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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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—Murder on Blake Hill by Janis Lane

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cozy Mysteries, Detective Kevin Fowler Mystery series, Emma Lane, Murder on Blake Hill, Wednesday Writers

Today Janis Lane, author of the Detective Kevin Fowler Mysteries series, visits Wednesday Writers talking about how puzzles and cozy mysteries are alike. Welcome, Janis!

Thanks, Catherine.
For me, pulling together the pieces of a cozy mystery dictates the same patience as a family working a picture puzzle. The other day I listened to my daughter teach her young son a technique.

“First,” she said, “we look for the straight edges. That tells us how far the picture (or story) can go. See? The waterfall ends right here. Next we look for colors that tell us something about the center of the puzzle. Isn’t this dark blue part of someone’s skirt? And here is another piece the same color. Now we have half a person. There’s a lot of red. Perhaps it’s a different person. (Our characters.) Perhaps that light blue is the sky (setting). Are there green trees? (Summer) Is that grass? Is there a storm in the sky?” (Trouble looms.)

Step by step an author pieces together clues to make a whole. Especially important for a mystery is the process that leads us finally to the answer of the ultimate puzzle. Who did it? How do we catch them? How can we keep innocent people from harm?
Especially important for a mystery is the process that leads us finally to the answer of the ultimate puzzle. Who did it? How do we catch them? How can we keep innocent people from harm?

Murder on Blake Hill is the third in the series of Detective Kevin Fowler Mysteries. In this story we join a group of neighbors and friends who all live in a small town in typical American fashion. When certain events go awry, the detective starts to systematically pair clues and events with a time line to solve the puzzle. On the way we can enjoy the interaction of our favorite characters as they live and love in this particular setting (the edge pieces). With the richness of an exquisitely woven tapestry, we join in sharing their emotions: happy, exciting, and sad. Sometimes they are frightened and other times filled with astonishment.

The detective has gained the trust of the townspeople and feels the pressure to find the answer to the puzzle. Who is the disruptive visitor at the church barbecue? How do we catch a stalker? Are we finally going to enjoy a wedding celebration? Who killed two old men up on Blake Hill Cemetery and why?

Detective Kevin Fowler is baffled by the wall of silence that greets him from the relatives of two septuagenarians whose bodies are discovered in a country cemetery called Blake Hill. Even more upsetting is the unusual rash of vandalism reported nightly by the citizens in his peaceful community. Have the teenagers declared an uprising? Night patrols reveal a totally unexpected and shocking situation. When a poignant secret is revealed, Beverly Hampton weeps over the sadness of a long ago tragedy, but soon wedding bells are heard for the home town princess and the popular detective. At the local diner the alluring fragrance of fresh-baked, cinnamon sticky buns continues to reign over the peaceful citizens of Hubbard, New York.

Amazon Buy Link

Read more of the cozy mysteries by Janis Lane on Amazon

About the Author:

Janis Lane is the pen-name for gifted author Emma Lane who writes cozy mysteries as Janis, Regency as Emma, and spice as Sunny Lane.

She lives in Western New York where winter is snowy, spring arrives with rave reviews, summer days are long and velvet, and fall leaves are riotous in color. At long last she enjoys the perfect bow window for her desk where she is treated to a year-round panoramic view of nature. Her computer opens up a fourth fascinating window to the world. Her patient husband is always available to help with a plot twist and encourage Emma to never quit. Her day job is working with flowers at Herbtique and Plant Nursery, the nursery she and her son own.

Look for information about writing and plants on Emma’s new website. Leave a comment or a gardening question and put a smile on Emma’s face.

Stay connected to Emma on Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to check out the things that make Emma smile on Pinterest.

Murder on Blake Hill, Detective Kevin Fowler Mystery series, Emma Lane, Wednesday Writers, cozy mysteries,

Wednesday Writers–War-Torn Heart by Allison Wells

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Allison Wells, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, Clemson University, excerpt from War-Torn Heart, Historical Christian Romance, South Carolina, War-Torn Heart, WWII novel

Welcome to Wednesday Writers. Today’s guest is Allison Wells, author of War-Torn Heart. Allison will be sharing some background of the setting of this Historical Christian Romance as well as an excerpt from the book. Welcome, Allison!

