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Saturday, August 27, 2022

 

Legends of the Donut Shop Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: Legends of the Donut Shop

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Fiction/Middle Grade YA

Release date: March 19, 2022

At seventeen years of age, Wes Williams is injured in a head-on collision and nearly loses his life. Wes does not know if he will live or die. In a mysterious near-death experience, he travels back in time to his earlier years and the time he spent with his grandfather and his old buddies at the Donut Shop. The humorous gang of old veterans, and one retired sheriff, retell their stories once again. This time, Wes understands the meaning of each story.

This is a book of second chances, life lessons, and forgiveness. Wes’s life is changed forever, and he begins a new chapter in his life.

This book was written for a group of actual Donut Shop friends who gathered weekly with my dad. I often went with him to hear the stories these people told. The men were all veterans. At the suggestion of one particular veteran, I wrote the book so that younger people, middle school age, YA, etc., could experience what these groups of guys are like and to appreciate U.S. history.

My dad had seen the cover of the book and a summary of what I was writing. He and my mom both died of Covid ten days before the book was published. He never got to read it. I was able to pass it out to the men from the local donut shop at Mom and Dad’s funeral on March 30th. I hope to pass these stories on, just like Dad wanted.

Legends of the Donut Shop earned 5 Star Reviews from Reader Views and Readers’ Favorites.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children and six grandchildren. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. Her book Both Sides of the Border is a Firebird Book Award, Bookfest Winner, America Writing Award, and International Book Award Finalist, for categories of Cross-Genre, Socio-Political Fiction, and Women’s Fiction. Her book, America of We the People was awarded the Firebird Book Award for Socio-Political and Political categories. She and her husband live in the southern tip of Texas where they enjoy semi-tropical weather and spending time with their friends and family.

 

More from Terry

This book was written for a group of actual Donut Shop friends who gathered weekly with my dad. I often went with him to hear the stories these people told. The men were all veterans. At the suggestion of one particular veteran, I wrote the book so that younger people, middle school age, YA, etc., could experience what these groups of guys are like and to appreciate U.S. history.

 

My dad had seen the cover of the book and a summary of what I was writing. He and my mom both died of Covid ten days before the book was published. He never got to read it. I was able to pass it out to the men from the local donut shop at Mom and Dad’s funeral on March 30th. I hope to pass these stories on, just like Dad wanted.

MY REVIEW

I liked the concept of the book as a teen named Wes has an out of body experience. After an accident that causes injuries he must under go surgery where he finds himself  traveling back in time to relive moments in his  life. I loved the interaction of Wes and his granddad. I had a very special bond with my granddad who I visited every summer on his farm. Spending time  listening to his stories are cherished memories for me. 

Wes isn’t quite sure what is going on, but he does like seeing  those precious times he had in the donut shop with his granddad and a group of men who taught him valuable tools to use as he grew up.  There are many lessons in the book that I found to be important for each of us. We should be thankful for where we live and grateful for the opportunities we have to enhance our life. I know I take things for granted but this book reminds me to remember that there are so many who struggle each day to make a better life for themselves as well as their family. 

We learn more about the car accident and who was at fault. It was an accident yet I have to say a big lesson here is not to text while driving. The young girl who caused the accident faces many charges and financial penalties that will have an impact on her life,  Wes’s life and both families.  I had mixed feelings about the young girl. I know she was young but is still is not an excuse to text and cause an accident where a young man’s life is changed with a king hospital stay.

The relationship Wes has with his granddad is so sweet and I know his presence helped Wes improve daily while in the hospital. I loved how patient his granddad was and very attentive and supportive. Having him at the hospital sneaking in donuts was certainly special to Wes. The author shows how important family is when you are  going through a difficult time. 

I loved the ending and thought the illustration of forgiveness and grace was well written. Wes learned that trusting God helped  him decide what direction he wanted to take his life. It is a nice story that teaches us all the power of faith and how forgiveness can change a life. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 26

Lights in a Dark World, August 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 27

Texas Book-aholic, August 28

Inklings and notions, August 29

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 30

For Him and My Family, August 31

Bigreadersite, September 1

Blossoms and Blessings, September 2 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, September 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 4

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 7

Simple Harvest Reads, September 8 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/210c9/legends-of-the-donut-shop-celebration-tour-giveaway


8 comments:

  1. Deana,
    Thank you for your great review!

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  2. This sounds like a wonderful book. Thanks for your review.

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  3. This sounds like a heartwarming book with endearing characters. Thanks for sharing about it :) !

    - Madie

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  4. Thank you for the great review. Legends of the Donut Shop sounds like a very different but wonderful book.

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  5. Thank you for the great review. This looks like a heartwarming read

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  6. Congratulations on your recent release of Legends of the Donut Shop, Terry, I enjoyed following the tour and learning about your book, I really like the inspiration behind the story and I am looking forward to sharing your book with my kids! Good luck with your book and I hope the tour was a success! Thanks for sharing it with me!

    Thanks for sharing your review, Texas Book-aholic!

    Have a marvelous weekend!

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  7. What is your favorite flavor donut?

    ReplyDelete