Press
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
Po' Boy Press, Marketing Services
Email: sayhello@christmastreewish.com
(When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)
A tiny balsam tree discovers hope as a beautiful star opens his heart, helps him find his identity and guides him to realize peace
Daphne Thompson announces the release of ‘The Christmas Tree Wish’
PETOSKEY, Mich. —
“While decorating our Christmas tree in 2018, just weeks before Christmas, my husband turned to me and said, ‘Wouldn’t it be something if all the trees cut down for Christmas were honored and lived on in a special forest in heaven?’” recalls author Daphne Thompson.
Her answer was a simple yes—but the meaning of that moment lingered. “At the time, I thought it was just a peaceful thought we were sharing together,” she says. “Until one morning, when the entire story arrived all at once. It poured in like a gentle song—soft as spring rain washing away the old and making room for the new. I knew then it wasn’t something I could not keep to myself.”
That moment of inspiration became The Christmas Tree Wish (Po’ Boy Press), a tender and timeless Christmas story set on a Christmas tree farm in the nostalgic year of 1960. The story follows Liam, a young balsam fir tree who finds himself lost and alone after being separated from his family. As hope begins to fade, Liam dares to wish again—reaching out to the stars with a simple question: Will I ever be with my family again?
Through an unexpected friendship with Abner, Liam hears the story of The Greatest Christmas Tree—a story within the story that gently reveals his true identity and the deeper purpose of his life. What unfolds is a journey of remembrance, belonging, and love that speaks quietly but powerfully to readers of all ages.
“Christmas is celebrated every year, yet its deeper meaning is often lost amid commercialism, distraction, and the noise of daily life,” Thompson reflects. “Liam’s longing for family, and his cry for help in the midst of loss, is something we can all relate to. It is his desire to understand love and belonging that opens his heart—and ultimately brings him peace.”
At its heart, The Christmas Tree Wish is a reminder that hope is never absent, even in moments of loss or uncertainty. It is the door that opens when we are ready to remember what truly matters—and the love that has been there all along.
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** Nov 17, 2022**
EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
Po' Boy Press, Marketing Services
Email: sayhello@christmastreewish.com
(When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)
Make it a HALLMARK Night!
Ring in the holiday season in Downtown Petoskey with a night sure to surprise you in its festivities of shopping, dining, and merchant hospitality! This year's Holiday Open House will be on Friday, December 2, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. See the many storefronts that will feature imaginative window dressings, in-store displays, drinks, and food. Meet the author of the new Children's book, The Christmas Tree Wish, at a book signing, and be inspired by the holiday sounds of the Petoskey Steel Drum Band. Going to an Open House doesn't get any better than that! Petoskey is becoming more known to be the prized gem of Northern Michigan to visit. Its dreamy downtown and fairytale-like community is thriving on its beautiful hilltop overlooking Little Traverse Bay, where residents and tourists enjoy its unique shopping and fine dining options.
This year's Open House is an excellent opportunity for locals and visitors to enjoy their holiday season by beginning with a night of hope for miracles, fun, and maybe even the chance for romance. But let's not forget the happiness of little ones in the laughter of it all, including the furry ones too! This grand occasion begins with Santa Claus flying into town to light the giant Christmas tree in Pennsylvania Park. The lighting ceremony will start promptly at six bells. Children, take advantage of this opportunity to submit your wish list to Santa. Adults can carry their 'adult beverage' from store to store. Visit https://www.petoskeydowntown.com/social-district for more information.
While shopping, make time for a delectable holiday treat from one of downtown's many restaurants, cafes, and sweet shops. Be sure to step into the dream closet, Boutique Boisson – for a long holiday list of reasons. If you're hunting for unique gifts and fashions at affordable prices, there's much to see. The luxurious line of Crow & Moss chocolate bars and drinking chocolate is on display for sampling, including the two new additions: Gingersnap Cookie (oat milk based) and Coconut Macaroon Cookie and Coconut Mylk. Fashionista and shop owner, Marjorie Neal, favors the Ginger Snap, topped with bits of crunchy gingersnap cookie; every bite delivers a comforting medley of warming spice and rich molasses in a lush oat mylk chocolate base. Can you say, "Sugar, spice, and everything nice?" If the live models in the store window, dressed in holiday attire, aren't enough to get your attention, then maybe meeting the author of the Award-Winning book, The Christmas Tree Wish, will. Discover why a miracle awaits you inside Daphne Thompson's new release, a Children's Picture book that can change how you see the world and bring a fresh perspective to your family holiday celebrations. While your book is signed, say hello to Maria Silamianos, a high-fashion jewelry designer with exquisite custom pieces that will take your holiday wear to the nines.
The Holiday Open House is a great way to kick off the holiday spirit and to make excellent quality time and fun with the family and community. It wouldn't be a Hallmark Night without you! Visit www.petoskeydowntown.com for information on events, businesses, parking, and more.
Po’ Boy Press, A Northern Michigan publisher specializing in heart transformation and the spirit genres. To contact the distributor of The Christmas Tree Wish, Pathway Book Service, please visit https://www.edelweiss.plus/?sku=1737689707&g=4400 ###