Lisa Rector's Blog: Writing and Beyond, page 2

Succoring Us in Our Afflictions

By Lisa Rector
Part of Christ succoring us is not only giving us strength or patience to endure out infirmities, but also allowing a moment when the Spirit confirms a comforting truth that heals us emotionally and spiritually. “This is the power the Savior extends to us to succor us in our trials.” (Darren Wilcox, October 2017 Ensign) This is the power that comes to us through His atonement.
For example, we know that when our loved ones die, we don’t really lose them. They are waiting for us on the other side of the veil. But in the midst of our grief and affliction, we are often so weighed down by our sorrows that, until we receive again the confirming witness of the Spirit, re-declaring to us what we already know, our darkness won’t lift and turn to light. But as long as we put forth effort—studying and praying to God and trusting in His son, eventually that confirmation will come and bring us relief. It may come in a light-bulb moment, when darkness turns to light, after we go through our own personal Gethsemane and experience the darkness and bitterness.
I have felt the darkness turned to light. I have had my own light-bulb moment when the Spirit confirmed a spiritual truth to my soul that healed me from depression. I know there is power in the atonement to heal us. The Savior truly does succor us in our afflictions.

The Student and the Slave: an Adventure Novel with a Giveaway

Take a look at this exciting new young adult action and adventure novel, The Student and the Slave , now available for purchase! This is the third book in the Krillonian Chronicles, after  The Collar and the Cavvarach  and The Gladiator and the Guard . 
The series is set in an alternate world that is very much like our own, with just a few major differences.  One is that slavery is legal there.  Slaves must wear metal collars that lock around their neck, making their enslaved status obvious to everyone. Another difference is the popularity of a martial art called cavvara shil.  It is fought with a cavvarach (rhymes with "have a rack"), a weapon similar to a sword but with a steel hook protruding from partway down its top edge.  Competitors can strike at each other with their feet as well as with the blades.  You win in one of two ways: disarming your opponent (hooking or knocking their cavvarach out of their hands) or pinning their shoulders to the mat for five seconds.

First, a Little Information about Books 1 and 2: 

Book 1: The Collar and the Cavvarach

Bensin, a teenage slave and martial artist, is desperate to see his little sister freed. But only victory in the Krillonian Empire's most prestigious tournament will allow him to secretly arrange for Ellie's escape. Dangerous people are closing in on her, however, and Bensin is running out of time. With his one hope fading quickly away, how can Bensin save Ellie from a life of slavery and abuse?

Click here to read chapter 1 of The Collar and the Cavvarach.
Click here to read about life in the Krillonian Empire, where the series is set.


Book 2: The Gladiator and the Guard

Bensin, a teenage slave and martial artist, is just one victory away from freedom. But after he is accused of a crime he didn’t commit, he is condemned to the violent life and early death of a gladiator. While his loved ones seek desperately for a way to rescue him, Bensin struggles to stay alive and forge an identity in an environment designed to strip it from him. When he infuriates the authorities with his choices, he knows he is running out of time. Can he stand against the cruelty of the arena system and seize his freedom before that system crushes him?

Click here to read about life in the arena where Bensin and other gladiators are forced to live and train.


And now, The Student and the Slave, with another awesome cover by the talented Jack Lin!


Book 3: The Student and the Slave

Is this what freedom is supposed to be like? Desperate to provide for himself and his sister Ellie, Bensin searches fruitlessly for work like all the other former slaves in Tarnestra. He needs the money for an even more important purpose, though: to rescue Coach Steene, who sacrificed himself for Bensin’s freedom. When members of two rival street gangs express interest in Bensin’s martial arts skills, he realizes he may have a chance to save his father figure after all … at a cost.

Meanwhile, Steene struggles with his new life of slavery in far-away Neliria. Raymond, his young owner, seizes any opportunity to make his life miserable. But while Steene longs to escape and rejoin Bensin and Ellie, he starts to realize that Raymond needs him too. His choices will affect not only his own future, but that of everyone he cares about. Can he make the right ones … and live with the consequences?

