February 2025

Author Update

Life has been throwing some serious hurdles our way. I won’t sugarcoat it—I’m overwhelmed. Balancing a full-time job, being a mom, a wife, and trying to edit this monster of a novel, Blood of the Forgotten, is a lot. The final phase is active, and soon, I’ll be able to focus on formatting and getting it ready for print. Indie-publishing is no small feat, and money is tight. Every resource has to be used wisely, and I cannot even begin to thank those who have read it and offered their suggestions to help make this book even better. They saw the potential, and I cannot wait to show them—and all of you—the final product.

I also want to be transparent with everyone following this journey. Right now, it feels like nothing is happening. My attempts at building a community seem to flop. I reach out to fellow authors for the newsletter’s spotlight segment, and… crickets. It’s discouraging. But I feel it—there is change in the air. This year, big things will happen. I have faith. And it’s not just change that will benefit my family; it’s a blessing that will be shared. When God gives a blessing, you share it. That’s exactly what we plan to do.

Will Blood of the Forgotten be a hit? I don’t know. Will Turn Another Page Newsletter build a thriving community? No clue. But my family is open for God to use us, and I trust He will.

With everything happening, I have to take a break from publishing bi-weekly chapters of Heart Box Amulet. Right now, there’s just too much going on. I barely have time to read for myself—which is absolutely necessary for all writers!—and my family needs me, too. Maybe one day, I’ll pick it back up. For now, the existing chapters will stay on the website for when that time comes (as of now, there isn’t much of an audience for it anyway).

Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey. Stay safe, take care of yourselves, and Happy Valentine’s Day! If you’d like to support this growing community, consider picking up a copy of Rily’s Perfect Purpose—you can find it in the Books tab on the website.

Snack Attack: Love on a Plate

It is February, which means it is the month of loooooove. Let's swap out the usual snack for something a little fancier—without breaking the bank (or our health goals). Whether you are spending Valentine’s Day with a partner, a friend or even a book/TV show/movie, I say you ditch the overpriced restaurant meals and whip up a simple, romantic dinner at home that’s both healthy and easy to make!

💖 Heart-y Stuffed Peppers – Red bell peppers stuffed with a savory mix of quinoa, lean ground turkey, tomatoes, and spices. Bonus points if you cut the peppers into little heart shapes before roasting!

🍣 DIY Sushi Night – Grab some sushi-grade salmon or cooked shrimp, avocado, cucumber, and rice. Roll ‘em up, slice ‘em, and impress your Valentine with your roll-mantic skills.

🥗 Strawberry Spinach Salad – Fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, feta cheese, and candied pecans, drizzled with a light balsamic vinaigrette. Sweet, tangy, and full of love.

🍫 Chocolate-Dipped Anything – Strawberries, bananas, pretzels—dip ‘em in dark chocolate for an easy, romantic dessert that still feels indulgent without going overboard.

No matter what’s on your plate this Valentine’s Day, remember: food made with love just tastes better. So light some candles and enjoy a cozy, love-filled meal at home!

Giggles & Groans

Happy Valentine's Day, ya filthy animals

Verses and Victories: Walking Through the Valley

You may find yourself walking through a valley—a place of struggle, doubt, and exhaustion. It’s a heavy season, but you’re not alone in feeling this way. Here’s the truth: this valley will not last forever. God is walking beside us, guiding us to the other side, where light and hope await.

I find so much encouragement in Psalm 27, but one part brings me strength is verses 13-14:

"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

If you’re in a hard season, I encourage you to reflect on these questions:

• In what ways has God shown His faithfulness in your life before?

• How can you shift your focus from fear to faith today?

• Who in your life might need encouragement, and how can you lift them up?

This season is difficult, but hold on. Keep praising Him, even in the struggle (sometimes just listening to KB, Zauntee, Social Club Misfits, Rare of Breed, etc. help me find my voice to praise and raise my hands to the sky, remembering Who is in charge), because better days are coming. We are not alone, and His plan is greater than anything we can imagine.