Pamela S. Thibodeaux's Blog, page 101

#SaturdaySpotlight: Tara Elizabeth & Zoo (The Enclosure Chronicles: Book 1)

Good Morning Friends!

Well it's been a week full of books, The Eggcerpt Exchange is over but I am so very pleased to bring to you fellow Bayou Writers Group author, Tara Elizabeth! 

Tara is a graphic artist, wife, mother, and Red Vine lover who writes Young Adult Fiction, mostly Dystopian/Sci-Fi novels with a splash of Romance and a hint of sarcasm. Tara grew up in the Deep South surrounded by bayous, magnolia trees, crawfish and great people and, as she says.... "My culture is a huge part of my life, and you can see some of those details in my writing."

You can find out more about Tara by visiting her Website, Facebook Page,  GoodReads Page and/or connecting with her on Twitter.

 A chronicle of my time living in a zoo . . . I'm not really sure where to start, and you may have trouble believing me even as I tell you my story. My family did. They laughed the first time I told them, so now I just say it was all a crazy dream. You see, I died in a totally preventable car accident . . . or so I thought. When I opened my eyes, I was shocked to discover that I had been resurrected into the year 2282 and, just as unbelievably, was locked up in a zoo! A HUMAN ZOO! Oh wait, I mean the People's Past Anthropological Center. 
The Global Government created the Centers because all of the different cultures of the world had, over centuries of time, slowly absorbed into one uniform culture. Everything and everybody felt the same, and the world didn’t like it. So, to help the people of 2282 find cultures they thought worthy to live their lives by, they used time travel to zap the people of the past into the future. They created enclosures to house their live human exhibits. And that's what happened to me. I became a research project, a source of entertainment. I was a prisoner who was over two hundred years away from my family and friends. 

Most of my time in the enclosure was spent trying to escape. I also made friends, lost friends, fell in love, was betrayed, was held captive within captivity, and lots of other fun stuff. There were some shocking moments and some devastating moments . . . It’s a lot to recount, but I’ll try my best to tell you all about my time travel . . . PAST, PRESENT, and FUTURE.

I'm Emma, by the way. 
Zoo (The Enclosure Chronicles Book 1)remained on an Amazon top 100 List for over a consecutive year and can be purchased at Amazon in Print and for Kindle!
Wow, that's quite a feat.
Hope you enjoyed today's Spotlight. As co-founder of Bayou Writers Group, it is always a pleasure to bring you one of our authors!
Well, Easter is winding down and I hope you've enjoyed the EggCerpt Exchange posts and I pray your holiday was Blessed, Happy & Holy!
Until later...take care, God Bless and Remember.... Jesus is the reason for EVERY season!
Pamela S Thibodeaux "Inspirational with an Edge" ™

#ThursdayThoughts: #EggCerptExchange with Ashley York!

Good Morning and Welcome this Holy Thursday!

I understand why today is called 'holy'...because it is the day the Last Supper was celebrated, but shouldn't every Thursday be a holy day? How about every day? 

Something to think about.....
"Inspirational with an Edge" ™


Today is another installment of EggCerpt Exchange and my guest is Ashley York with her title The Saxon Bride.

