Do you forget Mother’s day each year? As May comes around, I often forget the special day in which I need to be thankful for my mother—Mother’s Day. 

It’s no wonder that the modern holiday itself was started by mothers. Before that, there were ancient cultures that showed maternal appreciation spanning as far back as Greek and Roman times.

However, the origin of Mother’s Day can be traced back to 1860s America. There, an individual named Ann Reeves Jarvis started groups in West Virginia to help keep families healthy and save babies’ lives. 

Later, she made a special day to help families who were on different sides of the Civil War get along again. Then, her daughter, Anna Jarvis campaigned for a National Mother’s Day for her and all other moms. It wasn’t until 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson officially made the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

With all the talk of mother appreciation, Mother’s Day is something each of us can celebrate to respect and love our mothers. 

Have you shown appreciation to your mother?

CH

This is the month to travel to a faraway kingdom.

Even if it’s by accident! 

On May 20, I’ll be releasing Accidentally Royal, a sweet romance set on an island in the English Channel. The fictitious island kingdom is called Kimbledon and it is modeled after the beautiful islands of Jersey and Guernsey. 

If you love to travel, you’ll love reading about the country that, as our hero Jamie says,

“has a little bit of everything. Mountains on two sides, bright green pastures throughout, and the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Cliffs with amazing views of the channel."

With “an urban feel in our capital, Kimbledon Town, and rural charm in the many villages scattered throughout. 

“Our symphony orchestra is the best in the world, but just as beautiful is the sound of the bells on our cattle in the meadow, the lovely melody carried by the wind.

“The water gives us mild temperatures so that we have blooming flowers all year round in all different varieties and species."

His voice softened. “It really is a magical place.”

Make sure you visit the incredible island of Kimbledon on May 20 with Accidentally Royal. It won’t be an accident when you fall in love with the setting, the people, and the accidentally royal princess, Lillian.

For more on Accidentally Royal as well as information on other sweet romance and Christian fiction titles, click here. 

M.M.

I don’t know if there are a lot of people like us whose text threads are mostly:

Wed at 6:37 PM

Malinda: Dinner

Thu at 6:44 PM

Malinda: Dinner

Fri at 7:00 PM

Malinda: Dinner

Sat at 6:31 PM

Malinda: Dinner

Texting is the modern-day triangle. (For those who have never been to a farm, a triangle is often used as a dinner bell to signal the start of a meal because they are loud and distinct, durable and cost-effective and can be hung anywhere and add a rustic charm to a space.)

But on occasion, our thread contains my wife texting from bed, SIX FEET AWAY, because she can’t get my attention, because I’m staring intently at an iPad with noise cancelling headphones on, and because I’m oblivious to the hand waiving and name calling taking place right there in the same room.

No question… modern technology has affected our lives.

However; in our case, with the advance in years, chances are with my eyesight and hearing I wouldn’t see or hear her even without the headphones on, so I say thank goodness for modern technology.

Biff