Everglades
by
Petie McCarty is a novel set in the Florida Everglades that you won't want to
put down because it entwines action, adventure, romance, and nature, blending them together in such a way that you have a unique read. I felt like I was riding on an airboat through the river of grass.
The author does a wonderful job with detail and description that pull you right
into an adventure with Kayli Heddon, a photo journalist who takes a tour boat
journey with Skye Landers, a Seminole Indian guide, or so she thinks. Throw
Clay Jameson, a shallow, self-serving, political guy into the mix. He insists
over and over that Kayli is his girlfriend, but no matter how many times he
says it, he can't convince her. Just when you think this book can't get any
better, it does. Just when you think it's winding down, it spirals back up
again and has you sitting on the edge of your seat with bated breath. Vivid
description, awesome details, a hunk of a tour boat guide, a spitfire of a
woman who forgets her ladylike ways with the air hitting her face as she glides
through Big Cypress Bend on an airboat. Kayli falls head over heels for Syke,
but an unexpected beautiful blonde with a Southern drawl appears. Guns, knives,
snakes, drug dealers, a legendary cat and uncle, cousins who bring trouble to the camp
that's supposed to be hidden so well in the Everglades that no one can find it,
and you've got a read like never before. I love how this novel makes you feel
like you're right there in the thick of things with Kayli. Without hesitation,
I rate it five stars, and I've found another author I love. This is one ride you don't want to miss.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Echo of an Earth Angel by Sarah M. Ross
Echo of an Earth Angel is now Available!!!
Sarah M. Ross, author of Awaken, has released her new Young Adult Paranormal novel. Echo of an Earth Angel (Book 1 of the Earth Angel Trilogy) is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. The first novel in the series, Awaken is available for free Wednesday and Thursday only, so grab your free copy.
About the Book:
18 year old Tessa Copeland barely survived the worst year of her life—in fact, it was a miracle. After making it through the tragedy that killed both of her parents, she’s left to pick up the pieces of her life. Combating the holes in her memory and the concern of her friends was hard enough, but a new talent threatens to destroy everything she’s trying to reclaim.
David Allegri didn’t mean to ruin Tessa’s life. She was the brightest soul he’d seen in centuries and he couldn’t let her die, so the fallen angel used his abilities to heal her—only he took it too far and changed Tessa forever. Now, he has to figure out a way to explain what’s happening to Tessa and somehow protect both of them from the consequences.
His choice made them targets for the Hunters, who will use any means necessary to capture their prey. Only a desperate plan can help them escape, and sacrifices will be made. Time is ticking. Will they make it, or will they be lost to the echoes of fate?
PRICE:
$2.99 for ebook
$11.99 for Paperbacks. (Autographed copies available at www.sarahmross.com)
About the Author:
I started my obsession with reading at an early age, getting in trouble for sneaking BabySitter Club and Nancy Drew books into math class in elementary school. I would read any fiction book I could get my hands on. I knew it was an addiction when instead of grounding me from TV or music, my mom would take away my books as punishment (The Horror!). My love of all things paranormal was inspired by my good friend Laurie, who convinced me that books with vampires, witches, and all things shifter were amazing. After a little reluctance, I gave it a shot with the Sookie Stackhouse books, realized she was right, and the rest was history.
I grew up in Pittsburgh, graduated from The University of Pittsburgh with my degree in English, and taught 8th graders to love reading as much as I do for several years. I will always be a proud member of the Steelers Nation, but I couldn't take the cold and moved my frozen tush to Florida where I now live with my family and two cats. You will find me now with my trusty Kindle in hand and toes in the sand!
When I'm not writing or reading, I am probably partaking in my favorite vice: sunbathing. I know it's wrong, but I love the feeling on the hot sun on my skin and could lay in it for hours. I do live in Florida for a reason!
Please feel free to contact me!
Website- http://www.sarahmross.com
Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/SarahtheAuthor
Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/SarahtheAuthor
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
First time Last Resort is available for 99 cents. Only two more days to snag this bargain at Amazon.com. Sale ends May 31. If you don't have a Kindle, you can download a free Kindle app. Take advantage of the low price, it's a terrific read for a buck. Romance, mystery, suspense, intrigue, gun safety, eating disorders, nature, swimming, strawberries, and so much more.
Faith tore out of the jail's parking lot and prayed she wouldn't get a ticket. She turned Old Blue into the flowing traffic. Her heart pumped faster than a race car engine. Dear God, please don't let me be too late. She reached down and punched Matt's number again. Come on, Matt, where are you? Pick up. Still no answer. She snapped the phone shut and focused on the road ahead. Who could possibly have it in for him? He was such a great guy. She gassed the truck as she passed the city limits and left the jail behind. Why wasn't he answering? She'd never had a problem before. This wasn't like him.
Extra, extra, read all about it!! LAST RESORT IS ONLY 99 CENTS through Amazon for one week only. Take advantage of the 99 cent sales and mop up for a great Memorial Day weekend read. Southern Superstitions is only $4.61, so you could grab both for the price of one. Two for one while it lasts, through the end of the month. Get them at a deal. Get them at a steal.
http://www.amazon.com/Last-Resort-ebook/dp/B005CQ7JQK/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1337934187&sr=1-9
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juwF0dLLX6M&feature=youtu.be
Go snag Last Resort by B. J. Robinson for 99 cents while you can. You'll get your money's worth. You might want to pick up Southern Superstitions for only $4.61 and get a sweat deal of two books for the price of one. Check out the reviews on Amazon for both. Happy reading!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
A colleague told me about this wonderful book, and I read this YA novel of 13 chapters quickly. I thought I'd never find another novel on par with The Notebook, but this one is close, and I have to give it five stars. It's a heart wringer about two young adults. One is a girl who is considered weird because she carries her Bible around and sits alone in a corner reading it during lunch at school. When the young man she really likes gets around to asking her to the prom she tells him she'll go to the dance with him, but he can't fall in love with her. He had no intentions of doing so, but sometimes things happen that we think couldn't possibly. Could this be one? She's a Christian, and she's not ashamed to show it. She's lost her mother and lives with her father who is the local Baptist preacher. If you haven't tried Nicholas Sparks's YA novels, and you like Christian YA, you'll love this one. If you have a YA and would like to gift her with a book she'll enjoy by an author with a unique writing style, check out A WALK TO REMEMBER. I'm so glad my friend told me about it. I loved it and wouldn't have wanted to miss it. You don't want to either. It's a great, touching read and is available in both paperback and eBook formats.
Friday, April 27, 2012
The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks is 38 chapters and an epilogue about an ex-marine, Logan Thibault, who is deemed the lucky one by his friends, especially his best friend Victor. Victor tells him the picture he finds will bring him good luck, and so he carries a picture of an unknown woman around in his pocket during his time in Iraq. When his tour is up, he walks from Colorado to Hampton, North Carolina, to find this unknown woman. I thought he’d take a plane or at least a train, since he obviously has waited so long to find her. It reminded me of The Walk. With the publication of The Notebook, I became a fan and love his writing style, but I didn’t find this novel equal to The Notebook. It just didn't measure up in depth.
Elizabeth, called Beth by everyone but her dead brother and Logan, is Nana’s granddaughter, and the woman Logan is out to find. Logan stumbles upon a job at a dog kennel owned by Nana as he searches for the woman. Sparks did an excellent job with Nana’s character, and she was my favorite one. She brought humor to the story which reminded me of the mother in a novel I wrote. It didn’t bother me that he used clichés in dialogue because that’s the way many people speak, though I saw a reviewer didn’t like it. I love books that use them appropriately in dialogue to bring out the true character and the way people actually speak, as a character in one of my own novels. One of the most touching parts was the boating scene with his friend Victor. The ending scene could have been better, but felt rushed and lacked the emotion of the boating scene. Sparks needed to show us what happened to Thibault and Clayton. Show, don’t tell when it comes to major action and scenes. It would have made for a much stronger ending, but overall I enjoyed the story and felt he did a good job. Flashbacks don’t bother me either, as I saw they did another reviewer. I used them in one of my novels, the one with the mother and her clichés. Such clichés create memorable characters. I could just visualize Nana.
Through the foreshadowing, one can predict the ending easily. The difference with my novel is my foreshadowing doesn’t give away the ending. I love Sparks novels and will continue to read him, but I don’t know if he’ll ever write an equal to The Notebook in my eyes. I gave The Notebook a five, so I have to rate this one as a four.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Good vs. Evil in Death Cheater by Danielle Thorne
I don't know about you, but I love unique books,different from anything I've ever read and this is one. I don't normally read this type of novel, as I'm more into romantic suspense, but I truly loved Death Cheater. Athena Gray has a hard time building relationships because of her gift. Dan is the only boy she's felt comfortable around, and she begins to build hope. Then a butterfly in a collection returns from the dead and disappears. This nearly dissolves their relationship, since it was in a display case at his house and belonged to his brother, a collector's item. She lives with her older sister who is busy with college and work, so she's mostly on her own. A tale of good versus evil shows an evil person with his own agenda. He demands she help him, or her family and Dan will pay. Can Athena find a way to release his hold on her without endangering those she loves? The woods behind the high school are deep, dark, and mysterious, woods she once loved and found comfort in until the evil one appeared with his hounds. She enjoyed walking home from school beneath their leafy cover until he runied her special place. Dan offers to help, but she doesn't want to involve him anymore than he is for fear of what might happen to him. When she finds her sister has disappeared, she has no choice. Will this be the biggest mistake she ever makes? Her sister's life hangs in the balance. Vivid description pulls you into the story, and I loved the way she took care of the mean girls in the restroom, the ones who told her she couldn't use "their" restroom anymore. Athena will use it to her heart's content, and she won't back down. Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Sony, and Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Goodbye Noel by Nike Chillemi
Goodbye Noel by Nike Chillemi is the second novel in her Sanctuary Point series. Burning Hearts is the first. Katrina Lenart and Ian Daltry meet in front of a Christmas tree with a dead body. An infant crying down the hall makes Katrina vow to keep it safe, but can she? This isn’t the only body discovered. Ian is the police detective investigating the murders. He lost his first wife. Will he lose Katrina, too, just as he realizes he’s in love with her? Will Katrina even be allowed to keep the baby when it has a father? Christian fiction with a good plot and interesting setting allows for an enjoyable read. If you’ve ever wanted to adopt a child, you’ll identify with this book and Katrina’s feelings and emotions. The author writes with vivid description and details that make the story realistic and allows us a glimpse of certain types of religious meetings. I enjoyed both novels and look forward to her third in the series.Both books can stand alone, but if you're like me and enjoy reading novels in a series in order, you'll want to read Burning Hearts first. Check out these books and their reviews at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Sony, or wherever fine eBooks are sold. You can even enjoy PDF files to read on a computer or laptop from the publisher, Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Give Us This Day by June Foster
Bellewood Book One: Give Us This Day by June Foster released February 1, 2012, from Desert Breeze Publishing Inc. A hero with a food addiction, Jess Colton, meets Holly Harrison in an elevator. She's captivated with his pale blue eyes and sees more than his outward appearance. Holly hides her own disability. This beautifully written novel was sprung from a retired schoolteacher, and I will want to read more of her writing. Her simple style is elegant and she has impressed me with the plot. Jess battles with his weight and feels he can’t offer himself to Holly though he loves her. He doesn’t want to tie her down to a man with health issues. Holly feels Jeff couldn’t possibly love her because of her own handicap. She hides it when he wants to walk on the beach with her and asks her to take off her shoes so they can feel the sand between their toes. She knows she’ll eventually have to show and tell, but will the time ever be right? Holly has been berated by her sister who tells her God could never forgive her, but Jess says He has. A health crisis rips the two further apart right after Holly gets up the nerve to come clean and show her disability to Jess. His sister doesn’t want Holly around her brother until he’s in a coma and Holly prays with her. This novel is a heart-touching story of love, forgiveness, and what God can do when you let Him. I highly recommend it for anyone who may be battling food addiction. Jess gave up one addiction for another until he let God help him. This novel is spun gold. We are all flawed humans in one way or another, all works-in-progress. I so enjoyed the method in which June Foster brings the pieces of flawed human nature together to create a touching story of love you’ll remember after closing your eBook. Available wherever fine eBooks are sold.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Land of Misfit Teens by Katie Charles
Land of Misfit Teens by Katie Charles is a YA book by a brand new nineteen-year-old author who has penned a tale worth sharing, published by Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. December 1, 2011. Amelia MacDonald not only loses her mother to cancer, but loses her home and her friends at school as well, when her father loses his job. The only teaching job he's able to land is located in gang land, Chicago. It isn't long until Amelia forms a new circle of friends and falls for a musical hunk. She not only has to deal with gangs at school, but also at the apartment she now calls home. The author does a great job with the plot. Though there were a few mistakes, they didn't distract me from the storyline. She captures the teens as realistic and believable right down to their lack of self confidence, being in love and afraid to tell, and the turmoil that some teens must endure. I enjoyed this story of sweet, innocent young love. Her dad is all she has left. Will two rival gangs take him and her new love from her as well. Amelia has lost so much in life so young. When gun shots blast school hallways she finds herself trapped with no place to hide. Her locker has been tagged by one gang. Which gang will find her first and will it even matter? I found the Scottish traditions interesting and the fact that being Scottish she called her father, Da. http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-253/Land-of-Misfit-Teens/Detail.bok Also available as an eBook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Sony, and Kobo.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
A New Type of Vampire Story by Sarah M. Ross, AWAKEN
Sarah M. Ross has created a unique type of vampire story in Awaken. I'm not a fan of such stories, but I enjoyed reading this one. It's 19 chapters with vivid description. I loved the way the author described the hero's eyes. I like to use eyes and vivid description of them myself. She's used original wording and coined a new phrase. The ending of this novel will make you hunger for the next. I loved the way she ended it like a good soap opera and left readers on the edge of their seats awaiting the next serial, Avenge. It's a short, easy read, a light one, so if you're looking for a weekend read, check out Awaken. It might keep you awake wanting to discover what happens next.
http://www.amazon.com/Awaken-The-Patronus-ebook/dp/B0070CFHTA/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328395961&sr=1-3
http://www.amazon.com/Awaken-The-Patronus-ebook/dp/B0070CFHTA/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328395961&sr=1-3
Fudge-Laced Felonies by Cynthia Hickey
http://cynthiahickey.blogspot.com/
Fudge Laced Felonies is the first novel in the Summer Meadows series of three. I loved the first two and can't wait to read the third. This one is only 99 cents at Amazon.com right now, so jump on it!
*Don't miss the cover art in the pictures to the side. Click on book cover to go to author's site.
From the lead, “I marched into church on Sunday – not to search for God, but to find a killer,” spunky heroine Summer Meadows captures your heart with humor even in the darkest situations, as you journey with her to solve a diamond mystery. A light, easy read, this page turner takes you into the Ozark foothills. Set in a small town, Summer owns a candy store and is up to her wrists in chocolate, when she’s not knee deep in trouble playing detective.
