Flora Reigada's Blog, page 27

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUEPretty as a picture in a frame, the yo...

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE


Pretty as a picture in a frame, the young woman looks from the window of a Queen Anne style home. Luxurious golden locks flow to her ivory shoulders. She smoothes the ruffles on her Victorian dress, then folds her hands demurely on her lap.
Lifting her angelic face heavenward, she prays about a critical decision she needs to make. Turning also to her Bible, she feels impressed to seek the wisdom of her pastor and her father. She obeys and follows their wise council.

Lovely Elsie Schmitt looks at us from another time. Who is this paragon of beauty and virtue? She could be the central character in much of today’s Christian fiction. She always makes the right decision and I can’t relate to her. While she may reflect the ideal, she does not reflect the reality I know.
I much prefer someone like Liz Bertelli, the central character in my “Castle in the Sun” romance/suspense series. It opens with “Love’s Sweetest Revenge” and the following scenario. Liz too, is looking from a window, but her brow is furrowed, her dark hair slightly unkempt and she carries a few pounds too many. Wearing casual slacks and T-shirt, she looks toward the driveway of her home in rural New York State. Not so long ago, her husband sped down that driveway in a cloud of dust, leaving her for another woman. Doubtful of God’s existence, or even if he would listen to her, Liz doesn’t bother praying. Her gaze shifts to the meadow and woods beyond her home. On that peaceful spring day, she watches butterflies flutter among the wildflowers and listens to birds singing in the trees. It’s as if they are singing her name, inviting her to walk in the meadow and forest. Stepping onto her back porch, Liz breathes-in the cool, refreshing air and looks toward trees whistling in the wind.
However, as a cloud casts its shadow, a sudden chill makes Liz shiver. She realizes she has never ventured into the forest alone. Without knowing she is being watched, Liz makes the critical decision to take that first step, then another and another toward the forest, where destiny awaits. Did she make the right decision? Answers unfold in “Love’s Sweetest Revenge,” available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Loves-Sweetest-Revenge-Flora-Reigada/dp/1622085884
Might that dream you had mean something? Flora’s devotional, “Where Your Heart Meets God’s,” explores the many expressions of God’s voice.
https://www.amazon.com/Where-Your-Heart-Meets-Gods/dp/1622085868

I HATE HIM!

Her jaw clenched, that's what a friend said about Steve Cavanaugh, a character in "Love's Sweetest Revenge," the first in my "Castle in the Sun" romance/suspense series, published by Helping Hands Press.
It pleased me that Steve had sparked my friend's ire. For good and for ill, every writer strives to create memorable characters.Here is one of the many nasty things Steve said to his wife, Liz, before taking off with Gloria, a plaything in her twenties, "I wasted my youth on you. You've let yourself go. Look at you! I don't even want you anymore."
What would you say or do if someone said that to you?

Seeing the rage in Liz's eyes, Steve bolts for the door as she hurls a vase at him. Barely missing his head, the vase crashes into the wall.
He mocks her. "You broke it! I was going to give that to Gloria."
Although Steve has redeeming qualities, such as being a good father and provider for the twin sons he had with Liz, his hurtful words and actions keep Liz in emotional chains. This continues even after Liz begins a relationship with Carlos Martín, a brilliant, sophisticated and of course, handsome Presidential aide. But Steve just cannot bear to see Liz happy, especially with someone so accomplished.When I started the series, I didn't expect Steve to play a major role. He was meant to be a background character, the ex-husband referred to in passing. As I wrote, however, Steve kept stepping out from the shadows and I realized he has an important role. He is the antagonist or villain essential to every story, or the problem characters need to overcome. http://augustine.com/thing-to-do/love-tree-cottage
Steve's role expands in "Love and Obsession," the soon-coming second in the series. This book finds Liz and Carlos about to marry in St. Augustine, Florida, under the boughs of the legendary Love Tree. But Liz senses danger and she has good reason. Steve is lurking, determined to do all he can to stop the wedding and ruin Liz's happiness.
Will Liz and Carlos' love survive the onslaught?
It all begins in "Love's Sweetest Revenge."
https://www.amazon.com/Loves-Sweetest-Revenge-Flora-Reigada/dp/1622085884



Think that dream you had might mean something? "Where Your Heart Meets God's" explores the many ways God whispers our name.
https://www.amazon.com/Where-Your-Heart-Meets-Gods/dp/162208586
Find out more about the legendary Love Tree in beautiful St. Augustine, Florida. http://augustine.com/thing-to-do/love-tree-cottage



DANGER AHEAD

We never know when a minor change in our daily routine will alter the course of our lives. Liz had other things on her mind that fateful day she ventured from her usual walking path into the lush but mysterious forest. She doesn't see the mother bear with cubs until it is too late. How could this dangerous encounter possibly lead to a hidden love letter, a castle in paradise--and romance? It all unfolds in "Love's Sweetest Revenge."
https://www.amazon.com/Loves-Sweetest-Revenge-Flora-Reigada/dp/1622085884

DANGEROUS ENCOUNTER

We never know when a minor change in our daily routine will alter the course of our lives. Liz had other things on her mind that fateful day she ventured from her usual walking path into the lush but mysterious forest. She doesn't see the mother bear with cubs until it is too late. How could this dangerous encounter possibly lead to a hidden love letter, a castle in paradise--and romance? It all unfolds in "Love's Sweetest Revenge."
https://www.amazon.com/Loves-Sweetest-Revenge-Flora-Reigada/dp/1622085884

A FRIEND FROM A DISTANT LAND "It was a beautiful thing t...

