Mistletoe and Martians by Samuel DenHartog #martians #aliens #mars #humor #Christmas #traditions #bookseries

ABOUT THE BOOK:

"A whimsical journey to Snowville, a charming town where the festive spirit of Christmas is about to encounter the curiosity of visitors from Mars. As the Martians land on Earth with a mission to understand the peculiar and heartwarming traditions of Christmas, they find themselves wrapped up in a series of humorous and endearing adventures. From misunderstanding mistletoe to a comical attempt at caroling, their journey is as heartwarming as it is hilarious."

MY REVIEW:

I tend to like martian/alien stories so I thought getting this book would be a fun read. I was not disappointed at all.

Martians land on Earth as they are on an investigation quest. It just so happens they land during the season of Christmas. Fortunately, they are welcomed by the humans and  get immersed in their holiday customs. They even get parts in a nativity play! 

Humor is intertwined as the martians try to navigate their way in understanding and peace. The humans learn some of the ways of "Mars" too. We  all know martians come from Mars! 

I liked this book enough to keep reading it.  It was fun and an extremely light read. I do think if the author had flushed out some of the characters even more, it would have been an "A" book.

I did enjoy the martian characters and their honest mistakes but truly trying to understand. 

What I enjoyed most was the coming together in peace and harmony and the meshing of two very different cultures. This was a great statement on how things really should be.

I give this book 3 stars. 

Disclosure: I purchased a Kindle copy of this book for my own collections. The review here is 100% my own opinions and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Samuel DenHartog is a versatile and imaginative author whose works span a wide array of genres, including mythology, fables, fairy tales, fantasy, mystery, science fiction, and children's books. His stories captivate readers of all ages, blending wonder with rich, timeless narratives.

Hope for the Holidays by Daryl Wood Gerber #spotlight #giveaway #holidayromance

Hope for the Holidays

Holiday Romance

Independently Published - Chucklin Inc. (November 14, 2023)

Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8215261927

Digital : 979-8215400784

Hope Lyons's husband ran through all their money and split Portland, Oregon, forcing Hope to

sell her beloved Pie in the Sky bakery and move with her two children back to charming Hope

Valley, her hometown. She has been working as a waitress and pinching pennies to get their lives

back on track; however, when her children win KPRL's Spirit of Christmas vacation contest,

Hope worries about the extra expenses she will incur on such a trip and turns it down.

Steve Waldren, the handsome KPRL sports anchor, is now of an age where he can't afford to

have a gap on his resume. His confidence is already shaky, ever since his fiancée dumped him,

claiming Steve would never reach his potential. When Steve's boss dubs Steve to be Giveaway

Santa, he's forced to accept. Steve, as Santa, readily travels to Hope Valley to award the prize.

But when Hope refuses it, he's at a loss. His boss threatens to fire him if he doesn't convince

Hope to take it, and Steve does all he can to change her mind. But Hope can be stubborn, life can

be a challenge, and Hope's children can be unpredictable. Not to mention, the truth isn't always

what it seems.

Will Hope and Steve find their happily ever after? It might take a holiday miracle.

About Daryl Wood Gerber

Agatha Award-winning author Daryl Wood Gerber is delving into the world of romance for a

passion project she simply had to write, HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS. In addition, Daryl writes

the nationally bestselling Cookbook Nook Mysteries and the Fairy Garden Mysteries. As Avery

Aames, she wrote the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries. In addition, Daryl writes the Aspen

Adams novels of suspense as well as stand-alone suspense.

She has a frisky Goldendoodle who keeps her in line. You can learn more about her books on her

website: httsp://darylwoodgerber.com

Author Links

WEBSITE: https://darylwoodgerber.com

Purchase Links Amazon 

Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/028877921595/?widget_template=56d5f80dbc544fb30fda66f0

#Review: Angels At the Table by Debbie MacComber #novels #Christmas

Angels at the Table by Debbie Macomber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have ever read from this author. I am not sure why I had not before because her sweet little angels with the cutest of names, get into a bit of mischief.
The budding romance in the story was complicated and a bit sappy but I kind of saw this story as the cozy of novels. Of course it ended up as a happy ending. (no spoiler alert intended)
It is no wonder why many of the authors books have become Hallmark feature movies, this one fit right in!

