Truth in Fiction

2024-07-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

Truth in Fiction

July, 2024

Dear Reader,

I am delighted to tell you that on July 1st, I released a new historical novel, set in Fort Worth during The Great Depression—but it isn’t depressing! Rose and her widowed mother are waging life together, hoping for better things to come but not complaining until then. You will be encouraged and uplifted by how they tackle their daily events. I just can’t write a novel without a romantic thread, and Rose by Another Name has two! Let me introduce you to its three main characters.

A Depression-era newspaper typesetter secretly creates the character she would like to be and dares to hope for the life she may have missed.

Rose Coughlin, injured in the wreck that killed her father, hides more than one secret. As the Great Depression deepens, she covertly submits optimistic articles as Lorraine Summerhill, the most exciting, capable woman she can imagine. Astounded by her success, she awakens to the possibility of walking gracefully and thinking like the fictional Lorraine. But will she lose the income that supports her and her mother if the editor-in-chief discovers he’s paying his minimally educated niece to write articles?

Alice Coughlin lives in the shroud of her widowhood until Rose challenges her to reengage in life and even consider the possibility of marriage again. Rediscovering her passion for accounting, she endeavors to help a friend get his business back on track. While setting the numbers straight, she earns Lawrence’s gratitude and respect, but also the dangerous notice of the embezzler. Could this be living life too fully?

Dan Martin has rarely dated since his career choice of veterinary medicine triggered rejection by his sweetheart. When Rose, whom he befriended in their teens, comes to his practice with a seriously ill pet, their relationship flourishes.

Preparing to move from his parents’ home, he hopes to find a level-headed woman who will be his partner through calving cows, long hours, and midnight emergencies. Can their love of animals fit together his calling and a fulfilling family life? And is Rose too fragile for the path he has chosen?

Get their story today, and PLEASE post an honest review after reading it. Easy Link to Rose by Another Name on Amazon.com, eBook and paperback:

https://tinyurl.com/4jceds57

Thank you for your support.

Lee Carver

2024-07-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

August 2024 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.
Biblical
A Certain Man by Linda Dindzans -- Mara is a young Samaritan beginning to discover her love for Samuel—and his for her. Soon she will be deemed mature enough to marry. Her hopes are dashed when her greedy father brokers a match with the cruel son of the wealthy High Priest of Shechem. When her loathsome betrothed is killed, her beloved Samuel must run for his life. Mara and Samuel struggle to survive and reunite during the treacherous and scandalous times of the Bible under the merciless rule of Rome. (Biblical/Historical from Scrivenings Press)
ContemporaryBetween the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox -- Every family has its secrets. Josephina Harris wouldn't mind if her family still had a few of their own after a lawsuit tarnishes their name. When an opportunity opens to become a temporary keeper of a decommissioned lighthouse on a North Carolina island, she jumps at the chance to escape her small town to oversee its restoration. As the work begins, "Joey" discovers strange notes tucked deep in the crevices of the old stone walls--pages torn from a lighthouse keeper's log signed by someone named Mae who recounts harrowing rescues at sea. Fascinated by a woman lighthouse keeper, Joey digs into the past only to discover there's never been a record of a lighthouse keeper by that name. When things start to go amiss on the island, locals are convinced that it is the ghost of the lighthouse keeper and his daughter who were lost at sea during World War II. As Joey sifts through decades of rumors and legends and puts together the pieces of the past, what emerges is a love story--one that's not over yet. (Contemporary from Revell)

Contemporary Romance
One Glance of Your Eyes by Myra Johnson -- With a heart for lifting men out of homelessness, Carl Anderson is a dedicated counselor-in-residence in a transitional home. When recent setbacks threaten the program’s continuation, he proposes an innovative plan to increase success by pairing at-risk residents with shelter dogs. One glance from Carl’s stunning new supervisor, and he’s convinced his proposal doesn’t stand a chance. Rae Caldwell admires Carl’s passion, but for her, every canine encounter is a heart-rending reminder of her late daughter’s final months and the loyal service dog who never left her side . . . and the tragic end of a marriage too shattered by grief to heal. As they collaborate on the pilot program, Carl catches glimpses of the vulnerable woman beneath Rae’s chilly façade. Reluctant smiles turn to stolen glances and unspoken hopes for something more—until their carefully guarded pasts intrude and everything goes awry. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Bonding with the Cowboy’s Daughter by Lisa Jordan -- After a broken engagement, Callie Morgan decides to move to Aspen Ridge, Colorado, to fix up her late grandmother’s gift shop. But the shop is in bad shape and Callie runs out of money faster than expected. Old childhood friend and single dad Wyatt Stone comes to the rescue, offering her a job at his family’s ranch, Stone River Ranch. While their friendship is rekindled, will Callie ever risk loving again…even as Wyatt’s little girl is already stealing her heart? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Her Loyal Companion by Heidi Main -- Training service dogs is Autumn McCaw’s passion. She won’t let anything jeopardize her business’s chance of success, including her former love Wyatt Nelson. But with a looming deadline to prove herself capable, she has no choice but to hire the one man who hurt her years ago. Relying on the single dad is tough—especially since he has trust issues of his own. But can Autumn and Wyatt overcome their past to save her business…and open their hearts to love? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Hidden Secrets Between Them by Mindy Obenhaus -- In Hope Crossing, Texas, nurse practitioner Kirsten Reynolds has found her dream job. The only problem is that the tiny town also has Deputy Brady James…the father of her four-year-old sons. And he doesn’t know the boys are his. But as he steps into this new role he never planned for, Brady gets a hopeful glimpse into a life with children. Will he let the fear of the unknown keep him from a future he never imagined…or will an adorable pair of twins—and their mother—change his mind? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Historical
Unfit to Serve by Sandra Bretting -- When the United States military adopts a newfangled test from France called the “intelligence quotient test” during the first world war, no one expects the turmoil that follows. Thousands of immigrants fail it and are forced to return to homelands devastated by war, disease, and famine. For Josephine Pembrooke, the shy schoolmarm at Camp Travis in Texas, the problem quickly becomes apparent. How can soldiers pass a test they can’t even read? So, Jo labors in secret to create a better test. Knowing all along it can't save the one soldier she'd hoped to help. (Historical from Elk Lake Publishing)

The Farmer and Mrs. Lombardi by Maryann Diorio -- When a middle-aged mother of four delivers a child with Down syndrome, she faces the destruction of her marriage, her family, and her dream. (Historical, Independently Published)

Rise of the Outlander by Stephanie Guerrero -- As hard as Magnus Stewart MacDonald works to be worthy, someone blocks his every move. Already the clan runt and disappointment to his family, his loss in the Highland Games pushes him to the brink of despair. In a twist of good fortune, Magnus rescues an Earl’s daughter giving him a path to compete for glory and the lady’s hand. Even an Earl can’t change the Stewart blood running through his veins. When his bloodline pits Magnus against the newly crowned King James Stewart, he’s forced to decide between safety or fighting for his birthright and his lady. Will Magnus choose the refuge of the Glen or emerge to push back against a vengeful King after his Stewart blood? Surviving isn’t good enough anymore. It’s time to go beyond every obstacle and risk everything in a battle for the ages… (Historical from Winged Publications)

New Creations by Sarah Hanks -- Floyd Douglas is a blundering barber who faces retirement wondering if the past sixty years of his life have been a waste. When he's presented with the opportunity to go on a mission trip, it seems like the answer to his prayers and a way to finally make his life count for something. Now with a series of obstacles standing in the way of his newfound dream, he must decide whether to push through or find contentment in being the faithful family man he's always been. Emira has always looked up to her grandpa, especially since her parents’ marriage fractured and left her foundations shaken. Now, she scrambles to assure the man who taught her how to love what a deeply meaningful life he’s lived. (Historical from SonFlower Books)

Historical Romance
Redeeming the Rake by Lorri Dudley -- A rogue spy is bent on destroying everything a vicar's daughter values, stealing her heart in the process. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books) Convincing Lou by Jodie Wolfe -- How hard can it be to round up one delinquent groom? Ellie Lou Williams will do just about anything to save her ranch, even going undercover as a man to round up a fella who is late to his own wedding. The reward will more than cover the money she owes the bank and solve all her problems. Caleb Martin agrees to one final job as a deputy U.S. Marshal before he starts his new life away from the trail and tracking criminals. What he isn' t counting on is a mysterious bounty hunter who' s determined to undermine his every step. Will one reach their goal first? Or will they learn to lean on God and work together? (Historical Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican]) Romantic Mystery
Home at Last by Penny Frost McGinnis -- Lucy Grayson grew up on Abbott Island. At fifteen she worked at the General Store then bought the business at age twenty-four. Now nearing thirty, she finds herself at a crossroads. Tired of the grind at work and missing her free time, she considers selling the store, but what then? Owen Miller moved to the island after his short-lived professional baseball career ended. Now he wants to embrace his uncle’s farm and create a landscaping business. Bitter after his ex-girlfriend ditched him for someone with more money, he buries himself in his work. When mysterious holes are discovered on Abbott Island, Lucy wants answers. She also longs for a special someone in her life. Owen helps Lucy solve the mystery. As they dig into the island history and gather clues, will they find more than hidden treasure? Perhaps they’ll discover love? (Romance Mystery from Mt Zion Ridge Press) Romantic Suspense
Witness Escape by Sami A. Abrams -- When witness Tabitha Wilson’s new identity is uncovered and she’s almost kidnapped, she finds herself on the run from a murderous drug lord. But her DEA contact has gone missing, forcing Tabitha to rely on Detective Doug Olsen—a man with his own secrets. It’s a race against time for Doug and Tabitha to uncover buried evidence before the cartel makes them disappear forever. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Fireline by Kate Angelo -- As the niece of a legendary smokejumper, Nova Burns is tough as nails. When their crew chief Tucker Newman breaks his leg, Nova longs for the opportunity to helm the team, ready to take risks and prove herself. But there's one risk she refuses to take-falling in love. Undercover Homeland agent Booth Wilder is seeking redemption. Scarred by a past explosion that took the life of his partner, Booth is hunting a rogue CIA faction known as the Brotherhood. Now, he's determined to uncover their secrets and find a hidden nuclear weapon that could turn the world to ash. Only problem...summer sparks have ignited between Booth and Nova. Then the wildfire threatens the home of the Jude County Firefighting team, and Nova doesn't care what secrets Booth might be hiding-she needs everyone to save the town. But when the Brotherhood discovers Booth and his goals, the fight becomes personal. Now, Booth must choose between accomplishing his mission and saving the woman he's come to love. (Romantic Suspense from Sunrise Publishing)