Hooked from the lead, I was riveted in the mystery and completed the novel in several readings. When interrupted, I couldn’t wait to return to Summer’s world of chocolate, diamonds, and mystery.
Rich with fresh similes and metaphors, readers savor a taste of Southern grit as two handsome men compete for Summer’s attention, but only one of them truly loves her. She must decide between Man of God, Ethan, with rough, working hands, or smooth-talking Nate with hands softer than her own. Nate says all the right things while Ethan teases like a childhood friend, leading Summer to believe that he thinks of her as a sister. Then there’s beautiful Terri Sue who once dated Ethan and attempts to pick up where she left off. Summer knows her natural beauty can’t complete with her store-bought façade.
Summer is down-to-earth, but feisty. Used to being in control, she has to learn to let God guide her steps and relinquish control to the One who can make an eternal difference in her life. She’s a Christian who attends church every Sunday, but grows in her faith through her struggles and learns to depend on God to see her through.
Have you ever treasured your flower garden and thought it worth gold? Summer’s rose garden is worth a small fortune in cash and diamonds, and she must solve the mystery of who killed her prized rose bush before she ends up a dead summer flower.
Candy-Coated Secrets is the second book in the Fudge-Laced Felonies series – Heartsong Presents. If you love humor and mystery entwined, snag both books for great summer reads. See http://cynthiahickey.blogspot.com/ for more information. ISBN-978-1-60260-181-9, $6.95 paperback, 244 pages, 22 chapters of love and mystery.
If you need bookmarks, check out Cindy's site! For fun cozy mysteries and riveting romantic suspense, check out her Summer Meadows mysteries.
http://www.amazon.com/Fudge-Laced-Felonies-Meadows-Mystery-ebook/product-reviews/B005UHJ04U/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
Fudge Laced Felonies is the first novel in the Summer Meadows series of three. I loved the first two and can't wait to read the third. This one is only 99 cents at Amazon.com right now, so jump on it!
*Don't miss the cover art in the pictures to the side. Click on book cover to go to author's site.
From the lead, “I marched into church on Sunday – not to search for God, but to find a killer,” spunky heroine Summer Meadows captures your heart with humor even in the darkest situations, as you journey with her to solve a diamond mystery. A light, easy read, this page turner takes you into the Ozark foothills. Set in a small town, Summer owns a candy store and is up to her wrists in chocolate, when she’s not knee deep in trouble playing detective.
Hooked from the lead, I was riveted in the mystery and completed the novel in several readings. When interrupted, I couldn’t wait to return to Summer’s world of chocolate, diamonds, and mystery.
Rich with fresh similes and metaphors, readers savor a taste of Southern grit as two handsome men compete for Summer’s attention, but only one of them truly loves her. She must decide between Man of God, Ethan, with rough, working hands, or smooth-talking Nate with hands softer than her own. Nate says all the right things while Ethan teases like a childhood friend, leading Summer to believe that he thinks of her as a sister. Then there’s beautiful Terri Sue who once dated Ethan and attempts to pick up where she left off. Summer knows her natural beauty can’t complete with her store-bought façade.
Summer is down-to-earth, but feisty. Used to being in control, she has to learn to let God guide her steps and relinquish control to the One who can make an eternal difference in her life. She’s a Christian who attends church every Sunday, but grows in her faith through her struggles and learns to depend on God to see her through.
Have you ever treasured your flower garden and thought it worth gold? Summer’s rose garden is worth a small fortune in cash and diamonds, and she must solve the mystery of who killed her prized rose bush before she ends up a dead summer flower.
Candy-Coated Secrets is the second book in the Fudge-Laced Felonies series – Heartsong Presents. If you love humor and mystery entwined, snag both books for great summer reads. See http://cynthiahickey.blogspot.com/ for more information. ISBN-978-1-60260-181-9, $6.95 paperback, 244 pages, 22 chapters of love and mystery.
If you need bookmarks, check out Cindy's site! For fun cozy mysteries and riveting romantic suspense, check out her Summer Meadows mysteries.
http://www.amazon.com/Fudge-Laced-Felonies-Meadows-Mystery-ebook/product-reviews/B005UHJ04U/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
Candy Coated Secrets by Cynthia Hickey
Candy Coated Secrets is the second novel in the Summer Meadows series by Cynthia Hickey. Summer meadows, doesn't that sound so visually appealing and soothing? When the circus comes to town and Summer finds herself escorting an escaped elephant, you'll laugh at the humor and fun, but you'll also enjoy the mystery. Cynthia has a flair for humor , and her cozy mysteries are unique. The first novel in the series is Fudge Laced Felonies, and I love her opening line. In Candy Coated Secrets, Summer has difficulty keeping herself out of trouble. She doesn't look for it, but trouble has a way of finding her. If you like mystery, humor, and romance entwined, you'll love this novel, and you won't want to miss her first one, or the third one in the series. I can't wait to read it next!. You'll be entertained and that's a promise.
http://www.amazon.com/Candy-Coated-Secrets-Meadows-Mystery-ebook/dp/B005VGN0E6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328372283&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Candy-Coated-Secrets-Meadows-Mystery-ebook/dp/B005VGN0E6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328372283&sr=1-1
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Faith in the Shadows by Sadie and Sophie Cuffe
Faith in the Shadows by Sadie and Sophie Cuffe, published November 2011 by Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. the first book in The Wainwright Trilogy. It's seventeen touching chapters and an epilogue, a sweet, inspirational novel that will touch your heart. Alice Wainwright is a spinster, and she blames it on her purple-splotched birthmark that Joshua, a man who claims he wants to marry her, finds hideous. She feels branded and marked for life as a spinster no man in his right mine could love until a blind war veteran, Hawk deems her beautiful and appreciates her. Still, she worries if he regains his sight, he'll also find her hideous. Meanwhile, Joshua presses her to marry, but she sees through him, and Hawk warns her about him. Hawk is proud and doesn't want to burden Alice or his family. Through the unfolding of their story, your heart will melt, and you'll want Alice to end up with Hawk, but will she? Joshua doesn't seem to give up. There's a surprise before the end. Don't want t spoil it, but the authors did a great job with it, and I loved it. If you like a short, inspiring read, this one is for you. The Cuffe sisters do a grand job scheming this plot together. Discover for yourself. It's a five-star short novel in my book.
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-225/The-Wainright-Trilogy-Book/Detail.bok
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-225/The-Wainright-Trilogy-Book/Detail.bok
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Sweetest Blog Award
Doesn't this strawberry chantilly pie look yummy? The Southern Christian Inspirational Fiction blog was nominated by author Stepanie Burkhart. Stephanie Burkhart's "The Count's Lair" is a 2011 Silver Award Winner in the Romance: Sci-Fi/Fantasy category from Reader's Favorites. Visit her blog, Desert Breeze Publishing Blog at http://desertbreezepublishing.blogspot.com/
Since the rules for this award say that I have to nominate at least ten other blogs, and tell you seven things you may not know about Southern Christian Inspirational Fiction. Here goes:
I nominate the following blogs:
RITA GARCIA, http://www.reflectionswithdrrita.com/ A beautiful inspirational blog.
NAN TRAMMELL JONES, http://www.thereigningjewels.com/2011/05/nancy-nan-trammell-jones-shines-a-little-light-.html Nan has more than one blog. I love her Morning Glory one, devotionals.
NAOMI MUSCH, http://www.naomimusch.com/empireinpineseries.htm, Read, loved, and reviewed THE GREEN VEIL AND THE RED FURY. You won't forget her characters, and I love her vivid description.
EVA MARIE EVERSON, http://evamarieeversonssouthernvoice.blogspot.com/ A Southern writer, and I love her novels. She's also my writing mentor from The Christian Writers Guild. Check out her Cedar Key series, THINGS LEFT UNSPOKEN, etc. One of her novels is being made into a movie!
LISA BUFFALOE, http://lisabuffaloe.blogspot.com/ Beautiful inspirations.
DOLORES AYOTTE, http://doloresayotte.wordpress.com/ She's a self-help author. Visit her blog and check out her books.
NIKE CHILLEMI, http://nikechillemi.wordpress.com/ READ, LOVED, AND REVIEWED BURNING HEARTS. LOVE THE BOOK COVER TO GOODBYE NOEL and looking forward to reading it, too.
SHAWNA K. WILLIAMS, http://shawnakwilliams.com/ She has a series of novels, and I love them all. NO OTHER, THE GOOD FIGHT, to name a couple.
DANIELLE THORNE, The Balanced Writer:http://thebalancedwriter.blogspot.com, Read loved and reviewed TURTLE SOUP AND BY HEART AND COMPASS.
ANNE PATRICK, http://suspensebyanne.blogspot.com/2012/01/angela-britnell-interview-giveaway.html, Read, loved, and reviewed FIRE AND ASH.
MELANIE ATKINS: http://melanieatkins.wordpress.com/ Love her novels.
The CUFFE SISTERS, Off the Cuffe, http://cuffesisters.com/off-the-cuffe/ I am presently reading FAITH IN THE SHADOWS, their latest novel, and loving it. Look for the review here on my blog soon!
I'm supposed to tell readers seven things about my blog they don't know, so here goes:
7 Things about Southern Christian Inspirational Fiction Blog:
1. I started this blog when I started writing LAST RESORT,my romantic suspense novel, when it was tentatively titled HIDDEN TREASURES, THEN TRUE HIDDEN TREASURES, and it became LAST RESORT after three years of work.
2. I've posted some of my personal writing on this blog, but you'd have to scroll to locate it. I've been writing since the third grade when my teacher submitted my pet story to a local newspaper, and it was published. I still love dogs, and I still write about them. Sunflower, my golden cocker spaniel is a character in my novel LAST RESORT.
3. I have posted pictures on this blog from vacations, but you'd have to scroll to find them.
4. I have read, loved, and reviewed many great books by many great authors on this blog and will continue to do so. My latest novel SOUTHERN SUPERSTITONS was developed from my first-prize winning short story and if you click on the book cover of THE LORD HAS SOMETHING BETTER IN MIND, you can download it for free from my publisher, and it is the companion to my latest release SOUTHERN SUPERSTITIONS.
5. You can always find my latest novel news and book covers by visiting.
6. You can also win free novels by following. I draw and send books to readers several times each year.
7. You will find pictures of my children and pets if you scroll through the blog.
Since the rules for this award say that I have to nominate at least ten other blogs, and tell you seven things you may not know about Southern Christian Inspirational Fiction. Here goes:
I nominate the following blogs:
RITA GARCIA, http://www.reflectionswithdrrita.com/ A beautiful inspirational blog.
NAN TRAMMELL JONES, http://www.thereigningjewels.com/2011/05/nancy-nan-trammell-jones-shines-a-little-light-.html Nan has more than one blog. I love her Morning Glory one, devotionals.
NAOMI MUSCH, http://www.naomimusch.com/empireinpineseries.htm, Read, loved, and reviewed THE GREEN VEIL AND THE RED FURY. You won't forget her characters, and I love her vivid description.
EVA MARIE EVERSON, http://evamarieeversonssouthernvoice.blogspot.com/ A Southern writer, and I love her novels. She's also my writing mentor from The Christian Writers Guild. Check out her Cedar Key series, THINGS LEFT UNSPOKEN, etc. One of her novels is being made into a movie!
LISA BUFFALOE, http://lisabuffaloe.blogspot.com/ Beautiful inspirations.
DOLORES AYOTTE, http://doloresayotte.wordpress.com/ She's a self-help author. Visit her blog and check out her books.
NIKE CHILLEMI, http://nikechillemi.wordpress.com/ READ, LOVED, AND REVIEWED BURNING HEARTS. LOVE THE BOOK COVER TO GOODBYE NOEL and looking forward to reading it, too.
SHAWNA K. WILLIAMS, http://shawnakwilliams.com/ She has a series of novels, and I love them all. NO OTHER, THE GOOD FIGHT, to name a couple.
DANIELLE THORNE, The Balanced Writer:http://thebalancedwriter.blogspot.com, Read loved and reviewed TURTLE SOUP AND BY HEART AND COMPASS.
ANNE PATRICK, http://suspensebyanne.blogspot.com/2012/01/angela-britnell-interview-giveaway.html, Read, loved, and reviewed FIRE AND ASH.
MELANIE ATKINS: http://melanieatkins.wordpress.com/ Love her novels.
The CUFFE SISTERS, Off the Cuffe, http://cuffesisters.com/off-the-cuffe/ I am presently reading FAITH IN THE SHADOWS, their latest novel, and loving it. Look for the review here on my blog soon!
I'm supposed to tell readers seven things about my blog they don't know, so here goes:
7 Things about Southern Christian Inspirational Fiction Blog:
1. I started this blog when I started writing LAST RESORT,my romantic suspense novel, when it was tentatively titled HIDDEN TREASURES, THEN TRUE HIDDEN TREASURES, and it became LAST RESORT after three years of work.
2. I've posted some of my personal writing on this blog, but you'd have to scroll to locate it. I've been writing since the third grade when my teacher submitted my pet story to a local newspaper, and it was published. I still love dogs, and I still write about them. Sunflower, my golden cocker spaniel is a character in my novel LAST RESORT.
3. I have posted pictures on this blog from vacations, but you'd have to scroll to find them.
4. I have read, loved, and reviewed many great books by many great authors on this blog and will continue to do so. My latest novel SOUTHERN SUPERSTITONS was developed from my first-prize winning short story and if you click on the book cover of THE LORD HAS SOMETHING BETTER IN MIND, you can download it for free from my publisher, and it is the companion to my latest release SOUTHERN SUPERSTITIONS.
5. You can always find my latest novel news and book covers by visiting.
6. You can also win free novels by following. I draw and send books to readers several times each year.
7. You will find pictures of my children and pets if you scroll through the blog.
By Heart and Compass by Danielle Thorne
By Heart and Compass by Danielle Thorne is a sweet, contemporary novel published by Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. in July 2010. If you love the sea, the ocean, nature, boats, hidden treasure, old homes, pirates, and their ships, this novel is the read for you! Did I mention diving and the beautiful turquoise water? Not to mention the dive bum, Max Bertrand, who has eyes as deep and turquoise as the water. Lacy Whitman lives in the past, loves history, and is picking up where her father left off, trying to discover a missing pirate ship. She restores an old Victorian home in Georgia and discovers an antique diary. Will it lead her back to the sea and the dive bum she once encountered and has tried to forget? Lacy is a determined character who follows her father's advice of letting her heart be her compass. I love the vivid description, and the ending was glorious and unexpected. What hidden treasure will Lacy Whitman ultimately discover? I love the title and how it fits perfectly with this story. Check out Danielle's TURTLE SOUP, a novel I read, loved, and reviewed on my blog some time ago. If you scroll down, you'll find the review. Available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.com as well as from the publisher, Desert Breeze.
