Dear Readers and Friends,
I’m delighted to bring you an update on a project that’s close to my heart and nearly ready to meet the world. My latest book, From the Parlor of The Minutemen’s Inn: Guests, Ghosts, and Host Tell Their Stories, is entering its final stages of production.
The cover is complete (and I must say, it captures the mood beautifully), and the first formatted proof for the Amazon paperback will arrive on April 22, 2025. This will be a cozy, engaging short story collection with something a little different: a summary-style table of contents, color illustrations, and a unique narrative structure that introduces you to the storytellers themselves.
A New Way to Tell Old-Fashioned Stories
Unlike traditional story collections, From the Parlor of The Minutemen’s Inn offers a “framed” experience: the tales unfold as a nor’easter barrels through New England, trapping a few unexpected companions together inside the warmth of the historic Inn. Stanley Wolcott—a cheerful, chatty long-term guest—pulls his wing-backed chair a little closer to the fire and invites others to share stories of their own.
Joining him are Moses, the thoughtful innkeeper; Gretchen, a first-time guest with a gift for Christmas cookies; and Jack Fowler, a peculiar and quick-witted local historian. Together, their tales blend history, humor, and the kind of mystery that lingers long after the fire dies down.
Each character introduces their stories, making this more than just a collection—it’s a gathering.
Sneak Peek: Sample Story Summaries
Here are a few of the stories you’ll find inside, told from the point of view of our warm-hearted host, Stanley Wolcott:
- “Christmas at The Minutemen’s Inn”
Keziah Adams invites you to visit her haunted New England Inn for Christmas. Family, faith, and a touch of the otherworldly make this a story to revisit each holiday season. - “Brewster Hopkins”
A young woman longing to be noticed finally gets her Cinderella moment in the most unexpected way. - “The Seth Worthington Room”
Kindness redeems a con man in this tale of second chances and quiet transformation. - “Patriot’s Day”
A humorous standoff between Alphonse, the Inn’s well-mannered cat, and Larry, a Maine Coon with a chip on his shoulder—and more than a few tricks up his paw.
These are just a few of the offerings. The full book will include both newly revised versions of reader favorites and all-new stories with memorable characters and voices.
A Thoughtfully Designed Edition
With an estimated page count in the 200s, this volume is intentionally priced to be more accessible to readers. It’s meant to invite you into the heart of New England storytelling, without asking too much of your wallet.
We’ve included color illustrations and gentle narrative transitions between stories to provide the feel of a fireside evening well spent. There’s something deeply nostalgic about sitting with others while the storm howls outside—and I hope this book brings that feeling into your home.
I’m also considering a hardcover gift edition for readers looking to share the experience during the holiday season or as a special keepsake. If that’s something you’d enjoy, I’d love to hear from you.
Looking Ahead
I’ll be adding the illustrated summary page from the book to the website soon, as well as the full introduction to the narrators. It’s these little touches that I think make the world of The Minutemen’s Inn feel real—a place where even ghosts linger not out of fear, but out of affection for the people and stories they left behind.
Thank you, as always, for reading, for supporting independent authors, and for loving stories that offer warmth, faith, family, and just a bit of mischief.
Warm wishes,
