Free Books

New Release:  This Month’s First Friday Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 6 Comments

It’s August.  I don’t know where you live, but there might be a good chance that it’s hot in your neighborhood.  When it’s hot and steamy like this, what better time than to be thankful for air conditioning (and I hope you have it) and stay inside and read a good romance.  Oh, but what shall I read, you ask?  Let me do my part to help you decide.  If you love a romance, you’ll love this month’s First Friday Freebie.

My dear friend and fellow author, Diane Yates, has a brand new book out and she’s graciously offered an autographed copy for you as a free gift.

Diane Yates writes award-winning inspirational romantic fiction and nonfiction with endearing characters who find courage to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious. Her Fate Series, published by IHeart Publishing, begins with Melissa’s Fate and continues with Impossible Fate. The third book in the series has just released last week. Diane is the author of two biography/memoirs, Pathways of the Heart and All That Matters. She served two terms as President of Ozarks Writers League and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She teaches writing workshops and has spoken at various organizations. She and her husband Rick have served for years in youth and adult ministries. She has three children and eight grandchildren. You can follow her at www.dianeyates.com. Today, she’s offering you her brand new release –

To Deborah, who lost her sister, Aliyah, to a Christian cult, the only thing worse than a Jewish Christian is an Arab Christian.  But Amir, banished from his Arab-Israeli family, falls in love with the sad, beautiful Jewish Deborah at first sight. A bond forms between them despite their religious and ethnic differences.  After Deborah’s sister left, her parents, Yosef and Esther, have loathed each other, and nothing can ignite feelings of love between them.  While David Drake and Aliyah return to her homeland as missionaries, David’s sister, Melissa, tries to reach teenagers with the message of abstinence, but her own marriage threatens to derail her mission.  Little do they all know what the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has planned for them and the Fate of their love.

To enter to win an autographed copy of Love’s Fate, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I love a love story!”  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, August 4th, 2023.

You may remember that Diane has previously offered books here at Midwest Storyteller as First Friday Freebies.  Perhaps you were the winner of Pathways of the Heart or the sequel, All That Matters, memoirs about her mother’s life.  If you haven’t read those and the earlier books in Diane’s Fate Series, be sure to check those out at www.dianeyates.com

NOTE:  An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails.  Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.

If you are new to Midwest Storyteller and haven’t subscribed, you’ll need to do that before entering to win.  Head to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can fill in your email address and then watch for your confirmation email.

My own love story is my Life with Smuffy, so head to that page if you want to find out what life has been like with this man of resource and adventure. You could start with our Smokin’ Hot Honeymoon. The thing I enjoy most is knowing I’ve made you smile, so be sure to visit my Laugh! page to brighten your day and find some fun to share with others. If you save things on Pinterest like I do, hover over the photo and “pin it”.  Help me get the word out!

On the “Freebies” page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, August 4th, by leaving a comment which says, “I love a love story!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Shameless plug: I’m excited about my own novel coming soon!

What books have been a part of your summer reading plan?    

Which of Diane Yates’ books have you read?  Leave a comment and let’s share what we’ve enjoyed most.

And Another Winner: Find Out Who Won December’s First Friday Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller

December has gone by in a blur around here.  I hear it hasn’t been so for some of you who’ve had pretty much everything cancelled.  I didn’t get in much blogging and writing time due to my small daily companion even though he tried to be such a help with his new skills at grabbing and throwing, paper tearing and high-speed floor cruising.  Evenings and naptimes seemed to be the only slots available for this gal who normally suffers from Martha Stewart/June Cleaver/Mary Poppins/Emily Post-itis to decorate, create, bake, wrap and deliver.  But, hear me loud and clear – I’m not complaining!  This Grandma Life – there’s nothing like it!

I didn’t really know what to ask for this Christmas because I’ve learned from experience that no matter how many times you proclaim that all you want is a nap, you never open a box or bag and find one. 

My First Friday Freebie did, however, find a new home and if you’ve been keeping up with Midwest Storyteller for a while, you may recognize the winner –

Kathy from Prairie Home, Missouri!

 Congratulations, Kathy! I hope you’ve had time to enjoy your gift!

Kathy is such a creative spirit.  She’s been a guest here on the blog to share some of her creations. Hopefully, she’ll reappear here at Midwest Storyteller again in 2021 and show us how to do more creative projects.  If you’d like to take a peek into her talents and see the Freebie she helped me create, click here. Other creative ideas are found on my Create! page.

