Why Do Exes Haunt Our Dreams? Unpacking the Mysteries of the Past

Dreams are the strange landscapes where our subconscious minds come alive. They often present us with a whirlwind of memories, desires, and unresolved feelings. One common occurrence in the dream realm is the unexpected appearance of people from our past, especially ex-partners. Last night, I had a dream about my ex-girlfriend, and it got me thinking: why do these individuals continue to pop up in our dreams, even years after they’ve exited our lives?

Act 1: The Ghosts of Relationships Past

In my case, the ex-girlfriend in question was someone with whom I had an amicable parting. We recognized that while we shared a strong friendship, our romantic compatibility had its limits. She wanted to start a family, whereas I, a divorced parent, was hesitant to walk that path again. Our reasons for breaking up were clear, and there was no bitterness or resentment involved. Despite this, she remained a vivid presence in my subconscious.

Act 2: The Lingering Questions

The intriguing aspect of these dreams is that they force us to revisit certain chapters of our lives. In my case, it led me to wonder about the choices she made after our separation. She moved on to marry her childhood sweetheart and welcomed a child with him, seemingly settling into the family life she desired. I couldn’t help but question whether she had truly found happiness or if she was merely fulfilling a societal expectation.

Act 3: The Unresolved Feelings

For many of us, dreams about exes often stir up dormant emotions. Even when we’ve come to terms with the past and moved forward, these dreams can resurface lingering feelings of nostalgia, curiosity, or even regret. In my dream, I found myself pondering our past and the paths we chose separately, even though our separation was the right choice at the time.

Act 4: The Enigma of Dreams

So, why do these dreams persist? Experts suggest that dreams about exes can be a manifestation of our psyche’s way of processing unresolved emotions, reevaluating past decisions, or exploring alternative scenarios. They may also serve as a reminder of the significant impact these individuals had on our lives, and their presence in our dreams is a testament to the depth of our experiences.

Conclusion: Embracing the Enigma

While dreams about ex-partners can be puzzling and occasionally unsettling, they are a natural part of the human experience. They offer us a unique opportunity to reflect on our past, our choices, and our personal growth. Even when those exes have moved on to new lives and relationships, they remain a part of our individual narratives. In the end, the lingering presence of an ex in our dreams need not be a cause for concern. Instead, we can view them as a reminder of the complex tapestry of our lives and appreciate the role each person has played, even if it’s now confined to the world of dreams.

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Thank you for reading my blog. Please read, like, comment, and most of all follow Phicklephilly. All of my books are available on Amazon in Kindle, Audible, and paperback formats.

You can check out my books here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=charles+wiedenmann&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

A Post Holiday Surprise

I normally post my blog posts every Tuesday, but this story just happened and I had to drop it right away. So here’s a fun bonus post for you all. Enjoy!

I was working the counter at the hardware store during the holiday rush — the stretch of days when time blurs together, and everyone is buying something last-minute, something forgotten, something essential. It was cold outside, festive inside, and the store had that familiar December energy: a little rushed, a little stressed, but still human.

That’s when an older woman approached the counter carrying a full case of pint-sized glass jars.

We made a bit of small talk as I rang her up, and I nodded toward the jars.
“Making preserves?” I asked.

She smiled and said, “No. I make my own eggnog. From scratch.”

I stopped what I was doing for just a second. From scratch? I told her I thought that was amazing and that my father used to make eggnog every Christmas season, too — not from scratch, but he had his method. He’d buy a fresh dairy quart of eggnog and mix in just the right amount of Laird’s Apple Jack brandy. It was his ritual.

I went on, probably more than I needed to, about how much I loved sipping it with a dash of nutmeg on top and a couple of star-shaped cinnamon cookies on the side. Just delicious. My grandmother would come to visit at Christmas, and she loved it too. Talking about it brought back memories of great Christmases we’d had as a family — the warmth, the laughter, the feeling that the world had slowed down for just a little while.

I told her that as much as I loved my dad’s eggnog, I’d never actually had homemade eggnog before.

She lit up.

