When I say the year 2020 what response do you have?
As for me, and I think many of us, you probably shuddered remembering all the uncertainty, the never-before-heard-of decisions to shut down businesses and schools. And trying to figure out how to keep your eyes focused on God while the world was going absolutely crazy right outside our window.
My saving grace to staying sane in 2020 was staying productive. Keeping busy. Personally, I set a goal to write and publish a full series of books in the year 2020, Matchmaking Moms of Oceanview Church. I had never done that before. Although I had set the goal prior to the COVID pandemic changed life for all of us, I was extra grateful that I had, because that ambitious project gave me a purpose every day. A reason to tear myself away from the gloominess I was seeing on the news and escape to my office and use my faith and imagination to create something special.
Although it’s been two years since then, I’m now offering the first three books of that series, Matchmaking Moms of Oceanview Church in an electronic boxset. And along with the books, I’m including a couple bonus items. Read all about it:
Three books in one easy download, not to mention bonus content!
A team of mothers determined to covertly jumpstart the stalled love lives of their adult children. A light-hearted, faith-filled, fun series that will make you smile and warm your heart.
A chance meeting at Bible Study brings together three moms who share one interesting fact: they all have adult children who are striking out in the love department. Could they do something about it? Should they? Under a veil of secrecy, they commit to playing matchmaker to each other’s kids. What could possibly go wrong?
Book 1: Meet the Moms: A prologue novella to kick off the series. Dahlia, Lily and Rose form a team of covert matchmakers to find love where their adult children have failed. Will the moms find love for Winston the Loner, Isabelle the Workaholic and Micah the Playboy and remain in the shadows?
Book 2: Finding Love for the Loner: Lily’s son Winston has made a solitary life centered around his job, his dog Rebel and his online video gaming prowess. Will Rose the matchmaker find his true love in fellow dog-lover Tina, and will Tina be able to steal his heart?
Book 3: Finding Love for the Workaholic: A successful match is under their belts! An independent and successful businesswoman, Rose’s daughter Isabelle knows exactly the type of man she’s looking for. Can matchmaker Dahlia make her realize that photographer Zach may not be what she’s looking for, but may just be her perfect match?
Bonus material included in the boxset:
The Matchmaking Moms Cookbook: The Matchmaking Moms of Oceanview Church love to cook, and so do their kids. It’s my pleasure to present their recipes to you in case any of them tickle your appetite! Bon Appetit!
Eight InspyRomance blog posts regarding the creation and release of the original Matchmaking Moms series in 2020.
If you’ve read these books, I thank you but if you haven’t, why not consider downloading the boxset today?
Giveaway: I’ll select one random commenter to receive an e-book copy of the boxset from a retailer of your choice (Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Apple, Kobo). To enter, please tell me what’s your favorite way that life has changed since 2020?
**Heartwarming, life-changing Christian fiction.** An award-winning author, Laurie is living her dream life at the beach, writing novels. Laurie writes beachy inspirational romance that takes place in the South Carolina Low Country. She retired from the big day job and now focuses on writing full time. Strolls on the sand, soaking up the sun and riding the waves can be considered the best kind of research.
Hi Laurie! As a retiree with health concerns, since 2020 in our small resort town life has slowed down, but hubby and I stay away from large crowds. We miss the theater, going to movies. Even going out for dinner has changed, because so many restaurants have inconsistent business hours. Since grandkids attended virtual school at our house fall 2020 – 2021, we are closer to our grandkids. Happy August and writing!
Love your stories! :-) My favorite way that life has changed since 2020 is that a new grandbaby was born in Nov. 2020. We now have two grandchildren. :-)
For me 2020 was actually positive. Not the pandemic but due to it I was able to consolidate funds so financially I am in a better place. I still live with in my means but I have that little extra incase of emergency etc. Before money was really tight. (We had a few pandemic payments which helped). I learnt I don’t have to shop every day. (I use to go to the shops most days) Now I still go less than I use to. Part of the saving was not buying takeaway (I forget what Americans call it when you buy something like fish and chips/fries then take it home to eat or to a park) is it take out? The garden never looked as good.
