Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here.
First off I want to wish everyone a Happy Veterans Day and to thank all of our military members, both active and retired, for your service to our country. It is a day very close to my heart since not only am I married to a Navy veteran, but it is also the anniversary of the day my parents married. It would have been their 73rd anniversary today.
And just a note of trivia. I wanted to write the word Veterans with an apostrophe but knew that the official name did not include one. Since punctuation isn’t my strong suit, I looked it up and here is the official explanation: The holiday is not a day that “belongs” to one veteran or multiple veterans, which is what an apostrophe implies. It’s a day for honoring all veterans — so no apostrophe needed.
So now I know. 🙂
On the book front, if you’ve been keeping up with the posts here on the blog or over in the Reader Group, you know that we’ve got a fun new Christmas series coming – Christmas Stocking Sweethearts. I’ve been privileged to not only have one of the actual stories in the series, but to be able to write the Prequel as well. The prequel sets up the series by introducing you to Melody Nightingale, the remarkable woman who defied social conventions to become the town’s music teacher and in doing so touched the lives of many, many students. You’ll meet 8 of her students in particular, children who will grow up to be the hero or heroine of the other books in the series.
And as a special treat, from Nov 17th-21st the book will be available to you for free!! Because the book actually goes on sale on the 16th at 99 cents I suggest you DON’T preorder – Amazon wouldn’t let me set it for free the first day it’s available. Instead wait until the 17th to order it. But make sure you order it by the 21st because after that it goes back up to 99 cents!
Here is more info about the book
CHRISTMAS MELODY
Stitching melodies of love, one stocking at a time…
In 1854 Nightingale, Texas, nineteen-year-old Melody Nightingale feels trapped by her family’s expectations. As the only daughter of the town’s founding family, she’s expected to make an advantageous marriage and take her place in society. Instead of attending the endless round of tea parties, Melody longs to share her love of music with others. She also has no interest in the eligible suitors her mother parades before her, she’d much rather discuss her favorite books with shopkeeper John Hartley.
When she discovers her housekeeper’s daughter secretly playing the piano, Melody makes an impulsive decision to give the child lessons—a choice that defies the strict social boundaries of her time. And in doing so she helps shy young Zoe find her confidence through music.
Melody realizes she’s finally found her own path, one that leads far from her family’s carefully laid plans. Ignoring her parents’ disapproval, she becomes the town’s piano teacher. It’s a calling that she pursues with great enjoyment and passion, eventually touching the lives of hundreds of students. And perhaps even that kind-hearted shopkeeper…
This heartwarming story of love, music, and finding one’s true path launches the Christmas Stocking Sweethearts series, introducing readers to the remarkable woman whose handmade gifts will touch lives for decades to come!
Leave me a comment – about Veterans Day, the new Christmas Stocking Sweethearts series, or anything you feel like sharing – and you’ll be entered in a drawing for any of my backlist books as well as a little surprise gift.
Winnie Griggs is the author of Historical (and occasionally Contemporary) romances that focus on Small Towns, Big Hearts, Amazing Grace. She is also a list maker, a lover of dragonflies and holds an advanced degree in the art of procrastination.
Three of Winnie’s books have been nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, and one of those nominations resulted in a win.
Winnie loves to hear from readers. You can connect with her on facebook at www.facebook.com/WinnieGriggs.Author or email her at winnie@winniegriggs.com.
Both my brothers and all male cousins were veterans. My brothers were Marines and went home to glory 1 1/2 years apart. I miss my siblings. One cousin also during that time.
Both my brothers and all male cousins were veterans. My brothers were Marines and went home to glory 1 1/2 years apart. I miss my siblings. One cousin also during that time.
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My brother was too young – turned 18 just as the Viet Nam war was ending. But I had numerous cousins and uncles who served, And like in your family, some did not make it back.
The apostrophe after the S means the day of all veterans, so technically it should be written “Veterans’ Day.”
According to the website I checked an apostrophe signifies owning and the veterans don’t own the day they are honored by the day. Anyway that’s the explanation that was given
My father and brother are veterans. World War 2 and Viet Nam. I am so thankful for all the veterans. Love all your books.
I agree on the thankful part. And thanks so much for those kind words about my books!
My Dad and grandfather and many uncles were veterans. I also did ancestry and found that I had a relative was a British dragoon. I just finished reading an Amish christmas match, I loved it, are you going to tell the other brothers story?
Hi Rhonda. Yes I just completed Daniel’s story which will come out in the spring. And then I’m going to do lead eye story that will come out sometime in 2026. Not sure if I’ll do the other brothers or not
Good morning Winnie! I have 3 uncles who are veterans and a few cousins. I’ve been to the Vietnam Wall in Washington DC. Very emotional. I would love to see the WWI. Band of Brothers is one of my favorite war time movies.
Good luck on your books Winnie and your new one! Many blessings!
I’ve been to the Vietnam memorial as well, and as you say it’s a very emotional experience.
Thanks for the well wishes!
I am also married to a veteran, air force. My father was a veteran and husbands father both were in the army.
Please thank them for their service. And thank you for stopping by to leave a comment
Honoring Veterans should also mean meeting their needs post service…aka the VA.
And don’t get me started on pay scales for the enlisted personnel.
Totally agree!
My husband served in Korea and proud of his service. I did take piano lessons as an adult and didn’t advance pass book one.
He has every right to be proud! And good for you, I always wanted to learn to play an instrument
My hubby was in the Navy. I did take piano lessons.
Navy men are the best aren’t they? 🙂
And I’m surprised by how many folks actually did take piano lessons
My father, my husband and several of my cousins were in the military. Also my uncle and my husband’s brother all served.
