Does anyone else feel like September is time for a reset? Just me?

Maybe it’s the years I spent in school, both as a student and a teacher. Maybe it’s the allure of office supplies that fill every store this time of year. Who can resist shiny new push pins and rainbow pen packs? Not this girl.

It also might have something to do with how amazing and wonderfully busy our summer was this year. Summer 2026 was one for the ages, with both big challenges and huge joys. To say it will join the Meek family lore is quite the understatement.

But now that we’ve made it to September, I find myself grateful for the promise of routine and a resetting of some important life rhythms. For example, I’m embarrassed to admit that between early June and mid-August, my husband and I made it to the gym exactly once. I’m so ready to find that healthy rhythm again.

But that’s just the way life is sometimes, isn’t it? I love having routines and systems in place that help me create sustainable habits, but tbh, there are just times when the whole system needs a reboot. And from conversations I’ve had this summer, it sounds like I’m not the only one. I’m grateful we’re in this together.

Reviews are coming in for Summer at Caroling Creek! It’s so wonderful to hear how much people love it. It’s also a bit surreal at times.

Story time:

A friend who I met on Instagram shared her review of the book. I didn’t even know she’d gotten a copy of it, but there it was, MY BOOK, on her feed. And then, one of her friends (who I don’t know from anyone) also shared they’d gotten their copy and how they were enjoying it.

My mother-in-law also sent me a text from one of her friends in Missouri about how Summer at Caroling Creek was so hard to put down that her housekeeping suffered until she finished the book.

It’s like fan mail, just faster.

If you’ve read it, your support means the world to me. Here just a few ways you can help me spread the word even further:

• rate and/or review Summer at Caroling Creek on Amazon, GoodReads, and Barnes and Noble

• post a review on those sites

• request the book at your local library or indie bookstores

• follow my Amazon and GoodReads author profiles

• follow me on Instagram and Facebook

• like, share, and repost my posts about Summer at Caroling Creek

• share a copy with a friend, or five

• host a virtual book club meeting (or in-person if you’re local to me)

• attend a local signing and tell your friends

If you’re interested in having me join a virtual or in-person book club, please reply to this email to set it up.

This month, instead of sharing BookFunnel promotions with you, I’m spotlighting two friends who have fun things going on.

First up is my friend Tiffany Link, whose newsletter is thought-provoking and inspiring. She also recently signed with a literary agent, so I know good things are coming for her! You can subscribe to her newsletter here.

Next is my friend Janyre Tromp, whose latest book, Burning the Raven Tree, will release on September 15th. I’ve already had a sneak peek at an advance copy, and you don’t want to miss this one. Check out Janyre’s newsletter here.

The Legacy Maker’s Corner

As much as I love the fun-loving, shorts weather, lake day every day vibe that Summer brings, my routine loving heart rejoices when we get back to the sacred rhythms of Autumn.

Lighting a candle in the evening, Soup Sunday, Fall farmer’s markets, and cozying up with a quilt and a book are some of my favorite Autumn activities. (Ok, who am I kidding. I cozy up with a quilt and a book all year long, but who’s counting?)

As nearly-empty-nesters, our Autumn rhythms look different than they did a few short years ago. Gone are the Saturday morning cross country invitationals, replaced by my own self-care routine of gym dates with my hubby. The apples we used to have in abundance for our yearly applesauce making tradition are now owned by another homeowner. We aren’t always successful in sourcing them these days.

As the seasons cycle around again from summer to fall and eventually to winter and spring, there are days when I grieve the traditions that have fallen away over the years. But even in that grief is joy at the memories, and the opportunities to create new ones.

What rhythms are you letting go of this year, and what traditions are you most looking forward to? I’ve already started on my yarn projects and getting back to my sourdough baking. Hit reply or leave a comment to join the conversation!

‘Til next time,

Wishing you happily-ever-after,

Becca

The last 24 hours have been a tornado of emotions. We celebrated the release of Summer at Caroling Creek with the first book signing, then rushed home as news of the Old Trails Fire (now part of the Spokane Complex Fire) reached us. While we are not in the evacuation zone, many of our friends have been directly impacted by this devastating fire. In the coming days, there will be many opportunities to help, and my prayer is that we can show love to our friends and neighbors in tangible ways.