I really did like the book and it was just enough twist to keep me going. I did think the characters did not act their age and seemed more teenage-ish but even that was okay for me. Maybe it is because the story starts with New Year's Eve and morphs quickly to Christmas. Or maybe it was because the woman in the story did not give up her restaurant for romance with a man.

I know all the boxes ticked for me for a feel good book.

Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book for my own collections. The view here is 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

View all my reviews

#Review: Velvet Snowflakes by Barbara Briggs Ward #Christmas #novels

I have read the Christmas series of books this author has written and never been disappointed. With this book comes beautiful reindeer and gorgeous dresses fit for any princess, queen, or bride.

That author always paints a picturesque Christmas scene. As in this book, the reader feels like they have gone home. I loved how the author weaved a handmade dress into a lovely story and deer as beloved pets. Although far fetched at times, it allowed readers to delve into a tale that would certainly be full of heartbreak, laughter, and love.

If you don't read another Christmas book this year, I highly recommend this one.
5 beautiful snowflakes.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book from the author. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the author:

Goodreads

Website

Needles the Forgotten Christmas Tree by Richard Wagner #review #christmas #childrensbooks #picturebooks #hope

Summary: 

The world is not always a perfect place. Needles, a scraggly little tree, must endure criticism, laughter, and setbacks to realize his goal of becoming a beautiful Christmas tree. 

My review:

This sweet book is about hope and being you in spite of what others may think of you. This book is about determination to shine even if others don't say you are good enough. Believe in yourself, like the little tree,Needles,did! He was good enough to be the best Christmas tree ever for a little girl who needed to have a bit of Christmas when things were not so bright for her. He had hope that he would be even when it seemed lost. He gave hope to the little girl and it was important to her.

I honestly almost teared up and the loveliness of such a simple tale. The illustrations only enhanced a sweet, sweet story. I think you will love it too and it should be a holiday tradition to read.

5 Christmas stars!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The review here is 100% my own opinions and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the author:

https://www.amazon.com/Needles-Forgotten-Christmas-Richard-Wagner-ebook/dp/B0BNLWZP2T/ref=sr_1_2?crid=NRGAPG9FOMZR&keywords=Richard+Wagner+Needles+the+Forgotten+Christmas+Tree&qid=1670385941&sprefix=richard+wagner+needles+the+forgotten+christmas+tr%2Caps%2C360&sr=8-2on

Humbug Day by Gitte Tamar #Childrensbooks #picturebooks #Christmas

 Children's Fiction, Picture Books, Christmas, Children's Picture Books

Date Published: Nov. 6, 2022

Join a child through a series of whimsical illustrations as their views on Santa shift upon realizing their best friend, Jimmy, does not receive equal treatment at Christmas.

Brigitte, "Gitte," Tamar was born in a small rural Oregon town. Growing up, she was enthralled by scary tales featuring poetic tones and consistently gravitated towards writing darkened narratives. In the different storylines, Brigitte explores the harsh realities of social issues faced by today's generations. This includes the dark outcomes brought on by peer pressure, addiction, homelessness, mental illness, childhood trauma, and abuse. She feels it is essential to share narratives that refrain from sugarcoating the topics society tends to shy away from.

Brigitte, "Gitte," Tamar was born in a small rural Oregon town. Growing up, she was enthralled by scary tales featuring poetic tones and consistently gravitated towards writing darkened narratives. In the different storylines, Brigitte explores the harsh realities of social issues faced by today's generations. This includes the dark outcomes brought on by peer pressure, addiction, homelessness, mental illness, childhood trauma, and abuse. She feels it is essential to share narratives that refrain from sugarcoating the topics society tends to shy away from.