Monday, January 16, 2012
New Release Southern Superstitions by B. J. Robinson
Southern Superstitions began as a short story years ago when I was in college attending Southeastern Louisiana University. It won first prize in fiction-writing competition and years later I developed it into a full-length novel. The altered prize-winning short story is available as a free download at Desert Breeze, the companion to Southern Superstitions. Check out the two books on my publisher's homepage. Southern Superstitions and its companion are side-by-side, and you can get two books for one, since the companion book is free. http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/StoreFront.bokIt was necessary to make some changes in the process of expanding it into a novel, but June, Andy, and Myrtle are the same characters and the novel begins with the altered short story which was published in the university's literary magazine and ran as a three-part series on the front page of my hometown newspaper. Since then, the short story has been published in other local newspapers and an online magazine, as it was originally written. Read a free excerpt at http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-249/Southern-Superstition-BJ-Robinson/Detail.bok.
Prayer versus Southern superstitions when a woman's husband mysteriously disappears in the swamp on a deer-hunting trip. Reviewer Kathy Boswell says, "Very good! She never gives up hope that Andy will return to her someday. She puts it all in God's hands like she's done every crisis in her lie. She knows He will take care of this for her." As steamy as the hot, thick, sticky heat of Louisiana, this page-turner will keep readers in suspense, as the author spins a tale of love, loss, superstition, pain, heartache, and faith in God. God and the power of prayer versus Southern superstitions. Through belief, faith, hard work, the power of prayer, and God's help, this powerful, moving story is a thought-provoking Christian romantic suspense about a young couple who fall in love, but have to change her mother's mind in more ways than one, if their relationship is to survive. Can Andy convince June there's more to their relationship than friends? Will he win the approval of Myrtle, her mother, and can love survive strawberry season and an April flood? Will June be able to give Andy a child?
The weirdest superstition Mom ever told and one I've never heard elsewhere is if you plant a cedar tree, when it grows big enough to shade your grave you'll die. Will Andy die in Southern Superstitions? I'm sure you've heard the traditional superstitions about opening umbrellas inside a house and such, but Mom had a few more. Oh, and the one about black cats, let's just say that was a favorite. In Southern Superstitions, you'll encounter what Myrtle believes is bad luck caused by a black cat. Will the white cat Andy gives her counteract it?
Read the first two chapters free at http://www.amazon.com/Southern-Superstitions-ebook/dp/B006X8GAWA/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326620592&sr=1-6Southern Superstions. I found it interesting that a reader told me in England, black cats are considered good luck. Too bad my mother never heard that one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNoo962DbF0&feature=share View book trailer here.
Click on book cover to the side to read a free excerpt.
B. J. Robinson writes inspirational Christian fiction in the romantic suspense genre from Florida, where she lives with her husband, a cat named Frankie, a cocker spaniel named Sunflower, and a golden retriever named Honi. Her children are grown and have made her a grandmother multiple times. She promises to take her readers on a continuous journey to another world. Reading and writing are her passions, and Jesus is her best friend. Last Resort released July 15 and Whispering Cypress is next on the horizon and will release August 15. It's not about strawberries.
Prayer versus Southern superstitions when a woman's husband mysteriously disappears in the swamp on a deer-hunting trip. Reviewer Kathy Boswell says, "Very good! She never gives up hope that Andy will return to her someday. She puts it all in God's hands like she's done every crisis in her lie. She knows He will take care of this for her." As steamy as the hot, thick, sticky heat of Louisiana, this page-turner will keep readers in suspense, as the author spins a tale of love, loss, superstition, pain, heartache, and faith in God. God and the power of prayer versus Southern superstitions. Through belief, faith, hard work, the power of prayer, and God's help, this powerful, moving story is a thought-provoking Christian romantic suspense about a young couple who fall in love, but have to change her mother's mind in more ways than one, if their relationship is to survive. Can Andy convince June there's more to their relationship than friends? Will he win the approval of Myrtle, her mother, and can love survive strawberry season and an April flood? Will June be able to give Andy a child?
The weirdest superstition Mom ever told and one I've never heard elsewhere is if you plant a cedar tree, when it grows big enough to shade your grave you'll die. Will Andy die in Southern Superstitions? I'm sure you've heard the traditional superstitions about opening umbrellas inside a house and such, but Mom had a few more. Oh, and the one about black cats, let's just say that was a favorite. In Southern Superstitions, you'll encounter what Myrtle believes is bad luck caused by a black cat. Will the white cat Andy gives her counteract it?
Read the first two chapters free at http://www.amazon.com/Southern-Superstitions-ebook/dp/B006X8GAWA/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326620592&sr=1-6Southern Superstions. I found it interesting that a reader told me in England, black cats are considered good luck. Too bad my mother never heard that one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNoo962DbF0&feature=share View book trailer here.
Click on book cover to the side to read a free excerpt.
B. J. Robinson writes inspirational Christian fiction in the romantic suspense genre from Florida, where she lives with her husband, a cat named Frankie, a cocker spaniel named Sunflower, and a golden retriever named Honi. Her children are grown and have made her a grandmother multiple times. She promises to take her readers on a continuous journey to another world. Reading and writing are her passions, and Jesus is her best friend. Last Resort released July 15 and Whispering Cypress is next on the horizon and will release August 15. It's not about strawberries.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Southern Superstitions by B. J. Robinson
Author B. J. Robinson was reared on strawberries, God's Word, and southern superstitions. While you've probably heard traditional superstitions like walking under a ladder and opening an umbrella inside a house is bad luck, June's mother in this novel has some you've probably never heard of. I'm sure you've heard black cats are bad luck. Well, Myrtle, her mother thinks so. You'll encounter a black cat and a white one during the course of this story, and you'll discover some silly superstitions along the way. June believes in God's Word, not luck or superstitions, but her mother is a different story. Is there any changing her mind?
This novel was written over a decade ago, reworked, and rewritten to become a brand new story with an entirely different ending. Take a trip down South into the Louisiana swamps and bayous and decide for yourself. Do you believe in southern superstitions?
Prayer versus Southern superstitions when a woman's husband mysteriously disappears in the swamp on a deer-hunting trip. As steamy as the hot, thick, sticky heat of Louisiana, this page-turner will keep readers in suspense, as the author spins a tale of love, loss, superstition, pain, heartache, and faith in God. Reviewer Kathy Boswell says, "Very good! She never gives up hope that Andy will return to her someday. She puts it all in God's hands like she'd done every crisis in her life. She knows He will take care of this for her." God and the power of prayer versus Southern superstitions. Through belief, faith, hard work, the power of prayer, and God's help, this powerful, moving story is a thought-provoking Christian romantic suspense about a young couple who fall in love, but have to change her mother's mind in more ways than one, if their relationship is to survive. Can Andy convince June there's more to their relationship than friends? Will he win the approval of Myrtle, her mother, and can love survive strawberry season and an April flood? Will June be able to give Andy a child?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNoo962DbF0&feature=share View book trailer here.
Click on book cover to the side to read a free excerpt.
Better yet, read two free chapters at Amazon.com and order your copy today! Friday the 13'th is over and http://www.amazon.com/Southern-Superstitions-ebook/dp/B006X8GAWA/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326620592&sr=1-6Southern Superstions was released the Sunday after.
This novel was written over a decade ago, reworked, and rewritten to become a brand new story with an entirely different ending. Take a trip down South into the Louisiana swamps and bayous and decide for yourself. Do you believe in southern superstitions?
Prayer versus Southern superstitions when a woman's husband mysteriously disappears in the swamp on a deer-hunting trip. As steamy as the hot, thick, sticky heat of Louisiana, this page-turner will keep readers in suspense, as the author spins a tale of love, loss, superstition, pain, heartache, and faith in God. Reviewer Kathy Boswell says, "Very good! She never gives up hope that Andy will return to her someday. She puts it all in God's hands like she'd done every crisis in her life. She knows He will take care of this for her." God and the power of prayer versus Southern superstitions. Through belief, faith, hard work, the power of prayer, and God's help, this powerful, moving story is a thought-provoking Christian romantic suspense about a young couple who fall in love, but have to change her mother's mind in more ways than one, if their relationship is to survive. Can Andy convince June there's more to their relationship than friends? Will he win the approval of Myrtle, her mother, and can love survive strawberry season and an April flood? Will June be able to give Andy a child?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNoo962DbF0&feature=share View book trailer here.
Click on book cover to the side to read a free excerpt.
Better yet, read two free chapters at Amazon.com and order your copy today! Friday the 13'th is over and http://www.amazon.com/Southern-Superstitions-ebook/dp/B006X8GAWA/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326620592&sr=1-6Southern Superstions was released the Sunday after.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Bliss by Tracy Bowen (Can it be Found in South Florida?)
Bliss by Tracy Bowen is set in South Florida, published by Written World Communications, and released August 29, 2011. Indie Moore seeks her bliss in the ocean and sand of the Sunshine State after escaping Rabbit Hole, Kansas, and her mother. As they say like mother, like daughter, Indie takes parts of her mother with her. She has some of the same traits and there could be no denying she's her mother's daughter. With wit and humor Bowen spins a tale of women ruled by the stars, so addicted they each had to have the morning newspaper to read their horoscopes before they could plan their day. When Indie ends up living in a trailer park with wacky neighbors, working in a pottery shop, a restaurant, and scrubbing toilets, holding down three jobs in order to keep a roof over her head, Florida's bliss isn't all it's cracked up to be. Along comes a handsome man a dog that might make her change her mind until she discovers he's a Christian, and her mother says he'll ruin her life. Will she continue to consult the stars, or will she resort to an even higher power? While there were some formatting issues, and I was disappointed that there was no About the Author page at the end of the novel, the story itself is a delightful, light read. Forgiving the formatting, I'd rate it five stars. Available in paperback or eBook formats through Amazon, Barnes and Noble.com, or Written World Communications.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Orphaned Hearts by Shawna K. Williams
Orphaned Hearts by Shawna K. Williams is a touching story of what real love truly is and means, published December 1, 2010, through Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. Though it wasn't a 2011 book, I included it on my list of Top Picks of 2011, since I just finished reading it New Year's Eve. Pastor David Langley grew up in an orphanage and never had a real childhood. Severely burned and disfigured in the fire that claimed the lives of the rest of his family, he gives up on finding a woman who can look past his physical appearance and see the man within until he figures out he's met her in Sadie Miller, the town spinster. Sadie was once engaged, but devoted her life to taking care of her father after her mother's death and the disappearance of her betrothed.
Pastor Langley serves in orphanages to help other children and discovers six-year old Caleb Holsheyer who reminds him of the pain of his own boyhood, ridiculed and shunned, since Caleb is missing an arm. He knows this boy will be hard to place. Families want what they deem a "normal" child who can earn his keep. Many are looking for help on their farms and while they're willing to take in an orphan, they want a "whole" one, not one who isn't "normal". Sadie falls in love with Caleb and he brings her empty house to life and turns it into a home, but she's single, and the board won't allow her to adopt Caleb. She could also go for Pastor David Langley if he gave her a chance. Williams is an excellent storyteller and allows the reader to visualize not only the descriptive scenery, but also feel the depth of emotions this story provokes. David and Sadie work together to find Caleb a home with another family to no avail. She can't let him return to the orphanage and promises him he won't have to. Can she keep that promise? Something isn't right with the orphanage, and she vows Caleb won't return.
Will Pastor Langley continue to hide behind his suit and tie, or reveal himself to a woman who might see him for the man he really is? What else can possibly go wrong when the only help they had through the orphanage, besides Mr. Murray, Caleb's case manager, loses an arm and has to take off work temporarily. The man who replaces him doesn't see Caleb's plight and goes strictly by the books. What will become of a six-year old who calls Sadie mother, has a cat she's gifted him for a pet, and has found a grandmother in Mrs. Pritchard? David and Sadie haven't told him she can't keep him. The first family who planned to adopt him bailed out, and they haven't the heart to tell him he has to return to a place where he hides under the bed. Williams weaves a story that will change your perspective about what's normal and what true love really means. Orphaned Hearts is written with depth and emotion, five stars in my book. Available at Desert Breeze Publishing and wherever fine books are sold.
Pastor Langley serves in orphanages to help other children and discovers six-year old Caleb Holsheyer who reminds him of the pain of his own boyhood, ridiculed and shunned, since Caleb is missing an arm. He knows this boy will be hard to place. Families want what they deem a "normal" child who can earn his keep. Many are looking for help on their farms and while they're willing to take in an orphan, they want a "whole" one, not one who isn't "normal". Sadie falls in love with Caleb and he brings her empty house to life and turns it into a home, but she's single, and the board won't allow her to adopt Caleb. She could also go for Pastor David Langley if he gave her a chance. Williams is an excellent storyteller and allows the reader to visualize not only the descriptive scenery, but also feel the depth of emotions this story provokes. David and Sadie work together to find Caleb a home with another family to no avail. She can't let him return to the orphanage and promises him he won't have to. Can she keep that promise? Something isn't right with the orphanage, and she vows Caleb won't return.
Will Pastor Langley continue to hide behind his suit and tie, or reveal himself to a woman who might see him for the man he really is? What else can possibly go wrong when the only help they had through the orphanage, besides Mr. Murray, Caleb's case manager, loses an arm and has to take off work temporarily. The man who replaces him doesn't see Caleb's plight and goes strictly by the books. What will become of a six-year old who calls Sadie mother, has a cat she's gifted him for a pet, and has found a grandmother in Mrs. Pritchard? David and Sadie haven't told him she can't keep him. The first family who planned to adopt him bailed out, and they haven't the heart to tell him he has to return to a place where he hides under the bed. Williams weaves a story that will change your perspective about what's normal and what true love really means. Orphaned Hearts is written with depth and emotion, five stars in my book. Available at Desert Breeze Publishing and wherever fine books are sold.
B. J. Robinson's Top Books of 2011
I've read many great authors and novels this year, but the ones listed below are my top picks and the ones that stayed with me:
TOP PICKS: THE GREEN VEIL and THE RED FURY by NAOMI MUSCH, Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc.
3. No Other Shawna K. Williams
4. In All Things Shawna K. Williams
5. The Good Fight Shawna K. Williams
6. Orphaned Hearts Shawna K. Williams, Desert Breeze
7. Burning Hearts, Nike Chillemi, Desert Breeze
8. Sterling Lakes Book One Light of the Heart, Regina Andrews
9. Fire and Ash, Anne Patrick, Desert Breeze
10. Delivery, Diana Pursik
11. Night of the Cossack, Tom Blubaugh
Nike Chillemi also published Goodby Noel with Desert Breeze, but I haven't had time to read it yet. Prettiest cover I've seen all year, and I'll know the book will be as lovely as the cover.
Naomi, Shawna, Nike, and Ann are author's I'll always read,favorite ones I discovered through Desert Breeze Publishing Inc. Discover yours.
There were many other great novels I read, but having to narrow the list, these are the ones that stayed with me after I finished the book.
