Iconic Film, It's A Wonderful Life, Helped Inspire Bestselling Author Jody Sharpe's Mystic Bay Series Of Books Featuring Angels Who Live As Humans

As a former teacher of special needs children, Sharpe has direct experience regarding the effect bullying has on children. Her award-winning, bestselling books help readers find hope, inspiration and gratitude.

Why do some stories become classics? Out of the hundreds of thousands of stories available to us through books and movies, what is it that sets a minuscule percentage apart from all the rest, moving that story into a category defined by timeless appeal? Is it the compelling plot? The well-developed characters? The emotional resonance?

Bestselling author Jody Sharpe addressed this in an article posted on her site. In that piece, she said in part:

"Many remember the Christmas story where George Bailey is contemplating suicide by jumping off the town bridge into the river. His family business has been ruined, he thinks, by the antagonist, the wealthy and ruthless Mr. Potter. But all is about to change when George is about to jump into the water and unbeknownst to him, Clarence, his guardian angel is sent from heaven to help.

Clarence jumps in first crying for George to save him. George jumps in and saves Clarence. Clarence tells George he is his angel and shows him what life would have been like had George never been born. All the goodness George showed his family and neighbors would never have happened and Mr. Potter would run the town into the ground.

This classic in humanity helped inspire me to write my nine books. I believe in angels and I believe they are here for us all, sometimes seen and most times unseen. In this time of war in parts of the world and sorrow plaguing so many, I continue writing about love, forgiveness, redemption with angels at the helm."

The full text of the piece is available at http://jodysharpe.com/blog/.

Sharpe recently received an honorable mention in the 2024 National Federation of Press Women's Professional Communication contest at the national level for one of her novels, ‘Summer of Angels’. This is the fourth NFPW win for her. In 2023, ‘20 Moon Road, An Angel’s Tale’ took First Place nationally in the novella category. ‘Town Of Angels Christmas’ placed At Large, as did ‘Special Needs Children, The Angels On My Shoulder’.

She was also featured in the September issue of 'Great Writers You Should Be Reading Magazine.'

Books by Jody Sharpe include:

The Dog Who Came For Christmas - Meteorologist and psychic, Gayle Force Knight, proves to be a force to be reckoned with once more. While Gayle was sleeping, an angel sent her a vision of a future event. With her intuition, Gayle wonders, will she really meet the dog in her dream and save another one?

With the help of her intuitive husband, Alex Knight, and friends, Gayle sets on a course to rescue many more. But with surprising twists and turns of intrigue, both Gayle and Alex find there are always angels at the helm as they ride on their coattails.

To Catch an Angel - Jody is also the author of 'To Catch an Angel', written in memory of her late husband Steve. In 'To Catch an Angel', miracles happen in Mystic Bay, California, the town with the psychic and angel vibe. Angels are calling. Psychic Maggie Malone returns home to find she's swept up in the miracle of it all. She can't imagine why her mother left or who her father might be. But these questions pale in comparison to the wonder of the angels. Maggie meets writer, Noah Greenstreet. They realize they've met before, but where? Maggie and Noah embark on a journey to find our world is all awash with angels.

The Angel's Daughter - A secret lies in Mystic Bay, California, and only two people know it. First, there’s Hannah, a tender curly-headed half-angel. Then there’s her father, Gabe, an effervescent, teddy bear of a full-blooded angel. And it’s up to Hannah to keep the secret safe, but she’s made a colossal mistake telling her ex-boyfriend and writing professor, Sam Blakely. Now he's written a book exposing the secret to the world.

Town Of Angels - Angel vs. Bully in the town of Mystic Bay, California, where a well-kept secret lies. Angels live as humans there. After angels appeared to three children, all was blissful in the town full of psychics, and ordinary folk. But as brute, Klaus Waxman, comes to town, angel Ken Leighton, a storeowner, must carefully guide his flock of humans not to give in to the bully's efforts.As Klaus opens a store mocking the resident angel sightings, angel Ken guides psychic Justine Greer, and her family to thwart his efforts. And with the help of the indomitable oldest psychic in town, Madam Norma, the bully meets his match through the soft voices and intuitive minds of his neighbors.

