I'm Feeling a Bit Like Scrooge

As much as I love Christmas, I've come to dread the holiday season. Starting with Thanksgiving preparation, I begin to stress over the meal. Afterward, I start planning what to give as Christmas gifts and when I'm going to put a package in the mail for my daughter's family. Also, her birthday is a week before Christmas, and I have to find a present for her.

Things I used to find absolutely imperative every holiday season: sending cards, writing a newsy letter, decorating the house, preparing holiday treats— They have become a pain in my butt and I simply don't have the energy for them. I have serious allergies, and almost always have a sinus infection going on. I also have developed asthma over the years, so it's difficult to go out. Too many scents out there to plague a sensitive nose or a delicate set of lungs. Not to mention, my son has to use our truck for his job—he works 5:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. This makes getting out difficult.

I don't mean to sound like I'm whining, but dammit, I feel like it! Okay, getting worked up takes too much energy, so I will quietly state that I don't give a shit about doing it up for Christmas. I like presents, but I hate shopping. I love finding the perfect gift, but I loath trying to decide what that may be. I enjoy the meal, but as I do the bulk of the cooking, it's a pain in the ass. I like spending time with family and friends, but right now, I'd rather spend my time writing and editing, than actually communicating with anyone.

If you're like me, and you dread the holiday season (though you really like cookies and other tasty treats) I have a suggestion for you. Go through the list of folks you have to buy gifts for, and buy them books. Yes, I know, not everyone is a reader. But if you can capture the one thing they find appealing, you've just given them the perfect gift. Cool thing is, even without a Kindle, they can read an Amazon book on any phone, tablet or computer by downloading the free app.

I realize that not everyone likes the same books, so I encourage you to explore some of my suggestions below. These names are by no means the only books I'm recommending. No one paid me to do this, no one twisted my arm to get me to include them. I'm listing people whose books I have read personally, and enjoyed. They aren't in any particular order, mostly just train of thought. 

First of all, my books. Dellani Oakes writes historical (retro) romance, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, sci-fi and fantasy. To Buy Dellani's Books 

Karen Vaughan is one of my favorite authors. She writes light hearted mysteries. To Buy Karen's books 

Kenneth Weene writes a variety of genres, which will appeal to a lot of readers. To Buy Ken's Books

Amanda Thrasher writes delightful books about fairies, but she also has a hard hitting anti-bullying book that is not to miss. To Buy Amanda's Books 

Ruth Hays writes magical, epic fantasy that gets the heart pumping. To Buy Ruth's Books 

Heather Poinsett Dunbar writes fantasy, that's a bit on the dark side. To Buy Heather's Books 

William Beck writes political thrillers that set your pulse racing from beginning to end.To Buy William's Books

S. A. Bailey writes, what he calls, redneck noir. Think Mickey Spillane with an east Texas spin. To Buy Seth's Books

Mark David Gerson also writes a wide variety of books. From learning to write, to mystical fantasy, he's sure to appeal. To Buy Mark David's Books 

Jo Ramsey writes wonderfully insightful stories for teens who don't fit into the normal mold. To Buy Jo's Books

Rowena Cherry writes sci-fi that carries you into space. Swords clang as a royal alien race tries to out maneuver one another. To Buy Rowena's Books 

Gary D. Henry writes in many genres from retro romance to horror. To Buy Gary's Books

Suzette Vaughn mostly writes romance, but she has other books as well. Sure to appeal to a wide number of readers. To Buy Suzette's Books

J. Conrad Guest – sci-fi, romance, biography, memoir...the list goes on and on. To Buy J. Conrad's Books

Rico Austin from a lighthearted children's book, to memoirs, with a stop off at Graceland to visit The King, Rico has it. To Buy to Buy Rico's Books

Stephanie Osborn's Displaced Detective series brings Sherlock Holmes into the modern age. She also has fantastic sci-fi books that are a must read. To Buy Stephanie's Books

Rachel Rueben's book, Hag, is a wonderfully poignant look at teen life and the problems some face. Rachel also has some great How-To books for authors. To Buy Rachel's Books

