Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Travel Around the World - And Never Leave Home

For one who reads, there is no limit to the number of lives that may be lived, for fiction, biography, and history offer an inexhaustible number of lives in many parts of the world, in all periods of time.
Louis L'Amour


Valerie Maarten - Florida Author

The Nation's Daughter - Set in Florida

Visit Val's Amazon Page and travel with her characters through Florida, Georgia and New York





Donna Montgomery Fasano - Delaware Author

Merry-Go-Round - Sterling, Delaware

Visit Donna's Amazon Page and travel with her characters to Maryland, VA, Delaware, New Jersey - Delmarva Peninsula






Linda S. Prather - Kentucky Author

Bet you can't...FIND ME
From the horse farms of Kentucky to the seductive pull of the Louisiana Bayou

Visit Linda's Amazon Page and travel with her characters to West Virginia, Virginia and North Dakota




Libby Hellmann - Chicago Author

Doubleback - Arizona and Wisconsin

Visit Libby's Amazon Page and travel with her characters to Chicago, Michigan, Armenia, Soviet Georgia and Iran






Mel Comley - British Author who lives in France

Impeding Justice - Throughout London and France

Visit Mel's Amazon Page and travel with her characters through London and France and on a Caribbean Cruise or Florida






Tania Tirraoro - British Author living in Farnham

Sweet Seduction - Surrey, UK

Visit Tania's Amazon Page and travel with her characters through Surrey






Jim Bronyaur - Pennsylvania Author

The Devil's Weekend - Pennsylvania

Visit Jim's Amazon Page and travel with his characters through Pennsylvania






Lia Fairchild - California Author

Finding Lucy - From L.A. to Texas

Visit Lia's Amazon Page and travel with her characters through Northern California






Barbara Silkstone - Florida Author

Wendy and the Lost Boys - From the Caribbean to a goat farm in Georgia then to Nevis Island and Nevisland

Visit Barbara's Amazon Page and travel with her characters from Miami to London





OR YOU CAN - TRAVEL OUT OF THIS WORLD

Catrina Taylor - Pennsylvania Author

In her debut novel, Catrina takes us to another world to build a new empire





Sunday, January 29, 2012

"Yea, though I walk through the Valley. . .Excerpt - Bet you can't...FIND ME




PROLOGUE

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me…

But He wasn’t with her.

She leaned against the cold steel door, her eyes closed in prayer. “Father, why have you forsaken me? What sins have I committed that you would punish me this way?”

When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood.

“Fiank-o!” she screamed.

Her eyes flew open, and she spread her hands in front of her. Blood rimmed her manicured nails. Out of the corner of her vision, she saw the blood-soaked blouse plastered to her chest. So much blood for such a tiny body.

Ripping at her blouse, she mewed like a wounded animal. “Then take my eyes, so I no longer see the blood of my child on my hands. Take my ears, so I no longer hear the shrieks from below, the clanging of the chains.”

Silence met her cry. God was no longer listening. She sank to her knees and ripped at her hair, bordering on madness. How could they do this to her? Had she not served them well for more than ten years?

“You know what you must do, Aggie. I have seen the feux-folet. She is the child of Diablo, and she has cursed you.”

For a moment, rage blocked the pain squeezing her heart. “You!” Her eyes filled with hatred, fists clenched at her side. “You brought this upon us with your superstitions and your curses.”

“Mwen pòv zanj pèdi—you know I speak the truth. I was here when she was born without life, her body blue, her soul already beyond this world. Five years have come and gone. As she grows, so does the evil. They warned you this day would come.”

The old woman’s words washed over her like a river of ice, extinguishing the fire of her rage, leaving only a cold, still emptiness.

“I begged them, Mother. Begged for her life as her blood seeped through my fingers. I have served God, and I have served the spirits. But they have forsaken me.” She raised tortured eyes to beseech the old woman, her efforts met with stony silence and beady eyes filled with accusation. “I begged them!” Her voice tapered to a whimper. “She is only five. I have lost Catherine. Must I lose Mary also?”

