Showing posts with label Inspirational. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspirational. Show all posts

Thursday, September 30, 2021

My Story BEFORE The Story ~ Everett Herring ~ in ~ Land That I Love ~ by ~ Gail Kittleson

Everett Herring here, from Nottinghamshire, land of Robin Hood and too many pivotal historical events to mention. Since my father died in the Great War and Mother perished shortly thereafter in the Great Epidemic, Father’s parents have graciously reared me,

My delicate, beautiful wife—how could I ever have known what went on in her fragile mind?—is now passed from this earth. With her, she took my dignity, my vocation, and the only home I ever knew.

Now, along with Grandfather’s butler, William, and my young son Donnie, I take my leave of my homeland, bound for another. Our destination? Texas Hill Country, they call it, where we plan to start anew after unspeakable pain and sorrow here.

Some things, one never forgets—this is the positive and the negative of life. New relationships form as our journeys meander hither and yon, but the good we have experienced, along with the terrible, remain with us. With these memories inscribed on our hearts, we face inevitable change.

Our task? To pick up the pieces of the terrible and embrace the joys of the good. Much more easily said than done, but day-by-day, I take up this work, and as we move along to a new world, the delight of observing Donnie grow and learn gradually assuages my pain.

A great portion of the good lies in Donnie, and in William, Grandfather’s employee, but far more than that—his friend. Relying on his steadfast intuition and determination, I bid farewell to this land that I love.

~ ~ ~ ~

The author has graciously offered a free ebook for the drawing
Wednesday evening ~ October 6, 2021
You must leave a comment with your name to be entered into the drawing . 
We need to be able to contact the winner!

~ ~ ~ ~









    My Story Title:   Land That I Love

    My Story Genre:  Literary Historical Fiction

    My Story Released:   August 30, 2021








~ ~ ~ ~


The Author of My Story:    Gail Kittleson



 

Gail Kittleson believes in the power of story.

Her historical fiction centers on make-do characters who contribute to the needs around them in spite of obstacles and rise above change and circumstance.

She and her husband enjoy their grandchildren, research, and creating a cottage garden in their northern Iowa home.

~ ~ ~ ~

Get Connected:

~ ~ ~ ~

WHERE can the book be purchased?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~




Posted by at 1 comment:
Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Thursday, September 16, 2021

Sarah Feight ~ in ~ SARAH'S CHOICE ~ by ~ Pegg Thomas

Hello, I’m Sarah Feight. Joy asked me to tell you a little bit about myself. I was born and raised on the outskirts of Philadelphia.’Twas a wonderful to place to grow up, not in the heart of the city, but close enough to walk there on occasion. And far enough away to avoid the plagues that sometimes came through in the hot summer months. We were not rich, but we had enough of what we needed, and we had each other.

When I married David, we had such plans. His brothers were opening a new trading post on the frontier near Fort Pitt. They planned to trade with the Indians there, bringing in furs to sell in the east, as well as other items. It all sounded so… romantic. We would be some of the first people in that area of Pennsylvania. Our cabin would be made of logs cut to clear the area around the trading post. We would raise our family alongside the local Indians, learning from each other, to build a better future for everyone.

His brothers were both married, and when we arrived I, I met my sisters-in-law as well as my nieces and nephew. I also met a young Ottawa woman who spoke nearly perfect English. While my sisters-in-law were busy tending their children and homes, Spotted Shell and I explored the forest around the cabins. She shared my love of healing herbs and wild edibles. She showed me several of each that I had not known before. I was able to show her a few as well. ’Twas a wonderful friendship.

In those early days, it seemed our lives would be all we could have wished them. When that changed, we had little warning. Even what warning we had in no way prepared me for what was to follow. Nothing could have prepared me for what was to follow.

~ ~ ~ ~

Author, Pegg Thomas is gifting a signed copy
to one who comments before 8:00pm Wednesday, September 22, 2021

~ ~ ~ ~





My Story Title:   Sarah's Choice

My Story Genre:  Historical Romance

My Story Released:   August 3, 2021

~ ~ ~ ~


The Author of My Story:    Pegg Thomas






Pegg Thomas lives on a hobby farm in Northern Michigan with Michael, her husband of *mumble* years. They raise sheep and chickens and keep a few barn cats, along with Murphy the spoiled rotten dog.


When not working or writing, Pegg can be found in her barn, her garden, her kitchen, or sitting at her spinning wheel creating yarn to turn into her signature wool shawls.

~ ~ ~ ~

Get Connected:

~ ~ ~ ~

WHERE can the book be purchased?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~



Posted by at 9 comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,

Friday, August 27, 2021

My Story BEFORE The Story ~ Sgt. Griff McKay ~ in ~ SOWN IN PEACE ~ by Joy Avery Melville ~ HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIP!

Joy says my story is celebrating a birthday. It's hard to imagine it's been a year since my heart was opened to the public and readers.

