I love creating worlds. And I love to share. For these reasons, I have created this storytelling site. A medium to share what I have written with you . . .
These stories are Christian-based. The values and morals reflect my beliefs and standards.
You won't find any foul language or explicit sexual encounters in these books.
After you read it, go to the feed back page and tell me what you think . . .
Or better yet, go to the donations page and donate to a worthy cause - a hard working writer!
Thank you so much!
Diane
Let me be your storyteller. Escape with me . . .
These stories are Christian-based. The values and morals reflect my beliefs and standards.
You won't find any foul language or explicit sexual encounters in these books.
After you read it, go to the feed back page and tell me what you think . . .
Or better yet, go to the donations page and donate to a worthy cause - a hard working writer!
Thank you so much!
Diane
Let me be your storyteller. Escape with me . . .
My Name. In lights!
Had a wonderful evening at the Beaumont Library.
Everyone worked so hard to make it a success.
What a great night!
And I finally got my name up in lights!
Kris Kringle's Magic
Book Launch Party!
Kris Kringle's Magic
Podcast Interview with Diane Stringam Tolley
by The Marketing Mentress, Christine Till
http://www.practicalpodcasting.com/kris-kringles-magic-diane-stringam-tolley-author/
First Reviews for Kris Kringle's Magic
The ‘voice of the story-teller’ style and the themes of ‘The Courtship of Santa and Mrs. Santa’ and ‘How They Came to Live at the North Pole With the Elves’ make this a sure winner for a read-aloud by the Christmas tree. It will also appeal to all who like to curl up with an afghan and a book filled with light, love and optimism. For those who want some depth to their seasonal reading, there are the darker themes of slavery, prejudice, and mindless class discrimination. These diverse themes are reconciled as the story reveals the difference that one person of good will and conviction can make in a society—helped along by a little magic. This book belongs in every family’s basket of “Books to share at Christmas”.
Barbara Strong
Schoolteacher - Retired
Full-time Book Aficionado
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It is amazing that what is arguably the most widespread, beloved myth and legend in Christendom — that of Santa Claus and his toy-building Elves, inhabiting the North Pole — has only scattered bits of disjointed ‘backstory’ in our minds and in our culture. Who is Santa anyway? Why does he hang around with Elves? And why did they go, of all places, to the North Pole?
Diane Stringam Tolley does a masterful job of pulling the pieces together, weaving a most profound tale — one of prejudice, abuse and pain, overlain with heartening stories of compassion and kindness, romance and perfect love, all of which combine to triumph over the dark side.
This is not just another Christmas storybook for kids, though the kids will enjoy it tremendously. It is a tale that will make adult hearts believe in magic too, all year round.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He lives deeply in your heart. And at the North Pole. You will never regret reading this book to find out how they are one and the same.
LeGrand Lovell B.A./Sc., M.A., D.Litt.
Professor
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‘Kris Kringle’s Magic’ is the kind of book you want to read with your family!
The world just opens up and you can see the characters as though they’re acting out the story in front of you!
I loved every minute, and my kids will too!
C. D. Clark
Theatre Costumer/Makeup Specialist
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I started reading and I couldn't stop. I alternately had chills and tears all the way through.
"The world over, you say." The hair stood up on my arms.
What a wonderful story of a people whose magic is so powerful they could destroy the human race if they so desired. Yet, even when pushed beyond the bounds of all endurance, they opt to remove themselves, isolate themselves, to avoid taking revenge on their persecutors.
Through it all is woven the story of how Kris and Rebecca find each other and their life's work and show Kris for the gentle teacher he is.
This is the perfect story to read in installments on the nights leading up to Christmas, or, for that matter, at any time of year.
It is going to appeal to children and adults alike.
Delores Lowndes
Kris Kringle's Magic
Book Trailer
By Lucas Boutilier
https://vimeo.com/45744176
Just finished editing the first of the galley sheets for Kris Kringle's Magic!
