Wednesday Writers–Reality Show Romance by Shannon Kent

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

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

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

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

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

Reality Show Romance

By Shannon Kent

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

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

Excerpt from Reality Show Romance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Nice to meet you,” she said instead.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Yes! Yes! Yes!”

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

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

About the Author:

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

Connect with Shannon on her Website; Goodreads;  Facebook 

Tasty Tuesdays—Pink Stuff and a Book Giveaway from Shannon Taylor Vannatter

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asty Tuesdays, book giveaway, Christian romance, clean romance, cowboy romance, food blog, fruit salad, Jello, recipe, Shannon Taylor Vannatter, summer recipe, The Cowboy’s Missing Memory

Today Author Shannon Taylor Vannatter takes over the kitchen. In addition to her tasty summer recipes, she’s offering several  book giveaways so be sure to answer her question about your favorite summer recipe to be entered in the drawing.

Pink Stuff

 

1 24 oz Low Fat Cottage Cheese

1 16 oz Cool Whip

1 large box Cherry Jello (can use sugar free)

1 10 oz can Pineapple

1 10 oz can Mandarin Oranges

1 10 oz can Pears

Seedless green Grapes sliced in half

 

Mix cottage cheese and cool whip with mixer until curds are smoother. Stir in Jello with spoon. Drain all fruits and stir in.

Note: You can substitute different fruits and even different Jello flavors. I’m not a fan of cottage cheese, so I use cherry Jello because it has a strong flavor.

 

Question for Readers: What’s your favorite summertime recipe? All answers or comments will go in the drawing.

Giveaway

I’m giving away five copies of The Cowboy’s Missing Memory and five copies of my Western Collection two in one with Jill Lynn – Counting on the Cowboy and Her Texas Cowboy will be split among commentors. Winner’s will be revealed on Shannon’s Blog on July 15th. 

Follow my blog tour to enter:

June 2: Jennifer Heeren’s Blog: https://jenniferheeren.com/blog/

June 11: Joy Avery Melville’s Blog: https://www.journeystojoy.net/

June 13: Patti Shene’s Blog: https://pattishene.com/pattisporch

June 25: Laurie Wood’s Blog: https://www.lauriewoodauthor.com/author-my-blog

June 25: Reading is My Superpower Blog: https://readingismysuperpower.org

June 30: Catherine Castle’s Blog: https://catherinecastle1.wordpress.com/blog/

July 3: Inkslinger Blog: https://shannontaylorvannatter.com/inkslinger-blog/

July 6: Amy Anguish’s Blog: https://abitofanguish.weebly.com/blog

July 7: Inkslinger Blog: https://shannontaylorvannatter.com/inkslinger-blog/

July 10: Linda Rondeau’s Blog: https://lindarondeau.com/snarksensibility

While you’re waiting for you Pink Stuff to cool check out Shannon’s book The Cowboy’s Missing Memory. And don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaways.

The Cowboy’s Missing Memory

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

Can he reclaim his past…and build a future?

He needs to remember.

She’s his best hope…

After a rodeo accident took away Clint Rawlins’s mobility and two years’ worth of memories, occupational therapist Lexie Parker is his only shot at recovering and regaining independence. Lexie is drawn to Clint…but she’s wary of the amnesiac’s all-too-vulnerable feelings. And with the possibility of him returning to his dangerous bull-riding side job, she refuses to risk her heart. But resisting her charming patient may be harder than she expected…

(Available in Walmart mid-June through mid-July)

The Cowboy’s Missing Memory – Amazon

The Cowboy’s Missing Memory – Christian Book

About the Author:

Award winning author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter writes contemporary Christian cowboy romance and has over a dozen published titles. A romance reader since her teens, she hopes to entertain Christian women and plant seeds in the non-believer’s heart as she demonstrates that love doesn’t conquer all—Jesus does.

She gleans fodder for her fiction in rural Arkansas where she spent her teenage summers working the concession stand with her rodeo announcing dad and married a Texan who morphed into a pastor. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her husband and son, flea marketing, and doing craft projects.

Connect with her: Shannon’s Website, Shannon’s Blog, Shannon’s Facebook, Shannon’s Goodreads, Shannon’s Pinterest, Shannon’s Twitter, Newsletter Archives, Shannon’s Amazon Author Page and Shannon’s Bookbub. Sign up for her Newsletter to get a free e-book, recipes, behind the scenes info, & enter exclusive giveaways: Shannon’s Newsletter

 

 

Wednesday Writers–Regina Rudd Merrick Talks Book Setting and a #Giveaway

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book giveaway, book settings, Catherine Castle; Wednesday Writers blog series, Excerpt from Heart Restoration, Hope is Born: A Mosaic Christmas Anthology, Regina Rudd Merrick, Sweet romance

Today’s Wednesday Writers guest is Regina Rudd Merrick. Regina is talking houses, family history, book settings and how they relate to her upcoming book Heart of Restoration. Since Heart of Restoration isn’t due out until August (but available for preorder in July), Regina is giving away either an ebook or paperback copy of Hope is Born: A Mosaic Christmas Anthology, which contains a prequel to her RenoVations series, “RenoVating Christmas” to one lucky commenter. Leave a comment on Regina’s post to be entered in the contest. Winners will be announced on June 16, 2020 on the blog, so please check back to see if you’re the lucky reader. Be sure and check out the excerpt Regina has provided from Heart of Restoration.

Welcome, Regina!

 

The setting of Heart Restoration, Book 1 in the RenoVations Series in the Mosaic Collection.

 

A few years ago I found a house out in the country that I desperately wanted to buy. I was obsessed with it, and because HGTV is practically the only channel I watch that isn’t streaming, I had visions of restoring the house that, at least partly, was built in the late 1850s.

In my research, I actually found what might be a family connection, which is extremely unlikely, since I am not from the county of my residence. I grew up a few counties west of my current home, but back in the early 1800s the Rudds came west from Tennessee, one brother (my branch) went on toward Paducah, KY, others to various spots in Kentucky, and a sister apparently married a man and settled in Crittenden County, where we currently live.

This fascinated me. When I found the Rudd name, I was hooked, and kept digging. Sally Rudd became Sally Rudd Clement. Her son, John Rudd Clement, submitted plans for building a town called “Clementsburg” along the Ohio River in the northern part of the county, but unfortunately he was killed in a sawmill accident at 48. His son is the one that built the house that I fell in love with, and it stayed in the Clement family until the 1990s.

I didn’t get to buy the house, but the idea of a town in the area north of the county seat was so fascinating that I decided to create “Clementville” as the setting for my new series.

In a way, I’m world-building, which is fun. I can use all the roads, land features, etc., that are already there, but I can plop a tiny little town that is thriving despite the fact that it’s a farming community and river traffic doesn’t stop there anymore.

