Come Visit Me in Columbia, KY

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Christmas in Columbia

This Saturday, from 1-4 pm, I’ll be at the Christmas in Columbia event in the Holloway Health and Wellness Center on Lindsey Wilson College’s Campus. If you’re in the area, please stop by. Vendors from near and far will be there selling all sorts of great items to finish your Christmas shopping list.

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I’ll be there with all four children’s books AND my romance titles (Click HERE to browse those).  Books make wonderful gifts for children. They probably have enough toys, so give them the gift of reading instead!

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Let’s Go Fishin’!

Just for our newsletter subscribers…

Enter to win a signed copy of Meghan Colvin’s sweet new picture book, a fishing-themed book with a sweet and poignant message. To enter, subscribe to my monthly newsletter. I don’t spam your inbox with daily emails. You’ll only get a few emails per month. And each month, you’ll get to meet a new children’s author AND have a chance to win their signed books plus other prizes. You’ll also get a first look at my new releases and hear about my upcoming events. There’s nothing to lose and lots of reading to be gained. Go to this link now and subscribe:

http://eepurl.com/b_1qU5

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Time is Running Out!

Here’s the lovely necklace made by Cheryl Karnes up for grabs in my February children’s book newsletter!! Plus a signed copy of D.G. Driver’s “No One Needed to Know” – a book about bullying, an issue that so many kids are dealing with today. Don’t miss out on your chance to win these! Subscribe to my monthly children’s book newsletter before Feb. 28 and to enter the giveaway: http://eepurl.com/b_1qU5

PS: You will not be spammed with daily emails. Only one to just a few each month, depending on events and news.

Quentin’s Problem in Midwest Book Review!

I am very pleased to announce that Quentin’s Problem has been reviewed by Midwest Book Review and will appear in their August magazine!!!

Here’s a snippet:

“Quentin’s Problem” is a wonderful, invigorating story that encourages youngsters to face up to truths, admit their difficulties, and to accept help through cooperation.

Midwest Book Review is a highly prestigious review source often used by libraries, and out of the >1,500 books sent to them each month, only ~450 are deemed worthy of reviewing. Quentin passed THIS exam! 😀 He’s still working on his “Arr”s.

You can find the review here: http://www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/aug_16.htm#Picturebook

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UPDATE!

**UPDATE! Worth the read! Please SHARE!**
󾆷Click HERE to become a sponsor: https://www.gofundme.com/2hvqj8ak󾇒

Here is another pet that will be featured at the end of A Home for Rosie. This is Snape, an 11 yr. old Border Collie, and a very sweet companion to Lynda C. from Brazil, Indiana.

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Snape’s story is a little different in that he is a registered purebred. In fact, his AKC name is “Grand Champion Wych’s Prince of Summer.” Lynda purchased Snape when he was just 10 weeks old from a responsible breeder and has had him ever since. Now that he’s a senior dog, Lynda has to give him daily supplements and sometimes prescription medication to keep his arthritis under control. He’s also on a special diet for older dogs.

Lynda and Snape have traveled all over the place, attending dog shows. He recently participated in his last one. Lynda recalls how much fun he had: “He went to the Collie Club of America National specialty show in March and “played” dog show in the veteran’s class. It was my distinct honor to hold his lead as he took his very last trip around the ring and I cried the whole time I was showing him. He was having a blast, never stopped showing, and was certain all the applause was just for him.”

With Lynda’s devoted care and attention to his health, Snape is doing well. He loves grilled chicken and enjoys playing dog show, howling and traveling.

I’m including his story because Snape and Lynda are a great example of responsible purebred pet ownership. He’s lucky to have a great home. But many purebred animals aren’t so lucky. Not every shelter pet is a mutt. Did you know that up to 25% of pets in shelters are purebred? They’re homeless for many reasons. Sometimes their owners can no longer afford to care for them or have to move to somewhere that doesn’t allow pets. Some are rescued from “puppy mills,” where irresponsible breeders keep their animals cooped up in horrible conditions for the sole purpose of making a lot of money. Some, like Pit Bulls and Greyhounds, are rescued from dog fighting rings and racetracks.

