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D. L. Finn Celebrates a #NewRelease

4/16/2023

63 Comments

 
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​Hello, blog friends!

I'm excited to announce the publication of D.L. Finn's latest book: In The Tree's Shadow. My pre-order arrives today, and I can't wait to dive into the stories!

Most of you know Denise through her wonderful blog and her multi-genre books. She's a writer who believes there's magic in nature and helps all of us experience the same. Recently she shared that she collects rocks, teacups, coffee mugs, wind chimes, books, and record albums. It seems that her world is a storybook re-creation.

Welcome, Denise, and congratulations on In The Tree's Shadow! 

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Thank you for having me visit today, Gwen, and kicking off the In The Tree’s Shadow tour.

Today, I’m sharing the longest story in my collection, “Stranded.” I’m a huge fan of the old TV show Twilight Zone. I never miss a marathon and hope to find one I haven’t seen. Last time there were a few, including one I always loved about the people who live in a retirement community but have grown weary of life. When a person suggests they play like children again, they all get on board except one man who said it would make them sick.
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The group playing kick the can is given a new and youthful lease on life. That was my mindset going into this story, to offer a kick the can for my retired couple on vacation. My children’s book “An Unusual Island” had another story waiting to be told, giving this couple their adventure. 

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EXCERPT:

Shipwrecked on a tropical island, I’ve never been more full of joy. This feeling has been a rarity lately. You see, I did everything that was expected of me in life. I got married, raised kids, worked hard, cared for my parents until they died, and paid the bills on time. I lived the so-called American dream and couldn’t complain, but something was missing. When my husband and I retired, we finally had extra time to do everything we wanted.

It hurt that the kids and grandkids were always too busy to include us in their distant lives, but we found things to do. We gardened, watched movies, visited national parks, and even saw a whale breach off the Pacific Coast. All those things we never had time for when raising our kids were now checked off our list. Yes, we were lucky we had a full life and were still healthy, but each day became the same. It was like we were sitting around waiting to die as comfortably as possible. Let’s say I wasn’t in a positive place.

One afternoon we watched an old Twilight Zone episode where older people got a second chance at life by playing kick-the-can. I asked Rob, “What is our kick-the-can?”

I got the expected and usually appreciated response. “You will always be my kick-the-can, Gigi.”

But the question got me wondering when my gaze settled on a picture of us smiling against a Hawaiian sunset. It was where we honeymooned, and we went back thirty years later for our second honeymoon. We even talked about moving there but decided we’d be too far from our family—a twelve-hour flight instead of a six-hour one. We’d seen all the islands, but there was one thing we always joked about doing. Rent a boat and experience the islands from a new perspective.

For the first time in a while, there was that spark inside. Something new.
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​BLURB:
A collection of short stories where dreams and nightmares coexist. 
Nestled inside these pages, you’ll meet a couple in their golden years who take a trip with an unexpected detour, a boy desperate to give his brother the Christmas gift he asked for, a girl with a small glass dragon who is at the mercy of her cruel uncles, and a young mother who has a recurring dream about murder. You’ll be introduced to worlds where people get second chances and monsters might be allowed their desires, while angels and dragons try to help. Happy endings occur, but perspective can blur the line between good and evil in these twenty-seven tales. Since the stories vary between 99 and 12,000 words, whether you have only five minutes or an entire evening to settle into reading, there is something that will suit your time and taste.
CONTACT LINKS:
​Twitter     Bookbub     Facebook     Instagram     Pinterest     D.L. Finn blog     Amazon Page

BIO:
​D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, a unique autobiography, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her. 
​
63 Comments
D.L. Finn
4/17/2023 00:37:32

Thank you, Gwen for opening your beautiful blog up to me! I love all your personal touches and graphics. My husband and I were just discussing all my collections, and how much they are enjoyed, especially by me. It won't be easy parting with them when that time comes, they do create that peaceful world. I hope you enjoy the stories. Hugs xo

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Gwen M. Plano
4/17/2023 06:26:27

My book's arrived, and I'm looking forward to turning its pages! Congratulations, Denise. I'm honored to feature you today. ❤️

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Harmony Kent link
4/17/2023 02:27:43

Denise, this is a lovely post and excerpt. I love the story premise of ‘kick the can’, and I so look forward to reading this collection. Congratulations on your latest release!

Gwen, thanks for sharing!

Hugs 🤗💕🙂

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Gwen M. Plano
4/17/2023 09:32:47

It's always a pleasure. Thank you for stopping by, Harmony. 😊

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D.L. Finn
4/17/2023 10:40:24

Thank you, Harmony :) I love second chances no matter what the age. I hope you enjoy it. Xo

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CS Boyack
4/17/2023 06:03:34

Sounds like a wonderful collection. All the best with it, Denise.

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Gwen M. Plano
4/17/2023 06:28:08

It sure does, Craig. I'm looking forward to the read. 😊

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D.L. Finn
4/17/2023 10:40:48

Thank you, Craig :)

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Priscilla Bettis link
4/17/2023 06:13:12

Woohoo, congrats to Denise on the release of In the Tree's Shadow! I've got my copy.:-)

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Gwen M. Plano
4/17/2023 06:29:19

New releases are exciting! Thank you, Priscilla, for adding your cheers. 😊

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D.L. Finn
4/17/2023 10:41:34

Yay! I hope you enjoy it, Priscilla. Xo

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Joan Hall link
4/17/2023 06:53:58

I received my copy this morning. Looking forward to digging into the stories. Congrats to Denise, and thank you for hosting today, Gwen.

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Gwen M. Plano
4/17/2023 09:24:45

It's my pleasure, Joan. Thank you for the visit.

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D.L. Finn
4/17/2023 10:42:21

Thank you, Joan. I look forward to hear what you think :)

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Marcia Meara link
4/17/2023 06:57:30

I'm very much looking forward to reading these stories, and wishing you huge success with this book, Denise.

Great post, Gwen, and thanks for having Denise visit today!

Have a great week, Ladies! 🤗❤️🤗

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Gwen M. Plano
4/17/2023 09:25:21

Thank you, Marcia. Happy days for Denise. 😊

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D.L. Finn
4/17/2023 10:43:13

Thank you, Marcia! I hope you enjoy the stories xo Have a great week too.

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Staci Troilo link
4/17/2023 07:36:39

My copy showed up today. Can't wait to read it! Best wishes, Denise.

Thanks for hosting, Gwen.

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Gwen M. Plano
4/17/2023 09:25:57

It's my pleasure to help celebrate Denise's latest book.

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D.L. Finn
4/17/2023 10:43:47

Yay! Happy reading, Staci :) xo

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Jacqui Murray link
4/17/2023 08:40:24

Just grabbed it. Can't wait to read!

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Gwen M. Plano
4/17/2023 09:26:25

Thank you, Jacqui. I'm sure Denise is celebrating!

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D.L. Finn
4/17/2023 10:45:09

I am! Xo

D.L. Finn
4/17/2023 10:44:39

Thank you, Jacqui :) I hope you enjoy it. I had fun writing short stories. Xo

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Pete Springer link
4/17/2023 09:06:01

Congratulations to Denise. I enjoyed the excerpt. I think she's hit on something most readers will relate to—fulfilling a long-held dream.

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Gwen M. Plano
4/17/2023 09:26:51

So true! Thank you, Pete.

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D.L. Finn
4/17/2023 10:45:55

Thank you, Pete :) I believe its never too late.

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D. Wallace Peach link
4/17/2023 09:48:14

I enjoyed the excerpt, Denise. I can't wait to get started on the book. Congrats on another wonderful tour stop. And thanks for hosting, Gwen.

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D.L. Finn
4/17/2023 10:46:49

Thank you, Diana :) I'm eager to hear what you think about it. Happy reading!

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Gwen M. Plano
4/17/2023 11:58:29

It's always a joy to host a new release. Thank you, Diana. 😊

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Yvette M Calleiro link
4/17/2023 09:51:36

Great excerpt! Denise is so talented in creating rich characters. Thanks for hosting her today, Gwen!

