Whatever Happens Next (not just a book title) + giveaway

May 12, 2020 Jaycee Weaver28 Comments

Well, it’s release day today for my fourth novel, Whatever Happens Next. Of the whole series, it’s easily my favorite. Not only because it’s my eighth book now, so I’ve learned more and write better. Nor is it the characters, who I absolutely love and were a joy to write. Those are part of why I love this book and am excited to share it with the world.

But the biggest reason? The title prompts me to think and to trust.

Finishing a series is a bittersweet thing. Both author and reader reflect on the books individually and as a unit. We say goodbye to characters we’ve grown to love.

Authors also reflect on our craft. What did we do well? What could we have done better? When should we turn it into a boxed set? And of course—what’s next? Christian authors have the honor and privilege to bring that question to God, trusting Him to guide our steps for the future. What are His plans? What story has He birthed in our hearts? What spiritual truths can we impart to our readers that will inspire, uplift, encourage? We have a lot of praying and trusting to do when it comes to what’s next.

And trust is hard, isn’t it?

In the novel, Air Force TSgt Dyson receives PCS orders that will send him clear across the country just as he’s beginning to care for Jenna. When should he tell her? Can he trust that God’s in control over their relationship the way he trusts God to order the rest of his life? Jenna has a hard time trusting, mostly herself, after a single bad decision left its mark. Change stirs up her life from every direction, forcing her to let go and realize that even if she doesn’t trust herself, she can trust the Lord. Letting go and allowing Him to order her out-of-control life isn’t easy, but it’ll be the most beautiful thing in the world if she can. And wow, does Dyson partner beside her the whole way (well, most of the way, because he’s not perfect and has a lot to figure out himself).

I find in this uncertain season and the utter insanity that has been 2020 so far, a lot of us are asking, “What’s next?” It’s been one thing after another this year, so what awful thing is awaiting us after COVID? Lots of questions. My anxious heart has been encouraged by remembering those three title words in prayer. I will trust the Lord with whatever happens next, because I know He holds me in the palm of His mighty hand.

Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us, “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you, he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Isaiah 41:10 says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

So in the midst of all the nuttiness and heartache that has been 2020, I hope these words will be a positive reminder to you. Trust Him with whatever happens next—whether it’s a pandemic, a health crisis, an election year, a job change, fiscal worries, or something else. Be blessed, my friends.

And now, to change the subject a little and celebrate together, how about a quick excerpt from the book?

I hope you enjoyed that little tidbit from Whatever Happens Next. Today’s the last day it will be available for the 99¢ pre-order price, so I do hope you’ll take a chance and give the book a try! It’s not necessary to read the previous three books in order to enjoy this one, though there will be some characters whose stories will be clearer if you have.

To celebrate the release, I’ll be giving away one eBook copy to a randomly selected commenter below who answers this question: when in your life did you feel uncertainty and have to trust blindly with whatever happened next? Did everything work out in the end? Winner will be selected by Friday evening, May 15th, 8pm MDT.

Escape into a Story · Giveaway · Real Life

When Life Impacts Your Reading + giveaway

April 9, 2020 Jaycee Weaver41 Comments

Crazy times we’re living in, aren’t they? As if our world wasn’t overstressed and sending us safe into the escape of fictional worlds already, now we’re facing the uncertainty of a new virus pandemic, quarantine, and a multitude of other new stressors. And many of us are trying to find new ways to cope because the old ways aren’t always working.

Everyone I’ve spoken to (by phone and internet, of course, ha ha!) since this whole thing began has talked about how their anxiety, stress, and even depression symptoms have magnified in unprecedented and unexpected ways. I can certainly vouch for this in myself. One major change I’ve noticed is that I can’t immerse in fictional worlds the way I’ve always done. Books and authors who’ve long been my standbys now can’t hold my attention.

And I found I’m not alone in this issue. A lot of readers I’ve asked are experiencing the same frustration and changes in their reading patterns. Some can’t engage in the story. Some are reading slower. Some find a lack of interest. It’s not fun and throwing many of us for a loop!

So what do we do when life interferes with our favorite escape method? I have a few ideas for you.

