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MaryAnn Diorio - Author
The Official Newsletter of Author MaryAnn Diorio
"You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." (John 8:32)
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Photo Copyright 2017 by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD. All Rights Reserved.
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Author Newsletter - April 2017
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Greetings, Dear Friends!
As we usher in the beautiful season of Spring, I want you to know that you have been in my prayers. I trust that you are doing well and prospering in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He loves you and wants to bless you!
If you are struggling in some area of your life, give your burden to Jesus. He wants you to cast your cares on Him. Why? Because He cares for you! (1 Peter 5: 7).
This past month has been a busy one at MaryAnn Diorio Ministries. The two top news stories are the release of my new children's picture book, THE DANDELION PATCH (see details below) and the launch of my second website,
MaryAnn Diorio Ministries. This second website is separate from my writing website (
www.maryanndiorio.com) and features a host of resources for helping you draw closer to Jesus. It represents the fruit of years of writing devotionals and articles for you. I trust the site will bless you.
This past monty, I also released several new podcasts and blog posts for your personal and spiritual growth. Check them out at the links below:
A MOMENT WITH MARYANN (approx. 2-4 minutes)
WINNING WITH THE WORD (approx. 15 minutes)
WRITE YOUR HEART OUT! Podcasts for Writers (approx. 3 minutes)
I am making steady progress on my latest novel,
Return to Bella Terra, Book 3 of
The Italian Chronicles Trilogy. This story of "a mother, her son, and the man who comes between them" revisits Maria Landro, the powerful heroine of Book 1, as she struggles to make the most difficult decision of her life. Will she make the right choice?
Return to Bella Terra is scheduled to be released in late fall of 2017. Please pray for me as I write.
We have also been preparing for the exciting launch of my newest children's book, THE DANDELION PATCH. It will be available in hardcover this month and in both softcover and e-book formats soon thereafter. Take a peek at the beautiful cover below, in the NEW RELEASE section of this newsletter. The book was illustrated by Doina Paraschiv, the same artist who illustrated by children's book
TOBY TOO SMALL.
In this story of courage in the face of obstacles, you will meet the feisty and beloved Yolanda Riggins, a powerful example of patience, perseverance, and persistance in standing up for what is right no matter what the odds. I trust you will enjoy this delightful story that presents an inspiring message of the power of one person to change the world.
Don't miss our other special monthly features--the
Did You Know? section of surprising facts about writing in general and my writing life in particular, and the Question Box where you can ask anything you'd like to know about the writing life.
Finally, be sure to check out this month's special recipe,
Sicilian Easter Ring. It was a favorite of my younger sister Linda who died in 2015 and is now with Jesus. I miss her and posted it in her honor.
Love and Blessings,
MaryAnn
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ON THE HOMEFRONT . . .
Some of you may know that my five grandchildren are home-schooled by their awesome mother, my daughter Dr. Lia Diorio Gerken. Here they are on one of their educational field trips.
My littlest granddaughter--Annamarie (age 4)--is becoming quite the artist. Here is one of her beautiful paintings that she titled The Cherry Tree.
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NEW RELEASE!
I am excited to announce the release of my latest children's book, THE DANDELION PATCH. Meet Yolanda Riggins, the feisty, beloved old woman whose fight for right will leave your child's heart stirred and inspired to stand up for what's right and never to give up.
When Yolanda Riggins discovers that the government plans to build a new highway through her beloved dandelion patch, she rises up in protest and asserts her God-given right to private ownership of property. Will she
succeed against all odds to save her dandelion patch? Will tact, truth,
and tough love win the day for Yolanda and the children who love her?
Read this delightful book to find out!
BUY NOW in HARDCOVER
Makes a great gift for that special child in your life!
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Did You Know?
Did you know
that about 200,000 books are published each year in the United
States alone?
Did you know that the Bible is the most published book in the world?
Did you know that a percentage of all profits from MaryAnn's book sales goes to help orphans and widows?
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THE ITALIAN CHRONICLES TRILOGY
Discussion questions at the end of each book make these novels valuable choices for Book Clubs and Reading Groups.
Book 1:
The Madonna of Pisano
Book 2:
A Sicilian Farewell
Book 3:
Return to Bella Terra (Fall 2017)
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The Madonna of Pisano
Book One in The Italian Chronicles Trilogy
A young woman, a priest, and a secret that keeps them bitterly bound to each other . . .
What readers are saying . .
"
...masterfully woven and suspenseful plot, rich with flavor of the time and location...I was fully engaged to the last page." ~ Amazon Customer
"I fell in love with the characters and did not want the book to end." ~ Janice Sisemore, Book Reviewer
"Excellent read!...Beautifully written and a great reminder of the vast importance of forgiveness." ~ Alison Strittmatter, Personal Trainer
"From the first couple of pages my emotions were pushed into chaos...." ~ Amazon Customer
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A Sicilian Farewell
Book Two in
The Italian Chronicles Trilogy
A young man, a new land, and a dream that threatens to destroy him, his marriage, and his mission . . .
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GOD SPEAKS TO ME:
MEDITATIONS FROM GOD'S HEART TO YOURS
Have you ever wondered if God speaks to you? Well, I assure you He does! The problem is that we are not always listening.
In this inspiring book, Dr. MaryAnn Diorio records some of the messages God spoke to her over a ten-year period of journaling. These messages are for you, too. You will be blessed as you hear God's voice speaking directly to you. Each page has space to record your own messages from God.
A CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING
Christmas can be any day of the year with this heartwarming story of love and forgiveness. If you are looking for a quick read that deeply touches your heart, then
A Christmas Homecoming is the story for you.
When Sonia Pettit's 17-year-old daughter suddenly disappears, Sonia faces losing her mind, her family, and her faith.
Winner of the Silver Medal for eBook Fiction in the 2015 Illumination Books Awards Contest.
BUY NOW!
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SURRENDER TO LOVE
Can a past love keep Dr. Teresa Lopez Gonzalez from fulfilling God's will for her life? Read this story of one young woman's journey toward losing her life in order to find it.
BUY NOW!
PRINT FORMAT
KINDLE FORMAT
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Gifts for Children All Year Round!
New Baby! Birthdays! Christenings / Baptisms! Whatever the occasion, here are some gift ideas for the special children in your life.
WHO IS JESUS?
Children ask tough questions. Questions like, "Does Jesus still love me when I'm naughty." Dr. MaryAnn Diorio addresses these tough questions in this delightful book about the true character of Jesus the Messiah.
CANDLE LOVE
Keisha has a new baby sister. But Keisha doesn't want a new baby sister. She is afraid that Mama will love Tamara more than she loves Keisha...until Keisha learns a very powerful lesson about the meaning of love.
TOBY TOO SMALL
Toby Michaels is small. Too small to be of much good to anyone. But one day, he learns that it's not how big you are on the outside that matters; it's how big you are on the inside.
PRINT FORMAT
KINDLE FORMAT
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More Great Year-Round Gift Ideas!
The Daystar Devotional
Are you looking for encouragement in your daily walk with Jesus? Look no farther. The Daystar Devotional is the perfect companion to your daily Bible study and prayer time.
Compiled from six years' worth of published devotionals by MaryAnn Diorio, this book will inspire you, uplift you, and reveal to you deep truths from God's Word.
The Daystar Devotional is a perfect gift for family or friends.
BUY NOW!
PRINT FORMAT
KINDLE FORMAT
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Each month I will answer one of your questions about the writing life. Here is this month's question:
QUESTION: How long does it take you to write a novel?
ANSWER: It usually takes me one year to write a novel. Much preliminary work goes into writing a novel, especially if it is a historical novel. Historical novels require not only the plotting of an excellent story but also research about the period of history in which the novel is set. This research can take a considerable amount of time. I am blessed to have a husband who loves to do research for me, so his help saves me a lot of time.
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This month you can win a print copy of my popular book,YOU WERE MADE FOR GREATNESS!
To enter to win, please reply to this email and, in one or two sentences, tell me why you would like to win this book. I will announce the winner in the May issue of my author newsletter. So, send your entry now for a chance to win!
We had no entries for last month's contest, so please be sure to enter. Thanks!
Blessings for a Happy Spring
to my amazing Team!!
MaryAnn
P.S. Click here to listen to my podcast series,
P.S. Click here to listen to my podcast series for writers,
Write Your Heart Out!
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Recipe Rack
A Special Recipe for Resurrection Day
Photo by Libby Mondello. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.
Sicilian Easter Ring
(Ciambella Siciliana Pasquale)
(from the kitchen of my late sister, Linda Genova, and in her honor)
INGREDIENTS:
1 package active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (about 110º)
2/3 cup warm milk (about 110º)
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/3cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 3/4 - 4 cups all-purpose four
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
5 hard-cooked eggs, colored red or deep rose
(Use an egg-dye kit or food coloring.)
1 egg yolk beaten with 1 teaspoon water
In a large bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water and let stand for 5 minutes to soften. Stir in milk, butter, sugar, and salt until butter melts. Add 2 cups flour. Mix and blend.
With heavy-duty mixer or wooden spoon, beat until dough is elastic (about 5 minutes). Beat in cinnamon, vanilla, and eggs. Stir in about 1 1/2 cup flour to make a soft dough.
Turn out on a pastry board or pastry cloth floured with some of remaining flour. Knead until dough is smooth and springy and develops small bubbles just under the surface (15-20 minutes).
Place in a greased bowl. Turn dough to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1 1/2 hours).
Punch dough down, turn out onto floured surface and knead lightly just to release air. Divide into 3 equal portions.
Roll each portion to form a strip 25 inches long. Place strips side by side on a large greased baking sheet and braid loosely. Curve braid to make a circle, pinching ends tightly to seal.
At evenly spaced intervals, gently separate braid strands and press in the colored eggs (pointed ends down). Cover lightly and let rise until very puffy (40-45 minutes).
Brush bread lightly with egg yolk mixture. Bake in 350º oven until braid is richly browned and sounds hollow when tapped (30-35 minutes).
Let cool for at least 15 minutes on wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or cold.
Enjoy!
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