Spring 2026 Newsletter

Happy Spring and welcome back to the home of the Modern Midwife Mysteries! Here in New England, the thermometer is still hovering in the 50s. However, the promise of warmer days is in the air. Jonquils and azaleas are in bloom, birds are looking for secure places to build nests, and the days are getting longer. Last week I passed a flower shop and could not resist a bouquet of peonies and white lilacs. Needless to say, May holds so much promise.

"May: the lilacs are in bloom. Forget yourself." Marty Rubin

Writing Group

Do you belong to a writers' group? Writing is such a solitary endeavor, and so many writers are introverts. In 2023, I answered an ad in my local paper about a writing group starting up. I thought I would attend one meeting, check it out, and most likely never return. Today, the Duxbury Writers Society is thriving! We have a fabulous leader, amazing members, and meet biweekly. Each meeting begins with members sharing their current work for review, followed by writing prompts. The members of this group are among the kindest and most supportive people I've ever met. We've hosted Open Mic nights both inside and under the stars. For our winter holiday party, one member wrote a screenplay, and we performed a table read. He even gave us a class on screenwriting. I know that I will never watch a movie the same way again. The Duxbury Writers Society has truly been a transformative experience for me. The members are simply the best! I hate to miss a meeting.

Duxbury Writers Society- Writing by the sea since 2023!

Interview

Whose Spine Is It? The Wren/Substack

Do you read Substack? One of the great features there is Sarah E. Burr's,"The Wren."

It was a joy to be interviewed by her. The questions are intriguing and give you an in- depth, behind-the-scenes look at the authors.

Follow Sarah E. Burr's Substack cozy book blog. My interview is below:

https://whatspineisyours.substack.com/p/shelf-life-with-christine-knapp?triedRedirect=true

BOXED SET SALE

SALE: From May 3rd to May 12th, the complete Boxed set of Modern Midwife Mysteries/ Kindle Edition is available for just $2.99!

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Smashwords

Book Signing!

I'm looking forward to having a Book Signing at the fabulous 3GenLove Bookstore in New Bedford on Saturday, May 23, from 1-3 PM. If you are in the area, please stop by. I would love to meet you.

We’re so excited to welcome Christine Knapp to our new bookstore and gift shop! Join us on Saturday, May 23rd, from 1-3 PM for a special meet & greet with Christine Knapp right inside 3GenLove: The Wandering Tale at Kilburn Mill! Stop by to say hello, pick up some new reads for your bookshelf, and grab a signed copy while you’re here. You won’t want to miss it! 📚✨

Midwifery Corner

As many of you know, I am a nurse-midwife and often post information about Women's Health in my Newsletter. Today, I am sharing two articles from the New York Times on menopause. One discusses bodily changes, and the other reviews hormonal and non-hormonal treatments.

What Menopause Does to the Body

Thinking about Menopause Therapy? Start Here

FUN & GAMES

Do you play Mahjong? I must say, I have been fascinated by the game ever since I read and watched The Joy Luck Club. I have just started lessons at my local library. There is a lot to learn, but I am enjoying it — and I love the tiles!

RECIPE CORNER

TACO CASSEROLE

Are you looking for a quick, tasty casserole? Perhaps for Cinco de Mayo?

INGREDIENTS

1 lb ground beef

2 cups salsa

1 16-ounce can chili beans, drained

3 cups tortilla chips, crushed

2 cups sour cream

2-ounce can of black olives, drained

1 cup scallions

1 cup chopped tomato

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

1)Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

2)Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray

3)Cook ground beef thoroughly

4)Stir in salsa and cook about 25 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced

5)Stir in beans until heated.

6)Spread crushed tortilla chips on the bottom of the pan

7)Spread ground beef over chips

8)Spread sour cream over the beef

9)Arrange tomatoes, scallions, and olives on top of the sour cream

10)Cover completely with Cheddar cheese

11)Bake for 30 minutes

WHAT's NEXT?

I am working on a new series about a Boston RN who lives in the heart of the city with her eclectic found family of two uncles, an aunt, and her faithful pup. But when a mysterious death shakes their neighborhood, she finds herself drawn into a web of secrets and lies. Get ready for Swan Boats, Make Way for Ducklings, a few museums, and, of course, lots of iced Dunkin' coffee.

Until next time....don't forget to treat yourself. My go to...a Pistachio/Coffee soft serve twist!