Hey fellow book lover, how do you choose your next read? Perhaps you’re a “mood reader” and rely on your emotions to lead you along the bookshelf, or perhaps you’re an organized “list queen” and follow your TBR (to-be-read) list to a T. Or perhaps you’re a “seasonal reader” and take inspiration from the rhythms of nature and what’s happening outside your kitchen window. If the latter sounds of interest to you, lean in as I share these six spring reads…

Anyone who knows me well will agree that patience is not exactly my shiniest virtue, and if you know anything about the writing world, you’ll be aware that it is not famous for its expeditiousness. It’s a life of perpetual waiting. But friend, I would like to encourage YOU today if you are in a season of waiting, whatever that looks like. You see, I’ve been waiting for the “write” time to have a particularly special book series published—and finally, I have exciting news to share…

As each year draws to a close and I ponder possibilities for the next, I try to find one particular word to carry into the newness. I wait for one that rises to the surface and won’t be quieted. Mine for 2022 was “surrender” and I have to confess, it was beautiful but also painful at times. Much like life in general. And now as I sit down to write post-holidays after a glorious time spent with family, I unfurl and unpack my one word for 2023, which happens to be “STORY” …

I was supposed to pick up my son from the airport on Monday morning. Until his flights were cancelled. Multiple times over multiple days. And now our Christmas destination is currently experiencing a white-out of epic proportions. #Canadianwinterweatherthings. There’s not a holly-jolly thing I can do about any of it, so I force myself to exhale a long, slow stream of air… and remember there is One who is actually in control of my out-of-control Christmas! And, friend, maybe you need to lean in and hear this, too…

As we fa-la-la our way to the end of another year, it warms my bookish heart to continue my tradition by sharing “SIX SWEET READS IN 2022” with you. Whether you’re curious to see what captured my heart in the past 12 months or you’re looking for Christmas gift ideas, I hope you enjoy my selections. As per usual, it was ridiculously impossible trying to pluck only six from my beloved bookshelves…

I’m delighted to officially present to you my latest book, THE CHRISTMAS CABIN novella, and to share a few behind-the-scenes extra tidbits just for fun! If you’re anything like me, you find winter reading is a special treat with the promise of snuggling beneath a cozy blanket in a room lit by twinkling white lights, a chunky mug of steaming peppermint tea at the ready. Add a Christmas novella to this dreamy scenario and I think seasonal bookish perfection is found…

What’s not to love about the most colorful of seasons? Trees show off their extravagant display of glory before exhaling and covering the ground with fragments of beauty. Crisp, cozy, pumpkin spice everything and Thanksgiving holidays—but in the fall flurry, can we pause for just a moment? Wide-eyed and open-hearted, let’s lean in and listen as we try paying attention to autumn…

Writerly friends—this is what we’ve been waiting for… in-person writing conferences! And hope*writers are pulling out all the stops in November for their conference in North Carolina. Even the most introverted among us (ahem) are chomping at the bit in anticipation of gathering with like-minded creatives longing to balance the art of writing with the business of publishing. PLUS, I’m delighted to be one of the “breakout facilitators” as well as a certified hope*writers coach and can’t wait to meet with real-life writers! I’ll try not to gush too much, but here are the details:

Don’t you just love experiencing something delightful and delicious and then thinking, “Hey, I could totally do that at home!”? This week, I enjoyed a beautiful high tea at a new-to-me whimsical tea house called Neverland, which reminded me of an article I wrote a while ago, published by The Joyful Life Magazine. Is there anything better to pair with the reading life than tea and cakes? Obviously not! So, I thought “How to be a High Tea Hostess” may contain some helpful nuggets for YOU, dear friend, especially if you’re planning a party, shower, or gathering at home this summer…

With summer upon us and little ones to amuse for weeks on end, I thought some fabulous picture book suggestions might be appreciated… plus, a GIVEAWAY! Sweet reads to ignite tiny imaginations, encourage questions and conversations, and occupy at least some of the time in meaningful ways. Check out these six summer picture books and a giveaway: