Wednesday Writers–All Your Heart by LeighAnne Clifton

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All Your Heart, Christian romance, excerpt from All Your Heart, LeighAnne Clifton, Sweet romance, Wednesday Writers

Welcome to Wednesday Writers! Today’s guest author is LeighAnne Clifton with an excerpt from her book All Your Heart and the story behind the book. Welcome, LeighAnne!

The idea behind the Together for Good series has simmered in my head and heart for decades. When I heard about or experienced tragic, funny, or unusual events, I stored them away, never realizing I’d one day weave them together, heavily embellish them, and create the story of the first book in the series, All Your Heart.

I believe most authors’ first novels, especially first drafts of first novels, rarely see the light of day in their original form. My original manuscript, written many years ago, was organized differently, abounded in shifting point of view, and contained the word “that” about a thousand times. Much of the writing advice I devoured in those early days recommended scrapping the first novel. I was advised to learn from that failed attempt and try again.

When I considered doing this, though, I felt a stirring in my heart. I truly believe God intends to use the words He’s inspired by my life experiences to help someone. With that in mind, I forged ahead. Polishing. Reorganizing. Polishing some more. I learned how to query a book. And I learned how to accept rejection. Not an easy lesson! God grew me immensely in the birth of this book.

The series, and the pregnancy care home featured in the book, take their name Together for Good from Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” (KJV) Recognizing His sovereignty, His undeniable desire to use us in His marvelous plan is a key aspect of the book. I want this truth to resonate with readers, inviting them to consider how He has and will use their lives to His glory.

The next book in the series, Ready to Forgive, is under contract, release date unknown at this time. The story continues to follow Alex in her journey with God toward emotional healing. There’s joy, sorrow, a wedding, a death, and a whole lot of ups and downs along the way!

All Your Heart

by LeighAnne Clifton

Alex is determined to use college on the other coast to escape her small Southern town and workaholic mother. However, a prom-night assault and the resulting pregnancy require a drastic change of plans. Alex flees with every intention of ending her cross-country trek at an abortion clinic. Instead, finding herself stranded and scared after wrecking her car, Miss Matilda welcomes Alex to town with love and open doors. It just happens that Matilda runs a crisis pregnancy home.

When Alex strikes a deal with Chad, the handsome mechanic with secrets of his own, the citizens of Burton discover Alex’s artistry, prompting a business partnership with Matilda’s nephew. Alex soon discovers the life-altering sweetness of trusting Jesus, but her past hurts make it difficult to trust Chad with her heart. Then, secrets within the pages of an old diary discovered at the home threaten to tear families apart. Can the people of Burton learn to heal the hurts of the past by trusting the Lord with all their hearts?

All Your Heart, a Christian romance, presents the love of God, His undeniable Sovereignty, and His love for the unborn, all woven into a story that will leave the reader surprised and wanting more.

Excerpt

Alex has been assaulted by her step-father. Scared and confused, she hasn’t told anyone. Not even her best friend Brittany. However, when she begins to suspect the attack has left her with more to deal with than emotions, she purchases a pregnancy test, eventually confiding in her friend.

Later, as they waited in Alex’s room for the little stick to reveal its answer, Alex told Brittany the whole story, starting with J.T.’s apology for her mother’s absence on prom night. The girls took turns snatching a tissue from the box on the bed whenever a T-shirt sleeve no longer controlled the tears. Being able to talk about the whole ordeal unburdened Alex in a way she’d not expected, and she admitted for the first time how ashamed she felt.

“Alex,” Brittany’s jaw dropped as she shook her head, “you have nothing to be ashamed of. Nothing, do you understand? I can’t believe you haven’t already told somebody about this. Should you go to the police?”

Mortified, Alex answered, “Of course not. Do you know what kind of scandal that would cause? My mother would freak out! And besides, Britt, do you think anyone would believe me?”

Alex launched into her theory about the party being J.T.’s attempt to protect his reputation around Woodvale. She reminded Brittany how attentive J.T. had been to his clients at the party. And why had his clients been invited to a party for Alex anyway? Sure, they all knew Alex through her position in J.T.’s business, but Alex stressed how odd to invite a bunch of adults to an eighteenth birthday party. With each finger Alex raised to count off the reasons her theory was sound, she watched Brittany grow angrier.

…

They sat cross-legged on the bed facing each other. Alex reached into the nightstand drawer, wrapped her hand around the piece of plastic that would determine her life’s path, and pulled it out without looking. She told Brittany to close her eyes, and she did the same. They agreed that on the count of three, Alex would open her hand and they would open their eyes and find out together.

“One, two, three.”

Alex turned her hand palm up and opened her fingers, clearly exposing the plus sign in the test stick window for both girls to see. They stared in disbelief. Brittany hazarded a cautious glance at her friend. But instead of tears or anger, quite the opposite met Britt’s gaze. Stoic and quiet, Alex drew in a deep breath and exhaled through pursed lips.

“Now what?” Brittany whispered. She looked scared, and this wasn’t even her trial to face. Alex knew she had Britt’s unwavering support.

“I don’t know yet, Britt. I’ve got a whole lot of thinking to do. This isn’t how I planned for things to go.”

On this last word, Alex lost her voice and her composure, collapsing in sobs into her friend’s arms. Brittany whispered soothing words and stroked Alex’s long brown hair, giving her the time she needed to process the news.

The two of them had always supported each other during times of boyfriend breakups, test stress, mean girl bullying, or any other normal girl drama. They’d planned their future to include each other. But this current scenario had never even crossed their minds.

Pragmatic almost to a fault but reeling from the shock, Alex dried her tears, blew her nose and issued orders to Brittany.

“My hands are shaking too much to take notes, so I’m going to need some help making a list of the pros and cons of my alternatives. I can search for stuff on the Internet, but if you can write things down, I’d really appreciate it. I know we’ve had a busy day, but do you mind staying up a little bit later?”

“I’m here for you. Just tell me what you need me to do.” Alex knew she’d never forget the depth of sadness in her friend’s voice as she pledged her assistance.

“Okay,” Alex said, taking another deep breath and attempting to regain some control over her circumstances. “Here are my options as I see them.”

Thus, their all-night research, discussion, and planning began. By dawn, Alex felt more informed, even if the uncertain future ahead still terrified her. Now, she just had to put her elaborate plan into action. Still, she felt confident she could pull it off.

Buy Links

Pen It! Publications Amazon Books A Million.com

About the Author:

LeighAnne Clifton and her husband Bill call South Carolina home. After meeting while both earning their degrees in chemical engineering at the University of South Carolina, the pair married and settled in Aiken. They have two grown children, a son-in-law, and a pair of spoiled cats. Before writing All Your Heart, LeighAnne wrote The Little Vessel, a modern-day parable for all who need reminding that God has a unique purpose for their lives.

LeighAnne, like her main character, loves to upcycle old junk into beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces. She shares her thoughts on Christian living, easy DIY projects, and the latest book news on her blog: A Live-Leigh Journey

Connect with LeighAnne on her Social Media Links Facebook: Twitter: Instagram:  

Wednesday Writers–Reality Show Romance by Shannon Kent

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book excerpt from Reality Show Romance, book giveaway, Korean Dramas, My Korean Crush Series, newletter giveaway, Reality Show Romance, Shannon Kent, Sweet romance, Wednesday Writers

Welcome to Wednesday Writers! Today’s guest is Shannon Kent, co-author of the My Korean Crush Series, Asian American sweet romances/Korean Dramas. I have to admit, I’d never heard of Korean Dramas, and I was intrigued. I found her excerpt to be charming and engaging, so make sure you don’t miss it. Shannon is also giving away a copy of Reality Show Romance (ebook or PB, it’s the reader’s choice) to one lucky commenter. Winner will be announced on the post’s blog comment section at end of day, EST, on Tuesday, August 17. So, without further ado, let’s welcome Shannon so she can tell you about her genre and books. Welcome, Shannon!

Cheers erupted inside the school gymnasium and I smiled. They must be playing the K-pop song again. The first time they showed the colorful, bubblegum sweet music video during morning assembly, the kids watched in confusion as the choreographed artists sang in the unfamiliar Korean language. But now the students applauded when it came on. I had done my job as a music teacher to broaden their minds and expose them to another culture. It’s no wonder South Korea affected not only my day job but also my writing. It ensnared me with its romantic television dramas featuring lots of humor and handsome, Mr. Darcy-like heroes who despise the heroine in the beginning and can’t live without her by the end.

I admit it. I’m a forty-one-year-old fangirl.

Did you have posters on your wall of your favorite actor or boy band when you were growing up? I think many of us may look like adults on the outside, but inside we’re still squealing over our secret passions. It can be for anything: reading, television shows, marathon-running, knitting. The important thing is to have one. Don’t let “real life” beat all the wonder out of you with its schedules and bills and dentist appointments. Spend a little time on something that gives your heart a ticklish feeling. (And if you’re not sure what that is anymore, look me up on Facebook and I’ll suggest a good Korean Drama.)

Reality Show Romance

By Shannon Kent

Letty McDonnell—a hug first and ask questions later kind of gal—stumbles into an unexpected scandal with her favorite K-pop star when she spots him at the airport. Is it bad timing or a blessing in disguise? The international publicity leads to a job offer from the reality show Marry My Stalker, where the two pretend to be man and wife as they complete a variety of crazy couple missions.

Wacky challenges, jealous fangirls, and a language barrier can’t slow Letty down. Especially when she has handsome translator, Ben Park, whispering in her ear. He steers her away from cultural faux pas and offers behind-the-scenes encouragement as she maneuvers the unfamiliar public arena. But is he sincerely interested or just doing his job? The affectionate words her fake husband says for the cameras are always repeated by Ben’s caring voice, and Letty begins to wonder if a romance without spotlights or red carpets is the real path to true love.

Excerpt from Reality Show Romance

“You.” An assistant rushed up to Letty. “Come now.”

He beckoned with both hands for her to follow him as Ji Ah’s ceremony wrapped. She scanned the room for Ben but didn’t see him. Letty rose from her camping chair and followed the unfamiliar man with shaky legs. Her head turned this way and that as she searched for her translator, but he was nowhere in sight.

She took a deep breath and the chilly air tingled in her lungs. She could do this! Letty’s vibrant red heels stepped onto the equally bright carpet, and she waited with trembling fingers clutching her white rose bouquet. She would have preferred something more colorful. Maybe old fashioned orchids or a romantic spray of forget-me-nots. That would have fulfilled the “something blue” tradition. The “something borrowed” was easy. She’d eventually have to give her pop star husband back, no matter how much she longed to keep him.

The lights around the heart shaped arch on the stage illuminated and her breath caught in her throat. A slender silhouette appeared behind the screen and struck the pose that Letty daydreamed about—hands in pockets, one muscular leg bent at the knee, and head tilted at a pensive angle. The screen rose inch by maddening inch, and she saw a pair of black combat boots, followed by white skinny jeans, a white leather jacket with metal studs, and then finally his face. His eyes blinked as he cast a wavering smile in her direction. Poor thing. He was probably worried she would charge down the aisle and attack him.

Letty took a hesitant step forward and paused at a familiar sound. The music played overhead like it was drifting down straight from Heaven.

“Only for you-ooooh-oooooh. Only for you-oooh-ooooh.”

She expected the wedding march that played for every other bride that day. Why was hers different?

“Someone told me this was your favorite.” She heard a cheerful voice in her earpiece. “Sorry I’m a little late. I was asking the sound guy for a favor.”

The familiar lyrics wrapped around her, blocking the cold and pushing every worry from her mind. They bolstered her courage and she walked forward again with her toes sinking into the plush carpet. Her feet carried her down the aisle until she climbed the steps up onto the stage and stood at the side of a very tentative Ki Tae.

“Hello!” Her unnatural tone sounded higher than normal. Letty cleared her throat and tried again. “Hello. I’m Letty McDonnell.”

She shifted her roses to her left hand and slowly held out her right. Letty tried to give him a smile that said “Welcome, friend” and not “I’m going to lock you in my basement and make you sing to me every day for the next twenty years!”

Ki Tae looked from her hand to her face and back again before he stretched out his own and shook hers. “H-hello.”

Letty wanted to squeal at the intoxicating combination of physical contact and adorable accent, but she managed to hold it together.

“Nice to meet you,” she said instead.

“Nice … to meet … you,” Ki Tae repeated.

Letty leaned forward a little, while still holding his hand, and whispered, “It’s not too late for you to back out.”

She could tell he didn’t understand her as his gaze wandered to the side while he listened as Ben translated her words to his earpiece. Ki Tae’s eyes widened and he looked back at her with a blank expression. Letty let go of his hand and held up both of hers near her face in a non-threatening posture.

“I promise. I won’t chase you down the aisle if you decide to make a run for it.”

Ki Tae’s lips twitched after a few seconds when he understood what she said. He replied in Korean and it was Letty’s turn to wait.

“You might not chase me, but my manager would,” Ben translated.

Letty laughed in delight, not a feminine, ladylike hand-over-mouth titter but a full out belly shaking chortle.

Ki Tae took a step back at the mirthful explosion but he smiled anyway at his soon-to-be-bride. Taking a step closer, he held out his arm like a courtly prince and said something.

“Are you ready to get married?” Ben asked.

Letty rested her hand in the crook of Ki Tae’s elbow and smiled. She knew she should say something witty and charming but only one word came to mind so she said it over and over.

“Yes! Yes! Yes!”

You can ease into the unfamiliar world of dramas through Shannon’s novella Flower Boy Tour Guide. Shannon’s giving it away as a gift to anyone who signs up for her newsletter. Newsletter sign-up link:

And if you’d like to read about another fangirl who finds romance in South Korea, check out the sequel Reality Show Romance available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

About the Author:

Shannon Kent is the pen name of Shannon Sue Dunlap. (You are correct if you assume the last name is a Superman reference.) Her penchant for happy endings began early, and she was thrilled to find more of these in the fun and flirty world of Korean Dramas. Her trip to their beautiful homeland offered many colorful experiences that she included in her two stories for the My Korean Crush Series, Flower Boy Tour Guide and Reality Show Romance. She likes to share her opinions with fellow fans under the pen name Dramarookie at the Dramas with a Side of Kimchi blog. Shannon has also released her first inspirational romantic suspense novel Decoy Valentine. 

Connect with Shannon on her Website; Goodreads;  Facebook 

Wednesday Writers–Interview with Mary Ann Diorio, author of Miracle in Milan

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author interview, Christian fiction, financial suspense, Italy setting, Mary Ann Diorio, Miracle in Milan, romantic suspense, Wednesday Writers

Welcome to Wednesday Writers! Today we have an author interview with MaryAnn Diorio and an excerpt from her newest release Miracle in Milan. Thanks for being with us today, Mary Ann!

Please tell the readers about the book that is being showcased today.

Miracle in Milan is the story of a young, female auditor who discovers evidence that the man she loves is an embezzler and who must choose between ruining him or ruining herself.

Amy Torelli, Chief Auditor for New York City-based Enson Pharmaceuticals, is assigned to audit the books of Enson’s Italian branch in the enchanting city of Milan, Italy. Having made an inner vow never to trust a man again because of her father’s betrayal, Amy finds herself falling in love with Enson Italia’s American-born Vice-President, Ted McMasters. Will Ted be the one to cause her to break her inner vow?

Ted McMasters is on the run. A run from rejection. From himself. From God. Having been wounded by a father who made him feel worthless, and having been dumped by the woman he wanted to marry, Ted is determined to keep all women at bay. But will Amy be the reason he changes his mind?

How did you come up with the concept for this book?

The Lord gave me the idea for this story several years ago. Italy has always intrigued me, especially since my mother was born and raised there. Having lived and studied in Italy, I wanted to write a story set in that beautiful, romantic country. Interestingly, I ended up first writing my trilogy titled The Italian Chronicles, based on the life of my paternal great-great grandmother. But I knew that another story set in Italy lay dormant within my heart. That story was Miracle in Milan.

 Setting is important in books. I noticed that your story is in set in Milan, Italy. Were you inspired to set the book in Italy because of a visit to the country? If not, tell the reader why this setting inspired you.

As mentioned, I have close ties with Italy through my Italian mother. While a student there, I had occasion to visit Milan, the financial and business capital of Italy. When it came time to writing a novel based on financial intrigue, Milan seemed to be the natural choice.

What genre is this book, and why do you like to write in this genre?

Miracle in Milan is a novel of romantic suspense. Actually, this is the first novel I have written in this genre. My main character is a young American woman who works in New York City for a global pharmaceutical firm. The story flowed organically out of who she is and the lie she believes, a lie that has stood in the way of her fulfilling God’s call on her life. I enjoyed writing in this genre and look forward to writing more romantic suspense.

Do you write in more than one genre? If so, why?

Yes. I started out writing historical women’s fiction with an element of romance. Three of my novels–The Madonna of Pisano, A Sicilian Farewell, and Return to Bella Terra–are all historical women’s fiction set in Italy and America during the late 19th century and early 20th centuries. My novel titled In Black and White is a historical romance set in the 1950s, in the United States and Ghana. I also write fiction for children.

While I particularly enjoy writing historical fiction, I like to use the genre that best fits my character and story. When a character emerges in my heart, she emerges within a time period. I instantly know what century she lives in and, in most cases, what decade. The time period has a lot to do with making my character who she is in the natural and in the supernatural.

Do you have a day job? If so, what is it?

I am blessed to be able to write full-time. I used to have a day job as a university professor of foreign languages.

Name three interesting things most people don’t know about you.

• My mother tongue is Italian.
• I play the mandolin, an instrument my maternal grandfather used to play.
• I am also a visual artist and paint in oils and acrylics.

What’s next for you? Are you currently working on something new?

I’m working on a novella titled The Captain and Mrs. Vye. Summary: When a young widow inherits an oceanfront inn upon her husband’s death, she receives more than she bargained for as a whaling boat captain becomes her first tenant and disrupts her heretofore peaceful life.I am also writing a middle-grade novel titled Dixie Randolph and the Secret of Seabury Beach, the first novel in a six-book series for eight-to-twelve-year-old children.  

It’s been a pleasure having you here today. As you say goodbye, can you leave the readers with an encapsulation of your life’s philosophy? (a quote, a Bible verse, a precept you live by or have tried to instill in your children?)

There is nothing more important in life than accepting Jesus Christ as one’s Savior and Lord and living for Him. This is what Jesus meant when He said in John 3: 3 that a person must be born again in order to experience eternal life. One may accomplish great things in the earth, but, ultimately, unless one knows Jesus, everything else is meaningless. While one’s name may be listed in many records of earthly accomplishments, all that matters in the end is that one’s name be listed in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

There are four quotes on which I have based my life:

1) John 8: 32 – “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
2) Philippians 3: 10 – “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings….”

3. “Only one life; ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” ~ Charles Studd

4. “The true success of my life will not be judged by those who admire me for my accomplishments, but by those who attribute their wholeness to my having loved them, by those who have seen their true beauty and worth in my eyes.” ~ David Grant.

Years ago, I created a mission statement by which I have lived and written. It is this:
To create works of art that communicate Christ’s love and connect people to Him.
CREATE. COMMUNICATE. CONNECT. This is what I’m all about.

Thanks for being part of the blog, Mary Ann. It’s been a pleasure to host you. Good luck with your book. It sounds intriguing!

Thank you so much for featuring me, Catherine. I trust that I will bless your readers.

MaryAnn

Miracle in Milan

By Mary Ann Diorio

When young, female auditor Amy Torelli is assigned to audit the books of her company’s Italian branch in Milan, she discovers convincing evidence that the man she loves is an embezzler.

Excerpt:

      “This way, Ms. Torelli.” Giorgio led her into his private office and shut the door. It was a modest office, as far as offices go. Nothing like Mr. Conklin’s plush space in the downtown Manhattan headquarters. A medium-sized window overlooked a narrow street with another office building on the opposite side. In one corner of the office space stood a large plant about the size of a small fig tree. On a credenza behind the desk was a picture of two small children sitting on either side of a lovely woman who looked to be in her late thirties. Very likely Giorgio’s wife and children.

          “Please, sit down.” Giorgio pointed to a small sitting area in the opposite corner furnished with two barrel chairs and a small coffee table.”

          Amy took the chair to the right and sat down. Her muscles tensed.

          Bassetti sat down in the chair across from her, crossed his legs, and folded his hands in his lap. “First of all, I want to thank you for making the long trip to Italy to help us.”

          Dare she say she’d had no choice but to lose her job if she’d refused? “I’m glad to do what I can.”

          Bassetti cleared his throat. “I don’t know how much you know, but Enson Italia is on the verge of bankruptcy.”

          Amy nodded. “Yes, Mr. Conklin explained as much to me.”

          “Then you know that we are in a precarious situation. The future of our Italian operation depends on your discovering what is going on.”

          Amy stiffened. There it was again. The burden of responsibility resting squarely on her shoulders. A burden she didn’t like at all. She hated having the ball in her court “Yes, I understand.”  She squared her gaze on him. “So, what are your thoughts on the problem?” She loved to toss the ball back to where it belonged.

          Bassetti shifted in his chair. “Frankly, I don’t know.”

          Amy sensed he was lying. “But surely, from your perspective as president, you have some idea, do you not?” His dodging annoyed her.

          Bassetti squirmed. “All I can say is that we have discovered some expenses that do not align with our expenditure categories and that seem to have no correlation with our normal business expenses.”

          “Has anyone investigated those unusual expenses?”

          Bassetti’s eyes narrowed. “That is what you are here to do.” His voice was curt.

Want to read more? You can find Miracle in Milan at  My Book Table  Amazon (affiliate) Print:  EBook:  and Universal Link:

About the Author:

MaryAnn Diorio is a widely published, award-winning author of fiction for both adults and children. Her stories are powerfully moving and deal with the deepest issues of the human heart.
MaryAnn resides in New Jersey with her wonderful husband of 51 years. They are the blessed parents of two amazing daughters, a very smart son-in-law, and six rambunctious grandchildren. You can learn more about MaryAnn and her writing at maryanndiorio.com.

Connect with MaryAnn on her Website: Facebook: Amazon Author Central: BookBub

Wednesday Writers–Finding The Key Factor By Carole Brown

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book excerpt, Carole Brown, cozy mystery The Golden Touch, The Golden Touch, Wednesday Writers, writing tips

When beginning the story of THE GOLDEN TOUCH, Book Five of the Appleton, WV Romantic Mysteries, I needed a KEY factor. (Not to be confused with a spiritual or romantic element of the story). 