The old woman knelt beside her. Taking her right hand, she pried open the fingers and closed them around the cold steel of the knife. “You can’t cure a mad dog, Aggie; you can only put it down. You disobeyed. You have been punished. Now pick up your cross, and carry it.”

The silence in the room was broken only by her whimpers; the old woman had left as quietly as she’d come. The knife lay heavy in her hand, just as the task before her lay heavy on her heart.

She rose and opened the door to the basement, ignoring the shrieks and clang of the chains. Her feet descended the steps slowly, the old woman’s words echoing inside her head: You can’t cure a mad dog, Aggie; you can only put it down.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Momma's Coming to Dinner

Last week I asked our viewers on Got Books? to post their favorite foods and I would try to weave them into a short story. We had 22 entries and for the story I've brought back two of my favorite characters from Food to Die Smiling For--Sammi and Carrie. I hope you enjoy.



Momma’s Coming to Dinner

Flipping on the TV, I sorted my way through Netflix to find Lord of the Rings, grabbed my bowl of banana pudding and sank into the couch for a nice quiet evening of gluttony and pure entertainment. I should have known it was too good to last. The key in the lock was my first indication my quiet evening was over. Sammi breezed in, humming “Ain’t Love Grand” and carrying two bags of groceries.

“I thought you were going out with Mark?” I looked for a place to hide the banana pudding. Too late.

Sammi’s face screwed up and her mouth poked out in her little “shame on you” pout. “Carrie Thompson, tell me that is not all you’re having for dinner?”

“Of course not.” I couldn’t help the guilty grin. “I was gonna order a pizza, some three cheese enchilidas, and then have a piece of Chocolate Cheesecake and maybe some Apple and Blueberry crumble for dessert.”

Uh-oh. I’ve seen that look on Sammi’s face before.

“You will definitely not be eating any of that garbage.” She shifted the bags, gave me a gorgeous smile and continued. “Mark’s coming for dinner, and you can join us.”

Oh, goody, goody, goody. Instead of a nice peaceful night of good food and entertainment, I’d be stuffing my face with some healthy garbage like grilled salmon and couscous, with a side order of mashed potatoes and cauliflower. Or God forbid—Talapia with rice and beef or even worse Spaghetti Bolognese. And all the while sitting through The Big Bang Theory while Mark whispers sweet nothings. God hates me. He really does.

With one last wistful look at Viggo Mortensen, I paused my movie, stood up and took one of the bags of groceries and headed to the kitchen. “So what wonderful culinary dishes are you planning for the evening?”

“You’re going to love it. We’ve having Sushi with green beans in a dry coconut curry, and for dessert we’ll have blueberries and cream.”

Bleeyuk! Okay, I know that’s probably not a word, but it was the first thing that came to mind. Dropping the groceries on the counter I turned to give Sammi my best “you’ve got to be kidding me” look. Hands on hips I stared her down. “Sammi, how long have we been living together?”

Giving me a flash of those pearly whites she dropped her purse on the floor and put her bag on the counter. “Like forever.”

“Well, then you should know I’m not really a Sushi, green been curry kind of girl. I’m a chili, mac and cheese kind of girl.”

“Oh, poo,” Sammi pouted. “You serve the most delicious cuisine in the world every day, and yet you eat garbage.” She turned to give me a look I’ve never seen before. A cross between scared and elated. “Besides you need to lose some weight before the wedding.”

I could feel my mouth flop open, and did my best to wrap my tongue around something intelligent and spiffy to come back with. Instead I wound up stammering. “Wed…wed…wedding?”

Sammi bit her bottom lip and nodded. A single tear rolled down her face.

Okay, Carrie, this is where you do that high pitched girlie squeal, grab her hands and dance her around the room giggling and bouncing like an idiot. Problem was I just wasn’t the “squealing, giggling, bouncy” girlie type. I’ve never squealed in my life. But Sammi was my very best friend. Taking a deep breath, I let it out slowly and grinned. I crossed the room, grabbed her hands and hopped up and down. “Squee! Squee!”

