A Different Kind of Bookstore

Welcome to Home Grown Books, a unique bookstore created by authors. Home Grown Books is dedicated to showcasing self-published authors. We offer readers a rare opportunity to discover new talent and to read books not found in traditional bookstores. We also provide a venue for authors to get their self-published books into the hands of the public. All the authors and artists are from or have connections to the Ozarks and represent a wide variety of genres.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

New Arrival For December

Footsteps Out of Darkness
The Annabelle Kindig Story


Authors:  Annabelle Kindig Miglia wrote Footsteps Out of Darkness with author Joyce Godwin Grubbs. Her true story is  one of survival and braver after being kidnapped along with her friend Jessica Shaffner in 1972.

Title: Footsteps Out of Darkness
Genre: Nonfiction/TureLife
Book: Annabelle Kindig lived life as an unremarkable ten-year-old girl in the scheme of things. She was a typical American girl next door with a new friend, Jessica Schaffner. On this day, Annabelle s 11th birthday, life could not get any better. Her party had exceeded expectations and now she was walking her good friend half way home five blocks while reminiscing. The girls had the giggles despite the cold weather and snow they trudged through. When the motor home pulled alongside them they laughed as they acknowledged to each other they had seen the driver earlier and it was a man, dressed as a woman in a wig. Their entertainment at that moment never allowed for a red flag or for a moment of concern. This was a perfect day. Annabelle and Jessica never knew they were at a fork in the road as the motor home eased to the curb. Their next steps would forever change their lives and it would not be until Annabelle was fifty, that the entire story would be known and told. This is because the events of that day were not the story but the beginning of a journey; to heal and become whole. Indeed, Annabelle Kindig s story could not be told until now; first, she had to live it.

Congratulations


Congratulations to Sharon Rushton. Her novel, No Paved Road To Freedom received three awards in 2012.

Gold Medal for Historical Fiction 2012
            Flags and Stars Military Book Awards
Book of the Month – February 2012
            The Military Writers Society of America
Bronze Medal for Historical Fiction Book of the Year 2012
The Military Writers Society of America





Author: Veteran freelance writer Sharon Rushton has been honored with numerous awards throughout her career. Her magazine articles have appeared in U.S. and Canadian publications. Originally from Colorado, she lives on Table Rock Lake in Missouri with her husband and two dogs.





Title: No Paved Road To Freedom
Genre: Historical FictionNonfiction
Book: No Paved Road To Freedom is a gripping and emotional story that humanizes the impact of communist occupation in Romania after World War II. It is relevant, it inspires, and it reminds us that freedom is precious. Based on a true story, it documents the extraordinary courage of Cornel Dolana and his family as they pay an incredible price for resisting communism. Cornel makes up his mind to escape the oppression and uses his ingenuity to put his plan in place. His fortitude keeps him moving toward his goal, despite enduring enormous setbacks, brutality, and extreme outdoor elements that few humans could survive. No Paved Road To Freedom is available at amazon.com.





New Arrival for December

Helpful Household Hints

By
Kathy Brown and Schyrlet Cameron

Authors: Kathy Brown and Schyrlet Cameron are sisters. They both live in the Ozark hills with their husbands. They hope you will share the helpful hints and tips found in this book with friends and family.

Title: Helpful Household Hints
Genre: Nonfiction
Description: Helpful Household Hints is a treasure trove of practical advice learned at Grandma's knee.  It is packed with shortcuts, practical advice, ingenious ideas, how-to information, and hundreds of great ideas all designed to save time and trouble.

·         Page after page of useful tips provide busy mothers with quick-fixes and shortcuts for cleaning, cooking, laundry, and more!
·         A time-saving and cost-saving guide; you'll find yourself keeping it within easy reach.
·         A nice gift that is helpful all year long!  Great for stocking stuffer, a must have book for new brides or new mothers, and great graduation gifts for young adult going off to college.

Household Helpful Hints is available at Home Grown Books stores or by contacting Schyrlet Cameron at cschyrlet@yahoo.com.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

New Arrival for November

Jack the Rat and His Funny Little Hat
By
Mary White

Author: Growing up on a farm just outside of Safford, Arizona, May White had more animals than friends. When she would get picked on or teased by other children, her mother would draw pictures and tell her stories of brave animals and how they dealt with similar situations. She carried on this tradition with her children and grandchildren. She still has lots of pets on a small parcel of land near Ash Grove, Missouri, where she watches the squirrels and rabbits play, and she imagines all the wonderful things they talk about.