In war torn England the battle lines between Saxon and Norman are clearly drawn. Rowena Godwinson, the sole remaining member of the defeated royal family, stands proudly against the Normans that would trample them underfoot. Her nobility and grace, however, make her an ideal pawn in King William’s play for power with the Saxon people. When he decrees she marry a powerful Norman knight, her subjugation appears to be complete. Can she hold firm to her Saxon heritage and refuse to give in to his advances?John of Normandy is rewarded for his service and loyalty with land, titles and a Saxon beauty for a bride. John balks at the marriage, driven by the secret guilt of knowing Rowena's father died by his sword As their people look to them for guidance and peace, can John and Rowena find a love that unites all of England?Excerpt:"As my wife, Rowena..."
Her eyes narrowed at use of the title.
"...you will not allow men into your bedchamber. Other than me, that is."
A little shiver passed through her at the idea of him coming to her in the middle of the night. She could again feel his fingers caressing her. Perhaps he had indeed returned to be her husband in truth. The possibility excited her.
Arthur had followed her and even taken her in his arms to comfort her. In the past she had welcomed the feel of his arms around her, seldom as that happened, but she was already different. His arms no longer felt right around her. She had tried to tell him he could not be in her chamber, it wasn't seemly. He had looked so hurt.
"Do you not understand  me, wife?" John said.
The title bristled her. "Yes, husband, I understand you fine."
The use of titles did not make it any more true. Men always thought it did. They were wrong. Turning to him, she felt her cheeks grow hot as he caressed her ever so slowly with his eyes, finally resting on her face before her spoke again.
"Husband I will be soon enough."
His answer told her he didn't miss her meaning. He stood suddenly, and the fire silhouetting his large frame caused her breath to catch at his imposing size. From his powerful legs, slightly parted and ready for attack, to his solid torso, ready to receive the assault, to his burly arms more than willing to instigate the encounter. This was certainly no complacent lord of the manor; this was a well-honed fighting machine. Rowena was confused when she realized her own longing to touch him. His brown hair looked soft and the shadow of a beard around his chin caused her hand to itch for the touch of both.
"Know this, Rowena...:
Her breath quickened when he stepped toward her, his eyes piercing her own.
"...there will be no one but me."
He stopped just short of touching her but that now familiar heat reached out to her."You are mine and only mine."

Buy Links: Facebook   Amazon     BarnesandNoble     Apple   KOBO   
Always an avid romance reader herself, Ashley York enjoys bringing history to life through vibrant and meaningful characters, writing historical romance novels full of passion and intrigue set in the 11th and 12th century British Isles. Her newest release, The Saxon Bride, is the first in the Norman Conquest series.

When she is not writing, talking about writing, or thinking about writing, Ashley relaxes with visits to the local pubs listening to live Celtic tunes. She lives in southern New England with her husband and 3 very spoiled animals.

Find out more about Ashley by visiting her website.

Hope you enjoyed the EggCerpt Exchange!
Have a Blessed and Holy day.
PamT

#TuesdayTreasure: #EggCerptExchange with @TinaGayle

Good Morning Friends,

This week's Tuesday Treasure is another EggCerpt Exchange book....



CFO's Affair by Tina Gayle. 

3rd book in the Executive Wives' Club series (strong women fiction elements)
Four women...One fatal car wreck...Everyone's lives changed...

Blurb: Sylvia Donovan is emotionally wounded from the unexpected death of her husband and still haunted by their last conversation: his request for a divorce and his confession of love for another woman. Her husband gone, her only daughter off to college, Sylvia faces the challenges of learning to live alone and move on with her life.
Vince Wilshire, enchanted with Sylvia, is more than willing to do what it takes to capture the heart of the hurting and untrusting Sylvia.
Can he help her forget the past and make her believe in love again?
Excerpt from book:The door clicked open.
Wrapping his hand around the handle to keep from reaching for her, Vince Wilshire shoved the door wide. "Are you ready for this?"
Her face mere inches from his, he noticed a brief flash of panic in her eyes before Sylvia Donovan lifted her chin and stepped through the entrance. "Nothing I haven't seen before. Or probably won't see again."
He understood she meant the task of doing a job, but for some reason his brain registered the sexual implications of the comment. "Oh, man, you're brutal. Some things you know get better with age.”
Matching his steps to hers, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and leaned in close. He whispered beside her ear, "It's all a matter of knowing how to use what you've got."
She shrugged and shifted away from him, eyeing him with a raised brow. "Yes and some people are amateurs, Mr. Wilshire. You, I take it, are an old pro who knows how to wield your sword with the best of them."
Laughter bubbled up into his throat. He marveled at her sassy tone and didn't relinquish his grip. "I must admit I’m very good at a few chosen tasks."