Sammi giggled and pulled me into a bear hug. “That’s the most pathetic squeal I’ve ever heard.” Pushing me away she looked into my eyes. “But I do appreciate the effort. So you’re happy for me?”

“Estatic. So, how long do I have to lose this weight, and how much do I have to lose?”

Sammi started unloading the groceries. “I was only kidding about the weight. We haven’t even set the date yet.”

“But I still have to eat Sushi?”

“And green beans in a dry coconut curry. So go back to Viggio and let me cook.”

“It’s Viggo!” I yelled out, returning to the couch and picking up my bowl of pudding. Funny thing was, it didn’t taste as good as it had before. I’d always known this day would come, and I loved Mark. I really did. Sighing I hit the play button and homed in on Viggo. What a hunk. Now if he asked me to marry him I could probably squeal like a girl.

The phone rang, and I turned up the volume shutting out the giggling and love talk from the kitchen. Bleeyuk!

“Oh, my God! Oh, my God!”

Uh-oh. The sounds of pans clanging lifted the corners of my mouth in a pleasant smile. A new Sammi. I’d seen happy Sammi, sad Sammi, and even on one occasion angry Sammi—but this was new. Frantic Sammi. I knew what was coming, so I wasn’t surprised when I heard the wail.

“Carrie!”

Of course, if I’d known what was coming I would have quietly slipped on my shoes and run like hell. Instead I flipped off the TV and walked toward the kitchen, an unsuspecting fly heading for the spider’s web. The look on Sammi’s face stopped me in my tracks. Not frantic—panicked. “What’s wrong?”

“Mark’s bringing his mother to dinner.”

“Smorgasboard Mary?” I backed out of the kitchen slowly. All I had to do was make it to the door. Screw the shoes.

Sammi caught me, grabbing my arms. “Carrie, you’ve got to help me. The apartment’s a mess. I’ll clean, you cook. Please?”

“Oh, hell no! The last time she inhaled three pounds of barbeque ribs and accused me of trying to kill her because she swallowed a bone.”

Sammi squeezed my arms, her eyes huge. “Please, Carrie. Please, please, please.”

Okay, maybe I could turn this around to my benefit. Have a little fun. “All right. But I get to cook what I want.”

“Anything you want. Just make sure there’s plenty of it.” Sammi gave me a quick hug and headed for the living room.

Opening the freezer I pulled out a pack of pork chops and threw them in the microwave to defrost. That should be nice and greasy.

An image of Mary licking barbeque sauce flickered in front of my eyes. She did love her meat.

Going to the pantry I pulled out potatoes and started peeling. A nice baked potato soup and salad as an opening course. I could probably live with the green beans. Hawaiian rolls would do nicely, and we still had the apple and blackberry crumble as well as a couple of pieces of chocolate cheesecake.

Yet it was missing something. Something special. Going back to the freezer I pulled out the corn on the cob. Perfect. After all if Sammi was going to marry Mark, she needed to realize she was also marrying Mary. Humming softly and grinning from ear to ear I pulled out pots and started cooking, imagining those huge teeth traveling up and down those ears of corn like a manual typewriter. Chew, chew, chew—ka-ching. Chew, chew, chew—ka-ching.

If you enjoyed this - join us on Got Books. We have a lot of fun.

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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

If you love The Mentalist - Check out - Bet you can't... FIND ME

Author of the DI Lorne Simpkins Thrillers - Mel Comley says: "One of the best paranormal mysteries I've read."

“Imagine a killer who can kill at will from a distance. No gun, no weapon. Nothing more than a thought."

Catherine Mans has the ability to see and hear what others can’t. With the help of Homicide Sergeant Cody Allen, she’s turned that talent into a successful profession as a psychic consultant.

But Catherine’s past is coming back to haunt her. Someone is threatening the lives of everyone she loves.

Nine bodies have been discovered, and Catherine is the FBI’s prime suspect.

To prove her innocence, she must unravel the secrets of her past, and answer the challenge of a deranged psychic.

