Wednesday Writers Christmas Reads–The Texan’s Surprise Return by Jolene Navarro

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Christmas reads, Christmas traditions, Jolene Navarro, Tamales, The Texan's Surprise Return, Wednesday Writers

Welcome to Wednesday Writers.

Christmas is coming and there’s nothing I like better during the holiday season than a good Christmas romance (or movie). So, on Wednesdays and Thursdays I’m filling out the year with a variety of Christmas romance book posts. Today’s guest is Jolene Navarro. She’ll be sharing her book The Texan’s Surprise Return and a bit about her family’s Christmas tradition.

BTW, Jolene, you’re talking about one of my favorite foods–TAMALES!

Hola from the Texas Hill Country. I’m Jolene Navarro and I’m honored to be visiting today. As a writer I love pulling from family traditions. My stories are a celebration of family. In my current release, The Texan’s Surprise Return, not only do they eat tamales on Christmas Eve, they make dozens upon dozens on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

It’s one of my favorite scenes. The hero is trying to reconnect with his family after a near death experience that created a brain injury.

Four generations (including his triple sons) gather in the kitchen to create an assembly line as they make each tamale. This is a common holiday event in the Navarro house.

Growing up my family didn’t make our own tamales, but when we gathered for Christmas Eve the main attraction was the tamales. Growing up, I thought everyone celebrated Christmas Eve with tamales.

Since then I learned it was more of a Texas thing. But I still take our traditions and customs for granted. That was brought home recently when I created a potluck list for my writing group, I included tamales (by the dozen) to sign up to bring. They are listed as such: Tamales doz.

One of our new members asked what that meant. She is from far up the east coast. This is the answer she received from another member: “1 dozen tamales…it’s considered a holiday food around here. Forget drugs. A good tamale maker/supplier is worth their weight in gold. LOL (Although, HEB works in a pinch).”

This is true. The best tamales I’ve ever eaten were made by my husband’s family, led by his mother. She made spreading the masa onto the corn husk look easy (it’s not). They made them with a mix of beef and pork (Fresh from the ranch). They can come stuffed with chicken and bean too.

The best and the most fun way to make them is with generations working as a team and lots of laughter.

Do you have a custom or tradition that you family celebrates that the rest of the country is not aware of? Maybe you are from Texas. Do you celebrate with tamales?

 

The Texan’s Surprise Return.

by Jolene Navarro

His greatest Christmas gifts…
“Is that you? You’re…you’re alive.” An unforgettable family reunion for the holidays.
For three years, Xavier De La Rosa’s family thought he was dead. Now Xavier is back home in Texas for Christmas and finds a wife he can’t remember and adorable triplets he never knew existed. Can Xavier reclaim his memories and the love he left behind…before he returns to the job that nearly killed him?

 

 

 

You can find Jolene’s book at Amazon

 

About the Author

Jolene, a seventh-generation Texan, knows, as much as the world changes, people stay the same. Good and evil. Vow-keepers and heart breakers. Jolene married a vow-keeper who showed her that dancing in the rain never gets old.
Her life, much like her stories, is filled with faith, family, laughter, dirty dishes and all of life’s wonderful messiness. She loves spending time with her four kids, and can be found at jolenenavarrowriter.com

https://business.facebook.com/jolenenavarrowriter

https://www.instagram.com/jolenenavarro

Wednesday Writers Christmas Reads–Jamie’s Christmas Magi by Eris Field

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Christmas reads, Eris Field, excerpt from Jamie's Christmas Magi, romance, Wednesday Writers

Welcome to Wednesday Writers. Christmas is coming and there’s nothing I like better during the holiday season than a good Christmas romance (or movie). So, on Wednesdays and Thursdays I’m filling out the year with a variety of Christmas romance book posts. Today’s guest is Eris Field and her book Jamie’s Christmas Magi. Welcome, Eris.

 

Thanks, Catherine.

We usually think of the Magi, the three wise men from the East who brought gifts to the Christ child, as old men. In fact, they are often depicted as three aged Kings wearing crowns and carrying gifts. However, the word Magi is derived from the Old Persian language and was used to refer to a religious order of Zoroastrian priests. They were scientists and scholars, an educated segment of the Iranian people. As part of their religion, the priests studied the stars and were well known for their knowledge of astrology which was regarded as a science at that time. They evolved into a wise and knowledgeable group of scientists who were believed to be able to predict the future of humanity and the Earth. The Magi are the forefathers of the Kurdish people in the Middle East. It is the Kurds and other Iranians who are the owners of the oldest civilization in the history of humanity. They started the first monolithic religion 9000 years BC. While researching the Magi, I learned that there is a 6^th century mosaic in the Basilica of Sant’ Appollinare built in 504 AD in Ravenna, Italy that depicts the Magi as handsome, elegant, long-legged, men—one young and beardless, one an older, heavier man with a beard, and an old man with white hair and beard. They all had large dark eyes and aquiline noses and were dressed in splendid Persian garments with swirling capes and soft red Phrygian caps. As soon as I saw a picture of the mosaic, I knew I had found my hero for Jamie’s Christmas Magi.

 

Jamie’s Christmas Magi

By Eris Field

 

Descendant of an ancient Kurdish tribe that included the Magi, Rauf, a handsome, Army psychiatrist with the hard body of a desert warrior, feels like a failure after years of fighting ISIS and losing his family. His current assignment: treat veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, but before he can help them, he must conquer his own demons.

