![]() My Christmas shopping was easier than ever this year - thanks to my talented friends who write books with inspirational messages that appeal to readers of all ages on my gift list. It’s my honor to share the following picks in no particular order, which I proudly call… MARCOUJOR’s Top 10 Books for Christmas Gifting, 2014 ![]() An Angel and A Pair of Shoes is a collaborative effort as written by Sunnie Day and illustrated by Sannel Larson, two of my dearest and most talented friends. It's a delightful children's story which captures the hearts of two young girls who find friendship in a very unique way. The reader must decide whether their imaginations have taken flight or has an angel made an appearance before Petra's eyes. An added bonus is that 50% of proceeds from the book will be donated to Be An Angel, a non-profit organization that improves the quality of life for children with multiple disabilities or profound deafness. I have two great nieces and a God daughter who will be getting this special book, autographed by both Kimmie (aka Sunnie Day) and Sannel. How special is that?! Kimmie also sent a compass key chain with each book along with a special note: This compass is to point you to those who need love most. The best part is that by doing this, you will never lack love. ![]() Braids - Angel’s Field by Michael Friedman of Mockingbird Books (now available in hard copy and Kindle version …) In Braids - Angel’s Field, author Michael Friedman relays a memorable tale that rivals the work of Baum, Carroll and Swift. This fictional masterpiece is a book about faith, determination and unwavering hope in all that is good. Your childhood sense of play and adventure will be reawakened. ![]() Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Inner Strength with Foreword by Fran Drescher 101 Empowering Stories of Resilience, Positive Thinking & Overcoming Challenges … including The Boy I Loved and Lost by Gail Sobotkin This CSFTS volume is one that I will reach for time and time again, when in need of an inspirational lift. This book is a perennial comfort and a reminder that none of us travels on this life journey alone. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Inner Strength, just like Gail Sobotkin is a keeper! ![]() Mysterious & Miraculous Books I & II I continue to be proud of my collaboration with Angelia Phillips, and the rest of the Legacy Scribes and Contributors in the Mysterious & Miraculous Book series project. Each book in this series has a collection of non-fiction testimonies from individuals who claim to have experienced, or observed mysterious and miraculous events, from telekinesis, to angel encounters to dying and living to tell about it. All but 30% of the profits from these books, produced by the Legacy Archives Foundation and published by Mockingbird Books, go to the support of a not-for-profit organization/rescue. MMB1 proceeds are going to support the K9s for Warrior's Program/Rescue. 90% of the K9s used in the program are adopted from animal shelters. MMB2 proceeds are going to Support Homeless Veterans Organization. ![]() Tales2Inspire: The Ruby Collection created by Lois W. Stern 14 stories of compassion flowing not just from humans, but from some of our furred and feathered friends… including When Compassion Replaces Fear by yours truly, marcoujor). In the words of my freelance writing friend, Shauna L. Bowling: “If you have any doubts about the power of love, read this book. All it takes is one person to reach out to make positive changes in someone’s life ... This book just may change your life!” ![]() The Quinn Moosebroker Mysteries by Michael Friedman (Coming soon in hard copy - available now in Kindle version) Michael Friedman is an author who draws the reader directly into the scene, that is the scene of the crime, in The Quinn Moosebroker Detective Series. I formed an instant connection with retired detective, Quinn Moosebroker and his leading lady, Betty Atwood. An evening at the neighborhood theater performance turns into a night to remember, filled with murder, intrigue, blackmail and some rather candid photography in 2nd Street Playhouse Mystery. Quinn and Betty are next called to investigate the missing manuscript of Night of the Falling by Henry Farley, the most coveted piece of writing in English literature, when murder came calling on Big Jim Brady, the richest man in Clearview Terrace. In He Dreamt of Murder, Quinn overhears a mysterious dream in a barber's shop that takes them on a miraculous journey involving Betty's past. Quinn takes Betty to Allentown on a very personal journey to visit past demons in The Radio Players Club Mystery. Quinn and Betty find an unlikely treasure at the local thrift shop that takes them into the beautiful but murky world of art in The Case of The Chocolate Girl. All clues have led you to this point. What are you waiting for...? Stop by and meet Quinn and Betty for yourself at the Frosty Mug tavern...! It would be a crime if you didn't! I have my Kindle edition and am first in line to get an autographed copy of the hard copy... ![]() Tim and his out-of-this-world adventure written and illustrated by Sannel Larson This book is about a red-haired, freckle-faced boy named Tim and a goggle-wearing albatross. The reader will be immersed in the story with Tim and his surprise visitor on an out-of-this-world adventure in outer space and find out what he discovers there. Through Sannel’s colorful illustrations and many surprises and delights, children of all ages will see the galaxy in a whole new light after this wild flight of fantasy -- perfect for reading aloud! I can’t wait to see the look on my great nephew’s face when he sees this imaginative and fun book, with a personalized autograph label straight from Sweden in Sannel’s beautiful handwriting. ![]() Within My Heart by Sunnie Day (now available in hard copy and Kindle version) This collection of stories by Sunnie Day deals with hardship, as well as courage, kindness and the humor necessary to shoulder the common load. There is both humor and compassion galore found in these pages. You will find stories of letting go and stories about holding on. There is a story of a soldier’s homecoming and another of a departure. These stories are full of faith, laughter, and Sunnie Day's love of family and keeping balance in a changing world. I love my Kindle copy but am anxiously awaiting my autographed copy, on the way from Texas. I recommend you buy a copy for yourself and a couple friends you’d like to share Sunnie’s beautiful heart with. ![]() You Are Perfect Just the Way You Are as written and illustrated by Sannel Larson ''You're a snowflake unlike any other, so unique in one way or another.'' That line conveys the essence of what Sannel wants to tell young readers. The rhyme, the whimsy, the colors, the illustrations and the rhythms make it a charming story book. The pictures compliment the words beautifully and add to the effect of the concept. I ordered five copies for all of my great nieces and nephews and Sannel was lovely enough to send individually personalized labels for each book. This gift will make for a Christmas to remember for these youngsters with a life lesson of self-acceptance to come back to - forever and a day! “I can’t imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once.”
25 Comments
|
marcoujorSomething awaits us all. Archives
May 2018
Popular PostsCatching Up With femmeflashpoint
Interview with Kim Thompson Gail Sobotkin: Walking a Sand Labyrinth "Tell Skinny I Said Hi." Introducing Shadows by Bill Holland A Few Of My Favorite Things Sannel Larson: The Total Picture Meet Wanda Keay: Passionate About Wildlife Photography Meet Michael Friedman: The Man Behind the Talent Fine Art America Meet Shauna Bowling: The Inside Story By The Grace of God "Still Alice" |
marcoujor's musings
Inspiration Station
This blog publishes the third Sunday of each month. I look forward to your visits and appreciate your feedback.
Please enjoy your stay...