Wednesday Writers–Writing for the King with Donna Schlachter

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book excerpt from Echoes of the Heart, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, Christian fiction, Donna Schlachter, Echoes of the Heart, historical romance, Pony Express Romance Collection, Writing for the King

Today Wednesday Writers welcomes Christian author Donna Schlachter. Donna will be sharing an excerpt from her book Echoes of the Heart, which is a part of The Pony Express Romance Collection, as well as telling us about her father’s book, which she helped write, and why she writes for the King. Welcome, Donna.

 

Thanks, Catherine.

I wrote my dad’s memoirs a couple of years ago. Because we don’t live near each other, we spent time together at Christmas or Thanksgiving working on the book. I used a digital recorder and had a list of questions I needed answered. Once I got the story down, I’d send him several chapters at a time for him to review. Then I sent the final book, printed out in a binder, and he called with changes and corrections. Even once we sent it to a printer, we found errors in the galleys which we corrected.

My father held his book in his hand a month before he passed away.

He boasted to several people about his life story. The intake counselor at the hospice he went to was astounded he had a book, saying that many people came to this point in their lives wishing they’d written a book. She said she’d never known anybody who had.

I was so pleased to have been part of that process, to give my dad a book he was proud to hold in his hand. A book he was proud to have his name on.

Which got me to thinking about my other books. Would my Heavenly Father be proud to hold my other books in His hand? Would He be proud to have His Name on those books?

That changed the way I looked at my books. Because I realized they weren’t mine at all. He is the author. I simply transcribe the stories for Him.

And as such, it’s my job to be as accurate as I can. To show up for work every day. To do the best I can to listen and not inject myself into the story.

God’s job is to create the stories. To communicate them to me. To correct me when I get off track.

I like the partnership I have with Him. It takes a lot of pressure off me. When I’m staring at the blank page, I simply pray, “Lord, thank You for letting me be the first person you’ve ever shown this story to. Help me hear You correctly and do the work of transcribing.”

Knowing what I need to do and what I don’t need to do makes the job a lot easier which means I’m having a lot more fun. I’m working on the next book in my dad’s memoirs, and although he’s with Jesus now, I hope he’d be just as proud to hold this book in his hand as he was with the first one.

And I pray God would be proud to have His name on every book I’ve written.

And now for a peek at Donna’s book Echoes of the Heart

 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Echoes of the Heart

By Donna Schlachter

 

Catherine Malloy, an orphan girl running from a compromising situation in Boston, answers a personal ad in a magazine, on behalf of her illiterate friend. Through his letters, she finds herself falling in love with this stranger. Benjamin Troudt is crippled and illiterate, and knows nothing of this ad. His route supervisor, Warton, who was helping Benjamin with the paperwork, has been given only a short time to live, and knows Benjamin needs help, so he places the ad. Can Catherine overcome her belief that the God of her parents has abandoned her? And can Benjamin allow God to open his eyes and his heart to love?

 

Excerpt:

Hollenberg Pony Express Station

Kansas Territory

May 1860

 

Chapter 1

 

Catherine Malloy braced a hand against the doorframe as the stage rounded a turn. A cloud of dust encircled the coach, filtering through the gaps in the doors, the curtains, the floor, and the roof, threatening to choke her. She coughed politely behind her gloved hand, cringing at the sight of the stains on her once-white hand coverings. Her spirits were as rumpled as her sleeves and skirt. Would the dirt ever come out?

But no matter how primitive the conditions, no matter how hostile the natives or how cold the winters—all stories she’d heard about the Wild West—she would not turn back.

She had nowhere to turn back.

When she’d excitedly read the advertisement in the magazine to her friend Margaret, neither had truly contemplated just how far the Kansas Territory was from Boston. Four days on the train to St. Joseph, Missouri had been just the beginning. Three days in this bouncing torture chamber, surrounded by surly men, snot-nosed children, and sharp-tongued women caused her to question her sanity and her decision more than once. She’d already eaten more dust than she’d known existed.

In Mr. Troudt’s first letter, he’d explained that he ran a way station and needed a wife. Neither she nor Margaret knew what that was. They knew a man from Australia, who talked about working at a sheep station. Perhaps a way station was similar.

Not that any of that mattered. She had no reason to go back. No family. No job.

Not after the way Master Talbott had approached her.

She shifted her drawstring purse from its place on the floor behind her feet. Its weight clanged against the boards. While not her ill-gotten bag of coins and jewelry, the packet weighed on her heart and her conscience equally.

She glanced at her fellow passengers as they rocked in time with the movement of the stage. A man in a suit who looked like a banker or a lawyer. Next to him, a minister coming west to seek his flock, as he’d told her at least a dozen times in the past four days. Sitting beside her, a woman traveling through to California, who’d said little to anybody, instead keeping her face hidden beneath a wide-brimmed hat. Catherine had lost count of the people with whom she’d shared cramped quarters. Most were strange traveling companions, to be certain. Not that she was looking for a bosom friend.

She would stay here. Hollenberg Station, Kansas Territory. Where the Oregon and California Trails brought emigrants past what would become her new home. Very different from her parents’ house where she’d grown up. Not at all like the even grander Georgian house she’d lived in with her aunt and uncle.

Until he’d squandered her inheritance and forced her into servitude in the Talbott mansion.

The only good from that whole debacle was Maggie.

A lump filled her throat, threatening to cut off her breath. Maggie had taught her how to survive when she thought life no longer worth living. Taught her to curtsey, to keep her gaze low, to smile when asked to do the impossible, and to keep quiet when told to do the unreasonable.

She shivered. But she was no automaton. When the master of the house had made his intentions clear, she’d refused his demands.

She knew her days in that household were numbered.

And then she’d seen the advertisement in the penny magazine. She had hoped this was her way out. In her excitement, she’d read the notice to Maggie since her friend could neither read nor write. And Maggie had instantly latched onto the notion that this was God’s answer to her prayers for a way to leave Boston.

Catherine sniffed at the idea. God had no interest in her life. Maybe in Maggie’s, but if that was true, why hadn’t He removed her from her dreary position, the long hours of hard work, the drudgery of servitude?

Despite her doubts about God’s hand in the matter, on Maggie’s behalf, she had penned a response to Mr. Benjamin Troudt, Hollenberg Station, Hanover, Kansas Territory.

A month later, a letter arrived at the mansion addressed to Miss Margaret Thomas.

And the whirlwind long-distance courtship commenced, punctuated by month-long pauses where they wondered if he would respond. And when he did, such giddy excitement.

Mr. Troudt described a beautiful place, using language as pretty as poetry. Despite the fact he wrote to Maggie, Catherine imagined herself cooking in the kitchen, making delicious meals for her husband and his ranch hands. She saw herself weeding their garden, feeding their hens, riding beside her husband into town to purchase supplies.

It was a nice dream.

Except it belonged to Maggie.

Want to read more? You can find Echoes of the Heart at: http://amzn.to/2lBaqcW

 

 

About the Author:

Donna lives in Denver with husband Patrick, her first-line editor and biggest fan. She writes historical suspense under her own name, and contemporary suspense under her alter ego of Leeann Betts. She is a hybrid publisher who has published a number of books under her pen name and under her own name. Her current release, Echoes of the Heart, a 9-in-1 novella collection titled “Pony Express Romance Collection” released April 1. Donna is also a ghostwriter and editor of fiction and non-fiction, and judges in a number of writing contests. She will be teaching an online course for American Christian Fiction Writers in June 2017, “Don’t let your subplots sink your story”. Donna loves history and research, and travels extensively for both.

Connect with Donna at: http://www.historythrutheages.wordpress.com/

www.HiStoryThruTheAges.com

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DonnaSchlachter

Books: http://amzn.to/2ci5Xqq

 

Wednesday Writers Welcomes YA Author L. R. Burkard

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book excerpt from Defiance, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, Christian Post-Apocalyptic YA Suspense Dystopian fiction, Defiance, Linore Burkhard, Pulse Effex series

Today I’m welcoming L.R. Burkard, aka Linore Rose Burkard, to Wednesday Writers. Lenore has recently switched genres and is giving us a peek into what sparked her Christian Post-Apocalyptic YA Suspense Dystopian setting in her series PULSE EFFEX. Keep reading for a peek into the third installment, DEFIANCE. Welcome, L.R.!

Thanks, Catherine.

When my sweet historical romance series was published, I never dreamed my next would be YA/dystopian. What a switch in genres! So, how did I go from one end of the writing spectrum to another? Blame it on an idea that refused to die. I read a headline about how close the earth came to suffering a catastrophic electromagnetic pulse, or EMP, in 2012. We missed the worst effects of a solar flare by a hair (in space terms); but the “what if” factor had been set in motion. What if that flare hadn’t missed us? What if I was a teen raised on electronics–or an adult medically dependent on them–and it all went dead in a matter of seconds? What if the next flare doesn’t miss? PULSE, the first book in my PULSE EFFEX Series, was born. This month, the third installment, DEFIANCE, releases!

 

Defiance

Defiance: Because sometimes resistance just isn’t enough.

In this third installment of the PULSE EFFEX SERIES, foreign soldiers and fellow Americans gone rogue are just the beginning of what Andrea, Lexie and Sarah must face. Beneath the threat of nuclear strikes and guerrilla armies, the girls long for a free country in which to live–and love. Survival means resistance must give way to defiance. But can ordinary teens and their families withstand powerful forces and keep hope alive?

A PEEK INSIDE

Angel took a handgun out of a side holster and handed it to me. “We’re gonna need you, Sarah.”

“I—I’ve only had a few lessons,” I said, weakly.

“Just aim and shoot when you need to,” she said, quietly. “It’s already chambered. Remember what we taught you—when a bullet’s chambered, it’s ready. Don’t aim it until you’re gonna use it and don’t put your finger on the trigger until you’re gonna shoot.”

“Here they are!” Richard cried.

The gang of marauders appeared, descending upon the cabin with hoots and shouts that made my blood curdle. I took the gun with a sense of unreality. How could this be happening? It couldn’t be, because I, Sarah Weaver, did not take part in real battles! Sarah Weaver was an anxious, fear-filled teenager with enough insecurities for ten girls. I was the one to have panic attacks when alone; the one who’d been taking anti-depressants for two years—until the pulse stopped that.

I held the pistol up with shaky hands. And I knew: This was reality now. This was life, and there was no room for the old Sarah. I could not allow myself to crumple in weakness or fear.

For a full excerpt from Book One in the series, PULSE: http://www.linoreburkard.com/READER_EXCERPT_PULSE.PDF

Buy Link: http://amzn.to/1JYR0Qg

 

About the Author:

Linore Rose Burkard wrote a trilogy of genuine regency romances for the Christian market before there were any regencies for the Christian market. Published with Harvest House, her books opened up the genre for the CBA. She also writes YA Suspense/Apocalyptic fiction as L.R. Burkard. Married with five children, she home-schools her youngest daughter, preferably with coffee in one hand and an iPad in the other. Her latest  PULSE EFFEX SERIES, takes readers into a “chilling possible future for America while affirming the power of faith in the darkest of times.”

Contact: Linore Burkard.com, LRBurkard.com

Kimberly Rose Johnson Talks Setting on Wednesday Writers

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An Encore for Estelle, book excerpt from An Encore for Estelle, book setting, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, contemporary romance, Kimberly Rose Johnson

 Today Wednesday Writers welcomes Kimberly Rose Johnson to the blog. Kimberly will be talking about setting for her contemporary romance  An Encore for Estelle. Welcome, Kimberly!

 

 Thanks, Catherine.

When I sat down to write A Love Song for Kayla, the first book in this series, I wanted to set it in a small town without having to do any research. I also wanted to place the story in Oregon—up to that point in my writing career, all of my published books had been set in Washington State, so I thought it would be nice to change states.

I created a town called Oak Knoll, positioned NW of Salem, in the Willamette Valley. The name was inspired by a golf course West of Salem called Oak Knoll Golf Course. I imagine my town is somewhere near the golf course.

Oak Knoll is quaint like any small town should be. It has the usual places: a coffee shop, florist, churches . . . you get the picture. In An Encore for Estelle we see the community center, where the theater is located and the coffee shop—I wanted a hangout where my characters could go and visit with one another outside the theater.

I’m currently writing the third book in the series, and I’ve added a block to the town where Amber’s dance studio is located. We meet Amber in An Encore for Estelle. She is the dance choreographer for the musical. She is also the main character in A Waltz for Amber, which I hope to release in October.

It’s been fun to create a town and see it expand as the series grows. So far I have two series set in actual places and two in fictitious locations. The advantage of making up own town is that I can have whatever I want there. The advantage of using a real location is that people can relate to the story when they’ve been there. It’s so fun for me when people tell me I nailed those locations, and they feel like they were there as they were reading.

 

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

 

An Encore For Estelle

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

A former A-list actress seeks to redeem herself in the most unlikely of places—a children’s theater. The writer/director didn’t anticipate a famous actress would ever show interest in his musical much less him. Will their pasts pull them apart or join them together?

Excerpt:

Estelle turned to face the man. She sucked in a breath. He had to be over six feet tall. His dark hair had a messy look that she liked. Get it together. He wasn’t the first ruggedly handsome man she’d ever met. Plus there was Jeff.

He looked down at her with chocolate brown eyes. “It’s nice to meet you. Helen has told me all about you.”

Estelle shot a look toward Helen. “Don’t believe everything you hear.”

“Believe every word, Blake.” Helen waved a finger toward Estelle. “My friend here is a remarkable woman.”

Estelle’s face warmed. There was nothing remarkable about her, but people had always said stuff like that about her. Although it had never bothered her before, it did coming from Helen. She thought Helen knew her well enough to know she wasn’t all that.

Blake grinned, although it looked forced. “I’m heading to town. Did either of you need me to get anything while I’m there?”

“No thanks, but maybe Estelle would like to join you.” She raised a brow toward her.

Estelle caught her breath. Was her hostess trying to play matchmaker? She ought to warn her to give up now, because she was a relationship disaster. At least that’s what she felt like.