Now more about Tina, CFO's Affair and her books,,,,
Tina Gayle grew up a dreamer and loved to escape into the world of books.
After years of working in the business world doing a variety of jobs, she decided to try her hand at writing and hope to incorporate the joy of being a mother into her books.
Currently working on a series about four executive wives, she is excited about combining elements of women fiction with the passion of romance. The  first  three books, “Marketing Exec’s Widow”, “IT Exec’s Baby” and now “CFO’s Affair” have all been released. The last one will be out next year.
Married twenty-five years, she and her husband love to travel and play golf.  She can’t wait for Mike to retire so they can do more of both. Read the first chapter of any of her books by visiting her website.Tell us about your book:
Sylvia is a woman who has allowed life to beat her down. After her husband died, she reclaims herself by losing weight and trying new things. She’s brassy and harsh at time, but she deeply cares about her friends and family. I believe readers can related to all the heartache in her life and empathize with how she has to come to terms with the past and make a future for herself.
How long did it take to write the book?Six months
What inspired you to write the book?I’ve gone through the pain of sending my last child off to college and understand what it takes to let go.
Talk about the writing process. Did you have a writing routine? Did you do any research, and if so, what did that involve?
I work eight to ten hours a day. My writing schedule is to write three to four hours at the beginning of the day. Then I log onto the internet and write up blogs, twits, handle marketing demands and check email. In the afternoon, I return to my writing and edit my manuscript.
The main research I did for the book involved blood types.
What do you hope your readers come away with after reading your book?The joy of letting go of the past and moving on to the future.
Where can we go to buy your book?http://bit.ly/CFOaffair
Any other links or info you'd like to share?Home - www.tinagayle.netBlog - www.tinagayle.blogspot.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/#!/AuthorTinaGayleGoodread - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1641826.Tina_GayleFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/tina.gayleGoogle + - https://plus.google.comLinkin - http://www.linkedin.com/pub/tina-gayle/11/689/759
Well Friends, I hope you enjoy this Egg-cerpt Exchange! Stay tuned each week cause you never know what's coming next!
Until later... Take care & God Bless! PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight: Maris Soule & As the Crow Flies

Good Morning!

Been a lovely couple of days here in SW Louisiana. I hope you're getting your share of nice weather too.

Today we welcome back to our blog, author Maris Soule with her title, As the Crow Flies .

P.J. Benson receives a briefcase from an elderly woman, and within twenty-four hours the briefcase is stolen, a man is dead, and P.J. is receiving death-threats. Once again, P.J. and her Rhodesian Ridgeback, Baraka, must deal with her unpredictable rural Michigan neighbors, her quirky mother, and Homicide Detective Deputy Wade Kingsley, who won't answer her calls.