Sheltering You by Robin Patchen -- In the sleepy town of Shadow Cove, Maine, a woman’s desperate flight becomes a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse. Join the Wright Heroes of Maine for an edge-of-your-seat international romantic suspense that takes you on the run with a heroine in hiding, a secret baby, and unrequited love. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Speculative
Forged in Fire by A L Evans -- When Light and Dark collide something explosive is destined to happen. Born into a world of heartache, Elizabeth cannot fathom a life beyond the rejection that she has always known. Then, one day a chance encounter in the ER begins the unraveling of threads. A humble man ignites a fire long held dormant. Little do they know that this is only the beginning. The supernatural world has been watching her. Everything Elizabeth has ever known suddenly shifts, and she finds herself immersed in a fated supernatural prophecy. The armies of hell have been sent to destroy her. How can she survive if she doesn’t know who she was created to be? It will all come down to sacrifice–life & death. In the end someone will lose. Mystery, Betrayal, Angels, Demons, and a dash of Humor with a hint of Romance. (Speculative Fiction from A L Evans)

Young Adult
Birds of Paradisum by Stan Lewis -- Birds of Paradisum is an allegorical tale of one man's struggle to find peace and freedom while being pulled in two directions by spiritual forces that are at war with each other. (Young Adult Action/Adventure from Morgan James) Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Closer Than Brothers by Mary Connealy -- Prequel to Trouble in Texas Series and Kincaid Brides Series. (Western)

Broken Trust by Jane Daly -- Two women face unexpected challenges with the ones they trust the most, and must also learn to trust themselves and each other in order to find happiness and love amidst chaos. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction)

The Pastor’s Perfect Wife by Jane Daly -- Former Mean Girl Mariah and Pastor Ethan Walsh shouldn't have fallen in love. But they did. Together, they must weather the storms of their pasts and find strength in each other to overcome the challenges before them. (Contemporary Romance)

Rumors are Flying by Jeanette Hanscome -- Plans to turn and historic Victorian home turning into a museum and upended when Janet and Debbie delve into WWII mysteries surrounding the Townsend family, revealing secrets that revive a Dennison landmark. (Cozy Mystery)

Molly by Shanna Hatfield -- Their romance began while wearing gas masks and uniforms. Will their love survive returning to civilian life? Inspired by the Hello Girls, America’s first women soldiers who helped win World War I. (Historical Romance)

Matters of the Heart by Kelly S Irvin -- He's the community's jokester auctioneer. She's the serious caregiver for her siblings who also works at the local plant nursery. What future could they have together? (Amish Romance)

Stitched on My Heart: Delphina’s Story by Heidi Gray McGill -- When a chance at love and a new life presents itself, will Delphina have the courage to seize it? (Historical Romance)

The Wise Guy and the Star by Shannon McNear -- Can a chance encounter be the connection they have always needed? (Historical Romance)

Healer by Ava Murbarger -- Old rivalries rise to the surface. Each of the planets has its own story to tell. Will the Phoenix remain silent? (Speculative Fiction)

Covering Grace by Davalynn Spencer -- When her trick-riding ways put her in danger while filming a local flicker, he risks more than his time intervening. He risks his heart. (Western Romance)

2024-07-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

June 2024 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Biblical
Petra: An Unbroken Legacy by Lisa L. Dorsey -- Embark on a journey through time and faith. Witness as the survival of a family's faith intertwines with pivotal moments in history to build a spiritual legacy anchored in God's steadfast Love, timeless Word, and infinite Wisdom. (Biblical Adventure from hope*books)

Contemporary Romance
The Triplets’ Summer Adventure by Laurel M. Blount -- Back home for the summer, adventure-seeking Nick Marshall thinks his park ranger gig will be easy—until the children’s camp he’s overseeing is left without a cook. Desperate to fill the position, he offers his high school nemesis, Cara Andrews, the job. As the two work together, Nick can’t help but fall for the single mom and her triplet sons. But convincing her to take a chance on him might be Nick’s toughest challenge yet… (Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Mary’s Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne -- Mary finds courage to face her fears about pursuing further treatment for serious injuries sustained as a child, and she and Reuben find a way to be together, with God's help. (Contemporary Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Love’s True Home by Lori DeJong -- Born and raised on the foreign mission field, all Allyson Kincaid wants is home and hearth on American soil. Too bad the first guy who’s made her pulse skip dreams of a life spent in foreign missions. Although she supports him in his calling, knows his choice means she’ll be laying more broken dreams, and a newly shattered heart, at the feet of Jesus. When Zane Carpenter relocates to Arlington, Texas, his seventh move in thirteen years, his only thought is to meet his obligation with Becker Ministries in a few months then take a foreign mission assignment. But working so closely with Ally in student ministry has him feeling things he’s never experienced. He’s ready for a future with her, until he accepts an opportunity to work on foreign soil and Ally stays behind. He knows God put him at the mission for a reason, although his heart still longs for the girl back home. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)

When the Ocean Roars by Charlsie Estess -- Weeks before the Ultimate Fighting World Championship, Keane “The Golden Lion” Temple lands in Japan for the battle of his professional life, primed to take the win. But when his path collides with an intriguing woman, he gives in to impulse and asks her to spend his day off from training with him. Ami Ono cannot pass on the invitation but also hides her full identity. As their extraordinary day bleeds into night, both realize one day won’t be enough. Then the excursion ends in disaster when Keane discovers who Ami is. They part ways, but compelling circumstances and an undeniable attraction draw them back together. As the forbidden romance threatens to take down his principles, he struggles to honor his beliefs. Will The Golden Lion surrender his heart? Will Ami defy the domineering men in her life and accept it? Do they stand a chance against nature? (Contemporary Romance from Iron Stream Media)

A Midsummer Romance by Alyssa Schwarz -- The meddling mothers of Wild Rose Ridge will do anything to match up friends Caleb Weaver and Jessica Daniels. Real life begins to mirror Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream a little too much when they are strategically cast as the main couple in the town’s summer play. Will the course of true love end in tragedy? With a touch of summer magic, anything can happen. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Cole and Laila Are Just Friends by Bethany Turner -- Cole and Laila have been inseparable since they could crawl. And they've never thought about each other that way. Except for when they have. Rarely. Once in a while, sure. But seriously . . . hardly ever. If When Harry Met Sally had a quippy literary love child with Gilmore Girls' Luke and Lorelai, you'd get Cole and Laila. Just . . . don't tell them that. (Contemporary Romance from Thomas Nelson Fiction [Harper Collins])

Western

Toward the Dawn by Mary Connealy -- Two people marry for convenience then strike out to find happiness...and find danger instead. Together, they must confront the perils from their pasts to forge a future with hope and the promise of love. (Western from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])
Historical Romance
Rocky Mountain Journey by Misty M Beller -- To fulfill a dying wish, Faith Collins masquerades as a man to find the woman who once saved her father's life. On her journey through the Rockies, she teams up with a man in search of his brother, and together they must navigate the treacherous terrain while keeping Faith's identity a secret and their growing affection at bay. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)

When Plans Go Awry by Denise M Colby Olivia Carmichael escapes her past to be the next schoolmarm in a small ranching community in California. Her plan? Live a quiet spinster life, alone, never to depend on anyone ever again. Luke Taylor selected a mail-order bride, a necessity to help raise his two younger sisters, and the only way he knew to protect his heart. His plans don’t include being responsible for the beautiful new schoolmarm, who threatens his resolve between his need to stay away and his need to be near to make sure she stays safe. Along the way, neither feel much in control of their circumstances. Olivia’s carefully laid-out plans are challenged at every turn. Luke’s mail-order bride is not what he expected. Will Luke and Olivia learn to trust God’s plan for their lives? (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)

Dreams on the Horizon by Penny Zeller -- Mae Shepherdson’s dream of a school for the deaf has finally come to fruition. All is going well until she receives devastating news: the railroad wants to build a spur through the property where the Horizon School for the Deaf is located. Landon Bennick is accustomed to obeying his father’s orders and has assisted with the building of many railroad spurs, and the newest in Horizon should be no exception. However, things grow complicated when he falls in love with Mae, a soft-spoken teacher at the Horizon School for the Deaf—the same school blocking the railroad’s progress. When nefarious characters bent on seeing the railroad project succeed begin to threaten innocent lives, will Landon intervene and save the woman who has claimed his heart? (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing) Romantic Suspense
Hidden in the Night by Elizabeth Goddard -- At the behest of her ailing mother, former FBI special agent Ivy Elliott arrives in Alaska to secure an unpublished Jack London manuscript kept secreted away for decades. But when she arrives, she learns the manuscript is gone--taken by the granddaughter of the woman who possessed it. Ivy sets off in pursuit, not just to save the manuscript but to save the vulnerable girl, who was previously trafficked and has no idea what she's getting herself into. Joining forces with Alaska State Trooper Nolan Long, Ivy must battle a blizzard, sabotage, and the worst of an Alaskan winter as the search goes on. But every answer they find only raises more questions--and the danger to their lives and to the missing girl may only be the tip of the iceberg. (Romantic Suspense from Revell)