Check out this except!
Excerpt 19In this excerpt, Steene discovers that just being a slave is enough to place a person under suspicion.
“In a hurry to get away?” said a voice behind him. Steene turned. The two Watch officers had followed him out onto the platform. “I’m looking for my next train.”“Really?” One of them gestured to the empty tracks beside them. “Unfortunately, there isn’t one handy to get you out of here at the moment. Thought you could get away from us?”Steene stared at them, puzzled. “I didn’t even realize you were behind me. I have somewhere to go.”“Do you?” said the other man. “You wouldn’t happen to have a pass that says you’re actually allowed to go there, would you?” Judging by his tone of voice, he was certain Steene didn’t.“As a matter of fact.” Steene pulled it out and handed it over, irritated that they assumed he must be doing something underhanded just because he was a slave. Or perhaps because he was a slave who hadn’t been submissive enough to give up his seat the moment some free arrogant jerk demanded it.

Of course, I am doing something underhanded. I’m on my way to mail a letter talking about plans for my escape. But that wasn’t the point.

Click here to order The Student and the Slave from Amazon for $2.99 a discounted price of just 99 cents through November 31st!


About the Author:
Annie Douglass Lima spent most of her childhood in Kenya and later graduated from Biola University in Southern California. She and her husband Floyd currently live in Taiwan, where she teaches fifth grade at Morrison Academy. She has been writing poetry, short stories, and novels since her childhood, and to date has published fifteen books (three YA action and adventure novels, four fantasies, a puppet script, six anthologies of her students’ poetry, and a Bible verse coloring and activity book). Besides writing, her hobbies include reading (especially fantasy and science fiction), scrapbooking, and international travel.


Connect with the Author Online:
Email: AnnieDouglassLima@gmail.com
Blog: http://anniedouglasslima.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnieDouglassLimaAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/princeofalasia
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/ADLimaOnGoodreads
Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/AnnieDouglassLimaOnAmazon
LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/ADLimaOnLinkedIn
Google+: http://bit.ly/ADLimaOnGooglePlus


Now, enter to win an Amazon gift card or a free digital copy of the first two books in the series!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Books by Annie Douglass Lima:Hide it In Your Heart: an adult coloring/activity bookthe Krillonian Chronicles: alternate reality/action and adventure novels dealing with slavery and martial artsthe Annals of Alasia: a young adult action and adventure/fantasy series (click here to receive a FREE copy of Annals of Alasia: the Collected Interviews!)Squawky Learns About Love: a short Christian puppet scriptStudent poetry anthologies edited by Annie Douglass Lima:
Right in the Middle of a Raging StormA Boom in the RoomSunshine LeakingBetter than Cotton CandyWhat's That Noise?Down the Water Slide

Music of Her Heart Blog Tour with a Giveaway!

Sophie Dawson is back with a new book! Just published on November 16th! It's all about music and a marriage forced on them by circumstances. Can Red and Gema make things work? About the Book  Red Dickerson is shocked to see a young woman running through the woods in the freezing rain. He’d gone to the far end of Hawk’s Wing Ranch to think after his engagement was broken by the woman he planned to marry. Recognizing her as Gema Volkovichna, one of the women from Sanctuary House, he spurs his horse to go after her. Finding she’s escaped after being kidnapped by the infamous King Gang, he vows to keep her safe. 

Gema Volkovichna is one of the newest women to come to Sanctuary House in Stones Creek, Colorado. She came to find work and possibly a husband. When a spring blizzard forces them to spend three days alone in a line shack, there’s only one conclusion. She and Red must marry to salvage her reputation.
Can Gema and Red learn to be husband and wife? Will love grow from this forced marriage? Will the King Gang return to reclaim what they lost? Can Red and Gema learn to dance together to the MUSIC of HER HEART?


Buy on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.comdp/B076MBLXMJ
About the Author
Sophie Dawson has made up stories in her head all her life. It wasn’t until 2011 that she began writing typing them out.