Excerpt:
“Here.” A silver-haired woman about my height but three times my width shoved a battered, black briefcase into my arms. “You take this.”“I don’t understand,” I said, shifting the cumbersome piece of luggage to a more comfortable position. “What’s in here?”She gave a quick, furtive glance around the library meeting room, then stepped closer and lowered her voice to a whisper. “Something they want.”Something heavy, I decided, and set the briefcase on the carpeting. “Who wants it?”“Them.” Her pale blue eyes held a feverish glow that reminded me of the look my schizophrenic mother got when she was sure aliens had landed. “The ones he talked to. He told them if they want what he has in this briefcase, they’ll have to pay for it.”My internal alert alarm went off, and I stepped back and glanced at the nametag on the woman’s cotton blouse. Ida Delaney. “Ida, that sounds like blackmail.”“I know. And that’s why you have to help him. Help me.” Her chin began to quiver. “I know what happens to blackmailers. I’ve seen it on my afternoon shows. They get arrested or they get killed. I don’t know what I’ll do if they kill him.”Just the idea of getting involved in another murder sent a shiver down my spine. “I can’t help you, Ida,” I said. “You need to go to the police.”“No.” She shook her head, the loose-skinned wattle under her chin swinging back and forth. “No, I can’t do that. Donald said if I bothered them again, they’d make me go into a nursing home. I came here because the sign outside said you’d tell us how to protect ourselves.”“From scams.” I thought I’d explained that during my talk. “Not from . . .”I was going to say stupidity, but stopped myself and looked around, hoping to see either Emily Anderson, the librarian who had introduced me, or my grandmother, who had convinced me to talk to her senior citizens’ group.At least two dozen gray-haired seniors had stayed after my talk, most of them now gathered around the refreshment table. I didn’t spot either the librarian or Grandma Carter in the group. My grandmother’s absence didn’t surprise me. My bet was she’d stepped outside for a cigarette. She hates all the No Smoking regulations Michigan’s lawmakers have come up with.Well, I felt no pity for her today. Although summer wouldn’t officially start for another nine days, today’s weather was perfect—temps in the mid-seventies and not a cloud in the sky.“The police think I’m crazy,” Ida whispered, bringing my attention back to her.I knew from experience how that felt, but I had to agree with them in this case.“Sometimes I get things a little mixed up,” Ida said. “But I really thought it was my house. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have crawled through that window. I mean, my gosh, I almost got stuck.”“You crawled through a window into someone else’s house?” I tried not to smile, but picturing Ida Delaney squeezing her broad rear-end through an open window was more than I could suppress.She frowned at me. “It wasn’t funny, and I really don’t see why they had to call the police. Donald told them it did look like the house I used to live in.”“And who’s Donald?”“My nephew.” She looked down at the briefcase by our feet. “I think he’s sorry he threatened them. He asked for way too much money.”
AS THE CROW FLIES is available at:Kindle: http://goo.gl/Gw995oBarnesandNoble/hardcover: http://goo.gl/ickcWABarnesandNoble/nook: http://goo.gl/XkyfEsSmashwords: http://goo.gl/l9F1tx


Maris Soule has had 2 mysteries, 25 category romances, and 2 short stories published. 2 more mystery/suspense novels will be released in 2015. She is a two time RITA finalist, and has won and placed in many other contests. Born and raised in California, Soule now lives in Michigan in the summer and Florida in the winter.Web site: http://marissoule.com
Blog. http://marissoule.com/blog/
Facebook: http://Facebook.com/marissouleauthor
Twitter @marisSouthHaven,
Also on: Google+, Goodreads, LinkedIn, and PinterestAS THE CROW FLIES (Another P.J. Benson Mystery)
Sounds like a good book to curl up with if you're not having great weather, but if you are you can always save it for a rainy day!
Until later...take care & God Bless! PamT

#ThursdayThoughts: Grace & Gratitude

Good Morning Friends,

Well here we are, the last Thursday Thoughts in March 2015! End of the 1st Quarter.

Now's the time when most people look back over their resolutions and/or goals and see how they've done. And now's the time when most people give up because they just aren't where they wanted to be.

Don't be one of them!

Look over them, readjust if necessary and then express gratitude for how far you've come!

Then ask God for the grace to continue.

Next to LOVE , Grace and Gratitude are the most powerful aspects of faith you can express.

You might also consider incorporating writing and/or saying affirmations into your daily schedule. I can hear you lamenting now...I don't have time...

YES you do!

Say them while in the shower, while getting dressed, while waiting on the coffee to brew, while waiting on the kids to get in the car, while preparing breakfast or lunches. Mutter them under your breath while in traffic or the car line at school or at the bank.

In other words, use the time you would normally spend complaining to show grace and express gratitude.

Meditation is also important....Joyce Meyer has said, "If you can worry, you can meditate." All this means is shifting those worrisome thoughts into positive, faith-filled ones. Meditation is simple and can be done in as little as 5 minutes a day...better yet 5 minutes 3 times a day (morning, at lunch, before bed).

Here's the thing, we tend to make every little effort to change a big deal when really, it's a minor adjustment in our thinking and speaking. And, remember, any small improvement is a step in the right direction.

Have a Blessed and Grace-filled day!
PamT

#TuesdayTreasure: #Egg-CerptExchange with @AnitaPhilmar

Good Morning Friends and Welcome!
Today we're hosting Anita Philmar in our Egg-Cerpt Exchange blog hop with her boxed set Banished- Three Erotic Shape Shifter Stories.


