MaryAnn Diorio Books

DECEMBER 2021 Newsletter
www.maryanndiorio.com

IN THIS ISSUE  . . . 

__A Word in Due Season
__On the Homefront
__NEW! MaryAnn's Online Stores
__Christmas Gifts That Build Character
__December Giveaway
__Christmas Book Bargains Just for You at THE BOOK TABLE!
__Works-in-Progress (WIPs)
__Soon-to-Be Released
__Great Winter Reads
__Where is MaryAnn this Month?
__Where is MaryAnn on Social Media?
__The Recipe Rack: Strufoli

A WORD IN DUE SEASON

by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD

Dear ,

Another year has flown by, and here we are, celebrating Christmas once again. And what a blessing it is to be able to celebrate it!

Our Lord has brought us all through much this past year. We are living in what the Bible calls "perilous times," times in which we need to press into Jesus and lean on Him like never before.

No matter what you're facing as you read this, remember that Jesus is always with you. He promised never to leave you nor forsake you. He will bring you through every trial as you trust in Him.

Do not allow yourself to be afraid. Keep your eyes fixed on our Savior and Lord. Then, as the prophet Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 26: 3, God will keep you in perfect peace because your eyes are fixed on Jesus.

He is our Peace, our Joy, and our Salvation! Celebrate Him above all else this Christmas season and always!


With Love and Blessings,

MaryAnn

ON THE HOMEFRONT . . .

This year our family celebrated Thanksgiving Day at the home of our daughter Lia and son-in-law Peter. We had a fun time eating, laughing, and sharing God's blessings in our lives during the past year.

Our daughter Gina spent Thanksgiving Day with the family of a wonderful Christian man God brought into her life this past year. While we missed her greatly, we were happy for her. Gina and her friend will be spending Christmas with us. 

NEW! MaryAnn's Online Stores

For a long time now, I have wanted to offer my readers unique merchandise related to my writing ministry. I am now happy to announce the opening of my two, new online stores.

Please check them out for your gift-giving needs. Here are the links:

MaryAnn's Online Boutique
Here you will find unique gifts ranging from wall art to notebooks, mugs, and tote bags, etc.

The Pen & Paint Gallery
Here you will find the original illustrations for some of my children's books. These illustrations are one-of-a-kind and are the original work of the artist. Some of them are signed by the artist. They would make a priceless, treasured gift for that special child or adult in your life.

The Book Table
Of course, don't forget to check out my large selection of great books for both children and adults at THE BOOK TABLE, where you can find the book of your choice at the price of your choice.

I do hope you'll visit all three of my shops and find that special, unique gift for that special person in your life. Thank you!

Christmas Gifts That Build Character . . . 

NOTE: Book 3, Penelope Pumpernickel: Mystery Maven, is scheduled for release by June 1, 2022, if not before. 

December Giveaway

I am sorry to announce that there was no winner of last month's giveaway for a free copy of The Antique Clock. When I checked my list of Goodreads followers, there were no new ones for November. If you did follow me on Goodreads during November, please let me know asap so that I can verify with Goodreads. 

For the month of December, I will be giving away a copy of my award-winning novella titled A Christmas Homecoming. To enter this month's Giveaway, please follow me on GoodReads at the link below. 

Note that the deadline for this month's drawing is December 15th so that the winner will be able to receive my novella in time for Christmas.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6592603.MaryAnn_Diorio

Please notify me at drmaryann@maryanndiorio.com that you followed me on Goodreads. Once your "Follow" is verified by Goodreads, you will be entered into the drawing.

The winner will be announced in my January newsletter, Lord willing. 

Don't miss out on this chance to win! Follow me on Goodreads now!

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6592603.MaryAnn_Diorio

Christmas Book Bargains Just for You at THE BOOK TABLE!

THE BOOK TABLE is my website bookstore where you can purchase my books from the vendor of your choice at the price of your choice. Take advantage of some bargain prices for your Christmas gift-giving.

As an added bonus, most of my novels include free Discussion Questions that you can download from my bookstore and use with your Book Club or Reading Group or Bible Study Group.

Happy Christmas Shopping at The Book Table. 