Suspicious Homicide by Elizabeth Goddard -- When Finnley Wilbanks is run off a mountainside road, it confirms her worst fears—her father was murdered. With her life hanging in the balance, she turns to bodyguard and investigator Caine Honor for protection. As they work together to solve the mystery behind her father’s death, danger stalks their every move. And keeping Finnley alive long enough to find answers might be Caine’s hardest mission yet. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Celebrity Pastor by Creston Mapes -- Pastor Neil Gentry embarked on his ministry with genuine intentions, unwavering passion, and undeniable charisma. As his influence grew, so did his fame. Vine & Branches Church became one of the fastest growing in the world. Soon, Pastor Gentry and his wife Becky resembled royalty, enjoying fame and power—and basking in the adoration of their devoted followers. Beneath the glitz and glamor, however, whispers of misconduct began to surface. As the allure of popularity and power consume the Gentrys, they find themselves plummeting into the abyss of moral compromise. With the weight of their actions threatening to shatter everything they’ve built, one dire question remains: can anything or anyone break the spell before the unthinkable happens? (Suspense from Rooftop Press)

Colorado Mountain Kidnapping by Cate Nolan -- A cryptic phone call sends Isabelle Weaver running from armed intruders—with her daughter and best friend’s baby under her care. Nowhere is safe and no one can be trusted…except former army ranger Adam Dalton. Together, they must uncover a kidnapper’s motives while protecting the children. But as danger tracks them through the mountains, can they outwit a criminal mastermind before they all lose their lives? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Children’s Picture Books

Would You Rather: Bible Water Adventures by Jerah Alvarado -- Would you rather cruise on Noah's Ark with stinky animals? Or would you rather be in a huge storm with Jesus asleep in your boat? Choose from fourteen different Bible water adventures the one you would rather experience! (Children’s Picture Books from Mt Zion Ridge Press)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

The Filbert Ridge Miracle by Tamelia Aday -- It was October 7, 1967. The festival in Filbert Ridge, Oregon came early. Town history and the lives of its citizens changed forever. That was the day little Stephen McMillan disappeared. (Literary Contemporary)

The Elder by Roger E Bruner -- How can an elderly man regain his sense of worth once his one big success fades and God doesn’t seem to have other plans for him? (Contemporary General)

Bright Lights by Lisa Phillips, Rebecca Reed, Gina Conroy and Andrea Christenson -- Four Christian Fiction Romance novels from Christian fiction’s hottest contemporary romance authors. (Contemporary Romance)

Visible by Darlene M. Corbett -- Rachel Karem, a 55-year-old widowed therapist, runs a group for five "stuck" professionals, and along the way, she explores obstacles interfering in life's journey, ventures out to a Tango Dance Studio, and encounters an older, attractive gentleman. (Contemporary Romance)

Flat Deception by Paige Edwards -- Falsely accused of equine doping, Lady Sophie Henderson must prove her innocence. In a world where people are willing to do anything to win, it’s impossible to know who to trust. (Romantic Suspense)

Justice Delayed by Sarah Hamaker -- After serving her time, a convicted murderer tries to clear her name with the help of a washed-up investigative reporter. (Romantic Suspense)

Billionaire Sheriff on the Move by Bonita Y. McCoy -- Bernadette has known Wade for years. Shoot, he even saved her life, once. So, when Wade moves back to town and wants more than just a simple friendship, Bernadette must face a new decision and an old fear. Can she overcome her past and open her heart to a new kind of love? (Contemporary Romance)

Disappearance in Pinecraft by Lenora Worth -- Her sister has disappeared...and now her life is on the line. (Amish Romance)

ACFW New Releases: July 2024

2024-07-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

ACFW New Releases: July 2024

cAN YOU BELIEVE THIS MANY BOOKS WERE RELEASED IN ONE MONTH BY MEMBERS OF THE aMERICAN cHRISTIAN fICTION wRITERS? aND SUCH A DIVERSE COLLECTION!

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary Romance:
Renee by Sandra Ardoin — A bake-off competition can change widow Renee Burnette’s life and mend a frayed friendship. As the bake-off competition intensifies, Renee’s office relationships are strained, her sweet son becomes unruly, and the rift with her old friend widens. Can a decades-old cookbook help Renee restore the bonds every woman needs? (Romance from Corner Room Books)

Pointe, Shoots, and Scores by Carolyn Miller — When Bailey Donovan’s dance studio faces the risk of closure, she takes a God-given miracle of a gig training a complete non-dancer for a TV show. Only problem is, he’s a real grump, and for an athlete, seems to be lacking all the moves. Luc Blanchard loves hockey, God, and his family, with no time for more, until an unexpected promotion forces him to swallow his pride for the sake of his team. Sparks soon fly as these two opposites spend time together, and TV ratings push for their onscreen partnership to make a fake relationship real. But as they discover a certain magic under the spotlight, will issues from the past ever let them truly soar? (Contemporary Romance Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Their Unlikely Protector by Meghann Whistler — The last person Valerie Williams expects to rescue her and her toddler twin brothers from a fiery blaze is Brett Richardson, her high school nemesis. But with her house burned down, Valerie is forced to stay at the same inn as Brett and work with him on the town festival. Now Brett has the chance to make things right, but can Valerie let go of the past to make way for a future together? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Historical:

Muldoon’s Misfortunes by E.V. Sparrow — A poor widower who suffers from scoliosis loses his second family in Ireland from a typhus epidemic, and his sister convinces him to emigrate to the land of plenty, America. (Historical from Celebrate Lit Publishing)

Historical Romance:
Into the Starlight by Amanda Cabot — Who would have guessed that a spinster’s desire to visit her fiancé’s grave would change the course of a young doctor and a lovely pianist’s lives and resolve a decades-old mystery? (Historical Romance from Revell)

War’s Unexpected Gift by Linda Shenton Matchett — Eager to do even more for the war effort, nurse Gwen Milford puts in for a transfer from a convalescent hospital outside of London to an evac hospital headed across Europe. Leap-frogging from one location to the next, nothing goes as expected from stolen supplies to overwhelming numbers of casualties. Then, there’s the handsome doctor who seems to be assigned to her every shift. As another Christmas approaches without the war’s end, can she find room in her heart for love? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Libby’s Lighthouse by Susan G Mathis — When a lighthouse keeper’s daughter finds a mysterious sailor with amnesia, the secrets she uncovers may change her life forever. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

The Highlander’s Charity by Z Peabody — From the halls of the royal palace of Oge-chukwukama, to the lush oasis of Shushara, Sani and Teagan will travel the golden dunes to their destinies together. (Historical Romance from Z Peabody Publishing LLC)

Romantic Suspense:
Four Doubt: A Silas McKay Suspense by Luana Ehrlich — Silas investigates the murder of a cybersecurity executive. Was it a random shooting or a targeted killing? (Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

When Secrets Come Calling by Felicia Ferguson — Two ex’s once headed to the altar are reunited by a cold case robbery and murder. His dad is the accused, and she’s the investigator. Will the case’s fallout bury their love forever or rekindle a life they only dreamed of? (Romantic Suspense from Salt & Light Publishing)

Sunset Over Swaziland by Shirley E. Gould — A former military hero rescues a beautiful grant writer when riots erupt in a third-world country and becomes her bodyguard as she completes her assignment losing his heart to her as they work to save orphans being trafficked. (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)

Vengeance in Vienna by Sara L. Jameson — A moonlight sail, a sniper on the shore, and a terrorist financier determined to kill Interpol agent Jacob Coulter and everyone he holds dear. (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)

Chasing Amanda: Expanded Edition by Robin Patchen — Now with a brand-new bonus epilogue… In the tense months following 9/11, a chance encounter sparks an unlikely connection between two strangers—a young college student and a marine on his way to Afghanistan, but once he says goodbye, there’ll be nobody there to protect her from the stalker with sinister intentions… (Romantic Suspense from Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Speculative Fiction (Time Travel):
The Root of the Matter by Lynne Basham Tagawa — Geneva Fielding, an archivist in the Department of Applied History, is sent back in time with a colleague, Peter Donatelli, to investigate John Winthrop and Roger Williams in New England of the 1630s. (Speculative Fiction from Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

The Way Back by Heidi Chiavaroli — When her mother’s vindictive fans threaten her grandmother’s livelihood and the lighthouse Laney has come to love, she turns to the century-old words of a young lighthouse keeper to help her find the courage to move forward. But once truths from the past come to light and old love finds new beginnings, will Laney discover that forgiveness is the only way toward true healing? (Literary Contemporary)

Her Part to Play by Jenny Erlingsson — When a last minute change in his team brings John face to face with the feisty and alluring Adanne, will the flash of bright lights be stronger than the pull of their hearts? (Contemporary Romance)

Running from the Past by Melanie D Snitker — They must face their fears or risk losing everything. The investigation leads them right back to the scene of the crime. If they have any hope of identifying the killers, they’ll have to set aside their differences or risk facing their greatest fear: losing each other. (Romantic Suspense)

COUNTERFEIT

2022-09-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

My husband and I traveled to the cities in the novel, including Amsterdam, Budapest, Salzberg, and Vienna. Actually, a visit to an Oklahoma City art museum two years ago started me thinking. How possible is very good fraudulent fine art?

(Very possible. Some experts estimate up to half of all art in museums is fake.)

And exactly how much copying is legal?

AMATEUR. MASTER. UNWILLING RECRUIT.

Dr. Richard Reed, wealthy professor and connoisseur of fine art, becomes a temporary member of Interpol's Experts Group to stop the flow of fraudulent paintings. He feels sure he has found a master copyist when he zones in on an attractive tourist, Kendra Cooper.

Kendra, who scrimped for years to travel to Amsterdam and study originals of the great masters, has much to teach the professor. His most likely suspect becomes his strongest asset in the fight against frauds until a dealer in counterfeits strikes back. Kendra becomes his target by cutting off the flow of unearned millions.

As professional partnership grows into personal devotion, Richard and Kendra combat greed to gain what cannot be bought.

As with all Lee Carver's books, Counterfeit is available from www.Amazon.com in both print http://amzn.to/2df8U9L
and Kindle versions. http://amzn.to/2cB716P

This novel needs honest reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.com. Your review would be most appreciated.

Rebecca's Redemption

2022-08-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

Call to the Jungle

Series

Book 3

Published in both print and ebook

A nurse seeking redemption for past sins joins a doctor

contending against the jungle.

Both healers need healing.