Here’s what I knew:

• the protagonists: Jazzi (Jazmine) Sanderson and Ryle Sadler, their careers and/or past, their personalities, their faith element
• the basic plot: mystery and romance
• the setting
• the first chapter

But I still didn’t have that thing—that emotion—the characters were searching for…until I, unknowingly hit upon it. What Jazzi and Ryle were both seeking, although unknown to either, was a place that felt like HOME. The place that makes a person feel content, relaxed and at peace, even when trouble is brewing, even when you’re still searching for that one person who makes the world go ’round for you.

Where was it? Appleton, West Virginia. The small town where everyone knew everyone and their business, or at least assumed they knew. Where friends were friends for life, even when that small town held secrets, trouble and problems.

Ryle, who was rich, innovative and smart, living in a big town and traveling across the country for work was happy, or thought he was. But when he chanced upon Appleton, West Virginia, small, friendly, clean and sometimes a nosy place, but where friends were loyal and ready to help in any way they could, Ryle realized he’d found that spot that felt like home. Adding that to solving the mystery and finding love, was the answer his heart had craved, even though he didn’t know it.

As for Jazzi, wild, beautiful young lady that she was, felt unloved by her adopted parents, and flew the coop from Appleton as soon as she was of age. What she didn’t realize, that instead of blaming others for her unhappiness, it was of her own making. It wasn’t until she returned to Appleton, more mature now, accepting of her own mistakes, and finding a meaning for her life, that her heart grasped the one place that could ever feel like home. Appleton.

Once that revelation that they’d found the place their hearts had sought for, although through different methods, it was then their hearts could open to accept the love facing them. And it was only then that both were able to relax enough to allow God to lead them in the right path. 

The Golden Touch, Book Five of the Appleton, WV Romantic Mysteries

By Carole Brown

Not again.

Ryle Sadler stared down at the financial statement lying on his desk. His investment firm had just sent him another record of overwhelming success. Time to sell his share in this stock.

Ryle came from the poor side of the tracks, but that had no bearing on his success in life—which he kept hidden from everyone, especially those in Appleton, West Virginia. But when he buys the local, rundown bed and breakfast, mysterious revelations from beneath the site are suddenly threatening to ruin his good standing with the citizens.

Then along comes Jazzi Sanderson. Jazzi has a reputation of being wild, but Ryle sees more than is on the top layer of this woman. Beneath that tough, wild streak lurks a woman who wants to be loved by the right person, a woman who is tender-hearted and who is just finding out that God is real.

Is Ryle and Jazzi’s worlds too far apart or can their differences help them solve the mystery that lies beneath Ryle’s bed and breakfast? Will the evil person behind it all be able to silence them, or can Ryle’s golden touch prevail in this endevor too?

The Golden Touch

Chapter One

Ryle Sadler stared at the unkempt bed and breakfast in front of him. The urge to buy this place was stronger than ever, and he couldn’t understand it. He’d never bought or invested in anything on an urge. He’d prayed about this crazy urge for sure. Many times. No answer came back from God. Only this confusing push to buy it. Now.

He hadn’t amassed his wealth by going on urges. No sirree. Coming from the poor side of town had taught him plenty, and two of those things were listening and learning. Those had gotten him where he was now.

The Golden Touch. That’s what the investors in the world called it, and that’s what he had. Or so they said. It scared him, truth be told, that everything he touched turned to gold. Didn’t matter whether it was stocks or an act of generosity in helping a struggling business person. Everytime—so far—had been successful.

But this, this business that Maisie, the owner, cared little about, was neither of those things. If he bought it, would it change his touch? Would it be the knife to cut the string of wins he’d experienced so far? Would it be his first failure? After all, what did he know about bed and breakfasts?

Nothing.

A young woman exited the place, her purple hair a distraction from her beautiful features. Toby and Amy Sanderson, Jazzi Sanderson’s sister and brother-in-law, had confided that she’d taken a room there to be on her own—in spite of the inn’s rundown condition. She didn’t know her own beauty or worth.

He’d had little to do with women. Too little time, and, frankly, no one so far, who’d garnered his attention long enough.

But this woman. Ryle’s heart gave an unusual ping forcing a frown on his face.

She saw him then, and gave a shy, little wave—a complete contradiction to her reputation—the smile on her face as bright as the sunshine from the heavens.

And then he heard the voice.

Invite Jazmine Ashley Sanderson to help you at the bed and breakfast.

No. That was crazy. What was wrong with him? He’d never done such a thing. Invested in businesses by using his money, yes, to do what he felt was his calling. But asking a woman he barely knew to help him get this place up and running? Would she laugh at him? Would the whole town of Appleton consider him the biggest fool ever to cross their path? Her sister, Amy, had been upset with her when Jazmine had refused the offer of staying with her. Why had she insisted on renting a room here, of all places?

She did have a reputation. And not such a good one.

What if she accepted, thinking it was a lark, an easy way to get some money, with no improvement in her personality? Or worse, be irresponsible? Could he trust her to have the same vision as he?

No, it wasn’t his responsibility what she did. But then, he didn’t think helping someone continue on the broken path they were on was beneficial either. Still, his calling was to help. What they did afterwards was their responsibility.

So, what’s it to be? Will you obey my direction on this?

The dark cloud suddenly covering the sun seemed to be frowning at him.

“I always have.” Ryle couldn’t even hear his own whisper as he mouthed the words.

And as suddenly, as it had been covered seconds ago, the sun popped from behind the cloud, sending its golden beams straight down to shine on the bed and breakfast.

Ryle gave up the struggle. It might be interesting—and a learning process for him—if this adventure was a failure. Time would tell.

The groan that escaped his lips assured him he wasn’t looking forward to it.

Want to read more? You can find The Golden Touch on Amazon

About the Author:

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Connect with Carole on her   Personal blog: Facebook: Amazon Author Page:  Twitter: 

Wednesday Writers–An Elf’s Lament Upon Leaving by Carol Browne

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An Elf's Lament Upon Leaving, anthology of poems and short stories, book excerpt, Fantasy, Wednesday Writerss. Carol Browne

Welcome to Wednesday Writers! Today’s guest author Carol Browne, from England, will be sharing a review of her newest release, An Elf’s Lament Upon Leaving, a collection of short stories and poems. Carol also has an excerpt from one of the book’s short stories. Welcome, Carol!

High praise for Carol Browne’s latest book that is a beautiful anthology of poems and short stories.

No one says it better than an Amazon reviewer who describes the book as “atmospheric”:

“The poetry is steeped in a love of nature, magic and mythology. The short stories hold interesting twists. No spoilers! The Boomerang Effect (dabbling with a love spell, Martin Nevis finds himself having second thoughts) A Force to Be Reckoned With (an outcast with thoughts of being “destined for something great” wants to join the police force) and Transformation (once bullied, Patricia attends a school reunion and emerges victorious) were my favorites.

Give this anthology collection of short stories a read, you won’t be disappointed.”

BLURB

An elf laments a passing era,
But truth and beauty will survive,
For they live on in stories and verses,
And in our imaginations thrive.

Nature, nostalgia, mystery and magic,
In twisty tales and poems that rhyme,
Are here, with myth and fantasy blended,
To capture another place and time.

Here’s an excerpt from the short story The Boomerang Effect.