Marta Moran Bishop is another versatile author. Her books are mostly for children or young adults, but they are great for adults too. To Buy Marta's Books

Barbara Ehrentreu The same can be said of Barbara's books. Though geared toward teens, they are an enjoyable read for adults. To Buy Barbara's Books

Fran Lewis has books in so many genres, I can't name them all. Very approachable, they are sure to entertain. To Buy Fran's Books

J.D. Holiday's books for children are cleverly written and beautifully illustrated by the author. To Buy J.D.'s Books

Dianna Graveman's books will appeal to those who like history. She has wonderful books on a variety of subjects. To Buy Dianna's Books

Whit McClendon's fantasy novels are cleverly crafted and full of action.To Buy Whit's Books

Janet Morris has been a favorite author of mine since the Eighties. If you like sci-fi, fantasy or historical fiction, Janet has something for you. To Buy Janet's Books

Viv Drewa writes mystical mysteries with a hoot of a hero—an owl! To Buy Viv's Books

Kemberlee Shortland writes romance with an Irish flavor. To Buy Kemberlee'sBooks 

I will continue to update and add to this list as I think of new people. Share this with your friends! Above all, have a Happy Chrismahanukwanzakah! Dellani

The List Goes On

I started going through my past reviews to collect the names of more amazing authors, and I was boggled. So much so, I decided I can't link all these names, because it will take for ever. I will, however, list them under categories for you. Also, if you look at any of the monthly categories on the side, you will be able to access anything back to the day this blog started. These categories are very general. For more accurate designations, check them out on Amazon or read my reviews. A couple other reviewers used to post there, so check out their author picks as well!

Romance, Erotica, Romantic Suspense:

Claire Collins

Mairead Walpole

Margay Roberge

Sherrie Hansen

Jerrica Knight-Catania

Diana Duncan

Gracen Miller

JP Lane

Bernadette Gardner

Richelle Mead

Elizabeth Haysmount

Olivia Jaymes

Vella Day

Lindsay Downs

Mystery, Thriller:

Norm Brown

Pat Bertram

Christine Husom

Michael Tabman

Michelle McGriff

Mickey Hoffman

TL Jones

Steven Hildreth

Jean Henry Mead

Larry D. Thompson

Lee Kelley

Ken Farmer

Fantasy, Science Fiction:

Barb Caffrey

Robert C. Roman

Katherine Tomlinson

Barbara Custer & Tom Johnson

Marie Bilodeau

S. Evan Townsend

Chantal Boudreau

L.A. James

Dwight Zimmerman

Paranormal, Horror:

Tim Greaton

Pauline Holyoak

CL Bevill

Rod Marsden

Children, Young Readers, Young Adult:

Jennifer Walker

Deanna Meyer

Anne Maro Alanina

Kai Strand

TL Wood

Linda Boyden

Ellen Feld

Lori Z. Scott

Cindy Springsteen

Sherrill S. Cannon

Daniel Ferry

Various Genres:

Michael Murphy

Karina Gioertz

Noah Baird

Marsha Casper Cook

Susan Winlaw

Anjuelle Floyd

Historical Fiction, Memoir:

Paulette Mahurin

Uvi Poznansky

Brian M. Hayden

Barbara Virag

Books Make Great Gifts!

Now's the time to do your shopping! Books make great gifts, whether paperback or e-book, your friends and family will love you for buying them a book. Books are the ultimate escape—a vacation without the expense and hassle of traveling.

You don't need a passport or ticket to travel with a book. All you need is an imagination and the willingness to let the words transport you!

As I do every year, I invite my author friends to post their book links in the comments section below. Please feel free to share this page with friends and fans.

I invite readers to explore these pages, look for their favorite authors or discover new ones. When you buy books, you not only give a very special gift to someone you love, you give a gift to the author by acknowledging their efforts of building a story to share with you.

Give the gift that keeps giving. Buy Books!

Authors, use the comments section below to post buy links for your books. Please keep blurbs to a minimum, just the title, author and link. Thank you.

TO BUY DELLANI'S BOOKS!

