Pamela S. Thibodeaux's Blog, page 23

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Carol Raj & The Curious Prayer Life of Muriel Smith!

Good Morning Friends,

Today's guest is not new to our blog but it's been a while since Carol visited so please welcome her back with her book, The Curious Prayer Life of Muriel Smith....

One unlocked car door, one glance to the left, and suddenly impoverished retiree Muriel Smith is hurtling down the road at an alarming thirty miles per hour!

Will the teenage carjacker really shoot to kill? Muriel can't die yet. Not until she's accomplished something to make her daughter proud. Not until she's seen her great-grandchild, the unborn baby her granddaughter isn't sure she wants to keep.

It seems Muriel is running out of time. Especially if her survival depends on her driving skills!

Muriel and her carjacker find themselves on a wild adventure that has them both falling "victim" to Muriel's curious prayer life.

EXCERPT: “Clarence Hall? Mother, you’re dating Clarence Hall. The Clarence Hall?” Natalie opened another packet of sugar substitute, dumped it into her coffee mug, and stirred vigorously. Too vigorously. Oh, my. Muriel took a sip of her coffee and leaned back in the booth. She hadn’t seen Natalie so agitated since they’d left the lawyer’s office. “Not exactly dating, Natalie. We just go out for a movie sometimes. Or coffee. Like this. He seems like a nice enough guy.” Ax murderer. Recently released from jail. That’s what he must be. No wonder his wife died years ago. If Muriel could afford newspaper delivery, she’d know all about him. Sure it must have been on the TV news. But sometimes she went into the kitchen or the bathroom. If you missed a minute or two, you missed a whole story. Did Kevin’s parents know about Clarence’s criminal past? They seemed like such nice people. Maybe they felt he deserved a second chance. Well, it was a good thing Natalie was telling her now, because she was really starting to like him. She felt her hand shaking and put her mug down on the table so Natalie wouldn’t notice. “Mother, honestly. You don’t know who Clarence Hall is?”
Carol Raj has been writing stories for children for many years, but her first published novel, The Curious Prayer Life of Muriel Smith , a woman’s contemporary, wasn’t published until 2019. Her second novel, a Young Adult entitled Charlotte Masterson Gets a Life , came out in 2020. After forty years in New Hampshire, Carol and her husband moved to Georgia to be near one of their three children and two of their six grandchildren. Connect with Carol through her Website, on Twitter @CarolRaj4 and on Facebook. Get a copy of The Curious Prayer Life of Muriel Smith on Amazon, B&N and Kobo!
Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight and that you'll check back weekly for another edition of Saturday Spotlight and Wednesday Words with Friends!
Until next time, take care and God bless. PamT

#WednesdayWordswithFriends - Me!

 Well, my guest couldn't make it today so I'm going to give you a quick update on what's happening in my life.....

I've retired from my day job as a licensed insurance agent and am wrapping up projects so that I can focus on writing/editing/publishing/marketing/etc.

With that in mind, Love's Overcoming Power, my WF collection released yesterday! This is a collection of currently published titles that you may have. If not, the price of the collection is less than 1/2 of buying these books individually. Here are the details....

Love’s Overcoming Power
Temptation, Abuse, Grief and Doubt are plagues common to women all over the world. In John, 16 Jesus said…. In the world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.
In this Women's Fiction collection comprised of three full-length novels and one novella, Pamela S Thibodeaux shares stories that exemplify the power of God's love to overcome whatever situations life throws at you. 
Includes: The Visionary, Circles of Fate, My Heart Weeps and Keri's Christmas Wish.
Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/LovesOvercomingPower 

Tempered Truth finished it's stint in KDP Select program, so now it is available at Smashwords, uploaded to Draft2Digital and at Google Play. Find out all the available formats here: https://books2read.com/Tempered-Truth
Last month I shared an excerpt from my WIP, Kyleigh's Cowboy so thought I'd share that with you today...
Lance placed a tray of dishes in the washer and rinsed and stacked another to go in next. Between loads, he chopped, fetched and stirred, taking cues from Kyleigh and Ramona as they whipped up batches of cookies, finger sandwiches, fruit and vegetable trays, and all sorts of hors d'oeuvres. He and Robert managed to keep the drink station filled with tea, water and lemonade and the cookie jar replenished as people came and went and the Open House event stretched from mid-morning well into the afternoon and evening. When the door closed on the final guest, the four of them collapsed around a table, each with their feet propped up on a chair. A bottle of wine and four glasses–which he’d grabbed on his way out of the kitchen–sat unopened in the center of the table.
After a moment of sheer pleasure of being off his feet, Lance opened the wine, poured, and handed each of them a glass then raised his in a toast. “If today’s any indication, your little B&B with horses–as a local news columnist called the Silver Star–will do just fine.” 
They touched glasses, sipped, then Robert raised his in salute to Lance. “To our new wrangler. You went above and beyond the call of duty.”
“And not even officially hired,” Kyleigh put in.
Lance grinned and sent her a friendly wink. “Wait ‘till you get my bill.”
The round of laughter muffled into groans. 
“So tired it even hurts to laugh,” Ramona said as she rose. “And we’ve got a ton of cleaning to do.”
“Leave it,” Kyleigh insisted. “We’ll get to it in the morning. I think we all deserve a good night’s rest. Lance, make yourself at home in whichever room you choose.” 
She reached into her pocket then tossed him a master key. 
“Tomorrow we’ll complete the official,” she finger-quoted the word, “hiring then you’re welcome to move into the bunkhouse. Unless of course, you’ve somewhere else to live.”
“Been staying in town until I got hired on somewhere. Glad it’ll be here.”
Everyone said goodnight and went off to their various living quarters. Lance grabbed a duffle bag out of his truck, decided he was too tired to climb the stairs and chose the nearest exterior room. A hot shower, clean pajama pants and comfortable bed eased him into slumber. 
A whiplash of lightning followed by the boom of thunder jerked him, shaking and sweating, out of a sound sleep. It took a moment to recognize his surroundings. 
"Just the weather,” he muttered, rubbing his chest until his racing heart calmed. “God, help me, it’s just the weather.” ****
Guess that's it for today folks, hope to see you Saturday for our spotlight!
OH, Before I forget....I'm over at Suite T blog today so drop by and visit!
Until next time, take care and God bless. PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Lynn Austin @LynnNAustin & Chasing Shadows!

Good Morning!

Been playing the crazy "catch-up" game since returning from SC. Hopefully by next weekend I'll be finished LOL! You may have noticed a new image in the sidebar here, but just in case you didn't, Pelican Book Group is hosting 2 huge giveaways so check it out!

Wednesday, Lynn Austin shared with us the story behind Chasing Shadows, today we get a peek into the novel itself. Take it away Lynn....

For fans of bestselling WWII fiction comes a powerful novel from Lynn Austin about three women whose lives are instantly changed when the Nazis invade the neutral Netherlands, forcing each into a complicated dance of choice and consequence.
Lena is a wife and mother who farms alongside her husband in the tranquil countryside. Her faith has always been her compass, but can she remain steadfast when the questions grow increasingly complex and the answers could mean the difference between life and death?
Lena’s daughter Ans has recently moved to the bustling city of Leiden, filled with romantic notions of a new job and a young Dutch police officer. But when she is drawn into Resistance work, her idealism collides with the dangerous reality that comes with fighting the enemy.
Miriam is a young Jewish violinist who immigrated for the safety she thought Holland would offer. She finds love in her new country, but as her family settles in Leiden, the events that follow will test them in ways she could never have imagined.
The Nazi invasion propels these women onto paths that cross in unexpected, sometimes-heartbreaking ways. Yet the story that unfolds illuminates the surprising endurance of the human spirit and the power of faith and love to carry us through.
Excerpt: Erik came to the townhouse the day after Ans returned home, looking as handsome as ever, yet in some ways, older and more hardened. She had almost forgotten how wonderful it was to feel his arms around her and to enjoy his soft kisses when they were alone. She reveled in the knowledge that she belonged to him, that he was watching out for her as they walked hand-in-hand, passing the ever-present Nazi soldiers. They balanced each other—she the impulsive and adventurous one, he steady and cautious. 
“Your letters meant a lot to me,” he said as they walked to the park together. “Especially when I was a prisoner-of-war. I really missed you, Ans.”
“I was so worried about you! Thank God you’re alright and we’re together again.” She could barely take her eyes off him. Erik’s handsome head of wheat-colored hair had been shorn when he first joined the army, but had grown back while he’d been a prisoner and was as thick and tousled-looking as before. They sat side-by-side on a bench, their hands entwined, watching a pair of swans in the canal. “What’s next for you, Erik?” 
“They said my job on the police force is waiting if I want it back.” 
“I could never work for the Nazis. They disgust me.”
“Ans . . . shh . . .” he whispered, looking all around. “You can get into a lot of trouble for talking like that.” There were other people in the park, couples reunited with their sweethearts, strolling the paths, watching the swans and ducks on the Steenchuut. Ans lowered her voice for Erik’s sake. 
“Don’t you feel the same way about them after the way they brutally attacked our country? How can you work for them?”
“I’m not working for them, I’m working for the people of Leiden. Protecting them. And you.” 
Taken from Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin. Copyright © 2021. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries.  All rights reserved.
Lynn Austin has sold more than one and a half million copies of her books worldwide. A former teacher who now writes and speaks full-time, she has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction and was one of the first inductees into the Christy Award Hall of Fame. One of her novels, Hidden Places, was made into a Hallmark Channel Original Movie. Lynn and her husband have three grown children and make their home in western Michigan. Visit her online at lynnaustin.org or on Facebook, Twitter @LynnNAustin, Pinterest and GoodReads.