I'm Sgt. Griffin (Griff) McKay. I'm a retired Army guy. I worked as a Military Dog Handler/Trainer of other MWD handlers. When it came time to reenlist, I had a struggle over the decision for the first time in my career. You see, I saw men come home wounded while I was stationed in Texas, and the dogs they'd been trained with were turned over to another soldier. Broke my heart when I saw how callous the Army was at severing ties, the bonds, that were stronger due to the life or death situations over there in Afghanistan and Iraq. 

I became an angry soldier. I could sense the damage I might do in working with the men and dogs who were being prepared to go serve in ways that could mean crippling or death to one or both of the team. It became clear to me I'd have to resign my position. Since working with those dogs and the men who were to handle them was all I was really trained for, I chose to retire and go home. To what? I could not imagine myself in a regular day-job. 

I'd become less than pleased with God during the building up of my anger. I contacted a realtor in the area of Michigan where my sister, JJ Russell, lived, and I asked him to find me a property. A secluded, out of the way place. I planned to move there and pretty much crawl away and live as private a life as I could. 

Funny, isn't it, how God moves us, sometimes without us realizing He's putting things in place for His glory and our good? Even when we are displeased with Him or disappointed in what He's allowed in our lives and those we care about.

Months later...

I came to Three Rivers and to the property I'd purchased without having stepped foot on the land.  I was absolutely thrilled by the amount of privacy it granted me... seclusion at its best, yet easily within five miles of Three Rivers
THEN
One afternoon, I was outside, ready to walk down to the very large pond across the driveway and away from the roomy cabin. As I stepped onto the gravel, something drew my attention. A young golden retriever was slowly moving my direction, working its way up the long, curving drive, dragging a large-linked chain hooked to its collar. Matted and dirty, the poor thing appeared to have been abused. As I approached the dog, it cowered and lay down, covering its muzzle with both front paws. My heart broke for the animal.

Now, you've got to realize I was all done with dogs. Too many memories had plagued me, since I'd worked with multiple breeds as an Army Military Dog Handler. Here I was, faced with a dog in need of care... urgent care... and I had no idea who to call. So, I phoned my sister, who worked in town and had for some time. As soon as I told her about this shaggy, miserable dog, she laughed. That's right! Laughed at the irony of it all.

I want you to read SOWN IN PEACE to find out what I decided to do with that poor canine and how God used it to bring me into Joy's novel. I'm so glad she was led to include me.. let's just say, I benefitted in many ways for her having done so. 

Oh, and by the way, Joy is gifting a signed copy to someone who leaves a comment below - don't miss this opportunity to find out what she did with me in Sown In Peace!

~ ~ ~ ~






My Story Title:   Sown In Peace

My Story Genre:  Christian Contemporary 
                                Women's Fiction

My Story Released:  August 27, 2020 
                                    Happy Birthday

~ ~ ~ ~


The Author of My Story:   Joy Avery Melville


Fully intending to write Historical Romance—had in fact— she had no plans to deviate from that. God had something else in mind for that ‘call’ He’d made on her life back in 1967. A mere eighth grader at the time, she had no clue about the topics she’d be drawn to write about.

Surrendering to the genre God placed on her heart has given Joy new insight into the hearts and lives of those who too often hurt in silence.

The settings of Joy’s books are near where she lives in Schoolcraft, Michigan with her husband of nearly 48 years and their almost 3-year-old Yorkie, Is-A-Bella Bindi, (Is-a-beautiful little girl) who thinks she’s a much larger breed with tomboy tendencies.

Joy loves to hear from readers and will respond!
Posted by at 4 comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,

Thursday, July 08, 2021

Our Story BEFORE the Story ~ Amy Torelli & Ted McMasters ~ MIRACLE IN MILAN ~ by ~ MaryAnn Diorio

Hi, Everyone! I’m Amy Torelli, a CPA and Chief Auditor with Enson Pharmaceuticals, a global pharmaceutical company based in New York City. My boss recently gave me the assignment of my life. He sent me to our Italian branch office in Milan, Italy, to investigate a possible embezzlement. I’m both excited and nervous. Can I pull it off?

Although people think I’ve got it all together, they don’t know that, on the inside, I’m falling apart. You see, my dad abandoned my mom and me when I was only five years old. I was devastated and, from that moment on, I’ve never trusted men. So, I’ve pushed aside all consideration of ever getting married and having a family.
 
But when I got to Milan, I met Ted McMasters, the current VP of Enson Italia. The guy totally knocked me off my feet. But I’m afraid. Afraid of what falling for Ted could mean for me. Only more pain, for sure. And nothing is worth that to me.

I’m Ted McMasters, VP of Enson Italia. Although I’m from the States, Enson assigned me to this job to help straighten things out in the Italian branch office. I really wanted to be a pastor in my early days, but I didn’t think I could make a living as a pastor. Plus, I wanted to be somebody. I still feel guilty about that decision.

I also feel guilty about my breakup with my girlfriend shortly before I was going to propose to her. You see, I’ve got a lot of hang-ups about my worth. When I was a kid, I could never do enough to please my dad. He always complained about how and where I was falling short. That didn’t help my confidence at all. So, to this day, I still struggle with feeling good about myself. And that affects my relationship with women.