Bet you can’t…FIND ME!

"If you love the psychic suspense of Kay Hooper and the witty characters of Tammy Hoag, you'll love Find Me!"

PROLOGUE

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me…

But He wasn’t with her.

She leaned against the cold steel door, her eyes closed in prayer. “Father, why have you forsaken me? What sins have I committed that you would punish me this way?”

When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood.

“Fiank-o!” she screamed.

Her eyes flew open, and she spread her hands in front of her. Blood rimmed her manicured nails. Out of the corner of her vision, she saw the blood-soaked blouse plastered to her chest. So much blood for such a tiny body.

Ripping at her blouse, she mewed like a wounded animal. “Then take my eyes, so I no longer see the blood of my child on my hands. Take my ears, so I no longer hear the shrieks from below, the clanging of the chains.”

Silence met her cry. God was no longer listening. She sank to her knees and ripped at her hair, bordering on madness. How could they do this to her? Had she not served them well for more than ten years?

“You know what you must do, Aggie. I have seen the feux-folet. She is the child of Diablo, and she has cursed you.”

For a moment, rage blocked the pain squeezing her heart. “You!” Her eyes filled with hatred, fists clenched at her side. “You brought this upon us with your superstitions and your curses.”

“Mwen pòv zanj pèdi—you know I speak the truth. I was here when she was born without life, her body blue, her soul already beyond this world. Five years have come and gone. As she grows, so does the evil. They warned you this day would come.”

The old woman’s words washed over her like a river of ice, extinguishing the fire of her rage, leaving only a cold, still emptiness.

“I begged them, Mother. Begged for her life as her blood seeped through my fingers. I have served God, and I have served the spirits. But they have forsaken me.” She raised tortured eyes to beseech the old woman, her efforts met with stony silence and beady eyes filled with accusation. “I begged them!” Her voice tapered to a whimper. “She is only five. I have lost Catherine. Must I lose Mary also?”

The old woman knelt beside her. Taking her right hand, she pried open the fingers and closed them around the cold steel of the knife. “You can’t cure a mad dog, Aggie; you can only put it down. You disobeyed. You have been punished. Now pick up your cross, and carry it.”

The silence in the room was broken only by her whimpers; the old woman had left as quietly as she’d come. The knife lay heavy in her hand, just as the task before her lay heavy on her heart.

She rose and opened the door to the basement, ignoring the shrieks and clang of the chains. Her feet descended the steps slowly, the old woman’s words echoing inside her head: You can’t cure a mad dog, Aggie; you can only put it down.

Saturday, December 31, 2011

GOODREADS - Great Reads - Greta Burroughs

Gerald and the Wee People
by Greta Burroughs (Goodreads Author)
4.50 • rating details • 6 ratings • 5 reviews
An Exciting Fantasy Novel That Takes You To Another World



Gerald and the Wee People is a novel intended for young adults but readers of all ages will get carried away in the world of the Wee People.

Gerald and his best friend, Vernon literally fell into a new world when responding to a plea for help. A few years prior to that, the boys had discovered an unusual clearing in the woods where only Gerald had the ability to watch the daily activities that took place in a miniature village.

When creatures started attacking the village, Gerald became more and more concerned about the little inhabitants that he had become attached to. Vernon humored his friend but became concerned when Gerald mentioned one of the villagers coming to him and asking for help.

To prove him wrong, Vernon agreed to venture out to the clearing late one night and show Gerald it was all in his imagination. Instead, Vernon was drawn into the enchanted vision and both boys charged off to the rescue.

While in the wee people village, Gerald and Vernon try to fulfill a prophecy overcoming many dangers and obstacles. The boys help the villagers in their fight against the misshapen ones while also trying to defeat a powerful being intent on destroying all life.

The characters in the book come to life and will make you laugh, cry and root for the underdog. Gerald and the Wee People is an action packed fantasy adventure that will keep you spellbound until the last page.


Greta Burroughs loves to read. No matter where she is, there is always a book close at hand. Her love of reading began at an early age and blossomed over time to include many different genres, her favorite now being fantasy.

