Flora Reigada's Blog, page 9

BIBLES AND BONES IN THE FOREST: FREE Sample chapter

CHAPTER 1

The horse’s hooves pounded the frozen earth along a narrow path through New York State’s rugged forest.

Twenty-three year-old Laura Murillo leaned forward in the saddle. “Faster, Champ, faster!”

Vapor poured from the stallion’s nostrils and despite below-freezing temperatures, sweat beaded on Laura’s forehead, mingling with the black curls escaping her helmet.

She thanked God that the former racing thoroughbred still had plenty of spirit. She prayed he wouldn’t spook and buck.

Laura heard the approaching roar of the ATV squeezing through snow-draped pine boughs hanging over the path, then a resounding gunshot.

Oh God, let someone hear.

But Laura knew she had wandered too far into the wilderness and the dense forest buffered noise.

Her mind screamed. Why did I sneak back here again? What was I thinking? I could pay for this with my life. Champ too.

Laura forced back her panicked thoughts and regained the determination etched into her attractive face. She knew every inch of the forest and one of its old, hidden trails was a mile ahead. Even though Champ was in full gallop, they seemed to be moving in slow motion.

At last, they reached the trail and Laura squeezed his girth with her leg, instructing him to turn onto the path. The brush swallowed them as another gunshot blasted. Laura held her breath as the ATV roared past and its engine faded away into the forest.

Still, danger was closing in and she had to warn the others.

It had all begun innocently enough, six months earlier—just three young moms escaping the doldrums of dinner, dishes and diapers to explore the beauty of the forest on horseback. The verdant canopy and gentle breeze on their faces provided relief from the sultry July afternoon.    

Laura had invited Stella and Tiffany on the outing, glad for the company of her new neighbors who lived along the same rural road. But they were more than neighbors.

Married to Laura’s brother, Raul, Stella lived in the family's rambling old farmhouse, several hundred feet from Laura and her family. Tiffany Cavanaugh and her husband, Stevie, had taken up residence in a newer home, about a mile away. Laura and her husband, Chris had purchased their own farmhouse, from Stevie’s mom, Liz.

Laura and Chris were living their dream, which included a recently organized horse rescue and boarding business. They had built a stable and named the business, Pine Brook Horse Rescue and Ranch. So far, they owned three horses, Champ the tall and athletic thoroughbred, Buster a bay colored American Quarter Horse and Buttercup, a speckled old mare. They were also boarding four additional horses.                                                                                                             

"One of these days I'll start giving riding instruction," Laura called above the clip-clop of hooves.

"And I'll teach a children's Sunday school class," Tiffany injected. "But first, I need to get over this emotional funk. And I will. ‘For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind’” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV).

Laura smiled. Coming from “the preacher’s wife, Scripture had a natural flow. She could bring the pages of the Bible into the practical concerns of every life.  

In the lead along the path, Laura, an accomplished equestrian, was astride the spirited Champ, while California transplant, Stella, rode the easier-to-handle Buster. Tiffany, who had never ridden a horse until only recently, was astride Buttercup. The horses clip-clopped at a leisurely pace occasionally whinnying, shaking their manes or snorting.

Laura's German shepherd, Lady, walked alongside.

The friends had chatted in English and Spanish. Although Laura and Stella were Hispanic, Tiffany was mainly of English and Irish descent. But she had studied Spanish in high school and college and was quite proficient.

Laura filled them in on how the horses they rode came to the ranch.

“When Champ outlived his usefulness as a race horse at age four, his owners kicked him out of the barn to make space for a young stallion. They all but abandoned Champ to the elements and left him to starve. Neighbors reported his exposed ribs and weakened condition. The authorities contacted Chris and me, asking if we would take Champ in. We couldn’t say no and as you can see, we loved him and fattened him up.”

Laura patted the horse’s side. “He earns his keep. We get stud fees by breeding him.”

“Buster was found wandering in the woods, also malnourished. Although it was winter, he was able to paw through the snow for plants. He had no microchip, so we have no idea who may have abandoned him or where he wandered from. No one claimed him. But he’s got a great disposition and we were happy to rescue him and take him in. The veterinarian estimates his age at seven.”

“Our sweet Buttercup was never neglected, but when her owner died unexpectedly, no one wanted Buttercup because she was too old at eighteen. She was loved and cared for and it shows. We couldn’t resist.”

Laura changed the subject. “Hey, I’m glad we got the guys to watch the kids and get the cookout ready.”

“Yeah, our cavemen, cooking and guzzling beer,” blonde ballerina, Stella laughed. “Maybe even Tiff’s hubby, ‘The Preacher,’ has had a cold one or two.”

Tiffany smiled. “I don’t think so. Stevie doesn’t drink anymore because he’s concerned it might turn people away from his Bible studies.”

“Oh, who cares about those stuffed shirts,” Stella said with a good-natured toss of her head.

Sunlight shimmered in Tiffany’s red hair, cascading from her helmet. Her relaxed smile warmed Laura’s heart. She knew the rides and burgeoning friendship with herself and Stella, were alleviating Tiffany’s anxiety about moving from Florida to New York’s Adirondack Mountains, Stevie’s home turf.

After living in Florida for a while, he had returned to start a church, but for now, was putting his law degree to use, while taking seminary classes and leading a non-denominational Bible study group. Laura and Chris, as well as Stella and Raul, were among several young couples in attendance.

As if part of the magic that day, Laura spotted a doe and fawn down an incline, drinking from Pine Brook. Its fresh scent moistened the air, mingling with the fragrance of evergreen.

As quietly as possible, Laura pointed out the deer. The threesome paused to admire the peaceful scene and take pictures.

Viewing her picture, Tiffany remarked that the collage of greenery, branches, deer and sunlit brook lent an abstract effect. She forwarded the picture to her mother-in-law, Liz, an artist. “She might want to paint this.”

Stella was admiring her own picture, which focused on the speckled fawn.

But when Lady went to lap from the brook, the deer scampered away. Laura motioned to the others.

"C'mon, let's bring these thirsty horses down for a drink."

The horses were soon drinking from the brook and shaking their manes.

Laura proclaimed that refreshing interlude, “a perfect way to end a perfect ride.”

She led the group alongside an old stone wall leading to the back of her property. The rich aroma of meat grilling on a barbecue grew stronger as the trio approached. The men's hearty laughter and the children’s happy squeals became louder. Lady ran ahead, announcing the riders' arrival.

Once the horses were cooled down and secured in the barn, the threesome joined their families around a table on which the food was spread. The husbands and children had been waiting and everyone was eager for hamburgers, chicken, potato salad, baked beans and corn on the cob. All ate to their heart's content.

Later, that still, starry night, the couples and sleepy-eyed children gathered in the driveway to say goodnight.

Something had annoyed Stella and she let the others know. “So, I send my dad the picture of the deer—and what does he say? Instead of ‘wow, that’s beautiful,' he said he doesn’t want his Princess going in the woods, even on horseback. He reminded me that his sister-in-law, Liz was chased by a bear in that very area."

Stella rolled her pretty blue eyes. "He told me wild animals or perverts could be lurking in that desolate forest. Dad’s just seen too much blood and gore in the Army. It’s stayed with him."

Laura nodded in agreement. She knew Jack well; after all, he was married to her mom, Rosa, who had mentioned Jack’s nightmares about watching a buddy’s head explode when he was shot by a sniper. But Rosa was cathartic for him and the couple was living happily in St. Augustine, Florida.

Following some more pleasant chatter, Laura’s attention was suddenly diverted toward the dark hills. She pressed her finger to her lips. "Did you hear that? I could swear I heard a woman screaming in the distance.”

Catching the alarmed look in Tiffany's eyes, she regretted saying what she had.

Stella nodded. “I thought I heard something too. But it sounded like an owl screeching.”

“That’s probably it,” Laura replied to assuage Tiffany's fears.

Yet in her heart, Laura knew she had heard a scream.

Greetings from "the gang" at Pine Brook Horse Rescue and Ranch, in New York State's beautiful Adirondack Mountains.

 

BIBLES AND BONES IN THE FOREST: Preview of a work in progress.

The horse’s hooves pounded the frozen earth along a narrow path through New York State’s rugged forest.

Twenty-three year-old Laura Murillo leaned forward in the saddle. “Faster, Champ, faster!”

Vapor poured from the stallion’s nostrils and despite below-freezing temperatures, sweat beaded on Laura’s forehead, mingling with the black curls escaping her helmet.

She thanked God that the former racing thoroughbred still had plenty of spirit. She prayed he wouldn’t spook and buck.

Laura heard the approaching roar of the ATV squeezing through snow-draped pine boughs hanging over the path, then a resounding gunshot.

Oh God, let someone hear.

But Laura knew she had wandered too far into the wilderness and the dense forest buffered noise.

Her mind screamed. Why did I sneak back here again? What was I thinking? I could pay for this with my life. Champ too.

Laura forced back her panicked thoughts and regained the determination etched into her attractive face. She knew every inch of the forest and one of its old, hidden trails was a mile ahead. Even though Champ was in full gallop, they seemed to be moving in slow motion.

At last, they reached the trail and Laura squeezed his girth with her leg, instructing him to turn onto the path. The brush swallowed them as another gunshot blasted. Laura held her breath as the ATV roared past and its engine faded away into the forest.

Still, danger was closing in and she had to warn the others.

It had all begun innocently enough, six months earlier—just three young moms escaping the doldrums of dinner, dishes and diapers to explore the beauty of the forest on horseback. The verdant canopy and gentle breeze on their faces provided relief from the sultry July afternoon.    