A FRIEND FROM A DISTANT LAND
"It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles" (Philippians 4:13, The Message).
 As a shy, overweight child growing up in a working class neighborhood on Staten Island, New York, I always felt like an outsider.  Even in my first-grade class, other children had friends, cliques and little "romances."  Few befriended the unpopular girl they called "fatso."
I remember wishing I could become invisible.  That way the teacher wouldn’t call on me and ask math questions I couldn’t answer.  Classmates would snicker as I struggled and stammered.
After I entered second grade, a new student joined the class.  Our teacher introduced the blond boy with a cherubic face and eyes mature beyond his years.
"This is Michael.  He moved here from California, near Disneyland."
My classmates and I looked approvingly at each other. Michael seemed to come from some magical, faraway land and we all wanted to be his friend. I could scarcely believe his instant affinity for me.
He was always at my side, whether in the lunchroom, the schoolyard, or walking me to and from school.
Michael would also step between taunting classmates and me.  Although gentle, he spoke with authority.
"Leave her alone!  She’s my girlfriend and she’s pretty and smart."
Pretty and smart—me?
My mother had said those words, but that's what moms are supposed to say.  Michael made me wonder if they might be true.
I began inviting Michael to play at my apartment after school.  Each day, Mom greeted us with milk and cookies.  Despite the treats and good times, Michael would keep glancing at the clock, then suddenly run home.
When I asked him why he did this, panic rushed into his voice.
"My daddy wants me home on time! If I'm not there, he'll spank me."
One wintry day as Michael and I played outside, my mother made some shocking observations.  Michael wasn’t wearing a coat.  His shoes had holes.
Rummaging through our closets, my mother pulled out an old jacket of mine and gave it to Michael.  She also gave him an old, but intact pair of my shoes that didn't look girlish.  I was glad to share what I had. 
The rest of that school year, Michael and I enjoyed each other's company.  And when he visited, my mother watched the time for him.  But when school closed for summer vacation, I lost track of Michael.  When classes resumed in autumn, he wasn't there.
"Where is he?"  I asked several classmates.
"I think he moved back to California to be with his mom," one answered, treating me with new respect.
This attitude extended to other classmates.  But I started treating myself with respect, too—talking with and befriending other children.  After school, we’d ride bikes, play stickball and visit each other in our homes.  That year, lasting friendships were made.  No longer did I feel like an outsider.
Even though I continued to struggle with math, I discovered I had other skills, such as reading and writing.  I wished Michael could have shared my joy, especially after I began losing weight.  Although I never saw him again, I knew that even if I remained forever awkward and overweight, Michael would have still been my friend.  He understood my pain, because he knew it so well.  I hoped he was finding a better life and being rewarded for his kindness.
"He was like a little angel," my mother said after he left.
Maybe she was right. Michael came to me just when I needed him and left when his job was done.
This true story is a sample devotion from Flora's devotional book, "Where Your Heart Meets God's," which explores the many ways God whispers our name. https://www.amazon.com/Where-Your-Heart-Meets-Gods/dp/1622085868
In Flora's romance/suspense novel  "Love's Sweetest Revenge," love sown in New York State's lush forest, blossoms on Florida's sun-kissed shore.https://www.amazon.com/Loves-Sweetest-Revenge-Flora-Reigada/dp/1622085884/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Flora invites you to visit her blog: florareigada.blogspot.com

YOU CAN BE THE WINNER OF "LOVE'S SWEETEST REVENGE."Find o...

YOU CAN BE THE WINNER OF "LOVE'S SWEETEST REVENGE."
Find out more:
http://myhelpinghandspress.blogspot.com/2016/07/win-loves-sweetest-revenge-florareigada.html#.V7cLP_PmrL9

A WRITER'S DILEMMA: WHICH COVER WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Flora Reigada: Please HELP me pick a cover for my new Romantic Suspense novel "Love and Obsession"!!!!!!
A diamond and emerald engagement ring sparkles on Liz Bertelli's finger that Christmas day in New York State. Liz has just accepted a marriage proposal from Carlos Martin, a presidential aide who has flown aboard Air Force One.
The couple is gathered with family and friends for a holiday feast. Best friend Rosa Ramirez is there with Carlos' Army hero brother, Jack, the chemistry between them evident.
Hints of trouble come with a disturbing phone call from Liz's ex-husband, Steve. He seems determined to ruin Liz and Carlos' joy and sabotage their upcoming wedding in St. Augustine, Florida. Equally determined to exchange their vows, the couple arrives on the scene. Jack and Rosa join them.
As an approaching hurricane rustling palms and stirring-up waves, signals danger, Steve's escalating behavior forecasts trouble. Will he get past Jack and his motorcycle buddies to disrupt Liz and Carlos' marriage? How does a tiny acorn lead to a big surprise?