“How about it?” Blake asked. “Would you like to come along?” His words were friendly enough, but the look in his eyes was guarded. Almost like the last thing he wanted was for her to say yes.

Why did he seem wary? She didn’t recall ever meeting him—she would have remembered. “No thanks. I should finish my lunch then get settled.”

He dipped his head. “Okay then. See you around.” He turned and headed in the direction from which he’d come.

Estelle sat back into the chair she’d vacated when Blake showed up.

Helen leaned forward and lowered her voice. “Isn’t he cute?”

She burst into laughter. “You are old enough to be his mother.”

“I didn’t say I wanted to marry him. Goodness.” She frowned.

Estelle sobered. “I’m sorry, Helen. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“Sorry, I overreacted. I’m fine. Don’t give it another thought.” She fanned her flushed face. “One would think at my age that I’d stop blushing so easily, but it appears that trait will forever plague me.”

“At least when you blush you’re pretty. When I blush, my neck turns red, and I get all blotchy.” Estelle made a silly face. “It happened once on set and the director was not happy. They had to take time out for the makeup artist to cover the red before we could continue filming.”

Helen bubbled with laughter. “It’s going to be fun having you here. Have you given any thought to how you’ll fill your time? I know three months is a long vacation.”

“I agree, and like I said, I may not stay the entire time. I have no idea how I’ll fill my days.” It’d been forever since she’d had the freedom to do whatever she wanted. There always seemed to be something or someone that needed her attention.

“You could volunteer at the community center. Every summer they do a children’s theater program. Auditions are coming up, and they’ll begin rehearsals soon.” She dipped her head and fiddled with her fork.

“You know I don’t act anymore.”

“So you said, but those kids don’t care. They’d be thrilled to have a real actress—” she raised a hand, “former actress mentor them. A little birdie told me you used to volunteer with the children’s theater in LA.”

Estelle sighed. It had been a long time since she’d done anything with the children’s theater. She liked kids, but she’d left that life. Then again, this was Helen asking. “I’ll think about it.”

“Don’t think too long. My son tells me this new musical is ambitious for such a small town, and Blake needs help.”

If Derek was concerned then there was probably reason to be. “What does Blake have to do with the children’s theater?”

“Didn’t I mention that it’s his brainchild? He coordinates the program. He’s the reason I invited you. Actually I’m hoping you’ll stick around through the summer too. The theater has become a big deal here, and no matter what Blake thinks, he can’t keep doing it all on his own.”

Estelle shook her head. This must be the real reason for Helen’s invitation to spend the summer with her. Not that she minded, but wished her friend had been upfront about the reason behind her request. “You neglected to mention any of this.” She felt snookered, but it was fine. She’d do almost anything for Helen. Plus the timing worked—at least for now. If she could manage to stay away from her restaurant, and her life for three months remained to be seen. If necessary she could fly home a couple of times to check up on things. The idea of working with the theater sent a tingle of excitement zipping through her. That settled it—she was in if Blake would have her. She loved the theater.

Want to read more? You can get An Encore for Estelle at

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2pDQweE

About the Author:

Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul. Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. You can sign up for Kimberly’s newsletter via her website at: http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/index.html

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyRoseJohnson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimberlyrosejoh

Amazon Follow: https://www.amazon.com/Kimberly-Rose-Johnson/e/B00K10CR6E/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1435862403&sr=1-2-ent

 

Johnnie Alexander Joins Wednesday Writers

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book excerpt from What Hope Remembers, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, contemporary romance, horse riding story, Johnnie Alexander, Sweet romance, What Hope Remembers

 

 

 

 

 

Today I’m welcoming Johnnie Alexander to the Wednesday Writers blog. Johnnie going to talk a bit about writing what you know, a bit of life history which she used in her contemporary romance What Hope Remembers. Welcome, Johnnie.

 

 

 

Getting Back On—Long Years Later

By

Johnnie Alexander

 

When I was a young teen, I got thrown from a pony. And I mean tossed-in-the-air, fall-flat-on-my-back thrown.

A gracious onlooker said that it was the most graceful fall she’d ever seen. (That soothed my pride but not my aching muscles.)

A couple years later, I sat astride the family pony (which I seldom rode) in the pasture across from our house. I was content with a quiet walk, but he decided it’d be more fun to stay with the others in our group.

He jogged.

His saddle slid sideways.

I ended up on the hard ground.

You all know what they say about getting back on after falling off, right? I’ve heard that, too.

But instead of heeding that advice I never rode again.

Fast-forward a few, ahem, decades.

I’ve decided my newest contemporary romance needs a horse-riding hero. Come to find out, the heroine rode horses, too, when she was a young girl. Then her parents died in a fiery plane crash, and she quit the activity she loved most because her dad was no longer there to cheer her on.

A friend from church who is an avid rider and trains her own horse had given me tips on “horse lingo” for a historical novella I’d previously written so I turned to her again.

“I think I want to take riding lessons,” I said. “Just a few.”

“I know just the person to teach you,” she replied.

As it turned out, my first riding lesson was with my friend. I rode Chance, a glistening black beauty, while she held onto the lunge line. We rode in giant circles while I did my best to stay in the saddle. I enjoyed it though I was intimidated by Chance’s size. (Hey, I’m barely five feet tall.)

Chance and Johnnie

The following week, we went to the stables where I’d end up taking several lessons. On that first visit, the instructor asked my goals.

“I just want to be comfortable,” I said. “To do something I’m afraid of and not be afraid anymore.”

She told me about Gabby. “But she’s a pony. Most adults don’t want to ride ponies.”

“I’m not too proud,” I quickly said. “I’d love to ride Gabby.”

Gabby and Johnnie

It turned out Gabby was the perfect choice. She was a tall pony—larger than the ponies you often see at carnivals or fairs for children to ride.

Over the next few weeks, I learned to keep my heels down, my back straight, to properly hold my reins, and even a tiny bit of dressage.

Then the holidays came and several weeks later, I moved away.

But I’ll never forget my riding lessons with Gabby, and how even that little bit of horsemanship added more realism to the scene where my heroine rides again for the first time in years. After all, I knew how much her behind would ache!

I hope to ride again sometime.

If I can find another tall pony as sweet and gentle as Gabby.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

What Hope Remembers

By Johnnie Alexander

When Amy Somers loses her job as a lobbyist, she moves to Misty Willow, well aware that she’s crossing bridges she’d burned years before. With all the mistakes she’s made and the uncaring things she’s done–even to her own family–she can hardly believe that happiness will find her, especially when Gabe Kendall, her first crush and her first kiss, rides back into her life atop a buckskin mare.

A former Marine, Gabe is at loose ends after serving a prison sentence for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He sees beyond Amy’s hard exterior to the girl he once knew and loved, and he longs to see her open her heart. Yet with his vision clouded by shame for his past and fears about the future, he finds it difficult to see the path ahead.

But the memory of that long-ago kiss just may have the power to reignite a romance that brings out the best in both of them.

 

Excerpt

The June sun beat on Gabe Kendall’s bare head and tapped into his childhood memories of the horse farm. He leaned his arms on the weathered fence and let his mind bask in the remembrance of long summer days under tranquil blue skies.