OH my, Lynn a great hook for sure! Thanks for sharing.
Hope you enjoyed Lynn's visit this week, folks and you'll check back often for another edition Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight. Get your copy of Chasing Shadows HERE.
Until next time, take care and God bless. PamT

#WednesdayWordswithFriends Welcomes Lynn Austin @LynnNAustin!

Good Morning Friends,

We made it home from out SC trip yesterday afternoon and I must say, although we had a lovely time, that is a LONG drive for a weekend visit. Alas, when a grandchild graduates high school or college, you do what you gotta do! Your prayers for safe travels were greatly appreciated. 😍

Today's guest has shared treasures and been in our spotlight before so please welcome Lynn Austin back with information on her brand new release, Chasing Shadows....

1. Have you always loved books and reading? What about your formative years informed your love for reading and books?Books have been part of my life for as long as I can remember, beginning with bedtime stories when I was a child. My mother was the town librarian in the village where I grew up, so it’s not an exaggeration to say I was raised in a library. Over the years, I helped with everything from processing books to reading aloud for story hour, and I developed a deep appreciation for all sorts of books. In addition, my grandmother was a natural-born storyteller whose tales kept my sisters and me spellbound for hours on warm summer evenings. 
2. How did you become a writer?I loved to read, but after a while it seemed like so many well-written books offered very little hope. Too many themes seemed to be “Life is hard and then you die.” I agree that life is hard—but God is good! So I sat down one day thirty-five years ago (I was a stay-at-home mom with a new baby at the time) and decided to write the kind of book I enjoyed reading—one that makes me laugh, makes me cry, and helps me learn something about myself and my life. I knew nothing about getting published (that would come later), but I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed writing. Eventually God brought a wonderful Christian author into my life who asked me to join her writers’ critique group, where I learned the basics of writing and publishing. As the years passed, I struggled to figure out if God was calling me to be a writer. I decided to persevere, and eleven years after I first sat down to write, my first novel was published.
3. What made you want to write historical fiction? What about that genre do you enjoy?I write historical fiction because I love history, especially the little-known stories of ordinary people. For me, reading about the past and how people like me lived lives of courage in difficult times helps me live a life of faith and grace with God’s help. When we travel back in history through novels, I think it’s easier to see how God used tragic events as part of His redemption story. And that gives us faith to believe that He is still working now and that our lives can play a part in His story today.
4. What motivated you to write a story line about three women in the Netherlands and the challenges they faced due to the Nazi invasion in WWII? My inspiration was the book The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. I read this book years ago and it had a profound effect on my Christian walk. Corrie’s family had a deep faith and love for Christ, which led them to hide Jews in their home, at great personal risk, after the Nazis invaded their country. Corrie’s testimony of faith and of God’s faithfulness in spite of all that she endured in a concentration camp made me long for a relationship with God like hers. In another inspiring autobiography, Things We Couldn’t Say, author Diet Eman tells how she and her fiancé worked for the underground in the Netherlands during this same time period, propelled by their Christian faith. Christians in the Netherlands suffered a great deal during WWII, yet accomplished brave, heroic deeds in Christ’s name. I wanted to honor them by telling their story.
5. Please tell us a bit about the setting of your novel. What prompted you to write about the Netherlands?Chasing Shadows takes place in the Netherlands during World War II, primarily in and around the city of Leiden. All of my books have been translated and published in Dutch, and my publisher has kindly invited me on book tours in the past to meet my readers in the Netherlands. I fell in love with that beautiful little country and wanted to write about it. I got to know it even better when our son Benjamin lived there for four years while earning his PhD from the University of Leiden. Also, my husband’s maternal grandfather immigrated from the Netherlands, so that added to my interest in learning the country’s history.
6. Please tell us about your main characters in Chasing Shadows and what specific challenges each one of them faces.Lena de Vries is a wife and mother who loves her life on a farm in the country outside of Leiden. But after the Nazi invasion, her Christian faith compels her and her husband, Pieter, to fight against the Nazis’ evil, putting her and her family at great risk. Lena’s daughter Ans de Vries is unhappy with her life on the farm and with her parents’ Christian faith. She takes a job in Leiden as a companion to Eloise Huizenga, who struggles with depression. When the Netherlands is invaded, Ans will need to find strength and renewed faith in order to keep Eloise and herself from despair, while walking the dangerous path of opposing the Nazis. Miriam Jacobs is a Jewish woman who flees from Germany to the Netherlands with her father to escape persecution. After falling in love with Avi Leopold in a refugee camp, she and her new husband and child will need to go into hiding in order to survive, with help from Lena and Ans.
7. Who was your favorite character to write and why?I think I related to Lena the most because she is a wife and mother of three children, including an adult daughter. She had to make many difficult choices during the war and needed to consider not only her own safety and survival, but her family’s as well. She was forced to lean on God and to trust Him in impossible circumstances—something many wives and mothers must often do. And she had to learn the hardest lesson of all—not to hate, but to love our enemies as Jesus taught us to do.
8. What lessons can be learned from your main characters?All three women found themselves plunged into impossible circumstances that they never could have foreseen. Not only were their lives turned upside down overnight, they lived in daily suspense, never knowing what would happen next, how long the war would last, or if their lives would ever return to normal. One lesson I learned while writing this book was not to take my life for granted in the good years. And not to take my relationship with God for granted when things are going well, either. We never know when or how life could change, so the faith that gets us through the hard times must be cultivated and nourished in the good times. We’ll never know how strong we are, how strong our faith is, or how faithful God is until we endure hardship.
9. How much research did you have to do on the WWII period in the Netherlands?I was able to find timelines and history books that detailed the history of this era online and in the library. And I traveled to the Netherlands to do research on-site and in museums, taking lots of photographs and notes. Visiting the Westerbork concentration camp was an especially moving experience. But my favorite resources were the true stories of men and women who lived through this time period. Because I live in a community with a large Dutch immigrant population, I was able to interview people and read their memoirs and combine many of their firsthand stories into this novel. I asked my Dutch readers to send me their stories as well. Those true stories brought the story to life more than any history book ever could.
10. What is your hope for Chasing Shadows? How do you hope this story resonates with your readers?  We’ve all been “at war” with the COVID-19 virus this past year, and the fear and uncertainty and isolation we’ve experienced has many parallels with an enemy invasion like the one my characters endure in this novel. It’s my hope that Chasing Shadows will lead readers to take a closer look at their own faith, just as I did after first reading The Hiding Place years ago. I remember wanting a faith like Corrie ten Boom and her family had, one that would sustain me through unforeseen trials and hardships. I pray that this novel will inspire readers to pursue a closer walk with God and a commitment to serve in His Kingdom with whatever gifts He has given them.
Lynn Austin has sold more than one and a half million copies of her books worldwide. A former teacher who now writes and speaks full-time, she has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction and was one of the first inductees into the Christy Award Hall of Fame. One of her novels, Hidden Places, was made into a Hallmark Channel Original Movie. Lynn and her husband have three grown children and make their home in western Michigan. Visit her online at lynnaustin.org or on Facebook, Twitter @LynnNAustin, Pinterest and GoodReads.