Title: Jack the Rat and His Funny Little Hat
Genre: Fiction/Children
Book Description: Jack the Rat does it all in his hat! He plays, eats, and even sleeps in that cap. But one day a strong wind comes along and Jack’s favorite hat is quickly gone. The book is available at amazon.com.



Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Step into the World of Spirits and the Unknown

Meet Local Mystery and Suspense Authors  
Branson Ghost and Legends Tour
103 S Business 65
Friday, October 26 • 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

 

CC Brown
Dark Side
CC Brown is the pseudonym adopted by the three authors: Schyrlet Cameron, Carolyn Craig, and Kathy Brown. They are authors of both fiction and nonfiction books.


Harriett Ford
Frankly Madame, I Don’t Give a Dear
Author Harriett Ford is a veteran newspaper reporter and columnist. She has authored both fictional suspense and true crime.
www.deniedevidence.com


Ann Charlotte
Spellbound
Author Ann Charlotte has been writing stories from an early age. Encouraged by her Creative Writing professor, she has pursued her dream of a career as an author.
www.anncharlottleenterprises.com 



 
Wesley Fox
The Dark Craft
Author Wesley Fox cites unexplainable events in his childhood that compelled him to write about the paranormal and supernatural. A Branson resident, Fox also works for the Branson Ghost & Legends Tours.
 

These books are available at amazon.com.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Congratulations!

"Until the End of Time" Recorded in Nashville

Contemporary singer/songwriter Bob Senninger has been writing songs since 1973. In 1984, Bob recorded the songs "Just One Life To Live" and "Special Song.”  In 1985, "Special Song,” was aired on KKBL FM radio in Monett, Missouri.  Since their release, both melodies have become popular wedding ceremony songs.

Over the past several years, his music has turned from Christian love song to a more general style of ballad. He claims to be right next to the radio host “Delilah” as the “King of Sap.”

Bob’s first CD, Love Notes -Together Forever, was released in 2007 by Harmony One Music Studio. The CD is a collection of “love notes” and “love songs” straight from the heart. Love Notes -Together Forever is available at homegrownbookstore.webs.com.  


In 2012, the CD Pop ‘n Country produced in Nashville, Tennessee by George McClure and released by JIP Recordings features “Until the End of Time,” a song written by Bob. The CD is a collection of original pop-flavored songs that will stick in your mind. Pop ‘n Country is available on iTunes, jiprecords.com, and cdbaby.com.

Friday, September 28, 2012

New Arrival for October

Yama the Llama
by
Karla Lowe-Phelps

Author: Karla Lowe-Phelps, the author of the Yama the Llama series, loves working with her husband, Russel on their cattle ranch in Southwest Missouri. Together they raise registered Black Angus for breeding stock. Her favorite times of the year are Spring and Fall when the calves are born. She says, "It is so much fun to watch new calves run through the pastures, almost as much fun as watching the antics of new kittens in the barn!"

She and Russel have traveled nationally and internationally, meeting people and llamas in as varied places as Conway, Missouri and Belo Horizonte, Brazil! Karla was surprised to meet llamas in Australia. She especially adored one llama named Hannah, who was very loving and who inspired the drawings of Yama.

Karla is passionate about children. She believes that showing children that they are the beloved creation of God is as essential to their growth as good nutrition. She and Russel raised three sons who are, now, the fathers of their 5 grandchildren. They have also supported eight children through ChildFund. Yama the Llama is dedicated to her grandchildren and the children of ChildFund. A portion of every book sold goes to support the health and education of Third World mothers and children.

Karla is a registered nurse. She uses her skills and knowledge as a volunteer with her church in the both children's and health ministries, International Volunteers in Mission, Red Cross and school nursing.





Title: Yama the Llama off to Bethlehem and Yama the Llama off to Jerusalem
Genre: Children/Christian
Description: Yama the Llama series: These books beautifully tell of two great event: the birth and death of Jesus. Simply written from the heart, it relates the journey of Yama the little llama, whose own pure and trusting heart takes him on the grandest of quests. Children will be captivated by this simple tale. A sweet treat for the coming season - with a warm message at the center. Both books are available at Amazon.com.

New Arrival for October

The Dark Craft
by
Wesley Fox




Author: Wesley Fox grew up in the four state areas of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. He now resides in Branson, Missouri with his family. Unexplainable events that happened to him as a child compelled him to write about the paranormal. When not writing, Wesley enjoys being a guide for the Branson Ghost & Legends Tours.