Town Of Angels Christmas - The bully never wins. A secret lies in Mystic Bay California. Angels live as humans there. Angel Ken, a storeowner, fears the secret will be revealed when vet, Jordana Hart, a woman with special healing abilities moves to town.

Years before Angel Ken materialized as an old man, changing the course of her life. Will Jordana recognize Angel Ken as the man from her past as they work together on a rescue mission to bring twenty-two horses to Mystic Bay before Christmas, will they see what lies before them, a Christmas story only the angels could write.

Special Needs Children, The Angels On My Shoulder is a memoir based on her twenty-five years teaching children with special needs. The book placed second in the National Federation Of Press Women's At-Large Communication contest. The book is as entertaining as it is illuminating. It's a love story about the special students and others who over the years graced her life with just that, their grace.

With hearts of angels and challenges to face, the children took Sharpe along their journeys and inspired her own life's journey of self-discovery. When sorrow came, their kindness helped her through. The synchronicity of events from high school to retirement changed her life for the better, turning her face toward heaven.

Midwest Book Review stated, "Sharpe's ability to see the good in circumstances and people identifies the 'special' in 'special needs' as she delineates her journey through the education system and those teaching and social encounters which changed her perspective and life."

"Teachers (especially those working with special needs kids) will find this spiritual and social reflection easily accessible. It's presented in vignettes which offer small, digestible bites of insight into a world where angels and kindness are present in more than one form."

Special Needs Children followed her recently released children's book about angels, When The Angel Sent Butterflies. The new book helps children understand that love from their parents and others surrounds them. Love conquers fear, and believing that angels are near can help sweep any childhood fear away. This concept is presented in the book when Angel Ken sends Jones and Kate butterflies. The book, appropriate for ages 2 to 7, is now available at Amazon and Ingram.

One of her latest books, Summer Of Angels, is a mystery novel. Meteorologist and psychic, Gayle Force proves a force to be reckoned with as she moves back to her beloved Mystic Bay, California. While sleeping, an angel sent her a vision in a dream of a future event. Gayle realizes she must use her intuition to save an old man from drowning. But who is this old man?

With the help of intuitive attorney, Alex Knight, she finds they are caught in the middle of a future crime. But can Gayle and Alex solve the case and save the old man before it’s too late? With surprising twists and turns of intrigue and love, Gayle and Alex find there are angels at the helm as they help prove the bully never wins.

In addition, on the "Tuesdays With The Angels" section of her site, Sharpe presents stories of real-life encounters with angels. The stories are available at Sharpe's website at http://www.jodysharpe.com.

Sharpe hopes to create a collection of angel stories that involve sightings of angels, interaction with angels, miraculous angel encounters, and other types of accounts or stories. Everyone is welcome to submit angel stories. All submissions will be considered, but inclusion is not guaranteed. Stories may be submitted at http://bit.ly/2FV8amd.

Sharpe's YouTube channel brings all of this together, offering segments on all of these topics. One topic of special interest is bullying, specifically as it relates to special needs children.

In addition to the National Federation of Press Women’s award, Jody was chosen as a winner in the annual "50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading" Book Awards. She was chosen from a field of hundreds of authors through a public voting process.

Jody also announced recently that two new screen treatments of her books are now available: The Angel's Daughter and Town Of Angels Christmas.

Jody Sharpe is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at sharpejody76@gmail.com. Angel stories can be submitted at http://bit.ly/2FV8amd. All of her books are available at online book retailers. New quotes will be added every Tuesday to the "Tuesdays With The Angels" section of her blog, which can be found at her website at http://www.JodySharpe.com.

Profile:

Jody Sharpe had a rewarding career as a Special Education teacher. Writing about angels became healing after losing her daughter and then her husband. The valuable lessons she learned about moving forward and loving life in the now have set her on a mission to tell the stories with love, humor and spiritual awakening. The fictitious town of Mystic Bay has given her an avenue to put characters and themes together hopefully enlightening the reader towards contemplation of the precious life and memories we are given.