Her first books were all historical fiction romance. They’ve won multiple awards and garnered rave reviews. Now, Sophie has branched out into contemporary romance though she plans to continue writing historical and hopes to add more books in her popular Cottonwood and Stones Creek series.
Sophie lives with her husband and very old cat on a farm in western Illinois. She’s an avid seamstress and was a professional quilter for a number of years before the writing bug bit. She’s just thankful it’s not fatal.

ExcerptRed suggests bundlingThey'd finished the stew and Gema was working on the tangles in her hair. Red could tell she was still very cold. Her hands trembled as she brushed. Every so often her entire body shook, her shivering trying to warm itself.Red was standing behind her, leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest. He’d placed the bowls in a bucket of water. They could be washed in the morning. How was he going to suggest what he knew needed to be done? He’d been in a similar circumstance before when he and several other cowboys got caught out in a blizzard. It was awkward enough with men. But with a man and a woman— That just made their situation and its outcome even more inevitable. He was still chilly but nowhere near how cold to the very core he knew she’d gotten. That was so very hard to relieve.Red stood and rubbed his face with his hands. No point in putting it off. Gema needed to be warmed so she didn’t succumb to lung fever. It was a real possibility. It looked as if her hair was dry. That was good. Having a wet head, everyone knew, could lead to lung fever. He moved in front of her and squatted down.“Miss Gema? Are you any warmer now that you’re all dry?” A violent shudder jerked through her. Red took the small hand that still had the bluish cast to it in his. “Miss Gema— Gema. There’s a way to get you warm. I haven’t suggested it before because— well, you’re a woman, a single woman trapped here with me, a single man.”She lifted her eyelids, and the pool of her deep blue eyes studied his face warily.“It’s bundling. We share the warmth of the bed. Our body heat trapped beneath the blankets creates sort of a cocoon. My body heat will warm you.”Gema’s eyes got wide. Shock was written on her face.“No, Honey. We’ll both be fully clothed. You can even put on some of my trousers if you want.” He pointed to the tan canvas pants folded on a corner of the table. “And socks. I have a pair you can wear. That will help you too.” Red got up and retrieved the items. Another shudder wracked her body as he set the garments in her lap. She needed to agree soon, or he was afraid she’d become ill.“I—I need to— before.” Gema’s face turned bright red. He figured out what her problem was. “Oh, yeah. I’ll just go check the animals. There’s the chamber pot.” He pointed to the corner. Grabbing his coat and hat, Red donned them and fled out the door. He’d give her plenty of time to finish her business before he returned. He’d take care of his needs too.Giveaway

In honor of the Music of Her Heart Blog Tour, Sophie is giving away one print copy of Music of Her Heart along with an autographed tote bag. Also, two Kindle copies will be awarded. Winners will be notified by email – keep your eyes open for an email from Sophie Dawson. You can enter here: http://sophiesgiveaways.com/giveaways/music-of-her-heart-giveaway/

Tour Schedule

November 16 Bookish Orchestrations – Introductory PostPerpetual Indie Perspective – Book Spotlight
November 17 Reveries Reviews – Review God's Peculiar Treasure Rae – Book Spotlight
November 18 Peggy's Hope 4 U – Author InterviewLittle Bits Blog – Excerpt
November 19 Rachel Rossano's Words – Excerpt
November 20 Shout out – Book SpotlightBookish Orchestrations – Winner Announcement

Christmas Comes Early: An 8 Book Blog Tour

Christmas time is here! Okay, so not quite yet. It's still over a month away, but that doesn't mean we can't start celebrating early, right? So today, we're celebrating the release of not one, not four, but eight new Christmas books! All written by Rebekah A. Morris. I'll be spotlighting two of her books today and you can find out more about the others as you follow the tour.

About the BooksThe Christmas She Wanted
She gave a sigh. “You know, I wish we could have a real Christmas for a change.”

Christmas had lost its charm and wonder. Mrs. Rush hated the feeling but was powerless to fix things. Traveling to visit relatives for the holidays, the Rush children pass the time with their eyes glued to the screens of their devices. That is, until the flashing lights of a State Highway Patrol car bring their trip to a sudden and unplanned-for stop.

A Christmas Disaster
“Whew!” Derek sighed. “There’s no way I want to be an actor now! It’s hard enough running backstage.”
As the students of Coolidge High School prepare for their annual Christmas play, excitement mounts. Performed at the local theater, the play, with the students in complete charge of, the performances has become a tradition in town. Everything is going well until the morning of the final performance when calamity hits. Should the students cancel the final performance or try to turn the disaster into something good?
About the Author

Rebekah A. Morris is a homeschool graduate, an enthusiastic freelance author and a passionate writing teacher. Her books include, among others, Home Fires of the Great War, The Unexpected Request, Gift from the Storm, and her bestselling Triple Creek Ranch series. Some of her favorite pastimes, when she isn't’ writing, include reading and coming up with dramatic and original things to do. The Show-Me state is where she calls home.

Tour Schedule
November 13 Bookish Orchestrations – Introductory PostRead Another Page – Book Spotlight from the authorKaylee's Kind of Writes – Book SpotlightResting Life– Review and ExcerptPerry Elisabeth – Excerpt Rachel Rossano's Words – Book Spotlight and Excerpt
November 14 Read Another Page – Book Spotlight from the authorOdelia's Blog– Author Interview and Book spotlightBryce’s Creative Writing Corner – Author Interview, Review, and ExcerptCounting Your Blessings One by One – Review and ExcerptPerpetual Indie Perspective – Book Spotlight
November 15 Read Another Page – Book Spotlight from the authorWhimsical Writings for His Glory – Author, Review, and ExcerptMaidens for Modesty – Author Interview and ReviewThe Destiny of One– Book SpotlightRebekah Ashleigh – Book SpotlightOnce Upon an Ordinary – Review Stephany's BLOG Snippets – Book Spotlight and Excerpt
November 16 Read Another Page – Book Spotlight from the authorLaurel's Leaves– Author InterviewStories by Firefly – Review Claire Banschbach – Author InterviewKelsey's Notebook – Review and ExcerptJaye L. Knight – Book Spotlight and Excerpt
November 17 Read Another Page – Book Spotlight from the authorRuffles and Grace– Book SpotlightWith a Joyful Noise – Book SpotlightOrdinary Girl Extraordinary Father – Review  Bookish Orchestrations – Closing Post

Christmas Comes Early: An 8 Book Blog Tour with Giveaway!

Christmas time is here! Okay, so not quite yet. It's still over a month away, but that doesn't mean we can't start celebrating early, right? So today, we're celebrating the release of not one, not four, but eight new Christmas books! All written by Rebekah A. Morris. I'll be spotlighting two of her books today and you can find out more about the others as you follow the tour.

About the BooksThe Christmas She Wanted
She gave a sigh. “You know, I wish we could have a real Christmas for a change.”

Christmas had lost its charm and wonder. Mrs. Rush hated the feeling but was powerless to fix things. Traveling to visit relatives for the holidays, the Rush children pass the time with their eyes glued to the screens of their devices. That is, until the flashing lights of a State Highway Patrol car bring their trip to a sudden and unplanned-for stop.

A Christmas Disaster
“Whew!” Derek sighed. “There’s no way I want to be an actor now! It’s hard enough running backstage.”
As the students of Coolidge High School prepare for their annual Christmas play, excitement mounts. Performed at the local theater, the play, with the students in complete charge of, the performances has become a tradition in town. Everything is going well until the morning of the final performance when calamity hits. Should the students cancel the final performance or try to turn the disaster into something good?
About the Author

Rebekah A. Morris is a homeschool graduate, an enthusiastic freelance author and a passionate writing teacher. Her books include, among others, Home Fires of the Great War, The Unexpected Request, Gift from the Storm, and her bestselling Triple Creek Ranch series. Some of her favorite pastimes, when she isn't’ writing, include reading and coming up with dramatic and original things to do. The Show-Me state is where she calls home.