Laura had invited Stella and Tiffany on the outing, glad for the company of her new neighbors who lived along the same rural road. But they were more than neighbors.

Married to Laura’s brother, Raul, Stella lived in the family's rambling old farmhouse, several hundred feet from Laura and her family. Tiffany Cavanaugh and her husband, Stevie, had taken up residence in a newer home, about a mile away. Laura and her husband, Chris had purchased their own farmhouse, from Stevie’s mom, Liz.

Laura and Chris were living their dream, which included a recently organized horse rescue and boarding business. They had built a stable and named the business, Pine Brook Horse Rescue and Ranch. So far, they owned three horses, Champ the tall and athletic thoroughbred, Buster a bay colored American Quarter Horse and Buttercup, a speckled old mare. They were also boarding four additional horses.                                                                                                             

"One of these days I'll start giving riding instruction," Laura called above the clip-clop of hooves.

"And I'll teach a children's Sunday school class," Tiffany injected. "But first, I need to get over this emotional funk. And I will. ‘For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind’” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV).

Laura smiled. Coming from “the preacher’s wife, Scripture had a natural flow. She could bring the pages of the Bible into the practical concerns of every life.  

In the lead along the path, Laura, an accomplished equestrian, was astride the spirited Champ, while California transplant, Stella, rode the easier-to-handle Buster. Tiffany, who had never ridden a horse until only recently, was astride Buttercup. The horses clip-clopped at a leisurely pace occasionally whinnying, shaking their manes or snorting.

Laura's German shepherd, Lady, walked alongside.

The friends had chatted in English and Spanish. Although Laura and Stella were Hispanic, Tiffany was mainly of English and Irish descent. But she had studied Spanish in high school and college and was quite proficient.

Laura filled them in on how the horses they rode came to the ranch.

“When Champ outlived his usefulness as a race horse at age four, his owners kicked him out of the barn to make space for a young stallion. They all but abandoned Champ to the elements and left him to starve. Neighbors reported his exposed ribs and weakened condition. The authorities contacted Chris and me, asking if we would take Champ in. We couldn’t say no and as you can see, we loved him and fattened him up.”

Laura patted the horse’s side. “He earns his keep. We get stud fees by breeding him.”

“Buster was found wandering in the woods, also malnourished. Although it was winter, he was able to paw through the snow for plants. He had no microchip, so we have no idea who may have abandoned him or where he wandered from. No one claimed him. But he’s got a great disposition and we were happy to rescue him and take him in. The veterinarian estimates his age at seven.”

“Our sweet Buttercup was never neglected, but when her owner died unexpectedly, no one wanted Buttercup because she was too old at eighteen. She was loved and cared for and it shows. We couldn’t resist.”

Laura changed the subject. “Hey, I’m glad we got the guys to watch the kids and get the cookout ready.”

“Yeah, our cavemen, cooking and guzzling beer,” blonde ballerina, Stella laughed. “Maybe even Tiff’s hubby, ‘The Preacher,’ has had a cold one or two.”

Tiffany smiled. “I don’t think so. Stevie doesn’t drink anymore because he’s concerned it might turn people away from his Bible studies.”

“Oh, who cares about those stuffed shirts,” Stella said with a good-natured toss of her head.

Sunlight shimmered in Tiffany’s red hair, cascading from her helmet. Her relaxed smile warmed Laura’s heart. She knew the rides and burgeoning friendship with herself and Stella, were alleviating Tiffany’s anxiety about moving from Florida to New York’s Adirondack Mountains, Stevie’s home turf.

After living in Florida for a while, he had returned to start a church, but for now, was putting his law degree to use, while taking seminary classes and leading a non-denominational Bible study group. Laura and Chris, as well as Stella and Raul, were among several young couples in attendance.

As if part of the magic that day, Laura spotted a doe and fawn down an incline, drinking from Pine Brook. Its fresh scent moistened the air, mingling with the fragrance of evergreen.

As quietly as possible, Laura pointed out the deer. The threesome paused to admire the peaceful scene and take pictures.

Viewing her picture, Tiffany remarked that the collage of greenery, branches, deer and sunlit brook lent an abstract effect. She forwarded the picture to her mother-in-law, Liz, an artist. “She might want to paint this.”

Stella was admiring her own picture, which focused on the speckled fawn.

But when Lady went to lap from the brook, the deer scampered away. Laura motioned to the others.

"C'mon, let's bring these thirsty horses down for a drink."

The horses were soon drinking from the brook and shaking their manes.

Laura proclaimed that refreshing interlude, “a perfect way to end a perfect ride.”

She led the group alongside an old stone wall leading to the back of her property. The rich aroma of meat grilling on a barbecue grew stronger as the trio approached. The men's hearty laughter and the children’s happy squeals became louder. Lady ran ahead, announcing the riders' arrival.

