Abbie’s Angel: A Christmas Puzzle follows the story of a young girl who loses her festive mood upon accidentally overhearing a puzzling conversation. Abbie and her friends in the Cozy Chess Club embark on a quest to unravel the mystery and restore her joy for the holiday season. What was the inspiration for your story?

This story draws from a multitude of sources that have deeply touched my life and shaped who I am today. First and foremost, it blossomed from the cherished moments I spent with my elementary students, who never failed to amaze me with their innocent hearts, boundless curiosity, and imagination. Their bravery and care for each other inspired me to capture that magic in the pages of this book.

The holiday season, with its emphasis on love and forgiveness, also played a significant role in shaping this tale. I wanted to remind readers of the hopeful and transformative nature of the Christmas spirit, infusing the narrative with elements of Scrooge’s revelations and the power of embracing positive thoughts.

Furthermore, my studies in cognitive behavioral therapy, teaching, life coaching, mentoring, and chess (all of which I hold certificates in) influenced the deeper, underlying themes of this book. Abbie, the protagonist, is encouraged to explore the power of shifting perspectives. She is reminded that, as in chess, she has options and can choose how to view her circumstances and move forward. Also, the plot underscores the importance of parents/guardians providing their young charges with honest and age-appropriate information about family circumstances (otherwise children tend to fill in missing information with negative guesses that are harsher than the truth itself.) In this case, surprising secrets are revealed at the end of the story, bringing about a truly satisfying resolution for Abbie, her friends, and family just in time for Christmas.

It is my sincerest wish that this tale brings a smile to your face, ignites your imagination, and inspires you to embrace the holiday spirit. Remember, there is always room for hope, resilience, and growth, even in the face of uncertainty.

The spirit of Christmas and the holiday season is different for everyone and is realized in many ways. What brings out your holiday spirit the most?

For me, what brings out my holiday spirit most is being a part of my church choir and its Christmas concerts. This has been a cherished activity I’ve participated in for decades. It fills my heart with joy to express my faith through music and share the true meaning of Christmas with others. Additionally, I respect the celebrations of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, as they bring joy to countless individuals including many of my students past and present, and those holidays are included in this book as well.

What themes were important for you to explore in this book? Is there anything else you want to mention?

Themes include the power of the holiday spirit, perspective and positive thinking, the importance of clear communication with children, chess as a metaphor for choices, and the value of community and connections.

And of course, a winter holiday-themed chess activity is also included in this book for my readers to enjoy!

What will the next books in this series be about, and when will they be published?

I have two additional Cozy Chess Club Mysteries coming up in 2024! One will revolve around Cinco de Mayo, while the other will delve into the Lunar New Year and the legendary dozen animals that are a part of its history.

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