Spring is knocking at the door, and I couldn’t be happier. Welcoming spring means welcoming Easter. And the truth is, I love the idea of Easter, yet too many times, I never get to the “reverence and joy” part of Easter because I’m caught up in the whirlwind of daily tasks. Maybe you feel like this, too?

The “Busy Mom Syndrome”

It’s often hard to align our hearts with Easter’s true meaning when we’re focused on the meal, gathering, gifts, and new dresses.

Often, Easter can feel like adding another heavy stone to our load. Then, when Easter morning comes, we yearn to display both solemn reverence and radiant joy, but we often find ourselves reaching into an unfilled well. 

To you, the tireless mom navigating the endless demands of life while yearning for a meaningful connection with Easter, I extend my hand. It’s a gesture filled with understanding and companionship. 

The challenge of finding spiritual renewal amidst the hustle of everyday life is one I know well. For this reason, I encourage you to carve out intentional moments each day, from now until Easter, five minutes at a time. Small moments like these can help us to rekindle our faith and immerse ourselves in the thankfulness of Jesus’ sacrifice and glorious resurrection.

3 Ways to Slow Down this Easter Season

1. Dive Deep into the Easter Story. First, begin by reading the Easter narrative with purpose and passion. This can be more than revisiting a familiar tale. Instead, see it as an invitation to let the profound reality of Jesus’ sacrifice and the victory of His resurrection deeply touch you. As you read, ask Jesus to spark transformation within.

For starters, I encourage you to meditate on these two Scripture passages: First, Isaiah 53:5 reminds us of the sacrifice made for us:

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed." 

Then, Luke 24:6-7 heralds in the triumph of the resurrection:

"He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’"

Between now and Easter, read those passages. Then spend in moment in prayer. Each day ask God to reveal more to your heart.

2. Seek Joy in the Mundane: Even in the middle of an ordinary day, attempt to cultivate a heart of gratitude. There can be splendor in the ordinary and important lessons embedded in trials. Each day, as we seek joy, we have endless opportunities for love and growth in our interactions with our children and others.

3. Foster Daily Conversations with God: Create space in your life for God to speak. Praying for our needs is good. Equally important is taking time to listen. Each day, allow God’s still, quiet Spirit to renew and prepare your heart for the full embrace of Easter’s joy and reverence. Together, let us move towards an Easter filled with deepened faith, hope, and love.

May we open our hearts to the awe-inspiring wonder that comes from engaging deeply with Jesus’ resurrection story. May this story inspire, reshape, and draw us closer to God’s heart. With each small step, may our hearts be filled with a profound sense of joy and reverence, ready to celebrate Easter morning with spirits brimming.

This year, I pray this Easter season draws you nearer to the essence of celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. May your journey be filled with joy. May your challenges be overcome with peace.

In this journey, we shouldn’t aim for perfection or overwhelm ourselves with too many tasks. Instead, seek simplicity and authenticity. In just a few minutes each day, you will begin to prepare your heart, marveling at the wonder of the resurrection. By weaving these practices into our daily lives, we can transform ordinary moments into divine encounters… just in time for Easter.

How will you slow down this year? Share with me in the comments below!

Additional Resources for the Busy Mom

The house is quiet, the coffee is warm in my favorite mug, and my heart is ready. I love a deep novel, and I’m always looking for ways to grow through a helpful self-help book. Attending church and lifting my voice in prayer are pillars of my life. Yet, I’ve realized that while prayer is me talking to God, the most transformational habit I’ve developed to hear Him speak back has been daily Bible reading.

When Your “Ordinary” Meets His Extraordinary

I remember being a scared teen mom, looking for any shred of stability in a world that felt like it was crumbling. It was in the pages of Scripture that I found a promise to hold onto:

"‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a hope and a future’" (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT).

Later, God’s Word called John and me to a holy “yes” when we read in James:

"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you" (James 1:27, NLT). 

Even on the days when my soul feels weary and the “ordinary” feels heavy, the Word settles me.

I read in Zephaniah that "the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs" (Zephaniah 3:17, NLT). 

He truly is a gentle warrior who sings over us.

A Morning Encounter with Compassion

Just this morning, I sat with the story of a man who reached out in total desperation.

"In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.’ Jesus reached out and touched him. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be healed!’ And instantly the leprosy disappeared" (Luke 5:12-13, NLT).

That spoke to my heart as I lifted my own requests before God. It reminded me of His compassion, His “willingness,” to meet us exactly where we are, whether we are facing a physical ailment or a spiritual burden. Without a doubt, my mind and heart are different today because of time in God’s Word.

Why I Reach for Every Woman’s Bible

No matter what my day looks like, I make sure God’s Word is a priority. Some days I listen to a Bible app, but I truly prefer sitting with my physical Bible. I focus better when I’m not distracted by phone notifications.

Lately, I’ve been diving into the Every Woman’s Bible. It is a study Bible for the heart and mind, and it feels like sitting down with a global community of sisters. It features contributions from over one hundred women, scholars and writers from around the world. These women offer cultural and historical context that makes the text come alive!

I especially love the quotes from godly women in history and the life application sections where wise believers apply God’s Word to our lives today. Also, when I wanted to study a specific topic there are indexes to help me navigate the Bible more efficiently.

Today, after reading that passage in the book of Luke, I turned to the index for “compassion.” It led me straight to a beautiful truth in the book of Psalms:

"Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins" (Psalm 51:1, NLT). 

As I closed my Bible, my heart was filled with thankfulness for my salvation and the many ways God has healed me: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. My day will be different because I took time to read His Word and seek God first.

Navigating the Living Word

If you are new to the Bible, it can feel like walking into a massive library without a map. Here is a simple way to understand how it’s put together:

• The Old Testament: This is the first part of the Bible. It tells the story of God’s relationship with His people before Jesus was born. It’s filled with history, poetry, and promises of the Savior to come.
• The New Testament: This begins with the birth of Jesus (the Gospels). It shares His life, His sacrifice, and the beginning of the early church. It is the fulfillment of those Old Testament promises. 

If you’ve never read the Bible before, start in the New Testament. I love recommending the NLT because it’s a modern translation that’s easier to understand. I also encourage new readers to start with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).

How to Find a Verse 

If you haven’t read the Bible before, you may wonder how to find a verse. Think of a reference like an address. In Luke 5:12, “Luke” is the book, “5” is the chapter (the big number), and “12” is the verse (the tiny number).

At the beginning of the Bible, there is a table of contents. In the Every Woman’s Bible, there is an alphabetical listing of Bible Books. After you find the correct Book (in this case, Luke), you can look up the chapter, then the verse. Don’t worry, you’ll pick it up!

A 7-Day Journey: Finding Your Story in His

If you’ve never made daily reading a habit, or if you need a refreshment, I want to encourage you to pick up a copy of the Every Woman’s Bible for yourself and one for a friend. Reading together creates a beautiful bond. 

Use this simple plan to begin. Read the verses, then ask: What does this tell me about God’s heart for me?

Day 1: You are Created with Purpose – Psalm 139:13-16

Day 2: God’s Unfailing Love – Romans 8:38-39

Day 3: Finding Rest for Your Soul – Matthew 11:28-30

Day 4: Wisdom for Your Path – Proverbs 3:5-6

Day 5: Strength in Your Weakness – Isaiah 40:29-31

Day 6: The Gift of New Beginnings – Lamentations 3:22-23

Day 7: Your Hope and Future – Jeremiah 29:11

Start Your Journey Today

1. Find a quiet spot: Grab your coffee and leave your phone in the other room.
2. Start small: You don’t have to read whole chapters at a time. Start with the verses above.
3. Use the tools: Look up a word like “peace” or “hope” in the Every Woman’s Bible index and see where God leads you.
4. Reflect: Ask God how that verse applies to your life today.

A Prayer for Your Journey

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word. I pray for the woman reading this right now, that You would spark a hunger in her heart to know You more. As she opens her Bible, speak to her specific needs and reveal Your extraordinary purpose for her life. Amen.

The “Why” Behind the Word

Most of us are looking for two things: Autonomy and Purpose. We want to know that our lives aren’t just a series of random events, but a meaningful story we are actually meant to live.

The Problem: We’re looking for the “how-to” in the wrong places. We check our notifications for validation and our calendars for worth.

The Science of the Shift: There’s a profound cognitive and emotional shift that happens when you move from “scanning” information to “absorbing” truth. It’s the difference between looking at a map and actually taking the journey.

The Solution: Every Woman’s Bible

This isn’t just another book on the shelf. It’s a resource designed for the heart and mind, curated by over 100 women scholars from every corner of the globe. It provides the cultural clarity you need to understand the past and the personal inspiration you need to navigate the present.

Think of it as the ultimate “Drive” for your spiritual life. Discover your story. Find your “why.” Join a global community of women who are finding extraordinary purpose in the pages of God’s Word. Get started today.

Discover God’s heart for you at EveryWomansBible.com

I’ve been a fan of Resurrection Eggs for Easter for many years. I started using them years ago with the young women in Teen MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). Many of these young women had never heard the TRUE Easter story, and it was a great way to share the gospel in a fun and non-threatening way.

I’ve always been excited to use Resurrection Eggs with my kids. When they were younger (ages six, four, and three), I decided it would be too hard to do them all in one day (because of their attention span), so we used them over Easter week.

My kids loved the eggs. They enjoyed opening them and revealing the object. They loved hearing the story of Jesus. And it opened up great conversations. For example, most children’s Bibles or storybooks do not talk much about Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, but the coins in the second day revealed the true motives of Judas’ heart.

If you’re looking for a fun and insightful way to share the gospel go to your local Christian bookstore and pick up Resurrection Eggs!

Rediscover a perennial Easter classic: Resurrection Eggs! Each of these twelve colorful plastic eggs holds a different memory-grabbing object to take Jesus’ journey to the cross and beyond right into children’s hearts—from home to the classroom to the neighborhood hunt. The English/Spanish bilingual booklet uses simple language for children. Discover how the anticipation, surprise, and experience of Resurrection Eggs has helped Easter come alive for children around the globe.

Check out the free printable Resurrection Egg family activity here!

What special Easter traditions does your family hold dear? Share them with me in the comments below!

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Need more ideas and advice on homeschooling? Pick up a copy of Homeschool Basics. Receive tried-and-true homeschool advice from veteran homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course.

Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart.

Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners. Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live. Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer.

Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!

Jennie K. Drollinger is the co-author of As Sure as the Stars, a novel inspired by her real-life second-chance romance with the boy she first loved as a teenager in 1980s Alaska. After spending more than 25 years in the fashion retail industry, Jennie embraced another unexpected second chance by building a new career as a paralegal. Working closely with families navigating divorce nearly caused her to lose faith in lasting love — until a reunion decades later with Bryan, the boy she met in 1985, reignited a story she thought had ended.

Their journey from high school sweethearts to long-lost friends and finally husband and wife captured national attention when they were named the 2025 America’s Favorite Couple. Today, Jennie shares her message of hope, faith, and renewal through her writing, speaking, and as host of the podcast Second Chance on Love: Side B, where she highlights real stories of restored relationships and new beginnings.

Jennie lives for storytelling that reminds others it’s never too late to begin again — because sometimes the most meaningful love stories don’t start over… they come back around.

Connect with Jennie on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and X, and subscribe to her newsletter.

More about As Sure as the Stars

They captured America’s heart on camera. Now, step into the story that captured theirs.

When millions watched the winners of America’s Favorite Couple share their reunion story—a pair of high school sweethearts who found each other again after thirty-five years apart—it captured the nation’s imagination.

But what if we could see the story behind the headlines?

In As Sure as the Stars, that’s exactly what you’ll find.

Kelly Richardson thought she had love all figured out—once. At seventeen, she was the girl who believed in forever. Jake Forester was the boy who made her believe it. They danced under the Alaskan stars, made promises, and dreamed about a future that was never meant to be.
Then life happened. Choices. Distance. Silence.

Now, decades later, Kelly is a successful divorce attorney in Boise, Idaho—helping other women pick up the pieces of broken vows while quietly wondering if love is just a beautiful lie. Then one morning, she looks up and sees Jake again, and her carefully constructed world begins to shake.

