Tag Archives: love inspired author

Dollhouse pop-up book

19 Monday Oct 2020

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Along my theme of dollhouse collectibles, I came across this gorgeous Three-Dimensional Victorian Dolls House pop-up book that I just couldn’t pass up! It’s just stunning–the detail is amazing!–and the whole book turns into an eight-roomed Victorian dollhouse.

The whole book folds back, and the purple strings tie together to hold it open.

The detail inside is just amazing! All of the doors open between rooms so that you can peek into the room beyond. And each room has all sorts of adorable little items to catch your eye.

The tiny bathroom toilet even opens!
A peek into closets…
The dining room complete with hanging chandelier
A baby grand piano!
The base of the staircase….
…which leads all the way up to the second floor!

And of course, there are a few paper dolls and little extra details to be used throughout the house, too.

Adorable, isn’t it? I just love it! So many tiny things to look at! I would have LOVED this as a girl! I also probably would have ruined it… These things happen. šŸ˜‰

So this has absolutely nothing to do with my writing… but this is my stress-release. We all need one, don’t we?

I hope that my books can be a part of your happy escapes, too!

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My dollhouse reading nook

15 Thursday Oct 2020

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I absolutely love all things miniature, and recently I have taken the dive into dollhouse furniture. I’m doing my best not to go overboard, but it’s harder than you’d think to keep these things in check. šŸ˜‰

I’ve added to my little dollhouse reading nook–a little cushy chair!

Isn’t it adorable? It’s just perfect for the space. I have a few other little pieces I want to buy for the nook, but I’m trying to pace myself, and when I do an Amazon order when I need to bump it up over $35 for free shipping, I know what to add on! šŸ˜‰

Isn’t it the cutest little nook? I’ll keep you updated as I add little things to the scene. šŸ™‚

What is it about tiny things that hooks me in like this? ā¤

We all need something that sparks some joy, don’t we? šŸ™‚ And I hope you’ll keep my latest releases in mind when you’re out treating yourself to something cozy to enjoy!

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From Scratch!

17 Thursday Sep 2020

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If you were to start your library from scratch, which books would you buy?

This is the dilemma I’m facing!

Fifteen years ago, my husband and I, fresh from our wedding, moved from Toronto, Ontario to Alberta with only the items that would fit the trunk of our car. It was an adventure, and I had to leave my library behind. Then we lived cheap, we used public libraries, and we had a child, so I put off rebuilding my library. I read and read, but I didn’t keep those books on my own shelves.

I also wrote and wrote, and with my own books coming out, I always had books on shelves–most of them my own! And we needed somewhere to keep them… They pile up! (I know, weird author problems… šŸ˜‰ )

Excuses, excuses… but I’m now finally rebuilding my very own, personal library. It was time, and it’s rather exciting! But I have decided on a few guidelines:

  1. I will only buy books that I truly want to own and will read again (or that I’ve wanted to read for a long time.)
    No complete works of Shakespeare.
  2. I will only buy books that make me feel happy.
    I don’t want to surround myself with books that depress me, remind me of difficult times, or don’t add to my overall sense of happiness. Space is too precious for that. I want books that I loved, or that I have special memories attached to, or that suit a cozy reading mood when the weather is cold and the heat is cranked up.
  3. If I have the chance to own a leather-bound, or hardcover version of a book that I love, I am jumping on that!
    Price be darned.

So far, there are no leather-bound copies of books I love. But give me time. I’ll get there. šŸ˜‰

What books would you buy if you were starting your library from scratch? Which books would be the highest on your personal shopping list?

And speaking of my own books coming out, don’t forget that I have a brand new Amish romance on the shelves!

****

A long awaited shelf

25 Thursday Jun 2020

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I’ve been wanting to get another bookshelf for the longest time. As an author who releases approximately six books a year, I have a lot boxes of books delivered to our home, and I don’t give away every single copy that I receive. I keep a few for later giveaways, or to give to friends, etc. So I end up with literally boxes of books piled up with nowhere to put them.

Well, this quarantine, Mr. Johns finally got sick of staring at book boxes, and we ordered another shelf from Wayfair. I was so thrilled! It’s very pretty, and it matches my desk so nicely.

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Our son and I worked for a couple of hours putting it together, and then Mr. Johns came home from work with a his drill, and that sped up the process considerably.

I emptied out some boxes of books into the selves on the bottom, and I have more space still for when more boxes arrive. (My next release will be in September, so that’s coming up!) I stacked the books all two deep in the cupboard below, and there is still space in there, so I was so happy with how spacious it is!

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And just so you can see how well it matches my desk, this is a quick picture of my desk where I work.

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Have you picked up my latest release? It might still be on the shelves still, and if it’s already gone, you can pick it up online anywhere books are sold.

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On the shelves now!Ā 

3.295427.512.9781335488183They need her help. She needs themā€¦

An Amish bachelor. A motherless child.

Can she turn them into a real family?

