Monday Check In

Writing Related:  I'll start writing the first book in the Eden's Crossing series this morning. I'm using the same plotting method that I used when writing Coming Home. Prior to that book, I didn't really do a lot of plotting, just a couple of sentences for each chapter but the new plotting method worked really well so I'm going to use it for this next book too.

Motivational Quote:  "I mean, I'm human, I have moments. But...when gratitude is an option, I'm going to choose that every time." ~ Anne Hathaway

What I'm Reading:  I started reading Better Than Friends by Jill Shalvis yesterday afternoon. This is the 7th book in the Sunrise Cove series.

Random Thoughts:  I received a copy of Artisan Bread in Five Minutes A Day by Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois from a friend because I like baking bread. I'm looking forward to trying the master recipe and a number of the other recipes that were included. Luckily, I have a big freezer to store the extra loaves in.

Random Photo:  

       This is outside at my house. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to spring.

Finally!!!

 Coming Home, the sixth and final book in the Echo Company series, is finally available for purchase in both eBook and paperback formats. It's also available in Kindle Unlimited. The buy link and blurb are listed below the cover art.  (For those of you who have been waiting for it - this is Jimmy and Callie's reunion story.)

Blurb:

Former soldier, Jimmy Hawkins, has been to hell and somehow made it back alive, though he's no longer the man he was. Haunted by memories of the brutal torture he endured and the destruction he caused in his marriage, Jimmy’s guilt and shame are constant companions he could do without. He spends his days numbing his feelings with alcohol, drowning in a cycle of anger, self-loathing, and isolation.

When his wife, Callie Hawkins, moves back to town, Jimmy is determined to get his life under control, starting with his drinking. He’s ready to fight for her—whether she’ll accept him back or not. Even if she only wants friendship, he’s willing to take it, but the road to rebuilding their relationship is anything but easy.

As Jimmy struggles to face his demons and stay sober, his past keeps resurfacing, sabotaging his every attempt at redemption. With each setback, the possibility of a future with Callie seems more and more unlikely. As he works through his trauma with the help of a therapist, he learns that his physical wounds aren’t the only ones that need healing.

Will Jimmy find the strength to let go of his painful past and rebuild a future with Callie? Or will the demons that haunt him finally drive her away once and for all? 

Buy Link: Coming Home - Amazon

First Monday Check in of 2025

Last week..

Writing Related:  I met with my nephew who is a firefighter for our city as I mentioned in my last post. Now that I have enough (I hope) information regarding firefighting and life in the firehouse in hand, I'll start plotting the first book in my new series. I don't have a title in mind yet, so for now I'll refer to it as Garrett's book as he is the main male character in the book. I have some minor formatting issues to work out on Coming Home, the last book in the Echo Company series. That should be available for purchase by the end of January at the latest. 

Motivational Quote:  "Begin with the most terrifying thing of all: a clean slate. Then look, every day, at the choices you are making and when you ask yourself why you are making them...find this answer within you: for me, for me." ~ Anna Quindlen.  I've used this quote before but thought it was very appropriate given the newness of the year.

What I'm Reading: I'll be starting Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune. A friend recommended it to me with the caveat that it's written in the present tense. I have a hard time enjoying books written in this tense, but am going to give it a try. 

Random Thoughts:  Wednesday of this week is National Bagel Day. I didn't find this out until after I'd written up our meal menu for the week and ironically had put bagels and yogurt down for breakfast on Wednesday. We usually have bagels at least once a week as they're a quick and easy breakfast especially if you're running late. 

Random Photo:

                                          Happy National Bagel Day