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Happy News!

10/16/2023

31 Comments

 
Dear blog friends,

It's hard to believe that The Gift rolls off the press today - October 17th. I'm excited. Yay!

​The project began at the first of the year, when the eight women writers in Story Empire put their thoughts together and birthed a collective project. Ultimately, we decided on three elements to include in each story: the Hawthorne family, a Lighthouse, and the small town of Harbor Pointe. Each story is unique and is ordered by the story's timeline.

My novella is the second in the series and takes place in the late '40s and 50's. 
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BLURB:

​In an innocent American suburb, Shelly doesn’t know the power of a kiss. Or how it will change her entire life.


At sixteen years old, she falls in love with a young man. One night—just one night—they go too far. Months later, pregnant and shamed, Shelly’s parents banish her. Alone and heavily pregnant, circumstances force Shelly to cross the country in an old pickup. A mistaken turn leaves her lost in a forest amidst a severe snow storm and in labor.

In the dark of night. Shelly must get help for her new-born baby before they both perish. A light in the distance gives her the slimmest glimmer of hope. After Shelly wraps the infant in her father’s old jacket, she trudges through the snow to a lighthouse keeper’s cottage. Snow half buries the squat stone building.

Will Shelly find shelter, or is it the beginning of the end?

​INSPIRATION:

The Gift is a different kind of Christmas story involving three families. There are gifts under the tree for three readers who can identify the inspiration behind my story. A hint -- the inspiration is an emotion. 

If you'd like to participate, write to me at gwenplano@gmail.com with your emotion. I'll announce the results a couple days before Thanksgiving, and, I'll explain why I wrote the story. 

Above all else, if you decide to take the leap and read this novella, I hope you enjoy it. ❤️
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My fellow Harbor Pointe writers: 
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Have a wonderful week! 
31 Comments
Staci Troilo link
10/17/2023 04:42:25

Happy release day, Gwen! "The Gift" was truly a gift to me, and I wish you much success with it. Hugs. 💕

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
10/17/2023 05:27:44

Thank you so much, Staci. I'm elated the book was a gift to you. ❤️

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Vera Day link
10/17/2023 04:50:24

I've got my copy! I'm looking forward to reading it!

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Gwen M. Plano
10/17/2023 05:28:21

Yay! This makes me happy. I hope you enjoy it. 😊

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CS Boyack
10/17/2023 04:51:45

Happy release day, Gwen.

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Gwen M. Plano
10/17/2023 05:28:47

Thanks so much, Craig. 😊

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Annette Rochelle Aben
10/17/2023 05:23:18

How thrilling!

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Gwen M. Plano
10/17/2023 05:29:53

Absolutely -- it definitely is a happy day. Thank you, Annette.

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Daniel Antion link
10/17/2023 05:30:49

I had pre-ordered this, Gwen, do it should be on its way! Good luck with it. I'm gonna like this series.

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Gwen M. Plano
10/17/2023 05:39:41

Thank you, Dan. I hope you like it. I've just started your latest and am glued to the pages.

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Jill link
10/17/2023 05:39:07

Happy book birthday, Gwen! My copy arrived while I was sleeping. I look forward to reading it. I know it will be a true "gift!" xo

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Gwen M. Plano
10/17/2023 05:40:45

I truly hope it is, a gift. Thank you, dear Jill. 😊

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john howell link
10/17/2023 06:27:44

All the best on your latest, Gwen. Sounds like a super story. Your post featuring all the women of Story Empire is very creative and ties the entire series together. Well done.

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Gwen M. Plano
10/17/2023 07:53:19

Thank you, John. I'm glad you like the image of the women in SE. It was fun to put together. 😊

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Marcia Meara link
10/17/2023 06:46:33

It was awaiting me on my Kindle this morning, Gwen, and I can hardly wait to read it! Congratulations, my friend. I know this one will be a winner, for sure! 🤗❤️🤗

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Gwen M. Plano
10/17/2023 07:53:59

You're a sweetheart to say that, Marcia. I hope you enjoy it. 🤗

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Pete Springer link
10/17/2023 08:35:16

Congratulations, Gwen. I picked up my copy last night. Looking forward to reading all the books in the series.

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Gwen M. Plano
10/17/2023 10:14:49

Thank you, Pete. I hope you enjoy each. I've read them all and am amazed by the diversity of the stories and the writing. 😊

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Tim Dittmer link
10/17/2023 08:41:08

I pre-ordered "The Gift" and it arrived on my Kindle today. I really looking forward to reading it, Gwen.

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Gwen M. Plano
10/17/2023 10:15:31

Thank you, Tim, for your encouragement and support. I hope you like the story. 😊

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D.L. Finn
10/17/2023 11:44:09

Happy release day, Gwen:) Such a beautiful story. Xo

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Gwen M. Plano
10/17/2023 17:30:29

Thank you so very much, Denise. 🤗

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Mae Clair link
10/17/2023 13:03:31

Happy book birthday, Gwen! I loved The Gift. It's a beautiful story and I hope many readers discover what a treasure it is!

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Gwen M. Plano
10/17/2023 17:31:21

Thank you, dear Mae. Your support and encouragement mean a lot to me. 😊

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Liz Gauffreau link
10/17/2023 14:16:42

Sharing to help spread the word!

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Gwen M. Plano
10/17/2023 17:31:45

Thanks so much, Liz. Very kind of you. 😊

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Joan Hall link
10/17/2023 16:18:18

Happy book birthday, Gwen. I'm so excited for you, and I loved "The Gift."

Wishing you all the best.

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Gwen M. Plano
10/17/2023 17:32:13

Thank you so much, Joan. Your kind words warm my heart. 😊

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Jan Sikes
10/17/2023 18:45:56

Happiest release day, Gwen! I loved this story and I know everyone who reads it will love it as well. Best wishes!

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Gwen M. Plano
10/18/2023 06:22:28

Thanks so much, Jan, for your support and encouragement. 😊

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Noelle A Granger link
10/30/2023 13:02:51

Just to let you know my review of The Gift will be up on my blog on Friday!

Reply



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