Happy New Year!

MARIA'S MOMENTS

I ended 2025 on a good note at work. We had spirit week and other festive dress up days at the school where I work as a building sub. I'm looking forward to more fun ways to express myself and see what the fifth and six graders will wear. Below is an example of what I wore one day subbing.

I used my time off from subbing to work on my authorship like creating this newsletter and enhancing my upcoming release, Not Again Val's Story Part One, book five. Here's what early readers had to say:

"When I finished Val's story, I was immediately wanting the next book. It was a very good story. I loved the book," Alpha Reader.

"For the first time in many years, I read a book in one sitting! Val's Story was one I couldn't take a break from. I just couldn't wait to find out what would happen next! Her story is one of redemption, protection, provision, love, and loyalty. It is awesome - powerful! Captivating!" Alpha Reader.

I'd say that I'm off to a good start in 2026 with those wonderful comments. Here's wishing you a very prosperous, healthy, and happy new year!

⛵COME ABOARD!🌊

Ahoy, mates! Not Again Val's Story Part 1, book five of the Not Again saga needs beta readers and more early reviewers. While books one through four take you on many devastating tropical storms, Hurricane Val destroys everything in its path. 

We sailed smoothly through the summer of 2024 to write the last four novels of the Not Again series. Currently, I'm looking for new launch crew members. They are my shipmates who help me get the book launched and navigate the high seas. For those who read, review, and promote my books, I make it easy for you as the captain. So, do you want to sail the open seas with me to get the Not Again series known throughout the world? Contact me directly to become fishers of mankind via my author email, authormariathenriksen@gmail.com to apply. We'll be launching again this year. Join our next excursion with Not Again Val's Story.

✨NOT AGAIN, THE EPIC SAGA✨

Not Again, Book 1 - The beginning of an emotionally charged saga ⚡️ Will a deadly secret keep them apart? 💔 Introducing characters you'll love to hate and characters you'll love to follow. An unpredictable storyline will keep you on your toes. Gut-wrenching. Heart-warming.

Buy Not Again

Not Again The Fallout, Book 2 - A second chance romance, a new lease on life 👩‍❤️‍👨  Turning Trauma into Triumph 🕊

The frenzied moment when she realizes that evil is everywhere and not just orbiting her. Will she survive the torment?

Buy Not Again The Fallout

Not Again Morgan's Story, Book 3 - When bad things happen to good people 💔 Life isn't all fun and games 🥍

Back-stabbing deception. Nail-biting suspense. Who can she trust? Will wits and determination be enough to save her?

Buy Not Again Morgan's Story

Not Again Amy's Story, Book 4 - Uncover the mystery, survive the truth 🔐 Can she save herself? ⚖

Heart-stopping intrigue. Life spirals out of control. How low will she go? Can she dig herself out?

Buy Not Again Amy's Story

Not Again Val's Story (Part 1), Book 5 - A path of destruction 🔥 God's Redeeming Love 💖

Wanted: ARC Reviewers 📖✍ Anticipated Release in 2026

Not Again Val's Story (Part 2), Book 6

REAL 🔥 RAW 🔥 RIVETING

✨THE NOT AGAIN SERIES TRAILER✨

The following is a Not Again series trailer that I created. I wrote the song in the background. The song relates to the series and is mentioned in two of the books, Not Again The Fallout and the upcoming release, Not Again Val's Story Part 1. I'm not sure what to name it. A main character, Avery, wrote and sang it as introduced in the second book. Should I call it "Avery's Song" or "In a Matter of Time"—Thoughts? Enjoy!

All the Books on Amazon

🎰GAME NIGHT!🎯

I created an interactive and entertaining Facebook event that meets on Wednesday once a month called Game Night. "New Year, New Reads" is the theme for January's Game Night, New Year's Reads Party and will be hosted in Welcome to Chokeberry Falls - Mishael Austin Witty's Reader Friends group. This month Game Night is kicking off 2026 with a year-long reading challenge. The winner receives a $25 Amazon gift card at the end of 2026. Be sure to join us for the fun on January 28 starting at 4pm EST! Authors contact me for more information if you're interested in hosting a time slot in future months. Invite your friends!

EAT 💛 PLAY 💜 READ

✨PRE-GAME NIGHT FUN!✨

🧩A puzzle for your pleasure!🧩

Click HERE for jigsaw puzzle

See below for puzzle image, The Gift of Healing.

Feel free to give me your time for the puzzle in the comments

for a fun way to interact. ⏱

CONTACT INFORMATION

I hope to see you at Game Night for festive food, games galore, and fabulous fellowship! 🥳

Permission to forward this newsletter is granted and highly encouraged. Let's join forces to promote healing hearts 💖 one post at a time.

Here are all my links in one place for your convenience: linktr.ee/AuthorMaria

Not Again, healing hearts one page at a time