Last week was wild and wonderful as I celebrated my first book launch. Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen spread its wings and went out into the world!
On launch day, it was actually quite hard to believe it was real. I got up, read my Bible, took a shower, got dressed, make breakfast for my family, got everyone off to school and work, and . . . and then I stood in the kitchen feeling a little stunned, to tell the truth. I did a few things around the house and on the computer, and then I drove to my friend’s house for lunch.
We planned on having lunch together because I knew launch day wouldn’t be a day for being home alone or trying to concentrate! She fed me a homemade gourmet lunch, poured glasses of bubbly, presented me with the perfect Jane Austen gift, and smothered me with love (with a little help from her precious baby boy).
Later in the day, my kids and I were thinking we should do something special, but we didn’t know what. My husband came home and took my son to soccer practice. I was just going to start dinner when we heard a knock at the door. Our friends arrived with their two littles and a beautiful Jane Austen cake. We all went out for dinner together and had the best time celebrating.
After dinner, my youngest asked if we could go to the bookstore to see my book “in person,” so we finished the evening with a drive to Barnes & Noble, where I signed the copies of the book and snapped a few photos.
On Saturday, I spoke to the JASNA Greater Sacramento regional group. I talked about the book and Jane Austen’s prayers and faith. We an AGM report, my talk, a break for tea and scones, and then a wonderful talk by our regional coordinator, Nina Edmondson, about the Royal Navy in Persuasion. I sold and signed books, mugs, and prayer journals at the break and after the meeting. What a treat!
Many friends and launch team members spoiled me as well, with reviews, interviews, and articles. Some people I don’t know said lovely things as well. Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me and this book into their hearts and lives. I am grateful for every prayer and every bit of practical help and support!
The beautiful photo featured in this post was taken by Jennifer Kavcsak Smith (used with permission). You can follow her gorgeous bookish photographs on Instagram @storybookstyle. I particularly love her profile bio: “wife & girl mom | believer † | reader of classics.” It doesn’t get much better than that!
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Do you love Jane Austen? Are you passionate about prayer?
My new book, Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen, is available now (Bethany House). Click here to read the book description and to pre-order your copy! If you order now, you’ll receive a set of 6 FREE downloadable prayer cards!
Coming soon: A Praying with Jane Facebook group. There, we can mix and mingle and pray for one another as we explore Jane Austen’s beautiful prayers.
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