Speaking of women, the Chief Auditor from the New York office just arrived to audit our books. I noticed some suspicious entries and notified headquarters, so they sent her. Wow! What a beauty! She took my breath away. But I can’t afford to get involved with any woman ever again. It hurts too much. And hurt is something I need to avoid at all costs.

~ ~ ~ ~

Author, MaryAnn Diorio is offering one free Ebook copy for the drawing
Wednesday evening, July, 14, 2021
You MUST leave a comment to be entered.

~ ~ ~ ~









       Our Story Title:   MIracle in Milan

       Our Story Genre:  Contemporary Romantic Suspense

       Our Story Released:   May 04, 2021

~ ~ ~ ~


The Author of Our Story:    MaryAnn Diorio

MaryAnn Diorio is a widely published, award-winning author of fiction for adults and children. Her latest release, Miracle in Milan, is about a young, female auditor who discovers evidence that the man she loves is an embezzler.

MaryAnn has also published The 
Italian Chronicles Trilogy (The Madonna of Pisano, A Sicilian Farewell, and Return to Bella Terra); In Black and White (First Place Winner in Historical Fiction in the 2020 Christian Indie Awards Contest): Surrender to Love (A Novella); and A Christmas Homecoming (A Novella and winner of the Silver Medal in Ebook Fiction in the 2015 Illumination Book Awards Contest).  MaryAnn has also written seven books for children. Her eighth Penelope Pumpernickel: Dynamic Detective, Book 2 in the Penelope Pumpernickel Series of chapter books for six-to-ten-year-olds, will be released in June.

MaryAnn has been married for 51 years to her awesome husband Dom, a retired ER physician. They are parents to two amazing adult daughters, parents-in-love to a very smart son-in-law, and grandparents to six rambunctious children. When not writing, MaryAnn loves to paint, play the piano and mandolin, and make up silly songs with her grandchildren.


~ ~ ~ ~

Get Connected:

~ ~ ~ ~

WHERE can the book be purchased?


~ ~ ~ ~ ~




Posted by at 5 comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Thursday, July 01, 2021

My Story BEFORE The Story ~ Ashley Hayes ~ in ~ A Life Redeemed ~ by ~ Olivia Rae

God’s peace be with you this day. My name is Ashley Hayes and I hail from London, England. It is the year of our Lord, 1559. My life started out in a very merry way. I was born to a Catholic textile merchant in 1540. I enjoyed throwing daggers with my two older brothers, Robert and Asher in my father’s warehouse. My joy ended early in my life when my father started openly professing his Catholic faith in the era of King Henry VIII Reformed Church.

When young King Edward took the throne, things became worse. Many refused to work with my father because of his Catholic beliefs and often he was not granted permission to do business with foreign merchants. My father began to gamble and make risky ventures to keep his creditors away, but he failed and was destined for debtor’s prison.

The burden of Father’s folly fell to my brothers. Years earlier, Robert, the eldest, became a priest and later was killed in 1554 trying to bring about peace during Wyatt’s Rebellion. From then on, the family’s wellbeing became my brother, Asher’s burden. He would lie, cheat, steal, and sometimes sell tidbits of information to keep food on the table for my mother and me. One night he learned about King Edward’s death before anyone outside the palace knew. Asher took the news to Mary Tudor, who was about to step in a trap created by the powerful regent, John Dudley. Grateful, the new Queen Mary Tudor made my brother a royal agent, a spy. He paid off all my father’s debts, and though my father’s business was never the same, life was secure indeed.

Until one night, the door to our home burst open and my parents and me were dragged to prison on a trumped-up charge. Only once was it mentioned that Queen Mary had given the order so that Asher would go on a dangerous mission for her. The months in the cold, dank cell nearly killed my mother. Then one day we were released. I was taken to the court of Queen Mary and made one of her ladies-in-waiting. Often, I wondered why I was there. The queen ignored me and the other ladies would barely speak to me because I was a lowly merchant’s daughter. Then Asher returned for a short time. He told me he was leaving the country forever. I was to be kept at court as assurance he would never return.

In 1558, Queen Mary died. I was free. My father had died a year earlier and my mother was remarried to a farmer. Suddenly I was in a cottage with three step-siblings. I would have lived out my days happily there, but Queen Elizabeth has other plans for me. I am being sent to Scotland to check on the loyalties of the fierce Laird Gavin Armstrong. I cannot tell you how fearful I am for I am no spy, and Garvin is no fool. What will he do to me when he learns my true purpose for being in Scotland?

~ ~ ~ ~

Olivia Rae is offering 1 free Ebook (print copy is not available yet)
in drawing to be held Wednesday, July 7, 2021
You MUST leave a comment to qualify

~ ~ ~ ~






My Story Title:   A Life Redeemed

My Story Genre:  Christian Historical Romance Fiction

My Story Released:   June 16, 2021

~ ~ ~ ~


The Author of My Story:    OLIVIA RAE


Olivia Rae is an award-winning author of historical and contemporary inspirational romance. She spent her school days dreaming of knights, princesses and far away kingdoms; it made those long days in the classroom go by much faster. After becoming a teacher, she decided to breathe a little more life into her childhood stories.

