All Kinds of Love.... by Christine Bush

 I have a new novella that is out this week that is a book of my heart.  This is a sweet holiday romance titled “Christmas with the Crazy Cowboy”.  Of course, I am in love with my hero and heroine, Gracie and Blake, as they face the challenges of life and dare to love.

But that’s not the only point.  There’s a child in this story, Gracie’s 7 year old son, Sammy.  Sammy is an “Aspie kid”.  This means, he has been diagnosed with “Asperger’s Syndrome”, a high functioning form of Autism.

 

Aspie kids are often extremely brilliant, and can be powerhouses of knowledge, especially about a subject that is their focus.  They are, however, quite literal in language, so prone to misunderstanding the many colloquial phrases many use (ie. It’s raining cats and dogs!). They  often have difficulty in picking up on social cues that makes communicating with others a challenge.

 

 My sister, Cindy Schneider inspired me to write this story.  Cindy has spend a lifetime in education, working with many kinds of special needs kids in Chester County, Pennsylvania.  Her dedication and advocating for children, especially those on the “Autism Spectrum” earned her a prestigious award at her formal retirement.             

                                              

But her path didn’t stop there.  Many years ago, Cindy founded an organization called “Acting Antics”.  Using her extensive educational experience, along with her talent in community theater, she developed a series of programs, camps, workshops and theatrical productions that teach, encourage, and then spotlight kids on the spectrum.  Her belief is that becoming confident on stage, and being affirmed by peers, teachers, family and audience, develops self esteem and communication skills. And the truth is, it’s just plain fun.

 

Being one of her major cheerleaders, I’ve gotten to experience the amazing growth and joy in the members of her workshops and productions.  I’ve gotten to see her organization grow and flourish. You can check out Acting Antics at  www/actingantics.org.  You can also check out her book chock full of activities and suggestions for kids on the spectrum on Amazon: Acting Antics: A Theatrical Approach to Teaching Social Understanding to Kids and Teens with Asperger Syndrome - Kindle edition by Schneider, Cindy, Attwood, Tony. Health, Fitness & Dieting Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

In my new book “Christmas with the Crazy Cowboy”, widowed mom, Gracie, is beginning a new life for herself and her son, as she learns his needs and abilities.  It’s a story first, of a mom’s love.  And then, life circumstances bring an energetic but emotionally worn cowboy to her door in a blizzard. 

 

 

Christmas with the Crazy Cowboy - Kindle edition by Bush, Christine. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

I hope you love this book.  I hope, in this challenging time we are living, that you can cheer for Gracie and Blake as they find love, and cheer for Sammy as he grows and finds his place in the world.

And I hope you cheer for Cindy, and the people like her, who share their love every day with kids on the spectrum and help them grow and smile.

 Do you have special kids you love in your life? I'd love to hear!

Christine Bush is the award winning author of over 20 stories of romance, romantic mystery, and suspense. She also writes Middle Grade Fiction.  When she’s not writing, she can be found teaching Psychology at a local college, working with clients as a Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice, having fun with her husband and 12 grandchildren, and (currently) chasing two rambunctious, Christmas ornament stealing cats around the house.  Life is grand!

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