Chasing Shadows is available at Amazon and where ever great Christian fiction is sold!
Thank you so much, Lynn for sharing the inspiration behind Chasing Shadows! We look forward to reading an excerpt in out spotlight this weekend. Good luck and God's blessings.
PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Carolyn Miller & Dusk's Darkest Shores!

Good Morning from Santee, South Carolina!

Our trip up started Thursday and we arrived yesterday afternoon in time to attend a baseball game played by the graduating student. Today is Graduation Ceremony and a family get together. Tomorrow is church and more family fun and we'll begin our trek home on Monday. Long trip, short turn-around but always worth it.

Brought to us by Audra Jennings PR, today's guest is brand new to our blog so please give Carolyn Miller a huge, SWLA W-E-L-C-O-M-E!

How can a meek wallflower help a returning war hero whose dreams are plunged into darkness?
Mary Bloomfield has no illusions. Her chances for matrimony have long since passed her by. Still, her circumstances are pleasant enough, especially now that she has found purpose in assisting her father with his medical practice in England's beautiful Lake District. Even without love, it's a peaceful life.
That is until Adam Edgerton returns to the sleepy district. This decorated war hero did not arrive home to acclaim and rest, but to a new battle against the repercussions of an insidious disease. Mary's caring nature cannot stand to see someone suffer--but how can she help this man see any brightness in his future when he's plunged into melancholic darkness, his dreams laid waste by his condition?
Adam wants no charity, but he's also no coward. If this gentle woman can work hard, how can he do less? Together they struggle to find a way forward for him. Frustration and antipathy slowly develop into friendship and esteem. Then a summer storm atop a mountain peak leads to scandal--and both Mary and Adam must search the depths of their closed hearts for answers if they hope to find any future path with happiness at its end.
Excerpt:  
Amberley

Lake District, England

March 1811

Music and laughter swirled through the assembly room, a shiny, animated scene within a life-sized bauble. Smile stiffening, Mary Bloomfield surveyed the event, which bulged with all the notables of the district. Couples twirled under the candles of enormous iron chandeliers, candlelight flickering across the features of the polished and assured. Excitement suffused the faces of the young, the old, the newly married, the long married, the hoping-to-soon-be-married, all those complacent in their bubble of ease. Mary relaxed as Emily Hardy drew near, her pretty face aglow.