Schoolteacher Patience Flaud longs for a family of her ownā€”but knows it can never happen. At least she can help Amish bachelor Thomas Wiebe with his small Englisher daughter. As she settles the child into Amish life, Patience begins falling for the bewildered new father and his heartbroken little girl. But is love enough to make them a permanent family?

Harlequin

Barnes and Noble

 

 

Pretty little pleasures

08 Monday Jun 2020

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I love when the sun is shining and the rain clouds are coming up behind… It’s beautiful. It give me a rush of sublime awe–where I feel very small and the forces of nature feel very, very big.

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I’ve been enjoying this spring–the rain storms, the blasts of heat, the sudden chilly days that take you by surprise. Somehow, all of us being asked to stay indoors makes the view outside my window that much more meaningful. When this is all over, I don’t think we’ll be taking some of our common pleasures for granted anymore!

But these days, I’ve been watching my little balcony garden grow. My potted strawberry plant is a real little go-getter. There are at least twenty-five blooms and tiny green strawberries, and I’m so proud of her effort.

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I hope you’re finding the small pleasures in your days, too!Ā 

***

On the shelves now!Ā 

3.295427.512.9781335488183They need her help. She needs themā€¦

An Amish bachelor. A motherless child.

Can she turn them into a real family?

Schoolteacher Patience Flaud longs for a family of her ownā€”but knows it can never happen. At least she can help Amish bachelor Thomas Wiebe with his small Englisher daughter. As she settles the child into Amish life, Patience begins falling for the bewildered new father and his heartbroken little girl. But is love enough to make them a permanent family?

Harlequin

Barnes and Noble

 

Things that are cool to authors

06 Thursday Feb 2020

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Look what I bought for myself! This is very exciting in my world. Now, when I send out signed copies in Facebook giveaways (they happen fairly frequently, if you’d like to join me over there!), I will be putting one of these seals on the signed copies. Never fear, they do come off again, if you don’t want your book cover so defiled. šŸ˜‰

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It’s funny the things that I get excited about these days. But I saw another author who had posted something about these seals and I realized that I just had to have them. So I asked around about them, and ended up finding them on Amazon, because that really is my first and last stop for pretty much everything these days.

So to my author pals, if these strike your fancy… Amazon. šŸ˜‰

I can’t wait to use them!

***

Coming in April 2020!

Pre-order now!

Thursday's Bride MMFor a proper young Amish widow struggling to begin again, encountering her reckless first love will test her forgiveness, resolveā€”and heart . . .

Overwhelmed by grief and tending twin baby daughters, Rosmanda Lapp is without options. She still blames her brother-in-law, Levi, for her husbandā€™s accidental deathā€”but she and her aging in-laws need him to keep their farm going. Yet as Levi takes on his responsibilities with a new determination and steadiness, she canā€™t help but regret that she chose his serious-minded brother over him. For Levi is still very much the passionate man she lovedā€”and Rosmanda now has even more reasons to keep him at arm’s length . . .

Levi canā€™t blame Rosmanda for staying clear of him. He has mistakes to make up for and must finally do right by his parents. Still, he never got over his brother stealing Rosmanda away. And he canā€™tĀ  deny the feelings that even now tempt them back to each other. And when a mistake from her past threatens her reputation, Levi will do whatever it takes to help herā€”and trust that faith and courage will at last help them claim a future together . . .

 

Talented friends

09 Thursday Jan 2020

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My friend and photographer, Barrie Jane, sent me a print of one of the photos she took of me signing books a few months ago. She’s really talented, so if you’re in the Lloydminster, Alberta area, definitely look her up!

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I just love it! It makes happy to just to look at it.

It’s now on the wall where I have my English degree and the first cheque I ever earned after deciding to make it or break it as a writer all those years ago.

And there you have it–a little peek at my wall. šŸ™‚

I hope 2020 is treating you all well.

***

Coming in April 2020!

Pre-order now!

Thursday's Bride MMFor a proper young Amish widow struggling to begin again, encountering her reckless first love will test her forgiveness, resolveā€”and heart . . .

Overwhelmed by grief and tending twin baby daughters, Rosmanda Lapp is without options. She still blames her brother-in-law, Levi, for her husbandā€™s accidental deathā€”but she and her aging in-laws need him to keep their farm going. Yet as Levi takes on his responsibilities with a new determination and steadiness, she canā€™t help but regret that she chose his serious-minded brother over him. For Levi is still very much the passionate man she lovedā€”and Rosmanda now has even more reasons to keep him at arm’s length . . .

Levi canā€™t blame Rosmanda for staying clear of him. He has mistakes to make up for and must finally do right by his parents. Still, he never got over his brother stealing Rosmanda away. And he canā€™tĀ  deny the feelings that even now tempt them back to each other. And when a mistake from her past threatens her reputation, Levi will do whatever it takes to help herā€”and trust that faith and courage will at last help them claim a future together . . .

 

 

Autumn boating

10 Thursday Oct 2019

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A friend of ours bought himself a boat, and invited us to go out on the lake with them. We had a great time! So my husband, our son, and their family went out for an afternoon in the boat.