As a preschool and elementary school teacher, Greta tried to instill the joy of reading in the children she worked with. Books were an important part of her classroom and story time was the highlight of the day.

It has been a while since Greta was in a classroom but she had lots of experience in reading to children of various ages and remembers what they enjoyed listening to. She tries to incorporate that knowledge into her work as an author and believes it makes her a better writer of children’s books.

The adventures in Patchwork Dog and Calico Cat were written several years before the book was published. The manuscript was put away while she concentrated on her career as a freelance journalist and before that in aviation education. When medical issues kept her from being able to work outside the home, the writing bug hit her and the old manuscript was dusted off, rewritten, illustrated and published.

Greta’s one nonfiction narrative, Heartaches and Miracles describes the roller coaster ride she has been on fighting an autoimmune disorder called ITP. She has also published a young adult fiction fantasy novel entitled Gerald and the Wee People and has plans to write a sequel to that called The House on Bo-Kay Lane. That is not the end of her literary itinerary; Greta has several other children’s book in mind for the future.

WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING!

Easy reading and good, December 8, 2011
By Liz Fed - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Paperback)
If you like Harry Potter series and the Lightning Thief you will enjoy this book. Easy reading and enjoyable. The story of two boys and their journey with a village of wee people is intriguing. Come and join them in their adventure in saving the village.You wont put the book down. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews.

5.0 out of 5 stars Gerald and The Wee People, December 7, 2011
By HeyJude - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Kindle Edition)
I worked with Greta in the newspaper business and was her editor for several years. She has a great writing voice and when she tells a story you become part of it.
I loved her first book, Gerald and The Wee People, and read one of the first editions she received. This is a great book for young readers and many ages will enjoy this magical tale. I highly recommend it as a Christmas gift for children.
Greta is a great writer and I am so happy to see her fulfilling her dream and becoming an accomplished author. I cannot wait to read her newest book!
Once again, if you are buying a book for a young reader then look at this! A great book to read to your children and grandchildren. You will not be disappointed!

4.0 out of 5 stars Coming of Age, December 7, 2011
By D. Williamsen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) This review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Kindle Edition)
In "Gerald and The Wee People," Greta Burroughs speaks to the imaginations of young adults as she catapults Gerald and his best friend Vernon into another world, stretching their ability to believe what is happening. Beyond the strangeness of this new world, however, they soon realize that it mimics their own in many ways. The pettiness, the prejudices, the love, the caring--both the good and the bad exist in both worlds, all contributing to the drama in their lives.

Gerald and Vernon find themselves in a surprising position, one for which they feel ill-equipped, because the wee people are inexplicably depending on them to help defeat their enemy. In the course of fulfilling their destiny, the mettle of the two boys is tested to the point of breaking. In my opinion, this young adult fantasy novel can be especially viewed as a coming of age story for Gerald as his experiences among the wee people contribute to both his psychological and moral development.

Greta Burroughs has a soft spot for children, and it shows in the way she is able to write from their perspective. This story would be enjoyable for adults as well, at least those who still have a little child inside who's alive and well!

Reviewed by Dannye Williamsen, Breakthrough Bookstore

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, October 19, 2011
By Sue Owen - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Paperback)
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author took a few plot twists that I probably wouldn't have taken and when I read them I wondered how in the world that was ever going to work out but I have to say she surprised me every single time. I fell in love with the wee people and especially the far-seers. As far as I'm concerned they were the heroes here.

The world created by Burroughs was fantastic. I got lost a couple times with where the boundaries were but the story didn't really need them. As the group traveled the world just seemed to go with them. Still a bit unclear on that but I don't feel I've missed out on anything.

The plot was fun, the story believable, the outcome wonderful and the entire book was entertaining. I wouldn't mind coming back to visit the wee people once in a while and probably will!