Tour Schedule
November 13 Bookish Orchestrations – Introductory PostRead Another Page – Book Spotlight from the authorKaylee's Kind of Writes – Book SpotlightResting Life– Review and ExcerptPerry Elisabeth – Excerpt Rachel Rossano's Words – Book Spotlight and Excerpt
November 14 Read Another Page – Book Spotlight from the authorOdelia's Blog– Author Interview and Book spotlightBryce’s Creative Writing Corner – Author Interview, Review, and ExcerptCounting Your Blessings One by One – Review and ExcerptPerpetual Indie Perspective – Book Spotlight
November 15 Read Another Page – Book Spotlight from the authorWhimsical Writings for His Glory – Author, Review, and ExcerptMaidens for Modesty – Author Interview and ReviewThe Destiny of One– Book SpotlightRebekah Ashleigh – Book SpotlightOnce Upon an Ordinary – Review Stephany's BLOG Snippets – Book Spotlight and Excerpt
November 16 Read Another Page – Book Spotlight from the authorLaurel's Leaves– Author InterviewStories by Firefly – Review Claire Banschbach – Author InterviewKelsey's Notebook – Review and ExcerptJaye L. Knight – Book Spotlight and Excerpt
November 17 Read Another Page – Book Spotlight from the authorRuffles and Grace– Book SpotlightWith a Joyful Noise – Book SpotlightOrdinary Girl Extraordinary Father – Review  Bookish Orchestrations – Closing Post

The Canary: Artificial Fragrances and Environmental Toxins: Are They Making You Sick?

Canaries are vulnerable and highly sensitive to toxins, making them useful as early detectors of toxic gases. Because of this, miners would take them underground. If a canary became sick or died in the mine, the miners knew to put on protective respirators or to get out of there.
I know you've seen this in movies.
The reality is toxic gases aren’t just underground.
You may have heard of fragrance allergies or sensitivities. You may have friends who declare they get headaches from smells. That’s because something in the environment is toxic and is reacting with their system.
Don’t just ignore them or brush their symptoms off. They are one of the unlucky few that are cueing the rest of the world to how toxic it really is. They are real life canaries.
Are we listening to the canaries?
Take it from a real life canary who is highly sensitive. Every synthetic fragrance makes me sick. This canary is ill on a regular basis and is “sick” of it.
I had a recent exposure to some sort of fragrance. The following is a simple timeline after exposure. At the time, I didn’t connect my symptoms with the cause. Only when I was standing right next to the source and my symptoms dramatically became worse did I realize what the cause was.

My first clue should have been the ringing in my ears.

Within five minutes after entering the area, while waiting for guests to arrive, I said, “Whoa, my ears are ringing. That’s weird.”

Within fifteen to twenty minutes, I had a blotchy circular rainbow-colored patch in my vision.

Five minutes later, the blotchy circle shifted to a wavy rainbow of color diagonally across one-third of my vision. Reading because difficult. Concentration was impossible. I couldn’t focus on anything anyone was saying.

At this point I was worried I was having a stroke. I was prepared to interrupt the goings-on and have someone call 911. But my speech wasn’t garbled. So instead I sat there and prayed quietly to myself.

A few seconds after I finished my prayer, a fan came on, creating airflow. This is when the wavy rainbow lifted upward until it left my field of vision. Feeling shaky and disoriented still.

As event concludes, vision is clear, but flulike symptoms begin to increase. Disorientation. Headache. General feeling of malaise.

Make it home. Awake for most of the night because of extreme side effects. Mostly pounding head. Body aches. Brain fog. Edgy.

As I am writing this, I am still having side effects. Typing is really hard. I have to correct every other word because my fingers keep hitting the wrong keys.

