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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

12/5/2022

39 Comments

 
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Hello blog friends, 

Our neighborhoods shine brighter every day with outside lights and colorful decorations. Spirits grow happier as the holidays approach. It's that time of the year, and Andy Williams says it better than anyone: the most wonderful time of the year. 

If you're like me, you want to be with family. I live a long flight away from my adult children. Phone calls bring us close, but not close enough for a hug or three. In the absence of immediacy, though, I've discovered an expanded family. 

You are the reason for this new definition of family. Most of us have never met (and never will), and yet, we claim one another as friends, because the written word has brought us together. When we read, we weep, celebrate, fall in love, dance, dream, and sometimes scream. It sounds like a family, doesn't it?

Today I share a few, and only a few, of those whom I now recognize as family. I've spotlighted eight books that earned five-stars from me this year, and I'd like to share them with you. 

Harmony Kent's Sorrowful Soul ripped open my heart and brought me to tears. Jill Weatherholt's Searching for Home helped me see all that is beautiful in life. D.L. Finn's A Voice in the Silence drew me into the forest and mystery. Pete Springer's They Call Me Mom warmed my heart immensely and gave me hope for our children. The anthology Distant Flickers kept me turning the pages wanting more. Dan Antion's The Evil You Choose revealed the choices of a hero and those of the deceitful. D. Wallace Peach's The Necromancer's Daughter exposed good and evil and left me in awe of the story itself. Mae Clair's and Staci Troilo's The Haunting of Chatham Hollow brought the past into the present powerfully, via a generational mystery. 

Family? I think so. When our kindles are full, so are our hearts. Thank you, all, for being part of my reading family.

I hope your holiday preparations go perfectly. And I hope you and your families (near and far), find time to be with each other. May gratitude and laughter abound! Happy Holidays to all. ❤️

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39 Comments
Harmony Kent link
12/5/2022 05:08:08

Gwen, thank you so very much for this beautiful, heartwarming post. We truly are family!
I’ve read some of the books you mention, and they have stayed with me. I’ll be sure to take a look at the ones I haven’t yet seen.
Your description of family and reading sure made me smile!
I hope you have a wonderful holiday season, my friend. Love and hugs 💕🙂

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Gwen M. Plano
12/5/2022 05:36:35

Thank you so much, Harmony. Family we are! 🤗

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CS Boyack
12/5/2022 05:11:42

What a wonderful statement, and I feel the same way.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/5/2022 05:37:21

Thank you, Craig. I'm glad to hear that, because you're definitely part of my family.

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Liz Gauffreau link
12/5/2022 05:34:06

Thank you so much for this heartwarming post affirming online friendship and fellowship, Gwen. Reading it gave me a lift. Thank you also for the shoutout for Distant Flickers. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/5/2022 05:39:01

I'm so pleased you enjoyed the post, Liz, and as for the shoutout, Distant Flickers deserves the spotlight. 😊

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Jill Weatherholt link
12/5/2022 06:03:53

What a beautiful and heartwarming post, Gwen. I'm thankful to be included in such a loving family! xo

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Gwen M. Plano
12/5/2022 06:34:46

You are integral to the writing family, Jill. ❤️ Thank you for sharing.

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John Howell link
12/5/2022 06:34:46

Such a lovely post, Gwen. I feel privileged to be part of your reading family.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/5/2022 07:22:15

Thank you, John. And thank you for being part of this special family.

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Joan Hall link
12/5/2022 06:35:55

What a lovely post, Gwen. I love our little family of writers. I probably interact more with all of you than with nearby friends in person.

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas. It is a wonderful time of year.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/5/2022 07:34:01

Thank you so much, Joan. I "chat" with writing friends probably more than neighbors. What a gift we have collectively! 😊

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Dan Antio link
12/5/2022 06:54:36

Thank you so much for this lovely post, Gwen. I have considered you part of my extended family since I first came across your writing. I'm proud to be included in your list and thrilled to be considered part of your family. I have read a few of the books you mentioned, and I have a few more on my TBR pile (along with a couple of yours). More than enough to carry me through the winter. I hope you enjoy the holidays.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/5/2022 07:36:34

Thanks so much, Dan. I'm immensely grateful to the writing community/family. You're definitely high on the list. 😊

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Pete Springer link
12/5/2022 08:01:37

When I began blogging over three years ago, I had no idea what this world was all about. Did I have any clue that I would find such a supportive group of virtual friends? One of the highlights of my year was meeting two of my blogging buddies in person. When I visited my brother on the east coast, I got to attend teacher Jennie Fitzkee's preschool classroom and read to her class. She's one of my teaching idols. I spent a wonderful day in Philadelphia with Jim Borden as he ferried me around and showed me some of the sites. The power of the human connection is amazing!

