My Scribbler’s Heart

The SLOW Work of Advent

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SLOW work of Advent? What’s that? It seems it was just yesterday I rooted through the closet for the Advent wreath that wasn’t there and filled the Advent calendar with chocolate kisses that were devoured posthaste by a toddler. Now all four Advent candles are lit, and I worry whether that last nub of purple, the first candle lit, will make it until Christmas.

Due to the “obligations” of Christmas, Advent often seems anything but slow, perhaps the quickest wait we ever endure. That’s why this sign outside a church I pass caught my eye:

Slow work of God

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#5Faves: Christmas Romance Novellas (and More)

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fivefaves

The novella is the perfect format for this busy time of year! Fit in a quick read between Christmas preparations or while relaxing in the glow of the Christmas tree. I’ve selected five of my favorites followed by a few other recommendations for Christmas short stories (which can easily be read in one sitting) and novels as well as a few items on my Christmas reading pile!

  • Most but not all below are Christian stories. All are clean romances.
  • Technically, I think A Cliché Christmas and A Sugar Creek Christmas are (short?) novels. In the true spirit of Christmas overwhelm, I’m lumping them with the others because it’s my blog, and I can.

And as a bonus, a Christmas snippet from my novel Rightfully Ours, which I hope to be sharing some exciting news about soon!

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Relevant Fiction Reviews: Teen Fiction

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Relevant Fiction Reviews

Though I’d rather not think about how long it’s been since my teen years, I’ve enjoyed immersing myself in teen fiction – Catholic teen fiction in particular.

A.J. Cattapan’s  Angelhood could easily have fit into my October reviews, Dealing with Demons. It explores the forces of good and evil (angels and demons) that either pray for or prey upon humans. Roland West, Loner also includes an other-worldy dimension, the communion of saints. Theresa Linden‘s true-to-life novel is the perfect intersection of the natural and supernatural. Finally, Cynthia Toney‘s second novel in The Birdface Series, 10 Steps to Girlfriend Status, is planted firmly on earth, as young Wendy Robichaud navigates a multitude of big changes in her life. All three are relatable stories of hope and blossoming maturity suitable for young teens and up. Continue reading →

Roland West, Loner – A Character Interview

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Last week, my friend Theresa Linden released her Catholic teen novel Roland West, Loner, first in a series including the West brothers and their friends. It’s simply a great novel for teens of all ages, Catholic or not. The author deftly handles common teen experiences from sibling problems and the school social scene to first attraction and rediscovered faith.

  • Click here to jump to the book blurb.
  • Click here to jump to the Rafflecopter giveaway link and enter to win a free copy of Roland West, Loner.

What follows is a fun interview with the neighbor boy who befriends Roland, making him less of a loner. As you’ll see, Peter’s a charmer.

Character interview of fifteen-year-old Peter Brandt conducted by author Theresa Linden, age undisclosed. This interview occurred sometime after the story began . . .

Roland West, LonerAuthor: Thank you for agreeing to this interview, Peter. It’s nice to sit face to face with a character in my story and really get to know him.

Peter: Yeah, okay. Whatever that means. Hey, I don’t mean to sound rude, but can we make this quick because I’m in the middle of a project? I’ve been working on this transmitter and receiver, and I finally got some parts in the mail so I can finish . . . never mind. What was your question? Continue reading →

Hiding in My Comfort Zone and Other Sins of Omission

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Last week at the library and immediately after at the playground, I got to talking to another mom. I tend toward the quiet introvert type, so I don’t often strike up a conversation. My husband can’t get through a simple retail transaction without a full-blown conversation ensuing while I could go weeks without one if pressed. Meeting new people is not my strong suit, but after seeing this woman in not one but two places in a short span, I started chatting.

She was a young, pregnant mom, new to the area. We found some similar interests and common experiences and had a good conversation. Eventually it was time for me to corral my kids and for her to get to a prenatal appointment. We each went our separate ways without so much as a goodbye.

And it bugged me.

Here was a young woman in a new town, with a husband who travels a lot for work, suffering through first trimester sickness with a  toddler in tow. Oh, how I could relate.

And yet, she didn’t leave my company any better than when she’d met me, other than perhaps to be assured that her experience wasn’t unique. Another mom understood.

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