Flora Reigada's Blog, page 18

LOVE, BETRAYAL AND LOVE AGAIN

Review of Second Chance-Too Good to be True?

A good story of love, betrayal, love again, and forgiveness is hard to resist--and this book has a great story line from award-winning author Flora Reigada. A lovely story, and with a mystery mixed in--what more could I want? Review by Anne Baxter Campbell.
E-book ONLY 99 cents. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LB889Z6
Paperback: $10 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1792112661


Story unfolds in sun-kissed, St. Augustine, Florida.
"Fly away" in the pages of "Second Chance" for romance and adventure.

SNOW IN FLORIDA? Sample devotion from "Where Your Heart Meets God's"

The Jewel of What is Possible"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1, NIV).
Strange-sounding words entered my thoughts one morning when I was not quite awake, before the cares of the day could clutter my mind. That is when God's Spirit best captures my attention.
You've got to believe it will happen, just as sure as you'd believe it could snow in Florida. Even in my semi-conscious state, I almost laughed at the thought of it snowing here in Central Florida—one of several places where my husband's job had moved us.The inner voice also referenced Hebrews 11, called the Bible's Heroes of Faith chapter.As I awakened, the meaning of these impressions slowly came together. It concerned something for which I had long been desiring and praying, but never seemed closer to attaining. Do you have needs, goals and prayers that seem impossible from a human perspective?The Heroes of Faith were faced with these. Consider Abraham and Sarah spoken of in verses 8-12. Who would have thought they would give birth to Isaac, their child of promise, when Abraham was 100 and Sarah, 90?Think of Noah mentioned in verse 7. Warned by God about "something he couldn't see"The congregation was singing carols when someone burst into the sanctuary with a surprise announcement that brightened our hearts like a Christmas gift from above. "It's snowing!"A hush enveloped the sanctuary as we filtered out to behold the wonder of snow swirling around streetlights, to dust the grounds and palm trees. Gathering in a circle, we joined hands and continued singing. Our voices rang among the snowflakes in the cold, crisp air.Silent night, Holy nightAll is calm, all is bright,Round yon Virgin Mother and Child!Holy Infant, so tender and mildSleep in heavenly peace,Sleep in heavenly peace.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K18VT33

THE JEWEL OF FAVOR

THE JEWEL OF FAVOR(Sample devotion from "Where Your Heart Meets God's)"Then was I in his eyes as one that found favour" (Song of Solomon 8:10, KJV).God's words to us generally fall into two categories, called logos and rhema. The Rev. Danny Daniels, Director of Prayer and Prophetic at Park Avenue Baptist Church in Titusville, Florida, explained the meaning of these Greek words."Logos is the written word of God, as well as the living Word, Jesus Christ. Rhema is a personalized word from God, which might come out of the logos."To illustrate these terms, I would ask the reader to imagine herself standing in a cheering crowd, straining to catch a glimpse of a king as he passes in his royal carriage, surrounded by his entourage. You might see him for a moment, or you might be inspired by some words he may pause to speak. However to you, the king would remain distant—someone you read about, see on the news or know facts about. He would not be a friend in whom you would confide your joys and sorrows.
Sadly, this is how many Christians relate to God. They read their Bibles and learn facts about Him, even life-changing facts. But God is not someone with whom they carry on a two-way conversation. His word, the Bible, remains the logos "written"word. It might address the reader's finances, marriage, family or life situations; however, she does not hear the personal love song of the author's heart.Now, imagine yourself back in the crowd, but this time you see the king glance in your direction. Across the multitudes, his eyes meet yours. The king orders his driver to stop and he emerges from his carriage.The throngs hush and part as he makes his way closer and closer, causing your heart to beat faster and faster. Reaching you at last, the king extends his hand and leads you to his carriage, where you commune face to face.This is the rhema message, the kingdom of God within the believer's heart.*Read more devotions like this one in "Where Your Heart Meets God's," E-book ONLY $1.99.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K18VT33

