Holidays in the Heartland: Ohio Christmas Tales – Author Update Number 9

Prickle Forrest Books

Holidays in the Heartland

Ohio Christmas Tales

The Abandoned Cottage

By Judy Cicero

Holiday Tale Nine

What makes Judy … Judy

Judy spent her life curious about what makes people tick. Her career as a clinical social worker and educator enhanced the foundation for her focus in writing about ‘misfits with a message’. This series of books for children and adults is sometimes serious, sometimes whimsical. but always portrays the wonder and resilience of those who search their place in the world. Her first novel, The Extraordinary Magic of Everyday Life, sets the stage for six other stories of hardship and happiness, loss and love, and wisdom and wonder. For more information, please visit https://judycicerobooks.com/

What Judy is working on now…

Judy is almost done with her new children’s book, The Rushing Brook, An Ear of Corn and a Hedgehog

The Fearless Foursome-2nd in a new series of children’s stories

Tea Leaves and Treachery–A ya and adult novel

and

Once Upon An Apple–children’s book focusing on difference, diversity and inclusion

*******

1 week or 7 days until release.

Preorder your copy now, beat the Christmas rush!

https://books2read.com/HolidaysInTheHeartland

Available on worldwide bookshelves Saturday, November 1st!

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Holidays in the Heartland: Ohio Christmas Tales – Author Update Number 8

Prickle Forrest Books

Holidays in the Heartland

Ohio Christmas Tales

A Timeless Christmas

By Patricia Miller

Christmas Tale Eight

*********

There’s no doubt that my life is very busy, especially in the fall season. I write mysteries, have a new children’s picture book recently released with a traditional publisher (Headline Books), opened a castle-themed AirBnB in June and am on the Canal Town Book Festival Committee, not to mention attending multiple book events and giving presentations. But, contributing to anthologies, such as Holidays in the Heartland holds a special place in my heart. Multiple authors writing in different genres coming together to produce a quality holiday anthology is quite a special thing!

I’m also a mental health therapist with over 35 years of experience, thankfully working part time now to give me a little time for all I’ve listed in the previous paragraph.

Right now, I’m working on publishing a mystery novella set in Hower House, a beautiful mansion in Akron, Ohio, finish and publish my 5th mystery collection, Mysterious Tales of the Unexplained, Volume 5, and making several presentations and attending book festivals, featuring book 1 in my children’s mindfulness-building picture book series, It’s Okay to have Feelings: A Peyton’s Palace Adventure.

*******

Things I love about the Christmas Season are special recipes my family only makes during the holidays, baking cookies, wrapping presents, decorating with lights, lights, and more lights, cuddling up with a soft blanket and a book while sipping hot chocolate with more whipped cream than anyone has ever seen, Christmas music, and most importantly, spending time with loved ones making special memories as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

*******

2 weeks or 14 days until release.

Preorder your copy now, beat the Christmas rush!

https://books2read.com/HolidaysInTheHeartland

Available on worldwide bookshelves Saturday, November 1st!

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Prickle Forrest Books – Holidays in the Heartland: Ohio Christmas Tales Author Update #7

Prickle Forrest Books

Holidays in the Heartland

Ohio Christmas Tales

Christmas Giving

By Max Willi Fischer

Christmas Tale Seven

*******

Author Update:

As a writer of historical fiction, I’ve put the final touches on my latest manuscript, Life Behind the Eight Ball, a coming-of-age novel set in Akron, Ohio during the late thirties. I look forward to its release through my publisher, Historium Press, shortly after the first of the year.

Things I like about the holiday season:

    #1 Baking Christmas cookies with my wife, using my late mother’s German recipe

    #2 Family time together

    #3. Listening to Christmas carols

    #4. Viewing/reading Christmas stories of the past whether in print or movies

    #5. Viewing exterior lighting displays in the area

    #6. Reminiscing through old family photos of Christmases past

    #7. Decorating/enjoying the Christmas

*******

3 weeks or 21 days until release.

Preorder your copy now, beat the Christmas rush!

https://books2read.com/HolidaysInTheHeartland

Available on worldwide bookshelves Saturday, November 1st!

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Prickle Forrest Books – Holidays in the Heartland – Author 6 Update

Prickle Forrest Books

Holidays in the Heartland

Ohio Christmas Tales

The Light of Cleveland

By John Newton

Christmas Tale Six

*******

So, what have I been up to since the short story?

I’ve been polishing up my second novel, “The Stone Inside”, getting it ready for publication next year. The story follows a character in “The Healing Stone” as he … but that would be a spoiler. Gotta wait until you finish the first book to find out. This has also been a year of book signing events, which have been great places to meet readers and get to know what they’re looking for in a good story. You can find more at my Website

Here are three pictures from book signings. The first two show readers with me at book signings (images with names ending in b and c). The last one shows Cyndi and me posing with cosplayers at Woosterfest dressed as superheroes (mostly Spidermen) … even their wiener dogs had masks on (image ending in d).

*****

The top things I like about Christmas are:

1. Celebrating the birth of Christ—God taking on flesh to destroy sin and death.

2. Getting together with family—something that grows in importance with age since most of our children have moved out of our home.

3. Watching the youngest ones open presents.

4. Giving gag gifts.

5. Receiving gag gifts.

6. Games.

7. Food.

8. More food.

*******

4 weeks or 28 days until release.

Preorder your copy now, beat the Christmas rush!

https://books2read.com/HolidaysInTheHeartland

Available on worldwide bookshelves Saturday, November 1st!

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Prickle Forrest Books – Holidays in the Heartland – Author Update #5

Prickle Forrest Books

Holidays in the Heartland

Ohio Christmas Tales

Tinsel Touched

By Linda Morgan

Christmas Tale Five

WHAT MAKES ME … ME:

Linda loves romance, happy endings, and stories that bring light into a dark world. She writes faith-based romance, devotionals, and short stories that blend hope, humor, and heart. Her debut novel, Prayers Under Fire—the first in a trilogy—releases soon. Linda’s work has also appeared in two anthologies: HOLIDAYS IN THE HEARTLAND (Tinsel Touched) and DREAMS AND DRIFTWOOD (Love at First Drop). She also runs an active blog, https://www.inkerspen.com/linda-morgan#SpiritualSparks, and has had two devotionals win first-place awards at FaithWriters.com. You see, writing isn’t just what she does—it’s how she lives out the purpose God has placed on her heart. But to be fair, she believes her hubby and her coffee-fueled Snoopy mug help spark brainstorms on demand. 😊

GENRE: Christian Fiction Collections & Anthologies (Books), Christian Short Stories, Christian Romance, Christian RomCom, Christian Romantic Suspense and Adventure

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS SEASON:

1. Christmas Eve dinner with the family and opening gifts.

2. Christmas through the eyes of my grandkids—all 8 of them.

3. Christmas cantata, Christmas Eve church service, and celebrating Jesus’ birth.

4. Morning coffee in my Snoopy Christmas mug.

5. Love watching the first snowfall and waiting for the first snowstorm.

6. Reading or writing by the fireplace.

7. Watching Grinch movies, whether it’s the cartoon Grinch or the “Jim Carey” Grinch.

8. Last but not least, I am NOT a fan of Christmas shopping. The hustle and bustle **ahem** may or may not make me a little grinchy … just saying.

WHAT AM I WORKING ON:

1. Writing devotions—always.

2. Publishing Marcee and Dex’s story, Prayers Under Fire.

3. Finishing Libby and Jett’s story, Prayers Under ??Construction??

4. Then onto Ella and Colt, Prayers Under ??Pressure??

WHERE TO FIND ME:

https://www.inkerspen.com/linda-morgan

https://www.inkerspen.com/linda-morgan#SpiritualSparks

https://www.facebook.com/lindamorganwriter

https://www.facebook.com/linda.morgan.writes/

https://www.instagram.com/spiritualsparks.llm/

lindamorganwrites@gmail.com

*******

5 weeks or 35 days until release.

Preorder your copy now, beat the Christmas rush!

https://books2read.com/HolidaysInTheHeartland

Available on worldwide bookshelves Saturday, November 1st!

