Monday, May 26, 2014

Happy Memorial Day

As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy every day, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please hold our servicemen and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and your presence as they stand in the gap for our protection.
We also remember the families of our troops. We ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes, and we pray your peace, provision, and strength will fill their lives.
May the members of our armed forces be supplied with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author

Connect with


A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.


Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.


Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.


The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist













Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Book Review - The Luthier's Apprentice by Mayra Calvani


The Luthier’s Apprentice by Mayra Calvani immerses the reader from the onset into the world of sixteen-year old Emma Braun with the mind boggling latest newspaper headlines, “Another Violinist Vanishes.” What? How is it even possible for a person to vanish without a trace and why always a violinist?

An accomplished violinist herself, Emma is intrigued by the latest disappearance considering it’s her very own violin instructor. Determined to find answers, Emma finds herself caught between two worlds while seeking answers to her ever-mounding questions. Resulting in discovering untold truths that rock Emma’s world to her core. Is it possible to have one foot in two different worlds? Can she accept these truths and live a normal life or does she succumb to the dark side?

Mayra Calvani’s expert storytelling intertwined with her love for violins and knack for compelling fantasy mysteries will have the reader’s heart pounding out of their chests. Come along for the spectacular journey of Emma Braun and once you reach the end you will be yearning for more.

Learn more about Mayra Calvani’s illustrious writing career at 


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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist













Sunday, May 11, 2014

Happy Mother's Day

Take the time to spend precious moments and wish your mother a Happy Mother's Day for she loves you unconditionally and has guided you throughout your days! If your mother is longer with you, say a prayer and thank her for her infinite wisdom. 

God bless! 

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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist













Thursday, May 8, 2014

Book Review: Magical Toys by Uncle Amos



It’s never too early to teach children to have respect for one’s belongings. By doing so it will transcend throughout childhood and into adulthood. Not that their won’t be bumps in the road in setting a child to task in cleaning their room.

Ron is your typical boy with many toys, but ignores his mother’s request to clean up his room. Not only his Ron’s mother disappointed by his lack of following directions and lying to avoid clean up, he come across annoyance from an unlikely group.

Uncle Amos creates a relatable story of a boy and his toys and the responsibility and care one should have toward their treasures. Uncle Amos teaches an invaluable lesson without preaching lending to many years of enjoyment from Magical Toys.

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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist













Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Deirdre Thurston shares her Writing Inspiration


I am always intrigued to learn what inspires people to write. Today, Deirdre Thurston shares her inspiration!

Writer’s Inspiration. . . Draw Upon Your Inner Self
by Deirdre Thurston 

A writer’s inspiration comes from many areas and Deirdre Thurston shares with us her inspiration for Caught and the steps she took to defeat that “Not Good Enough” voice.

Deirdre: Inspiration came from life in general – past and present. Those that inspired me include my son, my husband and my home along with my friends and family. Each morning I sit up in bed, look out my window at the beauty outside. I draw on nature and let myself feel what was happening inside me. Being able to take the time each morning was a gift.

I am proud of myself for writing the book and for who I am. I have had a lot of loss in my life and happiness too. I didn’t give up writing and am so happy I didn’t listen to all the self-talk we all have of ‘not good enough’, who do you think you are’, etc, etc.
Writing taught me to do things for myself and not for the approval of others.

About Caught
A collection of short stories, literary sketches and vignettes each capturing a moment in the life of someone a lot like you. Each story delves into human themes: expectation, desire, hope, loss, fear, joy, peace, suffering, redemption. The narrative is filled with subtle irony, humour and touching observations. The stories highlight our era of increasing social disconnection, in which technology is replacing intimacy and life occurs at a pace that challenges people’s ability to stop, observe and interpret their own existence and its relationship with those around them.

It highlights the everyday moment and provides nourishment for the harried soul. The overriding message in Caught is: that any moment in every life can be viewed as worthy of treasuring. Whether that moment is filled with despair or joy; they provide entertaining relief and nourishing benefits.







About Deirdre Thurston
I’ve been an observer of people my whole life, always intrigued by the unfolding of everyday events and what those events take on in the eyes and lives of ordinary people.
As well as seeing — and feeling — the angst and the pain, the fragile hopes and dreams, the joys and the frustrations that make up the human condition, I’ve also always been able to see the funny side.

