Julie Arduini's Blog, page 26

Love Under Construction by Penny Zeller

Love Under Construction Character Inspiration: Cynthia Brady

One of the most exhilarating things as an author is developing characters. In our imaginary worlds, we create characters with personalities, hopes, dreams, and motivations. Of course, the main characters are the best to create, and they stick with us writers for much longer than after we’ve typed the words “The End” on the manuscript. But what about secondary characters? Those in the supporting roles, whether good or bad?

How many times have we seen the memes and coffee mugs warning people that if they are crusty, crabby, or just plain difficult, they may find themselves in the pages of our next novel? To be sure, we writers have all had “influences” that have woven their way into our creativity and starred as the antagonist(s) in our books.

What about the godly secondary characters? The mentors, the ones offering discipleship, the loving parent, grandparent, friend, or relative?

For my most recent novel, Love Under Construction, I needed a secondary character to play the role of Cynthia Brady, my main character, Irelynn’s, mother. It couldn’t be just any secondary, but a woman full of faith, one who loved and was there for Irelynn, and who had struggles of her own.

Cue my mom.

Just like Cynthia Brady, my own mom (ironically, or maybe not so ironically, named Cindee) fit the bill. She is a strong woman, not only in the sense of personality, but, even more importantly, a strong woman of faith. Life has not been easy for her in the past decade, with diagnoses of scleroderma, fibromyalgia, and severe chronic pain. From the time I was a young girl, she tenderly guided me through the challenges of life with a listening ear, a hug, andwise words of advice. Most importantly, through the years, she has discipled me in my walk with the Lord.

Cynthia Brady does the same for Irelynn. At this moment in her life, Irelynn faces some huge obstacles. The main theme of Love Under Construction is relying on God during all times—the good and the bad. A tender and uplifting story with plenty of humor, this novel also touches on the topics of motherhood, adoption, financial challenges, and PTSD.

While there are some differences between Cynthia and my mom, namely Cynthia doesn’t struggle to the same degree with her health and she has raised Irelynn single-handedly, there are similarities.

Everyone has a story, and every story is filled with ups and downs, crabby characters and cheerful characters. As you go about your day, try being the type of “character” that makes someone’s story happier and better.

Blurb:

She builds websites. He builds houses. Together, can they build a family for two orphans?

Irelynn agreed two years ago to help raise her best friend’s twins should anything happen. When she is called upon to fulfill that agreement, there is only one problem—Irelynn must share the responsibility with the arrogant but handsome Quinton Gregory.

Quinton takes the role of raising his niece and nephew with all seriousness. He will do anything for the twins, even if it means putting up with the beautiful but stubborn Irelynn Brady.

When forced to be in each other’s presence far more often than is comfortable, things slowly begin to change. Will the unexpected attraction between Irelynn and Quinton become a love under construction?

Bio:

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics. Today Penny is a multi-published author of several inspirational books. She is also a homeschool mom and a fitness instructor.

When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters while camping, hiking, canoeing, reading, running, cycling, gardening, and playing volleyball.

She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her www. pennyzeller.com and her blog, random thoughts from a day in the life of a wife, mom, and author, at www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com.

Find Penny at:

Website: https://pennyzeller.com/

Blog: www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PennyZeller

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennyzeller/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/zellerpenny/

Great American Smokeout

I remember in elementary school our health class listened to comedy tapes from Bob Newhart and Bob Hope and it mentioned smoking. Then our teacher handed out an illustrated booklet about how smoking is bad and we should never start. That was in the late 70’s/early 80’s and I think back then they didn’t know how devastating the impact of smoking, even on occasion, would be on the body.

I didn’t need the speech. My parents both smoked, and in the house. Their generation didn’t know the effects of smoking, in fact, marketing ruled and everything they saw and were told was that smoking was trendy, fashionable, glamourous, and kept you focused and trim. By the time my sister and I were in school, we knew the truth.

It was our job every year to clean the ceiling tiles in the kitchen. There was nothing glamourous about what we saw. Those tiles were supposed to be pristine white. They were tar brown.

By the time I was a teen, the ill effects of smoking were becoming more recognized and I hated every second of my parents smoking. I begged, pleaded, whined for them to stop. They admitted it wasn’t that they didn’t want to, they just could not. By the time I was eighteen, we at least convinced them to smoke in the garage.

When I went to college I honestly looked down at those who smoked, even if it was just at parties. I hated it. Although I certainly didn’t walk away from alcohol at the time despite the alcoholism in our family, smoking was a deal breaker for me.

When I married, I learned my husband was a smoker until he accepted Christ, which honestly was weeks before he asked me out. I remember being so bothered by it because although older than me, he had to know how bad it was for him and those around him.

Our kids were raised in a smoke free environment. When grandparents visited they could smoke outside, but we wished they would not at all. By the time our daughter was born, she had chronic health issues where we nearly lost her. A month after that, my father was diagnosed with lung cancer. He was dead shortly after his sixty-forth birthday.

My mom was widowed at 60. Because of smoking.

I saw his last hours. I can still hear the oxygen rhythm and the pit in my stomach. Working as I did for a time with senior citizens, I remember visiting nursing homes and there was a distinct smell of death. I walked in and smelled it. I knew, knew it was his last day on earth.

I recall being the last to speak to him in a way he was able to respond. The morphine was administered for pain. His muscle spasms and jerks haunted us for years.

There is nothing fashionable or glamourous about smoking.

What was most difficult to accept was after that, mom still smoked. Not as much, but she was only able to stop in the last couple years of her life. Although lung cancer wasn’t her cause of death, smoking absolutely contributed to it. She was in shock at the toll it had took on her body when the doctor explained everything. After everything she admitted she just thought it was a bad habit with no toxic effects to worry about.

I blame smoking for why my sister and I are left without parents. Sure, they were senior citizens by government definition when they passed, but neither made it to 80. Dad didn’t even make 65. We were robbed of years with them. You can’t convince me otherwise.

