Wednesday Writers–Lovely Digits by Jeanine Englert

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Excerpt from Lovely Digits, Jeanine Englert, Sweet historical romantic suspense, Wednesday Writers

Welcome to Wednesday Writers. Today’s guest is 2018 Golden Heart ® Finalist author Jeanine Englert. She’s going to be telling us about her sweet, historical romantic suspense debut novel, Lovely Digits. I have to admit this title intrigued me. Reading the background on her heroine was even more intriguing. Welcome, Jeanine!

  

Embrace the Unexpected

By Jeanine Englert

Thanks, Catherine.

Sometimes you just need permission to allow that crazy idea, the one you think no one will understand, free. That’s what happened to me at a Georgia Romance Writers meeting back in January of 2016. I’d been kicking around the idea of writing a book about a layer out of the dead, the Victorian equivalent to a modern day mortician. But I wanted my heroine to not be the old decrepit widow living alone in the woods I’d seen in other novels. I wanted her to be young, vibrant, and independent. But. . . I was terrified to write her that way.

Then, Stephanie Bond, one of our speakers at that meeting back in 2016 said exactly what I needed to hear. She encouraged us to turn the expected into the unexpected and to not be afraid to twist characters, their worlds, and their motivations into new and unusual stories that moved readers. Inspired and fueled by her words, I came home and drafted the first pages of what has now become my first published novel released on this very day, Lovely Digits. Embracing the unexpected led me to one of the most exciting moments of my career and my life as I hope it will for you.

 

Lovely Digits

by Jeanine Englert

When two murders strike the sleepy Victorian town of Clun, England, an unlikely partnership forms. But can the killer be found before there is a third?

Lovely Digits is the town oddity…

 But quirky spinster Lucy Wycliffe prefers to ignore gossip and embrace her position as the town’s layer out of the dead, despite how her parents’ deaths thrust her into such unlikely work. Lovely Digits, as she’s known to the local townspeople, no longer dreams of marriage, but takes pride in providing dignity to the dead. Desperate to hold on to her family’s cottage and support her widowed sister and young niece, an unexpected offer of employment as assistant to the constable arrives at the perfect time.

Former sailor John Brodie is the mysterious new constable…

But John Brodie is far from a stranger to Clun or the events of its past. Accepting the position as constable in the small town is a double edged sword meant to heal his past and redeem his future, but falling for the beautiful and intelligent Lucy Wycliffe was never part of his plan. As the killer closes in, will John reveal his secret and risk losing everything to save Lucy’s life?

Excerpt:

Clun, England

1849

A knocking on the cottage door above stairs startled Lucy, and she poked her finger with the thick sewing needle she held.

“Thistles,” she cursed, pressing her apron to her bleeding thumb. Evidently, repairing the tear at the hem of Becca’s dress would have to wait.

Who would be calling at such an early hour? It was hardly half past nine.

“Enter,” she called up from her root cellar.

She shuddered as the door squeaked open above her. She should oil the blasted hinges on the ancient door, but who had time for such nonsense? Her finger throbbed, but the blood had stopped. Shaking it in the air, she caught sight of the pale female form on her prepping table.

What am I complaining of?

Poor Becca. Lucy swallowed hard. Covering and repairing the girl’s wounds would prove difficult, but she’d try. Becca was her friend. Had been her friend.

“I hear if I need a body prepped, you are the person to see.” A deep rich baritone boomed against the cottage rafters.

The man’s neatly clipped tones screamed city. Londoner, most likely. What would he want here in Shropshire? Nothing of much import ever happened here.

Want to read more? You can find Lovely Digits at Amazon

About the Author:

Jeanine Englert is a teacher by day and writer by night. After years of writing in secret (despite having a master’s degree in writing), she joined Romance Writers of America and Georgia Romance Writers in 2013 and has been an active member ever since. She writes Scottish Highland historicals and historical romantic suspense novels. When she isn’t wrangling with her characters on the page, she can be found trying to convince her husband to watch her latest Masterpiece or BBC show obsession. She loves to talk about books, writing, her beloved pups, and of course mysteries with other readers on Twitter @JeanineWrites, Facebook, or at her website www.jeaninewrites.com.

Her debut novel, Lovely Digits, was released in June of 2019 by Soul Mate Publishing. It is a Victorian romantic suspense that won the 2017 Daphne du Maurier Award and was named a 2018 Golden Heart ® Finalist for best unpublished romantic suspense.

Connect with Jeanine on her social media Links:

Website: http://www.jeaninewrites.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JeanineWrites

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeanineWrites

 

 

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Wednesday Writers–Macy’s Dream by Tabitha Bouldin

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Contemporary Christian Romance, excerpt from Macy's Dream, Macy's Dream, Tabitha Bouldin, Wednesday Writers

 

Today’s Wednesday Writer’s guest is author Tabitha Bouldin. Tabitha’s treating us to a character interview with Justin from her Contemporary Christian Romance Macy’s Dream. She’s also sharing an excerpt so be sure to keep reading

 

Character Interview with Justin from Macy’s Dream.

Q: What prompted you to leave everything behind and head up to the mountain?

Well, I’ll be honest, I couldn’t write anymore. I don’t know if you’d call it writer’s block or something else, but I was tired of everything and nothing I wrote seemed to come out the way I wanted.

Q: But you’re a bestselling author. Surely you’ve experienced writer’s block before.

Not like this. I was suffocating in the city. Things that used to comfort me, the sights and smells of the city, they drove me crazy. I couldn’t write a comic strip in all that noise, much less another bestseller.

Q: Tell me about the Brindle family. I understand you’ve been staying with them since you left civilization.

The Brindles are great people. Contrary to most beliefs, I’m not living in a bark hut up on the mountain. They have gorgeous houses, electricity, running water. I’m living a better life there than I ever did here in the city.

Q: Yes, but what about the family, Justin, tell me about life now that you’ve lived on the mountain with Macy and her family.

That’s a lot of history to unpack in one interview, but I’ll try. Grandma and Grandpa were the first two to settle the high mountain with their sons, Robert, Cecil, and Wesley. Grandma and Grandpa have several grandkids, but the one’s I know best are, Lawrence, Robin, Eugene, and Macy. We live a simple life, but it’s a good life. Lawrence taught me how to hunt. Macy taught me how to ride horses. The family works together and no one is left struggling by themselves. They take the word ‘family’ seriously.

Q: Do you have any regrets?

Just one. I wish my parents could understand my decision.

Q: They don’t approve?

It’s not that they don’t approve, they simply don’t understand and won’t let me explain.

Q: What about Macy? Something tells me there’s more to her than you’re letting on.

There’s no explaining Macy. If you want to know her, you’ll have to come see for yourself. The first time I asked Grandpa that same question, he gave me the answer I gave you. I didn’t understand it until I spent a few days with her, but it’s true. There’s no way to explain Macy.

Macy’s Dream

By Tabitha Bouldin

Justin came to the mountain for a story. He was looking for a story about a past adventure, but what he found was a chance to live an adventure of his own. The Brindle family was unlike anyone he’d ever met before. Macy challenged his very beliefs, in himself, in life, and in love. She offered him the adventure of a lifetime by asking him one simple question. She offers him a mountain adventure, if he is strong enough to make the trip. Can Justin be someone else? Can he learn to love a life so different from what he’s always known? Macy can show him the way. She has lived on the mountain all her life. Justin will have to put his trust in her if he is to succeed.

Excerpt:

Macy lassoed a buckskin filly next, and they spent the next two hours working her the same way they’d worked the black colt. She was a little antsy and more high-strung than the colt had been, but by the time they released her in the corral where he waited, she’d become as calm as he was.

They walked to the gate side by side and Macy slung the rope over her shoulder. “Thanks for your help.”

Justin nodded his acceptance. “You could have done that without me.”

Macy grinned. “Yes, but having help makes it a lot easier, and don’t tell me you didn’t have the time of your life out there.”

“So, did I prove all these muscles are good for something?” He flexed one arm and Macy laughed.

“Yes, you sure did. I guess they’re there for more than just looks.”

Justin stopped walking halfway between the corral and the house, and Macy stopped beside him. She shielded her face from the lowering sun, and Justin put his hands in his pockets while he shifted uncomfortably. “Macy, about your question earlier. I really do want to learn about life up here, but I don’t know any of your family. How do I go about doing that?”

Macy winked at him, her face alight with mischief. “You let me take care of that. You’ll meet all of them tonight, but I doubt you’ll truly get to know any one of them right away. Tonight will be a madhouse, so just relax and enjoy the show.”

“What do you mean, madhouse?’

Macy gripped his forearm in comfort, her voice soothing his tension. “It’s not something I can explain, Justin. It’s something you have to experience, but don’t worry, we’re all relatively normal. Now, come on, we need to get washed up before everyone gets here.”

Justin felt the chuckle rumble through him. Everyone kept telling him that people in this family couldn’t be explained. Macy’s comment made twice he’d been told he needed to experience something instead of it being explained to him. He had to admit though; Grandpa had been right about Macy. There was no explaining her.

Want to read more? You can find Macy’s Dream at Amazon

About the Author:

Tabitha was born, raised, and still lives in the same small town in middle Tennessee. A member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), she has been writing for nearly five years but only recently began publishing her work. She is in her last year of college before obtaining her Bachelor’s in Creative Writing. Her books are meant to encourage others through the trials of life. While the stories are fiction, they come from situations that many of us face.

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/tabithabouldinauthor

https://www.twitter.com/tabithabouldin

https://www.instagram.com/tabithabouldin

 

Wednesday Writers–Until Then by Gail Kittleson

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Catherine Castle's Wednsday Writers blog series, Excerpt from Until Then by Gail Kittleson, Gail Kittleson, historical fiction, WW II fiction

Today, Gail Kittleson visits the Wednesday Writers blog with some very interesting background on her newest upcoming World War II release, Until Then. She also has an excerpt that caught my attention. I hope you’ll enjoy it as well. Welcome, Gail!

Thanks, Catherine

War divides nations and isolates people, but also brings individuals together in remarkable ways.

 

Until Then

 

Millions of Allied troops listened to popular music during World War II. “Keep smiling through, a phrase from the song Until Then, became a motto, and if anyone had reason to subscribe to this philosophy, it was Dorothy Woebbeking, a nurse from Waterloo, Iowa.

I met my heroine’s daughter on Pinterest when we “pinned” some of the same WWII nurse photos. We began to correspond, and the more I discovered about her mother, the more I knew this story was a must-write.

The horrific Battle of the Kasserine Pass in North Africa? Dorothy was there with the Eleventh Evacuation Hospital. The endless agony at Anzio? Dorothy was there.

The Battle of the Bulge? Dorothy served those battle-weary troops, too. She earned no less than six World War II theater ribbons. Visiting her home in Illinois, I touched her helmet, her radio, studied her service record, and read the Florence Nightingale pledge she took so seriously. Dorothy’s daughter eventually helped me name this novel.

At the same time, another wartime situation gripped me. When Dorothy was beginning her service, the worst civilian tragedy in England occurred in a London tube station. Neither story would let me go, so my challenge became to thread them together.

My research deepened a sense of amazement at the tremendous sacrifices made by medical staff in their trek behind American troops across North Africa, through Sicily, up the boot of Italy, and northward through France and into Germany.

Even a few years ago, I knew nothing about the tube station tragedy, but my husband and I viewed the memorial last year when we visited England for our fortieth anniversary. Now I hold the victims and survivors in my heart and believe the sufferings of this generation must not be forgotten.

PHOTO of tube station victims. CAPTION: Listing of victims at Memorial

I hope readers find new appreciation for the Greatest Generation and their tremendous sacrifices.

This book will release in June, the seventy-fifth anniversary of the D-Day invasion, and will be available on amazon.com bn.com  itunes  kobo.com  scribd.com  smashwords.com  and other sites. I will post the purchase links on my blog as soon as possible. (http://www.gailkittleson.com/)

Excerpt from Until Then:

 

The sparkling Mediterranean beckoned, so Dorothy tore across the beach and plunged in. After swimming the safety zone and back, she dropped down beside Millie, who leaned her head back.

“What a perfect day!”

“Out here, you’d never know how close the war is.” As Dorothy dried her hair, a tall redheaded pilot approached with a towel slung over his shoulders. He dipped his head and saluted.

“Houston Pinkstone, here—they call me Pinky. And you ladies are?”

“Millie and Dorothy.” Millie answered for them both, and Dorothy took in this fellow’s jovial smile.

“Nurses with the Eleventh Evac, I presume?”

“How did you guess? And you’re RAF?”

“Ah, ‘twas my hair that gave me away…” His grin highlighted his dimples.

“Quite the sunburn you’re developing.” Millie’s comment teased out another smile.

“One day soon, this will peel into the best tan in all of Scotland. Of course, it may be years before I get back there.”

His freckled nose and forehead, also burned, brought out the sea shades of his eyes as he turned to Dorothy. “Where did you learn to swim like that?”

“In the Cedar River back home in Iowa. The mud held me up when my brothers tried to drown me.”

“Jolly good. Here, the salt water attends to that, righto?” He pointed out to sea. “See the chap out there in that boat? Why not swim there? Maybe he’ll invite you in.”

“He’s past the safety line.”

“But you’re a strong swimmer, and he’s there to save you.” The dare in his eyes proved irresistible. In spite of the warning written all over Millie’s face, Dorothy took him on and jogged to the shoreline.

In minutes, she grabbed the rowboat’s worn gunnel, and a dark-haired, mustached occupant greeted her in an unfamiliar accent. “Lovely day, Miss. You must be with the American hospital unit?”

She answered his questions about her background, but when she asked about him, he merely squinted into the sun. He looked at least forty, with a bit of white above his ears. Seeing he had no intention of inviting her in, Dorothy swam back to Millie and the pilot, who chatted about Delbert, also a pilot.

Dorothy waited for a pause and asked, “Did you think he would ask me in?”

Pinky’s robust laugh declared good-natured trickery. “I had no idea, but thought finding out a worthy quest. You have encountered royalty, my friend.”

“What?”

“You just passed the time of day with King Zog of Albania. When the Italians invaded in ’39, he fled his country with his wife and son. He’d already become a pilot, and once he got his family settled in old Blighty, he joined the RAF.”

Maybe he was still joking—his laughing eyes made it impossible to tell. Dorothy circled her hair with a towel and settled on the welcoming sand, but Millie stared at Pinky in wonderment.

“The King of Albania?” Her shocked expression could have sold for thousands of dollars. “Blighty?”

“Our most affectionate term for old England, dear.” Pinky ignored her other inquiry as he surveyed the Mediterranean. “Strange how this war brings us all together, kings and paupers alike.”

 

About  the Author

Gail writes from northern Iowa, where she and her husband enjoy grandchildren, gardening and historical documentaries. After instructing college writing classes, Gail gave in to the writing bug.

Eight novels later, she’s hopelessly addicted to the World War II era. Her historical fiction honors Greatest Generation women who made a difference despite great odds.

Gail facilitates writing workshops and retreats, where she enjoys guiding and cheering others on in their endeavors.

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers–Stars in the Grass by Ann Marie Stewart

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Ann Marie Stewart, Excerpt from Stars in the Grass, Stars in the Grass, Wednesday Writers, Women’s Literary Fiction

 

 

Today’s Wednesday Writer’s guest is Ann Marie Stewart. Ann will be telling us about the story behind the story of her Womens’ Literary Fiction novel Stars in the Grass. Welcome, Ann!

 

 

 

Thanks, Catherine,

Sometimes not getting what we want can more fully prepare us for eventual success. After teaching for five years, I longed to have someone critique my writing instead of me critiquing my seventh graders’. Though I applied to the University of Michigan MA in Creative Writing, I was not accepted. However, I was accepted into Film and Television which also gave me the job teaching Public Speaking to undergraduates. Learning more about public speaking was an additional positive and took care of my tuition plus expenses. I called the two years at UM, “my all-expense paid vacation.”

Ironically, during that time, I took a variety of courses from the same UM writing teachers I would have if I had been accepted into the MA program. One of my favorites was Charlie Baxter who encouraged me to get my short story “Seeing from the Balcony” published.

Ten years later, I did just that, but as my first novel Stars in the Grass. With some background in film and television, I couldn’t wait to do a book trailer. I was thankful for the film and television experience. I could see the images and the motifs and hear the voiceover.

A filmmaker friend who had read the novel suggested I look at “The Tree of Life” movie trailer for ideas. We planned on making a book trailer, but thankfully, Barbour Publishing said they handle the book trailers. But did I want to send them my ideas? Gladly!

I sent selected text from the novel as voiceover and a collection of images to Barbour who turned it over to the filmmaker. I was STUNNED with the results. In 61 seconds, the book trailer captures the novel. The trailer now has 12,681 hits on YouTube. Do you have a minute to be #12,682? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xb0UPeCUxY.

Or you can find it on my website as well! http://www.annmariestewart.com

 

Stars in the Grass

By Ann Marie Stewart

 

Nine-year-old Abby McAndrews has just experienced her greatest loss, and in its wake, her family is unraveling with guilt, grief, and anger. Her father, Reverend McAndrews, cannot return to the pulpit because he has more questions than answers. Her older brother Matt’s actions speak louder than the words he needs to confess, as he acts out in dangerous ways. Her mother tries to hold her grieving family together, but when Abby’s dad refuses to move on, the family is at a crossroads.

Stars in the Grass, set in a small Midwestern town in 1970, is an uplifting novel that explores a family’s relationships and resiliency. Abby’s heartbreaking remembrances are balanced by humor and nostalgia as her family struggles with—and ultimately celebrates—life after loss.