She explained that she makes a big batch every year using her own recipe — one she’s been making for nearly sixty years. She pours it into the little jars and gives them as gifts to friends and family. I told her that it was incredible, truly. We finished the transaction, and I wished her health, happiness, and good luck with her holiday mission. I wished her a Merry Christmas, and she headed toward the door.

Just before she left, she turned back and said, “Maybe I’ll bring you a jar sometime.”

I told her I would love that.

Christmas came and went. Then New Year’s. Life moved on. I didn’t think much about it after that — well, maybe once, about a week ago — but I figured she’d either forgotten me or had run out of jars to give away. That’s just how things go sometimes.

Then, a few days ago, I heard an older woman’s voice asking one of the guys in the store, “Is Charles here?”

I looked up.

I recognized her immediately.

She walked over, smiling, and handed me a small gift bag. Inside was a little glass jar filled with white liquid, a bright red bow tied neatly around the top. I thanked her profusely — genuinely touched that she had remembered me at all.

But the best part?

When I got home that night after my shift, I carefully removed the jar from the little gift bag. There was a printed label on the side of the jar — her eggnog recipe! Her half-century-old recipe.

Now I can make my own next year. (and you can too!)

Another great day at Rittenhouse Hardware.

On a final note…

I had my first taste of this exquisite eggnog tonight. It is truly the best I have ever had.

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Thank you for reading my blog. Please like, share, comment, and most of all, subscribe to Phicklephilly. All of my books are available on Amazon in Kindle, Audible, and paperback formats.

The Mad Genius of the American Pantry: William A. Mitchell, Inventor of Pop Rocks and More

Behind almost every iconic snack or quirky kitchen experiment is a food scientist you’ve never heard of. But today, let’s meet the man who basically invented fun in your mouth: William A. Mitchell, a brilliant, eccentric chemist whose work transformed the American pantry—and probably your childhood.

Born in 1911, William A. Mitchell didn’t wear a cape, but he might as well have. He was a research chemist for General Foods, and in his time there, he racked up over 70 patents—a dazzling number by any standard. But what made Mitchell a legend wasn’t just the quantity of his creations—it was the sheer, joyful weirdness of them.

Let’s start with the headline act: Pop Rocks. You know the ones—those fizzy, crackly little candies that explode with delight when they hit your tongue. A mini firework show in your mouth. Mitchell actually invented them in 1956, though they weren’t released to the public until the ’70s. The science? Ingenious. He discovered a way to trap carbon dioxide gas inside sugar crystals at high pressure. When the candy melts in your mouth, BOOM—the gas escapes with a snap, crackle, and pop you can hear in your skull.

And then there’s Tang, the citrusy powdered drink mix that became the stuff of space history. Though Tang existed before the NASA partnership, it was Mitchell’s formula that turned it into the go-to beverage for astronauts. Yes, William A. Mitchell literally flavored space travel.

Not impressed yet? How about this: Cool Whip—yep, that famously fluffy, never-quite-cream topping—was also his brainchild. He engineered it in 1966 to be stable, tasty, and never melt at room temperature, which made it a supermarket revolution. You can thank (or blame) him for every Thanksgiving pie topped with a snowy mountain of the stuff.

Need more? Try quick-set Jell-O, instant pudding, and egg-free mayonnaise—all products of Mitchell’s genius in molecular food design. His goal was always the same: make food faster, longer-lasting, easier to ship, and fun to eat. He was the Willy Wonka of food science—but with a lab coat and a patent portfolio.

And yet, Mitchell never became a household name. He didn’t crave the spotlight. He didn’t market himself as a maverick. He simply created, tinkering in his lab until flavors fizzed, whipped, set, or powdered in just the right way. He was a dreamer in a beaker-strewn world, turning science into snacks that shaped American pop culture.

William A. Mitchell died in 2004, but his legacy lives on in every spoonful of instant pudding and every crackling bite of Pop Rocks. His genius was edible, his lab a playground, and his curiosity boundless.

So the next time you sip something neon or hear candy whisper secrets in your mouth, raise a glass (of Tang?) to William A. Mitchell, the unsung hero of artificial flavor and fizzy fun. Your taste buds owe him a standing ovation.