Conduct Unbecoming is still only .99 cents!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

I love the holidays, starting with Thanksgiving, moving on through Hanukkah and Christmas. For the last couple of years, I've loaned out my blog space to allow my author friends a chance to share their buy links with readers. With Hanukkah so early this year, I'm starting this now. Below, you'll find a short blurb about my books with buy links. Leave your links in the comments section below.

I invite my author/ illustrator friends to post a short blurb and buy link as well. Musicians, if you have albums for sale, please feel free to link that as well. I don't want merchandise other than books, art or music, please. This is NOT a spot for craft items. Thank you.

Art, Books and Music make great gifts for everyone. They are the things that keep giving and feeding the soul.

~ Dellani

Indian Summer - Daughter of Florida's Spanish Governor, Gabriella Deza stands on the verge of womanhood. On her fifteenth birthday, Manuel Enriques, her father's confidential aid, declares his love. What should be a happy time turns into one of intrigue and espionage when Manuel is sent on a secret mission to find and stop a British spy. Set in St. Augustine, Florida in 1739, this historical romance is appropriate for readers 15+

http://tinyurl.com/l6juqd5

Lone Wolf - Matilda Dulac thinks she's content. At the age of 26, she has attained the rank of Commander in the Galactic Mining Guild, something no one has done before. When the mysterious Wilhelm VanLipsig steps across the threshold of her life, things take a sudden turn. Matilda finds herself swept up in a three year jaunt across the universe, following the infamous John Riley. Matilda, Wil and their shipmates, are all that stand between survival of the universe and its annihilation. Appropriate for readers 18+

http://tinyurl.com/krs75lc

Shakazhan - Lone Wolf book 2. Picks up where Lone Wolf left off. John Riley is still alive and kicking, causing even more trouble. And now, he has a legendary evil being as his sidekick. Can Wil and Matilda stop him before he frees the chaotic Kahlea? Appropriate for readers 18+

http://tinyurl.com/Shakazhan

The Ninja Tattoo - Teague McMurtry thinks he's left violence behind him when he comes home from the war. He's especially pleased when he meets Vivica Rambo at the local coffee shop. Unfortunately, Vivica's psychotic older brother, Randy, has other plans for the couple. Teague finds he's been marked for death so that someone in Randy's gang can earn his Ninja Tattoo. Appropriate for readers 18+

http://tinyurl.com/p2lbl53

Under the Western Sky - Western Nebraska 1976. This small town seems ideal, but something lurks under the seemingly quiet, serene landscape. Bobby Menedez and Libby Marshall are happy in their new relationship until Bobby's cousin is beaten for dating a white girl. Will Bobby be next? What secrets lie Under the Western Sky? 

http://tinyurl.com/kbxqv3t

Frank Wharton's Merry Christmas

I got this idea from talking to the young man who rings the bell for the Salvation Army outside our local Publix. He's so pleasant and friendly, we always speak to one another as I go in. No matter how little I give, he smiles and thanks me, wishing me a Merry Christmas.

This story is my way of saying thank you to all my friends and fans who read my books and blog. Thanks for a great year! I hope that you have a wonderful, blessed Christmas. ~ Dellani

Frank Wharton dashed under the portico out of the bone chilling drizzle of rain that was turning to snow. He stuffed $5.00 in the bell ringer's bucket before heading toward the coffee shop door.

"Thank you, sir. God Bless and Merry Christmas."

"Oh, I don't celebrate Christmas."

"Are you Jewish? Same God, sir."

"I don't really believe in God."

"Well, I'll pray for you anyway." The young man flashed a cold tinged smile. "If you aren't a believer, why do you give?" He asked, his cheeks cherry red, his lips blueberry.

"It's the right thing to do," Frank replied. "Say, you look mighty cold, kid. Don't you have a coat?"

The young man shook his head. Frank paused.

"Hold on a second. I was on my way to drop off some boxes.... Be right back." He walked back to his car, wondering what the hell he was doing.

