@bethvogt
I’m experiencing the joy of writing fiction again this year, after my writing life was disrupted in 2020 by, well, lots of different circumstances.
Writing a book is hard work. I have to sit down, ignore the interruptions, and tell the story, one word at a time. And yes, as H. L. Mencken said, along the way there are happy accidents, or what I like to call moments of “accidental brilliance,” where something I write pings in a way I hadn’t planned.
Today, I’m inviting you to celebrate with me as I’m finishing all the prep work for my upcoming November release, Unpacking Christmas: A Thatcher Sisters Christmas Novella. (Cue a little fa la la la la, please!)
A little review: The first book in the Thatcher Sisters Series, Things I Never Told You, released in 2018. Then came Moments We Forget in 2019, followed by The Best We’ve Been in 2020. Since then, readers have asked about Johanna, Jillian, and Payton. With this Christmas novella, readers can catch up with the trio of sisters.
Here’s a glimpse at what Unpacking Christmas is about:
Johanna, Jillian, and Payton’s excitement about the Christmas holidays is upset when their parents announce they’re selling their long-time family home. Soon the sisters find themselves facing a variety of unexpected changes, including a serious health scare for their dad. Instead of putting up holiday lights and decorating the family Christmas tree, the Thatcher sisters are helping pack up their childhood home. Along the way, they share treasured memories as they try to hold onto valued traditions, discovering the struggles they’ve endured pale in comparison to the love they share with each other.
What about that celebration I mentioned? Enter the giveaway from today through September 30 for a chance to win the GRAND PRIZE: the 3-book series, as well as a copy of Unpacking Christmas when it releases in November. If you’ve already read the series, that’s great! (I hope you left a review!) If you win, you can always give the prize to a family member or friend. Three other people will win copies of Unpacking Christmas.
Comments 173
God wrote a happy accident,
a prayer for meaning answered,
but I was not sure what He meant
at first, when He started typing ‘cancer’.
But now I know and now I see
that this was high honour given;
to write a dying ministry
one must be pretty good at living
through the worst days with a smile,
finding purpose in the pain,
seeing sunshine all the while
as circumstance brings cold, cold rain,
and so, God, author of my heart,
You wrote the script; I’ll play my part.
Author
Andrew: I’m always eager to read your poems. Today’s is especially good. You’re such an example of living well.
Praying for you, my friend.
So great to hear the joy in your voice about writing again. I’m looking forward to reading Unpacking Christmas. Exciting times, my friend!
Author
Good morning, LJ. I talked with another writing friend earlier this week about how creatives need to be creative or else our souls dry up. Thanks for your encouragement along the way. 🙂
Always so glad to know that even experienced authors struggle with the writing. Thanks for being so honest and for sharing your books.
Author
Heather: Every single writer I know struggles with the process. The important lesson to learn is not to quit. Rest, yes, but don’t quit.
Never quit. I once knew a writer who saved every one of the 10,000 rejection letters she received. But she didn’t quit and in a single day sold five novels to different publishers…
Totally get what 2020 did to you. The book I wrote last year was the hardest to stay focused on, to write through days where I stared at a blinking cursor. But if I’d quit I wouldn’t be turning in a new manuscript or getting another 3-book contract!
Never quit!
Author
Pat: From the day I met you, I have both liked you and admired you. Brava, my friend, for persevering through 2020. For staring down that blinking cursor.
No quit in you — and I’ve banned the words, “I quit” from my vocabulary.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Author
Connie: Glad you joined the fun! Good luck!
This made my day! I’m looking forward to reading your Christmas novella and catching up with the Thatcher family.
Author
🙂 Thanks, Lori. I hope you enjoy catching up with Johanna, Jillian, and Payton.
Looks like some fun books! Never give up!
Author
Sheila: Agreed! We should never give up. I like to say that hope is a renewable commodity — new every morning.
Thank you so very much for the wonderful chance. Blessings
Author
Hi, Leila: It’s fun to share the series with readers — ones I already know and new readers, too.
I really enjoyed your series about the Thatcher sisters and am looking forward to the Christmas novella. Thanks for the chance to win the whole series.
Author
I am so glad to hear you enjoyed the novels about Payton, Jillian, and Johanna. I’ve had fun writing this Christmas novella. 🙂 Thanks for joining the giveaway fun!
sounds interesting
Author
Thanks! If you like realistic stories with family drama and hope — I call this my “Little Women gone wrong” series — then you’ll like the Thatcher Sisters Series.
I look forward to and applaud this next release
Author
Thank you, my friend. 🙂
Happy to see you writing again. Thank you for the chance to win!
Author
Thanks, Megan. Already brainstorming the next book idea. I’ve juggled several different possibilities.
So awesome!
Author
I’m glad you’re excited about the giveaway, Karen! Have a great long weekend too. 🙂
Seeing the news about the upcoming Thatcher Sisters novella makes me so happy!! I loved the series!
