Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 109

Excerpt: THE MUSIC WITHIN YOUR HEART by Isaac Miller

 

Chapter1:

DestinyDelayed:

TheTrip Down Memory Lane

 

Summer

July19th, 1963

 

Thesun began to rise as I woke up in the backseat of my dad’s car after cryingmyself to sleep. The day was dismal, and the summer air was deprived of oxygen.An air conditioner from one’s car or home was the only thing that could providea cooling reprieve in California during the summer of 1963. I opened my eyesand reunited with my unwanted fate. Slowly, I lifted my head off the backseatand wiped the morning crust from my eyes. While removing potato chip crumbsfrom my blue jeans, I adjusted my dark green T-shirt and my pigtail hair style,that was becoming for a child with my round face.

Istared out the back window. My heart inched farther away from my true love asmy dad increased his speed. I sighed. My dad should really slow down and turnaround so that I can get back to my boyfriend. Just look at him up there, he’sdriving me away from my man. I slammed both of my fists against the backseat asmy emotions erupted. “This year is by far the worst year of my life. My daycouldn’t get any worse. Perfect timing, Mom and Dad. Brilliant idea! Just packup and move two days after I lost the California State Spelling Bee. Noweveryone is going to think we moved to a new city because I’m a loser!” My dadslightly turned his head to his right and side-eyed me. My mother just scoffed.

Mymother and father glanced at me through the rearview mirror. As the sunradiated through my father’s light brown skin, his smooth oval-shaped browneyes accentuated his unblemished skin. He looked at my mom and she smirkedwhile staring into my dad’s eyes with a countenance of trust. I exhaled andfolded my arms while rolling my eyes. I would love for my mom to do something otherthan always following my dad’s lead. My mom turned away from him and leanedback into the car seat. My mom’s perfectly symmetrical face resembled the MonaLisa. Her long eyelashes jumped out onto an onlooker’s eyes, and her lips werepositioned atop a wonderful physique, one that displayed the anatomy of aperfect woman.

Theycontinued to sit in silence while I wrestled to filter through my heart’sbroken thoughts. I laid back on the seat, then suddenly rose again, eager toresolve my plight. I breathed in deeply and released a boisterous sigh. My dadglances at me through the rearview mirror, raising his eyebrows. I hated to saygoodbye and leave my best friend alone, with all our secrets buried in themidnight forest. I can’t believe my dad is forcing me to move away fromeverything I love. I wish my parents could read my mind. I’m trying my best notto think about everything I’m leaving behind as we travel across this stupidbridge. I continued to empty out my emotions while crossing the Golden Gate Bridgefrom Marin County to head toward our new abode in San Francisco. Filled withrage, I said, “Dad, this isn’t fair! You know I didn’t want to move.” My dadstared at me, but he was silent.

Whilelistening to the luggage move around in the trunk, I couldn’t help but think:Why did my dad allow the broken community of Novato to force us into exile? Myfather delivered the news that we were moving six months ago during a familymeeting. I felt like I was mentally prepared to move, but as this dreaded day drewnear, I realized that my heart wasn’t ready to leave my best friend. My dad ranover the leg of a chair, and the bump jolted our heads into the air like arocket. I frowned and held back the rage that was rushing toward my lips. Ifelt like screaming. I positioned my right foot in front of me, ready to kickthe back of my dad’s seat, but I changed my mind. Geesh—Dad. Why can’t you seethat I am in love? I really wish things could stay the same. I miss him so muchalready.

Whenmy father delivered the news that we were moving, I stood up from the kitchentable as my mom and dad stared at one another. The chilling glance they gave mewas too much to bear. Instantly, their stares filled my heart’s eyes like amachine gun’s relentless onslaught. I felt their intense disappointment in me.During that moment I discovered that the human heart is more powerful thanthe-all- encompassing human brain. Sammie is my addiction and my emotionalhigh. I reacted to their stares with a sprint as my dad shouted, “Sophia, getback over here!” What a memory.

Thisis a bumpy car ride. I frowned while thinking of my love, looking at the backof my dad’s head. I should’ve kicked his stupid seat earlier. I looked up atthe wagon’s ceiling before proceeding with my thoughts. My parents aren’t awarethat their synchronized voices interrupted my resolve to revisit the thoughtsthat only the love of my life knows. I can still hear his gentle but maturingvoice like it was yesterday, whispering in my heart, “Sophia, get down, don’tjump!” His earthshaking voice saved my soul. I sighed. The reality of losingSammie pushed me to entertain thoughts of executing an idea, one that theracist community of Novato would have been proud of. Since we are apart now, Iwish he’d let me finish what I started in the midnight forest.

Ishook my head and smiled. Exactly who was I trying to fool? I couldn’t resistSammie’s piercing blue eyes; they complimented his curly blonde hair extremelywell. He has the cutest little cheeks I’ve ever seen. I especially love howthey rose whenever he used to sing to me. The night he rescued me, he looked atme like I was the most important person alive. I placed my hand over myheart. I never got my chance to tell him that I love him too. My heartcompelled me to stare out of the back window at the life I was leaving behind.I was grief-stricken with my first heartache.

Idried my eyes with my hand. I could feel my tears drop out of my pupils everysecond that my dad’s car inched away from Sammie. I scoffed. My face lookedlike a waterfall. I rolled my right hand through my hair to feel the gentlenessof my curls. Love will make you do some crazy things. I really need my Sammie,and no one is keeping me away from him. I screamed and pleaded for my dad toturn the car around. I forced them, especially my dad, to recall the despicablereasons why he decided it was best for us to move. Before I could say mybrother’s name, my dad turned around to straighten me out. We swerved into themiddle lane as my dad lost focus and said, “Don’t you dare accuse me of notbeing fair ever again! My job is to protect my family, and besides, yourbrother would have been a little more supportive than what you’redemonstrating.”

Iscooted forward while sliding my butt against the car’s backseat, with both ofmy fists clenched together like I was ready to battle. I’ll regain my happinessby force. I grabbed onto both sides of my dad’s car seat. “I beg to disagree,you’re totally wrong Dad! You didn’t know Timmy like me.”

My dadimmediately reacted. He lost his cool after his eardrums embraced the painfulthump of my brother’s name echoing throughout his memories. He slammed on thebrakes and stopped the car in the middle lane of the Golden Gate bridge,turning on the emergency lights and parking his car right in the middle lanelike it was a parking lot. My mother screamed.

“Anthony,what are you doing?” He ignored her. Several people stared and passed usby, gazing with perplexed eyes. My mom placed her left hand on the glovecompartment and rolled the window down to expunge the saliva that sank into herthroat from an adrenaline rush. As sweat broke through her skin, she quicklyobserved the awkwardness of our family scene.

Mymother was frantic, but she calmly asked my dad to put the car back into drive.

My dadchuckled, pressing down onto the gas to antagonize her. He politely uttered aword my mom hated to hear. My father said, “No.”

Insilence, we listened to the sounds of cars pass us by at sixty to a hundredmiles an hour. It seemed like we were trapped motionless in time, then I heardmy mom’s predictable words. She placed her right hand on her heart, as thoughshe was executing the pledge of allegiance, and stared at my father as herubbed his hands down his face, with what appeared to me to be enough force totear his own skin.

Thenmy mother erupted like a volcano. “You know, I was going to try to just moveforward without addressing this with you. But now, I see that we need to havethis conversation right now.” My father glanced at her. “Don’t give me thatlook like you’re an innocent child. I know you very well, so I know what you’rethinking.” My mom shook her head. “Yes, Anthony, we’re having this talk rightnow in the middle of this freaking bridge!” My dad looked at her with a look ofreticence as she continued in a lower tone, “Yes, we’re having thisconversation. It’s been a year since his death, and we still haven’t addressedit as a family.” She faced my dad, and in a nonaggressive way, pointed herfinger at him. “You can’t keep telling me you don’t want to talk about it.” Mydad sighed, tapping on the steering wheel. “Anthony, you didn’t even come toyour own son’s funeral. Why? Because you’ve convinced yourself that hismurder was your fault. You can’t keep blaming yourself.”

It wasrare to observe my old man in silence. But on that fateful day, my mom wasletting him have it.

Theycontinued to argue over the next ten minutes while I recalled the final fourweeks of my brother’s life.

 

Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Music-Within-Your-Heart-ebook/dp/B0CFDB8N6L/ 

Blog Tour: VICTORIA JAMES AND THE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF THE CHILLY WILLIES by Elizabeth Burns

VICTORIA JAMES AND THE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF THE CHILLY WILLIES 

by Elizabeth Burns

 

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GENRE:  Children's Fiction

 

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BLURB:

 

Afterbeing suddenly overcome by a mysterious case of the Chilly Willies,nine-year-old Victoria James navigates her way through a day as a fourth graderat Riverview Elementary School. With the help of her best friend Janie Finch,an oversized sweater, jumping jacks, and a spicy pickle sandwich, VictoriaJames just might defeat the Chilly Willies.

 

 

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Excerpt One:

 

“VictoriaJames, get out of bed now or you’re going to be late!” yelled Mrs.James fromthe bottom of the stairs.

 

“Ugh!” sighedVictoria, as she turned over in her bed to face the stream of sunlight peekingthought the curtain.

 

I hateWednesdays, she thought.

 

Victoriaclimbed out of bed, washed her face, brushed her teeth, pulled a comb throughher hair, put on some clothes and slumped down the stairs for breakfast.

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 Review: 

Little Victoria was getting readyfor school. As she walks down the sidewalk, she noticed a brazen chill in theair. The cold tingle was spreading all throughout her body. All day at school,Victoria continued to tremble. Could she have the “chilly willies?”

Poor Victoria couldn’t doanything. This was certainly a mysterious case of the chilly willies. Turns outall she needed was a little warmth.

Story had a nice and simplenarrative, and the illustrations were so fun and colorful. I liked theincredible detail, and I especially loved the animated expressions and wildgestures.

A nice, little read.

Rating:4 stars

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Always a storyteller, Elizabeth Burns is pleasedto share her love of wonder and magic through her writing. Growing up in theheart of British Columbia, there was always plenty of adventure to fill theimagination. Elizabeth likes to spend her time with her many furry companions,thinking up stories to make you giggle. Snuggle in, dear friends, and enjoy!

 

Website: https://www.elizabethburns.info/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092457190717&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/166331155-elizabeth-burns

 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Victoria-James-Mysterious-Chilly-Willies-ebook/dp/B0C4RLHR6W/ref=sr_1_1  FREE on Amazon KU

 

 

 

 

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GIVEAWAY 

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Book Blast: AND THEN I MET YOU by Mackenzie Lee

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Have you ever wondered whether your beloved watches over you from their heavenly post? Have you often had the feeling that your loved one has remained right by your side, even after the final goodbyes? And Then I Met You is the true story of a love so enduring and eternal, it transcends the barriers of time, space, and life itself.

In these pages, you will meet two people whose love is challenged at every turn. The countless barriers that stand between them and true togetherness seem endless. And then the unthinkable happens--and all the barriers vanish in the most unexpected and miraculous of ways.

This epic love story will linger in your thoughts long after the last page, and remain as a twinkle in the sky and a smile in your heart. Who knows? You may even look at life, love, and death in a whole new light.

Read an Excerpt

In the weeks and months after finding out that he had passed, I could hardly function. I had so many hopes and dreams for us. When they went out the window, so did all my motivation.

I curled up in a ball and cried, day and night. I wailed aloud, overwhelmed by the vastness of the grief and the endless stream of tears. I shook all over, wrapped in a blanket, staring blankly at the T.V. I was adrift in an abyss, completely unmoored. I had a huge hole in my gut.

That was the first time in my life that I had experienced the physical side of grief. The weight of it made it hard to breathe. I was grateful that I didn’t have to go to work at the time. I don’t think I could have pulled it off. It was everything I could do to get out of bed in the mornings.

I let my grief over Mike impact my health for a while. I overate and stopped taking optimal care of myself. Now, I’m trying to bring myself back to life, and get out from under all the damage I did to my body. Little by little, in baby steps, I’m fighting my way back to my best self.

Mike had been my anchor, my rock, my heart, my right hand—my everything. I didn’t know what to hold onto anymore. Whether I was physically near him or not, I had always felt a physical pull in my heart whenever I thought of him. What was going to happen to me now that my rock was gone? How was I going to talk to him?

About the Author: Mackenzie Lee is an aspiring author known for her ability to weave heartwarming tales that touch the soul. Her book, "And Then I Met You," is a poignant and uplifting true story that explores the depths of enduring love and its ability to transcend the boundaries of time and space.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Then-Met-You-Unbelievable-Story/dp/0228887739

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Book Blast: RISE OF DRESCA by Tim McKay

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $40 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

From the pits of an ancient darkness, a new power is rising.

******

Ceremai has fallen.

After a decade of struggle for independence, a fledgling nation collapses under the unrelenting force of invasion.

Join an unlikely band of allies on a journey beset by shadow and intrigue, pulled by the strings of fate to the source of a new evil.

A lord’s daughter turns assassin. An orphan girl discovers her power. A captain plots in vain.

And the last soldier of Ceremai finds his destiny.

Witness the dawn of a new age, and learn if what evil intended for harm…

… can become something far more terrible.

Read an Excerpt

Elzar tried to draw his sword as a slamming force threw him back against a wall.

“Luh’vein!” Ryn’s voice rang out like a melody, resonating off the tavern walls. The long window next to the doorway exploded out into the street and the Athamein monk flew out through the gap.

A second monk emerged from the stairway. He held his palm out toward Elaryn and nothing happened. He stretched out his hand again, a look of hate and panic filling his eyes.

Elaryn’s hand shot out and the monk yelled in pain. He stepped back, clutching his wrist, but the Deldraean gave no quarter. She planted a fierce kick in his chest that slammed his back to the wall, then stepped forward with a black rod in both hands and jabbed him with the cylinder’s flat end. She let go, the rod stuck in place and pinning the monk to the wall, then landed a bone-crushing hook across his face that knocked him out.

Elzar got back on his feet slowly, unsure how to respond. Elaryn reached for the metal rod and red-blue sparks shot out from its end as the monk fell dead to the floor, a streak of blood following him down the wall.

Mekkos entered the back room with a hand on Ryn’s shoulder. She looked down at the body with glazed eyes.

“He wasn’t very nice,” she said.

About the Author Tim McKay is a writer, editor, and marketer from Ottawa, Canada. He used to be a pastor, still cares about good and evil, and still strives to create meaningful experiences for others. He has degrees in history, theology, and public policy, along with a diploma in professional writing, but likes nothing more than hiking in the woods, running along the Rideau Canal, and connecting with the people he loves. Oh, and reading a good book.

Author Site: https://www.timmckay.ca/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/timmckay52
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timmckay52/

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Review: SIZE MATTERS : WISHES, LOVE, AND UNEXPECTED COMPLICATIONS (erotic manga)

A young man wants to get his manstick reduced. Really, why? If his thing wasn’t so big, he wouldn’t have losthis girlfriend and the only girl he ever loved. So, he goes to a statue to makea wish. Evidently, size matters because we had one guy wishing for somethingsmaller and a girl wishing for something bigger. Ha, ha! The awkwardexpressions and the dirty fantasies these young adults had were funny. Verysensual and provocative illustrations!

In order to keep their sizes, thetwo must keep wishing on the statue for 77 days. This was enjoyable. Iespecially liked the girl’s hard kick on the guy’s face when he gets a littletoo excited. Things seem to go well with the two having the perfect size. Butwhat happens when the two miss a day of wishing on the statue? Funny chaosensues.

A pretty good and sexy read!

 

Rating:4 stars

Review: NOT FRIENDS BUT A VAGUE RELATIONSHIP by Sally Turnbull (erotic manga)

Can two childhood friends figureout their physical relationship as full-grown adults? Well, the girl gettingcaught in the guy’s shower didn’t clear things up any. They certainly have thislove-hate thing going…and they don’t get any closer to figuring out anything.In fact, neither does the reader.

 

An okay read.

 

Rating:3 stars

Review: OCCUPIED BY NEW GIRLFRIEND’S CHARM by Amanda Huber (erotic manga)

Guy was in love with best friend’sgirl. He’s pretending to be happy about it, but inside he was dying. He getsstupid drunk and forgets his diary, which the girlfriend finds. Upon trying toreturn it, she almost catches him with another girl. What the guy didn’t knowwas that the other girl—a childhood friend—had a secret crush on him. It’s anentanglement of confusing emotions here.

