Bertena Varney's Blog, page 12
December 20, 2021
A Cry in the Moon’s Light Book One Alan McGill
A Cry in the Moon’s LightBook OneAlan McGillGenre: Horror, Fantasy, Historical Fantasy
Publisher: Alan McGill
Date of Publication: Oct 30 2021
ISBN:978-1737855804
ASIN:B09J457T2M
Number of pages: 217
Cover Artist: Emily’s World of Design
Book Description:
n a time of castles, muskets, and hideous creatures of the night, a beautiful woman travels across the treacherous Dark Forest to be by the side of her dying grandmother. With only a young carriage driver to protect her, she must use her wits and all of her courage to cross the wild country—and to evade the mysterious beast who stalks her.
What follows is a tale full of horror, mystery, and romance: gruesome murders at a village hidden deep in the forest, a castle that holds dark secrets, and a black wolf leading a deadly pack. Nothing is as it seems, and this journey has only just begun. The beautiful lady in the carriage will learn that only love can defeat evil, but is it love or danger that cries out to her in the deceitful light of the moon?
Amazon iBooks Kobo Smashwords BN
Father Daniel’s Compendium of the Undead A Cry in the Moon’s LightA Series CompendiumAlan McGillPublisher: Alan McGillDate of Publication: 10/31/2021ASIN:B09J424GHTNumber of pages: 182Cover Artist: Emily’s World of Design
Book Description:
Father Daniel and his Right Hand of God Order are a secret society fighting hideous creatures of the night. For decades, they’ve gathered relics and created weapons at a place called the Forge, located in a silver mine deep below the abbey on Feldberg Mountain. The monks compiled this compendium at the abbey in hopes it may help you understand the story that is A Cry in the Moon’s Light.
This tome is Father Daniel’s attempt at dispelling myths, retelling legends, and digging deeper into the characters and places you love from the story. There are detailed descriptions, over seventy-five illustrations from various artists, and even spoilers where the past and future collide!
Amazon iBooks Kobo Smashwords BN
About the Author:Alan McGill is an American author who lives in an old farmhouse with a clowder of cats. Alan was close to his grandparents, who grew up during the Great Depression. They were married young and remained together until his grandmother's passing. His grandfather served in the Navy during WWII and was a gifted storyteller who wove humorous tales about tough events.
Alan grew up listening to these stories of right and wrong and watching fictional heroes--such as the Lone Ranger, Adam West's Batman and Captain America--stand up to bullies and protect those who count not protect themselves. This inspired him to always do what was right in his own life and shaped his love of storytelling.
He is a multi genre author whose debut novel, A Cry in the Moon's Light, combines horror, romance, and mystery. As with all his books, A Cry in the Moon's Light centers on characters who strive to do the right thing regardless of the adversity they face. The book focuses on the theme of love--a pure and deep love that defeats all evil.
https://acryinthemoonslight.com/
https://cryinthemoonslight.podbean.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Alan-McGill/e/B09JR7YQVM
December 14, 2021
JAsmine Moon's Holiday Spritz Cookies
Holiday Spritz Cookies
My family enjoys making cookies for the holidays. We like to do pizzelles, snickerdoodles, chocolate chip, thumb print, and last but definitely not least, spritz. They’re great with hot cocoa or a nice cup of tea.
Here’s my mother’s recipe for spritz cookies…
3/4 cup regular sugar (some recipes call for “powdered”, but mom swears by regular)1 cup margarine, or butter, or shortening (mom uses shortening; I use butter. Both are delicious.)1 tsp. vanilla1 egg2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour1/2 tsp. baking powder1/4 tsp. salt
1. Preheat oven to 350 F.2. In a bowl, mix together margarine (or butter or shortening), sugar, vanilla, and egg until fairly fluffy.3. Stir in flour, salt, baking powder.4. Optional: separate dough into bowls and add food color of your choosing. (Mom prefers liquid food coloring; my kiddo and I often use neon gel food colors).5. Fill cookie press; press dough onto ungreased cookie sheets. (Our press includes a variety of patterned discs, and we switch shapes about every 6 cookies)6. Bake for 12 - 15 minutes.7. Remove from sheet and cool on cookie rack.8. Store in holiday tins, or… Eat. All. The. Cookies! Bon appétit!
Jasmine MoonBlack Hills WolvesCelia Breslin
Genre: Paranormal RomancePublisher: Decadent PublishingDate of Publication: June 3, 2016ISBN: 9781683610458ASIN: B01GKB9WMONumber of pages: 108Word Count: 36,400Cover Artist: Fiona Jayde
Book Description:
Tech mogul and workaholic Wolf Evan Luparell has little time for distractions but takes a break for his brother’s wedding in South Dakota. When asked to escort another wedding attendee from the airport to Los Lobos, he agrees. Then he meets the curvy spitfire, and she ignores him.
Designer and Wolf Mina Carver didn’t mean to be rude to the handsome, glowering man claiming to be her ride, but she was busy working. Now she must endure a ride to the Black Hills with the cranky but sexy Dominant Wolf. Unexpected mating energy sparks between them, but still—should she dismiss, or kiss him?
Kisses win and they agree upon a no-strings fling. But with each wedding activity throwing them together, and their powerful chemistry and mate compatibility complicating matters, can two workaholics truly have their fun then walk away?
Amazon UK Amazon US BN Bookstrand
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Excerpt:
Evan tipped his head and eyed the ceiling. Prompt replies, punctual people. Striking deals and hitting deadlines. These items made his world tick. Not loitering around a miniscule airport pulling a Waiting for Godot moment on infinite repeat for a no-show, flakey designer from California.
God grant him patience and balls of steel when he showed up without the designer and the all-important wedding dress, because his future sister-in-law Darci would certainly be unhappy. […]
He took a deep fortifying breath and froze. Airport smells assailed his senses—the sharp tang of bleach and lemon-scented cleaners, […] coffee, donuts, fried fast food, and under it all, the distinct musk of wolf.
Female wolf.
She smelled damn good. His wolf perked up, and his legs propelled him toward the empty baggage claim, where one bright-pink suitcase covered in Hello Kitty stickers sat, unclaimed, on the unmoving L-shaped conveyor belt. Her scent, stronger here, socked his gut, and his gaze shot to the corner.