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The Dude Abides and Endures

The word “dude” is as versatile as it is ubiquitous in modern English slang. Its origin can be traced back to the late 19th century in America. Initially, “dude” referred to a city dweller or a well-dressed man from the East Coast who visited the West for leisure, often to partake in activities like ranching or hunting. These individuals were often seen as inexperienced or out of place in the rugged Western environment.

Over time, the meaning of “dude” evolved to encompass a broader range of connotations. In the 20th century, it became synonymous with “guy” or “man,” often used casually to address someone or refer to a male friend. In the 1980s and ’90s, “dude” experienced a resurgence in popularity, especially within youth culture and surf communities.

Today, “dude” has transcended its gender-specific origins and is commonly used as a gender-neutral term to address anyone, regardless of gender. It can convey a sense of camaraderie, informality, or even disbelief, depending on the context and tone of voice. From expressing excitement (“Dude, that concert was amazing!”) to incredulity (“Wait, dude, seriously?”), “dude” has become an integral part of the everyday vernacular for many English speakers.

The versatility of “dude” lies in its ability to adapt to various social contexts and convey a wide range of emotions and attitudes. Whether used affectionately among friends or as an expression of surprise, the word “dude” continues to evolve, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of contemporary language and culture.

I have an old friend who only refers to me as “dude.” He’s the only one who does that.

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You can check out my books here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=charles+wiedenmann&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

Happy New Year – 2026

What a year it’s been! When I started writing this blog back in 2016, I never thought it would grow to what it’s become. What initially was born during a conversation with a colleague over lunch has become a platform that’s launched over a dozen books.

Let’s get the technical stuff out of the way first. Since its inception, Phicklephilly has gathered over 5000 subscribers over several platforms. We’ve had over 348,000 visitors and nearly half a million page views.

Readership grew every year and soared during the pandemic when more people were home with time on their hands. However, since then, our numbers each year have declined. I think that’s due to the pandemic, and people were hungry for entertainment, and many creators began to make podcasts. Not as many people read blogs anymore. It’s more fun to pop in your earbuds and listen to your favorite entertainers, and creators make their own shows. It seems like everybody has a podcast now. It’s become easier than ever for anyone to make a podcast. That doesn’t mean they’re all good. I’ve listened to some great ones and have a whole collection of podcasts I enjoy. But some are just godawful.

I even attempted to make one last year, but it got sidelined by some health issues I was facing in 2024 – 2025.

You can check it out right here:

But after nearly eight months of treatments, lifestyle changes, and exercise, I’m good to go for 2026. I’ll probably start doing the Chazcast again in the new year. The blog will keep plugging along, but I’d like to give the podcast another shot. So please stay tuned.

Speaking of podcasts, I was recently on the podcast Type, Tune, Tint for the fourth time to talk about my latest releases, Holiday Hearts.

It was part of a special holiday edition of his podcast. There are a few different artists on that episode, and my segment starts at around the 11-minute mark.

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During the summer of this year, I wrote around a dozen articles for the free weekly publication, The Wave, which is available up and down the coast of the Jersey shore all summer long. Instead of short fictional stories, I gave them articles about different things to see and do at the seashore.

I took all of the fictional stories I had written for the Wave last year and had some new ones, and collected them into a book of short stories that I released in June of this year. It’s called Seashore Stories. It was available on Amazon as well as at the Wildwood Historical Society and Hooked On Books in Wildwood, NJ, last summer.

I’ve been lying low socially this year and haven’t done any appearances, but that will all change in 2026. I’ll be scheduling author events and book signings throughout the year because I’ve got some good things brewing in the creative oven.

Here are a few of my favorite posts this year:

New Book: HOLIDAY HEARTS: Stories of Love and Cheer Is Here!
Chubby Checker: Twisting into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Arcade Royalty
The Traveler: A Lawndale Story
My True Calling
WITNESS: The Story of a Legendary Wildwood Bar Band
New Book! Seashore Stories: A Collection of Summer Tales

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Overall, it’s been a good year of change and growth, and keeping my health on track. I’m looking forward to 2026 and next spring. I miss walking in the sunshine each morning and using that time to feed my imagination.