One thing about our choices that we rarely take into consideration are the long-term consequences. All the fast food as teens and young adult can lead to high cholesterol. Eating sugar all the time is a sure way to a diabetic diagnosis. Drink alcohol to excess for years on end and you’ve soaked your liver. Smoking is the same. You pick it up once and the ability to stop is not easy. Yet each day you say no after you’ve started, there is redemption for your body.

My parents aren’t the only ones who had health issues because of smoking. I get chronic sinus infections and bronchitis. I’ve had pneumonia more than once. My doctor asked if I smoked and when I said absolutely not, he asked if I had been around second hand smoke. That is so toxic. I remember mom asking me why I get so sick all the time. I didn’t have the heart to tell her. But I think deep down she knew.

Please, please, PLEASE. If you smoke in any capacity, and VAPERS, I put you in this category because the lungs deteriorate at a faster rate, please seek help. The Cancer Society has resources. Find an accountability partner. Do whatever it takes to stop. Your life depends on it.

Julie ARduini

You are too precious to lose.

Journey to ChiYah by Kimberly Russell

I’d like to thank Julie for the opportunity to share about my recent release, Journey to ChiYah, a Christian fantasy novel about a gal that goes on an unexpected trip filled with surprises.

Journey is my personal overcomer story and is a delicate balance of my life experiences, hybrid facts, and plain old fiction, where the main character, Jade Pepperdine, finds healing and freedom from her past. Let’s get to know her…

Kimberly: Thanks for joining me today.

Jade: You’re welcome, but I don’t get it. You already know all this stuff.

K: True, but I think the world needs to hear from you. How about we start with some background?

J: *disgruntled sigh* Fine. I’m 34 and live in small-town-nowhere-you’ve-ever-heard-of. I’m named after my great-aunt, Jade Edith Pepperdine. My mother likes to use this as her favorite ‘Momism’ and taunt me about being ‘Jaded.’ She can be sooo annoying.

K: Ah, yes, your mother. Care to elaborate?

J: Mom used to be a pretty sore subject for me, but things have changed. In me, anyway. She isn’t much different, still sharp tongued and critical, but we’re doing much better these days.

K: Why’s that?

J: *eye roll* You already know it’s because of ChiYah.

K: Tell us about your journey.

J: I got stuck there and met this really weird guy who was the Mayor. All I wanted to do was go home, but he insinuated I had issues and needed to be fixed because I was broken.

K: Yikes. That must’ve been hard to take.

J: It really ticked me off at first, but he wasn’t wrong. I know I can be high maintenance, and I’d noticed that my life was crumbling.

K: How so?

J: A lot of it had to do with Mom—we just couldn’t seem to get along. Plus, I was having trouble at work with being temperamental and cranky. Contentious with co-workers. All kinds of stuff.

K: No, not you?

J: Very funny. I was dealing with a lot of fear, too, which brought out my inner-control freak in an attempt to avoid it, and then I’d get mad when it didn’t work. Anger became my default because my temper seemed to sit on the edge of explosion at all times. It was a big, vicious cycle I couldn’t seem to break out of, even though I knew things needed to change. I just didn’t know what to do.

K: Makes perfect sense. Facing ourselves is never easy. So, Mayor offered to help with all this?

J: He did—if I agreed to his quest thingy before I went home.

K: Whoa, that sounds like blackmail.

J: No, I had a choice, but he helped me see that it really was in my best interest. He’s really caring and stuff. Super kind.

K: You’re glad you went on the journey?

J: Very much so. Mayor helped me see… me. What was going on inside and how stuff that happened when I was little was affecting me today.

K: Wow. That’s profound.

J: Believe me, though, the quest was anything but easy. Especially since I wasn’t the most cooperative. It was a long and twisty road, but I wouldn’t change any of it.

K: I see. Tell me about now? Post-ChiYah?

J: Things are way better. Not perfect, but much improved. I don’t feel so alone, have more hope, and less fear. And Mom and I are coming along nicely. *smile* But people really need to read the whole story for themselves. Journey to ChiYah is at Amazon, right?

K: It is indeed, and thank you for the PSA.

J: You’re welcome. I’ll send you a bill. Hey, didn’t I hear that if readers sign up for your newsletter they get the first two chapters?

K: Sure can. They can go here or to my website.

J: Sweet.

K: Anything to add?

J: Just that I’m nothing more than a mess with a message. Nothing special. I hope that by sharing my story, others may decide to deal with their own junk. Trust me, it’s a journey worth going on. I dare you to check out my adventure, and who knows? Maybe, like me, you’ll find someone you never knew you lost… yourself.

Kimberly Russell lives in a tiny house in southern lower Michigan with Toby, the Shih Tzu, who allows her to be his roommate.

Retired for four years, Kim’s day job was that of civil servant in the Michigan Department of Corrections at the local prison complex. She served as Warden’s Secretary under two female wardens in a three-prison complex of 2500 medium security inmates.

The highlight of Kimberly’s career was the role of Program Coordinator for the first inmate-dog training program in the MDOC. Since its inception in 2003, thousands of rescued greyhounds and “pound puppies” have been through the program, and it has expanded to many other facilities in the Michigan system.

Kim began writing in 2009 after she joined an on-line writing community called FaithWriters and regularly participated in their weekly writing challenge. High-ranking finishes led to publication in the 2015 & 2017 FaithWriters anthologies.

Branching out to become a columnist for a local entertainment publication called Frank Talk was a challenge. The publisher allowed Kim to be a guest contributor in their “Critter Corner” but was hesitant to add a fictional component. After a trial run of The Adventures of Miranda DailyLife, Kim authored the column for over a year and enjoyed an enthusiastic readership.

Kim has also been published in Dog Life Magazine and has three full- length manuscripts from participation in the National Novel Writing Month challenge held in November each year (writing a 50,000 word novel in 30 days.) One of these-Photo Finish-is her next project—stay tuned!