Some favorite authors from the past, books I remember from reading several years ago that have still stayed with me include:
Dogwood by Chris Fabry
All She Ever Wanted by Lynn Austin (my favorite)
Eva Marie Everson's novels Things Left Unspoken, This Fine Life, and her Cedar Key series
Check out my publisher's storefront http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/StoreFront.bok and find some new favorite authors of your own. If you received an eReader or iPad, iPod, or Smartphone for Christmas take advantage of wonderful books and authors at less expensive prices. The covers are beautiful. Desert Breeze covers can't be beat. Travel to other worlds through great books and go places you may never get to experience in real life. Meet new characters and escape to their worlds when you want to escape your own for a while. Relax, kick back, and enjoy a great read. Blessings for a New Year of great, enjoyable reading. Let this be the year you read more than ever and make your own favorite list at the end of 2012.
TOP PICKS: THE GREEN VEIL and THE RED FURY by NAOMI MUSCH, Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc.
3. No Other Shawna K. Williams
4. In All Things Shawna K. Williams
5. The Good Fight Shawna K. Williams
6. Orphaned Hearts Shawna K. Williams, Desert Breeze
7. Burning Hearts, Nike Chillemi, Desert Breeze
8. Sterling Lakes Book One Light of the Heart, Regina Andrews
9. Fire and Ash, Anne Patrick, Desert Breeze
10. Delivery, Diana Pursik
11. Night of the Cossack, Tom Blubaugh
Nike Chillemi also published Goodby Noel with Desert Breeze, but I haven't had time to read it yet. Prettiest cover I've seen all year, and I'll know the book will be as lovely as the cover.
Naomi, Shawna, Nike, and Ann are author's I'll always read,favorite ones I discovered through Desert Breeze Publishing Inc. Discover yours.
There were many other great novels I read, but having to narrow the list, these are the ones that stayed with me after I finished the book.
Some favorite authors from the past, books I remember from reading several years ago that have still stayed with me include:
Dogwood by Chris Fabry
All She Ever Wanted by Lynn Austin (my favorite)
Eva Marie Everson's novels Things Left Unspoken, This Fine Life, and her Cedar Key series
Check out my publisher's storefront http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/StoreFront.bok and find some new favorite authors of your own. If you received an eReader or iPad, iPod, or Smartphone for Christmas take advantage of wonderful books and authors at less expensive prices. The covers are beautiful. Desert Breeze covers can't be beat. Travel to other worlds through great books and go places you may never get to experience in real life. Meet new characters and escape to their worlds when you want to escape your own for a while. Relax, kick back, and enjoy a great read. Blessings for a New Year of great, enjoyable reading. Let this be the year you read more than ever and make your own favorite list at the end of 2012.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Dangerous Mercy by Kathy Herman
Kathy Herman's Dangerous Mercy is the sequel to False Pretenses, the second novel in the Secrets of the Roux River Bayou series, published October 1, 2011, by David C. Cook. While the first novel was good, this one is better with more satisfying depth. I loved Adele Woodmore, an elderly lady who moved to Les Barbres, Louisiana, to be near the Broussards, characters from the first novel in the series. Noah and Murray are two men from a halfway house Adele befriends, thinking she's helping them get back on their feet. Five deaths occur in a week's time, and the murder is dubbed the Bathtub Killer. Adele thought the community would be peaceful and quiet, much safer than the Big Easy, as did tourists and guest to Langely Manor. Despite being warned about employing the two handymen, Adele continues to use them and has a private investigator complete background checks. My favorite character is Adele. While the ending was predictable, Herman has created believable, well-rounded characters in Adele and Murray. I loved the ending and depth of feeling and emotion in this story, and I look forward to the third novel in the series. Available as paperback or eBook at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.com.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
When Love Collides by Michelle Sutton
When Love Collides is Michelle Sutton's newest novel and a worthy one with a beautiful cover. It's twenty-eight chapters, a full-length novel, published by Desert Breeze December 15, 2011, contemporary, inspirational, warm. Raquel collides with Scott in the doctor's office of all places. She's having issues and has to have tests run, and she's taking care of an aunt who needs a bone marrow transplant for a chance to live when he reenters her life. This is the story about a woman who settled for another man because she didn't feel worthy of the one she loved, and she didn't know he loved her. Her ex who was an abuser dies in a bike accident, and she relocates to help her aunt and start a new life. Just as she begins to feel hope, her own medical issues increase, and she discovers she has a disease. Her sister Melanie also enters the picture with an abuser of her own and threatens to dash Raquel's hope and love. Can their love survive? If so, at what stakes? This is a novel with a theme of forgiveness. Sutton has woven a worthy story that will touch hearts and souls, evoke reader emotions, and even make a reader ask, "What if?" She weaves issues of abuse, illness, thief, and forgiveness and even includes a cocker spaniel in this one. Available wherever fine books are sold including Desert Breeze Publishing, Amazon.com, and Barnes and Noble.com.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Character Interview from Goodbye Noel by Nike Chillemi
GN, Barbara Robinson, Interview w/Renata
I thought I'd be interviewing author Nike Chillemi about her new release GOODBYE NOEL, a Christmas/New Year themed historic romantic suspense, but she couldn't make it. To my great surprise Renata Lenart, the mother of the book's heroine and a Czechoslovak immigrant (in the 1940s ) is here to be interviewed. What a treat! And you can find this beautiful new novel at Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com for your Kindle or Nook. Available wherever fine books are sold. I think this is the prettiest book cover I've seen all year.
Barbara: It's my understanding that GOODBYE NOEL points out how universally Christmas was celebrated in your day in America. Was it really a time of good cheer and well-wishing across the land?
Renata: Bad things happened to good people then, just as they do today, jo. For example, in GOODBYE NOEL, a murder victim is found with her head bashed in under her Christmas tree a few days after Christmas with her infant child in the next room. [sigh] Still, in my day the Christmas season was a time of excitement and anticipation in America. Nearly all the houses on any given street were decked out. Oh, the decorations might have been simpler, or homemade, but they were there. Every town square had not only a decorated tree, but a crèche. It was generally a very joyful time of year.
Barbara: Talk about a scary Christmas, GOODBYE NOEL opens with your daughter Katrina finding a body. Can you give us an example of what Katrina, received as a Christmas present in those days?
Renata: Well, Katrina was a young woman in 1946, when GOODBYE NOEL was set and she's what you'd call a girly-girl. So, she might receive a pair of heeled peep-toe shoes or slippers, in pink, of course. Pink was one of her favorite colors. Or a pair of kidskin gloves. My husband always made each of us a new hat. My Ambroz owned a millinery shop, said to be the finest on Long Island at that time. Of course, the gift mentioned in the novel is a toboggan. That was a gift given by his parents to young Willie Brogna and Katrina was helping him try it out. When they sailed down the hill, they saw something bloody on a neighbor's property and that led to the discovery of a murder.
Barbara: Takes the joy right out of the Christmas the tree, doesn't it? Since the body was found under the tree, I mean.
Renata: Oh muj, well it was a scary time all right, especially when the bodies started piling up. Detective Ian Daltry began to fear the murderer would strike again and again. Of course, Ian felt something special for Katrina from the moment he first saw her and he feared her life might be in danger. But my daughter did not make it easy for him.
Barbara: I understand that on that first day, Katrina whispered a promise to always protect the infant that was left an orphan.
Renata: Jo, my daughter, Katrina, became quite attached to that little one. In fact, when Ian Daltry showed up demanding that the baby be given to his aunt in Bay Shore, Katrina wanted to shove him right into a snow bank. She had no trouble going toe-to-toe with him. I did mention she made him jump through a few hoops in order to gain her affection. [she chuckles, lightly]
Barbara: How does this story inspire Christian readers?
Renata: The central themes of all of Nike Chillemi's novels are love and justice. That love, the deep love God has instilled in the spirit of every human is very powerful, jo. And as Christians, the love of God that we know and that we strive to express cannot be defeated. God's love is the most powerful force on earth. In GOODBYE NOEL, as the story develops we see Katrina and Ian falling in love. They begin to share deeper intimacies. Now in your day, I know that suggests something quite different than the way we thought of it. What Katrina and Ian shared were the deepest feelings they had. They barred their souls and kept no secrets from each other. In addition, both Katrina and Ian wanted to the killer brought to justice. They both had strong feelings that there must be resolution in that area.
Barbara: As the mother in this story, describe how you decorated your house for Christmas.
Renata: I had a beloved decoration I brought from Czechoslovakia that had hung on my mother's tree...a tiny bell made of seed pearls inside a beaded wreath. When our pastor's wife told me Stewart's Merchantile was getting in ornaments from my country, well, Katrina and I got all dressed up for an afternoon out, jo. We went to the inn for a dinner of roast chicken and sour cherry compote. After that, as you say today, we shopped till we dropped. I came home with a good many more handmade ornaments from Czechoslovakia than perhaps I should have. [she looks from beneath her lashes, slyly] That year, however, I asked Katrina decorate the tree and she has a decorating philosophy that more is more. She put all the ornaments we bought on the tree next to all the homemade ones we had kept from year to year. The ones that held our family's history. Oh muj, the tree was gorgeous when she was finished.
Barbara: What was the traditional Christmas dinner like?
Renata: Christmas Eve is traditionally a meatless meal in Czechoslovakia as that night we await the birth of the Savior. It is "symbolically" a pre-Christmas fast even though the table is filled with food. [runs a red polished nail under the double strand of pearls at her neck] In Czechoslovakia, most families would serve fried carp. If I remember, the year of all those murders, we had salmon in a sour cream sauce. Now Christmas Day is quite different. We put out the good china for breakfast, Bavarian china, of course. We serve yeast breads, cakes, and homemade donuts. For dinner, it was ham, with numerous vegetable side dishes, and roasted potatoes. Of course, I bake my special walnut cookies dusted in powdered sugar for Christmas and also kolachky, you call them Linzer Tarts.
Barbara: Thanks for being a guest on my blog today, Renata. Can you explain to my readers what they'll get out of this Christmas tale? I know they'll be transported back in time to 1946, but what themes might they encounter?
Renata: I think the reader will be transported into an America that had just come out of a devastating war, WWII, where many, many American young men died. The country was recovering from that loss. Yet, there was a spirit of great optimism. Americans at that time were a roll up your sleeves and get it done type of people. It wasn't unusual for one neighbor pitch in and help another. It was as if we were all in this thing together and we all wanted to make something of our country and ourselves. I think something we had then that's missing now is that we all had a sense we were building upon American culture, expanding it. We knew we were standing on the shoulders of giants. We were so proud to be Americans. Back then, we thought that there was nearly nothing that could not be accomplished with hard work. And we did accomplish an awful lot. I don't mean to brag, but we did. I think America is facing some challenges now and that readers will find encouragement and hope in this novel.
Here's the first chapter. Katrina is the heroine and Renata's daughter.
Long Island, NY ~ December, 1946
Katrina Lenart nodded toward a break in the leafless maples and snow covered pines lining Hill Street. A fat blue jay sat on the tip of a pine branch and quirked his head at her, almost mocking. The sun, more the color of wheat than yellow, floated in the pale, cloudless, winter sky, surrendering little heat.
It might seem like we're almost there to you, but we still have to climb that hill. It wasn't high, but steep, as if a pitiless hand had gouged earth from its side. She, turned her head back and squinted against the glare off the snow, adjusting her black velvet earmuffs, stitched into a floret on one side, all the rage since the war.
Said just like a female. Willie Brogna grinned, pulling the toboggan behind him, his rubber boots stomping deep impressions in the fresh fallen snow. Pivoting, he gave her a grateful smile. I know you're just being nice, helping me try out my favorite Christmas present, with my sister on her honeymoon and all. He resumed his climb, out-pacing her.
Determined to put her best friend's teenage brother in his place, Katrina lengthened her strides and arrived at the top of the incline breathing hard. People often comment on how nice I am… and courteous. She tossed off a teasing smile.
The tall, lanky teen snorted then tugged on his hand-knit gloves, securing them, and flexed his fingers.
Shading her eyes with a cable knit glove, she gazed south, unable to see the village of Sanctuary Point or the Great South Bay through the trees. Directly below, the ground dropped away into an empty lot. Beyond that -- Hill Street and the Bauer cottage.
Are you ready? I'll steer and you take the rumble seat. Willie knelt and positioned the toboggan for the first run down the steep hill. Don't forget to hang on tight, I'm gonna let 'er rip, if that won't bruise the dignity of Memorial's most promising nurse.
Katrina gave him a playful smack on the arm. How you do go on. Just watch out for that huge bump down there.
Aw, that's not even a blip on the radar.
She hunkered down behind him and clasped her arms around his waist. The toboggan sped down the hill, her hair airborne behind her. Icy snow crystals flew into her face. They hit the bump and went aloft. Willieee, she shrieked.
They landed so hard her teeth clattered.
When they came to a stop, Willie jumped off. While we were in the air, I saw something near Mrs. Bauer's cottage. Does she have a cat? It looked like a hurt animal… something bloody.
He trotted across the street. It's not in the yard. It's closer and to the side of the road. He hastened down Hill Street, slipping and sliding, to the edge of the Bauer property.
Katrina hurried down the sloping street after him, her arms stretched out for balance. If this was his idea of a practical joke, she'd let him have it.
Willie bent over the object on the ground. Rising, he twisted toward her. Well, it's not an animal.
Rushing to his side, she tried to catch her breath. It's blood on a kitchen towel. Not a lot, but sufficient to warrant concern. Please, let everything be all right.
Do you suppose Mrs. Bauer cut herself out here?
We'd better check on her. Katrina raced back up the hill after Willie along the length of the lot, as fast as she could. She slipped but regained her footing on Bauer's icy walk. When she reached the stoop, her breath came in short painful gasps.
Willie hurdled the two steps and came to a stop on the miniscule porch. The front door stood ajar.
Uneasiness halted her halting gait. Yet, Katrina followed and called. Mrs. Bauer, hello.
Willie nudged the door and shouted. Mrs. Bauer, are you in there?
She peered between the door and its frame into dimness. Mrs. Bauer… Noel, it's Katrina, your neighbor.
This is getting us nowhere. Willie gave the door a shove.
The living room was chilly and silent -- something definitely not right. Mrs. Bauer wouldn't leave the door open on such a cold day, not even a crack. Katrina eased in. Hello, anyone home? She stepped around the couch and froze.
Noel Bauer lay on her living room floor, in front of a decorated Christmas tree. Blood pooled beneath her head.
Oh, my Lord. Katrina rushed to the woman and knelt, applying two fingers to her neck. Willie, she has no pulse.
I mean, I know you're a nurse, but are you sure?
She's dead. Katrina's voice shook in her throat. She's not breathing and her body temperature isn't warm.
The telephone lines come up here, so I'll bet she has a phone. We'd better call the police. This is awful. His eyes darted around the room. There… in the kitchen.
Katrina took a deep breath and calmed herself. How strange and brutal life could be. Yesterday, gay and carefree, she stood as maid-of-honor in Willie's sister's wedding. Today she'd found Noel Bauer's corpse.
She hurried to the phone, dialed the village operator, and asked to be connected to the police station. After relaying the information to young Officer Classen, whose mother worked with her at the hospital, she sank onto a chair at the table and held her head in her hands. There was something peculiar about the position of Noel Bauer's body Katrina couldn't put her finger on, as if she were reaching for something.
