Christina Abt (shown here with her husband, Michael) is a resident of Eden, New York. A former newspaper editor, Christina currently fills her days with freelance writing and breeding Morgan Horses. She is a weekly newspaper columnist, radio commentator, and national magazine profiler. Recently re-married to the most wonderful man in the world, Christina is the mother of three awesome adult children (a son, a daughter and a son-in-law) and will always continue to be her mother's daughter. Christina had two of her numerous stories published in the first Heartwarmers book -- Just Wanted to Talk and  Gino's Haircut. A third story of hers will appear in the upcoming Heartwarmers book, which is due to be published in the spring of 2001.

Darlene A. Buechel, a Wisconsin Cheese Head, enjoys reading, writing, and keeping the refrigerator stocked for her farmer husband and two energetic teens. Darlene has been a member of the WRWA (Wisconsin Regional Writers Association) since 1998, and has been awarded a Jade Ring for Juvenille Short Story along with several Humor essay awards. She enjoys writing for the Children and Young Adult market and has been published in Turtle, Boy' Quest, Hopscotch, and Small Farmers Journal. She is also proud of the essay's she's had published on the Heartwarmers website, some of which include: The Incredible Shrinking Mom, Teen Bounces, Easy Bake Christmas, Fist Full of Pennies, and Never Broke. The later was re-titled Living High and in included in the new Heartwarmers of Spirit book. Darlene is proud to be named a Heartwarmers Gem and she hopes to live up to the title!

Lynelle Dawson spends her days and nights writing, in between chasing her delightfully mobile toddler, Kallianne, and working as an eBay auctioneer. Lynelle is content doing what she loves best -- writing, working and raising Kallie -- from their love-filled home in Oklahoma. Besides writing and her daughter, Lynelle also enjoys traveling, music, animals, reading, flying, learning, the mountains, rivers and the country. Lynelle is also a four star Themestream author. To read some of Lynelle's writing, including her Heartwarmers, Petwarmers and Gardenwarmers stories, please click here.

Joe Edwards We consider the late Joe Edwards one of the greatest "unknown" story tellers in American history. His legendary stories about his little hometown of Miller, Missouri, transformed Heartwarmers, as thousands of readers throughout the world became instant fans. His stories were translated into many languages. The remarkable thing about Joe Edwards is that he was 65 when he died, and he didn't start writing until he was 63. While he was a master of the English language (he was a high school English teacher in his younger years) he never put pen to paper until the last two years of his life, and never submitted his works to a publisher. He was a semi-retired Jazz pianist and played in, and conducted, Big Bands in the 40s and 50s. His work was preserved in manuscript form, and he produced the now famous "Charlie CD" from old recordings, based on the remarkable Charlie story. He also co-narrated the Petwamers Pet Tales CD. Among his dozens of beloved stories, you'll be enchanted with The Red Mahogany Piano, Awestruck Wonder, Central, Gypsy Magic, and Luther's Lumber.

Linda Ferris makes her home in Southeast Michigan, in the city where she has spent all but two years of her life. She is the mother of one, terrific, twenty-one year old son. Linda has enjoyed a career in nursing, practicing in women's health. She believes that the trials we face in life prepare us for a much higher purpose, and that with faith, one person can truly make a difference. Writing true life experiences from her heart, Linda stories have included, The Big Screen, 8 x 10 Color Photos, and The Longest Two Weeks. She also has stories being published in the Heartwarmers book, and Chicken Soup for the Grandparent's Soul.

Christian Fisher is a professional freelance writer specializing in topics of inner strength and stories of triumph over adversity. He is author of the book, The Secret Nature Within You, and he is a contributor to national magazines and web sites including Woman's World magazine and FitnessHeaven.com. He is also editor of the free weekly e-mail newsletter, Story Magic, which features world-class inspirational writers and links to some of their best online work. Christian's Heartwarmers stories include Absolutely Certain,  Every Minute and  Across The Miles.

Currently, Christian divides himself full-time among book writing, freelance writing, and speaking engagements. His private time is spent on music, study, and with lots of loving family and friends.

Maria Harden was born in Finland, but has lived in Canada for all but the first two years of her life. She has been married to Neil for twenty-five years, and they have one son and one grandson. Maria freelances for the local daily newspaper and is currently trying her hand at fiction for children. She is blessed with wonderful family and friends who often configure in her stories. They are her biggest "fans. Her goal is to get the memories down for future generations to enjoy. Stories in the Heartwarmer archives include: The Memory Game,  Healing Waters and  Of Thee I Sing.

