The Giveaway
We’re starting off the New Year with a giveaway for one of the best novels I read in 2019.
Light from Distant Stars by Shawn Smucker is a beautifully written story about the troubled relationship between a man and his dying father. The story is written with a poetic sensibility that pulled me in and didn’t let go.
Enter the giveaway with Rafflecopter (below).
About the Story
When Cohen Marah steps over his father’s body in the basement embalming room of the family’s funeral home, he has no idea that he is stepping into a labyrinth of memory. As the last one to see his father, Cohen is the primary suspect.
Over the next week, Cohen’s childhood memories come back in living color. The dramatic events that led to his father being asked to leave his pastoral position. The game of baseball that somehow kept them together. And the two children in the forest who became his friends–and enlisted him in a dark and dangerous undertaking. As the lines blur between what was real and what was imaginary, Cohen is faced with the question he’s been avoiding: Did he kill his father?
Meet the Author
Shawn Smucker is the author of the award-winning YA novels, The Day the Angels Fell and The Edge of Over There. He lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with Maile and their six children.Find out more about him at his website: http://shawnsmucker.com.
Enjoy the Interview
Enter the Giveaway
Guidelines
- The Rafflecopter winner must have a U.S. address.
- The prize is my copy of Light from Distant Stars by Shawn Smucker.
- The winner will be announced on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
- Contest Guidelines Link
I’ve enjoyed Johnnie’s comments on Writer’s Chat. In her writing discussions, she reminds me of Bob Ross, who shared his love of art freely with the general public and encouraged individuals to find joy in creating their own unique art. Lord knows, we need inspiration and encouragement to live with joy in this 21st-century world. Thanks for being a light and a witness, Johnnie!
Sad as it may seem, I haven’t read any books in the new year. I know that will change, I just haven’t had the extra time yet. I have browsed through a new quilting book I received for Christmas, but haven’t actually read it.
I’m currently reading The Tea Chest and Isaiah’s Legacy for book launch teams. I just finished An Uncommon Woman for a launch and highly recommend it!
Hi, Linda. I just read Heidi Chiavaroli’s newsletter earlier this evening–The Tea Chest sounds fascinating. I’m sure she appreciates your being on her launch team. We all LOVE our launch team members!! Thanks for your support of inspirational authors!
Hi Carla. I know that will change, too! After the holidays can be as busy as the holidays themselves as we try to get our lives (and our homes) back into a routine. A new quilting book sounds fun! Thanks for writing!
Hi, Lois. Your words deeply touched me. Thanks for your kind encouragement. I pray the best for you in 2020!
The first book I am reading is The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren.
Hi, Sonnetta. I’m sure that’s a good one! Glad to hear from you!
A Log Cabin Christmas Collection by several authors. I love it so far!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Hi, Robin. That sounds like one of the Barbour novellas! I’m sure it’s great! Thanks for writing!
My first book was The Amish Marriage Bargain and now I am reading The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen. Have a blessed and Happy New Year 🎊🎆
I just finished up reading “The Refuge” by Ann H Gabhart and now I’m reading “Andrew” by Jennifer Beckstrand.
wfnren at aol dot com
I started the new year by finishing two novellas by Anne Greene called A TEXAS CHRISTMAS Mystery & Love at Christmas. I have another book that is coming by mail and as soon as it gets here I will start reading it. I don’t know the title the author is sending but the author is Vivienne Brereton . My first novel is coming via mail. It’s coming from France.
I love to read and I would love to win this book. Always like to try a book at least once and you never know when you find your next favorite author. Winning this print version would thrill. Love reading and try new authors. Hope I win. I really want to win and read this book. Hope I win.
I am currently reading an arc for a book called The Hollows by Jess Montgomery.
The first book I read this year was Montana Skies by Mary Alford.
Hi, Jan. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything by Mary Alford. But I love that title! Thanks for sharing!
The mystery tomb by Eva pohlar
Hi, Katrina. Eva Pohlar is a new-to-me author, too. Sounds like a mystery–and I love mysteries! Thanks so much!
The first book I read in 2020 was The Sleuth’s Dilemma by Kimberly Rose Johnson, and I really liked it. The 2nd book, the one I’m reading now is Mackinac Island by Cara Putman.
The book I started reading in 2020 is:
Holly and Mistletoe by Brenda Hyatt
Hi, Brenda. This is another new-to-me author. How fun to be reading a Christmas story! So glad you’re here!
Hi, Pat! I’m sure both of those are really good. I got Cara’s newsletter a few days ago where she talked about Mackinac Island. Definitely intriguing! Glad you’re here!
This book cover is gorgeous!! And the book sounds so intriguing. Great review and post. 🙂
Hey, Morgan! So glad you stopped by. This was such a good story. I’m eager to read Shawn’s other books.
I read The Victory Garden by Rhys Bowen. It was a vary good book that took place during and after WWI.
Hi, Faith. You know how much I love WWII books. Thanks for sharing this one!
My first novel of the year was On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna M White.
Hi, Anne. I interviewed Roseanna White a few months ago for Novelists Unwind. She’s such a delight. I haven’t read this novel, but I do love her writing. Thanks for sharing!
One of the first books that I read this year was The Hope We Share by Juliette Duncan. Great read!
Hi, Lisa. That is such an intriguing title. Thanks for sharing it!
Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain. As always, a fantastic story by this author.
That is a great title! Thanks for stopping by, Sally!
I’ve already read six books but don’t have a list of the first one.
Wow, Kim! Six books already?! That’s fantastic. Thanks for stopping by!
I am reading Where i Was Planted by Heather Norman Smith. It is a good book.
Hi, Vivian. I’ve heard of Heather, but I don’t think I’ve ever read any of her books. That’s an intriguing title, too. Appreciate your stopping by!
For the new year, I finished up reading The Santa Claus Chronicles by Dan Short and Rene Gutteridge. It was a delightful book about a guy who models his Santa Claus appearance around the tenets of Saint Nicholas whom our modern day Santa was modeled after. I love his kind and gentle attitude with children and his sacrifices made year round in his charitable efforts. Johnnie, I enjoyed your newsletter and Griff always makes me smile.
Perrianne!!! Thanks for that encouragement and for the shout out to Griff. He is such a sweetie. That book sounds fascinating. Adding it to my TBR list! Always happy to see your name pop up in my blog comments and in my email. 🙂
My first read of the new year was To Wager Her Heart by Tamera Alexander. Such an amazing series (Belle Meade Plantations). I highly recommend it for historical fiction lovers.
Hi, Cindi. Thanks for the recommendation–I love historical fiction. Since we share the same last name (though we’re not related), you’d think I would have read Tamera’s books. But I haven’t. Another one to add to my TBR list!
The first book I read was You Were There Too, by Colleen Oakley. Great story! 5 stars.
Hi, Cheryl. That’s an intriguing title, too. Definitely captures my attention. Thanks for sharing!
My first book I read was The Christmas Gazebo b Marilyn Turk and Lenora Worth 2 great Authors Love the Book cover and sounds like a great book!