I have to tell you how the story begins, the story that is, of this book. One day Christine Baker posted a picture of a bottle of blood on my Facebook page. It was an incredible photo and all I could think of was:What a great book this would be!But then I thought some more. I thought, I wonder if other creative minds are looking at this image are thinking the same thing? What would they be thinking?So I decided to ask in my group on Facebook, would anyone be interest...

An early American boy recounts the hardships and scandals that brought his family to ruin in early Illinois and learns another side of his famous father's life. Based on the real life story of Illinois founder, Col. Benjamin Stephenson, this story reveals a rare look at America's fledgling beginnings.

On Christmas Eve 1820, Colonel Benjamin Stephenson wishes away his life's work in banking, politics and state business. But when that wish summons three spritely Christmas beings to his aid, he is in for a seasonal lesson about treasuring one's true purpose in life. With a nod to two favorite classic Christmas tales, Charles Dickens and Frank Capra, this story is based on fact that takes a fun fanciful look at early American history in the making as seen through the eyes of one obscure ear...