Kathy received this copy of Glenn Beck’s novel, “The Christmas Sweater”.  I offered this book after reading it myself and giving it five stars.  I recommend it for ages pre-teen and up. 

If you’d like to see the original freebie offer, check it out along with my thoughts on the book here.

You can see past First Friday Freebies and their winners on my Freebies! page here.  If you’re not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller they might entice you to become one – First Friday Freebies are for email subscribers only.

Kathy entered her email in the subscription area here on the blog and then confirmed her subscription when the confirmation email arrived in her inbox.  If you’ve done that and not received a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com and let me know as I am trying to work out a few bugs with that. 

Subscribing is the best way to avoid missing what’s new here on the blog because you’ll get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.

Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win. 

Freebies are my way of reaching more people with the stories, recipes and more.  When you share with all your friends via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free.  Get the idea?

Coming up:  The First First Friday Freebie of 2021!  That takes place on Friday, January 1st.   I’ll surprise you that morning with a “Happy New Year” and a photo of January’s free gift, so don’t forget to check it out.

A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight on the day of the drawing. 

REMEMBER:  Should your name be drawn as the winner, you will be notified via the email you used to subscribe.  That means you’ll need to check your email often in the week following the drawing so that you can respond and keep the prize from being offered to someone else.

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

These four simple steps will have you ready to enter to win on Friday, January 1st, 2021.

Preparing to say “goodbye” to 2020?  It’s been quite an experience!  Blessings on your life as we enter a bright and happy new year!    

Cozy Up With December’s Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 7 Comments

This month’s First Friday Freebie is one that you’ll really enjoy and I hope you’ll share it with someone else. 

I’d heard about this for years and had put it on my mental list under “Someday When I Have Time, I’m Going to Get This Book Because I’m Curious”.

From what I’d heard, it seemed to be about a boy and a sweater he’d received one Christmas.  As a novel with such a plot, I couldn’t fathom why the author, Glenn Beck, would put out such a book.  There must be some driving purpose, right?  Some political point?  Some analogy to the times in which we live?

Well, there is a driving purpose and it’s not what you think. 

The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck

It takes a while for things to move to the top of my slush pile and when I tell you that this book came out in 2008 and that I just read it a few months ago, you get the idea.  I discovered the purpose of the book at last and I believe that Glenn’s intent was to tell his own story in a unique, entertaining and heartfelt way and, most importantly, to heal your soul.

The copy I am sharing with you today is in large print, making it easy to read for you, young readers or anyone else who needs that feature. 

Yes, it is about a boy and a sweater he received one Christmas just as he entered his trying teen years.  It’s about his loss, his heaving emotions, his relationships with his parents, grandparents and everyone else.  As I read it, I found myself wanting all boys and girls in this stage of life to read it and find that they are not alone and that God cares.  You’ll fly through the pages and won’t be able to put it down. Glenn gets an A+ rating from me on “keeping it clean”.

To enter to win this copy of “The Christmas Sweater”, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Send me The Christmas Sweater!”  You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, December 4th, 2020!

NOTE:  There seems to be a problem here on the blog with people trying to subscribe and not receiving their confirmation email.  If this has happened to you, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com and let me know so that I can report all these instances and have the issue solved.

First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so hop on over to the right sidebar or use the drop-down menu on your device to navigate to the “Contact” page and subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so.

Your friends will enjoy the stories, recipes, laughter and, of course, the FREEBIES here on the blog, too, so share with all your friends and family through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest.

Subscribers win every single month!  On the “Freebies” page, you’ll be able to see what they’ve been winning.

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “Send me The Christmas Sweater!”

Be sure to read the complete Freebie Rules here.

Those four steps will take you no time at all!

Don’t let the day slip away!  Subscribe now if you haven’t already, and confirm in your email before you forget!  (See note above concerning subscription problems.)

Christmas will be here before you know it!  My apologies for moving straight from “Freebie-to-Freebie” this month.  There has been much to distract me as you will see in upcoming posts.

Comments or questions?  I’d love to hear from you!  If you’ve by chance already read “The Christmas Sweater”, please leave a comment and let me know how you liked it!

Sail Into the Season with This Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 10 Comments

This month’s First Friday Freebie is so much fun!  I’ve been excited to let the cat out of the bag on this one.