My vantage points have been from the perspective of a daughter, a sister, a wife and a mother, an aunt, a friend and a confidante — I’ve looked at life through many lenses, yet always my own observations have been enriched by the points of view of the other players in those unfolding dramas.

And always inside of me, from the time I was five years old, has lurked a writer — framing my observations and cataloguing them. Storing them up until I was ready to capture them on paper.

At 57 I began crafting my lifetime of observations into sketches and vignettes. Two years later I knew it was time to start sharing my stories with the world.


Thank you for taking the time out to visit with Deirdre! We appreciate your time and interest! 

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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with


A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist













Tuesday, May 6, 2014


I am delighted to host author, Deirdre Thurston as she surfs through cyberspace on her virtual book tour for her book, Caught. Welcome Deirdre! 

About Caught
A collection of short stories, literary sketches and vignettes each capturing a moment in the life of someone a lot like you. Each story delves into human themes: expectation, desire, hope, loss, fear, joy, peace, suffering, redemption. The narrative is filled with subtle irony, humour and touching observations. The stories highlight our era of increasing social disconnection, in which technology is replacing intimacy and life occurs at a pace that challenges people’s ability to stop, observe and interpret their own existence and its relationship with those around them.

It highlights the everyday moment and provides nourishment for the harried soul. The overriding message in Caught is: that any moment in every life can be viewed as worthy of treasuring. Whether that moment is filled with despair or joy; they provide entertaining relief and nourishing benefits.







About Deirdre Thurston
I’ve been an observer of people my whole life, always intrigued by the unfolding of everyday events and what those events take on in the eyes and lives of ordinary people.

As well as seeing — and feeling — the angst and the pain, the fragile hopes and dreams, the joys and the frustrations that make up the human condition, I’ve also always been able to see the funny side.

My vantage points have been from the perspective of a daughter, a sister, a wife and a mother, an aunt, a friend and a confidante — I’ve looked at life through many lenses, yet always my own observations have been enriched by the points of view of the other players in those unfolding dramas.

And always inside of me, from the time I was five years old, has lurked a writer — framing my observations and cataloguing them. Storing them up until I was ready to capture them on paper.


At 57 I began crafting my lifetime of observations into sketches and vignettes. Two years later I knew it was time to start sharing my stories with the world.

Stop back tomorrow and visit with Deirdre when she shares her writing inspiration!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with


A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist













Monday, May 5, 2014

Book Review: Ten Busy Brownies by Talia Haven



While children are in slumber the magic begins with Ten Busy Brownies making their way through household chores. The possibilities of their antics are endless and helpful at the same time. Get yourself comfortable, curl up with your young muse and before you know it you’ll be wishing you had your very own “busy brownie.”

The expert rhyme and storytelling of author, Talia Haven and whimsical illustrations by Sytiva Sheenan will turn the adventure of Ten Busy Brownies into a classic for all time.

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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist













Thursday, May 1, 2014

My Writing Process - Blog Tour


I was invited by the lovely and talented C. Lee McKenzie to join in the fun for The Writing Process Blog Hop, so here we go…

What am I working on?  

With the urging of my critique group (thanks Karin and Marilyn) I have dusted off a middle grade manuscript that I've been working on and off for several years now (yes, I'm embarrassed to say so, but exhilarated that I'm back in the saddle again of fine tuning this manuscript). Thanks ladies! 

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

Thus far my children's books have ended up in the theme of overcoming obstacles without preaching to the reader. 

Why do I write what I do? 

I enjoy writing for children and watching the expressions on their faces of joy and wonder of escaping into an exciting book. 

How does my writing process work?

I always write my first draft in long hand with my favorite pen, Graf von Faber-Castell away from my computer and email distraction and of course my cell phone off. I then put it to the side and read through for the first time at least several hours to a day or so later giving myself a fresh set of eyes and perspective. Then I get down to task of typing it into my computer. Yes, I'm old fashioned, I then print it out for my next round of proofreading. 

I'm delighted to have tagged the following talented writers in The Writing Process and visit them May 5th...

Penelope ColeAward Winning Author of Magical Matthew and Magical Mea  and Mágico Mateo (Spanish Version of Magical Matthew)

Nancy Stewart - Amazon Best-selling author and award-winning author - Sea Turtle Summer and One Pelican at a Time 

Wishing you an inspirational day! 

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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with


A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist