Jean C. Joachim's Blog: Stories of Love and Passion, page 2
August 1, 2022
TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "CRAZY" - THE KICKER'S STORY - PART ONE
Welcome! This week we are starting something new. The Kicker Story is actually a book in two parts. We started with the kicker's story, which is part two! This week, we'll start the kicker's story part ONE! Yes, this is the story that comes first. I know, it's backward. But both stories are stand-alones. They will be tied together in an extensive epilogue at the end.
In the meantime, the word prompt this week is "crazy". Don't forget to read the great Tuesday Tales stories you can find HERE. Thanks for stopping by.
**********************************
Robbie Anthony, kicker of the Connecticut Kings, and seducer extraordinaire, parked his car in the small house he owned in Shelton, Connecticut. He locked his vehicle, and entered the house from the back door to the kitchen.
He flipped on the central air conditioning, and poured himself a Coke. No alcohol during the season. He kicked off his shoes, and stretched out on his sectional sofa.
He flipped on the TV. It was nine already. He wasn’t hungry because he chowed down before the four o’clock game. He marveled that he wasn’t in the mood for porn, and channel surfed.
His cell buzzed. Ugh, it was Cathy. No way could he listen to her bitching at him again about not calling. He sent the call to voicemail.
Again, his phone sounded. Phylicia. Oh, boy, he knew better than to pick that one up. She’d spotted him at The Savage Beast cozying up to a new waitress there. He’d lied to her about having to practice, so when she spied him, Coke in hand, breathing down the neck of the new girl, Phylicia went crazy! She yelled, screamed, and called him names.
Carla, the owner, had to have her husband, Trunk Mahoney, defensive lineman for the Kings, toss her out – nicely. Trunk threw a dirty look at Robbie, who slunk away and went home. Damn, that waitress, what was her name? Connie? Maybe. She was fine, though. And stupid Phylicia wrecked his chances with her. He’d be damned if he’d answer the phone.
Words that night from his teammate, Trunk, echoed in his head.
“Some day, Anthony, you’re gonna meet the girl you can’t get. And it’s gonna drive you fuckin’ nuts. I just hope I’m around to see it.”
Robbie smirked. Yeah, like that was really gonna happen to him.
That's all. Thanks for stopping by...
April 9, 2021
BEST OF...ADORA SMUTZ ROUND TABLE INTERVIEW
ADORA SMUTZ ROUND TABLE INTERVIEW
Adora Smutz, here. We have a roundtable discussion today. I have four heroes of Jean’s books with me today. Please welcome, Tunney Nichols and Jim Caterson from “The Renovated Heart” and Mac Caldwell and Danny Maine from Now and Forever 2 and Now and Forever 3.
Leave a comment and be eligible to win a copy of The Renovated Heart!
Mac:Hey, guys, I thought this was a bowling alley.
Danny: Adora Smutz! What are you doing here?
Adora: Hi, guys. *grins* Fooled you, didn’t I? That free bowling coupon works every time.
Tunney: Who is this babe?
Adora: Ahhh, he called me a babe! Tunney, you’re such a sexy guy.
Tunney: *backs away*, hey, hey. Down, girl. Kit would never approve of this.
Adora: Who’s Kit? What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her, right? *bats her eyelashes*.
Jim: How do we get out of here?
Adora: The doors are locked gents. So sit down. You’re my captives for a while. This is a round table discussion. Here *passes out beer*, might make you more comfortable. *sound of beer bottle tops popping*.
Mac: What do you want, Adora?
Adora: Just want to ask you all a few questions. Let’s see…hmm, which do you prefer, blonde, brunette or redhead? Mac, you’re the oldest, you start.
Mac: Thanks a lot for the age crack. Let me think, slam dunk, I prefer chestnut hair and blue eyes on a woman. Danny?
Danny: Blonde and green eyed. Jim?
Jim: Big blue eyed brunettes do it for me. Tunney?
Tunney: blonde and blue-eyed.
Adora: What a bunch of creeps! Those are the descriptions of your girlfriends and wives. Brother, how unoriginal. Okay…*tosses out index cards*…so much for Jean’s questions. Now you’re gonna get my questions! *the men shift in their seats* What’s your favorite position for sex? Danny, let’s start with you.
Danny: Whoa, Adora! Not answering that one. *raises his hand*.
Adora: Coward! Mac…how many times a week do you have sex?
Mac: *blushes*…uh…I don’t remember.
Adora: A likely story! Tunney…ever do anything kinky in the bedroom?
Tunney: Uh…hmm…define ‘kinky’ Adora.
Adora: You know what I mean! You faker! Jim, your turn…How many times in one day do you have sex with Sarah?
Jim: *blushes deep red* uh…don’t think I’ve ever kept track, Adora.
Adora: You are all a bunch of phonies, killjoys! *stomps her foot*.
Danny: *gets up close to Adora. Puts his arm around her* But maybe we can set some new records with you, Adora…
Adora: Oh? Really? Raises her eyebrows.
Danny: Sure…*slips door open, signals to Mac to leave*…yup. How many times a week do you want to have sex?
Adora:*gets shy* well, gee…I haven’t thought about it…
Danny: *shoos Jim out the door* Think about it. There are four of us and one of you…
March 28, 2021
NEW RELEASE - "SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL"
NEW RELEASE! "SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL"
Dear Readers,
I struggled to write "Some Kind of Wonderful", book 7 in the Pine Grove series (but reads as a stand-alone) this during the last six months as pandemic sapped by strength and focus. But I love Jackie & Jeff and had to get their poignant story written and now it is. SO, I am posting the blurb and an excerpt today.