Cast aside by the husband she put through medical school, vibrant redheaded nurse Jamie, her belief in love destroyed, refuses to give up the dream of having a home of her own. She’ll do whatever it takes-avoid romantic entanglements and work two jobs- to climb out of the mountain of debt her ex-husband left her.

Assigned to assist the reclusive Rauf, Jamie reluctantly agrees. Working together, they discover feelings they never knew: throbbing, hot, tantalizing feelings. Will their scars prevent them from seizing a second chance at love? Will Jamie accept the gift of love from her very own Magi?

 

Excerpt

“Do you know where Jamie is?” Rauf’s usually calm voice was sharp with anxiety. “She was at the party and then she was gone. I’ve tried her phone, and she’s not answering.” His voice dropped. “Her Jeep is gone. I have a feeling something is wrong. Please, Gemma, I must know where she is.”

“She told me she was going home.” Gemma voice was icy.

“I’ve tried to call her but she isn’t answering.” His voice was rough. “She was there. I turned away for a moment and then I couldn’t see her. I have to find her.” He stumbled over the words, “Did she say anything to you?”

“She said your cousin had come here to be married.” Gemma could barely control her outrage. “Oh yes. There was something else. The realtor called to tell her she’d sold her dream house.” Gemma tried for control and failed. “I’d say two bombs in less than five minutes were enough to make any girl run!”

“I told her my cousin was here to be married. In Tennessee. She is going to marry a distant cousin there. It’s all arranged.”

“Did you mention Tennessee to Jamie?” Gemma’s voice was dripping with disgust. “Did you think to tell her your cousin was on her way there to be married?”

“Jamie must be aware of how I feel about her.” He hesitated and then continued haltingly ““My love for her is tuqburni, a love so deep I can’t imagine life without her. How could she not know I want her?”

“Rauf, she wouldn’t know unless you told her. She was hurt terribly before. She shies away at the first hint of betrayal . . . and then to find out the house was sold. She was devastated. I saw her like this four years ago. It’s taken that long for her to function as well as she does.”

“I bought the house for her!” His anguish made Gemma soften slightly. “I couldn’t risk it being sold before I could ask her to marry me.”

“Does she know you want to marry her?” Gemma put the question more gently than she had intended.

She must know I want to marry her! She would know that when I introduced her to my mother.”

“It doesn’t work that way here.” Gemma’s voice was soft. “It’s all between a man and the woman he loves.”

He groaned. “My mother asked me something, and when I turned around, Jamie was gone.”

“She didn’t tell me that but . . .”

“What? Tell me everything. Please, Gemma.”

“She asked me for ten dollars and twenty-five cents. She didn’t say why but it seemed terribly important to her.”

“Oh, Gemma, thank you!”

“Do you know where she went?”

“She told me once that the fee for the ferry from New York to Vermont is ten dollars and twenty-five cents and it must be paid in cash.” He let out a deep sigh. “I think she is going to Vermont, to her grandfather’s cabin on the lake.”

“It will be cold in Vermont and she’ll be all alone.”

“No, she won’t be alone. I’ll find her.”

 

Want to read more? You can find Jamie’s Christmas Magi at Amazon

 

About the Author:

Eris Field was born in the Green Mountains of Vermont. As a student nurse at Albany Hospital, Eris met a Turkish surgical intern she would later marry. He told her fascinating stories about the history of Turkey, the loss of the Ottoman Empire, and forced population exchanges–tragically similar to the plight of today’s Kurdish refugees. While amassing rejection letters for the short stories she wrote, Eris earned a master’s degree in Psychiatric Nursing at the University at Buffalo where she later taught psychiatric nursing. Now, Eris writes contemporary, medical romances. Her love of Western New York, her interest in history, her experience in psychiatry, and her desire to eradicate violence against women become a part of each of her stories. While her mind plots the next novel and her heart develops the characters, her fingers knit sweaters for child refugees.

Social media links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eris.perese.3/allactivity

Website: eris@erisfield.com

Twitter: Eris@erisfield.com

Wednesday Writers–The Hope of Christmas/A Doctor in the House by Linda Shenton Matchett

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Christmas romance, clean romance, Doctor in the House, historical romance, Linda Shenton Matchett, Sweet romance, The Hope of Christmas Collection, Wednesday Writers, WWII romance

 

Welcome to Wednesday Writers. Christmas is coming and there’s nothing I like better during the holiday season than a good Christmas romance (or movie). So, on Wednesdays and Thursdays I’m filling out the year with a variety of Christmas romance book posts. On Fridays look for some free Christmas romance book promotions. Today’s guest is Linda Shenton Matchett who’ll be sharing her Historical Romance from the The Hope of Christmas Collection. Welcome Linda!

 

 

A Doctor in the House: The Story Behind the Story

While investigating the various areas American women served during WWII, I discovered Margaret Craighill. No slouch, Margaret got her BA and MS degrees from the University of Wisconsin (graduating Phi Beta Kappa), then received her Doctor of Medicine from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. An impressive career followed, and by 1940, she was the Dean of the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. However, as soon as President Roosevelt signed the Sparkman-Johnson Bill which allowed women to enlist in the Army and Navy Medical Corps, she signed up and became the first female doctor in the Army Medical Corps, and a third generation officer.

