The countdown to Christmas has begun! A time to be with family, friends, and get a much deserved break. If you haven’t already started dreaming up gift ideas for your loved ones, consider gifting heartfelt stories written by local talent.
I loved putting together this list of local authors last year, so I decided to do it again this year. I was fortunate enough to meet Mike from Manticore Books and he helped me put this list together.
So, if you’re looking to purchase these books for Christmas, be sure to drop by Manticore or visit their website www.manticore.ca.
What the Living Do – Susan E Wadds
Sebright, Ontario
Sex and death dominate thirty-seven-year-old Brett Catlin’s life. While her younger friend Cole manages the former, she deals with the latter through her job disposing of roadkill. A cancer diagnosis forces Brett to question her worth, leading her on a difficult journey of alternative healing. Just as she begins to accept her treatment, a shocking discovery prompts her to explore deeper connections, confronting the question of who is worth saving through encounters with animals, both living and dead.
Uplifting Tales From Goodness County – Liz Robert-Young
Oro-Medonte, Ontario
Welcome to Goodness County, where kindness thrives and strangers become friends. Each short story reveals the charm of small-town life, featuring unforgettable characters amidst rolling hills and cozy cottages. You’ll laugh and cry as you connect with their stories, discovering that life’s true value lies in acts of kindness rather than material goods.
Sticks, Stones & Pinecones – Jennifer Ball
Orillia, Ontario
Fun for all ages—without any screens! This charmingly illustrated book, features 37 board games and riddles that can be played anywhere you go. All games are easy to set up, requiring only materials you can sustainably forage, like pinecones, pebbles, and twigs. You might not even need to leave your camp chair!
Redemption – Tracy Woodhouse
Orillia, Ontario
An eighteen-year-old girl vanished from a remote farming community in northern Ontario, leaving her newborn baby behind. After her husband reported her missing, police found no evidence of foul play, and the case went cold. Two decades later, a shocking discovery reopened the investigation, leading detectives to uncover secrets and lies, revealing that she had been there all along.
Behind The Pickle Jar – Wendy McQuaig
Orillia, Ontario
Amy Hewston is taking time off work to manage her stress and anxiety while balancing her career, aging parents, and difficult teens. She and her family move into an old farmhouse in the country for a break, where they discover a 1900 diary hidden behind a jar of pickles in the cellar. The diary tells the story of a family from the same farmhouse and helps Amy reflect on her struggles as she faces an unexpected life choice that throws her world into turmoil.
The Ticking – Ali Ives
Oro-Medonte, Ontario
In this thrilling sequel to The Winding, Mikalai Gloucester finds himself out of his depth. Two weeks after the demigod Denken vanished, his magic spreads fear in Frettchen, and nightmarish creatures are unleashed. Despite having no magic, Mikalai is determined to fight alongside a diverse group of friends. As distrust threatens to divide them, they must unite to save one of their own and uncover Denken’s plan before he destroys the city.