Be on the lookout for Heart Restoration in August! Pre-Orders will begin in July!

 

In the meantime, I would love to give away either an ebook or paperback copy of Hope is Born: A Mosaic Christmas Anthology, which contains a prequel to my RenoVations series, “RenoVating Christmas.” Leave a comment to be entered.

 

Heart Restoration

by Regina Rudd Merrick

 For interior designer Lisa Reno things go from bad to worse when her contractor brother falls off a ladder and breaks his leg. Now she has to deal with the past coming back to haunt her, an old house with a corpse in the creepy cellar, and her best friend trying her best to fix her up with any man that moves.

Nick Woodward is willing to do his old college roommate a favor – especially since it involves renovating his own inheritance. The last thing he wants is to get involved with anyone. When he lost his wife and unborn child so suddenly, he had made the decision to keep God and everyone else at arm’s length.

So far, so good.

Ah, the difference a trip to a dingy basement makes.

 

EXCERPT

Who knew a random ‘I owe you’ would turn into a monumental project, and this particular monumental project, at that. He turned to walk back around to the front of the house and saw a pickup truck. The magnetic sign on the truck read ‘Reno-Vations–Re-Do it Right.’

Typical Del. When they went to college together, they were both English literature and composition majors. So what do two guys with English majors and no teaching credentials do when they get out of college? They become contractors, of course.

Del had the right idea. His sister was a design major, and his dad had been a contractor for years. When Steve Reno decided to semi-retire, he passed the legacy of Reno Construction on to his kids. Del must have added the tag line, homage to his literary studies; alliteration was Del’s first love.

A young lady holding her phone in front of her walked out the front door and onto the porch. She looked up from her call when she saw him coming toward her, waving her fingers. Her eyes widened with recognition.

Was that Lisa? He couldn’t tell. He hadn’t seen her since college. She’d been a couple of years behind them, so while he was living the high life of an upper-classman, she was keeping her nose to the grindstone taking classes and doing whatever it was artsy people did in their spare time. From what he remembered, she had looked fifteen at twenty, was somewhat mousy, and was constantly pushing her glasses up on her nose that was perpetually stuck in a book of some kind.

There was always something about her, though, that drew him. After he got to know her a little better, through Del, flirting with her on the quad at Murray State became a habit, and she usually rolled her eyes and ignored him.

He caught himself raking his hand through his unruly hair. He needed a haircut. Looking down, he noticed the dried concrete on his boots he hadn’t noticed before. He could have at least put on his better pair, but it wasn’t like he wanted to impress anybody. It was his skills as a contractor they were looking for, not his appearance.

While he waited, he decided to take a closer look at the front porch. Spongy wood in places. Great. That didn’t bode well. Chances were they would end up ripping the whole porch off and starting over. More expense. This was why he dealt mainly with new construction.

“Nick?”

It was her. Come on. Could seven years make this much difference? He remembered the auburn hair, but not the brilliant green eyes. “Lisa?”

She looked surprised, and a little flushed as she held out her hand and smiled. “I didn’t think you would remember me.”

He took her slender hand in his, surprised by the confident grip in such a soft hand. “Sure I remember you. I almost…”

“Didn’t recognize me? I know. I get it all the time.” She shrugged. “No glasses.” She wrinkled her nose and laughed. “I wonder why Del didn’t tell me the contractor he’d hired was you.”

He lifted an eyebrow and smiled back, wondering the same thing. So Del hadn’t told her who the owner was.

“Whatever his reason, it’s good to see you.”

“And you.”

Was that a slight blush on her face, or was it getting hot out here?

Rather than continue standing there awkwardly, both turned to face the house. “Looks like he’s tasked us with this gem of a place.” He glanced over at her. Her eyes were narrowed, and she had her index finger tapping on her chin as she gazed upon the dilapidated structure.

“He called it a ‘jewel in the rough.’” She turned to him. “You know, the more I look at it, the more I agree with him.”

Want to read more? You can check Regina’s other books on Amazon 

while you wait for Heart Restoration to arrive.

 

About the Author:

Regina Rudd Merrick is a multi-published writer, church musician, wife, mother, former librarian, lover of all things beachy and chocolate, and grateful follower of Jesus Christ. Married to her husband of 35-plus years, she is the mother of two grown daughters, and the keeper of a 100-year-old house where she lives in the small town of Marion, KY. Connect with Regina on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or on her website at https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com/ .

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:     

 Facebook Author Page: Instagram:  Goodreads:

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers–Theresa’s Secret Legacy by Ray McGinley

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book giveaway, casinos, excerpt from Theresa's Secret Legacy, political suspense, Ray McGinley, Theresa's Secret Legacy, Wednesday Writers

Today’s Wednesday Writers guest is Ray McGinley, author of the political suspense Theresa’s Secret Legacy. Ray has an excerpt and a giveaway today, so read on to find out more about this author and his book. Welcome Ray!

 

Greetings, readers. We’ve all seen casinos popping up, and now there are over 500 casinos operated by 200 different tribes. But in one particular case an Arizona tribe attempted to build a new casino far from their reservation, encroaching on the territory of other tribes. The political maelstrom which ensued became the back story of “Theresa’s Secret Legacy.” By the way, this part of the novel is true.

I’ve always thought that learning things about someone after their death has the makings of a good yarn. This became the second ingredient of the novel: a religious, charitable, salt of the earth family struggles to turn tragedy and a startling discovery into an opportunity for grace. As the mystery unfolds, I hope you might even find yourself identifying with members of the Brennan family.

Theresa’s Secret Legacy

by Ray McGinley

A knock on the door and Chris Brennan is informed by the police that his sister Theresa is dead. The police at the scene find alcohol and an antidepressant drug, and suicide is suspected. But why was she depressed? Theresa, a Catholic woman known for her charity work, was a successful court reporter working for a federal judge on a high profile case deliberating an Arizona Native American tribe’s right to build a new casino – even though legislation in place seemed to prohibit any new casinos. The high stakes casino venture has the ingredients of a fascinating tale of money and power: tribe versus tribe, Indian sovereignty versus states’ rights, and even Congress versus the White House. Chris travels to Phoenix to investigate Theresa’s death, and as he unravels Theresa’s secrets, he encounters the forces that influenced Theresa’s life. His life is threatened and he prays for God’s help as he seeks to leave an enduring legacy for his departed sister and strives to make a positive impact on a pregnant American Indian teenager. The novel was selected as a finalist in the Christian Writers of the West Rattlers contest.

Excerpt

“A personal representative is one kind of fiduciary—an individual whom another has trusted to manage her property and money.” [The Free Dictionary.com]

************

Not far from the federal court building where the late Theresa Brennan worked, a secret meeting was just beginning in a state government office building specifically chosen because it was presently unoccupied.