From the place we launched out, which was at a beach in a provincial park, we went across the lake to the little town and we parked (docked?) there and went for a walk around town, then came back in the boat again. It was a lot of fun!

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Our son even got to fish for the first time! He didn’t catch anything, but he did collect all sorts of fresh water snail shells.

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There were more people than me there, but out of respect for their privacy, I don’t post pictures of everyone else. But it was a great time! We’re hoping they invite us out again soon.

****

On the shelves now!

 

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For the Amish, the day after Christmas is for family, feasting, and exchanging simple gifts. And for three different couples, it will bring another precious chance for love . . .
Ā 
THEIR SECOND CHANCE
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard Gray
Amish nanny Hannah Eicher never thought sheā€™d ever see Rob Prince again. There was no way a relationship between her and the handsome English fireman could overcome her familyā€™s objectionsā€”and their personal differences. But when he saves her from a sudden blaze, Hannah longs to see if they can turn holiday hope into a lifetime of happiness . . .
Ā 
HIS AMISH ANGEL * Patricia Johns
Sheā€™s too outspoken to be a proper Amish wife. So as advice columnist ā€œMiss Amish,ā€ Maggie Lapp helps Amish and English with their romantic problems. But when her tradition-minded former fiancĆ© accidentally reveals her secret, Maggie will need more than a miracle to make things rightā€”and find a perfect love for all the Christmases to come . . .
Ā 
AN HEIRLOOM CHRISTMAS * Virginia Wise
Rachel Miller won’t let her disability keep her from selling heirloom plants and proving she can be independent. She certainly doesn’t need reckless Joseph Webber working at her greenhouse to pay off a disastrous Rumspringa stunt. But she and Joseph have more in common than they thinkā€”and their surprising holiday partnership might just blossom into forever joy . . .

 

 

Looking my age

29 Monday Jul 2019

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I’m taking a summer break. I know, I know, this is unheard of in the Patricia Johns world, but I’m doing it! Our son is home from school, and I wanted to be able to do some things with him this summer instead of distracting him while I work. So I worked extra hard to get my manuscript finished before he got out of school, and here we are! šŸ™‚ The rest will do me good!

So, while my husband had some time off of work, we went into the city for the Royal Alberta Museum. I’ve been wanting to go for some time, and I finally convinced the two of them that it would be fun. So off we went. And it was fun! There was an exhibit on the Vikings, which I found interesting, but the part we all really loved was the dinosaurs. I mean, how could you not? Dinosaurs!

Anyway, we took a few photos, and the one thing I noticed is that I’m definitely looking my age. That’s not a bad thing–I’m forty, and there are worse things than looking forty. But it took me a little by surprise! I don’t look as young in pictures as I do in my head… The mammoth behind me probably feels the same way. šŸ˜‰

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There were other exhibits, like Natural History that also caught my eye.

 

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And over all, we had a very nice time wandering around the museum. These are the sorts of things I’m trying to do more of this summer–just getting out with my family and playing tourist in our area.

*I’m sorry not to have included pictures of my family, but if you follow me, you know that I try to keep photos of them offline. In fact, Mr. Johns insists upon it! So you’re stuck with a picture of Yours Truly. šŸ˜‰

 

You don’t have to bend the knee…

22 Monday Jul 2019

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The other day, I was getting ready to go get groceries, and I called to my husband, who was in the other room, “I’m leaving now! I need someone to kiss me and tell me I’m pretty!”

From the bathroom, I heard my son heave a sigh. “Okay, Mom. You’re pretty. Bye.”

LOL!Ā Obviously, the “someone” I was referring to wasn’t my son. My husband came to kiss me, told me I was pretty, and off I went.

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You see, I live under the very strong conviction that while I might not be treated like a stunning beauty anywhere else, I definitely deserve it in my home. I mean, really, where else do I get to be prettiest girl in the room? And where else do I want to be?

I married a man who thinks I’m beautiful, and I still draw his eye. He says, “Never marry a woman who isn’t gorgeous.” At first, I thought this was rather shallow, but he explained that if you marry someone you aren’t besotted with, then what’s the point? Marry a woman you think it just stunning, and you’ll always wake up happy. And beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder.

In my home, I get to make demands like “kiss me and tell me I’m pretty” before I slog out to get the groceries. I get to be the beautiful one, the one who draws her husband’s eye. And he gets to be the handsome one, the strong one, the guy I go out of my way to flirt with.

It may only be a regular middle class home, but here, I’m QUEEN!

****

9781335510747Heā€™s in over his headā€¦

And calling for backup!

Police officer Mike McMann is always cool under pressure, but taking custody of his infant nephew has left him in a cold sweat. Coming to his rescue is social worker Paige Stedler. Paige gives him a crash course on parentingā€”and a tempting glimpse into a life beyond the badge. But is Mike ready to trade in his SWAT team aspirations for a white picket fence?