Jake’s now a father of six, and a man carrying his own regrets. As they’re brought together by friends—and maybe by providence—Kelly begins to realize that sometimes the hardest part of love isn’t losing it, but letting it return.

Spanning from the golden nights of 1980s Alaska to the quiet ache of present-day Boise, As Sure as the Stars takes readers behind the cameras and into the hearts of two people whose fictional journey mirrors a very real one. It’s a tender, faith-filled portrait of forgiveness, timing, and the kind of love that doesn’t fade—it just waits.

Purchase a copy of As Sure as the Stars.

Enter to win an 80s Swag Pack, including a copy of As Sure as the Stars

Q&A with Jennie K. Drollinger

ARCF: What was it like to see your private journey of reconnection turned into a story for the whole world to read?

JKD: It was incredibly vulnerable. For so many years, this story lived quietly in my heart- in old memories, letters, music, and moments that felt empty. The process of turning into a story for others to read felt a little like opening a journal you never expected anyone else to hold. A journal that I tossed into a trash bin and pages that miraculously were saved by accident… There were moments of excitement, and of nerves, even a few deep breaths…

There was some healing that came with it. Sharing the missed timing, the misunderstandings, the lost call and the years apart- made the love feel even more real. Instead of feeling exposed, I started hearing from people who saw pieces of their own lives reflected to them. That shifted everything. It stopped being just our story and became something bigger – a reminder that second chances are possible, even after decades.

In the end, it didn’t feel like losing something private. It felt like giving purpose to the journey we walked through. If our story helps even one person believe that love can find its way back -sometimes the long way around – then every vulnerable page was worth it.

The inspiration behind it, honestly, was Jane Eyre, which was one of my favorite novels when I was a teenager. I wanted to write a less-gothic story of an educated orphan teaching at the school whose only option for expanding her world was to become a governess. The hero is like Mr. Rochester in that he is wealthy and powerful and troubled, but he’s different in that he is morally good and kind. He also falls desperately in love with his young half-siblings’ governess. I liked thinking about what he would do, in his desperation to go against his social status and what was socially acceptable, in order to marry his “lowly governess,” and the consequences that would ensue.

ARCF: The public heard about your journey on America’s Favorite Couple, but how did that even happen?

JKD: I thought the whole thing was a racket. I’m not competitive… I don’t even gamble. I only entered because I wanted to hear other people’s stories – be a part of the community. I didn’t do it because I thought ours would win. Apparently, our friends, family, and followers had big plans for us. Nudges from friends who believed our story mattered more than we realized. Let’s just see what happens” moment suddenly turned into sharing our love story with thousands. We entered thinking it would be a small experience, and suddenly we were sharing our love story with thousands of people. What stayed with me most wasn’t the spotlight – it was the sense of community of stories! People weren’t just cheering for Bryan and me; they were rooting for hope, for second chances, and for the idea that timing doesn’t always have the final say. It felt like our story tapped into something universal — a reminder that missed moments don’t mean the ending is written, and sometimes the detours are exactly what lead you back to where you were meant to be all along.

ARCF: How did it feel to revisit your seventeen-year-old self through the character of Kelly?

JKD: Nostalgic! Writing Kelly felt like walking back into those H.S. hallways … big hair, pink pumps, lockers slamming, and a heart that loved deeply but didn’t always know how to say the words. She carries that mixtape-era innocence, that belief that forever sounds easy when you’re young. Revisiting her reminded me how brave young love really is… and how much grace we owe our younger selves.

ARCF: In the book, Kelly is a divorce attorney who is skeptical of love. Did you ever go through a season where you doubted that a “better ending” was possible for your own life?

JKD: Oh, one hundred percent. There was a stretch of my life where I told the attorneys I worked with… very seriously – “I’m done. No more dating. No more marriage. I’m retiring from romance.” Working around contentious divorces every day will do that to a girl. I trusted my barista more than I trusted the idea of love at that point. My morning coffee shop stops became my little therapy sessions -I trusted my baristas more than the idea of love- smiles, familiar faces, and those quiet moments that felt like a quote from the book “coffee shops hold hugs in cardboard sleeves.” Honestly, that ritual was sometimes the best part of my day.

And then there was Kelly. Writing her felt like walking straight back into those Alaska hallways — big hair, pink pumps, lockers slamming, all that mixtape-era innocence where forever sounded easy, and feelings were louder than logic. Revisiting that younger version of myself reminded me how fearless we are when we’re young… and how much grace we deserve when life hardens us a little. Kelly carries the skepticism I learned later — but she also holds onto the hopeful girl I used to be. Turns out, she was never really gone.

ARCF: Jake is portrayed as a man carrying his own regrets. How did you and your husband, Bryan, navigate the process of forgiving yourselves for the years spent apart?

JKD: Honestly… it’s still a tender truth sometimes. There were missed moments, what-ifs, and a few regrets we had to look straight in the eye. But we learned pretty quickly that if we stayed stuck there, we’d miss the miracle of being here now. So we flipped the script — from regret to gratitude. We have a future together, and that’s the part we hold onto.

We had to stop seeing those years as wasted. Every chapter shaped who we became — parents, partners, people with deeper hearts and a lot more perspective. Forgiveness wasn’t one big dramatic conversation; it was a thousand small choices to give each other grace… and to laugh a little when old fears tried to sneak back in. And let’s just say, after one disconnected phone line changed the course of our story, we make a serious effort now to avoid misunderstandings. Communication is kind of our new love language… with a side of humor.

ARCF: The book captures the “golden nights” of 1980s Alaska. What is your favorite personal memory of that time and place in the book?

JKD: The lake in front of my house – the quiet, breathtaking scenery with snow-capped mountains that felt almost too beautiful to be real. It was such a big part of my world back then that it had to live on the cover of the book. But the moments. Driving around in Bryan’s car with our friends, music playing loud, chasing that feeling of freedom only the 80’s seemed to hold. The dances, the way Bryan would look down at me while we were dancing and those long conversations we had parked somewhere under the Alaskan sky. Even with Debbie and Jerry there, laughing and making memories, there was this quiet closeness between us that felt unforgettable. It wasn’t just a place – it was a feeling… that felt like home.

ARCF: Why was it important to contrast the wild beauty of Alaska with the “quiet ache” of present-day Boise?

JKD: Alaska represents beginnings — bright, bold, and full of first-love energy in a slow-paced, wide-open world. Boise feels faster and more reflective, shaped by everything life has taught us. I see Alaska as Side A of the cassette — youthful and electric — while Boise is Side B, where love grows deeper, steadier, and a little wiser.

ARCF: Does the symbolism of the Alaskan stars hold a deeper meaning for you and your husband?

JKD: The North Star represents guidance, that steady, unwavering light that leads you back home no matter how far you’ve wandered. It’s the same sky we met under, lived under as teenagers, the same stars we danced beneath, and the same Alaskan night where I kissed him and felt something timeless. Over the years, I’ve come to see the North Star as a quiet reminder that even when life pulls you in different directions, some connections never lose their way. It symbolizes faith, direction, and the kind of love that keeps guiding you back to where your heart has always belonged.

ARCF: How did the physical distance between you over those thirty-two years mirror the emotional distance you had to overcome?

JKD: Thirty-four years since we last saw each other at a dance in Anchorage, and thirty-two years since we last spoke on the phone — that’s a lifetime of separate chapters. The miles were only part of the story. The real distance came from communication barriers, misunderstandings, and words that were never spoken. We were living separate lives, carrying memories that never fully faded, and bridging that gap required more than just finding each other again… it meant doing the emotional work. We had to grow into trust, patience, and deeper understanding, learning how to stay emotionally connected in ways we didn’t know how to when we were young. In the end, that long journey didn’t weaken the bond…it made our love more resilient, more intentional, and far more profound.

ARCF: The story mentions that “sometimes the hardest part of love isn’t losing it, but letting it return.” Why do you think it is so hard for us to accept a second chance?

JKD: Because it asks us to be vulnerable again. It means believing that the story didn’t end — it just paused. Sometimes we protect ourselves by holding onto the past version of heartbreak instead of risking hope again.

ARCF: How did you lean on God during the “thirty-two years of silence” before you found each other again?

JKD: There were quiet prayers during those years… I leaned on God constantly, praying for guidance and direction even when the path didn’t make sense. And honestly… my imagination filled in a lot of blanks. There were moments I jokingly convinced myself Bryan must have driven off a cliff somewhere — because how else do you explain someone just disappearing from your story like that?
Sometimes an old 80’s song would come on and… oop, there goes a memory — a reminder that the story wasn’t really gone, just paused somewhere in time. Looking back now, I can see how faith carried me through those unfinished chapters, gently guiding me forward even when my heart still held onto pieces of the past.

ARCF: What would you say to the woman who feels like her “forever” has already passed her by?

JKD: Don’t give up on hope. You are not forgotten — even when it feels quiet and the story seems paused. For years before Bryan and I reconnected, Lauren Daigle’s music felt like a personal anthem in my life, a reminder to keep believing even when I couldn’t see what was ahead. You’re not late. Some love stories take the long way ’round, and timelines don’t always tell the truth about where your life is
headed. I’ve learned that the right chapter arrives when your heart is finally ready to read it — and sometimes the most beautiful beginnings come after you thought the ending had already been written.

ARCF: How does the theme of “God writing better endings” play out in your daily life now, years after the cameras stopped rolling?

JKD: It shows up in gratitude — every single day. There are still moments when Bryan and I look at each other and say, “How did this happen… how are we here… together?” And the only answer I come back to is God knew. He understood the desires of our hearts, our needs, and the timing we couldn’t see yet. When we didn’t meet in 1989, it feels like He simply paused the tape recorder… and hit play again later when we were ready.

Now in the ordinary moments— quiet mornings, shared laughter, just being side by side. Every day with Bryan feels like proof that timing is about growth, faith, and readiness. God didn’t rewrite our story… He finished it in a way that made more sense than we ever could have planned ourselves.

ARCF: In what ways did your faith have to grow to handle the reality of blending families and histories after so much time?

JKD: Oh… faith and patience must stretch. Blending families in different systems decades apart isn’t always picture-perfect … sometimes it feels more like mixing two completely different playlists and hoping the songs eventually flow together. Faith became less about having everything figured out and more about trust — trusting the process, trusting grace, and believing that even complicated histories can turn into something beautiful when rooted in forgiveness.

We always remind ourselves that we’re together for a reason… and yes, sometimes that reason comes with a little “organized chaos.” Different parenting styles, different life systems, and learning to accept that everyone’s story looks a little different takes humility and patience – and a sense of humor helps a lot. Blending families can be messy, but it’s our mess, and we get to grow through it together with grace leading the way.

ARCF: What was the process like working with Tricia Goyer to ensure the “fictional journey” remained true to your “very real one”?

JKD: Working with Tricia felt incredibly natural and we instantly became friends- she’s an 80’s girl at heart just like me — she understands the music, the mood, the faith, and even the little miracles that show up in the middle of a story. She has this beautiful gift of listening beyond the surface, capturing not just the events but the emotion underneath them. From boom boxes and football games to the magic of a high-school dance — the music echoing in the gym, the scents and energy of the era — she knew exactly how to bring those moments to life.

Having visited Alaska herself, she understood the setting in a way that made everything feel authentic, from the scenery to the feeling of those northern nights. Together, we made sure the fictional journey still carried the heartbeat of our very real one — blending nostalgic 80’s rom-com energy with faith, growth, and the deeper emotional layers of a love story that never truly faded.

ARCF: Was there a specific scene Tricia wrote that moved you to tears because it captured exactly how you felt?

JKD: Chapter 35, when Jake comes after Kelly in Arizona. That scene felt so real to me because Bryan literally did that in our own story. We were hiking in the desert in Sedona, and for the first time since we were teenagers, we reached for each other’s hands again. Reading that moment on the page stopped me in my tracks because it captured the emotion we carried for decades — the fear of losing each other twice and the courage it took to finally choose love again.

There’s a line in that scene that still gives me chills: “You broke my heart long before my ex-husband did — and in much smaller, sharper pieces. I’ve never loved anyone the way I loved you.” When I read it, I didn’t just see Kelly and Jake… I saw us. And it reminded me how powerful it is when someone truly understands the heartbeat of your story.

ARCF: How did you decide which parts of your story were meant to stay private and which were meant to be shared for the benefit of readers?

