MY MOM MOMENTS
It's been a whirlwind of activity for me the past month. My boy/girl twins graduated from college on May 11 on the same day. I witnessed my son, Brandon graduate with a degree in Business Administration. My brother, his wife and son, and my son's best friend from high school were also in attendance. Brandon, in true spirited form, celebrated his big moment with a Cristiano Ronaldo impression after he scores a goal. All you soccer fans know the reference.
Meanwhile, my husband and sister attended my daughter Kathryn's graduation. Since my kids were graduating only a couple of hours apart, I couldn't chance going from one graduation to the other because their schools were two hours away from each other. Needless to say, I was (still am) devastated that I couldn't watch them both graduate in person, especially after they were both 2020 high school graduates who didn't get a live ceremony due to Covid.
Then it dawned on me that I could watch my daughter graduate via live stream. After Brandon graduated, he had to pack up his belongings in his friend's car since not everything would fit in his car. As he was doing this, I was glued to Kathryn’s graduation ceremony.
Once Brandon was ready to go, we all decided to meet for a late lunch/early dinner. On our way to Cracker Barrel (son's choice), I continued to watch the graduation online. At this point, they finally started announcing the names for each graduate to receive their fake diploma. There were hundreds of graduates, so I had no idea how long this would take.
Suddenly, I heard them announce Kathryn Henriksen, and I got so excited. I looked up from my phone to see if there were any cars around us as we were driving in between two parking lots. Gazing downward, I started screaming as I watched my baby girl shake a hand in acknowledgement of receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. In the meantime, my husband yelled, “That's my daughter!” Then my sister screamed, “That's my niece!”
My son's best friend was rattled while driving since I was screaming and squirming to take screenshots to prove that I watched Kathryn graduate. Apparently, he was shaking upon arrival of the restaurant a few minutes later. He was very gracious and understanding and forgave me for my unbridled enthusiasm.
Later that day, my son and his best friend from college were featured in a local newspaper covering the graduation. The photo is excellent. My daughter left traces of herself on Bloomsburg's website and more recently in a philanthropy article in which she was featured.
My son graduated with Cum Laude honors from York College, and my daughter graduated from Bloomsburg University Magna Cum Laude. My husband and I are extremely proud of our kiddos who chose similar paths in marketing.
It was an emotional time that still brings tears to my eyes. Two graduations in one day was enough to last a lifetime.
Brandon before graduating from York College of Pennsylvania
Kathryn before graduating from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
THE BLOCKBUSTER BEGINS!
I am ecstatic to be releasing four books the summer of 2025! These books are an extension of the Not Again series and can be read as standalones. I can totally picture these books being in a Netflix series or a blockbuster movie!
Here are all the Not Again series books:
Not Again, book 1 - Published on Amazon
Not Again The Fallout, book 2 - Published on Amazon
Not Again Morgan's Story, book 3
Not Again Amy's Story, book 4
Not Again Val's Story (Part 1), book 5
Not Again Val's Story (Part 2), book 6
✨The Not Again Series Description✨
Four friends. Trauma.
Heart-warming. Unforgettable…
The nostalgic series, Not Again, is a sweeping saga that goes beyond the traditional, formulated, Christian themes. This epic, six-book narrative explores the in-depth lives of four female friends who share a special bond as told by each of them at different stages of their lives. Take an unexpected journey with these inspiring girls from the life-altering challenges they face growing up during the 1980s to stepping into the harsh responsibilities of womanhood in the early 1990s. Their romances are as swoon-worthy as their trials are gut-wrenching. As gripping standalones, each life-affirming book demonstrates the unconditional and fierce love God has for each of us and will be etched on the hearts of readers forever. Not Again, healing hearts one page at a time.
SEEKING REVIEWERS!
I'm so thrilled that I will have four new releases next year, the summer of 2025! As a result, I'm looking for reviewers who will post on Amazon, Goodreads, and BookBub about my upcoming releases. You will have a month to read an advanced copy of each book in exchange for an honest review to be posted on or soon after the release date. Should you desire to join me in healing hearts one post at a time, prayerfully consider being a member of my launch team. If you are on Facebook, kindly send me a PM to apply. Outside of Facebook, please send me an email to: authormariathenriksen@gmail.com.
It's best to read the first two books before reading the rest.
Not Again is the first published book in the Not Again series. Click HERE to get your copy. The sequel, Not Again The Fallout, is the next book that has been released in the series. Click HERE to get your copy.
GAME NIGHT!
I created an interactive and entertaining Facebook event that meets on Wednesday once a month called Game Night. The month of June will be in Facebook group, Tina Dee & Kaitlene Dee's Reader Group. Join us for the fun on June 26 starting at 4pm EST! Authors contact me for more information if you're interested in hosting a time slot in future months.
EAT 💖 PLAY 💙 READ
AUTHOR CENTRAL
FEATURED AUTHOR: JANN FRANKLIN
Author Bio:
Jann Franklin is a faith-based cozy mystery writer attracting readers who enjoy twisty Southern mysteries with a touch of romance and a dose of humor. Her books offer mysteries in Louisiana with curious clues and characters who exasperate as much as they endear.
These quirky yet charming residents are just like family—sometimes you want to hug them, and sometimes you want to disown them. Immerse yourself in small town culture as you exercise your sleuthing skills and your funny bone. Jann lives in Grand Cane, Louisiana. Over three hundred other people also live in Grand Cane, and many of Jann’s chapters came from her weekly visits at the downtown coffee
shop. She and her husband John enjoy Sundays at Grand Cane Baptist Church, dinner with family and friends, and watching the lightning bugs in their backyard. Their kids come to visit, when they aren’t too busy living their big-city lives.
Jann Franklin
Social Media Links:
Author Website:
Facebook Page:
Instagram Profile:
Goodreads Profile:
Bookbub Profile:
GoodReads:
BookBub:
Newsletter Sign-Up: Jann Franklin-Faith-based twisty Southern mysteries with a touch of romance and a dose of humor? Yes please!
Amazon Author Profile Page: Jann Franklin: books, biography, latest update
Buy Links:
Amazon:
Nook:
Apple:
Kobo:
Smashwords:
Barnes and Noble:
Discount/Freebies:
eBook first in series is perma free on your favorite online retailer:
FEATURED AUTHOR: KATHRYN MYKEL
Author Bio:
Inspired by the laugh-out-loud and fanciful aspects of cozies, Kathryn Mykel aims to write lighthearted, humorous mysteries that play on her passion for the craft of quilting. She’s an avid quilter, born and raised in a small New England town.
Award-winning author of best-selling quilting cozy mystery series:
Sewing Suspicion - 2021 Indie Cozy Mystery Book of The Year
Quilting Calamity - 2022 Indie Cozy Mystery Book of The Year
Kathryn Mykel
Social Media Links:
Facebook:
Newsletter:
Buy Links:
Amazon Author Page:
Amazon 5 Book Set:
CONTACT INFORMATION
I hope to see you at Game Night for festive food, games galore, and fabulous fellowship!
Permission to forward this newsletter is granted and highly encouraged. Let's join forces to promote healing hearts 💖 one post at a time.
Here are all my links in one place for your convenience: linktr.ee/AuthorMaria
Summer is on the way!
Congratulations to your children and the family! I enjoy your game nights and the two authors you have spotlighted are awesome! Keep up the good work Maria!
Congrats to your son and daughter on graduating. I'm glad you got to watch your daughter on livestream. Great news on your coming series. It's a wonderful concept. I wish you all the best.
Congratulations to your kiddos! They also have an amazing, inspirational mom!
Congratulations how exciting for you and congrats on the graduations of your son and daughter