Cries of an infant came from the bedroom down the hallway.
*****
Standing by the Christmas tree, Katrina rocked the infant wrapped in a pink blanket. She took a small green and white glass ornament from the top of the tree and dangled it before the baby's face. Look how pretty. Your mommy made such a lovely tree for you. Her eyes misted and her gaze slid to the lifeless form on the floor. A lump formed in her throat.
Detective Daltry's here. Willie turned from the window and hurried to open the door.
Ian Daltry entered with rookie-officer Robert Classen at his heels. The detective removed his brown fedora freeing a riot of salt and pepper hair. He nodded toward Katrina. Miss Lenart, you phoned the station?
Yes, Willie and I found Mrs. Bauer. She glanced at the teen, who stood by the front window, a stricken look on his face. She's gone.
Detective Daltry placed his hat on the coffee table and bent over the still form. The blood on the floor, dark and thick had begun to coagulate. Straightening, he looked at Katrina, his lips in a tight line. You're right. She's dead. I'd guess less than an hour.
Katrina took a halting step toward the body, but the detective put up a staying hand to stop her. She cleared her throat. Severe trauma to the head. She couldn't survive a wound like that.
That's my take on it. I'll phone the medical examiner.
Willie pointed. Phone's in the kitchen.
The detective nodded, turned on his heel, crossed the living room, and disappeared.
Katrina followed stiff legged part way across the room. She wanted to do something, but didn't know what.
Officer Classen stepped forward and blocked her path. You can't go into the kitchen.
She stopped in her tracks, stroked the infant's soft hair, and held her closer. I had no idea Mrs. Bauer had a baby. She closed the house in early spring last year and was gone over six months. She's been back only about three months. Since then, she'd been reclusive, but why?
The baby grabbed for the ornament and cooed.
Katrina lifted the glass bulb away from the tiny hand. Oh no, you don't. You're a quick little lady, aren't you? Yes you are. She made an exaggerated smiling face and shook her head.
The baby started fussing.
Are you cold? Katrina pulled the blanket tight around the infant, rubbed her tiny hands, and blew warm breath on them.
I'd like to throw a log on the fire for the baby, but can't touch anything until we complete our investigation. The young officer shifted from foot to foot.
Detective Daltry emerged from the kitchen and advanced toward her. He touched the pink blanket. A girl. A tremor ran through his fingers and he dropped his hand to his side.
Isn't she pretty? Katrina stroked the infant's face. When she glanced up, she thought she saw pain flicker in the detective's eyes, and then it was gone.
Her mother was lovely. Such a shame. Officer Classen stood over the body with a camera. Detective, do you want me to start taking photographs?
He cleared his throat. Yes, begin with the body and work out to the periphery of the room. Don't spare the film.
The child gurgled, squirmed, and kicked her legs against the coverlet wrapped tight around her. Aren't you a feisty one? Katrina kissed the baby's little fist. You're going to be fine. Somehow, I'll make sure. I promise.
The detective rocked back on his heels and raked his hand through his hair, mangling it. He cast a quick glance at the hearth. With the fire nearly out and the door opening and closing, perhaps the child shouldn't be here. I can phone my neighbor. She watches my daughter when I'm working. I'm sure she'd look after the little one until we figure out what to do with her.
The baby made a face and fidgeted, her knees pumping.
No. That's not necessary. Katrina held the baby tighter, her need to protect this infant growing by the second. I live down the street, and I'm a maternity nurse. If you consent, I'll take her home. I'm sure my mother will agree to mind her while I'm working at the hospital.
A huge wail came from the tiny mouth.
Maybe she's hungry. Willie took two quick steps. Let me see if there's milk in the kitchen.
The detective shook his head. Sorry, off limits. You can't touch or remove anything. We haven't done a walk-through yet and they'll want to brush for finger prints.
Katrina placed the baby on her shoulder and rubbed her back in a circular motion. This child can't drink bottled milk. I'm sure her mother nursed her, most do. We'll have to make formula from evaporated milk. What did men know about babies?
Won't you need a baby bottle? Willie plunked both hands on his hips.
Yes, or something similar. I need to get this baby home where Momma can help me. Katrina bounced the fussing infant in her arms and checked the seat of the diaper. She's dry and didn't leave us a present in her pants.
Detective Daltry moved to Katrina's side and stroked the baby's back. Officer Classen can drive you home. He turned toward the rookie cop. Wait up on the photos and take this young woman and the child down the hill. When you get to the edge of the Bauer property, drive on the wrong side of the street. I'm calling the troopers station to see if they can get any tire impressions near where we picked up the bloody towel.
If Lorne Kincade was finished with trooper training, we'd get that done right quick. Robert opened the door and held it for Katrina.
You bet you would. Willie tried for a grin, but only one side of his lips lifted. Thing is, he won't even start the training until he and my sister get back from their honeymoon.
Katrina rocked the baby whose face had turned bright pink. Heavens to Besty, let's not rush the newlyweds home in our talk. She tried for a smile and managed a small one.
The detective pivoted toward the window. Mr. Brogna… Willie, I'd like you to stay. I have questions for you. Miss Lenart, I'll question your later.
The infant emitted a piercing cry.
Katrina hurried toward the door. Our house is the first one on the right side.
I thought I'd be interviewing author Nike Chillemi about her new release GOODBYE NOEL, a Christmas/New Year themed historic romantic suspense, but she couldn't make it. To my great surprise Renata Lenart, the mother of the book's heroine and a Czechoslovak immigrant (in the 1940s ) is here to be interviewed. What a treat! And you can find this beautiful new novel at Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com for your Kindle or Nook. Available wherever fine books are sold. I think this is the prettiest book cover I've seen all year.
Barbara: It's my understanding that GOODBYE NOEL points out how universally Christmas was celebrated in your day in America. Was it really a time of good cheer and well-wishing across the land?
Renata: Bad things happened to good people then, just as they do today, jo. For example, in GOODBYE NOEL, a murder victim is found with her head bashed in under her Christmas tree a few days after Christmas with her infant child in the next room. [sigh] Still, in my day the Christmas season was a time of excitement and anticipation in America. Nearly all the houses on any given street were decked out. Oh, the decorations might have been simpler, or homemade, but they were there. Every town square had not only a decorated tree, but a crèche. It was generally a very joyful time of year.
Barbara: Talk about a scary Christmas, GOODBYE NOEL opens with your daughter Katrina finding a body. Can you give us an example of what Katrina, received as a Christmas present in those days?
Renata: Well, Katrina was a young woman in 1946, when GOODBYE NOEL was set and she's what you'd call a girly-girl. So, she might receive a pair of heeled peep-toe shoes or slippers, in pink, of course. Pink was one of her favorite colors. Or a pair of kidskin gloves. My husband always made each of us a new hat. My Ambroz owned a millinery shop, said to be the finest on Long Island at that time. Of course, the gift mentioned in the novel is a toboggan. That was a gift given by his parents to young Willie Brogna and Katrina was helping him try it out. When they sailed down the hill, they saw something bloody on a neighbor's property and that led to the discovery of a murder.
Barbara: Takes the joy right out of the Christmas the tree, doesn't it? Since the body was found under the tree, I mean.
Renata: Oh muj, well it was a scary time all right, especially when the bodies started piling up. Detective Ian Daltry began to fear the murderer would strike again and again. Of course, Ian felt something special for Katrina from the moment he first saw her and he feared her life might be in danger. But my daughter did not make it easy for him.
Barbara: I understand that on that first day, Katrina whispered a promise to always protect the infant that was left an orphan.
Renata: Jo, my daughter, Katrina, became quite attached to that little one. In fact, when Ian Daltry showed up demanding that the baby be given to his aunt in Bay Shore, Katrina wanted to shove him right into a snow bank. She had no trouble going toe-to-toe with him. I did mention she made him jump through a few hoops in order to gain her affection. [she chuckles, lightly]
Barbara: How does this story inspire Christian readers?
Renata: The central themes of all of Nike Chillemi's novels are love and justice. That love, the deep love God has instilled in the spirit of every human is very powerful, jo. And as Christians, the love of God that we know and that we strive to express cannot be defeated. God's love is the most powerful force on earth. In GOODBYE NOEL, as the story develops we see Katrina and Ian falling in love. They begin to share deeper intimacies. Now in your day, I know that suggests something quite different than the way we thought of it. What Katrina and Ian shared were the deepest feelings they had. They barred their souls and kept no secrets from each other. In addition, both Katrina and Ian wanted to the killer brought to justice. They both had strong feelings that there must be resolution in that area.
Barbara: As the mother in this story, describe how you decorated your house for Christmas.
Renata: I had a beloved decoration I brought from Czechoslovakia that had hung on my mother's tree...a tiny bell made of seed pearls inside a beaded wreath. When our pastor's wife told me Stewart's Merchantile was getting in ornaments from my country, well, Katrina and I got all dressed up for an afternoon out, jo. We went to the inn for a dinner of roast chicken and sour cherry compote. After that, as you say today, we shopped till we dropped. I came home with a good many more handmade ornaments from Czechoslovakia than perhaps I should have. [she looks from beneath her lashes, slyly] That year, however, I asked Katrina decorate the tree and she has a decorating philosophy that more is more. She put all the ornaments we bought on the tree next to all the homemade ones we had kept from year to year. The ones that held our family's history. Oh muj, the tree was gorgeous when she was finished.
Barbara: What was the traditional Christmas dinner like?
Renata: Christmas Eve is traditionally a meatless meal in Czechoslovakia as that night we await the birth of the Savior. It is "symbolically" a pre-Christmas fast even though the table is filled with food. [runs a red polished nail under the double strand of pearls at her neck] In Czechoslovakia, most families would serve fried carp. If I remember, the year of all those murders, we had salmon in a sour cream sauce. Now Christmas Day is quite different. We put out the good china for breakfast, Bavarian china, of course. We serve yeast breads, cakes, and homemade donuts. For dinner, it was ham, with numerous vegetable side dishes, and roasted potatoes. Of course, I bake my special walnut cookies dusted in powdered sugar for Christmas and also kolachky, you call them Linzer Tarts.
Barbara: Thanks for being a guest on my blog today, Renata. Can you explain to my readers what they'll get out of this Christmas tale? I know they'll be transported back in time to 1946, but what themes might they encounter?
Renata: I think the reader will be transported into an America that had just come out of a devastating war, WWII, where many, many American young men died. The country was recovering from that loss. Yet, there was a spirit of great optimism. Americans at that time were a roll up your sleeves and get it done type of people. It wasn't unusual for one neighbor pitch in and help another. It was as if we were all in this thing together and we all wanted to make something of our country and ourselves. I think something we had then that's missing now is that we all had a sense we were building upon American culture, expanding it. We knew we were standing on the shoulders of giants. We were so proud to be Americans. Back then, we thought that there was nearly nothing that could not be accomplished with hard work. And we did accomplish an awful lot. I don't mean to brag, but we did. I think America is facing some challenges now and that readers will find encouragement and hope in this novel.
Here's the first chapter. Katrina is the heroine and Renata's daughter.
Long Island, NY ~ December, 1946
Katrina Lenart nodded toward a break in the leafless maples and snow covered pines lining Hill Street. A fat blue jay sat on the tip of a pine branch and quirked his head at her, almost mocking. The sun, more the color of wheat than yellow, floated in the pale, cloudless, winter sky, surrendering little heat.
It might seem like we're almost there to you, but we still have to climb that hill. It wasn't high, but steep, as if a pitiless hand had gouged earth from its side. She, turned her head back and squinted against the glare off the snow, adjusting her black velvet earmuffs, stitched into a floret on one side, all the rage since the war.
Said just like a female. Willie Brogna grinned, pulling the toboggan behind him, his rubber boots stomping deep impressions in the fresh fallen snow. Pivoting, he gave her a grateful smile. I know you're just being nice, helping me try out my favorite Christmas present, with my sister on her honeymoon and all. He resumed his climb, out-pacing her.
Determined to put her best friend's teenage brother in his place, Katrina lengthened her strides and arrived at the top of the incline breathing hard. People often comment on how nice I am… and courteous. She tossed off a teasing smile.
The tall, lanky teen snorted then tugged on his hand-knit gloves, securing them, and flexed his fingers.
Shading her eyes with a cable knit glove, she gazed south, unable to see the village of Sanctuary Point or the Great South Bay through the trees. Directly below, the ground dropped away into an empty lot. Beyond that -- Hill Street and the Bauer cottage.
Are you ready? I'll steer and you take the rumble seat. Willie knelt and positioned the toboggan for the first run down the steep hill. Don't forget to hang on tight, I'm gonna let 'er rip, if that won't bruise the dignity of Memorial's most promising nurse.
Katrina gave him a playful smack on the arm. How you do go on. Just watch out for that huge bump down there.
Aw, that's not even a blip on the radar.
She hunkered down behind him and clasped her arms around his waist. The toboggan sped down the hill, her hair airborne behind her. Icy snow crystals flew into her face. They hit the bump and went aloft. Willieee, she shrieked.
They landed so hard her teeth clattered.
When they came to a stop, Willie jumped off. While we were in the air, I saw something near Mrs. Bauer's cottage. Does she have a cat? It looked like a hurt animal… something bloody.
He trotted across the street. It's not in the yard. It's closer and to the side of the road. He hastened down Hill Street, slipping and sliding, to the edge of the Bauer property.
Katrina hurried down the sloping street after him, her arms stretched out for balance. If this was his idea of a practical joke, she'd let him have it.
Willie bent over the object on the ground. Rising, he twisted toward her. Well, it's not an animal.
Rushing to his side, she tried to catch her breath. It's blood on a kitchen towel. Not a lot, but sufficient to warrant concern. Please, let everything be all right.
Do you suppose Mrs. Bauer cut herself out here?
We'd better check on her. Katrina raced back up the hill after Willie along the length of the lot, as fast as she could. She slipped but regained her footing on Bauer's icy walk. When she reached the stoop, her breath came in short painful gasps.
Willie hurdled the two steps and came to a stop on the miniscule porch. The front door stood ajar.
Uneasiness halted her halting gait. Yet, Katrina followed and called. Mrs. Bauer, hello.
Willie nudged the door and shouted. Mrs. Bauer, are you in there?
She peered between the door and its frame into dimness. Mrs. Bauer… Noel, it's Katrina, your neighbor.
This is getting us nowhere. Willie gave the door a shove.
The living room was chilly and silent -- something definitely not right. Mrs. Bauer wouldn't leave the door open on such a cold day, not even a crack. Katrina eased in. Hello, anyone home? She stepped around the couch and froze.
Noel Bauer lay on her living room floor, in front of a decorated Christmas tree. Blood pooled beneath her head.
Oh, my Lord. Katrina rushed to the woman and knelt, applying two fingers to her neck. Willie, she has no pulse.
I mean, I know you're a nurse, but are you sure?
She's dead. Katrina's voice shook in her throat. She's not breathing and her body temperature isn't warm.
The telephone lines come up here, so I'll bet she has a phone. We'd better call the police. This is awful. His eyes darted around the room. There… in the kitchen.