Olivia is the winner of the Angel Awards, Book Buyer’s Best Award, Southern Magic Award, New England Readers’ Choice Award, the Golden Quill Award, the American Fiction Award, and the Illumination Awards.

~ ~ ~ ~

  Get Connected:

~ ~ ~ ~

WHERE can the book be purchased?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~




Posted by at 13 comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Thursday, June 10, 2021

Our Story BEFORE The Story ~ ~ in ~ COLD CASE TRAIL ~ by ~ Sharee Stover

I’m Trey Jackson, Nebraska State Trooper and K-9 handler for my Belgian Malanois, Magnum. He’s the best partner in the world. He knows all my secrets and limitations and still accepts me. Dogs are amazing that way.

But sometimes those secrets resurface, and we’re forced to remember.

The night Kayla called, Magnum and I were working a manhunt in the middle of nowhere Nebraska. Miles of cornfields, cows, and open land make for difficult work, but it was our very first assignment together and we were up to the challenge. My training as a trooper solidified the call on my life to help people. It’s what I was meant to do, and I love it. So that night, we knew the community wouldn’t be safe until we found the perpetrator.

I wasn’t oblivious to the urgency in Kayla’s voice, but she had a knack for drama and considering I’d recently told her about my feelings for her best friend, Justine Stark, I assumed she was plying for attention. I couldn’t have been more wrong. For the record, I didn’t ignore Kayla. I asked my older brother, also a trooper, Slade, to go to her apartment and help her. But she slammed the door in his face. Literally. The action really had me wondering what her motive was. If she’d been in danger, why not accept Slade’s help?

How was I to know that night would change everything? How could I have known Kayla would fall victim to her stalker? And that Justine would hate me.

I’m Justine Stark. I never imagined I’d see Trey Jackson again after Kayla’s funeral. It would’ve been so much better to have his friendship to lean on after losing my best friend, but I knew she’d called him for help, and he hadn’t been there for her.

Just like I hadn’t been. I’m not ignoring my role in her fate.

Kayla was everything I wanted to be, lively, fun, charismatic. And she was in love with Trey so how could I possibly tell her that I cared for him too? Easy, I couldn’t. So, I didn’t. Best friends don’t cross that line—even after they’re gone.

I guess if I’m analyzing myself, I’d say I live in a perpetual state of making atonement. I wanted to help others because I wasn’t there the night Kayla needed me.

I promised Kayla’s death wouldn’t be in vain and allowed the loss of my best friend to propel my career. That’s why I chose psychology. I’ve testified in numerous cases, cared for the victims and sought justice for them. All because I couldn’t offer that justice to Kayla. Blaming Trey was easier than accepting Kayla’s stalker had taken her life. And it wasn’t until that same killer hunted me, that I realized just how much I needed Trey’s help.

~ ~ ~ ~

Sharee is offering one signed copy (US only)
Leave a comment - your name will be placed in drawing, which will take place
Wednesday evening, June 16, 2021

~ ~ ~ ~







Our Story Title:   Cold Case Trail

Our Story Genre:  Romantic Suspense

Our Story Released:   May 25, 2021

~ ~ ~ ~


The Author of Our Story:    Sharee Stover


Colorado native Sharee Stover lives in Nebraska with her real-life-hero husband, three too-good-to-be-true children, and a ridiculously spoiled dog.

A self-proclaimed word nerd, she loves the power of the written word to ignite, transform, and restore. She writes Christian romantic suspense combining heart-racing, nail-biting suspense and the delight of falling in love all in one.

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, Faith, Hope and Love, and Nebraska Writer’s Guild.

Sharee is a triple Daphne du Maurier finalist, winner of the 2017 Wisconsin Fabulous Five Silver Quill Award, and her debut, Secret Past, won Best First Book in the 2019 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards.

When she isn’t writing, Sharee enjoys reading, crocheting and long walks with her obnoxiously lovable German Shepherd.

~ ~ ~ ~

Get Connected:

~ ~ ~ ~

WHERE can the book be purchased?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~



Posted by at 7 comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Thursday, June 03, 2021

My Story BEFORE The Story~ Dixie Lynn ~ in ~ ON SUGAR Hill ~ by ~ Ane Mulligan

Thank you, Miss Joy, for having me on your blog. My name is ... well my stage name is Dixie Lynn. I’ve worked hard and finally made the best circuit in vaudeville. I’m a ventriloquist and voice thrower. Voice throwers are rare. I’m even rarer, being a woman. And I’m one of the best.

My childhood was lonely. My father, the senator, never liked me. I wasn’t beautiful like Mama. I was plain. He had no time for me and made sure Mama’s time was tied up in Atlanta’s high society. I later learned about their arranged marriage, which benefitted him.

