Hello, friends.

I’m so grateful to you for reading this update and participating so enthusiastically in our adventure of serving kids and families by sharing new stories with an old soul. I love it! It’s a cool job and a huge honor. There’s a lot to look back on with gratitude and so much to be hopeful about, but I’m going to limit myself to one.

One thing I loved about 2021: I’ve been asked a gajillion times if I had writing advice for beginning writers. I was SO happy to be able to actually produce an affordable course answering that question with lots of detail over twelve accessible lessons. That was fun! I’m so glad we got to make The Green Writer and I’m thrilled so many of you have taken the class. (Anyone can try three free sessions if you’re curious.) I plan to do an online event with all those who have finished the course soon.

One thing I’m excited about for 2022: So much! I’m hopeful we’ll release at least two books this year. One is aimed at this spring, and I am so eager to share it with you. Prince Lander and the Dragon War is an action-packed heart-felt adventure that caps off TEN Green Ember books. Wow! I’m also writing a book now that we hope to release next Christmas and I am absolutely loving it.

Speaking of Christmas, it’s officially the last day of Christmas today. Tonight is Twelfth Night and you should have a little party, or sing one last Christmas song and have one last prayer together as a family. (I mean, hopefully not last ever prayer together. Just last Christmas prayer.) Or, watch It’s a Wonderful Life (if you haven’t already). Merry Christmas, friends!

LAST LAST Chance, We Mean It (No More Peanuts)

As the Christmas season comes to a close, the deals do, too. It’s the LAST LAST chance for Christmas sales in the shop. January 7th is the last day to get a SIGNED set, a Green Ember mug, and more.

A Moment of Thanksgiving

We feel so honored and encouraged by the enthusiasm and love so many of you have for these adventures. What a gift for us.

Thank you for reading. For encouraging me. For giving my stories a chance.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, and Audible.
Thank you for investing in stories for Christmas.

Did you give or receive a package bearing a certain flame this Christmas? Tag us on the socials – Instagram or Facebook so we can see! Watch this video to see the excitement in action.

Thanks for letting me see these little windows into the mysterious power of stories to bring delight (and light, I hope).

Here’s another book that may bring light & delight into your home. Check out this recommendation from my daughter, Anne.

Anne-Girl Reviews: The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place

There’s something not right about Ashton Place. Penelope Lumley is a young woman, fresh out of school, about to be interviewed for a job as a governess to three children she knows nothing about. When her employers offer her the job on the spot, she begins to realize that this will be no easy task. When introduced to her charges, she learns they are definitely not normal children. It takes the best of her training from Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females to teach Alexandre, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia many more subjects than just reading and writing.

Penelope Lumley is a lovable character. She makes you want to root for her in everything she does. Her pluck and quick thinking—even her weaknesses—just make you love her more. Although the story is told from her point of view, many other characters in this book are also relatable and lovable. Author Maryrose Wood does a wonderful job of portraying these fantastic fictional persons. The world of Penelope and her pupils is crystal clear to the reader. We can see everything in our minds, from the many rooms of Ashton Place, to the vast countryside in which it is set. I would quickly recommend this book to girls who maybe aren’t quite up for books like Jane Eyre just yet, but are almost ready to enter that world. And I recommend it to anyone who likes a good, sensible, strong heroine.

My Victorian-England-loving self was enthralled with this book from the beginning. It has everything you could want from a Jane Eyre type story without long confusing passages and unfamiliar words. Perfect for a little anglophile. But it is also full of adventure, mystery, humor, and excitement to keep most anyone engaged. One of my absolute favorites!

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place Review
Aletha Anne Smith

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Farewell, wherever you go off to.

With that I shall leave you with a blessing as you bid adieu to the year gone by in pursuit of Twenty Twenty-Two.

And an extra one for good measure.

We’ve got your back and we’re on your side.

Sam & The Team

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