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Prickle Forrest Books – 2025 Holidays in the Heartland: Ohio Christmas Tales – Author 4 update

Prickle Forrest Books

Holidays in the Heartland

Ohio Christmas Tales

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Christmas Village

By Ruth Reifsnyder

Christmas Tale Four

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An update from our fourth author of the anthology, Ruth Reifsnyder:

Since she last shared her Christmas short story, Christmas Village, for Holidays in the Heartland, Ruth Reifsnyder has been delighting in family time—especially doting on her grandkids, whose laughter and antics are feeding both her heart and her creative spark. She’s also plunged into research for a memoir-history of her family, digging into archives, letters, perhaps even old photographs, trying to understand her ancestors’ lives and how they fit into the larger story of early America—hoping those threads will enrich her other book, Kalob. And because it will soon be , the holiday season, she’s gearing up to bake lots and lots of Christmas cookies for her writing buddies, scouring items for that perfect Advent wreath, gathering just the right greens, candles, and decorations. Plus not to mention she’s getting excited to take part in her first book fair on October 6th at the Canal Town Book Festival where she’ll have plenty of autographed copies for any reader who would like one. Don’t hesitate to stop in and chat with her. All in all, she’s busy, joyful, and full of anticipation.

Ruth’s Top 10 Favorite Things About Christmas:

1. Decorating the tree.

2. Making the punch for the meal.

3. Christmas movies on TV.

4. Advent wreath.

5. Advent.

6. Epiphany.

7. Having the family over.

8. Stamping cards.

9. Baking cookies.

10. Christmas music on the radio.

******

6 weeks or 42 days until release.

Preorder your copy now, beat the Christmas rush!

https://books2read.com/HolidaysInTheHeartland

Available on worldwide bookshelves Saturday, November 1st!

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Prickle Forrest Books – Anthology Author #3 Update

Prickle Forrest Books

Holidays in the Heartland

Ohio Christmas Tales

<![if !vml]>

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Stranger than Christmas in July

By Cyndi Brec

Christmas Tale Three

Stranger than Christmas in July is a quirky, unexpected tale by Cyndi Brec, written within the world of The Therans Series. She chose the title because it hints at the unusual, carries a spark of intrigue, and deepens the hidden lore that shapes her story world.

Cyndi Brec writes heroines into dangerous webs of deception while sipping her French vanilla iced coffee, because every epic twist deserves a little caffeine.

A faith believer at heart, Cyndi writes with hope, but never without an intriguing edge that stirs the soul.

A three-times Readers’ Favorite 5-star recipient, her YA romantic Fantasy has been featured in Teen Magazine and endorsed by bestselling authors including Jonas Saul (The Sarah Roberts Series), Suzy Vadori (The Fountain Series), and Alan Warren (NBC Host & Author).

Avid reader turned writer, Cyndi’s background as a Recreational Therapy Technician, history-loving traveler, and previous co-owner of a 200-year-old watermill inspires much of The Therans Series. When she’s not plotting her next twist, she’s writing a standalone tale within the Therans universe. If she’s not with her family or writing, you’ll find her co-hosting P English Literature Podcast—chatting books, faith, and a little bit of mischief as the ultimate sidekick.

10 things I love about Christmas:

· The blessings of sharing time with family over a meal that isn’t rushed.

· Acts of kindness

· The stillness of winter

· Christmas songs of hope

· The traditions of old carried on by my family like candle light service at church, making deviled eggs, and opening Christmas gifts.

· A grateful heart. Remembering that best gifts aren’t wrapped: faith, love, and the people God places in our lives.

· The simple glow of Christmas lights as you drive down the street of town.

· Togetherness

· The cozy factor: blankets, cocoa, and the fireplace that turns cold nights into reading nights.

· The smell of baking cookies.

******

7 weeks or 49 days until release.

Preorder your copy now, beat the Christmas rush!

https://books2read.com/HolidaysInTheHeartland

Available on worldwide bookshelves Saturday, November 1st!