Martin found just the spell he needed. It was in a very old book, wedged among countless other volumes at the rear of the occult bookshop.
He pulled the book from its hiding-place. Eight Ways to Magic, proclaimed the title. The book cracked in protest, as Martin pried it open. His eyes flicked hungrily down the list of contents and widened as they reached Chapter Six – “Love Spells”.
Martin glanced warily around the shop, as though fearful of discovery, but, apart from an elderly lady squinting at a book on flower magic, he was quite alone. And the proprietor, a raw-boned man whose fuzz of grey hair ringed the summit of his skull like a helm-cloud, was engrossed in a book catalogue at the counter, his long nose like a spike of bone wearing spectacles.
Martin’s fingers fumbled their way through age-thickened pages until they reached Chapter Six. And there it was, spell number eight: How to attract the lover of your choice.
He closed the book, hugged it to his chest and made for the counter, his heart quickening with excitement.
Now, Debbie Starsmore, he thought, you shall be mine.
Leaving the shop moments later, his purchase thrust into his holdall like a guilty secret, he made for home.
Home was a grubby ground-floor flat in the cheaper part of town. Martin had lived there alone for 25 years since leaving school in the summer of ‘63 with an ‘O’ Level in Art and the complete indifference of his teachers. His parents hadn’t minded his leaving home. His mother, in fact, had been quite cheerful at the prospect of doing less laundry, while his father had wondered how many lodgers they could legally cram into Martin’s old room.
So Martin set off on his lonely journey through life.
By day, he vacantly occupied the position of sales assistant at B. Fleet Footwear, and for 25 years grew a paunch, while his hair receded vaguely towards the crown of his head. These signs of maturity never seemed to earn him the right to promotion, but Martin was content with his lot.
Little did B. Fleet know how much it suited the ageing assistant to be lowly and anonymous because, by night, Martin was a wizard.

BUY LINKS

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Once upon a time a little girl wrote a poem about a flower.
Impressed, her teacher pinned it to the wall and, in doing so, showed the child which path to follow.
Over the years poems and stories flowed from her pen like magic from a wizard’s wand.
She is much older now, a little wiser too, and she lives in rural Cambridgeshire, where there are many trees to hug.
But inside her still is that little girl who loved Nature and discovered the magic of words.
She hopes to live happily ever after.

Stay connected with Carol on her website and blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

Wednesday Writers–The Legend of Kiwaft: Silvyn’s Tale by Sara Nicole

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book excerpt from Silvyn's Tale, Character interview, Sara Nicole, Speculative Ficton Fantasy, The Legend of Kiwaft: Silvyn's Tale, Wednesday Writers

Welcome to Wednesday Writers! Today’s guest author is Sara Nicole who has a cheeky interview between the characters from her Speculative Fiction/Fantasy The Legend of Kiwaft: Silvyn’s Tale. Welcome, Nicole!

            Dear friends, please allow me to introduce you to Silvyn, a carefree, fun-loving, slightly narcissistic merman of the wondrous undersea city known as Coralae within the realm of Kiwaft. Joining him will be the land-dwelling beauty with the unique purple eyes, Graiceyl (pronounced gray-sill) of Vailyx of the Kiwaftian highlands. They’re here to talk about Silvyn’s Tale, the first novel in the epic fantasy series The Legend of Kiwaft.

Silvyn: I’m not sure what you mean by “slightly narcissistic.”

Graiceyl: Yeah, I think we can leave off the “slightly.”

Silvyn: That’s not what I meant! That’s not true, either!

Graiceyl: Ha! You know you’re in love with your own tail.

Silvyn: I’ll have you know that a golden tail like mine is not very common among my people, and you have to admit it is spectacular. Not compared to your eyes, of course. They’re like jewels, like amethysts. Your hair is like-

Graiceyl: That’s enough sweet talk. Why don’t you talk about how we met?

Silvyn: I’d rather not.

Graiceyl: I’ll start. Your friends abducted me, and you joined them in bullying me…

Silvyn: Do we have to talk about this?

Graiceyl: …and nearly drowned me…

Silvyn: But then I saved your life!

Graiceyl: You put it in danger in the first place!

Silvyn: I saved you from that shark!

Graiceyl: That’s true. You were very brave.

Silvyn: And strong.

Graiceyl: That was the first time I kissed you.

Silvyn: A memory I cherish. Your lips are more dulcet than all the women’s in Coralae.

Graiceyl: You would know.

Silvyn: I’ve changed!

Graiceyl: I know. Truth be told, you’re a walking miracle.

Silvyn: Wow! Well, thank you. I think you mean a swimming miracle, but I can walk too.

Graiceyl: Living proof that no one is too far lost.

Silvyn: Thanks… I think.

Graiceyl: Kanna, our Creator, transformed you completely. You went from being the man who kissed me without permission and once slapped me-

Silvyn: You slapped me first!

Graiceyl: You deserved it!

Silvyn: I know I did. I didn’t really mean to slap you back. It just sort of happened. My moral compass didn’t exactly point north back then. I’m sorry.

Graiceyl: Point north? You didn’t even have a moral compass back then! But I forgave you already. Like I started to say, you went from that to being the first man I ever trusted.

Silvyn: That means more to me than all the jewels in the Nevaltasha Ocean and beyond. I mean it. I can’t take credit, though. It was all Kanna’s doing.

Graiceyl: Like I said, you’re a living miracle.

Silvyn: Well, Kanna sure used you a lot to make it happen. You wrecked my life, you know!

Graiceyl: Just remember, it was you and your friends who abducted me in the first place.

Silvyn: Oh, but you’re the one who showed up unannounced-

Graiceyl: I think we’re giving too much away.

Silvyn: Fine. I’m just saying, if you’d really wanted to be rid of me, you could have left me alone.

Graiceyl: Then who would have taken me swimming? You can’t blame me for wanting to swim with a merman.

Silvyn: Which brings us back to my magnificent tail. Confess, you think it’s marvelous, too.

Graiceyl: I’ll confess you’re a guppy!

Silvyn: Bully!

Graiceyl: Ha ha! Sorry, friends – little inside joke there. I hope you’ll read our love and adventure story in The Legend of Kiwaft: Silvyn’s Tale! It has a twist ending!

Silvyn: What happened to not giving too much away? Thanks for having us, friends! I hope you’ll enjoy reading about how a purple-eyed highlander turned my life inside-out and upside-down!

Graiceyl: And enjoyed doing it! Take care!

The Legend of Kiwaft: Silvyn’s Tale

by Sara Nicole

EXPLORERS BEWARE:
The land of Kiwaft is more than what it seems. Within the mundane is magic, and among the ordinary are those with secrets, some that may metamorphose an entire world. Judge not the destiny of a person by its beginnings. Believe in change. Remember above all else, the truth is revealed in the eyes.

In the labyrinthine depths of the ocean called Nevaltasha lives a race of formidable humans, the Coralaens. Do not trust the ones whose feet transform to fins and back. A mischievous man among them, he of the golden tail, mighty and wondrous happenings await this unsuspecting recalcitrant, but first a trial by water.

If you, brave venturer, still seek to roam these forbidden realms of myth and peril, take great heed of the prophecies given in centuries past- The time has come for the mountains of Wistaor to be shaken. The awaited Legend of Kiwaft has crossed into the Shrouded Isle. When his odyssey is finished, nothing will ever be the same again.
Are you ready?

Excerpt (from Silvyn’s point of view, interacting with Graiceyl) –

She suddenly jumped into the water, splashing me, and I wiped the water from my face. “Let’s swim!” I liked how her eyes lit up as she suggested it. “I want to look at something beautiful.”

“I already am,” I answered. “Want me to bring you a mirror?”

She laughed and splashed me, and her cheeks blushed. “How many times have you said that to a woman?”

“And meant it?”

She splashed me again, so I ducked under the water and tugged her foot down, dunking her. She came back to the surface spluttering and coughing. “Bully,” she rasped when I reappeared above water.

