Virginia Redman’s Newly Released “Not What I Expected” is a Charming Coming of Age Tale That Finds a Young Woman Starting Over in a New School for Junior Year
Encinitas, CA, May 23, 2023 –(CarryOnHarry.com)– “Not What I Expected”: a delightful adventure of fast friendship and self-discovery. “Not What I Expected” is the creation of published author Virginia Redman, a retired English teacher who has a BA and an MA in English and a California teaching credential.
Redman shares, “Allie and her Octet had been close, happy, supportive friends since kindergarten. Her friend Jen is like her sister. One day when they are all walking home from school, she is shocked to see a ‘For Sale’ sign in the front yard of her home. Her dad is being transferred to San Diego. Allie’s family is going to move from a suburb on Lake Michigan north of Chicago to a suburb north of San Diego. She is heartbroken. She thinks, I will be starting high school all over again in my junior year in a strange new place.
“When the dreaded first day of school arrives, surprisingly, she meets Jordan in her first-period class. Jordan’s dad had just been transferred to San Diego from the San Francisco Bay Area. Jordan introduces Allie to her cousin Greg at lunch. Allie thinks, As Jen would say, he is awesome! In French class Allie meets Amanda and Chloe. So many absolutely amazing, unexpected things happen for Allie in the next few months because of Jordan, Amanda, Chloe, Greg, and her brother Conner. One night, she hugs her dog and says, ‘Oh, Sunshine, I’m so happy!’”
Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Virginia Redman’s new book examines key social themes that are at the forefront of many teens lives as Allie learns that maybe San Diego isn’t so bad after all.
Redman draws from many years of working with middle and high school students to develop affable characters within a realistic setting within the pages of her debut young adult fiction.
Consumers can purchase “Not What I Expected” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.
For additional information or inquiries about “Not What I Expected,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Author Denise A. Powis’s New Book, “Just be Yourself and No One Else!” Follows Three Punctuation Marks Who Try to Change Who They Are But Simply Cause Confusion
Copenhagen, NY, October 07, 2025 –(CarryOnHarry.com)– Denise A. Powis, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who enjoys painting, inventing, writing, and gardening, has completed her new book, “Just Be Yourself and No One Else!”: a heartfelt story that follows three punctuation marks who discover the importance of being true to themselves and what they do best.
In 2005, author Denise Powis received a bachelor of science degree from Empire State College, and she has worked for many years in the helping professions as a certified nursing assistant, home health aide, and substitute teacher for special education classes. At the present time, she teaches a Bible study/support group for women. In 1979, she won a 17 Islands National sailboat race.
In “Just Be Yourself and No One Else!”, readers are introduced to a period, an exclamation point, and a question mark who all long for a change of pace and decide to switch places one day. However, they soon discover they are not well suited for performing their new roles, and decide that they were made perfect for their original purpose.
Published by Hawes & Jenkins Publishing, Denise A. Powis’s engaging tale will delight readers of all ages as they discover the importance of accepting one’s self and being true to who they really are. With colorful artwork and a powerful life lesson, “Just Be Yourself and No One Else!” will help boost confidence amongst young readers, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page.
Readers who wish to experience this riveting work can purchase “Just Be Yourself and No One Else!” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.
For additional information or media inquiries, contact Hawes & Jenkins at 888-430-7450.
The release of Magical Musical Memories aligns with research indicating music’s capacity to reduce stress and rekindle recollection among people living with dementia. It also echoes widely shared experiences—from football legend Sir Alex Ferguson to the family of singer Tony Christie—of music’s unique ability to unlock the past.
Inside the Community Spirit
“From the songs that we danced to at our first school dance, to the albums that became the soundtrack of our lives, each memory is a testament to the moments that have defined us,” said Helen Davies-Parsons, Chief Executive of Dormy Care Communities. “Music can transport us back to a specific time and place. Through these recollections, memories will now live on.”
How to Buy the Book—and Support Local Charities
The coffee-table style book is priced at £15. Copies can be purchased by contacting any of the five homes directly; card payments can be taken over the phone and books can be posted. A portion of every sale will be donated to local charities.
