Hi First name / friend– 

 

As we settle into November—a month centered around gratitude and giving thanks—my heart feels especially full. This season always reminds me that kindness, gratefulness, and thankfulness are at the heart of hospitality.

 

Last month, Scott and I celebrated my 70th birthday with two wonderful weeks in the North Carolina mountains. It was a time of reflection, joy, and deep gratitude for the gift of years—and the people who fill them. There’s something about mountain air and autumn leaves that invites you to slow down, look back with thankfulness, and look forward with hope.

 

And before you dive in—don't forget to scroll all the way down… my Black Friday offer begins today, and I don’t want you to miss it! 🎁📚

 

Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of meeting author and speaker Ruth McKeaney in person at the NCF Women’s Luncheon. Some of you may know her from her beautiful book Hungry for Home: A Year at Hillside Farm. What you may not know is that Ruth played a quiet but meaningful role in my own publishing journey.

 

About two and a half years ago, when Simple Hospitality was still in the thick of edits and design decisions, a mutual friend — Leigh Ann — suggested we connect. Ruth was a several steps ahead of me in the publishing process, and she graciously took time out of her day to talk with me, a stranger with a thousand questions. Her kindness, encouragement, and generosity during that conversation stayed with me.

 

So seeing her at the luncheon, and finally getting to hand her a signed copy of Simple Hospitality, felt like such a full-circle moment. She was every bit as lovely in person as she was on the phone — warm, wise, and genuinely interested.

 

But what touched me most was this: before we parted, Ruth asked if she could pray for me. She placed her hand on mine and prayed that God would bless this book and use it to touch many hearts. It was such a tender gift — one I won’t soon forget.

 

I’m grateful for the beautiful stories she shared with all of us that day… and grateful for the reminder that hospitality isn’t just something we practice — it’s something we receive, often when we least expect it.

🍂 North Carolina Reflections

One of the highlights of our trip was staying in a beautiful little cottage — the same one we’ve stayed in before. It was peaceful, tucked into the trees, and the fall leaves were absolutely breathtaking.

 

The cottage we stayed at had a wonderful fireplace and since our days were sunny and chilly, it was perfect for a fire going almost every single day. I’d sit at the fireplace with a favorite harvest scented candle burning, wearing my slippers with a book in hand. What a treat!!

 

What I loved about our trip this time was we really had no agenda other than enjoying time away together and seeing the leaves turn. We had some “Home Days” and some “Go Days.” We tried to mix it up. We had time together and then some time with friends who were up in the mountains, as well.

 

We revisited a few of our favorite small towns and discovered some new ones along the way. I always enjoy stopping in to see the shops that carry Simple Hospitality, and it was fun to visit familiar shop owners and meet new ones. A few additional stores decided to carry the book — always such a joy to see it finding a home in new places! And we’re still waiting to hear back from a couple more we visited. My prayer remains the same: that the book lands ONLY where God wants it.

 

We always love to visit the beautiful Old Edwards Inn for a meal or to hear Cy Timmons play guitar and sing. We asked our server if Sedayne was working, a kindhearted thoughtful young man from Mexico that we enjoyed meeting this summer. Sure enough, he was there! As we chatted, he pulled out one of my Simple Hospitality business cards—and later learned that he always keeps it in his wallet to remind him to live with kindness and hospitality.

 

Can you even believe that!? Moments like that are such a reminder: you never know the impression you’ll leave on someone — or how kindness can ripple far beyond what you’d ever expect.

 

 

While in North Carolina, I also met the loveliest people in a new shop in Black Mountain. The town had been hit hard by the recent hurricane, but the community’s warmth and resilience were so inspiring.

 

The owner, Miss Beth, has created something truly special—a Book Nook tucked inside her charming shop, filled with cozy corners and stories waiting to be shared. She’s even opening a second location soon! I’m so honored that Simple Hospitality has found a new home there.

✨ On the Blog This Month

There are two new seasonal posts on the blog that I think you’ll love as we move toward Thanksgiving:

 

🍎 Recipe Feature: Apple of the Inn Drink

A cozy sip inspired by my visit to The Greystone Inn—warm, spiced, and perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings next week.

 

Please check it out…I’m not kidding, it’s pure deliciousness in a mug! We drove miles another day to go back and enjoy a second one before leaving town. If you’re a lover of hot apple cider, this one is really special!! They shared the recipe with me and I’ve made it at home and trust me…you’re gonna LOVE it!! 🍎☕️🍁

 

💛 New Post: The Gift of Gratitude: 10 Little Ways to Say “Thank You” This Season

Simple, heartfelt ideas for showing appreciation—because gratitude is its own kind of hospitality.

 

Take a moment to read one (or both!) of these blogs and let me know if you try something new!

I can hardly believe we’re talking about Christmas already—but if you’re starting your holiday shopping, I've got you covered!

 

I am offering a Buy 2, Get 1 Free special on Simple Hospitality. If you order 2 or more books, you'll get one for free! It’s the perfect gift for friends, neighbors, or anyone who loves kindness and connection. Order here!

 

If you’ve been thinking about purchasing, now is your time for a bargain!

✨ Give two (or more!) away and keep one for yourself—the gift of hospitality never goes out of style.

 

Available Nov 20 through Nov 30, 2025 only when you use code “BLACKFRIDAY” at checkout! We've never done anything like this!!

Expires Nov 30, 2025 11:59pm EST.

As I look back on my birthday month and ahead to Thanksgiving, I keep coming back to this truth:

 

 

I’m so grateful for you—for reading, sharing, and living out your own version of Simple Hospitality. Your messages, encouragement, and stories mean so much to me!

P.S. Did you know? All proceeds from my book, Simple Hospitality, go directly to support the new Orlando Health Children’s Pavilion—a place of hope, healing, and care for families in our community. Thank you for helping make a difference with every book you gift and share.

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If someone forwarded it to you—welcome! I'm so glad you're here. My name is Jennifer Boyd, and I recently published Simple Hospitality: An Invitation to Add Kindness to Your Everyday Life, a dream 25 years in the making. In both my book and newsletter, I share the heart behind hospitality—simple ways to bring kindness and connection into everyday life.

 

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