Rebecca Singer once was the kind of nurse who partied all weekend and closed the bar with the last karaoke tune. Then she met the Lord and vowed to make up to Him for those wasted years by serving in the worst place in the world. She determined to earn her redemption in the Brazilian Amazon jungle.

Dr. Ed Pierce, a widower with two young daughters, operates a Christian hospital in the Brazilian Amazon. A lifelong believer, he struggles with the tragedy of losing his wife—his love, the mother of his children. When the mission board agrees to hire a nurse, he requests an American who can split her time between the hospital and home schooling his children.

Buy it now for only $0.99:

http://amzn.to/2k2KnM7

The Magic Number

2022-02-12T20:56:00.000-08:00

I was requested again this year to write a romantic short story and read it as part of the program for my church's annual tea for ladies. Some of the women who missed the tea want to read the story, so I've copied it here:

The Magic Number

Dave scanned the message that appeared on his cell phone.

Hi, I’m Julia Barnett, a friend of Megan’s, and she asked me to invite you to a party in her honor. It will be at my home this Friday, 7 p.m. No gifts. Can you come? The Fort Worth address followed.

Puzzled, he clicked the sound off to avoid interrupting his business conference again. He’d answer it later. Funny. He thought his sister and brother-in-law had already left on their anniversary cruise in Europe.

After the construction contract had been agreed upon and hands shaken, both parties went to an exceptionally fine restaurant to celebrate. It wasn’t until later, in his hotel room, that he read the message again.

Absolutely sure Megan’s cell phone would be turned off as an economy measure, he called her anyway and got a taped answer. Well, maybe the party was after she and Sam returned, but he thought that was next week.

When this business trip came up, Dave had tried to make plans to see them, but it wouldn’t work out. He didn’t come back to Fort Worth often, though it still felt like home. Maybe with this new business plaza contract, he’d be here enough to make contact with his old high school buddies.

With that warm, fuzzy thought he zapped back a quick text: Thanks for the invitation. See you Friday. Then he tossed his cell on the tapestry bedspread and headed for a steaming shower.

Three days passed in a flurry of activity. He only thought of the party invitation at night, when he collapsed on Hilton’s deeply tufted mattress. Every daylight hour passed in controlled confusion of puzzling over the architectural schemes to give the builder exactly what he wanted.

On Friday, he asked the client’s secretary to have flowers sent to the hostess’ home in his name, and he made sure to break away early enough to arrive on time. But Megan still didn’t answer her home phone or her cell. Maybe they were sleeping off the intercontinental flight.

Arriving at the Westover Hills address, he found a tasteful home. Large, but not a mansion like some of its neighbors. He touched the bell and an attractive woman in her sixties opened the door wide. The smile on her face froze. He didn’t recognize her, and she obviously didn’t know him.

She extended her hand. “Good evening. I’m Julia Barnett.”

“Dave Copeland, Megan’s brother.”

“Oh.” He could see wheels turning in her head. She stepped away and turned to the guests chatting in the living room, allowing him to enter. “Megan? Your brother, Dave Copeland?”

A colorfully-dressed woman broke from her conversation with a smile still on her lips, but curiosity on her brow. “I don’t have a ... Excuse me. Who?”

She and a burly gentleman with a scowl approached Dave. They did not offer their hands.

This wasn’t Megan. Not his sister Megan, anyway.

The man broadened his chest and took a square stance. “What is your business here?”

Thoroughly confounded, Dave searched for words. “I was invited to Megan’s ... ” He reached for his phone, and the man slipped a hand under his own left arm as if to a gun holster there.

“Just my phone. Sorry. I’ll show you the text.” Slowly and avoiding jerky motions, he extracted his cell phone. The fellow’s shoulder relaxed, and he repositioned whatever he had almost drawn out. Dave was sure it was a gun.

Displaying the invitation text message, Dave showed it first to him and Megan and then to the hostess. A crowd gathered, and his phone was passed to several people.

“Oh. You sent the flowers?” Julia indicated an arrangement on the coffee table. “I wondered who ...” Her face flushed three shades of red.

“Didn’t they have my name on the card? It was supposed to be signed.”

“Well, yes, but we didn’t know who Dave Copeland was. That is the message I sent, but—”

“Dave?”

He looked toward the breathy voice.

“Dave, is that you?”

Definitely not his sister. Trisha March, his girlfriend from Arlington Heights High School, stepped from the circle of guests. Younger than the other guests, as he was, and the most beautiful woman in the room. Her hair, still silky, light brown, came below her ears but not loosely to her shoulders as when he had last seen her.

The night her father poked him in the chest and told him never to come to their home again.

“Dave Copeland. It’s so good to see you again. What brings you here?”

He took his cell phone from a man and handed it to her. He couldn’t speak anyway.

“I think there’s been a miraculous mistake,” she responded after reading the text. A smile of wonder lifted her eyes. “This is the retirement party for Megan Warner, my boss.” She indicated the Megan whose brother he was definitely not. “You got this message and thought it was for your sister, Megan?”

“Right. I tried to call her several times, but she and Sam had gone on a cruise for their twenty-fifth anniversary. I thought— Look, folks, I’m sorry. I’ll just make a U-turn. Y’all get back to your party.” Feeling his face burn, he reached for his phone. “’Scuze me, Trisha. Sorry about this.”

“Oh, you can’t leave. I haven’t seen you for some twenty-six years. Please stay.”

The hostess broke out of her trance. “Indeed. You must stay for dinner. The caterer is about to serve the most magnificent dinner, and I have a place for you.” She took him by the arm and the room breathed again. She led him to the bar, followed by Trisha. “What can I get you?”

Every sort of liquor and wine stood at attention waiting for his order. “Coke?”

The other Megan’s escort filled a glass with ice and poured his drink. “Hi, I’m Bill Warner, Megan’s husband. And Fort Worth Police. Sorry about that.” He nodded toward the place where they’d stood before.

Trisha came to Dave’s other side. “Bill, would you pour me a Diet Coke, please? I need to get reacquainted with my old boyfriend.”

She placed her hand on the sleeve of his sport coat, and it warmed him down to his tingling feet. The next moment his fledgling hopes crashed to the ground. That hand bore wedding rings.

She accepted her Coke and took a sip. “Have you moved back to Fort Worth? You haven’t come to any of the class reunions.”

“I have an apartment in Cincinnati, but I fly around a lot since my wife passed.”

Trisha’s expression clouded, and she murmured the sort of thing people say.

“Our sons are in college, so I’m free to leave when I need to,” he continued. By peripheral vision, he noticed the hostess, Julia, switching place cards at the dining table with a dozen seatings. He still felt the polite thing to do would be to leave.

But Trisha looked up at him and her eyes were still as green as ever. He couldn’t leave yet.

“How many sons do you have?”

He chuckled. “Two. They’re twins, and they were always a houseful. How about you?”

“One of each. They’re still in high school.” She backed away from the bar, drawing him out of the traffic. “And yes, they’re a houseful. Especially dealing with their father’s sudden death.”

“I’m sorry. But I see you’re still wearing rings.”

“Well, I still have the children. And it was only a couple of years ago. I wasn’t ready to appear available yet.”

Julia Barnett invited them to the dining room, and she had indeed put his place card next to Trisha’s. As much as he wanted to corner her with a thousand questions about her life since high school, they both engaged in conversation with the other guests. Everyone was too polite to ask how or why he came to the party. Or perhaps they thought he was Trisha’s date. He hoped that could be arranged in the future.

* * *

Trisha again relived the night her father sent Dave away, shouting that he was never to call or see her again. His father was a drunkard who didn’t provide well for his wife and children. Rumors of violence traveled through school, too. Dad said everyone knew drinking problems passed through the genes or rearing or something. He didn’t want her stuck with a loser.

Since Dave declined the fine wine at the dinner, she did, too. Was he an alcoholic on the wagon? How could she ask without sounding like it was the most important question of the century, which it was to her?

Eventually the caterer’s waiter came around with the wines again, and showed off the label to Dave.

“No, thank you. But I’ll have some more water when it’s convenient,” he said.

She took the chance and asked. “You’re not accepting the wine?”

“Never touch the stuff. I saw what it did to my father and the effect on the family. I never had any interest in trying alcohol. But please go ahead and enjoy it. Don’t refrain on my behalf.”

“It isn’t important. Never has been to me. I’m okay with the Diet Coke.”

Inwardly, she sighed her relief. She’d never known him to lie about anything, ever. She could hardly believe her good fortune in finding Dave again. She watched his interaction with the others and admired his well-developed social graces. The lean, gangly teenager had become a man. A gentleman. And an architect with a master’s degree. Would he find her interesting after so many years and total separation? She hadn’t exactly been “rode hard and put up wet.” The extra time put on her hair and the slimming royal blue dress she wore tonight gave her confidence.

“So you work for this company, and this is a retirement celebration?” Dave interrupted her musings. “What do you do?”

“Human resources, with a specialty in data management. But I do a lot of person-to-person consulting as well. Megan has been my boss as long as I’ve been with the company. We all regret losing her, but she deserves a good retirement.”

They swapped a few facts, like how he had remained in the Methodist church and reared his sons under that umbrella. She was still in the same one where they’d attended youth group together.

Rather than become grounded and calmed as light conversation continued, she developed an inner quiver. The boy of her girlish dreams had become a handsome, polished professional. Parts of her she’d thought died with her husband stirred and stretched as if from a long sleep.

After the dinner of cordon bleu came a rich chocolate confection. Then coffee and liqueurs were served in the living room. Dave and Trisha sat together on the sofa. Soon the guests began to thank Julia, cover Megan with good wishes, and slip into the night. Trisha didn’t want the party to end.

You can’t let him go. He can’t just leave again. Please, God, make him ask for my number, my e-mail, anything.

Only Megan and her husband, Julia and Doug Barnett, Trisha and Dave remained in the living room. “I should go.” She tried not to look and sound as reluctant as she felt.

“Oh, but first I have to explain.” Julia came to where they were sitting, bringing her cell phone and a list of names and scribbled notes. “Here’s the message I sent from my phone, the invitation I sent you, Dave. I made a mistake in one number when I intended to send it to Alice. You didn’t meet her. She’s recovering from surgery and couldn’t come. But you see the number on my list?” She held it out for him to inspect. “There’s only one number different. You still have the 817 area code?”

