I'm in a Mood--How's Your Day Going?

Sometimes just getting through everyday life is hard, you know? But there's always ONE thing that isn't! Haha! This is definitely my mood today. (It makes me laugh every time I see it, so I thought I'd pass it along.)

I Can Do Hard Things

Since I was told my lungs were very scarred and my lung function was permanently reduced, I knew there would be things I couldn't do. One of those things was playing my flute in public. I've been playing my flute since 8th grade and I've enjoyed playing musical numbers and being part of musical groups for a very long time. But with reduced lung function, that just didn't seem possible anymore.

 
Last week, I was asked to play a musical number in church and my immediate reaction was to say no, I'm sorry, I can't do that anymore. But I didn't. I thought about it. I looked at the music. It wasn't hard. Maybe I could do it, I told myself. I practiced it on my own and felt pretty good about it, so I went to the first rehearsal. 

It was terrible. 

After going through the number a few times, I could feel my oxygen levels getting lower, which makes it harder to think clearly, (and breathe), and I couldn't stay on count. Eventually I had to give in and tell the other ladies I just needed to go home. I felt defeated.

My husband was there when I came through the door and I told him what had happened while I tried to get my oxygen levels back up. I was frustrated. I just want to be back to how I was BEFORE--when I could go through a musical number without thinking twice about it. My husband listened and commiserated and then said, well, maybe if you practice a little each day, you can help your lungs get stronger. So, with that advice in mind, I didn't give up. I practiced a little every day, trying to strengthen my lungs enough to get the breath I needed for each note. We performed last Sunday and I'm so happy with how it turned out. It's such a beautiful song. And though the recording isn't the best, you can still hear the song pretty well. It's called, "Die Auferstehung (The Resurrection)."

Marketing Genius

Honestly, the marketing manager for these chocolate cinnamon bears was a GENIUS! Look at that little bear's face. How could you ever just walk past when he is begging you to take him home? I couldn't resist. 

Do you love chocolate-covered cinnamon bears? What's your favorite snack that you can't resist?

In the Non-Fiction Corner with Lauren

Before picking up her book Far Above Rubies, Tamara Uzelac Hall was an unfamiliar name to me. Now, I cannot wait to get my hands on everything this incredible woman has written and somehow become her best friend! I cannot say enough good about this book. 

As I was nearing the end of my reading, I was trying to calculate how much it would cost to buy a box of these books and give them to all the women in my life, it is that good! Hall is hilarious, brilliant, and has had so many experiences in her life that will make it hard to put the book down. 

Yes, a book about one proverb in the Old Testament. I, too, was skeptical that a wildly thought-provoking and insightful book could be written on just a few Old Testament verses, but now I’m wishing I could have Tamara Hall expound on every chapter of scripture for me.

One thing that I particularly loved about this book is that it is chock-full of Hebrew translations that helped me gain new meaning from these verses. The author puts them into context, translates them, and then uses an example from her own life to teach in such a beautiful way. There are also note pages after every chapter so you can record your insights as you read. 

One part of the book that struck me is that God is referred to as “I AM” in the scriptures. That is also the answer we give when someone asks us if we are willing to do something, or make a covenant. Hall writes, “Dr. Black pointed out that when we answer in His name, I Am, we acknowledge that we may not be perfect at keeping our covenants but that through His enabling power, we can.” There are so many gems like this throughout the entire book.

A five star Old Testament read!

Get your copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

Who can find a virtuous woman? This is an age-old question that can both inspire and intimidate. The saintly sister described in Proverbs 31 is nothing short of astonishing: an ideal wife and mother, a valued contributor to society, and a tireless proponent of all that is good and right. In viewing these qualities as a goal, women can often fall prey to this passage’s common outcome: feelings of discouragement and inadequacy. Many women are left to wonder, Who could possibly embody such a perfect specimen of womanhood?

With Hebrew, humor, and reassurance, author Tamara Uzelac Hall injects a much-needed dose of reality into women’s interpretation of this section of scripture with this truth: all of us are virtuous. This book teaches how to embrace the unique and impactful role you already play and will help you discover a truth that will change the way you view your life: no matter your progress on the path, thou art already a virtuous woman!

Freebie Friday for Romance Fans!

Are you looking for a little book getaway this weekend? Spring Vacation, a Timeless Romance anthology of six novellas, is free today! 

You can celebrate spring with a book vacation! 

Get your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

MOONLIGHT KISS by Josi S. Kilpack
Sarah is looking forward to the company retreat, namely because she’ll finally meet Clint—the man she’s been Instant Messaging for a few months. As a single mom, Sarah gets out . . . well, never. So adding vacation days onto the retreat so she can spend time with Clint is daring, yet exciting. She just hopes that the suave on-line Clint will live up to the man she hopes to share her heart with.

CHASING TESS by Annette Lyon
Tess had been patiently waiting through three years of law school for James to pop the question. The night has finally arrived—at his graduation party. But his big announcement turns out to be completely unexpected . . . and devastating. Tess flees the party, promising herself she’ll never let herself waste time on James again. But as she makes a desperate cross-country drive, James makes his own plans on how to win her back.

DANCING AT THE FLEA MARKET by Heather Justesen
Mara, fresh out of the cold North Dakota tundra, spends her spring break in Texas with close friend, Anna. When the two women run into Carter, an impatient man with a painful past, it takes hearing Mara’s stunning voice at the local Karaoke club to thaw his heart. But as Mara gets to know Carter, she has to decide if the distance between their lives and homes is worth trying to bridge.

THE BEST LAID PLANS by Sarah M. Eden
Madison gives up a vacation to Cancún with her office friends to return home and babysit her mother, who is in another sketchy relationship. The only problem with returning home is running into Derek, her ex-boyfriend who she decided to break up with before he could break up with her—Madison believes in always being one step ahead. When Derek teams up with Madison to investigate whether her mother is dating the right guy, Madison has a hard time ignoring what her heart is telling her about giving Derek another chance.

PICTURE PERFECT by Heather B. Moore
Gemma has never done anything out of the ordinary, until her boyfriend Randy starts to ignore her. But even cutting and dyeing her hair doesn’t get his attention. She decides to join her old high school friends for spring vacation, only to be faced with Drew, her best friend who suddenly seems interested in her as more than a friend. Gemma must determine if her heart is on the rebound or if it’s finally met its true match.

THE SCIENCE OF SENTIMENT by Aubrey Mace
Rosie will do anything to forget Kevin, his completely perfect kisses, and the fact that he dumped her. When she arrives at her grandfather’s mountain cabin for a spring getaway, she discovers her worst nightmare—Kevin has been invited to stay the weekend too. Since there is only room for one in such a small space, Rosie is determined to kick Kevin out. But Kevin has other plans . . . which might include a reminder of why he’s the perfect kisser.

Do You Like to Color?

I am so excited that "A Métis Christmas Coloring Book" is finally here! I loved the artwork for my children's book, "A Métis Christmas: Thelma's Gift" and thought some of the scenes would be so perfect as a coloring book. And now you can try your hand at coloring the beautiful Métis folk art and other scenes! 

It's a perfect way for adults and children alike to connect with Métis culture through art and highlight some of the things they learned when they read the book!

You can get your coloring book HERE. 

Sometimes Life Doesn't Go As Planned

Since I was told my lungs were very scarred and my lung function was permanently reduced, I knew there would be things I couldn't do. One of those things was playing my flute in public. I've been playing my flute since 8th grade and I've enjoyed playing musical numbers and being part of musical groups for a very long time. But with reduced lung function, that just didn't seem possible anymore.

Last week, I was asked to play a musical number in church and my immediate reaction was to say no, I'm sorry, I can't do that anymore. But I didn't. I thought about it. I looked at the music. It wasn't hard. Maybe I could do it, I told myself. I practiced it on my own and felt pretty good about it, so I went to the first rehearsal. 

It was terrible. 

After going through the number a few times, I could feel my oxygen levels getting lower, which makes it harder to think clearly, (and breathe), and I couldn't stay on count. Eventually I had to give in and tell the other ladies I just needed to go home. I felt defeated.

My husband was there when I came through the door and I told him what had happened while I tried to get my oxygen levels back up. I was frustrated. I just want to be back to how I was BEFORE--when I could go through a musical number without thinking twice about it. My husband listened and commiserated and then said, well, maybe if you practice a little each day, you can help your lungs get stronger. 

So, with that advice in mind, I'm not going to give up just yet. I'm practicing with the hope that my lungs can improve enough to give me the breath I need for each note. It's a little scary, actually, but I feel like I have to at least try. Hopefully I don't embarrass myself or ruin the musical number for the other ladies. Wish me luck!

A New Audio Book for You!