 

Thanks, Catherine.

War-Torn Heart is more than just a Christian romance novel. It’s set in a very real time in our history and takes place in real locations in South Carolina.

As a Clemson alumni myself, the history of the school has always enthralled me. Hearing that the entire class of 1943 enlisted and went off to join the war effort really resonated with me. That sense of purpose, of community – it is something I would love to see come back to our country.

Before having children, I worked as a newspaper journalist. I covered a small town called Six Mile just a short ways away from Clemson University and I fell in love with the small town and pride this community took in their history. The town had dwindled, stores had closed, but the people remained friendly and positive. This is the inspiration for the unnamed town in which the main character of War-Torn Heart lives.

From there, I began to weave the story of Abby, her rocking chair front porch home filled with family, the white clapboard church her family had attended for generations, and the plantation ruins she and Harvey explore. All were inspired by real homes and churches I have had the pleasure of seeing while living in the Upstate.

South Carolina is a magical place. History comes alive when one can set foot in churches built in 1822 and sit in pews once occupied by US Vice Presidents. Where people can see the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains from any hilltop. And where people are genuinely warm and welcoming.

I can only hope that the magic of South Carolina is felt in War-Torn Heart and that the story of an entire class who went off to fight for freedom, and the local families also affected by World War II, is palpable to the reader.

From my heart to yours, God bless.

 

 

War-Torn Heart

By Allison Wells

   Abigail Walker, a young woman from rural South Carolina, is on the cusp of womanhood, aching to be able to run wild as the younger children do, yet yearning for things she has yet to understand.

   Awkward and unsure of herself, Abby is flustered when she meets Harvey Nicholas, a cadet from Clemson College. As summer begins, Abby finds herself constantly in the company of Harvey and falling quickly in love with him.

   As rumors of war begin to reach the States, Abby begins to fear what may come for her older brother and Harvey.

   Once Pearl Harbor is bombed, the boys are eager to protect their home and the women they love. But will Abby and Harvey’s love be able to withstand distance, rumors, loss, and hurt? Or will the war be what tears apart Abby’s heart?

   War-Torn Heart is a kleenex-box book with a story of hope, of love, and of perseverance through World War II, which will make the reader cry, scream, and long for more.

Excerpt:

Through the tears, Abby watched Harvey pick up her left hand and slide the ring over her third finger. It fit perfectly, surely a sign from God. Abby had never felt happier and more afraid at the same time.

Then, reality came washing back over her. Harvey was leaving, and Abby didn’t know for how long. Tears rolled down her cheeks, and she prayed with all her might that he would return home to her. Harvey held her close and a few sniffs escaped from him as well. Wet tears fell onto Abby’s curls. Several yards away, men were starting to get on the buses, the engines rumbling. Abby knew it was time to say goodbye. She backed away from Harvey several steps, giving herself space. She looked at him; she memorized every piece of his face. His hair, starting to grow, brushed against his brow. His eyes, bold and green, studied her back. His high cheeks were proud and stern. His mouth was soft and warm.

Peter approached Abby again. “Tell everyone I love them?” he asked. “And keep an eye on Emme for me. I don’t have a fancy ring for her, but I think everyone knows she’s taken.” He smiled at his sister and hugged her. Abby didn’t say anything back, but her face spoke volumes.

Harvey again lifted Abby’s chin with his hand. “I told you not to look down, Abby,” he said. “You’re a strong, godly woman, who should always look up.”

“I will,” she said quietly.

“I love you with everything, Abigail,” Harvey told her as he hugged her close. He kissed her sweetly. “I’ll be home soon.”

“I’m counting on it,” she said, twirling the ring on her finger. “I love you, too.”

As the men stepped back, Emmeline’s hand slipped into Abby’s. They each squeezed with all their might as Peter and Harvey finally turned around and headed to the bus, shoulder to shoulder.