 

EXCERPT: Prologue

 

I spent the better part of my childhood sitting on a pew in the balcony of Bethel Springs First Presbyterian Church, listening to my dad’s long vowels as he preached on predestination. Sandwiched between my older brother, Matt, and my little brother, Joel, I counted bald heads, doodled on church bulletins, and studied the stained-glass Jesus.

Reverend McAndrews was godlike and mysterious. Definitely not the same man who read to us from Dr. Seuss, ran through the sprinkler on steamy Ohio summer afternoons, or smiled as we played hide-and-go-seek in his Father’s House.

Though I can’t remember many of his three-point sermons, I have other good memories. One Sunday during a hymn, Matt and I sang loudly, changing the words to our liking, “Gladly, the Cross-Eyed Bear,” and crossing our eyes for added effect. When we sat back down, I rested the hymnal on the railing and fanned myself by riffling through the pages. Then it happened. Onto one of the fifty-one shining bald heads below, I dropped the hymnal.

It clapped to the floor, and then in the congregational hush, Mr. Ludema winced in surprised pain. I only looked down long enough to see necks craning up toward the balcony and then turning toward my father and then back to the balcony. Dad squinted to see Mrs. Ludema as she nursed her husband’s head and then looked up at the cause of the disruption. Me.

Dad stared at me for fifteen seconds. I know because I counted every one of them. I did not look away; instead I memorized his sandy thick hair fringed with gray streaks. I couldn’t see his eyes because the sun was reflecting on the lenses of his glasses. His mouth was closed, his thick jaw tense. The congregation waited for the Reverend McAndrews, and so did I. At last he said, with a nod to the balcony and a sigh, “And the Word has come down from on high.”

During responsive reading, his voice rose and fell so predictably, I was nearly lulled to sleep unless I pulled out a pencil to sketch the hills and valleys. “‘O give thanks to the Lord, for he is gooood,’” Reverend McAndrews read from Psalm 136. His voice grew louder and the pitch higher until the word Lord, where he paused and let it fall off to a low, soft, long, concluding gooood. We echoed, “‘For his steadfast love endures for ever.’” After repeating it twenty-six times, what I thought everlasting was the psalm itself.

Want to read more? You can find Stars in the Grass at Amazon

 

About the Author:

Ann Stewart, Christy Award Winner for Debut Novel 2017, and her husband Will raise two daughters and a flock of sheep on their Virginia farm where fireflies light up the sky on warm summer nights. Ann originated three of AMG’s Preparing My Heart books (including Preparing My Heart for Advent) and writes a column “Ann’s Lovin’ Ewe” for the Country Register, contributes to Mentoring Moments and has written for Proverbs 31. Her background in drama and film bring her characters to life. When she’s not directing music or writing, she loves Madame Secretary, This is Us, and UVA Basketball.

 

Social media links:

Website: http://www.annmariestewart.com/ see book trailer!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnMariStewart

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers–Lord of Her Heart by Sherrinda Ketchersid

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excerpt from Lord of Her Heart, historical romance, Lord of Her Heart, Sherrinda Ketchersid, Wednesday Writers

 

Today’s Wednesday Writers guest is Sherrinda Ketchersid. Sherrinda will talking about how research led her to the story plot of Lord of Her Heart. She also has an excerpt, so be sure to read the whole post for a peek at her historical romance. Welcome, Sherrinda!

 

 

 

 

Thanks, Catherine.

I often get asked how I came up with the story for Lord of Her Heart. When researching convents in the middle ages, I learned they were places of education for women. Girls from wealthy, noble families were sent to convents to be educated before getting married or taking their vows. These girls, as young as 7 years of age, went for a basic education that included Latin reading and writing, embroidery, weaving, spinning, morals, manners, and music. Women during these times were sometimes married off as young as 14 years old, and the skills learned at the convent enabled a woman to run a castle or manor house.

The question came to me while researching: What if a girl was sent to a convent for an education, but was forced to remain and take her vows? Or what if her family ceased all communication with her, and the abbess pressured her into taking her vows? This questioning led me to flesh out the story for Lord of Her Heart.

While Jocelyn Ashburne, the heroine in my story, wasn’t sent to a convent as a young girl, she was sent later for an education by Helen, her step-mother, and her father. The story begins when Jocelyn overhears a plot to either keep her at the convent or marry her off to any man willing to pay a price. Thus, the adventure starts, and Jocelyn flees, finding danger, deception, and romance along the way.

 

Lord of Her Heart

By Sherrinda Ketchersid

He’s fighting for his future—she’s running for her life.

Lady Jocelyn Ashburne suspects something is amiss at her family’s castle
because her father ceases to write to her. When she overhears a plot to
force her into vows—either to the church or a husband—she disguises
herself and flees the convent in desperation to discover the truth.

Malcolm Castillon of Berkham is determined to win the next tournament
and be granted a manor of his own. After years of proving his worth on
the jousting field, he yearns for a life of peace. Rescuing a scrawny
lad who turns out to be a beautiful woman is not what he bargained for.
Still, he cannot deny that she stirs his heart like no other, in spite
of her conniving ways.

Chaos, deception, and treachery threaten their goals, but both are
determined to succeed. Learning to trust each other might be the only
way either of them survives.

 

Excerpt:

Chapter 2, Scene 1 – When Jocelyn, dressed as a boy, has been rescued by Malcolm, a knight on his way to a tournament at Ramslea.

Malcolm laid the lad on the ground near his horse. Blood ran from a cut above the lad’s eye, and his swollen cheek promised a colorful bruise. Sitting back on his heels, Malcolm cursed his chivalrous self. What was he to do with this dirty, bruised pile of skin and bones lying before him?

By the saints, he had neither the time nor the energy to care for a scrawny boy. He had a se’ennight before the tournament, and he was not about to miss it on account of a malodorous halfling. This journey proved one ache in the head after another.

The boy stirred, groaning.

Malcolm gathered water from his supply and poured some into the boy’s mouth. Being chivalrous was not always convenient, but ’twas an oath he would not shirk.

The lad vaulted upright, sputtering as he whimpered. “Cease, please!” He rubbed his face, smearing dirt and blood across pale cheeks. As he looked up at his rescuer, his blue eyes grew wide.

