The “Morgan’s Landing” Series

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ Leave a comment

Morgan’s Landing, a historical romance series by B. L. Thoma, is set in mid-Missouri in 1904-05. Watch the video trailers below and read a bit about what you might expect to find inside. Click on the links provided to order and review.

“Hear My Whisper” – Book 1 of the “Morgan’s Landing” Series

Hear My Whisper Book Cover https://midweststoryteller.com/

Watch the trailer for “Hear My Whisper” by clicking on the photo below.

Here’s more about it –

“And you can be certain of one thing, Abigail. I’m no angel.”

Julia Lansing stumbles into an embarrassing scandal when she’s discovered in a compromising position with a U. S. senator!

Though she’s innocent and it was all a misunderstanding, the shame burns. Matters are made worse later at dinner, when she seeks to hold her mother’s hand for moral support and finds herself holding a strange man’s hand by mistake! With mishaps abounding, how on earth is she meant to survive her trip to Savannah? Returning to her predictable life back home would be ideal—if it weren’t for the handsome Adam Cole. What is she meant to do about him?

Meanwhile, Beatrice Lansing, Julia’s mother, is expanding her business ventures in dress-making. With only a short amount of time to stay in Savannah, she’s striving to showcase her designs and build the network of employees and customers she came to create. Can she make her dreams come true, or will she return to Missouri empty-handed? And why is she receiving telegrams from her husband about explosions and replacing curtains?

Set against the backdrop of Savannah, Georgia and the small town of Morgan’s Landing, Missouri in 1904, Hear My Whisper, book one in the Morgan’s Landing series, invites you to follow Julia Lansing as she navigates the mores of a different city, state, social class, and the newfound interests of a young man (or two or three). Can she make the choice that’s best for her own happiness? Can her family succeed in the pursuit of their dreams? Or will it all come crashing down? 

Order “Hear My Whisper” at any of the links below (and please leave a review):

Ozark Hollow Press

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

“Answer My Call” – You’ll be returning to Morgan’s Landing with Book 2 of the series. Available September 15th! Pre-order now!

Click on the photo below to watch the trailer now.

Reunite with Julia, Beatrice, and Roderick Lansing. Unexpected newcomers bring shocking revelations, success invites complications, and heroes arrive in the unlikeliest of forms.

Here’s a bit of what you’ll find inside!

“I was hoping you might work your way around to telling me which tree it was and what it did to offend you. If it made you cry like this, I’d be happy to chop it down for you.”

Julia Lansing struggles to build a new normal after the events of Hear My Whisper. The drama that plagued her in Savannah and followed her to Morgan’s Landing has calmed, work at the bakery is good, and her blossoming courtship offers a promising future. She has everything she had hoped for – so why does she feel so unsettled? Amalda Baysinger, Julia’s childhood bully, is concocting new schemes. Rance Morgan, an unwanted admirer, is proving unpleasantly persistent. And now a new neighbor, his wife, and his ailing children are moving into town, bringing with them terrible revelations, questions, and secrets.

Meanwhile, Beatrice and Roderick Lansing must contend with the changes their successes have brought their way. Demands for new and exciting creations and ever multiplying clients and partnerships split their attentions, stretching their time and energies ever thinner. Meanwhile, the summer’s biggest celebration is on the horizon, bringing with it a familiar game they find cruel and distasteful. With the help of the minister, can they finally succeed in bringing an end to this dark practice?

Answer My Call, book two in the Morgan’s Landing series, invites you back to the small town of Morgan’s Landing, Missouri in 1905. Reunite with Julia Lansing as she meets new people and encounters familiar faces in new contexts. Will all of these changes be for the better? Can Julia trust the happiness she has built for herself? Can Morgan’s Landing handle the secrets that, if exposed, threaten the town’s most prominent citizens?

Available September 15th. Pre-order NOW!

Order “Answer My Call” at any of the links below (and please leave a review):

Ozark Hollow Press

Amazon Available for pre-order in eBook only until September 15th.

Barnes & Noble

“Come My Way” – Book 3 in the Morgan’s Landing series. Coming your way in 2027!

Hit the SUBSCRIBE button and you’ll be sure to get an email with all the details as they become available.

Please share this post with all your friends on social media. I depend on that and really appreciate it when you do.

Enjoyed “Morgan’s Landing” so far? Leave a comment! I love hearing from all my readers.

Watch My New Book Trailer Now!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ Leave a comment

You’ll be returning to Morgan’s Landing with Book 2 of the series in “Answer My Call. Click on the photo below to watch now.

Reunite with Julia, Beatrice, and Roderick Lansing. Unexpected newcomers bring shocking revelations, success invites complications, and heroes arrive in the unlikeliest of forms.

Available September 15th. Pre-order NOW!

Here is the link to pre-order physical books from my publisher at Ozark Hollow Press. Get 20% off all copies of Answer My Call when you order at this site through through August 23, 2026 when you use the code: AMCALL20:

https://www.ozarkhollowpress.com/product-page/answer-my-call

Here’s a bit of what you’ll find inside!

“I was hoping you might work your way around to telling me which tree it was and what it did to offend you. If it made you cry like this, I’d be happy to chop it down for you.”

Julia Lansing struggles to build a new normal after the events of Hear My Whisper. The drama that plagued her in Savannah and followed her to Morgan’s Landing has calmed, work at the bakery is good, and her blossoming courtship offers a promising future. She has everything she had hoped for – so why does she feel so unsettled? Amalda Baysinger, Julia’s childhood bully, is concocting new schemes. Rance Morgan, an unwanted admirer, is proving unpleasantly persistent. And now a new neighbor, his wife, and his ailing children are moving into town, bringing with them terrible revelations, questions, and secrets.

Meanwhile, Beatrice and Roderick Lansing must contend with the changes their successes have brought their way. Demands for new and exciting creations and ever multiplying clients and partnerships split their attentions, stretching their time and energies ever thinner. Meanwhile, the summer’s biggest celebration is on the horizon, bringing with it a familiar game they find cruel and distasteful. With the help of the minister, can they finally succeed in bringing an end to this dark practice?

Answer My Call, book two in the Morgan’s Landing series, invites you back to the small town of Morgan’s Landing, Missouri in 1905. Reunite with Julia Lansing as she meets new people and encounters familiar faces in new contexts. Will all of these changes be for the better? Can Julia trust the happiness she has built for herself? Can Morgan’s Landing handle the secrets that, if exposed, threaten the town’s most prominent citizens?

“Oh, no!” some of you are saying, “How did I miss out on Book 1?” If that’s the case (or you’re wanting to share with a friend so they can get caught up), check out the trailer for “Hear My Whisper” by clicking on the photo below.

Here’s more about it –

“And you can be certain of one thing, Abigail. I’m no angel.”

Julia Lansing stumbles into an embarrassing scandal when she’s discovered in a compromising position with a U. S. senator!

Though she’s innocent and it was all a misunderstanding, the shame burns. Matters are made worse later at dinner, when she seeks to hold her mother’s hand for moral support and finds herself holding a strange man’s hand by mistake! With mishaps abounding, how on earth is she meant to survive her trip to Savannah? Returning to her predictable life back home would be ideal—if it weren’t for the handsome Adam Cole. What is she meant to do about him?

