Love Stories – Page 5

Together Again

April 17, 2015 Cindy Hval

At last night’s “War Bonds” event at Studio 107 in Coeur d’Alene, I learned Nick Gaynos had passed away on April 1.

I can’t be too sad, since he so wanted to be with his beloved Tex who died June 3, 2014. And I’m beyond delighted that he was able to attend the reading at the Coeur d’Alene Public Libary on March 11 and receive his copy of “War Bonds.” He brought the piece of shrapnel that almost nailed him at Pearl Harbor to the reading. When he turned to the chapter (Damn Yankee) about he and his bride, he lingered over her photos. “Isn’t she pretty?” he asked.

Yes, she is, Nick and I’m so happy you’re together again.

War Bonds

Special Book Signing Event With WWll Couple

April 16, 2015 Cindy Hval

Cindy Hval with Rusty and Marie Clemons

I was delighted to spend a little bit of time with Rusty and Marie Clemons yesterday at a local Barnes & Noble store. We had an impromtu signing because their daughter was visiting from Montana and wanted to take a stack of War Bonds back with her.

Rusty and Marie have been married 68 years and are still just as sweet and fiesty as ever. Their story is told in Chapter Six “Dishpan Hands.”

War Bonds

What a month!

March 19, 2015 Cindy Hval

Cindy Hval at War Bonds book launch, February 22, 2015.

One month ago today marked the publication date for War Bonds: Love Stories From the Greatest Generation.

What a month it’s been! Two weeks ago Casemate Publishers informed me the first print run of War Bonds had already sold out and new print run ordered! There are still copies in stores aross the nation, but the major book distributors are out and are waiting for the next run due on or before April 19.

To me this response means these stories resonate– not just with members of the Greatest Generation but their children and grandchildren, too.

Since the book launch at Auntie’s Bookstore, I’ve done several author reading/signing events. (See scheduled events here.) At each event people come up and share stories involving family members who served during WWll. Their stories move and inspire me.

I am so grateful to those who’ve purchased War Bonds and have written blog posts or posted reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Goodreads. I’m thankful for the book stores, libraries and other groups who’ve invited me to do reading/signing events and most of all for the people who show up!

I’ve always felt these stories deserved to be shared and these people deserve to be honored for their committment and sacrafice on the battlefield and on the homefront.

How wonderful to find that so many agree.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Here’s to a third print run!

War Bonds book launch at Auntie’s Bookstore, February 22, 2015.

War Bonds

The story in her hands

March 13, 2015 Cindy Hval

Donna Stafford one of the brides featured in War Bonds, holds her copy during a reading at the Coeur d’Alene Library Wedneday night. The photo was taken by Cindy Mitchell, daughter-in-law of one of the couple’s featured in the book.

I can’t tell you what it means to me to have people featured in War Bonds attend readings. To see the delight on their faces as they turn to their chapters, to see the tears in their eyes as they hear me share their memories… it’s such a privilege.

And during the signings I get to hear so many stories of parents or grandparents who served in WWll. It’s a wonderful thing! I’m so thankful for the ovewhelming positive response to War Bonds.

War Bonds

These are some beautiful chicks

March 6, 2015March 6, 2015 Cindy Hval

Saw this gorgeous display at Barnes and Noble, yesterday. Such an incredible feeling to see stacks of my books in stores! But what’s really wonderful is the feedback from readers.

Yesterday, I spent an hour and a half at Auntie’s Bookstore signing pre-ordered copies of War Bonds. Since it was a public signing, I got to interact with folks who stopped by the signing table.

One fellow wearing a Vietnam veteran cap seemed especially enthralled with the photos. “These are some beautiful chicks,” he said.

I told him my mother is of the opinion that women were better looking in the ’40’s and ’50’s.

“Nah,” he said. “They just took better care of themselves.”

Then his eyes grew dim. “Even when my wife was dying of cancer, she’d try to fix herself up for me. She’d put on a little lipstick…. She just wanted to look nice.”

“She must have loved you very much,” I said.

He took off his glasses and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. “Yes,” he said. “She did.”

War Bonds

More War Bonds at Auntie’s

March 3, 2015 Cindy Hval

After selling out on Sunday, Auntie’s Bookstore recieved a new shipment of War Bonds, today!

I’ll be in the store Thursday, March 5 from 4 PM – 5 PM to sign copies. Come in and say “hi” and watch me get writer’s cramp 🙂 More importantly, get your signed copy of War Bonds while it’s hot!

Make sure to check my EVENTS page to find out where I’ll be next.

War Bonds

Idaho, Illinois, Oregon, Connecticut, oh my!

March 2, 2015 Cindy Hval

What fun to hear from readers across the United States as copies of War Bonds arrive!

Jeri in Illinois.

Cis in Idaho

Dean and Betty Ratzman, feaured in chapter 18 “Letters From Home.”

I love receiving photos of folks (or their pets!) with the book. You can email your pictures to dchval@juno.com, I’d love to hear from you!

In addition, please consider posting your reviews on Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Goodreads. In today’s competitive book market positive reviews on the sites above really helps to spread the news!

War Bonds

The photo that made me cry

February 24, 2015 Cindy Hval

Two little girls poring over War Bonds at the book launch on Sunday at Auntie’s Bookstore.

Jadyn’s (on the left) grandparents, Bill and Jay Warren are featured in the book. She and her best friend Elisa couldn’t wait to dive into the stories.

I can’t tell you how important it is to me that these people and their stories are not forgotten. Seeing children discovering their grandparents in a new light is unbelievably moving and makes the five-year-journey from idea to publication seem so worthwhile.

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Amazing turnout for War Bonds book launch

February 23, 2015 Cindy Hval

So humbled and amazed by the incredible turnout at Auntie’s Bookstore yesterday! The whole event went by in such a blur– kind of like your wedding day, where you know you said some stuff and other people said some stuff and something important happened, but the details are a bit fuzzy!
My heartfelt thanks to all who attended. I wish I could thank each of you personally!
I would love it if readers would send me photos of themselves with War Bonds. You can email them to me at dchval@juno.com

Keep an eye on the Events page, so you’ll know when I’ll be in your area,
Thanks again for embracing this book and the stories of the Greatest Generation.

War Bonds

There’s a reason War Bonds is dedicated to him

February 14, 2015 Cindy Hval

There’s a reason War Bonds is dedicated to my husband of 28 years.

Today he gave me quite possibly the most epic, amazing and thoughtful Valentine’s gift, ever.
Derek asked our friend Dave Galeotti to craft this beautiful Bethlehem Olive Wood pen. Then he had it engraved with “War Bonds” and the release date.

The band reads “faith, hope, love.”
He had the box engraved, matching the font and photo from the book cover.