So many things have happened since my last post. I have more stuff to report than I’m sure you have time to read, so I’ll try to put only the “best” stuff up for now. Starting with a very real opportunity for my latest novel, The Reunion, to be made into a movie by a well-established Hollywood producer.

Beth Grossbard Productions is responsible for the popular “Christmas Shoes” series of films (which aired on The Hallmark Channel). In fact, when I spoke with Beth after she read The Reunion, she said, “I haven’t had this kind of reaction to a book since I first read The Christmas Shoes 10 years ago. Not only was I deeply moved and brought to tears, but I instantly knew this was a movie in the making!” Beth has also read Remembering Christmas, and is interested in making this into a Christmas movie, too.

Needless to say, as an author, this is so gratifying to hear. Can’t wait to see what God does with this.

Over-the-Top  Reviews for The Reunion

I’ve been amazed to see the reaction to The Reunion so far. In some ways, it’s been stronger than all of my other books at this stage. Earlier, I mentioned even before its release it had already received RT Book Reviews highest rating (4.5 Stars, Top/Pick) and CBD’s coveted “Coffee Cup” icon. It’s only been out a month, and it’s already received 69 customer reviews on Amazon, including 59 5-Stars reviews (avg 4.8 stars).

It’s not just the quantity of reviews, but the words people are using to describe the book. Here’s a sampling:

“After reading The Deepest Waters, The Homecoming, Remembering Christmas, and The Discovery, I never thought Dan’s books could get any better. I find it hard to choose a favorite, because each of his books have blown me away. The Reunion is his sixth novel, and once again, I was drawn into a story so emotional, so vivid and well written, I could hardly breathe at times.” – Cafe Lily

“Spellbound! Loved this book! Love all Dan Walsh’s books. He is a master at weaving a story together. This book would also appeal to men from the war aspect! Wish there was a sequel to this one. I could not put it down!” – Ainsley (Texas)

“Wow, there’s been very few books that I sat and cried when I finished reading the book, and this is one of them. Dan Walsh has gone over the top with this one, with a masterpiece that will stick with me for a long time.” – IbJoy1953

“The Reunion, by Dan Walsh, has taken up residence on my Top Ten of 2012 List, but that’s not all. It sparked a new list. My Top Ten All Time Favorites, and it’s earned a spot there. Exquisitely drawn characters, a heartrending plot, and a deceptively simple delivery make The Reunion one of the best books I’ve ever read.” – Ane Mulligan

I should mention (for those who don’t know), while not a “Christmas Book” per say, The Reunion is set during Thanksgiving and Christmas. The big climactic scene at the end actually takes place at a Christmas party. I think it could make a great Christmas read, for those who love to buy Christmas books.

Another ACFW Carol Award

Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending my 4th ACFW national writer’s conference. My 3rd novel, The Deepest Waters, was up for a Carol Award in the short historical category. Here is how ACFW describes this award: “The Carol Awards are ACFW’s recognition for the best Christian fiction published by traditional publishing houses in the previous calendar year.” This award, is essentially, they’re “book of the year” award.

Well…it won!! (The pic to the right is me accepting the award).

It was such an honor to be there, such a rewarding moment. This is actually my 3rd Carol Award (my first novel, The Unfinished Gift, won 2). But it was just as exciting. In my acceptance speech, I mention how this novel helped me see the “power of story” in fiction, how it can do more than inspire and entertain but also change lives (writing it changed mine). I mentioned in particular, a scene on pages 173-174 where I really experienced God on a personal level through an interaction with the character, Micah, an old illiterate slave who had a deep and profound walk with God.

If you haven’t read this book, I’d encourage you to consider checking it out. You can find links to order it by clicking here. There’s even a link to read the first few chapters.

If you want to read a great recap of the big night in Dallas, click here.

Book Recommendation – An Excellent Christmas Read!

A few months ago, I was asked by a friend (and one of my favorite authors), Jason Wright to read his upcoming Christmas book for a possible endorsement. This is an easy yes for me, and I absolutely LOVED The 13th Day of Christmas.

Here’s what I said about it on Amazon:

I have been a fan of Jason’s books for several years now. I’ve yet to regret reading a single one. They entertain and educate but also inspire and motivate me to think about life more deeply, and to care about people more fully. That certainly happened again reading The 13th Day of Christmas. It’s a rich, rewarding tale that draws our attention to the things that matter most during the holiday season. I believe it has the potential to even launch some new Christmas traditions (and that would be a very good thing). Do yourself a favor, put this book at the top of your Christmas book list this year. Do your friends a favor and buy them copies as Christmas gifts.

To check it out on Amazon, click here.