It also helped me work out some of the triggers that increased my pain. I found being home more reduced some of the pain. The noises, lights, all can affect my head.
You’re right, Renate, in some ways our world changed for good and we may never return to pre- COVID norms. I think we’re more aware now of ways we can be exposed to a virus, and more cautious.
I’m happy that the pandemic brought you closeness and experiences with your grandchildren that you may not have had otherwise!
Congratulations Melissa! What a blessing that life truly does go on!
This sounds like such a success story! So happy that you can recognize so many positives that came out of your pandemic lifestyle. God bless you!
I honestly can’t say that I have a favorite way that life has changed since 2020. My whole world changed in December of 2020, and it had nothing to do with Covid. I’ve grown closer to God since then, though I don’t like the circumstances that did that, and though that should probably be my favorite thing, having to go through all that I have has not been fun in any way, shape, form, or fashion. There have been bright spots since then, and I’m very thankful for those, though there isn’t anything (so far) that I would say is a favorite change since then.
I understand what you’re saying. Sometimes life throws us a bombshell and it’s difficult to deal with. But as Christians, I’m so thankful that we’ve got the option to lean on God to help us through challenges and get to the other side with his love and grace. Praying for you and your ongoing recovery.
I think the best thing that happened for my husband and I was that, because he was now working from home, we could slow down and do what was important. For the first time in over forty years of marriage we set aside a specific time each day to read the Scriptures together and pray together- we are still doing it and it has become the highlight of our day.
When I think of 2020 I think of my grandma passing away suddenly at beginning of the pandemic, my mom having to start home school for the kids since they couldn’t go to school and she didn’t like all the zoom meetings, my mom getting pregnant with baby number 13 at 45 and a half , my brother having a
major surgery in California scheduled for April but then they had to postpone it till may, my brother got his major surgery in California and was down there for 5 weeks and only my mom and dad could be down there, my first niece was born in August 2020, my baby sister was born October 2020 and my oldest sister got engaged November 2020
I appreciate the little things more.
Oh that is awesome! I agree that when the hectic hustle bustle is removed, it’s easier to see what’s important. Good for you for continuing your newfound priorities!
Wow! What a mind-boggling, life-changing year. Hope all is going well for you and your family now.
Yes, so do I. Once the big things started getting canceled (weddings, graduations, funerals) you had find the beauty in the small things.
I’ve learned to be more content with what I have at home already instead of always wanting to go buy new things or eat out.
Remote work :) – it wasn’t a possibility before COVID, now I work three days from home and it’s such a blessing!
What a wonderful lasting side effect.
Yes!! My son got approval to work permanently remote which allowed him to move closer to family! Hallelujah!
I think it also helps to be a bit of a loner. I love people but I also am happy at home on my own (with 2 cats and right now one of henry, cat’s pet mice which he brought and and lost last seen under the bookcase). I did use to go shopping with a friend at times and we would grab take away at Macca’s (McDonalds) and go sit in the car at the park just to have an outing. But overall it was a positive for me although the downside was losing friends over seas from it. I was actually chatting online with Darlene Franklin about a day and a half before she passed away which is bittersweet.
Hi, the Best thing that has come out of COVID has been even more reinforced for me to Not take Anything or Anyone for granted. Have a great week and stay safe. I enjoyed reading your post.
Such a great takeaway Alicia. You are absolutely right.
time with family
Since I am disabled, I am so grateful for more Zoom and Facebook live events. I am able to feel more apart of communities than I was prior to the pandemic. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
How fun! I love the idea of matchmaking moms … as I am one of them–much to my children’s chagrin. Lol
Always great!
You are right, we are all so much more familiar and comfortable with online community gatherings!
Oh Julie, I’ve been so tempted! Have you made any successful matches???
I love the increased acceptance of online meeting, whether it’s a course, a doctor’s visit, an exercise class. It may have caused a lot of grief for some but it opened up the world to those of us unable to get out and about independently. Loved hearing about the matchmaking mums during COVID.