Title: The Dark Craft
Genre: Suspense/Mystery
Description: For Amber McCall, getting out of an abusive relationship meant moving away from her old life and starting over. After finding her dream home, Amber was enthusiastic about her new life. The one thing missing was her friends from back home. Soon strange events begin to unfold, and her dream home turns out to be a terrifying nightmare. After being chased from her new home by something evil, she has no choice but to call on her friends for help. The Dark Craft is available at Amazon.com.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Not So Square Arts and Literary Festival


 Artwork, performance, dance, literature, food, and fun all came together Saturday, September 8 in Mt. Vernon. The Not So Square Arts and Literary Festival was held at the Mt. Vernon Arts and Recreation Center (MARC). The one-of-a kind Missouri Festival was a great success. Several members of Home Grown Books displayed and sold books.




Kristen Hawkins artist and author of Generations of Chains











David Gerard author of God’s Acres and Judge Not






   
  

Dan Trogdon cartoonist and author of And So It Goes

2012 Best of Show Award

Kathy Brown of Home Grown Books presents local author Susann Stark the Best of Show award for the Not So Square Arts and Literary Festival held Saturday, September 8 in Mt. Vernon, Missouri.  Susann is author of Temptation with Luggage, a Christian romance.  Temptation with Luggage is available at KeenBean Coffee Roasters or at Amazon.com as a paper back, hardback or eBook.

Monday, August 6, 2012

A Red, White, and Blue July Celebration

Girls’ Night out
MAGGIE MAE’S TEAROOM
206 West 4th Street, Miller, Missouri


The Americana Celebration was hosted by Marsha Hill, owner of Maggie Mae’s Tearoom, and Home Grown Books. A winning combination of friends, great food, and fun was a big hit with the ladies.




Guests were treated to Mary Boll’s famous apple cake. Mary is author the of the MeMa’s Manna Cookbook series. The books are a collection of recipes that have delighted family and friends from northern Missouri down to the entertainment Mecca of Branson, Missouri. The books are available on Amazon.com.




Virginia of Virginia’s Vacation Travel presented information on sightseeing tours, cruises, and vacation packages including Amtrak.
       



Guests sampled the world Famous “Healthier Coffee,” Organo Gold.      

New Arrival For August

5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado
&
Spirit of Hope: The Year After the Joplin Tornado
by
Randy Turner and John Hacker


Authors: Randy Turner and John Hacker
Randy Turner is an eighth grade English teacher at Joplin East Middle School. Prior to entering the educational field, Turner was a reporter and editor at various Southwest Missouri newspapers for more than two decades, receiving more than 100 national, state, and regional awards, including 30 for investigative reporting. He is the author of four books, two novels, Small Town News and Devil's Messenger and two non-fiction, Newspaper Days and The Turner Report.

John Hacker is the award-winning managing editor of The Carthage Press, and former editor of the Joplin Daily. Hacker, a graduate of Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, has been one of the top reporters and photographers in Missouri for the past two decades, with a reputation for covering breaking news. Hacker is recognized as a top weather photographer and has had numerous lightning photos exhibited.

Titles: 5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado 
Genre: True Life/Inspirational
Book Description: In 5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado Veteran southwest Missouri reporters, Randy Turner and John Hacker, tell the story of Joplin from tornado to triumph. At 5:41 p.m. May 22, 2011, the deadliest single tornado to hit the United States in 50 years tore its way through Joplin, Missouri. By the time it completed its murderous course, 160 lives were lost, and those who survived have stories they can tell for the rest of their lives. The book features photos taken by Hacker within moments of the deadly tornado and details about some of the horrific moments that came to symbolize May 22, 2011, in Joplin, Missouri.

Titles: Spirit of Hope: The Year After the Joplin Tornado
Genre: True Life/Inspirational

Book Description: Spirit of Hope: The Year After the Joplin Tornado The EF-5 tornado that ripped through the heart of Joplin, Missouri, May 22, 2011, killed 161 people and damaged one-third of the community. What it did not do was destroy the indomitable nature of the people who live in this city of 50,000. Spirit of Hope: The Year After the Joplin Tornado tells the story of how Joplin residents began the rebuilding process almost immediately. The heroes of this book are many- not just the leaders whose faces became familiar on local and national news, but the volunteers from Joplin and the world. Spirit of Hope, the follow-up book to 5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado, is the inspirational story  of the city that would not die.

5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado and Spirit of Hope: The Year the Joplin Tornado are both available at Amazon.com. 
 

New Arrival for July

And So It Goes
by
Dan Trogdon

   

Author: Dan is a native of Missouri who lived for a few years in Massachusetts, before returning to Missouri to finish his teaching career.  He credits the comedian, Steve Martin, with sparking his interest in comedy and his appreciation for that which is absurd.  He plans to continue cartooning with the intent of producing more collections. An avowed porch sitter, he can oftentimes be found in the evening sitting on his back patio just watching the world go by.

