Susanne Matthews's Blog, page 6
April 12, 2020
Happy Easter. Welcome to the New Normal. Coping with Isolation: How About a Facebook Cabin Fever Party?
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What a difference a year makes! Last year at this time, I was getting ready to go to church. Today, I’m sitting here with you.
No church service this morning, no shaking hands with friends, no wearing new clothes, no getting hugs and flowers from my grandchildren. The service is online later, if I choose to watch it, but right now, I sit in my nightgown in front of the computer, looking at pictures of my grandchildren enjoying their Easter egg hunt away from me, away from others. I’ve messaged my son who couldn’t come home as planned, and now I worry about the other one in Norway, wondering when and if I’ll ever get to hug him and my granddaughter again.
According to the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, this is the new normal, until someone develops a vaccine. People isolated from one another, families separated, loved ones out of reach, economic upheaval with the fear of another depression, and constant worry about what’s going to happen next. No holidays planned, dreams of vacations put on hold, no parades, no concerts, no picnics at the beach, no dinners in restaurants, no suppers with friends, for many no job or paychecks, nothing.
But, as bad as all this sounds, I have to keep reminding myself that I’m one of the lucky ones. I’m home with my husband, and we are relatively safe and healthy for people our age with underlying medical conditions. I have asthma and severe arthritis, he has heart disease. We are in the at risk group, but doing all that we can to stay safe.
Reality slaps me in the face each time I listen to the news. At this time last year, everyone was worrying about climate change and what we could do to protect the environment. Who would’ve considered that it wouldn’t be the environmental changes we would have to fear but a tiny virus that didn’t even exist then? The number of people around the world suffering from Corona virus, COVID 19, is staggering, the number of deaths appalling. The slippery slope into depression is at my feet, but I have to keep telling myself that there is hope. People are recovering from the disease, and there is a chance they will have developed some immunity, but no one knows for sure. The answer to solving the problem and finding a vaccine may be in their blood, and hopefully it won’t take too long to find it.
It’s been a month since my efforts at social distancing started. As a writer, I’m used to spending time alone. That’s when I’m at my most creative, but strangely, now that I can’t just up and go anytime I feel like it, I want to go out more than ever. I guess that’s just my perverse nature. I sit outside in the sun when I can–the benefit of having a large yard of my own. Other times, I lose myself in the words I type on the pages, words I like to share with you.
[image error] If you are an essential worker on the front lines, then all my admiration and prayers for your safety go with you. Your commitment to helping others, putting your own lives at risks, makes you all superheroes in my book.
If you are not, it doesn’t mean you are less important. We are all essential in our own way. You too can serve by staying home! It doesn’t matter how you choose to deal with the social isolation. What matters is that you do remain isolated, saving your own life as well as the lives of others. Most governments around the world are working to provide for their citizens in this time of need, so as bad as things are, look at the bright side.
If you are working from home as I am, consider yourself lucky. You can set your own hours, play with the kids or the pets, enjoy the day in your own way. If you aren’t able to work, don’t despair. You can finally be the couch potato you’ve always longed to be. You don’t have to get up early, dress up, commute to the office and do all the things you hated about your job, all the things you wished would change. Watch television, play all those DVDs you’ve got on your shelves, do puzzles, go through all those boxes of photographs and organize them, clean and sanitize to your heart’s content–although that’s hard to do if you have kids. No one will fault you one way or the other.
I’ve decided to dress up today. It is Easter. I’ll wear makeup and do my hair and put on a dress for a change. Tomorrow I may go back to my grubbies, but that will be okay, too.
Finally, set aside time to read. You can always escape in a good book.
For the next three weeks, starting on Friday, April 17, 2020, the Author’s Billboard is offering you free box sets. Last week, we gave you All That Glitters for three days. Now, we are having a Cabin Fever party and you are all invited. https://www.facebook.com/groups/414604506092518/
Follow the link next Friday for great free books and the chance to win wonderful prizes including a $50.00 gift certificates.
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Hoping your days ahead are sunny and warm. Just remember, if we all do our part, this will pass, lives will be saved, and while it won’t be quite the same, we will find normal again!
Happy Easter!
April 9, 2020
FREE Today through Saturday! Happy Easter! All That Glitters.
Photo by PhotoMIX Ltd. on Pexels.com
Who doesn’t like free books? This year, in honor of Easter, myself and the other six authors who contributed stories to All That Glitters, are offering them absolutely free for three days. Stay home, stay safe, and stay entertained with seven incredible novels featuring all the glitz and glam you could possibly want. Some are sweet, some are sexy, some are funny, and others have bittersweet moments that will bring a tear to your eye. All are guaranteed to provide a satisfying reading experience. Take a quick look.
[image error]Something Wild (new): Michele Hauf, USA Today Bestselling author: A wild child socialite’s fantasies about her sexy bodyguard become reality, but will their affair compromise his ability to protect her?
A Dance For Prince Eric (new): Mona Risk, USA Today Bestselling author: A ballerina with a promising career on the run for her brother’s sake. A charismatic prince who saved them both, but never speaks of commitment.
Diamonds Aren’t For Everyone (new): Dani Haviland, USA Today Bestselling author: Money, jewels, and good looks don’t mean anything to the lonely beauty who just wants a companion. Will she spurn him just because he does ‘have it all’?
Billionaire Extraordinaire: Leanne Banks, NY Times & USA Today Bestselling author: Billionaire Damien Medici plans to avenge his family by seducing privileged information from his new assistant Emma Weatherfield. But can he romance Emma without falling for her himself?
Color Me Yours: Jen Talty, USA Today Bestselling author: Hawk Jefferson never anticipated he’d fall in love, much less want to settle down and give his parents the grandchild they’ve always wanted. Only, getting Kennedy Monroe on board with that plan seems to be harder than anticipated.
Celebrity: Melinda De Ross, USA Today Bestselling author: The Journey of a young writer who trades her simple existence in Chicago for the glamorous Hollywood life, full of luxury and scandal.
Just For The Weekend: Susanne Matthews, Amazon Bestselling Author: When a Kindergarten teacher decides to play dress-up in Vegas, she gets far more than she bargained for.
What are you waiting for? Grab your free copy today!
US: http://bit.ly/2allthatglitters
Univ: https://books2read.com/atGlitters
April 6, 2020
Tuesday Tales: From the Word PINK
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Welcome to Tuesday Tales with its brand new logo. Tuesday tales is a weekly blog post where a small group of bestselling authors share a look at their current works in progress with you. To make it more challenging, each of us is required to use a word or picture prompt and limit the word count accordingly.
These past months, I have been working on a historical romance suspense called The Price of Courage. I will return to it shortly, but in the meantime, I’m working on a new book intended to be released as part of a box set entitled Fortune’s Favor in July, so I have an end of April deadline. For that reason, my next four posts will be from The Blue Dragon. Here is the image I used as my model for Sam’s inheritance.
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Here’s the blurb:
The Blue Dragon is a modern historical romance, that begins in 2006.
Badly wounded in Afghanistan, Lieutenant Samantha Collins returns to Canada to discover an unknown relative has died and made her heir to the family estate. The bequest consists of a century-old farm house and an orange tabby—the only family she has left. No longer able to work as a nurse and serve in the military, Sam decides to move into the house before making a snap decision to sell. When she opens the door, she gets more than she bargained for. Nobody mentioned Great-aunt Esther was a hoarder. Sorting through the piles, bags, and boxes will take years.
After a bitter divorce, Phil Austin returns home to lick his wounds. Working for the family construction and home improvement company, he’s surprised to learn one of the area’s century-old houses may be sold. The owner, a beloved librarian who brought joy, wonder, and knowledge to the children of South Creek, has left everything to a distant relative. When he pulls into the driveway, he finds not only the beautiful limestone farmhouse in a seriously dilapidated state, but the woman he fell in love with and lost fifteen years ago.
Stunned, wanting to reconnect with Samantha, despite the fact she doesn’t share his desire, he offers not only to give her an estimate on the cost of necessary repairs, but volunteers to help her sort through the house crammed full of a lifetime of memorabilia. Treasures? Trash? As they examine Esther Cohen’s life, will they find the spark needed to rekindle the love they once shared? Or, like this house, will what they had remain nothing but a bittersweet memory?
Now, here’s today’s scene based on the word PINK.
As Sam neared the top of the hill, the gray stone building with a beige trim and black shutters beside the windows on the main floor took on an ominous air, like something that belonged in the scary movie she’d watched last night—not the brightest thing to do as it turned out.