The chaos around the woman stunned him silent. Large, paper coffee cup, half-eaten banana, and a quarter of a powdered doughnut perched on a brown paper bag next to her. Crumbs splattered the linoleum and the woman’s long-sleeved blue blouse in a thick layer of white, sugary dust. On her other side, two pink garment bags lay like corpses, along with a bubblegum-pink unzipped duffel as long as her outstretched, denim-clad legs. Some of the bag’s contents—pads of drawing paper and large swaths of fabric—protruded over the opening, the fabric splaying over her legs in a rainbow-colored blanket. Her feet peeked out of the mess, encased in sparkling pink UGGs. Good grief, sequins? She smacked her shiny boots together in a poor imitation of Dorothy and bobbed her head from side to side in time to some music only she seemed to hear. Her shoulder-length red hair, the color of ripe dark cherries—his favorite fruit—gleamed under the harsh airport lighting and curtained most her face from his view, save a pert nose and small chin, both speckled with a generous amount of freckles.
He’d always liked freckles.
Clearing his throat, he stepped closer, but she didn’t flinch in surprise or look up. Her attention remained on the tablet on her lap, the stylus between her pale, freckled fingers swiping without hesitation over her screen. […]
He positioned himself right in front of her wiggly, booted feet. “Excuse me, J—”
“Sh.” She raised her arm and flicked her hand in the universal get lost gesture.
He gaped at her. “Excuse me?”
Another wave of her hand while her stylus streaked across her tablet screen with the other. “Not interested.”
Nice voice. Low and husky. Her attitude, on the other hand… “But—”
“Go away.” Her velvet voice carried a stubborn edge.
In other circumstances, he would’ve admired her strength. But he’d wasted copious amounts of time hunting for the clearly inconsiderate and irresponsible female. “Fine. Get your own damn ride to Los Lobos. Jasmine.”
About the Author:
Celia lives in California with her husband, daughter, and two feisty cats. She writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance, and has a particular fondness for werewolves, vampires, and the Fae. When not writing, you’ll find Celia exercising, reading a good book, hanging with her family, or indulging her addiction to fantasy TV shows and movies.
Web site: http://www.celiabreslin.com/
Blog: http://www.celiabreslin.com/blog/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/celiabreslin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CeliaBreslinAuthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/CeliaBreslin
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/celiabreslin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celiabreslin/
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bxqwRL
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December 12, 2021
The Adventures of Super Alert Dog Gail Morin
The Adventures of Super Alert Dog Gail Morin
Genre: Children's Book Ages 4-8ASIN : B099896R7LPublisher: Xlibris US Publication date : June 24, 2021Print length: 54 pages
Book Description:
Super Alert dog magically appears when there is cyberbullying, as well as any online dangers and stranger danger. Super Alert dog saves the day on different adventures. He also wears a cape. He is a superhero dog when he gets alerted on his super alert tablet. When a child is in danger or experiences cyberbullying, or any online danger, Super Alert dog magically shows up to save the day and to teach good moral lessons. He offers advice on sharing, getting along, and spreading joy and peace. He teaches children about using manners too. As he becomes friends with the children, he has many different adventures. Super Alert dog is so fun to watch and to learn from.
About the Author:Gail Morin is the author of The Adventures Of Super Alert Dog. Her writing is used to help kids learn very important moral lessons in a fun and exciting way. As a past educator herself she knows the importance of teaching kids at a young age on learning morals and good valuable lessons. Her book takes kids on adventures with the Super Alert Dog.
https://adventuresofsuperalertdog.godaddysites.com/
https://www.facebook.com/superalertdogadventures/
https://www.amazon.com/Gail-Morin/e/B09LRLKXXS/
December 8, 2021
Rogue Unbroken Legends and Shadows Saga Book Three Angie Day
Rogue UnbrokenLegends and Shadows Saga Book ThreeAngie Day
Genre: Young adult, urban fantasy, YAUFPublisher: Rahne PressDate of Publication: Dec 10, 2021ISBN: 978-1-7338144-6-1 (hardcover) ISBN: 978-1-7338144-7-8 (paper back)Number of pages: 412Word Count: 104,000Cover Artist: Sarah Hansen from Okay Creations
Tagline: Energy blazed in my body, begging me to move, to use it. If you see her, kill her on sight.
Logline: Kate can’t touch anyone without causing pain. To save herself and her family, she must challenge Alec, who is ready to tear her life apart.
Book Description:
Kate had survived. She had lived through pain and torment and now she was on the other side, where all the happiness was supposed to be. But with Alec’s vengeful punishment for escaping him, she can’t touch anyone without hurting them.
Alec still wants to create a Level Five and he’s dangerously close. That power under his control would mean unraveling the world as it stands. The world Kate has not yet started to enjoy. She won’t be able to rest until her body, her mind is fixed, and Alec won’t get his beloved power without her help.
The two warring sides of Rogues and Shadows will have to meet. Kate will have to confront Alec and his cruel ambition once again. But every moment with the Shadows is detrimental to those she loves, especially Kylan. So she must find a way to outsmart the person who taught her everything she knows, the most feared Shadow in the world.
Kate is strong. She survived once. But even the strongest people can break with the right pressure, and Alec is ready to tear her life apart.
Amazon
Excerpt 1:
Alec lifted a hand to my face but lowered it again. “But then you came back to me. You fell for me again. I saw it. If you say you’re done with me, then why can’t you just do the honorable thing and stop loving me?”
Alec looked down at the floor and he never looked so sheepish and small.
A trick. It had to be a trick.
But he was so small and broken and careening in his own mind. I knew what that felt like, all too well.
“I want to.” I leaned back on the shelves again. “You’re despicable and psychotic. You hurt the people I care about. You tortured me, manipulated me—”
“And yet that’s not good enough for you to kill me. All you can do is leave, and I’m sitting here hoping I can somehow get you back.” Alec raised his arms like he didn’t know where to put them anymore. “Why?”
“I don’t know.”
“That’s not an answer. Why?” Alec moved closer to my face.
“Because you won’t let me.”
“Ha.” Alec grinned before his eyes turned dark again. “I wish I had that much control over your decisions. Try again.”
I shoved him away. “I don’t know, Alec.”
“Yes, you do,” he came right back. “Think, Mara.”
“Because you’re home to me!”
His mouth fell open and the pain created lines around his eyes. I just stared at him for a moment. I saw all the same years of complications that I felt in mine. We weren’t just similar. He and I were mirror images of each other.
“No matter what you do, no matter where I go. When I think back on my life, you are all I can see for centuries,” I said.
“I get it.” Alec backed off. I caught his arm.
“You don’t. You’re a terrible person. You’re the nightmare that just won’t go away.” I looked at the floor. “But you’re also a huge part of my life, whether I hate you or not.”
About the Author: Angie Day found her love of writing while in college where she studied psychology and eventually went on to a master’s degree. She noticed the need for romantic and fantastic adult stories that were still wholesome and clean. So, she took matters into her own hands.
The Legends and Shadows Saga is her debut series. When she’s not devouring the next book, she is spending time outdoors with her husband.
Website https://www.angiedayauthor.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/angiedayauthor
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/angiedayauthor/
Mailing List https://www.angiedayauthor.com/contact-angie-day
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Holiday Recipe - Crumb Cake
Holiday Recipe - Crumb Cake
Greetings! My name is Amy Winters-Voss and I write urban fantasy based on Japanese mythology. Being that the holiday season is a wonderful time to focus on family traditions and the things that bring us together, I'll be sharing one of my favorite recipes, passed down from my Aunt Phyllis—Crumb Cake.
This isn't a specific holiday recipe. But it's one of our most requested by the family for anytime we need to celebrate. This is the cake I always ask hubs to make on my birthday. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Crumb cake Ingredients
Crumb mixture: (part of it goes in the cake)
2 c flour
1 c sugar
2/3 c shortening
Rest of the cake:
1 egg
1 t baking sode
1 t cinnamon
1 c milk
12 oz chocolate chips
DirectionsGrease a 9x12 inch pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix the Crumb mixture ingredients together until like cake crumbs. Save 1 c of this.
Add the rest of the crumb mixture to a bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Mix until smooth. Then add most of the chocolate chips and stir.
Pour into greased pan. Sprinkle with the remaining chocolate chips and the crumb mixture you set aside.
Bake for 1/2 hour. (I often have to cook it a little longer. Test it with a toothpick to ensure it's done.)
What is your favorite recipe to celebrate with?
The Liminal ChroniclesBook OneAmy Winters-Voss
Genre: Urban fantasy and Asian mythology Publisher: Shy Red Fox PublishingDate of Publication: April 30, 2021ISBN: 978-1-7366720-0-6ISBN: 978-1-7366720-1-3 ASIN:B08WTK6XWPNumber of pages:312Word Count: 97,000Cover Artist: Odette.A.Bach
Tagline: A myth come to life may be worth far more than his freedom.
Book Description:
Will a former gangster dare to protect the elderly woman who antagonizes him? He must choose between breaking a promise to his parole officer or the old lady. Each choice carries a hefty price.
Umeji Tatsuya moves from Tokyo to a small town after leaving the yakuza, the Japanese mob. He knows all too well that his past can't stay buried.
‘Once Yakuza, always Yakuza. The tattoos mark you for life.’
Nakamura Hisako, the town’s beloved dowager, learns about Umeji’s past and tries to oust him, but Umeji just discovered her own long-held secret. If he keeps it for her, the cost is his recently regained freedom. If he doesn’t, Nakamura might have to leave her home, and he risks angering forces he barely understands… and barely believes in.
As the mundane and Spirit Realm intertwine, so do the modern-day and the Pre-Meiji eras. Centuries-old rivalries flare up again, and the past returns in the present. Umeji’s second chance is only the first step of his journey to discover myth, social redemption, and found family.
Rise is the first book in the Liminal Chronicles series.
Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/I2YoMKWt4IQ
Excerpt:
“To make things worse, yesterday I heard you’re covered in irezumi tattoos. Nonogawa may be in the sticks, but we all know what that means here.”
I blink. Why are little old ladies so rude?
“Well? Are you?” she presses.
While I deserve the disdain, I don’t want my boss to take heat for me. “Ma’am, the community respects Satou-san. I’ll do my best for his sake.”
She draws out the syllables. “You dodged.” As she crosses her arms, her sharp eyes shift to a predatory glint. “If you won’t answer, roll up your sleeve. I know yakuza ink when I see it.”
My head swivels. Satou, where are you? Make your vicious aunt heel. She’s really causing my hackles to raise, but I don’t want to do anything stupid. “Ma’am?”
In the Hiragi clan, I was good at remembering names, because the alternative could be costly. What did Satou say her name was? Oh yeah—Nakamura Hisako, the town’s beloved matriarch. When I was yakuza, I would have never let a little old lady corner me. But I’m caught flat-footed because I can’t use any of the in-your-face phrases that bubble up to get her to lay off. I haven’t done a damned thing to her. What gives?
So, I take a deep breath. No attitude. “Nakamura-sama, it’s becoming more common in the cities. People keep ‘em out of sight to avoid the stigma.”
As if I’ll tell this biddy the full truth. Later, I can scream rebellion in gokudou drawl all I want. But her outburst is the proverbial piano hanging overhead, threatening to crash down on the little hope I have in this town.
At twenty-four, I should have a high school diploma and a college degree or employment experience. This is my only chance. Suck it up, Umeji. So, I bow deep. “I apologize that my tattoos offend. If I could turn back time, I’d not have done it. How may I help you?”
Harrumphing, she turns on her heel with the grace of a ballerina, leaving me with some serious heartburn. Hiro, my big brother in the Hiragi clan, had taught me to ferret out everything that seemed out of place. How does an old lady move that fast?
When I finish stocking, I grab my baseball-style jacket with its embroidered fox on black and gold silk and beeline it to Satou. Just my luck, his aunt beats me there.
I wait behind her and examine my shoes. Faint reflections of fluorescent lights show on the tile floor.
“That tattooed punk is bad for business.” She points, doubtless aware of how rude she’s being. “He dares to flaunt his past wearing that rebel jacket, instead of considering this store’s reputation. I’ve heard all manner of rumors. Mark my words, Kazuo, people will stop shopping here.” Full-to-the-brim grocery bags strain her arthritic knuckles.
While Nakamura’s concern is understandable, does she care that this ‘rebel jacket’ is the only one I own? I was fortunate someone dropped it by the penitentiary after emptying my apartment. My fists clench, pulling on the stitches from yesterday’s wound. Why does this town love her, anyway?
About the Author:Amy is a former programmer turned author after her first trip to Japan in 2017. Now she writes Japanese myth-based urban fantasy to reconnect with the country and culture that captured her heart.
She lives in South Dakota with her supportive husband, two wonderful kids, a mellow old cat who adopted the family, and three wily and crazy ferrets.
https://amywintersvoss.com
https://liminalchronicles.com
https://go.amywintersvoss.com/news
https://www.goodreads.com/amywintersvoss
https://twitter.com/amywintersvoss
https://www.facebook.com/amywintersvoss/
https://theshyredfox.tumblr.com/
https://www.twitch.tv/shyredfox
https://www.instagram.com/amywintersvoss/
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New Year's Day in Japan
Greetings! My name is Amy Winters-Voss and I write urban fantasy based on Japanese mythology. Today I get to share about the culture of one of the places I love most—Japan.
New Year's Day in JapanThe big winter holiday in Japan is New Years. It's an official government holiday and many businesses are closed from December 29th through January 4th. It's a hectic but fund time filled with New Years office parties, putting out special decorations such as a stack of rice cakes with an orange or a bundle of pine and bamboo tied with straw, the annual cleaning of the house from top to bottom, feasting on traditional foods, the temple bells ringing in the New Year, giving kids a red envelope with cash, surprise bags (where the contents aren't known before hand) purchased at retailers, fireworks displays, watching the first sunrise of the year, and visiting the local shrine or temple.
Why not the Lunar New Year?Unlike much of Asia, Japan doesn't celebrate the Lunar New Year anymore. Though it used to. Many aspects of China's scholarship were imported to Japan about the 6th century—from the symbol based writing system to the lunar calendar. That changed in 1873 when the Meiji Era government, in its sweeping changes to modernize and be recognized by the West as a major power, adopted the Gregorian calendar. Events were shifted to match. Thus, Japan celebrates New Years on January 1st.
What about Christmas?Japan doesn't celebrate Christmas like the west. It's not a time of family gatherings, gift giving, and big holiday feasts. Instead, Christmas Eve is considered a romantic day. It's not a government holiday. Though, you'll can see Christmas light displays. And through a clever marketing ploy, KFC became very popular on Christmas and Christmas Eve.
New Years CardsOne of the most popular traditions is sending New Years cards, called nengajo, to family and friends, expressing gratitude to those who have helped you during the year. The post office puts in extra effort to ensure that these special greetings are delivered early on the morning of January 1st.
Let's Make a New Years CardEven though Japan doesn't follow the lunar calendar any more, they still enjoy reference the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac. 2022 will be Year of the Tiger, so it will be a popular theme for cards. Mt. Fuji is also a popular icon on cards.
I've collected a few designs from Freepik (one of my favorite graphics places) that you can download for free and print on cardstock.
https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/2...
Here are some of the common greetings in kanji and kana (the Japanese writing system), a Romanized version so you can see how it's said, and an English translation.
明けましておめでとうございます。[Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu.] - Happy New Year 昨年はお世話になりました。[Sakunen wa osewa ni narimashita.] - Thank you for all your support last year. 今年もよろしくお願いします。[Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.] - I'm looking forward to the goodness of our continued friendship/relationship. (for relationship here, think work or office).If you are sending your card to Japan write 年賀 (Nenga) on it so the Japanese post office will know it should go with the new year's cards. Cards sent to Japan should get to the local post office by December 25th to be guaranteed to arrive on New Years Day.
What are your favorite New Year's traditions?
The Liminal ChroniclesBook OneAmy Winters-Voss
Genre: Urban fantasy and Asian mythology Publisher: Shy Red Fox PublishingDate of Publication: April 30, 2021ISBN: 978-1-7366720-0-6ISBN: 978-1-7366720-1-3 ASIN:B08WTK6XWPNumber of pages:312Word Count: 97,000Cover Artist: Odette.A.Bach
Tagline: A myth come to life may be worth far more than his freedom.
Book Description:
Will a former gangster dare to protect the elderly woman who antagonizes him? He must choose between breaking a promise to his parole officer or the old lady. Each choice carries a hefty price.
Umeji Tatsuya moves from Tokyo to a small town after leaving the yakuza, the Japanese mob. He knows all too well that his past can't stay buried.
‘Once Yakuza, always Yakuza. The tattoos mark you for life.
Nakamura Hisako, the town’s beloved dowager, learns about Umeji’s past and tries to oust him, but Umeji just discovered her own long-held secret. If he keeps it for her, the cost is his recently regained freedom. If he doesn’t, Nakamura might have to leave her home, and he risks angering forces he barely understands… and barely believes in.
As the mundane and Spirit Realm intertwine, so do the modern-day and the Pre-Meiji eras. Centuries-old rivalries flare up again, and the past returns in the present. Umeji’s second chance is only the first step of his journey to discover myth, social redemption, and found family.
Rise is the first book in the Liminal Chronicles series.
Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/I2YoMKWt4IQ
Excerpt:
“To make things worse, yesterday I heard you’re covered in irezumi tattoos. Nonogawa may be in the sticks, but we all know what that means here.”
I blink. Why are little old ladies so rude?
“Well? Are you?” she presses.
While I deserve the disdain, I don’t want my boss to take heat for me. “Ma’am, the community respects Satou-san. I’ll do my best for his sake.”
She draws out the syllables. “You dodged.” As she crosses her arms, her sharp eyes shift to a predatory glint. “If you won’t answer, roll up your sleeve. I know yakuza ink when I see it.”
My head swivels. Satou, where are you? Make your vicious aunt heel. She’s really causing my hackles to raise, but I don’t want to do anything stupid. “Ma’am?”
In the Hiragi clan, I was good at remembering names, because the alternative could be costly. What did Satou say her name was? Oh yeah—Nakamura Hisako, the town’s beloved matriarch. When I was yakuza, I would have never let a little old lady corner me. But I’m caught flat-footed because I can’t use any of the in-your-face phrases that bubble up to get her to lay off. I haven’t done a damned thing to her. What gives?
So, I take a deep breath. No attitude. “Nakamura-sama, it’s becoming more common in the cities. People keep ‘em out of sight to avoid the stigma.”
As if I’ll tell this biddy the full truth. Later, I can scream rebellion in gokudou drawl all I want. But her outburst is the proverbial piano hanging overhead, threatening to crash down on the little hope I have in this town.
At twenty-four, I should have a high school diploma and a college degree or employment experience. This is my only chance. Suck it up, Umeji. So, I bow deep. “I apologize that my tattoos offend. If I could turn back time, I’d not have done it. How may I help you?”
Harrumphing, she turns on her heel with the grace of a ballerina, leaving me with some serious heartburn. Hiro, my big brother in the Hiragi clan, had taught me to ferret out everything that seemed out of place. How does an old lady move that fast?
When I finish stocking, I grab my baseball-style jacket with its embroidered fox on black and gold silk and beeline it to Satou. Just my luck, his aunt beats me there.
I wait behind her and examine my shoes. Faint reflections of fluorescent lights show on the tile floor.
“That tattooed punk is bad for business.” She points, doubtless aware of how rude she’s being. “He dares to flaunt his past wearing that rebel jacket, instead of considering this store’s reputation. I’ve heard all manner of rumors. Mark my words, Kazuo, people will stop shopping here.” Full-to-the-brim grocery bags strain her arthritic knuckles.
While Nakamura’s concern is understandable, does she care that this ‘rebel jacket’ is the only one I own? I was fortunate someone dropped it by the penitentiary after emptying my apartment. My fists clench, pulling on the stitches from yesterday’s wound. Why does this town love her, anyway?
About the Author:Amy is a former programmer turned author after her first trip to Japan in 2017. Now she writes Japanese myth-based urban fantasy to reconnect with the country and culture that captured her heart.
She lives in South Dakota with her supportive husband, two wonderful kids, a mellow old cat who adopted the family, and three wily and crazy ferrets.
https://amywintersvoss.com
https://liminalchronicles.com
https://go.amywintersvoss.com/news
https://www.goodreads.com/amywintersvoss
https://twitter.com/amywintersvoss
https://www.facebook.com/amywintersvoss/
https://theshyredfox.tumblr.com/
https://www.twitch.tv/shyredfox
https://www.instagram.com/amywintersvoss/
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The Romance Novel Formula by Alicia Leigh
The Romance Novel FormulaAlicia Leigh
Genre: Non-fictionPublisher: A.K. LeighDate of Publication: 7th December 2021ISBN: 9781973593553 (Amazon)ASIN: B09J48ZHJFPaperback – app. 200 pages Word Count: 24,000 wordsCover Artist: Sarah Paige (Opium House Creatives)
Tagline: Is there a secret formula for writing a successful romance novel?
Book Description:
Backed by research and professional expertise, The Romance Novel Formula provides everything you need to take you from idea to first draft of your breakout romance novel.
Join best-selling romance author and academic researcher, Alicia Leigh, as you discover:
*How to take your love interests on the “lovers’ journey” – inclusive of ALL types of romantic relationships: ménage, alien, LGBTQI, polyamory, etc.*A unique five-act structure to make your story easy to write and manage.*The specific story “beats” exclusive to the romance genre (and which other books on writing typically exclude).*The story and character arcs necessary to classify your book as romance.*How to avoid stereotypes by focusing on archetypes.*Popular romance tropes.*Essential writing techniques.*Advice on dialogue.*The most common writing mistakes . . . and how to avoid them.*Goal, motivation, and conflict.*Fear, need, and flaw (what are they, and do you need them?).*Much more!
Complete with checklists and over 30 writing exercises, The Romance Novel Formula is the new essential romance writing guide for aspiring and experienced writers, plotters and pantsers, and professional researchers.
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Excerpt:
“Romance novels are written to a specific formula.” The number of times I’ve heard this insulting and patronizing phrase throughout my career as a romance writer would fill its own book! Yet, regardless of urban legends and popular culture tales, the simple fact is this: There is no romance novel formula.
Let me repeat that with emphasis: There is no romance novel formula.
Now, it might seem like I have contradicted the title of this book by saying that. However, there is more than one way to write a romance novel. This book is intended as a guide to assist you while giving you the freedom to find your own version of a formula.
While there is no set formula per se, there is a structure you can follow that will aid you in writing your breakout romance novel. This structure isn’t used solely by romance writers. Different forms are used by all novelists (see, for instance, books such as Story, Save The Cat! Writes a Novel, The Plot Whisperer, and Story Engineering, which have a variety of formulas, guides and suggestions). In that regard, writing a romance novel is almost the same as writing any other novel. I say almost because the romance genre has necessary inclusions that are applicable to it alone. This applies to every genre. These are called genre conventions.
Whether you are a novice or a seasoned writer, this book can lead you through the quagmire of structure and help you find the unique path for your characters to follow on what I call the lovers’ journey.
About the Author:Alicia Leigh is a bestselling non-fiction author, international-selling romance author, identical triplet, writing coach, and hot chocolate addict.
She uses her postgraduate degrees in counseling from the Australian College of Applied Psychology and editing from Macquarie University to create believable, three-dimensional characters. Her certificates in forensic science and forensic anthropology from the University of Strathclyde add layers to the realistic crime elements in her stories. She has completed her master’s degree in writing at Swinburne University and is currently embarking upon her PhD in Creative Arts (writing) at Central Queensland University.
When not writing, reading, coaching, studying, or enjoying nature, she can be found having fun with her three gorgeous children (plus one laid-back dog and one hypersensitive guinea pig).
She is active on social media and encourages readers and writers to interact with her there. She writes romantic fiction novels under the pseudonyms A.K. Leigh and Leigh Hatchmann.
Fall in love … with Leigh
Website www.fallinlovewithleigh.com
Amazon www.amazon.com/author/akleigh
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/akleighauthor
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/akleighauthor/
Goodreads www.goodreads.com/author/show/13496077.A_K_Leigh
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December 6, 2021
Tami Lund Guest Blogger
So I’m a romance author. That means a lot of things, but mostly, it means I crave a happily ever after so much that I feel inclined to write about it, over and over again.
Is there a reason I feel compelled to figure out a happy ending for every heroine in every book I ever have – and ever will – write? Is it because reality is so terrible that I just need to escape from it, through the written word?
Let me tell you how my husband and I met…
I was 25. He was 31. I was at a point in my life where I was finally happy; secure, comfortable being single and living on my own. Throughout college I dreamed of finding Prince Charming and settling down and birthing adorable little babies. Unfortunately, the boys I dated in college, and shortly thereafter, were anything but Prince Charming. Eventually I realized I was having far too much fun simply hanging out with my girlfriends and I figured if Prince Charming existed, he’d come along... Someday.
I should mention that, at the time, I lived in Louisiana and the hubs-to-be lived in Michigan.
Before you think, how in the world...? Let me add that I am originally from Michigan and the vast majority of my family still lives there.
We met in May.
A dear friend was graduating from broadcasting school (in Michigan) and asked me to go to the ceremony and after-party. I had some vacation time, and I hadn’t been home in a while, so I decided to burn two weeks and spend it up north.
Turns out, the hubs-to-be was graduating from broadcasting school, too. At the same time. In the same class. Notable event from the graduation ceremony: My girlfriend’s brother and I sat in one row, while her parents sat two rows behind us. I asked my future in-laws to please move for a moment so I could take a picture of my friend’s parents.
My future husband and I didn’t officially meet at the ceremony. Nope, not yet.
It was at the party, afterward. My friend’s brother and I sat at a table in a corner, indulging in alcoholic beverages and pretending we were commentators on The Talk(or whatever version of that show existed back in 1998), while my social butterfly friend flitted about the room, celebrating with her classmates. At one point, she was out on the dance floor with my hubs-to-be and a few minutes later, she came bee-bopping over to our table.
“Hey, Tami. See that guy out there?” she asked, motioning toward the dance floor.
I nodded.
“He wants to know if you’d be interested in a one-night stand.”
What?!
(The joke I like to tell now a-days is, “He sure ended up with a hell of a long one-night stand.”)
I was naturally affronted and maybe a little intrigued (oh yes, this is reality; you are not reading a novel right now), so I downed the rest of my drink and headed out to the dance floor. To this day, I have no earthly idea what I intended to do or say. All I know is that we immediately began dancing, then we eventually took a break so that I could go to the restroom, and when I returned, he had a plate in his hand with a piece of cheesecake perched on it, and he fed me the cheesecake.
Let me be clear: He fed me cheesecake. Swoon.
I probably would have gone home with him then and there, except the biggest joke of all is that he absolutely was not that kind of guy. He had been trying to be funny. Instead of a laugh, he ended up with a wife. Joke’s on him...?
We spent quite literally every single day of the rest of my vacation together. I met his parents (officially). We discussed bridesmaids and groomsmen (nope, not kidding). I met his best friend, who had to give his stamp of approval before the hubs-to-be could officially date me. (Apparently he had a history of picking up the wrong kind of woman. Maybe he should have changed his pickup line. Or maybe not.)
The day I left to fly back home to Louisiana, I had his demo tape tucked into my luggage. At the time, I worked in PR, and was friendly with the general manager of one of the local television stations located in the city in which I lived. The hubs to be was trying to break into the industry, and wasn’t particular about whether that would occur in his home state of Michigan or somewhere else.
We met on May 1st. The week of Memorial Day, he flew down to visit me and interview for a job at the local television station. They offered him the job that same day. My BFF had to meet him and give her stamp of approval (hey, fair’s fair, right?).
At the end of the week, he flew home and gave his two weeks’ notice at the current job. He moved into my apartment six weeks after we met. And proposed at Christmas. We were married six months later. And still are, 22 years later.
Mostly happily.
So why do I write romance? I guess the answer is: because it happened to me.
Santa’s DestinyTami Lund
Genre: Paranormal Romcom/Chick LitPublisher: Tami LundDate of Publication: 12/1/2021ISBN:9781005702335ASIN: B09HQ2XDFZNumber of pages: 68Word Count: 17,851Cover Artist: Kathryn R. Biel
Tagline: This elf is in for the sleigh ride of her life
Book Description:
Des (don’t call her Destiny—she hates that name) is an elf with a problem. A jolly, red-suit wearing, gift-bearing, reindeer-loving problem.
Turns out, someone has stolen Santa Claus’s magic. And it’s three days before Christmas. What’s an elf to do?
Help him out, of course. That’s her specialty, after all.
Except that creates a whole new problem: Des has to work closely with the Man in Red while keeping her presents under wraps, because there is definitely one thing she will not do.
Ride in Santa’s sleigh tonight.
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“Get up. It’s time to go.”
“I’m already up,” Santos, aka Santa Claus, replied while rolling his hips, which earned him a scowl from me and a giggle from his companion.
I turned to the blond bimbo. Okay, to be fair, I had no idea if she was a bimbo. Santos had the ability to pull pretty much all women from rocket scientists to, er, candy cane lickers under his seductive spell. Truth be told, they all became candy cane lickers once he set his sights on them.
“Listen, honey, he’s a one-and-done kind of guy. He’ll use you to get his rocks off”—Christmas euphemisms were Santos’s thing, not mine—“and walk away and never talk to you again. Is that what you really want?”
She eyed the still-impressive bulge in his shorts. “If I get an orgasm out of it, I’m game.”Mentally, I slapped my palm against my forehand. In actuality, I ground my teeth. “You’ll be out of luck. Giving, at least in that respect, is not how he rolls.”
“Hey—” Santos started.
“How do you know?” Blondie interrupted.
“Yeah, do tell,” Santos added. “Did I miss something along the way? Did I stuff your stocking and neglect to eat your milk and cookies? Maybe we need a do-over.” He eyed me like I’d seriously ever give him a first time let alone a do-over.
“Never have I ever, and never will I ever,” I proclaimed. “I know of him. His reputation. We’ve run in the same circles for a long time.” A few centuries too long, but who was counting?Blondie’s focus shifted to my outfit. “Why are you wearing so many clothes?”
“Yeah,” Santos said, “you should take them off. Unwrap that present for me.”
Blondie giggled. I glared at her. “Do you even realize that he’s flirting with me?”
She shrugged. “He flirts with everyone. And everything he says makes Christmas sound so dirty.” There she went, staring at his candy cane again.
I bent and grabbed a sheer wrap and tossed it at her before slapping Santos’s leg. “Time to go, Father Christmas. You’re under my protection now.”
He groaned. “You aren’t seriously still doing that whole saving souls gig, are you, Des?”
“As you well know,” I retorted, “since you’ve been dodging me for days now.”
“Sugar plum, if I’d known you were chasing me, I would have slowed my sleigh so you could have a ride.”
“Don’t fucking call me that.”
He waggled his eyebrows. “Should I call you Mrs. Claus instead?”
“Don’t ever fucking call me that.”
The jerk had the gall to laugh at my obvious indignation.
“Do you ever stop?” I demanded.
He rolled his hips again. “Wanna climb my North Pole and find out?”
About the Author:
Tami Lund—author, wine drinker, award winner. Lover of romance. Writing happily ever afters, one book at a time.
Those happy endings come in contemporary and paranormal, so pick your poison. Or try them all. You’re bound to find something that curls your toes and makes you smile.
Website: http://tamilund.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tamilundauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTamiLund
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December 3, 2021
Top Ten Christmas Drinks
Top Ten Christmas Drinks
Along with all the sparkling lights and festive decorations, one of the things I most look forward to each holiday season is the many delicious drinks that are served.Let’s check out some alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and find out which one is my favorite!
10. Apple Cider I love the mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors of a hot, apple cider. On a cold evening with sparkling Christmas lights, a toasty drink like this warms the body and soul.
9. Mulled Wine This isn’t a drink I see commonly in the USA but one I enjoyed in Austria. They may drink it elsewhere, as well. The base is red wine, then spices like anise star or cinnamon are added, and topped off with orange slices.
It’s a hot beverage, and because of the spices and wine, it leaves you feeling warm and cozy. Mulled wine is often served at parties or outside at the lovely Christmas markets.
8. Hot Chocolate What’s a list without this classic? Hot cocoa is a wonderful hit for all ages! At my house, we often drink Mexican hot chocolate with all the yummy spices, but the pure chocolate version topped with whipped cream is also delightful.
7. Hot Buttered Rum This is the ultimate comfort food drink! Prepared with rum, spices, and of course butter, this drink reminds me of a paranormal romance alpha male.Sexy, spicy, and served warm, it’s sure to knock your socks off with its smooth flavor.
6. Holiday Martini There are so many versions of a holiday martini. What caught my eye were the lovely colors these beverages display. Red cranberry, creamy, snickerdoodle, pecan, the list goes on and on!
5. Eggnog Smooth, creamy, and sweet, what’s a holiday without eggnog? With a mix of nutmeg and light texture, it’s a perfect dessert beverage. And if you like it spiked, don’t forget the brandy or cognac.
4. Raspberry Bubbly So what if you need to make a toast? Check out this lovely drink made with grape juice, and frozen raspberries. And, if you want it alcoholic, that’s an easy twist to arrange. So simple, yet so pretty.
3. Booze Grinch Punch Omg. You’ve got to look this one up to see the color alone! Whoever thought of mixing lime Kool-Aid, limeade, and juice, created an amazing holiday drink that looks good enough to make virgin or alcoholic. It just sounds so tasty, and it’s fun-looking! (See below.)
2. Mexican Christmas Punch Another wonderful drink some people might not have access to, but worthy of mentioning. I know it from my Mexican family, though some other countries might drink it as well. It’s made with hibiscus flowers, tamarind, a variety of fruits, and spices plus sugar cane. Many people make it virgin, and some like to add alcohol. If you ever get a chance to try this tangy, sweet, and warming drink, I highly recommend it!
1. Salted Caramel Mocha or Peppermint Mocha. You might be rolling your eyes right now, like how is this lady making coffee her number one choice? LOL! I have a great reason so let me explain. Every other drink in this post I might enjoy once, maybe twice, or maybe not at all during the year. But coffee on the other hand is a daily necessity and joy for me, and I ADORE holiday coffee drinks! My favorite holiday coffee drink is Salted Caramel Mocha, but I added Peppermint Mocha for other coffee fans.
Thanks for reading my holiday drinks post. If you liked any of them, search by name on Google, and they will pop right up. Delish had A LOT of party drink ideas! Happy Holidays and here’s the Grinch Punch Recipe.
Grinch Punch Recipe Ingredients:• 2 packets Kool-Aid Lemon Lime mix• 1 Can Frozen Limeade Concentrate• 4 cups pineapple juice• 1-liter ginger ale• 2 Cups Sugar• 8 Cups Water• And if adding alcohol, 2 cups vodka• Ice according to your taste• Red sanding sugar, for rimming your glasses
Preparation
1. Combine the Kool-Aid, limeade, water, sugar, and pineapple juice.Stir to combine completely. Refrigerate until ready to serve.2. When ready to serve, combine ginger ale with the juices.3. Serve in red sugar-rimmed glasses.
Stolen in the DarkFae Bureau of InvestigationScarlett West
Genre: Urban Fantasy RomancePublisher: Passion PressDate of Publication: July 20, 2021ASIN: B0915V6MY2Number of pages: 269Word Count: 70,069Cover Artist: Lori Grundy
Tagline:He forced me into their world. Now dark enemies want me dead.
Book Description:
When an attempted kidnapping leads me to be rescued by a dark and sexy Fae, I assume life can’t be any stranger… Until I discover I’m his fated mate, and that he needs my help to stop a ruthless enemy from kidnapping his kind.
If someone doesn’t stop the brutal attacks, it could lead to earth’s ultimate destruction, so if I want to survive, I have to join the Fae Bureau of Investigation, with Damien as my superior.
But while Damien may be both hot as hell and my one-time hero, my unearthly ability to sense things through my hair is telling me to run: Damien can’t be trusted, and I would hate him as my boss.
With the enemy closing in, though, time is running out for me to make my choice: join the Bureau…or return home to my death.
Readers who enjoy Karen Marie Moning, Laurell K. Hamilton, Amelia Hutchins, and Lindsay Hall, will love this dangerous and sexy urban fantasy. Scroll Up and One Click to start reading this hot paranormal romance today!
Amazon
Excerpt
I narrowed my eyes at Damien. “Does that mean we would have to work together?”
Damien smirked. “Yes.”
I groaned. As it was, Damien set my nerves on edge in so many different ways. I wasn’t sure I could stand to be close to him. Every f*cking day. And the way he touched me? His hands on my hair? My senses swam when I recalled that embrace.
“Though I don’t like the way I was thrust into this situation, I believe you now. Except for the bracelets. I don't know if you put them on my arms or if they’re even still there. But what can I do to help?”
He raised his eyebrows, and a flash of heat blazed in his eyes. “Thrust, huh? I like your choice of word.”
My cheeks burned, and Iwas sure I was turning all shades of red.
Then, as usual, his expression snapped back to ice. “But this is no game.”
I opened my arms wide. “I'm aware of that. Explain it to me. What would I have to do?”
Still holding the folder, he crossed his arms and jutted out his chin. “Give up your life and join the FBI.”
I frowned at him. “The Federal Bureau of Investigation? You work with them?”
“Correction. The Fae Bureau of Investigation.”
About the Author:
Scarlett West writes steamy, paranormal romance featuring sexy Fae. Deep characters and hot romance are her thing. An avid reader and writer who will never stop dreaming, Scarlett has traveled to many countries and been on tons of adventures. She draws her stories from these places, life experiences, and her grand imagination. Besides writing, she's a hobby herbalist and a dancer. If she's not by the computer typing these things up, she can be found in a forest, on a mountain, or by the ocean. She would like to thank her three F's: Fans, Family and Friends. Thank you forever for your support.
