Wednesday Writers–Apocalypse TV by Thomas Allbaugh

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American reality TV, Apocalypse TV, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, ecpcert from Apocalypse TV, literary mystery, satire, Thomas Allbaught

 

Welcome to Wednesday Writers! Today we’ll be taking another departure from romance as my guest blogger Thomas Allbaugh talks about how he came to write his debut book, Apocalypse TV, which Thomas describes as a literary mystery that moves toward satire.

 

 

Finding the Right Combination for a Fiction About a Reality TV Show

by Thomas Allbaugh

The premise for Apocalypse TV came from two different images: first, a scene I imagined of a character named Walter, an English professor, reflecting one night that he has never shot a gun; second, a religious reality show on BBC from ten years ago about people walking around England and trying to compel others to go to church.

That was it. Those two strands led me to tell the story of an English professor from a private American college who tries to be taken seriously on an American reality show.

As Sam Knight has observed, writing in the New Yorker last fall, we can learn a great deal about a culture by its reality shows. That the BBC would air a reality show about getting people into church says something significant. In contrast, American reality TV seems focused on talent, schemers, bachelorettes, winners, and survivors. Our dreams move us toward individual success and failure, not spiritual questions or ambitions.

I was interested in how “games” can take on realities of their own. Thinking about that old BBC production first got me onto the idea of writing about a religious reality show on which things go wrong. I should add that I don’t really watch reality shows myself.

But in the crossroads of these two notions, Walter’s story began to emerge—a man takes himself seriously in an increasingly trivial reality show production. Through about six revisions, the story ironies grew and deepened. Walter Terry begins naively thinking that in traveling across the country on this show, he will be taken seriously and be influential. Instead, the reality show engages in trivial matters. For starters, at the Plymouth Colony re-enactment site, the site of the Pilgrims’ first colony, Walter hopes to talk about grace and sin in the founding of this historical setting. Instead, the show producers have him involved in a trivial game that leads to real contention between him and his fellow show travelers. From that point on, the ironies deepen as bad things happen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Apocalypse TV

By Thomas Allbaugh

 

When a reality TV scout “discovers” Walter in a diner near the hospice where his father has been placed, his life has reached a low point. His father is dying, his college teaching career is under threat, and his life is adrift. The scout wants him for a reality show about religion. In a more self-assured period of his life, Walter would have rejected her offer, but now he wavers and allows himself to be drawn in. Maybe this is the jolt of energy his life needs. Maybe, if the show succeeds, his university will be so impressed that they’ll finally treat him with respect. Maybe the show will even be what the producers promise it will be, a serious inquiry into faith. Maybe he’ll become famous.

The show brings Walter attention, but for all the wrong reasons. He is misquoted, misinterpreted, misunderstood, and then shot after he has been dragged across the country in an increasingly frustrating and absurd series of challenges. Will his career and reputation survive the publish protests? Will his marriage survive the hints of affairs on the road? Will any kind of “reality” emerge to restore his self-respect?

 

Excerpt:

Minutes before his sister texted that she had moved their father to a hospice, Walter Terry listened behind half-empty rows of chairs in the Haskins Room as the new writer-in-residence read from her work. It was an early draft, she had announced, and it concerned a bride-to-be hunting elk in Wyoming, a part of the country Walter had never seen. And it came to him with sudden finality: he could never write a great American novel; he had never shot a gun.

Nothing was more American. Faulkner, Hemingway certainly, both knew guns. And Walter had never felt one kick back and ruin his shoulder. He had never had the gunpowder residue spotting his hands, his face, and his clothes.

Those details? They came from TV.

The writer had to feel it, not just hear about it.

His colleague’s writing signaled that she knew guns, and Walter had never shot a beer can. He couldn’t tell a Smith and Wesson from a Remington. He wouldn’t know if they were names for handguns or rifles. Sure, he could Google them. But how many others wouldn’t have to?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Want to read more? You can find Apocalypse TV here.

About the Author:

Thomas Allbaugh is an associate professor of English at Azusa Pacific University, where he has taught Composition and Creative Writing since 2001. Currently, he lives in Southern California with his wife and their four children.  Apocalypse TV is his first novel.

Connect with Thomas at: His website:  Facebook Page: Twitter: @tallbaugh1

 

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Wednesday Writers –Launch by Jason C. Joyner

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Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, excerpt from Launch, Jason C. Joyner, Launch, superheroes, YA fiction

Today Wednesday Writers welcomes Jason C. Joyner to the blog as we introduce a new YA author and his book. Jason will be sharing the story behind his debut book Launch, a YA superhero story, and an excerpt today. Welcome to Wednesday Writers, Jason!

Thanks, Catherine.

Did you know that a lot of tourists visit the campus of Facebook and Google in Silicon Valley? I’m not aware of many companies that have interest like that.

I wrote a Young Adult superhero story with Biblically inspired powers and sent them to a social media conference. Because – why not let kids with Samson’s strength and the speed of Elijah (remember, he outran a chariot once) go to a conference with a ton of smart phones and a tech billionaire with an agenda?
The campuses of Facebook and Google did not disappoint in my research. Facebook has a huge billboard with the thumbs-up sign at 1 Facebook Way where many people (including my party) took pictures. There were tai chi classes being held outside. Bikes were conspicuously placed to allow workers to ride around. Electric cars and recycling bins dotted the landscape. I never found a rumored nap pod at Google. I was kinda disappointed with that.

Overall, there are neat things going on at these campuses. The creativity and engineering is pretty astounding. I hope that these technologies will be utilized for good – but in the meantime, I will gladly use them as the setting for my adventure story and let teens run amok there. Gotta get likes on my post somehow, right?

Hopefully my characters will learn and grow from this social media conference. They have gifts and they need to learn how to use them, but will it be for good or evil? That’s the fun part of writing.

∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼

Launch

by Jason C. Joyner

Sixteen-year-olds Demarcus Bartlett and Lily Beausoliel are among a select group of youth invited to an exclusive, all-expenses-paid conference at social media giant Alturas’ California headquarters. Led by charismatic founder Simon Mazor, the world’s youngest billionaire, this isn’t the typical honors society. It seems that everyone here has some secret, untapped potential, some power that may not be entirely of this world. An ancient prophecy suggests that if these teens combine their abilities, they could change the course of history.

The only question is: Will it be for better or for worse?