Katrina took a deep breath and calmed herself. How strange and brutal life could be. Yesterday, gay and carefree, she stood as maid-of-honor in Willie's sister's wedding. Today she'd found Noel Bauer's corpse.
She hurried to the phone, dialed the village operator, and asked to be connected to the police station. After relaying the information to young Officer Classen, whose mother worked with her at the hospital, she sank onto a chair at the table and held her head in her hands. There was something peculiar about the position of Noel Bauer's body Katrina couldn't put her finger on, as if she were reaching for something.
Cries of an infant came from the bedroom down the hallway.
*****
Standing by the Christmas tree, Katrina rocked the infant wrapped in a pink blanket. She took a small green and white glass ornament from the top of the tree and dangled it before the baby's face. Look how pretty. Your mommy made such a lovely tree for you. Her eyes misted and her gaze slid to the lifeless form on the floor. A lump formed in her throat.
Detective Daltry's here. Willie turned from the window and hurried to open the door.
Ian Daltry entered with rookie-officer Robert Classen at his heels. The detective removed his brown fedora freeing a riot of salt and pepper hair. He nodded toward Katrina. Miss Lenart, you phoned the station?
Yes, Willie and I found Mrs. Bauer. She glanced at the teen, who stood by the front window, a stricken look on his face. She's gone.
Detective Daltry placed his hat on the coffee table and bent over the still form. The blood on the floor, dark and thick had begun to coagulate. Straightening, he looked at Katrina, his lips in a tight line. You're right. She's dead. I'd guess less than an hour.
Katrina took a halting step toward the body, but the detective put up a staying hand to stop her. She cleared her throat. Severe trauma to the head. She couldn't survive a wound like that.
That's my take on it. I'll phone the medical examiner.
Willie pointed. Phone's in the kitchen.
The detective nodded, turned on his heel, crossed the living room, and disappeared.
Katrina followed stiff legged part way across the room. She wanted to do something, but didn't know what.
Officer Classen stepped forward and blocked her path. You can't go into the kitchen.
She stopped in her tracks, stroked the infant's soft hair, and held her closer. I had no idea Mrs. Bauer had a baby. She closed the house in early spring last year and was gone over six months. She's been back only about three months. Since then, she'd been reclusive, but why?
The baby grabbed for the ornament and cooed.
Katrina lifted the glass bulb away from the tiny hand. Oh no, you don't. You're a quick little lady, aren't you? Yes you are. She made an exaggerated smiling face and shook her head.
The baby started fussing.
Are you cold? Katrina pulled the blanket tight around the infant, rubbed her tiny hands, and blew warm breath on them.
I'd like to throw a log on the fire for the baby, but can't touch anything until we complete our investigation. The young officer shifted from foot to foot.
Detective Daltry emerged from the kitchen and advanced toward her. He touched the pink blanket. A girl. A tremor ran through his fingers and he dropped his hand to his side.
Isn't she pretty? Katrina stroked the infant's face. When she glanced up, she thought she saw pain flicker in the detective's eyes, and then it was gone.
Her mother was lovely. Such a shame. Officer Classen stood over the body with a camera. Detective, do you want me to start taking photographs?
He cleared his throat. Yes, begin with the body and work out to the periphery of the room. Don't spare the film.
The child gurgled, squirmed, and kicked her legs against the coverlet wrapped tight around her. Aren't you a feisty one? Katrina kissed the baby's little fist. You're going to be fine. Somehow, I'll make sure. I promise.
The detective rocked back on his heels and raked his hand through his hair, mangling it. He cast a quick glance at the hearth. With the fire nearly out and the door opening and closing, perhaps the child shouldn't be here. I can phone my neighbor. She watches my daughter when I'm working. I'm sure she'd look after the little one until we figure out what to do with her.
The baby made a face and fidgeted, her knees pumping.
No. That's not necessary. Katrina held the baby tighter, her need to protect this infant growing by the second. I live down the street, and I'm a maternity nurse. If you consent, I'll take her home. I'm sure my mother will agree to mind her while I'm working at the hospital.
A huge wail came from the tiny mouth.
Maybe she's hungry. Willie took two quick steps. Let me see if there's milk in the kitchen.
The detective shook his head. Sorry, off limits. You can't touch or remove anything. We haven't done a walk-through yet and they'll want to brush for finger prints.
Katrina placed the baby on her shoulder and rubbed her back in a circular motion. This child can't drink bottled milk. I'm sure her mother nursed her, most do. We'll have to make formula from evaporated milk. What did men know about babies?
Won't you need a baby bottle? Willie plunked both hands on his hips.
Yes, or something similar. I need to get this baby home where Momma can help me. Katrina bounced the fussing infant in her arms and checked the seat of the diaper. She's dry and didn't leave us a present in her pants.
Detective Daltry moved to Katrina's side and stroked the baby's back. Officer Classen can drive you home. He turned toward the rookie cop. Wait up on the photos and take this young woman and the child down the hill. When you get to the edge of the Bauer property, drive on the wrong side of the street. I'm calling the troopers station to see if they can get any tire impressions near where we picked up the bloody towel.
If Lorne Kincade was finished with trooper training, we'd get that done right quick. Robert opened the door and held it for Katrina.
You bet you would. Willie tried for a grin, but only one side of his lips lifted. Thing is, he won't even start the training until he and my sister get back from their honeymoon.
Katrina rocked the baby whose face had turned bright pink. Heavens to Besty, let's not rush the newlyweds home in our talk. She tried for a smile and managed a small one.
The detective pivoted toward the window. Mr. Brogna… Willie, I'd like you to stay. I have questions for you. Miss Lenart, I'll question your later.
The infant emitted a piercing cry.
Katrina hurried toward the door. Our house is the first one on the right side.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Night of the Cossack by Tom Blubaugh
Night of the Cossack by Tom Blubaugh is an awesome 34 chapters and 250 pages of adventure young boys will love. It's a Christian novel of adventure,an imprint of Bound by Faith Publishers, a beautiful paperback. When teen Nathan Hertzfield is kidnapped during a raid and forced to become a Cossack solider, life as he knew it is ripped apart. Mixed emotions run rampant as he's faced with life-altering, life-threatening situations. He feels lucky on one hand that his mother and brother are still alive, but he has to leave them and his past behind. Just when he thinks he's built a new life for himself, he finds himself on the run once again. He's lost so much at such a young age: loved ones, his home, family, and his own identity. Can he take losing the one thing he has left, his beloved horse? Just when he finds a woman and falls in love and dreams of starting his own family, he's forced to leave her too, without looking back. How much can one young man stand? He's a Jew forced to hide it and even expected to defend himself as a Cossack solider and kill other Jews, but he doesn't want to take a life. His mother raised a moral son, and even in the face of the obstacle course that's become his life, he vows to hold onto his character.
The author, Tom Blubaugh, a freelance writer who has written mostly nonfiction has turned his pen to fiction and spun an amazing tale of family heritage with a strong character readers will love. Filled with emotions, vivid description, and danger, this novel will keep the reader on his toes until the last page to discover what happens to Nathan in the end.
While it's not the type of book I'd normally select, my interest was captivated from the first chapter when Nathan didn't listen to his mother. I think the best audience is teen boys or men, but I'm a woman, and I have to admit I loved this novel and couldn't put it down once I started reading it. I love the way the novel ends when the captain tells Nathan, "I have a friend who was also betrayed by someone close to him."You'll have to read the novel and find out who this friend is. This novel is also available as an eBook from Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com.
Published by Bound by Faith Publishers.
ebook for Kindle available at Amazon.com. Be sure to like my page and do a review when you finish, if you like my book.
Check out my Author page.
Read the reviews on Amazon.
ebook for Nook available at Barnes & Noble
Night of the Cossack Facebook author page. Be sure to like my page while you're there please.
Personal Facebook page
Visit My Blog. Be sure to sign up as a follower.
Twitter @tomblubaugh
Available at Author's Den. A great Author/Reader site. You can join free. Look me up and be sure to become a fan while you're there.
Also available at New Christian Books.
Check me out on Goodreads.
Co-author of The Great Adventure published by Barbour Publishing. (out of print).
Genesis Project
Jericho Commission, Inc.
Tom Blubaugh, Author of Night of the Cossack--Read the first chapter get a signed copy by ordering here. FREE shipping in USA.
Published by Bound by Faith Publishers.
ebook for Kindle available at Amazon.com. Be sure to like my page and do a review when you finish, if you like my book.
Check out my Author page.
Read the reviews on Amazon.
ebook for Nook available at Barnes & Noble
Night of the Cossack Facebook author page. Be sure to like my page while you're there please.
Personal Facebook page
Visit My Blog. Be sure to sign up as a follower.
Twitter @tomblubaugh
Available at Author's Den. A great Author/Reader site. You can join free. Look me up and be sure to become a fan while you're there.
Also available at New Christian Books.
Check me out on Goodreads.
Co-author of The Great Adventure published by Barbour Publishing. (out of print).
Genesis Project
Jericho Commission, Inc.
The author, Tom Blubaugh, a freelance writer who has written mostly nonfiction has turned his pen to fiction and spun an amazing tale of family heritage with a strong character readers will love. Filled with emotions, vivid description, and danger, this novel will keep the reader on his toes until the last page to discover what happens to Nathan in the end.
While it's not the type of book I'd normally select, my interest was captivated from the first chapter when Nathan didn't listen to his mother. I think the best audience is teen boys or men, but I'm a woman, and I have to admit I loved this novel and couldn't put it down once I started reading it. I love the way the novel ends when the captain tells Nathan, "I have a friend who was also betrayed by someone close to him."You'll have to read the novel and find out who this friend is. This novel is also available as an eBook from Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com.
Published by Bound by Faith Publishers.
ebook for Kindle available at Amazon.com. Be sure to like my page and do a review when you finish, if you like my book.
Check out my Author page.
Read the reviews on Amazon.
ebook for Nook available at Barnes & Noble
Night of the Cossack Facebook author page. Be sure to like my page while you're there please.
Personal Facebook page
Visit My Blog. Be sure to sign up as a follower.
Twitter @tomblubaugh
Available at Author's Den. A great Author/Reader site. You can join free. Look me up and be sure to become a fan while you're there.
Also available at New Christian Books.
Check me out on Goodreads.
Co-author of The Great Adventure published by Barbour Publishing. (out of print).
Genesis Project
Jericho Commission, Inc.
Tom Blubaugh, Author of Night of the Cossack--Read the first chapter get a signed copy by ordering here. FREE shipping in USA.
Published by Bound by Faith Publishers.
ebook for Kindle available at Amazon.com. Be sure to like my page and do a review when you finish, if you like my book.
Check out my Author page.
Read the reviews on Amazon.
ebook for Nook available at Barnes & Noble
Night of the Cossack Facebook author page. Be sure to like my page while you're there please.
Personal Facebook page
Visit My Blog. Be sure to sign up as a follower.
Twitter @tomblubaugh
Available at Author's Den. A great Author/Reader site. You can join free. Look me up and be sure to become a fan while you're there.
Also available at New Christian Books.
Check me out on Goodreads.
Co-author of The Great Adventure published by Barbour Publishing. (out of print).
Genesis Project
Jericho Commission, Inc.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
The Santa Shop by Tim Greaton: Inspiration for the Hopeless
Tim Greaton's The Santa Shop is well worth the ninety-nine cents you'll pay for an inspirational Christmas story of hope. A young attorney on top of the world goes to a party to build his career and leaves his family home alone. Will they be waiting when he returns? One party changes his life forever. A homeless man contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve on the Christmas Leap Bridge. He has gone over the edge, but will he literally? Available at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.com. Don't miss this Christmas tale. It'll make you stop and think, cherish sweet childhood memories of favorite Christmas toys, reach out and grab your heart, and inspire you. The author's vivid descriptions and characterization are icing on the cake.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Grab Your Free Read Now Companion to Southern Superstitions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNoo962DbF0&feature=share Prayer versus Southern superstitions when a woman's husband mysteriously disappears in the swamp on a deer-hunting trip. As steamy as the hot, thick, sticky heat of Louisiana, this page-turner will keep readers in suspense, as the author spins a tale of love, loss, superstition, pain, heartache, and faith in God. God and the power of prayer versus Southern superstitions. Through belief, faith, hard work, the power of prayer, and God's help, this powerful, moving story is a thought-provoking Christian romantic suspense about a young couple who fall in love, but have to change her mother's mind in more ways than one, if their relationship is to survive. Can Andy convince June there's more to their relationship than friends? Will he win the approval of Myrtle, her mother, and can love survive strawberry season and an April flood? Will June be able to give Andy a child?
Grab your free read now, a companion to Southern Superstitions: The Lord Has Something Better in Mind by B. J. Robinson
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-264/The-Lord-Has-Something/Detail.bok
Grab your free read now, a companion to Southern Superstitions: The Lord Has Something Better in Mind by B. J. Robinson
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-264/The-Lord-Has-Something/Detail.bok
Friday, November 25, 2011
An After Thanksgiving Story
My sunny Florida kitchen looked out upon sunlight sparkling on the turquoise-blue water of our swimming pool. I watched a squirrel run up the palm tree that cornered the pool while I waited for boiled eggs to cool. A few minutes later, I went to peel the eggs, but they’d vanished.
“Where did my eggs go?” I yelled loud enough for the whole neighborhood to hear.
My son, Rodney, grinned. “I don’t know.”
“I put them in the sink to cool.” I looked down the drain. “That thing ate my eggs.”
Rodney came up beside me and asked, “What thing?”
I pointed to the sink’s drain. “The new garbage disposal Scott insisted on.”
The family laughed like I was a comedian.
“When I first met her, she didn’t even know how to work a dishwasher," my husband said. "Now she doesn’t know how to use the new garbage disposal. Do I have to teach you everything?” His brown eyes twinkled. He patted my shoulder, and his grin lit up his face. Teaser that he was, it was easy for him to amuse the family and for them to enjoy the playfulness of his comments. “Reach your hand down there and get them.”
“I’m not putting my hand in that thing.”
The family’s laughter filled the kitchen. “I can’t make potato salad.
Those were my last three.”
“I’ll run to the store,” someone offered.
Rod said, “It’s a wonder you didn’t accuse me of eating them.”
“The garbage disposal did the job for you. I can’t believe I did that. It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without potato salad.”
“Don’t you mean without turkey?” Rod rubbed his stomach.
I smiled. “No, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the thanks and the giving. Having you visit makes it blessed. We can thank God for a good laugh and a joyful day. We’ll remember this for many Thanksgivings to come.”
“Yeah, Mom, Scott will never let you live that one down.”
"I’ll remember how I lost my eggs every year.” I diced the pickles and green onions. “When you were small, I cooked huge family meals. I’ve always enjoyed cooking and decorating for the holidays. Another Thanksgiving is etched in the pages of my memories. Unexpected guests arrived with the family, and the ten-foot wide trailer couldn’t hold them. The cramped kitchen only held a small table.”
Rod took a pickle from the jar. “What happened?”
