Looking for a memorable Christmas present or a good winter read? FALLEN TREES is both!

I had just arrived at the state library convention in downtown Wichita and was still setting up my display for FALLEN TREES when a woman walked into the room, turned the corner and blurted, "Oh, my God!"

Mind you, I don't get that reaction every day.

"May I help you?" I asked hopefully.

"I can't believe it," she said. "I asked my daddy what he wanted for Christmas - he's awfully hard to buy for - and he said, 'The only thing I want is a book I've been hearing a lot about. It's called FALLEN TREES.' I've been determined to find it for him - and here it is."

She doesn't live in Wichita, but was in town for the conference. She sounded like someone who had discovered a snowflake in the Sahara.

Several months later, I received a message from a reader who told me he didn't read much, but he received a copy of FALLEN TREES for Christmas -- and loved it. It may well have been the father of the librarian I crossed paths with at the conference. I was so pleased he enjoyed the read - and was deeply touched by the daughter's devotion to her father.

I have heard so many stories from readers about how this book touched them and changed their lives. I always viewed the book as a pleasant summer beach read, but it's become much more than that for countless people who have read it. The reaction has been both humbling and inspiring.

Here are just a few excerpts from reviewers on Goodreads:

"Fallen Trees is a story that I could read over and over and find something new and enjoyable each time. It's a story worth adding to your collection." - Kathryn

 "If you're looking for a good cuddle book, I would suggest grabbing a glass of wine, favorite throw blanket and have at it. You won’t be disappointed." - Charletta Barksdale

"There's plenty of great authors who deal with the need or exigency (Raymond Carver) to cut, shorten, sharpen. Some rewrite their works infinitely bringing them to their very bones (Graciliano Ramos, the Brazilian master). Some go straight to the point (Cormac McCarthy). Mr. Finger deserves a place among them." - Len Berg

"A wonderful tale brought to life with great skill, of love and finding purpose." - Hilario

It has been gratifying to see how FALLEN TREES has resonated with readers around the world, not just those in a particular location. It tells me the story is universal.

If you'd like to get a copy for yourself, a friend or a loved one, click here.

If you prefer to purchase it from an independent bookstore, you have a number of options.

Watermark Books, which is in Wichita, has it in stock. So does Eighth Day Books, a religious bookstore in Wichita that also features local authors. Other Wichita options include the Doo-Dah Market downtown and The Workroom, which is in the Douglas Design District east of Old Town. They're both fun places to visit in person, too!

My book is also on the shelves at Bluebird Books & Cafe in Hutchinson and Ellen Plumb's City Bookstore in Emporia.

Fans have been begging me to write a sequel and I have good news: I have started work on it! I hope they love it as much as FALLEN TREES.

I'm blessed to have been given the ability to write...and people who love to read my words. I hope to have both for a long time.

I want to wish all of you a holiday season filled with love and laughter and cherished memories, whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah or both (or something else entirely).

"An excellent book"

I was delighted to receive more glowing praise from someone who had just finished FALLEN TREES.

It is an excellent book. I finished it last night and can't wait for a sequel.

I find I take tremendous pleasure out of hearing that readers enjoyed the book. That's even more gratifying than hearing someone bought it. I want them pleased that they made the choice to purchase it, making it money well spent.

Maybe that's the farm boy in me, aware of the value of every dollar.

If you've been thinking about getting a copy, they're available at Watermark Books in Wichita, Ellen Plumb's City Bookstore in Emporia, and on Amazon.

It was just a short note......

........but it made me smile.

It was waiting for me in the mail when I got home from work tonight.

She was referring to FALLEN TREES, which she had purchased for herself as a Christmas gift. I'm thrilled she enjoyed it.

If you've been thinking about getting it but just haven't made the plunge, you can order it from Amazon or get it in Wichita at Watermark Books or at Ellen Plumb's City Bookstore in Emporia.

I'm working on securing additional locations and will keep you posted.

A brainstorm pays off

A few weeks ago, after my first shipment of FALLEN TREES copies arrived, I thought it might be a good idea to donate a copy to the hair salon where the fabulous Leslie Stuart cuts my hair --- somehow managing to make me look good --- and also at the office of my chiropractor, Mike Hermann.

I thought customers getting perms or waiting their turns might enjoy having something to read other than the gossip mag of the week. If they liked what they read, they could copy down the book title and order it from Watermark Books in Wichita or Amazon on the worldwide web.

I've been told folks at the salon have been reading it eagerly and that a few patients have jotted down the title and my name after reading several pages. I was delighted to hear that.

Today, I heard one that topped the list: one woman enjoyed reading the opening pages so much - and was impressed that the author was a patient of the good chiropractor - that she looked it up on her Smartphone and ordered a copy on the spot.

Can't beat that, I guess.

A doff o' my fedora to you, wherever you are.

Five stars!!!

Funny how little things can mean so much.

I've gotten wonderful reader responses to FALLEN TREES so far. They've been even stronger than I dared to hope when it was published.

For several weeks, those reactions had been informal -- either in person, via e-mail or on social media -- but I noticed someone finally posted a review on the Amazon page for FALLEN TREES.

And it was a treat to read for an author.

"This book was fabulous. I can't wait for this author's next novel!"

They gave it 5 stars to boot. 

I realize it wasn't the New York Times Book Review, but I'm still delighted. It's gratifying that FALLEN TREES is striking a chord with readers. 

May it long continue.

If you haven't ordered a copy yet, you can do it here.

A milestone moment!

Today marked an exciting milestone of sorts for me. It was National Read A Book Day, and someone was marking the occasion by reading my newest book, FALLEN TREES!

I was both humbled and thrilled...and, best of all, she was enjoying the book!