Contact:

Jody Sharpe
sharpejody76@gmail.com
http://www.jodysharpe.com

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Assisted Living: What You Need To Know Before You Make A Decision - What Christmas Is Like In An Assisted Care Facility By Frances Fuller, Bestselling Author Of Helping Yourself Grow Old

Best-selling author Frances Fuller offers an insider's view of assisted living and a unique outlook on aging, based on her own experience. Her insights are penetrating and deal with issues that many seniors and their families are concerned about.

For many of us, Christmas is a special time of year, rich in traditions that emphasize family, community, and joyous gatherings. It has been said that "there is no place like home for the Holidays". What if "home" is an assisted care facility? Frances Fuller, award winning author of her best selling book on aging, addressed this issue in a recent post on her website titled, "What Christmas Is Like in an Assisted Care Home". In that article, she wrote in part:

In another country I visited a home for the sick and elderly, just a few days before Christmas. In the lobby where I got permission to go into the ward there was Christmas music, familiar carols.

Then in the large room where more than a dozen women lay in hospital beds, there was no sound except that of someone groaning and two nurses talking to patients. Finding the woman I had come to visit, I greeted her with a smile and “Merry Christmas,” or actually the equivalent in her language.

To my surprise she burst into tears and said, “I didn’t know it was Christmas.”

I tell you this sad story only to say, this is not likely to happen in an assisted care community in the USA.

In the place from which I write, it is Christmas on every hall: the nursing ward, memory care, assisted care, independent living. These are some noticeable signs of the season:

Tree trimming parties

Decorated trees everywhere

Sounds of Christmas music in the lobby

“Christmas crafts” on activity schedules

A college choir coming to perform for residents

An unusual number of visitors, family and friends who miss us at home, especially at Christmas

An unusual number of absent residents, people who are spending the holiday elsewhere with sons and daughters

Packages arriving, cards in mailboxes

Bus tours to see the Christmas lights

Buses leaving for a concert in a city auditorium or a church

Christmas movies in the community room

Resident choirs warming up for a performance

All this and a collection to reward our workers, the people who cook and clean and lift and protect and fix what is broken and come when called. And another for elderly folks we don’t even know, with inadequate incomes, living somewhere else in subsidized housing. Because, even here, especially here, we must not forget that we are privileged to live in a country where some economic provision has been made for the time when we can no longer work eight hours a day. At the same time some of us have earned more or been luckier than others, and we know that many aging people cannot afford a Christmas tree, much less a ticket to the symphony. So even in a retirement community we have opportunities to make a small sacrifice for someone else. We can celebrate Christmas by giving.

Will all of this be happening in every retirement/ assisted living community? Probably not. And maybe you think you don’t even care. But you do have to look before you jump. So, visit every department of a home you are considering, not just living spaces, but the game room, the library, the gym, the auditorium, thinking about things you would like to do. And see the nursing wing, a place where (face it) you may one day have to spend Christmas.

Ask questions, any question, all of your questions. Read the daily schedules, the activities list, the menus. Talk to the people who live there. Along with all the more practical issues, ask what happens on holidays.

The full text of the piece is available at https://www.inborrowedhouseslebanon.com/what-christmas-is-like-in-an-assisted-care-home/.

Frances Fuller's book is unique among the many books on aging, because it is personal, while most such books are written from an academic point of view. Most are penned by sociologists, doctors, gerontologists, even the CEO of AARP, and one by a Catholic nun, Joan Chittister. Chittister's book, 'The Gift of Years' is beautifully written, focusing on spiritual values and finding meaning in life. Chittister admits in the preface that she was only 70, which is the front edge of aging, and her book is somewhat abstract.

Atul Gawande’s book, 'On Being Mortal', relates medicine and old age, It enjoys high Amazon rankings, in the category of “the sociology of aging.” It contains a great deal of valuable scientific information and shows understanding of the physical and emotional needs of the elderly.

Frances Fuller’s book, 'Helping Yourself Grow Old, Things I Said To Myself When I Was Almost Ninety', is an up-close and very personal encounter with aging. It is an uncontrived and firsthand look at her own daily experiences: wrestling with physical limitations, grief, loneliness, fears, and the decisions she has made about how to cope with these and keep becoming a better person. She faces regrets and the need to forgive herself and others and is determined to live in a way that blesses her children and grandchildren.