Toxins are in our environment. They are everywhere. They are making people sick, causing things from ADHD and behavior issues to migraines to dementia and Alzheimer’s to Parkinson’s. Even headaches, flulike symptoms, malaise, and disorientation. Who knows what else. If you’re chronically sick, consider getting rid of the toxins in your environment.
Here is a list of some of the things that affect me and should be avoided. Baby wipes, plugins, Febreeze and other sprays, dryer sheets, hand sanitizer, perfumes, household cleaners, cigarette smoke, and scented candles, diffusers, and warmers using artificial fragrances.
I am the canary. You may not be feeling the effects, but the toxins are getting into your system. Do you really want to expose your children to this stuff?
Think about it.

Blog Tour with a Giveaway! Mice and Marriage: A Contemporary Christian Romance

What do mice and marriage have in common? I don't know, but now I'm curious to read Sophie Dawson's new book, Mice and Marriage!

About the Book
Noelle Copeland has no intention of ever letting another man break her heart. She’s content to take care of her two boys and help her brother around the church. That is until a mouse sends her onto a table screaming like she’s being murdered, and a handsome, heroic man comes to her rescue. Now, she finds her heart longing for Turner Metcalf, but he’s keeping things from her. She wonders if she can trust him not only with her heart but her sons’ hearts as well.

Turner Metcalf is a man on a mission. He’s in town for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season for one reason only; to protect his sister and her new husband. He has a secret life he isn’t willing to give up. That is until he comes to the rescue of Noelle Copeland. Now, his heart is drawn to the one thing he never thought he could have; a future. He finds himself falling for the divorced mother of two and her sons.

Can he survive his secret mission long enough to let her know? Or will his frequent travel and hidden agenda end things before they really get started? Will he live through his mission and be able to consider a future with this ready-made family? What about Noelle’s ex-husband and his new girlfriend? Will they mess things up for Noelle and Turner? Can love find a way to overcome the doubts of a woman afraid of Mice and Marriage?

Love and marriage come to us inspired by many things. Who would have thought that mold, spots, and mice would bring love and marriage? Well, they have. The Love's Infestation Series continues with Mice and Marriage.
You can find the book on Amazon!
About the Author
Sophie Dawson has made up stories in her head all her life. It wasn’t until 2011 that she began writing typing them out.
Her first books were all historical fiction romance. They’ve won multiple awards and garnered rave reviews. Now, Sophie has branched out into contemporary romance though she plans to continue writing historical and hopes to add more books in her popular Cottonwood and Stones Creek series.
Sophie lives with her husband and very old cat on a farm in western Illinois. She’s an avid seamstress and was a professional quilter for a number of years before the writing bug bit. She’s just thankful it’s not fatal.