Yvette M Calleiro :-)
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

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D.L. Finn
4/17/2023 10:47:47

Thank you, Yvette! I appreciate all your little nudges along the way to make them that way. Xo

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Gwen M. Plano
4/17/2023 11:59:37

I'm delighted to host Denise -- especially on the first day of her release! Thank you for joining the celebration, Yvi. 🤗

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Balroop Singh link
4/17/2023 10:01:11

Congratulations Denise. I've downloaded your book and can't wait to start it! Thanks Gwen, I love your support. 🤗

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D.L. Finn
4/17/2023 10:48:54

Thank you, Balroop :) I hope you enjoy it. Xo

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Gwen M. Plano
4/17/2023 12:00:33

Thank you, Balroop. It's a joy to celebrate a new release. I always welcome yours as well. 🤗

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Mae Clair link
4/17/2023 10:11:27

I loved the excerpt and the story behind it, Denise. I was also a huge Twilight Zone (and Night Gallery) fan. My copy of In the Tree's Shadow has downloaded to my Kindle and I look forward to diving in.
Wishing you all the best.

Thanks for hosting today, Gwen!

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D.L. Finn
4/17/2023 10:51:09

Thank you, Mae :) Yes, I loved Night Gallery too. The shows and stories still entertain. I hope you enjoy the collection.

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Gwen M. Plano
4/17/2023 12:01:19

It's always a pleasure to feature a new release. Thank you, Mae, for joining in the celebration.

sally cronin link
4/17/2023 11:48:10

A lovely feature and excerpt and thanks Gwen for hosting today... ♥

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Gwen M. Plano
4/17/2023 12:01:44

My pleasure, Sally. Thank you. ❤️

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D.L. Finn
4/17/2023 12:20:59

Thank you, Sally :) Glad you enjoyed the excerpt!

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Jan Sikes
4/17/2023 12:19:22

What a wonderful place to start your tour, Denise! Congratulations on the new release. I wish you tons of success! Thank you, Gwen, for hosting!

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D.L. Finn
4/17/2023 12:21:30

Thank you, Jan :) I'm thrilled to be here xo

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Gwen M. Plano
4/17/2023 12:29:51

It's my pleasure, Jan. Thank you for adding to the celebration. 🤗

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Tim Dittmer link
4/17/2023 12:32:31

Cool excerpt, Denise. This sounds like a winner. Good of you to host her, Gwen. Best wishes to you both. <3 :-)

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Gwen M. Plano
4/17/2023 13:14:07

Thank you, Tim. I'm very happy for Denise. It's a special day for sure. 😊

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D.L. Finn
4/17/2023 16:58:55

Thank you, Tim :) Yes, so happy to be here. Best wishes to you too!

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John howel link
4/17/2023 13:07:45

Enjoyed the excerpt, Denise. Congratulations on the launch. Thanks to Gwen for hosting.

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Gwen M. Plano
4/17/2023 13:14:41

Thank you, John, for adding to the celebration. 😊

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D.L. Finn
4/19/2023 11:39:36

Thank you, John :)

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Liz Gauffreau link
4/17/2023 14:03:35

An excellent kick-off to Denise's blog tour! Sharing to help spread the word.

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Gwen M. Plano
4/17/2023 15:08:14

Thank you, Liz. It's fun to broaden the celebration. 😊

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D.L. Finn
4/19/2023 11:40:08

Thank you for joining in, Liz and spreading the word.

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Dan Antion link
4/17/2023 14:48:03

I love The Twilight Zone and "Kick the Can" - it's a great premise. I think I'll have to get a copy of this book. Thanks Gwen, and good luck to Denise.

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Gwen M. Plano
4/17/2023 15:09:04

Thank you for the good cheer, Dan. I'm sure Denise is smiling. 😊

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D.L. Finn
4/19/2023 11:41:49

Nothing like the Twlight Zone. It still inspires me, Dan. I hope you enjoy it if you reas it!

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Teri Polen link
4/17/2023 16:34:35

A big congrats on the new release, Denise! I'm off to Amazon to get my copy.

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Gwen M. Plano
4/17/2023 18:55:23

Thank you, Teri, for adding to the excitement. 🎉

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D.L. Finn
4/19/2023 11:42:30

Thank you, Teri :) Yay! I hope you enjoy it.

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JILL link
4/18/2023 04:40:50

Congratulations to Denise! I enjoyed the excerpt, and I'm looking forward to reading the entire collection. Denise is a wonderful writer! Thanks for hosting, Gwen! xo

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Gwen M. Plano
4/18/2023 07:04:41

Thank you so much, Jill. I agree with you. She's a wonderful writer. I began her collection of stories last night, and each one is captivating. ❤️

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D.L. Finn
4/19/2023 11:43:17

Thank you, Jill :) I appreciate that xo

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