Dr. Craighill traveled more than 56,000 miles visiting war zones around the globe where she reported on the condition of the 160,000 Army nurses and WAC personnel. She successfully challenged the persistent idea that American women were unsuited to military roles. At the end of her service she was awarded the Legion of Merit.

I knew I had my heroine, or at least the inspiration for one.

Now, for my hero…I decided to make him highly uncomfortable. (Rubs hands together gleefully.)

Many of the English felt the American troops were “late to the last war, and late to this one.” In addition, feelings still ran high between the Irish and the British, so to give my heroine Irish ancestry with an appropriate surname would get under my hero’s skin. Last but not least, I took away my hero’s home.

Throughout the war in England, countless stately homes were requisitioned, acquired by, or lent to the war effort for all sorts of purposes: military command centers, barracks, hospitals, storage facilities for the nation’s art collections, listening, and monitoring centers, schools, orphanages, and even prisoner of war camps. Owners had no choice as to whether they would give up their home, and were often stuck in servant quarters or caretakers’ cottages. To add insult to injury, a considerable number of the homes suffered irreparable damage by their occupants.

This will be a Christmas Archie and Emma won’t forget.

 

A Doctor in the House (Part of the Hope of Christmas collection)

By Linda Shenton Matchett

Emma O’Sullivan is one of the first female doctors to enlist after President Franklin Roosevelt signs the order allowing women in the Army and Navy medical corps. Within weeks, Emma is assigned to England to set up a convalescent hospital, and she leaves behind everything that is familiar. When the handsome widower of the requisitioned property claims she’s incompetent and tries to get her transferred, she must prove to her superiors she’s more than capable. But she’s soon drawn to the good-looking, grieving owner. Will she have to choose between her job and her heart?

Archibald “Archie” Heron is the last survivor of the Heron dynasty, his two older brothers having been lost at Dunkirk and Trondheim and his parents in the Blitz. After his wife is killed in a bombing raid while visiting Brighton, he begins to feel like a modern-day Job. To add insult to injury, the British government requisitions his country estate, Heron Hall, for the U.S. Army to use as a hospital. The last straw is when the hospital administrator turns out to be a fiery, ginger-haired American woman. She’s got to go. Or does she?

 

Excerpt:

Chapter One

Squaring her shoulders, Emma O’Sullivan set off toward the nearest railroad car. It straddled the tracks and listed at a thirty-degree angle. Careful of the glass shards and twisted metal, she hiked across the uneven ground, her two-inch pumps sinking into the grass. When would the Army devise a woman’s uniform that was actually practical?

The bottom step was missing, so she grabbed the handrail and tried to hoist herself to the next tread. Her narrow skirt trapped her legs, and she grimaced. Glancing right and left, she confirmed no one seemed to be watching her, so she tugged the garment above her knees and pulled herself inside the train nearly losing a shoe in the process. Despite the chill in the air, perspiration broke out along her hairline.

Her gaze searched the dim interior. At the far end of the car a large, bearded man moved among the dozen or so passengers. His white shirt was torn in several places, and blood saturated his right sleeve. Gray tweed slacks that looked as if they were hand-tailored to fit were rumpled, and his highly-polished, black wingtips bore scuffs and gouges. Smudges of dirt on his swarthy face gave him an air of piracy. He knelt and examined the cut on a small boy.

There were other people to tend to, but the man seemed to be losing blood at an alarming rate. She threaded her way to his side and held up her bag. “Sir, it appears you may need stitching. I’ve got supplies here and could do that for you.”

He swung in her direction, and the gaze from his cobalt-blue eyes pierced her face. His forehead wrinkled, and his mouth was a thin slash. “I’m fine. I don’t need some nurse practicing her sewing skills on me. There are others more seriously wounded. See if you can do anything for them.”

She faltered. Why did every man she met assume she was a nurse? Not that there was anything wrong with nursing, but she was a full-fledged doctor and had the credentials to prove it. Graduating almost at the top of her class at Johns Hopkins Medical School had proved her detractors wrong.

“Sir, your arm needs to be tended to, and I’m quite capable–”

Looking her up and down, he sneered. “An American, are you? Listen, girlie, I don’t take orders from a woman, even if she is wearing a uniform.” He shook his head. “What was Roosevelt thinking when he agreed to allow you women in his Army and Navy?”

“He was thinking we could get the job done.” She stamped her foot and reached for his sleeve.

Batting her hand away, he rose to his full height. “Let me make myself clear. Push off and go do your nursing in another car. I do not need some upstart, Johnny-come-lately American girl to treat me or my fellow passengers.” He turned away and bent over an elderly man who held a scrap of blood-stained cloth against his forehead.

Emma pressed her lips together. Fine. Mr. Upper Crust was on his own. If he bled to death, it’d be his own fault. With any luck, the rest of England’s men wouldn’t be as infuriating. But without a doubt, few would be as good-looking.

Want to read more? You can find Linda’s story at  https://amzn.to/2ptGZga

 

About the Author:

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, speaker, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, MD, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. Linda is a member of ACFW, RWA, and Sisters in Crime. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a trustee for her local public library.