Excerpt
Turner slid into the driver’s seat of the Macan, and glanced at Noelle as he buckled his seatbelt. Since the boys were with their father on Wednesday evenings, he’d asked Noelle to go out to dinner with him. With his flight leaving at such an early hour the next morning, he wouldn’t sleep that night. Instead, he planned to spend most of it with Noelle then pack and be at the airport in plenty of time. He’d sleep on the flight. Going first-class made that easy. The seats stretched out into beds. Not the most comfortable beds, but better than sitting up for all those hours. “I’ve made reservations at La Maison.” Turner pulled away from the curb.“They actually let you park your purple car at that fancy place?” “It’s iris, not purple, and yes, they even valet park it for me.”“Camden and Mace say your car is purple.” There was laughter in Noelle’s tone.“Yeah, I know, but it’s iris. You can check online on the Porsche website. Or, I think the window sticker is in the glove compartment. You can see the color on it.”Noelle just laughed. “Defensive about the color of your car much?”“Mark calls it purple, too.” She laughed again at the disgruntled tone of his voice. “I’ll call it iris if it’ll make you happy.”Turner chuckled. “Don’t do me any favors.”The valet did park the car for them and seemed happy to drive such an expensive vehicle, even if it was purple. They entered the restaurant, and were seated in a small booth tucked into a corner with a round table. A low bowl with freesia blossoms and tea light candles floating in water decorated the table, giving off a pleasing fragrance. “The scallops here are wonderful, as is the blue-cheese sirloin. My favorite is the porterhouse cajun style,” Turner said.“They all sound wonderful.”…They placed their orders, and Turner saw Noelle studying him. “What? Do I have hair growing out my nose?”“I was just wondering where you’re going on your trip? You never said.”“Monte Carlo. There’s a charity event I’m going to. It’s raising money for relief and medicine to go to Alawanda.”“That’s that country in Africa that has that dictator, I forget his name, who has killed so many of the people. I hear there are lots of children left orphans.”“Yes, it’s a terrible situation. His name is Demar Atul. Prince Albert of Monaco is hosting the event.”“You’re going to see Prince Albert?” Noelle sounded and looked incredulous.“Well, yes, he’ll be there. Whether I have the opportunity to speak with him is a different matter. He’ll be busy hosting. I try to always greet the host and thank him or her for the invitation, but sometimes I can only speak with the  attaché.”“You get invited to charity events often?”Their salads arrived, so Turner waited until they were served before answering.“Quite a few. More since I’ve taken a more active role in the businesses. Uncle Russ did most of it before, even though I went to many.”“Really?”“Yeah, they aren’t as interesting as you might think. It’s usually the same people, talking about the same things. There’s the chatter about who’s involved with whom that isn’t their spouse, what their children are doing, who’s in rehab for this or that addiction, who’s getting married or divorced. Very little is ever spoken of concerning the charity the money is being raised for. That’s not what’s important to most of those in attendance. It’s the see-and-be-seen and photographed. What website or magazine will they be featured on. That sort of thing.”“Is that what you go for?”“No, I try to keep as low a profile as I can. Not that I can avoid being photographed some, but I’m not a celebrity and don’t want to be. I see how they are hounded by the paparazzi, and want no part of it.” Turner fought down the feeling of panic he always had when he thought of being followed. He picked up his wine glass and was glad to see his hand didn’t shake. The sip of Pinot grigio settled his nerves. You’d think after twenty-three years the feelings would lessen.“If I’m able, I’ll take a selfie with the Prince and send it to you. Would you like that? No promises though. It’s not quite a high society thing to do, but he might think it’s funny to have his photo sent to my girlfriend.”He saw Noelle blush.“You think I’m your girlfriend?” She looked down at the table. He must have embarrassed her.“I’d like to think so.” Turner took her hand. “I’m very attracted to you, Noelle. I like the boys, too. I get to play with them in ways I never did as a kid. That’s fun. But you. You are so very special. You’re a wonderful mother. You don’t display bitterness over what happened in your marriage. You’re giving and generous. You have a sense of humor about most things.” He grinned. “You’re afraid of mice, even fake ones. What more could a man ask for?”“You’ve only known me for six days. How can you know all that?”“Well, the mice thing— that was revealed even before we met.”Noelle made a dismissive noise.“I’ve always been a pretty good judge of character. Plus we’ve spent several hours on Saturday, all of Sunday, and yesterday together. You saw how I figured out about Alene and Jim Dufflemeyer. How can you doubt that I can know character quickly?”When Noelle laughed at his last statement, he went on. “I hate that I have to leave in the morning. I’m afraid this might not be the only event I have to go to over the next few weeks. I especially don’t like having to be gone over the weekend. It cuts into the time I could spend with you, Camden, and Mace.”“Yes, the boys are home this weekend. They were disappointed you weren’t going to be around to teach them new card tricks and play Legos.”“Hopefully I’ll be able to come and play some time next week after school. Can we set up a play date, Mommy?”“So it’s playing with my sons that’s the most attractive thing about me, huh?”
“No, ma’am. There’s a lot about you that’s attractive.” Turner allowed his eyes to roam her torso. “Way more attractive than playing with the boys.”Giveaway
To celebrate the release, Sophie is running a giveaway! You can enter over on her website: http://sophiesgiveaways.com/giveaways....
She is giving away three prizes!
1stprize is a signed copy of Mice and Marriage, a tote bag with the book cover on it, and a cute mouse.2ndprize is an eBook copy of Mice and Marriage3rd prize is an eBook copy of Mice and MarriageTour Schedule November 6 Bookish Orchestrations – Introductory PostAdventures in Publishing – Author Interview and ExcerptLittle Bits Blog - Excerpt
November 7 Rachel Rossano's Rambles – Book Spotlight and Excerpt
November 8 Perpetual Indie Perspective – Book Spotlight
November 9 Creative Hodgepodge – Review Jaye L. Knight – Book Spotlight and Excerpt
November 10 Cyn's Reviews and Promotionals – ReviewBookish Orchestrations – Giveaway winner 