I want to thank everyone who continues to read Phicklephilly and my books. There’s more to come, and I hope you join me on this fun journey.

Here’s to a happy and healthy new year! I’m ready!

  • Chaz

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Thank you for reading my blog. Please like, comment, share, and most of all, follow Phicklephilly. All of my books are available on Amazon in Kindle, Audible, and paperback formats.

A Wildwood Christmas Tree

I’m pretty good at remembering stories from my past in great detail. But my old friend Dave Neff is quite the wordsmith as well. Here’s one of his stories from Wildwood during his young life in the 1950s.

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Having graduated from Wildwood High School, my father, Charles K. Neff, went to work for the Wildwood Water Department. From the early 1930s to about 1947, he worked as a bookkeeper at their Pine and New Jersey Avenues business office. In 1937, he and my mother, Noreen, married. My brother Phillip was born in 1939, and I followed in 1941. Looking back, I reckon that as I was growing up during the 1940s, financially speaking, our family of four fell somewhere between upper lower class and lower middle class, but back then, many other Wildwood families were in the same financial situation.  We had what we needed, but there was seldom any extra.  In those days, few mothers worked outside the home; however, they took care of nearly everything within the home, and in addition to all her other household tasks, our mom was truly an expert at budgeting and squeezing the most out of every dollar that dad brought home and turned over to her.   

As they still do to this day, the Wildwood Water Department maintains water wells, a pumping station, and wooded land out on Route 47 in Rio Grande. As a Wildwood Water Department employee at that time, and for a few years thereafter, Dad was given permission to cut a Christmas tree on the Water Department’s wooded land each year. Among the many oaks, maples, and a few other varieties of trees, the only trees suitable for a Christmas tree were long-needled pines and cedars. Cedars looked better, being fuller and shaped nicely, but they would stick you and were hard to trim as they lacked spaces to hang ornaments. Long-needle pines were very open with branches that would easily bend down under the weight of lights and decorations. Still, they were free, and we made the best of whichever one we chose each year, plus we had fun running through the woods searching for the best-looking tree that we could find. 

By the early 1950s, the Water Department land was off limits, and we had to actually buy our tree from a tree lot. Back then, on the property between 21st and 22nd Streets on New Jersey Avenue in North Wildwood on the west side of the street (most recently the now-closed Bank of America), the Todd family owned and operated Todd’s Express, a trucking and moving company.  The patriarch, Manford R. Todd, and his wife, Gertrude, had a daughter and two sons, Gladys, Manford, and Sherman.  On the large street-to-street lot, they would park their trucks and maintain an office building on the corner.  Over the office was a large clock which displayed the time to passersby.  Every year, as Christmas approached, they would use their trucks to bring trees down, most likely from Pennsylvania, and stick the trees into rows of holes they had made in the ground on their unpaved lot. To us kids, it seemed like a small forest. At night, the lot was lit with strings of light bulbs strung overhead. Each tree wore a price tag, and we marveled at the high prices of the best-looking ones. Our goal was to find an affordable tree that could be ‘doctored up’, and to do that, we needed extra branches. In order to be able to stick the trees into the holes in the ground, most trees needed to have one or two of the lowest branches cut off the bottom. Those branches were for sale as Christmas greens. Mom was our negotiator, and she always succeeded in getting a fixable tree along with a few extra branches at a price we could afford.

Our chosen tree was brought home and placed outside in a bucket of water along with the extra branches. On Christmas Eve, the tree was brought into the house, placed in its stand, and then the magic began. Dad would figure out the exact positions and angles to drill holes in the tree trunk. The extra branches would be sized, the stem ends whittled to a point, and then jammed firmly into the holes so that the bark on the branch stems would meet the bark of the tree trunk. By the time it was finished, our tree would look as good as any of the best and most expensive trees on the tree lot.  

The years my brother Phil and I were of an age, when we anticipated a visit from Santa later that evening, after dinner, we would begin decorating our tree.  Dad would place the strings of colored lights, and then we would help with hanging the delicate balls and finally, the lead tinsel.  Yes, we hung lead tinsel!  Sometime after World War I, tinsel was made of thin, flat strands of lead.  But because of the poisonous qualities of lead, lead tinsel was outlawed in 1972.  When the tree was properly decorated, we were off to bed.  After all, if we were still up when Santa came, he wouldn’t stop, and there would be no presents under our tree on Christmas morning.  

