Hi,
Today I’m visiting with Karen Ingalls to talk about the short story “The Bonsai” here.
Below includes my review of Karen’s book, “Outshine,” and the tour schedule. There is a chance to win an Amazon gift card too! I will add stops as they become available.
Karen Ingalls is the author of five books of which two are award-winning. She has published non-fiction, biographical novel, historical novel, biography, and short stories. She is a retired Registered Nurse with a Master’s Degree in Human Development.
Her most recent book, Learning About Autism: One Mother’s Journey of Discovery and Love tells the story of Carol Tucker and her adopted son, Justin. She is a recognized special education teacher, leader in the state of Florida, developer of curriculum and teaching methods, and co-founder and director of the first charter school for autism in Florida. Justin is a miracle who has astounded doctors and social workers with his achievements. He rose above his cerebral palsy, autism, and given up as hopeless.
Ms. Ingalls’s non-fiction book, Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir, won first place at the 2012 Indie Excellence Book Awards in the category of women’s health. It was a top finalist for the Independent Publisher Book Award of 2012 in the two categories of health and self-help. The book offers hope and inspiration to women and their families.
She wrote a series of twelve short stories in When I Rise: Tales, Truths, and Symbolic Trees.
Davida: Model & Mistress is about the love affair between her great-grandparents Augustus Saint-Gaudens and Davida. There are little-known facts about Davida except for her role as a model for many of the sculptor’s famous works. It won the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award and the Apple Award for 2016.
Novy’s Son, The Selfish Genius, is about Murray Clark, who sought love and acceptance from his father, who was the bastard child of the famous sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens. After reading Iron John by Robert Bly, Ms. Ingalls recognized what was missing in her father’s life.
She is a blogger, public speaker, author of many articles, and advocate for gynecologic cancer awareness and fundraiser for research. In her spare time, she loves to read and play golf. All proceeds from the book sales go to gynecolotgic cancer research.
“Outshine” is the journey Ms. Ingalls took when she learned she had ovarian cancer. This is a subject I’d usually avoid because the word cancer scares me, and I’ve seen what it can do to loved ones, but I was surprised how inspired I became as I read it. The author is a nurse who educated herself with all the facts once she learned her diagnosis. She dug deep into her faith and found ways to nourish her soul throughout the process. I loved all the quotes and the positive way she approached a very scary situation for anyone. She got the help back she had provided in her career two-fold. We were with her during her surgery, chemotherapy, when she lost her hair and her daily walks and prayers. I loved how she talked about sending a card and really meaning the message and how much it meant to her at this time. I was impressed how she learned to let her ego go when she lost her hair, how she embraced each day as a gift, and her husband’s unconditional love for her. These are good lessons for us in life whether we are fighting an illness or not. I ended reading this feeling more hopeful and inspired. This is a book for anyone dealing with cancer or any illness, but it is also for anyone who wants and needs to be encouraged. I highly recommend Ms. Ingalls’ book!
OUTSHINE NEW 2023 EDITION LINK
Here is the tour schedule.
A link will be added to the list as each stop becomes available. There will be a post with the link and author information included here for each stop.
Three winners will be randomly picked from the tour comments for a $20, $10, or $5 Amazon Gift Card on May 16th!
Since it’s a short story collection, each stop will be different.
In the Tree’s Shadow Pre-order Tour:
Tuesday, April 4th –Robbie Cheadle “Book Video.”
Wednesday, April 12th – Sally Cronin “Pre-order Book Promotion.”
In the Tree’s Shadow Release Tour:
Monday, April 17th – Gwen Plano, “Stranded.”
Tuesday, April 18th – Joan Hall, “The Dolphin.”
Wednesday, April 19th – John Howell, “Lyrical Dragon.”
Thursday, April 20th – Staci Troilo, “It’s Only a Dream.”
Friday, April 21st – Craig Boyack, “In the Shadows.”
Monday, April 24th – Harmony Kent, “The Boy.”
Tuesday, April 25th – Jan Sikes, “End of the Road.”
Wednesday, April 26th – Stephen Geez, “The Day the Ground Moved.”
Thursday, April 27th – Beem Weeks, “A Day at the Lake.”
Friday, April 28th – Sandra Cox, “In That Moment.”
Monday, May 1st – Jacquie Biggar, “The Bench.”
Tuesday, May 2nd – D. Wallace Peach, “Effervescent Potion.”
Wednesday, May 3rd – Mae Clair, “When the Lights go Out.”
Thursday, May 4th – Jacqui Murray, “Faith.”
Friday, May 5th – Yvette M. Calleiro, “The Bike.”
Monday, May 8th – Miriam Hurdle, “Playdate.”
Tuesday, May 9th – Marcia Meara, “Alone.”
Wednesday, May 10th – Annette Rochelle Aben, “Deadline.”
Thursday, May 11th – Karen Ingalls, “The Bonsai.”
Friday, May 12th – Judith Barrow, “Last Ride of the Night.”
Monday, May 15th – Balroop Singh, “Man on the Pier.”