Meanwhile, Beatrice Lansing, Julia’s mother, is expanding her business ventures in dress-making. With only a short amount of time to stay in Savannah, she’s striving to showcase her designs and build the network of employees and customers she came to create. Can she make her dreams come true, or will she return to Missouri empty-handed? And why is she receiving telegrams from her husband about explosions and replacing curtains?

Set against the backdrop of Savannah, Georgia and the small town of Morgan’s Landing, Missouri in 1904, Hear My Whisper, book one in the Morgan’s Landing series, invites you to follow Julia Lansing as she navigates the mores of a different city, state, social class, and the newfound interests of a young man (or two or three). Can she make the choice that’s best for her own happiness? Can her family succeed in the pursuit of their dreams? Or will it all come crashing down? 

For those who are a fan of eBooks:

You can pre-order a Kindle version from Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Answer-Call-Morgans-Landing-Book-ebook/dp/B0H8KTGY4L/ref=sr_1_2?sr=8-2

You can pre-order my books from Barnes & Noble here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/search?q=b.%20l.%20Thoma

NOTE: B&N’s prices are, for some reason, slightly higher, so be aware of that.

It’s exciting to know that we’re on the 30-day countdown to September 15th, when your copies of “Answer My Call” will begin shipping right to your door.

Is there anything you’re anticipating to find when you return to Morgan’s Landing? Make a prediction in the comments and in another month, we’ll find out if you were right.

This is a great post for you to share with all your friends on social media. I depend on that and really appreciate it when you do!

Return to Morgan’s Landing!

~ Midwest Storyteller

Book 2 in my “Morgan’s Landing” historical romance series is now available for pre-order!

Return to Morgan’s Landing and reunite with Julia, Beatrice, and Roderick Lansing. Unexpected newcomers bring shocking revelations, success invites complications, and heroes arrive in the unlikeliest of forms.

Available September 15th.

Here is the link to pre-order physical books from my publisher at Ozark Hollow Press. Get 20% off all copies of Answer My Call when you order at this site through through August 23, 2026 when you use the code: AMCALL20:

https://www.ozarkhollowpress.com/product-page/answer-my-call

You can pre-order a Kindle version from Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Answer-Call-Morgans-Landing-Book-ebook/dp/B0H8KTGY4L/ref=sr_1_2?sr=8-2

You can pre-order my books from Barnes & Noble here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/search?q=b.%20l.%20Thoma

NOTE: B&N’s prices are, for some reason, slightly higher, so be aware of that.

Now, here’s a bit of what you’ll find inside!

“I was hoping you might work your way around to telling me which tree it was and what it did to offend you. If it made you cry like this, I’d be happy to chop it down for you.”

Julia Lansing struggles to build a new normal after the events of Hear My Whisper. The drama that plagued her in Savannah and followed her to Morgan’s Landing has calmed, work at the bakery is good, and her blossoming courtship offers a promising future. She has everything she had hoped for – so why does she feel so unsettled? Amalda Baysinger, Julia’s childhood bully, is concocting new schemes. Rance Morgan, an unwanted admirer, is proving unpleasantly persistent. And now a new neighbor, his wife, and his ailing children are moving into town, bringing with them terrible revelations, questions, and secrets.

Meanwhile, Beatrice and Roderick Lansing must contend with the changes their successes have brought their way. Demands for new and exciting creations and ever multiplying clients and partnerships split their attentions, stretching their time and energies ever thinner. Meanwhile, the summer’s biggest celebration is on the horizon, bringing with it a familiar game they find cruel and distasteful. With the help of the minister, can they finally succeed in bringing an end to this dark practice?

Answer My Call, book two in the Morgan’s Landing series, invites you back to the small town of Morgan’s Landing, Missouri in 1905. Reunite with Julia Lansing as she meets new people and encounters familiar faces in new contexts. Will all of these changes be for the better? Can Julia trust the happiness she has built for herself? Can Morgan’s Landing handle the secrets that, if exposed, threaten the town’s most prominent citizens?

I’m excited! Are you? Leave a comment with your thoughts on “Hear My Whisper” and what you may be anticipating in “Answer My Call”

Book Signing & Mini Market

~ Midwest Storyteller

Ready for some book talk and a sneak peek at “Answer My Call”, the sequel to “Hear My Whisper”?

Central Merc Book Signing https://midweststoryteller.com/

I’ll be back at Central Merc Coffee House in Jamestown, Missouri this Saturday. Stop by to see me and get your copy of “Hear My Whisper”, Book 1 in my Morgan’s Landing Series.

Already have a copy (and one for a friend)? In that case, let’s chat! I’d love to year your thoughts on the book and what you think might lie ahead for the Lansing family in “Answer My Call”, the sequel which releases September 15th. You’ll get a sneak peek at the cover and a chance to pre-order!

See you Saturday! Grab a friend and make it a fun day. Central Merc will have an indoor Mini Market and you can get a bite to eat and a latte, too.

More on “Answer My Call” tomorrow, so be sure you’re subscribed to Midwest Storyteller.

5 Days Remaining! Grab the Sale Price

~ Midwest Storyteller

July 31st will be your last day to grab the eBook for, “Hear My Whisper”, the first novel in my Morgan’s Landing series, at 75% OFF during the Smashwords 18th Annual Summer/Winter Sale!

Check out books from other talented indie authors there as well, at bargain prices.

Here’s the link:

https://www.smashwords.com/sale

Please share this promo with friends and family. You can even forward this post to the avid readers in your life!

Thank you for your help and support!

Happy reading!

The sequel, “Answer My Call” is coming your way on September 15th!

Be sure you are subscribed here at Midwest Storyteller so you don’t miss all the announcements and offers.

Summer Sale!

~ Midwest Storyteller

Hello, Readers!

I’m excited to announce that my book, “Hear My Whisper”, will be discounted at Smashwords during their 18th Annual Summer/Winter Sale! The sale, which lasts the entire month of July, is a great time to get my book, along with books from other talented indie authors, at bargain prices.

You will find the sale here starting on July 1, so save the link:

https://www.smashwords.com/sale

Please share this promo with friends and family. You can even forward this post to the avid readers in your life!

Thank you for your help and support!

Happy reading!

The sequel, “Answer My Call” is coming soon, so please be sure you’re subscribed to Midwest Storyteller.

Fitz’s Sidequests

~ Midwest Storyteller

Catchy title for this post, isn’t it, Dear Readers? I thought so. Unknown to me until just a few weeks ago, this bookstore was recommended to me by someone as we were chatting about my “Morgan’s Landing” novel series. I was surprised to discover that Fitz’s Sidequests – Books and More is located in in Glasgow, Missouri. It’s new since I’ve last made a day trip there for lunch and shopping with a friend. They’ve graciously invited me to join them for a book signing event this Saturday, June 20. Details are in the photo below.

Fitz's Sidequests Book Signing Event https://midweststoryteller.com/

I know that Glasgow is an undiscovered gem for a lot of people who are searching for a relaxing time and enjoy exploring historic, picturesque river towns. Whether you’re into antiquing or in awe of the breathtaking river views, there’s something to cater to every taste. And, speaking of taste, there are great places to grab a bite of lunch.