Harvey got on first; he turned and waved at the girls. Abby felt hot tears fall down her face and neck. Then he disappeared. Peter stepped up next. He blew his wife a kiss and waved. Emmeline’s grip tightened, and she began to wail. The door closed behind Peter, and the bus jerked forward, a puff of smoke billowing out as it rambled down the road. Abby and Emmeline stood motionless, holding hands until the bus was out of sight.

When they could see the bus no longer, Emmeline buckled and fell to the ground. Abby quickly gathered her sister-in-law into her lap, and the pair cried until they had no tears left. It seemed like hours before they got up. Tear-stained and dirty, they got into the car and drove home in silence.

Want to read more? You can find War-Torn Heart on Amazon

About the Author:

Allison Wells lives in the foothills of South Carolina’s Upstate, in the shadow of Clemson University. She’s a former newswriter and wedding photographer who is finally pursuing her dream of being a published author. Allison is married and has four children. When not writing or reading, she can be found trying to nap or shuttling her children from activity to activity – but not at the same time.

Social Media: Facebook   Instagram   Website

 

 

 

 

 

 

Musings From a Writer’s Brain—Jumping the Fence For Love by Catherine Castle

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book excerpt from The Nun and the Narc, Catherine Castle, Colton Underwood, inspirational romantic suspense, Jumping the fence for love, Musings from a Writer's Brain, The Bachelor, The Nun and the Narc

There’s a new term in town for the hero every woman wants—the man who jumps the fence for you.

Haven’t heard it? Then I know you’re not a fan of the television reality series The Bachelor. This year’s bachelor, Colton Underwood, jumped an eight-foot fence into the darkened night of Portugal after the woman he loved rejected him. Then he gave up the other two remaining women, who had already professed their love—and with whom he was falling in love—to pursue Cassie who had left him because she wasn’t sure she could commit to him at the end of the show.

The video clip showing the shadowy figure of Colton jumping a stark-white eight-foot fence aired all season long and was so remarkable that my daughter—who never watches the show and can’t understand why her parents do—called me, excited, and said, “You have to tell me what the fence jumping is all about!”

I have to admit the ease Colton displayed in leaping over that fence in one bound was a sight to behold. It reminded me of the athletes on the television shows Titan and Ninja Warrior who display almost superhuman strength while bounding over tumbling blocks, running up walls the curve inward, and dragging gigantic metal balls across the floor after performing other feats of amazing strength. What woman wouldn’t want a man who had that kind of strength and would use it in a positive way to protect her and his family?

But the thing that impressed me most wasn’t Colton’s ability to jump a fence two-foot higher than he was tall. It was the fact that he was willing to risk it all to follow his heart. He also was willing to take all the time Cassie needed to discover whether she could get to the same level of love for him that Colton had for her.

A love that is all in.

The patience to see that love through even when it’s not going your way.

And a man who’ll jump the fence for you.

What more could a woman in love wish for?

Here’s wishing you that kind of love in life and in literature.

And now here’s a peek at Catherine Castle’s multi-award-winning inspirational romantic suspense The Nun and the Narc. Featuring that same kind of all-in love.

 

The Nun and the Narc

By Catherine Castle

Where novice Sister Margaret Mary goes, trouble follows. When she barges into a drug deal the local Mexican drug lord captures her. To escape she must depend on undercover DEA agent Jed Bond. Jed’s attitude toward her is exasperating, but when she finds herself inexplicable attracted to him he becomes more dangerous than the men who have captured them, because he is making her doubt her decision to take her final vows. Escape back to the nunnery is imperative, but life at the convent, if she can still take her final vows, will never be the same.

Nuns shouldn’t look, talk, act, or kiss like Sister Margaret Mary O’Connor—at least that’s what

Jed Bond thinks. She hampers his escape plans with her compulsiveness and compassion and in the process makes Jed question his own beliefs. After years of walling up his emotions in an attempt to become the best agent possible, Sister Margaret is crumbling Jed’s defenses and opening his heart. To lure her away from the church would be unforgivable—to lose her unbearable.

