Last week I gave a keynote at a plenary session to approximately 350 court staff from across the state of Indiana on customer service and why they matter. As I left, I thought back to 12-year-old me who sat in a hearing room at the Nebraska Unicameral and was so impacted watching attorneys with a national advocacy organization testify on behalf of families like mine. Even at 12 I noted the difference in the way the state senators paid attention to the words spoken by attorneys versus the testimony of others.

I decided then I wanted my words to matter.

That experience was truly transformative.

Sometimes as I look at my bookshelves, I’m amazed at how that desire for my words to matter has turned out. There are moments when that will come back to me so clearly. Sometimes it’s when I’m teaching. Other times it’s when I’m staring at the computer monitor wondering how to fix a scene. Or it might be looking at what I had hoped would be one published book. This is a few of them.

My life today is formed by words whether teaching, speaking, or writing books. I chose my education and jobs based on words and impact.

Do you ever wonder who is being transformed by watching you? Those attorneys had no idea a young person was sitting in the gallery because her mom was making her and being influenced toward a future direction and career. Someone may be watching you today.

That challenges me — and excites me.

Now for some more fun bookish news… I’m participating in a 12 Days of Christmas in July Reader Giveaway.

CELEBRATION RUNS JULY 20-31! Sign up open now!

This month I’m participating in a Christmas in July giveaway with my September Christmas novella collection from Kregel. I’m so excited about this book which has my writing a novella surrounding the Monuments Men immediately after World War II. As part of this giveaway, I’ll be giving away copies of the collection and the ornament from the cover that I bought while in Germany last year. It’s easy to be part of the fun, so I wanted to make sure you had all the details!

• • Each day during the celebration (July 20-31), you’ll get an email from Sarah Hamaker about that day’s Christmas books by Christian authors.

• • Daily winners will be selected to receive a print book and Christmas-themed goodie from that day’s participating authors. Christmas goodies include ornaments, teas/coffees, jewelry, tree skirt, craft kit, kitchen towels, keychains, bells and figurines, many made by the author herself!

• • On August 1, a grand prize winner will be selected to receive a copy (ebook or print) of each participating author’s book plus a $400 Amazon gift card.

Join the fun by clicking the image above or by clicking this link.

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is a beautiful blend of Regency perfection. Take equal parts lost love, old ancesteral home, wounded widow, and a mystery that could destroy the hope of a future and you have a story I couldn’t walk away from. Add in secrets and love and it was perfect on so many levels. I have long been a fan of Sarah Ladd’s atmospheric words that transport me to Jane Austen’s England and In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is exhibit A for why. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book. You won’t be disappointed.

Because of a shipping error from Sarah’s publisher I ended up with a case of In the Shelter of Hollythorne House. It released this week, and I have a few to giveaway. I thought I’d start by offering one here. Be sure to use this link to enter.

Have you preordered your copy of Come What May yet? 

This summer I’m part of this three book collection — it’s very loosely connected. Stay with Me released at the end of June and is selling like hotcakes. Through Every Danger releases July 18th, so you still have a few days to get it at the great pre-release price of $3.99 for four full-length novels. And then on August 22, Come What May releases, which contains Art of Deception by moi. I love Charlotte’s story and hope you do, too. And a little secret – she’s in next year’s novel, too.

Eight years ago she ran to safety. Now Charlotte Montgomery’s past has caught up with her.  Artist Charlotte Montgomery lost everything eight years ago to protect her son. She’s built a safe life to protect him, and now her past has caught up with her She’ll do anything to bring down her ex.

When an Italian crime family reappears in her life determined to make her participate in their money-laundering scheme, she’s determined to end it even if it means pretending she’s a willing participant. When Charlotte’s past and present collide, it threatens everything she’s built and it’s a race to survive. Grab your preorder of Come What May for $3.99 before it releases on August 22.