Excerpt:

This might not be a great idea, but Demarcus Bartlett had to see if he could outrace a sports car.

He crouched behind a bush next to the on-ramp for the highway. His blue hoodie concealed his shoulder-length dreads, so it should be hard for any cars passing by on Santa Clara Street to see him. No Toyotas or Hondas would do. His prize would have some horses under the hood. He’d have to be patient. Not many cars out at 5 am would fit his needs.

He checked his shoelaces again, his fingers fumbling over the knots. Didn’t want to trip at highway speeds. That could get ugly. He glanced at his phone again. He had a job to go to, but the drive to see what he was capable of overwhelmed him.

Even with the risk of being discovered.

The light for the on-ramp turned red. In the soft rosy glow, a growling beast stopped at the white line. Its shiny black paint reflected the traffic light off of the hood. A rev of the Camaro’s engine. The owner was ready to try out his toy as well. The blinker flicked on, signaling a turn onto Highway 101.

This guy was the one.

Demarcus wiped his palms on his hoodie again and shook them out like a runner at the starter’s gate. His heart leapt at the thought of going through with this.

Mr. Camaro would blow right by his hiding place. A smile stretched across Demarcus’s face. Here’s hoping this guy knows how to use the accelerator.

Green light cut through the darkness, and the black car jumped forward, turning onto the ramp and surging by him. Demarcus gave him a few seconds’ head start to make it fair as he noted the time to track his speed.

Three. Two. One

∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼

Want to read more? You can find Launch at Amazon

About the Author:

Jason C. Joyner is a physician assistant, a writer, a Jesus-lover, and a Star Wars geek. He’s traveled from the jungles of Thailand to the cities of Australia and the Bavarian Alps of Germany. He lives in Idaho with his lovely wife, three boys, and daughter managing the chaos of sports and superheroes in his own home. Launch, a YA superhero story, is his first published novel.

Social media links:
You can join my Facebook group, The Heroes’ Hangout

Or connect with Jason on: Twitter or Instagram

 

Wednesday Writers–Ty’s Journey by Ryan Jo Summers

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Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, Coliie Rescue of the Carolinas, dogs, nonfiction, rescue collie, Ryan Jo Summers, Ty's Journey

 

Welcome to Wednesday Writers. Today I’m taking a departure from romance to feature a non-fiction book about the journey of fellow writer Ryan Jo Summers and her rescued collie, Ty. Ryan Jo has been a frequent guest on Wednesday Writers, and I’m happy to showcase her non-fiction book Ty’s Journey. A portion of each sale of Ty’s Journey will go to the benefit of the Collie Rescue of the Carolinas. Welcome, Ryan Jo.

Thanks, Catherine.

Blame it on the Albert Payson Terhune books I read as a child, or Knight’s “Lassie”, or the tri-color farm collie called Champ I had as a childhood chum. Whatever the original source, while I liked all dogs, collies held a special place in my heart. When I married, I briefly exhibited them professionally and tinkered with some handling to pay my entry fees and even did some 4-H judging. Soon, I preferred rescuing the collies in need over trying to create the perfect one and became director of a collie rescue group for many years. After relocating in 2004 and having my last “old pups” slowly die off, I resolved to once more have a collie.

In 2015, I applied to the Collie Rescue of the Carolinas and was approved to adopt. It took time to find the right dog for me. In March, 2015, the rescue received nine feral collies from a hoarding situation in Tennessee. I made the three-hour drive to meet them. There was one blue merle in the group (one of four normal colors of collie) and I was drawn to him. Since it was unknown if the dogs even had names, they were all given baseball-themed names and his was ‘Ty Cobb’, and he was an emotional mess!

He sat in the corner of the enclosure, with a distant look in his dull eyes. He ignored every attempt I made to be friends, which is such a un-collie behavior. Like most members of his group, he was emotionally shut down. What trauma had these sensitive creatures been put through? We could only speculate.

Being at the rescue center reminded me of all the things I’d lost in my divorce years prior. It stung like a slap to the face. I knew I’d once been able to help dogs like Ty, but now I doubted whether I could. I wasn’t the same person I was before. I almost left in tears a number of times. Finally, hours later, I still wasn’t able to leash or touch him, but I agreed to adopt him. I recognized a survivor in his detached demeanor and so was I. It was the beginning of our common ground.

TY

It was also the start of a long journey. He knew nothing about being a normal dog. I frequently lamented about our one-step-forward-and-two-steps-back progress or celebrated our huge milestones on the rescue group’s Facebook page. Readers quickly followed our saga and suggested I write it all down. Thus the journal of Ty’s Journey began, shared on his own blog. Two years later I took the bones of the blog and the dozens of photographs and compiled them all into a full length book and published it on Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing. It has been a challenging ride with Ty, with high peaks and low valleys, but I would not have changed my choice in adopting him. None of the Baseball team is what would be called ‘normal collies’ but they are loved. And they are learning. And teaching their families.

Ty and Collin the cat

 

Ty’s Journey

by Ryan Jo Summers

March, 2015, nine collies were removed from a neglectful hoarding situation in Tennessee and transported to a North Carolina breed-specific collie rescue. Collectively, they were referred to as “The Baseball Team”, and individually they were given baseball-themed names. They were untrained and many had reverted to near-feral behaviors. A blue merle male called Ty Cobb was the first one of the Baseball Team to be adopted.

His new owner recorded the first two years of their journey, chronicling the challenges, doubts, setbacks, successes, surprises, and triumphs.

Written in diary style, this is the story of one collie who went from being a hoarding victim to belonging to a family who treasured him. Along the way, as he slowly healed, he brought healing to others as well.

*A portion of each sale of this book will go to the benefit of the Collie Rescue of the Carolinas.

 

EXCERPT

March 31^st started like any day. And it ended with a huge step backward for poor Ty, erasing all the forward progress we’d laid in the last week. It was suddenly gone up in smoke in just a matter of moments. We headed out for our morning walk. We entered the courtyard and he froze.

There were men working on the roof of the house next door. There were trucks parked across the lawn, men shouting and shovels scraping old shingles down the roof to drop into truck beds. It was loud, scary and stimulation overload on a mammoth scale.

Ty. Freaked. Out. Oh my word, did he freak out. He could not pile himself into a small enough huddle fast enough. It was as if a thousand bombs were going off around him. If he could have dug a hole in the stone patio, he would have. Standing in stunned silence, I could see his heart beating like a runaway horse. And my heart just crumbled.

It took loads of patience and coaxing and a strong hand on his collar to lure him inside where he scrambled madly for his ‘cave of comfort’ and quivered in absolute terror. He refused all treats and even a lunchtime snack.

Heartsick at his pain and fright, I was at a total loss on how to deal with him, how to help him. His fear was palatable. What do you do when you’d rather die than face that again? Because I was sure he would have preferred death or anything over having to go back outside.

How long would it take for the roofers to complete their job and how much worse would it get for Ty before then?

Would you like to read more about Ty’s journey? You can find Ryan Jo’s book at Amazon

About the Author

 

Ryan Jo Summers writes romance stories, blending sub-genre elements of sweet, Christian, contemporary, fantasy, mystery, paranormal, shifters or suspense. She is a regular contributing writer for “The Asheville Pet Gazette” and her work has appeared in “WNC Woman Magazine”, “Critter”, “Vet Tech Journal”, “Journey Devotional”, and others.

She lives in a hundred-year-old mountain cottage with a menagerie of adopted animals. A lifelong animal admirer, she is passionate about animal welfare, care, education, and reform. She has worked in the field of animal care and advocacy since the late 1980’s in such capacities as veterinary technician and director of breed-specific rescue. She has served as board officer, foster home, and volunteer for many non-profit groups. She also operated a professional boarding kennel and worked in a horse stable. More recently, she pet sits and dog walks.

You can connect with Ryan Jo at her Website: http://www.ryanjosummers.com/

Blog: http://www.summersrye.wordpress.com/ and http://www.adogcalledty.wordpress.com/

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2tILSkf

Wednesday Writers Welcomes Theresa Lynn Hall

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book excerpt Ransom in Rio, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, contemporary sweet romance, Inspirational romance, Ransom in Rio, Theresa Lynn Hall

Today Wednesday Writers welcomes Theresa Lynn Hall to the blog. Theresa will be talking about her book Ransom in Rio and how it came about. She also has a cliffhanger excerpt, so be sure to read to the end. Welcome, Theresa!

 

Thanks, Catherine.

Ransom in Rio was so much fun to write that I hated to write “The End”. What started as a small idea rolling around in my head suddenly became Lexi’s story. My publisher, Pelican Book Group, put a request for submissions page on the website asking for novellas with international settings that include 3 items and a passport. The three items for Rio, Brazil were an emerald necklace, a formal event, and a family secret. As luck would have it, my husband had just returned on a business trip from Rio. He’d spent two weeks there completely immersed in the culture. He brought back a lot of pictures and many stories to tell. He also brought back coffee and chocolate—my favorites! I wish I had been able to accompany my husband on his trip, but one thing he did tell me was how scary the driving is! Apparently, I would fit very well in Brazil with my driving skills! He was also there on Easter Sunday and decided to rent a car to drive to visit Christ the Redeemer.

I had no idea how massive the statue really is. It’s an iconic symbol of Brazil that many tourists visit on Easter. I was so jealous but I loved that he was able to experience something so amazing. His pictures made me feel like I was able to be there with him.

With my husband’s help, a little internet research, and some brainstorming the story came to life. To my surprise, it won First Place in the 2017 International Digital Awards (IDA) Contest for the Oklahoma chapter of RWA! I hope you enjoy reading Ransom in Rio as much I enjoyed writing it.

 

 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Ransom in Rio

By Theresa Lynn Hall

Private Investigator, Braden McCoy wants nothing more than to finish out the week doing a little fishing from his boat. The ex-special ops vet enjoys his peaceful life and loves his new career. He’s learned to put his past behind him and enjoy his blessings. Until a mourning redhead walks into his office and changes his plans.

Lexi Ramos always knew her family was dysfunctional. Until the sudden death of her brother, she never knew exactly how much. Consumed with questions surrounding his accident, she seeks the help of a private investigator. What starts out as a murder investigation in Cozumel, quickly crosses borders and escalates into a race against time to save them both from Brazilian kidnappers, who somehow know more about her family secrets than she does. Lexi soon realizes that life comes with a price.

 

Excerpt

Her worst nightmare had come to life.

Now, the fear of what she would do if it ever happened was over, but the loss of her brother came with a burden she hadn’t foreseen. It left her to deal with her family alone. To carry the legacy. To protect the empire. To convince everyone to believe the lies.

“He was always so careful,” she muttered to herself as she drove.

Snow had started falling as the last “Amen” was said at the cemetery. The heavy white powder made the pale yellow lines on the road fade in and out of sight. Lexi tugged her sweater tighter around her body with one hand and gripped the steering wheel with the other. The funeral had drained her of what little emotional strength she had left. It was crazy, but several times throughout the day she’d found herself picking up her phone to see if Jace had messaged her. He used to text or call every day. Silly stuff sometimes, like never walk the dog with no shoes on. Once he’d texted that he had the hiccups.

“I just can’t believe he’s gone.” Lexi glanced at her friend. She didn’t expect Kristy to say anything. Nothing she could say would make the pain go away.

Jace had been the perfect big brother, Lexi’s best friend. From an early age, they learned that sticking together in a dysfunctional family was their only hope. One thing Lexi knew for certain was that Jace wouldn’t leave her here alone. He would not have put himself in danger for a stupid fishing trip. His chance to break free of their crazy family was finally around the corner. He’d just bought his girlfriend an engagement ring. They had plans to move to New York as soon as the wedding was over. Now he was gone. None of it made any sense. Why was she the only person who could see that something was wrong with ruling the cause of death as accidental?

Lexi brushed at her red hair with a careless hand and caught a glimpse of her swollen, blue eyes in the rearview mirror. She hardly resembled her brother at all—a fact that had always bothered her, but she’d never questioned it the way Jace had. He had always asked where he’d gotten his blonde hair.

“Lexi, why don’t you stay with me tonight?”

The sound of Kristy’s voice startled her. “I’m sorry. I’m really out of it.” She smiled and wiped a stray tear from her cheek. “Thank you for everything. You’ve done more than enough for me over the past few days.”

“You know I’m always here.”

“I know.” She swallowed hard. “Kristy…”

“What’s wrong?”

“I can’t stop thinking…I just don’t think this was an accident. It couldn’t be. Jace didn’t even like to fish. He wouldn’t charter a boat to go fishing in Cozumel. He liked nice restaurants, museums, theaters. Not fishing. And then there’s the fact that he didn’t take Selena with him. He always had Selena with him. Why doesn’t anyone else seem to think this is odd?”