I am so excited that my small town romance, Love's Journey Home, is now available in audio! If you are an audio book fan, you won't want to miss this one. 

You can listen to the sample HERE 

Here's the back copy:

Olivia is a D.A. with a job to do. Mick is a man with a hidden past. When their lives collide, choices must be made---and nothing will ever be the same.

Olivia Dalton has a reputation in the DA's office---tough, thorough, and fierce when she's closing a case. Those skills are essential in the courtroom, but not in the relationship department---until Mick Donovan crosses her path. Everyone thinks he's a player, but when an unexpected situation arises, she glimpses an honorable man instead. Olivia is drawn to him, but he pushes her away, unable to shake the past that still haunts him.

Mick Donovan learned at a young age never to let anyone close because those you love never stay. Keeping people at arms-length has never been hard for him---until he meets Olivia Dalton. Mick is caught up in a case she's prosecuting, and he can't deny his attraction to her, but when she uncovers the past he's kept carefully hidden, he's sure she'll turn away. Yet, even with all his secrets in the open, Olivia reaches out. Can he let his guard down long enough to let her in and take a chance on love?

Freebie Friday for YA Romantic Fantasy Fans!

Calling all YA Romantic Fantasy fans---I've been hearing a lot about the Fate of Eyrinthia series, lately, and the first book, Royal Decoy is free today! If you're looking for a book to read this weekend and love YA fantasy, you need to pick this one up!

Get your free copy HERE 

Here's the back copy:

Clare made a mistake when she saved the princess’s life . . .

In one horrible night, Clare is forced to give up her life as a kitchen maid to become the princess’s decoy. Thrust into a dangerous new world of royals and deadly politics, she must learn how to be the princess’s perfect double to ensure her betrothal to an enemy prince. Desperate to survive, Clare throws herself into self-defense training, taught by her distractingly attractive bodyguard, Bennick. The spark between them is undeniable, though a relationship is forbidden. When a ruthless assassin begins stalking her, it becomes frighteningly clear that some will stop at nothing to end the tenuous peace—and Clare’s life.

Across the northern mountains, Prince Grayson is his father’s ultimate weapon. His name inspires fear in all who hear it, but no one knows his heavily guarded secret. He carries out every brutal order only because his father holds power over the one person he cares about. Grayson’s silent obedience is tested, however, when his father reveals plans to exploit the marriage alliance between two of their greatest enemies. If Grayson submits, the blood of thousands will spill. If he resists, the girl who means everything to him will die.

The fate of Eyrinthia hangs in the balance. Some want peace. Some want war. All will be thrown into chaos.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I hope you are wearing green today and don't get pinched! The leprechaun was too sneaky at our house, so we didn't catch him, but he did leave behind some chocolate gold coins. Such a nice leprechaun!

May you have all the luck of the Irish today!

They're Finally Here!

My author copies of A Métis Christmas: Thelma's Gift are finally here! I got one hardcover and one softcover and they are SO beautiful! 

I've been thinking and dreaming about this book for so long, it's surreal to finally hold it in my hand. The entire project was such a labor of love. I sent the illustrator pictures of family members that he could use for inspiration and I see them in the book. I hear my grandma's voice whenever I read "my girl." I smell the bannock and hear the fiddle music when I look at the pictures. I love that I can not only share a beautiful culture with the world, but also my family and part of my heart.

Here's the back copy:

Thelma, a young Metis girl, can hardly wait for Christmas, and it is the night before the big day. Her family is celebrating with lots of food, including Thelma’s favorite jam with bannock, and her father will dress in his traditional clothing to tell them the ancestor stories---but all Thelma wants to do is her best, most fancy, jigging dance. Stopping for a moment so her grandmother can read the story of the Christ child’s birth, Thelma wonders what she could have given the baby had she been there that special night---and then her heart tells her what gift she can give right now!

You can get your copy here

Book Chat Book Club is TONIGHT!

It's so exciting to be doing a book club again. I have really missed being able to talk books with people! 

Our online book club meeting with Tiffany Odekirk is TONIGHT at 7:00 p.m.! I'm so excited to chat with her about her new historical romance, Summerhaven. I really loved that book. There were so many layers and a totally swoony romance. Have you read it yet?

I'd love to have you join us tonight. If you'd like to be part of the book club, you can join HERE

Book Review With Lauren: Even the Dog Knows

 

  Even The Dog Knows by Jason Wright is an incredibly breathtaking read that brings you on a journey of a family that is finding their way back together. From the very first chapter, you are invested in the lives of the characters and they truly come to life on every page. 

