MaryAnn Diorio Books

SEPTEMBER 2020 Author Newsletter
www.maryanndiorio.com

A WORD IN DUE SEASON

by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD

Dear Friends,

Fall brings the excitement of new beginnings. While it marks the approach of the end of the calendar year, it has traditionally marked the beginning of the school year.

But this year, things are different for a lot of people. We've been urged to adjust to the "new normal".  But that phrase is an oxymoron. Normal means the same old, same old. It does not mean new. And there is nothing "normal" about what has been happening in the last six months.

We are living in the times that Jesus described as "the beginning of sorrows".  Yet, for the believer, this is a time of great joy because it signifies that the return of our Lord in the Rapture is near.

So, if you are in Christ, rejoice! Our Savior is about to rescue us from the earth. We may endure persecution and hardship before then, but all signs indicate that His return is imminent.

But if you are not in Christ, repent. For the Savior is about to rescue His Bride from the earth, and you don't want to be left behind.

REPENT AND REJOICE!  That is good advice for all of us as we await the coming of our King!

Blessings,

MaryAnn

LATEST NEWS . . .

___Illustrator for Chapter Book Series Announced

I have found the perfect illustrator for my PENELOPE PUMPERNICKEL Chapter Book series for 7-10-year-olds. He is Ken Raney, talented artist and husband of novelist Deb Raney. You will love Ken's illustrations. 

Lord willing, the first book in this series, titled PENELOPE PUMPERNICKEL: PROBLEM-SOLVER, will be released in time for Christmas gift-giving to the special children in your life.  

___Winners of Naming Contests Announced

I am delighted to announce the winners of my Character-Naming Contest and my Dog-Naming Comtest:

The winner of my Character-Naming Contest is Jill Ransom. Jill suggested the name of Ruby Jo Justice for the sidekick of my main character, Dixie Randolph, in my forthcoming Dixie Randolph series of middle-grade novels.

Congratulations, Jill!  And thank you for your great suggestion. Jill will win a free book of her choice in the format of her choice.

The winner of my Dog-Naming Contest is Nancy Collins. Nancy suggested the name of Scout for the Golden Retriever who is Dixie Randolph's dog in the Dixie Randolph middle-grade fiction series.

Congratulations, Nancy! Thank you for your wonderful suggestion. Nancy will also receive a free copy of a book of her choice from my list of books at My Book Table.

Here is a picture of Scout:

___Progress on Poetry Book
         
The compilation of my poetry book, POEMS FOR ALL SEASONS, is nearing completion. The planned release date is December 1, 2020. Stay tuned! Here is a preview picture of the book cover: 

___Progress on MIRACLE IN MILAN.

I continue to work on this novel of romantic intrigue set in Milan, Italy. I am excited to reveal the beautiful cover designed by Hannah Linder:

IN THE WORKS . . .

__Miracle in Milan 
A contemporary romantic suspense novel involving a mysterious embezzlement in Milan, Italy.

__The Penelope Pumpernickel Series of Chapter Books for Seven-to-Ten-Year-Olds
This series of chapter books will deal with topics common to this age group from a Biblical perspective. Book One, titled Penelope Pumpernickel: Problem-Solver, is scheduled for release in December.

__The Dixie Randolph Series of Middle-Grade Books for Seven-to-Twelve-Year-Olds
I am currently working on this series of six novels of adventure and mystery.  Book One, Lord willing, should be released in the Spring of 2021.

Please pray for me as I write these stories of God's heart. Thank you!

FREE RESOURCES FOR JULY . . .
 

• Video: "You Are God's Dream"
  
  
• Podcast: "Are You Living on the Level"

FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH . . .

If you are planning to homeschool this year, your child would benefit from my Outstanding American Author series that includes the books below. Click on the link to purchase your child's copy.

__A Student's Guide to Nathaniel Hawthorne
__A Student's Guide to Herman Melville
__A Student's Guide to Mark Twain

All of these books are available in both print and ebook formats on my website at maryanndiorio.com/book-table

BUY NOW!
(Affiliate Link)

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.

THE RECIPE RACK

Ground Beef Skillet with Vegetables
(from the Kitchen of MaryAnn Diorio)

INGREDIENTS:

1 Tbspn Olive Oil or Coconut Oil
2 cloves Garlic, minced

1 lb. Ground Beef
1/2 smal Red Onion, diced
1 clove Garlic, diced
1 small Zucchini, chopped
1 small Green, Red, or Yellow Pepper, chopped
! cup Asparagus Tips, cut
6 Grape Tomatoes, sliced in half
Water as needed

INSTRUCTIONS:

__In a large skillet (I use a wok), heat the oil
__Add onions and garlic and cook until tender. 
__Add ground beef and brown.
__Add remaining vegetables. Cook until tender.
__Add quinoa and cook until tender. You may need to add water to cook quinoa.

Total cooking time: About 45-60 minutes.

Serves 4. Enjoy!
     

"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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