As for the month of July? Well, the whole summer has been a whirlwind of good things. June was fun and amazing with our regional church conference and then our daughter’s beautiful wedding. July was equally amazing. After the wedding, we enjoyed two precious weeks with our daughter and granddaughter before they traveled back to China. Every morning, we’d head out to my raspberry patch and pick the ripe ones together. We read so many books and played with My Little Ponies.

Too soon, it was time for them to leave again, but this time, my husband and I got to go with them. While in China, we celebrated our daughter’s birthday and our 30th anniversary! I never would have guessed we’d celebrate that milestone in China, but we had a great time! We navigated the better part of three days on our own, taking taxis across town, ordering food, and being tourists in a part of the country where English speakers are the exception. (Travel tip: Google Translate is your friend!)

We arrived back home, jet-lagged and missing sweet snuggles, the day before my debut novel, Summer at Caroling Creek, released into the world. I’ve heard from many of you already that you’ve received your copy and that you’re loving the story. I’m so glad!

Still need to get a copy? Grab it here.

If you’ve already read it, I’d appreciate it so much if you’d leave a review on Amazon, GoodReads, and Barnes and Noble.

So now what?

As I prepare for the coming season, I’m looking forward to getting back to my works-in-progress I’d put on hold while in the editing and publishing process for Summer.

Kenzie and Hunter’s story is still unfinished, and so many of you have mentioned that Lina (the bestie from Summer) needs her own story. Spoiler alert: she has her own story! But it’s not quite finished and I’m excited to dive back into it, rework some plot lines, and see where it goes. I’m never short on ideas, just the time to write them all down!

August often turns my mind to the last bits of summer, back to school, and soaking up every ray of sunshine. For those of us in Spokane, this year might look a little different. As our community reels and recovers from these devastating fires, our hearts are with those directly impacted. We look forward to serving our neighbors and loving our community. Because happily-ever-after often looks a lot less like a fairy tale, and more like people simply loving each other.

‘Til next time,

Becca

Summer at Caroling Creek is officially out in the world! What a thrill it was to arrive home from a very long day of travel and hold my debut novel in my hands! I’m already hearing from some of you who pre-ordered the Kindle version and have started reading.

“I’m already on Chapter 18.” -Jan D.

“A delightful, feel-good escape.” -Leah S.

“Gripping and hard to put down.” -Miriam M.

Wow! You know how to make a girl smile! You can order your copy (if you haven’t already) at https://scrivenings.link/summeratcarolingcreek (Amazon) or Barnes and Noble. You can also find me at any of the local book signings I’ll be having in the coming weeks. Watch my Instagram for more information on when and where!

Giveaway Winner!

If you entered the Release Day giveaway, thank you! The winner has been chosen and notified via email.

Authors love reviews, so once you’ve read Summer at Caroling Creek, please leave a review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and GoodReads! Thank you for helping me celebrate!

Until next time,

Wishing you happily-ever-after,

Becca

Popping into your inbox with a short note to let you know that my publisher, Scrivenings Press, is offering the first three chapters of Summer at Caroling Creek for free! If you want a sneak peek at the book before it releases on Tuesday, you can check out this link: https://scriveningspress.com/tag/summeratcarolingcreek/

You can still get discounted pre-order pricing until Tuesday!

Wishing you happily-ever-after,

Becca

Popping into your inbox mid-month to tell you about the release day giveaway I’m hosting! One winner will receive an autographed copy of Summer at Caroling Creek, along with some Caroling Creek swag!

ELIGIBILITY:

-Entrants are U.S. residents

-Entrants are age 18+ or have permission from a legal guardian

-Entrants consent to have their email addresses added to my newsletter mailing list. Your information will never be shared and you’re welcome to unsubscribe at any time.

CONTEST ENDS: July 27, 2026 11:45pm PDT

Enter here: https://kingsumo.com/g/m7grp8m/summer-at-caroling-creek-release-day

Wishing you happily-ever-afters!

Becca

I can hardly believe it’s July already! Weeks spent planning and preparing for my daughter’s wedding flew by. All the hard work culminated in a beautiful day! We are so happy to be welcoming our new son-in-law into the family.