“I don’t know. Now that you bring it up, Jace wasn’t much of a risk-taker.”

“Exactly. The strangest thing is that Selena said he told her he would be back in an hour. He only left for one hour. Who charters a fishing boat for only an hour?”

“Did Selena tell you why he didn’t take her?”

“She didn’t say, and I didn’t want to ask her a lot of questions. Not yet.”

Kristy nodded. “I saw her today. She’s really not handling this well.”

“No one is.” She pulled into Kristy’s driveway. It was a relief to be off the snowy roads.

No matter how she looked at this, her brother’s death could not have been an accident. Somehow, she would prove that he didn’t drown on a fishing trip. She would prove Jace was murdered.

***

Going back to work hadn’t been easy. Jace’s empty office was a constant reminder of her loss. Somehow, she’d made it through the first day and knew her brother would be proud of her. Now that she was home, a hot bubble bath and early bedtime sounded like a great ending to a long day.

She stopped at the mailboxes. It had been days since she’d checked her mail. Unlocking the box, she frowned when a manila envelope fell to the concrete. She groaned as she bent to pick it up. All the stress and lack of working out was beginning to take its toll. As her eyes scanned the writing on the front of the envelope, a chill raced down her spine, and her free hand flew to her mouth to stifle the guttural sound working its way out. She stared at her name scribbled in blue ink.

In Jace’s handwriting.

Her keys fell from her hands and jingled against the sidewalk. She fought to steady herself as she studied the postmark. It was dated this Thursday. A day after his funeral.

Lexi scrambled to pick up her keys and unlock the door. She stumbled inside and fell into the nearest chair. Her vision blurry with tears, she studied the handwriting. Touching her name, she traced the L.

“Oh, Jace…” she whispered.

She pulled open the envelope, reached in, and pulled out a flash drive. Was that it? No note? No explanation?

A flash drive? She ran to the bedroom, slid into the black leather office chair at her desk, and flipped open her laptop. She stared at the small piece of plastic as she waited for the computer to boot up. Her hand shook as she plugged it in.

Ten minutes later, she stood staring into the bathroom mirror gripped by nausea. She covered her face with a cold, wet towel. Her worst fears were coming true. And she needed help.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Want to read more? Check Ransom in Rio out at

www.barnesandnoble.com

www.kobo.com

http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/

www.amazon.com.

 About the Author:

As a native Texan, Theresa loves to write suspenseful stories that happen in small Texas towns with old fashioned Southern values. She’s an elementary teacher and mom to two boys—the oldest being in law enforcement, which comes in handy when she’s researching. When she’s not teaching kids or writing, she loves to cook, read a good suspense, and binge-watch episodes of Dateline. She is a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America) and ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). She actively promotes fellow Christian Fiction authors on her blog. She also loves to hear from readers who enjoy Christian Fiction and can be found at http://www.theresalynnhall.com,  Facebook, and @theresalynnhall.

 

 

 

www.barnesandnoble.com

www.kobo.com

www.pelicanbookgroup.com

 

 

Wednesday Writers–Dancing in the Rain by Jennifer Slattery

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Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, Dancing in the Rain, Inspirational romance, Jennifer Slattery, summer camp

Today Wednesday Writers welcomes Jennifer Slattery back to the blog. Just in time for summer fun, Jennifer will be talking about the inspiration for her romance novel Dancing in the Rain. Just reading her post took me back to my own days of summer fun. Welcome, Jennifer.

 

Thanks, Catherine.

It’s one of those childhood rites of passage—campfires, sleeping on bunks lined five or six to a room, feeding every mosquitoes within a 100 mile radius. (It seems I have the sweetest blood around!)

I’ve only been to an actual summer camp once, and though I don’t remember much of it, my camp counselor has remained firmly planted in my memory. She seemed so grown, was absolutely beautiful, and had an amazing singing voice. Though I was younger than third grade (as we moved the summer before then), I still remember the song she sang each night: Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Summer camp and the people we meet there have a way of sticking with us. Though my experience at a formal camp was short, I spent many summers camping out with my family. Back then, you could pretty much drive to wherever you wanted, hike a short distance, and pitch a tent.

My dad liked to forge his own trail, machete in hand as he hacked away at low-lying vines and branches. This always felt like such an adventure, and many times it was, like when we pitched our ten in between two slowly trickling streams only to wake up in a torrential storm with water surging on either side of us. If we didn’t vacate soon, we’d be surging with it!

Ah, the summertime memories, of which my co-author, Eileen Rife, has an abundance. While growing up, her parents served at a Christian camp, so many of her formidable years were filled with carols sung at dusk, horse rides, an abundance of sloppy Joes, and all those other special moments that make camp memorable.

In Dancing in the Rain, a romance set, largely, at a Christian camp, Eileen shares her experiences, through Loni and Michael, with all of you, adding a layer of community so many of us long for. A community that’s far from perfect but stands strong when life hits hard.

What about you? Did you go to summer camp? Any fun or especially memorable moments to share? If you didn’t go to summer camp, did you go tent or cabin camping as a kid? Where was your favorite camping destination? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

 

Dancing in the Rain

By Eileen Rife and Jennifer Slattery

 

On the verge of college graduation, Loni Parker seeks employment as a music teacher, but no one will hire her since she’s blind. Or so she thinks. To take her mind off her troubles, her roommate invites her to spring retreat at Camp Hope in the gorgeous North Carolina mountains.

Unbeknownst to Loni, Michael Ackerman, the director, is an ex-con responsible for the accident that caused her blindness. When Loni warms up to camp and wants to return as a summer counselor, Michael opposes the idea, which only makes Loni want to prove herself all the more. Though she doesn’t expect to fall for the guy. Still, her need for independence and dream of teaching win out, taking her far away from her beloved Camp Hope . . . and a certain director.

Camp director Michael Ackerman recognizes Lonie instantly and wants to avoid her at all costs. Yet, despite the guilt pushing him from her, a growing attraction draws him to the determined woman. She sees more with her heart than the average person does with his eyes. But her presence also dredges up a long-buried anger toward his alcoholic father that he’d just as soon keep hidden. When circumstances spin out of control, Michael is forced to face a past that may destroy his present.