The pastures, lush and green. The paddock with its packed dirt circuit. The stables, once alive with the soft snuffles of contented horses and the familiar smells of oiled leather, fresh hay, and honest sweat.

Except for the glow of memory, nothing was the same.

The horse barn, the machine shed, even the nearby house were smaller than he remembered. Perhaps a consequence of seeing his uncle’s place for the first time with grown-up eyes. Or maybe his imagination had tricked him into thinking everything about the place was bigger. God knew he’d experienced too many nights when the only way he could lull himself to sleep was to conjure up happier times.

That long-ago summer, the summer after Mom’s last illness, he’d cut hay, filled the silo with the yellow kernels of newly harvested corn, and ridden horseback every chance he got. When the chores were done, he dozed beneath the old sycamore back by the pond. And he prayed for a return to before. The same prayer he wanted to pray now.

Not that it would do any good.

Praying wouldn’t erase the cracked paint on the fence and the buildings, the clumps of weeds overtaking the grass. Wouldn’t transform the land into the paradise he remembered. Ugly facts taunted him with their staunch reality.

A forlorn air hung over the place, heavy with regret and heartache. But the silent emptiness wasn’t because of his adult perspective or the glow of childhood memory.

Whisper Lane Stables might be a thriving business if Rusty were still alive. Except then he’d know how low Gabe had fallen…

Want to read more? Purchase: Link to Online Retailers

 

About the Author:

Johnnie Alexander is a wannabe vagabond with a heart for making memories. While relaxing on her Sunshine State patio with her dogs Rugby and Griff, she writes stories that tug at your heartstrings. She has won the prestigious American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Genesis Contest (Historical) and received several conference awards. Johnnie is marketing director for the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference and past president of both the ACFW Memphis and ACFW Central Florida chapters.

 

Social Media Links

 

Website/Blog

Facebook Profile (Friend or Follow!)

Facebook Author Page    

Twitter

GoodReads

Amazon Author Page

 

 

Amish Author Susan Lantz Simpson on Wednesday Writers

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Amish romance, Amish suspense, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, Plain Haven (Plainly Maryland Book 1), Susan Lantz Simpson

Today I’m welcoming Susan Lantz Simpson to Wednesday Writers. Susan loves Amish and I think you’ll find her new Amish romance, Plain Haven (Plainly Maryland Book 1) has an interesting twist. At least it caught my attention. Welcome, Susan

Thanks, Catherine.

I have been fascinated by the Amish for a very long time and have always wanted to write stories with Amish characters. I chose to set my story in Southern Maryland where I live. We have Amish and Mennonite communities here, but as far as I know, no novels have been set here. Our Plain communities are small and pretty obscure. We do not have the commercialism found in many other areas. St. Mary’s County, Maryland is basically rural–though we are growing. Plain farms may be located right beside English farms or houses. Plain businesses, such as feed mills, quilt shops, furniture shops, grocery, stores, and even a dairy, serve Plain and English customers alike, but our Plain neighbors rarely seek employment in English establishments.

I wanted to take an English character and plunk her in the middle of a small Amish community she had never even heard of before. The reader learns about Amish ways and Southern Maryland along with Hannah Kurtz. The fact that Hannah is really Lilly Brandt, a crime witness seeking a safe haven, adds a bit of suspense to the story.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Plain Haven

By Susan Lantz Simpson

Can deception, even if it’s necessary, be forgiven?

Lilly Brandt was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now she is running for her life—straight into a small, obscure Amish community in Southern Maryland. Now as Hannah Kurtz, she vows to remain aloof since she doesn’t expect to be in Cherry Hill long enough to form any attachments. But her head has neglected to inform her heart of this plan. She hadn’t counted on meeting and being attracted to the kind, young man with the amazing blue eyes.

Jacob Beiler, skilled young furniture maker, has made a vow of his own. After being jilted by the girl he trusted right before he is about to propose, he decides to focus strictly on honing his craft and guarding his heart from any future injury. When Hannah Kurtz drops into his world, she drops into his mending heart as well, thawing the wall of ice he has meticulously erected. Against his better judgement, he allows himself to care again and to trust another woman.

When the Amish community discovers Hannah is not really Amish and that she is not even Hannah Kurtz, Jacob feels betrayed yet again. Will Jacob be able to forgive Hannah’s necessary deception or will he turn his back on her despite her desperate attempts to reason with him?

You can find Plain Haven (Plainly Maryland Book 1) on Amazon

 

About the Author:

I have been writing stories and poetry ever since I penned my first poem at the age of six. I have always loved the magic of words and how they can entertain and enlighten others. My love of words and books led me to earn a degree in English/Education. I have taught students from prekindergarten to high school and have also worked as an editor for the federal government. I also hold a degree in nursing and have worked in hospitals and in community health. I write inspirational stories of love and faith and have published a middle-grade novel (Ginger and the Bully). I live in Maryland and am the mother of two wonderful daughters. When I am not writing, I enjoy reading, walking, and doing needlework.

Connect with Susan at:

Website: https://susanlantzsimpson.wordpress.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Susan-Lantz-Simpson-372578556286726/?fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/slantzsimpson

Pinterest:Susan Lantz Simpson (susanlantzsimps)

Madelyn Hill and Highland Faith on Wednesday Writers

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book excerpt from Highland Faith, Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, Highland Faith by Madelyn Hill, Highland Romance, historical romance, researching historical romance, sensual romance, Wild Thistle Trilogy by Madelyn Hill

Today Wednesday Writers welcomes historical author Madelyn Hill. Madelyn will be talking about researching for historical details, specifically related to how she researched for the second book in her Wild Thistle Trilogy, Highland Faith. Welcome, Madelyn!

 Thanks, Catherine.

Writing historicals can sometimes be a daunting task, especially when we are writing to the whim of a muse and we need to be able to accurately research historical details. Highland Faith is the second book in the Wild Thistle Trilogy to be released May 17^th. My heroine is a strong and feisty lass, whom is also a huntress.

While the weapon of choice for Faith is a bow and arrow, my expertise in this realm was limited by my experiences from a decade ago. Using a bow and arrow, finding the right terms, feelings, and nuances can be tricky because you must go back in history and determine the right materials, language, and hunted beasties. You have to know the landscape and where an animal may lurk and how a huntress will have the advantage as she stalks her prey.

Early in the novel, the reader learns of Faith’s hunting experiences and how she perfected her skill. A skill which puts her at a level higher than any other clansmen. While men appreciate the fruits of her labor, they find it somewhat emasculating how she bests them on hunts. And the hero, our handsome Graeme, is skeptical of her skill until he witnesses her prowess first hand.

Since I only write historicals (for now), I am used to researching every detail. I often use my book, English Through The Ages, to see if word choices are appropriate or Google certain words to see their specific usage during the novel’s time period. This also means I have to research archery terms and techniques. I had used a bow and arrow before, however aiming toward a target is vastly different than aiming toward a moving animal. There are consequences when wielding such a weapon and the archer must be nimble, strong and accurate.