[After the business with the government officials was concluded,] the room was cleared and the lobbyist addressed the tribal members. “I have learned that a senior clerk in the Ninth Circuit is considering running for Congress and I have reason to believe that he is sympathetic to our cause. I know we’ve made donations to the incumbent members of Congress, but I propose we consider supporting his campaign. His name is Matthew Mellon and he is the senior clerk to Judge Eduardo Dominguez.”

“But Judge Dominguez is the one who’s been ruling in favor of the Tohonos, right?” asked one of the tribal members.

“Yes, so it might be helpful to have a friend on the inside.”

“How do you know he is with us?” someone asked.

“I would rather not answer that,” the lobbyist said.

“How large a campaign contribution do you propose?” asked the female representative from the Salt River tribes.

“Enough to put us at the top of his list,” replied the lobbyist. “I suggest you make it in cash, not check. And if you choose to report it, please do so incrementally so the amount does not attract attention.”

“Consider it done,” said the woman.

The lobbyist regarded her with a new-found respect, and he wondered about her position in the tribal hierarchy. He was curious to see the amount the tribes would contribute to the Mellon campaign. It would give him an idea of how much he might be paid if he could block the Tohono’s plan [for a new casino off their reservation]. If he can get enough money in the right hands, he thought to himself, he just might pull it off.

As everyone was leaving the lobbyist approached the woman.

“I feel I should know you,” he said, extending his hand.

She paused, then reluctantly offered her hand. The lobbyist studied her face and decided she would be beautiful if it were not for a crooked nose.

“My name is Winona Hawk. You can contact me if you need anything.”

“Do you have a way to deliver the money to our candidate, or do you need me to arrange it?”

“I can manage. My brother is adept at such things.”

“Winona, may I ask your position in the tribe?”

“It’s better for you not to know too much. You will be sent a message after the olive branch has been extended to the candidate. Further instructions will come later. Goodbye.”

Winona’s long hair swayed rhythmically as she walked away, but her femininity was diminished by the stomping of her boots on the wood floor.

Giveaway       

If you would like a free paperback or ebook version of “Theresa’s Secret Legacy” simply visit my website: https://authorray.com/ and select the tab for the Catherine Castle Blog Giveaway. I will select two winners for paperbacks and three winners for ebooks. Winners will be gravely announced by Halloween.

About the Author:

Ray McGinley is a retired electrical engineer having spent thirty-five years with Honeywell Aerospace where he received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. He grew up in northeast Philadelphia, attended LaSalle High School, and received a BS degree from Drexel University. He holds several patents related to aircraft electrical power systems. Before relocating to Arizona in 1974, he was a member of the Big Brothers Association and was a company clerk in the US Army Reserve. He has been married to Kathleen (nee Flanagan) since 1972; they have six children and thirteen grandchildren. Two of his short stories have been published in Liguorian magazine.

Where can readers purchase my books?

Available in paperback or ebook at Amazon, BookLocker, or contact me by email: authormcginley@gmail.com

Where can readers find Ray online?

Ray’s website is https://authorray.com/

 

 

Wednesday Writers–The David Years by Lillian Duncan

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Book excerpt from The DAvid Years, book giveaway, Lillian Duncan, Wednesday Writers, women's fiction

 

Today’s Wednesday Writers guest is Lillian Duncan. She’s talking about life changes today, hers, yours and her characters. And she has a giveaway on her website. Welcome, Lillian!

 

Life Changes—The David Years

 

There’s an old saying—nothing in life is guaranteed but taxes and death! I think we have one other guarantee—life changes! And there’s not a whole lot we can do to stop that from happening most of the time.

The David Years, the second novel in the Puzzle House series, is all about life changes. In Puzzle House, Nia was anointed to become a healer. In The David Years, Nia graduates from high school and goes off to college.

Talk about life changes—that’s a big one for every young person

But big changes aren’t just for the young. Life changes whether we want it to or not. A new marriage. A baby. A divorce. A new job. Retirement. A major illness. A death of a loved one.

Some big changes are good and some or not so good. Either way, with each big change comes a season of learning. And that’s what The David Years is all about. Learning to do the best we can in whatever situations we find ourselves.

I was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors in 2012. They were not cancerous, but that didn’t stop them from wreaking havoc on my health and my life. I had to find my “new normal.” I not only had to learn to cope with the changes, but to learn to accept the new me. These have definitely been my David Years.

We all have our David Years—probably more than once in our lifetime—a time when we need God’s wisdom to help us adjust and thrive in the new circumstances we find ourselves—at any age.

So, whether your college years are long past or you’re experiencing them now, you’ll enjoy getting to know Nia better as she struggles to find her place in the world.

 

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate the release of The David Years, I’m having a giveaway. I’ll pick FIVE lucky winners to receive their choice of one my ebooks from comments left on my blog about The David Years.  To be entered in that giveaway, go to http://www.lillian-duncan.com/ then leave a comment under one of THE DAVID YEARS posts. EASY-PEASY! Winners will be picked on August 30^th!

THE DAVID YEARS

By Lillian Duncan

Nia looked at her aunt and asked, “So what am I ‘spose to do now?”

“Have you ever heard of King David from the Bible?”

“I guess.”

“There were a lot of years between the time David was anointed as the king and he actually became the king. It’s a time for you to grow in your relationship with God.”

“And then later I get to be king?” Nia giggled.

“I meant that figuratively not literally but these are your David Years.”

“My David Years. I like that.”

Nia Johnson has spent the past four years developing a closer relationship to God. She wants to believe she’s still anointed to become a healer at Puzzle House but as each year passes, she has more and more doubts.

Now that she’s graduated from high school and is an adult she is sure it’s time to take the mantle of healing Rachel passed to her so many years before. But the harder she tries, the more it eludes her.

EXCERPT from The David Years:

“Do you want to be a healer?” Rachel’s words echoed in Nia’s mind. The thought of helping others the way Rachel had helped her had seemed impossible until God’s presence filled the room. At the time, it had been amazing—miraculous. But now she was confused—and scared. There was no way she could do what Rachel did. She was only fifteen, how would she heal anyone?

Nia looked down, remembering the warmth, the tingling as Rachel held her hands and prayed with her. God had been in that room with them. God had given her the gift of healing. “I don’t think I can do it by myself.”

“You don’t have to do it by yourself, Nia. Rachel said puzzles are meant to be done together. That’s true for life as well. Have you ever heard of King David from the Bible?”

“Maybe.”

“That David became King David and did all sorts of amazing things for God. Anyway when David was a young boy, the prophet Samuel anointed him as the next king of Israel, but there were a lot of years between the time David was anointed as the king and he actually became the king. David was tested many times during those years. Those years were very important to David’s growth as a man so that he would be the king God wanted him to be when the time was right.”

“So what are you saying, Auntie?”

“I’m saying these are your David years, my sweet niece. It’s a time for you to learn and to grow in your relationship with God. So for now it’s time to live your life as a fifteen year old girl.”

“And then later I get to be king?” Nia giggled. “So you don’t think I need to be going out and healing anyone just yet?”

“Not yet, sweetie. It will happen when the time is right.”

“My David Years. I like that, Auntie.”

Want to read more? You can find The David Years at Amazon

About the Author:

Lillian Duncan… turning faith into fiction.

Lillian is a multi-published author who lives in the middle of Ohio Amish country with her husband and a menagerie of pets. After more than 30 years working as a speech pathologist for children, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.

Her goal is to write stories that entertain but also demonstrate God’s love for all of us. To learn more about her, visit http://www.lillian-duncan.com/. She also has a devotional blog at http://www.powerupwithgod.com/.

 

Wednesday Writers Hosts Leeann Betts

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book excerpt, book giveaway, By the Numbers series, contemporary suspense, Five and Twenty Blackbirds, Leeann Betts

 

Today Wednesday Writers Welcomes Leeann Betts, author of Five and Twenty Blackbirds. Leeann has an excerpt and a chance to win a copy of Five and Twenty Blackbirds if you leave a comment on her post. Winners will be chosen on Tuesday, April 26. Leeann, tell us the story behind the story on this book.

Hi, Catherine,

Have you ever visited a location and thought, “This would make the perfect setting for a book”? I’m sure you have. Perhaps the ambiance of a restaurant made you think of a romantic dinner for two scene. Or a mountain trail set you back in time to when wagon trains crossed the country in search of something better.

But has that same location ever spawned two completely different book ideas?

I had just that happen to me.

About four years ago, I visited the place where my father and my stepmother, who I dearly love, were married. About an hour north of Phoenix, Arizona, Cave Creek is a quaint, if slightly old-fashioned, small town. The main street is an eclectic blend of old and new, with lots of boutiques mixed in with used book stores and a great “junk” shop where you can find all kinds of neat things. Across the street is a touristy Wild West Town that has also been turned into boutiques that sell crafts, local art, jewelry, and pottery, to name just a few.

This town sparked an idea for a story, which I’ve turned into Five and Twenty Blackbirds, the fourth in the By the Numbers series, featuring Carly Turnquist, forensic accountant. That book releases the end of this month. I changed some details, including the name of the town, its location within Arizona, and the fact that it’s home to a small university (which Cave Creek isn’t).

The second story, which will actually be written by my real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, concerns one of the buildings on the museum grounds–a tuberculosis shack. Back in the 1800’s, people with TB came to Arizona believing that the dry air would heal them of this terrible and usually terminal disease. But that’s a story for another day.

Here’s a snippet of the first scene of the book, Five and Twenty Blackbirds:

 

Carly studied Harrison. Although he’d aged—hadn’t they all—he’d changed only in superficial ways. A much better-dressed scarecrow than during their college days, he still watched everybody else as though he was looking for someone more interesting, or powerful, or beautiful, to be with. She sighed. At one point in the past, she’d been flattered that he’d paid even a minute’s attention to her.

Until they danced and he spent their entire three minutes eying the other women in the room.

“So, Harrison, if you’re not here for the reunion, what are you doing in Central Arizona? Not exactly Chicago, is it?”

His smile slipped a millimeter before he plastered the grin back on. “Like I said, I’m here on business. Until the end of the week.”

“What a coincidence we should be in the same place for the first time in over twenty-five years.”

“You don’t think I’m chasing you, do you?”

No, she didn’t think that. He hadn’t when she was twenty-five years younger and twenty—okay, twenty-five pounds lighter. “More likely you’re chasing something in a mini-skirt.”

His jaw dropped, his mouth creating an O. If he’d pointed his thumb at his chest and mimicked Miss Piggy’s ‘moi?’, she wouldn’t have been surprised.

While he’d majored in accounting, he’d minored in drama.

And not the university course.

He leaned in closer. “Actually, I saw you at the airport. Recognized you right away.”

He batted his eyelashes.

If he was trying to appear innocent, he failed miserably.

Carly resisted the urge to step back again. She’d spent three years in classes with Harrison Dyer at the University of Northern Indiana, trying to ignore his sexist innuendos about the other women in their classes, repeatedly turning down his pleas for help. He wasn’t going to chase her off again. “Why didn’t you say something at the airport?”

“Couldn’t catch up with you. You and—is the guy on your arm the mister in Turnquist?”

“Yes. Mike.”

Harrison nodded, his lips pursed. “Thought so. There is something different about couples who have been intimate, don’t you think? You can tell by their body language. A familiarity, perhaps, that you don’t notice in friends. Even friends with benefits.”

A blonde glided to stand beside Harrison. She looped an arm through his, pressing against his side. Her low-cut dress revealed more skin than Carly thought proper, and her too-red lipstick appeared harsh in the dim lighting. “Are you done here, Harry? I want to go to our room and get more comfortable.” She giggled in a little-girl manner that contrasted with the sun-induced wrinkles around her eyes and mouth. She held out a hand to Carly. “Hi. I’m Misty.”

Yes, you are. Transparent and irritating. Carly returned the greeting. “Carly. Harrison—Harry and I went to college together.”

Misty’s eyes opened wide. “Wow. I’ve never met anyone who knew Harry before he came to Chicago.” Her Midwestern accent sharpened the r’s and rolled the o’s. “Maybe we can get together over coffee and Danish and you can tell me all about this bad boy.” She mock-punched Harrison’s arm. “What do you think, Harry?”

“Whatever.”

Carly gritted her teeth. While the response might be merely annoying when shot from the mouth of an angst-ridden teen, coming from a man of his age, the word grated on her sensibilities. Still, she wasn’t going to see them again, so she could be pleasant. In short spurts. “Good to see you, Harrison.”

She nodded at his companion then glanced at the woman’s ring finger.

Bare.

Probably one of his friends with benefits, judging by her body language.

And based on the way she clung to him, Misty would like to make their relationship more than that.

Harrison sidled away a step, putting some distance between him and Misty.

But not him. He’s already scoping out the next one.

Harrison laid a hand on Carly’s arm.

Her bare arm.

She glanced at his hand then at him.

He snatched back his hand as though she’d threatened to bite him.

Which she might well have done if he hadn’t made the first move.

Where was her husband? “What?”

“Can we get together tomorrow? I have something I need to talk to you about.”

“Again, what? We haven’t seen each other in years. We’re not going to be friends in the future any more than we were in college. We don’t run in the same circles, Harrison. I follow the law.”

She left the accusation hanging in the air between them.

Misty huffed, her bangs lifting with the exhalation, then wheeled on her four-inch stilettos. “I’ll be inside when you’re ready to leave.”

