Free Book Fridays–A Groom for Mama by Catherine Castle Free for a Limited Time

Tags

A Groom for Mama, award winning book, Catherine Castle, Free Book Fridays, free book offer, romantic comedy

SALE!     SALE!    SALE!

A Groom for Mama, my award-winning sweet romantic comedy, with a touch of drama, EBook is free on Amazon now through June 10.

If you don’t know anything about the book let me fill you in.

Beverly Walters is dying, and before she goes she has one wish—to find a groom for her daughter. To get the deed done, Mama enlists the dating service of Jack Somerset, Allison’s former boyfriend.

The last thing corporate-climbing Allison wants is a husband. Furious with Mama’s meddling, and a bit more interested in Jack than she wants to admit, Allison agrees to the scheme as long as Mama promises to search for a cure for her terminal illness.

A cross-country trip from Nevada to Ohio ensues, with a string of disastrous dates along the way, as the trio hunts for treatment and A Groom For Mama.

A Groom for Mama won the Contemporary category in 2109 Uncaged Book Review Raven Awards.

Here’s what Amazon readers are saying about the book:

• “I immediately fell in love with these delightful characters and had a hard time putting this book down….” Joanne Guidoccio
• “Castle writes with humor. The author excels at building romantic tension and also touching the hearts of readers with family drama. The novel moved me to tears a few times….” Sandy Hart
• “….This book is filled with a lot of love and heartfelt emotion. Beautifully written, it tugged on every one of my heartstrings and tickled my funny bone at the same time.” AuthorLady 8
• “What a sweet book. I even teared up towards the end. I devoured it in two nights. If you are looking for a sweet Hallmark-esque romance read, this one is for you.” Erin Clark:
• “A Groom for Mama is a well written, delightful romantic comedy penned by author Catherine Castle….I recommend this story if you’re in the mood for a one-of-a-kind story that entertains as well as delivers a refreshing message.” Virginia J Foster:
• “…This is a great romantic comedy you won’t want to miss!” Rose A MCCauley
• “An enjoyable read full of fun and wit and heart-felt emotions. You knew the hero and heroine would end up together, with a little help from ‘mama’, and it was fun to experience the journey. A wonderful story of love and friendship and caring.” Sandy’s Fire

Here’s an Excerpt to whet your appetite

A Groom for Mama

by Catherine Castle

Bounding down the stairwell as the bell rang, Allison shouted, “I’m coming! I’m coming. Keep your pants on!” She threw the deadbolt off and jerked open the door.

Jack Somerset stood in front of her, his chin perched on top of a stack of Chinese take-out cartons. Shoving down her tingling gut reaction, she commanded her heart to stop jumping like an overexcited puppy.

Except for a few more laugh wrinkles around his eyes, Jack hadn’t changed a bit since college. His brown hair still dipped over his forehead in a shaggy mane. A lopsided smile spread across his face when he saw her. He winked at her, his green eyes twinkling.

“Well, if it isn’t the bride-to-be. Nice to see you again, Allison.” He jiggled the cartons balanced in his arms. “I brought Chinese. I remember it was your favorite. Moo shu pork, right?” He pushed past her and headed toward the kitchen, apparently as well acquainted with her childhood home as she.

Grabbing her head between her hands, she squeezed her temples.

Chinese. Of all the things he could have brought, he brought Chinese.

She’d broken it off with him in a Chinese restaurant . . . over moo shu pork. Very loudly and very violently. The pork and the pot of hot tea had landed in Jack’s lap when he tried to keep her from leaving the table. Did his choice of entrees mean Jack hadn’t forgotten the incident? She hadn’t, and she’d been unable to eat that particular Chinese dish since.

Want to read more? Pop over to Amazon and get your copy! And, when you’re done reading consider leaving a review. Authors love reviews! I hope you love A Groom for Mama as much as the other readers have.

 

About the Author:

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.