SNEAK PEEK, SECOND CHANCE:ALONE AND AFRAID IN THE FOREST

Cover art by SelfPubBookCovers.com/ diversepixelCHAPTER 1
Elizabeth Bertelli loved springtime in New York State, where she lived among pine-scented hills climbing toward the Adirondack Mountains, as if to the heavens. Wearing a jacket over relaxed jeans and a T-shirt, she stepped off the back porch to head out for her morning walk. Having left her phone and all communication behind, she felt unencumbered by life’s demands. She inhaled the country air, that even in April, caressed her face with remnants of winter’s chill.Usually, Liz (as everyone called her) walked along the rural road with her friend, Rosa. But this day, the singing birds and golden daffodils drew her toward the meadow and woods beyond her home. She thought of painting the scene. Although her art had sold and won awards, it had been far too long since she had picked up a paintbrush.

Pulling her jacket tighter, Liz wished she could leave her sorrows behind. Steve was gone and there was nothing she could do about it. Even the rugged beauty of the area, where he enjoyed hiking and fishing, could not keep him; nor could the rambling old farmhouse Steve's wealthy parents had given them as a wedding gift.
He and Liz were only in their teens when she became pregnant with their twin sons. She gave birth to the boys at 15 and despite her youth, motherhood came as naturally as breathing. But marriage to Steve always felt like a bad fit, as if she were struggling to walk with tight shoes on the wrong feet. Still in her thirties, Liz felt unattractive and alone.
She couldn't go home to her parents, since they had recently passed away. Liz recalled their anger when they discovered her pregnancy. They pressured her to have an abortion or give the baby up for adoption, rather than marry Steve.
We don't like him. He's selfish and immature and we will not be saddled with his responsibilities.
Liz dismissed their warnings. She was the accident her parents had in their late forties, when they never wanted children. She always felt like an intruder.
Steve and I love each other, she yelled. I'm not going to kill our baby and I won't give it to strangers. If you try to make me, I'll run away and you'll never know your grandchild.
Seeing Liz's determination, her parents relented and grudgingly accepted her pregnancy, but they never liked or accepted Steve.
In those early days, he would run his fingers through Liz's flowing chocolate curls, compliment her golden-brown eyes, accentuated by a hint of makeup and call her his curvaceous cutie. But the chocolate curls had since been shorn and the warmth had faded from eyes that now reflected only sadness. Liz still had her curves; however, they had become a bit more rounded.
Toward the end of their marriage, Steve would not let her forget that. His icy blue eyes would view her with contempt, while his words stabbed at her heart. I wasted my youth on you. You've let yourself go. Look at you! I don't even want you anymore.