Between final edits of my novel and wedding preparation, there hasn’t been much time for any of our usual summer activities. Now that the wedding is over, I can turn my attention to launching this book into the world, and hopefully get some time to enjoy paddleboarding, picnicking, and coffee on the back deck. I’m also enjoying all the grandbaby snuggles while my daughter is still here visiting.

There’s just 26 days until Summer at Caroling Creek launches into the world! Some days, I still am in disbelief that it’s really happening. If you’re a Kindle user, you can preorder here.

July is one of my favorite months of the year. The weather is perfect for getting out on the water, and while it does get quite warm in the Inland Northwest, July mornings don’t carry quite the same scorching heat we get in August. We get to celebrate the 4th of July, my daughter’s birthday, and my anniversary. And with the release of my debut novel at the end of the month, there’s so much to look forward to!

This year, we will celebrate the 4th with a lake day and time with good friends and family. We will have red, white, and blue pancakes for breakfast, and BBQ in the afternoon. I’m so excited to celebrate with our time-honored family traditions!

Keeping this newsletter on the shorter side this time, because I know there will be so much more to share as release day gets closer!

Until next time, I’m wishing you happily-ever-afters,

Becca

In case you missed the announcement in this month’s newsletter, the chance to sign up to help me launch Summer at Caroling Creek is now open! No experience required, just willingness to read the book and share about it on your social media.

What’s the book about?

She came to sell a cabin. She never expected to find a place to belong.

Mylze Moore lives to travel. As a travel writer, she has built a career chasing horizons and leaving before anything ties her down. When she and her sister inherit their aunt’s lake cabin, the plan is simple: fix it, sell it, and move on.

Contractor Jeff Matthews disagrees. The cabin is a disaster, and repairs require more than Mylze’s resources and DIY confidence. His competence frustrates her. Her stubborn independence tests him. Neither expects sparks to fly amid repairs and summer nights beneath the twinkle lights.

But as Caroling Creek begins to feel like home, Mylze must decide whether staying is worth the cost to her sister, her career, and the future she thought she wanted.

When summer ends, will Mylze return to the life she knows, or stay for the one her heart has been searching for all along?

Swoony, right?

As a launch team member, you get early access to the book, promotional materials (I’ll even give you sample, editable captions!), and entry into exclusive giveaways for launch activity participation. All I ask in return is that you read the book, help spread the word, and consider leaving a review on Amazon and Goodreads.

Click here to sign up! Sign ups close on Sunday, June 21st, so sign up today!

Wishing you happily-ever-after,

Becca

May has rolled into June, the bees are happily pollinating my raspberries, and a summer full of wonderful things is just beginning. I feel like I’m taking a big inhale before jumping into the deep end of the pool, hoping to emerge in August with a season of beautiful memories behind me.

Yesterday, we had the chance to get out and explore our city with some new friends, and it reminded me to take time to enjoy the moment, even in the midst of a full schedule. To breathe and enjoy this life.

In case you missed it, I shared some exciting news earlier this week! Pre-orders for the Kindle version of my debut novel, Summer at Caroling Creek, are now open. Order now and the eBook will automatically be delivered to your Kindle account on release day, July 28th. Click here to pre-order.

I have to say, seeing my book with my name and cover on Amazon felt a bit surreal. But this book launch, along with so many other good things this summer, is really real. In the next few weeks, we have international friends visiting, a summer conference to attend, and a wedding! We can’t wait to welcome our new son-in-law into the family, and to give our baby granddaughter (and her parents) big hugs when they arrive in a couple of weeks.

Book Launch Team

Want to help spread the word about my new book? I’m now accepting applications for my Book Launch Team. It’s an easy way to help a debut author!

What’s required:

• willingness to read (and hopefully review) the book by July 28th

• willingness to share posts about the book on your social media platforms

What you’ll get:

• an early copy to read and review

• access to a private Facebook page with ideas and sample posts for what to share

• entry into special giveaways for participating in Launch Team activities

• Summer at Caroling Creek swag

That’s it! I promise to keep things painless by providing graphics and sample caption text for you.

Click here to apply!

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more updates!

BookFunnel Promo

Looking for a sweet summer read? Check out this BookFunnel promo for some fun stories (newsletter signup required).

