Heart Touchers: Life-Changing Stories of Faith, Love, and Laughter

Professional writers get very irritable when someone informs us that he is planning to write a book "whenever I have the time" or comments that it must be great to "lie around the house, waiting for inspiration." Such folks have no idea how hard writing is, and how often we squeeze assignments in around the demands of another job (to say nothing of a family) or re-think our career choice: on bad days, even elevator repair or medical school seem preferable.

Then, once in awhile, we meet a newcomer ready and eager to master all he can, knowing that the learning will require sacrifice and rejection, who brings to his craft that certain combination of emotion, sincerity and logic and isn't afraid to let it show, who writes because not to write would be worse--and we recognize him. We are us, and now he is us. Such a person is Michael T. Powers.

For the past year I have been enjoying Michael's pieces on his web site. They are warm, funny, touching and filled with the family and spiritual values that make him such a solid man. My favorite changes from week to week; sometimes I think he will never surpass When Lightning Bugs Look Like Fireworks, but then I re-read Taking Off the Mask and again, enjoy the goosebumps. How did this young person get to be so good, I wonder? Not just at writing, but at life! People who worry about the moral development of today's twenty- and thirty-somethings ought to read his parenting pieces, his stories of coaching teenage basketball players. They would be truly consoled and encouraged.

Fortunately, that's something we can all do. Michael's collection of stories Heart Touchers "Life-Changing Stories of Faith, Love, and Laughter" is finally here. I can recommend it wholeheartedly, and am looking forward to yet another read. Michael, welcome to the "lying around the house" club. May Heart Touchers "Life-Changing Stories of Faith, Love, and Laughter" be only the beginning.

- Joan Wester Anderson New York Times Best-Selling Author of 14 books including Where Angels Walk and Forever Young, the authorized biography of screen legend Loretta Young

With warmth and honesty, Michael T. Powers turns ordinary moments into extraordinary stories. His family and friends find their way into your heart and stay there as treasures. If you want to be reminded of what's important in life, you will want to read, Heart Touchers "Life-Changing Stories of Faith, Love, and Laughter".

- Alice Gray, Compiler of the best-selling Stories for the Heart book collection

Michael T. Powers is a Gem! And I don't use that term lightly. You see, as publisher of an emailed newsletter that goes to tens of thousands of subscribers who live in 130 countries around the world, I receive submissions from hundreds of writers. Let me tell you, there is a lot of talent out there. But only a chosen few have rated the highest title we bestow upon our most creative and beloved writers

- Heartwarmer Gem

Michael has an uncanny ability to use his skills to combine both his topic and artistry into a magical story that touches both the heart and soul. He can take us on a journey (I call them "escapes") without leaving our chairs. He can expand our minds and imaginations to places yet discovered.

Even with the things we see and do everyday, Michael provides an entertaining viewpoint that helps us to express, with words we could never find, what we've always felt. He shows us new ways to look at ourselves.

Take my word for it... once you get to know Michael and his stories, you will be making time for yourself to enjoy his wonderful tales, and your friends will be wondering where your "glow" came from.

- Lee Simonson, Heartwarmers

As the editor of the Heartwarmers books, I have had the privilege of reading Michael Powers' stories over the last few years. Michael has perfected the art of telling a compelling story with a sense of humor, enough description so that you feel that you are there with him as the story unfolds, and usually, a lesson or two tucked in to the story as well! Mostly, what you feel when you read Michael's stories are his heart -- the vast love he expresses for his wife, his children, and God. Whether you enjoy laughing, crying, or thinking while reading a good story, you'll find it all in Michael Powers' collection.

- Azriela Jaffe, Editor of the best-selling Heartwarmers series of books

Reading Michael T. Powers' book, Heart Touchers "Life-Changing Stories of Faith, Love, and Laughter", is like looking into a Norman Rockwell painting. This intimate glimpse into the Powers' family is so filled with love, admiration and respect for family, and God, that it will warm your heart and fill you with hope for generations to come.

- Saga Stevin, Author of four books, including: The Golden Triangle: "A Simple Philosophy on Dating & Relationships" and Be Nice! "Discovering the pearls in life's little lessons."