Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Spotlight on "Love Connects Us All"


Join me in wishing a "Happy BOOK Birthday" to my author friend Michelle Medlock Adams! 

Her new children's book, Love Connects Us All, releases today! She's here to share the story behind her book and offer a copy of it to the winner of the book giveaway contest. 

The contest is for U.S. residents only. If you live in the USA, you can enter the contest via the Rafflecopter widget toward the end of this guest blog post. Meanwhile, enjoy Michelle's story!

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The story behind “Love Connects Us All” by Michelle Medlock Adams

I love sharing my children’s books at schools across the country. This past year, I had the privilege of reading my Christmas picture book, “Dachshund Through the Snow” to several elementary classes the week before holiday break. There’s a part in my book where Crosby, the littlest dachshund in all of Diggityville, is bullied because of his tiny stature. I always stop after that scene and ask, “Have any of you ever been bullied?” Unfortunately, far too many hands go up after I ask that question, and this particular day was no different.

I had just finished reading the final page when the bell rang, and the students began lining up to return to their classrooms, except for one little girl. She hung back and inched her way toward my book table.

“Mrs. Adams, I was bullied…because I don’t have a mom,” the little girl said in a shaky voice.

I knelt down and hugged her.

“Honey, I’m so sorry that happened to you, but you know what? You are so loved by your dad, and you are also loved by God! That’s a lot of love, isn’t it?”

She nodded her head and gave me a little smile before rejoining her classmates. As I waved goodbye to the students, I prayed that God would heal that little girl’s heart, and I thanked Him for allowing me to be there that day.

That encounter was confirmation that God had truly given me the words for my upcoming picture book, “Love Connects Us All”—a book featuring all different kids of families with the overall message that each one of us is a part of God’s big, beautiful family.

I wrote this book because I wanted all children—like the little girl who came from a single-parent household—to find themselves in the pages of my book and celebrate their special families.

Two verses of “Love Connects Us All” says:

“I’m thankful for my family—

this one that God designed.

My family might be different,

but it’s my favorite kind.” 


“And there is more to praise Him for—

I’m in God’s family, too!

I am a precious child of God.

And guess what? So are you!”

The book ends with a special prayer: “Thank You, God, for my family. It’s not like any other family—that’s what makes it so special! I am so grateful for the love we share. And I’m so thankful because I’m in Your family, God. Amen.”

Our words, whether written for children or adults, hold great power. They can encourage, empower, educate, and comfort our readers. They can bring much-needed laughter, and they can provide a temporary escape into the world of story. As Christian writers, we can make a difference, and just knowing that fact, should drive us to put in the hours studying the craft, learning the market, revising and rewriting, praying over every word, and promoting our books so they can go everyplace they were intended to go and do the work they were destined to do.

I’m not saying that as Christian writers we are expected to have all the answers, but I am saying this—we know the One who does! He can help us help our readers! And it’s our privilege to hold the hands of our readers and walk them through these difficult situations.

Because love really does connect us all.

~*~
Author Bio:

Michelle Medlock Adams is a best-selling author and an award-winning journalist, earning top honors from the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Hoosier State Press Association to name a few. 


Author of over 100 books with more than 4 million books sold, Michelle is also a New York Times Bestselling ghostwriter and has won more than 90 industry awards for her own journalistic endeavors. 

Since graduating with a journalism degree from Indiana University, Michelle has written more than 1,700 articles for newspapers, magazines, and websites; acted as a stringer for the Associated Press; written for a worldwide ministry; hosted “Joy In Our Town” for the Trinity Broadcasting Network; blogged twice weekly for Guideposts; written a weekly column for a Midwest newspaper; founded and served as president of Platinum Literary Services; and served as an adjunct professor in the Professional Writing Program at Taylor University. 

Today, she is Chairman of the Board of Advisors for Serious Writer, Inc.; senior editor of her very own children’s book imprint “Wren & Bear Books”—a division of End Game Press; and a much sought-after speaker at professional writing conferences and women’s retreats all over the United States.

When not working on her own assignments, Michelle ghostwrites articles, blog posts, and books for celebrities, politicians, and some of today’s most effective and popular ministers.

Michelle is celebrating her recent releases: Dachshund Through the Snow, Springtime For Your Spirit, Our God is Bigger Than That!, I Love You to the Sun and Beyond and Fly High.

Michelle is married to her high school sweetheart, Jeff, and they have two daughters, Abby and Allyson, two sons-in-law, four granddaughters and two grandsons. She and Jeff share their home in Southern Indiana with two miniature dachshunds and two spoiled kitties.

When not writing or teaching writing, Michelle enjoys bass fishing, cheering on Indiana University sports teams, watching Doris Day movies, and all things leopard print.

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Back Cover Copy for Love Connects Us All


What is a family made of?

It can be hard to describe sometimes … but every family has the same thing: love!

Whether someone has step siblings or has lived in foster care or no matter what the size of their family—love connects everyone. It’s moms and dads and pets and friends, and aunts and uncles, too. It’s grandparents and godparents—The ones who treasure you.

In eloquently written rhyme, Michelle Medlock Adams helps readers to see family in a new light. That family isn’t determined by DNA or location—but by the precious love given and received. 

After all, we’re all part of a beautiful family of a very loving God.

~*~
U.S. Residents ONLY may enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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