You can keep in touch with me by signing up for my newsletter. You'll be the first to hear about the latest releases, deals, and exclusive giveaways. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/3c4YbgH
Hit me up on social media! Here's a list of places you can find me:
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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18396718.Scarlett_West
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December 1, 2021
She Died on a Monday by Kevin McLeod
She Died on a MondayKevin McLeod
Genre: Love Story, paranormalDate of Publication: 20/09/2021ISBN: 979-8469680987ASIN: B09DYZ1D4WNumber of pages: 50Word Count: 8886Cover Artist: Theresa Bills
Tagline: What do we do when everything changes in an instant?
Book Description:
Picture the kind of enduring love that most of us would wish for; the kind of elderly, married couple we might see on the street, or in a café, so in tune with each other that it’s hard to imagine one without the other.
John and Elizabeth have a love like that, but John’s world is suddenly shattered when Elizabeth is brutally taken from him. For some people it can feel as though it’s just too difficult to go on when one half of you is missing. How will John cope with his broken heart? Who, or what, can help him?
Kevin McLeod is a best-selling children’s author, but this is his first adult short story, inspired by the love his grandparents shared. Kevin writes beautifully, in heart-rending detail, about the numbness, shock, and crushing grief that John faces. He explores challenges that we will all face when someone we love dies, made all the more poignant by his tender evocation of a long and happy marriage.
‘She Died On A Monday’ is a story of love and loss that you’ll want to read time and again, to enjoy each perfect detail and the clever twists and turns. But, be warned, you might just cry every time that you do.
Amazon
Excerpt:
She died on a Monday. No long lingering illness. No last words, just there, then gone. One minute they were sharing breakfast, the next his world collapsed. She was falling too fast and he was moving too slow. Later, the doctor would tell him that it didn't matter how fast he had moved. He couldn't have saved her. Like that makes it ok. As if that would make him feel better. It mattered to him. He should have caught her and helped her; instead he had moved in slow motion as the love of his life, his very reason for living, disappeared in front of his eyes.
There was no warning. She had been healthy and happy. Ten minutes before she died, they had been discussing what to do after breakfast. He remembered scoffing at her suggestion that they should visit his sister. He tried to remember the last words he had said to her. Finally, they came back to him. Is there any toast? Such a normal question, but now it seemed so stupid, so banal. If he had known they were going to be his last words to her he would have said something meaningful, something profound.
Later, the doctor would tell him that it had been an aneurysm in her brain and that she had felt no pain. Should this comfort him? If it was supposed to, it didn't. Somehow the suddenness made it worse. Neither of them had been prepared for this. The numbness he felt began cocooning him in his own sorrow.
At some point, he didn't remember when, his daughter arrived. She was talking to the medical crew. She turned and began to talk to him. He couldn't make out the words. The lines of her face were blurred by his tears and her words were unable to penetrate an overwhelming numbness.
They took his wife's body away, carted it off on a trolley like she was nothing. He wanted to yell at them, to make them do this terrible thing in some different way. Instead, he sat and watched while his daughter hugged him. He was vaguely aware he wasn't hugging her back, his arms unwilling to move.
He found himself on the couch, unaware of how he had come to be there. His daughter was on the phone and his son had arrived. His son was looking in drawers and speaking, but he couldn't make sense of it. He heard the word funeral and slowly his brain began to understand. His son was looking for the funeral plan papers. He managed to tell him where to find them. His voice was quiet, broken, as he mumbled through the words. His son put a hand on his shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. A simple act of love from a son to his father. He put his hand over his son’s. No words were said.
He couldn't accept it, wouldn't accept it. His wife couldn't be dead. They had so many plans. So much to do. How could she be gone? They were due to go on holiday next month. It was all paid for and arranged. She had been looking forward to it. They both had. Now, they would never get to see those views, or take that boat trip. The same one they had taken on their first holiday together.
After a few hours of helping and being there for him, his son and daughter left. His daughter had asked to stay with him tonight, or for him to come with her, but he wanted to be alone. He managed to thank them for helping, while ushering them towards the door. He shut the door, instantly becoming aware of the silence. It crashed into him like a wave. There were no sounds coming from the kitchen, or from the radio in the living room. She always liked to listen to the same channel, keeping it on for some background noise. He walked to the living room and switched on the radio, as if this would bring her back. Feeling foolish, he turned it off again.
He lay down on the couch and cried himself to sleep.
'John, wake up, it's time to get up.'
He heard her voice so clearly that he woke with a start and sat up straight. Confusion took over as he tried to work out whether it had been a dream or if he had actually heard her voice. He looked to the large window, the one with her favourite view over the city from their fourth-floor apartment. It was one of the reasons they had bought this place, she loved that view. It must be late, as darkness had replaced light while he was sleeping. He turned on a lamp and went to shut the curtains. He froze, as just for a second, he swore that he saw her behind him. He turned to the living room but found only emptiness.
He drew the curtains and went to the kitchen. The clock on the wall told him it was a quarter past ten at night. He hadn't eaten all day and knew that he should. He went to the fridge and found a sandwich that his daughter must have made for him. He sat at the table, the same table where she had died, and stared at her empty space. Slowly, he ate the sandwich, tasting nothing.
He walked through the hall to their bedroom. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he stared at her side. Suddenly he felt it, her touch. He couldn't explain it, but he felt her. She was here, she was with him. But, as quickly as the sensation came, it left. His mind was playing tricks on him. It surely was understandable; he was processing the enormity of what had happened. He didn't bother to undress. Lying down on the bed, on top of the covers, he curled into the foetal position and began to cry.
She died on a Monday.
About the Author:
Kevin McLeod is the international best selling author of The Viking’s Apprentice series. He has written 4 books in this series and now takes a step into a different genre with ‘She Died on a Monday’
Kevin is 46, lives in Hamilton in Scotland with his two daughters and his dog, Tiger. Kevin is a keen cook and loves the outdoors. He loves spending time with his friends and family.
Kevin began writing professionally in 2013 with the release of his first book, The Viking’s Apprentice. After his huge success in middle grade fiction he has moved into a more adult genre and looks forward to writing many more stories in the years to come.
https://twitter.com/bannon1975
https://www.instagram.com/kevinmcleodauthor/
https://www.amazon.com/Kevin-McLeod/e/B00C8QN416
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7031977.Kevin_McLeod
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