Malcolm had to smile. Time spent in the lists honing his swordplay had made his shoulders broad and his arms well muscled. Boys stood in awe of him, men stood in fear of him, and women … well, women wanted him. He had long since been unaffected by the reactions his visage wrought.

“Little man, you are indeed fortunate I came when I did. Can you stand?”

Malcolm held out a hand, but the boy continued to gape. Malcolm grabbed the front of the boy’s tunic and hauled him upright.

The boy gasped, pushing his hand away. “I do not need your aid.” He teetered and fell on his backside. His bottom lip quivered, and his eyes glistened with tears.

“By the saints, I do not have time for this foolishness.” Malcolm’s shadow fell over the boy. “I have no need to be hindered by a filthy, ungrateful boy on this journey. I will gladly leave you be.”

Malcolm turned and walked toward his horse, wrestling between his sense of honor and his desire to be free of the trouble he knew the boy would undoubtedly be. He clearly needed help, regardless of his protestations. Nay, Malcolm had to get to Ramslea and gain another win. Mounting his steed, he turned his horse to leave, glancing back as he did. The boy struggled to his feet, wobbling like a newborn colt.

Malcolm cursed under his breath. Whatever had possessed him to take an oath of chivalry? While noble, at times chivalry interfered with well-laid plans. It was turning out to be a nuisance, to be sure. Steering his horse around, he pulled up in front of the lad.

“You may come with me or stay for the next pair of ruffians to accost you.” Malcolm held out his hand. ’Twas a pity he’d sold John’s horse earlier that morning, though he wondered if the lad before him could even ride. The boy clutched the neck of his tunic, eyes wide and jaw slack. By the saints, was the lad going to refuse him yet again? “Or perhaps you would prefer the company of a pack of wolves?”

The boy sucked in a deep breath, but he took Malcolm’s hand. Grunting as he was lifted up, the boy settled behind Malcolm and grabbed hold of the back of his tunic.

“Put your arms around me, boy, lest you fall off and knock yourself senseless again.” When the boy hesitated, Malcolm rolled his eyes. “You are a timid lad, for all your boasting.”

The boy sighed as he slid his arms around Malcolm’s middle, gripping tighter as Malcolm urged his horse to a gallop.

Most likely the child had not been trained in manly ways. Maybe he had only sisters, or maybe his sire was a weakling himself. Not everyone had the privilege of being raised among four brothers by a sire more fierce than a wild boar. At times too fierce, especially in the treatment of Malcolm’s mother.

Memories haunted him as Malcolm tightened his grip on the reins. He would rather petition the king for a title and serve him than serve his heavy-handed father. Malcolm could serve another lord or even join the church, but he wanted his own land to rule as he saw fit. Peace to do as he wanted.

First, he must see the weakling behind him to the next village. A small hiccup and a sniffle affirmed his resolve.

By the saints, being a man of honor would be the death of him if he continued aiding poor souls like the one snotting the back of his tunic.

Want to read more? You can find Lord of Her Heart at Amazon.

About the Author:

Sherrinda Ketchersid is a lover of stories with happily-ever-after endings. Whether set in the past or present, romance is what she writes and where her dreams reside. Sherrinda lives in north-central Texas with her preacher husband. With four grown children, three guys and a gal, she has more time and energy to spin tales of faith, fun, and forever love.

Connect with Sherrinda: Facebook: Twitter: Goodreads:

 

Wednesday Writers–Cover Reveal for Blackflies and Blueberries by Sharon Ledwith

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Blackflies and Blueberries, Cover Reveal for Blackflies and Blueberries, Sharon Ledwith, Wednesday Writers, YA Paranormal Adventure

COMING SOON from YA Author Sharon Ledwith

Mirror World Publishing is happy to reveal the cover for Blackflies and Blueberries by Sharon Ledwith! This exciting Book 2 in the YA paranormal series Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls, releases May 17, 2019.

About Blackflies and Blueberries:

The only witness left to testify against an unsolved crime in Fairy Falls isn’t a person…

City born and bred, Hart Stewart possesses the gift of psychometry—the psychic ability to discover facts about an event or person by touching inanimate objects associated with them. Since his mother’s death, seventeen-year-old Hart has endured homelessness, and has learned ways to keep his illiteracy under wraps. He eventually learns of a great-aunt living in Fairy Falls, and decides to leave the only life he’s ever known for an uncertain future.

Diana MacGregor lives in Fairy Falls. Her mother was a victim of a senseless murder. Only Diana’s unanswered questions and her grief keeps her going, until Hart finds her mother’s lost ring and becomes a witness to her murder.

Through Hart’s psychic power, Diana gains hope for justice. Their investigation leads them into the corrupt world threatening Fairy Falls. To secure the town’s future, Hart and Diana must join forces to uncover the shocking truth, or they risk losing the true essence of Fairy Falls forever.

Sharon Ledwith is the author of the middle-grade/YA time travel series, THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS, and the teen psychic mystery series, MYSTERIOUS TALES FROM FAIRY FALLS. When not writing, researching, or revising, she enjoys reading, exercising, anything arcane, and an occasional dram of scotch. Sharon lives a serene, yet busy life in a southern tourist region of Ontario, Canada, with her hubby, one spoiled yellow Labrador and a moody calico cat.

Learn more about Sharon Ledwith on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter, Goodreads, and Smashwords. Look up her Amazon Author page for a list of current books. Be sure to check out THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS TIME TRAVEL SERIES Facebook page.

Wednesday Writers–Barbara Britton Talks About A God For Our Daughters

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Barbara M. Britton, Biblical romance, Christian fiction, excerpt from Jerusalem Rising, Jerusalem Rising, Wednesday Writers

Today Wednesday Writers welcomes Barbara M. Britton back to the blog. Barbara writes about women of the Bible. Today she’ll be sharing about country music, her upcoming series, and giving us a peek at her book Jerusalem Rising. Welcome, Barbara!