JKD: There are some moments Bryan and I hold sacred and deeply personal, so we were intentional about protecting those while still telling an honest story. The photo shoot scene is a perfect example. In real life, I had planned a boudoir-style photo shoot for my 50th birthday — something friends encouraged me to do to rebuild confidence during a season when I really needed it. For the book, we added a little twist and turned it into a “glamour shot” moment with Amy convincing Kelly to do it for a dating app, which let us keep the heart of the experience while keeping certain details private.

And honestly… we needed a little humor to balance the heavier emotions. Bryan didn’t dramatically come find me at the shoot, but he was nearby calling and texting while I was still in full professional makeup and big 80’s hair — not exactly how I imagined him seeing me for the first time in 34 years! That slight, awkward energy became a fun way for readers to laugh, feel the tension, and experience the moment through Kelly and Jake, while the most personal parts of our story stayed just between us.

ARCF: What has been the most rewarding part of hearing from readers who have found hope in your story?

JKD: The most rewarding part has been realizing that the story Bryan and I lived so personally is now creating something meaningful for others. When readers say they feel swept back into their own 80’s memories — the music, the dances, the fashion, the crushes, and the dreaming — it feels incredibly validating. We lived this story, and hearing that people feel nostalgic, hopeful, and emotionally connected reminds me that it’s not just our journey anymore — it’s something they see pieces of their own lives in too.

Some readers tell me they couldn’t put the book down, that they felt the faith, hope, and love woven through every chapter, or that Kelly and Jake’s story made them believe second chances are possible again. Others say it feels like a perfect mixtape a good friend handed them — full of emotion, memories, and redemption. That’s the part that moves me most: knowing the honesty, the mistakes, the brokenness, and the healing we experienced are helping someone else feel seen, nostalgic, and maybe a little more hopeful about their own story.

ARCF: What do you hope is the very first thing a reader does after they close the book and finish the final chapter?

JKD: Smile. Just pause for a moment and let the feeling settle in — that quiet sense of hope that maybe love isn’t finished with them yet. I hope they think about the people and memories that once meant everything and feel encouraged to believe that life still has beautiful chapters ahead. Maybe they pick up the phone, send a message, or simply hold onto the reminder that some stories don’t end… they just turn the cassette and keep playing.

ARCF: Tell me about your podcast. Why is this a perfect next step for you and your story?

JKD: The podcast actually began as a pre-launch to the book, but as people started sharing their own powerful second-chance stories with me, it quickly became clear this was the next natural step — a new platform to continue sharing a message of hope, healing, and restoration. Second Chance on Love: Side B is a heartfelt storytelling podcast rooted in the belief that it’s never too late for love. As an 80’s girl at heart, I host real conversations with people who thought their love story was over — until life surprised them with a new chapter.

The series begins with my own journey — meeting Bryan in 1985, losing touch for decades, and eventually marrying the love I thought I had lost — a story that was honored as America’s Favorite Couple 2025. But the podcast goes beyond us. Each episode shares rekindled romances, restored marriages, unexpected reunions, and meaningful connections between partners, families, and friends. “Side B” represents the healing side, the growth side — the chapter where love evolves and returns stronger than before.

Podcasting allows me to speak authentically and vulnerably in ways that feel deeply personal and real — a space where faith, lessons learned, and the messy middle of life can be shared honestly. More than a show, it’s becoming a community where listeners are invited to rediscover hope, share their own stories, and realize they’re not alone. It’s a continuation of everything our story stands for — proof that second chances are real, that healing is possible, and that sometimes the most beautiful part of the song plays when you flip the cassette and press play again.

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I vividly remember the first time I decided to homeschool. It was 1993. The internet was barely a thing, Instagram didn’t exist, and I felt like I was stepping off a cliff without a parachute. I looked at my oldest son, then looked at the stack of catalogs I had gathered, and thought, “Who authorized me to do this? I am going to ruin him.”

Fast forward twenty years. My husband John and I adopted seven children, and suddenly, I was a “new” homeschool mom all over again. I had to relearn how to teach phonics to a toddler while managing high schoolers. But this time, I knew a secret I didn’t know in 1993:

You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to be committed.

If you are standing on the edge of the cliff, wondering if you have what it takes, let me grab your hand. You can do this. And you don’t have to do it perfectly.

Homeschool Basics

The hardest part of starting is filtering out the noise. That is exactly why I wrote Homeschool Basics: How to Get Started, Keep Motivated, and Bring Out the Best in Your Kids with my friend Kristi Clover.

We wrote this book for the mom who is overwhelmed by options and paralyzed by the fear of “gaps.” It’s a quick, encouraging read that breaks down the startup process into manageable, grace-filled steps. Start your journey with confidence here.

Breathe First, Plan Second

When you are starting out, the temptation is to buy everything. You want the desk, the globe, the laminator, and the $500 curriculum package.

My friend, Heidi St. John, a beloved speaker and author, advises the exact opposite. In her letters to new homeschool moms, she often emphasizes the heart over the plan.

She says, “Don’t make it harder than it needs to be. Pray. Ask God for His specific instructions. His yoke is easy. Make a simple list… You don’t have to be ready right now. You just have to be listening.”

3-Step Start:

1. Know Your Why: Write down the reason you are homeschooling (Faith? Academic struggles? Family time?). When February comes and the days are hard, you will need to read that paper.
2. Know the Law: Before you buy a single book, go to HSLDA.org and click on your state. You need to know if you have to file a “Notice of Intent” or keep an attendance log. Legal peace of mind is the best foundation.
3. Start with “School Lite”: Do not try to replicate public school at home. Start with just reading aloud and math. Add other subjects slowly.

Looking Deeper: The Imposter Syndrome

Friend, here’s the truth. The biggest barrier to starting homeschooling isn’t the curriculum. It is Imposter Syndrome. It is the voice of shame that whispers, “You aren’t patient enough. You aren’t organized enough. You barely remember algebra. Who do you think you are?”

We feel like frauds because we measure our “insides” (our messy doubts and fears) against other people’s “outsides” (their curated curriculum hauls and smiling first-day photos).

But this is important to remember: Your qualifications are not found in a teaching degree. They are found in the fact that you love this child more than anyone else on the planet. 

You are the expert on your child. When you feel like a fraud, remember that you are actually a pioneer. You are charting a new path for your family, and pioneers are allowed to be scared.

Tiny Habits for the New Homeschooler

• The “One Drawer” Rule: You don’t need a schoolroom. Clear out one drawer in the kitchen for pencils, paper, and workbooks. If you can find the pencil, you can do the school.
• The “15-Minute” Read-Aloud: Commit to reading aloud to your kids for 15 minutes a day. That is it. If you do nothing else, you are building vocabulary, connection, and imagination.
• The “Buddy System”: Find one other homeschool mom. Text her when you have a bad day. Isolation is the enemy of longevity.

Starting this journey for your family might feel like standing at the base of a mountain, but remember you are not climbing alone. You have the heart, the love, and the specific calling required to lead your children well. When the days feel long or the math lessons feel impossible, go back to your “why” and let the peace of God settle over your home. 

As Heidi St. John reminds us, “Don’t make it harder than it needs to be” (St. John). Focus on the connection you are building and the faith you are sowing into their lives. 

You are the exact person your children need for this season, and with a little grace and a lot of prayer, you will find your rhythm. Take that first step today, knowing that the path will be made straight as you walk it.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." — Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Prayer:

Lord, I am stepping out in faith. I feel small, and the task feels big. Please guide my first steps. Help me not to lean on my own ability to be the ‘perfect’ teacher, but to lean on Your ability to lead our family. Give me peace in the chaos and joy in the journey. I trust You with my children’s hearts and minds. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Watch this for a confidence boost:

You Can Homeschool! Yes, Even YOU.” – Eradicating Self-Doubt With Heidi St. John

In this video, Heidi St. John tackles the fear and self-doubt that every new homeschool mom faces, offering practical encouragement to help you take that first step.

Citation: St. John, Heidi. “Dear Homeschool Mom Who Isn’t Ready.” The Busy Mom.

She sat in the car for a few minutes before starting the engine. The shopping bags were on the seat next to her, but the excitement she expected to feel about her upcoming trip had disappeared. Instead, there was a lump in her throat and tears she hadn’t planned on.

The dressing room mirrors had been harsh. The clothes didn’t fit the way she hoped. Her body felt bloated and uncomfortable, and discouragement quietly crept in.

Earlier in the day, she had grabbed a quick snack because she was hungry and hadn’t packed enough food. Later, emotions took over, and she reached for a few sweets on the drive home. Now the familiar thoughts started circling in her mind.

I ruined everything.

Why do I keep doing this?

I’m never going to change.

If you’ve ever tried to build healthier habits, you probably know this moment well. One small choice suddenly feels like proof that you’re failing. But here’s the truth many of us need to hear: One bad day does not ruin your healthy habits.

The Real Battle Isn’t the Food—It’s the Thoughts

The snack wasn’t actually the biggest problem. The real battle was the story her mind began telling afterward. When we struggle with emotional eating or discouragement, our thoughts often become extreme.

“I always mess this up.”
“I’ll never change.”

But those thoughts aren’t true—they’re simply uncontrolled thoughts. Scripture speaks directly to this struggle.

In 2 Corinthians 10:5, the apostle Paul writes that we are to: “Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” That means we don’t simply accept every thought that enters our minds. We examine it. We challenge it. We replace it with truth. Because not every thought deserves to stay.

Why Midlife Can Make This Harder

For many women, especially in midlife, the battle can feel even more intense. Hormones shift. Our metabolism changes. Our bodies don’t always respond the way they once did. The strategies that worked in our twenties and thirties sometimes stop working the same way. And when our bodies change, it’s easy for discouraging thoughts to follow.

But Scripture reminds us that transformation doesn’t begin with the body. It begins with the mind. In Romans 12:2, we read: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Notice what comes first: renewing the mind. Real change begins there.

A Better Question to Ask

Instead of asking, Why did I do that?, try asking a better question: What can I learn from this?

Often, the lesson is surprisingly simple. Maybe the lesson is to pack more healthy snacks so hunger doesn’t take over. Maybe the lesson is to avoid shopping for clothes when you’re already discouraged. Maybe the lesson is remembering that certain weeks of the month are not the best time to judge your body. Life gives us feedback. It does not give us final verdicts.

The Three-Hour Reset

One of the best tools for breaking the shame cycle is something I call the three-hour reset. Instead of saying, I blew it today, ask yourself this question: What am I going to do three hours from now?

You don’t have to fix everything today. You don’t have to undo yesterday. You simply make the next good choice. Drink some water. Eat a balanced meal. Go for a walk. Open your Bible. Write in your journal. Then, a few hours later, make another good choice. And then another. Progress doesn’t happen because someone is perfect. Progress happens because someone keeps resetting.

Replacing the Lies With Truth

This is where Scripture becomes powerful. When a thought says:

“I’ll never change.”

We can answer it with truth. In Philippians 4:8, we are encouraged: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure… think about such things.” God invites us to redirect our thoughts toward truth. 

Another powerful reminder comes from Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Peace isn’t found in perfect performance. Peace is found in steadfast thinking.

You Are Not Starting Over

If you had a rough food day recently, take heart. You didn’t ruin everything. You are not starting over. You are simply continuing the journey. One choice at a time. One thought at a time. One reset at a time. 

And as we learn to take our thoughts captive and renew our minds with truth, we discover something beautiful: Change doesn’t come through shame. It comes through grace, truth, and persistence. And that is how lasting transformation begins.

How to Take Your First Step

If you’ve ever thought, I’d love to do work with a health coach, but I don’t even know where to start, this is your invitation.

I’ve made it simple to get started.

Just take a few minutes to fill out this quick Starting Point Form:

This isn’t a commitment—it’s a conversation.

Once you fill it out, I’ll look over your answers and personally reach out to help you create a plan that fits your life, your schedule, and your goals. No pressure. No sales pitch. Just hope and help.

Your Next Step with God

Transitioning from “crisis mode” to “stewardship mode” doesn’t happen overnight. It starts with one small, intentional choice. What choice will you make today?

