The Christy Award has been around since 1999. And while I try not to put too much stock in winning awards, I’ll confess to really, really hoping for a Christy. And last week A Shot at Love from The Christmas Heirloom novella collection was nominated. The award, intended to honor Christian novels of excellence, imagination,Continue reading “The Christy Award Nomination”
Category Archives: Reading
Appalachian Thursday – Boom Town to Ghost Town
My soon-to-release novel, When Silence Sings, is set in part in Thurmond, WV. While there’s plenty to make this southern WV town interesting, one of the main things is that in the early 1900s it was a rich boom town. Today, it’s essentially a ghost town owned largely by the National Park Service. Of course,Continue reading “Appalachian Thursday – Boom Town to Ghost Town”
Two Months Until Novel #5
My next full-length novel will release on November 5–less than two months away now. I’m excited to introduce readers to the Harpes and McLeans–feuding families in southern West Virginia. I found it oddly refreshing to write a character who’s . . . well . . . a little bit terrible. Inventing Serepta McLean was theContinue reading “Two Months Until Novel #5”
Appalachian Thursday – Upshur Co. Public Library
I’m always delighted when I’m asked to do a book event. But it doesn’t get much better than being contacted by the library I loved as a kid to come speak. Which is what happened to me this past week! The Upshur County Public Library contacted me to say they’re focusing on hosting more WVContinue reading “Appalachian Thursday – Upshur Co. Public Library”
Becoming Mrs. Lewis – Book Review
After finishing Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan I don’t want to start reading another book. That’s the greatest compliment I can pay a story. I just want to savor this gorgeous novel and starting anything else will dilute it in my memory. Which means I’ll eventually have to read it again. I’ve long admiredContinue reading “Becoming Mrs. Lewis – Book Review”
We Have a Winner!
I appreciate everyone who chimed in with the name of a favorite southern author for a chance to win an Advance Reading Copy of When Silence Sings. Here’s the list in case you’re looking for an author to add to your TBR stack! Tamera Alexander Sarah Addison Allen Patricia Bradley Jule Cantrell Lauren Denton WilliamContinue reading “We Have a Winner!”
ARC Giveaway of When Silence Sings
I’m super excited to be appearing at the 2019 SIBA Discovery Show in Spartanburg, SC, this September. (That’s the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance.) The event is primarily for independent booksellers from throughout the south who come to learn best practices and to hear what’s new in Southern fiction. And since I have a story releasingContinue reading “ARC Giveaway of When Silence Sings”
The Night the Dunglen Burned Down
It was 89 years ago today. The notorious Dunglen Hotel in Thurmond, WV, burned in what was then reported to be faulty wiring, but is generally believed to be an act of arson. Although–to this day–the arsonist has never been named. The popularity of the Dunglen may have had something to do with the factContinue reading “The Night the Dunglen Burned Down”
Appalachian Thursday – Miracle on Sale
It’s been five years since Miracle in a Dry Season first hit store shelves. Giddy days, those! And while I’ve been fortunate to see more stories published (and others yet to come), that first novel is the one that will always hold a dear place in my heart. And somehow, even after five years, readersContinue reading “Appalachian Thursday – Miracle on Sale”
Book Review – My Dearest Dietrich
When I saw that Amanda Barratt was tackling a novel about Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s ill-fated love, I knew I wanted to read it! While I was familiar with the pastor’s part in the conspiracy to kill Adolph Hitler and his ultimate martyrdom, I had no idea he’d been engaged. Let me begin by saying this wasContinue reading “Book Review – My Dearest Dietrich”