"I had plenty of food cooked, so I borrowed silverware and plates from your grandmother.”
“Who would show up uninvited?”
“Your grandmother and aunts asked friends from church.” I dumped pickles and green onions into a bowl and continued. “By the time the turkey was served, the trailer burst with people trying to find plates and utensils for eating. People packed into it like sardines in a tin can. Since God smiled on us with beautiful Louisiana weather, most of them took their plates and sat outside to eat. The air was crisp, cool, and refreshing after baking in the hot kitchen. I took my plate and joined them on the steps of the tiny porch.”
Rod’s blue eyes twinkled as he listened to me reminiscing. “I can just see you
balancing a plate of turkey and cornbread dressing on your lap.”
“It tasted every bit as good outside.” I playfully tapped his chest. “I had one more chair than Henry David Thoreau, who wrote in his book Walden that he had only three chairs.”
“Thoreau thought houses were “extravagantly large”. My trailer was extravagantly small for all the Thanksgiving dinner guests. We enjoyed the brisk air and sunshine and thanked God for our family and friends, delicious food, and a lovely day. You know son, that Thanksgiving and this one will always be etched in my heart, mind, and soul.”
“When the guests left, they thanked me for a great home-cooked meal, not an impressive dinner. One man with electric blue eyes said, “It didn’t matter if the dinnerware didn’t match. We didn’t come here for you to impress us.”
A lot has changed over the years. My children are grown and have made me a grandmother multiple times. I’ve lost family members. My first husband, mother, father, and youngest sister all live in their heavenly home. Though some of the most loved people in my life are not here to share the holidays, I still have a traditional turkey each Thanksgiving, celebrate, and thank God for our food. Some things never change. I know my lost loved ones are feasting in heaven and waiting for me.
I thank God for the family who now shares my holidays. Last year, I did not bake turkey. Rod fried a turkey for us the Christmas before, and it was so juicy it melted in our mouths. So, Scott bought a turkey fryer and experimented. Ever since he cooked his first fried turkey, he said we wouldn’t have another baked one, so was relieved of one of my Thanksgiving duties for a few years. But, this year, Scott asked me to roast the turkey traditional style, and it came out golden brown and delicious.
We are a close-knit family group. Fancy plates and utensils don’t matter, nor does a fancy setting. What makes holidays special has nothing to do with materialistic things. The warmth and friendliness of our family and friends make up for whatever trivial items are lacking.
Times change, people change, places change, but the heart of the family and thanking God for His blessings and your family remain the same. I thank God for the Thanksgiving the garbage disposal ate the eggs and the year uninvited guests overfilled my tiny trailer. Those blessed Thanksgiving days will be eternally etched in the pages of my family’s hearts and minds.
Bio
B. J. Robinson makes her home in Florida with her husband, a cat, and two dogs. She is a graduate of Christian Writers Guild’s, a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and a graduate from the Long Ridge Writers Group. This story appeared in St. Cloud in the News. Since then, Robinson has authored two Christian romantic suspense novels. Last Resort released July 15, and Southern Superstitions releases January 15. She would like to thank her wonderful readers and supporters and says, "You're a blessing to me and inspire me to keep writing."
“Where did my eggs go?” I yelled loud enough for the whole neighborhood to hear.
My son, Rodney, grinned. “I don’t know.”
“I put them in the sink to cool.” I looked down the drain. “That thing ate my eggs.”
Rodney came up beside me and asked, “What thing?”
I pointed to the sink’s drain. “The new garbage disposal Scott insisted on.”
The family laughed like I was a comedian.
“When I first met her, she didn’t even know how to work a dishwasher," my husband said. "Now she doesn’t know how to use the new garbage disposal. Do I have to teach you everything?” His brown eyes twinkled. He patted my shoulder, and his grin lit up his face. Teaser that he was, it was easy for him to amuse the family and for them to enjoy the playfulness of his comments. “Reach your hand down there and get them.”
“I’m not putting my hand in that thing.”
The family’s laughter filled the kitchen. “I can’t make potato salad.
Those were my last three.”
“I’ll run to the store,” someone offered.
Rod said, “It’s a wonder you didn’t accuse me of eating them.”
“The garbage disposal did the job for you. I can’t believe I did that. It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without potato salad.”
“Don’t you mean without turkey?” Rod rubbed his stomach.
I smiled. “No, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the thanks and the giving. Having you visit makes it blessed. We can thank God for a good laugh and a joyful day. We’ll remember this for many Thanksgivings to come.”
“Yeah, Mom, Scott will never let you live that one down.”
"I’ll remember how I lost my eggs every year.” I diced the pickles and green onions. “When you were small, I cooked huge family meals. I’ve always enjoyed cooking and decorating for the holidays. Another Thanksgiving is etched in the pages of my memories. Unexpected guests arrived with the family, and the ten-foot wide trailer couldn’t hold them. The cramped kitchen only held a small table.”
Rod took a pickle from the jar. “What happened?”
"I had plenty of food cooked, so I borrowed silverware and plates from your grandmother.”
“Who would show up uninvited?”
“Your grandmother and aunts asked friends from church.” I dumped pickles and green onions into a bowl and continued. “By the time the turkey was served, the trailer burst with people trying to find plates and utensils for eating. People packed into it like sardines in a tin can. Since God smiled on us with beautiful Louisiana weather, most of them took their plates and sat outside to eat. The air was crisp, cool, and refreshing after baking in the hot kitchen. I took my plate and joined them on the steps of the tiny porch.”
Rod’s blue eyes twinkled as he listened to me reminiscing. “I can just see you
balancing a plate of turkey and cornbread dressing on your lap.”
“It tasted every bit as good outside.” I playfully tapped his chest. “I had one more chair than Henry David Thoreau, who wrote in his book Walden that he had only three chairs.”
“Thoreau thought houses were “extravagantly large”. My trailer was extravagantly small for all the Thanksgiving dinner guests. We enjoyed the brisk air and sunshine and thanked God for our family and friends, delicious food, and a lovely day. You know son, that Thanksgiving and this one will always be etched in my heart, mind, and soul.”
“When the guests left, they thanked me for a great home-cooked meal, not an impressive dinner. One man with electric blue eyes said, “It didn’t matter if the dinnerware didn’t match. We didn’t come here for you to impress us.”
A lot has changed over the years. My children are grown and have made me a grandmother multiple times. I’ve lost family members. My first husband, mother, father, and youngest sister all live in their heavenly home. Though some of the most loved people in my life are not here to share the holidays, I still have a traditional turkey each Thanksgiving, celebrate, and thank God for our food. Some things never change. I know my lost loved ones are feasting in heaven and waiting for me.
I thank God for the family who now shares my holidays. Last year, I did not bake turkey. Rod fried a turkey for us the Christmas before, and it was so juicy it melted in our mouths. So, Scott bought a turkey fryer and experimented. Ever since he cooked his first fried turkey, he said we wouldn’t have another baked one, so was relieved of one of my Thanksgiving duties for a few years. But, this year, Scott asked me to roast the turkey traditional style, and it came out golden brown and delicious.
We are a close-knit family group. Fancy plates and utensils don’t matter, nor does a fancy setting. What makes holidays special has nothing to do with materialistic things. The warmth and friendliness of our family and friends make up for whatever trivial items are lacking.
Times change, people change, places change, but the heart of the family and thanking God for His blessings and your family remain the same. I thank God for the Thanksgiving the garbage disposal ate the eggs and the year uninvited guests overfilled my tiny trailer. Those blessed Thanksgiving days will be eternally etched in the pages of my family’s hearts and minds.
Bio
B. J. Robinson makes her home in Florida with her husband, a cat, and two dogs. She is a graduate of Christian Writers Guild’s, a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and a graduate from the Long Ridge Writers Group. This story appeared in St. Cloud in the News. Since then, Robinson has authored two Christian romantic suspense novels. Last Resort released July 15, and Southern Superstitions releases January 15. She would like to thank her wonderful readers and supporters and says, "You're a blessing to me and inspire me to keep writing."
Saturday, November 19, 2011
The Good Fight by Shawna K. Williams
The Good Fight by Shawna K. Williams released November 1, 2011, by Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. It's twenty-nine chapters of inspiration, a sweet 20'th Century historical, a plus novel, so you'll get your money's worth. I normally don't read a lot of historical romance, but this one captivated me as the third novel in a series. No Other and In All Things are the first two. I loved all three. In this one, you're introduced to a new character, Pennye Boyle Carrington, and a character from the first novel comes back to life, Roger Talbot. Pennye and Roger grew up with nothing in common, both living different lifestyles. Roger is captivated by her the first time he sees her in the courtroom, but even when he finds himself falling for her, he doesn't really know who she is. Will it make a difference when he finds out she's the sister to a man he's prosecuted for murder? Pennye sees herself as an elephant that can never be a butterfly and each time she allows herself to hope, her heart and spirit are crushed. Dare she allow Roger to get close? Even though he sees her as a butterfly will he think her an elephant when he finally discovers who she really is? She left her hometown and reinvented herself. She really is Pennye Carrington, but she has to confess to Roger, sooner or later, that she's Pennye Boyle, was married, is divorced. She puts it off and can't bring herself to risk losing him, but she vows she'll tell him soon. He takes her to church with him, and she meets judgment head on in the eyes of an old high-school enemy. Has she waited too late to confide in Roger? She came back to help her brothers. She can't let Roger get in the way. The church confrontation assures her she'll always be an elephant, and she runs again. How far will she go this time? Roger was raised by a wealthy family, and she was raised by a poor one. They're from two very different worlds, and Roger deserves a butterfly, or does he? Can a social butterfly make the real man he is truly happy? Pennye wears clothes with kittens on them. She'll never be a social butterfly. Would she even want to be? What happens when a red-headed elephant falls head over heels for a man the whole town expects to marry a fine woman of good standing? Will Pennye always be judged by her family? Can she ever be her own person? Can she save her brothers? Not without Roger's help. What's an elephant to do? The author weaves a tale with depth and precision that will evoke reader emotions. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll love the ending. I did. It's so touching, and both characters truly have to fight the good fight. Question is, can they both win it? This is a five-star story of depth.
Friday, November 11, 2011
This Time for Keeps by K. Dawn Byrd: Second Chances
This Time for Keeps by K. Dawn Byrd released October 15 by Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. In this sweet romance India McGuire is forced to make a choice between David Richards, a predictable, reliable neighbor, and an old love resurfaced, Chase Porter. She yearns to follow her heart, but fears ending up alone again. Is David really as predictable, loyal, and dependable as he seems, as everyone thinks he is? He's got politics in mind. India wonders if she's cut out to be a politician's wife. Can she trust her heart to Chase again, after a decade of thinking he was out of her life for good? On the eve of her engagement to David, Chase returns to come between them. He plans to fight to win her back, and David plans to marry India. Which man will win her heart for keeps? Which man truly loves her? Is it love with David, or does he merely want a marriage of convenience? Chase claims he wants her land. This is the first book I've read by this author, but I loved the twist at the end of the novel when a long buried family secret is revealed and no other than the town gossip proves she can keep a secret, after all. If you like stories with a love triangle or old love and second chances, you will enjoy this novel.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
The Red Fury by Naomi Musch
The Red Fury Empire in Pine Book Two by Naomi Musch is a plus novel recently released by Desert Breeze Publishing, October 15, 2011, a warm, inspirational historical romance. The first novel in the series is The Green Veil Empire in Pine Book One. When I read the first one, I couldn't wait for the second, and now, I can't wait for the third. Lainey Kade has been unlucky in love, so when she meets Zane and Kelly Beaumont, she vows they'll only be friends. What will she do when both brothers fall for her? Which will she choose, if any? The author has created strong characters that will melt and wrench your heart. Kelly loves Lainey and buys her a ring. Zane loves Lainey, too, and his passion burns as strong as the red fury of a fire, but he takes himself out of the picture so Kelly can propose to Lainey. Lainey cares deeply for both brothers and doesn't want to hurt either, but she feels she can't give her whole heart and wonders if she'll ever be able to give it to any man. The three become the closest friends when an accident takes you by surprise. I wondered if the red fury would start from a lamp left burning so Zane could find his way back into the livery, but, of course, Naomi Musch wouldn't be that predictable. This is a powerful novel that will rip your heart out, so be prepared. It's a great love story of self-denial, trust, selfishness, courage, loyalty, and true love so passionate the red fury has nothing on it. And talk about determined, Kelly is a courageous man who never gives up and keeps on keeping on until the red fury twists its way through their lives without warning. I promise you, if you read these two books, you'll have found an author you'll want to keep reading. Her novels are moving and powerful love stories that evoke your emotions and reduce you to tears, but through all the hardships she has her characters endure, God has a perfect plan that will melt your heart. I rate both these prestigious novels a rating of five stars. Naomi Musch is an author you'll want to read over and over again, no doubt about it. She'll take your heart on a journey you won't soon forget. These terrific novels are full-length, and you'll get your money's worth. Check them out at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.com as well as Desert Breeze Publishing. Click on the book covers to read free excerpts.