Discover Your Extraordinary Purpose in God’s Story

Every woman brings heartfelt questions to the Bible: Why does my life sometimes feel so ordinary? How can I understand my place in God’s story? Every Woman’s Bible doesn’t shy away from these questions. 

Created in community by more than 100 diverse women from every continent, this beautiful NLT Bible explores the grit and faithfulness of women of the Bible, throughout history, and today. Through personal stories, female-authored study notes, and deep reflection, you will help clarify your unique calling.

Included with your purchase: Elevate your study with the free, innovative Filament Bible app. Simply scan any page with your phone to unlock a treasure trove of resources—including 25,000+ study notes, audio Bibles, 350+ videos, interactive maps, and worship music—that illuminate the very verses you are reading.

Every Woman’s Bible is an invitation to a global community and a deep, authentic call to the life you were made for. Start your journey to extraordinary purpose today.

If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me, “But what about socialization?” I could probably fund a college tuition. It is the number one question people ask when they find out you homeschool. And honestly? It was the number one fear I had when I started, too.

I used to picture “socialization” as my kids needing to be in a classroom with thirty other children their exact same age to learn how to function in the world. I thought if they weren’t navigating a cafeteria lunch line or dealing with playground politics, they would end up socially awkward and unable to hold a conversation. Then came the basketball incident.

Years ago, I signed my son Nathan up for basketball. Not because he loved basketball, and not because he asked to play. I signed him up because I was terrified he wasn’t getting enough “socialization.” I dragged him to practices and games, where he mindlessly maneuvered around the court, following the coach’s orders but clearly hating every minute of it. He was miserable, and I finally took him off the team halfway through the season.

At first, I told myself, “It’s for his own good! He needs to learn to be part of a team!” Yet when I looked at his little face, slumped shoulders, I knew this was the opposite of what I wanted for him.

Then, not long after, I looked out the window. Nathan was in the front yard with neighborhood kids of various ages, leading them on a fanciful adventure he had created. He was negotiating rules, assigning roles, resolving conflicts, and laughing. He was socializing. And he was doing it naturally, creatively, and joyfully … and without a whistle blowing in his face.

That moment changed my idea of what socialization is. I realized that forcing artificial socialization was actually killing his natural ability to connect. Today, that same boy is an adult who loves hanging out with friends, works a full-time job, and has also authored four novels (three of them with me). In his job, he constantly works with teams. He wasn’t “socialized” by a school system. He was socialized by life.

Homeschool Basics

If the fear of “ruining” your child’s social life is keeping you up at night, check out Homeschool Basics: How to Get Started, Keep Motivated, and Bring Out the Best in Your Kids.

In this book, my friend Kristi Clover and I tackle the “Socialization Myth” head-on. We share the research, the reality, and the relief that comes when you realize your kids are doing just fine. It’s the pep talk every homeschool mom needs.

Get your copy of Homeschool Basics here!

What Homeschool Socialization Is (and Is Not)

To move past the fear, we have to define our terms. Often, what the world calls socialization is actually just “schooling.”

The Research is Out

You don’t have to take my word for it. The data actually proves that homeschoolers are often better socialized than their public school peers.

Dr. Brian Ray, a leading researcher at the National Home Education Research Institute https://nheri.org/ (NHERI), has compiled decades of studies on this exact topic. His findings are staggering:

• Higher Self-Esteem: Research consistently shows that homeschooled students score higher on measures of self-concept and self-esteem than public school students. [1]
• Better Social Skills: In a study comparing social skills, homeschooled students scored significantly higher than public school students on social skills rating systems completed by parents and observers. [2]
• Civic Engagement: Adults who were homeschooled are statistically more likely to participate in community service, vote, and attend public meetings than the general population. [3]

The Verdict

Far from being isolated, homeschoolers are out in the real world. They are volunteering, interacting with people of all ages (not just their own peers), and building confidence without the crushing weight of peer pressure.

Looking Deeper: The Shame of “Different”

Friend, let’s have a heart-to-heart. When we worry about socialization, what are we really worried about? Usually, it’s not about whether our kids can talk to people. It’s about belonging.

We have a deep-seated fear that if our kids are “different,” they won’t belong. 

We fear that by removing them from the herd, we are making them targets for rejection. The shame whispers, “You are making your child an outcast. You are setting them up to be the weird kid.” But here is the truth we need to embrace: Belonging to yourself is more important than fitting in with the crowd.

True socialization isn’t about conformity. Instead, it’s about connection. When we homeschool, we give our children the space to discover who they are before the world tells them who they should be. 

We aren’t hiding them from the world. The goal is to ground them in their identity so they can enter the world without losing themselves. While we do want to protect our kids from influences that might harm them, we also want to give them the freedom to explore and learn from the world, with us by their side to guide them. That is strengthening.

Tiny Habits for Social Confidence

Just as we teach our kids their math facts and reading skills, we can also teach them social skills. Here are some tiny habits that can help build social confidence in our kids.

• The “Eye Contact” Challenge: We can teach our kids to make eye contact and smile when they speak to safe adults, such as a cashier, librarian, or friendly neighbor. It’s a tiny habit that builds massive confidence.
• The Safety Filter: Because we are with our kids daily, we can also teach them to discern safe versus unsafe people. A safe adult respects boundaries and never asks a child to keep secrets. Most importantly, teach them to trust their gut. If they feel “icky” or confused, they have every permission to move away. Social confidence includes knowing who to trust and how to protect oneself, too.
• The “Open Door” Policy: Make your home the “hangout house” for your children’s friends. Keep a stash of frozen pizzas and invite the neighborhood kids over. Let your kids practice hospitality in their own safe space.
• The “Multi-Generational” Mix: Once a month, have your children visit a nursing home or serve with a ministry that involves the elderly. Learning to converse with someone 70 years their senior is a far more valuable social skill than chatting with another 10-year-old. It broadens their perspective and teaches them empathy. They also learn that every person has a story worth hearing.

From Fear to Homeschool Freedom

When we homeschool, we give our children the space to discover who they are before the world tells them who they should be. Looking back at Nathan on that basketball court, I see now that my fear was rooted in a narrow definition of “belonging.” I thought he needed the team to belong to the world, but he first needed the freedom to belong to himself. 

By trading the artificial whistle for real-world wisdom, we are preparing our children for life. Our kids don’t need a classroom to learn how to be human. They just need a life lived alongside us, guided by love and grounded in truth.

"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." — 1 Timothy 4:12

Prayer:

Lord, thank You that You have created my children for a purpose. Silence the voice of fear that tells me I am holding them back. Help me to see that true connection comes from a heart grounded in You, not in the approval of peers. Give my children the courage to be salt and light in this world. Help them to be kind to everyone, confident in who they are, and bold in their love for others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

[1, 2, 3] Ray, Brian D. (2017). “A Review of Research on Homeschooling and What Might Be the Right Interpretation of It,” NHERI.

Books by Tricia and Nathan Goyer

Uncover a World of Mystery and Courage in The Clockwork Chronicles

What happens when ancient legend meets the gritty reality of the Second World War? In this gripping three-book series, history and mystery collide in a journey you won’t soon forget.

A Tale of Two Guardians

In Breath of Bones, Kateřina Dubová is a brave young journalist determined to make her mark. When she receives a tip about an assassination attempt on the “Butcher of Prague,” Reinhard Heydrich, she is pulled into the deep shadows of the Nazi occupation. She soon learns that the battle for her city is about more than just politics and soldiers.

Joining forces with Josef Loew—a descendant of the legendary Rabbi Loew—Kateřina discovers a secret that reaches back to the 16th century. Together, they seek to revive a mystical guardian: the golem.

Hope Amidst the Darkness

Like flickering candles in the abyss, Kateřina and Josef work tirelessly to protect the innocent. But their quest raises a haunting question: In their struggle to end an existing evil, have they inadvertently forged a new danger? Could the very entity created to protect them become their greatest enemy?

Choose Your Adventure

Experience the tension of occupied Prague in the format that fits your life best:

• Paperback & Hardcover: Perfect for your home library.
• Kindle: Take the mystery with you on the go.
• Audiobook: Let the drama unfold in your ears as you drive or work.

“This series is a testament to the power of courage and the complex choices we face when we try to do what is right. It’s a story of faith, history, and the strength of the human spirit.” — Tricia Goyer

Get your copy of The Clockwork Chronicles today!

Discover Your Unique Purpose in God’s Story

We all desire a deeper connection with God. The Every Woman’s Bible is a powerful resource designed to help you find your place in His plan. This study Bible includes insights from over one hundred women scholars and writers from around the globe. Their contributions offer cultural and historical clarity to help you understand the Bible’s context.

You can explore engaging study notes and devotionals that address real-life topics. It includes access to the Filament Bible app, which connects you to over 25,000 additional study notes and videos. Whether you choose the New Living Translation or the King James Version, this Bible will help you clarify your God-given purpose through serious study.

Click here to get your copy: Every Woman’s Bible

Melody Carlson is one of the most prolific novelists of our time. With more than 250 books published and sales topping seven million, Melody writes primarily for women and teens. She’s won numerous honors and awards, including The Rita, Gold Medallion, Carol Award and Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement award. Melody makes her home in the Pacific Northwest. When not writing, Melody likes to travel, bike, garden, read good books, and enjoy the great outdoors.

Connect with Melody on her website, Instagram, BookBub, and Facebook.

More about All Booked Up

When preserving precious memories means welcoming unexpected changes, Riva finds that her heart has room for so much more than she imagined.

Widowed empty nester Riva Owen lives in the Victorian house that’s been in her family for three generations, but finances have become a challenge she can no longer ignore. Her daughter is pushing her to move, and after considering all her options, Riva knows selling would be the smartest course. But she just can’t bring herself to leave decades of memories–and her cherished library filled with hundreds of books.

When she pursues an alternative–opening her home to women like her who need a room to rent–Riva is unprepared for the mix of personalities and peculiarities of her new housemates. She is even more unprepared for Marcus, the handsome and handy older brother of one of her new tenants. The possibility of finding love again feels overwhelming, even as her tenants seem to have romantic schemes of their own.

Warm your heart with a story of found family, book lovers, and a second chance at love.

Purchase a copy of All Booked Up.

Enter to Win a copy of All Booked Up

Q&A with Melody Carlson

ARCF: Can you share a little about All Booked Up and the inspiration behind this story?

MC: This story literally evolved from a conversation I had with a friend in my home library. My bookshelves are seventeen feet tall and about twenty feet long. My husband was very ill and at end of life when a well-meaning friend asked me what I would do if/when I was widowed. Would I sell my home and get something smaller? I looked at my very full bookshelves and sighed. “Then I’d have to pack and move all these books,” I told her. Of course, that seems a bit silly now, but I was worn out at the time and dealing with hundreds of books, collected by my husband and me over the course of 46 years was overwhelming. Later the idea came to me . . . what about a lonely widow who needs to sell her home for financial reasons, but can’t let go of a generations’ old library—and so she takes in random women boarders to pay her bills. What could go wrong? Well, everything for starters.

ARCF: What do you love most about the main character in this book?

MC: I suppose I relate to her being widowed and still dealing with grief. It’s such an unpredictable and unwanted journey. So watching her face it, often with the help of friends, probably proved therapeutic to me. And I loved watching her evolve, taking risks, making new relationships, and building a new life. I also loved her love of books!

ARCF: Can you give us a little peek into the bookshop setting — is it based on a real place?

MC: It’s not really a bookshop, but a lovely old library. It was started by her grandfather, an attorney and voracious reader, but it’s got an old-world feel—with dark wooden shelves, beautiful volumes, big comfy leather chairs, bulky tables to hold drinks or books. Just very cozy and welcoming. My library has a similar, but very different, feeling to it. To me, the spines of many books is like an art form.

ARCF: What’s something unexpected readers will find in this story?

MC: The way the characters (single women of a certain age but differing circumstances) seemed destined to battle it out, but eventually get to know and understand . . . and even support one another. A surprising sisterhood evolves that I found encouraging.

ARCF: If the heroine had a favorite book on her own shelves, what would it be?

MC: Probably a Jane Austin book. She often refers them to her female friends in hopes they’ll have some kind of personal takeaway. She probably likes Emma the best.

ARCF: How does this book reflect your own love of books and bookstores?

