Merry CHRISTmas to all the IR readers! I’ve had a couple chats regarding the season and many of you, myself included, are dragging. It’s been a tough year and digging deep to celebrate has been a chore. For me, being intentional about the birth of Christ and spending time reading and in prayer hasn’t been […]
Meet Cute by Deb Kastner
I’m currently in the middle of one of the most exciting parts of writing—getting to know my new hero and heroine before I start writing my new book. Because at Harlequin Love Inspired I sell six book series at a time, I already have a brief blurb about the story and the names of my […]
Holding Hands
Every Christian romance has several firsts: first time the hero and heroine meet, first date, first kiss. But of all the “first” moments, one of my favorites to write is the first time the hero and heroine hold hands. It’s a seemingly small and simple gesture, but there’s just something about it that makes my […]
Curveballs
When it comes to romance, it sure comes with twists and turns. When I read, that’s what I’m looking for. The unexpected. I call them curveballs. When it comes to life in general, we sure endure our share. I mean, look at 2020. That’s been a huge curveball, right? I digress. I thought I’d share […]
Through Thick and Thin
Today’s my nineteenth wedding anniversary, and I can honestly say we’ve been through thick and thin, both literally and metaphorically. ;) It’s funny, because when I started creating the header graphic for this post, all I had in mind was the title. I originally intended to focus on book length—you know, thick books and thin […]
Celebrating Love in a Jaded Year
Jade. The modern 35th wedding anniversary gift. Jaded. The color of 2020. So how do you blend the two together and celebrate three-and-a-half decades of marital bliss? Two weeks ago, it was hubby and my 35th anniversary, and I think the first we’ve celebrated apart. I’ve probably said it before, but for those who don’t […]
That Special Song
Happy Summer! So far 2020 has been a bit tumultuous, so I’m not sure what the summer will bring. For our family, there’s a bit of travel involved. My husband has offered to take each of the kids on a bucket list trip as he is able to do so. His oldest daughter was born […]
10 Things To Love About Romance Novels
I fell in love with romance novels at an early age. I’d raid my mom’s bookshelves and read everything from Catherine Marshall’s Christy to The Legacy of Lilian Parker by Leslie Holden. The novels were magical and fun. I still remember some of the lines. In one Oregon Trail romance, the hero told the heroine, […]
In Black and White (and #giveaway)
I LOVE weddings! And we got to spend Saturday, March 14th at an unusual one located at a beautiful venue just north of Cape Town overlooking vineyards. My great nephew married the love of his life. Everything at their wedding was black and white—from the flowers to the candles to the guests’ attire. Even […]
Friends-to-More is the Best Romance Trope (and here’s why!)
If there’s ever been a romance trope more thoroughly beloved than friends-to-more, I’ve got the wrong data. Poll after poll shows above and beyond that this is one trope we romance readers will never, ever get enough of. Now, I’m well aware that the actual term for this trope is friends-to-lovers, but sometimes “lovers” has […]