Contact Links

Website: https://www.brigittetamar.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22065458.Gitte_Tamar

Purchase Link

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLL77LGS

The Christmas Promise by Donna VanLiere #review #Christmas

Leave the light on! This book is a beautiful story about hope and faith in life. It is told in first person by the character Gloria who lost her husband to cancer.

The cast of characters that encounter her are well thought out and believable. Their lives intertwine in such a way that you want to keep reading to the end. For the record, I read the book in one sitting.

A couple of interesting twist happen but I was only able to see it just before it did.

This book is a feel-good Christmas story you will want to read. 5 stars

Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book for my own collections. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours.
-Michelle

A Little House Christmas: Holiday Stories form the Little House Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder #Christmas #Review

 

This book is a collection of Christmas stories gathered from the writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder. The stories begin when Laura is just 4 years old and progress as she gets older. The story is very as they move from place to place and tell of the dreams of two little girls who still believe in Santa. The biggest takeaway here for me was that life was simplistic and that even when it came to Christmas gifts were often had but they were still simplistic like a piece of candy or woolen mittens. Maybe this is something that we should return to. The girls were always grateful and Ma managed to introduce the girls to life's lessons. Christmas always came. Pa was always seen as the head of the household but also someone who worked hard and loved his family. These things about her family were sweet and I loved the family meant everything to them no matter what the circumstances. Overall, a sweet book that could be read year after year. 4 stars. Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book for my own collections. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. - Michelle

Just In Time for Christmas by Louise Borden #Christmas #holidays #review #family #traditions

Synopsis:

Based the author's story upon her 100-year-old family tradition. Lewin's beautifully painted illustrations evoke memories of wintery Christmas mornings and warm family gatherings.

My review:

This is the story of one family's traditional Christmas gathering on a farm in Kentucky. It is never said but the (spoiler) Grandma is suffering the beginning stages of dementia. They gather together each year to make their family taffy. 

The story is told from the point of view from a young man who looks to be middle school to young high school.  I loved the colors of blue and gold for his jacket. Ironically, it was the same as when I was in high school, even the design of it. He struggles are apparent throughout the book and makes him not want to enjoy the festivities.

This book is wrapped up in life's feelings, some sadness, and happiness as well. It gives the reader a sense of belonging and yet a longing for things to stay the same.

One absolute plus to this book is the illustrations. They are beautiful and so well done that the reader feels like you are there.

I recommend this book as a good Christmas read 5 stars.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle

A Murder Yule Regret by Winnie Archer #Recipe #giveaway #Spotlight #cozymysteries #Christmas

 

7th in Series
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies (November 30, 2021)
Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 149673355X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496733559
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08Y69YZKB

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Freelance photographer and Yeast of Eden bakery assistant Ivy Culpepper has just scored the job of a lifetime shooting the Dickensian dress-up X-mas party thrown by It Girl film actress Eliza Fox . . . until an unwanted guest appears.

A holiday costume party in the sleepy coastal town of Santa Sofia could be just the boost Ivy needs for her fledgling photography business. At the party, Ivy enters a Victorian fantasy come to life, all courtesy of the fabulous Ms. Fox. Ivy gets to play shutterbug while hanging with Scrooge, Marley, the Cratchits, and more classic Dickens characters. But what begins as the best of times turns out to be the very worst for one of the party guests—a tabloid journalist with more enemies than Ebenezer himself.

When the man’s body is found sprawled across the jagged rocks below the house, the fingers begin pointing at Eliza. Meanwhile, Ivy gets roped into helping prove the starlet’s innocence. Her festive photos are now official evidence—and the Ghosts of Christmas Present could mean the party for Eliza is over, once and for all.