MC: To be honest, as much as I love bookstores, they intimidate me! And this book, as I mentioned, is about a home library—so I’ll answer like that. I LOVE libraries—of all sorts, from mega public libraries, to small town ones, to school libraries, to mobile libraries, and even the tiny street-side one in my neighborhood. I love the idea of sharing books, and I often joke with friends that when (if) everyone gets rid of their books (like so many do) I will still have a lending library just in case eBooks should fail or the Internet crashes or some other technological “tragedy” that suddenly makes real books valuable.

ARCF: What genre would your main character never read — and why?

MC: Horror or thriller books. She wouldn’t be able to take the stress of a read like that. She probably liked them as a child – most kids do. But as widow who’s been through some hard things, she would definitely avoid them.

ARCF: What’s one quirk or habit your protagonist has that you secretly share?

MC: She wants to help people so badly that she could easily step over the line and step on toes, but she is training herself to hold back and be patient enough to allow people to solve their own problems.

ARCF: Who was the easiest character to write — and who gave you a little trouble?

MC: Riva (the protagonist) was easy because in many ways she was like me. Kitty was probably more of a challenge because I really didn’t like her and she wasn’t the sort of person I’d welcome into my life. Although Kitty needed someone like Riva to help straighten her out. But that woman was, well, a piece of work!

ARCF: Can you tell us about a moment while writing this book that made you smile?

MC: When Kitty got stuck in her room with her ‘sprained’ ankle. It seemed just punishment, but then I actually smiled when the other women tried to help—which sometimes worked, and sometimes didn’t.

ARCF: If this book had a soundtrack, what would be one song on the playlist?

MC: I’d like it to be a cheery Irish dancing tune – since Fiona’s band often performed in the book. Or maybe a heartfelt one that they might be sitting around, after to lovely outdoor summer dinner, listening to . . . like when Fiona plays her fiddle or penny whistle. Maybe it would be O, Danny Boy.

ARCF: What do you hope readers are still thinking about long after they finish the last page?

MC: When readers finish this book, I hope they will continue to explore who they are, what God has created them to do or be, and how they balance that with their life choices. I hope they come away with a renewed faith and ability to trust and wait on God when God seems silent.

ARCF: Are there any fun literary references or Easter eggs hidden in the book for book lovers to catch?

MC: Any Jane Austin fan will probably notice some similarities of certain characters and the interactions between them that feel reflective of Sense and Sensibility or Pride and Prejudice or Emma.

ARCF: What message or feeling do you hope readers walk away with after turning the last page?

MC: Perhaps the hope that grace goes a long way towards building lasting relationships.

ARCF: And finally, can you share what you have coming up next? 

MC: Right now, I’m creating a sequel to last year’s WELCOME TO THE HONEY B & B, which will be coming soon. I’m calling it Welcome Back to the Honey B & B. And in September 2026, my new Christmas novella We Wish You a Messy Christmas will release. It’s a fun one!

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After nearly three decades of homeschooling ten children, some who soared through college and some who struggled to find their footing, I have learned that the most genius thing you can do for your homeschool is to stop stressing about a rigid plan. We often think that if we just find the right curriculum or the most beautiful planner, our kids will be set for life. But the truth is, homeschooling is less about what you “do” and more about the path of learning to love life.

When our teens transition to college, they face a startling reality. Their professors aren’t going to organize their days like we do. There are no “homeschool moms” in the registrar’s office to remind them that their math lab is due at midnight. If we don’t move from being their managers to being their consultants, they might find themselves sitting on a dorm floor, overwhelmed by a syllabus they don’t know how to tackle.

Step 1: Identify Your Management Style

Before you can help your teen, you need to know how you operate. God wired each of us with different strengths, and your management style dictates the atmosphere of your home.

The Structured Manager: You love checklists and clear goals. You feel safest when every hour is accounted for.

• Free Resource: HomeTrail offers a free digital planner that allows you to set yearly goals and break them down into daily lesson plans.

The Relaxed Consultant: You prefer a “living life” approach. You are more likely to ditch the textbook for a trip to the pregnancy center to fold baby clothes because you know life skills are paramount and service to others is important.

• Free Resource: Ambleside Online provides free curriculum guides that lean into the Charlotte Mason method, focusing on “living books” rather than rigid workbooks.

Step 2: Pivot to Your Teen’s Learning Style

High school is the time to hand over the reins. If your teen understands how they learn, they can advocate for themselves in a lecture hall.

• Visual Learners: They need to see it to believe it. Use graphic organizers and dry-erase strategy boards to map out complex deadlines.
  • Free Resource: Canva has free templates for mind maps and calendars that help visual learners “see” their week.

For the History-Loving High Schooler

If your student is a visual or auditory learner who struggles with dry history textbooks, try a different approach. Through The Liberator Series, they can walk through the pivotal moments of WWII and see how faith and courage look in action. It is the perfect way to earn history credits while capturing their heart for the past.

Explore The Liberator Series Here

• Auditory Learners: These students retain information through sound. Encourage them to use “Podcast University” or audiobooks while they work.
  • Free Resource: LibriVox offers free public domain audiobooks that are excellent for literature credits.

For the Creative or “Out of the Box” Learner

For the teen who loves “what if” and high-stakes adventure, The Clockwork Chronicles offers a unique blend of alternate history and faith. Steampunk is a fantastic genre for kinesthetic and visual thinkers who need a story that moves as fast as they do. Give them a reading list they actually want to finish.

Discover The Clockwork Chronicles Today

• Kinesthetic Learners: They learn best with movement. Don’t force them to sit at a desk for eight hours. Let them walk on a treadmill while they study.
  • Free Resource: Khan Academy offers interactive practice problems that provide immediate, “hands-on” digital feedback.

For the Reluctant Reader or Fiction Fan

Sometimes the best way to discuss life skills and relationships with your high schooler is through a great story. The Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series offers a gentle way to explore themes of community, commitment, and God’s timing. It is an excellent choice for an independent reading elective.

Shop the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors Series.

10 Ideas to Prepare Your High Schooler for College Independence

I’ve seen my kids succeed, and I’ve seen them fail. The difference usually wasn’t their GPA. It was their ability to manage their own lives when I wasn’t looking.

1. The Syllabus Shift: Give them a syllabus at the start of the semester and let them decide when to do the work.
2. Digital Autonomy: Move from paper checklists to a shared digital calendar like Google Calendar.
3. The “Adulting” Kitchen Day: Let them take full charge of meal planning and budgeting one day a week.
4. Self-Correction: Stop grading every paper. Give them the answer key and have them find their own mistakes.
5. Office Hours: Set a specific time when you are available for help. If they miss “office hours,” they have to wait until the next day.
6. The Brain Break: Teach them to schedule an hour of quiet to prevent burnout.
7. Syllabus Deep-Dive: Have them read a college syllabus online and map out the “ebb and flow” of a 10-week quarter.
8. Note-Taking Practice: Watch a TED Talk together and have them practice taking Cornell-style notes.
9. Communication Skills: Have them write professional emails to mentors or co-op teachers.
10. Grounding in Truth: Help them establish a personal morning routine of prayer and Scripture, because their soul needs a schedule too.

Sample Course Syllabus: American Voices & Vision

Instructor: “Consultant” Mom

Format: Independent Study with Weekly Check-ins

Course Description

This course explores the intersection of history and the human heart through classic American literature. Students are responsible for managing their reading pace and meeting deadlines without daily reminders.

Required Resources (Free Online)

• Literature Text: The Scarlet Letter at Project Gutenberg
• Audio Supplement: The Scarlet Letter on LibriVox
• Analysis Tool: OWL at Purdue: MLA Guide

Semester Schedule & Deadlines

Friends, as you look at those high school transcripts and college applications, please take a deep breath and remember that your child’s worth is not tied to their GPA. I have walked the stage with kids who transitioned seamlessly, and I have sat on the floor and prayed through the tears of those who struggled.

God didn’t call you to be a “perfect” manager. He called you to be a faithful parent. When we let go of the need to control every hour of their day, we create space for the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts. Our goal isn’t just to get them into a dorm room with a well-organized planner. Our goal is to launch them into the world with a deep knowledge that they are loved by a big God who has a specific purpose for their lives.

You are doing a brave work. Even on the days when the math is hard and the attitudes are harder, you are sowing seeds that will last for eternity. Trust the process, lean into the “consultant” role, and watch how God grows your teen into the adult He designed them to be.

You’ve got this, and more importantly, He’s got you!

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Need more ideas and advice on homeschooling? Pick up a copy of Homeschool Basics. Receive tried-and-true homeschool advice from veteran homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course.

Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart. Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners. Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live. Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer.

Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!

The kitchen light hums in the early morning stillness, and before our feet even hit the pavement or our hands reach for the kettle, the battle has begun. We often mistakenly believe that the struggle for our health is waged in the aisles of the grocery store or on the floor of the gym, but the most strategic ground is the space between our thoughts. We are fragile beings living in a world that is incredibly loud, constantly whispering that a sugary treat is the “reward” we have earned after a hard day or that a missed workout is a kindness we owe ourselves. But we must pause and ask: is it really a reward if it eventually robs us of the very vitality and peace God intends for us to walk in?

The “Deceptive Reward” Audit

The messages that tell us “you deserve it” or “it’s just one bite” are often just empty lures that lead us away from wholeness. When we lean into those whispers, we aren’t actually being kind to ourselves. We are feeding a fleshly desire that eventually leads to a heavy heart and a sluggish spirit.

• Galatians 5:17: “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”
• Colossians 2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”

Truth Journal Prompt: Think about the last time you used the phrase “I deserve this” regarding an unhealthy choice. What was the underlying emotion (stress, loneliness, exhaustion) you were actually trying to soothe?

Retraining the Mind During Action

Transformation isn’t something that just happens to us; it is a holy invitation to participate in the renewal of our own minds. When we choose a life-giving meal or push through a difficult workout, we can stop the negative loop and replace it with declarations of truth:

• “I love this”: Movement is a gift, not a punishment.
• “This is amazing”: God-given fuel is a miracle for our cells.
• “I am transforming”: We are witnessing God’s handiwork in real-time.
• Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Truth Journal Prompt: During your next workout or healthy meal, what is one specific “life-giving” sentence you can say out loud to counteract the thought that this is “too hard” or “not worth it”?

From Heart to Habit

If we want our habits to change, we have to start with the source. When our hearts are anchored in our true identity as a temple of the Holy Spirit, healthy choices become a natural overflow rather than an exhausting chore of willpower.

• Proverbs 4:23: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
• Proverbs 16:24: “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

Truth Journal Prompt: How would your daily habits change if you fully embraced the reality that your body is a temple bought with a price? List three small ways this perspective shifts your “have-to’s” into “get-to’s.”

Affirmations for Your Health Journey

• “I love this.”
  Psalm 139:14: “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
• “This is amazing.”
  1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
• “I am transforming right before my eyes.”
  Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
• “I am honoring the temple of the Holy Spirit.”
  1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
• “My strength comes from the Lord.”
  Isaiah 40:31: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
• “I am taking every thought captive.”
  2 Corinthians 10:5: “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

Choosing to honor God with our bodies is not a matter of achieving a flawless physique, but of practicing faithful stewardship. When we stop the cycle of “self-reward” that actually depletes us, we are finally free to experience the true abundance He promised. As the mind is healed from the deceptive whispers of the world, the body begins to follow in strength and vitality.

The path to health is paved with the renewal of our thoughts, one captive moment at a time. We can walk forward knowing that our value is not found in a number on a scale, but in the truth that we were bought with a high price and are fearfully and wonderfully made. Soon, the habits that once felt like a burden will become the very springs of life that sustain us.

Final Reflection

Proverbs 3:7-8: "Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones."

As we close this audit of our hearts and health, let us remember that every choice to nourish or move our bodies is an act of worship. The transformation we see on the outside is simply a reflection of the healing God is doing on the inside.

In my own journey, I have realized that we cannot fix with our hands what we haven’t first surrendered in our hearts. We often feel stuck in a cycle of “starting over” because we are trying to change our habits without renewing our minds. But friend, you don’t have to navigate this spiritual and physical battlefield alone.

If you are tired of the deceptive whispers and ready to see the transformation that happens when your habits finally align with your heart, I would love to help you find your starting point.

Are You Ready for a New Perspective?

