IT'S A LOG CABIN CHRISTMAS

I’m waiting for the UPS man to pull into my driveway and deliver my shipment of Benjy and the Belsnickel books on my doorstep. My first book signing is only 10 days away on Friday, November 30 at Middleburg’s Log Cabin Christmas. I am beyond excited to see some of my old friends I came to know from the years my family lived in Middleburg. I am so pleased to be a part of this holiday event. See you at the Christmas celebration!

THE COUNTDOWN

5-4-3-2-1-The countdown has begun! Benjy and the Belsnickel, a chapter book for kids 7 to 12, is being released by Whitefire-Whitespark Publishing on November 15. Many hours of research and work will come alive on the pages of Benjy’s story from the 1930s. You may laugh out loud or sometimes feel his emotional turmoil as he journeys through his struggle with the dreaded visit from the Belsnickel. If you can’t make it to one of my book signings or my book launch party, the book will be readily available online at Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Thank you so much for sharing this exciting time with me! Book signings include Middleburg’s Log Cabin Christmas on November 30, Halifax’s Belsnickel event on Dec. 1, Sunbury’s Bible Depot on Dec. 6, Liverpool’s Book Launch Party on Dec. 9, and Mifflinburg’s Christkindl Market on Dec. 13 and 14 in the Mifflinburg Library. For more information, please email me at bonnieats@yahoo.com or call 717-309-8123. Also check out my Facebook page at http://facebook.com/bonnieswinehartauthor.

A LITTLE CRUSH

Just as Benjy vowed to make his getaway, the Perkins family joined his family at the barn dance with Sarah in tow. Benjy tried to move sideways,but Pop's hand on his shoulder planted him firmly on the spot. Much to his dismay, Ma greeted Mrs. Perkins chatting as though they were life-long friends. Meanwhile, Benjy fidgeted with his string tie. He watched as Frankie and Joshua tried to follow a square dance called by Old Albert then stared at his feet. He studied the cobwebs in the rafters. He scanned the food table. Mostly, he avoided eye-contact with Sarah, but he couldn’t help but sneak little peeks at her. She looked beautiful tonight with a shiny red ribbon in her hair and eyes as blue as a pirate's sea.

GROWING PAINS

I just can’t figure it out, Old Albert,” Benjy said at the fishing hole. “Something must have kidnapped my voice during the night.
One minute I sounded like an old screech owl perched in Sherwood Forest. The next minute I croaked like one of these bullfrogs here at the fishing hole.”

“What you got is a case of growing pains,” Old Albert said. “It happens to everyone about your age.”

“Is that anything like growing out of your shoes?”

“Not exactly.” Old Albert said.

Coming November 15!

A FRIGHTENING CREATURE

In just four weeks my book, Benjy and the Belsnickel, will be released to the world. It’s exciting and scary but I can’t wait to hold the book in my hands. Until now it has seemed like a dream, but reality is upon me as the weeks slip away.
I am delighted to be able to share the story of Benjy with my readers. The book is a historical fiction which means I had to do careful research of the 1930s time period to accurately portray the characters and the setting. Adults will enjoy and relate to the history surrounding the book.
Benjy is a prankster who comes to fear a visit from the Belsnickel. While he knows right from wrong, the prankster in him has a hard time saying “no” when an idea bubbles up inside him. The book, written for kids 7 to 12, will grab the attention of the young reader with giggles and laughter.
However, Benjy comes to learn that the Belsnickel is not a fable but a frightening creature that leaves this talkative boy somewhat speechless.

A HEAP OF TROUBLE NOW

Benjy is an eleven-year old prankster and daydreamer. He knows the difference between right and wrong, but his enthusiasm for creating pranks always seems to land him in trouble. Following the first prank of the school year, Miss Nettie warns Benjy about receiving a visit from the Belsnickel. Miss Nettie sends home a note with Benjy to give to his parents. Of course. Benjy gets distracted. When he finally makes his way home he gazes down at his family farm. He can’t believe what he is seeing. One thing for sure, he knows it isn’t good. “Oh no!” Benjy says. “Looks like I’m in a big heap of trouble now!

IT'S A BOOK LAUNCH CELEBRATION

When I received word that my book would be released on Nov. 15, my mind started to kick into overdrive. I have just completed the final edits for my editor and now am looking forward to getting the book to my readers.

To start, my first book signing will be on Nov. 30 in Middleburg at their Log Cabin Christmas celebration. The the real celebration takes place on Dec. 9 when my Book Launch Party will be held at 2 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Liverpool.

There will be a short program, drawings, a kid's craft table, a dedication of the book, and a book signing. Family, friends and neighbors are invited to the Book Launch. All I ask is that you respond to me at bonnieats@yahoo.com or call me at 717-309-8123. The decor will reflect Christmas and life in the 1930s, the time period the book takes place. I hope to see you there!