RECIPE:

My dear readers, I am pleased to offer a recipe that the author has provided. This is a recipe that can be read from the book. Enjoy!

CHRISTMAS PUNCH

 

Ingredients

 

• 5 cups 100 percent cranberry juice (cranberry juice cocktail)
• 2 bottles very dry sparkling wine (champagne, cava, or prosecco)
• 2 cups apple cider
• 11⁄2 cups diet ginger ale
• 11⁄2 cups dark rum or brandy
• 2 oranges, thinly sliced into rounds
• 1 cup fresh cranberries

 

Instructions

 

1. Chill all ingredients.

2. Fill a large punch bowl with ice. Top with the cranberry juice, sparkling wine, apple cider, ginger ale,

and rum.

3. Stir to combine. Garnish with the orange slices and fresh cranberries.

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Winnie Archer is the nationally bestselling author of the Bread Shop Mystery series, and the Magical Dressmaking Mystery series written as Melissa Bourbon. A former middle school English teacher, lives in North Carolina with her educator husband, Carlos, and the youngest of their five children. She can be found online at MelissaBourbon.com.

Purchase Links - Amazon 

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Gobbledy by Lis Anna-Langston #Middlegrade #Christmas #spotlight

 Trailer

Holiday Middle Grade
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 11 years
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 6
Publisher ‏ : ‎ SparkPress (October 20, 2020)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 232 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1684630673
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1684630677
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B084JRC21K

Ever since eleven-year-old Dexter Duckworth and his brother, Dougal, lost their mom, everything has been different. But “different” takes on a whole new meaning when, one day just before Christmas (or Kissmas, as they call it), Dexter finds a golden rock in the forest that hatches into an adorable alien. Gobbledy is smarter than he seems and is lost on planet Earth. Before long, Gobbledy takes Dexter, Dougal, and their best friend Fi on an adventure of friendship, family, and loss—one that requires them all to stay out of trouble, protect Gobbledy from a shadowy group called the Planetary Society, and prepare for their school’s Winter Extravaganza Play, where Dexter has to be a dreaded Gingerbread Man.

Gobbledy is a fun-filled holiday story that adds up to two brothers, three friends, unlimited jars of peanut butter, a ketchup factory, and one little alien far, far from home.

2021 Independent Press Awards Winner in Holiday: Children's

2021 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards Silver Winner in Young Reader: Fiction (8-12 Years)

2021 15th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist in Holiday

2021 Book Excellence Awards Finalist in Holiday

2020 New York City Big Book Awards Winner in Holiday

2020 Wishing Shelf Book Awards Gold Winner in Books for 9-12 year olds

About Lis Anna-Langston

Lis Anna-Langston was raised alongside the winding current of the Mississippi River on a steady diet of dog-eared books. She attended a creative and performing arts school from middle school until graduation and went on to study literature at Webster University. She is a Parents' Choice Gold and a Moonbeam Children's Book Award Winner. She draws badly and sings loudly, and loves ketchup, starry skies, and stories with happy endings aliens. Lis Anna-Langston lives in Columbia, South Carolina. You can learn more about her at www.lisannalangston.com.

Author Links

Website: http://www.lisannalangston.com

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B00IXKUOEQ

Saddle Creek Christmas Collection by Lorelei Confer #Christmas #Giveaway #Spotlight

 

**Special Christmas Offer!!**

Buy a paperback for a gift an the author will gift an ebook of your choice (with proof of purchase)

*applicable only to Lorelei Confer's books

The Sheriff's Christmas

Saddle Creek Book 5

by Lorelei Confer

Genre: Holiday Romance and Suspense

Five days before Christmas, an old flame of the Sheriff’s returns to Saddle Creek, Wyoming to convince him to run away with her and take all his wife’s money with them. She disappears quickly and, in her haste, leaves something behind.