Want to read more? Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CSH8F97

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

 

About the Author:

Jennifer Slattery is a writer and international speaker who’s addressed women’s groups, church groups, Bible studies, and other writers across the nation. She’s the author of six contemporary novels maintains a devotional blog found at http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/. She has a passion for helping women discover, embrace, and live out who they are in Christ. As the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries, (http://whollyloved.com) she and her team partner with churches to facilitate events designed to help women rest in their true worth and live with maximum impact. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves going on mall dates with her adult daughter and coffee dates with her hilariously fun husband. Connect with her on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/JenSlatte) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/).

 

Wednesday Writers–A Deadly Dissolution by Leeann Betts

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A Deadly Dissolution, Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, choosing a compelling occupation, cozy mystery, ebook giveaway of Deadly Dissolution, excerpt from A Deadly Dissolution, forensic accounting, Leeann Betts

 

Today’s guest on Wednesday Writers is Leeann Betts. She’s going to be talking about how she chose the occupation of the heroine of her cozy mystery A Deadly Dissolution. Leeann is also giving away a copy of  Deadly Dissolution. Read on to discover how to enter and get a sneak peek at the book. And now it’s time to welcome Leeann!

 

Choosing a Compelling Occupation

By Leeann Betts

When I sat down 15 years ago to see if I had one book in me, I had no clue where to start.

And now, all this time and more than 30 books later, every time I face the blank page, it’s the same. Where to start?

I’m an avid reader of mysteries, particularly what is now known as cozy mysteries, but at the time were simply called Agatha Christie-like mysteries. If you mentioned the name “Jessica Fletcher”, and said your books were like that TV show, everybody knew exactly what you meant. Amateur sleuth, small town settings that eventually expanded into New York City and major locations around the world, and a personal reason to solve the crime—usually a friend or relative was the victim or the suspect.

That was my basis. But I wanted a main character more like—well, like me. I didn’t have any idea how a teacher thought—Jessica. Or an older woman in a hamlet in England—Miss Marple. Or a retired detective from Belgium—Hercule Poirot.

I needed someone I could relate to. That hadn’t been done to death. No pun intended.

So I went to the library, and started strolling through the children’s section on occupation. And the word Forensic jumped out at me. CSI and NCIS were hot shows at the time, so I picked it up. And that’s where I learned about Forensic Accounting. In the days when I was in college and in the business workforce, we called those guys the Auditors or the Inspectors. They came in and went through all our work to make certain we were doing it correctly. To make certain nobody was embezzling funds. To ascertain clients’ trust funds were secure.

Which opened a whole new world of possibilities for me. Situations involving money are all over the news. Hardly a day goes by but we hear of someone stealing from a church, a business, a Girl Scout troop. And if you’re anything like me, I wonder how they managed it. How did they go undetected for so many years? What did they use the money for? Was it a one-time thing, they put it back, and hoped nobody would notice? (No Accounting for Murder). Or was it an ongoing theft to line their pockets? (There Was A Crooked Man). Perhaps gambling or other bad choices were involved. (Unbalanced) Maybe organized crime is behind the problem? (Five and Twenty Blackbirds) Identity theft? (Broke, Busted, and Disgusted) Maybe a divorce? (Hidden Assets) Or even counterfeiting? (Petty Cash) And what about using a natural event, like a lunar eclipse, as the inciting incident (A Deadly Dissolution).

Being a forensic accountant requires specialized training, and involves ferreting out financial information, understanding its implications, and applying that understanding to the situation. It also means preparing reports, spilling the beans on somebody, and testifying in court.

And while a lot of people think accountants are boring, Carly Turnquist is out to prove them wrong.

Just in case you think forensic accounting can’t be an exciting or important job, just remember: Al Capone was imprisoned for tax evasion by the 1930’s equivalent of a forensic accountant.

Question: When reading a series, do you start at the beginning, or do you like to mix them up?

One randomly-drawn reader will receive a free ebook of A Deadly Dissolution. To enter the drawing leave a comment. The winner will be randomly chosen from the blog commenters on July 3. By leaving a comment, you are agreeing to the use of your email to contact the winner for delivery of the prize.

And here’s a sneak peek at the book.

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A Deadly Dissolution

By Leeann Betts

The door to the mayor’s office opened, and a woman dressed primly in a long sleeved sweater, pencil-line skirt, and low-heeled pumps exited, files in her arm.

Carly smiled and dipped her head. “Hi, Evie.”

A flush ran up the middle-aged secretary’s neck and cheeks, complementing her dark hair. “Carly. He’s ready. Go right on in.”

So unlike Mayor Wells’s bulldog-like gatekeeper, Miss Cook, who retired after the unfortunate incidents involving a nudist colony and missing money.

Carly nodded and waved, then entered the office. The room had been repainted and updated in the months since the election, and now boasted a cheery shade of buttery yellow on the walls, offset with a brilliant white on the ceiling and trim. A potted plant of daisies picked up the palette, lending a feeling of being in a field on a warm summer’s day.

A happy place.

The door leading to Mayor Akerman’s office stood open, and she crossed the room, her shoes tapping on the refinished hardwood floors. She caught a glimpse of the mayor, paused and rapped, entering when he waved her in.

Walter Akerman sat behind his desk, papers spread out. Building plans of some sort. He rolled the documents and set them to one side, then stood and offered his hand. “Thanks for coming so quickly, Carly.”

She returned the shake. “You caught me at a good time. Just finished a project for a client. And you said it was important.”

He gestured to two wingback chairs set around a low coffee table. “Let’s sit here. I always feel like I’ve been called to the principal’s office when somebody sits across the desk from me.”

She chuckled then sat. Despite her misgivings about his photo in the hallway, she was going to like this man. “Been there, done it.”

“I bet you have.” He lifted a coffee pot and raised a brow in question, to which she nodded.

“Let’s settle in for a minute. We haven’t had a chance to get to know each other.”

“I’d like that.” She had nothing better to do right now. She sipped her coffee. Delicious. Better coffee? Or perhaps the china cup and saucer. She’d need to be careful not to break it. Or spill it on herself. “Are you settling in to the job?”

He glanced around the office. “Think so. Sometimes I wonder why I’m not more nervous about the whole thing. Maybe it’s because I don’t know enough to be worried.”

Yes, she was definitely going to like him. “Been there, done it.”

“How about you?” He peered at her over the rim of his cup. “You’re not a native, are you?”