Flora would love your help choosing a cover.

Please use the comment area at the bottom of the post or the "Contact Form" on the sidebar of the HHP blog!
http://myhelpinghandspress.blogspot.com/2016/06/flora-reigada-please-help-me-pick-cover.html#.V4LCxfPmrL9

Thank you for your help!

You can grab the first novel in the series in either ebook or paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Loves-Sweetest-Revenge-Flora-Reigada-ebook/dp/B01BLKMLRC?ie=UTF8&qid=1465473939&ref_=la_B00IQK4C5A_1_1&s=books&sr=1-1

THE ELDERLY WOMAN JUST SEEMED TO VANISH

"Let’s remember to love our neighbor as ourselves." - @FloraReigada
Brothers Carlos and Jack Martin had noticed that the elderly woman in their condo development just seemed to vanish. Not knowing so much as her name, they asked around, learning she is Agnes Smith.
“She lives next to me in 3-C,” a young woman said. “She must be in her eighties. And yeah, I guess I haven’t seen her lately. But excuse me, I gotta run. I’ve got an appointment with my hairdresser.”
Though this situation is fictional, involving characters from my “Castle in the Sun” romance series, it is all too real and it is all around us.
One day the brothers knocked at their elderly neighbor’s door. When she didn’t answer, they exchanged worried looks.
“Maybe she fell and she’s unconscious on the floor,” Army hero Jack said."Or worse, Carlos" the Casanova cringed."
WHAT HAPPENED TO AGNES? FIND OUT MORE:http://myhelpinghandspress.blogspot.com/2016/06/lets-remember-to-love-our-neighbor-as.html#.V3QBx_PmrL8

MAYBE SOMEDAY

“Maybe somedays.”  I have too many of them.Some were picked up at yard sales. Maybe someday I’ll need this table, this wall hanging, shirt, chair, silk flowers. The list goes on and on. Other items were purchased in stores. They called to me and I could not resist. Maybe someday I’ll need this. 
Maybe someday I'll clean that garage.

Then there is an empty box collection. Maybe someday I’ll need this box to ship something. For most of these boxes, someday has never come. The boxes, along with piles of items purchased on a whim, then plopped down at random, lend my home all the “welcoming charm” of a storage shed.


One day my frustrated husband said, “Please don’t get anything unless you have a place and purpose for it.But “maybe somedays” aren’t only material. They are also dreams, goals and intentions. Maybe someday I’ll call that person, say I’m sorry, write that story, and take that trip, clean that room, begin or finish that project.Meanwhile, months, years and lifetimes slip away. Maybe somedays pile up like the empty boxes gathering dust in my closet. I suspect most people have their maybe somedays. Too many will get buried in the cemetery. 
For me, resolving the maybe someday clutter in my home, involves resisting the “siren song” of impulse buying. I have also learned to say “no thank you” to people who want to give me their own maybe someday stuff. “I was just going to throw this away, but I thought you could use it.” This article attests to one maybe someday goal taken from the shelf. I’ve been meaning to write it for a long time. Other maybe someday goals realized, include a devotional book I wrote, published by “Helping Hands Press.”  Titled, “Where Your Heart Meets God’s” it explores the many expressions of God’s voice. For information visit: http://www.amazon.com/Where-Your-Heart-Meets-Gods/dp/1622085868  And how could a dangerous bear encounter possibly lead to a hidden locket, a mysterious love letter—and romance in sunny Florida? It all unfolds in my romance/mystery novel, “Love’s Sweetest Revenge,” another “maybe-someday-become-reality” published by “Helping Hands Press.” For information visit: http://www.amazon.com/Loves-Sweetest-Revenge-FloraReigada/dp/1622085884 Instead of maybe someday, today could be the day to take that first step.
 

IN YOUR DREAMS - PARADISE FOUND




Imagine you have won a week of being catered to at the classy Casa Martin bed & breakfast in sunny St. Augustine, Florida. I say imagine because the elegant, Queen Anne Victorian-style home exists only in the pages of my Castle in the Sun romance series.

Titusville Florida's historic Pritchard HouseThe series follows its renovation from abandoned and run-down into a community jewel, much like its inspiration, the Pritchard House in Titusville, Florida. See this elegant home and you will see how I envision the Casa Martin. But while the Pritchard House serves as a community museum, the Casa Martin serves guests generous helpings of fine food and southern hospitality.
In your mind's eye, step onto that welcoming porch to unload your luggage and cares. Admire the ornate, antique furnishings and framed artwork as the owner escorts you upstairs to the master suite . . .Continue your dream vacation:
http://myhelpinghandspress.blogspot.com/2016/04/in-your-dreams-flora-reigada.html#.VwfxsHnmq70

The Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, Florida