If you’ve been keeping up with things for a while here at Midwest Storyteller, you’ll remember that I treated you to An Interview with Author Diane Yates.  Diane provided a copy of her first book, “Pathways of the Heart” as a First Friday Freebie.  Later, I offered another great freebie from Diane – her second book, “All That Matters”. 

Well, it’s been a little difficult to keep up with Diane!  She’s been turning out more great reads.  Her first two books, written in novel form, contained the true story of her mother’s life, a tale of a spunky woman whose difficult journey eventually brought her to the understanding of what really matters.  Diane then moved on to Christian romance and brought us “Melissa’s Fate” and the sequel, “Impossible Fate”.  The first book in this series brought Diane requests for the second and I can understand why.  What a story!

Now, just for fun, Diane Yates brings us “Christmas on the High Seas” and I thank her so much for offering it to you as this month’s First Friday Freebie.

Let’s see what Diane has to say about her latest endeavor.  Then, I’ll tell you exactly how to enter to win.

Storyteller:  How did you like writing your first Christmas romance?

Diane Yates:  It was truly a lot of fun! I thought it would be difficult because I had to write it in the middle of summer, but music has always been inspirational in my writing and I could literally listen to Christmas carols all year round. Since it was a Christmas in the Caribbean, I had Alexa playing everything from Jimmy Buffet’s Christmas Island album, to Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters!

Storyteller:  So, tell me about the main character in Christmas on the High Seas.

Diane Yates:  Her name is Halley Simpson. She works in advertising in New York City, but her life has not always been ideal. When she and her younger sister, Kaleigh, were little, their parents were killed in an auto accident. They were both raised by their grandmother. When Halley was thirteen, a popular boy, Devon Copeland, called her chubby and with the help of his friends, set about tormenting her all through high school. College was a much better experience for her. With her long blonde hair and slender body, she never had to give Devon Copeland another thought.

Storyteller:  How does Halley end up on the High Seas Cruise Ship for Christmas, sharing a room with none other than Devon Copeland?

Diane Yates:  Halley and her sister, Kaleigh, originally booked a Christmas cruise a year ago. Since that time, Kaleigh married and sold her ticket to her friend, Candace. Halley boards the ship expecting to share a room with her sister’s friend, but when she opens the door to her state room, she finds Devon as Candace has sold her ticket to him.

Storyteller:  How awkward is this for Halley?

Diane Yates:  First, it meant that she had to relive some painful memories and come to realize she still harbored anger and hatred, yet her beloved Nana had taught her to love her enemies. Not only does Halley have to sleep in the same room, but she will have to eat at the same table every evening and attend the same onshore excursions with him.

Storyteller:  What is remarkable about this particular Christmas story?

Diane Yates:  There are fun experiences from jet skiing and scuba diving to dancing in the sand under the stars. From Key West to Cozumel, Nassau to Christmas Island, this cruise is one exciting adventure.

Storyteller:  How does Halley deal with her high school enemy?

Diane Yates:  The big thing for Halley is she is experiencing the adventure of a lifetime yet her memories will be forever tainted with the presence of her high school enemy. Devon mentions that people can change, but she doesn’t believe it for a minute. She has hung on to her hatred for so long.

Storyteller:  When all is said and done, what next?

Diane Yates:  The big take away from this story is “never judge a book by its cover!” (Pun intended!) No, everyday Halley judged Devon by his past mistakes, but on this cruise, enmity meets forgiveness and hate falls for love.

Storyteller:  What is next for you as an author?

Diane Yates:  I will be completing the third book of the Fate Series, which is the Drake Family Saga. In the first book, Melissa’s Fate, Beth reappears with shocking news. Phil Drake will never forgive her, but he’ll do anything to save the little girl he didn’t know existed. In book two, Impossible Fate, Melissa and David Drake grow up. At a young age, David falls in love with Aliyah Zimmerman, but she’s Jewish and he’s Christian. Her parents equate Christians with Hitler because Hitler claimed to be Christian. Her parents forbid her to even be with David. She is expected to marry a nice Jewish boy, but David trusts God to provide a way. The title of the third book is still being determined, but my vote goes for “Love’s Fate.” It is in this story that Love itself will be at risk for some of the Fate characters you hold dear and beyond. I’ll be releasing more information about this story in the upcoming weeks.

Storyteller:  Do you have anything more you’d like to share?