Christina H. Benchoff

Developmental Editor

Western Romance Author

Short-Story Writer

NetGalley Reviewer

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Prickle Forrest Books – Holidays in the Heartland – Author Update #2

Prickle Forrest Books

Holidays in the Heartland

Ohio Christmas Tales

Going Home for Christmas

By Cary Harter

Christmas Tale Two

Life has been throwing me a lot of curve balls lately, but I’m still in the batter’s box. I‘ve gone from taking care of children, to my husband, to my parents and so my time to write is not as plentiful as I would like, but I eek out as much as I can.

Right now, I am working furiously to finish the second book in my Harley Wigglestein series for middle grade readers, Harley Wigglestein and the Old Lady Next Door. I hope to have it to my new illustrator Brady Hartmann soon, and out by the end of September.

I am also waiting (impatiently) to get my hands on a few copies of the Wayne Novelist Guild’s anthology, Holidays in the Heartland!

The holidays are coming quickly, and with them comes colder weather here in Ohio.

I’ll have to give up some of my favorite things like sitting on my deck writing, or on the front porch playing guitar, but other good things are coming my way.

Ten Things I Love About the Christmas Season

1. Christmas Eve dinner with the whole family

2. Snickerdoodle Lattes

3. Reading or writing beside a warm fire

4. The smell of pine mixing with the scent of jasmine that always blooms around Christmas time

5. Christmas cookies –the soft puffy kind, oh, and lemon bars, and Russian tea cakes, and …well, you get the idea.

6. Christmas movies, but only in December!

7. Finding the perfect gift for someone

8. Ugly Christmas sweater contests

9. The Wayne Novelist Guild Christmas party

10. Christmas music – also only in December!

******

8 weeks or 56 days until release.

Preorder your copy now, beat the Christmas rush!

https://books2read.com/HolidaysInTheHeartland

Available on worldwide bookshelves Saturday, November 1st!

Christina H. Benchoff

Developmental Editor

Western Romance Author

Short-Story Writer

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Prickle Forrest Books – Holidays In the Heartland Anthology Author- Chrissy Hartmann – Christmas Tale 1

Prickle Forrest Books

Holidays in the Heartland

Ohio Christmas Tales

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Mistletoe Kisses

By Chrissy Hartmann

Christmas Tale One

*******

Well now, partner, let me tip my hat and fill you all in on the latest trail I’ve been riding. This summer found me wandering downtown Wooster for a little

old shindig called Christmas in July, where twinkle lights and jingle bells sure enough tangled with the heat of the sun. We roped in our first reader of the Holidays in the Heartland. We’re mighty thankful for her preordering one of these here books.

When I ain’t kicking up dust

at book festivals…

I’ve been wrangling words into my very own Christmas novella — Lord willing, it’ll be wrapped up in a bow by next Christmas… maybe sooner.

All the while, I’m making certain my mischievous little kitten knows she’s loved, even if Santa’s leaning toward leaving her a lump of coal for her sass.

The hubby and the Eagle scout? Well, they’re watching me close, wondering if I’ve gone plum Christmas-crazy… and maybe, just maybe, I have… Got a new hat. And boy howdy it’s a beauty! 🎄🤠

But if you want to find out more… follow me on social media @USAWriter355 or check out my website https://Chrissyhartmann.com

Thanks all!

Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah!

Top 10 Things I Love at Christmas Time:

• Small-town diners with strong coffee and Christmas cookies

• Building a snowman in cowboy boots

• Crackling fires with hot cocoa

• The sound of sleigh bells

• Writing love stories with a western twist

• Family Christmas gatherings that always end in laughter

• Decorating the Christmas tree while listening to Christmas music

• Christmas lights in little towns

• Readers who believe in happily-ever-afters

******

9 weeks or 63 days until release.

Preorder your copy now, beat the Christmas rush!

https://books2read.com/HolidaysInTheHeartland

Autographed copies available upon request

Available on worldwide bookshelves Saturday, November 1st!

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Prickle Forrest Books – Real Cookbooks by Genre Authors

[delay: 2025-06-24 09:15:00 EST]

[category: cooking, recipes, Books, authors, update, Newsletter]

[tags: authors, cookbooks, mystery, fantasy/paranormal, western romance, contemporary romance, comfort food, small-town, western cooking]

[custom_line_break]

Prickle Forrest Books

June 2025

🌲Dear Readers,

We’ve been searching high and low for some other genre author cookbooks and finally came up with a list… a short list, but at least we found some more.