Once the horses were cooled down and secured in the barn, the threesome joined their families around a table on which the food was spread. The husbands and children had been waiting and everyone was eager for hamburgers, chicken, potato salad, baked beans and corn on the cob. All ate to their heart's content.

Later, that still, starry night, the couples and sleepy-eyed children gathered in the driveway to say goodnight.

Something had annoyed Stella and she let the others know. “So, I send my dad the picture of the deer—and what does he say? Instead of ‘wow, that’s beautiful,' he said he doesn’t want his Princess going in the woods, even on horseback. He reminded me that his sister-in-law, Liz was chased by a bear in that very area."

Stella rolled her pretty blue eyes. "He told me wild animals or perverts could be lurking in that desolate forest. Dad’s just seen too much blood and gore in the Army. It’s stayed with him."

Laura nodded in agreement. She knew Jack well; after all, he was married to her mom, Rosa, who had mentioned Jack’s nightmares about watching a buddy’s head explode when he was shot by a sniper. But Rosa was cathartic for him and the couple was living happily in St. Augustine, Florida.

Following some more pleasant chatter, Laura’s attention was suddenly diverted toward the dark hills. She pressed her finger to her lips. "Did you hear that? I could swear I heard a woman screaming in the distance.”

Catching the alarmed look in Tiffany's eyes, she regretted saying what she had.

Stella nodded. “I thought I heard something too. But it sounded like an owl screeching.”

“That’s probably it,” Laura replied to assuage Tiffany's fears.

Yet in her heart, Laura knew she had heard a scream.

Greetings from "the gang" at Pine Brook Horse Rescue and Ranch, in New York State's beautiful Adirondack Mountains.

 

THE HUNTER at Pine Brook Ranch, Chapter One

 

THE HUNTER

At Pine Brook Ranch, A Work in Progress 

The horse’s hooves pounded the frozen earth along a narrow path through New York State’s rugged forest.

Twenty-three year-old Laura Murillo leaned forward in the saddle. “Faster, Champ, faster!”

Vapor poured from the stallion’s nostrils and despite below-freezing temperatures, sweat beaded on Laura’s forehead, mingling with the black curls escaping her helmet.

She thanked God that the former racing thoroughbred still had plenty of spirit. She prayed he wouldn’t spook and buck.

Laura heard the approaching roar of the ATV squeezing through snow-draped pine boughs hanging over the path, then a resounding gunshot.

Oh God, let someone hear.

But Laura knew she had wandered too far into the wilderness and the dense forest buffered noise.

Her mind screamed. Why did I sneak back here again? What was I thinking? I could pay for this with my life. Champ too.

Laura forced back her panicked thoughts and regained the determination etched into her attractive face. She knew every inch of the forest and one of its old, hidden trails was a mile ahead. Even though Champ was in full gallop, they seemed to be moving in slow motion.

At last, they reached the trail and Laura squeezed his girth with her leg, instructing him to turn onto the path. The brush swallowed them as another gunshot blasted. Laura held her breath as the ATV roared past and its engine faded away into the forest.

Still, danger was closing in and she had to warn the others.

It had all begun innocently enough, six months earlier—just three young moms escaping the doldrums of dinner, dishes and diapers to explore the beauty of the forest on horseback. The verdant canopy and gentle breeze on their faces provided relief from the sultry July afternoon.    

Laura had invited Stella and Tiffany on the outing, glad for the company of her new neighbors who lived along the same rural road. But they were more than neighbors.

Married to Laura’s brother, Raul, Stella lived in the family's rambling old farmhouse, several hundred feet from Laura and her family. Tiffany Cavanaugh and her husband, Stevie, had taken up residence in a newer home, about a mile away. Laura and her husband, Chris had purchased their own farmhouse, from Stevie’s mom, Liz.

Laura and Chris were living their dream, which included a recently organized horse rescue and boarding business. They had built a stable and named the business, Pine Brook Ranch and Rescue. So far, they owned three horses, Champ the tall and athletic thoroughbred, Buster a bay colored American Quarter Horse and Buttercup, a speckled old mare. They were also boarding four additional horses.                                                                                                             

"One of these days I'll start giving riding instruction," Laura called above the clip-clop of hooves.

"And I'll teach a children's Sunday school class," Tiffany injected. "But first, I need to get over this emotional funk. And I will. ‘For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind’” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV).

Laura smiled. Coming from “the preacher’s wife, Scripture had a natural flow. She could bring the pages of the Bible into the practical concerns of every life.  

In the lead along the path, Laura, an accomplished equestrian, was astride the spirited Champ, while California transplant, Stella, rode the easier-to-handle Buster. Tiffany, who had never ridden a horse until only recently, was astride Buttercup. The horses clip-clopped at a leisurely pace occasionally whinnying, shaking their manes or snorting.

Laura's German shepherd, Lady, walked alongside.

The friends had chatted in English and Spanish. Although Laura and Stella were Hispanic, Tiffany was mainly of English and Irish descent. But she had studied Spanish in high school and college and was quite proficient.

Laura filled them in on how the horses they rode came to the ranch.

“When Champ outlived his usefulness as a race horse at age four, his owners kicked him out of the barn to make space for a young stallion. They all but abandoned Champ to the elements and left him to starve. Neighbors reported his exposed ribs and weakened condition. The authorities contacted Chris and me, asking if we would take Champ in. We couldn’t say no and as you can see, we loved him and fattened him up.”

Laura patted the horse’s side. “He earns his keep. We get stud fees by breeding him.”

“Buster was found wandering in the woods, also malnourished. Although it was winter, he was able to paw through the snow for plants. He had no microchip, so we have no idea who may have abandoned him or where he wandered from. No one claimed him. But he’s got a great disposition and we were happy to rescue him and take him in. The veterinarian estimates his age at seven.”

“Our sweet Buttercup was never neglected, but when her owner died unexpectedly, no one wanted Buttercup because she was too old at eighteen. She was loved and cared for and it shows. We couldn’t resist.”

Laura changed the subject. “Hey, I’m glad we got the guys to watch the kids and get the cookout ready.”

“Yeah, our cavemen, cooking and guzzling beer,” blonde ballerina, Stella laughed. “Maybe even Tiff’s hubby, ‘The Preacher,’ has had a cold one or two.”

Tiffany smiled. “I don’t think so. Stevie doesn’t drink anymore because he’s concerned it might turn people away from his Bible studies.”

“Oh, who cares about those stuffed shirts,” Stella said with a good-natured toss of her head.

Sunlight shimmered in Tiffany’s red hair, cascading from her helmet. Her relaxed smile warmed Laura’s heart. She knew the rides and burgeoning friendship with herself and Stella, were alleviating Tiffany’s anxiety about moving from Florida to New York’s Adirondack Mountains, Stevie’s home turf.

After living in Florida for a while, he had returned to start a church, but for now, was putting his law degree to use, while taking seminary classes and leading a non-denominational Bible study group. Laura and Chris, as well as Stella and Raul, were among several young couples in attendance.

As if part of the magic that day, Laura spotted a doe and fawn down an incline, drinking from Pine Brook. Its fresh scent moistened the air, mingling with the fragrance of evergreen.

As quietly as possible, Laura pointed out the deer. The threesome paused to admire the peaceful scene and take pictures.

Viewing her picture, Tiffany remarked that the collage of greenery, branches, deer and sunlit brook lent an abstract effect. She forwarded the picture to her mother-in-law, Liz, an artist. “She might want to paint this.”

Stella was admiring her own picture, which focused on the speckled fawn.

But when Lady went to lap from the brook, the deer scampered away. Laura motioned to the others.

"C'mon, let's bring these thirsty horses down for a drink."

The horses were soon drinking from the brook and shaking their manes.

Laura proclaimed that refreshing interlude, “a perfect way to end a perfect ride.”

She led the group alongside an old stone wall leading to the back of her property. The rich aroma of meat grilling on a barbecue grew stronger as the trio approached. The men's hearty laughter and the children’s happy squeals became louder. Lady ran ahead, announcing the riders' arrival.

Once the horses were cooled down and secured in the barn, the threesome joined their families around a table on which the food was spread. The husbands and children had been waiting and everyone was eager for hamburgers, chicken, potato salad, baked beans and corn on the cob. All ate to their heart's content.

Later, that still, starry night, the couples and sleepy-eyed children gathered in the driveway to say goodnight.

Something had annoyed Stella and she let the others know. “So, I send my dad the picture of the deer—and what does he say? Instead of ‘wow, that’s beautiful,' he said he doesn’t want his Princess going in the woods, even on horseback. He reminded me that his sister-in-law, Liz was chased by a bear in that very area."

Stella rolled her pretty blue eyes. "He told me wild animals or perverts could be lurking in that desolate forest. Dad’s just seen too much blood and gore in the Army. It’s stayed with him."

Laura nodded in agreement. She knew Jack well; after all, he was married to her mom, Rosa, who had mentioned Jack’s nightmares about watching a buddy’s head explode when he was shot by a sniper. But Rosa was cathartic for him and the couple was living happily in St. Augustine, Florida.

Following some more pleasant chatter, Laura’s attention was suddenly diverted toward the dark hills. She pressed her finger to her lips. "Did you hear that? I could swear I heard a woman screaming in the distance.”

Catching the alarmed look in Tiffany's eyes, she regretted saying what she had.

Stella nodded. “I thought I heard something too. But it sounded like an owl screeching.”

