Introducing In The Tree's Shadow by D.L. Finn #BlogTour @dlfinnauthor #shortstories #readingcommunity @YvetteMCalleiro

Hello, beautiful readers! I have a treat for you today. My dear friend and fabulous author, D.L. Finn, is having a blog tour for her newest release, In The Tree's Shadow, and she's visiting our space to share her story. As you always do, please welcome her with kindness.

~o~

Thank you, Yvette, for having me here today to share my collection of short stories, In the Tree’s Shadow.

“The Bike” was a personal challenge to get a new holiday short story written.

Twelve-year-old Billy’s family was struggling after his father passed away. His mom worked long hours with little pay. She barely made ends meet, and then his little brother wanted a new bike for Christmas that he knew she couldn’t afford. Billy would ensure his brother got it, even if it meant what he’d been saving for would have to wait.

Then, Billy runs into problems. First, the bike is gone. Second, he does something he regrets. Third, he has a choice to make. This is a feel-good story with the appearance of angels in more forms than heavenly.

BLURB:

A collection of short stories where dreams and nightmares coexist.

Nestled inside these pages, you’ll meet a couple in their golden years who take a trip with an unexpected detour, a boy desperate to give his brother the Christmas gift he asked for, a girl with a small glass dragon who is at the mercy of her cruel uncles, and a young mother who has a recurring dream about murder. You’ll be introduced to worlds where people get second chances and monsters might be allowed their desires, while angels and dragons try to help. Happy endings occur, but perspective can blur the line between good and evil in these twenty-seven tales. Since the stories vary between 99 and 12,000 words, whether you have only five minutes or an entire evening to settle into reading, there is something that will suit your time and taste.

EXCERPT:

Twelve-year-old Billy started his day filled with the Christmas spirit. He took the Number 3 bus to downtown Laceyville. Barely a dot on the map, but it was where you went if you needed something. Mom was working her last shift at the small diner down the road. Little Joey stayed with old Mrs. Trumbold, who had a never-ending supply of sugar cookies and milk. On special occasions, she’d add some chocolate chips to the cookies.

Billy sat in the middle of the bus. There were only two other people sitting in the back. Everyone minded their business, so he enjoyed the holiday decorations through the scratched-up window. Every house had a tree in the front window covered in silver tinsel and colored lights. The bus jolted to a stop right in front of Harvey’s Department Store. Billy clutched his dingy sock full of change and dollar bills and followed a sour older man who smelled of horse manure and cheese to the bus’s side door. The man eyed him like Billy might knock him down.

The store was glowing. Covered in red and green holiday decorations, it was full of last-minute shoppers. His mom had brought him and his little brother here to take in the holiday cheer and visit Santa a few weeks ago. He knew Santa was hired help in a red suit, but Joey still believed in all that magic. Billy wisely asked for new clothes, knowing he’d be lucky to get that, but Joey requested a new red bike.

His mom’s eyes filled with tears after looking at the bike’s price tag. He knew twenty-five dollars was more than she could afford. She didn’t make that much working at the diner, where tips were meager. At least they’d get some chocolate candies in their stocking and a warm secondhand coat.

AMAZON PURCHASE LINK

FUN FINN FACTS:

1.  I am blessed with four grandchildren - three girls and the oldest a boy.

2.  When I put out bird seed for the birds, I end up feeding the squirrels and foxes, too. Sometimes a bear or coyote will stop by.

BIO:

D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, a unique autobiography, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.

D.L. Finn Links:

Twitter

Bookbub

Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

D.L. Finn blog

Amazon Page

I have read many of the stories in this book and can tell you it is definitely worth getting! Which of the stories in her book blurb are you most interested in reading? I'd love to hear from you. 😊

Want to follow D.L. Finn's book tour and read more excerpts? Click here.