 

 

 

Advertisements

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

Tags

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

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

 

A God For Our Daughters

 

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

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

I can shout, “I’ve found Him.”

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

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

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

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

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

 

Jerusalem Rising

By Barbara M. Britton

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

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

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

Excerpt:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author:

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

You can also follow Barb on Twitter and Goodreads.

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

Wednesday Writers–When Valleys Bloom Again by Pat Jeanne Davis

Tags

Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers, excerpt from When Valleys Bloom Again, Pat Jeanne Davis, penicillin, When Valleys Bloom Again, WWII romance

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

Thanks, Catherine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

When Valleys Bloom Again

By Pat Jeanne Davis

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

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

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

Excerpt from When Valleys Bloom Again

July 4, 1944

An evacuation hospital in France

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

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

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

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

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

 

About the Author:

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

Connect with Pat on her Website:  Facebook: Goodreads:

 

 

Wednesday Writers–War-Torn Heart by Allison Wells

Tags

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

Tags

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

Tags

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

Tags

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–Devotion by Olivia Rae

Tags

Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, devotion, Inpsirational Historical Romance, Olivia Rae, stone effigies, Templars, The Sword and the Cross Chronicles, The Temple Church

 

 

Today’s Wednesday Writers guest is Olivia Rae who will be talking about her Inspirational Historical Romance, Devotion and giving us some background on the book’s setting and how it came to be. Welcome, Olivia!

 

A Setting Can Lead to a Series

By Olivia Rae

            I love to read about the past. If something is written over 50 years ago, I’ll pick it up to read. Once I read a story about a golden knight that saved the Cross of Solomon from the Muslims. I don’t know if the story was true or not, but it got me thinking. So I began to write Revelation, which is the second story in The Sword and The Cross Chronicles (Yes, the second story came before the first.).

            However, the story did not have the depth that it needed until I went to London with my daughter and we went to the Temple Church. The Templars started building this church, which was their headquarters, in the 12^th century. Walking into the church, it didn’t take me long to realize just how powerful the Templars were back then. At one time, the Templars were even in control of the royal treasury. This might be the kernel of truth that started so many Templar rumors and myths you hear about today.  

            As fascinating as all those stories might be, it was the stone effigies that are found in the floor of the church that really had an impact on me. Now I had a clear visual of what a Templar knight probably looked like. Granted my series takes place before the oldest effigy (William Marshall 1146-1219) was ever put into the floor. Yet, I couldn’t get their images out of my head. These knightly effigies gave testament to a very tumultuous time in history. The Templars originally were a warrior monk order whose main goal was to offer protection to pilgrims going to the Holy Land. Many of these early pilgrims were the infirmed and ill looking for healing in the water of Bethesda, and in some cases, the Sea of Galilee. As more and more Europeans came to the area cultures began to clash. More importantly, who was going to control the trade routes from the East? Like now, back then, power was everything. There were saints and sinners on both sides during the Crusades and which may explain why some were immortalized in effigies.  

            My book, Devotion doesn’t have an effigy, but it does tell the story of a knight who was severely wounded and disfigured (check out book five in the series) and a woman whose heart is hard and locked away in a stone, kind of like an effigy to her miserable life. But that is nothing a little faith and love can’t remedy. I do so hope you will check out Devotion. I really did save the best for last.

 

About the Author:

Olivia Rae is an award-winning author of historical and contemporary inspirational romance. She spent her school days dreaming of knights, princesses and far away kingdoms; it made those long, boring days in the classroom go by much faster. Nobody was more shocked than her when she decided to become a teacher. Besides getting her Master’s degree, marrying her own prince, and raising a couple of kids, Olivia decided to breathe a little more life into her childhood stories by adding in what she’s learned as an adult living in a small town on the edge of a big city. When not writing, she loves to travel, dragging her family to old castles and forts all across the world. Olivia is the winner of the New England Readers’ Choice Award, the Golden Quill Award and the American Fiction Award. She has also been a finalist in many other writing contests, including the National Readers’ Choice Awards and the National Excellence in Romance.

