“Gracie’s Special Reading List” shares self-published or independently published books, often by authors who have sites here at WordPress. This is to promote other indie writers who also have something valuable to contribute.
Unlike our other book posts, this one will not have a full review from my chickens because I’m saving it to be their Christmas Eve story. But I did share this description with them from the back of the book:
Emmie the Elf works hard, running errands and sweeping out reindeer stalls, but Santa’s newest helper still finds herself grounded on Christmas Eve. Can Emmie prove she’s capable of higher things in time for next Christmas?
“A Year Before Christmas” by Cathy Cade
Here are their first impressions based on just the small amount of information I’ve given them.
“I am eager to hear this story on Christmas Eve. We did get a sneak peak of the Dedication Page, and we all agreed that Digger is adorable.” Gracie
“Yes, the Dedication Page said Digger wasn’t afraid of Christmas crackers. At first I thought it would be silly to be afraid of crackers. You just eat them, but then I learned that Christmas crackers mean something completely different in England where Digger and the author live.” Bessie
“It sounds like Emmie and I have a lot in common. I can do more than what others think I can do. I was able to sneak a peak inside the book and there was a funny looking guy wearing sunglasses and a hat. You know I’m going to love hearing all about that because I love hats and costumes!” Pearl
“Emmie’s name sounds a lot like mine, so I know I will enjoy this story. The part about cleaning out reindeer stalls sounds icky. Ew! But I’ll bet she still does it in a very lady-like way.” Emily
“There are supposed to be flying things in this story, so I’m really looking forward to learning about them and about faraway places like the North Pole. I also like that this is a story told as a poem. I like poetry. A lot.” Amelia
“A Year Before Christmas” is available through Amazon in the U.S. and Amazon in the UK and would make a great stocking-stuffer gift.
Cathy is one of several writers in the same writing group named The Whittlesey Wordsmiths, and many have websites. You can find Cathy at “Writing Wrinkles” and her friends Wendy at “Wendy Wordsmith” and Phil at “Fenland Phil’s Blog”. Take some time to visit their writing websites because I think you will enjoy them.
The Whittlesey Wordsmiths have also published other books on Amazon, so you may want to do a search there for “Whittlesey Wordsmiths” to view all of their books.
Just so you know, “My Life With Gracie” isn’t getting anything from sharing any of these books with you. We don’t collect anything if you click the Amazon links here. Some websites work that way, but for us, it’s about supporting independent writers even when it’s not what we write! Best wishes to all of the Whittlesey Wordsmiths!
Christmas crackers are fun! Adults enjoying small things and having fun!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Oh, that’s right! You have family there! I had Christmas dinner with friends last year and we had Christmas crackers too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for sharing this.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m hoping to share your “Frugal Seeds Christmas Edition” soon. Since I only have the eBook, I will have to do some kind of creative graphic, just not sure what!
LikeLiked by 1 person
God bless you! I am sincerely humbled by your kindness!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bless you for that mention.
Digger was a special dog who was brought up with cats and only wanted to play with them – and the swans on the lake and the birds in the yard. (We knew she only wanted to play with the birds because when one was sick she just sniffed it and barked to let us know). Sadly most cats she met (and birds) didn’t realise this and ran away from her.
Digger’s friend, Pickle was always frightened of the bangs in crackers and poppers and fireworks, but now she is deaf and they don’t worry her any more.
I hope your chickens enjoy Emmie’s story; I’m sure they’ll have a great Christmas.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks for the additional details, Cathy. They both sound like great dogs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Emmie really is a very special elf as is the talented young lady, Cathy who wrote her story. Cathy has a book of short stories in the pipeline. Cathy has edited and got our latest book A following Wind print ready for the Wordsmiths.
Thank you for the links to our blogs it is extremely kind of you and really appreciated. I join Cathy in wishing you and your feathered family a really great Christmas.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Phil. And best wishes to all of you during the Christmas season!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for the mention! One of these years, I may just try making a traditional Christmas Pudding. I was surprised to discover this is not a pudding at all, as we Americans use the word, but it actually a delicious-looking cake!
LikeLike
What a wonderful review. The book sounds really nice. I think it makes a nice gift too. I’m checking it out now. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your kind words! I’m sorry that it took so long to see your comment and respond!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No worries. Its the holiday seasons and we are all trying to get hold of it together with our little ones.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As usual, Gracie and all bring their unique perspectives about this book. They would make a great PR team.
LikeLiked by 1 person