Saginaw Series, Holiday Series, and Much More: October 2016

#PoweredByIndie

Books I Published on Amazon

October is #PoweredByIndie month on Amazon. Let me say, I would not be an author without Amazon Kindle books. Amazon has given thousands of authors the opportunity to publish and sell books all on our own.

I write my books to share with each other. Mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, aunts, even teachers with their students. They are all about friendship, supporting one another, getting through difficult times, growing up, believing in ourselves, caring about others. There are questions at the end of the book to facilitate discussion. I don't care how many books I sell. I have given many of them away. I care that the message of the importance of being a good friend is shared by all who read my books.

I will forever be greatful to Amazon for providing a place for my books. I love writing.

My first series - Saginaw Series

The books in the Saginaw Series follow the friends from the summer before Freshman year to the summer before Senior year. In Webber House meet Katy and Jen, best friends. In Bertie's Bakery Heaven Scent, it becomes a trio adding Colleen. In Andersen Pool add James and Adam. In Daniels Den follow the band "The Lifeguards" as they work their way to possible stardom. You will get to know the friends throughout their high school years as they blend the best of Saginaw old with Saginaw today.

My second series - Holiday Series

The books in the Holiday Series are a year in the life of Kyla, Olivia, Maddie and Sophie and all their friends. Difficult issues are faced this year in all four books. In book one, No Christmas for Olivia, it is time to learn the true meaning of Christmas. In book two, Easter Trip to Florida, the students go on a mission trip where they learn humility and the importance of sharing God's love. In book three, Independence Day, Internet bullying hurts two students. In book four, A Very Thankful Thanksgiving, new zero tolerance rules have an unexpected consequence.

My first stand alone book - Four Season Friends

Four Season Friends begins with moving day and all the stress and anxiety of seven people relocating to a new home in a new city. Each of them quickly becomes friends with the family of eight next door and the fun begins. A few of the children are homeschooled while others attend St. Mary Cathedral, just three blocks away. There are vacations, a first job away from home and even a wedding reception in a Montana barn in the middle of winter! You will come to love the Castors and the Maxums, possibly even wishing you could live next door to them.

My second stand alone book - A Light Shines Forth

When Noah and Emma plan to scare their sisters at the Tawas Point State Park in Michigan neither of them understands that it will change their relationship. Meet the Emerson and Miller families where friendships are more like being part of an extended family. Follow Noah as he begins his service in the Air Force at basic training. Become part of a friendship that spans generations. Based in Saginaw, Michigan the families belong to St. Mary Cathedral where the siblings go to school. A book filled with friendship, romance and characters you will remember forever.

My most recent book - New Beginnings

New Beginnings is a story of a mother and her daughter, Aubrey and Annie, moving to Saginaw, Michigan from Texas. They are invited to live with a cousin and her daughter, Brianna and Riley. The story will follow where they have been and where they are headed after many "New Beginnings." As a matter of fact, Annie is tired of "New Beginnings" she just wants life to stay the same for awhile. Riley is still dealing with the death of her father. She doesn't want anything to do with anyone.

Inspiration from East Side Soup Kitchen

Webber House

Obituary Inspiration

My eyes were pulled toward this obituary in the Saginaw News. When I read the description of Rosalie I knew immediately I wanted her in "A Light Shines Forth" - after talking with her daughter and emailing her granddaughter - I was so inspired. Thank you new friends. THIS IS FROM THE OBITUARY: From homesteading the farm to owning a local eatery, she raised her children by example of frugality and superior work ethic. She could stretch a penny into the next month and could feed an army on a squirrel. (And yes, thered be seconds.) Rose was a master gardener (often times with strangers stopping to admire) and was known to sleep on a cot along the row of dill to figure out how the deer got in. A canning magician, each year would produce a family squabble over who would get the last quart of dilly beans or tomato jam. An avid outdoors and fisherwoman, she raised and sold bait, smoked and sold fish, and was known to wrestle snapping turtles (for soup, of course) into her trunk on her way to pick blueberries. She was an excellent bowler, loved liver pate and cheap whiskey, produced miles of beautifully knitted and crocheted anything (no, really...anything) and was the dog whisperer of the family. For years she refused to use a microwave and she never used credit, boasting that the only plastic she owned was her laminated AARP card. She conducted her five foot self with grace and dignity but even at 85, she could swear like a sailor and wasn't afraid to take your money at the card table (or an IOU if you didnt have it). Affectionately known as Nonnie, she will be eternally missed by the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who claim that she first hung the moon and then scattered the stars.