Happy Wednesday!

Hi!

We have peak colors here in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. When the sun is setting, it almost looks like the hills are ablaze. I'll try to capture it on film for you one night this week, so you can see for yourself. It really is something to behold.

God's artistry is breathtaking. I'm grateful He allows us to behold it, and grateful too that He invites us to come before the throne of grace. If I can pray for you, please let me know.

FARM NEWS

Sadie's appetite has increased tremendously now that the weather has cooled off. She's been polishing off her meals so quickly that Farmer Joe had to keep bringing out extra food from the inside dogs since we hadn't yet opened the new bag. (We usually open a bag and half stays inside and half goes out for Sadie.) 

The goats have been going in earlier as daylight grows shorter. It won't be long now before we revert to standard time and they go in even earlier. I guarantee they won't be thrilled with that change.

Speaking of changing routines, our older rooster has been all over the place this week. Instead of his usual barn spot (where he goes to avoid the younger rooster), one night he bunked with the ducks and another he actually went into the coop. He may even think he's a cat. He's been stealing her cookies and begging me for cat treats. Not sure what to make of his antics. 

You can check him out in the video below. 

FROM MY WRITING DESK

No one warns you before you become a writer that you'd better enjoy your own writing, because you're going to have to read your own words again and again and again. 

It's easy to get sick of the sound of your own voice. I'm at that stage in the writing/editing process when I am so sick of reading my own words that I can't wait for lunch break or bedtime when I get to read a book that isn't mine.

But all this reading and re-reading does help iron out inconsistencies and fix most of the typos. Editing, beta reading, and ARCs always catch additional ones that make it through all my rounds of self-edits.

The good news is that all this editing torture means these books will be ready for you soon!

If you aren't already following me on Amazon, be sure to follow so they can send you a notification when they go live on November 7th (Midnight Masquerade) and November 19th (Clearing the Cowboy's Name).

MANDI BLAKE

He let her get away once. Now he’s back, and he’s playing for keeps.

Twelve years ago, Justin McKinnon fell in love with the girl next door—Caroline Taylor—but their families had hated each other for decades, and no one was interested in putting the bad blood aside. What started as a spur-of-the-moment kiss at a barn dance turned into a forbidden, secret romance that would rival Romeo and Juliet.

Caroline Taylor has everything she ever wanted. She owns the best bakery in town, has a loving family, and she’s friends with everyone. So why did she just break up with the perfect guy because he kept dropping hints about proposing. How could she marry him when she’s still hung up on her first love?

When Justin got the chance to get away from his abusive dad and support his elderly grandparents, he took it, but it meant leaving Redemption Ridge—and Caroline—behind.

Now, Justin is back in town and ready to remind Caroline that they belong together despite the family feud hanging over them. Can she trust the man who once broke her heart?

CRYSTAL'S ARC REVIEW

Playing for Keeps is a sweet and swoony Christmas romance with a dash of suspense!

Justin and Caroline were sweet. I loved his protection of Caroline and his persistence in winning her back.

I loved Caroline's adorable & hilarious phrases. Especially because my real life pause word is "crumbmuffins" 🤣🎉

- Past History
- Swoon
- Grand Gestures
- Second Chance
- First Love
- Forbidden Romance
- Faith Inspired
- Baker FMC
- Baseball to Police MMC
- It's always been you
- Found Family 

ALANA TERRY

It's Christian suspense at its absolute finest, and it’s yours to devour today.

If you like faith-filled drama, high-stakes danger, and relatable characters, you'll love this gripping adrenaline rush from award-winning novelist Alana Terry.

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