Since Faith had the freedom to traipse about the MacAlister territory to hunt game, I needed to know the landscape. For this, I used Google Earth. I’m a tech nerd, so if I can use technology to aid me in any way, I’ll use it. Google Earth allows you to “zoom” into a certain location and experience a “street view” of the location. This is incredibly helpful and even though my novel is set hundreds of years ago, I can still get the feel of the vegetation, geography, and perhaps stumble upon a cave or unique land feature to use in my story.

Thanks, Madelyn. I love to research using Google Earth, too. And now for an excerpt from Highland Faith.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Highland Faith

By Madelyn Hill

Excerpt:

’Twas her sister’s fault.

Hope had married Aidan MacKerry, leading the MacAlister Clan together, and now they were acting like lovesick cows. Aye, they’d recently had another bairn and ’twas why they were smiling like amadans. But Faith MacAlister had enough of the cooing and kissing.

She had to leave the Wild Thistle Keep or go mad.

Hunting was the only option.

The size of the MacAlister Clan dictated hunting trips each fortnight to keep the larder full. Faith grabbed her quiver and bow, left word with the guards at the palisade to inform the lairds Aidan and Hope her direction, and left to find sustenance and peace.

And now, three days later she continued stalking the elusive stag. She kenned her sister would be close to sending a group of men to look for her in a day or so. Luckily she’d managed an agreement with her sister whom was also her laird. An agreement between sisters proved hard to negotiate, but she’d won in the end. And she hunted without escort as long as she never left without telling the guards her direction.

A sun filled day, just cool enough not to need too much clothing that may hinder her movement, but warm enough she didn’t need to start a fire to warm herself. She stretched in the britches she’d stolen from one of the stable hands. Aye, she’d tried the tartan her sister Hope loved to wear, but found it too revealing as she moved and climbed to find her prey. And a gown, the devil take them, ’twould make it nigh impossible to hunt and secure meat for the clan.

She moved quietly through the woods. Each footfall, purposeful, silently brought her closer to her elusive prey.

Aye, there he stood. In the morning mist that hovered just above the low foliage, a proud, beautiful stag who’d avoided her arrow for too long. Huge, with several points on his rack and a cocksure stance stating, I’m king of the forest. She hated to take down the magnificent animal. But he’d provide for her clan and her duty dictated securing meat for those who depended on her.

She drew her bow, stretching the sinew, straining her arm muscles as she prepared to let the arrow fly. The feather fletching grazed her cheek as she held her breath waiting for the perfect moment to release. She’d traveled far for this chance, stalked her prey as her father had taught her so many years ago with her so wee she could barely hold a bow, much less draw and aim. And today, her size may well again thwart her hunting. ’Twould be problematic once the massive stag was felled. She’d have to dress him in the field and lug the meat back with her. No matter, she’d manage as always.

Two more steps forward. Stared down the length of the arrow past the head, ready to release.

“Well, well, well. What have we here?” a man said.

Interested in reading more about Faith and Graeme? Highland Faith, Book 2 in the Wild Thistle Trilogy will be released May 17^th! You can find the book and pre-order link at Amazon

To my readers of sweet romance, please note that Highland Faith is a sensual romance.

About the Author:

Madelyn Hill has always loved the written word. From the time she could read and all through her school years, she’d sneak books into her textbooks during school. And she devoured books daily. At the age of 10 she proclaimed she wanted to be a writer. After being a “closet” writer for several years, she sent her manuscripts out there and is now published with Soul Mate Publishing. And she couldn’t be happier! A resident of Western New York, she moved from one Rochester to another Rochester to be with the love of her life. They now have 3 children and keep busy cooking, watching their children’s sporting events, and of course reading!

Connect with Madelyn at:

Website:  http://www.madelynhill.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madelyn.hill.94

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMaddyHill

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/madelynhill68

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/authormadelynhill

Madelyn Hill’s Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Madelyn-Hill/e/B00ELRG34U

Wednesday Writers Welcomes Ada Brownell and Peach Blossom Ranch

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Ada Brownell, book excerpt from Peach Blossom Ranch, Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, Christian fiction, fiction about insane asylums, historical romance, Peahc Blossom Ranch

Today Wednesday Writers Welcomes Ada Brownell, author of Peach Blossom Ranch, a book that has been described as suspense, romance, humor, murder, insanity, hope, fun, wrapped in a Western you won’t forget.

Welcome, Ada.

 

Thanks, Catherine.

You won’t believe the work required to run a peach and horse ranch, or the types of diagnoses that could get you committed to an asylum in the early 1900s.

To write this historical romance I drew from my  experiences growing up in Fruita, Colo., near Palisade’s peach country, and from my years as a journalist covering the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo, a former asylum.

In this Historical Romance, a handsome young man inherits a ranch in ruin and hopes to marry a beautiful young widow who is an attorney. But she takes up the case of a brilliant doctor committed to an asylum because of one seizure. Will the rancher, the attorney, and the asylum patient achieve their dreams?

Peach blossoms, regal horse flesh, three beautiful women and one handsome rancher almost fall to the background in this book as an insane asylum surfaces, holding people who are not imbeciles, as they called them in the early 1900s.

My career as a newspaper reporter dropped me into that pit, and one piece of authentic historical information that I was given by the now Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo told the story about some of the characters that appear in my historical romance, The Peach Blossom Rancher. The rancher’s intended wife is an attorney and she’s trying to get a doctor released who was committed because of one seizure. Here’s how the document ended up in my book:

*****

Silence descended on the courtroom as the patient stared. Finally, Dr. Dillon Haskill spoke. “The list is headed, ‘The Eleventh Biennial Report from the Board of Lunacy Commissioners, dated 1899 to 1900.’ First, I’ll read some diagnoses that might”—he eyed the judge—”might show insanity. Seven types of mania. Six types of melancholia. Five types of paranoia. Nine types of dementia.”

He took a deep breath, squirmed at the straitjacket, and then started on the list again. “Now for the questionable diagnoses. Thirty-nine patients admitted because of intemperance.” He smiled. “I don’t think those folks listened to Solomon, who wrote in the Bible, Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”

Snickers drifted over the room.

He searched the list again. “Eleven men and three women admitted with syphilis. End stage of this disease can result in insanity, but are the patients held in an area separate from others to avoid spread of the disease?”

Under Dillon’s condemning gaze, the superintendent squirmed.

Dillon tipped his head toward the paper in the silent courtroom. “Here are only a few of the ones I believe aren’t a true diagnosis of lunacy. Religious excitement.” Dillon scanned the audience where low murmurs began. “Be sure and don’t get excited about meeting Jesus and having your sins forgiven, or you could end up in the loony bin.”

People covered their mouths to prevent laughter from exploding.

“Domestic trouble.” Dillon cocked his head sideways. “Better be sure the neighbors don’t hear arguments with your wife.” A low giggle swept through the crowd.

“Ill health and privation. Better not get sick or hungry. Exposure. Don’t stay out in the cold or the sun too long, or you’ll be found insane.”

The superintendent jumped to his feet. “This imbecile is again making a mockery of this court.”