Liz's anger simmered. What right does he have to criticize my appearance? Steve's no Adonis.
Though athletic and muscular when they married, he had packed on the pounds over the years.
I should have suspected something when he began exercising again and losing weight.
Even though Steve was generous with money after the divorce, Liz didn’t see how she could ever forgive him for his cheating. Her mind raged at the memory. How could I even think about him after he left me for that slut?
He and twenty-three-year-old Gloria Hamilton had met at a business convention in the Daytona Beach, Florida, hotel where she oversees social events. Steve had moved to Florida and they were now living together in an oceanfront condominium.
It gave Liz some satisfaction to shed her married name of Cavanaugh for her maiden name, recalling her Italian heritage. Even though her twin sons would always be Cavanaughs, to Liz, the name change was severing her connection to Steve for the way he had severed their marriage vows. The boys also were gone, only they to pursue education, careers and individual lives.
Liz's heart always swelled with pride when she thought of her tall, lean sons. She could see Steve in their faces, but there was not a hint of his deceitful ways.
A recent law school graduate, Steve Jr. (Stevie) had graduated summa cum laude—the youngest in his class. After the prodigy breezed through his bar exam, he was quickly picked up by a law firm. Tony (named after Liz's father, Antonio) followed in his father's footsteps as a chef. He and his wife, Stephanie (Steph) managed a restaurant and had given Liz her only grandchild, Ashley. Each of Liz's sons held an equal place in her heart.
However, the boys lived hundreds of miles away in the Washington D.C. area. That seemed so far, especially after Steve left. To Liz, that is how God seemed too, but also occupied with things far more important than herself, much like her late father, usually out of reach at the office or in front of the television.
When their sons were growing up, Liz and Steve brought them to church whenever they could, especially on Christmas and Easter. When her boys asked if she believed in God, Liz said "yes," but her mind was filled with doubt.
These days it was just Liz and King, the young Rottweiler she had gotten for protection at the house, now too lonely and creaky. Thinking of her affectionate pet, she had to smile. Despite his menacing appearance and bark, Liz had often said if a burglar broke into the house, King would probably lick rather than bite. Liz guessed he was less aggressive because she had him neutered.
She looked toward the house, wondering if she should go back for him. But he was sleeping after recent surgery to correct elbow dysplasia, thankfully discovered early in his life. Deciding to let him rest, she continued on her way, occasionally pausing to admire the emerging grass and wildflowers, such as the dandelion-like coltsfoot and clusters of bluets.
As the house grew distant and the shadows of the woods began to creep over her, it struck Liz that in the twenty years she’d lived there, she had never ventured into the forest alone. An uneasy feeling invaded her thoughts—unseen eyes seemed to be watching.
Trying to put aside her fears, she continued toward the forest, where tall trees swayed against an azure sky. Birds fluttered among the branches, filling the air with their song.
At the edge of the woods, a cold breeze swept in. Liz hesitated, thinking she heard rustling in the brush. In spite of her misgivings, she pressed on.
I can do this. I don't need any man to protect me, she thought, stepping onto the path Steve had kept clear.
Despite him being gone over a year, the path was still free of overgrowth. It followed one of the many old and often crumbling stone walls, winding through the woods of upstate New York. Most, like the wall on Liz's property, stood about waist high.
The walls used to mark properties, she recalled Steve telling her in happier times. The stones that have withstood centuries of harsh winters and neglect, show the handiwork of old-time farmers.
Liz's anger with Steve was never far away.
He's probably cooking for his bimbo like he did for the boys and me; she fumed, wishing she could bash him over the head—or somewhere else—with one of those stones. This would also be for the wandering eye he had throughout their marriage, as well as his affinity for material Liz considered pornographic. She had confronted him about it, but he dismissed her concerns.
Photography and videos are just art forms. As an artist, you of all people should know that.
I hope your pornography's enough for you, because that's all you're gonna get, Liz snarled, stomping out of the room.
Things were never the same for her after that. Good riddance to him!
Liz forced her thoughts back to the sights and sounds of the forest. She realized something had changed. The forest was quiet … too quiet. The wind had stilled. Birds were no longer singing. Liz paused, her eyes darting one way then another. As a cloud moved over the sun, a sense of danger crept over the landscape. Suddenly, a snapping twig shattered the stillness and a flock of birds launched into the sky, their chirping and flapping wings fading away. Then, a growl seemed to shake the ground beneath Liz. 
She froze, almost afraid to breathe. Is this how it's going to end for me?
Fear tingled up and down Liz's spine as her eyes drifted to a clearing, where . . ..
Find out more in "Second Chance," first in the "Castle in the Sun," romantic-suspense series. 
E-book ONLY 99 cents.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LB889Z6

SNEAK PEEK, SECOND CHANCE: COMING SOON

Cover art by SelfPubBookCovers.com/ diversepixel
CHAPTER 1
Elizabeth Bertelli loved springtime in New York State, where she lived among pine-scented hills climbing toward the Adirondack Mountains, as if to the heavens. Wearing a jacket over relaxed jeans and a T-shirt, she stepped off the back porch to head out for her morning walk. Having left her phone and all communication behind, she felt unencumbered by life’s demands. She inhaled the country air, that even in April, caressed her face with remnants of winter’s chill.Usually, Liz (as everyone called her) walked along the rural road with her friend, Rosa. But this day, the singing birds and golden daffodils drew her toward the meadow and woods beyond her home. She thought of painting the scene. Although her art had sold and won awards, it had been far too long since she had picked up a paintbrush.