 

A God For Our Daughters

 

Recently, I watched the Academy of Country Music Awards and heard a new song by Little Big Town called “The Daughters.” I heard some beautiful voices, engaging words, and bad theology. How do I know what they were singing was questionable? I write Biblical fiction where I bring little-known Bible stories to light. All my books have heroines who rely on God and God shows up. So, when Little Big Town sings:

“I’ve heard of God the Son and God the Father; I’m still looking for a God for the daughters.”

I can shout, “I’ve found Him.”

My weekly Bible study recently studied the story of Hagar who fled the heavy hand of her mistress Sarah. A pregnant Hagar flees into the desert, alone and troubled. But she is not alone. An angel of Lord comes to her and gives Hagar guidance. What does Hagar name the well by which she rests? Beer Lahai Roi, for she says, “You are the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13-14).

This October I will begin a series on the daughters of Zelophehad. Who? This wondrous story of five orphaned sisters shows how much God cares for our daughters. God gives these orphans an inheritance of their father’s land—the soon to be conquered Promised Land. Society kept women from being heirs. Because of the daughters of Zelophehad’s “big ask,” God rearranges the whole order of inheritance to include girls.

In my novel, “Jerusalem Rising,” daughters of Shallum help rebuild Jerusalem’s wall. Women construction workers were not common in Biblical times. Imagine my surprise to read Nehemiah 3:12 where the builders of the wall are listed for everyone to read. Shallum repaired the next section with “the help of his daughters.” Shallum’s daughters repaired their city wall and faced opposition from neighboring rulers. How brave!

We do have a God for the daughters. Jesus first appeared to women after rising from the dead. In Matthew 28 1-10, we see the angel of the Lord appearing to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (wife of Clopas) and telling them to notify the disciples that Jesus had risen. Wahoo! Who did the women meet as they hurried away? Our risen Lord, Jesus.

While I like Little Big Town’s sentiment that girls should be respected and encouraged to do great things, our God has been doing that for centuries. We do have a God for our daughters, and for our sons, and for everyone.

 

Jerusalem Rising

By Barbara M. Britton

When Adah bat Shallum finds the governor of Judah weeping over the crumbling wall of Jerusalem, she learns the reason for Nehemiah’s unexpected visit—God has called him to rebuild the wall around the City of David.

Nehemiah challenges the men of Jerusalem to labor on the wall and in return, the names of their fathers will be written in the annals for future generations to cherish. But Adah has one sister and no brothers. Should her father who rules a half-district of Jerusalem be forgotten forever?

Adah bravely vows to rebuild her city’s wall, though she soon discovers that Jerusalem not only has enemies outside of the city, but also within. Can Adah, her sister, and the men they love, honor God’s call? Or will their mission be crushed by the same rocks they hope to raise.

Excerpt:

“Wait, sister.” Adah’s words came out in a rush. “Shouldn’t our father and the household of Shallum be in the governor’s record? What of our children? Will they not want to see the names of their ancestors and know we were faithful to God’s call?”

Her mother tensed. “Your father has no heir.”

Judith’s eyes narrowed. A scowl puckered her lips. “No one without sons is going forward. What woman would agree to labor with stone?”

A tide pool swirled inside of Adah’s belly. Try as she might to remain calm, her ire flared at her family. “Our father, a ruler of this city, sits on a stool hidden by a scribe who will not even ink his name on the parchment. Did Nehemiah not address the daughters of Jacob? Do we not have the strength to pick up a stone?”

Her mother patted Adah’s arm. “What makes you think we can do this? We are not craftsmen and we have our own burdens. It is time to lead me home and let the men of this city discuss the labor.”

Adah clasped her mother’s comforting hand and removed its hold on her body. “You have a daughter to take you home. I intend to restore a section of the wall. God has been deaf to my prayers but perhaps with the governor praying beside me, he will give me the wherewithal to move rock.”

Her words were terser than she meant them to be, but they were true and their truth had been bound in her soul for over a year. She pushed through the herd of people trudging forward to heed Nehemiah’s call.

About the Author:

Barbara M. Britton lives in Brookfield, Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She writes Christian Fiction for teens and adults. Barb kicked off her Tribes of Israel series in 2016 bringing little-known Bible characters to light. In October of 2019, she will begin a series on the brave, groundbreaking daughters of Zelophehad. 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. She is published with Harbourlight Books, an imprint of Pelican Book Group. Barb has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. Find out more about Barb’s books at http://www.barbarambritton.com.

You can also follow Barb on Twitter and Goodreads.

“Jerusalem Rising” has been on sale on Amazon of late and is free on Kindle Unlimited.

Wednesday Writers–When Valleys Bloom Again by Pat Jeanne Davis

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Today Wednesday Writers welcomes author Pat Jeanne Davis to the blog. Pat will be sharing some research info that deepened her inspirational historical romance When Valleys Bloom Again. She also has an excerpt from the book for your reading pleasure. Welcome, Pat.

Thanks, Catherine.

While conducting research on penicillin for my novel, I came across fascinating information that added an element of depth to the story. I discovered a connection between my hero’s hometown and the production of this life-saving medicine.

In the partial scene below from When Valleys Bloom Again, our soldier, Jim Wright, awakens in strange surroundings with only a hazy memory of what happened to him. Gradually, it becomes apparent he has sustained a serious injury to his leg when he and his comrades came under heavy shell fire as they sheltered from German artillery. Jim, having scraped through that ordeal, now lies in a field hospital.

Jim and other allied soldiers who stormed the Normandy beaches on June 6, 1944, struggled through enemy lines. Thousands died instantly or were severely injured. The prospects of recovery and rehabilitation were greatly enhanced with the use of penicillin.

The history of penicillin ranges from its discovery in 1928 by the Scot, Alexander Fleming, and its subsequent development in the 1930’s by British scientists Howard Florey and Ernst Boris Chain to a laboratory in Pennsylvania’s Chester County, “the mushroom capital of the world,” where it so happens our hero Jim lived and worked prior to his enlistment in the US Army.