I will post a new excerpt every day for a week. If you don't buy the book on the first day, be sure to come back and read the other snippets until you are so hooked you have to have the book!
Here's the blurb:
Life sucks for Jeff Barrett. His girlfriend hates his hometown, and his mother hates his girlfriend. His alcoholic father dies and leaves his ramshackle bar to Jeff. He can’t even tear down the dilapidated building because it’s landmarked! He puts it on the market with one caveat – the buyer can’t make it a bar again.
Jackie Stone’s life grinds to a halt when the IRS closes the restaurant she managed, and her boyfriend skips to Montana with another woman. While visiting tiny Pine Grove, looking for a bar to own and run herself, Jackie gets lost. She flags Jeff down to ask directions. The attraction is instantaneous.
It’s smooth sailing on the sea of relationships until Jackie makes an offer for his bar and Jeff refuses. The irresistible force meets the immoveable object. Who wins the tug-of-war? Will the winner find a tornado of trouble is just picking up steam?
Now, the excerpt:
July, New York City
Jackie Stone narrowed her eyes to read the sign on the door of Chuck’s Wagon, the steakhouse where she worked as a manager.
SEIZED!
Big black letters on a bright orange piece of paper plastered on the inside of the glass door shouted out. A huge padlock secured the knob and prevented entry. Puzzled, Jackie tugged on it anyway. The door rattled but stayed shut. She shook her head. How stupid. Like the padlock is gonna fall off because you pull on it?
She whipped out her cell phone and dialed her boss, Chuck Gregory.
“Hey, Chuck. What’s going on? The door’s padlocked. There’s a sign saying ‘seized’ in the window. What the hell?”
“Tax man cut us off.”
“What do you mean, the tax man cut us off?”
“I’m a little behind in taxes. So, they took the restaurant.”
“A little behind?” She paced up and down on the sidewalk in front of the big plate glass windows of the empty eatery.
“Okay. Maybe a lot behind.”
“Chuck. You lost the restaurant?” She stopped, her mouth fell open.
“Yeah, so I’m going out west. Sindara’s got a house in Montana. I figure I’ll find a place out there and open another steakhouse.”
“You’re going where?” She fished a bottle of water from her purse.
“Montana. Is there something wrong with your hearing, Jackie?”
“Nothing wrong with my hearing. Just my choice of boyfriends.”
“You and I were never serious.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. How could you let this happen? I told you to put money in a separate account. And then when tax time came around, you’d have it.”
“Yeah, well, Sindara wanted to buy a house. She needed the down payment.”
“You gave your tax money to your other girlfriend?” She shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand.
“It was a good move because now I have a place to go.”
“What about me? And our staff? Have you told anyone else?” The sun beat down on the back of her neck.
“Nope. They’ll find out soon enough. Like you did.”
“I can’t believe this.” She resumed pacing.
“Believe it. Have a good life, Jackie. I’m changing my number, so don’t try to get in touch with me.”
“What about my stuff?” She guzzled water.
“What stuff?”
“Change of clothes, some baking stuff.”
“Sorry. Everything in there belongs to the tax man now. Gotta go. Good luck.”
Her phone went dead. Screwing her face up, her hand drew back as if to throw the phone but stopped. Hell, it was her phone. She’d have to pay to replace it. Pay. Pay with what? She didn’t have any income, as of like ten minutes ago.
She sank down on a nearby stoop. Tears burst forth. Chuck—what a dirty, lowdown bastard. Two-timing her and squandering the restaurant’s money. Leaving her with nothing. Branded a failure. Thirty years old and no job, a small savings account, and no place to go.
Opening her phone again, she scrolled through her contacts. When her father’s name came up, she hesitated for a moment before pressing the button.
“Jackie?” The familiar gruff voice set her on edge.
“Hi, Dad.”
“What’s up? Aren’t you working today?”
“That’s what I’m calling about.”
“Oh?” She could hear her father raise his eyebrows.
“Yeah. See, uh, Chuck…kinda didn’t pay his taxes.”
“What?”
“Yeah.”
Silence.
“So the feds shut him down, right?”
Jackie closed her eyes and took a deep breath, preparing herself for the giant “I told you so.”
“Yeah.” Her voice was almost a whisper. She drew her knees up and rested her forearms on them.
“So you’re out of a job?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, then…”
“Aren’t you gonna say it?” Her head bowed.
In a soft tone she’d not heard since she was six, he said, “I’m not gonna say it. Why don’t you come home for a while? You could use a break.”
“Come home?”
“Yeah. I’ll fire up the grill. I’ve got some chops in the freezer.”
“Really?” She sat up straight.
“Sure. You work plenty hard. Take a couple of weeks off. Come out here. We’ll put our heads together and come up with something.”
“Really?”
“Are you hard of hearing or something, Jackie?”
She laughed. “Chuck asked me the same thing.”
“I hope that scoundrel is out of your life now.”
“Oh, he is. Count on it. We’re so done.”
“Every cloud has a silver lining. Hold on a sec.”
Jackie grinned. Could it be true old Cecil Stone would actually come through for her? And without a lecture? Maybe the lecture was yet to come? She’d deal with it.
“Okay. I’m back. The schedule says there’s a three thirty train. Can you be ready in time?”
“I can.”
“Good. I’ll pick you up at the station.”
Her tears returned. “Thanks, Dad. You’re the best. I didn’t think. I just—”
“Oh, hush. That’s what dads are for, see you at four fifteen.” He ended the conversation.
Buy the book here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09157583H/
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BARNES & NOBLE
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KOBO
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/some-kind-of-wonderful-21
March 25, 2021
Have you heard about my new sweet historical romance, "Ab...
Have you heard about my new sweet historical romance, "Abigail's Journey"? It's book 1 in the Catskills Saga, takes place in Colonial America, and is being read faster than you can flip a page in Kindle Unlimited! Reviews are glowing, with the book achieving a 4.6 overall rating. How about an excerpt?
First, a bit about the book:
Abigail Chesney has it all; a husband more loving than she could have dreamt, three healthy children, and a house on thriving farmland. She’s happy in her little world until it crashes down around her.
Losing almost everything tests Abby in ways she never expected. Can she learn to accept what she can’t change and trust those she loves? Relying on help from the people of Fitch’s Eddy, a tiny Catskill logging town, Abby discovers her own strength. Will Fate’s cruel blows crush her? Or will love give her a new reason to go on?
Abigail’s Journey – travel back to Colonial America, 1786, with this heartfelt, sweet, historical romance, where the flavor of the past leaps off the page.
***************************
EXCERPT
May 1786
“Pack up and get out, Chesney. I’m moving in.”
No sooner were the words out of the scoundrel’s mouth than George Chesney hit him square on the jaw. The man exploded in rage and landed two on George before bystanders pulled him away. Chesney had never been much for fighting to settle a dispute. However, when the welfare of his beloved family hung in the balance, he’d gladly trade fisticuffs with the devil himself.
Leaving the Danbury Inn, he wiped the blood off his nose. Tramping through town, he breathed deeply. The bell of the town crier stopped him.
“Seven o’clock and all is well.”
He compressed his lips together as bitterness soured his mouth. It might be seven o’clock, but all was not well, not for the Chesney family. Old Luke Morton had gambled away the deed to their farm. He had been Morton’s tenant, working the farm for the past ten years. He figured to own it outright in another five. Luke’s one whiskey too many and his losing hand at cards smashed George’s dream to bits.
Laughing in his face, the winner had dashed any hope of staying to farm the land. So, he’d lashed out at the man who’d threatened his future but had come out the worse for it in the end.
Fear spiked in George’s chest, slowing his pace. For once, he dreaded returning home. Since he was late, his beautiful wife would have kept a plate of dinner aside for him. She’d be wondering where he was. How could he tell her Morton didn’t own their farm anymore and they had to pack up and leave?
As he struggled to find words, his heartbeat sped up. Sweat poured off his forehead and soaked his shirt. He wiped his face with his sleeve and shivered in the chilly May wind under the cold light of a full moon. The sweet smell of freshly turned earth met his nose. Crops were already planted, but he’d not be around to harvest them. Where would they go? Farming was all he knew. How would he make a living and feed his family?
It didn’t help that his face had swelled and the flesh around his eye throbbed. Gently, he fingered his nose and flinched in pain. He grew angry. It wasn’t his fault Morton was an old, drunken fool.
Seemed like bad luck had dogged his steps lately. They’d lost a goat through a hole in the fence. Fox killed two chickens. He figured it was timing. He’d had the best fortune in the world to win lovely Abigail’s hand. And the three wonderful children she’d given him had brought him much joy. Now he was thirty-six years old, maybe his luck had turned.
As he drew near to the little farmhouse he’d called home, emotion choked him. How could he tell his family they’d have to leave the life they loved—the only life they knew?
Smoke curled up from the chimney and the aroma of burning logs drifted his way. Yep, his son, Samuel, had remembered to bring in wood. He could almost taste his wife’s fine stew and smell the freshly baked bread his daughter, Sarah, had put up in the afternoon.
George directed his gaze upward and uttered a prayer as he approached his home. He stopped halfway up the path to swallow hard and wipe his cheek. The wetness wasn’t blood, but tears. He took a deep, shuddering breath. No nice way to break such bad news. They were losing their home—he’d come right out with it.
He pushed the door open.
“George! I’m so glad you’re home. Where were you? We were worried.”
Speech eluded him. He stood, solid, feet spread slightly, and reached for words that wouldn’t come. His gaze hopped from his wife to each of his children in turn. They stopped what they were doing. She approached and put her hand on his arm.
The smile faded from her face. “You’re bleeding. What happened? Are you all right?”
He shook his head. “No, I’m not. And nothing is going to be all right again for a very long time.”
Her eyes widened. “What?”
“Sarah, put Lizzy to bed then come back. You and Sam are old enough to hear the truth.” He ran his palm over his face then sighed, sinking into a chair. His wife picked up a dish towel, removed a plate from the warming oven and placed it on the table in front of him.
“Hungry?” She raised her gaze to his.
“Not really.” But the aroma of the stew set his mouth to watering.
“Eat. Whatever it is will wait.” She poured a cup of tea for him and one for herself.
“You deserve better,” he mumbled, picking up his fork.
“Better?”
“Better than me.”
“Hush, George Chesney! I don’t know what happened today, but I married the finest man in all of Danbury. And don’t you dare disagree with me.” The fire in her eyes, and her high spirit turned her cheeks a becoming rosy shade.
“If you aren’t the prettiest woman in all of Connecticut, I don’t know who is.” He leaned over to plant a gentle kiss on her lips then took her hand and raised it to his. “And you make the best stew in God’s creation.”
His daughter returned. She joined Samuel on a bench across from their parents. Sarah fiddled with her long hair, while Sam tried to twirl a penny on its end.
“What is it, Papa?” her young voice squeaked. The children raised their gazes to meet his.
He poured out the story. Shame filled him to admit he’d struck the first blow and yet had still come out the worse for the battle. When he finished, silence blanketed the room. The only sound was the scraping of his spoon against the plate as he finished the last drop of gravy.
“Don’t worry. We’ll be all right,” she said.
“How, Mama? How?” The boy’s eyes filled with fear.
“Your mother’s right. We’ll be all right. Go on to bed now. We need you to be ready to help at sunrise.” He stood.
The children hugged him and left the room. When he turned around, Abigail fisted his shirt and pulled him toward her. Gently, she cleansed his face then brushed her fingers through his hair.
He drew her into his embrace. “I’m so sorry.”
“Stop apologizing. It’s not your fault.”
“We’ll manage.”
“Yes. We will. “Get some rest. You look all in.”
He trudged off to their room. “You coming?”
Get your copy here, free in Kindle Unlimited:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KWGRBWF/
AMAZON U.K.
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https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08KWGRBWF
AMAZON AUSTRALIA
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AMAZON INDIA
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B08KWGRBWF
Watch for book 2, "Sarah's Dilemma" coming in April!
March 20, 2021
Now and Forever 2, The Book of Danny - Free for 5 Days!
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FREE FOR EVERYONE UNTIL MARCH 24!
My journey writing this book.
I don't talk much about the Now and Forever series these days, though it's still one of my favorites. It was one of my first. I have re-edited it and put out second editions for all the books. Yes, I had visions of Mac Caldwell in my mind as I wrote his story, which is book 1. But during that book, and "Callie's Story", Danny Maine kept coming back demanding attention.
When I finished writing book 1, Danny came to me and wanted his story told. He wasn't my usual book boyfriend. Danny's scarred, inside and out. He's got PTSD, which gives him nightmares from time to time. In the Army, he was a killer, a sniper. He's having a hard time leaving it behind.
What shone through for me was his strength, loyalty, and humanity. Danny is all in when it comes to protecting the ones he loves. So I had to tell his story. And I felt like he sat on my shoulder, dictating every word. He lived inside me while I wrote this emotional, suspenseful tale.
This book took me on a journey. It was the first time a character took over, refusing to let me direct the story. He took it places I hadn't imagined. I couldn't wait to get my fingers on the keyboard each day to see where the story would go.
Danny took a journey. He came back to life. I was privileged to go along for the ride. Still one of my favorite books, I'm pleased to offer you, "Now and Forever 2, The Book of Danny" for free until March 24. I hope you download it, read it, and enjoy it...and fall in love with Danny, just the way I did.
Here's a bit about the book:
Killer? Lover? Professor? Which one is Danny Maine? Leaving the Army to teach college didn't mean the war left him. Scars to his body, heart, and soul haunt him. Capt. Danny Maine seeks a normal life. He struggles to free himself from crippling war memories and dangerous men, hoping love and a new Glock will bring him peace.
Eliza Baines, widowed dean at the university, finally has life exactly the way she wants it, doesn’t she? When Danny Maine blows into town, he fires up her hunger for love and affection. Can she throw aside convention to build a life with a much younger man?
An engrossing, tale of love, loss, mind-blowing surprises, and facing off against insurmountable obstacles, the Book of Danny will touch your heart.
Caution: Occasional cursing and violence.
“...it was a wonderful read that tore me up in the middle, but left me satisfied in the end.”
HERE'S A TASTE OF THE BOOK:
“This way, Danny.” Cal motioned.
“No, don’t go that way…” Danny hollered.
Too late. The explosion might have deafened him, but Danny got lucky. Running away from a bomb one minute, the next, he woke up in an army hospital in Germany. Still, he was the charmed one—getting the Purple Heart and a trip home. Cal hadn’t been so blessed.
Danny had only been out of the hospital for three days when he hitched a ride on a military transport back to the United States. A long plane ride provided the chance to say goodbye to his buddies.
“Hey, Captain, ever get the guy in Iraq who killed your brother?” asked Sgt. Josh Benson.
“Sure, Benson. Him and the rest, too. All those bastards,” Danny replied.
“You got the highest score. How many killed?”
“Lost count.”
“More than me.”
“Everybody got more than you, Benson. Jenny behind the desk hit more than you.”
“Can’t see nothin’ on you. Looks like they never touched you.”
“Yeah, looks can be deceiving. How’s your leg doing?” Danny asked, moving away to make more room for Benson’s leg cast.
“Good,” he lied.
Danny saw the beads of sweat on Benson’s forehead, his pale face. Benson had always been a good liar.
“Glad to be delivering you back to your sister. Say what does she look like again?”
“Stay away from her, Captain. She’s got enough to do takin’ care of me. She can’t be cryin’ her eyes out over givin’ it up to you.” Benson chuckled.
“Too bad. But if she looks like you, maybe not!” Danny laughed.
“I’m not tellin’.” His brow furrowed, Benson asked, “Say Captain…you sleep good?”
“Okay, I guess,” he said, side-stepping the truth.
“I see things. I wake up. I don’t sleep all night,” Benson said quietly.
Danny nodded, looking away.
“Will those things go away? Will I always be seein’ Joe or Cal when I go to sleep?”
“I hope not,” Danny said, looking down at his hands.
“At least I’m still here. Thanks to you.”
“I told you, just shut up about what happened,” Danny snapped, making a fist.
“Why?”
“Everybody here does his bit. I did mine…with you. Don’t talk about it,” Danny said in a low voice.
“Okay, okay.”
“You’re one brother I’m returning home,” Danny said to himself.
“Hey, Maine, we’re coming down over Syracuse. This is your stop, right?” the pilot hollered. Danny moved up to the cockpit.
“Yeah. That’s me.”
“Where do you go from here?”
“I got a ride with Sgt. Marie Willis to Willow Falls,” Danny said.
“Some hick town?”
“College town.”
“You going to school?”
“Teaching.”
“Marie, huh?”
“Better warn her about the Captain,” Benson piped up from the back.
“Shut up Benson or I’ll have to break your arm, too,” Danny called.
“Ever see her, Benson? Don’t think the Captain’ll be interested.”
“She’s female, isn’t she?” Danny cocked an eyebrow.
“As far as I know.”
“I’m interested,” Danny said with a snicker.
“Your vitamin E pack, Captain.”
Accepting the pouch from Benson, he put it in his duffle bag. “Thanks.”
The plane landed. Danny parted from Benson and two other members of his squad. Marie Willis stood at the gate jingling car keys in her hand. Danny stored his gear in her trunk then got in next to her.
“How long a trip is this, Sergeant?” Danny asked the washed-out brunette.
“Call me Marie.”
“Okay, Marie. How long?”
“Maybe four hours?”
“Too bad. Thought we might need to stop for the night,” he said, looking her over.
“That could be arranged,” she said, smiling.
You'll find the ebook free only on Amazon here:
All of the Now and Forever series books are available in Kindle Unlimited.
And as a boxed set, too
Get the boxed set here:
AMAZON
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F46WY2Q
AMAZON U.K
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07F46WY2Q
AMAZON CANADA
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07F46WY2Q
AMAZON AUSTRALIA
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07F46WY2Q
AMAZON INDIA
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07F46WY2Q
March 18, 2021
SNEAK PEEK! PREVIEWS OF "SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL" COMING MARCH 28!
Welcome! For the next few days, while my editing team gets this book ready to be published, I'll be posting excerpts. Feel free to stop by and get a taste of the story to come. Before you start, here's a bit about the book:
Life sucks for Jeff Barrett. His girlfriend hates his hometown, and his mother hates his girlfriend. His alcoholic father dies and leaves his ramshackle bar to Jeff. He can’t even tear down the dilapidated building because it’s landmarked! He puts it on the market with one caveat – the buyer can’t make it a bar again.
Jackie Stone’s life grinds to a halt when the IRS closes the restaurant she managed, and her boyfriend skips to Montana with another woman. While visiting tiny Pine Grove, looking for a bar to own and run herself, Jackie gets lost. She flags Jeff down to ask directions. The attraction is instantaneous.
It’s smooth sailing on the sea of relationships until Jackie makes an offer for his bar and Jeff refuses. The irresistible force meets the immoveable object. Who wins the tug-of-war? Will the winner find a tornado of trouble is just picking up steam?
New York City
Jackie Stone narrowed her eyes to read the sign on the door of Chuck’s Wagon, the steakhouse where she worked as a manager.
SEIZED!
Big black letters on a bright orange piece of paper plastered on the inside of the glass door shouted out. A huge padlock secured the knob and prevented entry. Puzzled, Jackie tugged on it anyway. The door rattled but stayed shut. She shook her head. How stupid. Like the padlock is gonna fall off because you pull on it?
She whipped out her cell phone and dialed her boss, Chuck Gregory.
“Hey, Chuck. What’s going on? The door’s padlocked. There’s a sign saying ‘seized’ in the window. What the hell?”
“Tax man cut us off.”
“What do you mean, the tax man cut us off?”
“I’m a little behind in taxes. So, they took the restaurant.”
“A little behind?” She paced up and down on the sidewalk in front of the big plate glass windows of the empty eatery.
“Okay. Maybe a lot behind.”
“Chuck. You lost the restaurant?” She stopped, her mouth fell open.
“Yeah, so I’m going out west. Sindara’s got a house in Montana. I figure I’ll find a place out there and open another steakhouse.”
“You’re going where?”
“Montana. Is there something wrong with your hearing, Jackie?”
“Nothing wrong with my hearing. Just my choice of boyfriends.”
“You and I were never serious.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. How could you let this happen? I told you to put money in a separate account. And then when tax time came around, you’d have it.”
“Yeah, well, Sindara wanted to buy the house. She needed the down payment.”
“You gave your tax money to your other girlfriend?” She shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand.
“It was a good move because now I have a place to go.”
“What about me? And our staff? Have you told anyone else?”
“Nope. They’ll find out soon enough. Like you did.”
“I can’t believe this.” She resumed pacing.
“Believe it. Have a good life, Jackie. I’m changing my number, so don’t try to get in touch with me.”
“What about my stuff?”
“What stuff?”
“Change of clothes, some baking stuff.”
“Sorry. Everything in there belongs to the taxman now. Gotta go. Good luck.”
Her phone went dead. Screwing her face up, her hand drew back as if to throw the phone, but stopped. Hell, it was her phone. She’d have to pay to replace it. Pay. Pay with what? She didn’t have any income, as of like ten minutes ago.
She sank down on a nearby stoop. Tears burst forth. Chuck—what a dirty, lowdown bastard. Two-timing her and squandering the restaurant’s money. Leaving her with nothing. Branded a failure. Thirty years old and no job, a small savings account, and no place to go.
But she did have a place to go, didn’t she? She pulled up the bottom of her T-shirt to blot her eyes. An older man walking by stopped.
“Keep going. Show’s over.” She shot him a cold stare, and he hurried away.
Opening her phone again, she scrolled through her contacts. When her father’s name came up, she hesitated for a moment before pressing the button.
“Jackie?” The familiar gruff voice set her on edge.
“Hi, Dad.”
“What’s up? Aren’t you working today?”
“That’s what I’m calling about.”
“Oh?” She could hear her father raise his eyebrows.
“Yeah. See, uh, Chuck, kinda didn’t pay his taxes.”
“What?”
“Yeah.”
Silence.
“So the feds shut him down, right?”
Jackie closed her eyes and took a deep breath, preparing herself for the giant “I told you so.”
“Yeah.” Her voice was almost a whisper. She drew her knees up and rested her forearms on them.
“So you’re out of a job?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, then…”
“Aren’t you gonna say it?” Her head bowed.
In a soft tone she’d not heard since she was six, he said, “I’m not gonna say it. Why don’t you come home for a while? You could use a break.”
“Come home?”
“Yeah. I’ll fire up the grill. I’ve got some chops in the freezer.”
“Really?” She sat up straight.
“Sure. You work plenty hard. Take a couple of weeks off. Come out here. We’ll put our heads together and come up with something.”
“Really?”
“Are you hard of hearing or something, Jackie?”
She laughed. “Chuck asked me the same thing.”
“I hope that scoundrel is out of your life now.”
“Oh, he is. Count on it. We’re so done.”
“Every cloud has a silver lining. Hold on a sec.”
Jackie grinned. Could it be true old Cecil Stone would actually come through for her? And without a lecture? Maybe the lecture was yet to come? She’d deal with it.
“Okay. I’m back. The schedule says there’s a three thirty train. Can you be ready in time?”
“I can.”
“Good. I’ll pick you up at the station.”
Her tears returned. “Thanks, Dad. You’re the best. I didn’t think. I just.”
“Oh, hush. That’s what dads are for, see you at four fifteen.” He ended the conversation.
January 25, 2021
ABIGAIL'S JOURNEY - Step into the past with this sweet historical romance!
Abigail Chesney has it all; a husband more loving than she could have dreamt, three healthy children, and a house on thriving farmland. She’s happy in her little world until it crashes down around her.
Losing almost everything tests Abby in ways she never expected. Can she learn to accept what she can’t change and trust those she loves? Relying on help from the people of Fitch’s Eddy, a tiny Catskill logging town, Abby discovers her own strength. Will Fate’s cruel blows crush her? Or will love give her a new reason to go on?
Abigail’s Journey – travel back to Colonial America, 1786, with this heartfelt, sweet, historical romance, where the flavor of the past leaps off the page.
What readers are saying...
“5 stars. This is a great read for sweet romance lovers and for fans of American historicals.” A.V.
”5 stars. I LOVED this book. The characters were well developed and likable. I gasped, cried and held my breath at different scenes. Did I mention that I loved this book? I can't wait to read more in this series. So well done!” P.M.
5 stars
“I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's well-written and takes the reader back to a time when life was a physical as well as mental struggle to survive. Abigail is a strong woman, as pioneering women had to be. Faced with an unbearable loss she keeps her head high and does what she has to do to care for herself and her children. In a time when a marriage built on love was a luxury Abigail is fortunate to find Caleb though the angst of giving her heart a second time rings true for the time period.
This is a great read for sweet romance lovers and for fans of American historicals.” A.R.
READ AN EXCERPT:
May 1786
“Pack up and get out, Chesney. I’m moving in.”
No sooner were the words out of the scoundrel’s mouth than George Chesney hit him square on the jaw. The man exploded in rage and landed two on George before bystanders pulled him away. Chesney had never been much for fighting to settle a dispute. However, when the welfare of his beloved family hung in the balance, he’d gladly trade fisticuffs with the devil himself.
Leaving the Danbury Inn, he wiped the blood off his nose. Tramping through town, he breathed deeply. The bell of the town crier stopped him.
“Seven o’clock and all is well.”
He compressed his lips together as bitterness soured his mouth. It might be seven o’clock, but all was not well, not for the Chesney family. Old Luke Morton had gambled away the deed to their farm. He had been Morton’s tenant, working the farm for the past ten years. He figured to own it outright in another five. Luke’s one whiskey too many and his losing hand at cards smashed George’s dream to bits.
Laughing in his face, the winner had dashed any hope of staying to farm the land. So, he’d lashed out at the man who’d threatened his future but had come out the worse for it in the end.
Fear spiked in George’s chest, slowing his pace. For once, he dreaded returning home. Since he was late, his beautiful wife would have kept a plate of dinner aside for him. She’d be wondering where he was. How could he tell her Morton didn’t own their farm anymore and they had to pack up and leave?
As he struggled to find words, his heartbeat sped up. Sweat poured off his forehead and soaked his shirt. He wiped his face with his sleeve and shivered in the chilly May wind under the cold light of a full moon. The sweet smell of freshly turned earth met his nose. Crops were already planted, but he’d not be around to harvest them. Where would they go? Farming was all he knew. How would he make a living and feed his family?
It didn’t help that his face had swelled and the flesh around his eye throbbed. Gently, he fingered his nose and flinched in pain. He grew angry. It wasn’t his fault Morton was an old, drunken fool.
Seemed like bad luck had dogged his steps lately. They’d lost a goat through a hole in the fence. Fox killed two chickens. He figured it was timing. He’d had the best fortune in the world to win lovely Abigail’s hand. And the three wonderful children she’d given him had brought him much joy. Now he was thirty-six years old, maybe his luck had turned.
As he drew near to the little farmhouse he’d called home, emotion choked him. How could he tell his family they’d have to leave the life they loved—the only life they knew?
Smoke curled up from the chimney and the aroma of burning logs drifted his way. Yep, his son, Samuel, had remembered to bring in wood. He could almost taste his wife’s fine stew and smell the freshly baked bread his daughter, Sarah, had put up in the afternoon.
George directed his gaze upward and uttered a prayer as he approached his home. He stopped halfway up the path to swallow hard and wipe his cheek. The wetness wasn’t blood, but tears. He took a deep, shuddering breath. No nice way to break such bad news. They were losing their home—he’d come right out with it.
He pushed the door open.
“George! I’m so glad you’re home. Where were you? We were worried.”
Speech eluded him. He stood, solid, feet spread slightly, and reached for words that wouldn’t come. His gaze hopped from his wife to each of his children in turn. They stopped what they were doing. She approached and put her hand on his arm.
The smile faded from her face. “You’re bleeding. What happened? Are you all right?”
He shook his head. “No, I’m not. And nothing is going to be all right again for a very long time.”
Want to read more? Buy the book here:
AMAZON U.S.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KWGRBWF/
AMAZON U.K.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08KWGRBWF
AMAZON CANADA
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08KWGRBWF
AMAZON AUSTRALIA
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08KWGRBWF
AMAZON INDIA
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B08KWGRBWF
BARNES & NOBLE
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/abigails-journey-jean-joachim/1137870423?ean=2940164509026
APPLE BOOKS
https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1535040248
KOBO
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/abigail-s-journey
GOOGLE PLAY
https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=6tABEAAAQBAJ
January 13, 2021
PROJECT LEMONS TO LEMONADE BEGINS!
Hi, I'm Jean Joachim, a romance author and I'm giving away paperback books!
In 2020, I bought paperback books for events I planned to attend. Those events were cancelled. Consequently, I am left with about 100 paperback copies of my books.
So I am turning the lemons -- books I invested in that will bring no return -- into lemonade for those who need an escape.
Feeling crappy? Facing winter and looking for a way to forget about the virus, lockdowns, and missed chances to be with friends and family? Facing serious illness? Lost those near and dear to you to the virus? Chemo treatments? Dialysis? Stressed? Missing your loved ones? Lost your job? Politics got you down? How about escaping into a romance book == for free?
I'm offering my paperbacks for free to those who need them. I will pay the postage (media mail) and send you a book to brighten your day. It doesn't matter the reason you need a lift, just email me at jean@nowandforeverbooks.comPut "lemonade" in the subject line and give me your snail mail address. I will send you a signed paperback for free! (sorry, USA only)
Yep -- I'm shipping out my paperbacks. Throwing them out into the world hoping they will bring some relief, respite from reality -- because that's what so many of us need right now. Your name and address will not be added to a list, sold or mailed to. Your privacy will be maintained.
I cannot honor requests for specific books. I will sign and package them at random, and mail them in the order I receive requests. When they are all gone, I will not order more. So hurry and get your name to me right away.
You do not need to give me a reason why you want a book, only your name and mailing address. Remember to use the word "lemonade" in the subject line. There will not be any sales material -- maybe a bookmark, until those run out. Just the book, in a mailer with a post-it note. It'll be a surprise gift, and who couldn't use that right now?
Here's to better days to come and a healthy and happy 2021. Let me hear from you. I'm signing books and packing them up now. I hope they will bring some comfort to your life. Sending hugs & good wishes,
Jean Joachim
Remember, I am not compiling a mailing list. Your information will be purged as soon as your book is delivered.
PS If you want to check out my books before you email me, you can find them here: http://www.jeanjoacimbooks.com
December 22, 2020
Merry Christmas! How about a feel-good, sweet short story for the holiday? THE CHRISTMAS PARTY
Only $0.99! Bring a little holiday cheer into your life with
The Christmas Party...
What do you get for Christmas for your best friend who has everything? A date with her forever-crush, right? Aaron and Patrice have been best friends since high school. This year, instead of a bottle of perfume or a new scarf, he has the supreme surprise in store for her – movie star and high school chum, Damian Wood.
Aaron’s bringing him to Patrice’s Christmas party expressly to meet her. Never mind Aaron had once crushed on her. Putting aside your own feelings to make someone else happy is a sign of true friendship, isn’t it?
Little does he know Patrice has cooked up a mighty big surprise for him, too. All is revealed at the Christmas party, where things may not be what they seem in this sweet rom-com, feel-good short story.
Here's an excerpt:
An apartment on the West Side of Manhattan
Aaron North had the best Christmas present humanly possible for his best friend, Patrice Linden. Signed and sealed—the only thing missing was a bow. He’d be bringing Damian Wood to her annual Christmas Eve party.
Damian was a star of stage, screen, and Patrice’s dreams since they were fifteen. Aaron and Damian had kept up a sort of friendship since they attended McHugh High School. The actor had been in town to audition for Broadway, and while they were at lunch together, Aaron had brought up Patrice.
“The flat-chested girl with the skinny legs?” Damian sipped his latte.
“She’s changed.” Aaron had whipped out a picture and slid it across the table. Damian choked.
“Holy shit! This is Patrice Linden?”
“Yep. She’s having a Christmas Eve party, and I want to bring you. As her date. You’re her biggest wet dream.”
“Me?”
Aaron nodded. “Come on. You’re not dating anyone now, are you?”
“Well. Let me check my schedule. I’ll text you tomorrow.”
Damian had agreed. Aaron couldn’t stop smiling.
Every year Patrice would rope him into helping out with planning and decorating. He’d be doing the tree with her this year. And ordering the liquor too.
His girlfriend, Crystal, had stopped over after work. They ordered a pizza and watched a movie. Now, he’d press her into service too.
