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The Christmas Letter
Pat Wahler’s The Christmas Letter shines as a beautifully crafted, heartwarming novella that weaves the spirit of Christmas into the tapestry of real-life struggles. This touching story introduces us to Zoe Kendrick, a teacher on the brink of burnout, trying to balance the demands of her job, a sick friend, two young children, and an often-absent husband. As the weight of her responsibilities grows, she finds herself merely trying to keep her head above water. Yet, with Christmas approaching—a season rich with the promise of miracles—hope begins to flicker when Zoe encounters a stranger in an elevator. Although quirky at first glance, this stranger’s warmth and wisdom bring unexpected comfort to Zoe, rekindling her hope.
Despite its brevity, this story holds an abundance of depth. Wahler’s writing is rich and evocative, painting emotions vividly so readers can almost feel what each character experiences. Every interaction is thoughtfully detailed, from subtle gestures to deeper connections that reveal the resilience of friendship. One striking example is Zoe’s relationship with her friend Viola. Although Viola’s presence in the story is brief, the strength of their bond and mutual understanding is undeniable, a friendship most of us would be lucky to have. Set against the festive backdrop of Christmas, the story brims with holiday warmth and wonder while delving into relatable adult themes like marital strain and personal sacrifice. Wahler skillfully balances the enchantment of Christmas with realistic issues, crafting a narrative that resonates with readers while preserving its magical atmosphere.
The Christmas Letter is a compelling reminder of the courage it takes to face life’s challenges and the strength found in meaningful connections. This novella is perfect for those seeking a gentle nudge to appreciate the unique bonds that lift us and bring warmth to our lives.
Pages: 39 | ASIN : B0DKB6TQFP
No One Was in Physical Danger
12 New Christmas Stories is a heartwarming and nostalgic collection of short stories, each offering a different perspective on the holiday season. What was the collaboration process like with all the different authors, how did you choose what stories to include?
Smooth as cream, mostly. Any rough patches were of my own rasping. You see, my collaborators are all more civilized than I. The fact that our interactions were conducted exclusively via the ether, no one was ever in physical danger. C’mon, we’re geezers. People our age don’t come to blows, we just sigh expressively—even when one is barely housebroken. And I’m not talking about the Big Dawg, either. Sorry, an inside joke.
I’m not sure how my book-mates chose their stories, but when Terry Broxson asked me to contribute, I knew he wanted me to include Jesus and Donkey. When he asked for two more stories, I decided on Million Dollar Christmas, and Jo-Jo’s Turkey. All three stories are built around young boys experiencing the Christmas Spirit in an adult way. Read together, it’s a boyish Christmas trilogy.
What were some goals you set for yourself with this anthology?
A Pulitzer, a phone call from Stephen Spielberg, and a nice letter from my 7th grade English teacher, Miss Eliza McCarthy. Sadly, Miss McCarthy has passed. But that doesn’t take you off the hook, Spielberg!
Are you working on any other collections for different holidays?
I haven’t broached the idea to my book-mates yet, but I’ve always felt Saint Swithin’s Day has gotten short shrift. Failing that, opening day of the Major League Baseball season offers lots of possibilities. No, I ain’t kidding. I’m thinking nine original stories—one per inning. While the game seesaws in the background, each inning, we feature a story about something happening in the stands, or the dugout, or the broadcast booth, or the concession stands, or the Men’s room, for that matter. Just one caveat: I won’t take part unless the setting is Fenway Park. And that’s final.
Christmas is a time for family and traditions—the foods we eat, the songs we sing, and the stories we share.
Within the covers of this book reside real and fictional families, both familiar and unfamiliar. What they all have in common is the Christmas Spirit—in spades. These are the kind of people you’d gleefully invite to share your dining room table on the most celebrated day of the Christian calendar.
We, the authors of these stories, know the world spins faster and faster every day, and the holidays can be particularly hectic. That’s why we chose these lovely stories that can be read in ten minutes or less. Hey, even a teenager can be coaxed from his or her phone for ten inspiring minutes, right?
12 New Christmas Stories
12 New Christmas Stories is a heartwarming and nostalgic collection of short stories, each offering a different perspective on the holiday season. Ranging from touching tales of family traditions to humorous fictional adventures, it’s a book that seeks to capture the essence of Christmas. Each author presents their own style, making it a delightful read for those who enjoy variety. You’ll find yourself drifting from the high deserts of New Mexico to cozy family living rooms, all while reflecting on the themes of love, kindness, and the magic of the season.
What I loved most was how relatable many of these stories were. Diane Kenel-Truelove’s “The Magic of Santa’s Christmas Box” really pulled at my heartstrings. She took me back to my own childhood, reminding me of those magical moments when Christmas seemed larger than life and was filled with mystery and wonder. The story about receiving a box of books from Santa transported me back to the days when even the smallest gestures during the holidays felt magical. The emotions it stirred were incredibly powerful. There’s something so simple and beautiful about remembering how special Christmas felt as a child.