When not hanging out in her favorite place on earth—the She Shed— and creating literary magic, Kim is a pickleball fiend, playing several times a week. She also loves to read, enjoys a somewhat mediocre golf game, and is a tech geek.

Links

Purchase Journey to ChiYah at Amazon:  http://mybook.to/JourneyToChiYah

Sign up for Kim’s newsletter: https://rebrand.ly/i9urolq

Amazon Author Page:  author.to/KimsAuthorPage

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SharingHopeThroughWords

Web Site:  https://www.kimberlykrussell.com/

GoodReads:  https://rebrand.ly/7w5hxhj

BookBub:  https://rebrand.ly/zq2je6a

Protecting Annie by Jodie Wolfe

Welcome. Tell us a little about yourself.

Thank you for having me. I’m Jodie Wolfe, and I write Christian historical romances. I live in southcentral PA. My husband and I will soon be married for 34 years. We have six grandchildren.

I understand Protecting Annie is releasing this Friday. Do you have a favorite scene?

Here’s the opening scen:

Burrton Springs, Kansas

August 1, 1876

Death paced close enough for Annie McPherson to smell its rotted breath. A menacing growl rumbled in the beast’s throat. The animal bared his teeth when she attempted a tiny step. Perspiration trickled between her shoulder blades. She cocked her head a fraction of an inch, hoping to spot a bystander, but only a small glimpse of a barren street stretched between the tight alleyway. Her heart hammered beneath her polonaise.

Not a single soul in sight. “Where’s help when you need it?”

Her movement and words caused the monstrosity to circle closer. If Annie’d been on speaking terms with God, it would’ve been a good time to send a plea for someone to come to her rescue. But she’d fallen out of practice of praying over the past years, ever since—

She released a silent breath, shifting her foot in the dirt. The deranged creature snarled and snapped, just short of capturing her wrist in his jaws. Annie tried to swallow but her throat muscles refused to contract.

The wolf settled on his haunches, two feet in front of her. A glistening tongue protruded from his face. His beady eyes stared at her, unmoving. Was the beast contemplating how she would taste, like the one in the tale of Little Red Cap she’d read as a child? A shiver ran down Annie’s spine. She had no desire to be wolf chow.

“Easy, fellow. Don’t eat me. I’m sure I’m not very appetizing.”

It was time to take charge of her fate since no assistance was coming. Annie took a step sideways. Her back scraped against the rough boards of the building.

Why had she chosen to saunter through the narrow passageway and follow the jumbled directions the blacksmith had given her after she’d exited the conveyance? The other townsperson she’d asked had stared at her as if she’d spoken a different language, as if the man didn’t understand English when he heard it. Annie hoped he wasn’t an indication of what type of people lived in town. She’d have to make the best of it since returning to New York wasn’t feasible, not after that louse—

An ominous snarl snapped her back to her current situation. How many times had Mama warned her about focusing on the situation at hand? While she’d been woolgathering, the wild animal inched his way closer. He leapt.

Where did you get the inspiration for it?

Protecting Annie is the sequel to Taming Julia. You could easily read it without having read book one. In book one, I introduced the brother, Josh Walker. When he first walked into the book with a fear for living in towns, I knew I wanted a book about him and what circumstances caused him to be this way.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on book three in this series. It’s titled Wooing Gertrude.

Can you tell us a little bit about Protecting Annie?

Here’s the back cover blurb:

After twenty years of living along the trail as a deputy U.S. Marshal, Joshua Walker takes a job as sheriff in Burrton Springs, Kansas so he can be closer to his sister. Only problem, she no longer requires his protecting so he’s unsure of his next step.

Annie McPherson needs a change after the death of her father. She accepts a position as schoolmarm, hoping her past won’t catch up with her. Life is good, except for the pesky sheriff who continues to question her ability to adjust to life in the west and creates confrontations at every turn.

When the irritating schoolteacher’s past and present collide, dragging him into the turmoil, Josh has to decide who he’s willing to defend.

How can readers find you?

Website: https://www.jodiewolfe.com

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jodie-wolfe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe

MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/jodiewolfe

Thank you for having me here today!

Bio

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers, and COMPEL Training. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

All I Want for Christmas is Johnny Rocket Dead! By Lillian Duncan

All I Want for Christmas is Johnny Rocker Dead! By Lillian Duncan

            Murder, Mayhem & Christmas?

Murder, Mayhem & Christmas? Really?

On the surface, it may seem that murder and mayhem doesn’t necessarily go with Christmas, but I love weaving a Christmas story in with suspense and romance. Because of that I have several Christmas stories available—The Christmas Stalking; The Christmas Angel Thief; No Home for the Holidays; and A Christmas Stolen.

My latest Christmas novella is ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS JOHNNY ROCKER DEAD! How’s that for a title filled with murder, mayhem, & Christmas?

On that very first Christmas so long ago, God wanted to make sure he got the world’s attention.  The star. The Magi. The sky filled with angels announcing the good news to the shepherds.

God still wants to get our attention. Sometimes God whispers to us, sometimes he yells, and sometimes it take an explosion to get our attention. Johnny Rocker doesn’t believe he needs God—until the moment his house explodes with him in it!

Bodyguard, Maddie Cotton wants nothing to do with Johnny Rocker or his problems. But when God sends her a clear message that she needs to help the man, she relents.

Together they must discover who wants Johnny dead or it might be his last Christmas!

Back Cover Blurb:

Johnny Rocker believes he’s doesn’t need anyone or anything—especially God because after all he is a rock & roll god. When the floor beneath his feet crumbles—literally—he hurtles toward a different truth.

Since the death of Maddie’s family, she’s run from life and love and become the best bodyguard she can be. But, with God’s help, she’s ready to step out of her comfort zone and into a different life. When her boss asks—no begs—her to take on one last job, she finds it hard to refuse. Someone is trying to kill mega-star Johnny Rocker. It’s Maddie Cotton’s job to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Even under Maddie’s protection the threats continue. As Christmas approaches the danger escalates—someone doesn’t want Johnny Rocker to see the new year, and they are willing to kill Maddie as well. Johnny and Maddie will have to set aside their differences and learn to lean on each other and God if they want to see Christmas day.