Website/blog: http://www.lindashentonmatchett.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LindaShentonMatchettAuthor

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lindasmatchett

 

Wednesday Writers–Hiding from Christmas by Alice K. Arenz

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Alice K. Arenz, Christmas reads, sweet clean romance, Wednesday Writers

Today’s Wednesday Writer’s guest is author Alice K Arenz. She’s going to be starting the Wednesday Writer’s Christmas season off early with a peek at the research she did for her Christmas book Hiding from Christmas, clean, fun, light romance with humor, and recipes. I love Christmas stories, and Alice’s book hits all the buttons for me. So, without further ado, here’s Alice and her excerpt from Hiding from Christmas!

Thanks, Catherine.

Writing Hiding from Christmas was a true “labor of love.” Not only is one of my granddaughters on the cover, but the book itself is something I never thought possible for me to write. Every time I turned around, I was doing more researching, checking and rechecking to make certain things were not just possible but believable—that’s what you get when God gives you a story about a non-existent company and then you have to learn different things to “populate” the company. He gave me the name of the company—Ornamental—and then helped my imagination to soar! All this when He knows how much I hate research! And, boy was there a lot of it!!

The most exciting aspect to all the research came one Saturday when my husband and I took a field trip to Bonner Springs, Kansas, to visit The Moon Marble Company—a wonderful, old fashioned store with everything marbles and glass blown pieces for sale. AND, a demonstration of lampworking with the end result—wait for it—a marble formed right before our eyes!

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to speak with David (that’s all he’d give me) before the demonstration. He confirmed the information I’d already gathered plus added a few more gems that helped breathe more life into the glassblowing tour Maddie takes in the book.

All in all, it was a difficult, albeit an exciting book to watch take shape. As a seat-of-the-pants writer, there were plenty of discoveries and surprises around every corner. I’m always amazed how God leads me when writing, and love the journeys he takes me on.

 

HIDING FROM CHRISTMAS

by Alice K. Arenz

 No matter how hard she tries, Maddie Kelley can’t seem to fit in at Ornamental, a company founded by her great grandfather and his best friend. Now, after yet another screw-up, she’s been sent into the “enemy’s” camp—two hours away from home for the next two months.

A punishment or a blessing?

Her life is turned upside down when the mundane turns unexpected, and she finally discovers where her heart truly lies.

Though not part of a series—yet—this is the fourth novel set in the fictional Missouri community of Tarryton—others include The Case of the Bouncing Grandma, The Case of the Mystified M.D., and The Wedding Barter. Come visit old friends and make some new ones!

EXCERPT:

Here’s a little something to tease you. This excerpt is from Chapter 5—a little introspection from Maddie that you just might find amusing!

Daddy used to say I’d been born under a lucky star, blessed by the Lord with a kind heart, pleasant personality, beauty, and intelligence. When I was little, I’d believed him. Mostly about the intelligence. School had always been easy for me, and I’d been fortunate to make a few good friends along the way who’d stuck with me through thick and thin. Until I was a sophomore and deemed a jinx. Then, they’d nicknamed me the Master of Disaster!

Trying to convince superstitious people that I wasn’t responsible for accidents which appeared to occur whenever I was around hadn’t worked. Coincidences didn’t happen in “their” world. They even claimed to have tested it—at their peril—and had undeniable proof. I’d been promptly kicked out of the pep squad because my presence around the cheerleaders invariably caused their routines to go horribly wrong. Pyramids toppled over into a mass of arms and legs, jumps and splits created injuries, and the list went on. The same thing happened when I attempted to participate in flags and majorettes. The school’s marching band was never the same after that fiasco. Since another dog pile of students was too great a risk, banning me from games became a consideration—though quickly overturned for obvious reasons.

It was suggested I try alternate extracurricular activities, which was fine by me. I loved singing and thought choir and glee club a perfect fit… until some risers collapsed in the middle of a performance. And, when two members of the drama club actually broke their legs on stage, I was gently but firmly asked to refrain from group participation projects. On behalf of the students and their parents, I agreed, and stayed as far from the action as possible—yet still remain in the school itself.

I didn’t believe any of it was my fault—I never fell or was even part of the strange incidents. Mass hysteria and the general clumsiness of my schoolmates was the more likely explanation. After all, many of the people involved in cheer and flags were also members of the drama club and choir, so it stood to reason that if they couldn’t stay on their feet in one activity they’d be unlikely to do so in another. Besides, if their assessment of me was actually true, why had each of these groups continued to request I supply them with baked goodies long after I was kicked out? The candy and cookies were welcomed; I was not.

To be honest, I’d only tried the activities because my mom and teachers had encouraged me to do so. I’d always been confident when it came to my studies but extremely shy and introverted in front of a lot of people. I didn’t like the spotlight and would never have sought it on my own. When it came to classroom group projects, however, I was a take-charge kind of person. There were always fellow students vying to be on my team—and it wasn’t just the baked goods I supplied during our work sessions. They knew my reputation when it came to school; an A was practically guaranteed when I was involved. And, if more proof of my innocence was needed, the “accidents” hadn’t followed me after high school. Other than my inability to find the field of study that would propel me into the future, nothing out of the ordinary happened.

Want to read more? You can find Hiding from Christmas on Amazon 

About the Author:

Alice K. Arenz has been writing since she was a child. Her earliest publications were in the small, family-owned newspaper where her articles, essays, and poems were frequently included. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Arenz is a Carol Award winner and two-time finalist. She writes “clean” fiction as well as Christian fiction in a variety of genres and lengths. Hiding From Christmas is her fourth book to be set in the small, fictional community of Tarryton, Missouri.

