Fluffy blankets, warm fires, and good books
A book giveaway, an author interview, a book announcement and a book series to look forward to
Curling up under a fluffy blanket while the fire burns in our woodstove and I read a book is my comfort go to right now.
Lighting the woodstove isn’t always easy (though easier since my 17-year-old son showed me how to light the fire easily) but it’s worth it.
It creates such a cozy atmosphere that often the outside world can’t get in unless I let it and I am trying to let it break through my comfy bubble less and less these days.
Our weather has been definitely colder, meaning I can light the woodstove for good reason and not only for aesthetic.
We’ve had two days of warmth this week and I have to be honest that I have missed the fire. I won’t have to miss it long because the temperature is set to drop again tomorrow.
This month in my newsletter I have a few fun and exciting things to tell you about and an author interview to offer you.
The Apron Strings Book Series & Scavenger Hunt
The first thing I need to share with you is that the ladies from The Apron Strings Book Series, of which I am a part, are holding a scavenger hunt from Sunday to Thursday of this week. Readers have a chance to win prizes if they find all the answers to the hunt. You can learn more about the hunt on Sunday in our readers group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/apronstringsreaders
The group provides fun posts, trivia, sneak peeks, and so much else so we would love to have you join us and learn more about this unique multi-author project.
The project involves eleven books written by eleven different authors. Each book focuses on a woman, involves cooking of some kind, will provide recipes, and takes place in a decade from the 1920s to 2020.
My book, Cassie, will release August 15, 2024 and I’ll share more about it as we get closer. For now I will share that Cassie is a former 1980s pop star and my book takes place in 1997.
Gladwynn Grant Takes Center Stage Releases December 5
If you can’t wait to read a book by me, though, (*wink*) you might be excited to know that the second book in the Gladwynn Grant Mysteries will release on December 5.
Read on for a description of it and then an excerpt of the book.
Description:
A little bit of mystery, a dash of romance, and a whole lot of heart
After being laid off from her job as a librarian at a small college, Gladwynn Grant isn’t sure what her next step in life is. When a job as a small-town newspaper reporter opens up in the town her grandmother Lucinda Grant lives in, she decides to take it to get away from a lot of things – Bennett Steele for one.
Lucinda has been living alone since Gladwynn’s grandfather passed away six years ago and she isn’t a take-it-easy, rock-on-your-front-porch kind of grandma. She’s always on the go and lately, she’s been on the go with a man who Gladwynn doesn’t know.
Gladwynn thought Brookstone was a small, quiet town, but within a few days of being there, she has to rethink that notion. Someone has cut the bank loan officer’s brakes, threatening letters are being sent, and memories of a jewelry theft from the 1990s have everyone looking at the cold case again.
What, if anything, will Gladwynn uncover about her new hometown and her grandmother’s new male friend? And what will she do about her grandmother’s attempt to set her up with the handsome Pastor Luke Callahan?
Find out in this modern mystery with a vintage feel.
Excerpt:
Sitting on a lounge chair on the back patio with a book in one hand, an iced tea in the other, Gladwynn Grant had an excellent view of the lilacs and roses blooming in her grandmother’s garden.
She also had an excellent view of the two cats her grandmother hadn’t wanted but had let Gladwynn adopt anyhow. The black and white one was sprawled on her back on the end of the lounge chair fast asleep. The all black one was sleeping in a tight ball on the wicker rocking chair that her grandmother usually occupied.
This lovely, quiet Saturday morning was one of two days off she had from her job as a reporter for the Brookstone Beacon. After two hours of reading, sipping iced tea, and scratching the heads and bellies of the cats, the closing of a car door signaled that her “alone-time” was coming to an end.
Voices inside the house a few moments later let her know that her grandmother had returned, along with their neighbor, and Lucinda’s friend, Doris.
“We’ll need a list of all the characters.” Her grandmother’s voice carried from the kitchen. “That will give us a better idea of how much fabric we’re going to need for the costumes we have to make. We should be able to pick up some of the dresses from Second Hand Rose and the Salvation Army store.”
“I think we’re going to have to make the dress Matthew buys Anne, though.” Doris’ voice joined Lucinda’s. “Puffed sleeves are not a thing anymore, even for those who wear vintage clothes for fun.”
