Award Winning Author Deborah Henderson Announces First Place Honors for Psychological Mystery Novel, Losst: The Indestructible Power of Love

Henderson took first place in The Authors Show® 2024 Book Cover Contest.

Award-winning author Deborah Henderson has announced that her psychological mystery novel, 'Losst: The Indestructible Power of Love', took First Place in The Authors Show® 2024 Book Cover Contest.

Henderson's novel is set apart from many others in the genre by being a story that is both vivid and immersive. It is a profound work that explores human emotions, relationships, love, and loss. It is both heart-wrenching and uplifting.

After the tragic loss of her father and then her mother, Samantha is left with a monster of a man and becomes a prisoner in her own home. At the young age of thirteen, she manages to escape.
With no specific destination, she hitches a ride north. She ends her journey in beautiful Sayward, BC, where she turns the page and creates a beautiful new chapter in her life. As much as she tries, though, the monster relentlessly haunts her in her dreams and nightmares.

Once again cursed by tragedy, Samantha's life takes a tailspin. This time, she loses her grip on reality. In a vengeful attempt to seek justice, she collects her hiking gear and supplies and embarks on an adventure that leads to a painful reality.

She is also the author of 'The Missing Pieces', a thriller that was an Author Academy Award First Prize Winner.

After twenty years in prison, Bobby is granted her freedom. With no recollection of her past and the events that led to her incarceration, she sets off to build a life for herself. Alone in the world, she cautiously tries to integrate back into society.

As she goes about her new daily life, the pieces of her past start exploding around her. Nightmares, flashbacks, and people she meets connect her to fragments of a frightening life before prison. Knowing that Bobby suffers from PTSD, her new friends try to help her put the missing pieces of her life back together.

“I write because it makes me feel better,” Henderson stated. “It's a kind of therapy, I guess. Readers enjoy my books because they realize that they are not alone and that there is hope. We can all find the strength to survive if we dig down deep enough inside ourselves. Do what makes you happy and never give up.”

Deborah Henderson is available for media interviews and can be reached at debhend29@gmail.com.

Both books are available on Amazon in print and eBook form. 'The Missing Pieces' is also available as an audiobook. For more information, visit her website at https://deborahhendersonauthor.com.

About Deborah Henderson:

Deborah Henderson enjoys painting, music, writing, nature, and outdoor adventures including hiking, kayaking, and the occasional rock climbing, parachuting, and scuba diving. Like many people, she has lived a challenging life. Many traumatic experiences still weigh heavily on her soul, the most recent of which is the loss of her daughter and grandson.

Deborah has also conquered personal challenges. As part of the Cancer Research Society Kilimanjaro Challenge, she raised $11,000 for cancer research. After five days of climbing, she summitted on October 28, 2013, a day she will never forget. She, like her protagonist Bobby, is a survivor who finds the strength to keep going. Deborah finds peace today living with her husband on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo, BC, surrounded by lakes, mountains, and the ocean.

Contact:

Deborah Henderson
debhend29@gmail.com
https://deborahhendersonauthor.com

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Coping With The Grief Of A Death In The Family - There Is Hope Says Laura Prince, Author Of Sibling Loss, A Sister's Journey From Despair To Celebration

Laura Prince's new book detailing the death of her brother has been called "insightful", "powerful" "vivid" "absorbing" and "spellbinding".

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought us many of us face to face with the necessity of dealing with the unexpected loss of those we love. Death does not respect position, stature, rank or authority. A recent article in the Twin Cities Pioneer Press presented the story of the death of the brother of Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. Another on ABC News featured Elizabeth Warren, talking about the death of her brother. Perhaps the most compelling of all was the story of Elizabeth Fusco, presented on CNN Health, who lost her mother, a sister and two brothers to the coronavirus - all within one week.

The death of anyone with whom we have a connection can be overwhelming - the death of a family member even more so.

Montreal resident Laura Prince, author of 'Sibling Loss, A Sister's Journey From Despair To Celebration', offers some important words of wisdom that can help anyone affected by tragedy take the first steps toward healing:

“I am so grateful for the universal compassion of people today and with all the avenues of interaction available; the Internet being paramount, and the ability to express, study, exchange and learn about the development and treatment of very serious issues. These avenues offer a huge support system to the suffering.