This close-knit community is all about historic architecture and has some beautiful historic mansions. They host awesome local events. Check out their page here for all the helpful info you need to enjoy your time in Glasgow to the fullest and stop in to see me at Fitz’s Sidequests and check out everything they have to offer!

I am plunging back into work on the sequels to “Hear My Whisper” this week. “Answer My Call” (Book 2) has it’s cover near completion and after a few tweaks and an eagle-eyed going-over, will be ready for you to pre-order later this summer so that you can make another visit to Morgan’s Landing and find out what happens next in Julia Lansing’s life and the other residents of that river town – some old and some new.

Grab a friend and enjoy Glasgow on Saturday. You know they need to get their signed copy of “Hear My Whisper” before the sequel comes out.

Leave me a comment – but NO spoilers – and tell me how you liked your first adventure in Morgan’s Landing.

Haven’t seen the trailer for “Hear My Whisper”? Click this link!

Taking a Look Back

~ Midwest Storyteller

Don’t you love to talk about books? Being an author, I do, of course! Another thing Smuffy and I can’t get enough of is history. I hope those of you who have already read “Hear My Whisper”, Book 1 in my “Morgan’s Landing” series, got a fun and interesting dose of it. There’s more to come in Book 2, “Answer My Call”, which is coming to you soon. While you wait, let’s get together and talk about history!

Book Signing Historical Society https://midweststoryteller.com/

“Morgan’s Landing” is a fictional work, but here at the Midwest Storyteller blog, I’ve shared a lot of non-fiction and I’ve discovered through the years that those true stories are not only captivating, but treasures. They bring the history of our families and the old ways of life to our minds in ways that help us get a true picture of what life was like for those who went before us and preserve it for those who’ll come after us.

The Cooper County Historical Society has invited me to be their guest speaker on June 14th. Details are in the photo above. I’ll be sharing some truly fun and fascinating stories from my local family history to inspire you to dig into your own. I know you have stories that are too precious to be lost. We’ll chat about ways to preserve those.

I’ll also be sharing the story behind the “Morgan’s Landing” novel series and how our local history was woven into the fictional story.

Check out some of my family gems! Gotta love my Aunt Gladys here. Then, there’s my Uncle Spieg here. And, most precious to me – my mom, here.

Bring a friend and join us this Sunday, June 14th at 2:00 p.m.

Leave a comment and give me a brief snippet of a family story that you want to pass down through the years.

Meet Me in Jamestown

~ Midwest Storyteller

Jamestown, you ask? Yes! Jamestown, Missouri. Why, you ask? Because there’s a great coffee house there, located in the old Jamestown Mercantile building, that offers you an array of tasty delights. You can check out all they have to offer at their Central Merc Facebook page and get all the details on their first Mini-Market this Saturday, June 6th. I’ll be there to meet you, chat about my new historical novel, “Hear My Whisper”, sign your copy and maybe chat about your writing aspirations as well.

What a great day trip! Grab some friends and enjoy. You’ll find info on all the featured vendors on their
Facebook page as well. I’m looking forward to seeing you there.

Central Merc Book Signing https://midweststoryteller.com/

Granted, Jamestown is smaller than Morgan’s Landing, but Chelsea at Central Merc has gone all out to make this a great experience for you.

I’ll have plenty of books with me, of course, but just in case you’re curious about the book – .

Here’s more:

“And you can be certain of one thing, Abigail. I’m no angel.”

Julia Lansing stumbles into an embarrassing scandal when she’s discovered in a compromising position with a U. S. senator!

Though she’s innocent and it was all a misunderstanding, the shame burns. Matters are made worse later at dinner, when she seeks to hold her mother’s hand for moral support and finds herself holding a strange man’s hand by mistake! With mishaps abounding, how on earth is she meant to survive her trip to Savannah? Returning to her predictable life back home would be ideal—if it weren’t for the handsome Adam Cole. What is she meant to do about him?

Meanwhile, Beatrice Lansing, Julia’s mother, is expanding her business ventures in dress-making. With only a short amount of time to stay in Savannah, she’s striving to showcase her designs and build the network of employees and customers she came to create. Can she make her dreams come true, or will she return to Missouri empty-handed? And why is she receiving telegrams from her husband about explosions and replacing curtains?

Set against the backdrop of Savannah, Georgia and the small town of Morgan’s Landing, Missouri in 1904, Hear My Whisper, book one in the Morgan’s Landing series, invites you to follow Julia Lansing as she navigates the mores of a different city, state, social class, and the newfound interests of a young man (or two or three). Can she make the choice that’s best for her own happiness? Can her family succeed in the pursuit of their dreams? Or will it all come crashing down? 

If you are unable to attend and get a signed copy, you can get all the links to the book here.

Planning to come? If you’ve already made your first visit to Morgan’s Landing, get ready to join Julia Lansing and find out what happens in Book 2 of the series, “Answer My Call”. It’s due to be in your hands late summer. Leave a comment and let me know what you’re looking forward to for the residents of Morgan’s Landing.

Comment, Please…but NO Touching!

~ Midwest Storyteller
Questionable Comments https://midweststoryteller.com/

Perhaps you have noticed, Dear Readers, that I always welcome and request your comments here at Midwest Storyteller.  In fact, at the close of each post, I always ask that you click the button and leave me a line or two about how you like the post or how you personally relate to it.

What you haven’t noticed, however, is all the action behind the scenes. That’s because I protect you from it. You’re welcome.

I weed through the comments and approve only that which comes from my actual readers and is fit for human consumption.  The rest is what you might call poppycock, balderdash, horse feathers, piffle, pure applesauce or, in other words, spam.

There are days when I think spammers and scammers should try harder.  Sometimes, I wish it would all stop. At times, I’m creeped out. Then, something really rich and entertaining comes in and I’m glad I got to see it because I needed a laugh.

For some reason, out of all the posts here at Midwest Storyteller, the miscreants have landed on two in particular, but the one that seems to attract them like moths to the flame is a post I did several years ago about how Phoebe June, in her kittenhood, viewed her world’s events. One photo in the post shows her draped across the bed on her belly in a near-comatose state, giving readers a visual of her (and my own) general wintertime mood.  Take a peek at it here so that you can appreciate the comments I’ve received on it.

Let’s begin with this gem:

Definitely consider that which you stated. Your favorite justification seemed to be on the internet the simplest factor to bear in mind of.  I say to you, I definitely get annoyed even as other people think about concerns that they just don’t recognize about.  You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest and also defined about the whole thing without having side effect. Folks could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more.  Thanks.

While I sympathize with this commenter’s annoyance that other people don’t seem to share Phoebe June’s concerns, I do think they should have taken a few moments with a cool compress to the forehead and calmed themselves rather than letting loose with pure gibberish in the heat of the moment.

Let’s try another:

Great post. I used to be checking constantly this weblog and I am impressed!  Very helpful info especially the final section (inserted happy emoji here). I deal with such info much.  I was seeking this particular information for a long time.  Thanks and best of luck.

Excuse me for a moment while I wallow in the praise.  But what year is this?  Does anyone bother to say “weblog” anymore?  As for the final section being helpful, I suppose it may have been because it dealt with the fact that Phoebe June found her lone Christmas stocking to be a bit gaudy. Well, that’s one of those “don’t let this happen to you” moments and this person was able to go out and get their cat a plain one.

