Name: Joanne Huist Smith
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Joanne Huist Smith

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Genre

Authors

Most Recent Book Title

The 13th Gift

Book Description

Memoir: After the unexpected death of her husband, Joanne Huist Smith had no idea how she would keep herself together and be strong for her three children - especially with the holidays approaching. The cheerfulness of the season made her feel more along than ever, no matter how much she wanter to reach out to her children and find some ways to comfort them.

But 13 days before Christmas a poinsettia appeared on the Smith's doorstep. The next day, another gift arrived...then another, and another. Each present was accompanied by a note with lyrics to the carol, "The 12 Days of Christmas" rewritten to fit the gift and sign, "Your True Friends" Although Jo resisted the intrusion at first, the gifts began to work a kind of magic on her and the kids.

Additional Book Titles

None

Website #1

http://13thgift.com/

Amazon Page

The 13th Gift: A True Story of a Christmas Miracle

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Joanne Huist Smith

Location (city/state/country)

Dayton, Ohio USA

Author bio

Joanne Huist Smith is a native of Dayton, Ohio. She earned a bachelor's degree in English at Wright State University and worked as a reporter for the Dayton Daily News doe nearly 17 years. She is the mother of three and grandmother of two.

Professional Speaker Topics

Memoir
Writing from the heart
Dealing with grief
How to survive the holidays when someone special is no longer able to celebrate with you.
Differences between journalism and creative nonfiction.
Interviewing techniques
Investigating the past

Favorite Quote or Personal Motto

Fears are meant to be conquered. Dreams are meant to be lived, not slept through.

1 Comment

L Inda on 12/25 at 10:17 am

Hello, I just read The 13th Gift as a book club selection. I really enjoyed it, knowing the area well. I grew up Dayton and went to Centerville High School. Thank you for you story of your loss and people giving back. Heartwarming.
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