Carol of the Tales--A Christmas Anthology

One of my favorite parts about Christmastime is the messages of hope and peace, of giving and helping others, and of the traditions that come with the season.

I’m pleased to share with you a special book. It’s called Carol of the Tales. The idea behind it is rather brilliant, and I can say that because I didn’t come up with the idea. (winks) Michael Young is the man behind this project, and I’m happy to play even a small part in it.

So what is it? It’s a book of short Christmas stories—each one based on a Christmas song. Cool, right? And to add to the coolness, there are 25 stories—one for each day in December up until Christmas day.

If all this wasn’t great enough, all proceeds of the book go to the charity group “Autism Speaks.”

I was blessed to be able to contribute a story to this anthology. I wrote it during the holiday season last year while the spirit of Christmas was burning brightly inside me. My story is called “With Bells On.” It is tied to not only the song “Jingle Bells,” but also to the saying, “I’ll be there with bells on.”

If you would like an autographed copy, well, at least with my autograph, go to my main webpage, click on the “contact” link in the top right hand corner, and send me an email. I’ll randomly select two winners. (You can get to my website by clicking here.)

For more information on the project, click on this link.

To order a print copy, you can click here.

To order a copy for Kindle, please click here.

And Merry Christmas everyone!

"Sing We Now of Christmas" announced

Yes, the holidays are still a few months away, but I’m delighted to announce a project I’ve been able to participate in.

It’s called Sing We Now of Christmas.

It’s the brainchild of author Michael Young.

Here is a blurb about the book: “Christmas carols capture the spirit of Christmas, and in Sing We Now of Christmas, you will see beloved carols brought to life like never before. With one tale based on a carol every day from the 1st to the 25th, this anthology is really like an advent calendar you can read.

Delve deep into the legend of good King Wenceslas, experience what it is like to hear the bells on Christmas Day, and more in these heartfelt, entertaining tales.

A team of authors from across the country have pooled their talents for this anthology for a good cause.

All of the proceeds from the anthology will be donated to the National Down’s Syndrome Society.”

The story I’m contributing is based on the song I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. It was selected to finish out the anthology, to be read on Christmas day.

I don’t have a release date as of yet, but I’ll announce it as soon as possible.

Review of The Last Archangel by Michael Young

It seems like a book about a fallen angel sentenced to be the bringer of doom wouldn't be inspirational. Yet somehow, it is. What about a cute little cherub as a sidekick who shoots a pretty mean bow and arrow? Again, it seems a bit of a stretch, and yet, it works. In fact, everything in The Last Archangel works on several different levels.


In addition to the exceptionally imaginative storyline, Young presents some fairly incredible concepts that are not only believable in the framework of the story, but also take it to the next level of originality.


Xandir is an angel punished for his wrongful deeds. What could an angel do to be punished? How about revealing the secrets of Heaven to man. And then there was the matter of entering into illicit relationships with humankind, which created the race of Giants--an abominable race that would have proved the end of humans if left unchecked.


Yeah, I can see why he would be punished. His sentence? To be the Destroying Angel until the End of Time. I'd say that's a pretty stiff penalty. However, he's given two weapons to use. One of Justice and one of Mercy. The trick is that Justice has to be served, yet Mercy cannot be ignored. It's a conundrum to be sure.


To reveal more of the plot would be unfair to the reader. It's really something that is best enjoyed along the way. I will say this: I give it an A+ for pacing. Never once did I say to the book, "I get it, move on already!"


Young isn't afraid to tackle some subjects other authors may shy away from--Heaven, Hell, Angels, Demons and various other religious topics. Does it come across as preachy? No. Does it make you stop and ponder? It should.


When you get this book, you'll want to clear your schedule for the next couple of days. At the very least, leave a note for your loved ones explaining that you're fine, just lost in an excellent story.

 
To read more about Michael Young, click here.

To order The Last Archangel, click here.

**Disclaimer: I was given a pre-release version of this book to review for free. However, in no way, shape or form did this influence my opinion of this book.