Gladwynn heard the opening of cupboard doors. “Let’s try that tea Louise gave us.” Then a little louder. “Gladwynn, hon’. You out there?”
“Yep.”
“Come in and try this tea Louise McIntosh gave us. It’s from India.”
Gladwynn stood from the lounge chair and yawned, stretching her arms above her head. “India? Whose been in India?”
“Louise’s son and daughter-in-law were missionaries there and brought it back with them.”
Gladwynn’s eyes slowly adjusted from the bright sun to the dimly lit kitchen as she walked inside. For several seconds Doris was simply a small figure sitting at the table. As she came more into focus, though, Gladwynn could see her usually long silver hair had been cut into an attractive bob that brought her hair down to just below her ears.
“Doris! I love your hair! What does Bill think?”
Doris touched a hand to the bottom of her hair, bouncing it against her palm. “Why thank you. He seems to like it. Said it makes me look ten years younger, so I took that as a compliment.”
Doris had a small, round face, and bright brown eyes with a hint of gold in the irises. She was petite, or what Gladwynn would call dainty. When she smiled her entire face lit up, making her look at least a decade younger than she was.
She and Lucinda had been friends for more than 50 years, meeting when Lucinda and her late husband Sydney had moved into the three-story Victorian home next to Doris and her husband’s similarly lovely Victorian house. Lucinda and Sydney had moved into the home when Sydney returned from the seminary to become the pastor of Covenant Heart Church. They had lived in the rectory for several years until Sydney’s father passed away and the family home was left to him.
Lucinda set three delicate teacups with red roses on the side on the counter. “At least he put the golf clubs down long enough to notice this time.”
Doris clicked her tongue. “Now, Lucinda. Behave. I told you he’s been better lately.”
Lucinda opened a small box of tea and placed the loose leaves in a small tea ball, which she sat inside her ceramic teapot, a match to the teacups. Sydney had given her the set for their fiftieth wedding anniversary.
“I know. I know. I’m sorry. You know I struggle with a sarcastic tone. You think at my age I’d have that under control.”
Doris’ smile was warm and full of amusement. “If you didn’t have that sarcastic tone, I’d worry you were sick, Lucinda Grant.” With a laugh, she turned her attention to Gladwynn. “I hear you’ll be at our rehearsal tonight to write an article about the show.”
Gladwynn dropped a piece of homemade bread in the toaster. “Yes, ma’am. I care so much about you ladies I am even coming in on my day off.”
Lucinda patted her on the shoulder. “And we appreciate it, honey.”
“Just keep in mind we are only in the planning stages right now,” Doris said. “We still have to figure out costumes and set design and no one even knows their lines yet.”
Gladwynn knew the Willowbrook Retirement Community had chosen to perform Anne of Green Gables for their summer play. What she didn’t know yet was who was playing the parts and who was directing it.
Most of her grandmother’s friends, others than Doris, lived at Willowbrook Retirement Community, which was a collection of approximately 40 mini-condos that all looked the same, inside and out. Willowbrook provided independent living for local seniors, while also giving them a community of neighbors. A recreational center on the condo property provided them with a place for swimming, aerobic classes, as well as musical concerts and dramatic performances put on by the residents.
Lucinda set the kettle on the stove. “We’ve got plenty of time for all of that. The show isn’t until August.” She glanced over her shoulder and winked. “Plenty of time for us all to have a mental breakdown.”
Lucinda’s long white hair still featured flecks of the golden it had been when she was younger. It was pulled into the usual bun tight on top of her head. Two signature dimples popped up on each of her cheeks.
The toast popped up and Gladwynn began to butter it. The smell of homemade bread filled the air. She and Lucinda had cooked it together a couple of days earlier.
“Who all is in the play? Do either of you ladies have a role in it?” She looked at Lucinda with a mischievous smile. “I could totally see you as Marilla, Grandma.”
Lucinda’s eyes narrowed as she set the teacups on the table. “I’m not sure if that is a compliment or not considering how grumpy and uptight that woman is in the beginning.”
Reaching around Lucinda for the shaker with cinnamon and sugar, Gladwynn kissed her grandmother’s cheek. “But later she becomes a sweet, doting mother-figure for Anne so I think that fits you just perfectly.”