I am inviting you to take a brave first step today. Let’s sit down together—virtually—and look at where you are and where God is calling you to be. This isn’t just about a meal plan; it’s about identifying those “empty deceits” and replacing them with a strategy for true, lasting vitality.

On our health assessment call, we will:

• Identify the specific “deceptive rewards” currently holding you back.
• Discuss how to retrain your thoughts to see health as an act of worship.
• Create a clear, grace-filled path toward the healing your body deserves.

Schedule Your Starting Point

Your healing is worth the time. Your vitality is worth the effort. Let’s take those thoughts captive together and begin the renewal today.

Click here to fill out your assessment and book your call!

"For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 30:17)

Additional Resources

Journal Through the Bible in 2026

Have you ever wanted to read through the Bible but found yourself giving up? Or even worse, you read the chapters and at the end question how they apply to your life. Tricia Goyer understands. For years she felt frustrated that she couldn’t stick to her commitment to read God’s Word all the way through. Things changed when she found a doable plan and wrote out a daily prayer. Tricia’s heart changed. Her life did, too.

God can bring real transformation into your heart and life when you daily commit to reading your Bible and praying through God’s Word. Praying through the Bible in One Year offers a guided reading plan and a daily prayer starter to help you make God’s Word applicable to your life. Discover the inspiration for real-life transformation.

Purchase a copy of Praying Through the Bible in One Year HERE.

As Easter approaches, many of us are preparing our homes—planning meals, gathering decorations, and thinking about the beauty of Resurrection Sunday. But sometimes the atmosphere inside our homes doesn’t match the joy we celebrate.

It is easy to believe that if our homeschooling days ran a little more smoothly, our hearts would finally find rest. We think that if the kids would breeze through their math or if the laundry pile didn’t resemble a mountain range, the complaining would stop. But often, the loudest noise in our homes isn’t the overflowing sink. Instead, it’s the low hum of chronic grumbling. Have you ever noticed how quickly it spreads?

One child grumbles about dinner. Another complains about homework. Soon, someone is frustrated about chores or a sibling. Before long, the whole house feels heavy. 

As a mom who has raised and homeschooled many children, I’ve seen how easily negativity can become part of a family culture. And if I’m honest, I’ve also realized something humbling: kids often learn complaining from the adults around them.

That realization was one of the reasons I wrote The Grumble-Free Year and challenged our family to replace complaining with gratitude. Because the truth is, complaining doesn’t just affect a moment. It shapes the atmosphere of a home.

Easter reminds us of the greatest reason for gratitude of all: Jesus conquered death and gave us new life.

If anyone had reason to complain about suffering, it was Christ. Yet He endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). When we remember the sacrifice and victory of Easter, it reframes even the hard parts of our daily lives.

The Anatomy of a Grumble

When we complain, we aren’t just letting off steam. We are actually reinforcing a mindset of scarcity—focusing on what is missing rather than what has been given.

Research shows that complaining doesn’t just affect our attitude. It also affects our brains and bodies. Studies by Stanford neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky have shown that chronic stress can damage the hippocampus, the part of the brain used for memory and problem-solving (Sapolsky, 1996).

Complaining and negative thinking also trigger the release of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels can weaken the immune system and increase fatigue (Mayo Clinic).

But Scripture pointed us toward a better way long before science confirmed it. God calls His people to gratitude. Not because life is always easy, but because gratitude transforms the heart.

A Choice for the Heart

In my own journey, I realized that grumbling was like a slow leak in the foundation of our home. It wasn’t just a bad habit. It revealed a deeper heart posture.

Children are constantly observing how their parents respond to frustration. When we complain about schedules, messes, or daily inconveniences, they absorb that pattern. Soon it becomes their pattern too. Instead of responding to challenges with patience or problem-solving, they respond with frustration. And complaining multiplies. 

But Easter tells a different story. Because of the resurrection, we are not trapped in old patterns. Jesus invites us into new life—including new ways of thinking, speaking, and responding. Gratitude begins when we remember that the empty tomb changed everything.

“I’d always thought my grumbling was a reaction to my circumstances, but I began to see it was actually a reflection of my heart’s lack of trust.”
— The Grumble-Free Year by Tricia Goyer

The Easter Gratitude Challenge

Easter is the perfect time for a family reset. Consider inviting your children into a simple Easter Gratitude Challenge in the weeks leading up to Resurrection Sunday. Here are five simple ways to begin replacing complaining with gratitude in your home.

1. Model Gratitude Daily

Children learn gratitude by watching it. Thank God out loud for small blessings—a sunny morning, a finished lesson, a helpful child.

2. Gently Redirect Complaints

When a child complains, help them reframe the situation. Instead of saying, “I hate these chores,” you might say, “Let’s be thankful we have a home to care for.”

3. Teach Kids to Solve Problems

Sometimes complaints are simply frustration. Encourage your child to ask, “What can I do to make this better?” This shifts them from negativity to action.

4. Create Easter Gratitude Rhythms

In the weeks before Easter, share one thing you’re thankful for at dinner each night. You might also read a short Scripture about the resurrection and thank Jesus for the hope He gives us.

5. Celebrate Effort and Kindness

Kids are less likely to complain when they feel valued. Notice when they help, persevere, or serve others.

Anchoring Our Hearts in the Word

When the urge to complain rises, we can anchor our hearts in truth.

Philippians 2:14: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Proverbs 17:22: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

The Beautiful Easter Exchange

The goal of gratitude isn’t a flawless day or perfect kids. Every family has hard days.

But Easter reminds us that Jesus specializes in beautiful exchanges.

Jesus took our sin and gave us forgiveness.
Jesus took death and gave us life.
Jesus took despair and gave us hope.

And when we choose gratitude, something shifts in our homes too. Children begin to see blessings where they once saw inconveniences.

“A grumble-free year isn’t about everything going right. It’s about our hearts being right even when things go wrong.” — The Grumble-Free Year

As Easter approaches, may our homes become places where gratitude grows because we are raising children who know the joy of the risen Savior.

Free PDF for Download:

Family Easter Gratitude Challenge

From Survival Mode to a Heart of Gratitude

Does your home ever feel like it’s filled with more grumbling than grace? You are not alone. In a house with two parents, eight children, and an eighty-eight-year-old grandmother, USA Today bestselling author Tricia Goyer realized that the noise, the messes, and the constant complaining had moved her family into “survival mode.”

The Goyers decided to tackle the impossible: a grumble-free year.

In her book, The Grumble-Free Year, Tricia pulls up a chair beside you as a fellow traveler. She doesn’t offer a “perfect” formula for a flawless life; instead, she shares the raw successes, the messy failures, and the scripture-based lessons learned when a family of eleven commits to trading chronic complaining for a heart of thankfulness.

Discover the Tools to Transform Your Home:

• Go with the flow when life inevitably interrupts your best-laid plans.
• Discover what really matters to the hearts of your spouse and children.
• Thrive, not just survive, by cultivating a family culture rooted in respect.

What Others Are Saying:

• “Tricia pulls up a chair beside you as another woman facing the same battles… You will feel understood, challenged, and empowered.” — Sarah Bragg, host of Surviving Sarah.
• “It’s about learning how to see beyond the words to uncover what is really happening in the heart of our children and… ourselves.” — Elisa Pulliam, founder of MoretoBe.com.

Easter is the season of new life. There is no better time to invite the Resurrection power of Jesus into the way your family speaks, thinks, and loves.

Ready to start your own journey?

Order The Grumble-Free Year Here

Additional Resources

Are you trying to teach your family about gratitude? The Grumbles are here to help… they just don’t know it yet!

The Grumble family tried not to complain but bills and laundry and sibling squabbles kept everyone rumbling. When Grandma Grateful comes for a visit, things change. Bestselling authors Tricia Goyer and Amy Parker team up to spread an attitude of gratitude. 

The Grumbles teach children:

• how to approach life with a gracious mindset
• about core Christian values
• how to seek out the goodness in everything and identify blessings

This picture book is perfect for:

• ages 4 to 8
• a classroom story time focused on thankfulness, kindness, or gratitude
• reading aloud together as a bedtime story
• birthdays, holiday gift giving, or as an addition to your home library

The Grumbles is a sweet, simple, and silly story about how to turn grumbles into gratefulness.

Order Your Copy of The Grumbles Today

Victoria McCombs is the author of The Storyteller’s Series, The Royal Rose Chronicles, the fae dynasty duology, with many others and hopefully many more to come. She survives on hazelnut coffee, 20-minute naps, and a healthy fear of her deadlines, all while raising four wildlings with her husband in Omaha, Nebraska.

Connect with Victoria on her website, Instagram, and BookBub.

More about Mortal Queens

They vanish without a trace, disappear into the night…

Each year on the center island, one girl is chosen to be the next Mortal Queen of the idolized fae. The mortals praise these lucky girls, but their daughters are never seen again.

The fae realm is eternal night, where disputes are settled by chess matches, power is acquired through the most devious kinds of trickery, and seven illusive kings roam. The fae hide their faces behind masks and guard their glass hearts to keep them from shattering. But beyond the veil of this luxurious paradise, a dark secret simmers, for their Queens have disappeared.

When aspiring artist Althea is selected, she is desperate to avoid the same mysterious fate. With no one to trust, she conceals messages in paintings and receives anonymous replies from a stranger who slowly reveals the tale of a girl who outwitted the fae. Only if she is clever enough will Althea survive the fate of the Mortal Queens. As long as the king who cannot love does not claim her first.

Purchase a copy of Mortal Queens.

Enter to Win a copy of Mortal Queens

Q&A with Victoria McCombs

ARCF: Congratulations on winning the Realm Award for Fantasy! Can you tell us a little about Mortal Queens and what was the first spark of inspiration for the story?

VM: It was 2020, and fae were all the rage in the reader space. I wanted to try my own version of it, and all I’d gathered so far was that there were no rules when it came to fae. You could make them however you wanted. Do they have tails? Can they not lie? I had a lot of fun playing with what a fae realm would look like, but the earliest version still included the premise of girls stolen by the fae. My first idea to set it apart was to NOT pair them with a king upon arrival, and therefore the seven different kings were created. From there I kept imagining how I could make it different from the other fae books, and hence the masks they wore at all times, the alliances that create power, and the games they play all came to life. The book flew out of me in two months.

ARCF: What’s one line or quote from Mortal Queens that you’re especially proud of?

VM: Follow your head and never your heart. Your head will save you. Your heart leads to him, and ruin lies there.

ARCF: Did any part of writing Mortal Queens scare you — creatively, emotionally, or magically?

VM: I wanted chess to play a big part in the story but I can’t actually play chess. It was a bold choice, and I studied chess a lot to be able to create some of the scenes. I was (and still am) terrified that those scenes sound amateur, but so far no one has messaged me about my poor chess skills.

ARCF: What three words would your villain use to describe themselves — and would they be accurate?

VM: Correct, honorable, and driven.

ARCF: What was your “award moment” like — where were you when you found out Mortal Queens had won?

VM: I hadn’t gone to Realm Makers. Part of me wishes I was there to hear my name announced in front of a crowd, had walked on a stage, and accepted the award. But in reality, I got to be at home with my husband, four kids, and my parents sitting in the room with me, and I got to celebrate with them right away. I try to involve my kids as much as I can, so it was so special to enjoy that moment with them. And now they bring up the fact that I’ve won awards to everyone who visits.

ARCF: If Mortal Queens had a signature scent or candle, what would it smell like?

VM: Roses. A scene from book two involved a corridor of roses, and that scene still sticks with me. I’m always trying to create rich atmospheres, and I managed to land that scene just how I wanted it to.

ARCF: If Mortal Queens were a board game, what would the wildest rule be?

VM: That you can never show your face. That was a real rule in the book and I honestly regret writing it because it makes artwork tricky.

ARCF: Have readers ever interpreted a scene differently than you expected — and did you love it or panic?

VM: They have, though not from this series! I had a book where a side character receives information and comes to a decision at the end of book one. I was trying to set up the idea that this decision would cause conflict in future books, and instead readers saw the choice made and thought he must have been secretly evil the whole time. It’s considered the biggest plot twist of the book but I never intended for it to be a big reveal. In the end, I leaned into it and made the character more conniving in the rest of the story.