Nobody knows for sure where my strange “talent” came from, but by the time I was four years old, I could make my dolls talk. By six, I could throw my voice across the room. That’s how I entertained myself and the servants. But the senator beat me because it embarrassed him.

I learned to stay far away from him. Mama did her best to protect me. She and Pearl, our cook, often hid my dolls and me, for that matter. What helped me the most was my friends. When I started school, I met Martha Anne, Glenice Jo, Trudie and Millie. Our mamas were friends, and they were delighted when we became best friends too. When the senator’s temper raged against me, Mama would make a telephone call and Millie’s or Martha Anne’s mama would come pick me up for an overnight.

The senator stayed away from home as often as he could. There were rumors about women, but Mama never mentioned them. I think her friends helped her through any embarrassment. Watching their marriage, I learned that men aren’t trustworthy. They only cared about themselves.

Mama told me stories about the plain garden faerie named Sugar Pie who lived in our yard. She told me, “When the Michaelmas Daisies bloomed, the Sugar Pie became beautiful, just as you will. You aren’t plain, Cora. You simply haven’t bloomed yet.” After she told me that story, she began to call me Sugar-pie, to reinforce her words.

Unfortunately, the senator’s harsh criticism soon obliterated Mama’s.

~ ~ ~ ~

Ane is offering winner's choice of signed Paperback or Ebook in 
drawing Wednesday, June 9, 2021

~ ~ ~ ~







My Story Title:   ON SUGAR Hill

My Story Genre:  Historical Romance

My Story Released:      June 1, 2021
                                NEWLY RELEASED

~ ~ ~ ~

The Author of My Story:   Ane Mulligan


      
Ane Mulligan has been a voracious reader ever since her mom instilled within her a love of reading at age three, escaping into worlds otherwise unknown. But when Ane saw PETER PAN on stage, she was struck with a fever from which she never recovered—stage fever. She submerged herself in drama through high school and college. One day, her two loves collided, and a bestselling, award-winning novelist emerged. She lives in Sugar Hill, GA, with her artist husband and a rascally Rottweiler.

~ ~ ~ ~

  Get Connected:

~ ~ ~ ~

WHERE can the book be purchased?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Posted by at 9 comments:
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Our Story BEFORE The Story - Nigel and Darcy – STEALING THE FIRST MATE - by - Tabitha Bouldin

I’m Nigel Jones, and I work as a pirate for a Christian-themed boat tour company that’s owned by Edward Riggins.

That’s my dad. I’m Darcy Riggins. I work on the boat too, but not as often as Nigel.

Right, thanks for that, Darcy.

Anytime, Nigel.

Today we’ll be telling you the story behind our story. I’d rather we didn’t. It isn’t my favorite thing to discuss, but since we’ve been hauled in like a boatload of tuna, I suppose we’ve no choice. I’ve known Darcy since we were kids. The first time I saw her, we were about six years old. I fell in love with her then, but she never knew.

And whose fault is that? I always thought you were too focused on work to fall in love. Meanwhile, I ran around the islands searching for Mr. Right and he was right in front of me all along. Do you know how many nights I could have enjoyed sitting on the beach with you instead of fending off bad date after bad date?

True. But we’re getting off track. We’re telling our backstory. Not our now story.

Right. Focusing. We grew up together on Elnora Island. Spent practically every waking hour together until we graduated from high school. After that, things changed between us. I thought maybe we were growing apart. That happens to a lot of kids, even when they’re best friends, once they become adults. It wasn’t until this year that I found out the real reason. That summer after graduation, Nigel had a falling out with my dad. He hid it from me and tried to keep our friendship from developing into something more.

Well, can you blame me? Your dad is an impressive guy, especially to a scared eighteen-year-old. He made sure I knew I’d never be welcome around you if I told you what really happened. That night changed my life. I thought I’d never get to say “I love you” to anyone, much less to you.

Thank goodness we’re past all that now.

And that’s our story before the story.

~ ~ ~ ~
Tabitha is offering a free signed book to someone in the US who leaves a comment below!
Drawing is Wednesday evening - June 2, 2021

~ ~ ~ ~









Our Story Title:   Stealing the First Mate

Our Story Genre:  Contemporary Christian Romance

Our Story Releases:   May 25, 2021
                                   Just two days ago!

~ ~ ~ ~


The Author of My Story:    Tabitha Bouldin






Tabitha Bouldin has a bachelor's degree in creative writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University.
She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has been writing since 2015.
When she's not homeschooling her kids, you'll find her curled up with a book.
Posted by at 4 comments:
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Thursday, November 19, 2020

MY STORY BEFORE THE STORY ~ Nyssa ~ Fortune’s Fall ~ by Katherine Barger

Nyssa ~

“I’m not going. And you shouldn’t either.” I try to shove my best friend, Greer, out of my doorway, but he doesn’t budge. I glare up at him. A wisp of frizzy hair has fallen loose from my ponytail and tickles my cheek. I shove it behind my ear and try to close the door again.