The Legacy Maker’s Corner

Often, my goal setting planner for June looks full with all the things I want to accomplish over the summer. As a former public school teacher turned private music instructor, summer tends to be a time when the work side of life slows down a bit and gives me more margin for getting all the things done I didn’t accomplish during the school year.

With a summer filled with good things ahead, my natural inclination to fill my planner with more to-do lists just isn’t sustainable or realistic. Starting new projects will have to wait. And honestly, planning to stick to the basics over the next few weeks feels like a breath of fresh air after how busy Spring has already been. I plan to breathe in deeply over the next few weeks.

How are you taking time to pause this summer? I’d love to hear from you! (And secretly hoping your plans include curling up in an Adirondack chair with my book in late July!)

Until next time, wishing you happily-ever-afters,

Becca

I’m jumping into your inbox a little early this month to announce that the Kindle version of my debut novel, Summer at Caroling Creek, is now available for pre-order! You can order a copy of the e-book now for just $4.99 and it will automatically be delivered to your Kindle app or eReader on release day, July 28th! It will also be available in Kindle Unlimited.

Click the photo below to order your copy today! (Remember, this is for an e-book, not a physical copy.)

You can help spread the word by sharing my Instagram and Facebook posts with your friends. And keep an eye out for more information about being part of my launch team in this month’s regularly scheduled newsletter!

Wishing you happily-ever-afters,

Becca

Spring is beautiful here in the Inland Northwest, and I’m trying hard to drink in every moment. Now that the sun is out, everything is green and the lilacs are blooming! Lilacs are so beautiful, but they don’t last very long. I wonder if we would appreciate them as much if they stuck around longer.

In writing news, I’m about to dive into another round of edits, and I only have a week to finish them this time. I’m also so excited to reveal the cover of Summer at Caroling Creek. It’s so pretty! If you love lakes, DIY projects, and sipping your favorite refresher in Adirondack chairs, then this book is for you! Without further ado:

Isn’t she lovely? It makes me want to curl up in one of those chairs with a cup of coffee. I’m so excited to share this story with you! As we get closer to launching this book baby into the world, you may see an occasional extra email from me in your inbox. I promise not to get too crazy.

I don’t know about you, but May is marking the beginning of an extremely full season of life ahead. They call it Maycember for a reason, but this year, it’s going to extend all the way into July. A few of the beautiful things we have coming up:

• a bridal shower and Mother’s Day celebrations

• dear friends visiting from abroad

• a regional church conference that feels like a family reunion

• my daughter, son-in-law, and grandbaby visiting from China

• a WEDDING!!

• birthdays and anniversaries

• a trip to China as we travel with our daughter and granddaughter

• a BOOK LAUNCH!!

Phew! So much going on, and so many good things. But I think I’m going to sleep for all of August. So much to do, but I really want to hold onto and be present for all the moments of fun and love and family. If you’re a praying person, I appreciate your prayers as we navigate this upcoming crazy and amazing season.

BookFunnel Promo

Check out some of these fun books from fellow authors! They are free with newsletter signup.

I’d also like to encourage you to check out the monthly newsletter from my publisher, Scrivenings Press. They hold a monthly giveaway, $0.99 specials, and have recently introduced a fun new book club: The 99 Cent Book Club. Check it out below.

One thing I remind myself when I’m in a busy season: the to-do list will always be there. The small moments of connection with my people are more important than any task. I pray that we all can carry that into the coming months.

Wishing you hope-filled happily-ever-afters,

Becca

A quick welcome to those who are new around here! This is The Mix, my free monthly newsletter where we chat about hope-filled happily-ever-afters and living a legacy that matters. I hope you’ll stick around and join the conversation.

Here in the Inland Northwest, we’ve moved from False Spring into Real Spring, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Real Spring means more time outside, shorts and t-shirts for afternoon runs, and early blooms of daffodils and hyacinth bringing joy to the front flower beds.

Real Spring has also brought the return of the Porch Cats. We have several sweet, friendly cats that love to enjoy the way our southern-facing porch soaks up the early afternoon sun. They don’t love each other, though, so we have to take turns giving them loves depending on who won the sunny spot for the day. While we can’t adopt any of them due to my husband’s cat allergies, we sure do love enjoying their purrs and giving them all the pets.

