Merry Christmas Giveaway

If you're like me, these past few weeks have been crazy! As I get older, the more hectic the holiday season gets. I miss my college days when we were out of school for a month and there was lots of napping, shopping, and visiting.

But I'm headed to see my family for a few frenzied days and am so excited about it. Of course, on Monday I'll be back to the grind--with a book due in January, I can't afford much time off to play.

So...in the spirit of Christmas, let's do a fun giveaway!

I'll draw a random name on Monday, December 27. The winner will get a copy of my new book, Love is Grand. And to make it even more fun, the winner will also get to choose a friend--and I'll send their friend a copy of one of my books, too!

To enter, answer this question in the comments:

What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

Here's mine: My family gathers at my grandma's house on Christmas Eve. There is a lot of food, a lot of laughter--and a lot of gifts. There is usually a movie going in one room and at least 2 board or card games going. It is such a happy time--and as the years go by, I cherish those moments so much.

Don't forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!

Merry Christmas!

Some Little Town in Pennsylvania Called Gettysburg

I've had Rhett Butler's voice in my head all day, saying that. "Some little town in Pennsylvania called Gettysburg."

I have to say, it's a dream come true for me to be here. Some kids grow up wanting to go to Disney World. I grew up wanting to go to Gettysburg. :)

I'm not totally sure why I have always had such a fascination with the Civil War. I think it's a mixture of things. The human interest stories have always captivated me. The women who turned into nurses. The men who turned into heroes. The brothers who fought against each other. So many incredible stories of tragedy and triumph. And yes...someday, I hope to write a novel against the backdrop of the war. I've already done hour upon hour of research--just for fun.

My Gettysburg experience started out early this morning. I was so excited just walking into the huge visitor center--and even more so when I saw author Jeff Shaara signing copies of his books. I had him sign a book for me and told him about my ranger years at Shiloh. Come to find out, he's setting an upcoming novel there. Very cool.

After the movie and cyclorama (which were both totally worth the money), I spent a lot of time in the museum. Fantastic--but probably overkill for those who aren't really interested in the Civil War. I could've spent at least another hour in there, at least. After attending a ranger program in the National Cemetery, I set out on the 24 mile driving tour...

And I can't help but compare the experience to Shiloh. The battlefields themselves have a few similarities. But the outside stuff--way different. There is a lot more commercialization at Gettysburg. So many shops and hotels and things. In my opinion, all that outside stuff detracts a bit from the battlefield. Even the visitor center made me feel that way--it was so showy, so obviously high-tech and expensive...

But the battlefield itself was amazing. I would love to come back sometime and actually walk more on the actual field.The driving tour is nice and you get to see the high points, but just as with Shiloh--to really experience it, you need to be out on it, walking the same land that the soldiers did.

I left the field at dark, cold and exhausted. But happy. I'd seen a place that I've wanted to see for as long as I can remember. And tomorrow...on the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address...I'll be in the National Cemetery for a special program to remember.

And tomorrow night...I'm staying on a dairy farm in Lancaster County. Am a little afraid it will be like Schrute Farms...complete with Dwight and Mose!

On the Road...Again

So clearly I don't write for the money--and don't really know any authors who do. I mean, I still have a full time job besides writing that pays the rent and provides health insurance. Even so, I'm living my dream by being an author--even if I never reach JK Rowling's financial status. But one of the perks of writing is that I can justify traveling to places I've never been in the name of research.

This week, I'm exploring Lancaster, Pennsylvania and the surrounding area.

First of all, Lancaster isn't pronounced the way you'd think. Or at least the way those of you from the South like me would think. Just trust me on this. I've been corrected no less than 3 times.

But the area is lovely. I had lunch at the charming Bird-In-Hand Farmer's Market, where I bought some yummy banana bread and a red velvet whoopie pie with cream cheese filling. I am, at this very moment, sampling these and I assure you, they are delicious.

I also went to the Mennonite Visitor Center where I watched a very interesting movie about the Amish way of life. I have such respect and admiration for them.

Side note: I ran to Target to pick up a couple of things that I'd forgotten...and had to smile at the sign that said horse and buggy parking was available at the side of the store.


Then I drove to Lititz, which is SUCH a charming town. Neat little shops and beautiful homes. I stopped by the oldest pretzel factory in the United States...yum! And they actually have a restaurant called the Chocolate Cafe.

I realize this entire post seems to revolve around food. :) But sampling local specialties is one of my favorite things about traveling.

And now...I'm in a place I've wanted to visit since I was a little girl: Gettysburg! I can see the monuments from my hotel and can't wait to tour the battlefield tomorrow. I'm hoping for lots of sunshine and dry weather.

One more thing--for those of you who haven't read "Love is Grand" yet...click here for your chance to win a copy.

Hoping that I'll have some fun adventures to report tomorrow!