“I got this phone in Fort Worth, and have kept the same number ever since. I never had a reason to change. Since you mentioned Megan in the message, I assumed the party was for my sister and her husband’s anniversary. I should have checked.”

Trisha looked up, noting that he hadn’t lost the dimple she loved so much. “I’m glad you didn’t. We wouldn’t have met if it hadn’t been for this marvelous mistake.”

“I don’t know, Trisha.” His eyes connected with hers for a long moment. “I have a feeling God would have worked it out somehow.”

In Times Like These

2016-05-02T19:06:00.001-07:00

Gail Kittleson has written a beautiful novel based in hometown USA during World War II. Layered over the WWII setting, she addresses the issue of verbal abuse in a marriage. In fact, this novel has the endorsement of Patricia Evans, author of The Verbally Abusive Relationship, Controlling People, and other books. Ms. Evans coined the expression "verbal abuse."

Gail, I understand that you have developed a strong relationship with Addie, the heroine of your historical fiction release. Please tell us about her.

Addie first whispered her story to me four years ago. A couple of years later, I thought I’d completed the novel . . . wrong!

Elie Wiesel wrote, “There is a difference between a book of two hundred pages from the very beginning, and a book of two hundred pages which is the result of an original eight hundred pages. The six hundred are there. Only you don’t see them.”

Boy, can I relate. With further editing and research, the word count diminished, but each word’s power increased. My internal editor, always at work, joined several editors in making suggestions. True, that meant rejection, but I so appreciate them taking the time.

One agent suggested I chuck this story, count it a learning experience, and start over fresh. But Addie wouldn’t let me. She’d become far too real. So I plunged ahead, changed the title, layered the moral premise deeper and deeper, and labored to give each character several dimensions. Addie’s controlling, egotistical husband Harold challenged me, since his verbal abuse arose from wearing blinders to anyone else’s needs.

Still, he wants to fight the Axis because of patriotism, and having his desire squelched drives him to the edge. But the big question was, how could Addie find her voice and claim her God-given right to be herself? How could the tamped-down music in her soul burst forth into everyday joy?

The backdrop of World War II and Iowa’s severe winter weather highlight the victory garden Addie plans. Her best friend Kate’s letters from London support her through the roughest times, and Addie’s older gardening neighbor offers her pithy life philosophy along with advice about flowers.

All along, I believed Addie assured me she’d make it—I just knew she would. That certainty played in my ears during the whole time of creating and conjuring, editing and honing. Then a professional editor tweaked some things I’d still missed.

But finally, Addie’s out there, ready to meet readers. I’m very grateful, and hope they cheer her along her path to victory. I’d so enjoy hearing first impressions of her story from your blog readers.

Would you give us a sample of the story?

This excerpt is taken from the beginning of the second chapter, as we begin to see that Addie's marriage to Harold is not the dream world she had anticipated:

Harold burst into the big farm kitchen with a practiced scowl and accepted a steaming cup of coffee. He took a miniature spiral notepad from his overall pocket and scribbled, speaking as he wrote. “January 13. Temperature -22. If it gets any colder, we’ll lose some stock.”

“Did you get all the sheep out of the drifts?” He flung back the shock of sandy hair brushing his steel-gray eyes and disregarded Addie’s question. Maybe this pie would ease his mood, but today’s crust turned as cantankerous as the weather.

Berthea’s warning . . . more than two tries toughens the pastry tensed Addie’s shoulders.
Aware of snow clumps from Harold’s blue and white striped overalls forming pools on the faded gray linoleum, she muttered, “Come on, you stubborn crust—cooperate.”

Fern, the Esther Circle leader, said cleanliness and good food made for a happy husband, but those muddy splotches on the floor would have to wait. Harold moved closer, jutted out his chin, and spread his feet wide apart.

“Last night I read about the unjust judge finally giving in to the persistent widow. Maybe today, the draft board’ll take me, although if Pearl Harbor didn’t change anything, I don’t know what would.”

His volume increased as cinnamon wafted like incense. Addie stirred an ample spoonful into the apple filling. She folded the crust in half, lifted it into a glass pie plate and patted the soft, curved edges.

The Golden West Coffee tin holding her egg money caught her eye. Its beaming cowgirl belied the tight knot cinching her stomach, and the irony struck—like this gaping pie shell, she waited to be filled.

A few biographical notes about Gail:
After instructing English as a Second Language and college expository writing, Gail Kittleson lives in Northern Iowa with her husband, where they enjoy family and friends. In winter, Arizona's Ponderosa pine forests provide another setting for her historical women's fiction stories. Gail also instructs a creative writing class and facilitates women's workshops on spiritual growth, creativity, and memoir/fiction writing. She's a fanatic about grammar and quotes, and does a little editing on the side. If you'd like to know more, please visit her website at http://www.gailkittleson.com or contact her through Facebook.

An Adventure in Freelance Editing

2016-04-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

For those who follow this blog, you may have thought I was either on vacation or desperately sick. No, but I certainly was involved in an adventure.

As a freelance editor, formatter, and uploader of both print and e-books, I do take on some interesting tasks. Phyllis Jenkins, organizer of Powerful Journey Annual Women’s Conferences and personal counselor through the EnHERpreneur™ Masterclass, gave her class the project of writing their stories and publishing a book. They weren’t authors. They’d never done this kind of project. But several of them have established their own personal coaching organizations, and a book of this kind would be immensely beneficial.

Each woman wrote the story of her fierce challenges and how she overcame them through faith in God. Some books were quite short, and others about 130 pages. These women will be public speakers, most of them beginning at the Powerful Journey Women’s Conference in Plano, Texas, tomorrow (30 April, 2016). All of them will have print copies of their books for sale at the conference.

And that’s what I’ve been doing for two months, in addition to my own novel production. More about that in some other post.

Following are the books produced by these remarkable, faith-filled women: Phyllis Jenkins, Pat McNatt, Adrienne Hernandez, Molly Stephens, Tiffany Anderson, and Pauline Witt.

Look for their books on Amazon.com and prepare to be blessed!

To Soar on Eagle’s Wings, by Renee Blare

2016-02-25T16:36:00.002-08:00

The author of Beast of Stratton, about which I have also blogged, has published an entirely different novel, one that takes you out of the city and enclosed places. I've read the book, and found that the descriptions of the Snowy Mountains and soaring eagles lifted this novel beyond the ordinary romance. I felt like I was there on the mountain, looking across glistening white mountaintops, feeling the might and power of wild creation. And the story worked, too.

Spring’s in the air. While the sun shines in Timber Springs, snow falls on the Snowy Range, and trouble’s brewing in the meadows. The area’s new game warden, Steve Mitchell, launches his first wildlife investigation of the season but the trouble follows him—straight to town.

Rachel Fitzgerald’s on Spring Break. Or at least she’s trying. Between paperwork and harassing phone calls, she may as well have stayed in her classroom. So much for relaxation. A ‘chance’ meeting with her brother’s old roommate offers her weary soul a shred of hope, but she discovers love, like life, isn’t easy.

He talks with the wisdom of the Lord but rejects the future. She wants to soar with the eagles but walks alone. And trusting God proves to be more of a challenge than ever before…

Renee writes about the mountains from experience. Nestled against the Black Hills with her husband, crazy old dog and ornery cat, she serves the community of northeastern Wyoming as a pharmacist and pens her Christian stories, keeping them interesting with action and intrigue, of course. She loves to interact with readers and invites you to check out her website, blog, and social media.
Blogs: Renee’s Inspirational Moments
The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction
Website: www.ReneeBlare.com
Social Media: Twitter.com/ReneeBlare, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr: The Journey

On Amazon.com. The Kindle version: http://amzn.to/1IFP42a

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/6g0TNc5WLEI

Renee is offering a free Kindle version of To Soar on Eagle's Wings to someone who responds to this post. Chat with us. Have you ever been to Wyoming? Do you know the Black Hills in this novel? Or have you ever ridden a snow mobile? I haven't, but I love to ski. My strongest connection to soaring with eagles is through the beautiful scripture, Isaiah 40:31 "...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV)" Love that verse!

Skipping Valentine's Day

2016-02-12T18:55:00.001-08:00

I was asked to write a short story and read it as part of my church's UMW Valentine Tea. In case you'd like a quick romantic fix, it's copied here.

"Skipping Valentine’s Day"

From the moment Marla saw the heart-shaped Valentine candy boxes in Walmart only two days after Christmas, she knew she wasn’t going to be spending February fourteenth alone. Last year had been dreadful, and she had no intention of doing a repeat.

She started planning in January. Not a cruise alone. Probably not to one of her best friends’ homes, because she didn’t want their sympathy. That was the one thing that made her break down every time. Besides, they couldn’t possibly understand that John’s death brought relief that his suffering had ended. No one should have to live through brain cancer of a spouse.

Ginger’s email that the baby’s baptism had been scheduled for Sunday, February 14th was perfect. She picked up the phone to confirm, always preferring to talk to her daughter.

“Hi, Mom. You got my email?” She must have recognized the Caller ID, and her cheerful tone lifted Marla’s spirits like a beam of sunshine through the phone.

“Yes, honey, and I’d love to come.” Marla heard the smile creep into her own voice. Amazing how much it helped to chat with her daughter. “Can’t miss my only grandchild’s baptism. But I don’t want to drive to Oklahoma City and back in one day. May I spend the night at your house?”

“Of course. Come for several days. We’d love to have you.” She took a sip of something, probably her morning coffee.

Marla reached for her own. “Well, I don’t want to impose.”

“Nonsense. You’re always so helpful. Jim’s dad is coming, too, so we thought we’d move Addie’s crib into our room. Give y’all the other two rooms.”

“Is his wife coming?”

“His late ex-wife? Didn’t I tell you? Maybe not. It all happened while Dad was so sick, and you didn’t need more depressing news. You know she married some guy from California who was an amateur pilot? He crashed his new plane on a night flight to Vegas, and they both died instantly.”