This is Minnie, our OG Porch Cat. Also affectionately known as Minerva, Minnifred, Minnow, Min, and Pouf (because she’s really not Mini at all).

Writing Update

Developmental edits for Summer at Caroling Creek are complete, and now it’s in the capable hands of my line editor. With everything we have going on this Spring and Summer, I know that July and release date will be here before I know it!

Now that edits are out of my hands for the moment, I’m finally turning my attention back to my other works-in-progress. As a writer, sometimes it’s hard to reconnect with characters after being away for awhile, but this time, it’s more like rekindling old friendships. I just love these characters. Hopefully, you will too.

BookFunnel Promos

This month’s BookFunnel promos have a variety of sweet/clean romance for you to enjoy. While I always try to ensure the promotions I join include only sweet and clean reads, I don’t read every single book that is offered. I hope you find something to enjoy, and maybe even find a new-to-you author to support.

The Legacy Maker’s Corner

Springtime is my favorite. The new life peeking out from the dirt and the branches fills my heart with joy, and the extra doses of Vitamin D from being outside is a good mood booster, too. But Spring is also often extra busy and the coming season is no exception.

From music recitals to helping my daughter prepare for her upcoming wedding, from receiving visitors and planning for travel, our life in the next few months is going to be very full. But I don’t want to simply be overwhelmed with events. I want the people in my life to know they matter.

When I looked at my goals for the coming season, the first things I gravitated to were things like Spring Cleaning and decluttering the house. Working on projects that were neglected during the winter months. But when I looked at how full our calendar is, I realized that if I want my people to feel valued in the coming months, some of those tasks are going to have to be set aside.

Does that mean I’m giving up on cleaning my house? Or that the neglected projects should be ignored? Of course not!

What it does mean is that I’ll be looking for ways to make the tasks and projects more fun: listening to music, doing projects together, enjoying a sweet treat when the yard work is done. It means being flexible with my time when a wedding need arises, and using my systems (meal-planning, cleaning routines, and daily focuses) to ease my decision making load and save that energy for what really matters.

As we move through Holy Week toward the glory of Easter Sunday, I’m reminded of the exquisite truth that joy and pain and blessing and suffering can coexist in our lives. I’m so grateful that Jesus paid it all so that we can experience the greatest happily-ever-after of all time.

For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2b CSB

Always wishing you happily-ever-after,

Becca

I feel as if I’ve emerged from a fog this past week.

First, there was the actual fog that socked in our neighborhood for many mornings in the past month. Then, there was the head-down, eyes-forward feeling of working through my first round of developmental edits on my upcoming novel. Finally, there was the fog of grief that came when we had to put our loving and loyal almost 16 year old dog down at the beginning of the month.

I emerged from the fog only to find the world embroiled in news of the Olympics, crazy weather, and political uproar. Is it just me, or does it seem as though there is heaviness no matter which way we turn right now?

In times like these, I’m so thankful for hope. Even in the midst of chaos, there is hope and joy to be found. I was blessed to spend this past weekend with like-minded women from the Northwest at a women’s retreat, where we spent our time focusing on things above and not the weight of the world. It’s amazing what a little hope and joy can do for our perspective.

As the first hints of Spring arrive, I’m patiently awaiting the next round of edits. In the meantime, I’m brainstorming new stories that I can’t wait to write and share with you all! Remember to keep an eye on this space for Street Team information, too!

BookFunnel Promos

I love participating in BookFunnel promotions. Many of you found your way here through a story giveaway, and my hope is that you continue to find new authors through these promotions. This month, I’m offering a multi-genre promo in addition to the normal clean romance ones. Enjoy!

The Legacy Maker’s Corner

Life rhythms are my focus as we turn the corner from winter to spring. From helping my daughter with her wedding plans to a recital for our music students, there’s a lot going on this season. Finding gentle rhythms in the midst of a busy season is one way I’m exercising joy in the midst of this chaotic world.