“I need to order the champagne, wine, and vodka. Call these liquor stores, Crystal. Get prices and delivery schedules, okay? We need the booze there by noon on Christmas Eve.”
“Okay.” She perused the list. “This is a lot of work for one lousy party.”
“It’s going to be a great party. The most monumental party in the world.”
“Just a Christmas party.”
“Not just a Christmas party. A liberation. You’ll see.”
She sidled up to him. “Are we getting engaged at Christmas?”
Aaron avoided her question. “Go on, get started.”
“Don’t get your knickers in a twist.” She picked up her phone and plopped down in the kitchen. His phone rang. It was his father.
“Dad?”
“Your text said you’re inviting me to a Christmas party?” he Christmas party. I want you to be a witness.”
“Witness to what?”
“Them meeting at the party. Then it’ll be over.” Aaron cradled his cell phone while he pulled a beer from the fridge.
“Over for who? Her? Or you?”
“She’ll have the man of her dreams.” He popped the top.
“Come on, Aaron. I know you’ve had the hots for this chick for like fifteen years.”
“You’re crazy. We’re just friends. She’s always wanted to be with Damian. And now she’ll get her chance. He’s finished with his last…can I say relationship? No, probably not. With his last whatever. And when I told him about Patrice and showed him her picture, he went nuts. I couldn’t believe he actually remembered her from high school.”
“So she wants to be with him, and he wants to be with her?”
“Sort of. She’ll finally get her chance.”
“For a smart man, sometimes you can be so stupid.”
“What?” Aaron reached into the cabinet and snatched a bag of potato chips.
“When are you going to make your play?”
“Never. I have Crystal.”
“I hope you’re not going to propose to her.”
“She expects it.” He grabbed a handful of chips and put them on a paper towel.
“On Christmas? Why don’t you just put coal in my stocking?”
“She’s not that bad.”
“Yes, she is, and she hates me.”
“She doesn’t hate you.” He munched on a chip.
“Are we talking about the same girl? The one with the big boobs?”
“Dad!”
“You’re throwing away your chance for happiness.”
Aaron paused before he said, “Patrice wants Damian.”
“Did she say so?”
“She spent five years talking about Damian Wood, constantly, like he’s some kind of god. I got the message.”
“And now?” his dad asked.
“Okay, maybe not so much now.”
“At all now?”
“Well, no. But I know how she feels. She’s marking time with other guys.”
“How do you know?”
He took another sip of his beer before answering, “Said she’s waiting for the right one. She means Damian.”
“You’re an idiot. I can’t talk to you. Go ahead. Throw happiness down the toilet. But don’t come crying to me. I’ve gotta go. Neighbor lady is bringing a casserole.”
Aaron snickered. “Hot and cold running women. Mom would be ashamed.”
“Mom would be thrilled. Of course, I’d rather it was her, but she’s gone. Go ahead. Be a fool. Just don’t tell me about it.”
The phone went dead.
Get it on Amazon now. Coming soon to Kobo and Google Play.
AMAZON
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R67NZQ5/
APPLE BOOKS
https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1546092528
November 30, 2020
TUESDAY TALES - THE CHRISTMAS PARTY -1
Welcome! Today I'm posting a new story this week, tentatively titled, "The Christmas Party." It's going to be a short Christmas story, probably will be published around January 1. But I'm getting ahead of myself. I will be posting excerpts every week until then. So stay tuned.
Scroll down to return to Tuesday Tales and the excellent stories you'll find there. Thanks for stopping by.
****************************************
“Get started calling. Confirm the venue, the Uber service, and the decorations. I’ll check on the food and liquor.”
“Okay.” Crystal, his girlfriend, perused the list. “This is a lot of work for one lousy party.”
“It’s going to be a great party. The most monumental party in the world,” Aaron Wood said.
“Just a Christmas party.”
“Not just a Christmas party. You’ll see.”
“Are we getting engaged at Christmas?” She sidled up closer to him.
He avoided her question. “Go. Get started.”
"Don't push." As she closed the door, his phone rang. His father.
“You’re inviting me to a Christmas party?”
“The Christmas party. I want you to be a witness.” Aaron walked to the kitchen.
“Witness to what?”
“Patrice and Damian at the Christmas party. Then it’ll be over.” Aaron cradled his cell phone while he pulled a beer from the fridge.
“Over for who? Her? Or you?”
“She'll have what she wants.” He popped the top.
“Come on, Aaron. We all know you’ve had the hots for this chick since the millenium.”
“We’re just friends. She’s always wanted to be with Damian. And now she’ll get her chance. He’s finished with his last, can I say relationship? No, probably not. With his last whatever. And when I told him Patrice was coming, and showed him her picture, he raved. I couldn’t believe he actually remembered her from high school.”
“For a smart man, sometimes you can be so stupid.”
“What?”
“When are you going to make your play?”
“I have Crystal.”
“I hope you’re not going to propose to her.”
“I was planning to.”
“On Christmas? Why don’t you just put coal in my stocking?”
“Come on. She’s not that bad.”
“Yes, she is, and she hates me.”
“She doesn’t hate you.”
“Are we talking about the same girl? Crystal with the big boobs?”
“You’re grossing me out, Dad.”
“You’re throwing away your chance for happiness.”
“Patrice wants Damian.”
“Did she say so?”
“She spent five years talking about Damian Wood, like he’s some kind of god. I got the message.”
“And now?”
“Okay, maybe not so much now.”
“At all now?”
“Well, no. But feelings like that don't change. She’s just marking time with the other guys she’s dated.”
“How do you know?”
“Said she’s waiting for the right one. That means Damian.”
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
Stories of Love and Passion
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