“Don’t be stupid,” she admonished herself. “It’s just an old house. Once that tree fills in and whatever’s been planted in those flower beds beside the veranda blooms, it’ll look better.”
At least she hoped it would. As it stood, with the heavy skies ready to open up at any minute, it would definitely be hard to sell. Hopefully, the house wouldn’t be full of mold and mildew. If it were, she would be back in town begging for her hotel room before nightfall, cat or no cat. The thought of being out here alone after dark made her skin crawl, the way it had when she’d been forced to leave the base in Afghanistan, as if there were eyes watching her.
Could the house be haunted? She wasn’t big on that kind of stuff, but enough time out here alone, with only a cat for company, and she just might become a believer.
Following the curve in the driveway, she stopped in front of the garage. Home sweet home—or what had been home to her ancestors—such as it was.
As soon as the car stopped, Beef came to life, caterwauling again, a sound guaranteed to raise the hackles on anyone including her. Whatever fragments of courage were left in the tough army lieutenant she’d been vanished, replaced by concern and dismay. Debating the wisdom of turning the car around and leaving, she shook her head. Where else could she go?
“Damn it, Collins, grow a set. You’ve never been a coward and this is hardly the time to start. Six months ago, a nice old lady lived here. If she could do it, so can you.”
Turning off the engine, Sam took a deep, calming breath. Enough of this nonsense. Moving gingerly, she got out of the vehicle, stretched to ease her aching back, and walked around to the passenger door. Opening it, she grabbed her hot pink cane and removed the cage from the front seat. Holding it up higher despite its weight, she peered inside.
“Recognize the place?” she asked the cat who was now crying louder than ever.
Thanks for visiting. On Tuesday and later, don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales.
April 3, 2020
Friday Reads: Spotlight on Mona Risk
[image error]This isn’t the April any of us expected. Today, under normal circumstances, I would be getting ready for Easter and planning what to give my grandkids. I would be decorating the house and welcoming my son home for the holidays. Instead, I’m staying inside the house, staying safe, and observing my governments request to serve as only I can by helping to flatten the curve.
So what can I do with the extra time? One can only clean for so long, especially at my age when joints rebel at the additional activity. I cope by writing of course and by reading. And, speaking of reading, check out the Authors Billboard site for great book deals–some free, others only 99 cents. If you can’t leave the house physically, do as I do and travel in your mind!
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Today, I want to introduce you to one of the authors I’ve met as part of the Authors Billboard.
Mona Risk
[image error]New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Mona Risk, received an Outstanding Achiever Award from Affaire de Coeur Magazine. She’s a two time winner of Best Contemporary Romance of the Year from Readers Favorite; a winner of Best Romance Novel of the Year from Preditors & Editors Readers Poll; and an EPIC Award finalist.
Mona Risk’s name has often been posted on the Amazon.com 100 Most Popular Authors in Romance list, and her books have garnered: Top Pick, Outstanding Read, Sweetheart of the Week, and Best Book of the Week from various reviewers, and received two mentions in Publisher’s Weekly.
Mona lives in South Florida and has traveled to more than eighty countries on business or vacation. She writes contemporary romances, medical romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal fantasy. Sprinkled with a good dose of humor, her stories are set in the fascinating places she visited or more simply at home. If you like to travel and love to read, come and enjoy her international romances. Meet the spirited heroines and special heroes who share irresistible chemistry in stories that simmer with emotion. You can check out her work and follow her on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B002E1GCIM
This morning, I would like to focus on her latest release. A DANCE FOR PRINCE ERIC. Book 5 of the Modern Prince Series.
Who doesn’t love a prince? The series includes:
A Bride For Prince Paul: She can’t abandon her patients for his crown!
A Bodyguard For The Princess: A murder at Harvard in Princess Chloe’s student building.
Jingle With My Princess: The doc and the princess… He saves lives but Princess Charlene may save his heart.
Prince Philip’s Cinderella: A charming jogger saves her from danger. But he’s a prince… and she comes from nothing. Should she run or risk her heart?
A Dance for Prince Eric: A ballerina with a promising career on the run for her brother’s sake. A charismatic prince who saved them both. Do fairytales exist?
