A Novel-Tea Evening with the Authors Palmer House Hilton Hotel, 17 E. Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 7:00pm, Saturday, September 2, 2023 Join us at Chicago’s historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel for a tasteful evening with tea and talk of books, writing, history, and the power of story. Meet and hear from bestselling and award- winning novelists Lynn Austin, Amanda Barratt, …
Novel news!
I’m so surprised & delighted to learn The Rose & the Thistle made the ECPA bestseller list for January. It’s not often you see new titles on this list so it’s a double blessing. What makes a bestseller? The cover, for a start, then a stellar marketing team. I’m never quite sure. But I do know my faithful readers cared enough …
A most romantic month!
There are several generous bookish giveaways happening this month that I’m blessed to be a part of & the first is on Instagram for the FEEL THE LOVE IG TOUR… To enter, just visit my Instagram HERE And this lovely giveaway is on Facebook as well as Instagram & other socials: Grand prize – they will receive a book from …
Because Fiction
The Because Fiction podcast with Chautona Havig is now live! Chautona is a prolific author who has a delightful podcast with many guests. I was her 202nd episode. That’s a lot of book talk! Have a wee listen here… Because Fiction
From Scotland to Acadia & back to Scotland again!
I’m currently in the release whirlwind of The Rose & the Thistle & don’t talk much about future publishing projects. I will say novel 15, set in Acadia or present-day Nova Scotia & colonial America, releases next January 2024. It’s currently on my editor’s desk which means an official title is coming soon & cover art will start. For a …
Book Load of Hope giveaway!
Coping with a broken world is hard, but by God’s grace, He uses fiction to bring us hope. So enter the Bookload of Hope giveaway between January 15th and 11:59 pm EST on February 15th for your chance to win 8 paperbacks and 2 ebooks. Just visit bit.ly/bookloadofhope for your chance to win. *Authors include Laura Frantz, Liz Tolsma, Grace …
The Rose & the Thistle releases!
Nay, it never gets old! Releasing a novel remains a unique experience even for someone who’s been writing stories since age 7. I’m always felt so at home with my writing & it’s always been a joy, a bit like the best friend I never had. Releasing it for public consumption has been a learning curve as it does feel …
Love under siege
The weeks or months leading up to a new release is often fraught with questions & concerns for an author. Will the book be well received? Will readers enjoy the story? Or, will they even find the story? So, when a starred review rolls in from Booklist I breathe a sigh of relief & shout for JOY! This reviewer has …
Black Friday? Nay, Book Friday!
Baker Book House has the most fabulous sales & I am always happy to share their beautiful graphics like this one. In a world addicted to devices & whatnot, let’s devote more attention to books – serving readers since 2400 BC. The Rose & the Thistle is officially releasing January 3rd, 2023! Happy reading!
SWOON
A few final comments from my editorial team as this novel of my heart – The Rose & the Thistle – went to print. Hopefully you’ll be saying the same when it’s in your hands! Not too much longer now… Happy reading!






