marcoujor: The Eight Gifts of Christmas

​One of my favorite gifts to give, any time of year, is a good book. For this Christmas post on Inspiration Station, I am proud to share these very different, yet very wonderful, books from a variety of most talented writers.

Please enjoy these gifts from creative pens.

And, away we go...

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The Gift of Grace

What a treat to own a compilation of Sunnie Day’s short stories, Graceful Intentions: Sharing Short Stories From the Heart.

Sunnie truly shares her heart as inspired by her parents, her nursing career and her creative imagination in inspirational stories including The Escapades of Burt and Birdie, The Man in the Blanket and The Queen's Cat.

In a world filled with uncertainty and angst, I find this collection of kindness and love to be right on time.  ​

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The Gift of Healing

I reach for my Kindle copy of Vicki Warner's book called, Healing Steps: A Workbook For Dealing With Loss when a boost of inspiration and support is needed.

First published in 2013, Vicki polished and republished this gem-of-a-book in a second edition this year. I consider this workbook a gift in my personal healing process. I've also gifted several copies to loved ones experiencing their own losses.

This book is a must have for your emotional first aid kit!

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​The Gift of Hope

​The Carriage Driver stories by Michael Friedman exemplifies the healing powers of a story.

These two books about death have become a part of my life, as I reach for these classic volumes time after time. I'm eager for the third edition to be published, as I continue to enjoy Mike's stories unfolding week after week.  

I invite you to gift both editions of The Carriage Driver to someone in your life, in need of inspiration, hope and wonder.​

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​The Gift of Imagination

​Susan Zutautas has had a busy year writing to kids of all ages. She is planning the third book in this series and it cannot arrive fast enough for me, hint, hint!

The Day Mr. Beaver Met a Moose, first in the series, is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated story of kindness, sharing and teamwork.

Hot off the press, Mr. Beaver Plans a Party, has the additional bonus of being illustrated by my friend, Sannel Larson. This tender story shares the importance of family, friends and love.

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​The Gift of Mystery

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​Peggy Cole's breakout novel sucked me into a vortex of intrigue and suspense from page one. Mystery doesn't get any better than this.

In The Pub, Cole serves her readers rib-sticking portions of descriptive atmosphere, intrigue and suspense while clues are gently strewn about like bread crumbs in the forest.

​Will you figure out the mystery surrounding The Pub? You'll never know until you start reading...

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The Gift of Poetry

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​My Poetic Heart is Shannon Henry's first collection of poetry,  and I'm hoping it's not her last.

Each poem is of varying length on relatable subjects and feelings, from Tattoos on the Heart to Now is the Time.

This is the perfect book for yourself and the poetry lover on your gift list. You will no doubt read once in a few hours and then return time after time to savor and ponder these thoughts.

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​The Gift of Relaxation

​Sannel Larson has created two amazing adult coloring books this year.

​Teatime Pastimes has whimsical and charming flourishes on each page, showing much care and thoughtfulness in the designs.

In the Whimsical Cute Animals edition, you will find an extra bonus of duplicates in smaller formats included.

These books are rife with creative expressions and possibilities.

You'll discover positive affirmations and reminders that tea can be a relaxing ritual of comfort with facts about tea gently strewn throughout Sannel's first book.

​Experience calm mindfulness as you bring a joyful variety of fauna to life with your markers and pencils in her second book.

All the while, you'll be wondering when Book #3 will be available--hint, hint!

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The Gift of Self Care

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​In FarmaCopeia: The Little Book on Lavender, Angelia Phillips shares her passion and expertise in herblore with a style that's all about southern hospitality and comfort.

You will read about her personal journeys of healing with lavender and discover simple ways of incorporating lavender into a natural part of your life.

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​Conclusion

It wouldn't seem right if I didn't include a musical ditty to end this year of inspiration with a smile. This Beatle's classic seems to fit the bill. ☺

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I'm blessed to know so many talented writers whom I call friend. I know you would enjoy any and all of these books, for yourself or the readers on your gift list.

Wishing you and those you hold dear a most joyful, peaceful and rejuvenating Christmas. See you next year with more Inspiration at my Station!

Hugs,

mar​