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Jen McDonald

Love books? I'm an award-winning nonfiction author diving into writing my first cozy mystery. Join me for exclusive sneak peeks, early access to new releases, and bookish insights, along with special promotions and giveaways just for subscribers!

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🇺🇸 Memorial Reflections, 🎧 Podcasts for Writers, & 📚 Free Reads

Hi Friend! Memorial Day weekend is here. I hope that you’re able to spend time with the ones you love, and also reflect and remember those who gave their lives for their country. This month I’m sharing some of my favorite podcasts for writers. I hope that you’ll find one you enjoy, and if you have a suggestion that isn’t included in my list, please let me know! My book, You Are Not Alone, will be free on Kindle from May 23 through 26. If you are a military spouse or have a friend who’s a...

Hi Friend! It seems like things start to get busier once spring arrives, but I hope you've had a chance to enjoy the warmer weather anyway. This month I'm sharing a recent blog post discussing one of my favorite genres, cozy mysteries! Of course, the post also includes some of my favorite book recs too. (And guess what? I've nearly finished the manuscript for my very first cozy myself! More on this soon.) I've included an excerpt from one of my books that I hope will give you a boost of...

Hi Friend! I saw so many mentions online around the holidays of how odd the week between Christmas and New Year is because it feels so "in-between." I think we need to talk about how "in-between" this time of year feels! The holidays are over, but winter's not quite done. There are enough hints of spring that part of you wants to dive into spring projects, but the weather is chilly enough that you're still craving cozy evenings under a fuzzy blanket with a good book.Spring is definitely on...

Hi Friend! Happy New Year! Whether you're sad to see 2025 go, or relieved that it's over, I hope that 2026 holds beautiful moments for you. Sometimes it's hard to be upbeat about the possibilities of a new year because you find yourself in the middle of difficult circumstances. In all honesty, that's where I find myself currently. I've adapted a reading from one of my books that I hope will encourage you in the midst of whatever challenges you face this year. I'm also including a free...

Hi Friend! I hope that your holiday plans and preparation are going smoothly this year, and even if they do go a bit off the rails, I hope that you find a moment of peace amidst the chaos. I know that for some folks, the end of the year is also when their thoughts turn to goal setting for the upcoming year. But, how do you set goals when life seems crazy and you have no idea what 2026 is going to throw your way? In this month's newsletter, I'm including four of my best tips for setting goals...

Hi Friend! Can you believe that it's almost Thanksgiving? I hope that you get to spend the holiday with loved ones, and if you have leftover turkey, be sure to check out the recipe in this newsletter. I'm also sharing a bookish themed gift list with ideas for all of the book lovers on your gift list this year. Be sure to click a response on this month's poll while you're here. I'm curious to see how many of you have a chance at a white Christmas! Bookish Gift List Books are always a fantastic...

Dear Friends, When I paused production of the Milspouse Matters podcast early in 2024 after five years of the show, I thought I might return to it some day. In fact, even though I said goodbye at the time, I wanted to leave the door open to come back if that's how God was leading me. But after much reflection, some life circumstances, and lots of prayer, I’ve decided it's time to officially close this chapter. Between writing, my editing job, and family commitments, there just isn’t enough...

Hi Friend! Isn't fall a wonderful time of year? Not only does it bring cooler temps and a cozy vibe, but it's officially PSL season! While true fall hasn't officially hit us here in South Texas yet, the temps are less blazing hot than normal and the mornings have a cool edge to them that promises some autumn-like days to come! If you haven't followed my Instagram yet, you can check out the preview in this newsletter. There's plenty of coffee, book, and writing content. I've heard from moms...

Hi Friend! Isn't fall a wonderful time of year? Not only does it bring cooler temps and a cozy vibe, but it's officially PSL season! While true fall hasn't officially hit us here in South Texas yet, the temps are less blazing hot than normal and the mornings have a cool edge to them that promises some autumn-like days to come! If you haven't followed my Instagram yet, you can check out the preview in this newsletter. There's plenty of coffee, book, and writing content. I've heard from moms...

Hi Friend! This month we're discussing the unique challenges that military marriages face, along with some helpful resources for managing the government shutdown. I'm also sharing about why I think it's so important for us to listen to the stories of older military spouses and benefit from their wisdom and experience. (That's one reason why I wrote Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories!) There's also a link to a free download with tips for navigating in-law relationships...