Author
I’m so glad you’re excited, Elizabeth. It was fun to hang out with Payton, Jillian, and Johanna again. 🙂
Can’t wait to read some more of your books.
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Thanks, Marlene. Was just brainstorming some of the details for my next writing project …
What a great giveaway! Happy reading!
Author
🙂 Happy reading to you, too, Kari. I just ordered a slew of books (4, to be exact), and I’m reading Lori Benton’s book, Mountain Laurel.
I’m sure this is a great series and it would be fun to have all three books plus the novella to read back to back!
Author
Patty: That would certainly be an advantage! 🙂
I have enjoyed all the Thatcher sister books and am looking forward to the novella when it comes out in November!
Author
Thanks for saying so, Jeanne. I hope to have the e-novella up on Amazon soon.
I am over the moon excited to catch up on the Thatchers’ sisters.
I am so grateful that I did quit asking God for direction in my life. He answered my prayers when I landed my dream job in another state. One of my patients said that I was created for this position. It reminded me that God can use your experiences to help others.
Author
Hi, Sonnetta! Nice to “see” you here. I loved hearing about how you landed your dream job.
Thanks for the giveaway! The series was wonderful! I would love to win and share your books with my mom!
Author
Hi, Kerri. I love the idea of sharing the books with your mom. 🙂
Nice giveaway!
Author
Thank you for entering, Jennifer.
Thank you for this giveaway! I read the first Thatcher sister book and loved it. I need to read the other two.
Author
Hi, Linda: I’m so glad you loved Payton’s story. Yes, now you can read Jillian’s and Johanna’s stories — and then the Christmas novella, Unpacking Christmas. 🙂
Thanks for the chance. The books sound interesting.
Author
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Doris.
I’ve read a couple of these books and enjoyed them. I always share my books with others!
Author
Joan: Thanks for entering the giveaway. It’s fun to share books with friends, isn’t it?
I’m looking forward to reading your Christmas novella.
Author
Thanks, Emma! A few last things to do on it …
The books sound good!
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Thanks, Trudy. And thanks for entering the giveaway.
Thanks for hosting a giveaway – excited to read more of your books!
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Hi, Jenessa. Thanks for entering the giveaway! Good luck.
So wonderful you have your writing again.
I LOVE the Thatcher girls!
Author
Thank you for saying so, Cheryl! 🙂
I enjoy all of your books. Thank you for the giveaway chance.
Author
Thank you, Gail. 🙂
Thanks to Rachel Hauck for suggesting this author, looking forward to reading some of her books!
Author
Sarah: Rachel Hauck is one of my all-time favorite authors — and a dear friend. So glad you entered the contest.
I’ve enjoyed part of the series but it’s been a while so it would be good to reread!
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Hi, Joan: So glad you’ve enjoyed part of my “‘Little Women’ gone wrong series.” 🙂
Love this chance to win.
Thanks
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Virginia: Thanks for joining the contest fun.
Your books sound wonderful.
You are a new author to me, looking forward to reading your books.
hanks for the chance!
Author
Hi, Linda: Glad you joined the giveaway.
Would love to win this set!
Author
Good morning, Andrea! Thanks for joining the contest!
I’d love to read these books.
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Hi, Lynette! Thanks for entering the giveaway.
Hi Beth! Looking forward to reading The Thatcher Sisters Series. Thank you
Author
Hi, Linda! Thanks for entering the contest.
I’d love to read the Thatcher Sister’s Series! It sounds amazing! Love family series! And Unpacking Christmas sounds awesome too! Thanks for the chance!
Author
Hi, Paty: I love delving into family dynamics and had a lot of fun writing this “‘Little Women gone wrong'” series.
I am so sorry to read of you struggles in 2020. I appreciate your honesty in sharing these struggles & what you learned from them. The many things my family endured during 2020 could be the basis of a book (or a series). None of them had anything to do with Covid-19. Thanks for the opportunity with this Giveaway! This new book sounds wonderful!
Author
Hi, Lisa: I think this is why 2020 was such a challenge: we had to deal with all the “regular” things in life as well as the pandemic. Thanks for entering the contest.
The book sounds wonderful! I love the cover!! You are a new author to me. Thanks for the chance!
Author
Dawn: I love the cover to Unpacking Christmas too. The graphic designer did a wonderful job.
Would love these books
Author
Hi, Joyce: Thanks for entering the giveaway.
This is making me excited for Christmas! I figure that if the days have to start getting shorter, I might as well put up my tree! Okay, maybe it’s too soon…..
Author
Christy: We kept up our Christmas tree well into 2021 — until the lockdown was over. My husband said we needed the lights.
This is such a wonderful giveaway! I look forward to reading these books and adding them to my collection.
Author
Hi, Dena: Thanks for entering the giveaway.
