I’ve returned from Silent Retreat—40 women spent a long weekend not talking—not texting, not phoning, not even writing notes . . . not even at mealtime. Impossible, you say? Let me share what we gleaned. Solitude. Prayer. Peace. Renewal, from the inside out. It’s the official opening of the year for me, much more so than New Year’s …
Dietrich Bonhoeffer–Radical Discipleship
February 4–Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s birthday is today. Bonhoeffer, dissident German pastor, prophet, WWII spy and radical disciple of Jesus Christ set my heart on fire through his writings—so much so, that his book and faith inspired the antidote to Hitler’s pursuit of a “Master Race” in my new book, Saving Amelie. Martyred in 1945 near the end of WWII, Bonhoeffer’s words ring as true today …
Tyndale’s Great Reads from 2012–Romance and Historicals
I’m delighted and honored that PROMISE ME THIS and BAND OF SISTERS is included in Tyndale House Publishers’ list of Great Reads from 2012–Romance and Historicals. Working with Tyndale House Publishers and their fine authors is an absolute joy for me. Deep in the throes of writing a new book set in 1939-1940, I’m looking forward to another exciting year of …
Books, Books & More Books!
We’ve been thinking Christmas gifts–and, of course, books come to mind. This week I listened to the audio version of Eric Metaxas’ book, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. I read the hardback version when researching my work in progress, but am delighted by the difference between HEARING and READING a great book! It’s inspired me to listen to the audio version of Bonhoeffer’s …
Christmas Gifts That Bless
Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Whacky Wednesday—T’is the Season, and the packages are piling high! Instead of giving more collectibles to dust, more whatsits to clean or wear, or calories that go to waist, I’m giving gifts that keep on giving this year. The joy is in connecting the gift to the heart of the recipient. My son began playing soccer …
A Thanksgiving Favorite–Colonel Wakefield’s Apple Crumb Pie
When the temperature drops and the leaves turn red and gold, I think Thanksgiving—family and friends round the table, good food, recounting our blessings by a warm fire, and thanking the One from Whom all those blessings flow. What a gift there is in Thanksgiving! One of my family’s favorite recipes was also the favorite of Colonel Wakefield, a character …
Elections and Rabbit Holes
I feel this week as though we’ve fallen down a rabbit-hole, much like Alice’s, into a world—a country—turned upside down. Suddenly, in place of the family honored since the beginning of time, laws in some states—including my own—have changed the very definition of marriage and family. Gambling has been legally increased as a way to stimulate revenue, and in some …
All Saints Sunday
This first November Sunday, the Sunday nearest All Saints Day, churches across our land will hold special services to remember and honor loved ones who finished this life within the last year. In our church, the names of members are called, their photographs shown. And then the aisles fill. As hymns are sung by the congregation, all who’ve lost loved …
The Slippery Slope
I’m working on a new book. Behind the compelling WWII story, a sweep of romance, and its theme of the sacredness of life, is an exploration of what it means to step onto a slippery moral slope—how easy that is to do, and how hard it is to regain our footing. No one imagined when British, American, German and scientists …
Band of Sisters–How Can I Help?
The question I’m asked most often is, “How can I help? Human trafficking and the abolition of modern-day slavery is a huge problem–what can I possibly do to make a difference?” *First, learn all you can through reading and talking with individuals and organizations who have already joined the fight: Google “human trafficking” to learn what is happening in the …