Find a new place to read. I know, options are limited. But maybe move outside. Sit on the balcony or patio or porch. An isolated spot under a tree somewhere.
Read deeper. This one hasn’t worked for me, but it might for you. By this, I mean, find an author or subject that’s more intense, more suspenseful, or longer than your usual choices.
Read lighter. ChickLit. Romantic comedy. Cheesy and predictable. Just find something lighthearted that’s guaranteed to make you laugh.
Reader shorter. Basically, try novellas or short stories for awhile. This one’s been working for me. When I’m stressed or anxious, I need a quick one-sitting book.
Give yourself permission to put the book down. It’s okay to put one book down and grab something different without finishing. It’s okay to put down half a dozen different books and read a chapter of each and rotate through them. You don’t HAVE to finish a book before choosing another. I’m saying this for you type A readers out there who need permission. *wink*
Many of the ARCs can wait. Apologies to all of my author friends out there who have a book releasing soon and are depending on your ARC readers. I’m right there with you, having a new book out on May 12. But right now, knowing you’ve committed to reading a book for someone can place added pressure on a reader’s brain. That pressure of having to read certain books by certain dates can make reading even more difficult for an overstressed mind. On behalf of authors who love you and know we could NOT do this without you, I’m giving permission to set the ARC aside and read what YOU want to for a little bit. The stress will pass. You will faithfully come back to that ARC as soon as you can. Authors trust you with their ARCs knowing you take this responsibility seriously, but we’re readers too. We get it.
Change up reading scripture. Even reading your Bible right now can be tough. I get it. Try changing translations for a bit—the Message and the Voice are pleasantly different.
Take a book break. *gasp!* I know. It’s unfathomable. But sometimes, it’s necessary. Find an Inspy book turned movie and let your brain wander into a visual space. Go for more walks. Play with the kids. Pick up other hobbies you’ve set aside for too long. When you’ve decompressed, your love for literature will still be there.

I happen to know many of our Inpsy Romance authors have a variety of content to offer you in this uncertain season. There’s a great list here. A ton of us are offering additional free books and you’ll find many are pushing to release more rapidly for those who are fortunate to not be experiencing reading distress during quarantine. I hope and pray you’re doing well where you are, and that you’re handling things okay. I’d love to hear your thoughts if your reading has been impacted by stress or other emotional upheaval. What have you found helps?

Let’s leave with a GIVEAWAY today! I’d like to send an advance copy to one giveaway winner. My latest novel, Whatever Happens Next is up for pre-order and releases May 12th, but one commenter will be drawn at random for an advance release copy a whole month early!

She needs to stay. He has orders to go. They’ll have to trust God with whatever happens next.

Growing up in nowhere Oklahoma gave US Air Force vehicle maintainer TSgt Dyson what his momma calls itchy feet. His wanderlust has kept him from romantic entanglements for years, until the day an over-dramatic, strawberry-scented chatterbox slams into him and turns his world upside down.

Jenna Davis was a quintessential good girl, deeply rooted in her family and faith until one mistake three years ago changed everything. Unable to admit her failure, she goes through the motions watching everyone else live their dreams. But it’s hard to find her purpose when opening up to anyone—even God—feels impossible. Then she meets Dyson, who personifies the strong, silent type.

Dyson gets her to open up and begin dreaming again, rebuilding the trust she’s lost in men and especially in herself. But Dyson has something important to tell Jenna, and he knows it’ll be the end of everything they’ve built. After all, how can he ask her to leave everything and everyone behind when he can never stay?

Real Life Romance · Romance Tropes

Friends-to-More is the Best Romance Trope (and here’s why!)

March 13, 2020 Jaycee Weaver43 Comments

If there’s ever been a romance trope more thoroughly beloved than friends-to-more, I’ve got the wrong data. Poll after poll shows above and beyond that this is one trope we romance readers will never, ever get enough of.

Now, I’m well aware that the actual term for this trope is friends-to-lovers, but sometimes “lovers” has a much different connotation than we as Inspy and/or Christian romance readers would give it, so I’ll stick with friends-to-more.

Why do we love this trope so very much? I look forward to reading your thoughts in the comments below, but I’ll share a few of mine first.

Friendship makes for the strongest basis of any relationship. Solid, lasting friendships are build on a history of laughing together, facing life’s everyday challenges together, respecting each other’s differences, supporting one another with unconditional love and acceptance simply for who that person is. Sounds like the perfect foundation for a lasting marriage, too, huh?
Friendship doesn’t blind you to the other person’s faults. When it comes to new love, it’s all too easy to see past a person’s flaws because of those rosy-colored, heart-shaped glasses we’re wearing. With friends, we see plenty of flaws and imperfections and choose to accept them—maybe even appreciate them—because you know the other person complements you because of them.
Friendship builds intimacy. In friendships, we’re more likely to be vulnerable with what we’re going through and how we feel about it. Friendship feels safe, so it’s easier to come unguarded into the relationship without fear of rejection.
New awareness changes everything, which means hello chemistry! That spark of new awareness, the hope of new love, the fear of love remaining unrequited…in other words, all the feels. This trope has more potential for emotional entanglement as a reader than any other, in my opinion.
Other tropes can join in the fun and only make the story richer. Think of all the fun an author can have with this trope. I mean, add unrequited love or marriage of convenience, and BAM! you have a whole new aspect to what some consider an overused trope. (Overused my foot. I say unlimited potential!) Think of the possibilities!