The years went by, and our sister Martha was born in 1950, and another brother, Chuck, was born in 1953.  By then, Phil and I, being 14 and 12, had our bedtime extended well past the time of our younger siblings.  And it was Phil and I who warned them that they had better get to bed before Santa came, or there would be no presents!  And we may not have always gotten what we wanted, but Santa always came, and we always had presents under our tree on Christmas morning.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to ALL!

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Thank you for reading my blog. Please like, comment, share, and most of all, follow Phicklephilly. All of my books are on Amazon in Kindle, Audible, and paperback formats.

Unwrapping the Forgotten Gem: Beyond Christmas 

Amidst the myriad of holiday classics that grace our screens each year, there’s a hidden gem that often goes unnoticed, waiting to be unwrapped and appreciated—the little-known classic, “Beyond Christmas.” This heartwarming tale, often overshadowed by more famous counterparts, deserves a special place in the lineup of festive films that warm our hearts during the holiday season.

Released in 1940, “Beyond Christmas” offers a unique blend of romance, fantasy, and the true spirit of Christmas. The story unfolds as three elderly gentlemen, played by Harry Carey, C. Aubrey Smith, and Charles Winninger, find themselves in a heavenly predicament. After their untimely demise in a tragic accident, they return to Earth as spirits to intervene in the lives of those they left behind.

As fate would have it, the lives they touch belong to two young couples, played by Richard Carlson, Jean Parker, and the charismatic Helen Vinson. The spirits, George, Allan, and Michael, embark on a celestial mission to guide these couples toward love, happiness, and the true meaning of Christmas.

What sets “Beyond Christmas” apart is its ability to blend fantasy elements with genuine human emotions. The film doesn’t rely on grandiose special effects but rather on the chemistry between its characters and the simple yet profound messages woven into the narrative. As the couples navigate life’s and love’s challenges, viewers are reminded of the enduring power of kindness, generosity, and the magic of the holiday season.

While it may not boast the same level of recognition as other festive classics, “Beyond Christmas” offers a refreshing alternative—a chance to rediscover a heartwarming story that captures the essence of Christmas without the bells and whistles of modern cinema.

Consider adding “Beyond Christmas” to the lineup as you curate your holiday watchlist. Whether you’re a fan of timeless classics or searching for a hidden gem, this overlooked masterpiece adds warmth, romance, and holiday magic to your seasonal celebrations. It’s time to unwrap the gift of “Beyond Christmas” and let its enduring charm become a new tradition in your festive repertoire.

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Thank you for reading my blog. Please read, like, comment, and, most of all, follow Phicklephilly.

You can check out my books here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=charles+wiedenmann&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

What’s Coming in the New Year ? A Story You Won’t Forget

Something big is on the horizon. A story that’s been waiting to be told. A book that’s going to make you see the world—and one city in particular—in a way you never have before.

For now, I can’t reveal much. But let me say this: it’s about beginnings. About how the small things, the forgotten details, and the little-known moments can snowball into something monumental. It’s about a place that has shaped history more times than you probably realize. And it’s about people—ordinary and extraordinary—whose fingerprints are all over the world we know today.

It’s a story of pride, grit, and identity. Of innovation and resilience. And if you’re the kind of person who loves uncovering secrets, exploring hidden gems, and celebrating the beauty of discovery, this book is for you.

Why all the mystery? Because some stories deserve to unfold in just the right way. And this one is worth the wait.

So mark your calendars. Winter 2026. A new chapter begins. Will you be ready?

Stay tuned.

Chaz

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Thank you for reading my blog. Please like, comment, share, and most of all, follow Phicklephilly. All my books are available on Amazon in Kindle, Audible, and paperback formats.

Honored to Return for My Fourth Appearance on Tom Kranz’s Podcast Type, Tune, Tint.

I had the pleasure today of returning to Tom Kranz’s wonderful podcast, Type, Tune, Tint, for my fourth appearance — and what an honor it was.

