Monday, November 6, 2023

Thankful For Books Giveaway with WOW! Women On Writing


 I'm excited my novella "Christmas With Ginger" is one of the many books in this fabulous giveaway with WOW! Women On Writing. Link HERE to get all the details and enter to win at the bottom of their page on The Muffin. 



                 Read more on Amazon. Paperback only. Kindle will be available later this month.




Sunday, October 22, 2023

"Christmas With Ginger" My New Christmas Novella

 



                                                                         

                                                                                      Buy On Amazon 

About The Book:

Holly Sterling is in the dumps again this Christmas. In her mid-sixties, a widow and orphan, two titles that haunt her since losing her husband and mother six years ago. No family, no real friends, not even a pet, Holly’s coping mechanism is shopping online November and December, buying vintage treasures that remind her of happier times. This holiday nothing helps ease her loneliness. Holly hasn't a clue what to do next.

With a little encouragement from the spirit world, and a tiny Chihuahua named Ginger, Holly’s life is about to change. Add a handsome pet shop owner who likes to play Santa, and his niece who runs a dog rescue group, this sweet story of love, friendship, and adopting dogs, might answer the question “who rescued who?”

Set in a small Georgia town, this novella is a charming holiday read. It's never too late to trust in the magic of new beginnings.


*************************


"It's you!" Some of my friends commented as I talked about the plot. "Well, yes and no." I had to laugh. A widow in her sixties could be me a few years ago. Working at an art gallery, bingo, I do. But Holly has never owned a dog, and my dog numbers vary from five to six. Currently, I am Chihuahua Mama to five little ones. She meets a handsome Santa and romance is in the air. I am still unattached except for my little mafia of dogs.
Real or imagined, in Holly's mind she's convinced her late husband and mother are guiding her to come out of her shell and start living again. Sometimes I do chat with loved ones long gone. And of course, a tiny Chihuahua from Animal Control is the catalyst for all the changes twelve days before Christmas. You should know, Ginger is my little Carmella. I've dedicated the book to her.
Written on a whim, I had fun with this novella. It's only 136 pages, but full of the holiday spirit. I liked writing about a character who is older. Heck, I'm older. You know, having crossed that 75th birthday earlier this year. I wondered if Holly's mannerisms were too youthful, but then realized she is exactly how I would be ......if this story was about me! And it's not.


Available on Amazon paperback only. The kindle version will come out later in November.

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Santa's Slip Up by Raven Howell Book Review

 




                                                  Amazon  Barnes and Noble  Bookshop.org


"Santa's Slip Up" written by Raven Howell Illustration by Savannah Horton

Anyone can make a mistake and Santa has made a big one in this charming and spooky children's book written by Raven Howell and illustrated by Savannah Horton. It's Halloween and all the ghosts and gobblins and other creatures of the night are surprised to hear a cheery "Ho, ho, ho". Santa has come at the wrong tine of year. What could be a disaster is handled with humor and there's a new winner in the Halloween parade.Geared towards older elementary to middle school grade reader. As for me, I love children's books and am excited to have a copy to keep and enjoy, both at Halloween and Christmas!

I reviewed this book as part of the author's blog tour with WOW! Women on Writing. Link here to read Raven Howell's interview on The Muffin and learn more about this award-winning children's author and poet.You can also enter to win a free copy of her book. Below is a list of stops the author will make as she continues on tour with WOW!


Links:

Website: https://www.ravenhowell.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RavenHowellAuthorandPoetPage/

         

 

 

 







Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Book Review "I Chose You" by Carmen Leal

 


Purchase a copy on AmazonBarnes and Noble, or Bookshop.org.

 I love this book for two reasons. Well more than two reasons but I'm just listing two. First it is a wonderful collection of dog stories, those kind that fill you with love, make you smile, and some will break your heart. We've all been there. Rescue dogs are the best. Who saved who? I currently have five Chihuahuas all from my local shelters, older dogs that needed a home as much as I needed them. Over the course of fifteen years since I became a widow, rescue dogs have mended my heart and brought me joy beyond words. First they were bigger dogs, but as I aged I needed smaller dogs I could pick up. I will admit Chihuahuas while small are a mafia when in numbers and there is never a dull moment in my house. The second reason I love this book is that I have a story in it, too! Miss  April in Paris, a hunting dog that joined my pack in 2010 and sadly left me a few years ago. Carmen was so gracious to include April's story. I can't recommend this book enough for dog lovers and actually for just the great writing in it. Happy stories and sad stories but owning a dog is full of joy and pain as they never live long enough.

“I Chose You” is organized into sections titled “We Are Family,” “Rescue Me,” “Smile,” "You Are So Beautiful,” “Somebody to Love,” "What I Did for Love,” “Something Good,” "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive,” “Tears in Heaven,”  “Where You Lead," and “Top Six Reasons to Adopt a Rescue Dog.” 

If you missed Carmen's initial interview on The Muffin that kicked off her blog tour link here and read all the wonderful things she has to say plus links to future stops. An amazing women with a huge heart. 


About the author Carmen Leal

Carmen Leal is a storyteller and the author of multiple books, articles, devotionals, and human-interest stories. Carmen relocated from Hawaii to Oshkosh, yes, there is a story behind the move, and has become an awesome dog mom. Carmen and her husband have become reluctant gardeners and know a crazy amount about Wisconsin weeds. She is the mother of two sons, two incredible grandsons, and Coconut, the best imperfectly perfect rescue dog in the world. 