Thanks so much for the mention of my book, Gwen. I wish you and your family the best holiday season.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/5/2022 08:20:32

Thank you, Pete, for sharing this. A few years ago, I met John Howell and Jan Sikes at a book fair in Texas. My husband and I were visiting relatives in the area. What a delight to find online "family" on the same trip. 😊

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Jan Sikes
12/5/2022 08:36:19

What a beautiful post, Gwen. While I am lucky enough to live in the same place as my children and grandchildren, I do SO appreciate the online family that we've woven together through our stories and blogs. I am honored to be a tiny part of that family. But what a special time it has been getting to meet you, John Howell and Joan Hall in person! Blessed isn't a big enough word. Sending you light and love, my friend! Merry Christmas!

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Gwen M. Plano
12/5/2022 08:50:46

Thank you, Jan. Writers tend to know each other from the inside out, and if we meet, we can fill in the gaps. What an incredible gift! Merry Christmas to you as well! ❄️🎄❄️

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Mae Clair link
12/5/2022 12:27:05

What a lovely and inspiring post, Gwen. I'm fortunate that my immediate family lives close by, but my heart goes out to my online family as well. It's true that while most of us will never meet, we form a unique and different kind of family. I know I cherish all those in my writing family.

Thank you for the beautiful post and for including me in your list today!

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Gwen M. Plano
12/5/2022 13:03:23

Thanks so much, Mae. You are very fortunate to live close to your loved ones. I might see some of my sibs over Christmas. They live about 6 hours away. But otherwise, I'm grateful for all the writers in the blogsphere. 😊

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D.L. Finn
12/5/2022 13:30:42

Thank you, Gwen
This post touched and added a little light into my day just when I needed it. I do think of us as a family, and feel blessed to be a part of it. Hugs xo

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Gwen M. Plano
12/5/2022 15:33:11

I feel the same, Denise -- blessed to be part of the writer family and blessed to know you. ❤️

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Priscilla Bettis link
12/5/2022 20:41:04

Gwen, this is like a Christmas gift to everyone. How wonderful!

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Gwen M. Plano
12/6/2022 07:39:26

Thank you, Priscilla. I'm so glad you agree. 😊

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Jacquie Biggar
12/5/2022 21:08:43

This is a beautiful post, Gwen, and it's true, we are a family {{hugs}}

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Gwen M. Plano
12/6/2022 04:56:53

Thank you and hugs back. Your latest, Letting Go-The Defiant Sisters Duet, WOW. What a powerful read, Jacquie. Bravo! 🤗

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Karen Ingalls
12/6/2022 04:03:42

A wonderful message for Christmas. A message of family, love, and friendship that goes beyond Christmas.
I have always called books "my friends." Over the last 12 years, I now happily say that authors are my friends.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful and touching message.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/6/2022 05:01:34

You've been 'family' for me through the years, Karen. I'm deeply grateful for your friendship, support, and guidance. Thank you. ❤️

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Marcia Meara link
12/6/2022 09:49:42

Beautiful post, Gwen, and SO true. I don't know what I'd do without my online "family and friends!" I often think about how blessed I am to have you all in my life, and I never give up hope that I might meet some of you in person one day, too. I've learned, laughed, cried, and pondered so many things over the last 9 years, and have come to the conclusion that by and large, the Writing Community is made up of the most generous and kind and interesting people in the world. (And YOU, my friend, are right up there with the very best of them all!)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Gwen! May 2023 be a great one for each of us! 🤗❤️🤗

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Gwen M. Plano
12/6/2022 14:01:15

Thank you, dear Marcia, for your lovely comment. I feel the same -- about our online family and friends, and especially about you. May joy and laughter abound during this Christmas for you. And I hope you take a few photos of your Santas to share with all of us. ❤️🤗❤️

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Jacqui Murray link
12/6/2022 09:49:45

I can see from that list you had a good time reading!

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Gwen M. Plano
12/6/2022 14:03:28

I sure did, Jacqui. I've begun your latest book, and I'm in awe of the research it must have required. Amazing! 😊

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Robbie Cheadle
12/6/2022 21:48:17

Hi Gwen, you have selected 8 wonderful books, some of which I've already read and some of which are on my TBR. Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas and lets hope 2023 will be a good year.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/7/2022 04:20:39

Thanks so much, Robbie. I wish the same for you and your family. I can't come close to preparing the feasts you do so well, but I'll think of you when I mix and mash. You inspire me. Happy Holidays! ⭐

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sally cronin link
12/7/2022 02:05:47

A wonderfully heartwarming post Gwen and I agree we will not be seeing my family this Christmas but at least we can talk face to face. I treasure my online family just as much and thank you for your support and kindness throughout the year. ♥

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Gwen M. Plano
12/7/2022 04:13:56

Thank you so much, Sally, for all the ways you nurture the writing family. I hope you and yours experience much joy during this holiday season. Sending hugs... 🤗

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Mark Bierman link
12/9/2022 04:24:42

You've certainly picked some wonderful authors and people, Gwen. I couldn't agree more. :)

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Gwen M. Plano
12/9/2022 05:25:43

Thank you, Mark. I hope you and yours enjoy happy and healthy holidays. ✨🎄✨

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D.L. Finn
12/18/2022 11:39:06

What a beautiful post and poem. You expressed so eloquently how we discover each other through our words. Enjoy your family time and holidays. Sending a ton of hugs. Xo

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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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