Granville Raymond Rettew, a Pennsylvania chemist and mycologist (expert in fungi), followed with interest the research carried out in Britain during the early 1940’s. The barrier to date was the difficulty of stabilizing the drug and producing it in sufficiently large quantities. Through his experiments Rettew demonstrated the antibiotic properties of ‘spawn’ extracted from the mushroom. Later, in collaboration with the American pharmaceutical industry he pioneered a method for the production of penicillin on a massive scale.

By D-Day millions of doses of the drug were made available for the treatment of Allied forces, saving many from infection, crippling injury, and death.

 

When Valleys Bloom Again

By Pat Jeanne Davis

As war approaches in 1939 Abby Stapleton’s safety is under threat. Her father, a British diplomat, insists she go back to America until the danger passes. Abby vows to return to her home in London—but where is home? With her family facing mortal danger so far away and feeling herself isolated, she finds it hard to pray or read the Bible. Did she leave God behind in war-torn London too? Abby becomes friendly with Jim, a gardener on her uncle’s estate.

 Jim can’t get Abby out of his mind. Did she have a sweetheart in England? Was it foolish to think she’d consider him? He curses his poverty and the disgrace of his father’s desertion and drunkenness haunts him. Can he learn to believe in love for a lifetime and to hope for a happy marriage?

 Abby couldn’t know the war would last a long time, nor that she would fall in love with Jim—soon to be drafted by the U.S. Army—or that she’d have to confront Henri, a rejected suitor, determined by his lies to ruin her reputation and destroy her faith in God’s providence. Will she discover the true meaning of home and find happiness with Jim?

Excerpt from When Valleys Bloom Again

July 4, 1944

An evacuation hospital in France

 Dreamlike, Jim hovered between upper and nether space. He lay there, disconnected from time, place and self, and forced his eyes open. Daylight filtered through the canvas sides of a tent, stabbing his eyeballs. He tried to sit up, his head hurt and his lower body ached to beat the band.

Boxes of various sizes stamped with a bright red cross and heaped in untidy fashion, lined one corner of the room. A tall, white metal cupboard, piled high with bandages, stood in the opposite corner. He fell back on the cot, catching the familiar sound of truck motors revving in the distance, their gearboxes clanking, and muffled voices barking instructions. Where was everyone?

His only memory was of taking shelter in a forester’s hut during a battle. Two men from his platoon were hunkered down with him, waiting for the barrage to cease. On the hill overlooking their position, they’d encountered a German battery in a grove of trees. He could still hear the thud … thud … thud, as shells sought their range, and feel the pressure waves that engorged the tiny space in which he was crouched, compressing his chest, driving out his breath with a double gut punch. The nauseating, blood-taste sensation as myriad sharp, heavy blows beat about his back and shoulders. And the searing pain in his legs, as though they were being sliced into a thousand pieces. He remembered screaming, his motions slowing, then nothing.

Again, he tried to sit up and do an examination of himself, prodding the thick bandage on his left arm. He touched his heavily wrapped head and groped around his upper body. His clumsy investigation served only to increase his anxiety. He dare not look down at his legs, afraid of what he might—or might not—find. What would the pain be like when the anesthetic wore off?

Want to read more? You can find When Valleys Bloom Again at Amazon

 

About the Author:

PAT JEANNE DAVIS lives in Philadelphia, Pa with her British-born husband, John. They have two grown sons. She enjoys flower gardening, genealogy research and traveling with her husband. Pat has published essays, short stories and articles online and in print. She has a keen interest in mid-twentieth-century American and British history, particularly the period of World War II. Pat’s father-in-law served in the British Eighth Army during the war. When Valleys Bloom Again is her debut historical romance set in that era. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and the Historical Novel Society. Pat loves to hear from her readers. Subscribe to her newsletter here http://www.patjeannedavis.com/

Connect with Pat on her Website:  Facebook: Goodreads:

 

 

Wednesday Writers–The Hitman’s Mistake by Sally Brandle

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excerpt from The Hitman's Mistake, romantic suspense, Sally Brandle, Wednesday Writers

Today’s Wednesday Writer’s guest is romantic suspense author Sally Brandle. Today she has a short excerpt from her book The Hitman’s Mistake.

Welcome, Sally.

Thanks, Catherine.

Female friendships are an integral part of my storylines and a cherished part of my life. My husband, sons, and brothers rank high on my lifeometer, but often I need another woman’s perspective and guidance. One group of authors who continue to atta-girl and counsel each other are the women in my local RWA chapter.

I’m blessed with a wide variety of friends in my own life and try to capture the essence of women relying on each other’s gifts through the struggles of my heroines.

Eastside RWA Writer friends

In The Hitman’s Mistake, Miranda depends on help from her BFF, Corrin, to vanish. These women are polar opposites. Miranda chose to be inconspicuous while caring for plants in office buildings and Corrin aspires to occupy a mahogany partners’ desk in a prestigious law office. Their differences create an unbeatable team when they work together to defy a shady developer in the second book, Torn by Vengeance. Throughout both books, they aid the heroes in thwarting villains and counsel each other to trust in love for their happy ever after. They worry together, challenge one another, and offer boundless support. Those are the attributes of the women I surround myself with in real life, and I’m thankful every day for their presence.

 

 

The Hitman’s Mistake

by Sally Brandle

She needs his trust. After Miranda Whitley stops crooked cops from assassinating a prominent Seattle judge, she’s next on the hit list, and her survival depends on the man she’s had one awkward encounter with—buff FBI Agent, Grant Morley. But can she find him in time?

He needs the truth. The last person Grant expects to discover on his annual horseback trip delivering supplies to a Montana mountain hermit is alluring Miranda Whitley, nearly dead from a bullet wound in her side. An accidental witness or the cold-blooded accomplice to would-be assassins?

Miranda must convince Grant of her innocence, evade the killers intent on preventing her testimony, and fight her unwanted attraction for the agent. Fortunately, love thrives in Emma Springs. If you covet sizzling chemistry, determined assassins, and Montana scenery, then you’ll love Sally Brandle’s galloping thriller.