I'd like to clarify a little something here. Some folks my wonder why I join with authors to promote each other even if said authors don't write Christian/Inspirational fiction. Especially when that's what I write.
Well here's the answer: I believe in authors helping authors regardless of what they write. So please know that although I may not write or even read erotic, I hold no judgement against any author who does.
Besides, I know there are Christians out there who enjoy a good story regardless of the genre or level of sensuality. Therefore, I will help promote another author regardless of what they write.
Period.
That said, I WILL respect my readers by letting them know if what's posted is not Christian/Inspirational. Which is why I highlighted, bold and in red that Anita's books are "erotic."
And now here's Anita.....

Banished Hero:
With no memory of her past, Faye Lynn Berton clings to a father who curses her ability to shape-shift, then uses her special skill to scam local villagers. The only freedom she knows comes as she soars through the sky in falcon form. A chance meeting with another changling turns her world upside down. Beyond satisfying the powerful sexual cravings that follow transformation, he reveals a surprising dimension of sex between their kind…one to unlock the secrets of her soul.
Havyn Westmore has questions…Faye Lynn holds the answers. Determined to unravel her secrets, he must strives to gain her freedom and trust. Teaching her the finer techniques of transformation keeps her close while sex strengthens their bond. But on the trail of discovery, Havyn must confront his own past. Accused of a heinous crime, he was banned from his homeland. Now, he must choose between returning to face certain execution—or robbing Faye Lynn of her birthright and a life in Paradise.
Read excerpt and first scene at http://www.anitaphilmar.com/bherobookpg.html

Banished Scoundrel:
Known scoundrel Jack Avery must earn the queen's forgiveness by rescuing her missing daughter from the human world. His sources reveal the Princess Noelani is being held by a powerful man who likes a good game of chance. So with twenty borrowed pieces of gold Jack enters the high-stakes game. Only the lady he encounters is no princess. This pretty Kitty makes him want to hear her purr.
Under a memory spell, Kitty recalls nothing before the governor bought her from her parents and offered her protection from those he claims would kill her kind. So what if, in order to control her, he forces Kitty to morph then deprives her of sexual release after transformation. But the crafty card player she is assigned to “entertain” reveals himself as a kindred spirit—a shape shifter—and unravels the lie she’s been forced to live.
Together Jack and Kitty risk it all, for the stakes are high and the prize is worth it...freedom, forgiveness, love.
Read excerpt and first scene at http://www.anitaphilmar.com/bscoundrelbookpg.html

Banished Witch :
Once a princess of Ardenia, Danella, left her homeland to warn her childhood sweetheart only to be kidnapped and sold into slavery. Learning the dark magic from her keeper, she grew to accept her role as a witch to protect her family and track down the traitor to the crown. But when Omar Mandel, the love from her past, arrives to bring her home, she realizes she can never go home. That doesn't mean she can't use his assistance in her plan for revenge and, in the meantime, live out a few unfulfilled fantasies.
The queen wants her daughter to come home and Omar’s job is to see that it happens. However, Danella isn’t the same sweet girl he remembers. In her place is a sexy woman who excites his lust and claims his heart. He must teach her to trust in his love and face the sins of the past if they are to have a future together.
Read excerpt and first scene at http://www.anitaphilmar.com/bwitchbookpg.html


Find at:
Amazon | B&N | Kobo |
All Romance 

SaturdaySpotlight: Dana Pratola

Good Morning and Welcome to the first Saturday Spotlight in spring 2015!

I don't know about you but I am more than ready for some sunshine. Alas, not this weekend in SW Louisiana. The forecast shows rain, rain and yeah...more rain, at least through the weekend. 

UGH

Well if it's raining in your neck of the woods, then now's a good time to curl up with a great book (or 3) by a wonderful author and friend, Dana Pratola.