Connect with Olivia at Website : Facebook: Twitter :

You can find Olivia’s book at  Amazon:  B&N:   Apple:  Kobo:

 

 

Wednesday Writers-Writing the Backstory for Troubled Writers by Eris Field

Tags

Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, early onset dementia, Eris Field, No Greater Love, psychiatir disorders, Writing Backstory for troubled characters

 

Eris Field is today’s Wednesday Writer’s guest and she’ll be talking about

Writing the Back-Story for Troubled Characters

from Eris Field

Photo Courtesy of geralt pixabay.com

In reality, psychiatric disorders are similar to physical disorders in that they have predisposing factors (risk factors), protective or buffering factors, and an impact on the family as well as the patient.

Recently, I’ve been reading novels that include a family member developing early onset dementia (onset before the age of 60 years) and the necessity of one of the characters (usually the son or daughter) to take over the care. The information seems to be plunked down with no description of possible risk factors—certainly a big cause of fear for every other family member—and little description of the effect on the person’s life and on the caregiver. Just think of someone younger than 60 years. An energetic time for most and certainly too young for retirement. They’ve got things to do and places to go. The person’s children are in their 30’s and there are probably young grandchildren.

As a retired psychiatric nurse I turn the pages frantically looking for the writer to provide more information about the afflicted member and the impact on the family member assuming the caregiver role.

It occurred to me that readers want to know and writers need to address three vital questions:

1. What are the predisposing factors? What in the character’s backstory might have contributed to his developing the illness? Do I have those risk factors?
2. What are the protective factors? Family members wonder what can I do to avoid the same illness?
3. What is the effect of the illness? What would the effect be on me: my career, my savings for the future, my children’s educational funds, my marriage, and my plans for retirement.

In writing about early onset or late onset dementia, it should be remembered that it is a gradual process. Mild cognitive impairment is believed to be a preclinical phase of dementia. People with mild cognitive impairment have impaired memory for recent events but they also frequently have apathy, depression, irritability, and anxiety. They may appear to be agitated without cause. The onset of mild cognitive impairment may be followed by dementia, often within three to five years.

Predisposing factors for developing mild cognitive impairment include:
• Lower level of education
• Fewer stimulating mental activities
• Less physical exercise

Protective factors include:
• Higher level of education achieved
• Being employed or volunteering
• Engaging in physical exercise
• Maintaining good health
• Having an active social support network
• Not smoking
• Having one glass of alcohol a day

Effect on Others
Family members often notice that the person has difficulty remembering future commitments and the family begins to compensate for person’s inability to remember things.

Dementia is an impairment of cognitive functioning—thinking, reasoning, knowing, and memory– that is severe enough to cause problems with communicating, self-care, and functioning at work, within the family, and within social situations.

Predisposing factors for dementia that occur in middle age:
• History of trauma to the head: repeated injuries to the head, concussions
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Cigarette smoking
• Physical inactivity
• High cholesterol,
• Depression

Protective factors for dementia that occur in middle age
• High levels of academic achievement
• Mediterranean diet
• Engaging in intellectually challenging activities
• Engaging in physical exercise
• Moderate use of alcohol (one glass a day)

Predisposing factors for dementia that occur at old age
• Stress
• Cigarette smoking
• Depression
• Head injuries, especially head injuries from falls
• Social isolation and loneliness
• Medications with anticholinergic effects

Protective factors for dementia that occur at old age
• Following a Mediterranean diet
• Drinking wine daily in moderation (one glass)
• Maintaining physical activity
• Engaging in cognitively stimulating activities
• Engaging in leisure activities: music, walking, visiting friends, reading, volunteering, playing games with friends
• Maintaining social networks
• Spirituality

Effect of dementia on others
Grief over the loss of a partner, a relationship, and a shared dream of the future,
Guilt over losing patience with the person with dementia.
Guilt for not being able to keep promise to care for them at home,
Anger over changes, financial burden, and lost opportunities associated with caring for the ill person.
Fear of being at increased risk of developing dementia, and
Fear that dementia in the family may jeopardize chances of marriage for younger family members.