“Hold your breath, guppy,” I retorted, “or use the berries!”

“It happened too fast!” she protested. When she had regained her breath, she swam behind me and put her hands on my shoulders. “Come on! Show me something beautiful… besides myself!”

I chuckled. “Did you know we’re right above a coral reef?”

“Really?”

I nodded. “Your people call it Caleas Reef.”

“My people?”

“Land-dwellers.”

“What do your people call it?”

I shrugged, and one of her hands slid off my shoulder. She pulled herself closer and wrapped her arms around my neck, which I enjoyed. “Leesujun Reef. Sometimes Caleas Reef.” I nodded to where she had been perched. “We call that Reef Rock.”

“Oh.” There was a brief pause, then she asked, “What’s a coral reef?”

I rolled my eyes and dove. Beneath the water, her legs wound about my waist, and I yelped, which startled her. I shifted her legs lower so they weren’t pressing on my battle wounds from the shark, and she said something that sounded like Sorry. I started to respond to her in undersea, but I remembered she couldn’t understand it. I swam a little deeper and westward, and I showed her the wondrous underwater masterpiece called a coral reef. She loved it.

She seemed to especially love the tiny seahorses that called the coral reef home, so after a while I took her away to another place I knew she’d love: a wide field of seagrass that was home to many seahorses. Her cry of surprise and delight when she spotted them made me grin. We watched them for some time, and she laughed when I showed her how to hold one with its tail curled around her finger. I checked several times to make sure she wasn’t drowning, but the berries were achieving their purpose. We swam a long time, and I showed her many parts of the underwater world, at least the shallower parts. I enjoyed sharing its secrets with her. When we at last returned to the surface, I had brought her back to Rubble Coast and the rocks covered with starfish.

She slid off my back, then she hugged me and pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Thank you,” she said breathlessly.

Want to read more? Check out Sara’s website for Silvyn’s Tale that includes additional details about the book and a song she picked as its theme song, or buy the Paperback or EBook on Amazon

About the Author:

A born Kansan with southern roots, Sara did not grow up loving to write. She did, however, love stories. Hearing them, telling them, reading them… Only when she could not find a story that explored the questions she had inside of her did she begin writing them. Beginning as a search into the character of God and what His love is really like, her God took over from the start and used her writing to speak to the deepest questions in her soul. Sara does not think of herself as an author, but rather a scribe, for her books are only born from listening to God, who loves to speak truth through stories and inspires all of her books.

She uses the pen name “Sara Nicole” in honor of her grandmother, Sara Gene, who went to be with the Lord in 2011.

“LORD, You will establish peace for us,

since You have also performed for us all our works.”

– Isaiah 26:12, NASB –

Connect with Sara on her Social media links  Blog  Facebook  BookBub

Wednesday Writers–June Foster and her Award-Winning Book The Inn at Cranberry Cove

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Award-winning Romantic Suspense, book excerpt from The Inn at Cranberry Cove, June Foster, Selah Awards, The Inn at Cranberry Cover, The Story Behind the Story, Wednesday Writers

Welcome to Wednesday Writers! Today’s guest author is June Foster with the Story Behind the Story of her Award-winning book The Inn at Cranberry Cove plus a book excerpt. Welcome, June!

Thanks, Catherine.

Twenty years ago, my husband and I lived in Washington State – in Olympia, the capitol. I love the Pacific Northwest and frequently set my stories there. In fact, the first five or so were inspired by the forests of Douglas fir, majestic mountains, and lakes and streams that are perfect for fishing.

One weekend during our time in Washington, we decided to travel west as far as we could go until we reached the ocean. Our trip brought us to a delightful B&B in Ilwaco on the south end of Long Beach Peninsula in the southwest corner of the state, between the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River. I hadn’t realized that a sleepy, historic fishing town nestled there.

The B&B was once an old place of worship, and today boasts of guest rooms, lush gardens, and a large meeting room where the sanctuary used to stand. At the time we were there, I hadn’t written my first book, but years later, upon thinking back to the lovely inn, my imagination began to percolate and The Inn at Cranberry Cove was born.

Today the B&B is owned by a sweet couple by the name of Leanna and Kevin Moos and is now called the Inn at Harbor Village. The picture on the cover of my book is the real inn that the Moos graciously allowed me to use.

I’m so proud to announce that The Inn at Cranberry Cove won first place in the romantic suspense category of the 2021 Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s conference Selah awards.

And now here’s a peek at the award-winning book.

The Inn at Cranberry Cove

By June Foster

Ashton Price arrives in Cranberry Cove, Washington, her pride wounded by her former boss. James Atwood endures punishing guilt after the death of his wife and son. Together, they must discover the mystery that haunts the Inn at Cranberry Cove.

James Atwood leaned over his desk at Pacific Cranberry, Incorporated. Nothing appeared to be amiss with the company’s delivery schedule. Everything seemed to be working, but he couldn’t dismiss the latest of several complaints of non-delivery and invoices received for items not obtained.

He scratched his head and then rubbed his eyes.

His office door opened. “It’s after five, James.” His secretary, Leslie Cunningham, followed her daily routine of checking to see if he needed one last thing before she left. “I’m good, Leslie. Thanks.”

She smiled and started to close the door.

“Wait. Is Robert still in his office?”

Leslie’s smirk told him all he needed to know. His cousin had probably left the office five minutes after returning from lunch. James would have to talk to him tomorrow. If they could remain in each other’s company for more than five minutes, perhaps they’d be able to figure out the breakdown in the company’s delivery system.

“See you in the morning.” Leslie closed the door.

James turned off his computer, grabbed his keys from the desk, and exited his office.

“Son.” Dad stopped him in the hall. “Leaving so soon.”

His father used the tired joke as a way to tell James he worked too hard. Dad had always been able to leave his job behind. Before, James hadn’t been able to … and he couldn’t now after all that had happened.

James tried to make his smile genuine. He wasn’t sure if he could succeed at that any longer. “Yeah. I figured I’d bug out a little early and get some gardening in.”

Dad studied James for a long second. “I admire your work ethic, but you haven’t stopped one minute since—”

James held up his hand, pleading silently for his father to drop what he was going to say. “I did stop, Dad. I stopped to sell the estate, to donate Bethany’s clothes to charity, and to move …” He swallowed the lump in his throat. “To move myself into the cabin. That was enough of a break, don’t you think?”

Dad patted his shoulder. “Sometimes a man needs to stop in order to let his emotions catch up to him. If he doesn’t, they may come out when he least expects it.”

Dad didn’t know, hadn’t visited James when he was alone in the cabin, the door to one room closed, impossible for him to open because of the grief that was stored inside. That’s why the gardening, away from home, the respite he’d been afforded meant so much to him. And he needed to get there … and now. “You have a good evening, Dad. I’ll see you in the morning.”

About the Author:

An award-winning author, June Foster is also a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. She is the mother of two and grandmother of ten. June began writing Christian romance in 2010. She penned her first novel on her Toshiba laptop as she and her husband traveled the US in their RV. Her adventures provide a rich source of information for her novels. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next book.

To date, June has written over twenty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels and novellas. She loves to compose stories about characters who overcome the circumstances in their lives by the power of God and His Word. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who find freedom to live godly lives. She’s published with Winged Publications. Visit June at www.junefoster.com to see a complete list of her books.

Wednesday Writers–The Maritime Cure by Michelle S. Lowe

Welcome to Wednesday Writers! Today’s guest is Michelle S. Lowe who is sharing an excerpt from her Christian Romance The Maritime Cure.  Welcome, Michelle!

