Merry Christmas !!!

A note from Mindy:

From my family to yours, I want to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas!!!

I am so late with my monthly blog, but writing full time, well…it’s a full time job. I’m taking off the next few weeks to focus on family, the true reason for the season, and finishing up on my two newest projects. But no worries, I will be back with exciting news.

2021 Has been one for the record books. Our household had our wave of Covid and a few discerning moments, but we have all regained our health. Thank you for your prayers, cards, and love. You have no idea how much you helped me stay strong when I wanted to crumble a few times.

2021 Has always been my year of many first.

My first book, To Catch A Hummingbird, released in May and as a new author, I was welcomed by so many eager readers willing to read a new author. July I released my first Hallmark book!!! An Amish Flower Farm was a dream come true for me. Not only researching and meeting so many amazing people but I was completely humbled to be asked to write the first Amish Romance for Hallmark, and you, readers, not only gave it stars and praise, but because of you we hit #2 on Publisher’s Weekly. I could have never dreamed such was possible. My career with Hallmark is only beginning and I can’t wait to share all the wonderful things in store for 2022. In September you cheered me on when I released my first Love Inspired book. His Amish Wife’s Hidden Past was a story dear to my heart and you helped it reach Publisher’s Weekly not once, but three times. I have no words…really, no words for how so many of you have fallen in love with my characters and writing. My books are crossing oceans and reaching people who can relate to my characters. I’ve seen pics of my October release, Christmas Grace, from all over the country. So many of you contacted me personally and I have made so many friends. Knowing that I have touched readers who normally wouldn’t even think to read Amish fiction, was the greatest prize of all.

I have traveled and meet so many amazing people. Authors, readers, and new friends. You were all with me during our Fema travels and that crazy Iron Skillet birthday. You prayed for my family, you wished my grands happy birthday, and you fell in love with my characters and their plights. You were there when my mother got ill, and you still reach out to check on her well-being. I have the best readers in the world!!! We have shared experiences, traded stories and recipes and I don’t know why I hesitated so long in getting my words out there.

I want to give a shout out to my amazing agent, Julie, my assistant, Vicky, and my mentor, Connie. You are my people and you have my heart, my prayers, and my complete admiration. You aren’t just friends, but sisters. You have talked me through dark days of self doubt, cheered on my successes without letting me get lost in them, and you have encouraged me to keep on keeping on. Thank you special friends, Connie, Judy, Glinda, Barb, Tracy, Cathy, Patrica, Shana, and Mary. You are some of the sweetest most generous women the world has ever known. Our lifelong friendship has only just begun.

I have lived a two dozen lives, in various settings, and overcome a many obstacles through my characters and can’t wait to see what 2022 has in store for me.

We may not have tomorrow, but if my tomorrow comes, then I know you are there. Thank you for being with me this year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Mindy Steele

Top books of 2021

Every year I like to share some of my favorite reads with you. This year the list is a tad shorter, but I have been writing a lot more than reading this year. These are in no particular order, and all are worthy of your time.

Great writing, great reading, and all highly recommended by me.