Here are some rhythms I’m enjoying:

• getting outside once a day, even just to sit and enjoy the porch, or for a walk around the block

• Sunday family dinners after church

• Friday Writing Day: connecting with writer friends, or with my characters, and the fun bits: plotting and drafting

Rhythms I want to incorporate this month:

• a weekly practice of sourdough. I’ve been hit and miss with this one so far this year, and I’m hoping I can make it a more regular practice. Fresh bread is life.

• putting my phone down in the evenings. We often watch shows in the evenings, so rather than divide my time between two screens, I have some yarn projects I’m hoping to get to.

• A practice of letting go. Spring is a great time to go through all of the material things I like to hold onto and release some of it to new homes.

What life rhythms are you cultivating in the coming season? How can I support you? Join the conversation by commenting or hitting reply!

If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ll know that March is one of my very favorite months. Now that I have a granddaughter with a March birthday, it’s extra special. How is it that she’s turning one already? What a joy she is, with her silly, spunky personality.

March also brings St. Patrick’s Day, which is one of my favorite holidays. My daughter has been involved in Irish dance for 17 years, so we have our very own special sort of March Madness and I absolutely love it. There will be the infectious energy of the local St. Patrick’s Day parade, the art of making soda bread, and of course, corned beef and cabbage.

My wish for all of us in this transition from winter to spring is that we find hope and joy in the small things of life. Traditions. Music. Comfort food. Sunshine. All things green and growing.

And dancing. Always dancing.

Wishing you hope-filled happily-ever-afters,

Becca

January 31st always surprises me. I know, for many people, January feels like its 347 days long. The post-holiday let down is real. In my family, we jump straight from Christmas into birthday month, with three of us celebrating in the second half of January. I love it, and it helps the month sail by.

So when I wrote the date at the top of my journal page yesterday morning, I was a little taken aback by the fact that 1/12 of the year is already past. We started the year with a busy schedule, and now that we’ve gotten through the birthdays, let’s just say that I’m fantasizing about a slower February.

While our schedule was busy, I’m happy to report that I did begin my yearly goals with a gentler approach than many previous years. I’m eyeball deep in edits for my novel coming out in July, which means that other goals have had to take a back seat while I press on to my deadline. It’s a learning experience, for sure, but one that I'm happy to take on, considering I get a published book at the end of it.

Now that February is here, my attention turns to Valentine’s Day. As a romance author, how could it not? And with Valentine’s Day being the anniversary of when my amazing husband and I began dating, it’s even more romantic.

Speaking of romance, did you know I have a Valentine’s Day themed short story? It’s called Dear Miss Valentine, and it’s the perfect quick read to get you ready to celebrate.

With a name like Victoria Valentine, finding romance seems like it shouldn't be hard to find. But after a string of bad-luck dates, Tori has sworn off the holiday forever. Until she finds herself stranded in a snowstorm with the last date who ghosted her. Stuck in a snowstorm with her very own hometown hero? Will she find love after all?

Sounds fun, right? As a thank you for being a subscriber, Dear Miss Valentine is free to download all month long. Click here for your copy.

February often feels as if it comes and goes in the blink of an eye. The promise of March and all things green and good is just around the corner!

BookFunnel Promos

Enjoy new clean romances all month long with these promotions from BookFunnel!

The Legacy Maker’s Corner

January was a month to focus on small changes, like washing my face every night and finding my way back to weekly rhythms that bring me joy, like baking sourdough bread. I’m happy to report success on both fronts! One particularly tasty weekend, we enjoyed Italian Drip Beef open face sandwiches on homemade crusty sourdough bread. So good!

February looks to be slightly slower on the schedule end of things, which means time to tackle action steps in a bigger way. Don’t worry, though. I’m not talking extreme changes, which are proven (at least for me) to be unsustainable. I’m talking about continuity of established habits, AND the addition of small action steps in a couple of goal areas.

My plan: continue to pursue healthy routines (washing my face) and joy-filled rhythms (sourdough, yum). I’ll be adding in a commitment to make it to the gym twice a week, and working on some yarn projects in the evenings instead of endless games of sudoku on my phone.

What small habits did you start in January, and what are you hoping to continue, or add, in February? Progress builds on progress!

In a world that is often filled with heartache, I hope February brings you love and joy.