All the wanted was his morning coffee and to drop his father's clothing at the Salvation Army. But the kid looked like he was freezing. Dad's old Pea-coat, leather gloves and Adirondack cap would fit the boy well—perfectly, in fact. His father would want them to go to a good cause. Frank couldn't think of a better one than a young man chilled to the bone. Picking out the items, he put them in a grocery bag, adding warm socks, wool jacket & pants and an old scarf.

The scarf held memories. He'd given it to his father when he was 10. He hesitated a moment, wanting to keep it, but heard his father's voice in his head. "It kept me warm even in the coldest weather. Your love drove off the chill. He needs it more than we do, Son."

Adding it to the bag with tears in his eyes, Frank walked back to the door. Handing over the bag, he accepted the young man's thanks with a slightly sad smile.

"Dad wants you to have them."

"Is he here? May I thank him too?" He craned his neck expectantly, looking.

"In a manner of speaking," Frank replied. "Dad died a week ago. I'm giving his things away."

The young man grinned. "That makes it an even more special gift," he replied. "God Bless."

"I don't believe...."

"I know, but I do. Thank you."

They shook hands and Frank went in for his coffee. While there, he impulsively bought hot chocolate and a bagel for the boy outside. Handing it to him earned another "God Bless." Frank nodded, turned up his collar to the cold and headed to his car.

Before dropping the clothing at the Salvation Army, he went through the bags again. He found more clothing to fit the slender young man. In one pocket, he stuffed a $20.00 bill. "So he can have a good meal."

He set those things aside and took the rest to the clerk. She went through them all, smiling.

"So sorry to hear about your dad, Mr. Wharton. He was a good man. He used to volunteer in our soup kitchen."

"I know. I used to drive him down. I knew he'd want his things to come here where they can do some good."

"Here's your receipt! Merry Christmas!

"Thanks, you too."

The next morning, the young man was at the coffee shop door, this time wrapped in his warm clothes. He smiled and said, "God Bless. Merry Christmas," when Frank gave him another $5.00.

"I've got a few more things for you. When are you done here?"

"Six."

"I'll bring them by then."

"That would be great. Thanks."

"You hungry?"

"A little."

"Bagel or muffins?"

"Surprise me."

Frank got him another bagel and a coffee. The parting "God Bless" left him smiling. Once he got home, he 

went through more of the closets, looking for things the young man could wear. He hated to see his father's clothing go to waste and he couldn't stand seeing a man suffer because he was obviously down on his luck.

When he went back to see the young man at 6:00, he had two bags of clothing, as well as a bag of non-perishable food from his father's pantry. Frank had enough food at home, he didn't need all this too. He pulled up and parked at the curb.

"Hi there. I've got those bags I promised." Seeing the young man struggle with his tripod and bucket, he paused. "Can I give you a lift? He asked conversationally.

"I need a ride to the office," the young man said. "Usually, someone comes to pick up, but today she's sick."

"Hop in. I'll take you there. Frank Wharton," he introduced himself, holding out his hand.

"Gabriel St. Peter," he replied, taking Frank's hand in a firm grip.

Frank dropped him and his bags at the Salvation Army office downtown. Gabriel wouldn't accept a ride home, but thanked Frank for his help.

"Not a problem. Here's my number. If you ever need a ride, you let me know."

"Thank you."

They parted with Gabriel's heart felt "God Bless" in the air between them.

Almost two weeks passed and Frank saw Gabriel nearly every day. From time to time he gave the younger man a ride and always bought him something to eat. One cold, blustery day, Gabriel wasn't a lone. A delicate young woman with fair hair and vivid blue eyes was with him. She sat in a battered camp chair. Her red, chapped cheeks stood out in her pale face. She wore the pea-coat, not buttoned quite all the way down, because of her very pregnant belly. She also wore the scarf and gloves. Gabriel wore the wool jacket and pants with the hat. Frank stopped to drop his $5.00 in the bucket and spoke to Gabriel.

"Who is this lovely young lady with you?"

"My wife, Marie. Honey, this is Frank. She's been wanting to meet you," he admitted shyly.

The pretty blonde stood awkwardly, holding out her arms to Frank. He accepted her hug with a grin.

"When is your baby due?"

"Christmas," she said, beaming.

