As the weather gets colder and the holidays fast approach, it’s nice to turn to some seasonal reading. Here are my offerings to bring a smile to your heart.

AIN’T LOVE GRAND?

My first novel has autobiographical overtones. Following the sage advice “write what you know,” the personalities of the H/H are basically me and my husband, David. The story is fictional, but the Oklahoma setting and culture reflects where I was living at that time. This year marks the 10th anniversary of David’s passing. This story is close to my heart.

The Healer vs. the Lawyer. Energy healer, Persephone Jones, has a new neighbor in Peeler, Oklahoma—hot shot lawyer, Jason Brooks. They meet in June; it would take a miracle to bring these two together by Christmas. She bans white sugar; he’s a chocolate cookie connoisseur. She’s about saving Mother Earth while he protects the interests of Big Business. Their attraction is mutual, but disturbing. And life gets even more complicated when the whole town is caught in a conflict that pits these two on opposite sides of a political fence….Foreword Magazine says AIN’T LOVE GRAND? is “written with a fresh voice, an impeccable sense of comedic timing, vivid narrative, and fascinating characters.” Available in the Kindle Store at Amazon.

Aloha Santa

Aloha Santa began as a performance piece for a Christmas show of the Na Leo Lani Chorus of Sweet Adelines in Honolulu. The chorus became ohana (family) for me in the six years I lived in there. The fun poem was so well received, I turned it into a children’s book with the wonderful illustrations by Jaana Baker. It’s a fun read-aloud book for the whole family. Available as e-book or print at Amazon.

Hope for the Holidays

Do you believe in angels? Here are three short stories featuring angels in various guises.

“Shiny Green Shoes”— Life was hard on old Route 66 in 1935 in Luther, Oklahoma. The unlikely friendship between Mazie McDonald, a poor black child, and Peach Knight, an aging white actress, brings hope to a town down on its luck and proves dreams do come true!

“Refiner’s Fire”— Inspired by an incident from the 2008 San Diego firestorms. Flamboyant California real estate agent, Dina Stein, doesn’t care that she’s spending Hanukah alone with her dog, Angel. Better than spending it with her ungrateful daughter and son-in-law. Funny how Mother Nature can change your perspective.

“Patty’s Angels”—Los Angeles, 1960. California is becoming a state of great contrasts. Downtown LA and the suburbs are only minutes, yet worlds, apart. A little girl named Patty brings people together, with the help of her celestial best friends. Available in the Kindle Store at Amazon.