            “Aw, come on, Nyssa,” Greer says. He presses his fingers against the door to keep it from closing. “You’ve been studying all week. You can take a break and go downtown with everyone. It’s just dinner.” He presses his hands together. “Please?”

            “Nope.” I shake my head. “Now get out. Go study. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I try to close the door again, and this time he takes a step backward with a wounded pout. “Night!” I slam the door, then whirl and lean against it to survey the small common room that connects my room with Ethelind’s. We’ve been roommates since we arrived seven years ago to study in the prestigious Presidential Education Program. Now, here we are: seventeen years old, on the cusp of our final exam and graduation, and about to enter the next level of elite training for America’s smartest students.

            Am I ready for this?

            I smooth a few more flyaways from my face and cross the common room to my bedroom, then take a running leap onto my bed and burrow beneath my paisley quilt. Some would say I was born ready. When you have a gift like mine, it’s hard to argue the point.

            I sigh and flip onto my back to stare up at the ceiling. My room is cold—too cold. It’s still spring, but the Central Capital’s humid summer heat will arrive any day, and this freezing temperature is a preemptive attack.

            The silence is soothing, and I close my eyes. It’s been a year since President Omri had his last prophetic dream. A year since my mentor Pallas and I explained to him what it meant. And while we wait and wonder whether he’ll ever have another, Pallas and I work through his others, studying the symbols and arguing over what they mean.

            I open my eyes. Tomorrow, I’ll take an exam that doesn’t matter. At least not to me. My friends’ futures might ride on their test scores, but mine was determined long ago.

            I’m destined to become the president’s dream interpreter.

            The silence lulls me into a daze, and my eyelids grow heavy. There’s no need to tell Greer I slept instead of studied. Sometimes, omission is better than truth.

###

            The next morning, I sink into a metal chair placed at one of the many desks that sits in the auditorium. I spot Greer’s buzzed blond head near the front. He turns and our gazes meet. He grins, then whirls to face the front before I can respond.

            I shake my head, my own lips curled in a smile, as I secure my earpiece and turn on my tablet. There will be plenty of time for celebratory dinners after this is over.

             The mentor who will monitor our exams steps to the front of the room. “Good morning. Please press the green square at the top of your screen. The exam will begin shortly. Good luck."

            I do as commanded, then wait for the exam to start. The screen glows blue and a voice speaks the first question into my earpiece.

            One deep breath later and I’m ready. A bolt of excitement shoots down my spine. I’m about to finish this chapter and move to the next.

            If I’d known in that moment what the future held, would I still have wished for tomorrow? 

~ ~ ~ ~

The author will be gifting a winner an autographed copy of Fortune's Fall (U.S. Only)
Be sure to leave a comment with an email address where you can be reached should you win.
DRAWING TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING ~ November 25, 2020.

~ ~ ~ ~









My Story Title:     Fortune's Fall

My Story Genre:   YA Christian Dystopian 

My Story Released:         November 3, 2020

~ ~ ~ ~


The Author of My Story:    Katherine Barger



Katherine Barger  writes stories about characters of faith in a world where faith is challenged. When she’s not wrangling kids alongside her forever-forbearing husband, she’s writing, eating Mexican food, or snuggling with her family’s two rescue pets: a dog named Queen Elsa and a cat named Princess Jasmine. 

~ ~ ~ ~

Get Connected:

~ ~ ~ ~

WHERE can the book be purchased?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~



Posted by at 6 comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Thursday, October 08, 2020

My Story BEFORE The Story ~ Michelle Wilson ~ Saving Grace by Amy Anguish

Michelle Wilson.

That’s the last time I will type my name into the byline at this paper. Nope. I’ve done my time here and my dream is finally happening. Tomorrow, I will move back to lovely little Cedar Springs, Arkansas, where a position at the paper awaits.

Two years. That’s how long I’ve been in Little Rock. And even though it’s maybe only an hour and a half from my hometown, I rarely get to go back. I haven’t even seen my best friend Greg in over a year. He’s one of the people I’m most looking forward to being close to again.

I add another comma in the last paragraph, hit save, and send the final article off to my editor. This paper has been good to me, but I’ve always wanted to work for the Cedar Springs Sun, and now that the chance has opened up, I’m taking it. Probably a step backward to most people, but I don’t care. To have my name in the Sun, reporting news that matters to people who know me—that’s the reason I always wanted to write.

Besides, even though it’s been a few years, Cedar Springs will be the same. Nothing ever seems to change around there. And that sounds lovely after rushing around with a city paper all this time.

My trusty camera is going along with me. I’ll use it to enhance my articles. And I’m starting up a photography business on the side, beginning with a friend’s wedding in a few weeks. I can’t wait to capture the magic of her perfect day.

For now, though, one more party with the friends I have made here. They’re nowhere as close as Greg has always been, but they’ve made life bearable away from those I love. It should be fun. We’ll probably eat too much junk food and stay up way too late. But my bags are packed, so who cares if I sleep in a bit before heading home tomorrow?