“However I’ve also learned that without a huge and continued effort to heal from life’s upheavals, many things can never change. Recovering from enormous trauma, as in the sudden accidental death of my brother became a kind of ‘life endeavor’ of mine; which continues until today; not an obsession, but an endeavor. I am so much better, but still have that underlying sadness....it will always be there, and I am always working on it.

“You can share in my sadness in “Sibling Loss”, but as well, in the joy I experienced in eventually being able to celebrate my brother's brief but beautiful life, and how I slowly worked my way into a place of quiet joy and gratitude.”

Readers and reviewers alike have praised Sibling Loss. One called it "The best story illustrating the long term consequences of unresolved childhood grief that I have seen." Another said, "Sibling Loss: A Sister's Journey from Despair to Celebration is an excellent read and one I would recommend to everyone."

Allan Schnarr, of the Center for Grief Recovery in Chicago said, "Sibling Loss is not a book you read at a dispassionate distance. It is not for you if you choose to avoid facing your losses, not unless you become willing to turn around and face yourself. The reading is a deeply personal encounter with Laura, as she lays bare the unspeakable tragedy of the death of her beloved brother. As you encounter Laura, the mirror she offers will draw you in to the journey inside your own broken heart . . .There is so much to learn here about longing for love, losing love, and searching for it unwaveringly. This is the thread weaving Laura’s narrative. It is at the archetypal core of each journey through life, love lost and found.

"Laura makes it clear that fully grieving the loss of love brings one to a new home, a renewed discovery of love, a love strong enough and wise enough to walk through each new loss with durable, irrepressible grace. Thank you Laura”

Laura’s story, 'Sibling Loss, A Sister's Journey from Despair to Celebration', is a book that would be appropriate for anyone who has ever lost, or will ever lose a sibling. That would be nearly all of us.

Laura Prince is available for media interviews and can be reached by email at laura.prince.book@gmail.com or by using the information below. The book is available at Amazon. More information is available at Prince's website at http://www.siblinglossbook.blogspot.com.

About Laura Prince:

Laura Prince is both an author and the creator and manager of a symphony orchestra. Sibling Loss, A Sister's Journey from Despair to Celebration is her first book. She resides in Canada.

Contact:

Laura Prince
http://www.siblinglossbook.blogspot.com
laura.prince.book@gmail.com

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The Pain Of Loss, A Universal Human Experience, Can Be Tempered By Hope Says Author Cheryl Williams, Top Female Author In The 2019 Top Female Author Awards

Williams took top honors in the awards program for her recent book, 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life'.

All of us suffer loss. It is the human condition. That loss may take the form of the death of a spouse or child, suicide, accidental death, divorce, romantic breakups, a missing pet - the list is endless.

Losses perceived to be extraordinary can result in myriad physical and mental health challenges. According to an article on the NCBI website, titled "Bereavement in adult life", up to one-third of people who experience major loss will suffer "detrimental effects on their physical or mental health . . ." These can lead to heart disease, suicide and can contribute to a number of physical and mental disorders. Cheryl Williams, award winning author of 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life' believes that we can and must move past the bitter pain of loss. This can happen more easily when we commit to holding on to hope, even in the midst of the most drastic forms of loss.

In her book Williams vividly describes the experience of loss:

The darkness hovers over me
A sudden sense of loss
The emptiness torments me
Thoughts flooding back and forth

Loss is the most painful phenomenon any human will ever experience. Its effects stops us in our tracks, leaving us numb, in disbelief. Frozen in silence.
“Heartbroken with despair”

"Writing this book of poems was a way to help me unburden, to share my struggles and triumphs, and that of so many I have encountered on my journey," Williams stated. "My hope is that my readers will be encouraged, and inspired to never let go of hope. Everyone deals with loss differently, and we will never forget. To this day, I still revisit the loss of my mother, but focusing on the beautiful memories we shared helps me cope.

"In order to live a productive life after loss, we must find positive ways to help us cope.

"Blame, regrets, and worrying will eat us alive. Stress results in serious health problems, that at times can be fatal. Stressing about a situation never changes the outcome of the situation. Stress only magnifies the situation.

"My poem 'A Turning Point' takes us inside the mind of a helpless, hopeless woman 'entrapped in a zone… a depressive mode… with no way out… blinded by the stressors of this world.'