“That’s probably it,” Laura replied to assuage Tiffany's fears.

Yet in her heart, Laura knew she had heard a scream.

 

THE HUNTED at Pine Brook Ranch, Chapter One

 

THE HUNTED

At Pine Brook Ranch, A Work in Progress 

The horse’s hooves pounded the frozen earth along a narrow path through New York State’s rugged forest.

Twenty-three year-old Laura Murillo leaned forward in the saddle. “Faster, Champ, faster!”

Vapor poured from the stallion’s nostrils and despite below-freezing temperatures, sweat beaded on Laura’s forehead, mingling with the black curls escaping her helmet.

She thanked God that the former racing thoroughbred still had plenty of spirit. She prayed he wouldn’t spook and buck.

Laura heard the approaching roar of the ATV squeezing through snow-draped pine boughs hanging over the path, then a resounding gunshot.

Her mind screamed. Why did I sneak back here again? What was I thinking? I could pay for this with my life. Champ too.

Laura forced back her panicked thoughts and regained the determination etched into her attractive face. She knew every inch of the forest and one of its old, hidden trails was a mile ahead. Even though Champ was in full gallop, they seemed to be moving in slow motion.

At last, they reached the trail and Laura pressed Champ’s girth with her leg, instructing him to turn left onto the path. The brush swallowed them as another gunshot blasted. Laura held her breath as the ATV roared past and its engine faded away into the forest.

Still, danger was closing in and she had to warn the others.

It had all begun innocently enough, six months earlier—just three young moms escaping the doldrums of dinner, dishes and diapers to explore the beauty of the forest on horseback. The verdant canopy and gentle breeze on their faces provided relief from the sultry July afternoon.    

Laura had invited Stella and Tiffany on the outing, glad for the company of her new neighbors, who lived along the same rural road. But they were more than neighbors.

Married to Laura’s brother, Raul, Stella lived in the family's rambling old farmhouse, several hundred feet from Laura and her family. Tiffany Cavanaugh and her husband, Stevie, had taken up residence in a newer home, about a mile away. Laura and her husband, Chris had purchased their own farmhouse, from Stevie’s mom, Liz.

Laura and Chris were living their dream, which included a recently organized horse rescue and boarding business. They had built a stable and named the business, Pine Brook Ranch and Rescue. So far, they owned three horses, Champ the tall and athletic thoroughbred, Buster a bay colored American Quarter Horse and Buttercup, a speckled old mare. They were also boarding four additional horses.

"One of these days I'll start giving riding instruction," Laura called above the clip-clop of hooves.

"And I'll teach a children's Sunday school class," Tiffany injected. "But first, I need to get over this emotional funk. And I will. ‘For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind’” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV).

Laura smiled. Coming from “the preacher’s wife, Scripture had a natural flow. She could bring the pages of the Bible into the practical concerns of every life.  

In the lead along the path, Laura, an accomplished equestrian, was astride the spirited Champ, while California transplant, Stella, rode the easier-to-handle Buster. Tiffany,

who had never ridden a horse until only recently, was astride Buttercup. The horses clip-clopped at a leisurely pace occasionally whinnying, shaking their manes or snorting.

Laura's German shepherd, Lady, walked alongside.

The friends had chatted in English and Spanish. Although Laura and Stella were Hispanic, Tiffany was mainly of English and Irish descent. But she had studied Spanish in high school and college and was quite proficient.

Laura filled them in on how the horses they rode came to the ranch.

“When Champ outlived his usefulness as a race horse at age four, his owners kicked him out of the barn to make space for a young stallion. They all but abandoned Champ to the elements and left him to starve. Neighbors reported his exposed ribs and weakened condition. The authorities contacted Chris and me, asking if we would take Champ in. We couldn’t say no and as you can see, we loved him and fattened him up.”

Laura patted the horse’s side. “He earns his keep. We get stud fees by breeding him.”

“Buster was found wandering in the woods, also malnourished. Although it was winter, he was able to paw through the snow for plants. He had no microchip, so we have no idea who may have abandoned him or where he wandered from. No one claimed him. But he’s got a great disposition and we were happy to rescue him and take him in. The veterinarian estimates his age at seven.”

“Our sweet Buttercup was never neglected, but when her owner died unexpectedly, no one wanted Buttercup because she was too old at eighteen. She was loved and cared for and it shows. We couldn’t resist.”

Laura changed the subject. “Hey, I’m glad we got the guys to watch the kids and get the cookout ready.”

“Yeah, our cavemen, cooking and guzzling beer,” blonde ballerina, Stella laughed. “Maybe even Tiff’s hubby, ‘The Preacher,’ has had a cold one or two.”

Tiffany smiled. “I don’t think so. Stevie doesn’t drink anymore because he’s concerned it might turn people away from his Bible studies.”

“Oh, who cares about those stuffed shirts,” Stella said with a good-natured toss of her head.