I have never read your series and am looking forward to these sisters. Thank you for holding a giveaway.
Author
Susan: It’s always fun to connect with new readers. Thanks for entering the giveaway.
Thanks for the great giveaway! The “Thatcher Sisters sounds like a series I would love to read.I love reading your blog.The things you write about,including your own struggles, are things that most people have felt or experienced.
Author
Hi, Catherine: I appreciate what you said about my blog. I always try to be honest about my life — and, like you said, so often we’re facing the same struggles.
Beth, first off thank you for sharing your gift of writing with us!
I’m over- the- moon that we get to re-visit the Thatcher sisters in a Christmas novella just in time for Christmas! Will be able to order a print copy of the novella?
I’ve read, re-read & lent out my beloved copies of this wonderful series! Such a gripping & emotional series! The Thatcher Sisters will stay with you long after you close the books! I laughed & cried throughout all 3 books. I love the raw & honest way you portrayed Peyton, Jillian, & Johanna’s sister relationship. So powerful!
I’ve also greatly enjoyed “Catch A Falling Star” & the “November Bride” novella with Erik & Sadie (I’ve read it at least twice & listening to the audiobook twice!) I found myself humming “Born in the USA” right along with Erik! Lol! I actually wrote a blog post about November Bride. (https://blondeclassic.blogspot.com/2015/11/autumn-brides-is-delight-from-beginning.html?m=1)
I hope you have a blessed day! ☺️
Author
Emilee: Thanks so much for letting me know how much you enjoyed the Thatcher Sisters series. And I loved reading your blog post about the Autumn Bride Novellas. I loved writing “A November Bride.”
Hi, your books sound like Great reads! Thank you for the chance. Have a great week and stay safe. God Bless you and your family . Congratulations on your Upcoming Release!
Author
Hi, Alicia: Thanks for entering the contest. Hope you had a great Monday — a good start to the week.
Love the Thatchers but need to finish the series. Great givewaway!
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Hi, Michelle: Thanks for entering the contest — maybe it’s the nudge you need to finish the series. 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!
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Ann: Thanks for entering the giveaway!
It’s been such a rough time to stay focused on anything…so glad you’re finding your words coming more easily!
Author
Agreed, Teri, agreed. Hope you’re doing well today!
This series is so wonderful. I’m still waiting to finish my collection, so I’d be so excited to win them. 😉
Thanks for pressing on and gifting us with such moving stories.
Author
Thanks for the encouragement, Grace! I appreciate it.
Thank you for offering such a generous giveaway. I’ve been wanting to read this series.
Author
Hi, Connie: You sound like you’re like me — with a TBR pile waiting to be tackled. 🙂 Thanks for entering the giveaway.
Thanks so much for the opportunity to win these wonderful books!
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Thanks for entering the giveaway, Susan.
I’d love to read this series! It sound really good.
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Sally: I had a lot of fun writing this series — and then again, I dealt with some serious issues too. I like to do that in my novels. Real life, with hope woven through the pages.
Hard to believe it’s time to think about Christmas, but the idea of reading your Christmas novella is delightful!
Author
It was fun to think about Christmas all through 2021. I enjoy reading Christmas novellas and so it was fun to write one.
One of my favorite authors. I’d love to win this.
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Thank you for your encouragement, Lori! I hope your week is starting off well. 🙂
I would love to be introduced to the Thatchers. And a Christmas novella as well! Thank you for the opportunity to enter this giveaway!
Author
Hi, Kim, I love doing contests for readers — it’s always fun.
This sounds like a great series and a wonderful Christmas read as well! Congrats on writing again!
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Hi, Kelly, thanks for entering the contest.
Oh my goodness! I’m so excited to read this Christmas novella!
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Thank you, Melissa! 🙂
Thanks so much for the chance to win!
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So glad you entered the giveaway, Saundra!
I appreciate your uplifting encouragement and look forward to receiving the emails and to reading your stories.
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Thank you for your kind words, Carol. 🙂
Beth, Thank you for sharing your heart! May we never give up so we receive ALL the Lord has for us.
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Caryl: I wholeheartedly agree — we can rest, but not give up.
Thanks for the giveaway! I always enjoy reading Christmas novels! 😊
Author
Maria: Thanks for entering the giveaway. I enjoy reading Christmas novellas too — and I had fun writing Unpacking Christmas. I already have an idea tucked away for another Christmas novella.
So glad that you have found your happy place in writing again. LIfe throws us all speed bumps – even if they seem like mountains at the time. With God’s grace, we are able to keep moving forward.
“Unpacking Christmas:” sounds wonderful and I can’t wait for the opportunity to read it. I’m more than ready to get some holiday spirit waffling through the air as well as my mind by reading a great story.
Thank for the chance to win a fabulous giveaway!