Editor Melissa is fantastic!
One step closer to our October publishing date!
Kris Kringle's Magic
Synopsis:
Who is the man inside the warm, red, fur-trimmed suit?
Behind the white whiskers, rosy cheeks and beaming smile?
Told from the perspective of his wife, Rebecca, Kris Kringle's Magic is the story of the man who devoted his life to the service of the poor. The hungry. The destitute.
Who selflessly gave of his time and energy to right wrongs.
Fought for those too young or weak to fight for themselves.
A man who loved everyone.
And, by doing so, became the legend.
First Review:
Just finished Kris. I love it, I love it, I love it!!!! Now I must go clean up the tissue pile! But seriously, it is wonderful. What a wonderful message as well as a fun story. But then, Carving Angels was the same way!
Bobbi Gray
Genealogist & Author
Who is the man inside the warm, red, fur-trimmed suit?
Behind the white whiskers, rosy cheeks and beaming smile?
Told from the perspective of his wife, Rebecca, Kris Kringle's Magic is the story of the man who devoted his life to the service of the poor. The hungry. The destitute.
Who selflessly gave of his time and energy to right wrongs.
Fought for those too young or weak to fight for themselves.
A man who loved everyone.
And, by doing so, became the legend.
First Review:
Just finished Kris. I love it, I love it, I love it!!!! Now I must go clean up the tissue pile! But seriously, it is wonderful. What a wonderful message as well as a fun story. But then, Carving Angels was the same way!
Bobbi Gray
Genealogist & Author
Book Signing at BPL
Canadian author, Diane Tolley, read an excerpt from her novel Carving Angels to a group of seniors at the Beaumont Public Library on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Tolley also shared stories from her childhood and about being raised on a ranch in Alberta and signed copies of her novel for guests.
Christina Weichel/Beaumont News/QMI Agency
Carving Angels is now available as an ebook at these outlets:
Kindle
Nook
Barnes and Noble
Second Christmas Book, Kris Kringle's Magic
To be published by Cedar Fort!
Coming in October 2012
Watch for it!
Watch for it!
More reviews for Carving Angels
Reviews by Molly
My Review:
If you are looking for something that is sweet and lovable to give to your children for Christmas to read, or to any book lover for that matter, then look no further than this ADORABLE Christmas book. Diane Stringham Tolley is super talented and created a fun, inviting story for kids of all ages.
Set in the North Pole, Santa's oldest elf has stopped working. Stopped carving. Even though he was one the best carver in all the Pole. When a special visit from his youngest grandchild, he dreams again. He believes again. And, though he's blind, he begins to carve again.....and what results is beyond just a beautiful carving.
Through this special book, both children and those who are young at heart, will learn that it's not about giving up. It's about believing. Anything is possible if you have the faith, if you believe, and you try, you can achieve anything. I highly recommend this book with 5 Books. It's a fun, fast read and really brings about the joy this Christmas season. I can't wait to put this on the bookshelf permanently to bring out each Christmas and share the joy of Ms. Tolley's writing and love, with my family.
Another Wonderful Review!
Another wonderful review!
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705395213/Novel-Carving-Angels-illustrates-triumphs-over-trials.html
More reviews for Carving Angels!
This is the first book review of this type for me, but it isn’t difficult for ‘Carving Angels’. This is a wonderful story of love, family, and inspiration. It brings Santa, elves, reindeer, and Christmas into your home. It’s full of heart-warming situations and great lessons for little ones. While reading ‘Carving Angels’ to our 6 and 8 year old boys, we laughed and cried together, and imagined what a truly magical world we live in. Thank you, Mrs. Tolley, for sharing it with us. We will be watching the skies on Christmas Eve.
R. Craig Runyan, College Professor
R. Craig Runyan, College Professor
A great new site for great new books!
http://www.eclecticbookscatalog.com
Carving Angels book launch party
and first book signing at
Generations Bookstore
were a great success!
Come for the Book, stay for the Pie!
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D-I-A-N . . . Rats!
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Entering the draw.
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Waiting in line.
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A writer in her natural habitat.
Carving Angels
Published by Cedar Fort
Available wherever fine books are sold
Or online at:
Generations Bookstore
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
See what others are saying about Carving Angels!
For the Younger Set
For the young adventurer in your family . . . or in you!
Peri & Lili
A Love Story . . . Sort of
Peri, a gnome, has spent the first 60 years of his life in the family tavern, literally. But as he served, and cleaned, he dreamed of something better. A chance encounter with two bullies and a lovely young elf, Lili, changes his life in ways he couldn't possibly have known. Or even imagined.
Read the first three chapters of my newest book!
Read the first three chapters of my newest book!
Seria
Seria was a witch and the whole town knew it. But Bel needed work and Seria was her best choice. Unwittingly, she interrupts a grave and deadly ceremony and marks herself and her family as Seria's next victims.
Essence Now available at Smashwords.com
Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Feel like a little adventure?
Hosts
When four young witches decide to buy a beautiful period hotel, they discover that the previous residents forgot to check out . . .
Enjoy the first three chapters of my latest novel!
Enjoy the first three chapters of my latest novel!
Romances
Ahhh - I just love love!
Devon Now Available at Smashwords.com
The Babysitter Now available at Smashwords.com
Melissa Now available at Smashwords.com
Spiritual
Something to give you hope!
The Shining Place
Explore the world beyond the veil.
Five-year-old Mitchell has had a glimpse of The Shining Place. A place of wonder, glory and peace. A place that can only be our Heavenly home. He longs to return. But even more importantly, he is driven to share what he has seen with others. His vision of peace and hope. Many doubt his words, most notably his mother, Betty, a single parent determined to make her lonely way in an indifferent world.
Short Stories
A little peek into life on a ranch in the 50's and 60's
Ranch Life
I grew up on one of the last of the large old ranches in Southern Alberta.
Situated half way between the towns of Milk River and Del Bonita, it covered two-and-a-half townships, close to 92 square miles. Our closest neighbour was over nine miles away. A little far to drop by to borrow a cup of sugar, but close enough to help in the case of a real emergency, which was not uncommon on the large spread we ran, and with the number of people involved in the daily workings.
The ranch buildings themselves were nestled snugly in a bend of the South Fork of the Milk River. Towering cliffs surrounded us. Cliffs which were home, at times, to a pair of blue herons, and at all others, to marmots, badgers, porcupines, and a very prolific flock of mud swallows. We learned to swim in that river. We tobogganed down the gentler slopes of those cliffs. We built dams and caught frogs and snakes. I even trapped a full grown jack rabbit – almost.
It was an unusual life, as I have now come to know. At the time, it was normal. We thought everyone lived like we did. Far from any outside influences. Relying on each other. Immersed in the needs of the family and the ranch. For a child growing up, it was peace itself.
Situated half way between the towns of Milk River and Del Bonita, it covered two-and-a-half townships, close to 92 square miles. Our closest neighbour was over nine miles away. A little far to drop by to borrow a cup of sugar, but close enough to help in the case of a real emergency, which was not uncommon on the large spread we ran, and with the number of people involved in the daily workings.
The ranch buildings themselves were nestled snugly in a bend of the South Fork of the Milk River. Towering cliffs surrounded us. Cliffs which were home, at times, to a pair of blue herons, and at all others, to marmots, badgers, porcupines, and a very prolific flock of mud swallows. We learned to swim in that river. We tobogganed down the gentler slopes of those cliffs. We built dams and caught frogs and snakes. I even trapped a full grown jack rabbit – almost.
It was an unusual life, as I have now come to know. At the time, it was normal. We thought everyone lived like we did. Far from any outside influences. Relying on each other. Immersed in the needs of the family and the ranch. For a child growing up, it was peace itself.