Marla felt a shock as strong as if someone had slapped her. “Oh, that’s terrible. I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer person.”

“Julie Ann Broughton…Warren! I didn’t raise you to say things like that.”

“But it’s true. She left Walt a note the week after our wedding saying that she had both kids married off, and now she had a right to be happy, too. She moved in with her lover, got a thirty-day divorce, and married him the following Monday morning.”

Marla wondered why she hadn’t heard this before. She knew they were divorced; knew Julie didn’t seem to care much for her mother-in-law, but never knew why. “When did all this happen?”

“I’m sure I must have told you. They crashed the same week Dad went into the ICU. Remember? Jim and I went to California first because of her death and got to Fort Worth just before Dad died.”

Facts reshaped themselves from the fog surrounding that terrible week. “I was thinking y’all went out there on business. I’m sorry. I should have sent flowers.”

“Don’t worry about it. Anyway, it’s all more than a year behind us. Walt’s recovered from the whole mess and is doing fine now.”

The image of Walter Warren came to her mind. A tailored business suit, classy tie, clear blue eyes and a craggy jawline. Several inches taller than she, about the same age. Always such a gentleman. How could anyone leave a man like that? He deserved better. “Where does he live now?”

“He’s still based in Houston, but he travels on business a lot. Exxon sends him all over the world doing deals. Europe, the Middle East, sometimes to South America. He’s home about half the time.”

Marla reflected on the years her husband had traveled with his engineering company. She often went with him after the children left home. Those were good years.

In the weeks before the baptism, she found herself looking forward to seeing Julie, Jim, and the baby. And Walt, too. His call one evening in early February surprised her.

After a somewhat awkward beginning, he got to the point. “Julie and Jim said you’re going up for Cici’s baptism. I thought I’d drive up from Houston, and I can come right through Fort Worth. If you haven’t already booked tickets, would you like me to pick you up?”

The gears of her mind whirled. “I’d planned to drive. It’s only about three hours from here. Are you sure?”

“Definitely. I see enough of the inside of airplanes. It will be a pleasure to get the car out on the road. The thing is, I have a little business to do in OKC, and need to stay until Thursday.”

“Arrive Saturday, church on Sunday, stay until Thursday. That’s perfect. If you really don’t mind, I’d love to ride up with you.”

Since she’d obligated herself without asking God, Marla did double duty on the prayer carpet until the thirteenth. She knew it was out of order to make plans and then ask God to bless them. The week passed well, though, and she didn’t feel conflicted. In contrast, the tingle of anticipation grew each day.

Walt arrived at her house at exactly ten a.m. They greeted each other with a polite hug, as distant relatives do. She’d rarely seen him in a sweater and slacks before, and he looked good. Travel hadn’t fattened him up. He lifted her suitcase into the trunk as if it were nothing. She was glad she’d kept her resolution to exercise more this year.

She settled into his new Lexus, and they were off. “You must have been driving since five this morning.”

“Four thirty, but I’m still jet-lagged. Flew in from London two days ago.”

She asked about his trip, and they chatted halfway to the Red River about their favorite foreign destinations. In the back of her mind, phrases of condolence tumbled. How could she express sympathy for the death of an unfaithful ex-wife?

He raised the subject first with a comment about returning from Brazil right after Julie and Jim’s wedding. “So I came into the house and she was gone. There on the kitchen table was a note that she had started life over with her new love. I never knew she had a guy on the side while I was out of town.”

“I’m really sorry, Walt. I thought you two were so happy together at the wedding.”

“I did, too. It totally blindsided me. I’d hoped she would start traveling with me again. Maybe not to the Middle East right now, but she would’ve loved Paris and Australia.” He motioned to the rugged Arbuckle Mountains. “I thought we were that solid. Now I think about retiring in the future, and don’t want to be at home alone.”

“You could certainly marry again. You’re attractive, intelligent, and prosperous. Lots of women would be thrilled to entertain that possibility.”

“I messed up, Marla. I let my career destroy my marriage.”

“Don’t take all the blame. My husband traveled a lot, and we had some great trips together. And when I couldn’t go with him, I took up quilting and ran up the numbers on my FitBit. I didn’t go looking for a substitute.”

“If I date again, she has to be a committed Christian. And Christians divorce, too, but at least that’s a start in the right direction.” He got a faraway look in his eyes, and pain clouded his handsome face. “Church was part of her social life, but I always felt I was dragging her along on my spiritual journey. Next time I’d be looking for a partner in faith.”

Marla looked sharply to the right out the window and covered her smile. If he’d asked for a show of hands of anyone interested in applying, her hand would’ve flown up like a helium balloon.

They stopped for a quick lunch on the road and still arrived at Julie’s by two. After a relaxing afternoon of chatter and playing with the baby, Walt took them to a nice place for dinner. Julie wasn’t willing to leave Cici with a sitter, so they all took time keeping her happy. Remarkably interactive for a three month old, she made the evening a joy.

On Sunday morning, Marla stood with the young family and Walt, committing to raise Cici in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Tears stung her eyes that her beloved husband couldn’t be with them. She stole a glance at Walt and he, too, appeared on the cusp of emotion.

They had lunch together after the service, again compliments of Walt, and then spent the rest of the day at home. He brought out a large, satin box of Valentine chocolates which they all liberally picked from, and Jim and Julie exchanged sweet cards of love and several kisses.

Marla turned away, happy for them at the same time she hurt to be alone today.

All sentimentality passed as father and son vegged out in front of the TV watching the Super Bowl while Marla and Julie kept them supplied with junk food and soft drinks. Marla cared nothing for watching football, but enjoyed the family atmosphere. Snatches of conversation, shared laughter, and joint baby duty bound them together in a comfortable ambiance. Walt suggested that he could move to a hotel for the rest of the week, but the kids wouldn’t hear of it.

He called from work mid-morning Tuesday, speaking briefly with Julie. She hung up with a sly smile, glancing at Marla as if she carried a secret. Marla’s cell phone chimed immediately after.

“Would you like to go to dinner somewhere tonight?” Walt’s voice set off warm ripples through her middle. “I hear you prefer seafood to steaks, and got a recommendation for a good restaurant.”

Stunned, Marla didn’t answer while trying to sort out what kind of invitation he implied.

“I talked to Julie,” he continued, “and the kids will stay home. It’s parents’ night out.”

“Thank you. I would enjoy that…a lot.” She tried not to stammer, not to sound either too excited or unappreciative.

He dashed in after six, freshened up, and whisked her off to a delightful evening of mature conversation. It felt so good to be valued as a woman. She hadn’t considered dating again, but Walt made her feel very special in a romantic way.

When the waiter had cleared away their dinner plates, he took on a serious expression. “Marla, I’ll be fifty this year. With any luck, I have too many good years to waste alone. My job is rewarding, but there has to be more to life.” He let that hang in the soft background music as if waiting for her confirmation.

“I agree,” she said barely above the clink of crystal glasses. “You should not spend the rest of your life single.” She lifted her eyes to his then couldn’t break away from their depths.

“Do you think I should quit this job, which I enjoy, in order to secure a stable marriage? Is that necessary? I don’t think I could stand having a wife so bored that she had to have another man while I’m gone—again.”

“Walt, faithfulness is a decision. In a committed marriage, it’s not an option. I never minded my husband’s trips. If I couldn’t go with him, I sort of enjoyed the time alone—and the reunion when he returned.” She chuckled, feeling the heat of a blush in her cheeks. “Even when apart, we maintained a spiritual bond.”

A momentary frown crossed his brow. “I should ask where you are in your grieving process. Would I be rushing you to start courting so soon? It’s only been a year or so.”

“I began grieving about three years ago, when the surgeries, chemo, and radiation began. His personality changed…Life was hard. His illness and death won’t ever stop hurting, but I’ve come to a certain understanding with God’s help.”

He turned his hand up on the table, an invitation to her. “Then I’d like to call you after we return home. Continue this exploration into new territory. I think we might be very good for each other.”

She placed her hand in his, hoping that healing might unite them both under God’s loving umbrella. “I’m willing to find out.”

A Little Christmas Romance

2015-12-22T08:20:00.001-08:00

Several of my writing friends create special Christmas stories as a gift to their readers. I've posted my 2015 Christmas gift below. It's the length of two single-spaced pages, complete in this post. I hope you enjoy it.

Got Plans?

Kay’s boss leaned into the ready room with a schedule planner in her hands. “Can you take the Christmas Day shift? It’s triple pay, you know, and I don’t have anyone else who can do it.”

She meant everyone else had family. Somewhere to be, and someone to be with.

“But I took Thanksgiving.”

“Yeah, well, Todd’s doing Christmas Eve. If you can take midnight to noon, I’ll try to sweet-talk Phyllis into working with you.”

Kay knew there would be days like this when she became an EMT. She just didn’t realize she’d be the fall guy for every major holiday. “Sure, I’ll take it.” Working ranked somewhere on the list higher than moping around her apartment alone.

Slipping into the 11 pm candlelight service on Christmas Eve, Kay bowed in worship of the King. This, her second Christmas alone, seemed even tougher than last year. Because last year she expected something to have happened by now. No handsome prince nor cowboy had charged up on his steed to sweep her away. It seemed the good ones had already been taken. They had wives and little kids around their Christmas trees.

She took communion and left before the benediction in order to get to the firehouse by midnight, releasing Todd to be with his family.

Sleep came in patches between calls, all due in some degree to alcohol. About mid-morning, she and Phyllis fried eggs and bacon and made pancakes. Calories didn’t count on Christmas Day, right?

Phyllis filled their mugs again. “Whatcha gonna do this afternoon? Got plans?”

“Think I’ll snooze, maybe do something domestic like finish the cross-stitch I’ve been working on.”

“Gonna have dinner out?” Phyllis’ brow wrinkled. “Look, you can hang out with me and my boyfriend. We’re going over to his mother’s—”

The honking alarm went off. “Motor vehicle accident, male victim, corner of Hulen and Bellaire, power lines down. Proceed with caution.”