The judge faced the attorney. “This is an interesting list. May I see the paper he’s reading?”

Archibald handed it to the judge.

The hard lines in the judge’s bulldog face softened as he studied the shaking paper in his quivering hand. “I’ll read some of these to the court myself. Jealousy. Sunstroke. Grief. Disappointment. Childbirth. Rheumatism. Injury. Suppression of menses. Excessive use of tobacco. Injury to spine. Loss of money. Christian Science. Cerebral hemorrhage. Hmmm. According to what I’ve learned, that is a stroke where people often become paralyzed on one side, and it may mess up their speech, but they don’t lose their minds. I guess it goes along with ‘injury to spine.’ Paralysis is what we have here with the teacher, Jim Cook.”

He lowered the paper, studied Dr. Haskill, Pete, the boy with Down’s Syndrome, and Jim, and then shook his head, and his eyes bore into the superintendent. “Who makes these diagnoses?”

 

 

Peach Blossom Ranch

by Ada Brownell

EXCERPT, End of Chapter One

 

The young lady rancher flipped her blonde braid over her shoulder. “But I wouldn’t keep her around here. She has a temper to match her red hair. Yet, after her parents died, she lost her spunk. Claims Wellington compromised her, but nobody believed it.”

John took his knife out of his pocket and began grooming his fingernails. “She was doing a lot of praying when we found her in the barn loft, and she wanted me and Abe to leave her alone. Soon as I understood a baby was on the way, I went for Polly.”

Edwina wrinkled her little turned-up nose. “What’s that terrible odor?”

John stepped to the fence. “Might be coming from my prize pigs. See the big one over there I call Gertie?”

Gertie trotted close and rubbed her prickly mud-covered back on the hog wire.

“I expect to make big money from pork while I rebuild the horse herd and work in the peach orchards. You ought to try a few pigs. You get a quicker turnover with your money than with horses. Your papa used to raise them. Besides, it’s always nice to have smoked ham and bacon available.”

Edwina leaned over the fence. The pigs grappled with each other over the slop, snorting and grunting. “I might get some. The little ones are cute. Since my papa is in the wheelchair, I’m running everything. How is the pork market doing?”

“It sounded great to me. It …”

Gertie stuck her snout through the fence and sucked Edwina’s lacy pink dress. Edwina jerked the skirt out of the slimy jaws and then, stringy pig saliva slid down her pretty legs.

“Eeeeewwww!” she squealed, holding her dress out away from her. “I didn’t know pigs would eat clothing.”

Laughter almost escaped John’s lips. He pressed his fist over his mouth until his insides quit quaking in case she was mad enough to use the gun strapped on her slim middle. “Gertie probably smelled the cornstarch you used to starch your dress. I’d guess for her it was quite tasty. I’ll get you a towel.”

“Don’t bother.” She grabbed a big blue handkerchief from the buggy, wiped at her legs and jumped in the driver’s seat. “You probably wanted me to stand over by the fence so that would happen. You are incorrigible, John Parks. Get someone else to go to the church picnic with you!”

As the dust rose from her departure, she almost ran into the mailman.

John meandered to the mailbox. Strange. He hadn’t asked her to the picnic. He never intended to.

Want to read more? Read the first chapter free or purchase the book at http://ow.ly/4ETL302QdhW

 

 

About the Author:

Ada Brownell has been writing for Christian publications since age 15 and spent much of her life as a daily newspaper reporter. She has a B.S. degree in Mass Communications and worked most of her career at The Pueblo Chieftain in Colorado where she spent the last seven years as a medical writer. After moving to Springfield, MO in her retirement, she continues to freelance for Christian publications and write non-fiction and fiction books.

She currently is working on another novel, plus compiling her more than 125 articles from The Pentecostal Evangel into a book.

She is author of Peach Blossom Rancher, released By Elk Lake Publishing in 2016; The Lady Fugitive, Elk Lake 2014; Joe the Dreamer: The Castle and the Catapult, 2013; Swallowed by Life: Mysteries of Death, Resurrection and the Eternal, 2011; Imagine the Future You, released 2013; and Confessions of a Pentecostal, Radiant Books, out-of-print but released in 2012 for Kindle;. All the books are available in paper or for Kindle. Imagine the Future You also is an Audio Book.

You can connect with Ada at

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/AdaBrownellWritingMinistries

Twitter: @adabrownell

Blog: http://inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.com/ Stick to Your Soul Encouragement

Amazon Ada Brownell author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KJ2C06

 

 

 

Amish Romance Author Kelly Irvin returns to Wednesday Writers

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adding touch of realism in an imaginary world, Amish romance, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, Every Amsih Season series, Facts in the Fiction, Kelly Irvin, researching for fiction, Upon a Spring Breeze

 

Amish romance author Kelly Irvin is back on Wednesday Writers with a new Amish romance, Upon a Spring Breeze, which is the first novel in her four-book series, Every Amish Season. Kelly has been a frequent visitor to Wednesday Writers’ blog series, sharing behind the scenes information on her Amish romances, including The Beekeeper’s Son and The Bishop’s Son. I’m always glad to have her visit. Today, she’s going to talk about The Facts in the Fiction. Welcome back, Kelly.

 

Thanks, Catherine.

Do you know what it’s called when a sow gives birth? Me neither. Do you know a sunflower’s scientific name? Me neither. Do you know when the Purple Martins arrive in northwestern Missouri and how they like their houses built so snakes can’t slip into them? Me neither. At least I didn’t until I wrote Upon a Spring Breeze. What do you know about bird flu? Every time I start a new novel, I realize just how little I know about anything. With the advent of twenty-four-hour access to news, CSI TV programs, and Internet Google search, we can learn about these subjects with relative ease. And readers expect their authors to get the details right.

My heroes in Upon a Spring Breeze include Aidan Graber, who is a chicken farmer who decides to expand his sources of income to include hogs. I was fortunate to be able to interview via telephone a man near Austin, Texas, who has a farm where he raises chickens and hogs. I also interviewed via email a state trooper in Missouri who was involved in the quarantine of farms affected by bird flu. These interviews provided the underpinning for Aidan’s farming experiences and expertise.

I used to be a newspaper reporter in another life so I understand the art of research and interview. It was never my favorite part. I love to write, but I’m an introvert. I struggle with making the phone call to someone who might not want to talk to me. That’s not a good quality in a reporter. As an author, I’ve overcome my natural inclination to make it up as I go along. It may take me a few days—or weeks—but eventually I make the call. It’s good for me to come out of my hidey hole and talk to people in the real world.

For Upon a Spring Breeze, I had the most fun with the flowers and the plants. It’s easy to get information about growing flowers from the Internet. What grows best, when it grows best, and where it grows best. That helped me flesh out the character of Dusty Lake. He works at a nursery and plans to get his degree in environmental science someday. He knows there are sixteen species of Helianthus (sunflowers) in Missouri. They are grown worldwide for seeds and oil as well as ornamental uses. At one time Missouri was a leader in the production of sunflowers. Dusty will talk your ear off about flowers if you let him. It’s one of the things Bess Weaver, my heroine, likes about him.