The Maritime Cure

By Michelle S. Lowe

Nurse Practitioner, Sage Patterson, is accustomed to giving her time and resources to others—and she wouldn’t want it any other way. But when her reputation is put on the line by someone she thought she could trust, she can’t find the strength to move past the embarrassment and hurt. To make matters worse, she’s now forced to sell her mother’s beloved beach house.

Sage, along with her loyal rescue dog, Molly, head to picturesque Ocean Isle Beach where she finds refuge in helping a young boy with a seizure disorder, and by watching the work of an unknown painter in the evenings. This tranquility is exactly what she needs to decompress… And then she meets real estate attorney, Jacob Gable, who not only manages to turn her world upside down, he steals her heart, too. But will Sage’s anger and fear of betrayal get in the way of everything Jacob has to offer? Or will they, together with God, be able to move on from past hurts to embark on a journey of forgiveness and love?

 BOOK EXERPT

Although her surroundings reminded her of more pleasant times, she quickly pushed away any thoughts of that nature. She wasn’t sure she would ever be able to forgive the man she once looked up to and admired. And she certainly would never be able to forget the embarrassment and the seemingly inescapable position he had left her in. At least her mother hadn’t witnessed the wreck he had made of their lives, that was a small consolation. With memories of her loving mother at every turn, and thoughts of her dad as well, her emotions were suddenly on a roller coaster.

“How about a walk on the beach?” she asked Molly and was rewarded by ears which perked up promptly. Sage couldn’t wait to get out by the water. The smell of the ocean and waves surging in beautiful rhythm had a unique way of calming the senses. Her appointment with the real estate attorney from Gable and Vasquez wasn’t until eleven a.m. the next morning. She would have plenty of time to start packing up the things she wanted to save and get the house in order for a buyer.

She tucked the house key into her pocket and grabbed her cell phone from her purse. She had missed yet another call from him. She erased the voicemail without listening to it.

“Come on, Molly,” she said, calling the faithful dog who trotted right away to her command. She fastened Molly’s leash, and they left the little A-frame. Sage closed the door a little harder than she meant to, causing her heart to hurt even more. Her thoughts were as heavy and as leaden as the deep ocean that stretched before them.

Want to read more? You can find The Maritime Cure on Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michelle Smith Lowe lives in Asheboro, North Carolina with her husband of twenty years, Brian, and their son, Jake. She is the proud owner of a very spoiled bluetick hound dog. Michelle is a Registered Nurse as well as a Certified Multiple Sclerosis Nurse. She has always loved to write and wishes to thank God most of all for her ability to write fiction. Her hobbies include searching for Native American arrowheads on her property and cooking for her family.

Connect with Michelle on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook

Wednesday Writers–Memories of Lasting Shadows by Michael Gryboski

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. Michael Gryboski, book excerpt, Memories of Lasting Shadows, Speculative Fiction/Political Thriller, Wednesday Writers

Welcome to Wednesday Writers! Today’s guest author is Michael Gryboski who will be sharing a bit about his Speculative Fiction/Political Thriller Memories of Lasting Shadows and the word that inspired the story. Welcome, Michael.

Writing About the A-word.

Abortion.

Few words in the English language generate so much emotion, opinion, debate, arguments, rage, passion, and awkwardness when uttered at family gatherings. It has so much shock value whenever used in the entertainment industry over the decades. This includes The Godfather: Part II’s revelation that Michael Corleone’s wife had had an abortion rather than a miscarriage or a recent Saturday Night Live sketch in which the ghost of Susan B. Anthony surprises a group of young women by telling them to remember that “abortion is murder.” Efforts to desensitize the public to the word, such as a provocative T-shirt campaign from some years ago, have always failed.

The word is so touchy, so polarizing, and so divisive, that even those who find no moral objection to the procedure have launched a vast armada of euphemisms. As a part-time political junkie, I have pretty much heard them all. “Choice,” “pro-choice,” “supports choice,” “reproductive justice,” “reproductive rights,” “women’s healthcare choices,” “women’s reproductive choices,” “women’s health,” and so on. I once saw a campaign website in which the candidate supported “the right of women to make their own healthcare decisions.” I wonder how many people looked at that statement and just said “what in the blue heck does that even mean?” Sometimes, the political messaging borders on a Monty Python-styled declaration of “wink, wink, nodge, nodge.” 

In my novel Memories of Lasting Shadows, released last October by Ambassador International, the United States of America has finally moved past the perpetual argument. No longer do people consider one of the two sides a valid opinion. No longer are there candidates who promise to go a specific way on the issue, no longer are political debates centered on questions about the legality of the procedure. Friendships are no longer ended and family dinners are no longer disrupted if someone uses the a-word.

However, let us not forget the words of William Faulkner, who famously wrote that “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” There are still moments when the former controversy consumes space, usually under the banner of historical justice. Debates over school names, public figures weathering allegations of former wrongs, and memorials dedicated to victims abound. Many still obsess over the antiquated things, recognizing that even though the conflict is long over, vestiges still manifest to pick at, like wild dogs scrapping over the last slim helpings of meat found on the bones of an animal carcass.

In my book, journalist Roberta Sheridan and Senator Benjamin Pettus live in a world where abortion has lost its present power to divide, to evoke emotion, to ignite hostility, to advance uncivil discourse. However, that does not mean that the word and its history do not cast a lengthy shadow.

Memories of Lasting Shadows

Michael Gryboski

It has been forty years since the United States of America abolished abortion. The long debate, which brought so much division and discord, was finally brought to an end, and two generations of citizens have reached maturity in this new normal.

United States Senator Benjamin Pettus was alive when choice was the law of the land. A doctor by profession, over the past several years, he has struggled to preserve a sweeping federal healthcare law he helped create.

Roberta Sheridan was born and raised in a world where terminating an unborn child is both illegal and unthinkable. A devout Christian and principled journalist, Roberta is about to discover that the past is never truly gone.

Excerpt:

Roberta humored her friend and followed him into one of the chambers. The section had several items pertaining to Dr. Hood, one of the villains of the tour video. The walls featured photos of the man, one of which he gave what looked like a sadistic smile. Another showed him standing proud in front of his clinic. Glass boxes secured historic items from his handiwork. Some of the clamps and blades, a lab coat that still had splotches of dried blood, several small containers where he once held experimented samples of fetal tissue and tiny limbs, and even a broken wristwatch. Michael led Sheridan to a prominent image of Hood, standing with a group of others at a demonstration protesting the then-novel Supreme Court decision striking down the right to an abortion.

“You see him? You see what it says about what happened to him?”

“Same thing as the tour, Mike. He disappeared.”

“All right, all right,” said Michael, giving a dramatic pause. “Now, what if I told you that I have found Dr. Hood?”

Roberta smirked. “So, where was he this whole time? The Bermuda Triangle? Area 51? Maybe he was touring with Charolash.”

“No, no, Berta,” Michael said, tapping his phone screen a few times before turning the image so Roberta was able to see it. “He has been in plain sight for years.” Roberta saw the photo that Michael presented and was visibly disturbed by her disbelief.

“You have got to be kidding me,” she stated. “Mike, are you serious?”

“Very serious.”

Want to read more? You can find Memories of Lasting Shadows  at Amazon and Barnes and Noble

About the Author:

Michael Gryboski was born and raised in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. He graduated from George Mason University with a bachelor of arts and then a master’s, both in history. In addition to writing fiction, Michael also writes news articles for a living. Michael would rather be correct than widely accepted.