It’s kind of funny how much I love this trope, actually. Up until the past few years, I never really considered my husband to also be my friend. In my head, it sounded sappy and weird, and I already have a best friend who has filled that role for far longer. A while back, though, I realized that I’ve been living a reverse of my favorite trope. After twenty years together, my husband and I still have our separate interests and hobbies. We fully support and respect and adore each other, even if our likes and dislikes don’t often overlap. We complement each other in the best of ways and are a unified team. And finally, it’s hit me that he is also my very best friend.

Best friends are the ones we run to when life is tough. The ones we call first with good news. The ones we laugh with and sometimes laugh at, but only because teasing brings us closer together. Best friends aren’t afraid to tell us when those jeans do make our butt look big, but the history and trust between us removes the sting of uncomfortable truth. Best friends pray over each other. They listen to the rotten day we had and offer up comfort—a joke, a hug, or reassurance.

When I’m writing, I don’t set out to write a trope specifically. The characters usually develop organically in my head first, and then the plot sort of fills itself in from there. But I’ve noticed a trend in my stories for those friends-to-more stories.

My favorite that I’ve written so far is Love, Laughter, & Luminarias. Nina and Garrett have been friends since high school. Their teasing relationship often feels more like siblings at times, until witnessing Nina chase down a shoplifter opens his eyes to a whole new side of his friend. The experience rattles Nina, who begins to seek God in her life for the first time. Her best friend’s faith and willingness to go along with whatever zany plans she comes up with sparks a whole new appreciation for the dependable book nerd.

While I don’t consider it my best work, What Could Be holds a special place in my heart as my debut novel. In it, single-dad Josh and slightly-naive daycare worker Brynn build a friendship over several months. There’s a bit of a love triangle in this one, as Brynn seeks God’s will regarding the steady relationship she’s increasingly certain isn’t the right one and the feelings she keeps denying for the man she never expected to care for.

Another one is What Makes a Home. Free-living artist Jobie and computer engineer Caleb form an unlikely friendship after he buys a rundown house across the street. Spending time together renovating his home parallels the work God is doing in Jobie’s life. While neither intends to fall for the other, unexpected issues arise for fledgling believer Jobie, and Caleb’s steadfast friendship and care become the foundation for a new kind of relationship she’s never known before. How can she not fall for him?

Now, while I argue that friends-to-more is the very best romance trope, I will admit I love variety. I also love stories that turn stereotypes on their heads and face unexpected challenges. And I haven’t really met a trope I don’t like so long as it’s done well. What about you? Do you agree that this is the best of all, or do you have a special favorite? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Remember—all comments this month get extra entries into our annual InspyRomance Birthday Bash!

Covers · Roundup

It’s Complicated… (interesting characters usually are) + cover reveal

February 11, 2020 Jaycee Weaver19 Comments

If you’ve been on social media at any point in the last decade, you’ve probably noticed at least one of your “friends” with the relationship status It’s Complicated. The phrase has filtered its way into our culture in all sorts of ways—movie titles, song lyrics, book themes, mindsets.

It’s complicated isn’t always a response we’d like to accept, but it’s often the easiest response to most of those nosy questions we can’t completely answer without either revealing more than we’re comfortable with or shocking the inquisitor with an unavoidably long, drawn out response. It’s more polite than telling them none of your business, right? Ha ha!

But when it comes to characters, I have to admit, I LOVE complicated. The more complex their backstory, the more I want to read. Neat and tidy characters are fine on occasion, but let’s face it. Real people are pretty complicated. And as readers, we tend to be more fascinated by humanity than non-readers. I read an article a while back that frequent readers tend to be more empathetic. Perhaps this is why complicated characters are so interesting.