ARCF: What does your writing playlist sound like — battle drums, haunting piano, or total silence?

MC: Total silence! Sometimes I can handle the LOTR soundtrack in the background, but that’s all. I already have the sound of my four children playing behind me and asking for help, so my brain can’t take more noise.

ARCF: And finally — what’s coming up next for you?

MC: I’ve been venturing into the indie publishing world because it can keep up with my faster pace of publishing, and it’s been so fun! I am releasing a book titled A BRIDE OF FALLEN STARS on March 24, about twin stars who are meant to rule the skies together, but on the night of their ascension, one sister shatters the bond and steals the power for herself. It has five mortal courts, secret messages, hidden passageways, and lots of fun Bridgerton vibes while staying appropriate for the YA audience.

Save, Pin, Share

Welcome to my curriculum guide! As a mom of 10 kids and now a grandmother, I frequently get asked what curriculum we love in the Goyer home. When John and I started this journey over thirty years ago, I stared at stacks of catalogs feeling entirely overwhelmed. Over the decades, we have learned what resources bring our family together and make learning a joy. Whether we are reading on the couch or gathering around the kitchen table, our goal is always to foster a love for Jesus and a love for learning.

Before we dive into grade levels, let me share my primary strategy. First, I love to combine ages. I do not buy ten different curricula for ten different kids. I also rely heavily on literature-based learning so we can all read together. This saves time and builds incredible family bonds. Also, I love to take advantage of a curriculum that offers flexibility. With our busy schedule, I need to be able to pick up a book wherever we left off and jump back in.

Faith & Family Connection: Bible and Morning Time

Over the years, if you’d looked into my dining room at 8:00 AM, you wouldn’t have seen a pristine classroom. You will likely see a scene that looks more like a crowded bus station! But the mornings have always been my favorite time of day. We call it “Table Time” (others call it a Morning Basket), and it has been the anchor of our homeschool.

Instead of sending everyone off to their separate corners immediately, we start together. This is where we focus on heart issues and discipleship, which matters far more than long division.

Recommended Reading: The Grumble-Free Year

If you feel like your home is filled more with whining than worship, this book chronicles our family’s real-life, year-long quest to root out grumbling. It offers honest, practical steps for replacing complaints with gratitude and creating a more peaceful home atmosphere.

• Bible: For the younger years, I highly recommend The Discoverer’s Bible (NIrV). It breaks long sentences into shorter ones, making it accessible for early readers without watering down the truth. For ourselves and older teen girls, I love using resources like Praying Through the Bible in One Year. It guides you through Scripture while focusing your heart on prayer.

Recommended Reading: Prayers That Changed History

I wrote this to show children that prayer isn’t just a bedtime ritual—it shapes the world. This book highlights twenty-five historical figures, from brave reformers to scientists, who turned to God in prayer during critical moments. It is a powerful way to teach history and faith simultaneously.

• Missions: To help our kids look beyond themselves, we use Window on the World. It is a beautiful book that introduces children to different people groups and how to pray for them. It pairs beautifully with the Christian Heroes: Then & Now biographies, which we read aloud. Hearing stories of faithful men and women like Gladys Aylward or George Müller inspires courage in my kids that no textbook could ever provide.
• Gratitude: We also use this time for gratitude journals. It is a simple practice, but starting the day by listing three things we are thankful for changes the entire atmosphere of the home.

Recommended Reading: The Grumbles: A Story about Gratitude

For the younger ones who might be struggling with a bad attitude, this picture book follows the Grumble family. It is a gentle, funny way to show children how complaints can pile up like spots on a shirt—and how gratitude washes them clean.

Remember, the goal isn’t to have a theology degree. The goal is to open the Word, read it together, and let the Holy Spirit do the teaching.

The Gentle Start: Five in a Row (Preschool – 2nd Grade)

If you are looking for a gentle, literature-rich approach for your “littles,” I cannot recommend Five in a Row enough. It has been a staple in our home for years, especially when I needed to slow down and simply enjoy being with my children. The concept is wonderfully simple. You read the same high-quality picture book—classics like The Story About Ping or Madeline—every day for five days.

Each day, you focus on a different topic related to the story. On Monday, you might discuss the setting’s geography. On Tuesday, you might cover a science concept found in the illustrations. It allows for natural learning that feels more like snuggling than schooling. (A win!)

I love this curriculum because it requires very little preparation. When I was juggling teenagers and preschoolers, Five in a Row saved my sanity. We would pile onto the couch, open a book, and let the conversations flow. It builds a shared family culture and beautiful memories without the stress of worksheets. This curriculum taught me that learning does not have to be complicated to be effective.

For moms who are worried about “doing enough” in the early years, this is your permission to relax. Five in a Row covers social studies, language arts, art, math, and science in a way that sticks because it is attached to a story they love. It is the perfect bridge into more formal schooling.

Early Elementary (Kindergarten through 3rd Grade)

In these early years, the goal is to nurture curiosity and establish basic skills without causing burnout.

• Literature and History: Sonlight is my absolute favorite for the elementary years. The read-alouds are phenomenal. Sitting together and reading is the cornerstone of our homeschool day.
• Science: We use Apologia for science. It is an outstanding science series that teaches from a biblical worldview. For the younger kids, I also love sprinkling in resources like GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope and My First Book About Backyard Nature to keep things highly interactive.

Recommended Reading: Wonders of the Ocean Realm

If you are studying marine biology or just have a child who loves the ocean, this book from my Marvels of the Wild series is a perfect add-on. It combines fascinating scientific facts about sea creatures with short, faith-based stories that point children back to the Creator.

• Writing: We keep writing very simple at this stage. Copying short Bible verses or sentences from our read-alouds is a great way to start. Also, I often have my children dictate stories to me, and then we illustrate them. This helps them develop their storytelling skills and keeps “writing” fun.

Recommended Reading: Whit’s End Mealtime Devotions

While not a writing curriculum, this is excellent for building communication skills. Based on Adventures in Odyssey, it provides 90 fun discussion starters and faith-building ideas that get kids talking and thinking critically.

Upper Elementary and Middle School (4th through 8th Grade)

As the kids grow, they become more independent. We still prioritize shared learning whenever possible.

• Literature and History: We continue with Sonlight. I often combine my middle-grade kids into one level, such as Sonlight Level D. We also incorporate the Christian Heroes: Then & Now series by Janet and Geoff Benge. These books weave history and faith beautifully and are a core component of our Epic Learning online courses.
• Writing: This is an excellent time to introduce structured writing. I highly recommend the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). It provides a solid framework that takes the tears out of writing assignments.
• Science: We stick with Apologia. Their upper elementary and middle school texts are engaging and thorough without being dry.
• Math: We​​ use Math-U-See. Their distinctive manipulatives help abstract math concepts come to life in clear, relatable ways. This enables students to develop a concrete understanding. I’ve also used Right Start Math, which is another excellent program.

Recommended Reading: Faith That Sticks

The middle years can be tricky. I wrote this guide to give parents a roadmap for discipling preteens. It moves beyond just behavior modification and offers five real-life ways—including service and prayer—to help your child’s faith become their own.

High School (9th through 12th Grade)

High school can sound intimidating. It is actually a wonderful time of deep conversation and discovering your teen’s unique gifts.

• History and Literature: Sonlight Level 100 has been a staple for my high schoolers. It offers rich and challenging literature that sparks excellent discussions. I often read the high school read-alouds to the younger kids, too. It is amazing how much everyone gleans from the same story.
• Living Books: I recommend my novels for history. As the author, I know the historical content is accurate and engaging.  

Recommended Reading: The Liberator Series (From Dust and Ashes, Night Song, Arms of Deliverance, and Dawn of a Thousand Nights) and The Clockwork Chronicles (Breath of Bones, Flight of Fate, Twist of Time)

For World War II history, my Liberator series immerses students in the true stories of WW2, told in a fictional style. For teens who enjoy a twist of fantasy with their history, Twist of Time (co-written with my son Nathan) explores 1945 Prague through a speculative lens, making it a great discussion starter on spiritual warfare.

• Writing and Electives: The best thing to help teens with writing is to encourage them to write as much as possible. I have my teens read books on writing and encourage them to start writing stories, poetry, and even journal entries. This helps them develop their unique writing style. For essay writing, we use the Lost Tools of Writing. It’s very clear and leads teens step by step to writing powerful essays.

Recommended Reading: Trust the Stars

This novel is ideal for teens who love dual-timeline stories. It weaves together the modern-day struggles of a teen in Little Rock with the historical heroism of Princess Alessandra Appiani in WWII Rome. It’s a wonderful tool for discussing how God’s faithfulness spans generations.

• Science: Apologia’s high school courses are rigorous and outstanding for college preparation. I highly recommend Exploring Creation with Marine Biology

Recommended Reading: Before You Meet Your Future Husband

This is a favorite for teen girls. Rather than just focusing on dating rules, it offers 30 questions and prayers to help young women prepare their hearts, minds, and character for future relationships, grounded in God’s love for them.

Remember that curriculum is a tool to serve your family. You do not have to check every single box in the teacher’s guide. 

Encouragement for the Parent

Remember that curriculum is a tool to serve your family. You do not have to check every single box in the teacher’s guide.

You might be looking at this list and feeling a mix of excitement and panic. That is completely normal! Please remember that these books and resources are just tools. They are meant to serve you, not rule over you.

If you buy a curriculum and it brings tears instead of joy, set it aside. If a book isn’t capturing your child’s heart, it is okay to close it and pick another. The freedom of homeschooling means you can pivot when something isn’t working.

"He tends his flock like a shepherd:
    He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
    he gently leads those that have young." - Isaiah 40:11

The most important curriculum you will ever teach is your own life.

Your children are learning from how you handle stress, how you apologize, and how you seek Jesus in the chaos. You do not need to be an expert in every subject. You simply need to be a faithful lead learner.

God chose you for your children. He knew exactly what they needed, and He placed them in your care for a reason. He promises to gently lead those who have young (Isaiah 40:11). Lean into that promise today.

Take a deep breath. Pour another cup of coffee. Trust that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.

You are doing a wonderful job, Momma.

Blessings,

Tricia

Additional Resources

Recommended video: The Number One Habit That Grew My Kids’ Faith

This discussion covers practical ways to handle the turbulent preteen years and build stronger relationships in your homeschool.

Recommended Reading: Homeschool Basics

Co-authored with my friend Kristi Clover, this book is the “mentor” I wish I had when I started. We cover the nitty-gritty of getting started, staying motivated, and organizing your homeschool without losing your joy. It is perfect for both new homeschoolers and veterans needing a reset.

So many Christians have Bible knowledge, but they don’t understand how to translate their beliefs into action. We go to Bible Study, and fill in the blanks in our homework. We listen to sermons, but we don’t realize the power of God’s Word. And yet—deep down—we feel as if something is missing.

The truth is simple but uncomfortable: Reading God’s Word was never meant to be the destination. Living it is. As Scripture says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22).

That single sentence changes everything. It’s the difference between knowing what God’s Word says and actually living what it commands.

When We Wander Instead of Walk

Life often feels like wandering through unfamiliar terrain. We wonder and wander without a plan or purpose. We follow the expected milestones—get married, find a career, buy a house, have children —yet still question if we’re headed in the right direction.

But what if the problem isn’t that God hasn’t revealed His will? What if it’s that we haven’t stepped into the instructions He already gave? God not only owns the mountainous terrain we call life’s journey, but He has set up markers to guide our path.

God’s Word is full of directives:

• Adopt the orphan
• Provide for the widow
• Pray for your enemies
• Treat others as you want to be treated
• Care for the needy

These aren’t suggestions for “super Christians.” They are guideposts to point us down the path of true, living and eternal life. When we ignore them, faith becomes theoretical—and eventually empty.

The Disconnect Between Heart and Feet

Many believers assume the solution to spiritual dissatisfaction is more Bible study or more reading. But knowledge alone cannot produce transformation. There is often a disconnect between our hearts and our feet.

We major on minor problems that consume us, and miss out on purposeful living. We fill out another homework lesson instead of stepping out to solve life’s big problems that Jesus wants to tackle through us.

And here’s the surprising truth: God doesn’t ask us to do more for Him. Instead, He wants us to let Him work in us, becoming vessels of blessing to those around us.

The Defining Moment: When Knowing Becomes Doing

Every believer eventually faces a defining moment. A nudge from God. An opportunity to serve. For me, it was when my pastor asked me to help start a crisis pregnancy center.

For many, the instinct is hesitation. I told my pastor I’d pray about it, deep down knowing full well that it was just a delay tactic. We tell ourselves lies like:

• “I just need to work harder.”
• “I need to wait on God’s timing” (the perfect procrastination technique!)
• “I’m not enough.”

But obedience rarely begins with confidence. It begins with a simple yes. One step of obedience can redirect an entire life—not because we are capable, but because God meets us there.

God Changes Us While He Uses Us

One of the most profound spiritual realities is this: God changes us as we help change others. To be a conduit of God’s love, one has to let His love in. And in the pouring out, another life is changed.

When we step into someone else’s pain, we aren’t just giving, but we are also receiving. We experience joy and amazement to see God at work again and again.

Your Past Is Not a Disqualification—It’s a Doorway

Many believers assume their failures make them unusable. But God often uses the very places that hurt us most. Why? Not because He wants to shame or embarrass us, but because the places that cut us to the core are the places we’ll be able to reach people who hurt in similar ways.

People trust us because they know we understand. God redeems not just our future—but our past.

Small Steps Create Eternal Impact

One of the enemy’s greatest lies is that obedience must be dramatic to matter. But Jesus Himself often focused on the individuals in the crowds. We see this clearly in the story of Zacchaeus found in Luke 19:1-10.

Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector who wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd, so he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree. When Jesus reached the spot, He looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5).

Jesus knew that, out of all the people in the crowd pressing around Him, only a few lives would be truly transformed by the end of the day, and that those would be the tax collector’s and his family’s. While the crowd grumbled that Jesus was the guest of a “notorious sinner,” Zacchaeus stood before the Lord, and a radical change occurred. He pledged to give half his possessions to the poor and pay back anyone he had cheated four times the amount.

It was Zacchaeus’ life that was changed. One conversation. One home visit. One life. And that life changed others.

The Secret to Purpose

Purpose is not found only by reading God’s Word and searching inward. It’s discovered by reading God’s Word and stepping outward.

When we obey God’s Word, we discover true purpose as we walk with God along the path.

Comfortable Christianity will never satisfy a heart created for mission. For people meant to stride with God, comfy doesn’t cut it. We were designed to walk with God—not just believe in Him.

A Simple Question

If you want to grow spiritually, ask yourself:

• When is the last time I knew I was right where I needed to be, doing exactly what God wanted me to do? 
• How can I get there again?

Then take one step. Not ten. Not perfect. Just one. Because purpose isn’t revealed all at once. It’s discovered one obedient step at a time.

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I remember the first time I looked at the price tag for a “complete, all-in-one” boxed curriculum. I did the math in my head—multiplying that number by the number of children I was homeschooling at the time—and I nearly fainted.

With a large family (including seven adopted children!), the idea of spending thousands of dollars every September was impossible. We had mouths to feed and a mortgage to pay.

I sat at my kitchen table, feeling that familiar knot of anxiety. If I can’t afford the shiny, shrink-wrapped box with the teacher’s manual and the manipulatives, am I shortchanging my kids?

The answer, I discovered, is a resounding NO.

In fact, some of our best homeschooling years were the “lean” years. We practically lived at the library. We checked out stacks of books on the Civil War, gardening, and solar systems until our library card was practically smoking. We used dry beans for math counters and explored nature for science. And do you know what? My kids didn’t just learn, they thrived. They learned that education isn’t something you buy; it’s something you seek.

Resource Highlight: Homeschool Basics

If you are looking for permission to step off the expensive curriculum treadmill, my book Homeschool Basics: How to Get Started, Keep Motivated, and Bring Out the Best in Your Kids is the deep breath you need.

Written with my friend Kristi Clover, we share the nitty-gritty of how to homeschool effectively without going bankrupt. We talk about finding resources, organizing on a dime, and focusing on what truly matters.

Save your sanity (and your wallet) and grab a copy here.

Expert Tips: The Art of the Swap

You don’t have to navigate the budget waters alone. Crystal Paine, known as the “Money Saving Mom” and a second-generation homeschooler, has built a career on this very topic. In her writings and advice to homeschool moms, she emphasizes three key pillars for budget homeschooling:

1. Shop Your Shelves First: Before buying anything new, look at what you already own. Re-read the classics. Use the encyclopedias you found at a garage sale.
2. Buy Used: Paine is a huge advocate for buying used curriculum. “Curriculum doesn’t expire,” she often reminds moms. A math book used by another child still teaches the same math. Sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and local homeschool curriculum swaps are goldmines.
3. The Library is Your Curriculum: You don’t need a textbook to teach history or science. You need books. As Paine suggests, you can build an entire unit study around free library books.

Citation: Paine, Crystal. “Money Saving Mom’s Guide to Homeschooling.”

Looking Deeper: Scarcity vs. Resourcefulness

Let’s consider what’s really happening when we panic about the budget.

It’s the Scarcity Mindset. It’s the shame-filled voice that whispers, “Good moms buy the expensive programs. If you really loved them, you’d find the money.” We equate “spending” with “caring.”

But here is the truth: Resourcefulness is a more valuable lesson than any textbook can provide.

When your children see you budgeting, hunting for deals, and using what you have creatively, you are teaching them a life skill that is far more valuable than a pristine workbook. You are teaching them that they are not defined by what they consume, but by what they create. You are modeling stewardship. Do not let the price tag of a curriculum determine your worth as a teacher. You are enough, even with a library card and a 99-cent notebook.

Tiny Habits for the Budget Mom

• The “Library Loop”: Designate one day a week as “Library Day.” Challenge your kids to find books on a specific topic (e.g., “birds” or “Ancient Rome”). It’s free research!
• The PDF Strategy: Many classic books and older curricula are available for free online as PDFs (check out sites like Ambleside Online). Download them to a tablet instead of printing them out to save on ink.
• The “School Supply” Stash: Shop the “Back to School” sales in July/August for 15-cent notebooks and penny glue sticks. Buy enough for the whole year (and then some) so you never have to pay full price in February.

Your Worth is Not in Your Wallet

Homeschooling is a journey of faith. It requires us to trust that God will provide exactly what our children need, right when they need it. You do not need a hefty bank account to give your children a world-class education. You simply need a willing heart and a library card.

When you feel the pressure to spend more to be more, remember that the best resources are often the ones that cost nothing: your time, your attention, and your love. As I wrote in Homeschool Basics, “You can homeschool well even if you don’t have a dedicated school room or a large budget” (Goyer & Clover, Homeschool Basics).

So, take a deep breath. Close the browser tabs filled with expensive wish lists. Look at the resources you already have in your hands and the children sitting at your table. That is enough.

You can do this.

Blessings,

Tricia

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your provision. When I look at my bank account and feel fear, remind me that You own the cattle on a thousand hills. Thank You that true wisdom comes from You, not a purchase. Give me a creative spirit to use the resources I have to teach my children well. Help us to be good stewards of what You have given us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

P.S. One of the best ways to stick to a budget is to utilize your local library! If you’d like to use my books in your homeschool but need to save pennies, I have created a printable list just for you. Simply print the list below (or save it to your phone) and take it to your librarian. Most libraries are happy to order books their patrons request, and it costs you absolutely nothing to fill your shelves with faith-based resources!

Download printable here.

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Need more ideas and advice on homeschooling? Pick up a copy of Homeschool Basics. Receive tried-and-true homeschool advice from veteran homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course. Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart. Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners.

Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live. Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer.

Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!

Writer’s Desk with Melanie Dickerson

Melanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author of happily-ever-after romance. She believes in love, laughter, afternoon tea, and the power of story.

With a million books sold and numerous awards, including two Christy Awards, two Golden Quills, a National Readers Choice Award, Christian Retailing’s Best, and Book Buyers’ Best Awards, her books have hit #1 in her category on the New York Times bestseller list.

When she’s not writing, Melanie can be found watching While You Were Sleeping for the hundredth time, cozying up to her handsome hero husband, or shaking her head at her slightly unhinged Jack Russell terrier. She lives in the beautiful foothills of the Appalachians near Huntsville, Alabama.

Connect with Melanie on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and BookBub, and subscribe to her newsletter.

More about The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins

My only remaining marriage prospects were the head gardener, the vicar, and the steward. But how could I marry any of them when I was in love . . . with Lord Brookhaven?

Charlotte Robbins accepts a governess position for the Earl of Brookhaven’s siblings despite rumors of the earl’s severe and mysterious demeanor. As a lowly governess, Charlotte entertains thoughts of possible romance with an eligible servant until she does fall unexpectedly in love–with the pensive earl himself.

But love does not mean a match is possible, and the earl’s friends warn Charlotte that if he were to fall for her, it would ruin him. Just as Charlotte resigns herself to the impossibility of her feelings, she receives news that she has inherited a fortune from a long-lost relative. Now thrust into London high society, Charlotte grapples with suitors vying for her attention, but her heart still belongs to the Earl of Brookhaven. As secrets unfold, she’s no longer certain if her newfound fortune is a blessing–or if it is the very thing that threatens the love she’s always longed for.

Purchase a copy of The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins.

Enter to Win a Copy of The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins

Q&A with Melanie Dickerson

ARCF: Can you share a little about The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins and the inspiration behind it?

MD: A governess falls in love with a mysterious earl, but their romance faces obstacles until she unexpectedly inherits a fortune in this sweet Regency romance.

The inspiration behind it, honestly, was Jane Eyre, which was one of my favorite novels when I was a teenager. I wanted to write a less-gothic story of an educated orphan teaching at the school whose only option for expanding her world was to become a governess. The hero is like Mr. Rochester in that he is wealthy and powerful and troubled, but he’s different in that he is morally good and kind. He also falls desperately in love with his young half-siblings’ governess. I liked thinking about what he would do, in his desperation to go against his social status and what was socially acceptable, in order to marry his “lowly governess,” and the consequences that would ensue.

ARCF: If Miss Robbins had a signature saying or motto, what would it be?

MD: Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

ARCF: Which character in the book surprised you the most while you were writing?

MD: Lady Rutledge. I meant for her to have a much smaller part, originally.

ARCF: What’s one scene in the novel that made you smile as you wrote it?

MD: The initial meeting of the hero and heroine was fun to write. They were surprised by each other—he was surprised that she was so forthright, intelligent, and genuinely concerned about him, and she was surprised to find him so vulnerable and honest and open.

ARCF: If you could step into one chapter and spend the day with your characters, which chapter would it be and why?

MD: I would love to be there with Charlotte Robbins when she moves to London and starts going to balls and discovering what it’s like to be independent and have her own money.

ARCF: Which character’s wardrobe would you most like to borrow?

MD: I would love to wear the lovely Regency gowns that ladies wore to balls. Then I would have to get dance lessons and actually go to balls. Their dances look so fun.

ARCF: What food or drink pairs perfectly with reading this novel?

MD: Hot tea pairs perfectly with reading any novel, in my opinion, but especially Regency romance. I have too many favorites to name them all, but I love Art of Tea’s White Coconut Crème. I’ve served it to several of my friends and they all rave over it.

ARCF: If Miss Robbins could give modern readers one piece of advice, what would it be?

MD: Never give up on your dreams—and especially if your dream is true love.

ARCF: What part of writing this book felt the most magical to you?

MD: Probably the early interactions between Charlotte Robbins and Lord Brookhaven. It was fun to see them getting to know each other, being delightfully surprised by the other’s quirks and conversations.

ARCF: If your readers could remember just one feeling after finishing this book, what do you hope it is?

MD: I hope they will remember feeling the joy that life can turn out well, that dreams can come true, and that we all have talents and characteristics that will draw our significant someone into falling in love with us.

ARCF: And finally, can you share what you have coming up next?

MD: I have two more Regency romances in the queue. The next one, A Mismatch Made in London, releases August 4^th and is a fun enemies-to-lovers story. Then I have another Regency romance that I haven’t quite finished the rough draft and doesn’t have a title, but it’s a second chance romance story that I think is going to be extremely romantic, reminiscent of my swoony Medieval romances. If you know, you know.

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