Sunlight shimmered in Tiffany’s red hair, cascading from her helmet. Her relaxed smile warmed Laura’s heart. She knew the rides and burgeoning friendship with herself and Stella, were alleviating Tiffany’s anxiety about moving from Florida to New York’s Adirondack Mountains, Stevie’s home turf.

After living in Florida for a while, he had returned to start a church, but for now, was putting his law degree to use, while taking seminary classes and leading a non-denominational Bible study group. Laura and Chris, as well as Stella and Raul, were among several young couples in attendance.

As if part of the magic that day, Laura spotted a doe and fawn down an incline, drinking from Pine Brook. Its fresh scent moistened the air, mingling with the fragrance of evergreen.

As quietly as possible, Laura pointed out the deer. The threesome paused to admire the peaceful scene and take pictures.

Viewing her picture, Tiffany remarked that the collage of greenery, branches, deer and sunlit brook lent an abstract effect. She forwarded the picture to her mother-in-law, Liz, an artist. “She might want to paint this.”

Stella was admiring her own picture, which focused on the speckled fawn.

But when Lady went to lap from the brook, the deer scampered away. Laura motioned to the others.

"C'mon, let's bring these thirsty horses down for a drink."

The horses were soon drinking from the brook and shaking their manes.

Laura proclaimed that refreshing interlude, “a perfect way to end a perfect ride.”

She led the group alongside an old stone wall leading to the back of her property. The rich aroma of meat grilling on a barbecue grew stronger as the trio approached. The men's hearty laughter and the children’s happy squeals became louder. Lady ran ahead, announcing the riders' arrival.

Once the horses were cooled down and secured in the barn, the threesome joined their families around a table on which the food was spread. The husbands and children had been waiting and everyone was eager for hamburgers, chicken, potato salad, baked beans and corn on the cob. All ate to their heart's content.

Later, that still, starry night, the couples and sleepy-eyed children gathered in the driveway to say goodnight.

Something had annoyed Stella and she let the others know. “So, I send my dad the picture of the deer—and what does he say? Instead of ‘wow, that’s beautiful,' he said he doesn’t want his Princess going in the woods, even on horseback. He reminded me that his sister-in-law, Liz was chased by a bear in that very area."

Stella rolled her pretty blue eyes. "He told me wild animals or perverts could be lurking in that desolate forest. Dad’s just seen too much blood and gore in the Army. It’s stayed with him."

Laura nodded in agreement. She knew Jack well; after all, he was married to her mom, Rosa, who had mentioned Jack’s nightmares about watching a buddy’s head explode when he was shot by a sniper. But Rosa was cathartic for him and the couple was living happily in St. Augustine, Florida.

Following some more pleasant chatter, Laura’s attention was suddenly diverted toward the dark hills. She pressed her finger to her lips. "Did you hear that? I could swear I heard a woman screaming in the distance.”

Catching the alarmed look in Tiffany's eyes, she regretted saying what she had.

Stella nodded. “I thought I heard something too. But it sounded like an owl screeching.”

“That’s probably it,” Laura replied to assuage Tiffany's fears.

Yet in her heart, Laura knew she had heard a scream.

 

New Release: Love's Sweetest Truth: Our past is past, or is it?

New Release from MillerWords: Love's Sweetest Truth: A Castle in the Sun novel, Book 3. Our past is past, or it it?
Unaware of what awaits them, Liz and Carlos are living their dream. They built a lavish new home with a pool, a baby is on the way and they are deeply in love. The radiant Florida sky seems to glow with their joy
An artist, Liz captures its beauty in a painting. All seems perfect until a salacious secret leaks out about Carlos' womanizing past--and everyone seems to know but the happy couple. Even a child has overheard and she can't stop talking. Might her innocent chatter unlock doors that can impact lives and relationships? In Love's Sweetest Truth,  find out what happens when secrets unlock our past.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BM9829B/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dpBooks One and Two, available from MillerWords,See Below! His eyes were inviting, but she had been fooled before.https://www.amazon.com/Loves-Sweetest-Revenge-Castle-Book-ebook/

Red Flag Warning! Hurricane Steve is on his way.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BBFRHJT?

Coming Soon: Love's Sweetest Truth: Our past is past, or is it?

 

Coming Soon From MillerWords: Love's Sweetest Truth: A Castle in the Sun novel, Book 3. Our past is past, or it it?
Unaware of what awaits them, Liz and Carlos are living their dream. They built a lavish new home with a pool, a baby is on the way and they are deeply in love. The radiant Florida sky seems to glow with their joy
An artist, Liz captures its beauty in a painting. All seems perfect until a salacious secret leaks out about Carlos' womanizing past--and everyone seems to know but the happy couple. Even a child has overheard and she can't stop talking. Might her innocent chatter unlock doors that can impact lives and relationships? In Love's Sweetest Truth,  (coming soon) find out what happens when secrets unlock our past.
Books One and Two, available from MillerWords,See Below
His eyes were inviting, but she had been fooled before.https://www.amazon.com/Loves-Sweetest-Revenge-Castle-Book-ebook/dp/B0785FWH5P/ref=sr_1_3?