I’m a reader first. Becoming an author flowed naturally from that love, but always, first, a reader. I’ll list a few that stick out in my mind, then I’ll tell you about some I’ve written. After that, I’ll share with you the cover of my latest book and why I loved writing the characters in it. 🙂

From IR’s own Elizabeth Maddrey, comes Lydia Brown in Wisdom to Know. She’s a pastor’s daughter caught up in a binding chain of bad choices. I read this a few years ago, but she’s a heroine who has stuck with me. Another that stands out is Jen Andrews in A Handful of Hope. Her struggle with depression is thoroughly true-to-life and so well presented.

Toni Shiloh, another IR author, does complicated characters very well. Some of my favorites are Belle Peterson and Nikki Gordon from her Maple Run series. Evan Carter from Returning Home is also a wonderfully complex hero. Toni tackles characters who’ve suffered abuse, assault, missing limbs, parental abandonment, infidelity, and more with finesse and sensitivity.

Then there’s Janet Ferguson. Oh my goodness, I just love her characters. Raw emotion, depth, intensity, tragedy, internal struggles, wars against sin and pain and fear…and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I’ve loved them all, but my favorite is still The Art of Rivers.

Oh! And while I’m thinking of other IR authors (and can I just say, there are a lot of amazing ladies in this bunch, so I’m only picking a couple real quickly) I have to include Valerie M. Bodden. The entire Hope Springs series is wonderful—with a plethora of complex characters—but none more complicated than bad girl Jade in Not Until Us.

Melissa Tagg also has a way with complicated characters. I’d have to say my favorite is Now and Then and Always. Marshall and Mara both have painful stories they’re working through as they build a relationship while restoring an old B&B.

No list would be complete without Lea Sim’s two highly emotional novels, Running From Monday and Waiting on Tuesday. Lea tackles some difficult topics, and her characters have endured severe abuse, infidelity, loss, and more. Readers are put a bit through the wringer on these, but it’s their richness and authenticity of emotion that make them such memorable reads.

T.I. Lowe’s Until I Do—and her whole backlist, actually—is another perfect example. A marriage in shambles, readers get an inside look at a couple’s struggle with becoming empty-nesters and their floundering relationship. Other books by TI Lowe feature characters running from dark, violent secrets, human trafficking, and other trauma.

Several friends I asked reminded me of Tammy L. Gray. I’ve read quite a few of her books, but Mercy’s Flight is definitely one that stands out. Violent pasts, betrayal, children in need, secrets, and a journey to trust and find courage barely scratch the surface of Matt and Grace’s story.

I absolutely HAVE to include one of my very favorites, Jennifer Rodewald. I need to take a break between her books because I can pretty much guarantee I’ll be gutted afterward. Her Grace Revealed trilogy is ripe with intense, complicated characters with highly charged emotions and very real issues, but my personal favorite is still The Carpenter’s Daughter.

Whew! That ended up being a rather long list, so I’ll cut myself off there. Hopefully I’ve introduced you to some new-to-you authors, titles, or characters you’ll enjoy as much as I have.

Since I’ve already gone on long enough, I’ll summarize what kind of complicated characters I enjoy writing. In Whatever Comes Our Way, the hero and heroine face traumatic pasts, grief, guilt, anxiety attacks, and the aftermath of loved ones’ drug use. In What Makes a Home, prickly Jobie’s colorful lifestyle catches up to her as we come to understand why she chooses to live the way she does (until she meets Jesus!). In Adrift, (which is always free) Erin still experiences grief after losing her husband too young. Now, not all of my characters are over-complicated. Some have it pretty easy, so I like to put them in challenging situations instead. My heart is to create realistic characters who are flawed and, yes, complicated but eventually figure out what it is God wants to work out in their lives.

So there you have it. Probably should have narrowed it down and maybe dug a little deeper into each character, but I’m a more-is-better kind of girl. Ha ha!

For the last part of my post, I’d like to reveal the cover to my newest book out this week, which just so happens to be FREE to all subscribers to my email newsletter. It’s a bit different from my usual contemporary Christian romance fare, as it’s a dual-POV in first person with two heroines. Each has her own story line with her own love interest/romance, but their friendship takes center stage in this novelette. Lauren’s a steady presence for Kimbrye, who just might be one of the most hurting of all the heroines I’ve written so far.

I can’t wait to read in your comments below any recommendations YOU have for favorite complicated characters. I’m always on the lookout for my newest book bestie! Take care and enjoy the rest of your week, especially with our upcoming BIRTHDAY BASH!!

Devotional Thought · Giveaway · Writing Process

Plotting & Pantsing Explained + giveaway

January 13, 2020 Jaycee Weaver22 Comments

Spend any time on social media with your favorite authors these days, and you’ll come across a number of terms the average reader doesn’t understand. Like any field, there’s a bit of lingo involved that can confuse a person on the outside looking in. Always a reader first, I enjoy sharing some of that insider knowledge with other readers. I mean, we read because we love books, right? And not just the story or the characters—we love the literary world, whether we understand it or not.