Lillian has a Christmas gift for everyone. Right now, you can download THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL THIEF from Amazon for FREE! Just CLICK HERE.

Merry Christmas to all!

AMAZON BUY LINK

Lillian Duncan…turning faith into fiction.

Even though her books cross genres, they have one thing in common, faith-based stories that show God’s love—and lots of action. OK—that’s two things. She believes in the power of words to change lives, especially God’s Word.

EXCERPT:

I AM.

He ignored the voice. This was one of his favorite rooms in his mansion. Johnny Rocker’s gold and platinum records and posters—of him, of course—as well as old movie posters, decorated the walls. Because after all, it was the theater room. Music blared from every speaker in his mansion, including this room. His music, of course, because he was a rock and roll god.

I AM

Probably a trick of the acoustics.

 I’m not losing it. Everything’s fine. He poured another drink and sat. His fingers ran across the buttery-soft, brown leather of the recliner. Nothing but the best for Johnny Rocker. Who’d have ever thought that poor little Zeb Walker would be sitting in his debt-free mansion? He could afford anything he wanted these days. The good life. He had it all.

People loved their rock and roll gods.

I AM

The door opened before Johnny could yell at the unseen voice. “Well if it ain’t Stan the Man.”

His manager of eight years glared. “What are you doing up here, Johnny? The party’s downstairs. Everyone keeps asking, ‘where’s Johnny?’”

“I know where they are, and that’s why I’m up here.”

“Very funny. Now get downstairs. The reason we’re having the party is so you can prove you’ve still got it.”

“I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. I’m Johnny Rocker.”

“Let’s go, Johnny. Now.”

“That’s not my name.”

Stan rolled his eyes. “You’re in one of those moods again. Fine. I’ll call you Zeb if that makes you happy. So, Zeb. Downstairs. Now.”

“I don’t know when you became my boss.”

Stan grinned. “When I made you your first million.”

“Right behind you,” Zeb said, but Stan was already gone. Apparently even a rock and roll go—

I AM

He looked at the glass in his hand. No more of this if it made him hear voices. He walked toward the door.

BOOM!

What was that? The floor below him disappeared.

I AM, the voice said again as Zeb hurtled through the floor.

The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper by Mary K. Savarese

Hello Everyone,

And welcome to Trumpet Tuesday. I am award winning author and speaker Mary K. Savarese. I am traditionally published. My second novel, The Girl In The Toile Wallpaper was released on September 6th by Indignor House. It is a fantasy adventure trilogy intertwined with romance.

WHY IT IS NOT JUST ENOUGH TO PRAISE HIM

We honor Him through our actions and words. We praise Him by attending daily or weekly service. Is this enough? I would like to add one more to this. We as Christians need to bring others into the fold. This is what He asks of us, To Spread His Word. How do we do this?

As a fiction author I have chosen to write novels for the Christian Marketplace. I want to write stories that will inspire, feed the soul, give rise to information some may have forgotten or others just learning. Stories that let your mind journey to beautiful places. I choose not to titillate but to keep the storyline sometimes left to the imagination.  This is how I love to glorify Him, through my stories, my novels.

As an Author I love to begin with a quirky title. Something that has inspired me. In my first novel, a cozy mystery romance with a spiritual twist, Tigers Love Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume (who knew!) I witnessed a 600 lb Siberian tiger jump into a vat of bubbles and have Obsession perfume sprayed on his tongue. I incorporated my Catholic Faith and the twists and turns Catholics growing up deal with within a mystery romance.  In The Girl In The Toile Wallpaper, the first Book of the StarWriters Trilogy, so inspired was I over this artistic wallcovering  and fabric, I incorporated one of my favorite prayers, The Irish Breastplate. It is very much a part of one of my main characters aptly named Patrick.

And as you learn something about faith through my stories, I hope to bring others into the fold, and hopefully, those that have possibly left on their own accord, to return.

Storyline & Reviews:

Book 1 of the StarWriters Trilogy follows twelve-year old Tyler Charles as he struggles to rescue the love of his life, Callalyly of the House of Montevelli of Siena. Tyler, however, is allowed to call her, Lyly. Tyler lives within the world of today, and Lyly lives inside a world that existed over two centuries ago. When he’s pulled through a lantern portal and slides into a two dimensional world of the toile wallpaper, Tyler must remember his class physics to reverse the effects of an evil wizard’s spell. When he finally cracks the code and reverses the effects, Tyler finds himself two centuries into the past where noblemen and women dwell, and where the world is quite different. It is in the past where Tyler finally discovers the true meaning of friendship and learns to work around the daily hardships and emotional traumas of life. 

“Savarese’s novel is an inventive and original portal fantasy that avoids the genre’s most overused clichés. At moments the story evokes Doctor Who and A Wrinkle in Time, though the plot is unlike anything the reader is likely to have read. Savarese piles incident upon incident, and readers who enjoy a quirky science fiction story with magic and a hint of romance will find much here to entertain.” 

                                           -US Review of Books

“Savarese is skilled at contrasting medieval and modern worlds, flowing between them in a manner that is enlightening and creates no confusion in the transition process, which creates a seamless story based not just on one or two main characters, but a host of special interests and It is written in the stars!” Fantasy fans of high school age and older who look for a blend of mystery, history, and spell-binding intrigue will relish the journey and discoveries which defy time, space, and death.” 

— Diane Donovan, Midwest Review 

Bio and Connecting:

Mary is an award-winning author & speaker born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She is known for her quirky titles. She earned a degree in accounting from City University, NY and worked within the insurance and financing world. Her debut novel, Tigers Love Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume (who knew!) is a contemporary spiritual mystery that transcends three genres … mystery, spirituality, and romance, and won eight national book awards. Mary was a religious education teacher and is now a Eucharistic minister for the Catholic church. After raising a family in Connecticut, she moved to Florida with her husband and spends her time writing entertaining and unusual stories.