Larry Harp has been a resident of Bedford, Texas, for the past 14 years. Having suffered injury to his back in the early 1980's, he suffers from a degenerative disc disease. He has spent many years in preaching, and although he can no longer work on a full-time basis, he still has many opportunities to preach, teach and counsel. He is a great lover of music and has written several songs as well as poetry. He has been a performer as a vocalist with his guitar both publicly and privately. Married to his best friend, Deann, all of their the kids have left the nest, and now there are four grandchildren. His philosophy of life is that each day brings its own miracles, and the span of time with it, brings many possibilities. Larry says, "I chose to live with joy and contentment without complaint. I firmly believe we all can have those choices. In fact, our ability to choose is one of our greatest powers. As his father used to say, "Attitude determines altitude"."

Stephen J. Hopson of Michigan has been profoundly deaf since birth, he has been blessed with an extraordinary gift. He is an inspirational speaker who shares with audiences his humorous and inspiring experiences, often talking about what he calls his "RCA" way of life. "R" stands for taking risks. "C" stands for the willingness to change. And "A" stands for accepting ourselves for who we really are. He is currently working on his first book Goodbye, Wall Street! about how he gave up a $300,000 stockbroker career to find meaning and direction through spirituality and pursue his life's purpose. Stephen's Heartwarmers4u stories include Leap of Faith, Blizzard Housecleaning and Three Words. The longer version of Leap of Faith is featured in Chicken Soup for the College Soul and is entitled, "Dare Take Risks."

Janet "Nett" Hounsell lives in northern New Hampshire and is a retired newspaper photojournalist. Since retirement, she's written a town history for her local historical society and has authored several magazine articles. One of the advantages of "old" age, says Nett, "is that most of us can mimic Jimmy Durante when it comes to true heartwarming stories.. saying 'I've got a million of 'em." Nett's Heartwarmers4u stories include, The Mountain Man and The Chipped Bowl.

Grace Witwer Housholder is from Indiana and is the author of "Funny Things Kids Say Will Brighten Any Day." She is a reporter/columnist for the Kendallville, Indiana, News-Sun newspaper and she and her husband, Terry, are the parents of four children. Grace says she loves writing for Heartwarmers4u because of the immediate feedback she gets connecting with thousands of members. Her stories include Music Mom, Driving Us Crazy and Better Than A Trophy.

Corrina Jayne Hyde was born in England and moved to Oklahoma when
she was three years old. In the small community of Tushka, under the influence of her "Nana" (The Perfect Dogwood) she would come into her own, learning that giving was a gift. After 20 years of teaching and almost that many "wondering", she would find her way back home to Tushka, where family, old friends, new children and a new career, would fill the void she has felt for so long. Kassidy (Kassidy) and Carissa (Laughter Filled the Air) still remain an important part in her life. Corrina has been published in the first edition of Heartwarmers, and the second edition of Stories from a Woman's Heart.

Daniel James lives in Idaho with his wife and their ever-changing collection of assorted pets. He and his wife have two college age daughters, and a young granddaughter to dote over. Dan has worked his entire career in the business end of healthcare. He only recently started writing his stories that often have a religious/inspirational focus or are about interactions, both those on-line and in real life. He makes occasional attempts at humorous writing. Although not a pastor, Dan loves to write and deliver sermons and is a lay-speaker in a mainstream Christian denomination. His hope, his prayer, is to make a difference for someone, somewhere, each and every day. Daniel's Heartwarmer stories include, Moment of Regret,  Goodnight Mom  and 23rd Psalm.

Betty King has been married to her husband, Bill, for 45 years. They have four children and nine grandchildren. Betty has lived with MS for 36 years and she continues to find joy in living and writing. Her faith and humor are woven into the fabric of her stories. She says some stories are easier to write than others -- some require only a pen and paper, while others require a piece of the soul. Betty was a former Library clerk in the city schools and she and her husband owned and operated restaurants in Illinois for a number of years. Though she is now on disability, she feels God has enabled her to be more than she ever was before MS knocked at her door. She has publishing credits in a number of mediums and is hoping to have her own book published. Betty's Heartwarmers stories include, Kitchen Windows, Glow In The Dark, Laughter Strengthens and Heave Ho. She also has several Petwarmers stories and has been named the 2TheHeart writer of the month.

Roger Kiser, of Georgia, was raised in an orphanage in Jacksonville, Florida. His early life with other orphans was plagued with years of hardships, beatings, abuse, and physical pain which eventually led Roger to juvenile halls, reform schools, and finally prison. At age 24, Roger was finally on his own for the first time in his life. He now spends most of his time writing about his childhood experiences and doing everything he can to change orphanage policies. Roger's Heartwarmers4u stories including Flying and Broken Legs.

