MaryAnn Diorio - Author
   
"Heart-Mending Stories for the Young
and the Young-at-Heart"
 
 


The Official Newsletter of Author MaryAnn Diorio

"You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." (John 8:32) 



July Blessings! 

Photo by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD. Copyright 2017. All Rights Reserved.

 

Author Newsletter - July 2017
 
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Click here to listen to my podcast series, Winning with the Word.

Click here to listen to my podcast series, A Moment with MaryAnn.

Click here to listen to my podcast series for writers,
Write Your Heart Out!

Click here to follow me on Blog Talk Radio. 

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A WORD IN DUE SEASON
by Dr. MaryAnn

Happy July, Dear Friends!

I trust you are enjoying the summer and taking time to rest, relax, and regroup. For me, summer is a time to re-evaluate my progress on my goals for the year and to fine-tune strategies for the rest of the year.

How about you? Are you making progress on your goals for the year? Have you made goals for the year? If not, it's not too late to seek the Lord about what He wants you to do for Him this year.

But more than asking God what He wants us to do, let's ask Him what kind of person He wants us to become during this year.

If I have learned one lesson in life, it is this: God's goal for each of His children is not our happiness but our holiness. Amazingly, however, the holier we become, the happier we become. 

God's ultimate goal for each of us is to make us like Jesus. This month--and for the rest of the year--let's focus on surrendering our lives to the Potter's masterful hand as He shapes us and molds us into the image of Christ.

As we begin the second half of 2017, I pray God's blessings on your and your precious families.


MaryAnn 

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NEWS UPDATE

The Dandelion Patch is fast becoming one of my most popular children's books, praise the Lord! Its unique topic of Eminent Domain--a topic that, to my knowledge, has never been addressed in a children's book--has triggered a lot of the interest in this book.  

If you did not hear my interview on The Dandelion Patch on The Rich Zeoli Show, a popular talk show in the Philadelphia area, you can listen to it by clicking on this link: The Rich Zeoli Show Interview.

I'd like to remind you of my Winning with the Word podcasts that air every Friday night at 7:30pm EST and deal with issues all of us face in life. One of the most recent episodes is You Can Conquer Worry!

Don't miss our other special monthly features--the Did You Know? section of surprising facts about writing in general and my writing life in particular, and the Question Box where you can ask anything you'd like to know about the writing life.

Finally, be sure to check out this month's special recipe, Italian-Style Sautéed Vegetables, made by yours truly.
                                                                           

Love and Blessings,

MaryAnn
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ON THE HOMEFRONT . . . 

Summer Fun!
 
Copyright 2017 by Lia Diorio Gerken, PhD. All Rights Reserved.

My four beautiful granddaughters on the day of their Ballet Recital...


T-Ball Champs! 
  

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Are you looking for an entertaining summer read for your children?

Then check out my latest children's book, THE DANDELION PATCH. It is  now available for Kindle, Kobo, Nook, and iPad as well as in hardcover and softcover.

In this story of courage in the face of obstacles, you will meet the feisty and beloved Yolanda Riggins, a powerful example of patience, perseverance, and persistence in standing up for what is right no matter what the odds. THE DANDELION PATCH will leave your child's heart stirred and inspired never to give up in the fight for truth and justice and to remember that one person of conviction has the power to change the world for good.


When Yolanda Riggins discovers that the government plans to build a new highway through her beloved dandelion patch, she rises up in protest and asserts her God-given right to private ownership of property. Will she
succeed against all odds to save her dandelion patch? Will tact, truth,
and tough love win the day for Yolanda and the children who love her?
Read this delightful book to find out!

BUY NOW in HARDCOVER

BUY NOW IN SOFTCOVER

BUY NOW FOR KINDLE

BUY NOW FOR iPAD

BUY NOW FOR NOOK

BUY NOW FOR KOBO
 

Makes a great gift for that special child in your life!
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Did You Know? 

Did you know
that bees are found on every continent except Antarctica?

Did you know that "Facebook Addiction Disorder" is a mental disorder identified by psychologists?

Did you know that movie trailers were originally shown after the movie, which is the reason they were called "trailers"?

Did you know that a percentage of all profits from MaryAnn's book sales goes to help orphans and widows?

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THE ITALIAN CHRONICLES TRILOGY

Discussion questions at the end of each book make these novels valuable choices for Book Clubs and Reading Groups.


Book 1:
The Madonna of Pisano
 Book 2: A Sicilian Farewell 
Book 3: Return to Bella Terra (Fall 2017) 
 

The Madonna of Pisano
Book One in The Italian Chronicles Trilogy

A young woman, a priest, and a secret that keeps them bitterly bound to each other . . .

What readers are saying . .

