As we prepare to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome in 2025, the stockings are hung, the presents are wrapped, and the fire glows warmly in our home.
The holidays and the end of the year always fill me with excitement and reflection. While 2024 didn’t go entirely as planned for me and my family, it has been a year filled with love, milestones, and gratitude for my family.
One of the highlights was my husband and I celebrated our 40th anniversary in Paris—the city of love! We stood beneath the sparkling Eiffel Tower, which bore the Olympic rings for the Paris Games, and marveled at its beauty. After seven magical days in the most romantic city in the world (especially for a romance writer!), we explored the scenic canals of Venice before returning home.
This year also marked a major personal achievement: completing the first draft of Inheriting the Oaks, the sequel to the award-winning Come to the Oaks. I crafted this novel as a standalone story that features the same rich historical detail as its predecessor.
Inheriting the Oaks is especially close to my heart. At times, I felt my ancestors were guiding me, their voices filling the pages as I transcribed their words. The characters, their lives, and their struggles feel so real to me, and I’m excited for you to experience their journeys as well.
As with everything I write, my characters reflect my life and experiences. Writing about them brings me immense joy, and sharing them with you is my greatest privilege. I’m reminded that happiness lies not just in grand moments but also in unlocking the small, daily joys that sustain us. My wish for you in the New Year is to discover your own sources of joy and to bring them into your life whenever possible.
In closing, Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, and Happy Holidays! May all your dreams come true this season. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and love. Here’s to a joyful holiday season and a bright start to 2025!
Buon Natale,
Bryan T. Clark
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So glad to hear that your next novel is in progress!
I loved coming to the Oaks.
Oh my god I can not wait for Inheriting the Oaks. I’ve read
“Come to the Oaks” over and over again, missing the characters. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone
Merry Christmas to you as well. While writing Inheriting the Oaks, I had to re-read Come to the Oaks and fell in love with Ben and Tobias all over again.