Inspirational story written 25 years ago, newly illustrated by Molly Brooks
(Nashville, Tenn. – Oct. 3, 2011) Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and performer Deborah Allen has released her first book, a children’s Christmas story titled “The Loneliest Christmas Tree.”
Originally written by Allen in 1986 but unreleased until now, “The Loneliest Christmas Tree” officially marks the multi-talented musical performer’s debut as an author. The 54-page, hardcover book tells the inspirational story of a solitary Christmas tree facing the threat of urban development and the unlikely hero that comes to its defense.
“The idea for this book first came to me many years ago,” says Allen. “I was writing every day, anxious to see what was going to develop next in the story. It was around this same time that I had forged a friendship with a local Nashville woman who happened to be living on the streets. The character in the book, Christmas Carole, is named after that woman, and she turns out to be the hero in the story. Unfortunately, she passed away several years ago. I wrote ‘The Loneliest Christmas Tree’ to communicate that anything is possible. We all have the capability to move mountains, even when it seems all hope may be lost.”
Allen teamed up with artist Molly Brooks, daughter of Country music superstar Kix Brooks, to design and illustrate the “The Loneliest Christmas Tree.”
“I am so proud of all the wonderful illustrations created by Molly Brooks,” says Allen. “Her brilliant eye and artistic hand truly brought my story to life! When I discovered that Molly was born the same year I wrote this book – and coincidentally on Christmas Eve – I knew it was a sign that she was meant to be a part of ‘The Loneliest Christmas Tree.’ She did an incredible job, and every single page is beautiful!”
Allen is signing copies of “The Loneliest Christmas Tree” and performing a short acoustic concert Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Southern Living Showcase Home in Brentwood, Tenn., to benefit Ronald McDonald House. Visit www.CastleHomes.com for more information and to purchase tickets. Allen is also appearing Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville for a book signing and meet-and-greet event. Visit www.CountryMusicHallofFame.org for more information.
“The Loneliest Christmas Tree” is now available in stores and at online retailers such as BarnesandNoble.com, BooksAMillion.com, ChristianBook.com and Amazon.com. It is also available for the Nook eBook reader. “The Loneliest Christmas Tree” is published by Carpenter’s Son Publishing (ISBN: 978-0983557111).
Allen released her most recent album, Hear Me Now, on Aug. 16. It includes her current Country single, “Anything Other Than Love,” and the Elvis-inspired ballad, “Amazing Graceland.” Allen produced nine of the album’s 12 tracks, which incorporate elements of Country, Rock, Pop, Blues and Gospel.
Hear Me Now is available at retail stores and through all major digital outlets, including iTunes, Amazon, Napster and Rhapsody. The album was released in a joint venture with Nashville-based digital label, GMV Nashville.
For more information, visit www.DeborahAllen.com.
About Deborah Allen:
Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer and Grammy-nominated recording artist Deborah Allen is known as one of the music industry’s most diverse and dynamic talents. With more than 1,600 published songs, including her own hits like “Baby I Lied,” “Rock Me” and “I’ve Been Wrong Before,” Deborah Allen has written songs recorded by an impressive list of artists, including LeAnn Rimes, Tanya Tucker, Patty Loveless, Brooks & Dunn, Janie Fricke, Mickey Gilley, Sheena Easton, Diana Ross and Fleetwood Mac, among others. In 2011, Allen released Hear Me Now (Aug. 16) and her first book, “The Loneliest Christmas Tree” (Oct. 1). For more information, visit www.DeborahAllen.com.
Delta Rock Records artist and author Deborah Allen