    The story begins with the introduction of a couple, Meg and Gary, and how they originally met. Cute, right? The next chapter fast forwards several years to Meg leaving and telling Gary that their love is no more. Meg moves several states away, but her new adventure isn’t everything she hopes it would be, and she wants to see the family dog one more time. The chapters rotate point of view but all weave together in a beautiful way to create a story about discovering and re-discovering love. 

    I could not put it down! It also made me want to get a dog and take a road trip. I usually don’t read fiction for the blog, but I am so glad I picked this one up. I think I have found my new favorite author, I can’t wait to read more from him!

Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

A family's old, beloved dog takes a final road trip to help his people find forgiveness and healing.

Meg Gorton finds herself alone and lonely in Florida. Three years earlier, she packed what she could fit into her sister's car, told her husband, Gary, where he could find her, and asked him to take care of Moses, their beloved black Labrador. For years, she'd tried to talk Gary into moving away from their home in Woodstock, Virginia. They both needed a fresh start after a painful loss and when their grandson Troy graduates from high school, Meg knows it's time. But Meg also knows that if she wants a new beginning, she'll have to do it alone. Now, with some looming health issues, Meg has a plan to finally bring Gary to Gulf Breeze.

Gary wasn't able to move on the same way Meg did. Haunted by the family's tragedy, and painfully aware of his guilt because he feels so responsible, he's stuck with nothing but a gig as owner and driver of the bus for his local minor league baseball team. And, of course, he still thinks about the day his wife drove away. At least he still has Moses, who is always willing to listen when Gary talks about his regrets and all the things he should have done differently.

Everything changes when Meg writes Gary a letter with a surprise request. She wants him to bring Moses to Florida so she can see Moses one last time. Gary is reluctant to go, but Troy loves the idea and suggests they could even travel together on Gary's bus. Along the way, Gary takes a detour to visit Troy's ex-girlfriend, Grace—the one who got away. Gary might not know how to fix things with his wife, but he knows he doesn't want Troy to make the same mistakes he did.

Although Moses is just a dog, he's very observant. He knows things—like that Gary hasn't been the same since Meg left, Troy is hiding something, and Grace's fingers smell like bacon. It doesn't take long for Moses to learn they are going on a road trip to see Meg. He misses her and senses Gary's loneliness. He also knows he's an old dog and that his time is near, but there are still important things only he can do.

Even the Dog Knows is a novel that will take readers on a thousand-mile journey to meet strangers and find forgiveness, understanding, healing, and the meaning of true and lasting love.

About the Author

Jason Wright is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author, creator, and speaker. His work has appeared in more than a hundred newspapers, magazines, and websites across the United States, including the Washington Times, the Chicago Tribune, Forbes, CNN.com, and FoxNews.com. Jason and his wife, Kodi, live in Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley.

My Big Announcement!

I have a big announcement and I am so excited to share it with you!

I love talking about books that I'm reading and being able to recommend books that I've enjoyed. It's one of my very favorite things! I can seriously chat about books with nearly anyone. 

Today I can tell you that I am a new columnist for Meridian Magazine and my first Book Chat with Julie is live! Yay! You can read my first column HERE and I hope you'll leave a comment!

AND . . .

I also have a new podcast, Book Chat with Julie, and you can hear it HERE: 

AND

You can join my Book Chat Book Club here where we talk about books, get book deals, and have authors as special guests. You can join HERE  

I love today and all the new things coming my way. Woohoo! I hope you'll come join me for a cozy book chat!

It's Christmas in March! My children's book about a young Métis girl named Thelma, is finally out! Woohoo! I'm so proud of A Métis Christmas: Thelma's Gift. My illustrator, Mikey Brooks, did a fantastic job capturing the Métis spirit and I love that we can have a part in helping people learn a little bit about Métis culture. I can't wait for you all to read it! 

Here's the back copy:

Thelma, a young Metis girl, can hardly wait for Christmas, and it is the night before the big day. Her family is celebrating with lots of food, including Thelma's favorite jam with bannock, and her father will dress in his traditional clothing to tell them the ancestor stories---but all Thelma wants to do is her best, most fancy, jigging dance. Stopping for a moment so her grandmother can read the story of the Christ child's birth, Thelma wonders what she could have given the baby had she been there that special night---and then her heart tells her what gift she can give right now!

You can get your copy HERE