"In the midst of the chaos and confusion, ‘she beholds the beauty, the sun peeking through the clouds..’ A reminder that there is still hope.. 'No matter how rugged the road gets, there is always a light at the end of the stretch.'

"According to the article, 'There is also evidence that losses can foster maturity and personal growth. Losses are not necessarily harmful."

Author Cheryl Williams was named Top Female Author in the 2019 Top Female Author Awards in the poetry category. The win came as the result of her most recent book, 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life'. Williams was chosen from a field of hundreds of authors by a panel of judges.

Writing has helped Williams connect with her inner self, finding positive ways to cope with life's struggles. She has been writing and singing for as long as she can remember.

Throughout her childhood she sang in both the church and school choir, and also enjoyed singing at talent shows and music festivals. As an adult she also participated in concerts, performing as a solo artist.

Music and writing are the tools that bring her fulfillment and healing. Her book, 'A Collection Of Poems', takes us through the power of the human mind, good or bad, and its impact on one's direction and journey through life.

With the help of music, writing, and positive thinking, Williams found hope and purpose in life. Life isn't fair. It is unpredictable, bad things happen to good people, and we never know what tomorrow holds. Cheryl wants her readers to realize that even when faced with insurmountable, hopeless situations, even when life seems dark and uncertain, we should never let go of hope and appreciate the beauty and blessings that life has to offer, making the most of every day, loving, living, laughing, and learning. Seasons change, and there is always a rainbow after the storms of life.

Cheryl Williams is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at cherylw27@aol.com. 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life' is available at Amazon. More information, including a number of videos and a collection of music, is available at her website at https://cherylhot6.wixsite.com/cherylpwilliams.

About Cheryl Williams:

Cheryl Williams is a wife, mother, author, and nurse by profession, with a passion for the Arts.

Her love for poetry started at the tender age of five when she recited the poem "Grandfather Frog” for a school function. Six years later, her world was turned upside down after her mother suffered a massive stroke.
During those uncertain times, music, writing, and poetry helped her cope.

As a teenager, whenever she wasn’t caring for her mother, Cheryl spent her free time writing and directing short plays as a form of entertainment for the children in her neighborhood.

She enjoyed singing in the church and school choir, while also performing publicly as a soloist in concerts and talent shows. As a result of her mother’s illness and her responsibility to help care for her, Cheryl was inspired to pursue nursing as a way to help others heal; the same way writing and music helped her find a path to healing. She resides in New York.

Contact:

Cheryl Williams
cherylw27@aol.com
https://cherylhot6.wixsite.com/cherylpwilliams

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Author Tom O'Grady, Jr. Releases ‘Degree of Difficulty’ In Paperback And EBook Formats

Set in Acapulco in the seventies, a hot spot for the rich and famous, the plot of 'Degree of Difficulty' centers around cliff diving and, in the tradition of Hitchcock movies, sweeps the reader along in a mixture of suspense, murder and romance

Author Tom O'Grady Jr. recently released his second novel, 'Degree Of Difficulty'. The book is now available in both paperback and Kindle formats.

Ian Connors, a young professional with a desire to succeed in the business world, sets off on a vacation to fulfill his childhood dream; to dive the cliffs of Acapulco. A trained diver, Ian knows the risks, but little does he know that the most dangerous part of his trip won’t be the Dive. Led by Manny Arroyo, a smiling twelve year old tour guide with a heart of gold, Ian and his friend Spook take in the beauty of Acapulco Bay and its surroundings, including Robyn Baldwin and her girlfriends. But ever-present behind the beauty lurks the ugly reality of greed, and a cast of devious characters who will do anything necessary to get what they want. In the world of competition diving every dive has an assigned Degree of Difficulty. Standing eighty five feet above the churning waters of the canyon at La Quebrada and the corrupt world he’s stumbled into, Ian must make the most difficult decision of his life; step to the edge and make a leap of faith, or run away.

"I had a lot of fun writing this book," stated Mr. O'Grady, "because the plot twists and turns. You never know what might happen on the next page but you want to find out. Even I wanted to find out. It’s like being on the edge of a cliff with the main character, Ian Connors.”