James "PoppyK" Kisner is Heartwarmers' Poet Laureate. His amazing poetry, which has touched the hearts and souls of our members, is about the victories and defeats of real life situations. He writes for the love of it and shares most of his work on his Internet pages. His award winning poetry circulates the world. One of his famous poems, Roses for Rose, can be found in our archives. His recent book "Sweet Dreams and Tender Tears" is available only through mail order and can be reviewed at his website: http://www.FleetingMP.com

Ethel Lewis grew up on a ranch near a small town in Texas. Her grandfather was a great storyteller of the "Old West" and whiled away many hours in the storm cellar during tornado season. Her mother's Irish heritage taught Ethel beautiful Irish songs and stories of Leprechauns and other "wee folk." So story telling has always been as natural as breathing to Ethel. Today, she is a single mom of one married son and grandmother to three "perfect" grandchildren. Ethel teaches Sunday School class and occasionally does public speaking. Her favorite style of writing comes from a book by Edgar A. Guest which she found in an antique store. Ethel's own stories have influenced and inspired others. She has been published in several books and newspapers, and her stories for Heartwarmers, The Apple Tree and Annie Oakley, have distinguished her as one of our special writers -- a true Gem!

Jaye Lewis was raised in the deep south, and currently lives with her husband in the beautiful hills of southwestern Virginia. She is a happily retired navy wife and enjoys gardening, writing and reading. She wrote her first story at the age of 10 and became hooked when someone said "read it again." She is currently collaborating on a book of original poems, reflections and photography with two of her daughters. Jaye says, "Heartwarmers has been a real 'gift' to me, granting me 'roots' I never had, by constantly encouraging and challenging me to revisit memories, which have proven that 'roots' are really matters of the heart." Jaye's writings include Father McKeever's Lesson,  Friendly Fire  and My Treasures.

Lynn Lombard Our youngest Heartwarmer Gem, Lynn Lombard was awarded her title at the Heartwarmers Conference in June 2000. She resides in Akron, New York with her wonderful husband, Douglas and their mischievous cat, Tango. She began writing when she was a young girl, writing silly poems about the people and things around her. Never giving up her love of writing, she continues to compose many touching stories from the heart. She works as a legal administrative assistant and office manager. In her spare time, if she's not writing, she loves to read, cross-stitch and walk. Her previous heartwarmer stories include Sticking Together, A Lesson Learned, Every Sense a Mother, Pep Talk, Never Too Bad and Gizmo.

Jennifer Oliver lives in the heart of Texas, just outside Killeen, with her marvelous househubby, Stephen, and four beautiful kidwarmers, ages 6 months to 6 years. She works as a computer specialist for the government, and volunteers at the Sunshine Home. She and Stephen are antique enthusiasts and enjoy hunting down bargains and working on their fixer-upper home. Jennifer is a frequent Heartwarmers contributor and some of her stories include Noble Prize,  Four Ears,  Heartsong,  and The Big Night. Other real-life vignettes of hers have appeared in www.ripplemaker.com and www.storiesfrommyheart.com. She looks forward to Heartwarmers lighting up her mailbox each morning through which she's discovered the joys of connecting with her e-family from all over the world. Her story, Anthony's Wish, will appear in the second Heartwarmers book in the Spring of 2001.

Bob Perks is first, a father, a husband, and a son who just happens to be an inspirational speaker and author. He is a member of the National Speakers Association. He and his wife Marianne live in northeastern Pennsylvania. They have two sons, Evan and Keith, and the most wonderful daughter-in-law, Sarah. Bob says Sarah is "A true joy in my life!" He has written a number of stories for publication including his first book, "The Flight of a Lifetime!" His stories can also be found in "Chicken Soup for the Father's Soul", "Prisoners Soul" and the book "GrandStories", as well as featured stories on "BeliefNet" and others. Three times each week he shares his work via the internet, through his message, "I believe in you!". Here he writes about people he has met as he travels around the country. You can sign up for them by visiting his website, www.BobPerks.com. Bob has written many wonderful stories for Heartwarmers, Petwarmers and Gardenwarmers which include The Time Piece,  The Art of Holding Hands  and In Her Eyes.

Michael T. Powers resides in Janesville, Wisconsin, with his lovely bride Kristi and their two small boys who provide an endless amount of story material. Michael has authored the book, Straight From the Heart (due in 2001), is a motivational speaker, business owner, high school girl's coach, and founder of StraightFromTheHeartList.com. Many of his stories that first appeared on Heartwarmers have been published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Alice Gray's Stories for the Heart series, and the first Heartwarmers book. Kristi and Michael have a heart for teenagers, and feel that one's outlook on youth all depends on whether one thinks teenagers have problems or are problems. They believe the former. Some of this Heartwarmers stories have included: Tuxedo Swimming, Taking off the Mask , The Day Lisa Lost.

Joe Walker has been writing professionally since 1980, when he left college to join the staff of a daily metropolitan newspaper. For 10 years -- including six as the paper's TV columnist and critic -- he was part of the mainstream media, and was painfully aware of the overwhelming negativity of contemporary journalism. Joe says, "Nobody was looking for real solutions to the problems society was facing; they were just looking for someone or something to blame the problems on." So in 1990 Joe began writing ValueSpeak, a weekly syndicated column that attempts to look at contemporary issues from the perspective of traditional values. Joe and his wife wife, Anita, are parents of five children, with their first grandchild due shortly.