MaryAnn

Works-in-Progress (WIPs)

The Captain and Mrs. Vye
When young widow and innkeeper, Loretta Vye, inherits an oceanfront inn upon her husband's death, she receives more than she bargained for as whaling boat captain Paul Richards becomes her first tenant and disrupts her heretofore peaceful life.

Lord willing, my latest novella will be released by summer of 2022.

                                     * * * *

Book 3 of the Penelope Pumpernickel series, Penelope Pumpernickel: Mystery Maven, will be released by June 2022, Lord willing. 

                                     * * * *

Miracle at Madville
Outstanding composer, Danny Scott, has written several amazing songs for my musical, Miracle at Madville. I can't wait till this musical is performed on stage, Lord willing.

Miracle at Madville will also be published in book format as a storybook for children of all ages. It is being illustrated by talented artist and illustrator, Doina Paraschiv. Doina illustrated another of my children's books titled The Dandelion Patch.

Stay tuned for progress reports on both the musical and the book! 

SOON-TO-BE RELEASED . . . 

Dixie Randolph and the Secret of Seabury Beach 

This exciting middle-grade adventure story will delight your six-to-twelve-year-old child as Dixie Randolph and her sidekick, Ruby Jo Justice, find themselves in danger for their lives while searching for a two-hundred year-old buried treasure.

Expected release date: January 15, 2022.

Great Winter Reads . . .

Are you looking for a good read that will keep you up at night? Then check out my latest novel, Miracle in Milan.

Summary: A young, female auditor discovers convincing evidence that the man she loves is an embezzler.

If you like romance and suspense in one story, you have it here. Pick up your copy of Miracle in Milan.
PRINT.         EBOOK

The Church in America is on the verge of a tremendous spiritual awakening, an awakening that will first be fueled by persecution unlike anything we have ever seen before in this land. Indeed, a prophetic word given in my home church during the month of November gave this warning to the Church: "Prepare for the fire of persecution!"

But the Church is not ready for this persecution. For the most part, the Church in America has been weak and lukewarm. Flabby and lazy. Consumed with the world and not with the things of God. As a result, the Church has been deceived and has subverted the divine order of things.

In THE IRON SAINT, Dr. MaryAnn Diorio seeks to help equip the saints for the work of true, integritous, and effective ministry. As a teacher in the Body of Christ, it is her burning desire to help correct this devastating error.

In THE IRON SAINT, Dr. Diorio has outlined a plan of action for strengthening the Church through uncompromising obedience to the Word of God. This plan of action is based on her own 50 years of walking with the Lord and being led by His Holy Spirit.

If you are a born-again believer and member of the Body of Christ, make this book a top reading priority.

PRINT 
EBOOK

Do you want to learn how to write a story?

If so, you are in the right place at the right time.

You can fulfill your dream of writing that great American novel or that life-changing short story by enrolling in THE MARYANN DIORIO SCHOOL OF WRITING.

My lifelong passion has been to write and to teach. Now you can benefit from my 45-plus years of experience as both a widely published, award-winning author and a compassionate, professional educator by enrolling in one or more of my courses.

Thus far, my course listings include:

1. The 5-Week Mini-Course on Writing Fiction: https://the-maryann-diorio-school-of-writing.teachable.com/p/5-week-fiction-writing-mini-course

2. Writing Fiction for Children Mini-Course: https://the-maryann-diorio-school-of-writing.teachable.com/p/writing-fiction-for-children

You can learn more about THE MARYANN DIORIO SCHOOL OF WRITING at https://the-maryann-diorio-school-of-writing.teachable.com/

So, come join the fun by signing up for one of my courses today. You'll be so glad you did!

Looking forward to welcoming you as one of my valued students,

Dr. MaryAnn 

Where is MaryAnn this month? . .

This month I'll be lying low for the Christmas season, spending time with my family.  You can find me on Facebook, BookBub and Goodreads. 

As always, I will also be at my favorite FB hangout, The Diorio Champions! I'd love for you to join me there. If you are receiving this newsletter by subscription, you are eligible to join The Diorio Champions. Just click on the link below:

JOIN THE DIORIO CHAMPIONS!