He turned toward Carly. “And I follow the money. I have a problem that I think you can help me with. I’ll make it worth your while.”

Please leave a comment to be entered into a drawing for Five and Twenty Blackbirds. I’d love to know if you’ve had an epiphany while visiting a place.

 

 

About the Author:

Leeann Betts writes contemporary suspense, while her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, pens historical suspense. No Accounting for Murder and There Was a Crooked Man, books 1 and 2 in her By the Numbers series, released in the fall of 2015 Book 3, Unbalanced, released in January. Book 4, Five and Twenty Blackbirds, is due in April, with more planned for later dates. Leeann and Donna have penned a book on writing, Nuggets of Writing Gold, and you can follow Leeann at www.AllBettsAreOff.wordpress.com. All books are available in digital and print, and at Smashwords.com in digital.

Connect with  Leeann on: Facebook: Twitter:

Buy Five and Twenty Blackbirds at: amazon

 

 

 

 

Two Book Giveaways from June McCrary Jacobs

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book giveaway, Christmas book, Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom, Inspirational romance, June McCrary Jacobs, Robin's Reward

My apologies to June. When I posted her Wednesday Writer interview this morning I forgot to add her giveaways. So, here they are. Just like or leave a comment on this post,  or like or leave a comment on  her interview to be eligible to be entered in the drawing.

 

I am happy to give one international winner an e-book copy of ‘Robin’s Reward’ in the PDF, mobi, or e-pub format.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June’s publisher for her Christmas novella, ‘A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom’, is Cedar Fort Inc. They would like to give one international winner an e-book copy of this holiday book in the PDF, mobi, or e-pub format as part of our 2015 ‘Holiday season’ promotions.

Wednesday Writers Welcomes Linda Wood Rondeau

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award winning book, book giveaway, Free Book, inspirational ficiton, LInda Wood Rondeau, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, The Other Side of Darkness

Today Wednesday Writers Welcomes Award-winning author LINDA WOOD RONDEAU. Linda will be talking about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a condition which the plagues the characters in her book The Other Side of Darkness.

Linda will do an ebook giveaway (via Amazon) if she gets 10 comments. So let your friends know about this chance to win an award-winning book. Take a peek at the book trailer for The Other Side of Darkness.

 

Take a look at the trailer for The Other Side of Darkness 

Linda is going to talk about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, since her book The Other Side of Darkness deals with this issue. Here’s what Linda wants her readers to know about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and how it plays into the plot of her book.

As a veteran social worker, I chose to write books that encourage readers, hoping to inspire them to climb back up the hill from whence they fell and claim healing. In my view, this is the work of inspirational fiction.

And this is why I wrote The Other Side of Darkness. It was my eighth book but the first to be published, winning the 2012 Selah Award for debut novel.

Too often, even those of great faith, suppress the emotions that trauma evokes, believing we must be strong. As did my heroine, Sam Knowles, an adult survivor of child abuse. Driven to write the wrongs she endured, she sought a career as a prosecutor in the Special Victims Unit.

Obsessed with assuring villain Harlan Stiles received just punishment, Sam spends three years of her life determined to win a murder conviction. Afterward, her boss sends her on a much-needed vacation.

She becomes stranded in a small Adirondack Town called Haven. How was she to know that her hard fought case would unravel, that Stiles would escape? Vowing revenge against Sam he finds her.

Her case is not the only thing that unravels in Sam’s life. As she confronts her obsession, she must confront the trauma of her childhood abuse and the accident that claimed her father’s life.

While a seeming captive in Haven, Sam meets the mysterious artist, Jonathan Gladstone. He, too, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.

These three, hero, heroine, and villain each experienced traumatic events that shaped their lives. The choices each makes in coping with the event, shaped the rest of their lives. Faith makes a difference.

The apostle Paul wrote, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” The first step in finding our way to wholeness after a traumatic event is to understand those threads that threaten to unravel the joy God wants us to experience in Him.

The causes of PTSD are not limited to war. As demonstrated in The Other Side of Darkness, there are many causes for PTSD. Natural disaster, an accident or fire, a terrorist attack, victimization as a result of a crime, child abuse or neglect, abandonment by separation or death.

Most individuals will experience one or more traumatic events within their lifetime. While not every traumatic event will result in eventual PTSD, it is believed those who have diminished coping skills due to: a family history of depression or PTSD, a history of abuse, a history of drug addiction, prolonged stress, or lack of social supports are more susceptible. Some PTSD emerges years later due to the unsuccessful attempt of the victim to suppress the event.

Traumatic events take a toll on the mind and body. Suppression and/or denial of these symptoms may serve to cause long-term psychological as well as physiological damage including gastric or heart disorders, panic attacks, feelings of intense anxiety, global aches and pains, and chronic depression.

It is common for sufferers of PTSD to become socially and emotionally isolated, losing interest in pleasurable activities, and submerged in feelings of hopelessness. Other symptoms may include: a sense of guilt, shame or undue self-blame; substance abuse, acting out behaviors, mistrust, reclusiveness, unexplained fatigue or systematic aches and pains, suicidal ideations.

Here are four things you can do to help you deal with PTSD.

1. Think of yourself, not as a victim, but as an overcomer. Realize that you are the sum of your experiences and turn the negative into a positive.
2. Reclaim your sense of power in positive ways such as helping others or volunteering your time and energy.
3. Avoid isolation and reconnect with your community by joining a group hobby or social group. Start slowly.
4. Learn relaxation techniques. Start a journal. Mediate. Seek professional counseling with a minister or psychologist or both.

If you or someone you know is suspected of PTSD, do not hesitate to get help.

 

Thanks, Linda, for the glimpse into PTSD. Now, here’s a glimpse of Linda’s award-winning book The Other Side of Darkness

 

 

The Other Side of Darkness

by Linda Wood Rondeau

 

Haven: a perfect vacation spot filled with mystery and romance except for a killer bent on revenge.

Manhattan prosecutor Samantha Knowles is stranded in a quirky but intriguing Adirondack town. But she must return to NYC to repair the unraveling case against convicted child killer, Harlan Styles.

Teacher Zack Bordeaux fears he is doomed to a life of mediocrity if he remains in Haven but would be willing to stay if it means a life with Sam.

Landscape artist Jonathan Gladstone feels bound to an estate he both loathes and loves, haunted by the deaths of his wife and son until he falls in love with a spirited attorney and rediscovers his artistic passion.

These three, betrayed and betraying, must find their way from the darkness of broken hope to the light found only in Christ, our surest haven.

 

 

Excerpt 

He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed…and He guided them to their desired haven.

Psalm 107:29-30

Spaghetti legs, Daddy called them, spindly appendages that kinked when stressed—like now.