" ...masterfully woven and suspenseful plot, rich with flavor of the time and location...I was fully engaged to the last page." ~ Amazon Customer

 "I fell in love with the characters and did not want the book to end." ~ Janice Sisemore, Book Reviewer

"Excellent read!...Beautifully written and a great reminder of the vast importance of forgiveness." ~ Alison Strittmatter, Personal Trainer

"From the first couple of pages my emotions were pushed into chaos...." ~ Amazon Customer


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A Sicilian Farewell 
Book Two in
The Italian Chronicles Trilogy


A young man, a new land, and a dream that threatens to destroy him, his marriage, and his mission . . .

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GOD SPEAKS TO ME:
MEDITATIONS FROM GOD'S HEART TO YOURS

Have you ever wondered if God speaks to you? Well, I assure you He does! The problem is that we are not always listening. 

In this inspiring book, Dr. MaryAnn Diorio records some of the messages God spoke to her over a ten-year period of journaling. These messages are for you, too. You will be blessed as you hear God's voice speaking directly to you. Each page has space to record your own messages from God.

 
Get your copy now! 

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A CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING

Christmas can be any day of the year with this heartwarming story of love and forgiveness. If you are looking for a quick read that deeply touches your heart, then A Christmas Homecoming is the story for you. 



When Sonia Pettit's 17-year-old daughter suddenly disappears, Sonia faces losing her mind, her family, and her faith.

Winner of the Silver Medal for eBook Fiction in the 2015 Illumination Books Awards Contest.


    BUY NOW!




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SURRENDER TO LOVE

Can a past love keep Dr. Teresa Lopez Gonzalez from fulfilling God's will for her life? Read this story of one young woman's journey toward losing her life in order to find it.

BUY NOW!

PRINT FORMAT

KINDLE FORMAT



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Gifts for Children All Year Round!

New Baby! Birthdays! Christenings / Baptisms! Whatever the occasion, here are some gift ideas for the special children in your life.



WHO IS JESUS?

Children ask tough questions. Questions like, "Does Jesus still love me when I'm naughty." Dr. MaryAnn Diorio addresses these tough questions in this delightful book about the true character of Jesus the Messiah.

 

CANDLE LOVE

Keisha has a new baby sister. But Keisha doesn't want a new baby sister. She is afraid that Mama will love Tamara more than she loves Keisha...until Keisha learns a very powerful lesson about the meaning of love.


TOBY TOO SMALL

Toby Michaels is small. Too small to be of much good to anyone. But one day, he learns that it's not how big you are on the outside that matters; it's how big you are on the inside.

Available in hardcover, softcover, and ebook formats at Amazon. com.








DO ANGELS RIDE PONIES?

A disabled, but determined, eight-year-old boy discovers that faith can move mountains.

PRINT FORMAT

KINDLE FORMAT











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More Great Year-Round Gift Ideas!

The Daystar Devotional
 
Are you looking for encouragement in your daily walk with Jesus? Look no farther. The Daystar Devotional is the perfect companion to your daily Bible study and prayer time.

Compiled from six years' worth of published devotionals by MaryAnn Diorio, this book will inspire you, uplift you, and reveal to you deep truths from God's Word.

The Daystar Devotional is a perfect gift for family or friends.

BUY NOW!

PRINT FORMAT

KINDLE FORMAT


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Q & A BOX 
 
Each month I will answer one of your questions about the writing life. Here is this month's question:

QUESTION: What do you like most about writing?

ANSWER: I love most the creative expression writing offers. We are made in the image of a creative God, and when I write, I feel most like my Creator.

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JULY GIVEAWAY

This month you can win a print copy of my latest children's book, THE DANDELION PATCH.

To enter to win, please reply to this email and briefly tell me why you would like to win this book. I will announce the winner in the August issue of my author newsletter. So, send your entry now for a chance to win!

Sadly, we had no entries for last month's contest, so please be sure to enter. Thanks! 
               
Blessings for a Happy July!
                                         
MaryAnn

P.S. Click on the link below to listen to my podcast series,
P.S. Click on the link below to listen to my podcast series for writers,
Write Your Heart Out!

P.S. Click on the link below to listen to my radio program, Winning with the Word, on Blog Talk Radio.

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Recipe Rack 

Italian-Style Sautéed Vegetables
from the Kitchen of MaryAnn Diorio, PhD   
 
 
  
INGREDIENTS:

2 T. Olive Oil
1/2 cup Italian Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup diced Red Onion
1 Garlic cove, minced
1 cup Asparagus Tips
1 cup chopped Zucchini (green or yellow)
1 cup Broccoli flowerets
Salt and Pepper to taste
NOTE: You may use any vegetables you like.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Spray a skillet or non-stick pan with olive oil spray.

Cut vegetables of your choice into small, bite-size pieces. Sauté over medium heat until tender. Be careful not to scorch.

Sprinkle with Italian breadcrumbs and then gently toss to coat. Add salt and pepper as desired.

Enjoy!

Serves 2-3. 


Copyright © 2017. All Rights Reserved.