Now, brace yourself for a doozy:

I love as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.  The sketch is tasteful. Your authored subject matter stylish.  Nonetheless, you command get bought an shakiness over that you wish might be delivering the following.  Unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly nearly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.

All right – I hate to say it, but this one can only be attributed to two things.  After I speedily ruled out the possibility that a foreign language barrier prohibited a decent translation of some actual sentiment into English, I concluded this one was due to sheer drunkenness. I doubt the commenter was even able to discern that they were looking at a cat!  However, after some consideration, I realized that it may be one of those bizarre messages one might receive from some occult practitioner who is attempting to get you to read it over and over out loud in order to make sense of it and, in the process, pronounce curses over yourself.  I’d advise you to leave this one completely alone.

I should read this next one to Phoebe June:

A fascinating subject is worth comment.  I believe that you need to publish more about this subject, it may not be a taboo subject, but typically people don’t talk about these subjects.  To the next!  Cheers!!

On second thought, she thinks she’s fascinating enough already.  She’d certainly be in agreement that she needs more attention and adoration.  And now I feel like I’ve probably committed some micro-aggression due to nobody having informed me that discussing gray and white kittens is taboo.

This person kept it simple and sincere:

This page really has all the facts and information I needed about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.

I truly feel for this poor person, or bot, or AI entity, or whatever they may be. They’d been burning with curiosity and had to wait not only for Phoebe June to be born, but for her to be adopted and experience the entire Christmas season before they ever got to find out how she felt about it. Since they have the internet, I suggest they follow some social media groups directed toward cat fanciers.

This last one is the one that caused me the most concern:

Remarkable things here.  I am very satisfied to peer your post.  Thanks so much and I am having a look forward to touch you.  Will you kindly drop me an email?

I draw the line here.  No peering.  Absolutely no touching allowed under any circumstances.   I will certainly not be dropping you an email, but if you continue to creep me out, I might just drop you in your tracks!

This, Dear Readers, is the kind of stuff you get when you have an internet presence.  I hope you enjoyed this little window into weirdness.  At this point, I am filtering it out myself and reporting it as spam.  If you want me to spend money on expensive programs to do that job for me, you’re just going to have to buy more books!

And speaking of books, the sequel to “Hear My Whisper” is receiving its final line edit as we speak and the cover is waiting for me to take one last, long look and give approval.  After that, we move in to all the final steps to get the manuscript into book form so that “Answer My Call” can be in your hands.

Let’s have fun. Leave a comment (hopefully a sane one) with items on your “wish list” for Julia Lansing and the other folks in Morgan’s Landing.  Is there something you’re hoping for?

Haven’t read Book 1 in the Morgan’s Landing Series? Grab your copies from my publisher at Ozark Hollow Press or on Amazon.

And keep a watch this week for upcoming special events where I’ll be there in person to sign books, chat with you and maybe even talk about the story within you.

Meet Me at Barnes & Noble!

~ Midwest Storyteller

If you’ve not gotten your copy of “Hear My Whisper”, the first book in my “Morgan’s Landing” historical romance series, you can get one at my upcoming book signing this Saturday. Or, perhaps you’d like to get a copy for your mom for Mother’s Day. Or, perhaps you’ve ordered your copy and would like to bring it in and have it signed. Whatever the case, if you are within driving distance, I’d love to meet you at Barnes & Noble this Saturday! Details in the photo below. Please share on all your social media and do bring a friend.

You can also find the book at Barnes & Noble here.

Are you a history buff? If so, SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, June 14, 2026, I’ll be speaking at Cooper County Historical Society on how to reflect the history accurately while writing your fictional story. And, what to do with that amazing story of the past that isn’t fiction!

Leave a comment here and let me know how you are enjoying your first visit to Morgan’s Landing via “Hear My Whisper”. Speaking of comments, I’ll soon be sharing some of the comments I’ve gotten here on the Midwest Storyteller blog – the ones I delete! Aggravating as they may be, they are still good for a laugh.

Curious about the book? Here’s more:

Enjoy this video trailer for “Hear My Whisper”, Book 1 in my Morgan’s Landing series. It makes me want to read the book and I already know what happens!

Here’s more about “Hear My Whisper”:

“And you can be certain of one thing, Abigail. I’m no angel.”

Julia Lansing stumbles into an embarrassing scandal when she’s discovered in a compromising position with a U. S. senator!

Though she’s innocent and it was all a misunderstanding, the shame burns. Matters are made worse later at dinner, when she seeks to hold her mother’s hand for moral support and finds herself holding a strange man’s hand by mistake! With mishaps abounding, how on earth is she meant to survive her trip to Savannah? Returning to her predictable life back home would be ideal—if it weren’t for the handsome Adam Cole. What is she meant to do about him?

Meanwhile, Beatrice Lansing, Julia’s mother, is expanding her business ventures in dress-making. With only a short amount of time to stay in Savannah, she’s striving to showcase her designs and build the network of employees and customers she came to create. Can she make her dreams come true, or will she return to Missouri empty-handed? And why is she receiving telegrams from her husband about explosions and replacing curtains?

Set against the backdrop of Savannah, Georgia and the small town of Morgan’s Landing, Missouri in 1904, Hear My Whisper, book one in the Morgan’s Landing series, invites you to follow Julia Lansing as she navigates the mores of a different city, state, social class, and the newfound interests of a young man (or two or three). Can she make the choice that’s best for her own happiness? Can her family succeed in the pursuit of their dreams? Or will it all come crashing down? 

Get all the links to the book here.

Community Lecture Series

~ Midwest Storyteller

If you are within driving distance, please join me this Wednesday. I’ll be speaking at State Fair Community College. You’ll get to hear all about how the “Morgan’s Landing” series came about, including all the hurdles and miracles along the way.

Community Lecture Series https://midweststoryteller.com/

Please share on all your social media and bring a friend!

Also, plan to meet me at Barnes & Noble at Columbia Mall in Columbia, Missouri this Saturday, May 2nd. Details coming in future posts right here.

Methods, Methods & Miracles

~ Midwest Storyteller

“Morgan’s Landing” has had its share of all three! I’ll be sharing about that as a part of the Community Lecture Series at State Fair Community College on April 29th. Please share this post over all your social media and join me there!

Community Lecture Series https://midweststoryteller.com/

Coming up next:

May 2, 2026 – I’ll be at Barnes & Noble at the Columbia Mall in Columbia, Missouri for a book signing and would love to see you there! Get a copy of “Hear My Whisper” that day or bring yours in to be signed from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

June 14, 2026 – Join me at the Rails & Trails Museum in Boonville, Missouri. I’ll be sharing about all the aspects of writing books that accurately depict the historical times in which they are set and how Morgan’s Landing reflects our local area. It’s a true passion of mine!

Leave a comment and let me know how you are enjoying your first visit to Morgan’s Landing via “Hear My Whisper”. I’ve been hard at work getting the next book ready so that you can make the journey again.

The Joy of a Spring Freebie

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 3 Comments

I hope everyone else is as excited about the fact that it is April as I am. April means planting time and although I’ve had to give up a certain amount of it due to having a bit too much help from Fruity Pebbles, I still look forward to filling pots and window boxes with blooms. There’s a First Friday Freebie bursting forth here as well, so let’s take a look at what you might win this month.