Another weekend of book signings!

I'm thrilled to be a part of Freed-Hardeman University's Homecoming again this year. On Friday, I had the honor of speaking in chapel. And on Saturday (November 13) I'll be signing books from 11 - 1 in front of the Sports Center.


Following my signing at FHU, I'll travel to nearby Jackson, Tennessee, where I'll be at LifeWay Christian Store from 4 - 5:30. It's located on the campus of Union University, next to BanCorp South. They'll be running specials on all three books in the Walk in the Park series--and you can purchase my recent release, Love is Grand!

If you live in the Henderson/Jackson area, I'd love to see you at one of these events!

Arkansas Book Signings

Just one more reminder! I'm headed to Arkansas today for two days of book signings! Tonight (Friday, November 5) I'll be at the LifeWay Christian Store in Little Rock. I'll be there from 5:30 - 7:30. If you live near Little Rock, I'd love to see you there! They'll be running specials on all three books in the Walk in the Park series--and you can purchase my recent release, Love is Grand!

And tomorrow (Saturday, November 6) I'll be signing books as part of Harding University's Homecoming. It's a multi-author signing that will last from 11 - 1 in Ganus Athletic Center. It will be a great event and I'm really looking forward to visiting with attendees.

Random Thoughts on a Thursday...and an Upcoming Book Signing

First of all...if you live near Little Rock, Arkansas, please consider coming to the LifeWay on Chenal Parkway next Friday evening, November 5. I'll be signing books there from 5:30 - 7:30 and would LOVE to see you!



Let me say that things haven't gone exactly like I'd planned lately. (do they ever?)

So this is going to be one of those random, rambling blog posts where I get to share the things that have been on my mind....

1. Strep throat is awful. Seriously. It struck me down out of nowhere. But I'm finally (almost) well.

2. Wicked is wicked awesome. (side note: I have always wanted to use "wicked" in a sentence that way...and just FYI, according to the Urban Dictionary, you must always use an adjective after wicked for proper use: "that car is wicked" and "that car is wicked awesome" do not carry the same meaning. Just trying to keep you cool. ha) But honestly, I'm kind of considering going to see it again. I haven't felt that way about a show since the time I saw Les Mis in London and promptly went out and bought the soundtrack. Just LOVED it.

3. I am completely bored by Dancing with the Stars this season. Because...WHERE are the STARS? Honestly. Because I'm not seeing the star power. And since it seems that being an actual star is no longer a requirement, my secret dream is that next season the casting people at DWTS will think "hey, let's invite an author of inspirational fiction to be on the show..." Because I would probably be willing to participate. :)

4. I'm already easing into the Christmas season. Judge me all you want. Christmas songs make me happy...and I declare it officially okay to full out listen starting next week. And yes, I've already busted out my favorite Christmas coffee mug. Here's the way I see it: Christmas is a lot of trouble. The decorations. The special Christmasy dishes. So why not enjoy it longer than just a couple of weeks? I say, if you have to get things out of storage...you should be able to enjoy them for at least a month and a half--possibly 2 months. So I will continue to ease into the season bit by bit until I'm fully decorated by mid-November. Because it MAKES ME HAPPY. (this is the perk of living alone with only dogs to see my secret holiday behavior, and let's face it, as long as I feed them and walk them, they would be fine if the tree stayed up all year...)

5. One more and I'm done. I've been reading a lot lately about juicing and "green" drinks. I've been intrigued by this for awhile--ever since I read a book about how bad processed foods are for us and the importance of fruits and vegetables. So I'm kind of considering giving it a shot. Like maybe starting Monday, November 1. That's my plan anyway. I'm not going to go on a diet, just incorporate a juiced drink into my day. Seems like there are lots of health benefits to the extra veggies/fruits that you get. We shall see...

Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Halloween weekend!

Love is Grand has officially released!

The "official" release day for Love is Grand was Friday, October 1! I'm SO excited for this book to reach the hands of readers. When my last book released, I shared with you that a book release is like a first date...and I still feel that way! I'm always so nervous when my book starts shipping--and when I see it on the shelf for the first time, it makes me want to do the Snoopy Dance right there in the aisle. :) 

And I'm thrilled to say that Romantic Times gave Love is Grand 4 stars! (out of 4 1/2 stars) I love what they had to say about it:

Daughety has created a story full of strong characters, incredible visuals and a well-plotted storyline mixed with humor, friendship and biblical truths. The love triangle creates a twist to the romance; real moments make the characters feel like people you already know.

For those of you who haven't read the first 2 books in the series yet...don't worry! These books stand alone so you won't feel lost if you read this one first.

I'm going to have some fun giveaways and contests on here very soon...so keep checking back! And in the meantime, click here to read a preview of Love is Grand--and consider ordering your own copy! :)