As the leaves change colors and the air turns brisk, Halloween arrives to bring excitement and joy. While many of us eagerly anticipate dressing up, trick-or-treating, and enjoying delicious treats, we must remember that our pets might not share the same enthusiasm. Halloween can bring various dangers to our furry friends, including spooky decorations and tempting candies. To make sure your pets have a safe and enjoyable Howl-A-Ween, here are some essential safety tips. Keep

Sometimes, a book surprises you. And sometimes, it surprises you in ways you never could have imagined! I'm absolutely delighted to share some wonderful news: my Christmas mystery, Pickled for Revenge, has won the Firebird Book Award in the Cozy Mystery category! And yes, I'm still grinning about it! A Christmas Pickle, a Murder, and One Very Unexpected Adventure If you've followed my writing journey for a while, you probably know me best for my historical fiction. I've spent

Sometimes a character simply refuses to leave. That seems to be what happened with Sarah Banne Belzoni. When I began writing The Exploress and the Pillars of Eternity, I knew I was taking on an unusual story. Sarah Banne Belzoni was a real woman living a remarkable life in Egypt during the reign of Muhammad Ali Pasha, and bringing her into the world of historical fiction meant spending a great deal of time researching the people, places, politics, and customs of nineteenth-ce

Can you believe it's almost Halloween? Where did the time go? I guess I better start stocking up on Halloween candy and figure out my costume options. But before I get sidetracked by my fresh cup of pumpkin spice latte, it's time to recap last month. So now, without further ado, here's the list of the most popular blog posts for September 2026, chosen by you, the readers: PICKLED FOR REVENGE Has Arrived! A Christmas Mystery with a Twist After months of writing, editing, forma

For those of you who have followed my writing journey over the years, you may have been a little surprised when I announced my newest novel, PICKLED FOR REVENGE. After all, I'm best known for writing historical fiction. I have happily spent years immersed in archives, biographies, letters, and centuries-old mysteries while bringing remarkable people from history back to life. My books have taken me from medieval Europe to the Tudor court and beyond. So, writing a contemporary

Welcome to Birthdays in Literature! Many people know when Shakespeare was born or when J. K. Rowling celebrates her special day, but I wanted to shine a light on the talented authors who may not be household names—yet still enrich our lives through their stories. While their names may not appear in history books, their words matter, their creativity inspires, and their contributions deserve to be celebrated. Join me each month as we honor an author and help wish them a very H

The pickle is officially out of the jar! 🥒🎄 After months of writing, editing, formatting, planning, and introducing you to some of the residents of Ettering through my #EtteringCaseFiles, I’m delighted to announce that PICKLED FOR REVENGE — A Christmas Mystery is officially here! This book is a bit of a departure for me. Most of my novels are historical fiction, often featuring strong women and stories rooted in the past. But every once in a while, an idea comes along that

One of the questions I'm asked most often is: "How much of your books is based on real history?" For my historical fiction novels, the answer is usually, "Quite a lot." But even though PICKLED FOR REVENGE is a contemporary Christmas mystery, many of the traditions woven throughout the story are very real. In fact, researching those customs was every bit as enjoyable as researching kings, queens, and empires. While the mystery itself is fictional (thankfully!), many of the Chr

Can you believe it’s September already? Where did the time go? Before we know it, autumn will be here, with cooler days, colorful leaves, and all the cozy things that come with the season. But before I get completely sidetracked by thoughts of fall, let’s take a moment to look back at August. So, without further ado, here are the most popular blog posts of August 2026, as chosen by you, my wonderful readers: Wholesome Canine Nutrition: Lip-Smacking Birthday Pupcake Recipe Bir

Every year on August 26, National Dog Day offers a special chance to celebrate the joy and companionship dogs bring into our lives. This day is not just about pampering your furry friend but also about recognizing the important role dogs play in families and communities. Whether you have a dog or simply love these loyal animals, National Dog Day is an opportunity to show appreciation and support for dogs everywhere. Why National Dog Day Matters Dogs have been human companions