The Struggle is Real

I’ve been dealing with several different health problems this year, and I’m about crushed with exhaustion. Having health issues is very isolating and often people don’t understand. I haven’t really been questioning why, but more really, how much longer can I endure? 
I have many moments when I have felt God’s help, and it has been humbling. I don’t blame him, and I’m not angry at him, but I’m frustrated. I’m putting forth so much effort every day just to stay mobile, and it’s tiring. I have felt the spirit guiding me with things I need to do to help myself. There are some areas where I had to give up things, and this leaves a lot of guilt, so I am trying not to be too hard on myself. 
A sister missionary said in church one Sunday that she always says the phrase, “The struggle is real,” but conference helped her see it in a new light. Now she says, “The struggle is really good for us.” I wanted to get up and leave the meeting, but I mostly choked back tears. I have had many struggles in my life. Mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and now physically, which I think is the hardest one for me to bear. I try to look at how my struggles might help me grow, and I wonder what I agreed to in the pre-existence spirit realm when I said, “Yeah, I will tackle that trial.” 
What was I thinking? 
I’m questioning my strength to endure. But I was reminded today through a song called “King of the World” by Natalie Grant that God is in control. I at least know that he will multiply whatever little effort we can put forth.
And so here I am, slugging along for another day. Whatever I have to give will be enough, because it has to be, because it’s all I have.

New Release! Switching Lives

Introducing my paranormal romance Switching Lives, available for purchase now, just in time for this bewitching holiday season.

“A contemporary romance with a paranormal switch.”  Sisters should love each other, not covet each other’s husband.
Lexi Dahl wants to smooth over issues with her husband, Derick, during a weekend vacation, but a blissful night of making up turns to disaster when Lexi wakes and life is upside down. Derick thinks he’s married to her sister, Abby, and Lexi’s poor girls somehow believe Abby is their mother. At least her brother-in-law Ben knows he’s Abby’s real husband.
While Lexi and Ben sort out the marriage mix-up, evidence points to the impossible—a spell was cast. Even though Ben is sick of Abby’s lies and can move on with his life, he helps Lexi patch up hers. She’s determined to break the spell, but as secrets unfold and she and Ben draw closer, Lexi’s heart is divided between her old life and new possibilities—because finding her true self and true love could be just a botched spell away.
Grab this on Amazon now!

Giveaway Time!

Enter to win a new Kindle eReader, PLUS fifteen (15) fantasy eBooks.In addition to the awesome All-New Kindle E-reader – Black, 6” Glare-Free Touchscreen Display, one lucky winner will receive… Echo of the High Kings  by Kal Spriggs. Fade  by Daniel Humphreys Doctor to Dragons  by Scott G. Huggins Who’s Afraid of the Dark?  by Russell Newquist Brotherly Envy  by S.D. McPhail Scales: A Mermaid Tale  by Pauline Creeden Honor  by Rachel Rossano Fallen Emrys: Niawen’s Story  by Lisa Rector Aerisia: Land Beyond the Sunset  by Sarah Ashwood Playing With Magic  by Carrie L. Wells Where Carpets Fly  by Elise Edmonds Toonopolis: Gemini  by Jeremy Rodden Got To Be a Hero  by Paul Duffau The Temptation of Dragons  by Chrys Cymri From the Stories of Old: A Collection of Fairy Tale Retellings  by Heather HaydenBy entering this giveaway, you acknowledge that your email addresses will be added to the newsletter email lists of ALL FIFTEEN (15) participating authors. You will receive email from them, but never spam.ENTER HEREEntries accepted until September 18, 2017.