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
Deep reads that Touch the Heart. Characters come alive on the page.
Amazon Best-selling Historical Romance
Escape to a romantic period where love endured, grew, and flourished despite a Civil War.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
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.
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