Life is finally going my way, and I’m going to enjoy it. What could go wrong?

Famous last words ...

~ ~ ~ ~

BRAND NEW!




My Story Title:   Saving Grace

My Story Genre:  Christian Contemporary Romance

My Story Released:   TUES ~ OCT 6, 2020

~ ~ ~ ~



The Author of My Story:    Amy Anguish

Amy R. Anguish grew up a preacher's kid, and in spite of having lived in seven different states that are all south of the Mason Dixon line, she is not a football fan. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and son, and usually a bossy cat or two. Amy has an English degree from Freed-Hardeman University that she intends to use to glorify God, and she wants her stories to show that while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good.

~ ~ ~ ~

Get Connected:

~ ~ ~ ~

WHERE can the book be purchased?


~ ~ ~ ~


The author will be honored to gift a winner a signed copy of
SAVING GRACE

Leave a comment - Either leave your email address with the comment or PM the email addy to Joy  https://www.facebook.com/joy.averymelville/

DRAWING TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING ~ October 13, 2020.
Posted by at 3 comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Thursday, July 16, 2020

COVER REVEAL ~ SOWN IN PEACE ~ MEET THE CHARACTERS


Our Story Title:   SOWN IN PEACE

Our Story Genre: Contemporary Christian Women's Fiction ~ With A Blend of Romance

Our Story Releases:   August 27, 2020

~ ~ ~ ~

CHARACTERS

  • Heroine ~ Victoria (Tori) Kinsey Archer ~ Veteran
  • Hero ~ Griffin (Griff) Miles Mckay ~ Veteran
  • Jennifer Joy (JJ) McKay Russell ~ Pyschologist / Physical therapist
  • Rex Archer ~ Tori's father
  • Marty Douglas ~ Veteran & neighbor to Rex Archer
  • Pamela (Pam) Douglas ~ Marty's wife & neighbor to Rex Archer
  • Tanner (Micky) Michaels ~  Tori's Battle Buddy
  • Rebecca (Becca) Chapman ~ Veteran
  • Halley ~ Tanner's MWD/Therapy Dog
  • Brick ~ In-Training Therapy Dog

~ ~ ~ ~

SOWN IN PEACE ~ Back Cover Blurb 

How much can one wounded soul take? 

Victoria (Tori) Archer has the heart of a soldier. Taken down by an IED during her fourth deployment, she’s permanently separated from her military career and left with physical scars as well as PTSD. Moving back to her hometown of Three Rivers, Michigan, she’s forced by circumstances to live with an irascible and unsympathetic aunt. Tori’s battle with pain, horrific memories, and loss of independence creates a deep yearning for peace. Will God grant her even a small measure of it?

Retired Military Dog Handler Griffin (Griff) McKay turns to training dogs at his farm for wounded warrior therapy, desiring to bring former military men and women emotional and mental healing. Implementing his plan proves to be more difficult than visualized with the arrival of one stubborn soldier. Why has God placed that particular warrior in his path?

~ ~ ~ ~


The Author of My Story:    Joy Avery Melville

 Joy Avery Melville's heart’s desire is to be the author God has called her to be by sharing Him with readers in such a way they long to have a deeply committed personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord.

Fully intending to write Historical Romance—had in fact— she had no plans to deviate from that. God had something else in mind for that ‘call’ He’d made on her life back in 1967. A mere eighth grader at the time, she had no clue about the topics she’d be drawn to write about.

Surrendering to the genre God placed on her heart has given Joy new insight into the hearts and lives of those who too often hurt in silence.

The settings of Joy’s books are near where she lives in Schoolcraft, Michigan with her husband of nearly 47 + years and their 21 mo-old Yorkie, Is-A-Bella Bindi, (Is-a-beautiful little girl) who thinks she’s a much larger breed with tomboy tendencies.

Joy loves to hear from readers and will respond!

~ ~ ~ ~

Get Connected:

~ ~ ~ ~

The author will be honored to gift a winner a signed copy of
SOWN IN PEACE (upon release)

ONLY COMMENTS WITH EMAIL ADDRESS - ELIGIBLE TO WIN
DRAWING TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING ~ July 22, 2020
Posted by at 18 comments:
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Our Story BEFORE The Story ~ Mattie Welling and Jake Hicken ~ Lady and the Tramps by Jennifer Uhlarik

Hi everyone, my name is Mattie Welling.
I’ve been an orphan since I was eleven years old (I’m more than double that now—but we’ll let that be our little secret). For the first three years after our parents’ deaths, my brother Owlie and I lived on the streets of New York City. Then, a wonderful man named Charles Loring Brace took Owlie and me into The Children’s Aid Society. We lived out the rest of our childhoods there, and when Owlie turned eighteen, he went west to make his way in the world. He’s always promised to send for me when he had a place set up, so I’ve been waiting. And waiting. (It’s been years now…) When I aged out of the Children’s Aid Society, I stayed on with them as a worker, traveling with the Orphan Train program from time to time. Recently, I received a letter from a stranger, a doctor in Salinas, California, informing me that Owlie had died. Of course, I was heartbroken. My only family was gone. But the doctor sent along what Owlie had with him at his death—which included a deed to his California homestead. So after talking to Charles Loring Brace, we set up an Orphan Train going all the way to California, and here I am. At the end of the Orphan Train’s route, there were eight children who hadn’t been placed out, so since I have this wonderful home with lots of land to go to, I’m taking them with me. But we’ve run out of money to get that last short leg of the trip to Salinas, so we’ve stowed away in a boxcar. Hope no one notices!