Social Media Links: Facebook   Twitter   Instagram

Wednesday Writers–Blood Moon Redemption by Judy DuCharme

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award-winning fiction, Blood Moon Redemption, Book Excerpt from Blood Moon Redemption, Israel, Judy DuCharme, Middle East, Prophetic and Historical Suspense, Wednesday Writers

Welcome to Wednesday Writers! Our guest today is multi-award winning author is Judy DuCharme who will be talking about her Prophetic and Historical Suspense Blood Moon Redemption. Today, Judy will share a bit about The Story Behind the Story and an excerpt from the book. Keep reading, because this excerpt will catch your attention! I know it caught mine. So, please welcome my guest,  Judy DuCharme!

Thanks, Catherine.

The blood moons were in the news. TV shows talked about the significance of blood moons over the years and the possible prophetic impact. It was all quite fascinating. My husband and I read and listened to a lot of the information. We love Israel and we prayed almost daily for their protection and blessing. 

So one day, my husband told me I should write about this, do a novel. Now my husband never reads fiction, only non-fiction, and this surprised me. Then he said I should have an object, a relic that would pass down from the different times of the blood moons. One day we watched a program where a pastor shared the story of a rumpled man that came to visit his church and had a word for him, but he never saw him again and wondered if he was an angel. My husband added that aspect to the story, the one that I hadn’t written yet . . . I should have a strange character that brought words from God.

Well, soon I was at the computer writing Blood Moon Redemption. It certainly seemed to have an anointing as I finished it in about ten months. Lee often laughed that he’d be looking for me, but I was off somewhere in the Middle East. Because of all my research for this book, my friends were sure I’d never get through security at the airport when I tried to fly into Washington DC to visit our daughter. Thankfully, I always made it.

The book walks the edge politically, theologically, culturally, and prophetically. That may be why it took three years to find a publisher. It’s won seven awards. My brother wrote my favorite review: Most such novels have pacing that gives you natural places to stop for the night but this one runs right through the stop signs. My publisher said it was gripping from the start to the last moonrise.

Blood Moon Redemption

By Judy DuCharme

The blood moons were always surrounded by great persecution and great provision, great trial and great triumph.

When the Jews were expelled from Spain and traveled with Columbus, only a tassel from a prayer shawl remained with them to signify their faith. That tassel, handed down, stolen, and hidden, became a marker of God’s protection and now is the focus of a terrorist scheme and a young woman’s destiny.

Blood Moon Redemption is an end-times thriller that will keep you riveted until the very last moonrise.

Excerpt:

Mr. Goldman arrived shortly after she returned from lunch and lost no time in describing his situation. His wife had moved to the States from Israel. Her grandfather was part of an oil company drilling for oil in Israel. The man had spent all of his own money as well as money he’d been able to get from the Israeli government. Apparently, he had at least one friend in high places. He also had Christian financiers in the States. They thought oil in Israel fulfilled some Biblical prophecy.

As Tassie listened to Mr. Goldman, she felt like Hector was also sitting in the room. She glanced around expecting to see him. Crazy.

Mr. Goldman continued, “My wife’s grandfather was about to close down the company. It would have created a lot of debt for all those involved financially: the Christian groups, the Israeli government, and my wife’s family. We were embarrassed, and Sally didn’t even want anyone to know who her grandfather was.”

“Okay.” Tassie waited. That’s it. They went bankrupt and now Mr. Goldman doesn’t want to carry any of the debt.

Goldman sighed. “But he hit oil. It wasn’t a big strike, but everyone thought they could at least break even.” Tassie shifted in her seat. I just want the facts. This is like listening to my mother.

She took a sip of her coffee and then smiled at Mr. Goldman. Don’t offend the client. Polite, gracious, listen. She put her pen to the notebook and looked up.

Mr. Goldman droned on. “Well, within two months a well already drilled, one that had not produced before, began to produce. It provided enough revenue to drill one last place. The family wanted him to stop. They would break even. Don’t risk more. But her grandfather was not that type. He’d been high military. He was a calculator, a risk taker.”

And probably not a storyteller. Please, Mr. Goldman. Tassie kept her face down as she took notes. She would reveal her weariness with the story if she looked up. She silently willed him to finish the thing, so she could get to the custody issue.

Mr. Goldman spread his hands. “Her grandfather said he had a dream. A dream.” He shook his head. “Can you believe it? Everybody’s livelihoods on a dream! What, you ask, was he thinking? I ask that question myself. I don’t know the answer. And what was the dream? That I can tell you. He saw the location of a new well. It was where some old Israeli map showed Asher dipping his toe.”

“What? Who? Asher?”

“Jewish prophecy. Moses telling the children of Israel about their futures. It was the tradition of the patriarchs before they died, and it’s recorded in the Torah.”

Tassie nodded but did not reveal her own Jewish roots. Not necessary. Don’t get involved.

“So, what is that story? I tell you, that’s a story in itself.” Mr. Goldman wiped his forehead with his hand. “Anyway, he felt he had to drill this one last well. He had drilled in this area before. Did he know the map from the Torah? Yes? Yes, of course yes, but this was more specific. They did their soil samples and it looked good, but what they got was almost a gusher. Somehow, they kept it out of the press for a while, or else nobody thought much of it. All the surrounding nations had the oil advantage. Israel was a small gamer in oil. No one really expected much.”

Tassie remembered hearing reports of Israel’s oil, but it sounded laughable. The consensus was that Israel couldn’t be an oil power. Not when the little country was surrounded by such giants in the oil business.

“Israel’s government became more involved, as did the Christian financiers, yet they somehow managed to keep it under the radar. We didn’t hear about it. But then my wife’s aunt began letting Sally know that this was growing far beyond expectations. More oil wells, more drilling, more profit.”

Mr. Goldman took a breath. “Because they want to keep this undercover, they want only trusted family members in the business. So, Sally’s aunt offered her a position in the company.”

“Not you, though, Mr. Goldman?”

“Oh, yes, me too. You think I don’t belong to the family? Of course I belong, but the job is in Israel. Me, live in Israel? What are they thinking? It’s dangerous there, no? And I like it here. I like my job here.”

“So, bottom line, your wife wants to move to Israel and take your daughter, and you want to stay here?”

“Yes, of course, yes. My daughter, Josie, what a joy she is to me. She is happy here, and she doesn’t want her mom to leave. Do I want her mom to leave? No, of course not.”

“When did Sally move here from Israel?”

Mr. Goldman sighed. “When we got married. We met when I traveled to Israel on business. I’m in marketing for a fine arts and relics gallery.”

Probably knows my mother. I might need to recuse myself. “Is there anything else we should know?”

He wrung his hands and then rubbed his chin as he looked over at the window. “Yes, yes, perhaps. This is a bit odd, but because my company deals in relics this caught my attention. They were out surveying and did a little digging. They unearthed a glass bottle sealed with wax and fully intact. Inside was a tassel, probably from a prayer shawl.”

Tassie coughed. The blood drained from her face and light-headedness took over. I’m going to pass out.

She reached for her cup but had no strength. The story of the tassel is true? How can that be? She tried to stand but was too woozy.

 Want to read more? You can find Blood Moon Redemption at Amazon

About the Author:

Judy DuCharme grew up with Lake Huron next to her back yard and has always loved the water. She, her husband, daughter, and son moved to Door County in 1984. After teaching 5th Grade at Gibraltar School for 22 years, Judy followed the calling that tugged at her all her life to write. Blood Moon Redemption is one of seven published books. Her middle-grades book is set to be released soon and another book is under contract. Judy is the recipient of numerous awards and writes for Guideposts Magazine. If you visit Door County, you may find her hiking in the woods, jet skiing on the bay, worshipping at her church, teaching a Bible study, cheering for the Green Bay Packers, playing with her amazing grandson, or sitting outside enjoying the beauty around her.

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