Follow on www.maryksavarese.com  links to social medias

Just published by Indignor House & available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Independent Book Stores.

https://amzn.to/3BnuJx4     Amazon Softcover

https://amzn.to/3mSCsPw   Amazon Hardcover

https://bit.ly/2WFMSaw       Barnes & Noble

Fiction Finder: November 2021 New Releases

November 2021 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary Romance:

An Awestruck Christmas Medley by Emily Conrad — The members of the rock band Awestruck battle a snowstorm and relationship difficulties in hopes of spending a joyful Christmas with their loved ones in this novella, which continues the story begun in the first novel in the Rhythms of Redemption Romances, To Bring You Back. (Contemporary Romance from Hope Anchor LLC)

A Small-Town Christmas Challenge by Susanne Dietze — Will reviving an old tradition be the start of something new? When she inherits a beautiful historic house, nurse Leah Dean knows selling it could solve all her problems. But there’s just one catch—she and co-owner Pastor Benton Hunt must cohost the Gingerbread Gala in the home first. As Christmas approaches, Leah and Benton grow closer, and parting with the house—and each other—is not as easy as they thought… (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired (Harlequin))

Never Too Late by Susan L. Tuttle — Widowed homemaker Rachael Stark isn’t quite sure what comes after her only child leaves for college. To fill her suddenly quiet hours and scrawny bank account, she needs a job. But painful memories prevent her from resurrecting her former art career, and motherhood isn’t much of a résumé. When her best friend needs help recovering from a gunshot wound that occurred in the line of duty, she is there. Finally, someone to take care of. Evan Wayne won’t let his injury keep him from being a police officer. His dedication to protect the innocent stems from the guilt he carries over having failed his childhood friend. What he needs now is to recover and get back on the streets. Instead, he’s handed a myriad of light-duty tasks by his captain―one of which involves heading up the department’s entry into the town’s annual mural contest. He’s not an artist, but he definitely knows one. And he’ll take any excuse to spend more time with her. (Contemporary Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

You and Me by Becky Wade — Easy-going, artistic Connor Bryant fell hard for his friend Shay Seaver when they were both in the seventh grade. Sixteen years later, he’s returned to Misty River. She’s finally between boyfriends. And his crush on her hasn’t wavered. Now’s his chance. He tells Shay that he’s found someone he wants to date and is in need of a makeover when it comes to his appearance and dating strategies. He asks if she’ll serve as his consultant — in hopes that he’ll learn how he can become her ideal man. What he doesn’t tell her? That she’s the one he wants to date. Sporty stationery shop owner Shay immediately agrees to Connor’s request because he’s one of the best guys she knows. However, she quickly realizes she’s in over her head. She’s pledged to help him win the affection of another woman — even though she dearly wants to claim his heart. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Historical:

The Corporal’s Codebook by Susan Page Davis — Jack Miller stumbles through the Civil War, winding up a telegrapher and cryptographer for the army. In the field with General Sherman in Georgia, he is captured along with his precious cipher key. His captor, Hamilton Buckley, thinks he should have been president of the Confederacy, not Jefferson Davis. Jack doubts Buckley’s sanity and longs to escape. Buckley’s kindhearted niece, Marilla, might help him-but only if Jack helps her achieve her own goal. (Historical from Scrivenings Press LLC)

Magi Journey: Assyria by Terry Phillip Garner — The first in a three-book series that follows a Family of Chaldean Magi from the court of Tiglath—Pileser III, King of Assyria in 734 BC, to Bethlehem in -0- BC. Through the eyes of the Magi, we see the history of prophecy, judgment, and redemption unfold. In book one, the Magi recount: meeting Isaiah, King Ahaz, and King Hezekiah of Judah; campaigning with King Tiglath-Pileser III and King Sennacherib as they subdue the Levantine States and deport the people of Israel to Assyria, and creating the Magi school that will survive the Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian Empires and serve as the foundation of the Magi Family of faith. (Historical from Bookbaby)

The Last Piece by Terrie Todd — When his father dies during the Great Depression, Ray Matthews is forced to drop out of art school to support his mother and sister as a jigsaw puzzle artist. Ray has only one painting he vows never to sell: the portrait of his beloved sweetheart. When pressured to break his oath, Ray sends the painting off with a promise and a prophecy. Through eight decades, the puzzle of the beautiful girl at the wishing well passes through four households, deeply affecting each without ever being fully completed. When Leesha Pennington’s weekly treasure hunt at her local thrift shop produces an old jigsaw puzzle that might be worth something, she adds it to her shopping cart despite the old man’s mysterious warning: “Be careful with that one. Some puzzles don’t like to be solved.” Her decision sets in motion a chain of events that causes all five stories to converge. (Historical, Independently Published)

Historical Romance:

Honor in the Mountain Refuge by Misty M. Beller — This epic journey is his last chance to start a new life. After being cast out of his Blackfoot village for his kindness to the Nez Perce captives, Chogan travels west in search of meaning for his life. Meaning that doesn’t require killing or torturing innocent people. Though the lovely face of Telípe, a Nez Perce woman, is imprinted on his heart, he avoids her village. She deserves a happy life with her husband and coming child. With her husband dead and the birth of her babe imminent, Telípe’s reality looks nothing like she planned. She’s been forced to return to the village where she grew up and the chaos of her family’s lodge—with all her boisterous younger brothers. She desperately desires to start a new life for herself and the babe growing within her, but she can’t seem to climb above the mire of her past. When she stumbles into the brave who’d shown her kindness during her captivity, something ignites within her—a new hope. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Protecting Annie by Jodie Wolfe — After twenty years living along the trail as a deputy U.S. Marshal, Joshua Walker takes a job as sheriff in Burrton Springs, Kansas so he can be closer to his sister. Only problem is, she no longer requires his protecting. After the death of her father, Annie McPherson needs a change. She accepts a position as schoolmarm hoping her past won’t catch up with her. Life is good, except for the pesky lawman who creates confrontations at every turn and continually questions her ability to adjust to life in the west. When the irritating schoolteacher’s past and present collide, dragging Josh into the turmoil, he has to decide who he’s willing to defend. (Historical Romance from White Rose Publishing (Pelican))