Tom, an author in his own right, first discovered my work after reading Lawndale and later Down the Shore. When he interviewed me for those books, I had no idea the impact they would make with his audience. He recently shared that both of those conversations became his most listened-to and most downloaded podcast episodes of all time. Hearing that was genuinely humbling. As writers, we hope our stories resonate, but to learn they connected with so many people through Tom’s platform meant the world to me.

In 2024, he brought me on again to talk about my romance novel Island Serenade, which was another memorable and heartfelt conversation. So being invited back yet again — this time to discuss my newest book, Holiday Hearts: Stories of Love & Cheer — felt like reuniting with an old friend.

Today’s interview focused on all things Holiday Hearts, from the inspiration behind the collection to the themes of love, resilience, and seasonal magic woven throughout the stories. I was even able to read the introduction aloud, which was a real treat. There’s something special about sharing the opening words of a book directly with listeners — it feels like inviting them into the world you created.

Tom had such kind things to say about the book. He described it as “a great little selection of feel-good stories,” and noted that during this period in our country, something uplifting, gentle, and hopeful is exactly the kind of respite people need. I couldn’t agree more. That was my intention when writing it — to offer warmth, comfort, and a bit of holiday cheer when we could all use it most.

It’s always a joy to be on Tom’s show, to talk about storytelling, creativity, and the heart behind each book. I’m incredibly grateful for his support, his thoughtful interviews, and the genuine enthusiasm he brings to every conversation.

If you get a chance, be sure to check out the episode below — and thank you, as always, for being part of this journey with me. (My segment is at about 11 minutes in.)

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You can get your copy of Holiday Hearts here:

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*** If you live here in Philly, you can get your copy of Holiday Hearts at the following retailers: South Street Art Mart, Neighborhood Books, Iffy Books, and Rittenhouse Hardware.

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Thank you for reading my blog. Please like, comment, share, and most of all, follow Phicklephilly. All of my books are available on Amazon in Kindle, Audible, and paperback formats.

Holiday Hearts is a great gift idea this season!

I’m so thrilled to announce that my new book, Holiday Hearts: Stories of Love and Cheer, is officially published and ready for you to enjoy this holiday season! This small but heartfelt collection of romantic and festive stories is now available, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with all of you.

Holiday Hearts features six unique and touching stories that capture the magic, love, and even challenges of the holiday season. From couples finding unexpected romance to Santa struggling with his job, a lonely teddy bear searching for a home, and an elderly couple reminiscing on a lifetime of memories, there’s something for everyone in this collection. Each story is meant to warm your heart and remind you of the beauty of connection during this special time of year.

One of the stories, A Sign of the Season, holds a particularly special place in my heart. It was inspired by Ellen, a customer at the hardware store where I work, and the simple yet meaningful flyer she posted offering gift-wrapping services for the community. That small act of kindness sparked an idea that blossomed into not just one story, but an entire collection. Seeing how a single moment of generosity could inspire so much joy reminded me of the magic we’re all capable of spreading.

To my readers who have supported me over the years, I want to say thank you. Your encouragement and enthusiasm keep me going, and I hope this new collection will bring a little extra cheer to your holidays. And for those of you who are new to my work, welcome! I hope you find as much joy in these stories as I did in writing them.

Whether you’re curling up with a cup of cocoa, looking for a thoughtful gift, or simply wanting to escape into the warmth of holiday tales, Holiday Hearts is here for you. You can find it now on Amazon and other online retailers.

*** If you live here in Philly, you can get your copy of Holiday Hearts at the following retailers: South Street Art Mart, Neighborhood Books, Iffy Books, A Four Foot Prune, and Rittenhouse Hardware.

Happy holidays to all, and happy reading! I can’t wait to hear what you think of the stories. Please feel free to leave a review or share your thoughts with me—your feedback means the world.

With love and cheer,

Chaz

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Get your copy here:

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More great gift ideas!

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Thank you for reading my blog. Please like, comment, share, and most of all, follow Phicklephilly! All of my books are available on Amazon in Kindle, Audible, and paperback formats.