Here’s the blurb:
[image error]Natalie Borikev’s dream is finally materializing—standing ovations, calls of “encore” and “bravo,” and a fabulous contract to dance on a Las Vegas stage. But if she stays in Vegas, she may lose her young brother to a drug addiction.
Eric Devereux fell under Natalie’s spell after watching her perform. But a streak of bad luck in gambling makes it necessary to flee to his family in Boston. Escaping from Las Vegas seems as crucial for his favorite dancer, who is about to be caught in the clutches of an unscrupulous billionaire.
Once they travel to Boston together to start a new life, nothing is as Natalie expected. Her charming rescuer is actually a prince with bright prospects, and though he loves her, he never speaks of a future together. Meanwhile, she lost everything—her budding career as a dancer, and even her brother’s affection.
Can she get past her regrets and rebuild her career? And can she trust the man who lavishes her with kisses but won’t commit?
And here’s a bit more to hone your interest!
Her heart thumping, Natalie Borikev bowed and waited for the music to die. The theater exploded in applause, and the spectators bounced to their feet. Her chest heaving in relief, she raised her head and beamed at the standing ovation.
The young man in the dark left corner of the first row threw a white rose and blew a kiss—as he’d done for the past four nights. She curtsied and picked it up, bringing it to her lips. The tiny sticker on a petal revealed a signature, Eric. She’d kept his white roses in a vase on her dresser and hidden the signed labels in her wallet.
Light flooded the theater. Her first-row admirer screamed, “Bravo,” and waved. Eric was a handsome fellow, tall and appealing in a white shirt and tie, his blazer casually draping over his back, and dark hair reaching his wide shoulders.
No doubt about it, the audience had loved her performance. Tonight, she’d mastered twenty-five renversés as a grand finale to end the show, instead of the ten she’d executed in the past few days. She’d given her best for her last night at the Colosseum.
The theater director, Spencer Hall, climbed onto the stage to congratulate her. Behind him, the producer followed with a huge bouquet of red roses. A bigshot, that Hugh Callahan. He’d offered her the unique opportunity to perform at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas for a week.
Other admirers surrounded her, showering her with more flowers and more compliments. They loved her show, her songs, and her dances. The words “more” and “encore” erupted from the rows and grew in volume.
“You made it, girl,” Spencer Hall whispered in her ear. “They all want a repeat.” He grabbed a mic and raised his hands to demand the audience’s attention. “Natalie Borikev will perform an encore.” She curtsied and waved, basking in her fans’ approval.
Her admirers vacated the stage, all except Spencer Hall and Hugh Callahan. “Ladies and gents, Ms. Borikev is dedicating her next song and dance, “Need You, Love You,” to Mr. Hugh Callahan, the well-known producer. Please resume your seats while the orchestra plays and gives Natalie a few minutes to change.” He shooed the people away from the stage and spun toward Mr. Callahan, who displayed a delighted grin. “Thank you, Natasha, sweetheart.” She hated him using her Russian nickname.
She forced a smile and nodded.
“I appreciate your delicate attention,” Mr. Callahan said.
Her delicate attention? That sensual song and dance she’d carefully eliminated from her agenda. Who were they kidding?
Mr. Callahan bent over her hand in a grand manner and kissed her fingers. And lingered on her wrist with warm, wet lips that gave her the creeps. “Thank you, sweet Natasha,” he repeated with the grin of the wolf about to eat Red Riding Hood, before climbing down the stage steps to return to his place.
A Dance for Prince Eric is available from Amazon retailers everywhere.
April 2, 2020
Special Agent Murphy by Mimi Barbour
Special Agent Murphy
Undercover FBI Book 8
by Mimi Barbour
Genre: Romantic Suspense
It’s Christmas in Washington, but not for one heartsick family.
Agent Shane Murphy has a hard time believing his life could get so crazy. Because of a choice – one he’d make again – he loses his superiority in the FBI. Now he’s forced to work surveillance with a rookie female yapper. And… gets caught up in the kidnapping of a sixteen-year-old that pulls at the heartstrings he keeps hidden.
Fighting the budding attraction for his new partner, he stresses his way through an escalating nightmare. How can he be so infatuated with a trouble-magnet female who drives like a granny and isn’t able to hide her sensitive reactions when on the job?