Kay shoved in another forkful of pancake loaded with maple syrup and made a dash for the truck. Roaring down the street, alarms blaring, she knew she wouldn’t take Phyllis’ invitation, just like she’d turned down two already. She could worship on Christmas but not act like it was a happy day.

Oncor trucks had arrived and police were busy cordoning off the scene. Near the wrecked car, a power pole leaned at a crazy angle. Kay lifted the yellow tape and stepped inside.

A policeman in winter gear reached out an arm to block her path, hitting her across the chest. “Not yet. The electricians have to cut the power to those lines before you can approach the car. Sorry. Did I hurt you?”

“No.” She strained to see the man needing medical assistance. “Is the victim conscious?”

The policeman snorted. “Sort of. Drunk as a skunk, but he’s conscious enough to yell at us.” His name patch read “Chandler”, and he looked familiar.

Kay’s attention returned to the driver. Drunk on Christmas. It made her blood boil.

“Can I trust you to stay back? And not let anyone else close?”

She could see the danger in his expression. “Sure. I’m not suicidal.”

Long, cold minutes passed in the blowing wind. The trapped victim cursed and thrashed one arm from the window of his crushed Chrysler while she paced, tense and ready to run help him.

Chandler drifted over again to where she and Phyllis waited. “Miserable cold, huh?”

“Totally.” Kay pulled her knitted cap lower over her ears. “Say, your surname is Chandler? That’s my pastor’s name.”

“Yeah, that’s my dad. I thought I’d seen you somewhere.”

“I’m there when I can be, EMT shifts allowing. But I guess you know about that.”

He checked his watch. “They’re expecting me for dinner at about two, but they’ll understand if I’m late. You got plans?”

“No family around. A guy like this killed my parents on Christmas Day two years ago.” She didn’t usually tell people, because what could they say? It just made folks uncomfortable.

“No brothers or sisters?”

“My sister is married to an Air Force pilot. They live in Hawaii. And my brother flies for American.” She looked at the gray sky. “He’s on his way to Germany about now.”

“Too bad.”

The okay eventually came from Oncor, and she rushed to the door and yanked hard. It took two firemen with the wicked cousin of a crowbar to open it, then Chandler stayed around to help them get the man and his bloody legs on a stretcher. Now in shock due to cold and trauma, he no longer swore. His silence rang more ominous than his foul words.

Chandler followed them to the hospital in his cruiser. “That was a tough one.” He rolled his shoulders. “Reckon he’ll keep those legs?”

“We did what we could. The rest is up to God and the trauma unit.”

“I was thinking…Would you like to come to my parents’ house for dinner? I know they’d be pleased to have you.”

“Aw, I couldn’t do that. They don’t need an extra guest on Christmas.”

“It’s not like that. I mean, it would be a favor to me.”

She searched his eyes for understanding. Nice eyes. Clear blue. “How’s that?”

“Mom’s always after me, you know, about finding a nice girl to date. I sort of told her a fib a couple of weeks ago. Told her I had my eye on someone.” He blushed and looked down the ER hall. “So it would kind of take some pressure off if you’d come.”

“When is it?” She thought of several reasons to say no, but a bubble in her chest pushed them all down.

“Like right now.”

Dismay hit, and she realized how much she didn’t want to be alone today. Dinner with Pastor Chandler and his sweet wife and their family on Christmas dangled before her. “I can’t go like this.”

“Why not? I’m going like this.” He brushed a hand down his uniform, which definitely looked better than hers. “We’re police and EMT. We’re on duty today. This is what we wear.” Then his brow rumpled. “But there’s going to be a lot of Jesus talk. You know, prayers and reading the story from Luke and all. We gather around the fireplace for that between the dinner and dessert.”

Dinner with her pastor’s family. A fireplace. A policeman with blue eyes. “I’m okay with Jesus talk.”

Happy birthday, Jesus.

Love in Mistletoe Springs

2015-07-16T17:17:00.001-07:00

The Mistletoe Springs animal shelter loses their grant, endangering the lives of countless stray dogs, cats, even birds and turtles. The community attempts to save the shelter by running a Christmas in July fundraiser. Groups of volunteers scramble to get all the details together while managing their personal lives. For ten people, love gets in the way.

It's been quite an adventure putting together a novella set with four other authors--something I've never tried before. Gail Sattler put out the call and served as head organizer. The premise came from her, and she wrote the prologue and epilogue, with tweaks from all of us. She also arranged for the cover art by an art student, Nicole Nelson. The five stories are as varied as their writers:

“A Cockatoo for Two” by myself: Nikki Waldrop is given a cockatoo because her son is allergic to hairy animals. But this biology teacher needs help from the principal, who once lived in Indonesia and knows about caring for a cockatoo. When the sick bird responds with “Gimme a kiss,” hearts begin to soar.

“Brewed with Love” by Kimberly Rose Johnson: When Amber Cook meets firefighter Bryan Grant, can she overcome her deep seated fear of fire and discover true love?

“Stray Gifts” by Lee Tobin McClain: Dani Cooper has vowed to focus on her four kids and stay away from strays, whether animal or human. But will she be able to resist the handsome, mysterious veteran who shows up on her doorstep looking for work...and maybe, for a home and family too?

“Mistletoe Madness” by Gail Sattler: To say Kayla can't function in a crowd is an understatement. The only help she can get to do her part to help the shelter is the bane of her existence, her brother's best friend who has teased and harassed her mercilessly all her life. But Drew's feelings for Kayla have suddenly changed. Can he both help the shelter, and help Kayla change her mind about him?

and
“Mr. Christmas and Miss Scrooge” by Ginger Solomon: Mitch Silverton agreed to be in charge of decorating for the fundraiser. And he needs his boss, Margaret Holberg, to donate her family's vast array of decorations to make the day unforgettable. BUT...She's not sharing. Christmas is not a holiday she wants to celebrate in July, and saving the animal shelter is not high on her list of important things to do. He wants her to share more than the decorations. He wants her heart. Will he succeed in changing Miss Scrooge into Mrs. Christmas?

You may enjoy the novel either in Kindle or print book form. It's sold on Amazon at http://amzn.to/1J3sOzu

We would love to have your feedback. Honest reviews posted on Amazon and Goodreads are so important to the success of a book!

2014-12-03T20:39:00.001-08:00

Love Takes Flight

I'm thrilled that my novel, released December 3, 2014, has endorsements worthy of framing. Gracia Burnham, the missionary to the Philippines whose husband was killed in the "rescue" following their long capture by terrorists, wrote:

Lee captures the reality of missions and missionaries in hard-to-reach areas. The joy of serving God and sharing salvation through Jesus is tempered by the dangers, diseases, and difficulties of accepting His call. Lee's years as a missionary in Brazil illuminate the life and personalities of her characters. An adventurous, inspiring novel!

----Gracia Burnham, missionary to The Philippines and author of In the Presence of My Enemies.

Here's the "blurb" of the book:

Volunteering in the Amazon to escape a broken heart, American R.N. Camille Ringold fears she has lost the chance to be married to a doctor and live well in suburbia. Serving two weeks with missionaries living out a sacred calling, she considers whether a more meaningful life might be hers.

When the Wings of Help plane is hijacked, she and missionary pilot Luke Strong escape into the jungle. Aided by a river village, they recover the plane, but she may be fired for returning to the U.S. late. Two weeks become four when she chooses to care for Luke through his malaria. Priorities change as experiences of faith mount. Where is the intersection of God’s will and her selfish desires?

The shortened code to find the book on Amazon.com is http://amzn.to/12nRfpk

It's available in both print and Kindle version at this address. I do hope you'll enjoy the novel, and even return to Amazon and post a comment about it. Those reviews are so important to its success. And if you use FaceBook or other social media, sharing this release with your friends would be tremendous support. Thank you for your consideration.

Announcing the Release of "A Secret Life"

2014-09-02T10:21:00.004-07:00

A Secret Life

by Lee Carver

Published by Prism Book Group

What escape exists for a German aristocrat with American and Jewish blood?

http://amzn.to/1sr2NPc

The German Army of World War II rips KARL VON STEUBEN from his family and privileged life, forcing him to conceal his American sympathies and Jewish heritage. Stripped of every tie to his home country, he determines to escape. As he crawls to the Siegfried Line, only he knows the hiding place of gold ingots melted from the jewelry of prisoners. Wounded after assuming the identity of a fallen American soldier, Karl briefly deceives even himself.

Discharged and shipped to America, he discovers God’s unmerited favor in a beautiful Atlanta nurse. But he must return to Germany or relinquish his family fortune and rear children under the name of another man. Will Grace forgive his duplicity and accept him as a loyal American?

How did I come to write a World War II novel?

In 2010, my husband and I, with a few close friends, took a private tour organized by Keith and Robin Sink McClelland. The daughter of Col. Robert Sink, Regimental Commander of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Robin traced the path of her father’s campaign from their parachute drop behind the lines at Normandy until the end of the war in Europe. My father-in-law, Royce B. Carver, fought through much of the same countryside with the Timberwolf Division, the 401st Infantry, which made the tour personal. Never a student of history, I came to understand the European theater of World War Two as never before. I am indebted to the McClellands for this world-expanding experience, and to my husband for insisting that I accompany him.

The story is entirely fictional, placed against the entirely true background of the war. As all of my fiction is inspirational, the characters carry out their plot within the Christian worldview. God is with his people through the greatest horrors and personal difficulties possible. I invite you to walk with Karl through his forced induction into the German Army, his duplicity, and a love-and-marriage plot line you won't see in another novel. Have a marvelous journey!

2013-02-02T14:59:00.000-08:00

What if, instead of just giving the nitty-gritty details on new inspirational books with free offers, I posted book covers and the "blurb?" What if I even posted the author's picture? Then the first of the new series should be of a good-looking guy, right? That ought to bring in the lady readers. Therefore, feast your eyes on this selection, and leave a comment to get a free download.