Visit her at her web site: http://www.akawriter.com/

 

 

 

 

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 Second Son by Vonnie Hughes

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excerpt from The Second Son, Recengy Romance, The Second Son, Vonnie Hughes, Wednesday Writers

Today’s Wednesday Writer’s Guest is Australian author Vonnie Hughes. Vonnie will be giving us a peek at her Regency novel, The Second Son. Welcome, Vonnie!

Thanks, Catherine.

The Second Son sweeps you back to Britain into the early 1800s where life for the wealthy was filled with elegance and grand parties. But there is more to the era of great achievement both politically and in the fine arts. The rich attended soirees while the poor scrounged in any way possible for food. The Second Son touches on the reality of the era and its costs to the people.

What happens when a man achieves his secret wish at the expense of a brother he despises? How does he then live his life?

John Trewbridge is destined to spend his life in the British army. If he had been thinking clearly, he’d never have enlisted with the 71st regiment. But Serena ripped the heart out of him when she said that he was only a second son and therefore of no account. She was echoing the words of John’s older brother, Spencer, who has spent years crowing about his future plans for the marquessate he will inherit. Yet it is John who loves the Trewbridge estate and everything that goes with it. When he is sent home from Corunna, injured, he discovers that Serena is about to marry Spencer.

On a raw winter’s day John meets Marguerite Ninian. Crippled from birth she hides from the world and John, despairing and disillusioned, lashes out at her, telling her that instead of feeling sorry for herself and should pity the injured soldiers who had limbs amputated. Not an auspicious beginning.

But over time her humour and intelligence help John to understand that second is just a word, not a value judgment or a statement of mind. Cautiously John and Marguerite move toward a tentative friendship until Spencer implodes and smashes the Trewbridge family apart.

BLURB
Spencer’s arm was trapped beneath the phaeton. The pain must be excruciating. John tugged off his glove and held tight to Spencer’s free hand. “No, Spence. I envied you Trewbridge, not the title. Oh, and sometimes I envied your famous way with the ladies. But I didn’t want to be you.” He noticed he was talking in the past tense and reined himself in. How callous could he be?

“No. I’m too dull to enjoy racing around, trying to keep ahead of my conscience.” Spencer ignored the last comment. “Dull,” he rasped. “I told her that would singe your whiskers.”

“For a time it did,” John murmured. “But I’ve found someone who needs me and doesn’t think I’m dull. And I have an estate that will not give me sleepless nights like the responsibility of Trewbridge would.”

There was a long silence and John felt the world shrink down to just the two of them, in the dark, with the sounds of rescue far away. Then Spencer’s cracked voice whispered, “But you will have it all now, while I dance with demons.”

“I don’t think so. We’ll get you out of here. More men are coming. We will lift this damned phaeton off you and—”

“No!” Spencer’s voice rose again. “I do not want to be saved.” He gave a slight huff that might have been a laugh. “Never did.”

Want to read more? You can find The Second Son at:

Amazon Paperback – Kindle – Smashwords

 

About the Author:

Vonnie Hughes is a multi-published author in both Regency books and contemporary suspense. She loves the intricacies of the social rules of the Regency period and the far-ranging consequences of the Napoleonic Code. And with suspense she has free rein to explore forensic matters and the strong convolutions of the human mind. Like many writers, some days she hates the whole process, but somehow she just cannot let it go.

Vonnie was born in New Zealand, but she and her husband now live happily in Australia. If you visit Hamilton Gardens in New Zealand be sure to stroll through the Japanese Garden. These is a bronze plaque engraved with a haiku describing the peacefulness of that environment. The poem was written by Vonnie.

All of Vonnie’s books are available on The Wild Rose Press and Amazon.

Learn more about Vonnie Hughes on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Goodreads.

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–The Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma

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excerpt from the Pink Bonnet, Liz Tolsma, suspense, The Pink Bonnet, Wednesday Writers

Today’s Wednesday Writers guest is Liz Tolsma, who will be talking about how she got into writing suspense. She’s also sharing an excerpt from the Pink Bonnet, so keep reading to the end. Welcome, Liz!

 

I wouldn’t consider myself a suspense writer. Not at all. I don’t even read suspense. Give me a sweet romance with a hunky hero and a happy ending, and I’m good to go. But then I started writing WWII fiction and discovered that I love writing a story that is going to get your heart pumping and that will leave you breathless.

Fast forward to about a year and a half ago when I got an email from my agent. Barbour Publishing was looking for suspenseful writers for a new true historical crimes series. My agent thought of me and how I write WWII and believed I could write this type of book. Barbour listed several different crimes, and my agent urged me to send in a couple of synopses.

I did, never thinking I’d be offered a contract for either of my ideas. Imagine my surprise when I got a contract for both of them! I had to get busy reading suspense novels (I now kind of like them) and learning how to write them. The Pink Bonnet underwent an overhaul halfway through the writing of it, with just eight weeks until the deadline. But I got it done!

The story about a woman who has her child stolen from Georgia Tann of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society in the 1930s was difficult for me to write. I’m an adoptive mom, and the idea of such widespread black market adoptions during that time was hard for me to stomach. And I had to change my point of view from an adoptive mom to a birth mom. It really gave me pause and some food for thought. I hope that I presented all sides in a thoughtful, careful, and non-judgmental manner. Enjoy this preview!

