Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Spirit of Christmas

Pumpkins may still be in the patch, but Christmas and the holidays are already upon us, and CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL: THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS - 101 JOYFUL HOLIDAY STORIES is sure to strike a cheerful holiday mood!

I'm pleased to share a personal essay with this collection. In "Meatballs...for Thanksgiving?" (page 26), I demonstrate how a turkey feast might be the norm on most Thanksgiving tables, but variations on the feast can be equally welcomed.

In addition to my essay, this inspiring, heart-warming anthology features 100 more stories that 'Deck the Halls' by tackling themes that extol gratitude, treasured traditions, holiday hiccups and miracles, getting creative amidst the joy of giving and selecting perfect presents, and experiencing the magic of the season through the wonderment of children. All bases are covered...These entertaining stories are the perfect literary pairing for the holidays!  

CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL: THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS makes a great gift for yourself and/or for those you love. Pick up a copy today!

Note: Royalties from this book benefit Toys for Tots

Happy Reading!

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to all!

Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Spirit of Christmas - 101 Joyful Holiday Stories– edited by Amy Newmark

Chicken Soup for the Soul, $16.99 paperback, 368 pages, 978-1611591262

Publication date October 24, 2025

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Chicken Soup for the Soul: What I Learned from My Cat

Cats (and pets of all kinds) “keep us company, provide unconditional love, and share the ups and down of our lives.”  

In the latest anthology published by Chicken Soup for the Soul (What I Learned from My Cat), I’m pleased to share a personal story (“Kat in Wonderland”) about how a clever, quirky cat cast a spell on me…Yes, dog lovers can be charmed by felines! 

To read my story and 100 others, buy a copy of this hopeful, inspirational book today! 

Happy Reading!  

Chicken Soup for the Soul: What I Learned from My Cat – edited by Amy Newmark

Chicken Soup for the Soul, $16.99 paperback, 368 pages, 978-1611591217

Publication date May 20, 2025

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Chicken Soup for the Soul: 101 Ways to Think Positive

Your attitude is a powerful tool for creating a happier life…and nowadays, couldn’t everyone benefit from a little more positive thinking? That’s why I encourage you to read the latest Chicken Soup for the Soul anthology that features 101 personal essays written by real people who have reacted to the ups and downs of life—and how employing a positive attitude helped them create a happier life.

I’m pleased to have an essay included in this anthology—a story that explores the power of finding silver linings…I hope by sharing my experience, others will be inspired to think more positively about their own lives.

 

Order a copy today!  Happy Reading! 

 

Chicken Soup for the Soul: 101 Ways to Think Positive – edited by Amy Newmark

Chicken Soup for the Soul, $16.99 paperback, 368 pages, 978-1611591071

Publication date January 7, 2025

 

To order this book on Amazon, link HERE

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To learn more about Chicken Soup for the Soul - books and other related media - link HERE

 

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Read, Laugh, Repeat: 101 Laugh-Out-Loud Stories

With all the craziness "plaguing" the world right now (pun intended :), it's my pleasure to contribute a story to the latest Chicken Soup for the Soul anthology: READ. LAUGH. REPEAT: 101 Laugh-Out-Loud Stories.

In "Making a Splash" (p. 30) my beloved--however agoraphobic--Yorkshire terrier (more like "terrorist") becomes flushed with fear and hides in a harrowing, totally unexpected place. Ugh! 

This collection is a "best of" volume that will lighten your mood, help you escape and make you laugh!

Order a copy today! 

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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Read, Laugh, Repeat: 101 Laugh-Out-Loud Stories - Edited by Amy Newmark

Chicken Soup for the Soul, $14.95, Paperback, 9781611590753

Publication Date: May 4, 2021

To order this book on INDIEBOUND, link HERE

Friends: Voices on the Gift of Companionship

Pleased to have an essay featured in a new anthology: FRIENDS: VOICES ON THE GIFT OF COMPANIONSHIP (edited by Amy Lou Jenkins). This moving compilation of 24 stories examines the meaning of both having and being a friend. 

My essay, "Little Black Marks," conveys the story of a life-changing friendship that grew out of a fondness for storytelling and a love of the written word...the power of putting letters on a page and having those letters give meaning and form to life and living. 