Mystery:

Circumvent by SK Derban — French-born, Nikki Sabine Moueix travels to Hawaii for a special work assignment, but the job of writing an article about a famous Swiss pastry chef generates more than a magazine piece. They fall in love, get married, and Nikki Moueix becomes Mrs. Ruggiero Delémont. When another assignment calls for Nikki to spend three weeks in France, Ruggiero’s schedule prevents him from joining her. She travels alone, advancing straight into danger. After a threatening confrontation, Nikki wakes up in a French hospital with no knowledge of her past. After she fails to check in, Ruggiero panics and pushes for an immediate investigation. But as he closes in, Nikki’s new found friend moves her to another city. It becomes a game of hide and seek with Nikki as the prize. (Mystery from TouchPoint Press)

Merry Murder and Small Town Santas by KC Hart — Katy’s husband John discovers Santa dead in the bakery, but in Katy’s effort to find the killer, she is making her husband look more and more guilty. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

Speculative Fiction:

All That’s Fair by Amanda G. Stevens — Unable for the last century to grow old or succumb to injury, Cady Schuster has lost a lot of people, some more recently than others. She’s trying to find new belonging in Harbor Vale, Michigan, among a welcoming little group of fellow ageless folk. Then she meets Paige, a mortal woman who needs a friend-and might need help. Paige’s husband rules their church with an authority unquestioned by his congregation. When Paige suddenly severs all communication, Cady determines to find her. Churchgoers warn her off, and the behavior of Paige’s husband proves a still bigger warning. Is this friend lost too, or can Cady help her? And how far should an ageless woman involve herself in the conflicts of mortals? (Speculative Fiction, Independently Published)

Thriller/Suspense/Romance:

Uncharted Courage by Keely Brooke Keith — When Bailey accepts John Colburn’s offer for her to visit Good Springs, she leaves the Inn at Falls Creek expecting to spend the autumn relaxing in her favorite seaside village. Upon her arrival, Connor asks her to cover a shift of guard duty on the equinox, and her quiet vacation takes a shocking turn. Revel Roberts works hard to keep his life commitment-free, making it easy to leave community decisions to men like Connor and John. But when the Land is threatened, Revel sees his chance to prove he is a man worthy of Bailey’s love. Amid the chaos in Good Springs, his unrequited feelings for her preoccupy him. One wrong choice could ruin everything. As Bailey’s new life in the Land unravels and threats from the outside world loom, a yearning she can’t define surges within her. It distracts her from defending the hidden world she loves, and a tragedy reinforces her need for independence. With the survival of the Land at stake and their hearts on the line, Bailey and Revel will need more courage than fighting ever required. They will need to find the courage to love. (Thriller/Suspense/Romance from Edenbrooke Press)

Women’s Fiction:

Unpacking Christmas by Beth K. Vogt — As Johanna, Jillian, and Payton look forward to celebrating the Christmas holidays with their families, they’re not prepared for an announcement that changes everything they’ve grown to love and cherish. Their parents are selling their long-time family home. One change seems to lead to another, with Payton and Zach announcing their own decision to move, while Jillian and Geoff tackle the challenge of starting a family. The only ones maintaining the status quo are Johanna and Beckett—but romantic limbo is no place to be. Then their dad’s sudden health crisis spins life further out of control. Instead of putting up holiday lights and decorating the family Christmas tree, the Thatcher sisters are helping pack up their childhood home. Along the way, they share treasured memories, try to hold onto valued traditions, discovering the struggles they’ve endured pale in comparison to the love they share with each other. (Women’s Fiction from Never Door Press)

Where Memories Await by Heidi Chiavaroli — Can memories of old restore a forgotten love?

Camden, Maine ~ Present Day: Spunky octogenarian Priscilla Martin is a woman with many Christmas secrets. When a beloved niece tempts her to bare her wounded soul, Priscilla must decide whether to share the secret of her sister’s demise—and the reason she abandoned the man she loved in favor of a loveless marriage.

Camden, Maine ~ December, 1957: The only person Priscilla loves more than Ed Colton is her younger sister, Hazel. But when Ed is drafted and Hazel runs away to New York to be with a man she believes will make her famous, Priscilla’s plans crumble around her. Ed’s silence and Hazel’s tragic return leads Priscilla to make a choice she will forever regret. Can revisiting long-ago memories give Priscilla what she’s longed for all these years? (Women’s Fiction, Independently Published)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

 

  A Harvest Heart by Denise Weimer, When a harvest romance reignites, Hope searches for the faith to finally live up to her name. (Contemporary Romance)

 

  A Season of Change by Beth Wiseman, Professional success. Personal failure. (General Contemporary)

 

  Christmas Tapestry Anthology by Ruth A. Douthitt, et. al., Christian Writers of the West, the southwestern division of American Christian Fiction Writers, presents a collection of Christmas-themed short stories to warm your hearts throughout the season. (General Contemporary)

 

  Ice Cold Blue by Susan Page Davis, True Blue accepts the case, and the investigators follow a twisting path to the truth. (Thriller/Suspense)

 

  No Bones About It by Annette O’Hare, how far is her adversary willing to go to make sure she stays quiet?
(Middle Grade)

 

  No Longer a Captive by Carol James, Will God release her from her past, to be free to trust the man she comes to love? (Contemporary Romance)

 

  Perfectly Arranged by Liana George, The women embark on an adventure of faith and self-discovery as they uncover secrets, truths, and ultimately, God’s perfectly arranged plans. (General Contemporary)

 

  Protecting Her Witness by Sarah Hamaker, As the threats pile up, will Chalissa be able to keep the family she’s grown to love safe? (Thriller/Suspense)

 

  Illusion of Love by Sarah Hamaker, A suspicious online romance reconnects an agoraphobe and an old friend. (Thriller/Suspense)

 

  The Demons Among Us by Jill K. Willis, Are the siblings willing to overcome their inner demons to fight for their friends’ souls? (Young Adult)

 

  The Glass Cottage by Alyssa Schwarz, In this tale of friendship, love lost, and love found, Abigail must decide for herself: Is every story worth saving, and if so, at what cost? (Contemporary Romance)

 

  The Petticoat Spy by Elva Cobb Martin, As both American and English armies gather near Yorktown, Virginia, for a pivotal battle, can John and Anna’s budding love for each other and their faith in God preserve them and help forge a new nation? (Historical Romance)

 

  Tinsel in a Twist by Laurie Germaine, Now rendered useless against Krampus, and outclassed by Gretel, Tinsel must devise a new plan to save the futures of Christmas, her love life, and her career, before they unravel faster than a trio of ugly sweaters. (Speculative Fiction)

 

  To Chase a Dream by Chandra Lynn Smith, Will they trust the possibilities of new dreams or allow them to fade with the waning moon? (Thriller/Suspense/Romance)

 

  Where Love Grows by Heidi Chiavaroli, They have nothing in common except love for music and a donut-shop drive thru. (Contemporary Romance)

 

  Worth of Redemption by Krystina Renae Rankin, As old hurts turn into friendship, and maybe even love, can Heath prove to them both that he’s a man worthy of redemption? (Contemporary Romance)

Are You a Fixer?

Growing up, the ultimate fixer was MacGyver. Guy could be sitting on a bomb with his legs tied and darn it if he didn’t find duct tape within reach and diffuse the bomb with seconds to spare. He got the job done.

This month I’ve watched several people close to me struggle, suffer, and grieve. Anything from weariness and loss to realizing they were being manipulated and left out.

And my first, second, and third reactions to all the scenarios was to spring into action. I was going to set up a meeting. Start a campaign. Whisper some sassy remarks to bully for a taste of their medicine. Oh, how I was strategizing. After all, who wants to see anyone hurt? Not me, and not MacGyver.

I was on my recumbent bike pedaling away as the ideas came together. Suddenly I felt a little sentence drop into my thought process.

You are not a fixer.

I Am.

Because of my relationship with Christ, I also enjoy the benefits of having the Holy Spirit active in my life. Known as a teacher, guide, and counselor, the Holy Spirit is the ultimate accountability partner. And I KNOW He was the voice giving me a check.

It’s not my job to take over. It isn’t healthy for me to meddle. The battles are not mine to fight. Or yours.

Julie arduini

But God is enough to handle all of it.

He had the ability to make a donkey talk so a fool would change his ways. Numbers 22:21-39

He used a trumpet blast instead of duct tape to cause walls to fall and give Israelites their promised land. Joshua 5:13-6:27

He is so powerful He split the sea so that the Israelites had dry ground to travel when Pharoah and the Egyptians were hot on their tail. When the very last Israelite, I picture a young family with young children including a newborn, or perhaps an elderly couple with arthritis, reached the other side, the sea returned to flood stages and every single Egyptian perished. Exodus 14: 19-31

That’s my God.

And that’s yours, too, if you choose to trust Him.

As you can read, sometimes I forget. Or, honestly, sometimes I ignore that fact.

The MacGyver look isn’t a good one for me, or you. Of course there are times we must advocate, but deep down, you know what the fixing problem is.

You don’t need duct tape or your mind running with all the ideas.

Trust God and know, KNOW He has you and every single person you care about.

Let’s discuss. Are you a fixer? Feel free to leave a comment below, or find me via Linktree.

Sharon Rene: Hesitant Heroes

Hello everyone. Welcome to Trumpet Tuesday.

My name is Sharon Rene and my young adult/dystopian book, Hesitant Heroes, launched on September 7, 2021.

In 2062, a teenage computer geek must stop an assassination and rescue her kidnapped friends.

In Hesitant Heroes, a group of diverse teens from all over the planet are sent to a special high school for gifted teens. They must bond with one another and rely on their faith when they stumble into a corrupt government plot.

Jordan Scott, the main character has joined us today and she’s going to tell us a little about her life and experiences.

Sharon:  Hello Jordan. Thank you for taking the time to talk with us today. I know you have a very busy and exciting life.

Jordan: Thank you for interviewing me. I’m happy to share my story with anyone who’ll listen.

Sharon: So, what is your story?  Tell us about yourself.

Jordan: My name is Jordan Scott, and I was born in Old Memphis which is part of the North American Collective.  When Hesitant Heroes begins in September 2062, I’m sixteen years old.  I’m a little shy and struggle with fear issues.

Sharon: You are a student at Global Collective University (GCU).  Can you tell us more about GCU?

Jordan:  GCU was established by the Global Collective government. Students from all over the planet attend GCU.  The government chooses who will attend. Each student has a special skill or talent. I’m a computer whiz. My friends have a variety of talents.

Sharon: You and your friends are in a group called “Team Seven.” Please tell us more about them.

Jordan:  Hannie Jacobson is my roommate. She’s from Israel and an expert at battle planning.

Timberlyn is from the African Collective. She can tame animals and she knows how to heal with herbs.

Malese is from the Pacific Collective. She’s a martial arts champ.

Laurel Connor is a ballerina from the European Collective.

Now for the boys.

Matthew Thomas is a super jock from the North American Collective and I have a huge crush on him.

Rafael Alvarado is a marksman from the Latin Collective.

Victor Petro is a weightlifter from the Baltic Collective.

Then there’s Dawson Montgomery. Ugh! He’s a real piece of work from the European Collective. He thinks he’s better than everyone at GCU.