 

The Pink Bonnet

By Liz Tolsma

 

How far will a mother go to find out what happened to her child? Widowed in Memphis during 1932, Cecile Dowd is struggling to provide for her three-year-old daughter. Unwittingly, she trusts a neighbor who puts little Millie Mae into the clutches of Georgia Tann, corrupt Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home Society director suspected of the disappearance of hundreds of children. With the help of a sympathetic lawyer, the search for Millie uncovers a deep level of corruption that threatens their very lives.

EXCERPT:

“Have a seat.” Mrs. Ward hardened her gray eyes the same way Momma used to when she was upset with Cecile.

She thumped into the well-worn chair, and Mrs. Ward settled beside her. “I’ve seen how hard it’s been on you, darlin’, since your husband died. Bless your heart, Millie is a handful, and you need more work to support yourself.”

“We’re managing.” They were for now, but how much longer could she go on this way?

“Remember I mentioned the Tennessee Children’s Home Society a few days ago?”

“Yes.” What was this about?

“It was for the best, dear.”

“What was?” Her middle cramped. Where was Millie?

“I couldn’t bear to see you struggling. And with you having to work, the child needs to be cared for.”

“I’ll figure it out.” She swallowed hard.

“I called Miss Tann.”

Cecile jumped from her seat, her heart doing the Charleston in her chest. “You did what?”

“She’ll take care of Millie. Find her a good family, one who can give her the things you can’t.”

A buzz filled Cecile’s head, drowning out the rest of what Mrs. Ward said.

“Millie is . . .” “With Georgia Tann. She does such wonderful work for children.”

Cecile again lost track of Mrs. Ward’s words. Millie gone? That couldn’t be. She was Cecile’s daughter not Mrs. Ward’s. “You had no right. How could you give away my child?”

Now the old lady had the decency to study her short fingernails. “Well, I . . . It was quite easy. And Miss Tann told me it was fine. That we had to do what was in Millie’s best interest.”

Cecile’s chest was about to explode. “Her best interest? What about being with her mother? A mother who loves her more than the sun and the moon? What did you do, forge my signature?”

Mrs. Ward picked at a hangnail.

Cecile grabbed Mrs. Ward by the shoulders and almost shook the stuffing from her. “My baby! My baby! Where is she? I have to get her back.”

“I don’t know.” Mrs. Ward leaned back in her chair.

Cecile released her grip. “How could you? That woman kidnapped my baby.”

“Don’t get yourself in a fuss. Think of Millie. She’s the most important person in this horrible mess.”

“She’s mine. No one else can have her.”

“You’re hysterical. Let me get you a drink of water.”

“Water isn’t going to solve my problems. I need my daughter back. Millie! Millie!” She ran from the apartment, down the stairs, and to the street.

“Millie! Millie!” No sweet chatter. No big hugs. No snuggles in the night. Nothing.

Cecile fell to her knees in the middle of the walk. “Millie, oh Millie!” She sobbed for a long while. When she’d exhausted her store of tears, she wiped her eyes and raised her focus to the heavens. “I promise, Millicent Mae, I swear to you, I will find you and get you back. I will never give up on you.”

She had to act. Fast. Before Miss Tann snatched Millie away forever.

 

About the Author:

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, prairie romance novellas, a romantic suspense, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a U.S. Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her blog, The Story behind the Story, at http://liztolsma.com/ and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), and Pinterest. She is also a regular contributor to the Midwest Almanac blog.

 

 

Wednesday Writers–Dreams Deferred by June Foster

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Christian romance, Dream Deferred, drug abuse, excerpt from Dreams Deferred, June Foster, Wednesday Writers

Wednesday Writers welcomes June Foster back to the blog. June will be talking about The Story Behind the Story of her contemporary romance novel Dreams Deferred. Welcome back, June!

 

Thanks, Catherine.

Dreams Deferred is inspired by the true-to-life story of my great grandfather and great grandmother. I chose to set it in contemporary times, nevertheless, I borrowed many of the story elements from the true story.

Frances Mathew Halbedl grew up in the European Austrian Empire and followed tradition in which the oldest son became a priest in his family’s Catholic faith. After being ordained in Moravia, he immigrated to the United States in 1866 to serve in a parish in the state of Louisiana.

My aunt and mother always told the story of how one Sunday while saying Mass, he spotted a young teen, much younger than my Mary Louise. He waited several years for her to grow up then stepped down from the priesthood to marry her. I wish I knew some of those rich details of their courtship, but since I don’t, I fictionalized their romance.

They later moved to San Antonio, Texas, and had five children, three girls and two boys—Ida, Mamie, Alice, Roy, and Clifton, who was my grandfather. Just for fun in one scene, I imagined that Matt had a dream he was riding in a car with Mary Louise and the three youngest kids. In my story, the dream helped him realize how much he loved Mary Louise.

Mathew taught music both in the public school and privately. Later he became the first principal of a high school in San Antonio. In December of 2005, my husband and I visited San Antonio and looked up Matthew and Mary Louise’s house. The large, two-story home is still there on Roseborough Drive. We weren’t able to go in because it’s a private residence. But I had so much fun envisioning Matt and ML’s lives as they lived there with their children.

