23. January 2009 by Marie Pinschmidt.

“What a terrific, very special work! You have replaced Nicholas Sparks as one of my favorite authors! It really brought alive the memories of my trip to New Orleans and the bayou country several years ago. (Regrettably, I never ate at Antoine’s.)”  Wanda Folden, Springfield, Ohio.

 ”I read Man on The Balcony in a day and half and it was enchanting. Could not put it down. A truly beautiful story everyone wishes they had for themselves. “  Delores Israel, Florida.

“A popular vacation spot lures Maggie Swanson from the quaint Southern Ohio town she calls home. She soon realizes that even a thousand miles can not distance her from the emptiness and pain she carries in her heart. When a southern gentleman unexpectedly joins her for dinner, Maggie is surprised by how much she enjoys his company. Events quickly bring the two closer, only for Maggie to learn that the charming man with the crooked smile can no longer be a part of her life. Yearning for something more, Maggie returns to her job at the medical clinic in Ohio. Given a rare opportunity to pursue her dream of becoming an artist, she later journeys to pre-Katrina New Orleans where one brushstroke at a time she faces the canvas of her own life, determined to make her dreams come true.

In her first novel, Marie Bush Pinschmidt reminds us all of today’s uncertainties along with the hopes and dreams tomorrow can bring if only we are willing to take a chance and trust just one more time. Man on The Balcony is beautifully written and has certainly become one of my favorites. Prop up your feet and relax! You will not want to put this novel down.” Sandy Kelbley, Columbus, Ohio.

 ”Marie, I finished reading your wonderful novel last night. I knew these two were meant for each other but I was eager to find out how they were going to get together with all the obstacles in their way - as any good romance should have, right? Congratulations. I’m really proud of you for applying what you’ve learned. I hope all your readers enjoy the book, as I have”. Blessings, Karen O’Connor, Instructor Long Ridge Writer’s Group, San Diego, Ca.

“This charming novel is the perfect companion for a day at the beach or for a long afternoon cuddled up in a favorite chair. In its timeless story of love aborted by circumstance, this novel compares nicely to classical romance novels by Austen and Bronte. Brad Newsome has all the characteristics of a true hero - stalwart, honorable, and handsome to boot. However, unlike the heroines of old, this thoroughly-modern Maggie has no need of rescue. What she does have in common with her strong Victorian counterparts is her sense of purpose and self-worth. When her short-lived romance with Brad leads each of them to pursue their separate destinies, we share their journey as life’s twists and turns lead them back to each other once again. Their love affair is a tender story with something to say about persistence and patience in matters of the heart. But beware: you will fall in love with Brad. There is no escaping it.” Bonnie Hyland, Buffalo, NY.

“For me, Man on The Balcony, was one of those rare finds that I just did not want to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed the history, extensive vocabulary, and picturesque description. I must admit that I picked up a dictionary more than once. How refreshing to move away from the violence, filth, and profanity often found in literature today. What a delight!!! On a snowy afternoon, it will be a treat to read it again. The history lessons and the story itself are so enjoyable.” Sandy Kelbley, Columbus, Ohio.

“I thought Man on The Balcony was a charming and beautiful love story, so well written and such a detailed description of New Orleans! Since I’ve never been there, I found it very enlightening.” Rita Wellenberg, Florida.

“You wrote a sensitive, honest, insightful novel, Marie, which touched me deeply primarily on two accounts: the restraint with which two people who obviously were attracted to each other the moment they met, showed respect for one another; and the description of life in New Orleans, its culture and customs.” Ruth Fellom, Tucson, AZ.

“Marie, I am now a true fan of your first book! I so enjoyed it; could not put it down. My thirteen year old granddaughter loves romances and southern “belles” themes. She’s reading it now. I loved your writing. I had to grin when I read “Maggie was as thrilled as a magpie at a freshly filled bird feeder in snow”. Virginia Tierney, Mass.

READER’S COMMENTS - MAGGIE’S RETREAT

Maggie’s Retreat delivers a truly enjoyable reading experience! Drawing from personal experiences, Pinschmidt once again brings to life each unique character through a story filled with love, hope, and promises for all our tomorrows. The reader completes this novel more thoughtful of everyday decisions and so much wiser because of the obvious heart and research flowing throughout each page. This is the perfect gift for any season and a present you will be happy you gave yourself. The author is an amazing woman, an amazing talent.  Learn more about this incredible author and painter at www.paintings-prose-palmbeach.com. Be sure to send her an e-mail!” Sandy Kelbley

“Your descriptive prose and sense of story truly had me enthralled to the point of being there with your hartwarming characters. Loved the Retreat. Felt I was there living the painting instructions. Made me want to take up painting again.  The plot intrigued me all the way, and the cover showing your own work was perfect.  I can’t wait for your next book.” Virginia Tierney, Mass.

See Amazon.com for more reviews.

Posted in Uncategorized | Print | 2199 Comments »

6. January 2009 by Marie Pinschmidt.

Happy New Year to everyone and welcome to new beginnings.  I hope your holidays were everything you hoped for. We’ve been through a year of much turmoil throughout the world, and political unrest and uncertainty in our own country. With a new president in office, let’s hope things will change for the better. 

I like to think of a new year as an awakening spring garden. I envision new growth sprouting up like a baby’s tiny fist, the tendrils opening and reaching out to explore new territory, taking a chance on the unknown.  Dormant fruit trees awaken; their dry, skeletal bones opening and expanding their pregnant pores to exude perfection in form, color and fragrance unlike any other. A new year is when seeds burst forth from the cool earth, reaching for the warmth of the sun and new tomorrows, anxious to feed our souls and bodies with life-giving sustenance. Let’s hope the seeds of kindness and re-newed hope for our country sprout and grow strong during the coming year.

If you’ve found your way to this new website, I hope you will visit me often.  I’ve been busy writing books and painting, so this website is all rather new to me, but I promise to try to make it more interesting as we go along. I will  be adding content as well as pictures of my latest paintings. You may have noticed, I now have a chat room, where you can make comments, ask questions about my art or my published books, writing or art in general, or anything else on your mind.  Just sign up for membership and the rest is easy.  I want my readers and those who enjoy my art to become a part of my “family”.  Also, if you have subjects you would like discussed, please feel free to make suggestions. If you wish to send me a private question or comment, e-mail me at MariePin001@comcast.net. If you’re an artist or a writer, or aspiring to become one, I’ll help in any way I can. Perhaps now is the time to reclaim your abandoned dreams. Allow yourself to explore and expand.

A new year is a time to look back and look forward, a time of reflection, and committing to activities and actions to improve one’s life.

Voltaire said: “Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to the world.”

Posted in Uncategorized | Print | 2053 Comments »