December 2024

Of Love and Libraries

I have loved everything to do with books and reading, since I was a little girl. We didn’t have a lot of extra money back then, but the library was free. I still remember the awestruck feeling of putting on my prettiest dress and saddle shoes, then walking through the Rockville Public Library's large wooden doors, as I held my mom’s hand, surrounded by what felt like a sparkling galaxy of books. And I could take home any five that I wanted! It felt miraculous.

Guess what? It still feels miraculous!

In fact, when we moved to Maine this summer the FIRST thing I did the day after we unloaded the moving truck, was take myself to the library (only 1 mile away, see above!) and got myself a new library card. Mind you, this was before all of the boxes were unpacked, before we even considered finding a doctor, dentist, vet, and before we could think about registering the car in the new state!

I was fortunate to work in our town's public library for several years during high school and college. I started as a “page,” which meant I shelved books and helped at the circulation desk. Eventually I got promoted to the children’s library—no one saw that as a "promotion" but me—and helped to run the town's summer reading program. It was such a pleasure to activate my creativity by getting children excited about one of my favorite things . . . books, and the stories we fall into.

I also remember my first time in the expansive library at Southern Connecticut State University back in 1978. When I tentatively asked the librarian at the massive front desk how many books I could check out, I vividly recall my feeling of ecstasy when she shrugged and said, “No limit.”

NO LIMIT? I was bubbling over with joy!

I took her up on that offer, believe me! I spent hours in that library, combing the shelves for books about my passion for early childhood education, gifted education, spirituality, music, children’s literature, writing, and of course- new fiction.

It was especially difficult during the beginning months of the pandemic in 2020 because all of the libraries were closed. I realized I had been taking our public libraries for granted, and hope to never do that again.

Do you have a favorite library? A favorite librarian who made a difference in your life? I’d love to know. Please reply to this email!

 🏆 October Give-Away Winners 🏆

Congratulations to our October readers who each received

a paperback copy of Miraculous, by Jess Redman

Christa from West Virginia

Diane from Georgia

Didn't win? Not to worry, you can try again right now . . .

December Fiction Give-Away:

Recommended

Heart & Soul-Stirring Story

* I Have FOUR Paperbacks to Give Away *

A special holiday wish list brings about hope, love, and second chances in this nostalgic novel.

Lindy Carmichael isn’t feeling particularly joyful when she returns home to Wenatchee, Washington. The man she thought was “the one” has cheated on her and she feels completely devoid of creativity in her low-level job. Not even carolers or cookies can cheer her up—but Lindy’s mother remembers an old tradition that might lift her daughter’s spirits.

Reading through a box of childhood letters to Santa and reminiscing about what she’d wished for as a young girl may be just the inspiration Lindy needs. She decides to write a new letter to Santa, one that will encourage her to have faith and believe just as she’d done all those years ago. Little does Lindy know that this exercise in gratitude will cause her wishes to unfold before her in miraculous ways. And, thanks to some fateful twists of Christmas magic, Lindy ultimately realizes that there is truly no place like home for the holidays.

To enter, just fill out the short form here

and I'll do a random drawing

THIS SUNDAY DECEMBER 15.

I will send you an email notice that you've won,

and I'll ask for your snail mail address after that!

(NOTE: I use the random generator at random.org to choose the winners

so it's all fair and square.)

AnneMarie, Thanks for reading my author newsletter! Here's a photo of my husband Jeff and I at his new favorite restaurant in Wells, Maine where we moved this summer. We were celebrating his 70th birthday (he was almost a Halloween baby!).

In between newsletters, I'll be posting more often on Instagram, my blog, and/or my Facebook Author page, so please be sure to visit me there too.

Also, don't forget to enter our December fiction give-away, Dear Santa, by Debbie Macomber.

Keep on reading for pleasure, no matter what,