"A Christmas baby! I was born on Christmas too. My father always made a big deal about it, making the day special I two ways."

"What about your mother?" Marie asked.

"She died having me," Frank replied. "A rare disorder...."

"I'm so sorry. Any brothers and sisters?"

"Just me and – and Dad." He gulped, fighting tears in earnest.

"So you're alone? Honey, he can't be alone at Christmas," Marie appealed to her spouse.

"I was gonna serve at the Salvation Army kitchen," Frank replied.

"Us too," Marie said joyfully. "After, you can come for a visit. No one should be alone at Christmas."

"What if you've had your baby?"

"Then you celebrate with us at the hospital."

"Are you sure? You hardly know me."

Marie touched the scarf tenderly. "We know you very well. It would mean so much."

Frank allowed himself to be talked into it. Honestly, he didn't want to say no. It was the first Christmas in his 47 years that he'd be spending it alone. It had always been him and Dad. For awhile, there'd been Nancy, but she'd never understood why he and his father were so close. She had a huge family, she didn't know what it was like to be the only one the other person had. She'd left him after five years of marriage—alone, on Christmas.

Two nights later, it was Christmas Eve. Frank hadn't made it by the coffee shop that morning, having been tied up with his father's lawyer. He was now, officially, owner of everything his father had owned. He wasn't sure what he was going to do with his father's house. He had his townhouse, so close to work, he could walk. The house was in an old neighborhood. It wasn't rich, but it wasn't a ghetto. He had no idea if he could sell 

the house or if he should rent it out.

With much on his mind, he went to Christmas Eve mass at the nearby Catholic church. It wasn't that he was religious, but it was the thing to do. He and his father had always gone to the early mass on Christmas Eve.

Stopping in the corner bar on his way home, he had a drink of homemade eggnog and went home. He watched some TV, finding "It's a Wonderful Life" too much to take on such a sad occasion. He missed his father horribly and didn't know what to do with himself. He thought about a drink, but that would lead to many, and his father wouldn't have approved of him drowning his sorrow that way. He was sitting down to a microwave meal when his cellphone rang. It was Gabriel's number.

"Hello?"

"It's Gabe. Frank, I'm worried about Marie. She's not feeling well. I think she's in labor, but I don't have a car. I can't get her to the hospital."

"I'll be right over. Keep her comfortable and warm. I'll be right there." He hung up and grabbed his coat and keys.

Driving over to the tiny one room apartment, Frank found himself muttering prayers. He wasn't a religious man, but he was worried about Marie. When he arrived at their door, he grew even more concerned. Marie's face was pale and pinched, her breathing shallow. Her hands trembled and she'd been vomiting. He and Gabriel bundled her in blankets and put her in the backseat of Frank's car. He drove as fast as he dared to the hospital emergency entrance. Parking the car, he ran in to get someone with a gurney.

When he got back, Marie was unconscious, bleeding profusely. The staff rushed her into the emergency room and did their best to stabilize her. All Frank could do was pace and try to calm down the horrified Gabriel.

"I should have called you earlier," he kept saying. "She's been bad all day. I didn't even go to work."

"You did just fine. She's okay. You have to have faith." Meanwhile, his mind did frightened flipflops. This was exactly how his mother died, bleeding to death as she gave birth. "She'll be fine."

Hours later, the doctor came out. He wasn't smiling, but he looked slightly hopeful. "Mr. St. Peter, your wife and son would like to see you now."

"Aw, Doc, I was supposed to be in there!"

"I know, son, but it was very tricky. We weren't sure.... We thought we might lose them. I couldn't have you see your wife and child die...."

"But they're alive?"

"Yes. Marie's weak, but she's stable. And your son has the finest set of lungs this side of the Mississippi."

"He's crying? Is he hurt?"

"No, he sounds like he's saying 'Da' over and over. Never heard a baby so young vocalize. You the grandfather?"

Gabriel answered in the affirmative before Frank could even open his mouth. The two men followed the doctor to Marie's room. She lay in bed, pale but smiling. She gave Gabriel a kiss and held out a hand to Frank. Gabriel kissed her and Frank held her hand.

