Available for Review: Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Now available for review in PDF and a limited number of print copies. Please contact Cheryl at ccmal(at)charter(dot)net. 

Family Christmas Book: A Tree's Christmas by James Andrew Bowen

What if your Christmas tree could talk? What would it say? Did Anne dream this story of the talking Christmas tree, or could it be real? You must decide for yourself. The story starts when a love-filled family's Christmas in the country is over. The Christmas tree's decorations are gently removed. Anne, her dad and their dog, Lucky, take the tree outside and lay it down in the snow-covered garden. That night, to the amazement, surprise and delight of the trees around the garden, the Christmas tree begins telling the exciting story of its wonder-filled adventures inside the family s home during the Christmas season. All night, the trees listen as the Christmas tree tells its stories, and then ... A Tree's Christmas will inspire children of all ages to appreciate anew the wonders of a family Christmas, and how the tree, at the center of it all, can play an even more meaningful role in the celebration than anyone can imagine. And, as the Christmas tree tells of its adventures, readers will come to understand the importance of leading a rich, full life that makes a difference no matter what others say. It s a story that can be told over and over every Christmas, for generations to come, and still have genuine meaning for all who read it.

PRAISE FOR A TREE'S CHRISTMAS

"This could be a new Christmas classic!” -- Chicago Daily Herald

“A Tree's Christmas: A Talking Tree's Story of its Christmas Adventures, is an inspirational children's chapter book with heartwarming appeal for all ages. The Christmas tree itself is the gentle story's star, and even though other bigger trees in the forest have ridiculed or belittled the tree, it is true to its own story and attests to the virtue of perseverance and fidelity in the face of hardship. A Tree's Christmas deals with many relevant themes; the circle of life and death, family love and support, and enduring hard times to remember joy in the end. A Tree's Christmas will be a treasured gift to share with a loved one, child or adult. Its lessons of a brief life fully lived in gratitude for the wonder of creation are to be respectfully passed on to new generations.”
--James A. Cox, Editor in Chief, Children’s Bookwatch in The Midwest Book Review

“It’s a sweet children’s Christmas story that I’m sure young children will like,” commented reviewer Dr. Judith Briles, author of more than 20 books and board member of the Colorado Independent Publishers Association. “Adults will understand and love the circle of life theme. And, of course, the author reminds us there’s a lot more to a tree than its branches and leaves! The surprise ending will touch everyone’s hearts.”

For more information, visit http://www.atreeschristmas.com/

Book Spotlight: Sabbatical of the Mind by David L. Winters

While racing around the Washington Beltway on his way to a successful career, the author seemed to misplace his personal peace, purpose for living and a dream or two. Panic attacks and several humorous events led him to the conclusion that he needed to stop the World and get off for a time. David Winters' Sabbatical of the Mind chronicles his adventures in temporary unemployment, searching for answers to life's big questions and eventually, a successful re-entry into work and life. Come along for the ride and you just might find some answers to your own big questions as well.

Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Carpenter's Son Publishing (October 1, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0997774703
ISBN-13: 978-0997774702

Purchase here!

Mailbox Monday - Nov 28

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists.

It's a frosty morning in Western Mass. Winter is definitely coming sooner than I would like.

How was your Thanksgiving? Ours was great. We got a chance to bring my father-in-law to our place for a few hours, which was a nice treat. By the end of the evening he was definitely ready to go back to the nursing home.

The hubby is on his way to Las Vegas this week for a conference, so he was kind enough to drag the big tree up here. My goal is to have the house decorated for Christmas before he returns on Saturday. Not sure if that's possible, but I will give it a shot.

As for books....

In her fifteen years of teaching, Barbara DeMarco-Barrett has found that the biggest stumbling block for aspiring writers (especially women) is not fear of the blank page but frustration with the lack of time. What woman doesn't have too much to do and too little time? Finding an hour free of work, children, or obligations can seem impossible.

But anyone can find fifteen minutes, whether you're sitting in traffic, waiting at a child's soccer practice, or watching the coffee drip. DeMarco-Barrett has created a practical, inspirational guide for fitting serious writing into those stolen moments. She offers writing exercises and techniques for generating ideas, as well as pragmatic advice from the well-known authors who appear on her radio show. With fifteen minutes a day, she can help you to ignite your pen and become the writer you have always wanted to be.

Found this one at the library. With all the excitement of my book launch, I was reminded how much I miss writing. My goal for 2017 is to write a little something each week.