Terry Broxson’s “The Christmas Tree,” stands out for its blend of whimsical fantasy and heartwarming tradition. The story is narrated through a conversation between the protagonist and his talking cat, Holly, who recounts a fascinating tale about the origin of their Christmas tree tradition in the Arapaho tribe. Broxson weaves humor into the narrative, especially in the playful dynamic between the cat and its owner, but the story also carries deeper themes of peace, unity, and the blending of cultures. The historical backdrop of Kit Carson and Native American customs, combined with the quirky cat’s storytelling, gives this Christmas tale a unique charm that feels both magical and thoughtful.
On the other hand, Lee Allen Hill’s “Jesús and Donkey” was lighthearted and fun but also had a deeper emotional core. This story about a boy in New Mexico trying to buy a turkey for his Christmas dinner was charming and felt like a love letter to simpler times. Hill’s writing paints vivid scenes and made me feel like I was alongside Jesús and his quirky dog, Donkey. The playful humor between the characters and the unexpected turn with the mountain lion added a nice twist. It reminded me of those feel-good holiday movies that leave you smiling at the end.
Jay Squires’ essay “Bring Back the Carolers” hit me right in the nostalgia. The way he reminisces about the simple joy of carolers and homemade hot cocoa made me yearn for a time when the holidays felt more communal. His writing was almost poetic, bringing the past alive with such vivid detail. His words felt like a gentle nudge toward rekindling old-fashioned holiday spirit.
Pages: 95 | ASIN : B0DBVCLX3S
Drawing Data with Kids
Drawing Data with Kids is an engaging and informative book that cleverly introduces children to the world of data visualization. Through the charming narrative of Pariza and her data-nerd father, Abbu, readers are taken on a journey where everyday moments are transformed into opportunities to learn about data, graphs, and visual storytelling. The book’s unique blend of storytelling, practical examples, and interactive exercises makes it a fantastic resource for parents, educators, and anyone interested in making data literacy accessible and fun for kids.
One of the most delightful aspects of the book is its storytelling approach. Khan weaves educational content seamlessly into the adventures of Pariza and her family. For example, in the chapter titled “The Snore Graph,” Pariza’s curiosity about her father’s snoring leads to the creation of a line graph. This not only makes the concept of line graphs relatable but also demonstrates how data can be found in everyday life. The stories are both entertaining and educational, capturing the attention of young readers and making complex ideas simple to understand.
The writing is both friendly and engaging, striking the right balance between education and entertainment. Khan’s explanations are clear and concise, making it easy for children to grasp new concepts. The “Time Out” sections provide additional insights and details, helping to reinforce the lessons learned in the stories. For instance, the “Monday Blues” chapter introduces bar graphs using the number of letters in the days of the week, turning a mundane topic into an exciting data exploration.
Another thing I liked about this book is its interactive nature. Each chapter concludes with a “Your Turn to Play” section, encouraging children to apply what they’ve learned through hands-on activities. These exercises are thoughtfully designed to be both fun and educational, ensuring that the lessons stick. For example, children are prompted to create a pie chart using their own data after learning about pie charts in the “Snakes & Ladders” chapter.
Drawing Data with Kids is a wonderful resource for parents and educators looking to introduce children to the world of data visualization in a fun and engaging way. The book’s blend of storytelling, practical examples, and interactive exercises makes it an excellent tool for fostering a love of learning and data literacy.
Pages: 126 | ASIN : B0C66JJ48M
“Almost There, but Not Quite”
Marginal Madge: Always on the Edge follows a spirited, young cook whose dreams are derailed by a health challenge as she strives to navigate family dynamics and rekindle old love while uncovering life-altering family secrets. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My story was vaguely based on the life of one of my friends. She has always intrigued me with her calm/funny participation in life, even in the face of many challenges; she is an inspiration. I took what was a foundation for the story and then enhanced it into a purely fictional story, steering it straight into the “happy” place.
What inspired the unique name and character of Marginal Madge, and how does it reflect her journey throughout the novel?
Always on the edge. Always just in reach of the dream. Always situated right on the margin – Marginal. Madge just seemed to flow off my tongue; thus, Marginal Madge. I knew my character was going to be “almost there, but not quite” in this first book of the series…but with a little God guidance in her life, she was going to have adventure after adventure, and joyfully obtain her innermost desires. (Books 2-5)
The book intertwines Marginal’s passion for cooking with her personal life challenges. How did you decide to incorporate the culinary arts as a significant element in her story?
In my own family, cooking was a part of what made the house a home. Everyone always joined in and felt like a part of it, involved with it…which made for much laughter and creativity. I felt like Marginal needed something that brought her much joy and was received well by others…cooking, of course.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Marginal Madge Steps Over the Line. This second book in the series is tucked into the midst of several projects that I am currently involved with. Composing music swallows a large portion of my time; always surrounded with people and deadlines. Writing books is where I can be creative in a different, much quieter way. Love the alone time! She’ll be finished soon.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Impossibly withered lives begin to come alive, when an old miserly woman makes the self-satisfied decision to hire an individual who has the uncanny ability to find dry humor in the most ridiculous of circumstances.As life seems to pass her by, Marginal Madge strengthens her gifts, rolls with the punches, moves herself into new territory, and finds out that her life is, in fact, being guided with impeccable direction.