JETT: When reclusive businessman takes an interest in Haven’s artwork, she knows it’s an answer to prayer. But Jett Cestone is an enigma with a disconcerting connection to the young women in his employ. He’s by far the most unusual man she’s ever met. 
Haven is the most interesting woman to ever cross Jett’s path. But she’s too naïve and pure to learn what goes on in his home. Too bad he wants her more than he’s wanted anyone or anything in his life.

SEBASTIAN: Men like Sebastian want only one thing, and Natalie has vowed not to give it to him. Yes, he’s gorgeous, intelligent and heroic, but he’s also a constant reminder that she isn’t good enough for him. Can she outrun a club owner who wants her dead when she’s weighed down by the failures of her past? 
His whole life, Sebastian has viewed women one way – as marvelous distractions. But when Natalie enters his life, he’s forced to see the world – and women – in a new light. Teaming with Jett Cestone, they enter a world of sex traffickers to rescue young innocents. But only Natalie can rescue him and give him the one thing his heart needs. 
AARO: Darcy D’Angelo is an average girl. Men like Aaro don’t fall for girls like her. He’s heroic, gorgeous, intelligent, and she’s…not. Yet, after only a brief acquaintance, he reveals his intention to marry her. 
Aaro Highlander, like his “brothers,” is a special breed—not quite angel, not quite human—with spectacular gifts, deep running passions and strength of character that drives him to do the right thing. But something has been missing from his life, until now. 
He’s found his mate, but his commitment to Jett and Sebastian may put wedding plans on hold as they discover prophetic secrets and hunt for a serial killer. 
ULRICK (Descended, Book4) will release at the end of the year.
You can get all three of Dana's books at Amazon!
Find out more about Dana and her writing by visiting her website. 
Happy Reading!
PamT

#ThursdayThoughts: Guest Post by NLB Horton

Good Morning Friends,

Well I don't know about you but I'm about done in with all this rain. Don't get me wrong, I know it is necessary and welcome in most cases but I'm more of a sunshine person. Rain is wonderful but seriously? I doubt we've had a full seven days in the last few months of pure sunshine. If it's not raining, it's overcast and gloomy.....

Alas that's SW Louisiana weather.

Speaking of overcast, our guest today has a story about visiting the Catacomb of Priscilla in Rome!

I'll let her tell you about it....

We are One in Christ

I toured the Catacomb of Priscilla in Rome this fall with a delightful young archaeologist. She was a graduate of the Pontifical Academy of Archaeology, a fine Vatican institution of world-class scholars and practitioners. I was privileged to access areas closed to the public, and to pick the brain of someone involved in excavation there.

All morning, she and I crisscrossed tunnels, chapels, and crypts, shuddering in damp cold created by tuff rock leeching water from the Tiber and nearby Mediterranean. We discussed the symbolism of unexpected menorahs. The open-armed poses indicating salvation in frescoes two thousand years old. And the oldest known depiction of Mary, mother of Christ, something I was eager to see.

We smiled at the generosity of the catacomb benefactor—Priscilla—who donated land under her family villa so that early Christians could bury their dead. Then we had a geeky discussion about puzzling depictions, wondering if they could represent theophanies—appearances of God.

This was easy, educated conversation between a twenty-something Catholic, European, single woman and a fifty-something Protestant, American, long-married woman. The differences in our backgrounds and generations were erased by the love of Christ and we were unified by His crucifixion.

Thanks be to God!