Pulling her jacket tighter, Liz wished she could leave her sorrows behind. Steve was gone and there was nothing she could do about it. Even the rugged beauty of the area, where he enjoyed hiking and fishing, could not keep him; nor could the rambling old farmhouse Steve's wealthy parents had given them as a wedding gift.
He and Liz were only in their teens when she became pregnant with their twin sons. She gave birth to the boys at 15 and despite her youth, motherhood came as naturally as breathing. But marriage to Steve always felt like a bad fit, as if she were struggling to walk with tight shoes on the wrong feet. Still in her thirties, Liz felt unattractive and alone.
She couldn't go home to her parents, since they had recently passed away. Liz recalled their anger when they discovered her pregnancy. They pressured her to have an abortion or give the baby up for adoption, rather than marry Steve.
We don't like him. He's selfish and immature and we will not be saddled with his responsibilities.
Liz dismissed their warnings. She was the accident her parents had in their late forties, when they never wanted children. She always felt like an intruder.
Steve and I love each other, she yelled. I'm not going to kill our baby and I won't give it to strangers. If you try to make me, I'll run away and you'll never know your grandchild.
Seeing Liz's determination, her parents relented and grudgingly accepted her pregnancy, but they never liked or accepted Steve.
In those early days, he would run his fingers through Liz's flowing chocolate curls, compliment her golden-brown eyes, accentuated by a hint of makeup and call her his curvaceous cutie. But the chocolate curls had since been shorn and the warmth had faded from eyes that now reflected only sadness. Liz still had her curves; however, they had become a bit more rounded.
Toward the end of their marriage, Steve would not let her forget that. His icy blue eyes would view her with contempt, while his words stabbed at her heart. I wasted my youth on you. You've let yourself go. Look at you! I don't even want you anymore.