“No. Moved here when I married Mike almost fifteen years ago. Most people accept that I’m here to stay. Unless if I try to get involved in important things like choosing what color to paint the library. Then I’m shunned like Typhoid Mary.”

Folks in Bear Cove were a funny lot. Despite solving multiple murders, saving people’s lives, revealing nefarious plots to embezzle or steal, those born and raised in the town still held her at arm’s length. Except for a few compassionate souls, like Mrs. Olsen at the pharmacy, or Jacob

Roy at the garage.

The mayor set his cup on the table. “Understood. Thankfully I’m at least a third generation native.”

“If you weren’t, you wouldn’t have won the election.”

“Right. The last time, I ran against a man related to an original town father. Nobody stood a chance there.”

“I’ve heard good things from folks.” That was true. She wouldn’t offer up empty flattery—not even to get a town contract. “I think the town needs some peace and quiet. After all that’s happened in the last few years.”

“Which is why I wanted to use somebody local to look at the town’s financial records. If I brought in a big firm from outside, word would be around town in about two minutes.”

She pulled out her notebook and pen. “What’s the problem?”

“Money is being moved around to various unconnected accounts, including assets and liabilities, from expenses and income. With no obvious reason. No explanation other than a notation about correcting a previous error. A couple of those I can understand, but this is dozens of them.”

“Has something changed in the accounting methods used by the town?”

“Such as?”

She glanced up from her notes. “Have you changed your accounting method from cash to accrual? Or vice versa? Or did the fiscal year end change?”

He shook his head. “Nothing like that. We’ve used the same accounting firm for years. I checked with them. They don’t know anything about it. All of the entries happened in the last six months or so.”

“Since your election.”

“Right.”

“And you think?”

“I think somebody is stealing from the town, and trying to make it look like I’m involved.”

 

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Want to read more? You can find A Deadly Dissolution at Amazon and Smashwords

 

About the Author:

Leeann Betts writes contemporary suspense, while her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, pens historical suspense. She has released seven titles in her cozy mystery series, By the Numbers, with number 8, A Deadly Dissolution, releasing in June. In addition, Leeann has written a devotional for accountants, bookkeepers, and financial folk, Counting the Days, and with her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, has published two books on writing, Nuggets of Writing Gold and More Nuggets of Writing Gold, a compilation of essays, articles, and exercises on the craft. She publishes a free quarterly newsletter that includes a book review and articles on writing and books of interest to readers and writers. You can subscribe at www.LeeannBetts.com or follow Leeann at www.AllBettsAreOff.wordpress.com All books are available on Amazon.com in digital and print, and at Smashwords.com in digital format.

You can also find Leeann on Facebook: http://bit.ly/1pQSOqV 

 

Wednesday Writers–A Home for Fritz by June Foster

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A Home for Fritz, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, contemporary inspirational romance, June Foster, romance, Wednesday Writers

 

Welcome to Wednesday Writers. My guest today is June Foster, and after reading her post, I have to admit I’m a bit envious. A summer spent in an RV park in Wyoming sounds lovely. I’ve always wanted to see the west and live in a RV. June got a bonus—a story idea with built in research. What better gift could a writer have? Welcome, June!

 

Research on a Dude Ranch

By June Foster

Last summer, my husband and I worked at a wonderful RV park in Shell, Wyoming, at the base of the Big Horn Mountains.

lawn at the RV park

 

The owners of the park had a precious golden doodle named Fritz.

About that time, my editor gave a “callout” for stories in which the hero and heroine met because of a dog. Not more than a few miles from the RV park, an elegant dude ranch, the Hideout, offered a horse-riding experience for guests who could afford the high cost. Thus the perfect ingredients for a story.

 

I interviewed wranglers, toured the entire property, and talked to local ranchers, as well as snapping photos the surrounding area.

 

Thus A Home for Fritz was born.

 

 

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A Home for Fritz

by June Foster

All Brooke Cantrell wants is two weeks to live a Cinderella life at Sunlight Peaks Guest Ranch. When she falls in love with a handsome wrangler, will he discover the truth?

Garrett Bowman has finally found peace under Wyoming skies. Never again will he return to corporate life in Seattle. But will the guests recognize him from the incriminating newspaper and magazine articles eighteen months ago?

When Garrett’s dog, Fritz, is in grave danger, an intriguing guest helps him rescue his pup. As Fritz heals, he whines until he can lay his head in Brooke’s comfortable lap. Fritz has fallen in love, but so has Garrett.

If Garrett discovers Brook’s secret, will he walk away from her?

If Brooke learns Garrett’s true identify, will she turn from him like all the others?

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I hope you enjoy the real life pictures of what I saw as I did research for the project.

 

I loved June’s pictures, especially the one with the mountain in the background. If you’d like to read more about A Home for Fritz you can find the book here.

 

About the Author:

An award-winning author, June Foster is a retired teacher with a BA in education and MA in counseling. Her characters find themselves in tough situations but overcome through God’s power and the Word. She writes edgy topics wrapped in a good story. To date, she’s seen seventeen contemporary romances and several short stories published. Find June online at junefoster.com

 

Wednesday Writers–Ancient Treasures with Gail Kittleson

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Ancient Treasures, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, first Engliswoman to write a book, Gail Kittleson, Julian of Norwich, Women of the Heartland series

Welcome to Wednesday Writers!

Today I’m hosting Gail Kittleson on Wednesday Writers. Gail is a historical romance author, who writes about WWII. Her Women of the Heartland, World War II series, highlights women of The Greatest Generation. Today she’s taking us on a side trip to talk about the first English woman to write a book. You’ll want keep reading, because it’s not who you think it is. Welcome, Gail!

 

 

Ancient Treasures

By Gail Kittleson

Preparing for a recent fortieth anniversary trip to England, I re-discovered Julian of Norwich, who died in 1417. Before that, if you’d asked me to name the first English woman who wrote a book, I might have said Jane Austen. But long before Jane left her mark, Julian of Norwich left hers.

Julian became well known in England, and people flocked to her cell for spiritual advice. She was called “Renewer of the Church.” Her meditations, The Revelations of Divine Love, set forth eternal, all-embracing divine love.

Well known in England during this era of widespread epidemics, people looked to Julian for reassurance. Many monks taught that disease signified God’s angry punishment, while Julian wrote of a loving, even motherly God intent on creation’s good.