Diane Yates:  Yes. As always, I remain so very thankful for my readers. Without you, my stories stop! When you take time to read my books, share a review or rating on Amazon, Goodreads, Bookbub, etc., and follow me on those sites, you participate in promoting my career. I am humbled by your faith in my writing.

Storyteller:  Thanks so much, Diane, for giving us such exciting previews.

You’ll find that “Christmas on the High Seas” is a quick read for all of us who are so busy this time of year, so even if you’re not the winner, be sure to grab a copy for yourself and some for stocking stuffers!

Christmas on the High Seas is published by Forget Me Not Romances, an imprint of Winged Publications. The book is available at www.DianeYates.com and Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-High-Seas-Diane-Yates-ebook/dp/B08H8M4QJW.   Or, you can click on any of the links in this post to access Diane’s books and more information about them. Diane is represented by Stephanie Hansen of Metamorphosis Literary Agency.

To enter to win “Christmas on the High Seas”, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Bring me some Christmas romance!”  You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, November 6th, 2020!

First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so hop on over to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page and subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so already.

Your friends will enjoy the stories, recipes, laughter and, of course, the FREEBIES here on the blog, too, so share with all your friends and family through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest.

Subscribers win every single month!  On the “Freebies” page, you’ll be able to see what they’ve been winning.

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “Send me some Christmas romance!”

Click here to see the complete rules. 

Four simple steps!

Don’t let the day slip away!  Subscribe now if you haven’t already, and confirm in your email before you forget! 

Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  Can you believe it?  Then, we “sail” straight into Christmas!  This Freebie will put you in the mood.

Comments or questions?  I’d love to hear from you!  Please leave a comment telling me what good books you’ve read lately.  I’m curious – what is your favorite book of all time?

Announcing May’s First Friday Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

If you’ve been keeping up with me here on the blog then you know why I’m slow in getting this announcement made.  Smuffy’s grand remodel is all consuming and I do have to stop once in a while to clean what can be cleaned, snuggle Phoebe June, have a little melt-down and, of course, play toys, read books and sing songs with my Lil’ Snookie.  He’s five months old now, sprouting teeth, rolling over and liking his grandma to be as interactive as possible.  (It’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it.  Tee-hee!)

May’s First Friday Freebie has found a new home in the Ozarks!  Let’s meet the winner –

Freebie Winner Carol midweststoryteller.com

Carol from Branson, Missouri

Carol may have had time to finish reading her free copy of “All That Matters” by Diane Yates by now!  If so, please comment and treat us all to a book review.

Congratulations, Carol, and I hope you truly enjoy it!

If you’re curious about this great read, I encourage you to check out my interview with author Diane Yates here where you can also read my review of her first book, “Pathways of the Heart”.  I would encourage you all to visit Diane’s website at dianeyates.com and take a look at what she as to offer.  I’ve also read her novel, “Melissa’s Fate” and I know you’ll be captivated by the story in that book.  Diane has a brand new novel out now called, “Impossible Fate” and you can find that on her website as well.

If you’re wondering what “All That Matters” is all about, see my original First Friday Freebie offer along with my comments here.

You can see past First Friday Freebies and their winners on my Freebies! page here.  If you’re not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller they might entice you to become one – First Friday Freebies are for email subscribers only.

Carol subscribed by entering her email in the subscription area here on the blog and then confirming her subscription when the confirmation email arrived in her inbox.  This is the best way to avoid missing what’s new here on the blog because you’ll get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.

Comment as directed on the post and you’ll be entered to win. 

Freebies are my way of reaching more people with the stories, recipes and more of the stuff of life.  When you share with all your friends via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free.  It’s one of those “I win – You win – We all win” situations!

June’s drawing will take place tomorrow on Friday, June 5th.

A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight on the day of the drawing. 

REMEMBER:  Should your name be drawn as the winner, you will be notified via the email you used to subscribe.  That means you’ll need to check your email often in the week following the drawing so that you can respond and keep the prize from being offered to someone else.

Be sure to take a moment make yourself familiar with the Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

These four simple steps will have you ready to enter to win on Friday, June 5th, 2020.

If you’ve won one of my Freebies in the past, leave a comment today and let me know how you liked it.  Did you gift it to someone special or keep it for yourself?    