Find Carman online:

http://carmenleal.com/blog




Sunday, March 5, 2023

Hope and Fortune Children's Book by Marissa Banez

 

                                                                         

I'm reviewing this charming children's book as part of the author's blog tour with WOW! Women On Writing. I jumped at the chance to participate because I love children's books and this one is delightful. Its message inspires children and adults who find difficulty being a bit different from others in today's world. Plus, I love the gorgeous illustrations.  A win-win.

The story is about a young girl named Esperanza (her name means hope) who chases a butterfly into the Fabled Fairy Forest. Once in the forest the butterfuly disappears leaving Esperanza lost and scared. The Golden Tree wanted to help her and so he said:

Deep into the Fabled Fairy Forest you should go 

To learn everything you need to know.

Sometimes we all need someone for guidance.

It's scary but we don't need to suffer in silence.

So find the twelve Fortune Fairies at all cost.

They will help you to never again feel lost.

                                                        

From there the story continues with Esperanza encountering twelve diverse, multi-cultural fairies that gift Esperanza with their hope, wisdom, virture, and courage. 

Below is a list of all the stops on the author's tour with WOW! And in case you missed her initial interview  on The Muffin you can link to it here.


About the author:

A first-generation immigrant to the U.S. from the Philippines, Marissa Banez is a graduate of Princeton University and a lawyer licensed to practice in New York, California, and New Jersey. She has published legal articles for the prestigious New York Law Journal and the American Bar Association, but her true passion is in her children's stories. She currently lives in New York City with her husband and daughter. In her free time, Marissa likes to travel, design and make clothes, cook, binge-watch Star Trek shows and Korean dramas, and occasionally strum a guitar.

She is currently working on her second book, Hues and Harmony (How the Singing Rainbow Butterfly Got Her Colors), a story about mixed or multiracial children, self-discovery, and respect for others as told through the life and adventures of a caterpillar. It is scheduled for publication on July 20, 2023.

You can find her online at: Her WebsiteFacebook, Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Goodreads




 

 


Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Thinking of Spring


 Borrowed this illustration from the web. It made me smile and reminded me spring is coming. I love seed catalogs, especially vintage ones, but reading them is about all I do. I wish I wanted to plant from seed. My late husband always planted seeds in the garden, his spots. Sunflowers and morning glories mostly. He was a patient man. Me? I've got to buy plants to put in the soil. Instant gratification? Yes, I admit it. I love to plant something that is ready to bloom, waiting is hard to do. Especially when the first signs of warm weather creep in I want to see color in my yard. As I type this and look out my french doors, daffodils are in bloom. They come back every year on their own. I'm worried a cold snap will come and they will leave. But for now, they remind me of all the beautiful flowers that will return this year (flowers planted by the previous owners of my house) and have me looking at photos on Instagram of beaufitul gardens, wondering what plants will I buy, bursting with buds, to plant on my patio. Perhaps I'll try a bit of patience and remember that big guy who loved morning glories and sunflowers and buy a few seed packs to see if I have any green in my thumb.

Sunday, February 5, 2023

The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself by Marla J. Albertie Review

 



I'm reviewing this book as part of the author's blog tour with WOW! Women On Writing. It is a unique concept as it is more of a journal to get you thinking about all the positive things about yourself. A small introduction by the author followed by a hundred questions for you to answer. There are 216 blank lined pages with a topic at the top. Some of the pages are blank lines while others have numbers on the lines to make you work harder to think about multiple answers. While this book is for any time of the year, I loved getting my review copy as the new year started. We all make those resolutions trying to think what changes will make the upcoming year better. This book makes you realize you are pretty cool as you are then goes further to help you plan what's next. Simple? Yes and No. I put on my thinking cap and answered some of the questions and surprised myself. At times we all doubt who we are, what we contribute to the world around us. In all the hurried craziness of life we get lost. I loved finding out so many happy things about myself. Some of the questions in the 100 questions include: 10 strengths of mine are, 10 "me time" things I do for self-care, 20 things I am super great at, 10 things that make me smile, 10 accomplishments I am proud of, my 15 favorite memories, 10 things I'm obsessed with, 10 things I learned from my parents. The list goes on to 100 questions with plenty of room for you to jot down all your answers. I love journaling, writing, and this book is a lovely place to keep my thoughts and create new ideas. A perfect book for yourself or to give as a gift. I'm keeping my copy on my bedside table and at night answering a question or two before I turn out the lights. My dreams will be full of positive thoughts thanks to this sweet book.


About the author, Marla J. Albertie:

Marla believes life is a journey and we can create the life we want. She is the owner and founder of TruthSpeaksGroup LLC, a multi-media company that creates strategies and solutions  for work/life integration/harmony. She is also the founder of MJA Notary Services, LLC, MJA Publishing LLC, and JEMA Holdings LLC, and being the founder of I/O for Teens Inc is her greatest work yet. Marla's mantra is to #TeachTrainEducate working women who desire to understand their truth and live a life of success defined on their own terms. To learn more about the author link to her interview on WOW's The Muffin which kicked off her blog tour and will also give links to her upcoming tour stops.





Thankful For Books Giveaway with WOW! Women On Writing

 I'm excited my novella "Christmas With Ginger" is one of the many books in this fabulous giveaway with WOW! Women On Writing....