She viewed the Creator of all with a tiny object in his hand, like a small brown nut, so fragile and insignificant that she wondered why it even held together. The nut stood for the entire created universe, yet Julian heard this message with her vision: “God made it, God loves it, and God keeps it.”

She wrestled with the difficult moral decisions humans face. Sometimes we feel that no matter what, we act from impure motives, and can defend no decision. Finally, Julian concluded: “It is enough to be sure of the deed. Our courteous Lord will deign to redeem the motive.”

 I’d guess the monks of Julian’s day weren’t exactly delighted with her theology—human nature conjures images of the Divine patterned after our own shortcomings. Negativity surely fits that label, as does a tendency to feel hopelessly incapable of acting with wisdom in this world.

 As writers, we can certainly identify. But common people resonated to Julian’s perspective from the cell where she confined herself after undergoing a burial rite to signify her death to this world.

How wonderful to come to a point where with her, we say, “It is enough to do something (i.e., to write), led by my best instincts and thinking process. If I err, I fall upon the courtesy of our Lord.”

About the Author:

Gail taught college writing before becoming a late-blooming novelist, and now has four published novels celebrating WWII women, and a memoir.

When Gail’s not steeped in research, drafting scenes, or editing, she facilitates writing workshops and retreats in Iowa and Arizona, where winters find her enjoying the gorgeous Mogollon Rim. Favorites: grandchildren, exploring WWII sites with her husband, walking, reading, meeting new people, and hearing from readers who fall in love with her characters.

You can find Gail’s books on Amazon

You can connect with Gail at

http://www.gailkittleson.com/

www.facebook.com/GailKittlesonAuthor

www.twitter.com/GailGkittleson @GailGkittleson

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers—Love’s Harvest: Adventures in Research by Linda Shenton Matchett

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adventures in research, book excerpt from Love’s Harvest, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, historical romance, Linda Shenton Matchett, Love's Harvest, retelling of biblical story of Ruth

Today’s guest on Wednesday Writers is Linda Shenton Matchett, author of the historical romance Love’s Harvest. Linda will be talking about the research required to write this book. I think you’ll find it interesting—I know I did. Welcome, Linda!

 

 

 

 

 

Love’s Harvest: Adventures in Research

 

I’m of an age that when I was in school research was conducted with encyclopedias and trips to the library to question the reference librarian and search among the shelves for sources. Now I use the internet where I can check my library’s “card catalog” online, send an email to anyone in the world with my questions, look at maps and photos, watch YouTube interviews (thanks to oral history projects, these a great resource for primary source material), access museum and university information, read archived newspapers, and chase any number of rabbits.

You heard me…chase rabbits. That’s the blessing and the curse of using the internet for doing research. As mentioned, the blessing is the plethora of information available. The curse is the ability to follow link after link after link…! Eventually, a writer needs to stop researching and put pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard)!

My novella, Love’s Harvest is a retelling of the biblical book of Ruth set between 1923 and 1946. In order to “translate” the story to the new time period, quite a bit of research was necessary. In Ruth, there is a famine that sends the family to Moab, the loss of Naomi’s husband and sons, Ruth’s rights to glean the fields after she and Naomi return to Israel, marriage laws and customs, and several incidents that shed light on Ruth’s and Boaz’s character.

Let the adventure begin!

Because I wanted to set the majority of the book in England during WWII, I had to find a famine that occurred twenty or so years prior to that time. Figuring that I’d be looking for a needle in the proverbial haystack because “famines don’t happen anymore,” I was stunned to find numerous incidents during which large segments of a population faced crop failure, drought, and hunger. The event that fit with my story was the 1921-23 famine that nearly devastated the Volga River area of Russia.

Research about the region told me about Catherine the Great’s efforts to colonize Russia by inviting Europeans to immigrate and become Russian citizens but keep their language and culture. A large number of Germans took her up on the offer. That fact allowed me to make the Ruth character German which would give me the tension I needed when I sent her and the Naomi character home to England.

One link I followed helped me discover that many of these Volga Russian-Germans immigrated to Kansas, the Dakotas, and California during the 19^th and early 20^th century. During the famine years, these people set up the American Volga Relief Society to collect and send relief and supplies to the Volga region. I was able to weave this information in the story.

Further research allowed me to find wedding customs, the British Women’s Land Army, Lord Woolton and his Ministry of Food, and the craft of basket weaving. I was surprised that it took me about two months to conduct all my research. Are you?

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Love’s Harvest

By Linda Shenton Matchett

Noreen Hirsch loses everything including her husband and two sons. Then her adopted country goes to war with her homeland. Has God abandoned her?

Rosa Hirsch barely adjusts to being a bride before she is widowed. She gives up her citizenship to accompany her mother-in-law to her home country. Can Rosa find acceptance among strangers who hate her belligerent nation?

Basil Quincey is rich beyond his wildest dreams, but loneliness stalks him. Can he find a woman who loves him and not his money?

Three people. One God who can raise hope from the ashes of despair.

 

Book Excerpt:

Volga Region, Russia, 1923

Noreen yanked the zipper closed on her over-stuffed canvas satchel. Always resourceful, Edmund had attached straps to the moss-green bag so she could wear it on her back. She would also carry a suitcase in each hand. The journey promised to be arduous.

Sighing, she wiped a weary hand across her dry eyes. Even if she had any tears remaining, crying was useless. It would not make their situation less dire.

Muted voices and the occasional bump filtered through the ceiling from the boys’ bedroom above. Noreen shivered and hunched into her threadbare, ruby-red sweater. An impulse purchase made during her honeymoon, the garment held more memories than warmth. Edmund insisted it brought out the roses in her cheeks.

She tossed the bulging satchel to the floor and turned her attention to the yawning luggage on the bed. Two steel pots and a fry pan nestled in the bottom of one boxy, brown suitcase between faded blue towels that had been a belated wedding present from her mother and father.

Hopefully, Edmund would find somewhere they could live in his home country with enough food to actually cook. Here, along the Volga River in Russia, the crops had failed again, and the famine was entering its second year. The decision whether to eat or plant their seed wheat had caused many families to die of starvation.

Shuffling footsteps sounded behind her. She turned as Edmund enveloped her in his arms. Nestling against his too-thin chest, she breathed in his musky scent. He bent and kissed her forehead, his black beard scraping her skin.

