THE MITFORD SERIES

I've had Jan Karon's first book in her series sitting on my shelf for years. Don't ask me why it's taken me so long. I have no excuse other than to say when I heard it was about a priest in his 60s I thought--yeah, but I'm all about reading romance. I just didn't think I would connect with a story where the hero is graying, has belly-fat issues, has never married, and loves to hang out in the kitchen. WRONG! This series is masterful! And I am so in love with Father Tim it is not even funny!

Actually, the story did begin on a slow note, so I did question whether I would finish it, but after plowing through the first 100 pages or so, I found myself hooked! Now I'm midway through the third book. I believe there's one more in the series, then she writes about something else. Anyway, so glad I discovered these delightful books. I will be sad when Mitford comes to an end.

I had my first local book signing for Through Every Storm at Hage's yesterday. It was a huge success, and athey are anxious for me to come back when Loving Liza Jane hits the shelves.

God is so, so good to me. Lord, thank you for the seed of passion you've planted in my heart for writing. I just can't think of anything I'd rather be doing in my "golden years" (smile)...yes, I'll be 59 this summer. I suppose that qualifies as golden, or at least it's getting awfully close.

Ho-hum...

Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com

Oh, my goodness, it's "blizzarding" here in West Michigan. Cold, cold, cold. High winds, tons of snow, and frigid temps. Thank God for a toasty warm house.

Super Bowl tomorrow. Even I am a bit excited about this game. And I am NOT a football fan by any stretch!


Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com

Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com

I just returned from CBA's ADVANCE '07 in Indianapolis and what a blessing it was. I had my first-ever book signing, and signed books for a solid hour. Unfortunately, we ran out of books. What a humbling experience to see people waiting patiently for a signed copy of my book. I went into this event with fear and trembling, but everything about the week far exceeded my expectations. God has been so good to me. And the people at Whitaker House Publishing are amazing folks!