Fun on the FridgeFront!

RRichards1-ed 544KB 300resToday, I’m honored to be a guest on Ramona’s FridgeFront, the creative blog of author, editor, and speaker, Ramona Pope Richards.

From her blog:

Sticking here whatever appeals to me, just as I would to the front of a refrigerator. Part journal, part scrapbook, it’ll be a collection of ramblings, reviews, book excerpts, photos, devotionals, links to other stuff. It won’t always be sweet or inspirational or even fun. Sorta like life.

In her interview, I share the story behind my new release, Smack-Dab in the Midlife Zone and why the book is dedicated to the memory of my sweet grandmother.

I invite you to hop over to Ramona’s blog for the interview and to hang around and explore her much-adorned fridgefront!

Blessings and joy,

Leigh Ann 🙂

Book Release Day

Today is the day! (June 10, 2019)

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Smack-Dab in the Midlife Zone—Inspiration for Women in the Middle is now available!

The infamous middle years:

  • Children move through school, fly the coop, and return home bringing more children
  • “Natural” highlights are—in reality—gray hairs
  • Clothes-shopping in Juniors brings guilt and undergarments get sturdier
  • Children need us less, parents need us more
  • Questions abound: Who is that woman in the mirror? What is my purpose? Where do I fit in? What now, Lord?

Over 40? No problem. With joy and transparency, Smack-Dab in the Midlife Zone uses scripture, prayer, and the power of story to show women in midlife how being smack-dab in the middle of God’s plans and purposes is the best place to be.

With the Lord’s guidance, this packed-with-transition life season can be infused with growth, discovery, and edge-of-your-seat adventure!


Special thanks to my sisters in the faith who shared their hearts and their stories for this manuscript. You bring beauty and passion to midlife!

All honor and glory to the One Who makes each breath possible. Thank you, Jesus. I love You.

And to you, my fellow midlife travelers, join me as we explore this crazy-unique life season—and as we seek God’s heart every step of the way!

Blessings and joy,

Leigh Ann 🙂

 

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19).

 

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Book Cover Reveal!

Last summer, I shared news of a new book on the horizon. And now, after an intense year of writing, praying, rewriting, editing, and more praying, we’re close to launch!

In the curious journey of bringing a manuscript to life, the much-anticipated glimpse of the final book cover is rather thrilling for an author, and I’m so excited to share the fun.

Smack-Dab in the Midlife Zone will release mid-to-late June (high-pitched squeal)!

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Over 40? No problem. With joy and transparency, Smack-Dab in the Midlife Zone uses scripture, prayer, and the power of story to show women in midlife how being smack-dab in the middle of God’s plans and purposes is the best place to be.

With the Lord’s guidance, this packed-with-transition life season can be infused with growth, discovery, and edge-of-your-seat adventure!

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19).

Many thanks to Elk Lake Publishing Inc., specifically Editor-in-Chief Deb Haggerty, editor Sue Fairchild, and graphic designer Derinda Babcock, for using their gifts and talents to help bring this work to life.

All glory to God, the Author of creativity.

More details coming soon!

Blessings and joy,

Leigh Ann 🙂

The Thread of Hope

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As you go about your day, each step is weighted, and placing one foot in front of the other requires intense effort.  A smile may graze your lips, but it fails to reach your eyes.

Your heart carries the burdens of life—disappointment, loss, betrayal. You want to reach for the light. You want to feel healthy and whole.

You long to live. To breathe.

But you feel mired in a never-ending river of muck. Life seems…dark. And no matter how hard you search, you can’t find the blasted light switch. Continue reading

Great Reads (and Gifts!)

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Ah, the written word.

There’s nothing like the combination of a good book, a cup of java, and a quiet corner.

Books are my favorite gifts to give (and receive!). I love short stories and novels that exercise my imagination, volumes that make me think, study, and ponder, and everything in between.

This week I’m highlighting four 2017 releases.  Jess, The Mess and The Wish I Wished Last Night are exciting reads for middle school and early high school, and Renewed and Still Waters are adult non-fiction and fiction respectively. Something for everyone!

Enjoy a preview of each book and meet their talented, Christ-honoring authors. Continue reading

Happy Fall, Y’all!

img_2688editI know, cheesy title. But this time of year is simply wonderful! Especially for southern gals.

Bright yellow mums, cotton fields, cooler temps, less humidity, pumpkins, football games, and our favorite cozy sweaters beckon us to jump into the new season with joy.

Perhaps my favorite thing about autumn is the explosion of color. God paints the earth with myriad hues of red, orange, yellow, brown, and gold. Enough to make us breathless with wonder.  Continue reading

Weddings and Romance

“Did you know it’s possible to unload a dishwasher while holding a book in one hand? Books are like friends. You can never have too many, and good ones grow better over time.”

NormaGailThese are the words of contemporary Christian romance author, Norma Gail. At a recent writer’s conference, I so enjoyed meeting her and this week I have the privilege of being interviewed by Norma Gail on her website, 2Me from Him, about my new book, Ribbons, Lace, and Moments of Grace.

Her latest release, Land of My Dreams (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas), is a contemporary Christian romance set in New Mexico and Scotland.

From the author’s website:  Continue reading

Seeds of Inspiration

Happy spring! Yay, sunshine!

This week, I have the honor of being featured in an interview with historical fiction author, Elaine Marie Cooper. During the publishing process for Ribbons, Lace, and Moments of Grace, Elaine was an amazing source of prayerful support and wisdom. She is also a fellow columnist with Almost An Author where she encourages writers on their writing journeys.

From her website:  Continue reading