Liz's anger simmered. What right does he have to criticize my appearance? Steve's no Adonis.
Though athletic and muscular when they married, he had packed on the pounds over the years.
I should have suspected something when he began exercising again and losing weight.
Even though Steve was generous with money after the divorce, Liz didn’t see how she could ever forgive him for his cheating. Her mind raged at the memory. How could I even think about him after he left me for that slut?
He and twenty-three-year-old Gloria Hamilton had met at a business convention in the Daytona Beach, Florida, hotel where she oversees social events. Steve had moved to Florida and they were now living together in an oceanfront condominium.
It gave Liz some satisfaction to shed her married name of Cavanaugh for her maiden name, recalling her Italian heritage. Even though her twin sons would always be Cavanaughs, to Liz, the name change was severing her connection to Steve for the way he had severed their marriage vows. The boys also were gone, only they to pursue education, careers and individual lives.
Liz's heart always swelled with pride when she thought of her tall, lean sons. She could see Steve in their faces, but there was not a hint of his deceitful ways.
A recent law school graduate, Steve Jr. (Stevie) had graduated summa cum laude—the youngest in his class. After the prodigy breezed through his bar exam, he was quickly picked up by a law firm. Tony (named after Liz's father, Antonio) followed in his father's footsteps as a chef. He and his wife, Stephanie (Steph) managed a restaurant and had given Liz her only grandchild, Ashley. Each of Liz's sons held an equal place in her heart.
However, the boys lived hundreds of miles away in the Washington D.C. area. That seemed so far, especially after Steve left. To Liz, that is how God seemed too, but also occupied with things far more important than herself, much like her late father, usually out of reach at the office or in front of the television.
When their sons were growing up, Liz and Steve brought them to church whenever they could, especially on Christmas and Easter. When her boys asked if she believed in God, Liz said "yes," but her mind was filled with doubt.
These days it was just Liz and King, the young Rottweiler she had gotten for protection at the house, now too lonely and creaky. Thinking of her affectionate pet, she had to smile. Despite his menacing appearance and bark, Liz had often said if a burglar broke into the house, King would probably lick rather than bite. Liz guessed he was less aggressive because she had him neutered.
She looked toward the house, wondering if she should go back for him. But he was sleeping after recent surgery to correct elbow dysplasia, thankfully discovered early in his life. Deciding to let him rest, she continued on her way, occasionally pausing to admire the emerging grass and wildflowers, such as the dandelion-like coltsfoot and clusters of bluets.
As the house grew distant and the shadows of the woods began to creep over her, it struck Liz that in the twenty years she’d lived there, she had never ventured into the forest alone. An uneasy feeling invaded her thoughts—unseen eyes seemed to be watching.
Trying to put aside her fears, she continued toward the forest, where tall trees swayed against an azure sky. Birds fluttered among the branches, filling the air with their song.
At the edge of the woods, a cold breeze swept in. Liz hesitated, thinking she heard rustling in the brush. In spite of her misgivings, she pressed on.
I can do this. I don't need any man to protect me, she thought, stepping onto the path Steve had kept clear.
Despite him being gone over a year, the path was still free of overgrowth. It followed one of the many old and often crumbling stone walls, winding through the woods of upstate New York. Most, like the wall on Liz's property, stood about waist high.
The walls used to mark properties, she recalled Steve telling her in happier times. The stones that have withstood centuries of harsh winters and neglect, show the handiwork of old-time farmers.
Liz's anger with Steve was never far away.
He's probably cooking for his bimbo like he did for the boys and me; she fumed, wishing she could bash him over the head—or somewhere else—with one of those stones. This would also be for the wandering eye he had throughout their marriage, as well as his affinity for material Liz considered pornographic. She had confronted him about it, but he dismissed her concerns.
Photography and videos are just art forms. As an artist, you of all people should know that.
I hope your pornography's enough for you, because that's all you're gonna get, Liz snarled, stomping out of the room.
Things were never the same for her after that. Good riddance to him!
Liz forced her thoughts back to the sights and sounds of the forest. She realized something had changed. The forest was quiet … too quiet. The wind had stilled. Birds were no longer singing. Liz paused, her eyes darting one way then another. As a cloud moved over the sun, a sense of danger crept over the landscape. Suddenly, a snapping twig shattered the stillness and a flock of birds launched into the sky, their chirping and flapping wings fading away. Then, a growl seemed to shake the ground beneath Liz. 
She froze, almost afraid to breathe. Is this how it's going to end for me?
Fear tingled up and down Liz's spine as her eyes drifted to a clearing, where . . ..
Find out more in "Second Chance," first in the "Castle in the Sun," series, coming soon.

THIS LITTLE BOOK HAS TOUCHED MY HEART

Review from Annie
This little book has touched my heart in the personal life’s lessons that the author has woven into the stories. We are all connected and all of us experience so many of the same obstacles in life. The author gives us hope and faith in God to provide a better, more joyful and awe inspiring way to live. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K18VT33
E-book ONLY $1.99

This little book has touched my heart

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K18VT33
This little book has touched my heart in the personal life’s lessons that the author has woven into the stories. We are all connected and all of us experience so many of the same obstacles in life. The author gives us hope and faith in God to provide a better, more joyful and awe inspiring way to live.Review from Annie

The Jewel of Promise: Sample devotion from Where Your Heart Meets God's

The Jewel of Promise"So I put the ring on her nose, and the bracelets on her wrists" (Genesis 24:47, NLT).
Is there an item of jewelry you cherish? It might be a ring, bracelet, necklace or earrings. Maybe it was given by someone dear: a spouse, parent, child, even a friend.Whether the monetary value is great or small does not matter. What matters is its value to you. That makes it precious. But there are also precious things between us and God. This was illustrated to me in a dream when all life seemed to hold was drudgery and depression.In the dream, I saw a velvet jewelry box. It contained three or four sparkling bracelets, side-by-side. On each, rows of gemstones were framed with diamonds. As a beam of light moved along the bracelets, illuminating diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires, a voice spoke the following: "Fill your heart with the promises of God." This, I understood as a call to lift my eyes from drudgery to delight—from earth to heaven—by filling my spirit with the numerous promises contained in God’s Word, the Bible. When He shines His light on any of these, applying it to you or your situations, it becomes "illuminated" or "rhema," a personal word from God.
These are His jewels to us, "gift wrapped" in velvet boxes, so to speak—treasures of the heart, waiting to be fulfilled in their time."I will" God repeats in His Word. "I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you."
Find the treasure with your name.
E-book ONLY $1.99.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K18VT33