Excerpt:

Another row of pottery shattered, sending fragments into the car like tiny projectile rockets. Sending up a quick prayer, she covered her head.

Slamming the door shut as he passed, the man leapt over the trunk. He jerked open the driver’s door then jumped behind the wheel. Jamming the car into gear, he roared out into the market street. Shoppers and vendors screamed, leaping out of the car’s path.

Margaret scrambled into the passenger seat. “Stop this car immediately!”

“Keep down,” he ordered, “unless you want to get shot.”

The rear window glass erupted into the car’s interior, punctuating his words. The man fired at the attackers through the shattered back window.

“Shot?” Her voice rose an octave. “Oh, dear Lord in Heaven, what have I gotten into?”

“Trouble, Lady.” He fired off another round. “Big trouble.”

Margaret slid deeper into the front passenger seat, grabbing the door handle as the car careened around a corner.

I’m going to die. In a car crash. With a strange man. Heart pumping madly, she let go of the door handle just long enough to cross herself then grabbed it again as the car swerved. A guardian angel would be good here, Lord. And make it Dale Earnhardt! They swerved around another corner and she held on for dear life.

Oh, Mother Superior, maybe you’re right. Maybe I’m not good nun material after all. Who else in the convent could get themselves into a mess like this?

 

Multi-award winning author Catherine Castle loves writing, reading, traveling, singing, theatre, quilting and gardening. She’s a passionate gardener whose garden won a “Best Hillside Garden” award from the local gardening club. She writes sweet and inspirational romances. You can find her award-winning Soul Mate books The Nun and the Narc and A Groom for Mama, on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Follow her on Twitter @AuthorCCastle, FB or her blog.

 

 

Wednesday Writers–Innocence Denied by Mike Garrett

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Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, Christian Romantic Suspense, excerpt from Innocence Denied, Innocence Denied, Mike Garrett

Today’s Wednesday Writers guest is Mike Garrett, author of Innocence Denied, here to tell us how this  Christian Romantic Suspense started and to share an excerpt. Welcome, Mike.

Thanks, Catherine.

Innocence Denied actually began as an idea for a secular novel many years ago. What if someone falsely accused of murder skips bail and flees prosecution? For some reason I could never get motivated enough to actually write it. I knew essentially who my characters were but just wasn’t sure what their purpose of interaction would be.

Everything changed at a church service a couple of years ago when the message urged serving God with our spiritual gifts. Our Father had blessed me with the knowledge to make a career of something that I loved, so shouldn’t I be doing something to honor Him in return?

I immediately knew that the focus of my secular idea could easily be changed. A Christian man and an unbelieving woman would be thrown together under extraordinary circumstances never to be the same again.

With God’s help along the way, I put together what I consider a page turner—I wanted to make it difficult for the reader to find a place to stop, and the results have been high praise from reviewers. This was a writing experience unlike any other for me.

My goal with the novel was two-fold. First, I wanted to provide examples of subtle witnessing that Christian readers could adapt as a blueprint to witnessing to others. Second, I wanted the witnessing aspect of the story to bring unbelieving readers closer to God.

Of course, unbelievers would never choose to read a Christian novel. On the last page of the novel I ask readers to give their copy of the book to someone who needs to receive its message. Perhaps with the endorsement of a dear friend, an unbeliever might be willing to at least give the novel a try.

Innocence Denied is written in such a way that the Christian theme of the novel is minimal in the beginning and slowly increases closer to the end. There’s an element of suspense as to everything may not be as it seems. My hope is that an unbelieving reader may be hooked enough by the characters and story developments to be more receptive to its message.

Writing this book has been an honor, and if at least one lost soul is brought closer to Jesus as a result, it will have been a success.

 

Innocence Denied

By Mike Garrett

He saved her from life in prison,

then freed her soul . . .

Innocence Denied

EXCERPT:

Relaxing behind the steering wheel as they entered Arkansas, Derrick yawned, then said, “Tell me something good.”