“Oh, Mary,” she gasped, clutching Mary’s arm as she laughed, the soft sheen of cream satin gloves a marked contrast to Mary’s brown kerseymere sleeve. “Isn’t this all so delightful? I am sure I have not sat down for a single dance!”

“You have been much sought after.”

 Emily’s blue eyes softened, as if in pity.

 Before Emily could speak her sympathy, Mary hurried on. “These musicians are rather good, aren’t they? I do not think I have ever heard Mr. Pendle play the flute so well.”

 “I am certain I have never heard anything quite so pretty. We must have this trio play at our wedding soon. Do you think Adam will agree?”

 “I’m sure Adam will agree to anything you suggest, and his parents will likely also. They are quite as besotted as their son, it appears.” Mary glanced at Mr. and Mrs. Edgerton. Their plump features shone with delight, as much with pride in their prospective daughter-in-law as with the pride naturally expected of parents of a war hero.

 The Edgertons’ beaming faces turned. Their smiles widened yet further in elated approval as they regarded Emily. But really, what was there not to approve? Emily was the very picture of perfection. From the top of her carefully coiffed golden curls to the tips of her beribboned slippers, she was everything charming and pleasing to the eye.

 Mary curtsied as they drew near. “Good evening.”

 “Oh, good evening, Miss Bloomfield.” Mr. Edgerton nodded. “Such a lovely dance, is it not?” Before she could answer, he continued. “But I have not yet seen you dancing.”

A corner of her mouth tipped up. Nor was he likely to. There were few unattached gentlemen here in Amberley, the legacy of the town’s enthusiastic response of sending its sons to the war against France. Such a patriotic demonstration, disproportionate to Amberley’s population, meant the higher number of women would forever advantage gentlemen seeking partners with whom to dance. Or with whom to partner in life. A fact, at the ripe old age of nine-and-twenty, she had long grown reconciled to.

Carolyn Miller is an inspirational romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia with her husband and four children.

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. She enjoys music, films, gardens, art, travel and food.

A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn's novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers. 

Learn more about Carolyn at www.carolynmillerauthor.com or find her on Facebook (Carolyn Miller Author), Instagram (@CarolynMillerAuthor), and Twitter (@CarolynMAuthor).

Wow, sounds like a lovely book, Carolyn! We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings and Thank You for sharing.
Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight and that you'll check back weekly for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God bless.P amT

#WednesdayWordswithFriends ~ A Special Post from ME!

Good Morning Friends,

My scheduled guest could not make it today so I'm filling in with an update. Heading out tomorrow to South Carolina for a high school graduation. Prayers for safe travels appreciated.

If you follow me, you'll notice a couple of new promotions through NN Light's Book Heaven. June is Audio Book Month so I'm participating in this giveaway which has 5 Amazon Gift cards up for grabs! 

I'm also participating in their Beach Blanket Book Giveaway which has lots of great prizes so check it out.

AND Today is the LAST day of their SALUTE MILITARY Bookish Event with a $28 Amazon gift card up for grabs. Check out all the great books featured HERE and Enter the giveaway HERE.

My Women's Fiction collection, Love's Overcoming Power is available for Pre-Order and will be live on June 15th. This is a compilation of 4 currently published titles but if you haven't read them or know someone who would enjoy My Heart Weeps, The Visionary, Circles of Fate and Keri's Christmas Wish, the collection is less than 1/2 price of buying these books individually! Please pass the word.

May 31st was my last "official" day at the insurance office where I've worked the last 5 years. I'm excited to see what God has in store for me next!

Other than that, that's about all that's new in my life. 

I THANK YOU for dropping by and pray you have a BLESSED week and that you'll drop by for Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time take care and God Bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Kathleen Marple Kalb & A Fatal First Night!

Good Morning!

Before we welcome today's guest I'd like to take a moment and THANK YOU!, ALL for your continued support. I'm forever amazed and humbled that you take a few moments out of your day to support my guests and wish you the best of luck and God's blessings in everything you do!

Kathleen is new to our blog and I'm so excited to meet her and introduce you to her! Take it away Kathleen....

Kathleen Marple Kalb grew up in front of a microphone, and a keyboard. She’s now a weekend morning anchor at 1010 WINS New York, capping a career begun as a teenage DJ in Brookville, Pennsylvania. She worked her way up through newsrooms in Pittsburgh, Vermont and Connecticut, developing her skills and a deep and abiding distaste for snowstorms. While she wrote her first (thankfully unpublished) historical novel at age sixteen, fiction was firmly in the past until her son started kindergarten and she tried again. She, her husband the Professor, and their son the Imp, live in a Connecticut house owned by their cat.
Find and Connect with her at the following Locations:

Website: https://kathleenmarplekalb.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kathleen-Marple-Kalb-1082949845220373/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KalbMarple

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenmarplekalb/

Wonderful to meet you Kathleen! Please tell us about your book... A Fatal First Night....

A FATAL FIRST NIGHT opens with a murder in Richard III’s dressing room after the premiere of the Ella Shane Opera Company’s new production, The Princes in the Tower, featuring the trouser diva and her favorite singing partner as the evil king’s young victims.  Though their colleague seems guilty, Ella and friends aren’t too sure about that. Meanwhile, newspaper reporter Hetty MacNaughten has finally escaped hats to cover a sensational murder trial. Before it’s over, the cast will have to sort out several interlocking mysteries, welcome an unexpected visitor…and find another Richard III. Will everyone survive to the final curtain? 

Excerpt

Ella already has enough on her hands with the new show, the backstage killing, and the murder trial her friend is covering -- when her British beau, Gilbert Saint Aubyn, Duke of Leith, appears unexpectedly at her home. They reunite with a fencing match, and over the swords, the topic very quickly turns to an unexpected embrace in their last misadventure:

“I am still, however, considering the appropriate response to that assault upon my honor, Miss Shane.”

“Really.” I almost missed the parry again at his direct reference to my pulling him into a kiss after I swung to safety. I still don’t know what came over me, other than playing the swashbuckling hero in the moment. Which, I guess, would make him the fair maiden. “Well, it was a truly terrible offense, Your Grace.” 

“Indeed. So awful an insult I haven’t been able to forget it.”

His voice was light and teasing, but his eyes burned into mine. The kiss, my first and only, had been entirely inappropriate and wrong, of course. But amazing.

“Ah.” I smiled a little and backed him off. “Well, I suppose I shall have to pay the price for my rash actions.”

“You could be facing a life sentence.”

“I’m not sure I want clemency.” Parry.

“What do you want, Shane?” Attack.

“What do you?”

I could have launched one more attack and cornered him, and he knew it. But the duel was now beside the point.

“Draw?” I offered.

“Someday, I will prevail.”

“Perhaps.”

We bowed and stood there for a long moment, eyes locked. My braid had come loose during the match, and he reached over and gently touched the falling curls, carefully pushing back a stray bit. His thumb rested on my cheekbone, the warmth of his skin soaking into mine, the electricity between us practically a wall of crackling blue fire…

Get A Fatal First Night through Kensington Books.
Sounds like an exciting tale, Kathleen! We certainly appreciate you sharing in the spotlight today and wish you good luck and God's blessings with your writing.
Hope you enjoyed the post, friends and that you'll check back weekly for another edition of Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God bless. PamT

#WednesdayWordswithFriends Welcomes DJ Crino

Good Morning Friends,

Last year we did a post by Clarissa Rivera, Content Marketer at Taos Footwear on shoes. Today, DJ Crino shares some information with us on Finding Hobbies You Can Enjoy. But before we get to DJ, I'd like to THANK everyone who visited and commented on my birthday post last week. The Winners of My Heart Weeps & The Inheritance are...

Jean Maurie and Mary Preston!

Congratulations Ladies. I've emailed you and am awaiting your response to send your book. Now, let's get on with todays post....

Finding Hobbies You Can Enjoy with Your Partner

When you’re in a relationship with someone, one of the most important things you can do to strengthen your bond is find activities you can share together. When you have shared hobbies, it keeps you laughing, enjoying each other’s company, and growing as a couple. It gives you the chance to break out of your routines as well.

If you aren’t sure where to start, the following are some hobbies you can start trying with your partner now. It may take some time to find what you both like, but it’s well worth it in the end.

Walking, Running or Hiking

First, each of you should buy a pair of women’s supportive sneakers and men’s comfortable sneakers, and from there, get out and about on the greenways or trails of your community.

You might decide that you like power-walking together. It gives you the chance to talk and catch up, get your heart rate up and get some vitamin D while you’re at it. If you’re more athletic, you can also enjoy running together.

Think about setting a goal, like training for a mini-marathon.

If you live near somewhere with hiking trails, that’s another good option for couples. As you get more experienced at hiking, you can start to venture to more adventurous trails.

Tennis

Tennis is a great sport for couples of any age, and it’ll give you the chance to infuse friendly competition into your relationship. Plus, it promotes feel-good endorphins.

If you’re complete tennis newbies, you might take a few lessons first, as a couple, and go from there.

It’s also something that you can do with other couples if you’re up for a doubles match.

Cooking or Baking

Cooking as well as baking are things you can do indoors, regardless of what the weather is like outside. Cook recipes that are perhaps a bit more complex, so you can both share in the work.

Maybe you set aside one night a week where you pour a glass of wine, turn on music, and cook a fabulous meal.

You can try different types of food from around the world or step outside of your comfort zone with the things that you make.

Take a Class

You can take a class in-person or virtually on any topic that might interest both of you. Maybe it’s photography or a class on a particular type of history. You could learn a skill at the same time. You could even learn a new language.

Think about once you’ve both mastered enough of the language, rewarding yourselves with a trip to where it’s spoken. It’ll give you both a shared goal to work toward.

Whatever it is, learning together will keep you growing together and give you something new and exciting to talk about in your relationship.

Read the Same Book

Finally, why not create a book club with just the two of you? You can each read the same book at the same time and then discuss it. It’ll give you insight into how your partner’s thoughts and perspective might be similar to your own but also unique from yours.

There are a lot of things you can start doing today that will serve as a foundation for a great relationship.

Great information DJ, especially since many are still under some level of stay home Covid guidelines. Thanks for sharing.

Hope you enjoyed the post friends and that you'll check back weekly for Saturday Spotlight and Wednesday Words with Friends.

Until next time, take care and God Bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Erica Vetsch & The Indebted Earl!

Good Morning Friends,

I pray your week has been blessed. Lot's of areas in SW LA and our neighboring states have experienced wide-spread flooding and it's not over yet. Many here, locally have either just finished repairs after the two hurricanes of 2020 OR haven't even finished and now have flood damage. 

Your prayers are greatly appreciated for ALL those affected.

Today's guest is brand new to our blog. Brought to us by Audra Jennings PR, please welcome Erica Vetsch as she shares with us, her new novel, The Indebted Earl....