Marginal Madge, Alice Turbantine, Augustus the Cat, Henry the accountant, Gabe, Theodore J McCallahan, and the rest of the cast are all in for a surprise. Their stories will intersect … and find healing, when the miserly old Alice Turbantine, makes that critical decision to hire our Marginal Madge. It will change everything … for many people … especially Marginal.
A Tithing of My Writing
Stories from the Psalms, Volume 1: Coffee Shops and Spaceships is a collection of short stories based on the Book of Psalms, sharing God’s message through modern situations and language. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I’ve been writing fiction for about thirty years now. I initially began cutting my teeth writing short fiction in the horror genre, and more recently science fiction, but my long-form works (novels) have invariably explored themes of faith. Along with fiction, I have enjoyed creating other types of writing such as blog entries, film reviews, and traditional devotionals (first for my local church then later my own website). All of these divergent styles and genres eventually brought about the idea (or inspiration) of doing a devotional like this, where the devotional itself would be fiction. To be honest, as much as the idea intrigued me, and as much as it felt more and more that I was supposed to do this, I balked for some time. This would be a pretty public show of my faith after all, not to mention I had no idea if there was an audience for this kind of book. In the end, it was worth it. Whether it resonates with anyone else (which would be really nice, let’s be honest), working on this book felt like a tithing of my writing more than any other work.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
One deliberate aspect of my characters’ faith lives which I strived in a few stories, was that they would be confident in their relationship with Jesus. Too often, people of faith have been portrayed as the weaker, Ned Flanders-type. That’s not how I see myself, or the many strong, amazing Christian people I’ve known. I enjoyed taking these characters and, sometimes, seeing how they’d react when faced with something working to turn them away from that faith. Anything else, personality-wise, depended on the story. I tried not to hide the brokenness in people as well, like the little girl in “The Snow” who lives her young life weighed down by others’ fears or the sad, forgotten man in the aptly named “The Forgotten Man.”
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
Hmm. Early on, it was probably my introverted nature. I spent too much time in my head. When I realized my rather strange imagination and daydreams were nothing more than the raw material for stories I could write down someday, I was able to silence that inner voice that told me for most of my life I had no stories worth telling. Everyone does. As time has gone on, I’ve become a parent and husband, had my heart broken with both pain and joy. Just as importantly, I have met so many people who have been through so much in their lives, like my wife Linda, yet never let events define who they were, especially in their relationship with God. Life teaches lessons. Eventually, as a writer, these lessons get shared with others.
Can you tell us what the second book will be about, and when it will be available for fans to purchase?
Well, if we’re talking about Stories from the Psalms, Volume 2, I honestly don’t know. That was a big part of the joy of writing Volume 1, everything was spontaneous. At the moment, I’m in the editing phase of the sequel to my science fiction novel Plague of Locusts. It’s being a difficult, petulant child of a book, however. I am itching to jump into Psalm 16 and beyond for Volume 2, as well.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon
What do twenty-somethings on a date, a body in a hole, people falling from the sky and a ninety-nine-year-old woman have to do with the book of Psalms?
Everything.
In these pages you will find a collection of stories which bring God’s Word into a new light; with events and characters much like ourselves drawn prayerfully from each Psalm.
A devotional, using fiction.
There are no rules, only images and scenes inspired by Psalms 1 through 15; nor is any story restricted to one specific literary genre. All will entertain and illustrate how wide, and how relevant, God’s Word can be to our own modern world, and beyond.
Life Between Moments
Life Between Moments, by Phil Rosen, is a collection of captivating short fiction stories with New York City at the center of it all. The stories come from the inspiration the author got while living in the big apple and watching people. Each story is a small snippet of what the author observed, heard, and even lived through. Each short story contains a different theme and character, making this a pleasantly unpredictable read. Because it would be difficult to find one thing they have in common to connect their stories, the author has provided a short read to tell their experience.
Rosen’s short stories immerse the reader in the middle of the characters’ lives without describing or explaining who they are. I enjoyed this because it adds a bit of mystery to the characters, and it made me want to know more about them. The author also leaves the short story’s ending vague, allowing readers to create their own conclusion and make their own assumptions as to what happened. Some of the stories had an ending that shocked me or had a twist that I did not expect, which showcases the authors brilliant writing style. I appreciated each story’s development, especially since the author did not always get the full story when people watching, so he took what he observed, added more context, and made his own story. Rosen creatively eases the reader into drama-filled stories that are both dreams and reality.
Life Between Moments by Phil Rosen is an unpredictable and entertaining book of short stories that will keep readers intrigued until the end. I recommend this collection to anyone looking for captivating short stories that can be easily read throughout your busy day.
Pages: 141 | ASIN : B0B8YCQPS6
LITERARY TITAN 