Frances deals with many common, universal but sometimes private issues in an open, conversational tone. Her confessions and decisions invite self-searching and discussion. She tries to make sense of her own past and to understand her responsibility to younger generations. In the process she shares her daily life, enriched with memories from her fascinating experiences. Her stories and her voice — fresh, honest, irresistible — keep the reader eager for more. The end result is a book that helps create a detailed map through the challenging terrain of old age.

The result of this intimate narrative is that readers laugh, cry and identify with her mistakes and problems. Reviewers have called the book, “unique,” “honest,” “witty,” “poignant,” “challenging” and “life-changing.”

For these reasons it is a book unlike any other book on aging you will ever read. The book can serve as a primer on what lies in store for all of us, from someone who is working through many of these issues. While the book is a perfect fit for book clubs, there are many other individuals and groups who could benefit from the information and ideas in the book:

Those approaching retirement
People who are currently retired
Children of aging parents
Those who have lost a spouse
Retirement community discussion groups
Counselors
Educators
Life coaches
Church groups (men and women)

and a host of others. For group discussions, Fuller has made a set of discussion questions available at her website at http://www.FrancesFullerAuthor.com.

Readers have lavished praise on the new book. One Amazon review stated, "I find myself thinking,'I need to read this again and take notes!' It’s full of wisdom, humor, and grace. I also have committed to rereading it annually - it’s that important!" Another said, "There is valuable life experience in this book. Helping Yourself Grow Old is truly is a book for all ages, and one not to be missed." Another stated, "Beautifully written book telling timeless truths, for both the old and the young. Highly recommend this book for anyone who loves to laugh, cry, and learn wisdom from someone who has lived so much life."

Frances' prior work, 'In Borrowed Houses', has taken three industry awards and has achieved Bestseller status. Frances Fuller was the Grand Prize winner in the 2015 '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading' Book Awards. It received the bronze medal for memoir in the Illumination Book Awards in 2014. Northern California Publishers and Authors annually gives awards for literature produced by residents of the area. In 2015 'In Borrowed Houses' received two prizes: Best Non-fiction and Best Cover.

Critics have also praised ‘In Borrowed Houses.’ A judge in the 22nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards called 'In Borrowed Houses' “ . . a well written book full of compassion . . . a captivating story . . . ”. Another reviewer described the book as “Wise, honest, sensitive, funny, heart-wrenching . . .”. Colin Chapman, lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Near East School of Theology in Beirut said, “ . . . western Christians and Middle Eastern Christians need to read this story…full of remarkable perceptiveness and genuine hope.”

Frances has shared stories about her life in an interview with Women Over 70, and a recording is available on their Facebook page.

Frances Fuller is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at frances0516@att.net. The full text of her latest article is available at her website. Fuller's book is available at Amazon and other book retailers. A free ebook sample from 'In Borrowed Houses' is available at http://www.payhip.com/francesfuller. Frances Fuller also blogs on other issues relating to the Middle East on her website at http://www.inborrowedhouseslebanon.com.

About Frances Fuller:

Frances Fuller spent thirty years in the violent Middle East and for twenty-four of those years was the director of a Christian publishing program with offices in Lebanon. While leading the development of spiritual books in the Arabic language, she survived long years of civil war and invasions.

Contact:

Frances Fuller

frances0516@att.net

http://www.francesfullerauthor.com

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Books About Angels And A New Presentation By Award Winning Author Jody Sharpe Bring Angels To The Forefront, Just In Time For The 2019 Holiday Season

Sharpe's books are riveting inspirational thrillers written in honor of her daughter Kate and her husband Steve.

It is during the holiday season that angels begin to play a more prominent role in our lives. During the holiday season we see representations of angels everywhere, as they feature prominently in Christmas songs and stories. Angels are portrayed as both messengers and guides. Those of us who believe in angels credit them with all manner of kind and good works, and look to them for guidance. 

In award-winning author Jody Sharpe's highly acclaimed novels, the angels take on human form and interact with humanity in a variety of ways. Now, Sharpe will credit them with another type of good work at a presentation entitled "The Angels On The Writer's Shoulders", to be presented during the holiday season at the Desert Footlhills Library in Cave Creek AZ on December 12, 2019.

