Friday in Chicago

Last weekend I traveled to Chicago for the American Library Association's Annual Conference (ALA), helping introduce librarians and teachers to my upcoming novel In These Hills—and I'm still smiling, even if my body is still recovering from what was, quite literally, a jam-packed 36 hours.

Best part of the whole trip? My daughter Kelsey came along, turning a work trip into such a fun adventure.

We started playing tourist the moment we landed Friday, heading straight to see The Bean and wander Millennium Park . . .

. . . only, we got caught in the rain. Get ready for the hair that ate Chicago. There was no time for a redo before dinner, so rain-frizzed we went!

We met the wonderful Lynn Austin and her husband Ken at RPM Italian for dinner and celebrated Lynn's recent release of The Lumber Baron's Wife. She signed copies of her novel that day, too. What a gorgeous cover . . .

If you haven't yet read The Lumber Baron's Wife, please treat yourself. It's so good. Truly one of Lynn's best!

Lynn and I go way back together, and Kelsey and Lynn originally met in 2014 on a combined book tour in Germany with Francke (our German publisher). Kelsey served as our marketing assistant on that trip and loved visiting and meeting readers, gathering email addresses and answering questions. So it was a sweet full-circle evening catching up together.

With the fabulous LYNN AUSTIN

LOTS of laughter and fun memories shared

After dinner, Kels and I headed straight to an architectural river boat cruise with First Lady Cruises Chicago, and we glided past the skyline as the light changed over the water. Chicago's architecture has such a rich story to tell, and seeing it from the river gave me a whole new appreciation for the history layered into every building we passed. As someone who spends her days digging into history, I couldn't get enough of it. (Thanks, Kels, for arranging that!)

If ever you're in Chicago, I HIGHLY recommend First Lady's architectural cruise.

Saturday: ALA and the Tyndale Booth

Saturday started with a delicious brunch at Restoration Hardware, followed by a stop at a pop-up trunk sale at Third Coast Stitches—such a great shop, and worth the detour.

Then it was on to ALA and the reason we'd come to Chicago in the first place! I was there with the wonderful team from Tyndale House, helping introduce librarians and teachers to In These Hills (September 8, 2026).

Signing at the booth was a joy. Librarians and teachers are, hands down, some of my favorite people to spend a day with—they love books, they love story, and they spend their lives putting the right book into the right hands. That kind of passion is contagious, and I came home with a full heart.

Being in Chicago also meant getting to visit with the Tyndale folks in person, which is always a treat. There's something special about standing shoulder to shoulder with the team who's poured so much into this book. I'm very grateful.

Love my Tyndale Team!

Of course, I brought Jack Daniel shot glasses with me straight from Lynchburg for everyone who stood in line for a book. As I told those who stopped by, "Whether you love JD or not, take a shot glass! They're super handy for that daily shot of collagen!"

Bottoms up with the COLLAGEN!

And what a treat to see fellow authors Colleen Coble, Katherine Reay, and Kathleen Fuller at the conference too, even briefly. It's always a joy to cross paths with writing buddies.

With Colleen Coble

With Katherine Reay

With Kathleen Fuller

Deep Dish and Home

Before racing to the airport to head home to Nashville, we did what I'm fairly certain is required by law when you're in Chicago: shared an absolutely delicious deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati's. And we were so hungry by then we didn't even take a picture. 🙄

It was the kind of trip that reminds me why I love what I do—the readers, the librarians, the history around every corner, old friends and new, and getting to share it all with my daughter. Chicago, you were wonderful. Thanks for the memories! And thank you, Kels, for being the best trip planner ever.

Next up? The Southern Independent Booksellers Association (recently renamed New Voices New Rooms Conference) in Baltimore in August! But before then, more words on this next book!

Much love from Nashville,
Tammy