The Brothers’ Keepers combines travel, intrigue and the global impact of a strong woman.
In The Brothers’ Keepers, we meet archaeologist Grace Madison who is in Brussels cataloguing looted antiquities when her son’s bride is attacked in Switzerland. Her day careens from bad to catastrophic when daughter Maggie disappears in France.
Coincidence is a luxury Grace cannot afford as history — saturated in espionage — is repeating itself. The Madison family converges on Paris and begins a frenzied search to locate Maggie. A cuneiform clay tablet is their only lifeline, detailing a legend intertwining Solomon, Martin Luther and the Fourth Crusade. As they navigate a deadly, 4,000-year-old artifact trail that crosses three continents, they will jeopardize hearts and lives to preserve the ones they love. As time runs out, they discover that to save themselves, they must first rescue an old friend who is deceiving them at every turn. But will he let them?
In the midst of traversing the world, Grace is also faced with trying to save her family by rebuilding her marriage. The roles a woman will assume throughout her lifetime can be varied and complex. It’s difficult to fit any woman into a “one-size-fits-all” box, and this is certainly true of Grace. With strong female characters, The Brothers’ Keepers affirms the impact an intelligent woman who wrestles with a vigorous faith can have on the world and her own personal relationships.
One of the inspirations behind The Brothers’ Keepers was a highly dangerous situation Horton’s own family was involved in while on an archaeological survey as part of her master’s degree program at Dallas Theological Seminary. “I stood at the edge of the tel Dan (Israel) archaeological dig pit with my husband and two then-teenage children. Heavy artillery fire began booming from Syria as staccato machine-gun reports peppered near the Lebanese border. An Israeli Defense Force plane broke through cloud cover. I hoped they could see we were unarmed! Grace Madison was born from this

The Brothers’ Keepers is the second book in the Parched series, named as such to bring awareness to the life-threatening truth that sources of potable and economical drinking water are severely limited in many areas of the world, even in the U.S. Horton believes as stewards of God’s creation, Christians have a unique responsibility in this area. She also hopes the book will draw in different kinds of readers. “I hope Grace portrays a demographic of Christianity that is intelligent, fair and fearless because of its belief in God’s empowerment, one attractive to non-believers because these Christians live their faith with realism and love.”
The Brother's Keeper can be purchased at Amazon in Paperback & for Kindle and at Barnes and Noble (Nook).
NLB Horton returned to writing fiction after an award-winning career in journalism and marketing as well as earning her Master of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. She has surveyed Israeli and Jordanian archaeological digs, tossed a tarantula from her skiff into the Amazon after training with an Incan shaman, driven uneventfully through Rome and consumed gallons of afternoon tea while traveling across five continents.
For more information about NLB Horton, visit www.nlbhorton.com, become a fan on Facebook (NLB-Horton) or follow her on Twitter (NLBHorton) or Pinterest (nlbhorton).

Sounds like an interesting experience and an intriguing book!

I hope you enjoyed this week's Thursday Thoughts. Stay tuned for another Saturday Spotlight & Tuesday Treasure!

Until later...take care & God Bless!
PamT

#TuesdayTreasure: Special Guest Post by Sarah Ladd

Good Morning Friends and Welcome!

Today I'm very pleased to bring you a guest post by best selling author, Sarah Ladd.....

Thank you for inviting me to share a “Tuesday Treasure”!
I am a writer, so it probably comes as no surprise that I LOVE BOOKS! I enjoy my e-reader, don’t get me wrong, but there is nothing quite like holding a physical book in your hands.
I have been gathering and collecting books as long as I can remember, so I thought I would take this opportunity to share a little bit about one particular book that I treasure — my copy of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. This book belonged to my mother, and she passed it along to me when I was in elementary school. As you can see from the picture, it is worn and the spine is a little torn, but these are signs of a book that has been read many times over, and it makes me treasure this book all the more. This copy of Little Women is the very first “grown up” book I remember reading — I read it for the first time while on a family vacation, and it affected me in a way that no book ever really has. I devoured it, every single page, and have read it several times over.  Just looking at this book brings a smile to my face, but this book has a secret — it is illustrated! Throughout the book there are both color and black and white illustrations by the artist Louis Jambor. As a child, the graphics captured my imagination and brought the story to life all the more.  
This particular book was published in 1947 by Grosset & Dunlap Publishers, and it is part of their Illustration Junior Library collection.

Thank you for letting me share my “Tuesday Treasure” with you.  What is YOUR book treasure? 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sarah E. Ladd has always loved the Regency period — the clothes, the music, the literature and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period and gave her idea of what life would’ve looked like in that era. However, it wasn’t until 2010 that she started writing seriously. Her latest release, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall is the third and final release in the Whispers on the Moors series. To keep up with Sarah E. Ladd, visit www.sarahladd.com , become a fan on Facebook ( Sarah Ladd Author ) or follow her on Twitter ( @SarahLaddAuthor ).