Lucinda pinched Gladwynn’s upper arm. “Nice save, young one, but, no, Louise is going to play Marilla. Doris and I are simply on costume duty this year and I am totally fine with that. Floyd Simson is going to play Matthew, Summer Bloomfield is playing Anne and Ashley Donnely is playing Diana. The part of Rachel Lynde will be played by Beatrice Farley, which is completely fitting for her.”
The chirping birds outside reminded Gladwynn she’d left the cats on the patio where they were probably awake from their naps now, ready to pounce on a blue jay or cardinal feasting at her grandmother’s bird feeder. She opened the patio door to let both cats inside. Scout darted inside while Pixel took her time, rubbing against the doorframe several times, walking in a circle, and then finally returning to walk through the door.
Gladwynn rolled her eyes at the cat and sighed, then reached down and scratched Pixel’s head. “Who is the director of the play?”
Steam rose from the kettle as Lucinda dropped the tea ball into the teapot. “Samantha Mors. She’s the community center’s new recreational director. She’s magnificent.” She poured hot water into the teapot and sat it in the center of the table. “She’s brought so much life to Willowbrook.”
Doris placed a cube of sugar in her teacup. “I agree. She’s brought so much to our community at large, not just Willowbrook. We now have craft fairs and talent nights at the retirement community hall, in addition to the activities she’s added for the residents. There are nights for crafts, a book club, art classes, aerobics and Pilates classes, shuffleboard competitions, and, once a month, there is a dance.”
Gladwynn was impressed with the list of activities. The woman sounded like a true gift to Willowbrook.
“She sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to meet her. For now, though, I’m going to finish this toast and tea and head out to meet Abbie and the kids for a picnic at the lake.”
Lucinda lifted the teapot lid, steam rising up in front of her face as she looked inside. “Oh my. Doesn’t this smell wonderful?” The smell of tea wafted from the teapot. She began to tip tea into each of their cups. “Before you head out, I thought I should let you know that your father called this afternoon.”
Gladwynn’s shoulder muscles tensed. She kept her gaze on the tea leaves swirling in her cup, waiting for Lucinda to continue, but not wanting her to at the same time. It was rarely good news when William Grant called.
Lucinda cleared her throat as she sat at the table and began to tip some cream into her tea. “He asked how you were.”
Good for him, Gladwynn wanted to retort, but didn’t. “Mmm. That’s nice.” Gladwynn blew on the tea. “And what did you tell him?”
“That you were doing well, but that he had your phone number so he could call and ask as well.”
Gladwynn snorted out a laugh. “And what did he say to that?”
Lucinda dropped her voice into a deeper range. “Well – well, mother. I know that, but – well, you see, I just figured it was easier to call you and – you know I’m late for a meeting so I – uh.”
Gladwynn burst into laughter at the impression of her father. “That was way too accurate.”
Lucinda reached for a homemade sugar cookie on a plate she’d sat next to the teapot. She broke the cookie in two. “Teasing aside, I know he’s not the easiest to get along with, but he does love you. He’s just not very good at showing it.”
That was an understatement in Gladwynn’s opinion.
“I also know you won’t want to hear this.” Lucinda dipped half of the cookie in the tea. “But he says he will be visiting in a couple of weeks. He has a law conference in Philadelphia and would like to stop in to visit on his way back.”
Gladwynn wondered what the deal was with everyone she knew from her old life stopping by on their way to conferences. Two months ago, her ex-boyfriend Bennett Steele had done the same thing. That hadn’t ended well, but he seemed to have got the message after their talk and hadn’t tried to reach her again since then.
“That’s fine. I hope you two have a nice visit. I’ll probably be at work most of the time.”
Pre-order the book here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CB74L7TQ
Call To Embrace – A Touching Book with a Raw Reminder About Marriage and Life
Mary Lander’s book, Call to Embrace, which I endorsed, is out for purchase right now.
A description for you:
She’s detached in a stormy marriage because of both of their unfaithfulness. Now she faces the aftermath of her compromise with an unwanted pregnancy. Will fleeing bring her the freedom she yearns for?
Emily Corentin wants to escape the jagged edges of her brokenness. She believes the only option she has is to take her young daughter, leave her husband, and end the unintended pregnancy with an abortion. But her plans take an unexpected turn when the homeless shelter she finds is not the type of help she wanted. She’d buried religion years ago with the death of her Gran. Any God-fearing place will only confirm how much God abandoned her.