Larissa glared at him in the dim light and answered incredulously, “Are you kidding me?”

Derrick smiled at her, feeling more at ease now that their destination was clear. “No, I’m not. There’s always something good.”

Shaking her head, Larissa snapped, “I’m running for my life. Nothing’s good.”

“You’re not in jail, right? That’s good.”

Larissa sat silently, apparently distancing herself from the conversation.

“You’re beautiful, you’re healthy, and you have a long life ahead of you. That’s good, isn’t it?”

Larissa sat silently. “Humph,” she finally responded, flipping down the sun visor to stare at her reflection in the mirror behind it, her image barely visible in the low light. “Just look at me. You can’t possibly call this beautiful.”

With a laugh Derrick shot back, “I told you before that you can’t hide your looks. Besides, your hair will grow back and you’ll laugh at this conversation.”

Larissa groaned and snapped, “So what’s good for you, Mr. Glass Half Full?”

Another big grin spread across Derrick’s face. “That’s easy,” he said. “I’m going home!”

 

Want to read more? You can find Innocence Denied at Barnes and Noble

 

About the Author:

MIKE GARRETT is a devout Christian and life-long resident of Alabama. His world revolves around God, his wife Sharon, two adult children, five grandchildren, and one granddog. He is an internationally respected book editor and previously published author. Mike first ventured into Christian writing by drafting humorous scripts for church dramas, one of which was “The Thirteenth Disciple.” He also wrote and produced a short film, “Mysterious Ways,” in which he combined his life-long interest in the classic TV show, “The Twilight Zone,” with a biblical theme. Innocence Denied is his first Christian novel. Its official website is http://www.innocencedeniedbook.com

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

https://twitter.com/mgarrett49

https://www.facebook.com/InnocenceDenied/?modal=admin_todo_tour

http://innocencedeniedbook.com/

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers – A Tender Hope by Amanda Cabot

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A Tender Hope, AmandaCabot, Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, excerpt from A Tender Hope, historical romance

 

 

Today’s Wednesday Writers blog guest is best-selling romance author Amanda Cabot. Amanda will be sharing an excerpt from her historical romance A Tender Hope and a tidbit of conversation she overheard from a couple of her characters. Welcome, Amanda!

 

 

Thanks, Catherine.

Like many towns, Cimarron Creek has an active grapevine and its share of busybodies. I happened to listen in while the biggest busybody of all, whom I’ll call Mrs. BB, cornered Thea Michener outside her home.

 

Mrs. BB: Welcome to Cimarron Creek, Mrs. Michener. I can’t tell you how delighted we all are to have a new midwife. You know we needed one.

Thea: I’m happy to be here.

Mrs. BB: You’ll excuse me for saying this, I’m sure, but you’re not quite what I expected.

Thea: In what way?

Mrs. BB: You’re younger than I thought, and well … I know you’re a widow, but you’re not wearing black.

Thea: I can assure you that I’m well trained as a midwife, and just because I put my widow’s weeds aside doesn’t mean I don’t regret my husband’s passing.

Mrs. BB: Hmm … How did he die, if you don’t mind my asking?

Thea: That is a rather personal question, Mrs. BB, but since you asked, I might as well tell you that he was shot.

Mrs. BB: A robbery?

Thea: Perhaps, and now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to talk about something else.

Mrs. BB: I heard another lady came with you and that she’s from Paris, France.

Thea: Your information is half right. My companion is Aimee Jarre, and she’s from France, but not Paris. She lived in a small town called Maillochauds.

Mrs. BB: And why did she come to Texas?

Thea: Personal reasons.

Mrs. BB: I see. You don’t want to say anything more. That’s all right. It might be my imagination, but she looks a bit familiar. I know I’ve never seen her before, but she reminds me of someone.

Thea: It must be your imagination. Either that, or she has a double. I’ve heard that somewhere in the world, each of us does.

Mrs. BB: Do you believe that?

Thea: I’m not sure. I’ve certainly never met my double, but I suppose it’s possible.

Mrs. BB: So, what is Miss Jarre like? She is “Miss” Jarre, isn’t she?

Thea: Oh, yes. She’s waiting for the coup de foudre to strike.

Mrs. BB: Coo duh what?

Thea: It’s the French term for lightning strike. Aimee’s mother told her that sometimes love is like that. You see a man for the first time, and in that instant, you know that he’s the one you’re meant to marry.

Mrs. BB: I never heard of that. It wasn’t like that when I met Mr. Mrs. BB, but I reckon it could be possible. Do you believe in that coo duh whatever?

Thea: No, I don’t. Not anymore.

Mrs. BB: Why not?

Thea: I’m sorry, Mrs. BB, but I really need to go now.

 

Poor Thea. Not only was she confronted by a woman who wanted to know too much about her past, but though she had no way of knowing it, before the week was over, she would have discovered that the story about having a double was true. Unfortunately, the circumstances of learning that were more tragic than Thea could have imagined.

 

A Tender Hope

By Amanda Cabot

 

As far as Thea Michener is concerned, it’s time for a change. With her husband murdered and her much-anticipated baby stillborn, there is nothing left for her in Ladreville. Having accepted a position as Cimarron Creek’s midwife, she has no intention of remarrying. So when a handsome Texas Ranger appears on her doorstep with an abandoned baby, Thea isn’t sure her heart can take it.

Ranger Jackson Guthrie isn’t concerned only with the baby’s welfare. He’s been looking for Thea, convinced that her late husband was part of the gang that killed his brother. But it soon becomes clear that the situation is far more complicated than he anticipated—and he’ll need Thea’s help if he’s ever to find the justice he seeks.

Excerpt

She was trying to run away from him. Jackson Guthrie scowled as Ladreville’s sheriff told him the woman he’d tracked this far had left town only hours before he arrived. Somehow—and he didn’t know how, since there’d been no sign of the rest of the Gang—she must have realized that he was searching for her. Admittedly, the story that she’d accepted a position as a midwife in another town sounded plausible, but the timing was suspect. It was more likely that with her husband dead, she’d decided to operate from a different location.

The Gang had done that before. That was part of what made finding them so difficult. They kept moving, and when they weren’t robbing stagecoaches or trains, they simply disappeared from sight. Three men and a woman. The Gang of Four. And unless his hunch was totally wrong, she was one of them.

She was running. Jackson didn’t doubt that for a minute. What she didn’t know was that she couldn’t outrun him. Texas Rangers always got their man, or in this case, their woman.

 

Want to read more? You can find A Tender Hope bt Amanda Cabot at Amazon

 

About the Author:

Amanda Cabot’s dream of selling a book before her thirtieth birthday came true, and she’s now the author of more than thirty-five novels as well as eight novellas, four non-fiction books, and what she describes as enough technical articles to cure insomnia in a medium-sized city. Her inspirational romances have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists, have garnered a starred review from Publishers Weekly, and have been nominated for the ACFW Carol, the HOLT Medallion, and the Booksellers Best awards. A popular workshop presenter, Amanda takes pleasure in helping other writers achieve their dreams of publication. 

Social Media Links

https://www.facebook.com/amanda.j.cabot

https://twitter.com/AmandaJoyCabot/

http://amandajoycabot.blogspot.com/

Wednesday Writers–The Soul Searcher by Erin R. Howard

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book excerpt from The Soul Searchers, Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, Erin R. Howard, Naming your characters, The Kalila Chronicles, The Soul Searcher, Urban Fantasy

 

Today’s Wednesday Writers guest is Erin R. Howard, author of the urban fantasy series The Kalila Chronicles. Erin will be talking about names and their importance to your book characters. She also sharing an excerpt from book 2 of the series, The Soul Searcher. Welcome, Erin.

 

 

 

Thanks, Catherine.

With my first two children, it wasn’t hard to decide on their names. We both agreed on the names before we even went in to find out whether we were having a boy or a girl. When we got pregnant with our third child, my husband and I couldn’t agree on a girl’s name. We had the boy’s name ready, but nothing seemed to feel right for a girl’s name. The ones that did, we already knew little girls with that name. I remember feeling out of sorts the day of the ultrasound because if we were having a girl, we had no clue what to name her. At the ultrasound, we were told that the baby was a boy, and somehow deep down, maybe I knew, and that’s why I couldn’t settle on a girl name.

When I got serious about writing and began plotting my book, I didn’t think naming my characters would be harder than it was to name my children. But it was! Every name that I liked was either a name from another book that I loved, someone we knew, or it wasn’t the right fit for the character’s personality. I would sit and stare at the blank page, then switch to searching through baby name websites. My husband suggested that I put any name in for the moment and change it later, but that didn’t work for me. I had to have the perfect name.

If you’re not familiar with urban fantasy, it has all the elements of fantasy, but instead of a fictional world, it’s set in our world. In my debut novel, The Seer, I have three main characters. Viktor, Matthias, and Thea. Viktor is a demon, and his mission is to destroy Thea, who is the last of the seers’ bloodline.

I love old fashioned names and ones that are spelled differently. Since Viktor is a demon and tasked with the job of destroying Thea, I wanted to find a name that had that type of theme. When I saw that Viktor means, “conqueror” I switched the “c” to “k,” and now I can’t imagine his name being anything else.

There are a few more hidden meanings scattered throughout the series. The Kalila, an ancient society that trains humans who have supernatural gifts, means “my beloved” and Bethesda, the sanctuary city they are trying to escape to, means “house of mercy.”

In the second book of the series, The Soul Searcher, one of the new main characters name is Elnora. She is named after my Nanny, who passed away while I was writing the first book. She even has my Nanny’s red hair and sometimes fiery temper. I know that she would have been excited to see that I have a character named after her.

What is one book that you’ve read and loved the name of the character? Or what about one that you didn’t like? Did it stop you from finishing the story? Tell me in the comment section, I would love to know!

 

The Soul Searcher

by Erin R. Howard

 

Elnora’s parents gave her one rule:

Stay hidden away at all costs.

Elnora Scott is used to her survival depending on the decisions of others. Locked away in her safe house, it is easy to follow her parents’ dying wishes until an angel, demon, and seer show up on her doorstep. Now, waking up in a dirty cell, she wishes she would have gone with them when she had the chance, because the very ones who unknowingly ushered the kidnapper to her location may be the only ones who can save her.

 

When Thea learns that Elnora may be in danger, she doesn’t hesitate to go find her. Thea thought stepping through the portal would be her greatest obstacle, but it only reveals a more sinister threat.

 

Excerpt from The Soul Searcher:

“A red blinking light from the safe room door caught her attention as she placed her toothbrush in the holder and left the bathroom. Purple, silk pajamas slipped through her fingers and landed at her feet. The smooth fabric tickled her toes as she tried to get her legs to cooperate and move towards the door, but she couldn’t move.

This was not a drill.

Someone was in her house.

She was such a fool. She shouldn’t have let hope come in and take root, because it came in and caught her with her guard down. This hope turned her whole world upside down. Forcing her feet to move this time, she took a step closer to the door, hoping it was an accident, that Markus made a mistake and triggered the alarm without meaning to. This hope kept her taking another step, and another, even though her heart knew what her mind didn’t want to accept yet. Markus didn’t make those kinds of mistakes. The silent, blinking red light taunted her, beckoned her to come to the door and see for herself. To come and see if this was all a mistake.” -Elnora,

Want to read more? Click Pre-Order/Purchase Link below.

https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Searcher-Kalila-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B07MLXTYJT

 

About the Author:

Erin R. Howard is a developmental editor, fantasy author of The Kalila Chronicles, and has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University. When she’s not writing, Erin enjoys spending time with her family, fueling her craft addictions, and teaching writing workshops. Erin is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the KenTen Writers Group. She resides in Western Kentucky with her husband and three children.

Social Media:  Website: Facebook: Instagram: