Robin E. Mason's Blog: Robin's Book Shelf, page 52
November 6, 2022
BLOGWORDS – Sunday 6 November 2022 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – MATTHEW 10:16
Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. (NKJV) Matthew 10:16
IRISH / GAEILGEFéuch, cuirim amach thú mar chaoirigh i measc na mac tíre. Mar sin bígí críonna mar nathair agus neamhdhíobhálach mar chollaí. (NKJV) Matha 10:16
SWAHILI / KISWAHILIAngalieni, mimi nawatuma kama kondoo kati ya mbwa-mwitu. Kwa hiyo iweni wenye busara kama nyoka na wapole kama hua. (NKJV) Mathayo 10:16
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙВот, Я посылаю вас, как овец среди волков. Поэтому будьте мудры, как змеи, и просты, как голуби. (NKJV) Матфея 10:16
GERMAN / DEUTSCHSiehe, ich sende euch wie Schafe mitten unter die Wölfe. Darum seid klug wie die Schlangen und ohne Falsch wie die Tauben! (SCH 2000) Matthäus 10:16
FRENCH / FRANÇAISEVoici, je vous envoie comme des brebis au milieu des loups. Soyez donc prudents comme les serpents, et simples comme les colombes. (NEG 1979) Matthieu 10:16
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLMiren, los envío como ovejas en medio de lobos. Por lo tanto, sean astutos como serpientes e inofensivos como palomas. (NTV) Mateo 10:16
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, Matthew 10:16
November 5, 2022
BLOGWORDS – Saturday 5 November 2022 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – HEBREWS 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (NKJV) Hebrews 11:6
IRISH / GAEILGEAch gan creideamh ní féidir é a thoiliú, óir ní foláir don té a thagann chun Dé a chreidiúint go bhfuil sé, agus go bhfuil sé ina dhuais orthu siúd a iarrann go dúthrachtach é. (NKJV) Eabhraigh 11:6
SWAHILI / KISWAHILILakini pasipo imani haiwezekani kumpendeza; kwa maana mtu amwendeaye Mungu lazima aamini kwamba yeye yuko, na kwamba huwapa thawabu wale wamtafutao. (NKJV) Waebrania 11:6
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙНо без веры угодить Ему невозможно, ибо приходящий к Богу должен верить, что Он есть и что Он вознаграждает ищущих Его. (NKJV) Евреям 11:6
GERMAN / DEUTSCHOhne Glauben aber ist es unmöglich, ihm wohlzugefallen; denn wer zu Gott kommt, muss glauben, dass er ist und dass er die belohnen wird, welche ihn suchen. (SCH 2000) Hebräer 11:6
FRENCH / FRANÇAISEOr, sans la foi, il est impossible de lui être agréable; car il faut que celui qui s’approche de Dieu croie que Dieu existe, et qu’il est le rémunérateur de ceux qui le cherchent. (NEG 1979) Hébreux 11:6
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLDe hecho, sin fe es imposible agradar a Dios. Todo el que desee acercarse a Dios debe creer que él existe y que él recompensa a los que lo buscan con sinceridad. (NTV) Hebreos 11:6
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, Hebrews 11:6November 4, 2022
BLOGWORDS – Friday 4 November 2022 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – ZECHARIAH 2:10
“Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord. (NKJV) Zechariah 2:10
IRISH / GAEILGE“Can agus gairdeachas, a iníon Shioin! óir féach, tá mé ag teacht agus beidh mé i do chónaí i bhur measc,” a deir an Tiarna. (NKJV) Sechairias 2:10
SWAHILI / KISWAHILI“Imba na ushangilie, Ee binti Sayuni! Kwa maana tazama, ninakuja, nami nitakaa kati yako, asema Bwana. (NKJV) Zekaria 2:10
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙ«Пой и радуйся, дщерь Сиона! Ибо вот, Я гряду и буду обитать среди вас, — говорит Господь. (NKJV) Захария 2:10
GERMAN / DEUTSCH„Singe und freue dich, Tochter Zion! Denn siehe, ich komme und werde in eurer Mitte wohnen“, spricht der Herr. (NKJV) Sacharja 2:10
FRENCH / FRANÇAISEPousse des cris d’allégresse et réjouis-toi, Fille de Sion! Car voici, je viens, et j’habiterai au milieu de toi, dit l’Eternel. (NEG 1979) Zacharie 2:10
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLEl Señor dice: «Grita y alégrate, oh Jerusalén hermosa, porque yo vengo a vivir en medio de ti. (NTV) Zacharías 2:10
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, Zechariah 2:10November 3, 2022
BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 3 November 2022 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – LUKE 4:18-19
The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. (NKJV) Luke 4:18-10
IRISH / GAEILGETá Spiorad an Tiarna orm, mar d’ung sé mé chun an soiscéal a shearmonú do na boicht; Chuir sé Mise chun na daoine briste a leigheas, chun saoirse a fhógairt do na braighde, agus athghabháil radhairc do na daill, chun saoirse a chur ar na daoine atá faoi bhrú; chun bliain inghlactha an Tiarna a fhógairt. (NKJV) Lúcás 4:18-19
SWAHILI / KISWAHILIRoho wa Bwana yu juu yangu, kwa maana amenitia mafuta kuwahubiri maskini habari njema; Amenituma kuwatangazia wafungwa kufunguliwa kwao, na vipofu kupata kuona tena, kuwaacha huru waliosetwa; kutangaza mwaka wa Bwana uliokubaliwa. ( NKJV) Luka 4:18-19
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙДух Господень на Мне, потому что Он помазал Меня проповедовать Евангелие бедным; Он послал Меня исцелить сокрушенных сердцем, возвестить пленным освобождение и слепым прозрение, отпустить на свободу угнетенных; провозглашать год Господень благоприятный. (NKJV) Луки 4:18-19
GERMAN / DEUTSCHDer Geist des Herrn ist auf mir, weil er mich gesalbt hat, den Armen frohe Botschaft zu verkünden; er hat mich gesandt, zu heilen, die zerbrochenen Herzens sind, Gefangenen Befreiung zu verkünden und den Blinden, dass sie wieder sehend werden, Zerschlagene in Freiheit zu setzen, um zu verkündigen das angenehme Jahr des Herrn. (SCH 2000) Lukas 4:18-19
FRENCH / FRANÇAISEL’Esprit du Seigneur est sur moi, Parce qu’il m’a oint pour annoncer une bonne nouvelle aux pauvres; [Il m’a envoyé pour guérir ceux qui ont le cœur brisé,] Pour proclamer aux captifs la délivrance, et aux aveugles le recouvrement de la vue, pour renvoyer libres les opprimés, pour publier une année de grâce du Seigneur. (NEG 1979) Luc 4:18-19
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLEl Espíritu del Señor está sobre mí, porque me ha ungido para llevar la Buena Noticia a los pobres. Me ha enviado a proclamar que los cautivos serán liberados, que los ciegos verán, que los oprimidos serán puestos en libertad, y que ha llegado el tiempo del favor del Señor. (NTV) Lucas 4:18-19
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, Luke 4:18-19November 2, 2022
BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 2 November 2022 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – ROMANS 10:9-10
That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (NKJV) Romans 10:9-10
IRISH / GAEILGEGo má admhaíonn tú le do bhéal an Tiarna Íosa agus creidim i do chroí gur ardaigh Dia é ó mhairbh, beidh tú a shábháil. Óir is leis an gcroidhe a chreideann duine chun fíréantachta, agus leis an mbéal adeirthear admháil chum an tslánaithe. (NKJV) Rómhánaigh 10:9-10
SWAHILI / KISWAHILIKwa sababu ukimkiri Yesu kwa kinywa chako ya kuwa ni Bwana na kuamini moyoni mwako ya kuwa Mungu alimfufua katika wafu, utaokoka. Kwa maana kwa moyo mtu huamini hata kupata haki, na kwa kinywa hukiri hata kupata wokovu. (NKJV) Warumi 10:9-10
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙЧто если устами твоими будешь исповедовать Господа Иисуса и сердцем своим веровать, что Бог воскресил Его из мертвых, то будешь спасен. Ибо сердцем веруют к праведности, а устами исповедуют ко спасению. (NKJV) Римлянам 10:9-10
GERMAN / DEUTSCHDenn wenn du mit deinem Mund Jesus als den Herrn bekennst und in deinem Herzen glaubst, dass Gott ihn aus den Toten auferweckt hat, so wirst du gerettet. Denn mit dem Herzen glaubt man, um gerecht zu werden, und mit dem Mund bekennt man, um gerettet zu werden. (SCH 2000) Römer 10:9-10
FRENCH / FRANÇAISESi tu confesses de ta bouche le Seigneur Jésus, et si tu crois dans ton cœur que Dieu l’a ressuscité des morts, tu seras sauvé. Car c’est en croyant du cœur qu’on parvient à la justice, et c’est en confessant de la bouche qu’on parvient au salut, selon ce que dit l’Ecriture. (NEG 1979) Romains 10:9-10
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLSi declaras abiertamente que Jesús es el Señor y crees en tu corazón que Dios lo levantó de los muertos, serás salvo. Pues es por creer en tu corazón que eres hecho justo a los ojos de Dios y es por declarar abiertamente tu fe que eres salvo. (NTV) Romanos 10:9-10
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, Romans10:9-10November 1, 2022
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 1 November 2022 –BOOK LAUNCH EVENT –MEET THE CHARACTERS
Elizabeth Elliott – twin sister to Meredith, Bethy is the more cautious twin, sweetheart to a good Zach Oliver. She enjoys a nice hot cuppa of French vanilla roast, and Mi Cuppa’s caramel cream tea. Her favorite show is Gilmore Girls and her favorite movies are You’ve Got Mail, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Pride and Prejudice. She collects antique brooches and alphabetizes the spice rack—and has been accused of having OCD tendencies. She is an early bird and enjoys ice skating, ballet, and gymnastics, and reading, doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles in her spare time. She has a wicked yet subtle sense of humor and is always up for a good prank with her sister.
Meredith Elliott – twin sister to Elizabeth, Mere is the more daring sister, sweetheart to Jeremy Jernigan. She is more daring than her sister and is always urging Bethy to go beyond her comfort zone. Meredith also enjoys French vanilla roast coffee, but prefers chocolate cake with peanut butter ganache over her Bethy’s favorite chocolate cake with Andes fudge ganache. Her nicknames are Mere Bear, Meercat, and MJ. Mere also does jigsaw puzzles but prefers basketball, volleyball, tennis, and jogging. Her favorite TV shows are Roesanne and Friends, and her favorite movies are While You were Sleeping and Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.
SUPPORTING CHARACTERS
Zachary Oliver – twin brother to Alex, and Bethy’s sweetheart. Zach is an extroverted introvert. He is an author, and teaches English Lit and History. He likes a Swiss burger with onion rings, and ice-cold Dr. Pepper. He drives a blue VW bug that he calls “Blug.” He rides his bicycle when he can and uses hand signal even when driving. Being in nature is his muse and he goes camping, hiking, or kayaking when he has the chance. He also enjoys swing dancing and was tickled to learn that Bethy also like to go dancing.
Jeremy Jernigan – twin brother to Jordan, and Meredith’s sweetheart. Jeremy is a neat freak, which is rather at odds with Meredith’s slob tendencies. He drives a black and gold Harley and has discovered how much he enjoys cooking—and that he’s good at it. His nickname is Geronimo and he has two miniature Siberian Husakie, Ruskakaia and Willow. He enjoys baseball, basketball, football, and soccer His favorite TV show is Seinfeld and his favorite movies are Top Gun and Star Wars.
OTHER IMPORTANT PEEPS
Sariah Atwood – Bethy’s best friend, Rai is a bonafide genius with an IQ of 170 and is a member of Mensa. She and Bethy were in kindergarten together and became instant friends. Rai ihas read all the classics and spends her time poring over ancient historical documents. When she doesn’t have her face in her books, she spend her time doing ballet or jogging.
Jody Wright – Totally artsy-fartsy, Jo is the owner of J’Occasions, Events with Flair. She’s a painter, using both acrylics and watercolor, and she draws, using pencil or ink. Mere’s best friend since kindergarten, Jo served as accomplice in many of Mere and Bethy’s pranks, often providing the inspiration. She is an athlete and enjoys basketball, volleyball, tennis, swimming, and jogging. A bubbly personality, she is upbeat and a tad bit ADHD.
FAB FOUR
A huge Beatles fan, Bethy and Mere’s dad, Todd, tagged the girls ‘The Fab Four’ after their first sleepover when they were seven. Their friendship was, and remains, a strong bond, anchored by their shared faith.
Claire Baxter – twin sister to Paige, Claire is every bit the lady. She loves the classics and enjoys ballroom dancing or a night at the opera or symphony. Besides ballroom dancing, she plays golf and tennis. A third-grade teacher, she randomly starts talking in a British accent, much to the delight of her students—and the changing of her formidable mother. Claire is also an accomplished pianist and violinist, and spends her spare time working crossword puzzles. She has a white rabbit named Alice.
Paige Baxter – twin sister to Claire, Paige is as unlike her sister as day and night. To Claire’s dresses and heels, Paige prefers gym clothes and sneakers. To Claire’s ballroom and classical tastes, Paige far prefers sports and rock music. Her collections of baseballs, gold balls, and tennis balls, reflects her athletic personality. Not so much a word person, she works sudoku and kakuro puzzles, and also plays piano and guitar, chosen in defiance of violin lessons. Her dog, Polka Dot, “Pokey,” is a docile and sweet dalmation.
Alex Oliver – twin to Zach, definitely more GQ but has his comedian side, too.
Jordan Jernigan – twin to Jeremy, Jordan was the more reserved, or at least not as wild as his brother. He was, however, just as eager to pull their pranks as Jeremy was.
Seth Gamble – Zach’s best friend
Drew Blakely – Jere’s best friend, quintessential “bad boy,” but underneath, he is kind and sweet and generous, and devoted Christian
Moe Elliott – Bethy and Mere’s older brother, quasi quiet and reserved, Moe doesn’t like having his pic taken, but he can be the life of the party
Jeff Jernigan – Jeremy and Jordan’s older brother, Jeff is always the life of the party, ever cracking jokes (all in good taste) kind and generous with a big heart and a bear hug to anyone who needs it
Olivia Oliver – Alex and Zach’s sister, her nickname is “Ollie Ollie,” she is several years younger than her brothers. She’s bubbly and full of life, and has friends all over the world—literally—from their dad’s years in the Army
FOURSQUAREFour stories of four couples who also happen to be four sets of twins.
How identical is too identical?
Twin sisters Elizabeth and Meredith Elliott are so identical their own parents can’t even tell them apart. Two halves of a whole.
Elizabeth, the more cautious of the two, reining in her sister’s impetuous side. Meredith, the more daring, urging Elizabeth to step beyond her comfort zone.
Elizabeth and Meredith walked in each other’s shadow; it’s what they did. Filling in for one another, switching places to prank their friends and to cover for one another in a pinch.
But when heartbreak befalls one of them—while the other’s heart and arms are fulfilled—will it drive a wedge between them?
NOTE: This story deals with issues—miscarriage and infertility—that might be difficult for some readers.
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 1 November 2022 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – EPHESIANS 1:19
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. (NKJV) Ephesians 1:19
IRISH / GAEILGEGuím go soillseofar súile do chroí chun go mbeadh a fhios agat an dóchas dár ghlaoigh sé ort, saibhreas a oidhreachta glórmhar ina phobal naofa. (NKJV) Eifisigh 1:19
SWAHILI / KISWAHILINaomba macho ya mioyo yenu yatiwe nuru, mpate kujua tumaini alilowaitia, utajiri wa urithi wake wa utukufu katika watu wake watakatifu. (NKJV) Waefeso 1:1
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙМолю, да просветятся очи сердца твоего, да познаешь ты надежду, к которой Он призвал тебя, богатство славного наследия Своего в святом народе Его. (NKJV) Ефесянам 1:19
GERMAN / DEUTSCHErleuchtete Augen eures Verständnisses, damit ihr wisst, was die Hoffnung seiner Berufung und was der Reichtum der Herrlichkeit seines Erbes in den Heiligen ist. (SCH 2000) Epheser 1:19
FRENCH / FRANÇAISEQu’il illumine les yeux de votre cœur, pour que vous sachiez quelle est l’espérance qui s’attache à son appel, quelle est la richesse de la gloire de son héritage qu’il réserve aux saints. (NEG 1979) Éphésiens 1:19
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLPido que les inunde de luz el corazón, para que puedan entender la esperanza segura que él ha dado a los que llamó—es decir, su pueblo santo—, quienes son su rica y gloriosa herencia. (NTV) Efesios 1:19
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, Ephesians 1:19October 31, 2022
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 1 November 2022 –BOOK LAUNCH EVENT – RELEASE DAY
TODAY’S THE DAY!!! After FOUR long years, TODAY IS THE DAY!! Tuesday 1 November!! WHEEEEE!!!!!
One for the Price of Two, the first book in my new series, FourSquare is finished! My EIGHTH book, One for the Price of Two, is now available on AMAZON! Bethy and Mere have been released into the world!
EBOOKhttps://www.amazon.com/One-Price-Two-FourSquare-Book-ebook/dp/B0BKYPTT1X/PRINThttps://www.amazon.com/One-Price-FourSquare-Robin-Mason/dp/B0BKYM1HDJ/TODAY’S THE DAY!!!Join me on FACEBOOK this afternoon at 3:00 EST for my launch party to CELEBRATE!
Join me on Facebook for my launch party, with six fantastic author, games, excerpts and cut scenes, prizes, and, of course, fabulous GIVEAWAYS!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1709867059388685/
FourSquare. Four stories of four couples who also happen to be four sets of twins.
How identical is too identical?
Twin sisters Elizabeth and Meredith Elliott are so identical their own parents can’t even tell them apart. Two halves of a whole.
Elizabeth, the more cautious of the two, reining in her sister’s impetuous side. Meredith, the more daring, urging Elizabeth to step beyond her comfort zone.
Elizabeth and Meredith walked in each other’s shadow; it’s what they did. Filling in for one another, switching places to prank their friends and to cover for one another in a pinch.
But when heartbreak befalls one of them—while the other’s heart and arms are fulfilled—will it drive a wedge between them?
NOTE: This story deals with issues—miscarriage and infertility—that might be difficult for some readers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR“I’ve always had voices—er, stories in my head. I once said I should write them all down so someone could write them someday. I had no idea at the time that someone was me!”
My characters struggle in some way for their identity. Their stories are their journey to know who God created them to be.
There is also a strong element of friends, family, and faith in all my stories, and the difference it makes to have such a support system.
I am a Christian and write from a Christian world view, but some of my characters are not believers and therefore do not abide by the Bible and the guidelines for life that we take for granted. My books contain some mild swear language in a few places—and demonstrate the difference when the grace of God prevails.