Author
Thank you for entering the giveaway, Kay. And yes, writing the Christmas novella was so much fun — I was into the the Christmas spirit so early this year.
I Love All Your Books And Have Read Many Of Them. I’d Love To Read These Next Series. If I Don’t Win I’ll Have To See If My Library Has Them. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. P.S. God Knows Where The Key Is At & Will Let You Know Where It’s At. If You Have Towing On Her Insurance They Can Get It Opened With A Tool They Have.
Author
Thank you for your encouraging words! And thanks for the great tip about the towing service! 🙂
I read all three of the Thatcher sister books and loved them! I’m looking forward to this new one.
Author
I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the Thatcher sisters novels. Thanks for entering the giveaway. 🙂
Thank you for your insight! That is so true…..we often get frazzled by immaterial things that don’t mean anything in the big picture and our out of our control ( ex. losing the key…running late….making a mess as you getting ready to leave).. and we often let our frustrations guide our speech…I have done that and like you said it is not worth hurting our family relationships over it. I will definitely need to remember this when things are crazy and just relax and try to be calm..sometimes easier than said..
Thank you for the chance to win this giveaway. Can’t wait to read Unpacking Christmas.
Author
Janet: I’ve certainly let circumstances wreck a relationship — and regretted it later. I’m learning … and in the past, I’ve apologized and tried to make it right. I’m thankful for understanding and forgiveness.
Thanks for entering the giveaway!
What a great giveaway! I have just started looking for Christmas stories for the upcoming holiday season!
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Kim: There are so many good Christmas stories being published. Pepper Basham’s Mistletoe Countess looks so good!
Can’t Wait To Read These Books. Hopefully I’ll Win.
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Thanks for entering the giveaway, Barbara!
I would love to read this new Thatcher sisters Christmas novella, thank you for the giveaway.
Author
Judi: I’m so glad you entered the giveaway!
I’d like to be entered into this contest, but don’t do Tweeter or Blog, etc.
Author
Hi, Sharon. Can you connect to the rafflecopter giveaway at least?
I cannot wait to read your new Christmas book.
Author
Thanks for sharing my excitement about Unpacking Christmas. I had so much fun writing the novella!
I’m a little behind in the Thatcher Sisters series but I will rectify that soon. Unpacking Christmas sounds like a fun way to carch up with things on the island. And I have to know…did you find the spare key?
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Hi, Perrianne! I think we all have our “I need to catch up” books to read. And no, we haven’t found the key yet.
So glad you found your keys. These will be my first books to read by you.
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Christina: We’re still looking for the key … but we’re all in good spirits. We’ll figure something out. And it’s always fun to connect with a new reader! 🙂
I am so looking forward to reading your novella, my friend. 2020 was a hard year. I gotta be honest though. This year has been harder in a lot of ways. I’m so glad God is still God of all of it. 🙂 Can’t wait for your book!
Author
Good morning, Jeanne. I think we were all hoping for a bit “more” from 2021 … and in some ways, the year has underperformed. Thank God, our hope and confidence is in Him and His promises.
I would love to win and read your books. Have a great Fall season.
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Thanks for entering the giveaway, Jackie!
I’m ready for a Christmas story!
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Paula: Christmas is only 96 days away! 🙂
Loved this series so much. It will be great to revisit the characters.
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Rochelle: As a writer, it was fun to reconnect with Payton, Jillian, and Johanna. I hope my readers enjoy their time with them too.
Books sound interesting. Thanks for the giveaway
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Hi, Melinda: Thanks for entering the giveaway. 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway! Found you via a FB share by Denise Hunter, whose books I love! Can’t wait to dive into your books!
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Hi: Denise is so talented and I’m thankful to be part of an author group with her. 🙂
I am so glad you are enjoying writing again. I love your books! Looking forward to reading Unpacking Christmas!
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Thanks, Mj! I’m having fun with some new characters.
So exciting! I loved this series and can’t wait for the novella.
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Thanks so much for being excited about the novella, Laura. Putting the final touches out it right now. 🙂
Happy for you and proud of you. Keep the great stories coming!
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Thanks, Dee! 🙂 You keep those books coming, too. I’m excited about The Christmas Tree Wars!
I Read Alot Of Your Books & Will Continue To. You Have Awesome Books. Keep Them Coming.
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Thanks for your encouragement, Barbara! 🙂
The book sounds amazing. Thanks for this amazingly generous giveaway.
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Thanks for joining the giveaway Linda May!
What a wonderful premise for your new novella! It sounds wonderful, indeed! I would absolutely love to win this special prize. Keeping my 🤞🏻 for the win!!!
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Thanks for joining the giveaway, Venetia. Just a couple more days to enter!
I was happy to hear that there’s another Thatcher Sisters story coming. Looking forward to reading it.
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Thanks, Barbara! I had fun spending Christmas with the Thatchers! 😉