If you are not yet a subscriber to this newsletter, you can subscribe now and become eligible to join The Diorio Champions.

As a subscriber, you will also receive free stories, discounts on my books, and a wealth of daily inspiration to feed your soul.

To subscribe, just click on the link below:

https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/x5i2r2

I look forward to welcoming you to The Diorio Champions! :)

Where Can You Find MaryAnn on Social Media?

You can now find on the following social media venues. I would love it if you would follow me on those of your choice:

My Website
Amazon Author Central 
Binge Books
Blog Talk Radio 
BookBub 
BookShop 
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Instagram
Library Thing
Vimeo
YouTube

JOIN THE DIORIO CHAMPIONS!

If you subscribe to this newsletter, then you are eligible to join my private Facebook Group called THE DIORIO CHAMPIONS! It is a place of fun, fellowship, and faith where you are loved and accepted for who you are and encouraged to grow in love for Him and for one another.

If you would like to join the Diorio Champions, please click on the link below. Your email address will then be verified by our system. Once it is verified, you will be admitted to the group.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedioriochampions/

I look forward to welcoming you as a new Champion! :)

THE RECIPE RACK

Strufoli

(From the kitchen of the late Mary Genova, my paternal grandmother)

The dessert called Strufoli is a traditional Italian Christmas dessert that is easy to make and delicious to eat. My grandmother used to make this treat for her family at Christmastime.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup flour
• 1 lemon zest
• 1 orange zest
• 1.5 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 2 ounces unsalted butter
• 2 eggs medium
• 1/3 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tbsp rum or brandy
• Vegetable or canola oil for frying
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
• sprinkles
• candied fruits
• confectioner's sugar

Instructions for Mixing the Dough

• Mix the flour, lemon and orange zest, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
• In a food processor, mix the dry ingredients with butter. Blend until all the lumps of butter are almost gone. The mixture should resemble a coarse meal.
• Slowly add the eggs and vanilla extract. Blend until the dough becomes something that resembles a big ball.
• Cover the dough with a saran wrap and keep in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
• Next, roll the dough into thick cords of about a quarter of inch thick. Cut the dough into portions of about half an inch and roll each into small balls. Each dough ball should be about the size of a regular hazelnut.
• Lightly dust the dough balls with flour. Make sure to cover every one but make sure not to put too much flour.

Frying the dough balls

• In a saucepan, put some oil over medium heat. Keep track of the temperature using a thermometer. Heat it up until it reaches 375° Fahrenheit.
• Fry the dough balls in batches. It should take around two to three minutes per batch. Dough balls should be a light golden brown.
• Meanwhile, line a serving plate with paper towels.
• Once the dough balls are done, place them on the plate and let the paper towels absorb the excess oil.

Glazing the dough balls

• Combine honey, lemon juice, rum (or brandy), and sugar in a saucepan. Cook the mixture under medium heat.
• Continuously stir the honey mixture with a spatula, and cook until all the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Once it’s done, turn off the heat and add the fried dough balls carefully into the mixture. Stir the mixture carefully, making sure not to damage the dough.
• Once all the dough balls are covered with the honey mixture, transfer them to a serving plate. Set the remaining mixture aside.
• Meanwhile, arrange the dough balls around the serving platter, leaving a hole at the center. You may place a glass in the middle so that you can estimate the hole you are creating. You can also simply make a mound of dough balls at the center, if you want an easier assembly.
• After you’ve assembled the dough balls on the serving plate, carefully pour some of the remaining honey mixture on top. Put as much as you prefer.
• Next, cover the dough balls immediately with sprinkles, confectioner’s sugar, or any other edible decorations on top.
• Serve immediately!
  
  Recipe Source: 
  https://www.nonnabox.com/authentic-struffoli-recipe/
  

Let's stay in touch . . . 

I love to stay in touch with my readers. You can follow me on one or more of the venues listed below. Just click on the icon.

"You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You."

__Isaiah 26: 3 NKJV

Disclaimer: Amazon.com Required Disclosure: MaryAnn Diorio is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

MaryAnn Diorio Books 
"Heart-Mending Books for the Young and the Young-at-Heart"
info@maryanndiorio.com |www.maryanndiorio.com

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