Wishing you happily-ever-after,

xo,

Becca

That said, your bonus features for January and February …

Read more

I’m so grateful to each and every one of you for allowing me space in your inbox each month. Thank you for being here!

December was, of course, a whirlwind of Christmas activities, from church cookie exchanges to a beautiful drive through the mountains to visit family in Montana. We drove home yesterday, and celebrated New Year’s Eve with pizza and a movie. My hubby is traveling again today, so we went to bed early and listened to the fireworks as we tried to sleep.

With the first day of the year all to myself, and a year’s worth of goals stretching out in front of me, I find myself fighting the urge to be hyper-productive today. To start alllll the goals and check one box after another after another on my action steps. But I’ve learned in my years of goal setting that a gentler approach is more sustainable, so I’m giving myself permission to pace myself.

Writing News

So many of you have reached out with congratulations for my publishing contract for my debut novel, Summer at Caroling Creek. Thank you so much for your well-wishes! I can’t wait to share more with you about the process. As we get closer to publication, there will be lots of opportunities to partner with me to get the word out, so keep an eye on this space for that in the coming months.

Meanwhile, I’m hard at work on wrapping up a few other projects before I dive headlong into the whole editing/publishing thing.

BookFunnel Promos

Check out these promotions from BookFunnel for some great new books! These are a fun way to find new authors.

The Legacy Maker’s Corner

Balancing a gentler start to the new year with the old adage, “Begin as you mean to go on,” feels a bit like pulling in two opposite directions. The goals I’ve set for myself this year, as well as the life events and every day things that I have on my plate, feel do-able, but they will require diligence. Giving myself permission to approach things a little more slowly will help me stay the course.

Here’s my plan: I’m choosing one small area to focus on this month for each of my goals. One small adjustment or refresh to systems that are already in place, but maybe need a little maintenance. I’ve learned that well-maintained systems work better than neglected ones that end up needing a major overhaul.

A Tradition to Keep

January is birthday month for three of my family members, which is great because it keeps us from the after-Christmas let down. We’ll celebrate in our usual way of birthday dinners and dessert, letting the special birthday boy or girl choose their favorite meal.

I mean, if it’s not broken…

A Routine to Reset

My evening routine has been sorely neglected through the holidays. My focus for January is simple: wash my face every night before bed. I know, it seems too easy, too simplistic. But I know this one small change will help me wind down and sleep better, and my skin will thank me, too.

A Rhythm to Refresh

If you’ve been here for very long, you know that last year I was enjoying exploring all things sourdough. Through the summer, and with some schedule changes, my rhythm of baking has all but disappeared. But it is something I really enjoy, so I’ll be refreshing that rhythm as part of my weekly schedule. I can’t wait!

I’d love to hear what goals you have for 2026. What helps you achieve your goals? What’s holding you back? Together, we can encourage each other! Drop a comment or hit reply to join the conversation.

2026 promises some big things. I’m publishing a book, and my daughter is getting married. I’ll get to see my sweet grand-girl in person, and will celebrate 30 years of marriage to my best friend. I know there will be ups and downs along the way. But in the midst of both joy and challenge, I have peace and faith in Jesus. Ultimately, He is the author of all of our stories.

Wishing you happily-ever-afters,

Becca

Just a quick update this month! If you read this month’s installment of The Mix, which dropped on Monday, then you’ve already heard that I signed a contract with Scrivenings Press to publish Summer at Caroling Creek! And while this is big news, and a dream come true, it does mean that I have to pause the “Chronicles” fo…

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I hope you all had a very happy Thanksgiving and enjoyed some amazing food. To my non-American friends, I highly recommend adding this tradition to your holiday rotation.

We had the joy of introducing Thanksgiving and all its traditions to a friend from the UK who is staying with us for a season. It was so fun to hear his take on the different traditional recipes, the Turkey Trot, and the rogue turkeys who roam the neighborhoods with full confidence on Thanksgiving Day.

Now that we’ve made it to December, the Christmas season is in full swing. Our house is decked out in all of our favorite Christmas decor, and while it might not make the pages of a magazine, it’s cozy and eclectic and we love it. All of my favorite Christmas “friends” have made their way onto the tree or a shelf to welcome us home.

Morning coffee and Bible study by twinkle light comes second only to summer mornings on the back deck.