Find Joy in Everything https://midweststoryteller.com/

Just seeing green grass and budding trees is enough to spark joy and this Freebie is here to remind you to find joy in everything. It isn’t always easy.

It just so happens that April’s first Friday coincides with Good Friday (or God’s Friday), a day that Christians commemorate, but not because it began with joy. In fact, it was a day that stripped the Messiah’s followers of all their joy. At the time, they had no idea what Sunday would bring!

We need a constant reminder to examine our circumstances and count it all joy.

This wooden décor is by Willow Spring. The attached “Joy” word art is raised, giving a 3D effect. It measures 6” X 8” and is a reverse tray design, so it will sit or hang easily. It has wood-finish background on the front while the sides are painted white.

Mix it in with your spring decorations on a shelf and continue to use it with each season that rolls around.

To enter to win the forgiven décor, the first thing you need to do is become an email subscriber if you haven’t already done so. The “SUBSCRIBE” button should be floating along as you scroll this page. Then, “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I Count it All Joy!”

Subscribing is FREE and First Friday Freebies are FREE – don’t you just love it?

Often I fail to invite you to follow Midwest Storyteller on Facebook HERE and on Instagram HERE, so check those out.

SHARE this post through Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest or send the link in an email to all your friends so they can enter to win!

Previous freebies can be found on the “Freebies” page.  Take a look at the gifts subscribers have been winning.

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, April 3rd by leaving a comment which says, “I Count it All Joy!”

You can see the complete First Friday Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

Don’t delay.  You know you’ll forget if you don’t enter now!  Subscribe if you haven’t already, confirm and comment to enter before midnight tonight, April 3rd!

Enjoy the month that brings the showers that bring the flowers!

My question to you: What are your go-to flowers to plant in window boxes and porch pots. I need a little help as the front of my house has a mix of sun and shade. Leave a comment and let me know. I’m in Zone 6.

You Don’t Have to Be Irish to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

~ Midwest Storyteller

From time to time I share something from my archives. Enjoy this one and pass it on!

I hate to burst your little green bubble – St. Patrick wasn’t Irish.

No! Wait… What?

If folks could take a moment from pinching one another, guzzling green beer, searching for leprechauns or perhaps, more profitably, for pots of gold, they might be able to get down to the historical facts of the matter. So, now that you’ve taken the deep dive into your closet and found a green outfit for today, we can settle down to find out how the real story went down. We thrive on truth!

I like true stories, especially when I have a personal link to them. My mother loved keeping the family history and her side of the family is full of Irish, Scots and Brits. The more I learn about my fascinating ancestry, the more the British Isles move to the top of my list of places to visit. I don’t know about kissing that Blarney Stone, though. It looks mighty precarious and apparently some ancestor of mine must have kissed it long enough and hard enough to make it last because I’m already blessed with the gift of gab. My time in Ireland would be better spent trying to find and position the perfect headscarf in order to keep this mane of mine looking anything close to reasonable in that amount of wind. If all the hairdressers in Hollywood couldn’t keep Maureen O’Hara’s hairdo looking decent in all those movies, there’s little hope for me on a trip to Ireland!

Back to Patrick, now that I’ve taken the blarney detour. Let’s see, where were we?…

Oh, yes! Patrick wasn’t Irish at all. He was born in Roman Britain. His real name, according to my limited study on that point, was Maewyn Succat, which he wasn’t so fond of, so he called himself Patrick. Can’t say as I blame him. Imagine us all celebrating St. Maewyn’s Day. Nah!

He has nothing to do with leprechauns. Probably, if he ever encountered one, he would throw a few choice verses of Scripture at the vertically challenged little guy and it would go “poof” and disappear. He has nothing to do with pots of gold. People just associate that with leprechaun lore. I’m pretty sure that pinching people lay somewhere outside his personal boundaries, especially if it involved being so petty as to base it on the color of a person’s clothing. Leprechauns – now that’s another story. Should you encounter one, they are the ones who pinch you for not wearing green. The moral here is: Stick with Patrick. Avoid leprechauns.

I have no idea whether Patrick drank beer. He probably did, because he neither grew up nor spent his adult life in the land of teetotalism. I doubt that he bothered to color it green. Somehow, I think (and I’m pretty astute in these matters) this custom seems to be to be one of those that can be attributed to human nature. People who are looking for a great excuse to consume way too much of something will certainly latch on to any novel way to get the party started.

This brings us to snakes. Ireland is one of a handful of countries, including New Zealand, Iceland, Greenland and Antarctica, where snakes are not native in the wild. No snake with an ounce of sense would want to go to these places without a good, warm sweater and you’re probably less likely to meet up with that sight than you are a leprechaun. Saint Patrick had no need to drive snakes out of Ireland because there weren’t any. However, since the Scriptures refer to Satan as “the serpent”, the visual picture brought about by this mythical story is more than appropriate. Patrick, throughout his life, certainly dealt a blow to the wiles of the serpent.

Shamrocks? Yeah, you might want to pin one of those over your heart if you identify with the real Saint Patrick. Read on to discover why you might want to honor Saint Patrick on his special day.

The Real Saint Patrick www.midweststoryteller.com

I’ve heard it said that “the best revenge is a life well lived”. Joseph, after all his trials in Egypt, spoke these words to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20 NKJV). Jesus said, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (Matthew 5:44 NIV).

Tough stuff, but Patrick, by faith in the One who saved him, was able to do it. What an example!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Spring Forward and Grab a Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 5 Comments

It is March at last and spring is only a couple of weeks away. My First Friday Freebie, however, has already arrived! Unlike spring, it only lasts for a day, so read on and spring into action!

Although we’ll be celebrating the Resurrection in April, I wanted to offer this little gift early so that you could have it in time to incorporate it into your seasonal décor.  Take a look.

He's Alive Freebie https://midweststoryteller.com/

This wooden décor is a Hobby Lobby find that reminds us of the reason for the season. The horizontal grooves give a nod to shiplap and the attached wooden Cross gives a 3D effect. It measures 5” X 5” and is a reverse tray design, so it will sit or hang easily as it declares, “He’s Alive and I’m Forgiven”.

I don’t mind a few bunnies and eggs around in celebration of the new life that springs forth at this time of year, but most importantly, I love to celebrate “new life” in its grandest meaning.

To enter to win the forgiven décor, the first thing you need to do is become an email subscriber if you haven’t already done so. The “SUBSCRIBE” button should be floating along as you scroll this page. Then, “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Celebrate the Greatest Gift!”

Subscribing is FREE and First Friday Freebies are FREE – don’t you just love it?

Often I fail to invite you to follow Midwest Storyteller on Facebook HERE and on Instagram HERE, so check those out.

SHARE this post through Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest or send the link in an email to all your friends so they can enter to win!

Previous freebies can be found on the “Freebies” page.  Take a look at the gifts subscribers have been winning.

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, March 6th by leaving a comment which says, “Celebrate the Greatest Gift!”

You can see the complete First Friday Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

Don’t delay.  You know you’ll forget if you don’t enter now!  Subscribe if you haven’t already, confirm and comment to enter before midnight tonight, March 6th!

Saint Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. Regardless as to whether you are Irish, (after all, he wasn’t), it’s a great time to commemorate such a man who had nothing to do with shamrocks, good luck and green beer. I’m looking forward to teaching Lil’ Snookie and Fruity Pebbles the real story of how the gospel was spread through Ireland by someone who had no desire to be there!  Curious?  I’ll tell you all about it on the big day.

Do you celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day?  Leave a comment and tell me how!

Feeling Like Royalty

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 2 Comments

There are firsts in life that need to be celebrated. I wanted to take a moment to share this one with you, Dear Readers!

Feeling Like Royalty https://midweststoryteller.com/

It’s been a long road to this recent series of “firsts” – my first novel release, my first book signing, the arrival of that big box of books at my door with my name on them!

And now – Woo-hoo! A royalty check! It’s a gratifying experience after all these years of cranking out three novels. I asked Smuffy to take my photo in front of my P. G. Wodehouse collection as he is my favorite author. I have often said that when I can write like Wodehouse, I will have arrived. The cow creamer is one of those nods to the master that if you know – you know.

Thanks for sharing the moment with me and remember to get your copy of “Hear My Whisper” – from me, of course, if you are local, or directly from my publisher at Ozark Hollow Press. You can also get the book at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

PLEASE take a couple of minutes to review. That may sound like an insignificant thing, but in the writing world, reviews are those digital nudges that get my book promoted as it should be.

Post your review of Hear My Whisper to platforms like Goodreads.com, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble (and any other platform for book reviews you prefer).  This will help give the book a strong base to have staying power in the long term.

Enough reveling. Now back to editing on the sequel.

If you’ve read “Hear My Whisper” or are in the process, let me know in the comments how you are liking it. No spoilers allowed!

Not Tired of Winning!

~ Midwest Storyteller

It’s time to meet February’s winner of my First Friday Freebie.  It pays to open up that monthly email from Midwest Storyteller and enter every single time by making a single comment.  This winner has gotten her groove on.

February Freebie Winner https://midweststoryteller.com/

Congratulations, Liz from Boonville, Missouri!

Liz enters to win nearly every single month and she has won the Freebie multiple times now. Go, Liz!

Liz is an email subscriber here on the blog. Subscribing is free and is required to enter to win. Then, comment as directed in the freebie post on the day it arrives in your inbox.  I require this tiny bit of effort each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

I send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S., so don’t think you’re too far away to enter.

If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

Trying to subscribe?  Here are a couple of tips –     

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

We live in a life filled with gadgets and you’ll find that this blog can have a different appearance depending on whether you are on your computer, tablet or smartphone.  However, you should see a “SUBSCRIBE” button floating along as you scroll. Click on that and follow directions.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE, news on my upcoming novels, book signings, speaking events or when I share a new story or recipe.

Please share what you find here with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

On March 6th, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

I am so excited at the prospect of spring! Smuffy has always been the one to trade his bird books in for seed catalogs and dream of creating a dazzling plot of summer scrumptousness. I get the urge to wander through plant nurseries and find little pots of color that promise to explode into masses of beauty all around the house. My tulips are poking up out of the ground two or three inches already.

What are you looking forward to most when spring arrives? Do you have a favorite spring flower?  Leave a comment and let me know.

And, if you are within driving distance, mark your calendar now and plan to join me on Wednesday, April 29th. If you have a story within you or perhaps one already in progress, you won’t want to miss the Community Lecture Series at State Fair Community College. I’ll be speaking on “Your Manuscript’s Journey:  The Messes, The Mishaps & The Miracles.  I’ll give details in upcoming posts right here.

It’s Freebie Day? Gotta Love it!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

February has come to be known as the month of love.  Often, if focuses on either romantic attachments (take your sweetie out for dinner and include roses and chocolates) or the fun of children have when we teach them to make and give classmates, friends and parents a handmade expression of “You’re special to me.”

Often, the former overshadows the most important form of love in our lives – our family.  I realize that not everyone reading this has pleasant family memories that evoke feelings of love, but we all do have the opportunity to build or repair family relationships that will someday give us new memories – beautiful ones.

My Valentine to you this month focuses on family love. Take a look.

Family Love Freebie https://midweststoryteller.com/

This standing wooden décor by Willow Spring will remind those in your home that family is “WHERE LIFE BEGINS AND LOVE NEVER ENDS”.  It measures 6 ¾” at its widest point and the same in height. Its gray background allows you to display it in all seasons. A one inch thickness allows you to stand it on a table or shelf and the reverse tray design lets you hang it on the wall as well.

To enter to win the family love décor, the first thing you need to do is become an email subscriber if you haven’t already done so. Just hit the subscribe button – usually found in the lower right of your screen. You’ll get an email and you’ll need to open that and confirm your subscription. Then, “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Family love is the best!”

Subscribing is FREE and First Friday Freebies are FREE – don’t you just love it?

Often I fail to invite you to follow Midwest Storyteller on Facebook HERE and on Instagram HERE, so check those out.

SHARE this post through Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest or send the link in an email to all your friends so they can enter to win!

Previous freebies can be found on the “Freebies” page.  Take a look at the gifts subscribers have been winning.

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, February 6th by leaving a comment which says, “Family love is the best!”

You can see the complete First Friday Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

Don’t delay.  You know you’ll forget if you don’t enter now!  Subscribe if you haven’t already, confirm and comment to enter before midnight tonight, February 6th!

Valentine’s Day is a week away and I know I need to gather my supplies and get ready for the fun.  I’ll be up to my eyebrows in paper, glue and creativity this coming week and Lil’ Snookie, Fruity Pebbles and I make as many Valentines as we can.

What is your favorite simple way to make someone feel special on Valentine’s Day? Leave me a comment – I need your ideas!

Author Event This Saturday!

~ Midwest Storyteller

Just a reminder for all the bookworms out there: It’s time to get in the mood for Valentine’s Day with a bit of historical romance! If you are within driving distance, join me this Saturday for a time of Book Reading & Discussion.

Book Reading February 7th www.midweststoryteller.com

If you experience any issues with seeing the information in the photo above, please see my Midwest Storyteller facebook page for the event.

If you’ve already finished reading “Hear My Whisper”, I hope you’ll come and let me know what you’re looking forward to in the sequel.

If you haven’t read it, take this opportunity to sample some selections and see if it draws you in.

Have you been to a Book Reading before? Actually, I haven’t! Perhaps you can leave me a comment and tell me what to expect!

Freebie Winners Galore!

~ Midwest Storyteller

It’s time to meet some of Midwest Storyteller’s recent winners of the monthly First Friday Freebie.

You’re getting several in one lump. My schedule since the end of summer has been consumed with the release of “Hear My Whisper” (Book 1 in the Morgan’s Landing series) and the subsequent book signings and events that have occurred since its release on November 18th. My apologies for having to let this fall by the wayside.

Take a look at who’s been winning –

Freebie Winners Galore! https://midweststoryteller.com/

Congratulations, Everyone!

Note that the fourth month featured in the photo has a wrecker and not a winner. No congratulations offered there!  Smuffy and I were smitten with the flu between Christmas and New Year’s and, though we usually dismiss the media’s predictions as their attempt to scare the pants off everyone, we found out they weren’t kidding around this year. January’s first Friday came and went without my knowing what day it was – for several days in a row. The following week, when the fever finally broke, I realized that I had missed offering a freebie at all for the month. So, instead of a gift as a token of my appreciation for you, I can offer you this piece of advice – avoid this nasty round of Influenza A!

All of my winners are email subscribers. Subscribing is free and is required to enter to win. Then, they each commented as directed in the freebie post on the day it arrived in their inbox.  I require this tiny bit of effort each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

I send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S., so don’t think you’re too far away to enter.

If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

Trying to subscribe?  Here are a couple of tips –     

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

We live in a life filled with gadgets and you’ll find that this blog can have a different appearance depending on whether you are on your computer, tablet or smartphone.  However, you should see a “SUBSCRIBE” button floating along as you scroll. Click on that and follow directions.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE, news on my upcoming novels, book signings, speaking events or when I share a new story or recipe.

Please share what you find here with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

On February 6th, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

I am not so patiently waiting for winter to be over, although I do love seeing how much Lil’ Snookie enjoys playing in the snow and how thrilled Fruity Pebbles is to be alongside Phoebe June watching the birds flock to the feeders. I also remind myself that since I am closeted with editing the sequel to “Hear My Whisper”, I should be glad that pleasant weather isn’t tempting me to be outdoors.   

Leave a comment – what are you doing to pass the time on these winter days? I suppose those of you who don’t live in this climate could torture me with all the ways you’re frolicking about in grassy meadows or lounging on beaches. I’d love to hear from you either way!

And, don’t forget to join me at my next in-person event. Get the details HERE.

Let’s Read Together!

~ Midwest Storyteller

If you are within driving distance, join me this Saturday. It’s all happening at Boonslick Regional Library’s Boonville branch. We’ll do a reading, have discussion and then we’ll read some more!

Book Reading February 7th www.midweststoryteller.com

Curious about the book? Here’s a preview –

“And you can be certain of one thing, Abigail. I’m no angel.”

Julia Lansing stumbles into an embarrassing scandal when she’s discovered in a compromising position with a U. S. senator!

Though she’s innocent and it was all a misunderstanding, the shame burns. Matters are made worse later at dinner, when she seeks to hold her mother’s hand for moral support and finds herself holding a strange man’s hand by mistake! With mishaps abounding, how on earth is she meant to survive her trip to Savannah? Returning to her predictable life back home would be ideal—if it weren’t for the handsome Adam Cole. What is she meant to do about him?

Meanwhile, Beatrice Lansing, Julia’s mother, is expanding her business ventures in dress-making. With only a short amount of time to stay in Savannah, she’s striving to showcase her designs and build the network of employees and customers she came to create. Can she make her dreams come true, or will she return to Missouri empty-handed? And why is she receiving telegrams from her husband about explosions and replacing curtains?

Set against the backdrop of Savannah, Georgia and the small town of Morgan’s Landing, Missouri in 1904, Hear My Whisper, book one in the Morgan’s Landing series, invites you to follow Julia Lansing as she navigates the mores of a different city, state, social class, and the newfound interests of a young man (or two or three). Can she make the choice that’s best for her own happiness? Can her family succeed in the pursuit of their dreams? Or will it all come crashing down? 

I Am The Night Writer

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 2 Comments

           

Shipping and Handling www.midweststoryteller.com

         Though I’ve never cared for aviator shades and my car is not equipped with AI, it does communicate with me, mostly in a silent, passive-aggressive manner to let me know of its refusal to cooperate with my simplest demands. No, I don’t think my little buggy and I would attract many viewers with a weekly show.  I do, however, write at night.  

By nature, I am already a night owl and that helps, but I’ve had to face the issue of blue light. Eye strain is a real thing and so is the problem of not being able to shut down the little gray cells after hours staring at a huge computer monitor and living in a completely different world.

            I can hear your suggestion that I should write during the day. This is not an option. My days are filled with nothing but fun and games provided by Fruity Pebbles and Lil’ Snookie.

            Having done my research, I ordered a quality pair of glasses that has blue light blocking imbedded throughout the lenses – not merely a coating that renders them useless with the slightest scratch. I was given a delivery window of three to six business days.

            This, folks, is where things went south. To be exact, they went not only south, but every direction imaginable multiple times! This small package, which I could have slipped into any decent sized handbag, began to travel more than I have in the last decade.

            The image above (though not a map by any means and shouldn’t be used as such) gives an idea of how the United States Postal Service works to meet its efficiency and budgetary goals.

            Using the tracking link provided by the Postal Service, I saw that the little box left San Diego and came straightaway to Olathe, Kansas and then went on to Kansas City.  This made logical sense and I began to look forward to its arrival.

            I suppose, however, that the poor thing couldn’t stand the cold, because it took off for Avondale, Arizona. After this, it couldn’t resist a jaunt over to Phoenix. Finding Phoenix a bit congested, my glasses returned to Avondale. Mysteriously, they returned to Phoenix again and I began to wonder if they’d become victims of a car-jacking. When they made a bee-line back to Avondale again, I imagined them being confused by roundabouts.

            After finally having their fill of the dry desert air, they must have put in a request for transfer, giving the Postal Service some inkling that a mishap had occurred.  They stepped in and, like the heroes that they are, properly and rightly brought my package all the way back to Olathe, Kansas. Now, I thought to myself, we are getting somewhere.

            My spectacles were, indeed, getting somewhere. They took off for Abilene, probably because it was the prettiest town they’d ever seen. Those in supervisory positions with the Postal Service must have gotten wind of it at this point, declaring, “This must cease!”, because my package was then sent straight to Columbia, Missouri.

            This is where I got excited. Now they could be on a delivery truck and at my house within hours. They certainly would have been if they hadn’t zoomed right past on the interstate and gone back to Kansas City! Thankfully, they made a U-turn there, but instead of taking the appropriate exit ramp, they merely waved as they passed again.

            Once back in Columbia, some dear soul blessed with snappy, happy little neurons spotted them, and spying a truck destined for my hometown, shoved them in it.

            That’s when I went to my local post office and told them that under no circumstances should they let them out of their sight.  They merely sneered and told me I should’ve paid express mail fees.

            Yes, Dear Readers, these are your tax dollars at work!

            All’s well that ends well. Once the glasses arrived over a week late, I began putting them to good use and am busy every night getting the sequel to “Hear My Whisper” ready for you. This second book in the “Morgan’s Landing Series” is projected to release in the summer of 2026.

            I’d love your feedback on “Hear My Whisper”, so please leave a comment.  More importantly, leave a review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads and at my publisher’s website, Ozark Hollow Press.

Meet Me in Tipton, Missouri

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 2 Comments
Tipton Missouri Book Signing https://midweststoryteller.com/category/books/

No, Dear Readers, this is not a duplicate post and you are not having leftover holiday hustle-and-bustle confusion. Nasty weather during the first week of December forced us to reschedule this event.

I am looking forward to seeing many of you this Saturday if you are within driving distance of Tipton, Missouri. Price James Library is sponsoring this book signing and has asked me to speak as well.

I love helping others recognize that they might have a story within them that is just begging to be told. Others know they have a story, but need tips and guidance concerning the different approaches to publishing. How do you transition from being all alone with your keyboard and your imagination to the world of editing, writers’ conferences, pitching, agents, editors and publishers? Do you take the plunge or go it alone?

However, the story of how my “Morgan’s Landing” novel series came about holds much more than nuts and bolts – it has had its share of miracles along the way and I’ll be sharing those as well.

If your church, community group or club would be interested in having me speak at an event, please leave a comment or email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com

Here are some upcoming dates to keep in mind:

Saturday, February 7 – 1:00 PM
Join me for a reading and discussion of “Hear My Whisper” at Boonslick Regional Library in Boonville, Missouri.

Wednesday, April 29th – 1:30 PM
Community Lecture Series
State Fair Community College
Boonville, Missouri Campus – Cost to Public: $5

Saturday, May 2 – Book Signing at Barnes & Noble, Columbia, Missouri.

This Fall:  I’ll be joining other authors at the Local Author Showcase sponsored by Daniel Boone Regional Library, Columbia, Missouri

So…the big question is: How’s it going, Dear Readers? I’ve heard from those of you who had to set their copy aside to read after the holiday rush and from those who finished “Hear My Whisper” already and are waiting for the sequel. Without giving away any spoilers, of course, leave a comment and give me your thoughts on the book!

Bundle Up: It’s Freebie Day!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 3 Comments

I glanced at the post for last month’s First Friday Freebie and saw that I had encouraged you to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasted. Well, of course, it didn’t – and now it’s time to bundle up and stay out of the cold. Lil’ Snookie and I played Monopoly this afternoon. I’ve never seen a five-year-old so good at it! Fruity Pebbles played the role of the catastrophic tornado that threatened to wipe out houses, hotels and pretty much the entire economy. We survived, but barely. And then we bundled them up and sent them home.

I bundled up a Christmas Freebie for the month of December. Let’s take a look –

The “All Is Calm – All Is Bright” wall hanging measures 13.5″ X 9.5″. It features a wood tone finish, shimmery lettering, snowflakes and hangs by a twine roping. The “Noel” piece of word art is wood with a metal overlay and features a wire hanger with a cute red plaid bow. In addition, I’ve included a Christmas Planner for you. Of course, if you’ve got yourself all organized for 2025, you can save it for next year as it is undated. I got multiples for myself as I thought these were handy-dandy! It measures 8.5″ X 5.5″ when closed so it slips nicely into your purse for shopping days or to keep handy when a good idea strikes or an event pops up. Spiral binding makes it lay flat and who doesn’t love that? I liked the features inside because they seemed so practical! It has two full calendar pages for November and December with a “To Do” column at the left of each. There are separate pages for gift lists for teachers, friends, significant others, plus one for gifts for the whole family and a wish list for yourself. Then, for each family member (up to eight) there’s a page for their wish list and below a grid to record gifts bought, the store, the price and boxes to check as to whether you’ve gotten them purchased and wrapped! This great for me, because every year I have the habit of losing at least one present and then finding it somewhere between Valentine’s Day and the first day of spring.

There are even plan sheets for your Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping, plus a gift budget sheet and spending tracker. After all that, when you’re exhausted, you flip the page to the lists for Christmas books to read and movies to watch. You can track Christmas cards, thank you notes, guests lists for your events, food prep, grocery lists, menus and more.

I personally love to fly by the seat of my pants as I go through life, but I find that if I go by my natural inclinations, I end up in tears. Organizing myself is the only way I ever arrive at Christmas morning with my sanity and a smile – and I consider our holiday efforts small in comparison to many households!

The first thing you need to do in order to win the Christmas Bundle is to become an email subscriber HERE if you haven’t already done so. Once you’re a subscriber, “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Merry Christmas, Midwest Storyteller!”

Subscribing is FREE and First Friday Freebies are FREE – don’t you just love it?

Often I fail to invite you to follow Midwest Storyteller on Facebook HERE and on Instagram HERE, so check those out.

SHARE this post through Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest or send the link in an email to all your friends so they can enter to win!

Previous freebies can be found on the “Freebies” page.   Take a look at the gifts subscribers have been winning.

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, December 5th by leaving a comment on this post, saying, “Merry Christmas, Midwest Storyteller!”

You can see the complete First Friday Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

Don’t delay.  You know you’ll forget if you don’t enter now!  Subscribe if you haven’t already, confirm and comment to enter before midnight tonight, December 5th!

And remember, my new novel, “Hear My Whisper” is available now at Ozark Hollow Press as well as Barnes & Noble and Amazon . If you’re local, you can get a signed copy directly from me. Now wouldn’t that be a great Christmas present for yourself or someone on your list?

Local Authors Showcase!

~ Midwest Storyteller

Are you looking for an opportunity to get your book into the community? Maybe you’ve written a book, but are unsure of the next steps?

That’s okay! Local Authors Showcase is designed to meet authors and ask them questions about their books and the process of getting their titles published.

I will be there, along with around 35 other authors. If you love books, you’ll love this! Please share and bring a friend.

Please check out this event and other great things going on at Missouri River Regional Library’s website HERE and Facebook page HERE.

Library to Host Book Signing

~ Midwest Storyteller

You are invited! If you are anywhere in the vicinity, please join me at Boonslick Regional Library in Boonville, Missouri. I’d love to visit with you and, of course, I’ll have copies of “Hear My Whisper” (Book 1 in the Morgan’s Landing Series). I’m looking forward to seeing you there and please bring a friend. You never know when you or someone you know might be inspired to become an author!

Library Book Signing

If your church, community group or club would be interested in having me speak at an event, please leave a comment or email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com

I love helping others recognize that they might have a story within them that is just begging to be told. Others know they have a story, but need tips and guidance concerning the different approaches to publishing. How do you transition from being all alone with your keyboard and your imagination to the world of editing, writers’ conferences, pitching, agents, editors and publishers? Do you take the plunge or go it alone?

TIPTON BOOK SIGNING POSTPONED

~ Midwest Storyteller

Oops! The scenery has turned white and beautiful, but the roads have turned nasty and treacherous. Therefore my book signing scheduled for tomorrow, December 3rd in Tipton, Missouri will be reschuled. I’ll post the revised information as soon as I get it.

So sorry – but it keeps our lives interesting, right?

Meet me in Tipton, Missouri!

Tipton Missouri Book Signing https://midweststoryteller.com/
~ Midwest Storyteller

If you or anyone you know is within driving distance, please join me at this event. We’ll be able to chat about my book (and yours if you have one), the story behind it and the road to getting it published. Spoiler Alert: There are lots of ins and outs, do’s and don’ts and surprises involved!

Tipton Missouri Book Signing https://midweststoryteller.com/

Coming SOON: Details on events in the near future –

December 6th – Boonslick Regional Library in Boonville, Missouri

December 7th – Missouri River Regional Library in Jefferson City, Missouri

Thanks to YOU!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 2 Comments

Here are a couple of photos from the book signing event at Bloom & Bindings in Boonville, Missouri on Saturday November 18th. If you missed it, please join me at one of the upcoming events listed below.

Book Signing Event https://midweststoryteller.com/

Coming Up: I’ll be busy meeting all of you in the coming week, so keep checking Midwest Storyteller for the details on these events –

December 3rd – Price James Library in Tipton, Missouri

December 6th – Boonslick Regional Library in Boonville, Missouri

December 7th – Missouri River Regional Library in Jefferson City, Missouri