 

 Excerpt from The Hitman’s Mistake:

“Typical Miranda, always thinking of others.” Corrin squeezed the shifter knob. “You and me, we’re two Phoenix birds rising from the flames of our past. Please, be careful.”

“I’ll be okay. I promise.” Miranda smiled weakly. “Can I borrow your phone charger?”

Corrin stopped the car at a red light, yanked the charger from the lighter, and handed it off. “Don’t worry. I’ll be there for Shirley and Ike.”

A crowd passed in front of their bumper.

Miranda clutched the cord and hunkered in her seat. “I know.”

Outside Corrin’s window, a lone bicyclist dodged cars, trying to push through a swarm of traffic. Miranda’s next path sounded risky and unprotected, too.

Want to read more? You can find The Hitman’s Mistake at Amazon

About the Author:

Multi-award winning author Sally Brandle weaves slow-burning romance into edgy suspense stories. Sally left a career as an industrial baking instructor to bring to life stories motivating readers to trust their inner gifts. Her rescue Aussie is her companion during long spells of writing, bouts of tormenting weeds in her garden, or afternoons spent riding on the wind with her twenty-eight year old Quarter Horse. Sign up for her newsletter at http://www.sallybrandle.com for freebies. The second book (without intimate scenes) in her Love Thrives in Emma Springs series, Torn By Vengeance, is currently on presale and releases May 22nd, 2019. Book 3, The Targeted Pawn, was contracted by Soul Mate Publishing, too.

Connect with Sally at her Website: http://http://www.sallybrandle.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18116238.Sally_Brandle

Monthly writing tips column: http://www.writer-writer.com/

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers–All My Tears by Kathy McKinsey

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All My Tears, Christian fiction, excerpt from All My Tears, Kathy McKinsey, stories of hope healing and love, Wednesday Writers, women's fiction

Today’s Wednesday Writers guest is author Kathy McKinsey who will be sharing about her book All My Tears and how her faith journey applies to her novel. Welcome, Kathy!

 

Thanks, Catherine.

I became a Christian when I was seventeen. Although I’ve had times in my Christian life where I felt like I was growing in my faith, I’ve also had many struggles and falls. Sometimes I felt like I was only holding on to God by my thumbnails. I realize now that during those times, truthfully, God was the one holding on to me.

My book, ALL MY TEARS, is a collection of five novellas. Each story follows a woman through a struggle, an illness, a fear—a time when she needs to find God’s strength and comfort

These stories are not autobiographical. However, I have dealt with depression for many years. I know what it’s like to fear God can’t forgive me. I am familiar with the struggle to keep a marriage and family strong.

And I know how it feels to find my Father God waiting for me, running to greet me, when I turn back to him. I know how his grace and mercy support me through my daily walk. I want to share this hope of forgiveness, healing, and strength with my readers.

Plus, I wanted to make the stories fun. I like relationships between siblings; with children and adults, not just children and parents; relationships with young adults and elders. I enjoy bringing humor into the stories any time possible.

 

All My Tears

By Kathy McKinsey

Meet five women who struggle with life’s deep sorrows. Beth fights to recover from alcoholism and to mend her relationships with her family. Ann doesn’t believe God will forgive her. Kathleen wrestles with a years-old fear and with saving her marriage. Cassie needs to learn to deal with chronic depression. Martie finds herself the single parent of the eight-year-old niece she barely knows when the child’s parents die in a car wreck.

See how God gives them the gifts of hope, healing, and love

 

Excerpt:

One Sunday at lunch, Naomi’s best friend Mark sat down next to me in the restaurant we’d gone to after church. “You know, Cassie, it’s way sad you’ve let yourself get stuck in that old people’s Sunday school class that Jeff and Sharon go to.”

“Really?”

“Oh, yeah. Almost everybody over thirty, most of them married. Stuck in their ways. Boooring.”

“Yeah, boring,” Tommy said.

“I’ll show you boring.” Sharon laughed as she spread a napkin in Tommy’s lap then tickled his neck.

“I hadn’t thought about that.” I slid a straw in Naomi’s drink.

“You’re a young person,” Mark went on. “You need to be with other young people, in a more vibrant, exciting group.”

“I’m young.” Naomi popped her head around me to look at Mark.

“Yes, you are.” I kissed her head. “If I don’t want to be in Naomi’s class, how could I find such a group, I wonder.”

“Funny you should ask.” Mark bent down to pick up a fork Naomi dropped on the floor. “I happen to be in just such a class at our church.”

“No.” My eyes widened.

“Can you believe it? A lot of singles, only a few married couples, almost nobody over thirty. People who are excited about the Bible. About life.”

“Young, vibrant people,” I suggested, catching Naomi’s drink before it also went on the floor.

“Exactly. You’ve got it.” Mark slapped his hands down on the table.

“And what Mark isn’t even bragging about”—across the table, Jeff reached to steal one of Tommy’s fries—“is that he is the teacher of the class.”

“I don’t like to think of myself as a teacher.” Mark shook his head. “Too old school, buddy. I like to think we can all learn from each other. I’m just like a … a discussion starter.”

“Hmmm, discussion starter,” Jeff said, reaching his hand toward Tommy’s plate again. “Sounds like a good excuse for not having to prepare what you’re studying beforehand.”

Tommy clapped his hand down on top of Jeff’s. “Hey.”

I nodded at Mark. “You’re right. It does look like Jeff is getting pretty old.”

Want to read more? You can find All My Tears at Amazon.

 

About the Author

Kathy McKinsey grew up on a pig farm in Missouri, and although she’s lived in cities for nearly 40 years, she still considers herself a farm girl.

She’s been married to Murray for 31 years, and they have five adult children.

She’s had two careers before writing—being a stay-at-home-Mom and working as a rehabilitation teacher for the blind.

Now she lives in Lakewood, Ohio with her husband and two of her children. Besides writing, she enjoys activities with her church, editing for other writers, braille transcribing, crocheting, knitting, and playing with the cat and dogs

Follow Kathy on her blog and Facebook