Gayle M Irwin

 

As we make our way towards the holiday season, my calendar is filling up with book events and book release times. I love this time of year, as autumn leans toward winter, and as Thanksgiving and Christmas approach. I may not like the weather as much as I enjoy September and October temperatures with the crisp, sunny fall days, but I do love the holiday season with the gratitude and thankfulness I see reflected in the words and on the faces of people, the charity and sharing bestowed, and the love towards friends and family that seem to increase.

I also love the books that are released and the book events in which I get to participate! Some of these involve collaboration with other authors, a subject I posted about recently.

 

My first event of this new month and new season took place on Saturday. The Cascade Christmas Craft Fair was held inside River of Life Church in Casper. Several vendors brought various types of items, including homemade salsa and baked goods, leather works, candles, jewelry, and so much more. My author friend, Neva Bodin, and I shared a table and sold our books, including her new release, Falling for the Doc, a contemporary cozy mystery/romance. She shared chapters from the book when it was still a manuscript during our Casper Writers Group meetings, and I’m excited to see it published (yes, I have a copy!). She weaves elements of faith into the story about a teacher fleeing from a boyfriend tied to the Mafia and the local veterinarian who helps her after she receives an injury. Neva’s stories are often light-hearted as well as sweet, and the element of danger in this book adds a new dimension to her work as an author. I recommend you check out her books, including this new one, and her sweet historical western Montana Free. She also writes children’s books and devotions. Find out more on her website: https://nevabodin.org/books

This week I released my first new children’s book in about six years. November is National Adopt-a Senior-Pet Month, and the story is about our 12-year-old springer spaniel. Sadie’s attitude about life reflects curiosity and happiness – she finds joy in the little things of life. The book’s title reflects who she is: Sadie The Smiling Spaniel: Finding Joy in the Little Things of Life. The story helps children learn more about appreciation and joy in small things. We adults can learn that from Sadie, too. Photos of the real dog help bring the story to greater life as kids see Sadie enjoying the backyard, taking walks, going for car rides, and spending time with her friends. Currently available as a paperback, I do plan a Kindle release before Thanksgiving. You can find the book here: https://amzn.to/49sxi2T. Think Christmas for the little ones in your life!

Another project I’m involved with is A Merry Heart, an anthology of sweet and Christian romance stories from 10 different authors; I am one of them. This collection features works by Kaitlene Dee, Kristy Tate, Sharon Tweet, my friends Eliza Boyd and Candace Olivia Hardin Sesseums, and others. Book sale proceeds go to True Care Women’s Resource Center, a non-profit center that helps women, babies, and families, and where I worked for nearly 13 years. I’m so happy the organizers chose True Care for this holiday charity anthology, and beta readers have given it great reviews so far … and it’s just been released. The anthology is available in both Kindle and paperback versions. The Kindle book is on sale for just .99 through November 14^th – gift yourself a copy and also send to family and friends, knowing your money is going to a great non-profit! Find A Merry Heart here: https://amzn.to/3FODwwt
 

More booksigning events planned for later this month and into December. And more books forthcoming! So check back here during the next few months and see what’s happening in my author world, including other sweet stories I’ll be recommending. For it’s beginning to look a lot like … Christmas! Yes, the holidays are a’comin’!!