blog tour, books

Blog Tour: When the Red Bird Flies – Courtney Reames Haydell

Synopsis (from Amazon):George and Murphy are two brothers who share everything-toys, secrets, and especially the love for their sweet grandmother. But one day, she goes to Heaven, and the brothers miss her alot.Then, something amazing happens. Bright red birds start showing up wherever they go. These aren’t just any birds; they seem special. Following these birds, George and Murphy go on a big adventure. Along the way, they learn that these birds have messages from their grandmother!The story of When the Red Bird Flies is like a big, warm hug. It tells us that even when someonewe love goes away, they’re still with us in different ways. Sometimes, they might send signs to let us know they’re watching over us. All we have to do is pay attention and believe. So, join George and Murphy as they learn about love, memories, and the magical ways the world tells us that we’re never truly alone. With every chirp and flutter of the red bird’s wings,they find a little more happiness and remember all the fun times they had with their grandmother.

Excerpt
On a cold night in November, a loving grandmother had gained her heavenly wings — this left all
her family in tears but especially George. George said “How will we go on without her? I will miss her so terribly much, Mommy.”
His parents told him that he would never be alone, that his grandmother may have left but she is still here — right here.
“You can feel her, but you can’t see her. If we believe enough and ask her to send us signs to let us know she is watching over us, she will do just that — always look for the signs when you need them most.”
Shortly after his grandmother’s passing, George celebrated his seventh birthday. His parents tucked him into bed on the evening of his birthday. As his mom closed his door, she whispered:
“Close your eyes and make a wish.”
So, he did — he wished for his grandmother to send him a sign to let him know she is still with him.

Amazon Goodreads

Giveaway – win one of three signed copies of When the Red Bird Flies (US Only) http://tinyurl.com/redbirdprize

Courtney Reames Haydell, born to Bonnie Carville Reames and Michael Wilks Reames, is theyoungest among six siblings. Hailing from a small town in Louisiana, she’s an author deeplyrooted in familial ties and the wonder of nature. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences and surroundings, her stories often touch upon themes of love, loss, and healing. Courtneycurrently resides in Texas, where she finds joy in the company ofher husband and two sons.Through her writing, she hopes to touch young hearts, helping them navigate through life’sprofound moments.


Hi, I am Courtney Reames Haydell, author of When the Red Bird Flies. I wrote my book through personalexperience. I lost my beautiful parents, my two boys’ grandparents, within four years. This took a hugehit on myself as a new mother and on my two sons as we are learning to navigate life without them.When the Red Bird Fliestakes place anywhere there is the grieving heart of a child missing someone theylove. I take great joy in being able to help other parents help their children cope with great loss.This is my first book. It has had many vulnerable moments, to say the least. It’s like putting your personal diary out into the world for everyone to read and judge. It can also be very liberating as well.The smiles and hugs from friends and strangers make me happy and so fulfilled when they tell you howmuch yourstory has helped them, their children, and their grandchildren, and they cannot recommendyour book enough to all they know.A little behind the scenes ofWhen the Red Bird Flies: My son, Maxwell (11 years old) wrote thejournaling questions in the back of the book. He wanted other kids to be able to write their feelings, and by doing so, it would help them stay close to the person or people they are missing. This was a proudmoment for me as a mother and for Maxwell. Getting to see how much his questions are helping other kids has brought him tremendous joy.This book really is a big warm hug. I am just so proud of it.When the Red Bird Flies has brought my family many smiles and loads of comfort.

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family, life

A little love story…

My grandparents celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary recently and on Sunday the entire family went out to lunch with them. It was postponed from the beginning of the month as my poor Grandad had shingles, but he’s all better now.

We gathered at the rather posh Oatlands Park Hotel in Surrey, not far from my mum’s hometown. Amusingly the ‘children’ now outnumbered the ‘adults’ at the table as both of my cousins and I brought our partners along.

Their story is sweet but also rather sad.

My Nan had a fairly tragic childhood and although it had a happy ending, her life was full of loss. She married her childhood sweetheart, Bill, at 18 and had two daughters (my mum and auntie). Bill died at 30 from Non-Hodgkins’ Lymphoma, leaving her a widow with two small children to support.

Meanwhile in Yorkshire, a young man lost his wife to cancer and decided to head out to ‘The Smoke’ to find work and start over.

My Nan was mainly raised by The Aunts, and it was Auntie Doll (a pretty kickass woman in her own right) who introduced her niece to the young man whose accent was so strong, she thought he was Scottish!

It was love at first sight, and then he met her little daughters and a family was formed. My mum and auntie were bridesmaids and got a new dad.

They are still very much in love and Grandad is one of my favourite people on the planet. He has taken such good care of my little Nanny. She hasn’t been very well in the last few years and he has done everything he can to keep her well.

Here’s to many more family get togethers and love.

ramblingmads