While searching for Christmas decorations in the attic of the Travis B&B, the owner, Deputy Ronnie Travis Rogers finds a hidden trunk that belonged to her late Aunt Sally. What she finds inside is a mystery that could change the entire dynamics of her family. Will she pursue it? Or keep it a secret?

After years of working on Christmas Eve, the Sheriff is finally able to attend the annual Christmas Eve celebration with his three best friends who he considers them his brothers (from another mother) and their growing families at Rosie’s Diner. Mitch and Ronnie return to their home with the promise of love, joy and happiness; the true meaning of Christmas.

**Only .99 cents!!**

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A Saddle Creek Christmas Collection

Saddle Creek Book 6

Four close and loyal friends since childhood, now grown men, make plans to celebrate Christmas but are threatened with unforeseen perils that strike close to home.

Cold snow and freezing temperatures came early in Saddle Creek, Wyoming, a small town outside Jackson Hole in the shadows of the Grand Tetons mountains but wreak havoc on all their lives. Through trials and tribulations of unexpected visitors, family members, and ghosts from the past, as well as, triumphs and joys, this year would be special in so many ways, because they each find the true meaning of Christmas.

A Family Christmas

Rustlers and Romance

Chase is forced into protective mode, when a ghost from Lauren's past threatens to destroy, not only their Christmas, but their lives.

Christmas Decisions

An Uptown Girl and a Cowboy

Samantha (Sam) and Elliott's suffer growing pains are put to the test when Sam's newly divorced sister arrives unexpectantly five days before Christmas to lean on her baby sister.

Christmas Surprises

Secrets and Deceptions

Avri and Dillon's Christmas may be ruined when Dillon has one last dangerous mission, but does he return in time for Christmas? And can Avri, once again, forgive him?

**Only .99 cents!!**

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A Saddle Creek Christmas Collection 2

Saddle Creek Book 7

Book 1.) A New Diner for Christmas

Susan Malloy is a widow left alone returns to Jackson Hole, WY in hopes of saving her diner burdened in debt. John Williams is a widower, in an attempt to mend his broken heart after the death of wife, relocates to be near family in WY. Is it ever too late for a second chance at love? Can the spirit of Christmas lend a helping hand?

Book 2.) A Christmas Renewal

Carter and Janelle experienced love at first sight but as the newness wears off and the seasons roll by, will their divergent plans for the future divide or unite them?

Book 3.) A Christmas Celebration

Deputy Sheriff, Tom Miles, loses the love of his life when Edie Benner is convicted as a horse thief. Now, with many lifetimes between them and a chance encounter he wants a second chance with her. It’s Christmas, can he win her love this time?

**Only .99 cents!!**

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**Check out Lorelei's other series – a lot of them are only .99 cents! **

The Saddle Creek Series

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Amazon

The Deadly Series

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Amazon

Amazon bestselling author of romantic suspense, Lorelei Confer, has been writing since the fourth grade. She lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida with her husband and AJ, a longhaired Chihuahua, who are both her constant companions.

In 2010, her first novel, Deadly Deception was published, the first in the Deadly series. Another series, Saddle Creek, began with the first release, Rustlers and Romance in 2016. This series is set in the shadows of the Grand Teton mountains in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Mentoring children years ago led to helping aspiring authors set goals, and generally, meet their objective to finish the book. She practices her own discipline every day.

After six years as a copy editor and two years as an editor at The Wild Rose Press, she ventured out on her own as an indie author.

Sign up for her newsletter at https://www.loreleiconfer.com/subscribe to receive exclusive excerpts and bonus material, receive alerts when books are released, and take part in great giveaways.

Website * Facebook * Twitter 

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The Last Christmas by Seelie Kay #Spotlight #Christmas #Giveaway

 

The Last Christmas

by Seelie Kay

Genre: Contemporary Holiday Romance Comedy

At Christmas time, everyone deserves a miracle!

