New Release: Dad: A Novel by Steven Manchester

Steven Manchester has just announced the release of his new heartfelt book, DAD: A Novel! 

Synopsis:

Three generations of dads, playing traditional roles in each other's lives, arrive simultaneously at significant crossroads. The decisions they make and the actions they take will directly – and eternally – affect each other. 

After a life of hard work and raising children, Robert is enjoying his well-deserved retirement when he discovers that he has an illness he might not be able to beat. At 19, Jonah is sprinting across the threshold of adulthood when he learns, stunningly, that he's going to become a father. And Oliver – Robert's son and Jonah's dad – has entered middle age and is paying its demanding price. While reconciling the time and effort it has taken him to reach an unfulfilling career and an even less satisfying marriage, he realizes that it's imperative that he keep it all together for the two men who mean everything to him. 

When different perspectives lead to misunderstandings that remain unspoken – sometimes for years – it takes great strength and even more love to travel beyond the resentment. 

Dad: A Novel chronicles the sacred legacy of fatherhood. 

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Dad-Novel-Steven-Manchester/dp/1611883083/

It's become a bit of a signature for Steven to include a poem at the very end of his novels. Here's what he selected for this one.

The Greatest Teachers
by Steven Manchester

My children have taught me…
that trust is sealed before the first step
and real understanding does not require words;
that a baby’s breath and angels’ wings make the same sound,
and bonds forged on sleepless nights are eternal.

My children have taught me…
that the greatest wonders are found within the smallest moments;
and the grip of a tiny hand slips away much too fast;
that the word “proud” can inspire unimaginable feats,
while the word “disappointed” can scar the soul.

My children have taught me…
that doing something means so much less than being there,
as one day at the park is more valuable than ten visits to the toy store;
that laughter is contagious and can destroy all worries,
and Santa Claus is alive and well—all that’s needed is faith.

My children have taught me…
that the most powerful prayers are made up of the simplest words,
humbled, grateful and spoken from the heart;
and that for most ailments, the best medicine is a kiss
or a hug for someone who wouldn’t dream of asking.

My children have taught me…
that friends can be made with no more than a smile
and real blessings are found amongst family and friends;
that the future promises magic and wonder,
and that dreams must be chased until each one comes true. 

You can visit Steven online at www.stevenmanchester.com

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases for the First Half of 2021

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Here we are at Tuesday again. The first Tuesday of the month is always hectic for me because of meetings and starting off with new month's goals. Luckily, my business plan was already set prior to the end of the year, so that makes January easier. I also set up my Spectacular 2021 Vision Board and committed to waking up early enough that I can spend time with a devotional before starting my day. 

I am not a planner person. I've tried. Just not me. I do, however, need to get better at time blocking, so these planner sheets might help. I need a few days to get it all together, but this is a start. Can't read it? I can barely read my handwriting, too. LOL!

Now, how about we talk books. I'm not always good when it comes to the anticipated releases. I'm still trying to find my way out of all the unread books in my shelves. I will give this a whirl and see how it goes. Here are my:

Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases for the 

First Half of 2021

I pre-ordered this one and it should arrive by January 18. I actually have a non-fiction title with the same name about the same event. It is thought Michael Landon used this historical event as inspiration for his episode "Blizzard" on Little House on the Prairie. 

The only way to make historical fiction better is to add a mystery to it. This one sounds superb.

A story that takes place over ten years during the late 50s and the turbulent 60s where a family moves in with an aging parent and are forced to get along since they are stuck together. 

A new cozy mystery series that finds Shiloh Bellamy leaving the big city to return to the family farm. Turning Bellamy Farm into a sustainable, organic operation is made even tougher when her new investor is found dead at the farmers market. 

A lost ring brings together a youth minister tormented by his past and a spunky church custodian. Emotional, but fun. 

In this first book of a new series, a preacher's transgressions cost his son the family land and his good name. To support the family, he ends up working alongside a woman who has every reason to resent him.

This historical romance introduces Lady Violet, a leading scientist of her time, who forms a secret group for the brilliant women in her society and undertakes a secret mission for the monarchy. She is also secretly in love with her bodyguard. 

Baker Reena Manji  wants nothing to do with her family meddling to find her a "Good Muslim Husband." Problem is, he lives next door. Oh, and there is this couples cooking competition that could change everything.

"In a forceful but humane narrative, former soldier and head of the West Point history department Ty Seidule's Robert E. Lee and Me challenges the myths and lies of the Confederate legacy--and explores why some of this country's oldest wounds have never healed."

Not that I have the desire to start a podcast--what the heck would I talk about that anyone would find remotely interesting--but I like to hear how people have found success in different ways and what they have to say about their subject matter.

That's it for my list. What is on yours? What books are you eagerly awaiting?