Rachelle Ayala's Blog, page 70
January 3, 2013
Rein in the Hormones - Hidden Under Her Heart (A Story of Abortion and Courage) Chapter 4 - Scene 1
“Hey, slow down, will you?” Maryanne gasped for breath as Vera ran toward the par course exercise trail.Vera jogged to the first station. “I have to stretch before the log hop.”Maryanne slowed to a walk and held her side. “I have a stitch. You hop and I’ll watch.”“No way. You gotta get in shape, especially if you want to date Lucas Knight. Has he called?”Maryanne stood with her hands on her knees while Vera jumped back and forth over a slanted log. “No. Maybe I did something to piss him off.”...
January 2, 2013
#BookReview WHETHER I'LL LIVE OR DIE by Stacy Eaton
Whether I'll Live or Die by Stacy EatonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
An emotional roller coaster, spiritually uplifting transformation.
This book takes you into the soul of an abused woman and explains why the victim so often tolerates and even defends and stands by her abuser. The story is told through the lives of Amanda and Nicole, one a victim struggling to find enough self-worth to climb out of the pit, and the other sworn to serve and protect the public against villains and abusers.
Through doub...
January 1, 2013
5 Things I Learned as an Author in 2012 #selfpublishing #HappyNewYear
1. Reach for your Dreams and Do It. No one is stopping you but your own fears and doubts. I self-published three books in 2012 and finished the first draft on the fourth. Putting Michal's Window out to the public was a big step. I had worked on the novel for almost two years, ground through more than twenty revisions (I lost count) and wore out multiple critique partners and my editor with questions and changes. I knew I was ready, but I felt like I was elbowing my way into a realm I didn't b...
Happy New Year from California #gratitude #justdoit
I am grateful for all of you: Readers, Authors and Friends
and thank the tens of
thousands of you who
took a chance to read my books
and the wonderful folks
who wrote reviews from 1 to 5 stars.
I wish all of you health, happiness, and
many, many blessings in 2013.
Go Ahead! Do the thing you've
been wishing to do this year.
Happy New Year!
December 31, 2012
Wine Distaste - Hidden Under Her Heart (A Story of Abortion and Courage) Chapter 3 - Scene 3
Lucas looked after Maryanne. She had been laughing and giggling during the glass work, and now she stood in front of the winery with her arms crossed. He walked to her side. “You okay?”“Why wouldn’t I be? Thanks, that was fun.”“You seem upset. Anything I did?”“Oh, no. Some thoughts crossed my mind and made me sad, nothing about you.” Her voice was strained but she forced a tiny smile.He took her hand. It was so small and delicate. “Stick with me and I won’t let sad thoughts near you.”“Promise...
December 30, 2012
#AuthorInterview Annamaria Bazzi writer of paranormal fantasy
Today, I'm happy to introduce Annamaria Bazzi, a fellow CritiqueCircle.com author who I've had the pleasure of receiving critiques from. Annamaria has just published her first short story, A Simple Matter of Justice.
Describe your childhood. What were some of your favorite activities? Games?My childhood was an adventure that began when my father kidnapped us and took his three children, my brother, sister and me, to Italy. I met strangers that soon became my loved family, you know, grandparent...
Describe your childhood. What were some of your favorite activities? Games?My childhood was an adventure that began when my father kidnapped us and took his three children, my brother, sister and me, to Italy. I met strangers that soon became my loved family, you know, grandparent...
December 29, 2012
A Glass Pumpkin - Hidden Under Her Heart (A Story of Abortion and Courage) Chapter 3 - Scene 2
The hike back was almost all uphill. Thankfully, the trees blocked the sun most of the way. Maryanne’s car was still the only one in the parking lot. She threw the empty water bottle in the recycle bin. “I thought I was going to die.”Lucas wiped his forehead with the back of his arm. “We climbed 1400 feet from the creek. You did great, even with flip flops.”“Ugh… I’m going to have blisters between my toes.”He removed his wraparounds. “About that mountain lion, I’m—”“Don’t!” Maryanne unlocked...
December 28, 2012
#BookReview Advanced Reader's Copy TRACES OF KARA by Melissa Foster #psychthriller
Traces of Kara by Melissa FosterMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Traces of Kara is a heart-rending, emotional and thrilling drama with the backdrop of horror.
All Kara ever wanted to do was to lead a normal life, go to nursing school and get away from her cheating husband. But an overprotective mother, a sinister stalker, and secrets with deep roots combine to throw Kara into a shadowy nightmare of real and implanted memories.
The setting of an aging coal plant, sealed off tunnels and graveyards of outda...
December 27, 2012
A Wild Cat - Hidden Under Her Heart (A Story of Abortion and Courage) Chapter 3 - Scene 1
Friday morning, Maryanne stepped out of the shower and popped another piece of chocolate in her mouth. The mixture of dark chocolate, marzipan and pistachio hummed through her taste buds. She pinched her tummy, still less than an inch of fat, and tucked Lucas’ note into the box. They had a nice conversation, and he’d asked her to go hiking. With all the goodies he supplied, she’d be needing the exercise.After pulling on a spaghetti strap, dip-dyed lace cami and a pair of white hipster shorts,...
December 26, 2012
#BookReview THIRTY SECONDS BEFORE MIDNIGHT by Helen J. Beal #literaryfiction
Thirty Seconds Before Midnight by Helen J. BealMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Herbert is a giant land tortoise whose ancestors came from the Galapagos Islands. He was born and raised in a menagerie in England, at the estate of Bestwood. His entire life is circumscribed by the mundane routine of the small zoo and he had never wandered beyond the Wall.
Things change when the aristocrat owner of Bestwood sells the estate to Dave Palmer, a rock and roll star. His strange family, including a pair of twin s...
