This year I started my Christmas CCR (Christian contemporary romance) reading early to have books ready to discuss on our StoryChats @ InspyRomance podcast/YouTube. My usual process is to write a book recommendation after I read each book and schedule the post on my blog. When I’m reading a book for a StoryChats spotlight episode […]
Escaping into Christmas
Do you ever just want to escape? Whether from life’s daily grind or anxiety from the seemingly endless conflict and suffering in our world, I often need a break. While escapism isn’t always the answer—we need to sometimes take action and always remain prayerful—finding ways to unwind helps with my stamina and renewal of spirit. […]
Quirky Reasons to Buy Books
Happy Friday the 13th—In October no less. I’m at a conference this weekend, so I’ll catch up to the comments asap–I always appreciate everyone who contributes with their comments. It’s how we get to know each other–and it’s just fun reading what everyone says–so again, thank you! So, I thought we’d have a little fun […]
Humor in Romance
I have written a lot of books. I’ve been told they are funny. On some of them, I’ve worked really hard to be funny. And no one has told me that those were funnier than the others. And on some of them, I’ve tried not to be funny … Still funny. It’s like I have […]
Sparking Romance with Fall Traditions
Ah, fall! The air turns crisp, pumpkin spice lattes make their grand return, and the leaves transform into a vibrant tapestry of colors. It’s a season that warms the heart—literally and figuratively. But have you ever stopped to think about how this cozy season is the perfect backdrop for romance, especially in the world of […]
Love in Fiction
I’m sure we’ve all seen the memes about how certain movies or stories gave us unrealistic expectations for love. I laugh at them and can sometimes agree. Some things are unrealistic. But then this year my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and I heard from so many others who are about to hit 60 […]
From Everybody Dies to Happily Ever After by Deb Kastner
Grab yourself a cup of coffee (or tea, if you prefer), sit back in a comfy chair, and let me tell you a story. Once upon a time there was a young woman, a senior in high school who dreamt of one day becoming an author. She was super stoked to have the opportunity to […]
“I Do” or Don’t: The Role of Weddings in Romance Novels
Ah, weddings. The whirlwind of floral arrangements, the mingling scents of perfumes and colognes, the rustle of silk dresses, and the promise of forever sealed with the words “I do.” As an author, these moments offer the quintessential backdrop for heartfelt confessions, character growth, and divine intervention. But as a mother with a daughter about […]
Narelle’s 5 Step Guide to finding good CCR books + #Giveaway
How can we find the CCR (contemporary Christian romance) books that we’ll love to read? We live in a world where books no longer disappear and go out-of-print forever (which is a good thing!). How can we discover the CCR books that will meet or exceed our reader expectations? In a recent StoryChats @ InspyRomance […]
Meet Photographer Amy Untermeyer on #WorldPhotographyDay
The characters in my books come from various walks of life. I’ve written about all sorts of professions, including a people walker. Most of the time, though, my characters have more traditional jobs. For example, Amy Untermeter is a destination wedding photographer in Wish You Joy (Savannah Sweethearts Book 10). She’s never been interviewed on […]