Samantha Knowles leaned against the table for support as Bailiff Don Hunter came to the front of the courtroom. “All rise.” Judge Normandy entered, his limp necessitating a much longer plod from his chamber to the bench. Soon, the wait would end—three years of sleepless nights, endless days of preparation, postponements, and courtroom theatrics by defense attorneys. After three interminable years, Justice would now show its face.

As the judge took his bench, the crowd silenced to await his summation. Sam glanced at the defendant’s table where a calm Harlan Styles sat, a wart on the cheek of humanity, an insulated icicle against the rising heat, tried and convicted—the rest up to Normandy’s guillotine.

She fingered her notes, though she didn’t need to see them—the image of Kiley’s tiny, battered body tattooed on Sam’s brain, a brazen scar, indelibly etched on her heart.

Judge Normandy spewed his rhetoric—penal codes entwined with case facts, cold, distanced from the victim, yet succulent to Sam’s ears. In spite of their dry, unflavored essence, she feasted on his words—each pursuant finding heaped upon the other and topped with the last morsel, “The court can find no other just rendering than life imprisonment.”

Victory should taste better, like syrup over pancakes—not this metallic aftertaste.

A woman’s scream silenced the murmurings, and Sam turned with the rest of the throng toward the source. Kiley’s mother, Brenda Smith, had leaned over the rail and grabbed Styles’s sleeve while Don Hunter ordered her to step back.

Brenda was weak—just like Mama was weak. Brenda Smith deserved the same fate as Styles. Too bad stupidity wasn’t a felony.

The DA stood in the back of the courtroom. Without a word, Abe Hilderman, her boss and second chair, abandoned Sam to shake the DA’s hand. A simple, “Good job, Counselor,” would have been nice, even a slap on the back. Nice, but not necessary. Abe often said that Justice was its own reward.

Emboldened, Sam stepped closer as the deputy handcuffed Styles. He saw her, pulled free, put his shackled hands on the prosecutor’s table and leaned into Sam’s face, his cologne lethal… a designer blend—suede, water, and moss—like Daddy’s. Sam fixed her stare into steel-gray eyes, magnets that drew her headlong toward a spinning saw—Styles’s demeanor, a calloused calm…except for his lips… parched, purple–tinged lips that formed his threat. “Keep your light on, Miss Knowles.”

Her spaghetti legs wobbled. Three years of lamp-lit nights had failed to chase away the recurring dreams—dreams Sam kept secreted from everyone, especially Justine, Sam’s best friend. How, then, did Styles know she kept a light on all night?

Want to read more? Go to Amazon to download Linda’s book.

About the Author:

Winner of the 2012 Selah Award for best first novel The Other Side of Darkness, LINDA WOOD RONDEAU, writes blended contemporary fiction that speaks to the heart and offers hope to those with damaged lives. After a long career in human services, Linda now resides in Jacksonville, Florida. A Christmas Prayer, (aka A Father’s Prayer) was a finalist for both the 2014 Selah and Carol Awards.
It Really IS a Wonderful Life, inspired by the author’s personal experience, quickly became a Christmas classic. Watch for Fiddler’s Fling and Red Sky Promise, inspirational romances expected to be released later in 2015.

For sci-fi lovers, Rondeau offers a free download of her book, The Fifteenth article, from her website. Feel free to share with friends and family.

Readers may visit her web site at www.lindarondeau.com, her blog, Salt and Light, or email her at lindarondeau@gmail.com or find her on Facebook, Twitter, PInterest, Google Plus and Goodreads.

 

 

Wednesday Writers Welcomes R.A. Giggie

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book excerpt Stella's Plea, book giveaway, interview with author R.A. Giggie, R.A. Giggie, Stella's Plea, Wednesday Writers

 

Wednesday Writers Welcomes Author R.A. Giggie today. Renee-Ann is giving away a paperback copy of her book Stella’s Plea to a lucky commenter who leaves a comment between today and next Tuesday. The winner will be chosen after noon on May 19.

Welcome Renee-Ann. Please tell the readers about the book that is being showcased today.

Stella’s Plea my first novel. It is about the abduction of a three-year-old deaf child who disappears and her mother’s struggle to find her. This little girl is deaf, and she’s lost use of her voice.

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

I’m a pantser. All I need is one line to get me started. I had this idea of a deaf child’s disappearance. I’m also an interpreter for our deaf church members, who are very dear to I wrote this novel as part of the NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) challenge.

What are you working on now? Do you have a release date for this book?

Emma’s Prayer (complete, and in revision stages) is about a teen mom who puts her son   up for adoption three days after his birth. Soon she misses him and changes her mind. Is it too late? I’m aiming at late August or early September for a release date.

Are you a morning writer, afternoon, evening, or midnight oil writer?

I’m up between 5 and 6 most mornings. Some people ask me why. I love to start the day with my devotions, then breakfast, and I’m ready to write. Words seem to flow much   better. If I start with house work and such, I find all sorts of other things that need to be done before I can sit down and write. Next thing I know, the day’s over!

Tell us about your writing space.

You might laugh at this one. I have an office and comfortable chair, and I also have a  patio table on the deck, both of which are great places to write. But the best spot is my  bedroom. I use a back pillow, you know the ones with the arms. I set my laptop on a sturdy breakfast tray and voilà. Sitting in my bed is where I am most comfortable when I write.

How often do you read non-fiction?

Rarely. Except for writing tools, most of my reading is fiction.

Most writers love books—our walls are lined with them. Name 3 favorite writing craft    books on your shelves, 3 fiction books (and the genre), and if you have them,  3 different magazines you read regularly.

Craft books:

Super Structure by James Scott Bell

Prentice Hall reference Guide for Canadian Writers

The Emotions Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. This last one is in my Kindle, but a must for every writer.

Fiction books:

Great Divide by Davis Bunn (Legal thriller)

Chapel Springs Revival by Ane Mulligan (Woman’s Fiction)

Canary Island Song by Robin Jones Gunn (Romance)

We like to travel. What is the farthest place from your home that you have visited?

Right now, all my traveling is aimed at writers conference. But the farthest place I’ve gone was to Zimbabwe, Africa, in 1998 and 1999, on two short-term missions. What an  amazing experience to volunteer in a children’s shelter. They were either abandoned, orphans, or ‘temporarily’ dropped off. Sadly, for many, temporary became permanent.

Some writers like quiet when they write, others want music. Which one are you?

I need absolute peace. I have very short attention span, so music, television, and such distract me and I can’t concentrate.

What’s the book you are reading now?

Ane Mulligan’s Chapel Springs Revival. It is such a great and heartwarming story. Ane is funny, witty, and so fun to read.

Tell us a little bit about your hobbies outside of writing?

