FALL  2023 ISSUE

News from Viola

A warm harvest hug to you! We have now entered the season of pumpkin spice and everything nice!

We have gone from #Pure Michigan cherry themes connected to my summer novel, Famous in a Small Town, to the launching of the holiday season with my new novel, The Wishing Bridge!

Thanks for all of your support and for reading Famous in a Small Town. This summer it was such fun connecting with old friends and new while on book tour! You truly made me feel famous in your town. I have now been writing the Viola Shipman novels since 2016! Seven years of writing, storytelling and book events. We have all made it through elections and pandemics — and we still are here! I feel like the Viola Shipman community is family. We have all grown to be friends, and as I share my memories with you, you all share yours with me. I am forever grateful for the bond we have.

I am thrilled to announce the November 7th release (tomorrow!) of my new Christmas novel, The Wishing Bridge. Some have said it’s like a Hallmark movie in a book.

About The Wishing Bridge

With unabashed winter charm, The Wishing Bridge sparkles with the humor and heart that fans of Kristy Woodson Harvey, Nancy Thayer and Jenny Colgan love most.

Once the hottest mergers and acquisitions executive in the company, Henrietta Wegner can see the ambitious and impossibly young up-and-comers gunning for her job. When Henri’s boss makes it clear she’ll be starting the New Year unemployed unless she can close a big deal before the holidays, Henri impulsively tells him that she can convince her aging parents to sell Wegner’s — their iconic Frankenmuth, Michigan, Christmas store — to a massive, soulless corporation. It’s the kind of deal that cool, corporate Henri has built her career on.

Home for the holidays has typically meant a perfunctory 24-hour visit for Henri, then back to Detroit as fast as her car will drive her. So turning up at the Wegner’s offices in early December raises some eyebrows: from her delighted, if puzzled, parents to her suspicious brother and curious childhood friends. But as Henri fields impatient texts from her boss while reconnecting with the magic of the store and warmth of her hometown, what sounded great in the boardroom begins to lose its luster in real life. She’s running out of time to pull the trigger on what could be the greatest success of her career…or the most awkward family holiday of her life.

And....
It's Two Books in One!

In 2016, I wrote my very first Christmas novella entitled Christmas Angels. It was released just after my very first Viola Shipman novel, The Charm Bracelet. At the time, this lovely, little story just sort of came and went. Now, I’m thrilled to announce that Christmas Angels is being re-released as part of The Wishing Bridge. Currently, it's unavailable for purchase on its own and can only be purchased as part of The Wishing Bridge! 

Here's the Video Trailer for The Wishing Bridge

Praise for The Wishing Bridge

It has been receiving wonderful early reviews

I’m absolutely thrilled that The Wishing Bridge has been named:

“A Best Christmas book of Christmas 2023” -- Reader’s Digest

“One of the Coziest Books to Snuggle Up With This Fall & Winter” -- The Knot, the world's leading wedding and celebration website

“A Best Christmas Gift for 2023!” -- Hour Detroit Magazine

"Full of nostalgia for the charms of a simple, small-town life full of friends and family, this heartwarming holiday tale is sure to please readers who want a gentle, cozy Christmas read in the vein of a Hallmark movie." -- Booklist 

“With emotional depth and nostalgic charm, Viola Shipman weaves a story that reminds us of the power of love, family, and the magic that surrounds us during this special time of year. The Wishing Bridge is a heartwarming and enchanting tale that captures the true spirit of the holiday season.” -- New York Times Bestselling Author RaeAnne Thayne

"Viola Shipman has a magical way with words and emotions, making the reader a part of the story. You're there, experiencing it all in wonderful, nostalgic ways." -- New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster

The Wishing Bridge is Set in America’s
Cutest Christmas Town!

Ho-Ho-How cool is this? What town is annually named as one of the Prettiest American Towns to Visit at Christmas and Winter? Frankenmuth, Michigan! The setting for The Wishing Bridge!

It's recently been named by Country Living, Travel + Leisure, U.S. News and World Report, House Beautiful, PARADE Magazine and so many others as the quintessential American village, especially at the holidays! It is not only quaint and beautiful but is filled with independent businesses and people you won't find anywhere else. That's why I chose it for The Wishing Bridge! And that's why this town will touch your heart and soul and, I believe, remain a part of you long after you finish The Wishing Bridge!

Headed On Tour

I would love to see you when I am  on tour! I have upcoming events in Michigan, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina. 

The Wishing Bridge Contest 

On Sunday, November 12th, one lucky winner will receive more than $200.00 in prizes!

• $100.00 Gift Card to Forever Books (They ship anywhere in the US.)
• $65.00 Christopher Radko Shiny Bright Holiday Ornaments
• $38.00 Viola Shipman and Urban Vine Holiday Tea Sampler Box

To be eligible and to enter:

1. Purchase a copy of The Wishing Bridge before midnight on November 11th!
   (Paperback, e-book or audio only count)
    
2. E-mail gary@violashipman.com the following:

• A copy of your receipt
• Your name and mailing address!

PLEASE NOTE: If you have already pre-ordered the book and emailed Gary for a previous contest, you also are entered in this one.

Open to US readers only.

Order The Wishing Bridge Now

Gary's Mom

Many of you may know that this past July after my book tour, Gary lost his sweet Mom, Patty. Gary’s Mom was all things Christmas! She was not only a wonderful mother and grandmother but also a fabulous baker and decorator! She would deck the halls and make the most wonderful family meals! I am so grateful she was part of my life for over 27 years.

The reason I write my novels is to share the stories and memories of family members. Now more than ever this rings true as Gary shares his memories and stories of his beautiful mother.

Gary wanted to share one of his favorite recipes from his Mom: Her famed snickerdoodle cookies. Gary is an avid baker himself, but he has never made snickerdoodle cookies because his Mom always made them for him. This Holiday season, Gary and I will be making them together in honor of his Mom. I hope you love them just as much!

Coming Soon: Viola Shipman Holiday Products!!! Bookmarks & Ornaments

Now Available: Holiday Passport Tea Book

We have paired up with Urban Vine tea to create a Holiday Passport tea book. Amy Vine has created a special holiday tea to match each of my six holiday books and novellas along with a beautiful handmade star holiday ornament! The box is reusable in so many ways, including a safe way to store your holiday ornaments.

Six unique companion teas lovingly crafted to envelop you in Viola Shipman’s novels this holiday season.

“Steep” into another world with your favorite Viola novel and a bag of Urban Vine tea.

 Included in this set:

• Frosted Gingerbread
• Nutcracker “Suite”
• Orange Holiday Spice
• Salted Caramel Chai
• Pink Lady
• Winter Wonderland

I hope during your busy holiday schedule you take some time for yourself, wrap up in your favorite blanket in front of the fire or tree, and read The Wishing Bridge. Remember the importance of creating new memories and traditions, while a holding onto a lifetime of special family memories.

Come Home to Viola Shipman!

P.S. If you are feeling down or lonely during the holidays --- or just want to celebrate them with us — always remember you can tune in to Wine & Words with Wade on the Viola Shipman Facebook Page every Thursday at 6:30pm ET. We will be there to lift your spirits with author chats, holiday craft nights and a visit from Santa during our online Holiday Office Party!

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