2013-02-02T14:25:00.000-08:00

Adam Blumer's second suspense novel, The Tenth Plague, was just released on Tuesday, Jan. 29. To celebrate, he's holding a Facebook release-date event with six giveaways: four free downloads of his new novel and two physical copy giveaways of my first suspense novel, Fatal Illusions! What's more, he's giving a free download of The Tenth Plague through this blog, so you have lots of chances to win either the download or a print copy.

Leave a comment here for the extra download, and you can also enter the drawing by participating in at least one promotional task for the new novel by going to: http://www.facebook.com/events/245824488884765/

Water turns to blood. Flies and gnats attack the innocent. Marc and Gillian Thayer’s vacation resort becomes a grisly murder scene, with a killer using the ten plagues of Egypt as his playbook for revenge.

When their friend turns up dead, Marc and Gillian put their vacation on hold, enlist the help of a retired homicide detective, and take a closer look at the bizarre plagues as they escalate in intensity. Meanwhile, a stranger is after the Thayers’ newly adopted baby. Will they uncover the truth behind the bitter agenda before the tenth plague, the death
of the firstborn son?

About the Author

Adam Blumer is the author of Fatal Illusions (Kregel Publications) and The Tenth Plague (Kirkdale Press). A print journalism major in college, he works as a freelance writer and editor after serving in editorial roles for more than twenty years. He lives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with his wife, Kim, and his daughters, Laura and Julia.

Adam Blumer
Freelance Editor and Novelist
Novels: Fatal Illusions, The Tenth Plague

www.blumereditorial.com
www.adamblumerbooks.com

Precious Words on the Cutting Room Floor

2011-10-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

        How painful it is to cut carefully crafted words! Words that slide gracefully onto the page, beautifully descriptive words, but words unnecessary to the plot and process of the book. Readers of "Love's Second Verse", you barely met Tiffany, the receptionist of InterBank's Personnel head, Mr. Tom Chalmers. Alas, after over-developing dear Tiffany in the first chapter, I never found a way to bring her back into the story. Inspired by the teenage version of my beautiful Texas nieces, she faded into oblivion.
       Small comfort is derived by pasting her into my "Out-takes" folder. From thence I bring her back to life today for a blog post below.
       Writers, what cuts hurt you most? I invite you to put them into a comment or email me directly at LeeCarver2@aol.com and I'll add them to this post. Resurrect the words! Let them see daylight and live!

       And now for Tiffany the receptionist:

The sound of his receptionist Tiffany’s platform shoes advanced on the plush carpet towards his door. Her hair got there first, followed a nanosecond later by her cheerfully painted face with three blended colors of eye shadow. “Hi, Mr. Chalmers. Can I get you some coffee?”

The coffee setup was in a niche right there off the corridor, so Tom usually fixed his own. Obviously, Tiffany wanted to talk about something. “Thanks, Tiffany. Decaf this late. What’s on your mind?”

Tiffany drained the stale decaf into his cup. It didn’t matter. He wasn’t going to drink it anyway.

“Sorta wondering about that IT job. We got like a whole lot of applicants. Are the interviews going all right?”

“Oh, about the same as any bunch. There are the interviewees who come in with their own agenda, clogging the air with an onslaught of words which may or may not answer the questions. Strange, sometimes, what they think will impress us.”

With furrowed brow, Tiffany leaned against the door jam in a way that bent her hair on one side. “Did Mrs. Morgan do okay? Remember her, this morning? With the, ah…”

“…splashed suit. I’d say she did well, considering. It probably worked out better for her that she was splashed by Mr. Braddock. I mean, she would have been a fairly ordinary candidate in a large field of finalists. But she came in here and showed us that she could pull herself together and concentrate and do a good interview. She didn’t fall apart, and she didn’t make me wait or ask to reschedule.”

“Was it Mr. Braddock that splashed her?” Tiffany whispered as if a revered figure had been touched by scandal. She eased her long, thin body into the interviewing chair, crossed her legs at the shins and then rocked her platform shoes at an odd angle, looking like a broken doll with too much rouge. Even this late in the day, her cologne-flowers still bloomed.

So, do you have a Tiffany? Or a sunset description that defies the imagination? Perhaps the outline of a subplot that got nixxed. Speak up and feel the relief of letting precious words out of the closet.

So You've Decided to e-Publish Part 2

2011-08-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

   First, an apology to the previous commenters. My blog lets me post, but won't let me comment on comments. Is this normal? I feel I've fallen in Blogger Never-never Land.
   Back to the subject: Why is it so important to go through the steps of the Smashwords Style Guide before e-pubbing, even on Amazon.com? Because our marvelous software programs do TOO many things for us, like automatic spelling correction, aUTO mATTIC caps lock correction, lotsa good stuff. But the things they fix don't necessarily carry over into the final form, and may be undone in the e-pub final form.

   Things to look for:
1. Open your manuscript and click the paragraph sign to make hidden commands show. If you see a little reverse arrow where you've hand-indented a paragragh, remove it and get the indent by using the Enter key from the end of the previous paragraph. Every time. Throughout the whole book.

2. Remove extra paragraph signs. More than 3 confuses the system. You don't need them for an e-reader anyway. The Insert--> Page Break is the correct way to move to a new chapter or force a page move, as in the beginning dedication, acknowledgement, and title pages. Be sure there is at least one space before and after the Page Break.

3. Spaces show up as a tiny dot. Remove extra spaces. Look for them at the ends of paragraphs. Remember when we were taught to put 2 spaces between sentences? Now it's one. Do a Find and Replace: "type" an invisible 2 spaces in the Find blank, and only one in the Replace blank. Since a colon (:) requires 2 spaces, do a Find for :(one space) and Replace :(two spaces). Unless you're sure you don't have a single colon in your book.

4. Got italics? It's possible to have italics run from there to the ever lovin' end of the book! Just insure that there is a space after the italic word/phrase/sentence.

5. Do you use the Styles feature of Microsoft? I never did. I just set up a manuscript every time. Smashwords Style Guide says to select your whole manuscript (Contr-A), take away the style, then set up a new style specifically for your manuscript so the whole thing is in the same style. I found this difficult with Word 10 because each item must be de-selected. I compromised on some of the choices, and it worked out well.
6. Identify each chapter title by going to each one, selecting, and then click on the Style you want--font, bold, type size, center or left margin, however you want it to look. If you want to define a new style and name it "Chapter Titles", use the small arrow toward "New Style" and make yourself happy.

6 b. If you ever decide your manuscript font needs to be changed in font name or size and Select All to make that change, it will change the chapter titles as well. I've had to do them over. Bite the bullet, breathe deeply. It doesn't take that long. Use the number or title search to move quickly through the pages.

Now what type file does your target e-publisher require? For example, CreateSpace needs PDF files. Easy. Just "Save as..." Just so I didn't send them the wrong file, I saved as "LovesSecondVerse pdf.pdf". No changes to the original file, and I can see the PDF formatting with the title. Sometimes I have to trick myself into not making mistakes.

Remember, you have a choice. You can pay someone to do this for you. For Amazon's Kindle file conversion, the price is $69, but that doesn't seem to include all the above formatting. For their CreateSpace, it's $169. For Smashwords, their army of approved freelancers on Mark's List have fees starting at $20/hr, and it will take a few hours depending on what you deliver to them. If you would rather write than format, the option exists. If you really can't deal with your own software to do the formatting, pay someone else.

So much of this has been like learning a new language, which I've done 9 times. I don't remember much Arabic because, when I left Saudi Arabia, I never intended to return. Formatting for e-publishing has been like solving a puzzle, though, and I'd like to do it again.

Questions? Type in a comment. If I can't comment on your comment, I'll just post an answer. That seems to work today.

So You've Decided to e-Publish !

2011-08-14T13:51:00.000-07:00

   Years ago, when home computers were not so common and e-mail wasn't happening (okay, so we lived in Jakarta, Indonesia, and I was out of the loop) I found any attempt at computer use to be guaranteed frustration. I considered giving up the whole idea, like deciding not to learn skateboarding. A strange flight of imagination winged through my brain: a grandchild passing through my room with a playmate, saying, "That's my grandmother. She doesn't know how to use a computer."
   My children were in high school. Where did that scene come from?
   So I took inventory of my abilities and traits and determined to learn how to use a computer. As if this were a one-time endeavor. Ha! Like the day my husband and son bought our first computer and I felt the pinch of the $1,100 purchase. But I "knew" that since we had bitten the bullet and made the investment, it would be good for a lifetime. That was a Commodore 64, as in 64 KB hard drive.

   Fast forward to the present: I just took the dive into e-publishing. I had a novel with pristine grammar and spelling, gripping plot and characters. My agent had done nothing with it (if you don't count misspelling my name and garbling the proposal). I released him as gently as possible and talked to my darlin' daughter, e-publishing genius for a certain ABA publisher. She gave me the courage and just enough instruction to be dangerous.

   Today, that book, "Love's Second Verse", is e-pubbed on Amazon for Kindle, on Smashwords for every other format of e-publication, and now in the final throes of real book publication through Amazon's Print on Demand (POD) branch, CreateSpace.
The learning curve was, at times, steep. In order to maximize the benefit of those tense hours, I hereby volunteer free information to others who stand on the brink. Let me take your hand. It's going to be all right.

   FIRST STEP: Do whatever it takes to be sure that your manuscript is well-written, spelled correctly, and with excellent grammar. Not that your characters always conjugate verbs perfectly, but the narrative is as perfect as you, your critique group, and/or a professional can make it. I'm going to assume hereafter that your manuscript is ready for the world to read.

   SECOND STEP: Go to the http://www.smashwords.com/ site and download its free formatting guide by Mark Coker. You may have no intention of publishing with Smashwords (there are pros and cons) but they have the best possible guide to preparing your manuscript. If you have a Kindle, download it free to your Kindle. If you don't, you can read it online, print what you need most (it's 72 pages), or download a free "Kindle for PC" or "Kindle for Mac" program. The web address for this is in the post below concerning downloading my book.
   Then go to Smashwords and get the Smashwords Style Guide at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/52 .
   What? You say your manuscript is perfectly formatted? Go get the guide. I'm just sayin'....
   That's enough for a Sunday afternoon. We're open for discussion. Please.