What a patriotic family! Thank them for their service and also for the families who Love and supported them
I have several family members who were and are veterans. I just wish this country took better care of our veterans. A lot of them fall between the cracks.
You’re right, they deserve so much more
thanks for sharing this about the apostrophe. That is cool and very useful. My husband has an uncle who died in the Philippians. And his family still remembers him. My mother in law is in a memory care unit and my husband had put together a shadow box with his photo/photo of his unit/medals/etc. She keeps it in her bedroom and yes she still remembers her brother. We have a friend at church who is a veteran. He loves to help out where ever he can around church and because of “who” he is, many young people love talking to him about all kinds of things. We can see when he talks to these young people, his face lights up and he becomes animated more than normal.
What sweet memories to have
I have seven family members how served. My daughter wanted to but could not. She opted for the Peace Corps instead.
Wow, your daughter sounds like such a dedicated servant type personality. I know you’re proud of her
Thank you for sharing the apostrophe information. I was a “military brat” for most of my life. My Dad was a USAF Fighter Pilot and my first husband was also Air Force. Sadly, they have both “slipped the surly bonds of earth”. I was a teen/young adult during the Vietnam war era and experienced how shamefully our returning Veterans were treated. I am so very glad to see that our Veterans are now treated with the respect they deserve and pray that it continues to be so.
So sorry for your losses. And yes I hope that improved respect carries with it benefits for our veterans
My father is the Commander of the Honor Guard of his American Legion Post, and they’re doing a special remembrance today for Veterans Day.
He served in the US Army and Delaware National Guard. One brother also served.
Oh wow, I know you’re so proud of him!
Oh, my goodness, this book sounds so good!!! I know I’ll love it!! My Daddy, most of my uncles, and a lot of my cousins are all veterans! They well represented WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and no combats. They served in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. I know of many other veterans, too.
Thanks for those kind words about my book! I certainly hope you enjoy it .
And what a patriotic family! Thanks for all of your service
This book sounds wonderful! I put a note in my calendar so I will be sure to get it! Happy Veterans Day to all of our veterans, and thank you for your service.
Thank you! I certainly hope it lives up to your expectations. 🙂
This sounds like a very interesting book! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!
Thanks! And you’re quite welcome
Happy Veterans Day! My dad is a vet… he always displays this huge flag on the front of the house!
I love seeing American flags displayed!
My grandpa & uncles served in the military. My dad wasn’t allowed to because they were all there already.
The Sweetheart series sounds really good!
Sounds like you come from a very patriotic family!
And I’m so glad you like the premise for our new series
My grandmother had six boys that went out to fight in WWII. She was blessed that they all came home in one piece. Many saw things they would never discuss. They took those memories to the grave.
My Dad was in the army during the Cuban Missle Crisis. He ended up in a ship waiting for orders to proceed to war, but praise the Lord the order never came.
I think of all those who were not blessed to have their loved ones return home. I also think of all those who have come home with memories and flashbacks they cannot forget. Thank you all for your service.
It’s amazing how your grandmother’s family beat the odds that way. They are truly blessed. And yes there’s a lot of things my husband won’t talk about from his time in the service
My Dad is a veteran of the Army National Guard of course he’s been out of the Service for a while now
Happy Veterans Day
Looking forward to reading book in print format looks like a really good read
Thank your father for his service.
My book won’t be available in print right away, but I’m hoping to getting it up in print before Christmas.
My Dad is a veteran of the Army National Guard of course he’s been out of the Service for a while now
Happy Veterans Day
Looking forward to reading book in print format looks like a really good & interesting read
Thanks for running this giveaway, Winnie. Your new book sounds like an enjoyable read.
You’re quite welcome Mary. And thank you for those kind words
My husband is a veteran from the Vietnam war and afew years ago we saw the portable Vietnam memorial. My husband found some names on it of men he had served with.
Give your husband my thanks for his service to our country. And yes the memorial wall is a very touching experience
My husband is also a veteran. He served in the Army in Korea, during the Vietnam War. We had only been married 3-1/2 months when he got sent over there. Long 468 days. Please thank your husband for his service.
My dad and two of my brothers also served in the military. My third brother was unable to because of physical issues.
Love the cover on your book. It really looks wonderful and can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the chance to win.
Love Thanksgiving, especially when our family can be together. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Please thank your husband for his service to our country. And I’m so glad you like the concept of our stories for this series. Hope you enjoy my book.
And you’re quite welcome for the giveaway, good luck
Thanks for a really interesting post. I don’t have any family members who served. I took piano lessons for several years growing up until I went to high school but now I don’t think that I remember how to play.
Glad you enjoyed the post. And yes there are talents and skills I had in my younger days that I’ve lost because I never use them, so I know what you mean
Wishing all the veteran’s a Happy Veteran’s Day. This includes my hubby who served in the Navy, father who served in the Army during the Vietnam War and my father-in-law who served in the Air Force.
Please express My appreciation to the members of your family who served and for those who supported them.
interesting series
As are most people of my/our generation, most of our uncles and dads served in the military. Because of the draft, many of our generation of husbands and brothers are also veterans. Now, there are so few serving, the numbers pf veterans is dwindling and those who celebrate or understand it are getting fewer. The biggest change is the number of women who are becoming veterans. Let us hope we never forget just how much we owe them.
I am looking forward to the Christmas Stocking Sweethearts series. When you ladies get together to write, the results are always enjoyable. I look forward to reading the stories. I have had little time to read the past couple of months, but hopefully will ease up a little. (The flood response had just more or less finished for direct RC work and we got called out for a 33 unit apartment fire.). A series of relatively short stories is exactly what I can handle right now.
Can’t believe I typed this yesterday and forgot to submit it. Actually, that is pretty much how things have gone lately. Too much going on.