Aidan, on the other hand, knows all about raising chickens and he also knows it’s called farrowing when sows give birth. He knows they have a gestation period farmers could set a calendar by. Three months, three weeks, three days. And they have two or three litters per year.

But Aidan is more than a farmer. He loves to watch the beautiful birds that migrate through Missouri in the spring, including the Purple Martins. That’s why he fixes up the Purple Martin houses and brings Bess to see them. Their arrival reflects the continuing cycle of life. They return every year to the same houses to have their babies. Bess can count on that.

“He held Joshua up, his face close to the little one, talking as if the conversation was just between the two of them and the baby could understand every word. ‘I added insulation to the apartments so it won’t get too hot or too cold in there. And I threw some pine needles into the compartments. I read something that it makes them think the houses have been occupied before. They like the idea that others came first.’”

How do they keep the snakes out? Aidan added a stovepipe baffle to the pole about four feet off the ground. It wobbles and keeps the snakes from shimmying up the pole.

The details give the scenes that touch of realism that allows readers to lose themselves in an imaginary world. The characters come to life. I love that feeling. I hope my readers do too!

Once Upon A Spring Breeze

by Kelly Irvin

After a devastating year, a spring breeze promises more than new flowers.… It promises a new chance at love.

Bess Weaver, twenty and expecting her first child, is in the kitchen making stew for her beloved mann, Caleb, one minute, and the next she’s burying him after a tragic accident. Facing life as a young widow, Bess finds comfort only in tending the garden at an Englisch-owned bed and breakfast—even as she doubts that new growth could ever come after such a long winter.

Aidan tries to repress his guilt over his best friend Caleb’s death and his long-standing feelings for Bess by working harder than ever. But as he spends time with the young son his friend left behind, he seems to be growing closer to the boy’s beautiful mother as well.

When a close-knit group of widows in her Amish community step in to help Bess find her way back to hope, she begins to wonder if Gott has a future for her after all. Will she ever believe that life can still hold joy—and the possibility of love?

 

Is your curiosity piqued? You can find Kelly’s book Upon a Spring Breeze at:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310348056?tag=ammbt-20

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/upon-a-spring-breeze-kelly-irvin/1123949210?ean=9780310348054

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Upon-Spring-Breeze/Kelly-Irvin/9780310348054?id=6786280023143

https://www.christianbook.com/1-upon-a-spring-breeze/kelly-irvin/9780310348054/pd/348054?event=ESRCG

 

About the Author:

Kelly Irvin is the author of Upon a Spring Breeze, the first novel in the four-book series, Every Amish Season. Library Journal called Upon a Spring Breeze “a moving and compelling tale about the power of grace and forgiveness that reminds us how we become strongest in our broken moments.”

Kelly also penned the Amish of Bee County series, which includes The Beekeeper’s Son, which received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly, calling it “a delicately woven masterpiece.” She is also the author of the Bliss Creek Amish series and the New Hope Amish series. Kelly’s novella, A Christmas Visitor, appears in the anthology, The Amish Christmas Gift. Her novella, Sweeter than Honey, is included in the anthology, The Amish Market.

She wrote two romantic suspense novels, A Deadly Wilderness and No Child of Mine.

A former newspaper reporter and retired public relations professional, Kelly is married to photographer Tim Irvin. They have two children, two grandchildren, and two cats. In her spare time, she likes to read books by her favorite authors.

 

Readers can find Kelly at http://www.kellyirvin.com/ and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.kelly.irvin.author/, Twitter at @Kelly_Irvin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barbara M. Britton author of Building Benjamin: Naomi’s Journey on Wednesday Writers

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Barbara M. Britton, Biblical romance, Book excerpt Building Benjamin: Naomi, book trailer Tribe of Israel series, Building Benjamin: Naomi's Journey, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, s Journey

Today’s Wednesday Writers guest is author Barbara M. Britton, author of the Biblical romance novel Building Benjamin: Naomi’s Journey, whose story has its origins in the book of Judges from the Bible. Barbara is sharing a post, an excerpt, and a book trailer today, so keep reading to find out about Naomi’s Journey.

Building Benjamin: Naomi’s Journey –To maintain her family’s honor, can Naomi abandon the shepherd who has not only captured her body, but stolen her heart?

Welcome, Barbara!

 

Hi Catherine,

Thank you for having me on your blog. I love your readers!

 

Checking on Mom’s Facts

I thought I knew a lot about the Book of Judges in the Bible. After all, I had taught chapel and told the story of Gideon’s battle against the Midianites using glow sticks for props—“A sword for the Lord!” I had also heard about poor Samson’s troubles once his hair was cut by Delilah. I remember being at a Biblical costume party when a man came in with slinky-like goggles to represent Samson’s eye gouging incident. How creative! And of course in Judges, there’s Deborah, a pioneering female warrior for the tribes of Israel. But I had no idea at the end Judges, there is a Sodom and Gomorrah-ish story where the tribe of Benjamin is almost wiped out by the other tribes of Israel. How did I miss this?

This crazy battle among the tribes didn’t end well for Benjamin. Their tribe was left with 600 men—no women, or children. What’s a Benjamite to do since the other tribes have taken an oath not to give their daughters in marriage to those wicked Benjamites? And marrying outside the tribes of Israel is forbidden by God’s Law. Well, some bold Benjamites do a grab-and-go of unsuspecting girls who just want to dance at a feast. What happened to these girls? The Bible doesn’t give us details. We do know the tribe of Benjamin went on to give us the first king of Israel, Saul, and the apostle Paul. Babies were born, so the tribe survived.

My latest novel “Building Benjamin” follows girls who were abducted from the feast. Naomi, my heroine, is none too happy with Eliab, her kidnapper. She is waiting on a rescue until she discovers Eliab has suffered loss just like she has due to the craziness in Judges 19-21. Romeo and Juliet fell in love with each other in a short amount of time. Perhaps, Naomi and Eliab can put aside their differences and see if love is possible with God as their bond.

I knew I had to write this story when my youngest son thought I was kidding about this incident in the Bible. My son ran upstairs, grabbed his Bible, and laughed as he read about men hiding in a vineyard to snatch a wife. In all the absurdity of Judges, my latest story was born.

I hope you enjoy “Building Benjamin: Naomi’s Journey.”

 

Building Benjamin: Naomi’s Journey

By Barbara M. Britton

Love Grows Where God Grafts the Tender Shoot.

Naomi desires to dance well enough to catch the eye of a wealthy landowner. Her father needs a substantial bride price due to the deaths of her brothers at the hands of the tribe of Benjamin. But when Benjamites raid the Ephraimite feast and capture young girls, Naomi is bound and carried from her home by Eliab, a troubled shepherd who needs a wife.

As Naomi awaits rescue, she finds Eliab has a strong faith in God and a just reason for abducting her. A reason that affects all the tribes of Israel. The future of the tribe of Benjamin hangs in the balance, but if Naomi follows her heart and stays with Eliab to rebuild his lineage, she must forfeit her family and become a traitor to her tribe.

Excerpt:

Here’s an exchange between Naomi and Eliab after her abduction.