There are not enough hours in a day for all I want to do. I still work full-time outside the home and like to use my ‘free’ time for writing. I’m also a freelance literary translator for authors who’d like their novels translated from English-French or vice versa. I’m always  looking for new projects. I also enjoy gardening and scrapbooking.

Writing is such and sedentary job. Do you do anything to keep in shape?

I must! With a sit down job outside the home and writing/translation at home, walking has become my downtime. A time for me to get away and later come back to my writing refreshed and with new ideas.

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

Hum… interesting…

The nickname Mom called me when I was little… it is still my best kept secret!

How many languages I’ve learned. (I should have picked linguistics for my major). I    learned 6 languages, I’m fluent in three.

How many places I’ve lived (3 provinces, 28 places).

It’s been a pleasure having you here today. As you say goodbye, can you leave the readers with an encapsulation of your life’s philosophy?

Thank you so much for having me, Catherine. It’s been so much fun. I do have two  verses I love to ‘live by’.

Psalm 37:4 says: Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of our hearts. I strongly believe that. God has honoured so many of my hearts desires, I lost count. I’m blessed beyond belief.

However, our plans/desires for our lives don’t always line up with His. So I take great comfort in the words God spoke to the prophet Jeremiah. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer. 29:11)

When God closes a door, I may get disappointed. But I always trust in the fact that, not only does He know what’s behind that door better than I do, He has something even better in mind. How wonderful is that!

 

Stella’s Plea

 

“Trust me,” she heard a voice say to her. When her deaf daughter, 3-year-old Alexis, goes missing, Stella Brigg faces an incredible struggle. Alone, while her husband serves in the armed forces overseas, Stella must depend on Someone greater than anyone she’s ever known. Someone who loves her even more than Don ever did. Only that kind of love can carry her through in her search for Alexis.

 

Excerpt

It seemed like they’d just arrived at the park, yet when Stella looked at her watch, she gasped.

“I can’t believe it’s 11 o’clock already,” she told Joni. “But I don’t want to pull Alexis away. She’s enjoying herself so much.”

“I know what you mean. It’s so nice to see colour in her cheeks.”

Stella looked toward the structure where Alexis played with Kayla. A slow smile crept across her face. It was so good to watch her daughter enjoying herself and for the first time in almost a week, a heavy load lifted off her shoulders. The two girls reached the top of the slide and looked in her direction. Kayla wrapped her arms around Alexis, and they waved before sliding down together.

“I hate to go too. But I don’t feel too guilty because chances are they’re as hungry as we are.” Joni chuckled and called to Kayla. “Two more turns. It’s time to go home.”

“Okay, Mommy.”

“I’m going to get Alexis,” Stella told Joni, as she rose and walked toward the structure. Restlessness washed over her when she didn’t immediately see her daughter. It seemed a moment ago, she was standing in the line-up of children waiting to go down the slide. Stella scanned the small group of children still at the slide. Alexis was not among them. Taking a quick glance toward the playhouse, she saw her daughter sticking her head out of the window.

“Are you playing hide and seek?” she signed. Relief washed over her.

Alexis nodded with a huge grin.

“It’s time to go home for lunch. Come.”

Alexis pulled her head back in the playhouse and headed toward the ramp leading to the back of the playhouse. Stella walked back to Joni on the park bench.

“Thank you for calling me this morning. I’m sorry I was reluctant. You were right. This fresh air is doing her—and me—a world of good. She’s having such a great time.”

“I’m glad you decided to come.”

“So am I. Are you ready?”

“Yes. Here comes Kayla. Where’s Alexis?”

Stella spun around expecting to see Alexis trailing behind Kayla. She frowned and shook her head, grinning.

“I know she’s feeling better when she gets in a playful mood like this.”

Laughing, Stella walked back toward the playhouse, this time on the opposite side to surprise her daughter. She snuck up to the window and listened, picturing Alexis trying to sit still.

“Boo!” Stella peeked in. The playhouse was vacant. She took a look around, but she couldn’t see Alexis.

“Come on, Alexis,” she called, knowing her daughter couldn’t hear. It was a habit she couldn’t break. Joni and Kayla walked toward her.

“I don’t see Alexis anywhere.” Worry edged her voice.

“She can’t be too far. I’ll go check the other structures.” Joni scurried off without waiting for a response.

Stella ran back toward the spiral slide where moments ago, Alexis played with Kayla. She looked around, inside, under, and over. There were no signs of her. She rushed to a group of parents and, describing her daughter, asked if they had seen her. No one had. She hurried to the other structures, and again, she looked inside the playhouse, the large tunnel slide, expecting to find her at any moment. Her heart sank deeper in her chest when she didn’t. Scanning the area once more, she combed her fingers through her hair as panic crawled in.

Where in the world did she go?

A short distance away, Joni talked to a small group of children and walked back toward her. Frowning, Joni shook her head. “Kayla, did you see Alexis?”

“There.”

Stella gasped and dashed toward the bushes where Kayla was pointing. She shouted her name, over and over, even though her daughter was deaf. Fear gripped her tighter with each passing second, making breathing difficult. Thrusting the branches away, she flinched as her finger slid against the sharp edge of a thorn. In an instinctive reaction, she brought it to her mouth, and spit when she tasted the blood. Stumbling, she managed to steady herself and pressed on. The sound of babbling water on the other side of the thick bushes brought horrific images to her mind. The mere thought of Alexis falling in made her stomach turn, causing a sudden wave of nausea.

Oh No! No!

She came to the clearing, and stopped near the edge of the water. There was no sign of Alexis. She couldn’t seem to breathe. Forcing air into her lungs, and with her heart pounding in her throat, she screamed her daughter’s name again.

Panting with the exertion of carrying Kayla hoisted on her hip, Joni caught up to her a few moments later.

“We’ll find her, Stella. She can’t be too far.” Worried, they searched under bushes and in shrubs. There was no sign of the child.

“She can’t even call for help!” Stella cried, staring at the river. “What if she fell…?”

Unable to finish her sentence, she slogged knee-deep into the cold water, flailing about.

“Alexis! Alexis!” She returned to Joni and collapsed to the ground in utter anguish.

Holding her now frightened child close to her, Joni knelt and wrapped her free arm around Stella, rocking back and forth, trying to comfort her.

“I called the police. They’re on their way. We’ll find her,” she said, cell phone in hand.

 

 

About the Author:

Renee-Ann is the author of Stella’s Plea (2012), which shortlisted in the Word Alive Press publishing contest (2011). The tentative release date for Emma’s Prayer, her second novel, is late summer 2015.
She is also published in an anthology of true love stories, Falling In Love With You (2012), published by OakTara.
A product of a bilingual environment, Renee-Ann has an excellent knowledge of and facility with both French and English. Bringing her love of language and literature together, she also freelances as a literary translator. She offers her services to authors who wish to have their novels translated from French to English, or from English to French.
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Wednesday Writers Welcomes Renee Blare

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author interview with Renee Blare, author Renee Blare, Beast of Stratton, book giveaway, inspirational romantic suspense, Wednesday writers series on Catherine Castle's blog

Today, Wednesday Writers welcomes Renee Blare. Renee is offering a digital copy or signed paperback copy of Beast of Stratton to one person who leaves a comment on her post between today and noon on April 7.