I had someone ask me the other day what it meant when their favorite author claimed to be a “total pantser.” I can explain, in a nutshell, for those of you who’ve asked the same question.

Many authors consider themselves “plotters,” or someone who plots out their novel before they begin writing. In general, plotters have an outline that falls somewhere on the spectrum from a general outline with a loose structure and character bios, to well-organized, detailed outlines with personality typed character sheets and a fully structured plan from start to finish. I’m in quite a few author groups online, and I’ll tell you, the true plotter is a rare bird.

A bit more common is the “pantser,” or an author who writes “by the seat of their pants.” The most organized that the majority of pantsers get is to work up character bios and a rough synopsis for the beginning and ending, but are completely at the mercy of the process. Typically, an idea for the story comes, and pantsers flesh it out little by little. More often than not, the writing process happens by following a whole lot of rabbit trails.

Occasionally, an author will claim to be a plantser. I’d say this is the most common writing style, but perhaps that’s just my own tendency to walk the line between extremes. The plantser is more organized than a total pantser, but not as rigid and detailed as a complete plotter. Make sense?

So… how does this relate to inspy romance, other than the obvious?

Well, I think it’s safe to say we’re all plantsers in our own ways. Whether you’re a writer, reader, doctor, teacher, stay-home parent, or any other identifier, life never goes as planned. And few people ever fall completely to one side or the other on any issue. Not only that but as Christians, we must allow the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2) to drive the plot of our lives as well as form our character according to His will.

The New Living Translation of Proverbs 16:9 says, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” And 1 Corinthians 10: 31 says, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Then there’s James 4:15, “What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.'”

Finding that sweet spot between plotting out life and flying by the seat of our pants certainly isn’t easy, and there’s nothing wrong with either side. But I wonder. Is your life your own, being plotted and planned and structured, or are you living by your whims and whatever life throws at you? Or have you found that happy medium where your plans surrender to His will, even when circumstances are out of your hands?

I’ll be honest. I’m a pantser all the way. But with the start of a whole new year, I’m finding He is calling me to become a better plantser—and not just in my writing. I’m ready to add more structure and discipline while surrendering my whims and desires to whatever it is He’s asking of me. In everything—what I write, what I read, as a substitute teacher, a mom, a friend, a wife. It feels like I’m standing on the precipice of something new and beautiful. A lot like the feeling I get when an idea for a new story sparks.

I sure can’t wait to see where He takes me! How about you?

**One random commenter will receive a copy of my first novel, What Could Be, which deals with a young woman learning to let go of her carefully plotted life and surrender to His will.**

Escape into a Story · Giveaway · Story Inspiration

Sharing local holiday traditions in fiction + giveaway

December 10, 2019 Jaycee Weaver30 Comments

Culture is fascinating, isn’t it? I think a big part of what I love about reading is how we can travel anywhere in the world just by picking up a book. And at each stop in our travels, we learn something new and interesting about the culture, the people, or traditions of a place.

I especially love reading Christmas stories. It’s so fun to explore world traditions while also reading about new love or friends discovering new feelings. Some days it’s nice to be immersed in a stereotypical small-town white Christmas story with the vintage red truck and a flannel-wearing hero and his neatly trimmed beard while our big-city heroine rethinks her executive boyfriend and decides to stay and help save the local food pantry. But other days, nothing will do but an escape to some unexplored-but-real locale. An adventure with an unconventional hero and heroine someplace we’ve never been.

Being a lifelong reader and virtual world traveler is probably why I enjoy describing local traditions in my own books so much. As much as I love discovering new places, I treasure my role as virtual tour-guide to my beloved home, Albuquerque, New Mexico. New Mexico is a culturally rich environment with a ton of traditions all year through, especially at Christmas.

So far, I’ve written three Christmas novellas, one standalone and two as part of collections. In each, it’s been my pleasure to share such special holiday events as the Old Town stroll and the River of Lights. The Christmas table is often filled with authentic New Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, posole, tamales, and biscochitos. There’s a Twinkle Light parade and a tumbleweed snowman that stands tall by the freeway every year. Other cities have their own special traditions and tourist lures, but none as dear to my heart as the lighting of luminarias on Christmas Eve.

Statewide through the month of December, horizontal surfaces everywhere are covered in lanterns made from plain paper bags filled with sand and a single candle. Rooftops, the tops of walls, along sidewalks, all over. Then on Christmas Eve, the candles are lit and a vigil begins. I could wax poetic on the magic and wonder of our luminaria tours for another five hundred words or more. Instead, I’ll leave you with a few pictures and an invitation to come visit New Mexico in my Christmas stories, where you can visualize the wonder and beauty I see and enjoy with my family every year.

And if you live or have visited somewhere enchanting for the holidays, I’d love to read about it in the comments below! Even if the visit happened literarily, tell me about it! I’ll draw two names from the comments randomly for a copy of Love, Laughter, and Luminarias.

Be blessed wherever you spend this holiday season. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may your own traditions increase the hope and joy of the season for you and the ones you love!

Romance Settings · Special Occasions

Hey! What about Thanksgiving?!

November 11, 2019 Jaycee Weaver25 Comments

Here in the US, it seems like the last wisps of smoke from the fireworks have barely begun to fade from the July sky when all the craft and hobby stores begin rolling out the fall and Christmas stuff. It never fails, immediately people begin lamenting it coming “earlier every year” and grousing about seeing Christmas trees before the kids have even gone back to school. Annoyed that poor Tom Turkey’s day gets overlooked, sandwiched invisibly between the pumpkins and candy canes.

As a crafter who’s done dozens of craft shows over the years, I usually smile and point out that Hobby Lobby isn’t in the business of tormenting consumers, they’re supplying those of us who have to build a holiday inventory. Those gorgeous wreaths on Etsy aren’t made overnight! But I digress.

I was talking about poor, neglected little American Tom Turkey and his Canadian cousin (who celebrates in October), and the thankful observance that gets overshadowed by all of the holiday hustle and bustle. So for all of you asking the question, “But what about Thanksgiving?!” I have a list of delicious books for you that, while not necessarily Thanksgiving books per se, at least feature Thanksgiving scenes (and probably a dash of family drama).

And for all of you outside the US, my apologies for this very American-centric post. At least I can redeem it by sharing some fun titles that feature themes of thankfulness, something we can all use more of, right?

From our InspyRomance authors, in no particular order:

Merrillee Whren, A Family to Call Ours

Staci Stallings, Dance With Me

Elizabeth Maddrey, Pathway to Peace

Janet Ferguson, Magnolia Storms

Hallee Bridgeman, Courting Calla

Sally Howe Bayless, Love, Lies, and Homemade Pie

Valerie Comer, The Cowboy’s Christmas Reunion

Kimberly Rose Johnson, A Love That Lasts

Jaycee Weaver, each of the books in the Everyday Love series have a Thanksgiving scene (totally unintentional and I JUST realized this! Haha!)

Toni Shiloh, Jaycee Weaver, Angela Ruth Strong, and 2 others, Once Upon a Christmas has Thanksgiving scenes in at least two of the five stories

Hallee Bridgeman, Jaycee Weaver, and 3 others, When Snowflakes Never Cease (Crossroads Collection 6)—Hallee’s story within the collection and mine both feature Thanksgiving. Yes, I’ve noticed a trend for Thanksgiving scenes within my books! LOL!

And here are a few other books that take place over Thanksgiving, late fall, or have themes of thankfulness (side note—while not Inspy endorsed, each describes themselves and/or their books as Christian/Inspirational.):

Melanie Snitker, Finding Grace

JoAnn Durgin, By Grace Draw Near

Crystal Walton, Her Stand-In Cowboy

During my search, I also discovered that Love Inspired has a number of Thanksgiving-themed books, such as A Texas Thanksgiving by Margaret Daley. While I haven’t read this one, I have read several of her others and always enjoy a bit of romantic suspense.

Of course, this list is by no means complete, so please be sure to comment below if you know of any other contemporary Christian or Inspirational romances that feature at least a Thanksgiving scene or theme. I’d love to hear them, and I’m sure our other readers would too!

And since it’s so much fun to read about Thanksgiving (*cough* and apparently write it, Jaycee, ya nerd *cough*), I’ll give away ONE ebook of the winner’s choice of any of my three Everyday Love books to a random commenter. An extra entry if you comment with a contemporary Thanksgiving-ish romance book!

New Releases · Romance Tropes

Retelling the (Fairy) Tale

October 12, 2019 Jaycee Weaver20 Comments

Ah, fairy tales. Like so much classic literature, fairy tales form the basis for many contemporary stories. In recent years, retellings have even become so popular they’ve become their own subgenre in fiction. And it makes sense. The originals are clean and usually end happily. Good triumphs over evil. The impossible becomes possible. Romance. Magic. Wonder. They’re inspirational and usually teach a lesson.

Best of all, they’re timeless.

So how do we take an old story and craft it into something new and unique without contorting it into just another twisted clone on the bookshelf?

Well, it’s not easy. I’ll tell you that. But with a little creativity and inspiration all around us, the task doesn’t seem so daunting. In fact, authors Andrea Boyd and Mikal Dawn teamed up with three Inspy Romance authors—myself (Jaycee Weaver), Toni Shiloh, and Angela Ruth Strong—to release a brand new anthology of such tales. Last week on October 1, Once Upon a Christmas: Contemporary Retellings of Timeless Tales hit the shelves, and the reviews so far affirm that we seem to have found success in remaking these classic old stories into something new, fun, and relevant to today’s contemporary romance readers. (Yay!)

Rather than blend into the background with straight modernizations or retelling the tale with simple nods or twists, we decided to give each story a Christmas spin. Andrea took Sleeping Beauty and gave her a real-life sleeping disorder with three fierce and funny aunts in a gorgeous old theater for a holiday production of the musical of the same title. Mikal brought Mulan out of China and into the boardroom with a fierce (but flirty) legal battle on her father’s behalf, the wicked Hun insisting on a Christmas victory. For an updated Snow White, Toni sent her sheltered heiress fleeing into a snowstorm and hiding from a wicked stepmother in an orchard owned by a handsome hero and his seven “uncles” over the holidays. Angela twisted the classic favorite Cinderella into a whole new story, giving her lumberjack-like prince the nutty stepfamily as a perfect obstacle standing between Ella and her happy (New Year) ever after. And lastly, it was my joy to take The Little Mermaid out of her Las Vegas aquarium and into the dry southwest, where she discovers the power of her own voice during the romantic holiday season.

We sure hope you’ll give this set of novellas a chance to live up to your fairy tale expectations…and I suppose your Christmas tale expectations, too. If you’ve already read our retellings of these timeless tales, be sure to comment with what you enjoyed most! We love your feedback. If you haven’t yet had the chance, we’d love to know—what’s your favorite fairy tale, retelling, or Christmas trope?

Devotional Thought · Giveaway · Writing Process

Inside a Writer’s Brain (reader beware)

September 19, 2019 Jaycee Weaver35 Comments

Have you ever read a book and wondered, what on earth must go on inside this author’s mind to come up with this stuff?

Spoiler alert: it’s chaos in there. Most of us aren’t even sure which way is up half the time. Between story ideas, editing, marketing, and obligations to our non-author lives, it can be a bit of a mess.

Before you scroll down to the helpful infographic below, be warned. What you are about to see might horrify you.

Still curious? Just remember what happened to the cat. I tried to warn you.

One more thing. A disclaimer. The inner thoughts you’ll soon be privy to are relevant to the mind of a clean contemporary romance writer (trust me, I’ve done the research). Writers of other genres may include such additions as obscure historical facts, life on other worlds, historically accurate costuming, and creative ways to dispose of bodies.

Did you just shiver? I did. Okay! Fine. If you’re still here, you’re prepared to handle it. Here goes:

The struggle is real, my friends.

It’s a wonder any of us churn out those stories coherently some days. I think it’s all the coffee and rabbit trails that save us most of the time. Or fantasizing all those kissing scenes.

Nah, what really keeps us going are the days we get a good review or a personal message from a reader who truly loved our work. And a whole lot of prayer. And coffee. Yeah, yeah. Don’t even try to tell me that coffee and prayer don’t make everything better. I know the truth.

So. Now that you know the inner workings of the clean romantic writer’s mind, you’re officially grafted into the twisted, gnarled web of insanity with us. What does that mean? It means we need you, dear reader. We need your support in so many forms. See, creative types are prone to rather extreme highs and lows emotionally (and often mentally). Our hearts and souls pour onto the page with every word we craft. We need your reviews–positive, of course, but also sometimes negative. Especially when they’re thoughtfully presented in a way we can learn from.

You can tag us and mention us on social media. Create graphics or post pics of our books out in the wild. We love personal notes and treasure your excitement over a new release. We’re over the moon when you join our reader groups and street teams and engage with our stories and treat our characters like real people.

And most of all, we need your prayers. Inspirational romance writers (well, all of us truly, right?) wouldn’t be able to do what we do if it weren’t for the calling placed upon our hearts by the most Creative One of all. Yes, that infographic is a comical look at the thoughts that flit through our heads. But there’s plenty of truth there, too. As you’re escaping your reality within our created worlds, please take just a moment to remember your favorite authors in prayer. And then send a virtual coffee. Or two.

You might as well just make it a triple and send a funny GIF. Yes!! Do that.

Be blessed, my friends! In honor of kissing scenes and glorious coffee, I’m giving away one eBook of Whatever Comes Our Way to a random commenter below. Thanks for stopping by today!

Romance Tropes · Story Inspiration

Food in Romantic Fiction

August 16, 2019 Jaycee Weaver44 Comments

Ah, food. One of my favorite subjects. If you follow me on Pinterest, you’ll get a taste for just how much I love food in all its forms. Cooking, baking, eating, sharing, and even reading about it.

It’s our fuel for life. We fuel our bodies, our spirits, and our relationships over food.

Today, I’d love to explore how food is used in fiction–specifically, in the romances we here at Inspy Romance love so much! Many authors use food to bring characters together much like in real life, whether it’s a crucial plot element, a catalyst, a meet cute, or something else.

I like to feature food in my books nearly as much as I enjoy making it. Often, it’ll be an integral part of the relationships or plot. In Whatever Comes Our Way, Gina holds fond memories of cooking with her grandmother. Her relationship with Jaydon blooms and grows over every meal they share (and there are several!). She reaches out to a pair of at-risk youth over a casual lunch of burgers and fries, and dessert opens the door to learn more about their family dynamic. In Adrift (which happens to be FREE!), there’s a particularly fun s’mores scene I think readers might be inspired by. And in my most recent release, What Makes a Home, free spririted Jobie pushes rigid Caleb out of his comfort zone with international foods, and eventually forges a friendship with her roommate, Jenna, over pizza and ice cream.

And I’m not alone in loving to write good food into romantic fiction–several of our Inspy authors’ books involve kitchen professionals.

In Toni Shiloh’s Maple Run series, maple recipes abound, as does the chemistry! The Maple Pit’s chef Dwight needs help from Nina to revamp the restaurant and bring in customers. There is no Maple Run without The Pit, and the deliciousness all starts in Buying Love. Trust me on this, once you start the series you’re going to want to eat up the rest back to back!

I recently picked up Elizabeth Maddrey’s A Splash of Substance through Kindle Unlimited and am loving it so far. Paige wants to impact the world through her organic, locally grown/sourced catering company. The principle of “living gently” that forms the basis of her business brings handsome Jackson into her life and will leave an impact on readers, too.

In Taking a Chance on Mr. Wrong by Liwen Y. Ho, it’s a culture clash of comedic proportions when Ben meets Melanie’s family for the first time over a home-cooked meal of Chinese food. He tries to impress her very old-fashioned mom by complementing her cooking in Cantonese. His misspoken words lead to a rather rocky start to a fantastic story. And in my favorite of her Spark Brothers books, Colin and Candy could melt the ice cream in his shop with their delicious tension.

Call You Home, the last novel in Jan Thompson’s Savannah Sweethearts series, is the story of two talented chefs with an old feud that they’ll have to resolve in and out of the kitchen if they want to be in the will of God for their lives.

Sometimes it’s not the professionals, but amateurs, foodies, and kind neighbors who take the cake.

Julie Arduini created a small mountain village in Entrusted that remains tight knit because of meals at Jack Frosty’s, attending church pot lucks, or being a recipient of matriarch Sara Bivins’ banana bread. Julie reportedly hosted a local book club in which members brought in all the foods mentioned in the book. That sounds like a recipe for fun to me.

Autumn MacArthur’s new release Imperfectly Proverbs 31 is getting shuffled to the top of my TBR pile. The plot hinges on the undomestic geeky heroine having to learn to bake a pie to convince the investigative journalist hero she really isn’t faking being a good homemaker. It sounds adorable, doesn’t it?

The heroine of Valerie Comer’s Sprouts of Love oversees a community garden that supplies fresh vegetables to the food bank run by the hero. And Shannon Taylor Vannatter created a tasty meet cute at the beginning of Reuniting with the Cowboy. Her heroine takes her new neighbor a 4-layer delight, only to discover the man at the door is her first love.

So if you’re hungry for a tempting tale, here are a handful of treats for you to devour. I hope you’ll give a few of them a try and let us know how you enjoyed them! Be sure to leave a comment below telling us your favorite food-in-fiction title (and why you love it), and then check the Back-2-School Bash to enter our AMAZING GIVEAWAY this month!