Beside her in the clear plastic bassinet lay their son. He was red faced, blue eyed and had a shock of black hair that put Frank in mind of his own baby pictures.

"Nearly nine pounds," she said. "Would you like to hold him?" She asked her husband.

Gabriel picked him up, holding him carefully. The baby gazed up at him and touched his father's chin. 

Gurgling, crosseyed, he smiled and cooed, "Da".

"He knows me! How can he know me already?"

"Some babies are exceptional," the doctor said. "I'll leave you alone now. You call if you need me."

"Thank you, Doctor," Gabriel said. "For saving them."

"Modern medicine's a wonderful thing. Fifty years ago, I'd have lost one or the other or both. Merry Christmas," he said.

Frank glanced the clock. It was 12:15 on Christmas morning.

"Want to hold him?" Gabriel asked.

"I'd love to, if you don't mind. I haven't held a baby in years."

Gabriel handed the child to him. It gazed up at him and smiled, but didn't speak.

"What's his name?"

"We wanted something old fashioned,"Gabriel said. "We named him Josiah."

Frank gasped, nearly bursting into tears. "That was my father's name," he replied. "I'm honored. Though you didn't know. I thank you."

"His middle name is Frank," Marie said.

"I never had a namesake before. But wouldn't you like to name him after your fathers instead?"

The young couple exchanged a look. Marie nodded at Gabriel.

"I was raised in foster care," Gabriel replied. "Marie's mother took me in. I think we loved each other as soon as we could walk. Marie never knew her father, he was nothing but a name on a birth certificate. Her mom divorced him without even telling the poor guy she was pregnant."

"All that time and he never knew?" Frank's tears fell and he nuzzled the baby's head. "I can't imagine growing up without my father. He was my best friend."

"And a child should know his grandfather, don't you think?" Marie asked expectantly.

"Absolutely. My grandfather was the greatest."

"We thought the same thing, Frank." Marie continued, bursting into tears. "So when we found you like that, just out of the clear blue, it seemed so perfect."

"What do you mean? I don't understand."

Gabriel took Josiah from him. "Marie's your daughter," he replied. "Her mother's name is Nancy."

Frank nearly fell down. "My daughter?" He burst into tears, hugging the beautiful young woman in the bed.

They clung to one another, crying until their chests ached.

"Why didn't she tell me?"

"I don't know," Marie said, wiping her eyes. "She never said. But why don't you ask her yourself? She should be here soon. She had to take a cab from the airport because Gabe couldn't go get her."

"Nancy? Is coming here?"

He wasn't sure how he felt about that. Over 20 years had passed since he'd last seen her smiling, pretty face. When he looked into Marie's eyes, she saw shades of her mother. Nancy's smile twitched her daughter's lips, the same little line creased her forehead when she was thinking.

"Does she know? About me?"

"She does now," Gabriel said with a smirk as he nodded at the door.

Frank turned to see an elegant, slightly older version of his ex-wife standing at the door, her hand to her throat. Her blue eyes brimmed with tears as she advanced into the room.

"Frank? Is it really you?"

"Nancy?"

They embraced, kissing as if two decades hadn't passed.

"I missed you so. Why did you leave me?"

"I didn't understand about you and your father. I always thought I was intruding."

"No, never! You were the other part of me! Life was never the same without you. Why didn't you ever tell me about Marie?"

"I was angry and hurt. We had that huge fight and I walked out. I didn't know at the time I was pregnant. When I found out, I was even angrier and couldn't bring myself to tell you. By the time she was born, I was so ashamed about keeping her from you, I couldn't say anything. It was wrong. I should never have kept her from you. After seeing other children and their fathers, I finally understood. But by then it was too late."

"It's not too late," Frank assured her. "It's never too late."

"Just think," Gabriel said. "If we hadn't met by accident that day, we wouldn't be here now."

"Yes," Marie said. "We would. Because God would have seen to it."

"You're right," Frank agreed, taking her hand. "I think He did."

"You said you weren't a believer," Gabriel said.

Frank touched the baby's head, smiling happily for the first time in years. "I'm a believer now."