We also visited Clifton Halbedl’s home, which I remember from childhood. I also had the address for Mamie’s home, and we were able to go inside. A gracious lady who spoke no English invited us in. I have tons of pictures and hope to share them on my blog.

In the story, Matt gets a job at Jefferson High School. This is patterned after Thomas Jefferson High School where my mother went to school. Her name was Mary Louise, as well, named for her grandmother.

If I’ve learned anything from writing this book, I wish I’d probed for more information when my mother and aunt were still alive, but I’m grateful for what I do know.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Dreams Deferred

By June Foster

Father Matt Hall wants to serve the Lord. School teacher Mary Louise Graham needs freedom from her unforgivable past. They never expect to fall in love.

Excerpt:

The evening breeze lifted a strand of his dark hair, and he ran his hand over the back of his neck. “I’ve always loved music, especially the violin and performing with the symphony. I believe God can use our talents for what He wants to accomplish.”

“How could God use the San Antonio Symphony for His purpose?”

“I don’t mean specifically the symphony.” He stared at something over her shoulder. “But music in general.”

“I don’t understand.”

He lowered his gaze and captured hers, his eyes magnetic. “I haven’t discussed this with many people, but I have a heart for teenage kids. Especially those who’re destroying their lives with drugs.”

“Hmm. How does that relate to music?”

A slow smile worked its way over Father Matt’s lips. “I’ve always wanted to begin a ministry teaching underprivileged kids to play an instrument and involve them in an orchestra. To instill in them the joy and transforming power of music. If teens are busy learning the trombone or flute, they might not have time to hang out on the streets and become vulnerable to drug use.”

She hadn’t heard of the concept before, but it sounded wonderful. Something or Someone must’ve put the desire in his heart. “Have drugs impacted your life?”

“Yes, you might say that. It was in high school. I had a friend who overdosed and died.” He turned his back to her a moment, maybe in an attempt to hide his emotion. After a few seconds, he faced her again, his gaze focused on something over her shoulder. “Carlos and I were good friends but not close enough, apparently. I thought I knew him, but I didn’t. He never told me he took street drugs.”

Mary Louise reached toward him then yanked her hand to her side again. How could she think of touching a priest, even if she’d only wanted to comfort him? “I’m so sorry.”

“I think God used the incident to put the desire in my heart. The memory is always with me, and the longing to help young people is stronger than ever.”

“You’re very close to God.” A position she’d give anything to enjoy.

“Yes, but anyone can draw near to Him.”

Mary Louise didn’t care if she stared now, searching every inch of his beautiful face—from his short, dark hair to his prickly cheeks to his masculine lips. If only she had access into his heart and the treasures he stored there.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Want to read more? You can find Dreams Deferred here.

 

About the Author:

June Foster is an award-winning author who began her writing career in an RV roaming around the USA with her husband, Joe. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next contemporary romance or romantic suspense. June’s characters find themselves in precarious circumstances where only God can offer redemption and ultimately freedom. To date June has seen publication of 19 novels and 1 devotional. Find June at junefoster.com.

Connect with June at Amazon Twitter Facebook

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers–How Do You Recognize True Love? by Ada Brownell

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1918 Influenza Pandemic, Ada Brownell, excerpt from Love's Delicate Blossom, Love's Delicate Blossom, romance, Wednesday Writers, WWII

Today’s Wednesday Writers guest is Ada Brownell and she’s tackling an age old question: HOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE TRUE LOVE?

Welcome Ada!

 

Thanks, Catherine

Where does true love come from?

Ritah O’Casey’s beau wants to get married, but she’s headed to college. She’s quite fond of Edmund Pritchitt III, but does she love him like she loves her brother Bud? Or does she love him enough to give up her dreams and her opportunity to intervene in the life of a friend who has been kidnapped?

The beautiful redhead doesn’t know how or why she’ll be sure Eddie is her true love, the one person God created for her to marry. But she believes because she dedicated her life to the Lord, God will direct her path and show her if Eddie is the one.

Ritah O’Casey is the leading lady of my historical romantic suspense novel Love’s Delicate Blossom. I also have a non-fiction book, Imagine the Future You and one chapter talks about falling in love, the problem that has Ritah confused.

Here’s what I wrote in the Imagine book about marriage and how we fall in love, and I should know something about it. I’ve been married 65 years..

• Falling in love is an act of the will. Cupid doesn’t shoot you with an arrow and “twang!” you’re a goner, although it could be love at first sight.
• You are around the person of the opposite sex frequently. That’s called propinquity—what happens when you are near in time and space.
• You are lonely and desire someone in your life.
• Your God-given instincts are telling you to create a family.
• The person will build your ego.
• Because you decide to create excitement in your life.
• Because no one better is available.
• Because you have similar interests.
• Because someone else thinks it’s a good idea.
• Because while you were in the womb God had a plan for both of you, and your love is so strong you feel you can’t live without one another (Jeremiah 1:5 and Psalms 37:33).There may be dozens of other reasons you fall in love, but even if you aren’t conscious of why it is happening, you allow yourself to love someone else. It’s a decision. That’s why arranged marriages often work.While Edmund waits for Ritah to accept the diamond he’s bought for her finger, another young fellow catches her attention. Will she know who she loves enough to commit herself to him for life?
• If love happened spontaneously without your will being involved, people who are greatly overweight would have as many proposals for marriage as others. So would the handicapped or someone with facial deformities or pure physical ugliness.