Agent Kathleen Edwards does a lot of things her new partner dislikes, but what’s a girl to do when a man ties her in knots and turns her into a chatterbox. Working to uncover the mystery of who kidnapped the Senator’s daughter, and where they’re holding her, continuous conflicts arise.
Struggling alongside an attractive realist whose high morals make him someone to live up to, Kayti’s heart doesn’t stand a chance.
Author’s dedication:
My late husband’s persona is the heart and soul for Special Agent Murphy. While bringing out some of his most endearing and stubborn characteristics, his favorite cuss words and his way of looking at the world, I found myself falling in love with the wonderful man all over again.
Together Forever, my love.
**Get it FREE April 1st – 5th, then only .99 cents!!**
Goodreads * Amazon
Mimi Barbour is a NYT and USAT bestselling, award-winning author who lives on the beautiful East coast of Vancouver Island and writes her romances with tongue in cheek and a mad glint in her eye. Asked why she prefers this genre, she answers, chuckling,
“Because it’s fun! Imagination can be a lot more interesting than what happens in real life to so-called ‘normal’ people. I love my characters, and my goal is to make the readers love them also. To be concerned about what happens to them while the tale unfolds. If I can steal my booklover’s attention away from their everyday grind, absorb them in a fictional world, and make them care about the ending, then I’ve done my job.”
Mimi lives with her dog Charli who drags her from her office for walks twice a day. Her son and niece fill her life and make each day a joy.
**1st place prize of the 2015 – Chanticleer Reviews – Clue Awards. Special Agent Francesca
**A TOUCH OF PASSION, has just become the 2016 WINNER of The Romance Reviews Readers’ Choice Awards.
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads * Newsletter
$25 Amazon
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
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April 1, 2020
The Insecure Writer’s Support Group Blog for April 1, 2020
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April 1, 2020, and there is absolutely nothing to joke about. Laughter, when it does happen, is based on morbid irony, rather humor. Did you ever imagine a scenario like the one we’re living in?
Sadly, I did. It was the key plot element that united my Harvester Files series. The fact that fiction and imagination are now reality scares the bejesus out of me. Too bad I didn’t find a fictional vaccine that worked, but I did manage to have my hero and heroine prevent a massive outbreak. Funny, the one thing that could’ve controlled my virus had it escaped was what we’re looking at now–QUARANTINE and SOCIAL DISTANCING.
As often as I can, I post on the IWSG’s monthly blog, answering their question and offering you, those who follow my blog, a chance to connect with other writers whether or not you’re one.
This year has turned into everyone’s greatest nightmare. Personally, I was convinced the worst was behind me, especially after losing several close friends and my father last fall. How could anything be worse than a funeral every second week? Be careful what you wish for.
Now, while I do not personally know anyone who has died from COVID 19 yet, I do know it’s just a matter of time before I will. My 92-year-old mother is in a nursing home, and we’ve seen how things play out there in Spain, Italy, the USA, and even parts of Canada.
Here’s this month’s question:
The IWSG’s focus is on our writers. Each month, from all over the globe, we are a united group sharing our insecurities, our troubles, and our pain. So, in this time when our world is in crisis with the covid-19 pandemic, our optional question this month is: how are things in your world?
Simply put things in my world suck! I don’t mind having to stay in. I can disappear inside my head and socialize with my characters at the drop of a hat. No, my problem is that as essentially a romance writer, I can’t envision how anyone can meet and fall in love in this world we now live in. For years, we’ve been urging people to put down their phones and tablets, get off the computer and Facebook or Twitter and socialize, face-to-face. Now we’re urging them to do the exact opposite. We were already an anti-social world. How much worse will it be when this is over, and the fear of touching someone persists?
Another example of irony. Ontario teachers were having labor issues with the government prior to the pandemic. One serious bone of contention was educating high school student using online courses. Now, the only educational opportunities around are online courses. At least we’ll get to see whether they would work or not.
Prior to the pandemic, the gulf between the haves and the have nots was expanding. Now, it may well be shrinking, but at what cost? Millions are unemployed, some waiting for government handouts to see them through, others already destitute in worse shape than ever. The homeless are at risk, too, and the working poor, who can’t stay home if they want to keep a roof over their heads and feed their children.
And then we have the people we never really noticed putting their lives at risk to perhaps save ours–doctors, nurses, PSWs, firefighters, police officers, mechanics, truckers, grocers, pharmacists,–the list goes on, but if they get sick and worse case scenario, die, who will look after us? Natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, forest fires aren’t going to stop any more than care accidents, cancer, diabetes, mental illness, and heart disease will. In fact, curbing the ability to exercise and connect with people will place an even greater burden on those with chronic diseases like those mentioned above.
Finally, before the pandemic, we were being urged to save the planet by reusing and recycling, bringing our own bags to the grocery stores, our own cups to the coffee shops, drinking from water fountains and refilling our water bottles there. Not anymore. You can get your coffee at the drive-through, but leave your cups at home. Some places will still let you use your bags if you bag your own, but because of the social distancing, in most places, the cashier bags and uses plastic. And as for the water fountain, well, you’re on your own. Any attempts to reduce the amount of plastic waste have gone by the wayside, along with everything that was major news pre-pandemic. If anything, we are creating tons more plastic waste. Everything is now single use and disposable, especially medical waste like gloves, masks, and gowns. We’re doing twice the laundry since hand towels are washed after every use. I’ve resorted to paper towels–not because I want to, but because I can’t keep up.
So how are things in my world? They’re lonely, confused, disoriented, and frightened. I’m in the high risk group, asthmatic and four months away from my 70’s birthday, not sure I will even see that day. At this time last year, I was planning my future cruises. Now, I’m just hoping and praying I have a future.
So, to avoid drowning in this morbidity, I am burying myself in my writing. I will have a new book out in may, a short story in June, and a second book in July. It’s the only way I can handle this new Twilight Zone.
What about you? How are things in your world?
Stay home, stay safe, and stay hopeful.
To read other answers to this month’s question, check this out.
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
March 30, 2020
Tuesday Tales: From the word BUM
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Welcome to this week’s Tuesday Tales blog posts. As I’ve stated before, Tuesday Tales is a closed blog where a small group of authors share their ongoing works in progress with you. Each scene is based on a word or picture prompt. This week’s prompt is the word MUD. For the last several months, I’ve been posting from The Price of Courage, by Canadian historical romance suspense novel, but there is no way I can use the word BUM in it. That term didn’t exist in the seventeenth century.
[image error]So, I am giving you a sneak peak at my latest WIP, The Blue Dragon. This book, part of a box set entitled, Fortune’s Favor, will be available in July 2020. This little Chinese Imperial Foo Dog was the inspiration for the novel, but calling a book, The Blue Foo Dog, just doesn’t seem right to me.
So, while you stay home and stay safe, enjoy. We all have to do our part to halt the spread of COVID 19.
Enjoy!
The date on the calendar screamed at her. How life had changed in just one year.
Samantha Collins exhaled heavily and tucked a chestnut curl behind her ear, wishing it would grow faster. For the umpteenth time, she flexed her shoulders and fidgeted in the straight-backed, wooden chair—an instrument of torture if there ever was one. Her spine ached, her bum was numb, and her legs so stiff she would be lucky to be able to stand without falling flat on her face.
The lawyer’s office, with its floor to ceiling book cases crammed full of massive law tomes and an oak desk large enough to intimidate anyone, was stifling, the hot, dry air reminding her of Afghanistan. On the corner of the desk sat a silver urn filled with her aunt’s ashes. What the hell was she supposed to do with those?
Behind the desk, the balding, shriveled man, with an impressive combover and the thickest eyeglasses she’d ever seen, sorted through the paperwork in the folder in front of him. Great-aunt Esther might’ve been ninety-five when she died, but this man appeared even older than that. Wasn’t it time for him to retire?
Please God, cut me some slack here. There’s slow, and then there’s stopped.
At the rate Mr. Ryerson of Ryerson, Leighton, and Osterman was moving, she would be here until Doomsday. Was the poor man still breathing? If she had a pen or pencil in hand, she would draw him with cobwebs growing from his elbows.
“Here it is,” he said, his speech almost as slow as his movements. “Esther wasn’t one to sugarcoat things with fancy lawyer lingo as she put it.” He cleared his throat, coughed heavily, and then lifted the paper to within inches of his face. “I, Esther Cohen, of R. R. # 3 South Creek, Ontario, being over eighteen and of sound mind, am making this will without duress, and declare this to be my last will and testament, revoking all previous wills. I name Charles Ryerson of Ryerson, Leighton, and Osterman executor of my estate. I leave the house, whatever land is attached to it, and the rest of my worldly possessions to Samantha Elizabeth Collins, the granddaughter of Ezra Cohen, also known as Eric Cowan, my brother…”
A gift from the grave from a person she’d never met, hadn’t even known existed, when her own life was at an all-time low.
Thanks for visiting. On Tuesday and later, don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales.
March 26, 2020
Something Different. Chick-lit! Cute But Crazy!
Welcome to Living the Dream. That may sound like a cliche, given what’s happening in the world, but for me, even is self-isolation, it’s still true. I’m a published author, a dream come true.
Today, I want to introduce you to a new genre. If you are one of my regular readers, you know I’m an eclectic writer. Lately, I’ve been focusing on doing different things and this genre, Chick-lit, fascinated me enough to try my hand at it. So what inspired me? Books like these! [image error]
[image error]The First Romantic Comedy Set from THE AUTHORS’ BILLBOARD!
Enjoy EIGHT side-splitting tales of love and screw-ups from this international slate of USA Today and NY Times Bestselling Authors.
Undeterred by misadventures and challenges, these strong-willed ladies take life and love by the ears, embracing the men they have chosen through good times and bad. Furious ex-wives – ghosts and angels with their own agendas – the challenges of PTSD and imaginary friends – even Cupid, chickens, and a bumper crop of marijuana won’t get in the way of true love for these wacky, wonderful women. You can call them cute. Just don’t call them crazy.
Sunshine Over Snow by Mona Risk: NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author When his children manage to ruin his second wedding, Brad is caught between a furious fiancée and the ex-wife he betrayed, both determined to keep him and make him pay for his mistake!
How Love Grows by Dani Haviland: USA Today Bestselling Author Weed and wine grapes were all around her, but all Tori was interested in was the young man who had come to take care of the marijuana plants. Would he think she’s crazy, too?
The Dream Guy by Ari Thatcher: USA Today Bestselling Author She’s met the man of her dreams—sort of. But does he exist in real life? Sleeping with a stranger takes on a whole new meaning.
Passion’s Secret Ingredient by Susan Jean Ricci: USA Today Bestselling Author More than the steaks at a bistro called Scandal sear as a captivated pair blazes through their amusing misgivings, while a half-wit adversary tries to ruin everything.
His Devious Angel by Mimi Barbour: NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Already soured on men, Sadie is struck by a car driven by Liam. Hoping to be forgiven, the recovering soldier insists on helping her with her dog walking business. Will his angel help him repay his debt?
Wedding Fever by Patrice Wilton: NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Can a jaded bridal consultant and a cynical news reporter uncover the true mystery of Serendipity Falls without being swept away in the madness of falling in love at first sight?
Listen to the Chicken by Katy Walters: USA Today Bestselling Author Zach inherits a haunted manor overloaded with chickens and meets ‘the one.’ Is the local vicar who thinks he’s immortal the only person who can help him save the woman of his dreams?
Sacked! by Melinda De Ross: USA Today Bestselling Author Camilla Jackson is an ordinary young woman with an extraordinary knack for attracting disaster. What will happen when Miss Trouble-Magnet meets Mister Troubled?
Available from:
AmazonUS | AmazonUK | AmazonCA | AmazonAU | Amazon International link
Something Different. Chick-lit!
Welcome to Living the Dream. That may sound like a cliche, given what’s happening in the world, but for me, even is self-isolation, it’s still true. I’m a published author, a dream come true.
Today, I want to introduce you to a new genre. If you are one of my regular readers, you know I’m an eclectic writer. Lately, I’ve been focusing on doing different things and this genre, Chick-lit, fascinated me enough to try my hand at it. So what inspired me? Books like these!
[image error]The First Romantic Comedy Set from THE AUTHORS’ BILLBOARD!
Enjoy EIGHT side-splitting tales of love and screw-ups from this international slate of USA Today and NY Times Bestselling Authors.
Undeterred by misadventures and challenges, these strong-willed ladies take life and love by the ears, embracing the men they have chosen through good times and bad. Furious ex-wives – ghosts and angels with their own agendas – the challenges of PTSD and imaginary friends – even Cupid, chickens, and a bumper crop of marijuana won’t get in the way of true love for these wacky, wonderful women. You can call them cute. Just don’t call them crazy.
Sunshine Over Snow by Mona Risk: NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author When his children manage to ruin his second wedding, Brad is caught between a furious fiancée and the ex-wife he betrayed, both determined to keep him and make him pay for his mistake!
How Love Grows by Dani Haviland: USA Today Bestselling Author Weed and wine grapes were all around her, but all Tori was interested in was the young man who had come to take care of the marijuana plants. Would he think she’s crazy, too?
The Dream Guy by Ari Thatcher: USA Today Bestselling Author She’s met the man of her dreams—sort of. But does he exist in real life? Sleeping with a stranger takes on a whole new meaning.
Passion’s Secret Ingredient by Susan Jean Ricci: USA Today Bestselling Author More than the steaks at a bistro called Scandal sear as a captivated pair blazes through their amusing misgivings, while a half-wit adversary tries to ruin everything.
His Devious Angel by Mimi Barbour: NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Already soured on men, Sadie is struck by a car driven by Liam. Hoping to be forgiven, the recovering soldier insists on helping her with her dog walking business. Will his angel help him repay his debt?
Wedding Fever by Patrice Wilton: NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Can a jaded bridal consultant and a cynical news reporter uncover the true mystery of Serendipity Falls without being swept away in the madness of falling in love at first sight?
Listen to the Chicken by Katy Walters: USA Today Bestselling Author Zach inherits a haunted manor overloaded with chickens and meets ‘the one.’ Is the local vicar who thinks he’s immortal the only person who can help him save the woman of his dreams?
Sacked! by Melinda De Ross: USA Today Bestselling Author Camilla Jackson is an ordinary young woman with an extraordinary knack for attracting disaster. What will happen when Miss Trouble-Magnet meets Mister Troubled?
Available from:
AmazonUS | AmazonUK | AmazonCA | AmazonAU | Amazon International link
March 23, 2020
Tuesday Tales: From the Word Flower
[image error]Welcome to the first spring post of Tuesday Tales, the weekly blog where a select group of writers let you in on their works in progress. When I wrote this post and set it up, life was normal. Today, there is no such thing as normal. Amidst the Corona-virus COVID 19 pandemic, everything we thought was okay isn’t. Stay home, stay safe, and practice physical distancing. Help flatten the curve.
But, some things can still go on. This week, we have a word prompt, FLOWER.
I continue with The Price of Courage, my historical romance suspense. Enjoy!
“The snow has started,” Okwaho said, shaking flakes off his coat. “It will continue throughout the night. I had a quick look around the building. There is a carriage house out back. From the looks of it, I would say it has not housed animals in more than two months, but since the men we met had no sleigh or horses, someone else must have taken them.”
“And they’ll be coming back,” Lucien said, nodding. “That would explain Bouchard’s need for haste. No doubt it’s a change of guard. We don’t want them to find us here and suspect we’ve committed these murders and released the prisoners. As soon as the sun rises, we must head back to the farm. Obviously, no one died of fever here.”
“Lucien may be right, but something is wrong. There are also a number of farm implements in the carriage house. I suspect there is a barn somewhere else on the property. No Frenchman clears the land without animals to pull the plows and remove the stumps. As well, they trap for furs, and there are no signs of that here. The smaller building has an iron lock on it. Did you find a key?”
Lucien shook his head. “No. We can use the hatchet to open it in the morning. A second building makes sense. This is a seigneurie; there could be several scattered around the estate.”
And if that was the case, why hadn’t anyone come to check on their counterparts here? At the very least, someone should’ve shown an interest in the gentleman who was either the seigneur or his representative. Would searching for other buildings be prudent? Probably not, but he owed it to the governor-general, Maisonneuve, and the seigneur to be thorough.
Okwaho, bent in front of the fireplace, nodded. “True. What did you find in here?” He lit a taper and watched the flames lick at the dry wood.
“No bodies, but there are three beds upstairs, two indicating men were most likely killed in their sleep up there, and this.” He held up the sheet of paper. “I can read, but this flowery script will take some time to decipher. There must be something here to explain who these men were and what they were doing here. Of course, if there is a second location, the documents could be there.”
Thanks for visiting. On Tuesday and later, don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales.