5.0 out of 5 stars Cool things come in small packages, October 8, 2011
By Vixie UK "vixie666" (london, UK) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Kindle Edition)
This book opens with Gerald trying to persuade his sceptical best buddy, Vernon, to go down to the woods to help the Wee People who he has been seeing in visions since they were at school. Like all good adventures, we have a character who believes & a character who disbelieves... even what he's seeing. This is a book that teens & adults will enjoy, I think. It's good for young readers and there is enough going on to keep adults interested. I like fantasy books where the author builds a new world for you to exist in for a while. This is an enjoyable read and there are a variety of characters here. There's also some morals and lessons to be learnt. Some characters grow, others... The interaction is good and the conversations natural. One of my favourites is the girl who is quite hot stuff - you'll have to read to find out who I mean. I like the ending - everything is tied up at the end, but there is a strand or two that can be picked up in book two, and I look forward to reading it.

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful fantasy, July 21, 2011
By Robert H Burroughs - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Kindle Edition)
Gerald and the Wee people is a wonderful fantasy novel originally meant for young adults but equally enjoyable by older readers. The plot is well developed,the characters are believeable and the dialog well written.
While walking in the woods Gerald and his friend Vernon accidently fall (literally) into the world of the Wee People who are engaged in a war with monstrous beings from the deep forest. Using modern thinking and making unique weapons the boys help the Wee People conquer the monsters and the evil forest god that controls them. A classic triumph of good over evil.
The book is not overlong and this is a good thing since once the reader begins it is difficult to put down. Two things that impressed me about "Gerald and the Wee People" are the total lack of scatalogical language and that it does not have a dark theme as in much of the current young adult fiction.
Robert F. DeBurgh.

4.0 out of 5 stars great adventure, June 6, 2011
By Mary Daugherty "author, writer, reviewer" (radcliff, kentucky) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) This review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Kindle Edition)
In a clearing, in the dark woods, is a secret society of wee people and Gerald, with his friend Vernon, has just stumbled into a wee war. With wonderful imagery and imagination, Burroughs takes her readers into a magical world filled with terror, adventure and an unsuspecting hero.

Gerald and the Wee People is a book that brings the impossible to life and takes the reader right along with it into a battle that may mean death for the wee people. Without the help of Gerald, who doesn't even know how to help, and his best friend Vernon, all may be lost. With an "Alice in Wonderland" feel, Gerald is shrank down to wee size and is at the mercy of the attacking misshapen ones along with Sheela, Cian and Sean. Can Gerald save himself and his new friends or will they all cease to be.

This is a great story of courage, faith and friendship for any age. Young adults and more mature juveniles ( some violence) will enjoy the action and adventure that Burrough's characters bring to the reader. A pleasurable read and very talented writing make this book a winner. Makes me want to go look for the magic in my own back yard.

5.0 out of 5 stars What a pleasure!, June 2, 2011
By Alex Canton-Dutari (Panama City, Panama) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Paperback)
I love fantasy, especially when it is laced with spices of reality. The adventure of Gerald and Vernon had me traveling from Lilliput to Oz, and even taking a pinch of primitive science. I never thought of someone else thinking about using old bread mold to elicit its antibiotic properties....
Ms Burroughs was able to create easy dialogues among almost familiar creatures, without messing my head with complicated names. This novel was a pleasure to read.

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating fantasy, highly recommended, September 11, 2010
By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Paperback)
It's hard to find help when people doubt who you're helping even exists. "Gerald and the Wee People" follows Gerald as he protects a village of small people who only he seems to be able to see and interact with. But Gerald's troubles only grow when he finds he alone can't protect him, and finding help seems so difficult. "Gerald and the Wee People" is a fascinating fantasy, highly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Way to Escape to Another World, September 3, 2010
By Lady Wings (South Carolina, USA) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Paperback)
Gerald and the Wee People is a nice short book that is very easy to read and enjoy. It will captivate any aged reader who likes fiction, fantasy or adventure novels.
The world of the Wee People is a fascinating place to visit with characters that come to life. The quest the main characters undertake will keep the reader entertained until the last page.
Gerald and the Wee People is a great way to escape this world of stress and pressures; just relax and read a good story.



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