Book Beat Babes

Book Beat Babes

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Making Ready For Christmas! by DL Larson

     MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

My family and I have been busy all Christmas season. This photo is the result of a charity my granddaughters had during our annual Caroling Party. These fun gifts will go to a family of ten girls who live at Mooseheart Child City and School. The request was for simple craft projects for the girls to do throughout the winter. I believe the donations will make the young girls very happy! A BIG thank you to all our family and friends for helping make this Christmas idea a reality!



 
This is the tree in my family room. My cat usually sits beneath it so he can look out the door. So far, he hasn't bothered climbing or exploring further. Let's hope he decides to be a good kitty for Christmas.


My grandson Colton and I worked on our annual gingerbread house. I was in charge of frosting while Colton decorated. He did a great job and we only had to chase after a few pesky beads that fell on the floor.

This is a live nativity our church does each Advent. I was a shepherd this year. We had a few sheep and a donkey as well. We stand for 30 minutes while the Christmas story is told over a loud speaker. Then we head back into the Fellowship Hall for hot chocolate and goodies. This year we had three sessions. It always helps me to remember the true meaning of Christmas when I take time to participate in events like this one.

 I hope everyone has a safe and meaningful Christmas. Beyond the unwrapping of presents and feasting on wonderful meals, and spending time with loved ones, please take a moment to count your blessings. I bet they are plentiful!  I know mine are.

Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

DL Larson
www.DLLARSON.com

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Christmas Carol

If you missed it the first time around, Christmas Carol is still available to offer you some Christmas cheer. 



What it's about: 

 Stranded for the Holidays in a snowstorm, famous author, Blake Dugan, discovers the true meaning of life and love through a waitress with the unique name of Christmas Carol. 

And here's the link again:

http://amzn.com/B00R20N0B2


Find all of my books at my Amazon Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Excerpts and buy links also at: http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Catch me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @MorganMandel




Thursday, December 3, 2015

Sharing the Heartache! by DL Larson

I learned a few days ago a college friend passed away. Her name was Jean. We called her Jeanie-Beanie. I remember Jeanie had a bright smile and a hearty laugh. She lost a leg due to cancer while we were still in college. I remember sitting on a swing set with her on a bright winter's day. It was before her surgery. We were in South Park, Quincy IL. It's a great park, with rolling hills and a small stream snaking in and around the grounds. The snow crunched beneath our feet as we made our way to the swings that day.

Her disease was the first time I encountered that hideous word: cancer. She told me she had two choices.
1. Save the leg and have a very short life.
or:
2. Say good-bye to her leg and hope for a long life.

Jeanie sang at my wedding. She'd never sung in public before. But I knew she could do it with ease. She sang, 'Let There Be Peace,' and 'The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face.' I can still remember her rich, alto voice. Jeanie sang at dozens of weddings after mine. She once told me she'd never considered singing in public until I asked her to sing at my wedding.

I wish I could say Jeanie had an easy life. But health problems plagued her. Still, she found happiness in her marriage to Larry and enjoyed her many nieces and nephews. And friends. Jeanie was a special friend to so many. Her heart was big and her love for life enormous.

I can well imagine how she was received in heaven. "Oh, here she comes!"  "We've been waiting for you." "Welcome home, Jeanie!"

I hope my reflection on Jeanie's life will remind writers that characters can have real life issues. This is where many readers relate to the character(s). If you are searching for a unique character in your next story, consider someone like Jeanie. She had many physical problems in this world, but her zest for life didn't waver. Her compassion for others outshone her illness. And she left cancer to wither a slow death on its own.

"Far out, Jeanie Beanie! Far out! You silly rabbit."

'Til next time ~

DL Larsonwww.DLLARSON.com



Wednesday, December 2, 2015

HAILEY'S CHANCE - FREEBIE ON DEC 4, 5, 6 (FRI, SAT, SUN)

Come and get your free copy of Hailey's Chance: Will Baby Make 3?
This event will happen on Dec 4, 5 and 6 (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Here's the link:  http://amzn.com/B013D2FB78




Hailey's Chance is the prequel to the romance, Christmas Carol. Both books are set in the fictional town of Deerview, Wisconsin, but the main characters are different.

WHAT IT'S ABOUT:
What's one woman's curse could be another's blessing.

Happily expecting her first child, Hailey is unprepared for the deadly storm which tears apart her hopes and dreams. Lost in grief, she's startled by her neighbor's suggestion. What's proposed could bring joy or heartbreak. Should she take the chance?

If you like this book, I'd appreciate your writing a very brief review on Amazon.

And, if you really like this book, you might want to read the 99 cent romance, Christmas Carol, this holiday season.

*These two books are also presently enrolled in the Kindle Unlimited program.


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Twitter: @MorganMandel

All of my books are on Amazon at:

Links & excerpts are all at: