I’m Melissa Alyse, I write stories and send letters that feel like we are hanging out on the front porch together with sweet tea and a hug and with reminders that God chose you, loves you, and isn’t finished with your story yet.
What I’m reading lately + a book update
|
Hey friend! Happy February—can you believe it already?! I wanted to pop into your inbox today with a few bookish updates… because if you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like finding your next great read. 😊 First, an update: The entire Willow Creek series is now available as a single ebook box set. If you’ve been meaning to work your way through the series—and you enjoy reading on your phone or Kindle—this makes it wonderfully simple. You can get it here. Second, I’m excited to share another Christian author with you—Sequoyah Branham. She writes fiction stories centered around life on a ranch. You can learn more about her in an interview I did with her, here and you can check out her books here. Also, just a heads up, when I share other Christian authors, unless I say I’ve read their books, I probably haven’t yet. I simply love supporting other Christian authors and helping us all discover faith-filled stories along the way. ❤️ And with all the book talk in this email today, I thought y’all might enjoy knowing what I’m reading these days. In the Bible, I’m in Luke right now, today was Luke 5. I was struck by how Jesus gave Peter the best fishing day of his life… and then said, “Come with me it's gonna get even better.” (Melissa paraphrase 😉) God is just so good, isn’t He?! I usually read fiction before bed, and right now my favorite author is Denise Hunter. Her stories are light, fluffy, comforting, and completely enjoyable—perfect when you just want to exhale and enjoy a good story. And she’s a Christian too. 🙌 My favorites so far have been Bookshop by the Sea and A Novel Proposal… and I’m just about to start the Second Story Bookshop. Whew! This email has a bit in it today! 😅 Hope you have an amazing week, sweet Reader. And just between us… there’s something new arriving in Willow Creek in March 👀 (LOL, anyone else think of the Whispering Fence blog from book 2, Letting Go of Perfect, when you saw those eyeballs?🙋♀️😅) Anyhoo, more details coming next week, I can’t wait to share! Grace + hugs, P.S. What’s been a favorite book of yours recently? Reply back and let me know—you know I’d love to hear! 😁🤗❤️
|
Melissa Alyse, Author
I’m Melissa Alyse, I write stories and send letters that feel like we are hanging out on the front porch together with sweet tea and a hug and with reminders that God chose you, loves you, and isn’t finished with your story yet.
Hey sweet friend, I was out on the porch swing this morning, spending my time with the Lord. As I sat watching the light slowly rise, a sparrow landed on the railing—light, unbothered… as if it had every reason in the world to be right there. I smiled without even realizing it, watching for a moment before it lifted off again. And that little sparrow has stayed with me in my heart all day. I’ve been walking through Luke in my quiet time, and as I watched it fly off, I was reminded of Luke...
Hey there, sweet friend, Not long ago I had the sweetest conversation with Stephanie O’Neal on her podcast, Authors Amplified. We chatted about the winding path that brought me here — from homeschooling mom to empty nester, from Texas to Alaska — and how the Lord has gently led this whole grace-filled writing journey. We also talked about something that surprises people: I’ve walked this entire author season without being on social media… and how much unexpected freedom that decision has...
Hey sweet friend, Ready for this month's wordsearch + recipe? Download them here. Inside you'll find a cozy word search inspired by Books & Buried Secrets AND Ethel Sue's (aka my family's) peach cobbler recipe. Now I will warn you, it is super good, but when I went to verify the recipe with my mama about the recipe she said to double the bisquick and use a 9x13 pan, and pour juice with the peach - ok I feel good that you have been warned, but I love the way I make it too. Is your family like...