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Happy New Year and Thank You!

1/6/2021

16 Comments

 
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It happened at the stroke of midnight. We said our goodbyes to 2020 and greeted 2021. We tossed our hopes to the heavens and asked for good health, financial security, and peace on earth. Then some of us realized that 2020 left us a gift. Through the ups and downs of the past year, we had grown more patient, more understanding, more loving, more compassionate. In a sense, we found ourselves. Could this be 2020's gift?  

I believe 2021 will be a year of radical change, and the most important development is occurring within each of us now. The politicians may continue to rant, the radical groups may still threaten, but the difference is this -- fewer and fewer of us are listening. Next year at this time, I wonder what gift we will claim.
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My year begins with much gratitude. I launched my latest book, The Culmination, during a time of personal difficulty. I frankly didn't know what to do, but then a miracle occurred. Writers came forward, offered to help, and proceeded to announce the book to their readership. Several of them read and then reviewed the book. I am forever indebted to their collective generosity. 

Below are two of the reviews:
 
​"The Culmination is the third book in the Contract Series. I loved all the books, but this one topped them. It touched me on a level of reality and fear, bringing the idea of hope in our current cold social climate. It starts after the second book and an assassination attempt. There is a group determined to cause mayhem and stop anyone in their way, including heads of state. There's not only exciting action but developing relationships and political intrigue. I found a lot of what was going on in the story relevant for current times. Where Ms. Plano took this story is a place where I could imagine the right things being done in the middle of chaos. I loved the American Vice President with her logic and heart. Beautifully written and thought-provoking with scenarios all too familiar, some heartbreaking, and some tender. This book not only scared me but offered an optimistic option at the same time. I highly recommend it and the whole series." ~ D.L. Finn

"I describe The Culmination as a political thriller with a strong military influence. There are many challenging situations presented in the plot by the author Gwen M. Plano. These situations are designed with action in mind and are very intriguing. The worldwide stage on which these situations play out serves to keep the reader riveted to the end. This story is a continuation of The Contract Thriller series and does reflect the title. It almost feels as if this book has been the end goal of the other two. I have read all three and can say that a reader must not have read the other two to enjoy this one thoroughly.
     The scope of the plot is vast. The reader moves from what appears to be simple situations of trouble to complex machinations that could lead to World War Three. The story involves multiple nations and heads of state. There are some surprising moments, as well as a tender love story.
     If you like a book with plenty of action, compelling characters, political intrigue, military maneuverings, and a compelling love story, this one is for you." ~John W. Howell


                                                                   ~ ~ ~ ~
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My most sincere Thank You to all who commented during the blog tour or tweeted the book's arrival or encouraged me through emails or reviews. Thank you one and all! I hope I can do the same for you. 💗
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My heartfelt thank you​ extends especially to those who hosted me on their sites. These extraordinary authors took time out of their busy schedules to announce The Culmination to their followers. Their names are linked to their Amazon author page. If you can, take a glimpse at their creative endeavors. Their work is simply astounding!  
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  • Staci Troilo  
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  • Joan Hall
 
  • Mae Clair​
 
  • Sally Cronin
 
  • Harmony Kent​
 
  • John Howell​
 
  • Sarah Stuart​
 
  • Jan Sikes​
 
  • C.S. Boyack 
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  • D.L. Finn​​
 
  • Marcia Meara

Happy New Year!

16 Comments
Harmony Kent link
1/6/2021 03:45:40

I'm so thrilled you've had such a good tour, Gwen. Wishing you all the very best. Hugs xx :)

Reply
Gwen M Plano
1/6/2021 07:01:24

Thank you so much, Harmony. I couldn't have done it without your help!💗

Reply
Staci Troilo link
1/6/2021 04:14:38

I must echo what Harmony said. It was a pleasure to host you, and I'm so excited to see what a success your book has become. Congratulations, Gwen. (And thanks for the shout-out. It was an unnecessary but thoughtful gesture.)

Reply
Gwen M Plano
1/6/2021 07:03:26

Thank you, Staci. I'm deeply grateful for all the support. You all carried the book into the sunlight. 💗

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CS Boyack
1/6/2021 05:07:17

Glad your tour was so successful. Appreciate the shout out, and enjoyed hosting you.

Reply
Gwen M Plano
1/6/2021 07:04:08

Thank you for everything, Craig. I'm deeply appreciative! 💗

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Mae Clair link
1/6/2021 07:58:50

I'm so glad you had a wonderful tour, Gwen. I was delighted to take part and host you on my blog. Thank you for the nice shout out, and congratulations on your sales and reviews. I'm looking forward to reading The Culmination!

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Gwen M Plano
1/6/2021 08:33:26

Thank you so much, Mae. Your help was invaluable, and I'm deeply grateful. Happy New Year to you and yours. 💗

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Jan Sikes
1/6/2021 09:20:19

I thoroughly enjoyed following along on your tour, Gwen. Congrats on the raving reviews of "The Culmination!" I totally agree with what you said about us listening less and less to the rantings and ravings of the lunatics who pretend to care about running our country. The more we tune them out, the less power they have. That gives me peace! Big hugs to you and I wish you the best year ever!

Reply
Gwen M Plano
1/6/2021 10:53:21

I love that, Jan. "The more we tune them out, the less power they have." Thank you. Have a wonderful, blessed New Year!! 💗

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John Howell link
1/6/2021 10:38:32

Glad to see you are happy with the results, Gwen. Best wishes for the long term.

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Gwen M Plano
1/6/2021 10:54:39

Thank you, John. I appreciate all the help you've offered me. Happy New Year! 💗

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sally cronin link
1/6/2021 11:26:21

What a lovely post Gwen and delighted to have played a small part in launching your book. You are right, there were many things to be grateful for in 2020 and we need to treasure those friends and moments even more this year...love and hugs ♥

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Gwen M Plano
1/6/2021 12:09:10

Thank you so much, Sally. Blessings and love from across the great Atlantic. 💗

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D.L. Finn
1/6/2021 14:42:45

I'm happy to have been a part of your tour, Gwen :) I hope your book gets lots and lots of readers. It's message is needed. Xo

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Joan Hall link
1/6/2021 16:37:03

Gwen, it was a pleasure to host you. You are welcome any time! Congratulations on the success of your book!

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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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