d loaned A Million Little Choices to a friend (a mom), whose teenage son then saw her reading it. The son sent Alli a text saying, “So I hear you know Tamera Alexander.” (LOL) To which Alli (who is absolutely hysterical) simply replied, “GO ON.”

He then explained that Tamera Alexander was his friend’s favorite author—[what? Insert my enormous gratitude here], and he wondered if Alli might reach out to me and ask if I would send a note or something to this young lady, Rebecca. Absolutely I would! And did.

A week or two went by, and I got a very kind email from Rebecca. Then her mom, Corrie, emailed me too. Corrie and I exchanged some emails, and she shared that Rebecca had just gotten a lead role in The Nutcracker (as The Sugar Plum Fairy) that would be performed in December at a local venue. Not only that, Rebecca’s best friend Evangeline had landed a lead role as well (as The Snow Queen). Corrie shared that Rebecca had introduced Evangeline to my books, and asked if I might want to attend the production in December, that it would mean a lot to the girls, and—speeding ahead—I did! But…we kept it as a surprise, so she didn’t tell Rebecca and Evangeline that I was coming.

Let me tell you… It was pure delight watching Rebecca’s and Evangeline’s performances. Those young women are exquisite dancers! I wish I could have taken some video but I would’ve gotten kicked out, so I refrained. But oh, take my word for it…exquisite performances from both.

Following the show, I waited for the girls in the lobby, and Corrie captured Rebecca and me meeting for the first time. It was so sweet.

And here the three of us are, an older thorn between two young, beautiful roses…

Rebecca, moi, Evangeline following The Nutcracker performance on December 21st

I am so incredibly proud of these gals. Of all the work they’ve put in to honing their talent, for their love and faith in the Lord, and for their deep friendship. And I’m honored to have been asked to attend and share in their accomplishments! It’s definitely one of the sweetest “reader meets” I’ve ever had.

I’m so grateful for the ways God moves us in and out of each other’s lives. Even as I write this, I’m reminded of a book I’ve had for decades, God is No Fool by Lois A. Cheney (1969 first publication). Have you read it? If not, I’d encourage you to. It’s full of short musings. Some humorous, others touching. The following, Bits and Pieces, is my favorite.

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As 2025 begins, I’m especially grateful for God’s master plan in our lives, and for all the “bits and pieces” that are part of his divine plan in each of our earthly journeys. I would definitely “be less,” as Lois Cheney described it, without this writing journey. But far more, without connections with readers. Little did I know over twenty years ago when I set out to write novels, that one of the greatest joys of writing would be the people I’d meet through story.

What has God been stirring in your heart as this New Year unfolds? Gratitude? Anticipation? Joy? An eagerness to live more closely centered in his will in 2025? If yes, then I’m right there with you!

Happy New Year, friends, and I’m praying God’s richest blessings in Christ for each of you.

Tammy

UPDATED COVERS
for the three-book
Timber Ridge Reflections series

Within My Heart, the third novel in the series, will re-release soon. I am so happy for the opportunity to give these older novels “new life” with updated covers! And thank you, KEN RANEY, for bringing it all together.

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