Sharpe has written 3 books about angels to date:

Town of Angels - It is angel vs. bully in the town of Mystic Bay, California, where a well kept secret lies. Angels live as humans there. After angels appeared to three children all was blissful in the town full of psychics, and ordinary folk. But as a bully, Klaus Waxman, comes to town, Angel Ken Leighton, a storeowner, must carefully guide his flock of humans not to give to in to the bully’s efforts. As Klaus opens a store mocking the resident angels sightings, Angel Ken guides psychic Justine Greer and her family to thwart his efforts. And with the help of the indomitable oldest psychic in town, Madam Norma, the bully meets his match with soft voices and intuitive minds…

To Catch An Angel - Jody is also the author of 'To Catch An Angel', written in memory of her late husband Steve. In 'To Catch An Angel', miracles happen in Mystic Bay, California, the town with the psychic and angel vibe. Angels are calling. Psychic Maggie Malone returns home to find she's swept up in the miracle of it all. She can't imagine why her mother left or who her father might be. But these questions pale in comparison to the wonder of the angels. Maggie meets writer, Noah Greenstreet. They realize they've met before, but where? Maggie and Noah embark on a journey to find our world is all awash with angels.

The Angel's Daughter - A secret lies in Mystic Bay,California and only two people know it. First there’s Hannah, a tender curly headed half Angel Then there’s her father, Gabe, an effervescent, teddy bear of a full-blooded angel. And it’s up to Hannah to keep the secret safe but she’s made a colossal mistake telling her ex-boyfriend and writing professor, Sam Blakely. Now he’s written a book exposing the secret to the world.

"When I speak about my writing the Mystic Bay Series I always mention that the stories came to me in dreams and daydreams," Sharpe stated. "Friends of mine who are like angels on earth inspired many characters. Our world is filled with not only seen or unseen  angels but people with the kindness of  angels."

Sharpe presents stories and interviews about angels in her 'Tuesdays With The Angels' blog series. She is now accepting submissions of angel stories for possible inclusion on her 'Tuesdays With The Angels' blog. She hopes to create a collection of angel stories that involve sightings of angels, interaction with angels, miraculous angel encounters and other types of accounts or stories. All submissions will be considered, but inclusion is not guaranteed. Stories may be submitted at http://bit.ly/2FV8amd.

Jody was chosen as a winner in the annual '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading' Book Awards. She was chosen from a field of hundreds of authors through a public voting process.

Sharpe's presentation, "The Angels On The Writer's Shoulders", will be held at the Desert Foothills Library in Cave Creek AZ on December 12, 2019 from 2:30 to 4:00 pm. There is no charge for admission.

Jody Sharpe is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below, or by email at sharpejody76@gmail.com. Angel stories can be submitted at http://bit.ly/2FV8amd. All of her books are available at online book retailers. New quotes will be added every Tuesday to the 'Tuesdays With The Angels' section of her blog, which can be found at her website at http://www.JodySharpe.com.

Profile:

Jody Sharpe had a rewarding career as a Special Education teacher. Writing about angels became healing after losing her daughter and then her husband. The valuable lessons she learned about moving forward and loving life in the now have set her on a mission to tell the stories with love, humor and spiritual awakening. The fictitious town of Mystic Bay has given her an avenue to put characters and themes together hopefully enlightening the reader towards contemplation of the precious life and memories we are given.

Contact:

Jody Sharpe
sharpejody76@gmail.com
http://www.jodysharpe.com

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Holiday Stress And Anxiety - Mary Lore of Managing Thought Suggests Changing Thinking Patterns Can Reduce Stress and Bring Peace of Mind

Mary Lore, CEO of Managing Thought LLC and author of Managing Thought: How Do Your Thoughts Rule Your World?, proposes that stress reduction and peace of mind is achieved through learning to manage thought.

With holiday plays and parties to attend, cards to mail, gifts to buy, baking to do, guests to prepare for, and a slashed budget to boot, we may find ourselves tied up in ribbons. Yet “focusing on the essence of what you want is one of the most powerful ways of thinking to reduce stress and bring about peace and happiness during the holidays,” states Mary Lore, author of the multiple award-winning book and audio book, Managing Thought: How Do Your Thoughts Rule Your World?