An offer from a shelter volunteer may be the lifeline she and her daughter need, but Emily only sees it as a means to an end. The unlikely friendship that follows, draws her closer to the answers she may have carried with her all along. But rash decisions bring new challenges that drag her further into a sea of helplessness.
When all hope is lost in despair will she be washed away by the patterns of her past? Or will she answer the call to embrace the mercy of the cross and in turn bring reconciliation to her marriage?
You can purchase a copy of the book (which also has an audible version available) here: https://amzn.to/49rPnht
Mary is also offering a free story to lead into this book and you can sign up for her newsletter when you get a copy, but you don’t have to:
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/xp4kz6j027
And here is my endorsement of the book:
Interview with Alexandra Miracola (author of Penelope Grace And the Winter Carousel and other books)
I am excited a lot this month and I am excited to introduce you to Alexandra and her wonderful, whimsical books, which she writes through her publishing company 2125 books.
Read on to learn about her and her books!
Could you share the significance of the name of your publishing company and social media sites 2125 books?
Four years ago, I knew that I wanted to publish my books, but I had no idea which path was right for me. Traditional publishing didn’t appeal, but neither did the usual way of self-publishing. One morning, I read John 21:25: “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that not even the whole world would have room for the books that would be written.” As soon as I read that verse, the name 21:25 Books popped in my head, and I knew that I wanted to start an independent Christian publishing house where I could not only publish my own stories, but also other authors’ books one day. My greatest passions are to help other authors pursue their dream of writing and to fill the world with stories about God and the good things He does!
Share a little about your writing background. How did you get started writing in general and writing fiction?
I’ve always loved exploring fictional worlds, and I would write little stories at school when I was little. When I read Inkheart by Cornelia Funke at eleven years old, I realized that I wanted to write books of my own. I started writing a fantasy story, which has stayed with me ever since. During college, I majored in English Lit. and fiction writing was put on the back burner, but I started writing again after graduating. I’ve published two books since then and am now working on that fantasy story that God gave me the idea for all those years ago.
What inspires you to write?
My family, like many others, has been through some very painful times of abandonment, grief, and hopelessness. Each time, God has tenderly and lovingly sent His light to illuminate the places that felt darkest. For me, every story that I write is a reminder for myself – and, I hope, others – that God is always stepping into the most broken parts of our stories and bringing healing and life where we once thought both were impossible. Each story is an opportunity to get to know Him better, and I’m so grateful that He’s given me the chance to write them.
What is your latest book? Tell us a little bit about it?
Currently, I’m writing the first book in an epic Christian fantasy series. It’s about a woman, Victoria, who is lured to a fantasy world with the promise that she’s meant to be its savior, while a dark power is actually seeking to steal her life and purpose away from her.
Share with us a bit about your past work as well.
My first book, Penelope Grace and the Winter Carousel, is a Christian fantasy novel about a young woman who gets swept away to a winter world as she fights for her family’s sense of wonder in the midst of grief. It’s a perfect read for fans of The Chronicles of Narnia, The Legend of Holly Claus, and The Nutcracker! My illustrated children’s book, Chip and the Book of Rose Leaves, is about a rabbit named Chip who starts wondering if God hears our prayers or even cares about them at all. He goes on an adventure with some feisty forest friends to find the answer he’s looking for. It’s a great story to read aloud as a family and the illustrations can be colored!
Where can people find out more about your work?
My blog, books, and online bookstore can all be explored at
https://2125books.com/
I’d also love for you to join my bookish community on Instagram, @2125Books https://www.instagram.com/2125Books/
You can find me on Facebook and Goodreads as well!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2125Books
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/amiracola
November Giveaway
In closing I am going to offer a giveaway this month of one of Alexandra’s books to one of my newsletter readers. Anyone who comments here on my newsletter will be entered into the giveaway. If for some reason you can’t comment here, just shoot me a message on either one of my social media sites or at lisahoweler@gmail.com and I’ll add your name.
I will pick a winner sometime in December. Either of her books are a perfect book for Christmas and winter, but also any other time.
In closing . . .
What are you looking forward to most this holiday season? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.
Also, remember that my main blog is at www.lisahoweler.
I can also be found on Instagram here:
And Facebook here:
-`And as always, you can subscribe to my newsletter here: