And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 
– Luke 2: 8-11

“Do not be afraid.” Those were the first words the angel spoke to the shepherds. Those same words are resonating with me right now, at a time when our world is unstable and uncertain and there’s so much we could be afraid of. This is the season to rejoice. Do not be afraid. Be filled with great joy that our Messiah has redeemed us—and that He’s going to return again in glory, just as He promised!  We are so blessed to have that assurance. I hope you will let the miracle of Christmas renew your faith and fill you with the peace that passes all understanding—until He comes again.

What’s New?

This past year has flown by, and I’ve had two new releases—False Pretenses and Dangerous Mercy—both CBA bestsellers, and that’s very exciting! The Secrets of Roux River Bayou Series has been incredibly well received and the third book, Relentless Pursuit, will release in May of 2012. So mark your calendars! It promises to be another page turner with all kinds of surprises!

Book Signings

During 2011, I did numerous book signings  in Texas at LifeWay and Mardel Stores and also at LifeWay in Shreveport, Louisiana. A new phenomenon for me is being able to meet Facebook friends at book signings! What fun! I have met scores of you and can now put the faces and names together. I get energized talking to fans about my stories and hearing how they have impacted you! You are the reason I do what I do and I love every chance to see you face to face.

Future Books

Good news: I have contracted with D. C. Cook Publishers to do two more suspense trilogies. The first will be Tales of Foggy Ridge, which will be set in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. This first of two trilogies will come on the heels of the Cajun series, so check my website for details in the months ahead. I’m so excited to be able to stay with Cook. I love the partnership I’ve enjoyed with these wonderful people in Colorado Springs.

From Kathy’s Lens

You’ve probably figured out by now that I love photography as much as I love writing! I keep my camera next to my computer while I write my novels so I don’t miss any photo ops outside my window! I thought you might enjoy seeing some of my favorite shots I took this past year while writing the Secrets of Roux River Bayou series.

The highlight for me was the immature Cooper’s hawk (#4 center) that landed on the hummingbird feeder in search of a tasty sparrow. He left empty-handed and never came back. I just happened to be ready when he landed and captured this shot of this amazing raptor. The other photos are: #1-baby ruby-throated hummingbird being hand-fed by me, always a thrill; #2-male Baltimore oriole that came through during migration, #3-brown-headed nuthatch, unusual and new to our feeders; #5-male ruby-throated hummingbird, my favorite ; #6-a dragonfly, a fun surprise; and #7-male eastern bluebird, always heart stopping colors.

At the risk of sounding rote, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support and prayers as I finish up the editing on Relentless Pursuit and then begin writing the first book in Tales of Foggy Ridge. Watch my website for details. You can also follow me on Facebook, where I love to interact with fans on a daily basis.

I hope you taken time to reflect on the miracle of this glorious Christmas season and to celebrate Jesus, who truly is both the Giver and the Gift!

Because of His Grace,