Have you set any goals for 2017 yet?

That's it from this neck of the woods. Hope you have a great week!

Book Spotlight: Arsenal of Arrows by Winslow E. Dixon

A war is raging around you, seeking your soul, home, health, money, career, friends, loved ones and peace of mind. Are you prepared for the daily battles against this dark,cursed world? Do you have enough arrows in your arsenal to fend off the attacks of Satan, his demons and human workers of inequity? This devotional challenge journal is intended to arm you with Biblical weapons so you can claim victory in your life’s warfare.

Paperback: 66 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; Lrg edition (October 29, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1539530299
ISBN-13: 978-1539530299

Purchase here!

Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving VBT Starts Dec 5!

Pump Up Your Book is coordinating a virtual book tour for my new release, Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving (Guardian Angel Publishing). Book reviews, guest posts, and interviews will fill this tour that runs from December 5 through 16. Check out my tour schedule below!

Tour Schedule

Monday, December 5 – Interview at Over the Rainbow Book Reviews

Monday, December 5 – Book Featured at The Writer’s Life

Tuesday, December 6 – Guest Blogging at Dear Reader, Love Author

Tuesday, December 6 – Book Featured at As the Page Turns

Wednesday, December 7 – Interview at Confessions of an Eccentric Bookaholic

Wednesday, December 7 – Book Featured at Write and Take Flight 

Thursday, December 8 – Book Review at The Blended Blog

Thursday, December 8 – Interview at Literarily Speaking

Friday, December 9 – Book Review at Cheryl’s Book Nook

********

Monday, December 12 – Interview at My Bookish Pleasures

Monday, December 12 – Interview at PUYB Virtual Book Club

Tuesday, December 13 – Interview at I’m Shelf-ish

Tuesday, December 13 – Book Featured at A Title Wave

Wednesday, December 14 – Interview at The Review From Here

Wednesday, December 14 – Book Feature at Book Cover Junkie

Thursday, December 15 – Book Review at 3 Partners in Shopping

Thursday, December 15 – Interview at The Literary Nook

Friday, December 16 –Book Review at 100 Pages a Day

Friday, December 16 – Character Interview at Pimp That Character!

Mailbox Monday - Nov 21

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists.

We had some snow showers today, so I figured it was time to switch to a snowy mailbox photo. I really hope we don't get a lot of snow over the next two weeks because the snowblower is in the shop getting tuned up.

Things are starting to slow down in the real estate world as we get closer to the holidays. It happens every year and I can't say I am sorry for it. I've worked very hard and I'm ready for a short break. This is also the week of our annual Christmas bazaar and tag sale at church, so I need to spend some time helping with preparations.

Last week was exciting. The mailman delivered a box and inside was copies of my new book.

Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving is the story of ten-year-old Macy, who uses some quick thinking to save dinner when the dog swipes the turkey off the table. 

Also in my mailbox was the second book by Tim and Debbie Bishop, Wheels of Wisdom. The Bishops are cyclists who have discovered wisdom and truth along their journeys. I reviewed their first book, so I am glad they thought of me with this new one. 

Looking for more out of life?

After three tours totaling over 10,000 miles, Tim and Debbie Bishop have discovered wisdom and truth from the seat of a bicycle. In Wheels of Wisdom, the authors share the life lessons they learned on the open road.

When you're looking for enlightenment, you can find it almost anywhere, be it from watching two herons saunter across a Florida road, pedaling to a dead-end in a Kentucky tobacco field, or observing eagles flying overhead in Montana. In each lesson of this book, you'll find practical insights, inspiration, and encouragement--along with personal reflection questions that will help you:

- Adopt the right mind-set
- Conquer fear, worry, and inaction
- Overcome obstacles
- Relish life's journey

Certain principles are universal whether you are bicycling across America or chasing your own lifelong dream.

You may be continuing your education, connecting with new people, looking to change jobs, or simply wondering about your future. Wherever you are in life, Wheels of Wisdom will give you a fresh perspective and new motivation for your own adventure. Not only will you encounter meaningful truth as you travel vicariously to new places and meet new people, you'll also experience some genuine "God moments" and have some fun on the way.

So, pack up your dreams and passions and come along for the ride. It's time to learn on the open road!

I want to take a moment to wish all of you a blessed Thanksgiving. May you and your loved ones be safe as you travel this holiday weekend. Anyone braving Black Friday shopping? I think I'll wait for Cyber Monday.

Hope you all have a great week.