 

Renee, please tell the readers about the book that is being showcased today.

Beast of Stratton’s my debut novel and inspired by Beauty and the Beast. This book’s a romantic suspense with a taste of mystery. Relatively short at a little less than 150 pages in length, it moves quickly and will keep you flippin’ until the last word.

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

My crit group, Rough Diamond Writers actually came up with the idea. No, not for  Beast, but to write novellas based on fairy tales. I chose Beauty and the Beast (my favorite) and started writing. Since I love romance and lean toward suspense, the story  grew from there.

What are you working on now? Do you have a release date for this book?

Beast of Stratton’s available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and various other retailers in e-copy and paperback. My next book, To Soar on Eagle’s Wings will be released by Prism in July. Where Beast of Stratton took place among the high rises of New York City, To Soar’s nestled in the isolated wilds of Wyoming. Both are contemporary inspirational romances though.

Are you a fast writer or a slow writer? What’s the most number of pages or words you’ve ever written in a day? The average number per writing session?

This is a tough one for me. I work as a pharmacist so my writing schedule is rather crazy. When I work my nine hour (or ten) hour days, I don’t get much writing done at all. During my days off, I can write up to two to three thousand words in a day. Otherwise, I average around a thousand.

Most writers love books—our walls are lined with them. Name 3 favorite writing craft books on your shelves, 3 fiction books (and the genre), and if you have them, 3 different magazines you read regularly.

My go-to writing books are The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi, The Little Red Writing Book by Brandon Royal, and The Elements of Style by Strunk, White, and Kalman. Fiction books which I read and read and read again are The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (Children’s fantasy), The Left Behind Series by LaHaye and Jenkins. (Suspense), and Airport by Arthur Hailey (Disaster). As for magazines? I don’t read many of those unless you can count Pharmacy Times or Drug Topics. But I write for an international online women’s magazine, Sybil. I’m determined to spread the word of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth…one word and a time.

Do you know the meaning of your name? If so, does it fit you?

In reality, my name’s French, and yes, I use an accent when I sign it. 😉 I believe the meaning fits me perfectly since I’ve been offered a new life in Christ, and my name means “reborn.”

We like to travel. Choose What is the farthest place from your home that you have visited?

The Bahamas. We’ve been there twice now. When I say I love the beach, I mean I LOVE the beach. I guess the southern part of me still lingers in there somewhere.

Bahama Lazy river

 

Quickies:

Favorite food? Cheesecake…with or without topping (usually without). I’d prefer homemade if I can get the oven to work right. Who doesn’t like cheesecake (gasp!)?

Favorite singer or band? Michael W. Smith…I’ve liked him for a long, long time.

Favorite season? Spring…the snow melts, trees bud, and the bitter cold of winter fades away. It’s a time of renewal.

Favorite flower? The yellow rose…it means friendship and that’s where love begins.

Favorite color? Purple…especially when I look across a high meadow and it’s blanketed with purple wildflowers.

Mug or teacup? MUG…hot chocolate with a heap of whipped cream…of course.

 

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

This verse has seen me through many hard times and continues to do so today.

 

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

 

This quote, as well as the support of my family, propels me onward in the face of what appears to be insurmountable odds.

 

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t–you’re right.” Henry Ford

 

Now for an excerpt from the Beast of Stratton

He appears the beast but she sees his heart.

Architect Aimee Hart, determined to locate her father, infiltrates Miles Stratton’s engineering firm as a secretary. Her presence wrenches the shaggy, wounded man from his penthouse, and the quest begins.

He’s been betrayed by his best friend. Miles would rather hide than help, especially his daughter. But it isn’t over. Someone’s trying to destroy Stratton Industrial. A war veteran, he knows how to defend his own, the Beast of Stratton can do it again.

 

BEAST OF STRATTON

 

EXCERPT

Copyright 2015 © Renee Blare

 

He’d vanished.

She’d called his friends, the family. She’d even tried her stepmother who’d hung up on her. Well, okay, maybe that wasn’t the brightest idea.

A red rose rolled across her father’s tattered note, caught in the breeze from the open window. Sliding the pane down, she picked up the flower. The words on the page blurred as she buried her nose in the soft petals.

Instead of saying goodbye to his wife in his last letter, he’d simply left explicit instructions not to follow him. Aimee snorted. Like the woman would care. He’d sent it with the rose and an antique necklace. She held the thick chain aloft and peered at the golden key spinning in the light. The jewelry had probably cost a fortune.

And her stepmother was nowhere to be found. Scratch that. According to her, she wanted to be left alone. It didn’t make a difference to Aimee what the letter said and to whom, she’d follow. A small smile worked its way to her lips as she fastened the necklace around her neck.

The zipper stuck on the edge of the suitcase and she gave it a hard jerk. Dragging the bulging bag off the bed, it hit the floor with a thunk. She slid her arms into her jacket and looped her purse over the handle. She dropped the rose, and it landed beside her plane ticket next to her wallet. Before latching her fingers around her bag, she tucked the key under her shirt out of sight. “Stratton Industrial, here I come.”

 

Available for purchase: Amazon

 

About the Author:

Raised in Louisiana and Wyoming, Renee started writing poetry in junior high school and that, as they say, was that. After having her son, a desire to attend pharmacy school sent her small family to Laramie and she’s been counting pills ever since. While writing’s her first love, well, after the Lord and her husband, she also likes to fish and hunt as well as pick away on her classical guitar.

Nestled against the Black Hills with her husband, crazy old dog and ornery cat, she serves the community of northeastern Wyoming as a pharmacist and pens her Christian stories, keeping them interesting with action and intrigue, of course. She loves to interact with readers and invites you check out her website, blog, and social media.

 

• Renee Blare|Christian Author Website
• faithwalker007@gmail.com
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• Tumblr: The Journey
• Amazon Author Page
• Blog: Renee’s Inspirational Moments
• Group Blog: The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction

 

About the Blog:

Renee’s Inspirational Moments: https://reneeblare.wordpress.com/

Tagline: Faith for the Journey

The Life of a Christian Writer…highlighting Christian Fiction through Inspirational Moments, Guestposts, Author Interviews, and Book Reviews.

Matthew 6:34 (NIV) Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

• I blog to spread the good news of the Lord.
• When I’m not blogging, I’m spending time with my family, writing, or working.
• I have a passion for Christ.
• I want to be remembered for my love for the Lord!