Another year is almost over, and I bet it has gone just as quick for you as it has for us. As you know, this year was big one for the family. In February, we finally found a new home after more than a year and a half of searching and waiting. Then, we moved just after Easter and took our time to settle in, find a new church family and begin to fit in with the community. We’ve learned to adapt to a different landscape and lifestyle and … we are truly enjoying it, although this enjoyment doesn’t come without its challenges. Such as: how do you look after 1.4 hectares after having just moved from 300sqm of land? Who do you turn to in an emergency when your family and closest friends are over four hours’ drive away? Why aren’t my cucumbers growing?

We are getting used to the really loud cicadas and many other birds singing throughout the day, as well as the dark nights and deep hush of living away from the city. In the colder months, kangaroos visited our lawns early in the mornings, their “trademarks” (poop) adding another chore to my husband’s list. And we thought they were very cute … until they started eating the blueberries.

On writing … I have been MIA from social media in the last two months trying to finish a Contemporary Christian Romance novella — and I am almost finished the first draft … at 60,000 words! Yes, there will be ruthless slashing when the time for editing comes. I don’t think I will have anything ready for publishing in the coming year, but definitely lots of work to be done in a couple of projects (even while balancing other work and learning the ways of regional living … and making the most of this blessing!)

I am looking for some books to read throughout 2024. So, if you are a writer, let me know if you’d like me to review one of your upcoming releases (or a not-so-new book that you’d like to promote), and which month you’re looking to release/promote. I hope to showcase 1 book a month via social media, and 3 each season via newsletter.

I’d like to leave you with this beautiful image I found on the internet while searching for photos for my (paid) job. 

I just cannot get past the story of Christmas without seeing the full picture: that our glorious King came humbly as a baby … so that He could die for our sins, conquer death and promise us eternal life.

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2024!