It was so sweet how he saved hischildhood friend from that fake cop. Who knew what could’ve happened if hehadn’t.

So, each pair spends a wild nighttogether. What a double whammy! Four inexperienced college students practiceall kinds of sexual techniques, and, while some of it is awkward, a lot of itwas fun for them. Very sexy scenes! But then other people coming around causesa lot of misunderstanding. Oh no! Who will end up with who? Were some cheating?Will Kevin get his shot with this dream girl?

Such great and juicy drama! Iliked it a lot, but I didn’t like the cliffhanger.

 

Rating:4 stars

Review: THE NAUGHTY SECRET AT OFFICE by Victoria Hyde (erotic manga)

A shy, mousy office clerk with abad boss decided to do kinky things at the office. This comic has some funnyscenes and expressions, which I enjoyed, but nothing really good happens. Itwas cute how she got all flustered and embarrassed when she nearly gets caughtevery time. This ends up being a sweet love story between her and a randomco-worker that was crushing on her. It was sweet, but, like I said, we didn’tget any good stuff.

 

Rating:3 stars

Review: STICKY SITUATIONS Erotic Anthology – Volume 1

The first story was basicallyabout a nanny that has an affair with the husband and takes the place of thewife that was always working. She gets pregnant and causes a sticky situation,but it all worked out for her in the end. There was no heat at all, which was adisappointment for me.

Stories were decent reads, butthey certainly weren’t erotic. They seemed more dramatic than anything. Andthis was supposed to be an erotic anthology, right? And that meant heat. Therewas none.

These were okay read—quick andnice—but I was expecting more naughty.

 

Rating:3 stars

Book Blast: COCKTAILS AND CASUALTIES by Carly Wayne

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author is awarding 4 prizes to randomly drawn winners (a leather bound diary and pen, a set of 4 drink coasters, a pewter necklace of a Quetzal bird, a copper compass). Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Teddy Aarons is a nomad, using her bartending skills as an excuse to move to a new luxury resort with each change of the season. But when she finds herself stuck on the remote island of Mahina Cay, she finds refuge in the quirky little Township of Crooked Cove.

Crooked Cove is a village of expatriates from various countries, and the people are welcoming, but she only intends to stay long enough to make the money to get off the island and back to her real life.. However, when one of the village’s most distinguished citizens turns up dead, it’s up to her to either solve the case or become a permanent resident of the slammer!

With her new friend Jasmine at her side, Teddy will do whatever it takes to shake out the truth and stir up the real killer to clear her name. Will she manage to keep herself out of lockup, or will she end up under the influence of the Mahina Cay Prison?

Read an Excerpt

“Teddy, what are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking you should give me the pictures and the phone and wait here,” she said.

Jazz pulled her purse close to her. “Oh hell no. If you are going to question Frannie, you’re not leaving me sitting out of the action. I’m coming with you.”

Knowing it was pointless to argue, Teddy sighed. “Alright. But you have to promise me to behave, Jazz. Let me do the talking. We are going to try the soft approach first.”

The look in Jazz’s eyes told Teddy she was not planning on staying silent. She was chomping at the bit to back Frannie into a corner.

Frannie stood and walked to the ladies’ room, and they followed. Teddy counted to twenty, and then walked in with Jazz behind her. The room was empty except for the two of them, and Frannie was in the last stall. Teddy pointed to the door, and Jazz silently locked it. They leaned against the door and waited for Frannie to emerge....

About the Author: Carly Wayne first discovered her love of storytelling as a child when she would create alternate endings for all of her favorite fairy tales. As she grew, her fascination developed into a passion for writing about the characters and worlds she imagined.

Now, Carly has returned to her ancestral home deep in the woods of Jacksonville, Florida, not too far from the ocean. She fills her days pursuing her bliss by writing, creating, and exploring nature.

Carly holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Psychology.

Website: https://carlywayne.online
Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/cocktails-casualties
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/creator.of.worlds
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarlyWayneJax
GoodReads: https://cutt.ly/carlywayne-goodreads
BookBub: https://cutt.ly/carlywayne-bookbub

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