Monday, October 24, 2011
IN ALL THINGS by Shawna K. Williams Love Like No Other is Illustrated
IN ALL THINGS by Shawna K. Williams is a full length novel published by Desert Breeze in November 2010, a sequel to NO OTHER. Shawna writes inspirational romances with God at the heart of the story, and I loved this one especially because the ending was so beautiful and touching. The author weaves a story that showcases true human emotions and feelings, life, and troubled relationships as Jacob and Meri continue to pursue their dreams. He's determined that she realizes her dream of becoming an actress and moves them to the city that can make it happen. But is winning an academy award what life's really about? Meri observed her own mother's failure with the same dream. Will becoming a famous actress make her parents proud of her, or will it only make her mother more bitter? This romance illustrates life with God's help and compares the lives of three women who all longed for the same dream, four counting Meri. When Meri opens her eyes, she realizes that only one of those three women is happy, and she's not the one Meri would have said she wanted to be like. Meri discovers who she is and who she belongs to, when a handsome, well-respected producer wants to make her his Sun Goddess and a contract for the film that could make her dream come true is offered upon a silver platter with a fancy brooch that glistens so much it looks like the sun. What will Meri chose? This man claims he can love her like no other, and Jacob learns he has to let her go.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
A Familiar Evil by Anne Patrick: A Red Herring Edge-of-Your-Seat Read
A Familiar Evil by Anne Patrick, published by Rebecca J. Vickery, April 2011, is a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat as a childhood monster continues to haunt and literally stalk Jordan. The characters are well rounded and provide realistic dialogue. The novel will keep you guessing who the monster is until very near the end. And, you'll be surprised when you discover which man from her past he is. Sam is her FBI agent husband who follows her back to her hometown, where's she the Chief of Police since quitting her own FBI job so she could return to her roots and catch the serial killer. Will he persuade her to save their marriage, or will she let the monster serial killer and Sam's pretty partner come between them for good? What's worse, Jordan has managed to keep the truth of her childhood attack from Sam. Will it make a difference when he finds out what happened to her at twelve? When Sam is lead on a wild goose chase with his partner, will he return in time, or will the monster claim Jordan for keeps? This book held my rapt interest until the end, and I didn't want to put it down until I discovered who the killer really was. Red herrings keep you guessing, and I just love that. It's available in paperback or eBook formats. If you're looking for a scary Halloween read, you've found it! And, it's only 99cents in eBook format, so grab a great read today. If you love romance and suspense, you'll absolutely love this novel. I did, because I do. The red herrings reminded me of Last Resort. If you enjoy A Familiar Evil, you'll also enjoy Last Resort by B. J. Robinson and The Brotherhood and The Betrayal by Jerry B. Jenkins.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
No Other by Shawna K. Williams
No Other by Shawna K. Williams is an inspirational historical romance published by Desert Breeze in May of 2010. This is the first novel I've read by this author, but I can't wait to read the sequel In All Things. It takes place in the aftermath of WWII, and Jakob Wilheimer has returned from the war and found it necessary to reenter high school to earn the diploma he wasn't able to while serving his country. So, he's no ordinary high school boy, and the war has made a man out of him. He didn't count on a teacher he knew who was slightly older than him, Meri Parker. Meri's life is distracted and controlled by her mother and father to the point that they want to tell her who to marry. They plan for her to marry a rich man who can take care of her in style. After all, her father is the mayor, and a suitor must be fitting for the mayor's daughter. Meri is not interested in the man they choose for her. Though she tries to deny her attraction to Jakob, she ends up living next door to his brother and finds it harder than she thought it'd be to think of him as only one of her ordinary students. Jakob discovers the control her family wields and wants to save her. Will he be able to avoid temptation and help Meri discover God? He invites her to Bible study after Bible study, and she turns down all his invitations, but he doesn't give up. Can Meri overcome her family's control, or will she be forced into a marriage only to make her family happy? This is a warm, sweet love story, and a fast-paced read. I enjoyed it so much, I know I'll continue to read books by this author. She knows how to evoke feelings and emotions to create realistic characters and keep the reader turning pages. Though Jakob and Meri make a mistake, and they're not perfect, Jakob struggles to be a man of God and turn Meri into a woman of God, and he refuses to give up. I loved his character. He's some hero. The author also does a fabulous job with description of Jakob's old family home and evokes the readers emotions when he revisits it. In my book, No Other is a five-star love story, and I'm sure In All Things, it's sequel will be, too. So if you're a fan of romance or historical inspirational romance, grab these two novels and curl up for a great reading session. This is a warm,sweet romance set in the 1950's.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Writing the Christian Romance by Gail Gaymer Martin
Writing the Christian Romance by Gail Gaymer Martin, published by Writers Digest Books, copyright 2008, is eleven nonfiction chapters of direction and guidance for aspiring Christian romance authors. Some of it is very basic, but other parts go into great detail that can only serve to hone a writer's skills and craft when applied. Chapter 7 deals with point of view and Chapter 8 with dialogue, which are usually two issues beginning writers have to hone. There's also a chapter on plotting. I highly recommend this book from a well-known Christian author as a tool for improving one's writing for the Christian romance market, and I wish I'd picked it up earlier. I've highlighted important concepts and marked my copy for use as a writing tool to add to my library of resources. It's available in a beautiful paperback and is worth the price. If you want to succeed in the Christian market, get the Bible for it by a woman who has published many such novels of her own. She's even included examples of a long and short synopsis. I give it five well-deserved stars.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
He Wants me Dead by Marion K. Bullock
He wants me Dead by Marion K. Bullock is a great eBook released June 15, 2011, by Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. about special education students laced with romance and suspense. If you've ever taught Special Education, you'll enjoy this story about James who says his well-educated brother is trying to kill him and wants him dead. The teacher and her class are isolated on the third floor of a burning school when James proves he's no coward, and he cares about others. Joanne Sharpe is a teacher who has tried her best to persuade her principal that the resource room shouldn't be on the third floor, but she's new to the school and no one listens to her. No one listens to James either. Will Joanne find romance with the father of one of her students or the brother who is supposed to want James dead? Will James prove he's smarter than anyone could have guessed and become a hero, or will he merely remain a pawn in his brother's hands and end up dead? Can Joanne make a difference despite the challenging problems that face her at the high school, or will the person who's playing cat and mouse with her set a trap she can't escape? She's followed when she walks and even when she drives for dinner to an invitation from another teacher. Joanne sets out thinking she can handle the problems she'll face, but it isn't long before they surmount, and she realizes she can't do it all alone. Joanne has always worried what she and her students would do if they had to open the third-floor windows in a hurry. Her greatest fears fester as the flames fume. Now, she doesn't want to find out.
I highly recommend this engaging novel of teaching, love, courage, mystery, and suspense and give it five stars. I look forward to reading more books by this engaging author.
This engaging novel is available through Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, and Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. Also available wherever fine eBooks are sold.
I highly recommend this engaging novel of teaching, love, courage, mystery, and suspense and give it five stars. I look forward to reading more books by this engaging author.
This engaging novel is available through Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, and Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. Also available wherever fine eBooks are sold.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Last Resort by B. J. Robinson: Get Inside Faith Grace Roussell's Head
http://christianbookfestival.blogspot.com/ Faith Grace Roussell, what a character! September 8, 2012. Dear Diary, I was so happy to be home again until that stone came flying in the back kitchen window with an attached note. Words cut from a newspaper or magazine and glued to it made me shiver, so I grabbed the phone and dialed Matt's cell. Alarm blaring, Sunflower tucked her tail between her legs and hid underneath the kitchen table while I clutched my chest and held my breath until I heard pounding at the back door.
I vowed no man would turn my head, and I'd hide my heart so deeply in Christ that to find me a man would have to find him first. But can I keep that vow and lean on Matt? Will the true hidden treasures in God's Word be enough to keep me on the straight and narrow? I'm just a woman. Lord, I'm being stalked. All I wanted was a life of peace and contentment. Is that too much to ask after Fred? And Matt, his eyes could melt the ice-maiden barrier I've built around my heart as a fortress. They're like magnets, and I could get as lost in them as in unknown woods. What's a woman to do? Would he prove to be a helpmate, or just another strawberry cull like Fred? I didn't dream I'd continue to be pursued. I've lived through shattered dreams and nightmares. There's only one place I can turn. There's only one last resort.
Watch the book trailer. Another dream is shattered when the safe haven of the old family home and the backdrop of a strawberry farm turns dangerous.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juwF0dLLX6M&feature=youtu.be
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-184/B-J-Robinson-Last/Detail.bok Read a free excerpt and buy a PDF file to read on your computer.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/last-resort-b-j-robinson/1030124288?ean=2940012838063&itm=1&usri=last%2Bresort%2Bb%2Bj%2Brobinson Free samples and rave reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/Last-Resort-ebook/dp/B005CQ7JQK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310918473&sr=1-1 Free samples and rave reviews.
Review Excerpts: See the complete reviews on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Good Reads.
B.J. Robinson writes with flair. She manages to incorporate her own love for God in a well-written, romantic, suspense novel.
I immensely enjoyed this sweet romance, filled with suspense and plot twists. I loved Faith, she was not only a believer, but that belief was carried out in her daily life. Through prayer and trusting God, even when she was called to take extreme measures to protect her life and the life of the man she loved. I look forward to reading more wonderful novels from, B. J. Robinson. Dr. Rita Garcia
Wonderful book! Grabs the reader from the very first page. Excellent writing from a new writer, cannot wait to see what her writing future holds.
What a great story! I loved how you drew your readers in so quickly and then constantly threw in twists and turns for them to deal with. Many women deal with losing what they thought was the love of their life to a failed relationship--it's their attitude that determines how they proceed on from there. By letting God lead her through the fiery trials that came her way, and trusting Him in the most difficult of times, Faith found her true destiny in life and love and it was everything she had ever dreamed of. This is a fabulous story of love, real life and how a positive attitude in Christ can lead you through even the most difficult times! I highly recommend it and know you will leave the book feeling inspired and encouraged in your walk in the Lord!
Set in fictional Bridal Wreath, Florida, and Key West, the backdrop of a strawberry farm turns dangerous for Faith, when she's stalked. Will she be forced to use The Pink Lady? Find out today with home delivery in a few minutes. Smoking hot--where will Faith be when the smoke clears and will Faith and Matt's love survive? Five-star reviews on Amazon and B&N. Both men and women readers. Free sample.
She's pursued by an ex-fiancé, shattered dreams, an awesome God, and a cowboy farmer. There's only one place she can turn . . . .There's only one last resort
Here's what one reader had to say: You will absolutely love Last Resort. The characters will pull you in and make you part of their world. B.J. Robinson weaves in faith in a way that will catch you off guard as you connect the dots and apply it to your own life. I did not want Last Resort to end. I recommend it with confidence and can't wait to see what is on the horizon for this new novelist.
Last Resort is a 79,000 word woman-in-jeopardy novel that tells the story of Faith Grace Roussell, who escapes an abusive fiancé and endeavors to start a new life filled with peace and contentment. She returns to her family home to farm strawberries only to discover it's not the safe haven she hoped it'd be when the backdrop of the berry farm suddenly turns dangerous. The ones she thought would welcome her want her gone, but she vows to stand firm. Will Matt's love survive?
Last Resort by B. J. Robinson, available wherever fine eBooks are sold. Visit me at http://barbarajrobinson.blogspot.com. http://christianbookfestival.blogspot.com
I vowed no man would turn my head, and I'd hide my heart so deeply in Christ that to find me a man would have to find him first. But can I keep that vow and lean on Matt? Will the true hidden treasures in God's Word be enough to keep me on the straight and narrow? I'm just a woman. Lord, I'm being stalked. All I wanted was a life of peace and contentment. Is that too much to ask after Fred? And Matt, his eyes could melt the ice-maiden barrier I've built around my heart as a fortress. They're like magnets, and I could get as lost in them as in unknown woods. What's a woman to do? Would he prove to be a helpmate, or just another strawberry cull like Fred? I didn't dream I'd continue to be pursued. I've lived through shattered dreams and nightmares. There's only one place I can turn. There's only one last resort.
Watch the book trailer. Another dream is shattered when the safe haven of the old family home and the backdrop of a strawberry farm turns dangerous.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juwF0dLLX6M&feature=youtu.be
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-184/B-J-Robinson-Last/Detail.bok Read a free excerpt and buy a PDF file to read on your computer.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/last-resort-b-j-robinson/1030124288?ean=2940012838063&itm=1&usri=last%2Bresort%2Bb%2Bj%2Brobinson Free samples and rave reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/Last-Resort-ebook/dp/B005CQ7JQK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310918473&sr=1-1 Free samples and rave reviews.
Review Excerpts: See the complete reviews on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Good Reads.
B.J. Robinson writes with flair. She manages to incorporate her own love for God in a well-written, romantic, suspense novel.
I immensely enjoyed this sweet romance, filled with suspense and plot twists. I loved Faith, she was not only a believer, but that belief was carried out in her daily life. Through prayer and trusting God, even when she was called to take extreme measures to protect her life and the life of the man she loved. I look forward to reading more wonderful novels from, B. J. Robinson. Dr. Rita Garcia
Wonderful book! Grabs the reader from the very first page. Excellent writing from a new writer, cannot wait to see what her writing future holds.
What a great story! I loved how you drew your readers in so quickly and then constantly threw in twists and turns for them to deal with. Many women deal with losing what they thought was the love of their life to a failed relationship--it's their attitude that determines how they proceed on from there. By letting God lead her through the fiery trials that came her way, and trusting Him in the most difficult of times, Faith found her true destiny in life and love and it was everything she had ever dreamed of. This is a fabulous story of love, real life and how a positive attitude in Christ can lead you through even the most difficult times! I highly recommend it and know you will leave the book feeling inspired and encouraged in your walk in the Lord!
Set in fictional Bridal Wreath, Florida, and Key West, the backdrop of a strawberry farm turns dangerous for Faith, when she's stalked. Will she be forced to use The Pink Lady? Find out today with home delivery in a few minutes. Smoking hot--where will Faith be when the smoke clears and will Faith and Matt's love survive? Five-star reviews on Amazon and B&N. Both men and women readers. Free sample.
She's pursued by an ex-fiancé, shattered dreams, an awesome God, and a cowboy farmer. There's only one place she can turn . . . .There's only one last resort
Here's what one reader had to say: You will absolutely love Last Resort. The characters will pull you in and make you part of their world. B.J. Robinson weaves in faith in a way that will catch you off guard as you connect the dots and apply it to your own life. I did not want Last Resort to end. I recommend it with confidence and can't wait to see what is on the horizon for this new novelist.
Last Resort is a 79,000 word woman-in-jeopardy novel that tells the story of Faith Grace Roussell, who escapes an abusive fiancé and endeavors to start a new life filled with peace and contentment. She returns to her family home to farm strawberries only to discover it's not the safe haven she hoped it'd be when the backdrop of the berry farm suddenly turns dangerous. The ones she thought would welcome her want her gone, but she vows to stand firm. Will Matt's love survive?
Last Resort by B. J. Robinson, available wherever fine eBooks are sold. Visit me at http://barbarajrobinson.blogspot.com. http://christianbookfestival.blogspot.com
Friday, August 19, 2011
The Betrayal by Jerry B. Jenkins is 37 chapters and an epilogue of police intrigue published by Tyndale House Publishers, copyright 2011. A massive sting involves a higher-up in the Chicago Police Department and the main character Boone is critically wounded and hospitalized in the line of duty as he tries to protect the star witness at all costs. He literally puts his life on the line. Trusting the wrong person could be a fatal mistake, one he can't afford if he's going to survive. How can he keep the witness and his family safe when it's an officer on the inside, sworn to protect and serve, whom they have to fear? A unique plan is put into action, but can it succeed? Between the officers of the law that can't be trusted and the gangbangers it looks like a hopeless situation when Boone and his new interest are both victims of a department they thought they could trust. Jerry B. Jenkins's novels have sold over 70 million copies, and twenty of his books made the New York Times Best Seller List. Books such as Riven, The Brotherhood, and The Left Behind Series will live in your mind long after you've closed them. If you're a fan of crime or police procedures, you'll love this novel. I'm more of a romantic suspense lover, but I never turn down a Jerry B. Jenkins's novel. I did think the pizza guy a bit cliché, and the transport unique. I've been a Jerry B. Jenkins's fan since The Left Behind Series, and if his name is on a book, I want to read it. I know it'll be a worthwhile read. I loved the minor character brought in near the end, Carl, who remained street savy enough to protect them even past his retirement. Boone stood out as someone who is very determined and never gives up since despite serious wounds, he was right back on the case. The unique transport system made me wounder a bit though, since most people wouldn't resort to that first off and would try other avenues to alleviate the problem first. All in all, this novel will make you think twice about betrayal and reminds one of how Jesus was betrayed by those close to Him. Someone in the Chicago PD family is a betrayer, but who? That's the question Boone must answer if he wants to live and save his girlfriend. Available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.com, wherever great books are sold.
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