Tying up 2025

Can you believe another year is gone? This one felt like it never slowed down at all. It was packed full of so many good things as well as lots of everyday things (which are often also good). 
I still worked four jobs: tax preparation, preschool, writing, and editing (8 books--if you want to know more about them, see the post here). My children turned 9 and 11, and keep me busier than ever with soccer and Girl Scouts and school projects. I'm involved in both ladies' and children's ministries with our congregation as well as supporting my husband in his role as adult education deacon.

If that isn't enough, I also garden in the summers and try to sew or crochet a few things each year.
Whew. I'm tired just thinking about it.
When I started this year, I knew I had to finish writing Fairest Inn All. I was able to do that last Spring and turned it in this summer just in time for content edits, which are done. I have a cover coming for it early next year, so be on the lookout! It's adorable.
We released Pets Amore in February and it's such a fun collection of pet-themed Valentine's romances. If you didn't catch it last winter, it's still out there and waiting to be read. I had a bit too much fun with my hamster in a Kindergarten classroom on Valentine's Day story. ;)
Rendersella came out in July and I'm absolutely in love with it. The cover is exactly what I didn't know I wanted. And, even better, I got news late this year that Rendersella will release next Spring in Library-bound Large Print edition! Talk about a dream come true!
I signed contracts this year for Fairest Inn All, Beauty School and the Beast (which I'm still hoping to finish before the end of the year--over 60k words into it now), and a novella collection called Lighting Up Christmas, which will release next September.
I wrote my story for Lighting up Christmas this summer and turned it in on time. My story is called 'Duplexicity,' and is about a man and woman who live on each side of a duplex. She is all about Christmas and wants to decorate every square inch. He says, 'Don't let your lights cross to my side.' I'm excited for you to read it next year.
I was blessed to be able to attend ScrivCon again this year--and doubly blessed to be recognized as Author of the Year for 2024. I definitely wasn't expecting to receive that honor two years in a row.
Did I accomplish everything I set out to do this year? Probably not. I honestly don't know anymore. But we were able to accomplish many things including our epic family roadtrip to see four of the places Laura Ingalls Wilder lived. We've all grown (though my waistline wasn't really on my goal list to grow) and read good books. Spent time with friends and families. And made memories.
How was your 2025? Did you accomplish anything big? Check off all your goals or are you taking some into 2026 with you?
If you want to know what I'm hoping for 2026, come back later this week. I'm still working on that list. ;)