 

David Wright is dying from cancer. He is not expected to see another Christmas. At least that’s what the medical professionals say. Fortunately, Santa begs to differ. After all, modern medicine is nothing more than a best guess. Santa believes anything is possible until you give up.

 

When Santa tells David’s wife, Joan, that heaven is full and she has to keep her husband alive, she is beside herself. She has no medical skills. How can she save anyone’s life? Set your skepticism aside as Santa embraces a family already mourning their father’s terminal diagnosis and teaches them that a Christmas miracle doesn’t always require heavenly intervention. Sometimes, all it takes is a family with enough love to create their own. As Santa says, a true miracle is when love combines with action to get the desired results. And only humans are capable of that.

 

Will Santa’s words fall on deaf ears? Or will Team Wright find a way to save their father’s life?

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Seelie Kay is a nom de plume for a writer, editor, and author with more than 30 years of experience in law, journalism, marketing, and public relations. When she writes about love and lust in the legal world, something kinky is bound to happen! In possession of a wicked pen and an overly inquisitive mind, Ms. Kay is the author of 18 works of fiction, including the Kinky Briefs series, the Feisty Lawyers series, The Garage Dweller, A Touchdown to Remember, The President’s Wife, The White House Wedding, and The President’s Daughter.

When not spinning her kinky tales, Ms. Kay ghostwrites nonfiction for lawyers and other professionals. She resides in a bucolic exurb outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she shares a home with her son and enjoys opera, gourmet cooking, organic gardening, and an occasional bottle of red wine.

Ms. Kay is an MS warrior and ruthlessly battles the disease on a daily basis. Her message to those diagnosed with MS: Never give up. You define MS, it does not define you!

Website * Blog * Facebook 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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An eBook bundle of A Touchdown to Remember, The President's Daughter, and The Last Christmas,

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The Case of the Lost Christmas by Kristen Collins #spotlight #Christmas #giveaway

 

The Case of the Lost Christmas Spirit

Children of Chaos Series

by Kristen Collins

Genre: YA Fantasy

Every Christmas, it is the same old routine for Buck Buckley. Go over the naughty list and try to either prevent or save children from the loss of Christmas Spirit.

Unfortunately, Buck hasn't had the best track record in the last few decades. But when little Elsie Hawley winds up on the naughty list, he knows he can't afford to lose her for fear of losing himself. Buck is about to learn that little Elsie isn’t your typical human child either.

Will he save her in time or will she be lost like so many others before her?

**Only .99 cents!!**

Goodreads * Amazon

I'm a Native Texan, born and raised close to the heart of the great Lone Star State. I was born in January of ‘89 and was able to grow up during a great time. I honestly don’t consider myself a Millennial, and really dislike that title. I'm a part-time secretary and a full-time mother and wife, as well as a Lupus Warrior.

Having Lupus means living my life indoors, and the sun is my arch-nemesis, my personal kryptonite. I want to leave a legacy behind, something my kids could one day look back on and say, “yeah my mom did that.”

Thanks to the encouragement of friends and family, I found a passion for writing paranormal romance books. Anything in the realm of fantasy usually suits my novels and tends to be able to reach a large audience in multiple genres. Most of my story ideas come to me in the most unexpected times and places, such as my dreams. They will plague me nonstop until I sit down and write it out.

I like to explore new types of characters such as Sandmen and Boogeymen, for example. I enjoy creating all the facets of their own worlds, such as in A Sandman’s Forbidden Love.

God has blessed me with success that I never imagined was possible, which allows me the freedom to explore and create with intense focus in paranormal fiction. Now, I know Shifters aren’t real but Angels are another story. So Angels are also a part of my focus and research. I will often sit on the computer doing extensive research on both Sandmen and Angels, trying to learn as much as possible about them.

In addition to fiction, I create Art Journals that are cross generational from thirteen to ninety years young. My goal, with these types of books, is to reach people who need that extra encouragement and quiet reflective stillness that journaling can bring into their lives.

Website 

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