Set in Acapulco in the seventies, a hot spot for the rich and famous, 'Degree of Difficulty' sweeps the reader along like a Hitchcock movie, from the downtown canyons of Philadelphia to the blue water canyon of La Quebrada, twisting and turning like the treacherous mountain roads of Mexico.

"I find Ian Connors to be an interesting character," stated Mr. O'Grady, "who will probably end up in future books. Readers will want to get to a beach or curl up in a chair because they won’t want to get up till the last word."

Tom O'Grady is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below. More information is available at his website. 'Degree Of Difficulty' is available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and at most book retailers. The book is available in Kindle, Nook, Sony EReader, Apple Ipad and other digital formats.

Degree Of Difficulty
Tom O'Grady Jr.
474 pages
ISBN-10: 1463631863
ISBN-13: 978-1463631864

Profile:
Tom O'Grady is a native of Philadelphia PA. He has written freelance for newspapers, magazines and company publications while earning his BA and MA from Temple University and Rutgers University, respectively. He uses his travels as backdrops for stories. He has been a teacher, singer, songwriter, pub owner and free-lance writer. His blog, 'Lookin’ for the Joy' appears on his website at tomogrady. com. His first novel ‘A Gift is Waiting’ was published in November 2010. He is currently writing ‘Dancing in Donaghadee’, an Ireland based story to be released sometime in 2012.

Contact:

Tom O’Grady, Jr.
Web: www.tomogrady.com
Email: togrady1@comcast.net
Mobile: (856) 889-6148

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Author Tom O'Grady Releases 'A Gift Is Waiting' In Kindle Format

Could we ever find any positive aspect in the loss of a child? Is it possible? Author Tom O'Grady believes that even the most horrific circumstances can offer us an opportunity to find the joy. His powerful novel, 'A Gift Is Waiting', demonstrates that true optimism is not just an idea but is instead an entirely different way of looking at the world in which we live

Everyone knows someone who has lost a child. From everyday people to billionaires to celebrities such as John Travolta and Kelly Preston, no one is immune from one of the most heart-wrenching events to befall any human being. Tom O'Grady, author of 'A Gift Is Waiting', demonstrates that even in the darkest of tragedies, a gift can be found.

"I wrote this book," stated Mr. O'Grady, "because, like the parents in the story, I watched a dark future turn bright. The loss of a child and the adoption of a child were two opposing worlds at first, then one amazing place. I realized that journey is made every day by others. This book is their story too."

In the book, Patrick and Maria Walsh, a suburban Philadelphia couple with simple, well-planned lives, experience the birth of their third child. But all is not how they planned it. Halfway around the world, a barely-alive child is placed in an orphanage under the care of Sister Christiana, a Catholic nun whose unselfish dedication to children is shaken by her desire for something more. Can Patrick find his way past his instinct to control the world around him and open his heart again? Will Sister Christiana find answers to her questions in the unresponsive child? Surrounded by the selflessness and caring of people who love them, a broken father, a questioning nun and a lost child learn that life offers amazing gifts and moments to treasure. Based on real events, this beautiful story resonates with hope as it takes the reader along on multiple journeys to a place where fear is overcome by the willingness to give. And as these uncharted journeys move forward they reveal to us that there is always a 'gift' waiting somewhere in our lives if we are willing to recognize and embrace it.

"Readers will enjoy this book," continued Mr. O'Grady, "because it's a great story. But it's more than that. It is a story that comes from the heart and touches the need we all have for hope in our lives. The blind and fragile journey of the Walsh family is the journey we all make in life. I think readers, like the Walsh's, will end up in a place of happiness and renewed hope."

O'Grady's latest work, 'Degree of Difficulty', is due for release in paperback and digital formats in September or October of 2011. This work of fiction is a plot twisting adventure that runs from Philadelphia to the Chesapeake Bay to Acapulco Bay.

Tom O'Grady
A Gift Is Waiting
ISBN-10: 1453849386
ISBN-13: 978-1453849385

Tom O'Grady is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below. More information is available at his website. 'A Gift Is Waiting' is available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and at most book retailers.

Profile:

Tom O'Grady is a native of Philadelphia PA. He has written freelance for newspapers, magazines and company publications while earning his BA and MA from Temple University and Rutgers University, respectively. He loves pubs, where he always find the Joy, and prefers them to offices. Having divested himself of as much debt and belongings as possible, he plans to spend more time in pubs and little to no time in offices. He intends to keep writing novels where he almost always finds the Joy.

