Linda Ludwik took twelve ladies on a tour of author homes from Surfside Beach to Pawleys Island, South Carolina. Each host was asked to share their home office, provide a light snack, and talk about their journey as an author.
The ladies were delightful, and I wanted to share a little bit about their stop at my home.
One focus of the tour was author offices. It was fun to show off my workspace, my story boards, my book binder, research books and other things in my office. I feel blessed to have such a nice workspace, and it was a joy to share it.
Let me know if you’ve ever been on an author tour. What was it like?
Janet Ferguson and I became friends years ago at the beginning of our writing journeys. We’ve both had ups and downs, but I’m excited to share that Janet’s twelth book is about to release.
Michael Galloway has always believed freedom means living life on his own terms. His career is dedicated to saving the environment and teaching others the importance of taking care of the earth, rivers, and oceans. He’s building a life with no room for complications. Especially in his love life.
Then tragedy turns April Yancy’s world upside down.
After her husband’s death, April discovers he’d been hiding devastating secrets, leaving her buried in debt and struggling to protect her children’s future. The last person she expects to come to her rescue is Michael—the man who shattered her heart years ago.
Michael has few regrets, but hurting April back in grad school still haunts him. When her situation grows desperate, he devises a risky plan to help her rebuild her life…even if it means jeopardizing his carefully guarded independence.
Accepting Michael’s shocking offer could cost April more than her pride. His resistance to her faith clashes with the convictions she holds dear, and trusting him again feels impossible. Yet as doors keep opening and her prayers keep nudging her toward him, April begins to wonder if God is offering her a second chance at more than survival.
An emotional second-chance love story of forgiveness, redemption, and unexpected faith.
On July 2, I’ll be taking over at the Cozy Mystery Party Facebook Group at 7pm ET. I’ll share about Bleeding Heart Librarian because it opens around the 4th of July. I hope you can join the fun, and there will be a prize.
And on July 26, I’ll be participating in Booked for the Beach. My Sister’s Books and Gifts is sponsoring the event. More details to come. https://www.mysistersbooks.com/
Last weekend, I participated in Malice Domestic. It was wonderful to see old friends and make new friends. We were all there to talk about mysteries. There were panels, Malice Go Round, auctions, meals with friends, and awards. Congratulations to the Agatha winners.
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I think most of us go home still longing for more.
But we are home, and it’s time to look forward to the Moveable Feast hosted by CLASS ~ Community Learning About Special Subjects.
This past weekend, I participated in Art Under the Oaks. Tim joined me as well as my sister-in-law, Carol, and niece, Kelli.
Next up? Malice Domestic 2026. Stay tuned for more information.
I’ll be on a panel Friday, April 24, at 3:00 PM. I’ll also join the Murder, They Write group for breakfast on Saturday morning. If you’re going to Malice, please join us. More information to follow.
On May, 5, I’ll be speaking at Seaview Inn for the Moveable Feast. Here’s the information:
Author: Jackie Layton Date/Time: Tuesday 05/05/2026 at 11:00 AM Book: Killer Secrets, An Organized Crime Cozy Mystery Synopsis: Speed dating sabotage? Or straight-up murder? Kate Sloan’s best friend, Bess Walker, decides to try speed dating and convinces Kate to go with her for moral support. The night of the event is filled with many emotions. Excitement, hope, jealousy, fear, greed, and even anger. Emotions spiral out of control for one person. Before the second round, the event’s host is murdered. Kate will use her skills at organizing, list-making, and questioning to try and solve the murder. Can she unravel the mystery before the killer leaves town for the next weekend of singles events? Restaurant: Sea View Inn
I’d love to see you at any, or all, of these events!
Last week, I met some wonderful people on a quick trip to St. Simons, Georgia. I’ve been there before, and it was just as special. Maybe because I lived in Georgia for ten years, it kinda feels like home. The azaleas were blooming, and it was beautiful.
We climbed the lighthouse and visited the World II Home Front Museum. It was fascinating, and I wish we’d had more time there.
For years, the lighthouse keepers lived in the house and kept the light shining. It was a lonely job, and reading books was one thing that helped fight the boredom.
Back in Pawleys Island, I participated in the Local Authors Fair at the Waccamaw Library. I met so many nice authors, readers, and volunteers. I also had some friends stop by, which made it even more fun. Thank you to all the organizers and volunteers for making this a great event.
One more fun note, Tim got so many comments on the shirt we had made. One lady started calling him, “I’m with Jackie,” instead of Tim.
I hope you are having an amazing Christmas season! To make it even better, I have a special giveaway just for you! I have joined Celebrate Lit and several other authors to bring you the Merry Christmas Readers Giveaway. You have a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card and over 45 books.
Don’t miss your chance to enter! Just click the link below!
Killer Secrets is the third book in An Organized Crime Cozy Mystery series.
Speed dating sabotage?
Or straight-up murder?
Kate Sloan’s best friend, Bess Walker, decides to try speed dating and convinces Kate to go with her for moral support.
The night of the event is filled with many emotions. Excitement, hope, jealousy, fear, greed, and even anger. Emotions spiral out of control for one person.
Before the second round, the event’s host is murdered.
Kate will use her skills at organizing, list-making, and questioning to try and solve the murder. Can she unravel the mystery before the killer leaves town for the next weekend of singles events?
If you’re interested in some fun Christmas bookish activities, I’ll participate in a few this week.
Tuesday, December 2, I’ll participate in Murder, They Write’s Christmas Party on Facebook. It will be a lot of fun and there will be prizes.
I’ll be blogging at 1:00 ES and live at 6:00 ES. But join us whenever you can.
If you’re in the Pawleys Island area, I’ll participate in Shine Bright, Friday night, at the Presbyterian church. Please stop by and say hi.
Then on Saturday, at 3:30 ES, I’ll be hosting at the Cozy Mystery Party Holiday Party.
If you’re not familiar with A Bookish Moment, it was created by two of my favorite people, Sarah E. Burr and J.C. Kenney. They are fun, and we’ll have a wonderful time.
Saturday, October 18, I’ll be an author at the Outer Banks Book Festival. It’s not too late to plan to attend. Here’s some information, including a list of authors attending.
There will be giveaways, swag, and lots of books!
Be sure to stop by and see me if you make it to the festival.
Jackie Layton 