Writers often hint at a genetic influence as the cause of the development of dementia, but if they would include the presence of other risk factors or absence of protective factors in the back stories of their troubled characters and would describe broader effects on the caregiver, their stories would be richer, more compelling.

Here is a brief intro to one of my romance novels that deals with some of these issues. I hope you enjoy it.

At some time in our lives, many of us will be refugees–people fleeing from traumatic situations such wars, earthquakes, fires, floods, or the aftermath of debilitating illness, death, divorce or betrayal. Help for some may come from family members, friends, and spiritual leaders. Within the medical profession, it is often psychiatrists who help those who have been traumatized by such events. No Greater Love is a contemporary, international romance featuring a psychiatrist and a nurse who help those who are refugees only to discover that they are the only ones who can save each other. The story moves from East Aurora in Western New York to Leiden and Amsterdam in The Netherlands.

Descended from legendary Circassian beauties once sought for Sultans’ palaces, Janan, a survivor of an earthquake in Turkey that killed her family when she was eight years old, was adopted by an older, childless couple in East Aurora. Her adoptive father was raised with a cousin, Carl, who, in 1939 at the age of 5, had been sent from his home in Leiden by his Dutch-Jewish father to his uncle in the US to save him from Nazi occupation of The Netherlands. Now, 28 years old, Janan has spent her life working as a nurse, caring for her parents, and, after their deaths, helping the aging Carl.

When Pieter, a young Dutch psychiatrist who Carl mentored, comes to Buffalo to be evaluated at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, he meets Janan and knows the sweet power of love for the first time. He also knows that, even if he lives, treatment for leukemia may leave a man unable to father children.

Realizing she has fallen in love with Pieter and fearing that life is passing her by, Janan asks him for one night. During that one night, cloistered in Room 203 of the venerable Roycroft Inn, Pieter teaches Janan the eight different kisses of seduction. It is a night that changes the lives of all.

Buy Links Kindle – Paperback

 

Eris Field was born in the Green Mountains of Vermont—Jericho, Vermont to be precise—close by the home of Wilson Bentley (aka Snowflake Bentley), the first person in the world to photograph snowflakes. She learned from her Vermont neighbors that pursuit of one’s dream is a worthwhile life goal.

As an impoverished student nurse at Albany Hospital, Eris met her future husband, an equally impoverished Turkish surgical intern who told her fascinating stories about the history of Turkey, the loss of the Ottoman Empire, and the painful experience of forced population exchanges.

After years of working as a nurse, teaching psychiatric nursing, and raising a family, Eris now writes novels–international, contemporary romances that incorporate her interest in psychiatry, history, people from different cultures, and the problems of refugees.

Although the characters in Eris’s novels are often from other countries—The Netherlands, Turkey, and Kurdistan— her novels are usually set in Western New York–The land of Father Baker, Jericho Road Refugee Center, the Buffalo Bills, Wings, and snow–chunky rain snow, lake-effect snow, horizontal snow, the snow of thunder snow storms, dry, fine snow, curtains of wet heavy snow, and whiteouts.

Learn more about Eris Field on her website. Stay connected on Facebook.

Wednesday Writers–Hair Calamities and Hot Cash by Gail Pallotta

Tags

Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, excerpt from Hair Calamites and Hot Cash, Gail Pallotta, Hair Calamitites and Hot Cash, humorous romance, Inspirational romance, Mystery and suspense romance, Sweet romance

Today Wednesday Writers welcomes award-winning author Gail Pallotta. Gail’s been a guest a number of times on the blog. Today she’ll be talking about her newest book, Hair Calamities and Hot Cash, which Cynthia Hickey, author of the Shady Acres Mystery series, has called “A comedic romp from small town to big city in search of missing money, hair catastrophes, and love. A truly fun read.” I have to say, Gail, I love this title and the concept of the book. So, without any further ado, I’ll turn the blog over to Gail so she can tell you about the story’s origins. Keep reading to the end for an excerpt from Hair Calamities and Hot Cash.