As the dedication of the anthology reads, some gifts of friendship endure for "a day, for a season or last a lifetime." But stories...they're forever!

This tender, inspirational anthology would make a great gift for a friend you cherish or to read with your book club. 

Friends: Voices on the Gift of Companionship edited by Amy Lou Jenkins

Jack Walker Press, $14.99 Paperback, 9781945378089, 238 pages

Publication Date: October 14, 2020

To order this book via INDIEBOUND, link HERE

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Think Positive, Live Happy

My story, “Reach Out,” has been included in the latest installment of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive, Live Happy: 101 Stories about Creating Your Best Life. This anthology, edited by Amy Newmark and Deborah Norville (Emmy Award-winning anchor/journalist of Inside Edition), is a collection of hopeful, inspiring stories about living a life filled with thoughtfulness and gratitude. My piece presents a lesson about not being afraid to reach out and do something nice for someone, even a stranger. Sometimes we second-guess ourselves, we hesitate, because we wonder if our outreach will be welcome. But in the case of the experience I share in my story, by taking a simple photograph and sharing it, two lives were changed in very special ways. This collection would make a perfect gift for the upcoming holidays…HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive, Live Happy (101 Stories about Creating Your Best Life) edited by Amy Newmark and Deborah Norville

Chicken Soup for the Soul Books (distributed by Simon and Schuster), $16.00 Paperback, 9781611599923, 368 pp

Publication Date: September 24, 2019

To order this book via INDIEBOUND, link HERE

Norbert's Little Lessons for a Big Life

The lighthearted wisdom of a three pound, mixed-breed therapy dog is shared in a beautifully photographed, inspirational book.


"I believe your every little thought, word, and deed can make a BIG difference in the world." That's the motto of Norbert, a lovable, three pound, mixed breed who has become a social media phenomena. In his eight short years of life, this registered therapy dog has served up hearty doses of comfort and joy to children; the ill, the aged and infirm; and the homeless. He's brought smiles and support to countless individuals and charitable organizations such as the Best Friends Animal Society, Marine Toys for Tots and the Amerman Family Foundation Dog Therapy Program at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.


A born emotional philanthropist, Norbert's social media and literary career have thrived under the love, care and devotion of Julie Steines and Virginia Freyermuth—Julie's Mom; a teacher, fine artist and PhD.  Julie and Virginia co-wrote three picture books for children: Norbert: What Can Little Me Do?, Norbert: What Can Little You Do? and Norbert & Lil Bub: What Can Little We Do?  It seems providential that when Julie and Norbert later appeared on the Home & Family TV show (Hallmark Channel) to promote their books, Julie first met her future husband, Mark Steines, the Emmy Award-winning host of the program and an accomplished photographer whose work cleverly captures Norbert's cuteness in Norbert's Little Lessons for a Big Life.


In this latest book, Norbert's human entourage pair the philosophical wisdom of the little dog--sharing lessons Norbert has learned, in his own words--with 50 adorable photographs depicting the ways this four-legged emotional philanthropist continues to bring joy and make others smile.


Norbert, little pink tongue perpetually sticking out sideways from lost teeth, spouts sentiments like: "You are wonderful just the way you are." A photo of Norbert after having been hosed off in the summer sunshine, trying to dry himself off by flinging water droplets everywhere, is accompanied by, "When your enthusiasm gets dampened, just shake it out." Another shot shows Norbert and a beautiful Golden retriever donning hats, the two sprawled on a colorful beach chaise, paired with the thought, "Hang out with friends who make you laugh and help you enjoy life."


The goal of the book is to inspire others toward thoughtfulness, kindness and gratitude.  No doubt, once children and adults peruse the many cute and cuddly sides of Norbert--and his endearingly simple messages of hope and resilience--even more joy and delight will be spread into the world.





Norbert's Little Lessons for a Big Life by Julie Steines (Author), Virginia Freyermuth (Author), Mark Steines (Photographer)  

North Star Way (Simon and Schuster Publishing), $12.99 Hardcover,  9781501187315, 144 pages

Publication Date: October 10, 2017

To order this book on INDIEBOUND, link HERE