FIND YOUR TREASURE: Sample devotion from Where Your Heart Meets God's

The Jewel of Discovery"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21, NKJV). Treasure hunters hack through jungles, climb mountains and dive into oceans to uncover vast fortunes. Priceless works of art and valuable antiques have been discovered at yard sales, thrift stores and in dusty attics. But sometimes, treasure is found where we least expect, even when we are not looking for it.I never imagined this could happen to me, especially on that ordinary winter afternoon in the foothills of Maryland's mountains, where our cozy home was tucked away. Like thousands of days before, I'd just prepared supper for our family of five, then sat at the kitchen table while I waited for my husband to return from work. Taking a moment to watch peaceful snow falling outside our picture window, I breathed-in the aroma of food simmering on the stove and listened to my children playing in another room.Soon, I caught a welcome glimpse of Dan's car pulling into the driveway. Our front door opened and closed. After Dan stomped the snow from his shoes, his footsteps approached.Entering the kitchen, he brushed my cheek with a kiss on which snowflakes lingered. He placed an old, clothbound book on the table. "I stopped at a rummage sale and picked this up," he said. "It's the great Christian classic, Pilgrim's Progress written by John Bunyan, a preacher in 17th century England. The book is an allegory, which follows the central character, Christian's, journey through this life to the next. I thought you might want to read it."Ever the bargain lover, Dan stood tall and smiled. "I bought this copy for only ten-cents."After Dan went to greet the children, I opened the book and flipped through its yellowed pages. They gave off a musty smell, as if this classic work had been stored in an attic and forgotten for decades. Back then, I never imagined that I had just opened a door to an everlasting treasure of the heart. Nor could I have imagined that God has such a treasure prepared for me, or that every person has the same, if we will but believe.This can be compared to a treasure chest overflowing with gold coins, rubies, diamonds, emeralds and so much more. The hinges squeal as we crack open the lid and peek inside.Custom-made to each heart and individual calling, the jewels offer glimpses of realities that this world's trials and even the grave can never take away. The following pages offer steps in a thrilling journey that spans eternity. Will you come along to discover the wonders God has for you?It all begins with a prayer, "Lord, open my eyes."Let us extend our hearts and reach for the first jewel.PEARL TO PONDER: What does "a treasure of the heart" mean to you?LOVE NUGGET: God gives treasures to those He treasures. "You will be my treasured possession."[i] Book available in paperback and e-book formats.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1728822378

SECOND CHANCE: It all began with a growl that seemed to shake the forest floor beneath Liz's feet.

A new name and look for a revised book:
Formerly known as "Love's Sweetest Revenge."
Cover art by: https://selfpubbookcovers.com/diversepixelWe never know when a minor change in our daily routine will alter the course of our lives. Thirty-something Liz Bertelli has other things on her mind the fateful day she ventures from her usual walking path into the wilds of New York State's lush but lonely forest. Liz hopes to forget her troubles in its natural beauty. Her husband had left with a twenty-something plaything and it had been far too long since the award-winning artist had picked up a paintbrush. Lost in thought, Liz doesn't see the danger lurking in the trees. But then, a growl seems to shake the forest floor.
Is this how it's going to end for me? Liz's mind screams.
She is soon running for her life, toward an encounter with secrets in stone that could put her on a new path of romance. But can Liz's wounded heart trust where that path leads?
From New York State's pine-scented Adirondack Mountains, to Florida's sun-kissed shores, join Liz on her journey in "Second Chance," first in the "Castle in the Sun" romantic-suspense series. E-book ONLY 99 cents, for a limited time.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LB889Z6
A fork in her road leads Liz to danger and destiny.