Sharon:  Can you tell us about the adults in the book?

Jordan:  Oh boy! They are a mess.  Cimarron Butler is our dorm master, and she takes the word master very seriously. The government is controlled by a wacky brother and sister team, Hunter and River Wallis.

There is one awesome adult and she’s a politician. Can you believe it? Her name is Sierra Stone and she’s my hero.

Sharon:  You and Team Seven get into a lot of trouble at GCU. What happens?

Jordan:  Christian students disappear from campus. We start investigating and before we know it we’re fighting the government. If you like adventure, come join us as we travel from the Alps to Old Venezuela searching for the missing students and trying to save Sierra Stone’s life.

Sharon:  I encourage anyone who likes to read exciting young adult dystopian with a touch of romance to grab a copy of Hesitant Heroes.

Available at Amazon and Anaiah Press.

Thank you, Julie for letting Jordan and me tell everyone about Hesitant Heroes.

Sharon Rene grew up in Louisiana and now lives in Tennessee. She loves to write young adult and children’s fiction. Her young adult dystopian trilogy has been acquired by Anaiah Press and the first book, Hesitant Heroes, released September 7, 2021. Hesitant Heroes is an exciting blend of danger, drama and a little romance.

The next book, Relentless Rebels, is scheduled to release in March 2022. Defying Destiny is the last book in the trilogy. It’s a prequel.

Her first book, A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace, was published in 2018 by TouchPoint Press. This is a book of short stories and devotions for elementary aged children.

Sharon Rene hopes her books will bring enjoyment and encouragement to her readers. 

Website:  www.sharonreneauthor.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/sharonreneauthor

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/SharonRene4

Instagram: @sharonrene2019

Hesitant Heroes – Kindle edition by René, Sharon. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Isn’t World Menopause Day Every Day?

I learned that October 18 is World Menopause Day. As a woman, back in the day I wished more had been said about PMS. Then I longed to feel less alone about having a miscarriage. I think those topics are talked about more and carry less of a stigma. Menopause?

I think we have a long way to go.

Growing up I heard menopause was “the change.” What did that mean? I had no idea, but I knew you didn’t have “your monthly” anymore. Sounded good to me. It wasn’t something my mom was going to talk about, and as a young adult, I figured that was a long way off and besides, I was REALLY struggling with PMS and hormonal balance. Menopause was for another decade.

Turns out for me, that decade wasn’t that far off. I started showing symptoms at 37. I had anxiety through the roof. My mind raced. Thing was, it raced with thoughts yet I couldn’t form complete sentences. Remember what I was saying. Doing. I’d have keys in my hand and start to cry wondering where they were.

There were mood swings that mirrored the horrific episodes I suffered with as a young adult. I would have twenty minute “spells” where the walls seemed to close in and feelings of shame poured on me like a tsunami. I felt an intense need to isolate until it passed.

Thing was, I’d been down that road before and it got dark, fast. I had kids who could see and hear, and I didn’t want to live that way. I shared what was going on and what I was feeling. I let my family know I was going to go do my gyn to learn what I could do.

I have a great gyn who lets me vent and we talk options. He never pressures me. He prescribed an antidepressant and that really curbed the depression and anxiety, which at the time were the worst offenders. I did have rough cycles so we talked about a hysterectomy. I had severe PCOS, so that option was a welcome one for me. I was in pelvic pain much of the time. I decided to wait before going through with it.

Well, I waited a year. By 38, I was ready. I understand this isn’t everyone’s story, but to understand menopause if you’ve never known anything, at least I give you a starting point. If you are experiencing menopause by surgery, then we are surgery sisters and you won’t feel alone.

For me, the total hysterectomy was a great choice. The pelvic pain was gone and the huge mood swings were as well. I stayed on the medicine to keep anxiety at bay for hot flashes. Honestly, I had been at a volcanic temp since my first pregnancy, so I thought I’d skip hot flashes and my best life was finally before me.

And I did, until I was probably forty-five. My guess is perhaps this is when I was supposed to really go through menopause because that’s when the hot flashes showed up and stayed. They were so bad that my last license picture shows me in a full-blown flash. Red face. Like tomato red.

Then sleep. Oh, you sleep. But if you’re like me, you wake up. Every. single. hour.

Hunger. All. the. time.

The anxiety was back.

And weight gain. That’s been the hardest part. I long for what I used to think were my fat jeans.

It sounds like a death sentence, and I think without a plan, it would be. I decided I would not live this out in isolation, so if I’m struggling, I say so. If I need help, I ask for it. I realized that desire to be Wonder Woman who does it all alone isn’t quite accurate. I can accomplish a lot and be good at it because great people support and help me.

My doctor has been a huge help. We’ve had to adjust medicines. I also started seeing an endocrinologist who monitors my labs and we map out strategies. I’ve added a lot of supplements to help me. Those have helped regulate my sleep, manage the anxiety, brain fog, and racing mind.

The weight? Well, that’s extra complicated for me. I have insulin resistance so losing it is twice as hard. This past year has been beyond challenging with my mom’s illness and death. I ate the stress and grief, got sick, had an anxiety attack, and kept eating when I stopped moving. The endo is working with me on this as my lab results clearly showed my habits. I’m giving myself grace. This month I did bike pedals each weekday while I wait for the rec room to open up where my exercise equipment is. (My son is usually down there.) I still eat chocolate, but not the massive quantities I was building to. I added salad back into my life and started substituting less starchy things in meals. It’s going to take time.

If you’re facing menopause or love someone who does, I can’t say enough about authentic communication. Talk it out. Don’t isolate. Don’t settle for a doctor who isn’t making you the priority. Research. I didn’t list my supplements because I’m not a doctor and what works for me might not for you. Move, even when you don’t feel like it. Drink water when you can. I know, it’s not my favorite, but it’s helpful. I feel a lot less bloated when I choose water.

Menopause isn’t a curse or a season to dread. Anyone out there agree with me?