Title: And So It Goes
Genre: Humor/Satire
Book Description: And So It Goes is a collection of cartoons that take a humorous look at our world. And So It Goes is available at the following website: www.andsoitgoescartoons.com

Thursday, May 31, 2012

New Arrival for June


A Love Story: How God Pursued Me and Found Me
by
Samantha Ryan Chandler 

Author: Those who grow up with the knowledge of God’s love know that He is there to guide them in their life. Even in bad times, they know that God will help them see things through and come out better when the trials have ended. But what about those who have not been raised with God in their lives?

Samantha Ryan Chandler knows about living without God. Or at least she thought. In A Love Story: How God Pursued Me and Found Me, she tells her story of love, hatred, abuse, forgiveness, betrayal, greed, enlightenment, and fear. Born to a pagan mother and a former altar boy living in a land of denial, she recounts how God was involved in her life even before she knew who He was. She shares the story of her trip to the Holy Land and how her prayers at the Wailing Wall were interrupted because of a hamburger. Yes, despite her tribulations, her life has had its funny moments as well.
 

Note: Samantha is co-found of the children’s ministry Childspring International. The organization brings children with severe deformities or life threatening illnesses to the United States for donated surgeries and medical care.  


Title: A Love Story: How God Pursued Me and Found Me
Genre: True Life/Inspirational
Book: The tale of Samantha Ryan Chandler's life is evocatively portrayed in her book: A Love Story, How God Pursued Me and Found Me. It tells of a life that is as disturbing and unsettling as it is uplifting and, in the end, gratifying. How "A girl from Nowhere, Louisiana" finds her way from such humble beginnings to live and walk amongst presidents and the supremely rich, only to find her trust and faith betrayed by those that she loved and trusted the most. She would be tested to the point where she began to doubt her own sanity and, at the moment of her greatest desperation and doubt, she was found by God and brought back from the brink of hopeless despair. Blessed with an almost unquenchable optimism and a unique sense of humor, she relates the story of a life that will speak to those who have encountered abuse, unfairness and anguish. Her love for her children and her faith in God carried her through a crucible of fire and in the end, made her a better, stronger person, ready to carry on with a life that is again filled with love, joy and laughter. A Love Story, How God Pursued Me and Found Me will both inspire you and touch your heart. A Love Story, How God Pursued Me and Found Me is available at Amazon.com. 

New Arrival for June

Kory’s Jungle
by
Ann M. Jayne  

Author: Ann M. Jayne first children’s chapter book, Kory’s Jungle, was published and released in November, 2010.  Jayne received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Photographic Arts from the University of Central Oklahoma. She lives in Edmond with her husband, David, and two sons, Ian and Justin, and their two dogs.  Jayne teaches yoga, is a substitute teacher at Oklahoma Christian Academy, and is involved in various activities with OCA and the Edmond Church of Christ.  In her spare time, Jayne enjoys writing, photography, traveling and riding her horse. 



Title: Kory’s Jungle
Genre: Children/Young Adult
Book: Ian tries his best to be strong for the family, but he doesn't want to leave his old house or his old room. Most of all he doesn't want to leave his friends. He's most scared about starting third grade. In an effort to make the transition easier, Ian's parents let him pick how he wants his room decorated. After some deliberation, he decides upon a jungle theme so his stuffed animals will have a place to live, especially Kory. His mom transforms his new room into a very special jungle! Little does she know how special it will be... When the time comes to go to school, he reluctantly concedes, only to be met head-on by the class bully, Doug. Find out how Ian learns to deal with Doug, the class bully, by escaping to his secret jungle! Will Ian unlock all the secrets of strength in Kory's Jungle? Kory’s Jungle is available at Amazon.com.

New Arrival for June

Deadly Sins Series
by
Nicci Sefton  





Author: In 2008, Nicci won her first national writing contest by describing her wow first kiss with boyfriend. Since then she hasn't looked back.  A 2008 graduate of Tulsa Union Public Schools, Sefton now has three novels under her belt: Luxuria,  Invidia, and Superbia. These are coming of age tales written in the vampire genre. Sefton connected with her publisher, Total Publishing and Media, through a booth at the Tulsa State Fair several years ago.


Title: Deadly Sins Series: Luxuria, Invidia, Superbia
Genre: Thriller/Suspense/Mystery
Book: Vampires and mortals, love and lust; these things usually don't make good combinations. They all come together to make one enthralling and captivating story. Tulsa author Nicci Sefton creates a world between the living and the undead from which a love story unravels. Each of the books in the Deadly Sins Series is available at Amazon.com.