And I’m Jake Hicken.

I’m a Wells Fargo Special Agent, which means I get called in to investigate when a shipment entrusted to the company is stolen. In this case, I’m not on the trail in search of an outlaw. In fact, I’m acting as a guard for a sizeable shipment that’s going to Salinas—trying to prevent it from being stolen, instead of waiting to chase down the bad guys if and when it is. That was a fortuitous happenstance, for sure. You see, I got a cryptic letter from one Mr. Ben Figueroa—a stranger to me—asking me to come to Salinas and meet with him. I was going to ignore the summons since I don’t know the man, but curiosity got the better of me. When I heard of this shipment and the need for an extra guard, I volunteered. So here I sit on a southbound train, pondering what on earth Ben Figueroa might want, and trying to keep my mind focused on my job in the process.

We hope you’ll read the story to see how we meet and what happens next!

Leave us a comment, and our author will give away one copy of our story (or another of her titles) to one lucky winner (US only).

~ ~ ~ ~




My Story Title:   Lady and the Tramps
          From Courting Calamity Collection
My Story Genre: Western Romance

My Story Releases:   July 1, 2020

~ ~ ~ ~


The Author of My Story:    Jennifer Uhlarik



Jennifer Uhlarik discovered the western genre as a pre-teen when she swiped the only “horse” book she found on her older brother’s bookshelf. A new love was born. Across the next ten years, she devoured Louis L’Amour westerns and fell in love with the genre. In college at the University of Tampa, she began penning her own story of the Old West. Armed with a B.A. in writing, she has finaled and won in numerous writing competitions, and been on the ECPA best-seller list several times. In addition to writing, she has held jobs as a private business owner, a schoolteacher, a marketing director, and her favorite—a full-time homemaker. Jennifer is active in American Christian Fiction Writers, Women Writing the West, and is a lifetime member of the Florida Writers Association. She lives near Tampa, Florida, with her husband, college-aged son, and four fur children.

~ ~ ~ ~

Get Connected:

~ ~ ~ ~

WHERE can the book be purchased?

~ ~ ~ ~

DRAWING TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING ~ July 1, 2019.
Posted by at 10 comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Our Story BEFORE The Story ~ Kylie Stone (not really my name) & Luke Dryden ~ Justice Undercover by Connie Queen

Hello, my name is not really Kylie Stone. But don’t tell anyone. If I want to stay alive, I must remain dead. Three years ago, I was US Marshal Melody Garner and lost a young mom and two children under my protection to Hal Alcott, a popular businessman accused of laundering drug money and racketeering—a killer who will stop at nothing to protect the empire he built by illegal means. Injured and fearing Hal will come after me, I fake my own death and change my identity. My life is even more complicated by my mother’s cancer diagnosis, and I desperately want to get back to my loving family and let them know I’m alive. But first, Hal Alcott must be brought to justice. Even though my greatest fear is losing another family, I take a nanny job for a Texas Ranger so I can investigate his sister’s death—a death I believe may be connected to Hal.

Hello, my name is Luke Dryden. I’m a 34-year-old Texas Ranger and recently learned my dad—the man I idolized and loved—adopted me. I can’t believe I’ve been lied to my whole life and now I’m leery to trust others. My sister died and left me to care for her two-year-old twins. Not believing her death was an accident, I hire a nanny and delve into my sister’s past to see if I can find answers.

~ ~ ~ ~


My Story Title:   Justice Undercover

My Story Genre:  Christian Romantic Suspense

My Story Releases:   June 2, 2020

~ ~ ~ ~


The Author of My Story:    Connie Queen

Connie Queen spent her life in Texas where she met and married her high-school sweetheart. Married for 34 years, they’ve raised eight children and are enjoying their grandchildren.

As a child, Connie remembers her mom and sisters reading, but she preferred to be outside. It wasn't until later, she found the joy of being whisked away into another world.

Today she resides in Nebraska with her husband, and Nash, her Great Dane, where she’s working on her next suspense.

~ ~ ~ ~

Get Connected:

~ ~ ~ ~

WHERE can the book be purchased?

~ ~ ~ ~


The author will be honored to gift a winner a signed copy of
JUSTICE UNDERCOVER.

Be sure to leave a comment with an email address where you can be reached should you win.

DRAWING TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING ~ June 25, 2020.

Posted by at 19 comments:
Labels: , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)