“You work too hard.” He tucked a stray strand of her nutmeg-colored hair behind her ear.

She leaned into his touch. “Isn’t that why you married me?”

“No, Schatzi, it is most certainly not.” He grinned. “You stole my heart. I had to marry you, or I would die a broken man.”

“Don’t joke about that. Our friends are dying every day.” She frowned. “Who knew this famine would last so long? If it weren’t for the bit of help arriving from America’s Volga Relief Society, matters would be much worse.”

“They are sending more assistance than we are receiving. Jakob told me there is proof the government is confiscating some of the packages and keeping the money to construct new buildings and conduct repairs. As always, development of the country is valued above the lives of the people.”

“Shhh!” She pressed the work-worn fingers of her right hand against his lips. “You could get in trouble for saying that. Then where would we be?”

Edmund hugged her. “There is no one to hear us, but I understand your fear. Many unexplained disappearances make for extreme caution.” He released her and gestured toward the pile of clothes on their bed. “Enough depressing talk. What can I do to help?”

“Do you have our passports? With the government ratcheting up the price, we have no more savings to purchase new ones.”

“Now who’s speaking out against the authorities.”

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Want to read more? You can find Love’s Harvest at Amazon

 

About the Author:

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, journalist, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places most of her life. A member of ACFW, RWA, and Sisters In Crime, Linda is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of World War II, and a trustee for her local public library. Receive a free book Devotions from a Writer when you sign up for her newsletter. 

Social Media links:  Website: Facebook: Pinterest:

Wednesday Writers—Callum’s Compass by Sara Foust

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book excerpt from Callum's Compass, Callum's Compass, Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, inspirational romantic suspense, Sara Foust, treasure hunts

Today’s guest on Wednesday Writers is Sara Foust, author of the Inspirational Romantic Suspense Callum’s Compass. She’s be taking about treasure hunts today and how they fit into her book. Welcome, Sara!

Some people have said the clues in Callum’s Compass seem way too challenging for everyday people to figure out. I even had one lady mention in an early critique that surely the first clue Kat gets would be too difficult for someone without code breaking experience to solve. I had to laugh a little, because that clue was one my husband, my brother, my two cousins, and I actually solved thirteen years ago on a treasure hunt facilitated by my uncle Jim. It was something of a tradition with Uncle Jim. And though I only was blessed to participate in a few of his infamous hunts, he had left my cousins ones all throughout their childhood.

This particular trip, we were staying at a house in Outer Banks, North Carolina, and he surprised us with our first clue early in the week, if I remember correctly. We didn’t know what the “treasure” was but, based on the last time, suspected it might be chocolate-covered doughnuts or another type of treat. All of his clues were difficult, but the one that stumped us the longest was the one using the Bible verse from Revelation that you will see in Callum’s Compass. I’m not going to tell you what the final solve was, I’ll let you read that for yourselves in my book, but I will tell you it took nearly all of a day to figure it out. And I can still remember him laughing each time we brought a new idea to him. “You’re thinking about this wrong, guys,” he would say. We even used a “phone a friend” to call his son in Nashville who was unable to make the trip. My cousin, Chelsea, is the one who finally figured it out. I figure it was all those years of practice he’d given her growing up at solving his riddles that made her so good.

At the end of the hunt, we used a metal detector to locate gold coins buried in the sand. You talk about a real treasure hunt! It was so incredibly fun. I can still picture the moment we found the treasure and looked back at the balcony porch to see the “real grownups” (I was 22 and married, mind you) grinning down at us.

Uncle Jim passed away from an aggressive brain cancer two years ago. There’s not a day that goes by we don’t think of him and miss him so much. I’ll never forget his laugh, his sense of adventure, and his love. None of us will. We are going to the beach as a family again this summer, thanks to Jim’s son’s generosity (our phone a friend). And he is working on the treasure hunt clues now. He’s already promised they will be in “Uncle Jim fashion,” which means our kids may never find the treasure without the “real grownups’ ” help, of which I am part now. But above all else, the memories we make will be the treasure we remember for the rest of our lives.

 

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Callum’s Compass

by Sara Foust

KAT WILLIAMS’S brother died in a gruesome accident in the mountains of East Tennessee. She blames herself.

RYAN JENKINS’S fiancée was murdered. He couldn’t protect her.

With the death of her brother, Kat believes she is unworthy of love from anyone—even God. When a good friend elicits a promise that she will stop living in the past and then leaves her clues to a real-life treasure hunt, Kat embarks on an adventure chock-full of danger. To find the treasure, Kat will have to survive wild animals—and even wilder men. Can she rely on Ryan, the handsome wildlife officer assigned to protect her . . . without falling in love?

Ryan swore off love when his fiancée was murdered, but feelings long-buried rise to the surface around Kat. He volunteers to help with her treasure hunt, vowing to keep her safe. Together they venture deep into caves and tunnels . . . and even deeper into the depths of their unplumbed hearts.

Excerpt:

The box lay on the ground, its contents strewn beneath her truck. She picked up a golden pocket watch, the surface worn smooth on both sides, and another piece of paper with a hand-drawn picture.

What in the world? She read the page in her hand.

“Revelation 6:8—

And I looked,

And behold a pale horse:

And his name that sat on him was Death,

And Hell followed with him.

And power was given unto them

Over the fourth part of the earth,

To kill with sword,

And with hunger,

And with death,

And with the beasts of the earth.”

She turned the note over to discover a series of tiny numbers written on the reverse side.

5:12; 2:10; 4:22; 10:11; 1:5; 6:3; 7:14; 2:18; 4:4; 6:1; 7:5; 9:9

More Bible verses?

Kat tucked the scripture verse and drawing back into the box and slid it safely onto the seat. The pocket watch clanked against the compass as she dropped it into her pocket.

Want to read more? You can find Callum’s Compass on Amazon

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About the Author:

Sara is a multi-published, award-winning author who writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense from a mini-farm in East Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and their five homeschooled children. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Callum’s Compass won second place in Deep River Books’ 2017 Writer’s Contest.  Sara also has a story, “Leap of Faith,” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone, and her second novel in the Love, Hope, and Faith Series, Camp Hope, will be released in July 2018. Gain access to a FREE digital scrapbook detailing some real-life places from Callum’s Compass by signing up for her newsletter at http://www.saralfoust.com/.

Connect with Sara on her Social Media Links:  Facebook:   Twitter: