As we near the end of another year and much in our world continues to be in turmoil, I’m trying to focus on good things that have happened for me in 2023.

I hope you can do the same and celebrate blessings large or small.

Lake life

Our new lakeside cottage is a year-round place of peace and tranquillity, and I’m grateful for and cherish the special family memories we’re making there.

He alth

With help from my nurse practitioner, doctor and respiratory therapist, my asthma is under control.

And after dealing with various post-Covid symptoms since June, to my great relief the most concerning issue is now resolved.

Family and friends

Visits with family and friends, both online and in person, have supported, renewed and refreshed me in life and writing.

Writing

Through difficult times this year, my British literary agent has been a great source of encouragement as have author friends.

For 2024, I’m excited to start new projects and share new books with you.

First up is The Cowgirl Nanny, fourth in my Montana Carters miniseries for Harlequin Heartwarming in April (now available for pre-order in paperback or e-book, except in the UK).

Hope

If you read my blog regularly, you know that ‘hope’ has been my word for 2023. While life has knocked me down often this year, it’s also been a year when by living with hope I found it in return.

Looking towards 2024, I continue to keep an open heart and hold to hope to give me strength, find unexpected blessings and appreciate the promise and joy a new year brings.

Thank you for being part of my life and writing and wishing those of you who celebrate a happy holiday season and good things—and books—in 2024.

As for those 2024 books? One I’m excited about is my friend Rosey Lee’s debut, The Gardins of Edin, out on January 9.

It is receiving excellent advance reviews, and I know I’ll be engrossed by this heartwarming, contemporary women’s fiction story of an American Southern family, sisterhood and secrets.

Find out more about The Gardins of Edin on Rosey’s website here.

There’s also chance to win a gorgeous “Gardin Goodies Box” (US & Canada only) here.

I’m taking a break from blogging to enjoy Christmas and New Year with Tech Guy, English Rose and Floppy Ears, but will return with a new post the week of January 8.