"During these stressful times," Lore states, "we may find ourselves consumed with thoughts of worry, self-criticism, frustration, and even anger. Thinking about the essence of what we want, on the other hand, raises us to a new level of consciousness, gives us the ability to discover what truly matters to us, receive ideas on what to do next, and experience peace and happiness."

Lore, also an internationally recognized executive mentor, public speaker, and founder of Managing Thought, LLC – suggests the following practices to discover the essence of what you want.

1. Stop thinking, “I have to,” “I need to” or “I should” thoughts. As soon as you catch yourself thinking one of these judgmental – and exhausting – thoughts, restate your thoughts using the words, “I choose,” “I am committed to,” “It would be great if” or “I wonder how I can” and notice what happens.

These powerful thoughts help us relax, discover what we really want and open us to the many ideas on how to achieve it.

2. List everything you think you want to accomplish during the holidays, and ask yourself, “What does this bring me?” for each item. Keep asking and answering the question “What does this bring me?” until you get to the essence of what you want. If the essence of what we want brings us peace or inspires us, we open ourselves to the myriad of possibilities on how to fulfill what we truly want. If the essence does not bring us peace, then we can cross the item off our list or choose another way to think about it.

3. Take a deep breath focusing on the exhale and think “I wonder what truly matters in this moment?” Reinvoking the state of wonder is a sure-fire way to reduce stress, spark creativity, and keep us fully present and focused on what really brings us peace and joy.

Lore conducts workshops across North America as founder and president of Managing Thought, LLC, which helps individuals and organizations develop self-awareness and change how they think to attain long-lasting success.

Mary’s book has won six best book awards in various business, leadership and personal development categories. The most recent Nautilus Awards for Conscious Business and Leadership and Audio Books that Enlighten and Inspire place Mary with previous winners including Deepak Chopra, M.D., Eckhart Tolle, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Published by Ferne Press, Managing Thought: How Do Your Thoughts Rule Your World? hardcover, Kindle, and audio book are available through online retailers including Amazon, Borders and Barnes & Noble and through the Managing Thought website. A downloadable digital version of the audio book with bonus material is also available at the Managing Thought website.

More information regarding Managing Thought products and services can be found at the company’s website. More on reducing stress and experiencing peace of mind can be found on the Managing Thought blog. Stress reduction and many other pertinent topics are also covered in the company's Forward Thinking TM Gentle Reminder E-Columns.

Ms. Lore is available for interview and for keynote speaking engagements workshops, and individual and group coaching. She can be contacted at the address below or by email at info@managingthought.com.

Profile:

Mary J. Lore is the founder and CEO of Managing Thought, LLC, which helps individuals and organizations develop self-awareness and change how they think and conduct business to attain long-lasting success. She is an internationally recognized leader, public speaker and executive mentor, and author of the award-winning book and audio Managing Thought: How Do Your Thoughts Rule Your World?®. The book is a guide understanding how our thoughts create our reality and serves as a guide to creating happiness and ongoing success in all areas of life. The book provides tools to help those interested in.business development, personal development, motivation, happiness, purpose, beliefs and goal setting.

Mary has devoted thirty years to serving as a CPA, senior executive, entrepreneur, and mentor to corporate leaders. She has successfully assisted others, in North America and Europe through her corporate and public workshops, and thousands of hours working with CEOs, managers, employees, teachers, parents, and teens. Since 2002, Mary has served as a chair for TEC, also known as Vistage, the world’s pre-eminent organization for the personal and professional development of CEOs.

In addition to appearance on the Mind Your BIZness show, Mary has appeared on the Good Day Show on Fox TV 35 in Orlando, FL, Michigan Entrepreneur TV, NBC Affiliate WTMJ, Amazing Women: Brains, Beauty and Success Internet Radio Show, The Voice America Network, Vistage International and WYCD/WWJ.950 radio.

Contact:
Mary Lore
Managing Thought LLC
1-866-4-THOUGHT
1-866-484-6844
www.managingthought.com

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