 

Thanks, Catherine.

My mother’s beauty shop in a small town at the foothills of the North Carolina Mountains inspired Hair Calamities and Hot Cash. Triville, the fictitious community, has a similar ambiance, but the book’s set at a higher elevation to include the breathtaking scenery.

Mother started her hairstylist career in a large North Carolina city in an upscale salon in a high-end department store with a formal atmosphere. However, when my father returned from World War II, he and Mother moved to the foothills of the North Carolina mountains.

In our garage turned beauty shop, she settled into her true calling—part hairdresser, part psychologist and friend. Chatter about dating, marriages, births and deaths echoed between the walls. Mother and her customers solved many a problem amid the mix of floral, sweet-smelling shampoo and caustic permanent solution, and the town was better off for it.

The folks who came there had their differences and disagreements, but they respected and accepted each other. They had best friends, acquaintances, folks they tolerated and others they kept at a distance. The customers caught up on the latest news and often gossiped about it, but when a crisis struck, prayers went up, casseroles went out and visitors poured to the home of the person in need.

I loved the care, concern and warmth the patrons had for one another and wanted to create such clientele in Hair Calamities and Hot Cash.

What happens when a New York stockbroker crashes his car into Eve Castleberry’s North Carolina beauty shop…on the same day the young widow’s defective hair products are causing wild hairdos?

Soon Eve finds herself helping the handsome stranger hunt the thieves who stole his client’s cash…and hot on the trail of two of the F.B.I.’s most-wanted criminals! Romance blossoms amid danger, suspense and Eve’s hair-brained plan to get back the money.

Philip eats so well as a visitor to Triville, N.C., he wonders if he’s gained weight. Eve suggests they stop by the general store and check it out on the scale there. An excerpt follows:

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Hair Calamities and Hot Cash

by Gail Pallotta

Excerpt:

The scale, which sat in a nook beside the counter for filling prescriptions, resembled those in doctors’ offices except the weight unit across the top beam was much larger.

Eve motioned toward it. “Here we are. Hop up there.”

Philip stood on the scale and moved the weight. Three hundred and fifty pounds. Was this thing defective? He must have done something wrong. He pushed the weight to the end and started over. Three hundred fifty pounds. “No way. I couldn’t have gained that much.”

Eve snickered.

He turned around and caught her an instant before she eased off. “I don’t believe you did that.”

She laughed out loud. She was full of fun.

Philip pulled her close, brushed the hair from her face and kissed her.

A door squeaked and Frank burst out of the storeroom. “Eve Castleberry, the two of you will have to find another place to…” He waved his large hand in their direction. “I’m going to lock up.”

Heat crawled up Philip’s neck. He felt like a kid who’d pulled a prank at church and gotten caught by the preacher.

Eve wiggled free and pointed her finger at him. “You’re not supposed to be doing that anywhere, and certainly not in public. Frank, we were just…”

Frank laughed. “Oh, yeah, I see you were. As far as I’m concerned, it’s about time, but not here.”

Eve sputtered as bad as the ornery car. “No Frank, we were, were…we came for Philip to weigh.”

Frank tapped his foot and stared at them with a twinkle in his green eyes as though he enjoyed embarrassing Eve.

Eve tilted up her chin. “Have you met Philip?”

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Want to read more? You can find Hair Calamities and Hot Cash on Amazon

 

About the Author:

Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. A former Grace Awards Finalist and a Reader’s Favorite 2017 Book Award winner, she’s published five books, poems, short stories and two-hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums.

Social media links: Website http://gailpallotta.com  Blog  Facebook