PAST SERIESunsavory heritage series—seven generations, from Cissy to Connie, each with their own secrets, one of which is ugly and unsavory, and initiates the curse they all bearSeasons series—four friends, each one struggling to know the truth of just what happened when one of them plunged into the depths of the black waters of the Edisto Riverhttps://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Author.Robin.E.Mason/
http://www.amazon.com/Robin-E.-Mason/e/B00MR5IQ9S
https://twitter.com/RobinEMason1
http://www.pinterest.com/amythyst212/
https://www.instagram.com/robinemason212/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7808042.Robin_E_Mason
GIVEAWAY
A signed copy of One for the Price of Two, A Mi Cuppa Tu Cuppa mug,
a sample tin of Saisons Plantation Tea, and an Elisabeth Elliot quote refrigerator magnet
Don’t forget to pop over to the Facebook party for tons of fun!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1709867059388685/
BLOGWORDS – Monday 31 October 2022 –BOOK LAUNCH EVENT – MEET THE AUTHOR
BOOK LAUNCH EVENT – MEET THE AUTHOR
FAST FAVESCake or Cookies: Actually, ice cream but of those two, cookies, chocolate chip mint
Call or Text: Depends on the situation
Dogs or Cats: Cats of course
Eggs or Pancakes: Eggs
Facebook or Twitter: Facebook
Paperback or Kindle: Paperback, but Kindle is so much easier and convenient
Thornton or Darcy: Darcy, preferably Darcy played by Colin Firth #swoon
Yoga Pants or Jeans: Jeans – I can’t STAND tight / snug fitting clothes
First, I have to give a tremendous shout-out to my niece, Briana Mason, for being my cover model. She’s so gorgeous and photogenic, and I’m so grateful she agreed to pose for me!
Now for
MEET THE AUTHORThe idea for a story of twins originated years ago when I knew a mother and daughter named Elizabeth and Meredith. The series came from the notion of them both marrying twins, and the thought that, no, that’s been done. But, I thought, what if the guys aren’t twins to each other. Which left two lonely dangling brothers without their brides. Of course, they had to be twins also!
Mere marries Jere
Jere’s twin is Jordan
Jordan marries Paige
Paiges’s twin is Claire
Claire marries Alex
Alex’ twin is Zach
Zach marries Bethy
and Bethy’s twin is Mere..
FourSquare. Four stories of four couples who also happen to be four sets of twins.
There is much of me in both Bethy and Mere. My degree is Interior Design, but I love architecture, too. I am a word person like Bethy, but can be spontaneous sometimes, like Meredith.Being the first book in a new series, it takes me millions of hours (okay, maybe not quite a million) to create my story world. I’ve a map of Covington, and the names and locations (there’s a map key) of the setting of each scene, plus the typical businesses in most cities.I also have an extensive list of who’s who—not only the main and secondary characters, but the cousins and spouses and kids. Same for all the friends. There are characters who will never get written into the story but if I need to know how old Gigi (the hippie gramma) I’ve got that into. Or if I need to know when Cousin April (there are actually two cousins named April) got married, it’s there.
Beyond that even, is a spreadsheet with every detail I could think of—favorite beverage, what car they drive, physical attributes… you get the idea.
I’ve been fascinated with twins and multiples for as long as I can remember. Wished I was a twin. Alas, I am not—and that’s just one thing ya don’t get a do-over! LOL I wanted to have twins, but alas, that didn’t happen either.BUT, I can write twins and multiples all day long!
“I’ve been thrown in the deep end. Of a deep ocean. In a tidal wave. And all I want to do is write my stories. (Well, and get people to read ‘em… ) Write a bio, they say. What do you want to know? I write, that’s what I do. (Well, ok, there’s more too, I’ll get to that later.)” * excerpted from one of my first blog posts, https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/2014/04/12/drowning/I truly had no clue. I wrote stories, released them from my brain. That part I had—in spades. Marketing? Not even an inkling. A friend suggested I self-publish (watch out for vanity published!) He formatted my first manuscript for me.
Since then I’ve learned the tremendous value of networking. Connect with other authors. Listen to other authors. Support other authors. Find your sweet spot in social media and engage with other authors, and with readers. Find your tribe; my Facebook author page is
https://www.facebook.com/Author.Robin.E.Mason/ and of course, my blog https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/ but you’re here—and I’m so glad!
So I reckon now I’m sort of getting a handle on things. I dove right back in, only the waters are so turbulent; they are familiar now. And I’m swimming with some really good friends.
I like to mix-n-match, otherwise known as a mashup. For instance, in One for Two, there are not only two characters from my previous stories (Clara Bess Caldwell and Herman Wisely) but one character is from author friend, Monique Bucheger’s Ginnie West Adventure series!I nest. My house is small and I don’t have a “proper” office. But I do have a dedicated writing space, a convenient niche in the living room. Even as I write this, I am positioned directly in front of the door, which stays open almost ALL the time. My laptop rests next to me on a displaced shelf. (except, of course, when it’s in my lap) I’ve a binder with notes and details situated to my right, along with other languishing projects.In addition to writing and painting, I’m an actress, and I do accents. Two, British and Irish, come naturally. (When I was a sophomore in high school, my accent earned me the role as Dr. Armstrong in Dame Agatha Christie’s Ten Little Indians.)Australian, though, did not come so easily—so similar yet so different to British. But after watching shows set in or with Aussie actors, I’m getting the hang of it.
AND, after watching my Aussie shows, I’ve got some great Aussie jargon to use in the next book in the series, Double, Double, Who’s in Trouble. Co-main character, Jeremy’s best friend, Drew is Australian, and I can’t wait to write dialogue with him.
I am 100% a cat person! (even though I am, ahem, a bird… (robin #winkwink chirp chirp chirp) I don’t DISlike dogs; I’ve just always had (a) cat(s) for as long as I can remember.Currently I had the three remaining siblings, Jasper, Juniper, and Jake, of a five kitten litter. They are, in order, The Beast aka Sweetie Boy, June Berry aka Baby Girl, and Jakable aka Lovey Boy. All black and white, ten years old, and their mama, Shadow, adopted me when she was tiny.
My favorite genre is Historical Fiction, especially Biblical Historical Fiction. I read a wide variety (no dark writing (i.e. witchcraft) and no explicit sex scenes.) Not a great fan of Amish fiction (I’ve no idea why) – don’t disown me!I’mma do a dangerous thing here and name a few of my favorite authors—
Dame Agatha Christie has long been a favorite, as have Madeleine L’Engle and Maeve Binchy. I just finished a story, Invisible, by new-to-me author, Ginny L. Yttrup. AMAZING story, AMAZING writing. List T. Bergren, Michelle Griep, Heather Gilbert, Julie Carobini, Jane Ann McLachlan, Chautona Havig, Connie Cossette, C. Hope Clark, J’nell Ciesielski, Jaime Jo Wright, Keely Brooke Keith… There are dozens of authors whose writing I love, and I couldn’t possibly name all of them!!
The very first story I wrote was Pinky the Pink Elephant when I was in first grade. I am a keeper of precious things (NOT hoarding LOL) and have it tucked away. I’m going to pass it to Cora and let her “read it” in her Daddy’s story, Double Double, Who’s in Trouble, the next book in the series.To be fair, this isn’t directly related to this story. Then again, there’s a reason it has taken me four years to get here.My first two series, seven stories, veritably poured from me. One for Two, though, felt like pulling teeth. The story, at least the basics, have been simmering in the back of my mind for years, only to be pre-empted by the first two series.
My writing journey, a brief history. Though I’ve always had stories in my head, it wasn’t until 2013 that I started my first novel, Tessa—after I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design (a career I sadly couldn’t jump into.) As I mentioned before, the story flowed from me. Then Clara Bess and Cissy. Right on the heels of that series, Seasons wouldn’t leave me alone.
I assumed, of course, that FourSquare would follow suit. It did not. I reckon my creativity needed a bit of a rest. Then again, immediately after the final book in Seasons, I had my second knee replacement; recovery was slower than the first time (in 2016.)
I spent three years making a valiant effort to get Bethy and Mere’s story out to the world. And I struggled with it, something that had not happened before when writing. It was very discouraging. Then last summer (2021) I realized the story needed to be told in first person. So I backpedaled and barged in to make the changes; it was a massive project. Having two main characters didn’t make it any easier. But it does make the story richer.
EXCERPT – BETHY IS ABDUCTEDI pulled my phone from my pocket to send B a quick text. I knew she was itching for me to respond to her bazillion text messages.
“Oh my God!” Panic edged the euphoria right out the door.
“Babe, what is it?”
“I…. I…” I couldn’t speak. I was hyperventilating. The words were there but they were all jumbled and they wouldn’t come out of my mouth. Of the dozen texts and phone calls I had missed, the one from Zachary—an hour ago—was the one I showed Jeremy.
BETHY IS MISSING!!!!!
Then,
CALL ME!!!!!
Jeremy massaged my shoulders and Jocelyn poured me a glass of cold water. I took several deep breaths, then tapped Zach’s name in my contacts.
“Meredith.” A scratchy version of Zach’s voice cried out.
“I’m putting you on speaker.” I tapped the icon. “What happened? Did you find her?”
“I was hoping you had heard from her…”
“Zach.” Jeremy took the phone. “What happened, man?”
“Dude.” Zach’s voice infused with a sliver of courage. “We were gonna meet at the park before dinner but she never showed. I waited, called, texted. No response.”
“That’s not like her…” I slithered onto a deck chaise.
“Called Rai, but she left there at two. Rai said she was heading home to change and meet me at the park. Said she thought Bethy had some errands to run…”
“Zach?”
“I spotted her car outside Freshly’s so I ran in, but they hadn’t seen her. Not at Tattered Tales, either…”
“ZACHARY!”
“Her purse was on the ground by her car…” A sob came through the speaker.
“Where are you now, man?” Jeremy took the phone, offered a pleading look to his mother, and led me back around front to his bike. “We’re on the way.”
He handed my phone back to me. “He’s at the police station with your parents.”
Criss-crossing through Merida, Zach was on Covington Road within minutes, and back in Covington in record time.
“You go in.” He idled in front of the station. “I’ll park and meet you inside.”
¨¨¨
Detective LeBlanc, a seasoned officer with salt and pepper hair and moustache, was a towering man. Serious in his work, and compassionate with victims and families in his cases, he had grilled Zachary, and Bethy’s parents. He had called Rai, who had joined them at the station, and Claire, who had neither seen nor talked to Bethy since she left Claire and Paige’s apartment at three. Moe had joined them as well, and now paced the small space.
Jeremy barreled into the squad room within minutes and wrapped his arms around Meredith.
Detective LeBlanc had called both the produce market and the bookstore, and sent two uniformed officers to interview potential witnesses.
“Got a lead for you, boss.” A young officer led a silver haired woman to the detective’s desk.
“Frida!” Beverly went to her friend. “Did you see her? Did you see our Bethy?”
Detective LeBlanc raised his hand. “Let me handle this, Mrs. Elliott.” For the giant of a man that he was, his voice was a soothing balm in an otherwise tense situation.
He got the woman’s name, Frida Callais, and confirmed that she was the owner of the bookshop Bethy frequented, and escorted her to the interview room.
Gritty sunlight streaked in through dusty windows, phones jangled, puncturing the taut mood, muted voices mumbled from around the cavernous space. A clock on the wall tick-ticked languishing minutes.
Twenty minutes passed, dusk shadowed the gray windows, officers came and went. Detective LeBlanc returned with Mrs. Callais.
Frida went to Beverly as the detective called out instructions to three officers.
“I saw them,” Frida told Beverly. She looked to the others gathered. “A big guy, really tall. Dirty blond hair, full beard. Filthy man—vulgar mouth. He was the leader. Four guys, they were watching her, I think she was going into Freshly’s. I was locking up early for the day and I saw him, heard him when I stepped outside to bring my sign in. He nodded at another fellow, scrawny kid, big scar on his arm. He was the one that grabbed her. Whispered something in her ear. Must have terrified her—I saw her face.” Frida held a sob.
“Big guy?” Jeremy pulled away from Meredith’s clinging arms. “Did you hear them? Did they call him Big Mac?”
“Yes!” Frida stood. “Yes, they did. They surely did.”
“Do you know them?” Todd, Bethy and Meredith’s dad, stood and faced Jeremy.
“I’m afraid I do.” He turned to the detective. “Detective?”
Detective LeBlanc turned.
“I know who took her.”
The detective led Jeremy into the interrogation room. They emerged within ten minutes.
Instructions turned to barked commands. Locations called out.
“I’m coming,” Jeremy moved to join the officers that gathered.
“No.” Detective LeBlanc was firm without being aggressive. “You are a civilian, and you don’t have a weapon.” He paused. “Do you?”
“No sir. I can’t—don’t.” He grabbed the detective’s arm as he turned away. “But I know these guys.”
Detective LeBlanc’s bushy brow raised a quarter of an inch.
“I, uh, used to hang with them.” He had, of course, confessed as much in the interrogation room. But Meredith’s parents—his fiancée’s parents—sat not five feet from him.
“Well now.” The detective’s big beefy arms crossed over his barrel chest. “You do have a point.” He turned to one of the uniformed officers. “Brad, get the man a vest.” And to Jeremy, “You stay low or I’ll send you back here. Got it?”
“Yes, sir.”
#Blogwords, Book Launch Event, Meet the Author, One for the Price of Two, Robin E. Mason, FourSquare#OneforthePriceofTwo#FourSquareBook1#twinfiction#twinsmarryingtwins#miscarriage#infertilityandadoption#twinconflict#comingsoon#amwriting#amediting#fictionwriting#faithfictionBLOGWORDS – Sunday 30 October 2022 –BOOK LAUNCH EVENT – FRONT PORCH FELLOWSHIP – SUNDAY DEVOTION
BOOK LAUNCH EVENT – FRONT PORCH FELLOWSHIP – SUNDAY DEVOTION
* This post delayed due to fatigue.
The name of Sunday’s feature, Front Porch Fellowship, came about… “Because sometimes you can’t make it to church. Or, what the world commonly thinks of as church.” And Father God meets me where I’m at, often on the Front Porch.
SUNDAY DEVOTIONThis Christian walk is often mistaken for a religion. But it’s not so much “religion” as it is relationship. The very reason Father God created man was for relationship. He gave us rules, sure, and with good reason. Adam and Eve walked in the “cool of the day,” and I believe they walked with God. I believe we were never meant to leave the Garden of Eden.
Then Satan entered the picture. And lied.
From the moment Adam and Eve disobeyed, everything Father has done has been to restore us to relationship. All the rules and commandments are there for this reason. And when we focus on God and our relationship with Him, our lives are fuller, richer.
AND, we are less influenced by the enemy.
It’s hard to do in this swirling, dazzling world. So many distractions. So many temptations. That’s why He bids us, “Be still.” Shut out the noise and the chaos, and listen for His voice.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (NKJV) Psalm 46:10
Like seeking the wisdom of a trusted friend or spouse or parent, He asks us to seek Him, not the wisdom of the world, which is riddled with conflicting and confusing—and deceiving—answers and direction.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (NKJV) Matthew 6:33
Father has created each of us with our own special gifts and talents and abilities. But also with desires and longings that only He can fulfill. I believe He has placed particular desires within each of, and when we look to Him—and only when we look to Him—will we truly know the fullness of those longings.
Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. (NKJV) Psalm 37:4
* All mention of God, other than specifically Father God, I am referencing the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
DEVOTIONAL EXCERPT – FORGIVING GOD“Meredith, you need to forgive God.”
“Do what?” I was enveloped by a super wide faux leather chair with extra cushions in Tina Vanderlyn’s den. It felt like I was sitting in a hug.
“Have you forgiven God?”
“Ehmmm…”
“You’re mad at Him, yes?”
“Well, yeah.” I squirmed and choked on the words. I was massively ashamed to be mad at God. Admitting it aloud was mortifying. “But…”
She lifted her ruby colored coffee mug and took a dainty sip but said nothing.
“He’s holy and perfect and…” I lifted my own ruby mug and gulped. Clutching the mug as if I could hide behind it I managed my voice. Sort of. “He does no wrong. How do you forgive someone who never makes a mistake?”
“That’s a good question.” She reached for my hands, her neatly manicured hands suggesting her age but giving nothing away. “What does it mean to forgive?”
“It means that even though someone did something that hurt you, you can’t hold it over their head.”
Her head tipped sideways. “And…”
I stumbled for words. “I don’t understand.”
“Who benefits from forgiveness?”
“Well, the person who did whatever it was that was wrong.” Duh.
“Are you sure?”
I knew how a deer in the headlights must feel.
“Meredith.” She released my hands and sat back, crossing her long legs at the ankle. “My father was not a nice man. He was dishonest in his business and was a tyrant at home. He never struck me but we all lived in fear.”
I listened, sad about her childhood so different than mine. But I didn’t get the connection to our discussion.
“He died when I was fourteen and I was glad. We all were. My mother caught my sister and me doing a happy dance after the funeral. She brought us all down to the den, my brothers and all three of my sisters to ask us these same questions.”
“She was upset that you were glad your father was gone?” I was so confused.
“No, Meredith. That she understood. She was relieved herself.” Mrs. Vanderlyn leaned forward in her chair, crossing her arms on her knees. “She explained the true meaning of forgiveness.”
I waited.
“Forgiveness is giving the offender over to God. Justice is His, and His alone. Judgment is His—not ours. Your definition of forgiveness suggests that you, we, have the power to judge and mete out justice. Mother asked us if we had forgiven Father. We all snickered because, like you, we thought it ridiculous. ‘Why forgive a dead man,’ my oldest sister asked. ‘It won’t help him.’
“Mother caressed her Bible in her lap. ‘Forgiveness doesn’t set the offender free, Darcy. It sets the wounded free.’”
My brain was spinning. Forgive God? “But…” Mrs. V stood and took both our mugs over to the kitchen to refresh our coffee.
Forgive. Release. Let it go. Thoughts swirled in my mind. And Papa God’s voice—Be free. Forgive and be free.
Mrs. V returned with fresh coffee and I gladly received the warm mug—to hide behind. We ended our session with her walking me through the mechanics of forgiving… God. It still seemed inside out but at the same time made perfect sense. Of course it makes perfect sense, dumb butt. It’s God’s plan.
We ended our afternoon visiting and chatting like old friends. (I still wondered how old she was but would never ask.) And I left her house feeling freer than I had in three and a half years. I let go of the dream, the plan I thought my life needed to be. Picturing myself when I was little and my Etch-a-Sketch quit sketching. I let Daddy have it to fix it; of course, I didn’t realize at the time it was beyond fixing. So when he brought me a new one, my five-year-old self thought he was the most “amazingest” daddy ever; I just knew he had fixed my favorite toy.
Now, I visualized myself handing my grown-up favorite thing—getting pregnant and giving birth—into Daddy God’s hands. He could fix my broken toy. Or He could give me a new one.
But it was up to Him. Me, whining and begging and pleading—and ranting—was poisoning my own heart. That afternoon, I knew that I had all I needed or could ever want. Me and Jere had a passel of kids—we were so blessed. I didn’t need to get pregnant anymore. God held that dream; it wasn’t mine to hold onto.
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