If you’re fond of a certain breed, be sure do your research to make certain it’s the right breed for your family. You can then purchase your pet from a responsible breeder or adopt from a shelter or rescue group. Adopting is a much cheaper option, and shelters will have already ensured the animals are healthy and well-behaved before they find their forever homes.

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I wrote A Home for Rosie to raise awareness of homeless older and special needs pets and to emphasize the importance of responsible pet ownership. Become a sponsor today to help me share this message! For your donation of $25 – $49, you’ll receive a signed copy of A Home for Rosie & Dinosaur Zoo (more on this book to come!). For your donation of $50 or more, you’ll get both signed books AND signed original artwork from the artists. Thank you for your support!! Click HERE to become a sponsor: https://www.gofundme.com/2hvqj8ak

TWO new books are on the way!!

It’s been a while, but I’ve been working hard to get TWO more children’s books ready to publish this year thanks to Gypsy Publications and two new talented illustrators. The first one is called A Home for Rosie and is about an older dog who needs a home. Many dogs like Rosie who are older or who have special needs, have a hard time finding their forever homes. This book follows Rosie’s journey to her forever home and will include real photos and stories of real adoption stories at the end! Here are a few preliminary sketches thanks to artist Katrina Kissell:

The second book is called Dinosaur Zoo, about well…a dinosaur zoo! But it’s not just any zoo. These dinos love to play, and they really want to play with their zookeeper. But she’s so busy working, she doesn’t have the time. Or does she? Dinosaur zoo is all about making time to have some fun within our busy days. We all need to slow down and strike a good balance between work and play. Here are a couple of sketches from artist Melissa Quinio:

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We are shooting for both of them to be ready by Sept/Oct of this year, so I’ll keep you all updated on the progress! Until then, don’t miss my next appearance THIS SATURDAY, July 29 at the Newport Aquarium for the River City Book Bash! FREE General Admission to the book fair, and VIP Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/river-city-book-bash-2016-tickets-18446834980

Want to Meet a Pirate?

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Ahoy Mateys! I’ll be making my first appearance with copies of Quentin’s Problem, the story of a pirate boy who couldn’t say “Arrr!” Rumor has it that I might be in costume AND have loot for every kiddo who buys a book.

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Bullitt County Author Faire

Saturday, November 8

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST

For directions, visit:www.bcplib.org

Stop by for our third annual showcase of local authors and their work! Get advice about the writing life, enjoy author readings, and more. The list of attending authors is constantly growing, but you can find a list of those who have confirmed so far on our Author Faire 2014 page.

Hope to see you there!!!

Welcome to Books From the Heart!

What’s New?

Pull up a chair and have a look-see. This website is still under construction, as I’m a total WordPress newbie, but hopefully I’ll keep adding content on a regular basis. The front page will keep you up to date with what’s new with books and appearances. Individual tabs will tell you more about each book and story.

NEW Release!

Quentin's_Problem_Cover_for_KindleMy first children’s book, Quentin’s Problem, is now available in print via Amazon. It’s the story of a pirate boy who can’t say, “Arrr!”, inspired by my youngest daughter’s problem with that particular letter when she first started school. It’s beautifully illustrated by artist K.A. King and will make a great Christmas gift for any of the little ones on your list. It’s only $6.99 or $5.64 with Prime. Click HERE to have a look.

Sponsor a Bumblebee

Help a lsketch3ittle bumblebee find her wings! Fuzzy Buzzy’s Treasure is about a bumblebee who learns a valuable lesson about sharing and teamwork. My own children inspired this idea last summer when they watched a little bumblebee they named Fuzzy Buzzy as she gathered nectar from the flowers on our back deck. If you sponsor the production of my second children’s book, Fuzzy Buzzy’s Treasure at $25, $50, or $100, you’ll get some great thank you gifts, including signed books, signed original artwork, and t-shirts. Click HERE to access the GoFundMe campaign