5-Star Reader’s Favorite
“A wonderful collection of short stories. Very highly recommended.” ~ Jaime Michelle
“An exquisite combination of prose, poetry, imagery, and history.” ~ Jon Michael Miller
Pick up your copy of Field of Memories: A Tapestry of Heartwarming Short Stories today. Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and D. L. Norris Bookshop in a variety of editions to suit your taste. ENJOY!
America today faces a crisis of confidence. Studies reveal that most people distrust institutions, and a significant majority worry that their children’s future may not be brighter than their own. This widespread cynicism can feel overwhelming, but it is not irreversible. The antidote lies in cultivating hope—a force more powerful than mere optimism. While optimism is the belief that things will improve, hope is the conviction that we possess the power to build a better future ourselves.
Hope is not a passive feeling; it is an active, dynamic predictor of well-being. To nurture hope, we must first envision a future that is better—whether for ourselves, our families, or our communities. This vision acts as a beacon, guiding us through uncertainty and adversity. Next, we need the motivation and willpower to pursue that future, even when the path is unclear or obstacles arise. Finally, hope requires a practical roadmap: the ability to chart a course from where we are now to where we aspire to be.
Practical Steps to Build Hope
Why Hope Matters
Hope is not just wishful thinking; it is a vital ingredient for personal and collective transformation. It empowers us to face difficulties with courage, to persist when others give up, and to inspire those around us. By cultivating hope, we reclaim our ability to shape the future, restore trust in ourselves and our communities, and create a legacy of resilience for generations to come.
“An exquisitely inspired portrait of a life well-lived and an inspiration to any reader.” ~ Jon Michael Miller, Reader’s Favorite, 5-Star
Field of Memories: A Tapestry of Heartwarming Short Stories by D. L. Norris is perfectly summed up in the title. She presents 57 vignettes, all of which are accompanied by images, and many feature short poems that encapsulate the emotion of the prose. Norris is not only a talented writer and poet; she also excels at book design. Her entire presentation would make a hit on any coffee table. She tells us in her preamble that her mind has always been “a gallery of vivid snapshots,” and that is a perfect description of her book. The verbal snapshots are presented in order throughout her rich and inspiring life, thus far, which in its joyfulness has also borne a measure of heartache. She is a child of the sixties, and along with personal reminiscences, she reminds us of the historical events along the way and how they affected her and her family.
I enjoyed this book immensely, laughed out loud, recalled my own life (which has been led almost along with her timeline), nodded often in agreement with her observations, and even shed a few tears. What comes across above all the details and emotions, however, is her unshakeable faith. She celebrates the beauty of the commonplace–a small table, a pair of red boots, a stroll along a winding stream. But always in this book, she cherished her family and her faith in a delightful combination of prose, poetry, imagery, history, and aesthetics. Field of Memories by D. L. Norris is an exquisitely inspired portrait of a life well-lived and will be an inspiration to any reader.
I am thrilled to share that Old Books and Faded Dreams has been nominated for the prestigious CIPA EVVY Award! If you’re searching for your next inspiring read, I invite you to discover why this story is earning such recognition.
To celebrate the season, the eBook edition is available for just $1.98 at D. L. Norris Bookshop. Thank you for being part of this special moment!
Field of Memories is a heartfelt collection of autobiographical short stories and vignettes, chronicling the author’s journey from childhood through adulthood. The book is structured as a tapestry of memories, each thread representing a formative experience, cherished relationship, or poignant lesson. Norris’s writing is deeply nostalgic, celebrating the warmth of family, the innocence of youth, and the resilience found in overcoming loss.
The stories span several decades, beginning with the author’s early years, moving through coming-of-age moments, family traditions, and significant historical events. Central themes include the enduring influence of the author’s mother, the joys and sorrows of growing up, and the importance of preserving family stories for future generations. The narrative is enriched by vivid character sketches—neighbors, teachers, friends, and relatives—each contributing to the rich tapestry of the author’s life.
Throughout, Norris reflects on universal experiences: childhood innocence, friendship, grief, forgiveness, and the bittersweet passage of time. The book is interwoven with poems and reflections, offering readers both laughter and tears. Ultimately, Field of Memories is a celebration of legacy, love, and the power of storytelling to connect generations.
D. L. Norris is a distinguished author and motivational speaker, widely recognized for her insightful contributions to literature and personal development. With a prolific career spanning several decades, Norris has explored themes of health, emotional wellness, family dynamics, and cultural history, earning her a devoted readership. Her acclaimed novels, “The Long Way Home,” “Where the Heart Is,” and “Old Books and Faded Dreams: Collector’s Edition”—are celebrated for their vibrant, humorous stories and authentic portrayal of real-life events and mindsets inspired by her beloved Scandinavian heritage.
Norris’s writing is characterized by its warmth, wit, and ability to capture the complexities of human relationships, drawing from her own experiences and family traditions. Through her work, she invites readers to reflect on the importance of resilience, hope, and unconditional love, weaving together narratives that resonate across generations.
She and her husband, Quincy, reside in the picturesque city of Hartford, Connecticut, where they continue to inspire others through their commitment to storytelling and community engagement.
Nothing ushers in the season like a cozy fire, a cup of hot chocolate, or a good read.
Well, you’re on your own for the cozy fire and hot chocolate, but we’ve definitely got you covered with a good read! Now you can instantly download Old Books and Faded Dreams, Collector’s Edition with the click of a button at D. L. Norris Bookshop—for only $1.98! This captivating novel will whisk you away to the charming town of Tilden, Nebraska, where gossip, grief, and long-buried secrets weave together in a story as enchanting as it is suspenseful.
What They’re Saying…
Lee Robbins, The Book Commentary says, “D. L. Norris is a great storyteller with a unique gift for writing details that embellish the narrative, capture the emotional depth of the characters, and infuse the story with realism.”
Christian Sia, Reader’s Favorite states, “I was swept away by the emotional currents of this endearing tale and fell in love with the characters.”
So, what are you waiting for? Start reading today!
From all of us at D. L. Norris Book and Blog, we wish you a joyous and blessed holiday season!
Set in the town of Tilden, Nebraska, Old Books and Faded Dreams by D. L. Norris follows Maggie Davis, a hardworking middle-aged widow living in a Victorian estate she inherited with her nine-year-old daughter, Jenna. Maggie runs a cozy bed-and-breakfast that has guests from all walks of life. It becomes a hub where the townsfolk meet to gossip, with a neighbor who can’t keep her mouth shut, and a client who makes Maggie’s heart beat faster than it should. She still grieves the tragic death of her husband, but a scandal is about to destroy everything she has worked for. A family secret is discovered in an old attic trunk, and there are plans to swindle her out of her inheritance. How can Maggie save her relationships and her bed-and-breakfast business?
Old Books and Faded Dreams captivates readers with its characters and absorbs them with its storytelling. I was swept away by the emotional currents of this endearing tale and fell in love with the characters, especially Maggie and little Jenna. The pair is a joy to watch. Jenna is a smart and inquisitive kid, and the bond between mother and daughter is handled spectacularly, allowing them to evolve through realistic situations. Old Books and Faded Dreams has gorgeous prose, and the descriptions highlight surprising details of the setting, the characters, and scenes. The scenes are well-crafted, and the points of view are depicted in a way that never confuses. The author examines what keeps a small community alive and what can break it. It was an enjoyable story for me, and I can still picture the characters in my mind. ~ Reader’s Favorite, Christian Sia
Hope is a walk through a flowering meadow. One does not require that it lead anywhere.
Robert Brault
“D. L. Norris is a great storyteller with a unique gift for writing details that embellish the narrative, capture the emotional depth of the characters, and infuse the story with realism.”
Lee Robbins, The Book Commentary
Old Books and Faded Dreams by D. L. Norris is a captivating historical fiction novel that transports you to the picturesque town of Tilden, Nebraska. The story follows Maggie Davis, a strong and hardworking widow living in a grand Victorian estate with her lively nine-year-old daughter Jenna. Maggie’s life revolves around her bed-and-breakfast, a hub of community and conversation, with an eclectic cast of guests. Her business provides a venue for socializing, gossip, and at times, heated discussions. Maggie’s life is about to be upended when a malicious scheme that aims to swindle her out of her inheritance is discovered. As if that isn’t enough to rock her world, a hidden family secret is uncovered from an attic trunk. These revelations threaten to unravel her peaceful existence. What follows is a denouement that is as twisty as it is delightful.
D. L. Norris is a great storyteller with the unique gift for writing details that embellish the narrative, capturing the emotional depth of the characters, and infusing the narrative with realism. Her characterization is stellar, and I was fascinated by Maggie, a genuinely flawed heroine who doesn’t lack the grit to make her lovable. You’ll enjoy the deft portrayal of Jenna’s innocence and inquisitive spirit, characteristic of kids her age, and the colorful townspeople who gather around the kitchen table, sharing gossip and secrets. The novel’s setting in Tilden, Nebraska, provides a nostalgic charm, evoking the warmth of small-town life amidst the looming shadows of scandal. Themes of friendship, grief, reconciliation, and unconditional love are developed alongside the importance of community and personal growth. The discovery of family secrets injects intrigue and suspense. Old Books and Faded Dreams is a perfect read for fans of literary fiction with sophisticated characters, stellar writing, and vividly drawn settings. This one kept me awake through the night.
D. L. Norris is a distinguished author and motivational speaker, widely recognized for her insightful contributions to literature and personal development. With a prolific career spanning several decades, Norris has explored themes of health, emotional wellness, family dynamics, and cultural history, earning her a devoted readership. Her acclaimed novels, “The Long Way Home,” “Where the Heart Is,” and “Old Books and Faded Dreams: Collector’s Edition”—are celebrated for their vibrant, humorous stories and authentic portrayal of real-life events and mindsets inspired by her beloved Scandinavian heritage.
Norris’s writing is characterized by its warmth, wit, and ability to capture the complexities of human relationships, drawing from her own experiences and family traditions. Through her work, she invites readers to reflect on the importance of resilience, hope, and unconditional love, weaving together narratives that resonate across generations.
She and her husband, Quincy, reside in the picturesque city of Hartford, Connecticut, where they continue to inspire others through their commitment to storytelling and community engagement.
Browsing library shelves, you sense history’s presence. Libraries allow us to access the wisdom of past generations, connecting us with the world’s greatest minds and teachers. Supporting libraries reflects our civilization’s health and our commitment to knowledge. Visit your local library TODAY.