And speaking of summer…

Many of you already saw my big news on Instagram and Facebook, but in case you missed it:

I was the grand prize winner for the GetPubbed! contest by Scrivenings Press. As the grand prize winner, I was offered a publishing contract for my novel, Summer at Caroling Creek. Here’s me signing my first ever contract:

Watch for my debut novel, currently scheduled for release Summer 2026!

BookFunnel Promos

Every month, I bring promotions from BookFunnel to help you discover new-to-you authors and stories. Here are this month’s promotions:

The Legacy Maker’s Corner

There are some things about coming into the holiday season that feel bittersweet this year. As I write this, I’m in my office between teaching music lessons, staring at pictures of my adorable grandbaby who lives halfway around the world.

And while I know her family is where God has called them to be, it’s hard to be away from them, especially during this magical season.

So this month, instead of sharing one of my own traditions with you, or offering ideas for ways to leave a legacy that matters, I’d like to ask you for something.

If you live far away from your kids or grandkids, how do you make the holidays feel special? How do you connect with those precious babies through a screen? (Thank goodness for Facetime, btw.)

Please hit reply or drop a comment with your ideas. I’d love to hear them.

The new year is just around the corner, but I hope you’ll take time this December to savor the season, to enjoy some good cookies, and celebrate some holiday magic. And in the midst of the traditions that might feel bittersweet or even hard this year, I hope you can find joy and laughter as well.

Wishing you happily-ever-afters,

xo,

Becca

PS- the paid subscriber bonus for December will hit inboxes on Friday, December 5th, when I’ll announce the winner of this quarter’s book giveaway. This quarter’s book is Through Water and Stone by Karen Barnett, and it’s sooooo good. Become a paid subscriber by 11:59pm on Thursday to be entered for a chance to win!

This month, we’re diving into the story of Chelle’s Cafe. Chelle is a side character in my (as-yet-unpublished) novel, Summer at Caroling Creek. When she first appeared …

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Welcome to our new subscribers! Thank you for allowing me space in your inbox each month. I’m so grateful for each and every one of you.

As we open November and look ahead to Thanksgiving near the end of the month, I’m reminded of the many blessings I have. This year, I’ve been practicing a daily discipline of gratitude during my morning journaling. There is much to be thankful for, even when things are hard.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. We have so many family traditions to celebrate, from our morning Turkey Trot to the smells in the kitchen as the turkey and stuffing cook to the way our family gathers around the table to enjoy the feast. It’s also the official start to the Christmas season. Though I’m relaxing my rules this year and decorating the weekend before Thanksgiving due to how late in the month it falls this year.

What are your favorite Thanksgiving traditions or meals? Share them in the comments or hit reply!

Writing News

Speaking of Christmas—

I had a short piece published in a Christmas anthology this year! My creative non-fiction piece titled, The Greatest Gifts, was published in Christmas Gifts, Vol. 2, which is now available for purchase. You can find it here!

My other writing projects are coming along. I’ll be working hard during November to finish editing “The Letter in the Chair.” I’ll also get contest results from the Get Pubbed! contest mid-month.

More updates soon!

BookFunnel Promos

Each month, I bring you new BookFunnel promos to help you find new or new-to-you authors. Many of you are here because of promos just like these! Thank you! Check out the links below! (Newsletter sign up required.)

The Legacy Maker’s Corner

November is such a great month to take a minute and practice a pause. It’s a gift tucked in between the shifting seasons. October is beautiful, but often harried as we fly from activity to activity, culminating in harvest or Halloween. December, in all its glory, is alive with holiday shopping and parties.

“[The November] pause is more of a mindset shift than actual white space in my calendar. In fact, my November is already looking pretty full. I might not be able to get away from a busy calendar, but my mind and heart can be focused on thanksgiving and gratefulness. It’s a wonderful way to prepare for the Christmas season, which can often overshadow the space between Halloween and Thanksgiving.” —from my blog, November 1, 2022

As you prepare your mind and heart for Thanksgiving and the Christmas season, take a moment to pause, to breathe, to pray, and remind yourself of the blessings that abound.

‘Til next time,

Wishing you happily-ever-afters,

Becca

Up next, I’ll be sending you some stories from th…

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