So, we thought you might want to check out these cookbooks. They’re not just by fancy Cordon Blue chefs, but instead from authors. And yes, even one of our *authors. These are fun and well worth trying out the recipes. And the tales, vignettes, and essays are entertaining to say the least. So grab your coffee and order your copy today. And never hesitate to ask your library to carry these cookbooks too… cause that’s the thing they love to do!!

🌲

*Author: Chrissy Hartmann

Book Title: The Grub Wrangler: Heartfelt Grapeseed Oil Recipes with Benefits

Series: Whiskey’s Salvation

Description: A collection of hearty, cowboy-inspired recipes ilspicey chili, BBQ chicken, skillet cornbread, and Texas carrot cake, The Grub Wrangler captures the rustic flavors of Whiskey, Texas, tying into the cozy, small-town vibe of Hartmann’s contemporary romance series with a culinary nod to southern comfort and cowboy life tales.

Type of Cooking and Cuisine: Home Cooking, American Western/Southern Comfort Food

Website URL: https://chrissyhartmann.com

🌲Author: Susan Mallery

Book Title: Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold Cookbook

Series: Fool’s Gold

Description: This cookbook brings the charming Fool’s Gold, California, community to life with seasonal recipes like summer berry tarts and winter squash soup, paired with romantic vignettes from the series, offering fans a taste of the small-town romance setting.

Type of Cooking and Cuisine: Home Cooking, American Seasonal/Comfort Food

Website URL: https://www.susanmallery.com

🌲Author: Rita Mae Brown

Book Title: Sneaky Pie’s Cookbook for Mystery Lovers

Series: with Sneaky Pie Brown

Description: Written from the perspective of Rita Mae Brown’s feline co-author, this quirky cookbook offers recipes for humans and pets, including Mother’s Fried Chicken and Veal Kidney for cats, inspired by the cozy mystery series featuring Mrs. Murphy.

Type of Cooking and Cuisine: Home Cooking, American/Eclectic with Pet-Friendly Recipes

Website URL: https://www.ritamaebrownbooks.com

🌲

Author: Chelsea Monroe-Cassel

Book Title: A Feast of Ice and Fire: The Official Game of Thrones Companion Cookbook

Series: Game of Thrones

Description: Inspired by George R.R. Martin’s fantasy series, this cookbook recreates medieval-inspired dishes like Lemon Cakes and Honeyed Chicken, blending historical recipes with modern adaptations for fans of Westeros.

Type of Cooking and Cuisine: Historical/Modern Fusion, Medieval-Inspired European Cuisine

Website URL: https://www.innatthecrossroads.com

🌲Author: Barbara M. Walker

Book Title: The Little House Cookbook: Frontier Foods from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Classic Stories

Series: The Little House

Description: This cookbook compiles authentic 19th-century American frontier recipes like Corn Dodgers and Molasses Candy, drawn from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s historical fiction series, with historical context for home cooks.

Type of Cooking and Cuisine: Historical Cooking, American Frontier/Pioneer Cuisine

Website URL: None, author deceased; no official site found, but linked to publisher page https://www.harpercollins.com

🌲Author: Anne McCaffrey

Book Title: Serve It Forth: Cooking with Anne McCaffrey

Series: Dragonriders of Pern

Description: A collection of recipes contributed by science fiction and fantasy authors, including Sherried Walnut Cake and Spiderfish Stew, inspired by McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern series and her broader literary community.

Type of Cooking and Cuisine: Home Cooking, Eclectic/Fantasy-Inspired American Cuisine

Website URL: None, author deceased; no official site found, but linked to publisher page https://www.warnerbooks.com

🌲Don’t forget, *authors who publish with Prickle Forrest Books come with an autograph and a discounted price when ordered through the publisher.

Contact us for more information, better yet, for your copy today.

🌲

For more books published by Prickle Forrest Books, check out the

Prickle Forrest Books Gallery

🌲

Christina Benchoff

Owner/Author/Editor

Sensitivity Advisor

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