"A wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."This sentence, uttered by Gandalf the Grey in Peter Jackson's film adaptation of The Fellowship of the Ring, comes as the famous wizard arrives in the Shire for Bilbo Baggins birthday party. Bilbo's nephew Frodo has seemingly been waiting hours … Continue reading Waiting for Wizards
Author: Jennifer L. Wright
The Flying Fool
In 1919, Raymond Orteig, a French immigrant and hotel owner in New York City, attended a dinner organized by the Aero Club of America honoring the World War I flying ace Eddie Rickenbacker. Rickenbacker had received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Medal of Honor for his bravery, as well the Croix de Guerre from France … Continue reading The Flying Fool
Party Lines and Prayer Time
When I was younger and would complain about not being able to use the phone, my parents would remind me about their youth and "party lines." In a nut shell, their telephone line was connected to several other families' telephone lines. If you wanted to make a call, you often had to wait until one … Continue reading Party Lines and Prayer Time
Call Your Mother
When you think of Mother's Day, you probably think of cards, flowers, or candy for the woman who gave you life.But did you know those things are the exact opposite of what the creator of Mother's Day meant for the day? In the United States, our modern day "Mother's Day" got its start with an … Continue reading Call Your Mother
Publisher’s Weekly Review of ‘If It Rains’
I am super excited to share this review for 'If It Rains' from Publisher's Weekly! " Wright’s lovely debut centers on two sisters in Dust Bowl–era Oklahoma. In 1935, Melissa and Kathryn Baile break their close bond when Melissa marries into the wealthiest family in Boise City. Melissa immediately regrets her decision upon realizing her … Continue reading Publisher’s Weekly Review of ‘If It Rains’
‘In A Far-Off Land’ Pre-Order Giveaway!
I am so excited to host a giveaway for Stephanie Landsem's newest novel, 'In A Far-Off Land,' releasing May 4 from Tyndale House Publishers. Look at that cover! 😍😍😍One winner will be selected to receive a pre-order of this amazing novel, to be delivered shortly after its release. To enter to win, simply click the … Continue reading ‘In A Far-Off Land’ Pre-Order Giveaway!
Wait? What War?
My husband is a military history buff. As a pilot in the USAF, it should come as no surprise that he enjoys reading and watching all things related to US military history. He can spout off names, dates, and battles like a Jeopardy! contestant; it's enough to make your head spin.But as I was researching … Continue reading Wait? What War?
Let’s Hear it for Libraries!
During the pandemic, I missed a lot of things. Social gatherings. Reliable school schedules. Hugs. But, honestly, the thing I missed the most was my public library. I never truly appreciated its existence or the simple joy it offered---hundreds if not thousands of books, free of charge, for me to peruse at my leisure. Free … Continue reading Let’s Hear it for Libraries!
An Interview with Susie Finkbeiner
A few weeks ago, I had the absolute honor and pleasure of chatting with Susie Finkbeiner, author of such amazing books as Stories That Bind Us and All Manner of Things. She had reached out to me after discovering that her latest book, The Nature of Small Birds, and If It Rains share a book … Continue reading An Interview with Susie Finkbeiner
When the Forgotten War Wasn’t So Forgotten
Sometimes, when I sit down to write a #historyfriday post, my *own* history collides with it.On March 26, 2010, a Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy vessel, the Cheonan, was allegedly sunk by a North Korean torpedo near Baengnyeong Island in the Yellow Sea. A rescue operation recovered 58 survivors but 46 sailors were killed. Despite … Continue reading When the Forgotten War Wasn’t So Forgotten