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Swimming Came In First!
Unlike Izzy at the beginning of the story, Swimming in the Deep End won the race, bringing home the OCW Cascade Award for contemporary fiction!
To say this shocked me is just not enough. While the award itself is a huge honor, being a finalist with Carrie Stuart Parks and Jane Rubietta was a thrill.
One of my favorite things about the Cascade Awards are the way they are announced. Instead of just reading the name of the winner, one of the hosts (Jim Rubart), reads the first line, then the title and author.
Of all my books, I know the beginning of Swimming the best, but even as I was walking toward the stage I found myself wondering if Carrie Stuart Parks had a similar first line. That’s silly for so many reasons, only one of which is that I’ve read all of her books an obviously would have noticed if one of them started out like one of mine. UGH!
The air in the spectator area of Brownsburg High’s swimming pool is nothing short of heavy, but there’s a safety in the thickness. An illusion in the midst of the humidity lulls me into a belief that my daughter is safe, protected from the evil of the world. Maybe that’s why I push her to compete. Maybe that’s why I can breathe in the moisture-rich environment other mothers dread. ~Swimming in the Deep End
Anyway, thank you OCW. This organization has supported and encouraged me for years. They’ve honored me and allowed me to serve on staff. They teach me and challenge me. I’m forever grateful.
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More Than We Remember – Cover Reveal
Cover Reveal!
One night changes everything for three women. . . .
When Addison Killbourn’s husband is involved in a car accident that leaves a woman dead, her perfectly constructed life crumbles apart. With her husband’s memory of that night gone and the revelation of a potentially life-altering secret, Addison has to reevaluate all she thought she knew.
Emilia Cruz is a deputy bearing a heavy burden far beyond the weight of her job. Her husband is no longer the man she married, and Emilia’s determined to prevent others from facing the same hardship. When she’s called to the scene of an accident pointing to everything she’s fighting against, she’s determined to see justice for those wronged.
Brianne Demanno is hiding from reality. She was thriving as a counselor, but when tragedy struck a beloved client, she lost faith in herself and her purpose. When her neighbors, the Killbourns, are thrown into crisis, Brianne’s solitary life is disrupted and she finds herself needed in a way she hasn’t been in a while.
As the lives of these women intersect, they can no longer dwell in the memory of who they’ve been. Can they rise from the wreck of the worst moments of their lives to become who they were meant to be?
Pre-order here!
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Binnenkort verkrijgbaar! I think that means, “Coming soon in Dutch!”
I’m so thrilled that If We Make It Home has been picked up by a wonderful Dutch publisher. The Dutch title is If We Survive. And the cover, wow! It’s so beautiful.
Thank you to everyone at Royal Jongbloed for making this happen!
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Merry Christmas!
Christmas reminds me of all I have to be thankful for, especially the birth of Jesus!
This year, at the Nelson Farm, excitement seems to be higher than usual.
It’s been a crazy year with some serious losses, like my father passing away in May. We also lost a dear friend and another family member. While it’s tough, sometimes overwhelming, I’m trying to remember the good times we shared and not let the shadow of grief rule the season.
There were some less serious losses too. My appendix is off to wherever thrown out organs end up. I can no longer say I have all my original parts, but after that pain, I’m okay with the goodbye.
I did not lose any pounds, so, oh well.
There were also some gains. I’m not really talking about my weight here, but yes, it does fit, unlike some of my clothes.
Two sweet kiddos joined the Nelson Clan. While this addition was unexpected, it has been a surprise blessing. For now, we don’t know how long we’ll have this honor, but we’re thanking God day by day.
With kids come goats? We’d been talking about getting a goat for a year or so, but when a sweet seven-year old gets so excited about the possibility, suddenly you can find yourself with three goats. They’re cute little Pygmy goats who are impossible to keep contained. Their favorite hobby seems to be escaping their pen and eating the steer’s food. He doesn’t act as though he minds.
And, of course, I was blessed to add a new book in 2018! Swimming in the Deep End released in September and has been given wonderful reviews. Thank you so much to all my readers and reviewers. You have been a wonderful encouragement this year.
As usual, the Nelson Farm is full of craziness and fun. I don’t imagine we’ll see a lot of boring this coming year either, and that’s just fine with me. We’re looking forward to the adventures 2019 will bring.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Christina