#SaturdaySpotlight: #TheVigil a #NewRelease by @MarianPMerritt!

Good Morning Friends,

It is with pleasure I welcome  to Saturday Spotlight fellow Pelican Book Group author, Marian P Merritt with her new release, The Vigil .

Marian P. Merritt writes stories that blend her love of the mountains with her deep Southern roots. Her, Where the Bayous Meet the Mountainsstories with Louisiana and Colorado connections include: Southern Fried Christmas, A Cajun Christmas Miracle, and Deep Freeze Christmas.This Louisiana native writes from the Northwest Colorado home she shares with her husband and a very spoiled Labradoodle. Connect with her through Website, Blog, Facebook, Twitter Cheryl Broussard made two vows: She'd never fall for an abusive man, and she'd never return to her Louisiana hometown. But she's learned all too well the lesson of never-say-never. Now, back in Bijou Bayou after fleeing from an abusive boyfriend, Cheryl finds work as a Hospice nurse. While reading a dying patient's Korean War love letters, family secrets shatter Cheryl's beliefs about her family and herself and shed light on the reason she fled her hometown. When the Broussard family secrets are revealed, can Cheryl deal with the truth and accept the blessing of a second chance for relationships with her family, old friends, and with the God she never really knew?Excerpt:I crossed the drawbridge, which carried me over Bijou Bayou and into the small community which I now called home again. The purple flowers of the full bloom hyacinths floating on the water danced with the cattails at the water’s edge. All the things that made Bijou Bayou unique brought rushing memories of both the good and the bad of my childhood. Guess I couldn’t embrace one and escape the other.

While I zipped into the parking lot of Marvin’s IGA, I made a mental list of the items I needed for dinner.

Leaning on the grocery cart for support, I scanned the aisles. The day’s events had sucked the last vestiges of my energy, more so than I’d realized. Seemed encroaching death had a way of doing that. I craved nothing more than to hurry home to a hot bath.

I picked up a bag of salad and examined the leaves for freshness.

“Cheryl? Is that you?”

That voice. The one that filled my heart during my younger years tickled my ears.

He stood amidst a backdrop of fresh pineapples and mandarins, wearing navy slacks with a light blue oxford shirt, his paisley tie loosened and the first button opened.

A little paunchier than I remembered with his dark hair, shorter and thinner, but the dark electrifying eyes remained. And now, they beamed on me and zapped a hole right through me. Just like before. Just like I remembered. Just like I’d once loved.

“Beau...hello.” I kept my hands firmly planted on the plastic bag and prayed he wouldn’t extend his. I couldn’t touch his skin. Not with my clammy hands. Not ever. Heaven only knew what would happen to me if we touched. “How are you?”

He hesitated as though measuring his words before he spoke. “I-I-I’m good.”

Beau, the man I decided at seventeen was the love of my life stood before me, and now thirteen years later, I couldn’t think of anything to say to him. He’d stayed in Bijou Bayou, married my friend, Annie Melancon, and last I’d heard, had a son.

“How’s your family?” I reverted to the typical Louisiana questions.

He fingered the plastic flap of the cart’s seat. “We’re managing. You know Mama passed away last year. She and Daddy are finally together. Got a son, Steven, he’s ten and growing up into a fine young man. And Annie...is still holding on.”

Holding on? What kind of response was that?
I paused. I’m sure confusion painted my face. “You haven’t heard?” He leaned onto the handle of the shopping cart.

“I don’t think so.”
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“Annie was in a car accident two years ago. She’s in a long term care facility in Lafayette.’ He squeezed his lips together and blinked a few times. “In a coma.”
 You can find The Vigil along with Marian's other titles at Pelican Book Group (where the Ebooks are FREE during Lent!). 
It can also be purchased at Amazon in Paperback and for Kindle.
Well friends I hope you enjoyed this week's Saturday Spotlight. Until next time....take care & God Bless! PamT