“Rest, Naomi. You are a tower of stones. The mule listens to one master.” Eliab’s arms closed around her, holding her next to his body. His tunic wasn’t the most comfortable bed, but his body was warm, and up until this point, he had not harmed her.

She prayed her father would find her before Eliab desired a union and made her his wife.

Fighting sleep’s snare proved useless. As the mule swayed side to side, her eyelids became millstones. When her eyes fluttered open, a pomegranate-red ribbon of sky rose above the hills. For a moment, before her body fully awakened, she floated, blissful, believing she was sleeping in her mother’s arms, rocking gently, back and forth.

Her head snapped upright. She was not in Shiloh. She was on a mule maneuvering a downward path to a wicked land.

“Ah, you’re with me.” Eliab sat as straight as a rested merchant carting goods to the market.

“And you’re still here.”

“I am not a dream.”

“You’re a curse.”

“Good. I chose a quick-witted wife.”

 

 

Purchase “Building Benjamin” on Amazon, Target, B&N

 

About the Author:

Barbara M. Britton was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, but currently lives in Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She writes Christian Fiction for teens and adults. Barb has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. Barb kicked off her Tribes of Israel series in October with the release of “Providence: Hannah’s Journey.” Naomi’s journey, “Building Benjamin” is out now. Barb is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America and Wisconsin Romance Writers of America.

Connect with Barbara on her website, Twitter, facebook and Goodreads

 

D.R. Grady and Army Rangers on Wednesday Writers

Tags

Army Ranger heroes, Army Ranger research, book excerpt from The Trouble with Nerds, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, contemporary romance with suspense, D.R. Grady, The Morrison Family series, The Trouble with Nerds

Today I’m welcoming D.R. Grady back to the blog. D.R. has been a guest on the blog several times. Click on the highlighted words to see some of her other posts. It’s always a pleasure to have her visit again. She’s got an interesting post on Army Rangers, because the hero of her book The Trouble with Nerds is one of those big, bad boys who put themselves on the line to protect us. Go Army! And Go Nerds! They make the world run.

Well, that’s enough of my grandstanding. Let’s get on to the matter at hand and the excerpt D.R. has provided for us about her contemporary romance with suspense elements, The Trouble with Nerds.

 

Army Rangers

 

Cole Morrison, the hero of The Trouble with Nerds, is a retired Army Ranger. He had to leave the military earlier than expected, and he’s not happy about it. Most likely because it’s difficult to become an Army Ranger, as the training is rigorous and takes utter dedication.

Only men are currently permitted to train as an Army Ranger as of this writing. They must show potential as leaders, as well as display stamina, discipline, courage, and motivation. Once the potential candidate meets both the necessary physical fitness and academic goals, he then enters Army Ranger School and must complete the three following phases: Benning, Mountain, and Florida.

They have to learn to safely parachute jump in addition to learning how to navigate on land, both during the day and night. They also train for mountain, desert, water, and swamp survival.

Their training is arduous because they are expected to combat others with impressive fighting skills. Therefore, these candidates excel under intense conditions. Army Rangers experience food and sleep deprivation and must learn to persevere through these circumstances. Their training is so harsh, candidates have died. (This doesn’t happen often, fortunately.) They train to the limits of their endurance.

They undergo extensive physical training, but are also assessed in their mental capabilities throughout their schooling. How they handle various situations, their reaction to the hardships they face, and how quickly they solve problems are all part of this evaluation.

Army Ranger candidates are extensively trained in combat arms as many will be fighting in close combat, and/or direct fire situations. They also undergo driver instruction, rope training, map reading, and medical basics, as well as other intensive studies they will need while working as a Ranger.

Once the candidate has completed his training, he is then permitted to wear the tan beret, which marks him as a seasoned warrior. His grueling training serves him well on each combat mission he faces. These men are among the United States Armed Forces most elite warriors.

And, I must add, they make excellent heroes for those of us who write romance novels.

References:

https://www.army.mil/ranger

http://www.goarmy.com/ranger.html

 

THE TROUBLE WITH NERDS

by D. R. Grady

 

Odd things keep happening to Dr. Sara Newton. She’s a soon-to-be-unemployed pediatrician with an alleged stalker, a hot cop on her heels breathing dire warnings, and way too much student debt.

It doesn’t help that the hot cop is Clay Morrison, her best friend’s older brother. The man has made her heart pound and her palms sweaty since puberty. The trouble is, he only interacts with her when he’s expounding on new security measures. He sees threats everywhere.

Clay Morrison is frustrated. He hates his new job, misses his Army Ranger days, loves his well-meaning, pushy family—and when did sweet Sara Newton grow up? She won’t admit she has a stalker, and she won’t keep out of his thoughts. He can only protect someone in denial for so long. No matter how attractive she is…

Clay and Sara are circling each other, trying to meet in the middle. Then a brand new threat sends them in a completely different direction.

 

Excerpt:

She glanced at her watch when they stood to pull on their coats. “How have two hours passed?”

His lips quirked. “I enjoyed myself.”

“The service wasn’t slow.”

“No, but we didn’t hurry.”

“We didn’t.” There had been no need. “I enjoyed this evening. Despite it being Monday.”

He settled one large hand in the small of her back again. Standing in her personal space, as they exited the restaurant.

Her brain buzzed with questions. Had she actually relaxed in his presence that long? What had they talked about? What did she eat? Did he consider them a couple?

They strolled across the parking lot and stopped beside his vehicle. The massive SUV sheltered them as a nearby streetlight cast a glary glow across them and the vehicles on either side.

Sara glanced up at his face. Cast partly in shadow by the light and angle, it appeared even more intriguing.

“Why are you spending so much time on me?” Oh no, I didn’t just blurt that question, right?

“You’re in danger.”

Nothing else could have punctured her love haze as effectively.

“I see.” Weak, Sara.

He tilted her face to his with a forefinger under her chin. “And because I’ve been thinking about you for years.”

She gasped. “For years?”

“Sure. I first noticed you when you turned sixteen.”

“You were in the army by then.”

“It wasn’t until I’d been gone for a while that I recognized you were growing up.”

She hitched one shoulder. “Everyone does.”

“I wasn’t paying attention while still at home.” His voice remained guarded, as though there might be more details, but he didn’t intend to share them.

Wanting to know those details she placed a hand on his arm. At the same time, he wrapped both arms around her and hauled her against his hard body. His warmth and scent encompassed her, throwing any brain function into neutral.

Then his lips covered hers.

Want to read more? Go to https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XJ3CK1G

 

About the Author:

 

D.R. Grady lives with her husband near Hershey, PA. She adores chocolate, laughing, collecting bags, books, and shoes, and writing stories that resonate with others.

Connect with D.R. Grady at:

Website: www.drgradybooks.com

Twitter: @drgradybooks  Amazon Author page:  Facebook Page: D.R. Grady

Google+: D.R. Gradybooks

Other works by D.R. Grady  The Morrison Family Series:

Free Short Stories: Math Nerds and Mechanics, Tall Golf

The Me Series:

The Dragon Chronicles Series:

For additional buying options and updates, please visit my website-

http://www.drgradybooks.com