April’s First Friday Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 3 Comments

Here where I live, only in the last week or so have we really minded much that we’re cooped up because it’s been nippy and that makes for great reading weather.  I can tell from social media that many of you are also busy with home improvements and long-procrastinated closet cleanings and craft projects.  I’ve done my part to help out by sending out great reading material.

Let’s meet the recipient of April’s free gift –

Freebie Winner Carolyn www.midweststoryteller.com

Carolyn from Mount Carmel, Illinois

Lately, I’ve been asking my winners to let me know whether they’ve chosen to keep their First Friday Freebie for themselves or gift it to someone special.  On a technicality, I can’t congratulate Carolyn for winning April’s Freebie because her sister Jan entered the drawing.  Since Jan already owned “Killing Jesus” and loved it, she sent this copy along to her sis.  This book’s been getting out and about more than I have!  After journeying out west to Greeley, Colorado, it reversed course back to the Midwest and landed in Mount Carmel, Illinois. 

“Killing Jesus” by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard is a gripping read whether you are enjoying it during the season of Lent and the Resurrection or any time.  Could be you’re just a history lover and, if so, this well-researched story of Jesus’ life and death will have you hooked.  If you’d like to read my “Killing Jesus” book review and see the original freebie offer, click here.

Congratulations, Jan, for winning and to Carolyn – Enjoy!

You can see past First Friday Freebies and their winners on my Freebies! page here.  If you’re not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller they might entice you to become one – First Friday Freebies are for email subscribers only.

Jan subscribed by entering her email in the subscription area here on the blog and then confirming her subscription when the confirmation email arrived in her inbox.  This is the best way to avoid missing what’s new here on the blog because you’ll get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.

Comment as directed on the post and you’ll be entered to win. 

Freebies are my way of reaching more people with the stories, recipes and more.  When you share with all your friends via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free.  It’s one of those “I win – You win – We all win” situations!

May’s drawing will take place tomorrow on Friday, May 1st.

A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight on the day of the drawing. 

REMEMBER:  Should your name be drawn as the winner, you will be notified via the email you used to subscribe.  That means you’ll need to check your email often in the week following the drawing so that you can respond and keep the prize from being offered to someone else.

Be sure to take a moment make yourself familiar with the Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

These four simple steps will have you ready to enter to win on Friday, May 1st, 2020.

If you’ve won one of my Freebies in the past, leave a comment today and let me know how you liked it.  Did you keep it for yourself?  Did you gift it to someone special? 

Announcing March’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

The First Friday Freebie for March has found the perfect home!   

March Freebie Winner Ruth midweststoryteller.com

Ruth of St. Louis, Missouri!

Ruth was kind enough to email me a photo. She assures me that she is an avid reader and is tickled pink to receive her free autographed copy of “Pathways of the Heart” by Diane Yates.  There’s something mysterious in the way Smuffy’s fingers reach out for just the right name.  It’s as though, somehow, they just know.

Congratulations, Ruth!  You’re going to want to read the continuing story, “All That Matters”, too.

Here’s a photo of them both.

Books by Diane Yates midweststoryteller.com

If you’re feeling sad that you didn’t win this book by Diane Yates, remember you can visit www.dianeyates.com for access to her books, blog and more. Another thanks to Diane for donating a copy of her book to Midwest Storyteller. For my thoughts on “Pathways of the Heart” and an interview with Diane Yates, click here.

If you’d like to see the original freebie offer, click here.

Of course, I’m giving away another freebie on the first Friday of every month, so be sure to subscribe, if you haven’t already, and watch for the email you’ll receive on Friday, April 5th.

Visit the Freebies page where you can see what subscribers of Midwest Storyteller have been winning.

MORE ABOUT FREEBIES:  A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight on the day of the drawing by leaving a comment as instructed in the post.  See the recently revised rules below.

And now, here are the Freebie Rules. 

Freebie Rules www.midweststoryteller.com

These four simple steps will have you ready to enter to win on April 5th.

Oh, and Happy Spring!  It’s been a long winter and I’m lovin’ this!

“Share”, “like” and “pin” this post!  You’re friends will want to enter to win, too!

Enjoying the Freebies?  Leave a comment!  If you’re on your computer, scroll back up under the title of this post and let me know what you’re thinking.  On various devices, you may find “Leave a Comment” at the bottom of the post.

Cuddle Up with March’s First Friday Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 14 Comments

I just heard the extended weather forecast.  Cold.  Snow.  More arctic air has us in its sights and it looks like March is not going to lure us outdoors in our shirt sleeves, at least those of us who live anywhere in the Midwest.  But, then again, it just snowed in Las Vegas, so I suppose few of us here in the U.S. will escape the chill.  We may dream of tiptoeing through the tulips, but it’s only a dream, lest we catch cold.

That makes March the perfect time to curl up with a good book!  I want to give a special thanks to Diane Yates for providing this month’s First Friday Freebie!

Pathways of the Heart Friday Freebie

If you’ll remember, I recently did an interview with Diane and a review of her first book, “Pathways of the Heart”.  You can catch up on that here in case you missed it.  In my post, I shared about how I met Diane, how much she has helped me in my writing endeavors and my thoughts and gleanings from “Pathways of the Heart”.

Now, Diane is graciously giving one of you the opportunity to receive this autographed copy of “Pathways of the Heart” absolutely free!  What better way to curl up with a cup of tea (or hot chocolate) and pretend the cold winds aren’t howling outside?

When you finish it, you’ll want to grab the sequel, “All That Matters”.  Links to Diane’s blog, website and contact information are all included in my earlier post entitled, “An Interview with Author Diane Yates”.

To enter to win “Pathways of the Heart”, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I’m ready for a good read!”  You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, March 1st, 2019!

First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so hop on over to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page and subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so already.

Your friends will enjoy the stories, recipes, laughter and, of course, the FREEBIES here on the blog, too, so share with all your friends and family through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest.

Subscribers win every single month!  On the “Freebies” page, you’ll be able to see what they’ve been winning.

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “I’m ready for a good read!”

And now, here are the complete rules: 

Freebie Rules www.midweststoryteller.com

Four simple steps!

Don’t let the day slip away!  Subscribe now if you haven’t already, and confirm in your email before you forget! 

Spring, I promise, is on the way.  It’s never failed me yet.  Well, except for maybe last year when it came for two days and then vanished.  I’d have thrown a temper tantrum, but it was 90 degrees and so humid that I couldn’t muster up the energy.  May our 2019 bring delightful days that, like treasured loved ones, come early and stay late!

Comments or questions?  I’d love to hear from you!  Please leave a comment telling me what good books you’ve read lately.  I’m curious – what is your favorite book of all time?

Three Cheers for the Red, White & Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

July’s Freebie winner has been drawn. Let’s see who won the free gift at Midwest Storyteller –

Freebie Winner Ruby www.midweststoryteller.com

Ruby from Boonville, Missouri!

Ruby commented on last Friday’s post, saying, “I love the USA!” That’s all she needed to do to put her name into the drawing for three free copies of the US Constitution. Smuffy showed up for duty, as always, and chose a name from all those who entered by making the comment. This time, he opted for the pointing method. He likes to keep things fresh.

You just never know what freebie you might find at Midwest Storyteller. Gifts have included cozy winter gloves, home decor, sets of handmade Valentines, wood burning art and more. Take a look at our “Freebies” page where you’ll see some of the other gifts subscribers have been winning.

This time, in keeping with the celebration of Independence Day, I thought it appropriate to offer these wonderful books which embody everything our nation is founded on. If you’re disappointed that you didn’t win or just want to be sure your family is grounded in this founding document that makes us free, just click here. Like almost everything else, it seems, U.S. Constitutions are available on Amazon at a great price.

To see the original freebie offer, click here.

Congratulations, Ruby!   I happen to know that Ruby has children and grandchildren to whom I’m sure she wants to pass on her love of country.

The next First Friday Freebie drawing will be on Friday, August 3, 2018. It pays to SUBSCRIBE! Freebie offers are for subscribers only.

Share this post with all your friends so they can SUSCRIBE and enter to win. A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight on the day of the drawing by leaving a comment as instructed in the post.

It pays to SUBSCRIBE!

And now, here are the Freebie Rules.

  • First Friday Freebies are available to SUBSCRIBERS ONLY. That means if you come to the post through social media or someone has emailed you a link to it and you haven’t become a subscriber yet, you’ll need to hop on over to the right sidebar and do that really quick.   If you are on a phone or tablet, the easiest way is to go to the “About Me” page. All it means to be a subscriber is that you’ll receive an email each time Midwest Storyteller has something new, which won’t likely be more than once or twice a week. It keeps you from missing out on all the fun and FREE STUFF! And, I’m not sharing your emails with anybody.
  • IMPORTANT: After subscribing, you MUST check your email to confirm the subscription or it will not appear. Then, sadly, you won’t be eligible to enter.
  • To enter the drawing, scroll back up to the top of this post and under the title, click on “Leave a Comment”. Subscribers who comment as directed before midnight on the first Friday of the month will enter the drawing, provided they are already on the subscribers list and live within the continental United States.
  • Follow these three simple steps and subscribe now. Then, you’ll be ready for August.
  • .“Share”, “like” and “pin” this post! You’re friends will want to enter to win, too!  Have an opinion on the Freebies? Leave a comment! If you’re on your computer, scroll back up under the title of this post and let me know what you’re thinking. On various devices, you may find “Leave a Comment” at the bottom of the post.

The Land of the Free (and the Freebies)!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 10 Comments

I hope you all had a fabulous 4th of July and I hope that somewhere along the way, somebody called it Independence Day!

It’s so easy to fall into the habit of asking, “What are you doing on ‘the 4th?'” Every month has one, after all. I hope you truly celebrated the birthday of our nation with the kiddies, the grand-kiddos, the cousins, in-laws and others that you love.

It’s difficult to ignore at our house, as the USA shares its birthday with Smuffy. Yes, I’ve got a Yankee Doodle sweetheart and he’s my Yankee Doodle joy. I think Smuffy must have been nearly twelve years old by the time he realized the whole nation wasn’t having one big wing-ding all on his account.

When I married Smuffy, I had to get used to the fact that we would be up close and personal with fireworks. I’m still not, shall we say, “at my ease” until the whole thing’s over.  As I’ve said before, his guardian angels (and there must be a squadron) have to take care of things while I look the other way and hum the national anthem. Check out a prime example of his escapades here.

This year, once again, we give thanks that we all have all our fingers and toes and have survived celebrating the fact that we live in the finest nation on earth. Now, we can turn our attention to July’s First Friday Freebie!

As I pondered an appropriate gift for you this month, I kept coming back to love of country and the things that make us great. The thing that came to mind, first and foremost, was –

US Constitution www.midweststoryteller.com

The U. S. Constitution

Nobody’s perfect. Nothing this side of Heaven is perfect. But the U.S. Constitution is as near to a perfect document as has ever been crafted by humans (and, I believe, with Divine Guidance).

Most of us studied it in school, but, let’s face it – we did it to pass the dreaded Constitution Test, not because we were overly fascinated by it.

I’d love to send you these three copies of the U.S. Constitution –

Constitution Freebie www.midweststoryteller.com

Isn’t it about time you gave this little booklet another read? Look around the world at all those other countries – don’t you wish they had our freedoms? If nothing else makes it onto your summer reading list, make it this little forty page book.  The United States Congress has designated September 17th of each year as Constitution Day to commemorate its signing on that day in 1787.  Now your family can brush up on their “freedom knowledge” ahead of time!

There’s a copy for you, one for the kiddies (whether they be children or adults) and another for the grandkiddos or friends. If we do not teach the generations to value this precious document, we will lose it!

To enter to win all three copies, “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I love the USA!”

SHARE this post through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, 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 by leaving a comment which says, “I love the USA!”

And now, here are the complete rules:

First Friday Freebies are available to SUBSCRIBERS ONLY. That means if you have come to this post through social media or someone has emailed you a link to it and you haven’t become a subscriber yet, you’ll need to hop on over to the right sidebar and do that really quick. If you are on a phone or tablet, the easiest way is to go to the “About Me” page. All it means to be a subscriber is that you’ll receive an email each time Midwest Storyteller has something new, which won’t likely be more than once or twice a week. It keeps you from missing out on all the fun and FREE STUFF! And, I’m not sharing your emails with anybody.

IMPORTANT: After subscribing, you MUST check your email to confirm the subscription or it will not appear. Then, sadly, you won’t be eligible to enter.

To enter the drawing, scroll back up to the top of this post (or all the way to the bottom, depending on your device) and click on “Leave a Comment”. Subscribers who comment as directed before midnight on Friday will enter the drawing, provided they are already on the subscribers list and live within the continental United States.

Three simple steps!

What are you waiting for? Go! Go! Go! Subscribe if you haven’t already, confirm and comment to enter before midnight tonight, July 6th!