Red Flag Warning! Hurricane Steve is on his way.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BBFRHJT?

A TASTE OF ROMANTIC SPAIN IN FLORIDA

Here are some of the sites in historic St. Augustine, Florida, a  major setting in my Castle in the Sun romantic-suspense series.







A castle in Florida? That's right.  Built by the  Spanish in 1672, i t's  the Castillo  de  San Marcos. You  can  take a tour .
 














Another view of the Castillo  and one of its grand  watchtowers.


                       
Re-enactors help transport us back to old Spain at the Castillo.

 





St. Augustine is steeped in history and beauty. Ornate buildings grace its historic  district.  They include Flagler College, above right,  built as  the Ponce de Leon Hotel in 1888.  To its left, we  see part of the majestic, Cathedral  Basilica.


 


Even St. Augustine's City Hall and Lightner Museum is ornate.  Formerly the Alcazar Hotel, the architectural masterpiece  was opened in 1888 by Henry Flagler.  






Here we see a statue of Saint Augustine outside the historic, Cathedral Basilica, built 1793-1797.

This annual holiday celebration which takes place November  through January, decorates the city with millions of white lights.

Right, Grace United Methodist Church, in St. Augustine's historic district. The architectural style is Spanish renaissance Revival with Moorish elements.









Walk the quaint, narrow, "artsy" streets.

Or see it all from the comfort of a trolley, with a tour guide explaining the sites.
And when in Florida, don't forget  a trip to the beach, to soak up the sun
How about this romantic view from the balcony of an oceanfront condo? 
You can find all this and more in St. Augustine and Florida, or you can take a virtual vacation in the pages of my "Castle in the Sun" romantic-suspense series, available in paperback and e-book formats. 
Travel cheap! E-books ONLY 99 cents.                                         
 BOOK 1,  Love's Sweetest Revenge. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BJTFRH? 
BOOK 2: Love's Sweetest Deliverance: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0785FWH5P /ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_WKI3EbXY53 
BOOK 3: Love's Sweetest Truth: Coming Soon!  

Does Your Life Feel Incomplete? Find the Answer You've Been Missing

 Where Your Heart Meets God's by Flora Reigada

Flora Reigada may be new to the MillerWords family, but she is no stranger to writing. In her how-to devotional, she asks if your life feels incomplete? Well, maybe you can find the answer you've been missing.

Where Your Heart Meets God's published by MillerWords!
New Revised Edition

About the Book: God has life changing messages for you, but how would you know, and what would He say? You might be surprised to find His words shining like jewels in everyday life, but also where we need to search and dig. Recognizing these messages of life and love can be compared to discovering hidden treasures just for you, then exploring these jewels one at a time, each with numerous facets. Such is the divine treasure with your name, if you will but receive. Where Your Heart Meets God’s can help illuminate these inner riches right where you are, whatever your circumstances or struggles. Open the pages and your heart for an everlasting adventure in hearing and experiencing God. Discover the many ways He is calling your name.
Find out more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X37MVX/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_9PI3Eb7NZF4TW?fbclid=IwAR0nd9Tmw-1DSAUqvlEgT0otztOsImS2Bpdamd6TGnqA4vTUDMRuf2kelu0

FREE READING SAMPLE: LOOK INSIDE THE BOOKS

Visit New York State's pine-scented Adirondack Mountains and Florida's sun- kissed shores. Look inside the books on Amazon.

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 blouse, chair or 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 it. Maybe someday I'll clean that garage.Then there is my empty box collection. Maybe someday I’ll need this box to ship something, somewhere. 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.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, 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 completed 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 books I wrote, which have been published by MillerWords. A devotional book, Where Your Heart Meets God’s  explores the many expressions of God’s voice, even those rarely discussed, such as visions and dreams. Might that dream you had mean something?https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X37MVX/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_9PI3Eb7NZF4TW? Instead of maybe someday, today could be the day to take that first step
There is also my Castle in the Sun romantic-suspense series, which takesLiz and Rosa from New York State's pine-scented Adirondack Mountains,to a castle on Florida's sun-kissed shores. You can join them on their adventure of romance and mystery.
All e-books ONLY 99 cents for a limited time.Book 1, Love's Sweetest Revenge: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0785FWH5P/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_WKI3EbXY53W5N Book 2: Love's Sweetest Deliverance:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X37MVX/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_9PI3Eb7NZF4TW?fbclid=IwAR0nd9Tmw-Book 3: Love's Sweetest Truth, Coming Soon.