Good morning, friends! I hope you are staying safe, well and home as much as you are able. I know this has been a difficult and stressful time for so many and I hope you’re finding solace wherever you can–hopefully in a good book! Today is my first day helping Will with his “distance learning” so cross your fingers for me!
Even in the chaos, there are certainly small mercies. For us, that comes in the form of great weather where we can be outside in the yard or on the dock (he could fish for two weeks and be a happy camper!) while still being totally socially distanced. And, I have no excuse not to hunker down and meet my deadline for the edits for my 2021 release, Under the Southern Sky. Plus, reading time, right?! With all that in mind, what I’m loving for March might look a little different than some of the other months and is more focused on things we can use right now! So, without further ado…
What I’m Reading:
My friend Kristin Harmel’s gorgeous The Winemaker’s Wife just came out in paperback today! She writes beautiful historical fiction, and I am so excited about diving into this one, which is about the Champagne region of France. Hooray!
Speaking of historicals, you have all heard me rave about Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan Henry, which releases in paperback next Tuesday. I couldn’t have loved this one, about Joy Davidman, C.S. Lewis’s wife, any more. It’s now available in paperback too!
The brilliant Susan Zurenda just released her debut novel, Bells for Eli, about a tragedy in a small Southern town in the 1960s. We were so excited to have her for several events here in Beaufort and Pine Knoll Shores that, unfortunately, had to be cancelled. But I can’t wait to dive into this one.
What I’m Watching:
Schitt’s Creek on Netflix. It’s totally mindless and really funny. During these tough times, need I say more?
What I’m Listening To:
My Calm App. Over and over and over again, all day. Ha! In addition to my usual morning meditation, I’ve added in a nighttime one, which is helping me sleep more deeply through the night and a quick 2-10 minute focus meditation before I sit down to edit because I’m having a harder than usual time getting in the zone with all that’s going on around me! It really helps.
What I’m Giving Away:
I’m a part of two fantastic giveaways right now that you must enter!!
Click here for details on how to win this amazing St. Patrick’s Day giveaway with books from Lisa Wingate, Brenda Janowitz, Diane Chamberlain (Just started this one! So good!), Susan Mallery, Christina Dodd, Susan Wiggs, Jamie Brenner (Finished this one. Amazing!!!) and yours truly!
Also, shake off those winter blues with books by Kay Correll, Pamela Kelly, Rachel Hanna, Cindy Nichols, Kay Bratt, Ashley Farley and, yup, you guessed it! Me! You can enter here!
House I’m Touring:
This charming English Cottage is just the kind of place we would love to curl up with a great read. Check it out for an instant calm and cozy feel!
What I’m Looking Forward To:
The Feels Like Falling book tour, of course! Okay, okay… I’m not totally naive. I know the physical book tour might not happen, at least not in its entirety. But, even if it doesn’t, we will be hosting a big, wide variety of online events that everyone can attend (even if you aren’t on social media!) so stay tuned in the coming weeks for announcements.
I’m partnering with my friends at The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, NC to make sure that everyone can get signed, personalized copies, events or no events. I will be going there to sign stock for customers–that can be shipped!–come what may. You can preorder now!
Sending you love and light during these trying times! Stay well, friends!
STay safe and healthy!