Can Captain Wyvern keep his new marriage of convenience all business--or will it turn into something more?
Captain Charles Wyvern owes a great debt to the man who saved his life--especially since Major Richardson lost his own life in the process. The best way to honor that hero's dying wish is for Wyvern to escort the man's grieving fiance and mother safely to a new cottage home by the sea. But along the way, he learns of another obligation that has fallen on his shoulders: his uncle has died and the captain is now the Earl of Rothwell.
When he and the ladies arrive at his new manor house in Devon, they discover an estate in need of a leader and a gaggle of girls, all wards of the former earl. War the new earl knows; young ladies and properties he does not. Still wishing to provide for the bereaved Lady Sophia Haverly, Charles proposes a marriage of convenience.
Sophie is surprised to find she isn't opposed to the idea. It will help her care for her betrothed's elderly mother, and she's already fallen in love with the wayward girls on the Rothwell estate. This alliance is a chance to repay the captain who has done so much for her care, as well as divert her attention from her grief. When Wyvern returns to his sea commission, she'll stay behind to oversee his property and wards.
It sounds so simple. Until the stalwart captain is arrested on suspicion of smuggling, and Sophie realizes how much he's come to mean to her. Now she'll have to learn to fight, not only for his freedom but also for his love.
EXCERPT: 
Military HospitalOporto, PortugalJune 15, 1814
If it got any hotter, the Royal Navy would have to ship him home in a flask.
Captain Charles Wyvern dabbed the sweat from his temples with his already-soaked handkerchief as he entered the military hospital. What wouldn’t he give to be aboard his vessel, palms braced against the rail, taking the sea breeze full in the face?
Those days were still a fair bit off, but he would experience them again. He fisted his hand around the square of cloth, his mouth firming. It would take determination and patience, but those he had in abundance.
First he must recover fully from his wounds, get to London, and finally appeal to the Admiralty to give him another command. Formidable tasks, but he was making progress on the first one, at least. Charles entered the ward where he had so recently been a patient, and halfway down the crowded row of billets he found the bed he sought.
Guilt settled like a twelve-pounder in his gut as he inhaled the cloying scents of orange blossoms and dust, carbolic and sweat. Though he had been discharged nearly a week ago to complete his recuperation in the officers’ quarters in Oporto, Charles faithfully returned to the hospital every day to attend his friend Major Richardson. For weeks they had lain side by side, sharing the miseries and camaraderie of military hospital life. Major Richardson had led the Royal Marines aboard Charles’s last command.
But each had been tacking on a different course since arriving at the hospital. As Charles had improved, Richardson had declined. Again Charles felt the sinking weight of guilt. It was his fault Rich was here at all. If only he hadn’t been complacent, had followed through on protocols, most likely neither would have been injured and Rich wouldn’t now be dying.
He reached Richardson’s cot and pulled up a chair. The young officer’s hollow cheeks, his taut, yellowed skin, and the way his body seemed sunken into the bedding all spoke of his waning condition. The chair creaked as Charles sat, and Richardson stirred, his eyes fluttering open.
“How are you faring today, Rich?” Charles kept his voice quiet. The way his comrade looked, even a whisper might cause him pain.
“Still here, Captain.”
The rasp in his throat had Charles reaching for the water pitcher, and he dipped the corner of a towel into the water and let a few drops dribble into Rich’s mouth. Charles smiled that Rich, though given permission weeks ago, couldn’t quite bring himself to call his captain by his first name. It wouldn’t be proper, he’d said. He wouldn’t want anyone to think he was trading on their friendship and treating the captain cavalierly.
“Thank you.” A weak smile touched Rich’s cracked lips.
“What else can I do for you?” Charles didn’t wait for Rich to ask, easing him up in order to flip his pillow. Though the coolness wouldn’t last, it had to feel better for a while.
Rich grimaced as he lay flat again. “How are you, sir?” His voice was as thin as a frayed rope.
“I’m coming right.” Charles rolled his shoulders slightly, wincing as familiar pain—though much reduced—arced across his shoulders. He’d received a rather nasty slice from a cutlass during the capture of a French vessel, and the injury had taken far too long to heal.
Charles didn’t know how to tell Rich he’d received the all clear to head back to Britain. An anchor lodged in Charles’s chest every time he considered leaving the dying marine behind.
After all, Rich had saved Charles’s life at the expense of his own.
Charles had thought Rich would have passed on by now, and yet he lingered. Day after day his body fought to keep its tenuous grip on this world, retreating in protracted increments. Though he had fought valiantly, he would soon have to strike his colors and raise the white flag.
Charles shooed away the incessantly buzzing flies and touched Rich lightly on the shoulder. When they had first been transported together to the hospital in Oporto, the major had been hopeful. He’d taken a musket ball to the right side, and though in considerable pain, had remained cheerful and expectant of restoration to health. He’d maintained that hope, holding on to the thought of all he had to return home to in order to keep his spirits up.
“Sophie?” Rich asked.
“Of course.” Following their well-worn routine, Charles opened the sea chest under the table beside the cot and withdrew a packet of envelopes. “I’ll read the latest.”
He unfolded the letter dated two weeks before. One nice thing about being on the beach, the mail arrived regularly. Charles received no mail, not having anyone left to write to him. When he had first gone to sea, his mother had penned a note twice a year, but when she passed away, his mail had stopped. Any news from home was welcome aboard ship, and it was common to hand letters around the officers’ mess, or at least read aloud snippets of a less personal nature.
Clearing his throat, he read to the major:
Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate. 
Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.
A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.
Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor) and Instagram (@EricaVetsch).
Sounds like an intriguing story, Erica. THANK You for sharing! 
We wish you the best of luck and God's blessings.
Thanks for dropping by friends. I hope to see you next week for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.
Meanwhile, if you haven't left a comment on my birthday post, there is still time to get in the drawing for a copy of The Inheritance OR My Heart Weeps . Winners will be announced Wednesday the 26th. 
Also, check out NN Light's Book Heaven's "Bookaholics Unite" giveaway (in the sidebar) and watch for their upcoming "Salute Military" book event filled with books featuring Military heroes/heroines/families!
That's all for now, folks. Until next time, take care and God bless. PamT

#WednesdayWordswithFriends Happy Birthday to ME!

Yep, today's the big 60 and I'm ecstatic. No, not crazy LOL! but ecstatic because May 31st is my last day of work outside of the home. 

I'm probably the only woman you'll meet that actually looked forward to turning 40. As Rebecca Sinclair (The Inheritance) put it....

When I turn forty, my youngest will be eighteen and out of school, and I’ll be through raising kids!

Now I know you never truly finish raising kids, but there comes a point when you're more a friend and advisor than instructor/corrector. For me that was age 40.

When you lose a spouse, you don't think about the future too far in advance but at some point, you realize God has a purpose and a plan for your life. For me, turning 60 means I can RETIRE!

From Insurance at least. I'll probably never retire from writing and doing the things I love. And, although I'll be forever grateful for the jobs God has blessed me with in the past, I'm looking forward to working on My Stuff (actually HIS stuff.) 

Much like Melena in My Heart Weeps, I can finally, fully focus on my writing career.

But hey, I'm keeping my Insurance License active for the next several years in case I get bored being retired and want to go back to work. 

Anyway, since today is my birthday, I'm offering a gift to YOU!

Leave a comment & your email address and one lucky winner will receive an E-copy of The Inheritance and one, My Heart Weeps.

Thank you and Good luck!

PamT