Contact:

Tom Ogrady
Web: www.tomogrady.com
Email: togrady1@comcast.net

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Pat Bluth, Author Of From Pain To Peace, To Speak At St. Thomas By The Sea In Orange Beach, Alabama On February 3, 2010

Author Pat Bluth will discuss grief, bereavement, healing and the journey to forgiveness. Bluth lost her teen daughter at the hands of a drunk driver and shares her story regarding how the death of a child allows rage to be transformed into forgiveness

Pat Bluth, author of From Pain To Peace, will speak at St. Thomas By The Sea Catholic Church in Orange Beach Alabama on February 3, 2010.

Ms. Bluth will share her story regarding how her life changed after the death of her 17 year old daughter at the hands of a drunk driver. She will describe in detail what happened on that night and how it felt to go from planning for a graduation to planning for a funeral. She will also share how she felt victimized by the Criminal Justice system, resulting in her starting a chapter of MADD in her county.

“I wrote this book,” stated Ms. Bluth, “because I believe I have a story to share that offers hope and inspiration to others that have suffered a loss. As a grief counselor, I learned that many people get stuck in their grief, anger, or unresolved feelings. I wanted to share that grief is a process that doesn’t have to control your life forever. Forgiveness was something I thought was impossible after my 17 year old daughter was killed by a drunk driver. I was wrong. My book describes in detail what I did on an 8-day silent retreat to heal. Others can follow this process.”

After the death of her daughter, Ms. Bluth started a MADD chapter inher county. She also attended Compassionate Friends meetings, a support group for parents whose children have died, and began journaling.

“All these things helped,” stated Ms. Bluth, “but I found no lasting peace. Four years later I felt suicidal and called out to God for help. I talked to my priest and at his suggestion I attended an 8 day silent retreat. That was the answer for finding peace.”

Ms. Bluth will share her story at St. Thomas By The Sea Catholic Churchin Orange Beach Alabama on February 3, 2010 at the Parish Hall. Ms. Bluth is available for speaking engagements and interviews and can be contacted using the information below or by email at pat@patbluth.com.

Copies of her book, From Pain To Peace, are available at her website at www.patbluth.com and from most major online booksellers.

From Pain To Peace
Pat Bluth
Axiom Press
ISBN: 9781581692952

Profile:

Pat Bluth grew up in Bremerton, Washington, but life brought her to Brainerd, Minnesota, where, along with her husband, Gary, they have lived and raised three children: Tammy, Jeff, and Jennifer.

Life was going well for the Bluth family, but everything changed suddenly when one Friday night, daughter Tammy was killed by a drunk driver.

For months after Tammy’s death, Pat struggled to go on with life, but because of her strong faith, she persevered and has used her life experiences to help others facing life changing situations. She completed a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling, and has used her abilities as an Independent Clinical Social Worker to facilitate Home Care/Hospice groups for St. Joseph’s Medical Center, and grief groups for Compassionate Friends, listening and comforting parents who experience the death of a child. She served in private practice as a family therapist for a Christian Counseling Clinic in Brainerd, and is also certified as a Chemical Dependency Counselor.

Pat was instrumental in forming a Mothers Against Drunk Driving chapter in the Brainerd Lakes Area, and is a frequent speaker at MADD impact panels. She has worked as a victim advocate for others whose lives have been shattered by impaired drivers. As a Certified Toastmaster, Pat enjoys opportunities to speak and spread a message of hope and inspiration to various audiences. She shares her story of how God turned her bitterness into forgiveness, and how it is possible to enjoy life again, even after great tragedy has occurred. Her message has inspired thousands.

A member of the Brainerd Area Catholic Churches, Pat is a Lector and a Minister of Holy Communion. She has served on boards for the Council of Catholic Women at the local, Deanery and Diocesan levels. Because of her commitment to God, and because of her service in church and the community, Pat has been able to use life’s struggles to grow spiritually, and finds it her mission to encourage others along the way.

Contact:

Pat Bluth
Web: www.patbluth.com
Email: pat@patbluth.com
Phone: 218-831-5383

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