 

Love’s Delicate Blossom

By Ada Brownell

It’s 1917 and Ritah Irene O’Casey knows the war and sickness will make widows of many. Mothers already are sending their teir children to orphanages.

As she prepares to leave for college, Ritah hopes to learn herself and then teach women how to manage money, start a business, run a farm, and even prevent and treat illness and injuries in an era where few have access to a doctor.

Ritah is nearly ready to board the train when she discovers her friend Tulip, whose parents died of cholera, was kidnapped by a man who wants to make her work in a brothel.

She battles with all these things on her mind while wealthy Edmund Pritchitt III pressures her to stay home and get married.

Will Edmund be successful in changing her mind? Will Ritah go to college and accomplish her dreams? Or will she meet another handsome man who makes her heart skip?

EXCERPT FROM LOVE’S DELICATE BLOSSOM

 

She smiled. They always had such interesting conversations.

“I’ve read that scripture.”

Joe squeezed her hand, his blue eyes reflecting moonlight. “I should read the Bible more. My father and I work so many hours in the fields besides keeping everything in repair, seems I don’t have much time to read. Well, I guess I do read the newspaper.”

Every time their eyes connected, her heart skipped a beat. “It doesn’t take long. Just pick the Bible up and read a few verses –

a Psalm, or a chapter every night.”

Joe pulled her closer and slid his arm around her waist as they ambled through tall grasses. “I’d like to read some of those love stories in there again. Our pastor preached not too long ago about the arranged marriage of Isaac and Rebecca. Abraham actually sent a servant to another country to find his son Isaac a wife. It’s a most amazing story.”

His grin was wide, and he held Ritah a little closer.

She smiled back, and she was tempted to link her arm around him too. “I remember that story, but I forgot some of the details.”

“The servant asked God to help him find the correct wife for Isaac. The servant took ten camels and a bunch of gifts to a far country to give to the bride’s father. As I recall the camels needed watered. The servant took them to a well in the city where Abraham directed him. Women surrounded the well, and drew and carried water. The servant prayed God would show him which one should become Isaac’s wife. He prayed the young lady would not only agree to draw water for him, but she would water his camels too.”

“Uh, huh,” Ritah murmured. “So, how did that work out?”

“She looked at him like he was crazy.” Joe laughed so hard he could hardly get the words out.

Ritah frowned. That wasn’t how she remembered it. “She did?”

Laughing, Joe touched his finger to the tip of her nose. “No. Just kidding. But do you know how much water a thirsty camel can drink?”

She shook her head. “I have no idea.”

Frogs croaked from the river bed. A roaming tomcat’s eyes glowed as he cried for a mate, but Joe touched his finger to her nose again “Well the preacher said they can drink about twenty gallons. It’s not stored in the hump either. It’s stored in the camel’s blood stream.”

They climbed an upslope bringing them near to the house, and then turned back toward each other.

“Sure enough the young maiden the servant chose for Isaac drew water for him, and also offered to water his camels from her pitcher. So Abraham’s servant told the girl about his mission, and she took him to meet her family. The family gave permission and she agreed to go with the servant and marry Isaac.”

Ritah couldn’t keep from gazing into the face of the tall dark-haired man before her. “Nice.”

“But that’s not the romantic part.” He slid his hands onto her shoulders and looked into her eyes. “The maiden, whose name was Rebekah…”

Ritah nodded her head. She began to remember.

“Rebekah put together an entourage of servants and camels and mounted a camel herself, and followed the servant to the land of Abraham. In the distance, Rebekah saw Isaac coming to meet her and she asked. ‘Is that him?’”

Joe hesitated, then continued. “The servant verified it was. Rebekah veiled her face, jumped off the camel, and started running toward Isaac. Apparently, they met on the road. I imagine he hugged her and maybe even twirled her around. Right away, they had a wedding. That’s probably when he kissed her for the first time.”

Joe’s arms pulled Ritah close and he touched his lips to hers.

Thunder rumbled near her heart. Lightning flashed through her, and rainbow colors filled her brain.

The gasp she released came from her experience, not Rebecca’s. But she said, “What a sweet story.”

“That’s not all.” His arms still held her. “The Bible says Isaac loved her.”

They stood there a moment and then she backed away. “I hope your parents or somebody from the school board didn’t see us.”

Want to read more? You can find Love’s Delicate Blossom by Ada Brownell at Amazon.

About the Author:

Ada Brownell blogs and writes with Stick-to-Your-Soul Encouragement. She is the author of nine books, more than 400 stories and articles in Christian publications, and she spent a large chunk of her life as a journalist, mostly for The Pueblo Chieftain in Colorado. She and her husband L.C., have five amazing children, one of them in heaven, eight wonderful grandchildren. and three great-grandchildren.

Her book, The Lady Fugitive, the first book in the Peaches and Dreams series was a finalist for the 2015 Laurel Award. She has four fiction books and five non-fiction, available from Amazon and some bookstores. The newest non-fiction is What Prayer Can Do, a collection of reprinted articles from the Pentecostal Evangel. Others include Facts, Faith and Propaganda; Swallowed by Life; Imagine the Future You, and Confessions of a Pentecostal.

Amazon author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/adabrownell

Her blog: http://www.inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/AdaBrownellWritingMinistries

Twitter: @adabrownell