Adelina finds the warmth of family, the hope of faith, and the joy of love melting away the deep wounds of her past.
But when Reese discovers that he's a pawn in her climb up the academic ladder, will he forgive Adelina s deceit or will their miscommunication end in two broken lives?
Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of 5 great kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus, and proud AlleyCat over at a group writing blog, The Writer’s Alley. Her debut historical romance novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in May 2015, with the second arriving in February 2016. Her first contemporary romance debuts in April 2016.
Check out the interview HERE.
Chapter One
“There even are places where English completely disappears. In America, they haven't used it for years!” -Dr. Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady PhD was not supposed to smell like this. Adelina Roseland dropped a box of research articles onto the floor and stifled a deep breath as the strong aroma of damp grass and naturally fertilized farmland wafted in from the open window. The entire scene defied any prestige the brass placard on her mahogany desk could have given: Adelina N. Roseland, PhD Assistant Chair Department of Communicative Disorders, Blue Ridge University Her dream job dangled in front of her, so running wasn’t an option. She’d worked much too hard. Focused. Driven. A bit obsessive, if her previous ex-boyfriends had anything to say, but not a runner. She pushed the window closed and turned to take in the four white walls of her new office. Small, tidy, with a noticeable lack of the class and charm of Charlottesville, but her own. She drew in a deep breath and infused her thoughts with courage she didn’t quite feel. The small university might be in the middle of nowhere, but she had been hand-picked for this experimental satellite program from her coveted University of Virginia. Maybe an element of prestige hung somewhere between the farmland and fertilizer. Besides, being the newest faculty member and the youngest had its price, but she’d pay it. A smile quivered. Her dad’s old adage echoed in her head, strengthening her will. “Everybody starts somewhere, Dee.” Ransom, VA was a start, but certainly not an end. She reached into her bag and claimed the desk as her own with one single inspiration – her father’s picture. His intense eyes gazed back at her from the frame, reminding her not only of their shared-gold hue but their shared dream for her life. Full professor at UVA Charlottesville. At his memory the usual ache around her heart flared to full sting. She could almost hear his baritone voice; almost smell his scent of soap and pipe tobacco. Determination fisted her hands. She’d prove herself to him even now. Make him proud and recover something of what her mother damaged. “I see you’ve found your office.” Dr. Alexander Murdock’s voice sliced into her solitude like missed high notes on a fiddle. Straight to her last nerve. Why did her immediate supervisor have to be him? Hadn’t four years as his research assistant been enough punishment? How could she become her own academic with him staring down his Grecian nose at her? She steadied her expression and turned to face him. He was a life-sized Ken doll, complete with vacant expression and hollow chest. His porcelain smile even sparkled in the morning sunlight. He advanced into the room; Grecian nose to the heavens, as if waiting for a drum roll to begin. Or had it already started pounding a rhythm inside her head? She almost prayed for strength. Almost. “What might I do for you, Dr. Murdock?” Adelina tightened her arms across her chest, his annoying presence the possible root of her quick-recurring migraines. Oh well, it was either clench her jaw and instigate a headache, or say something she’d live to regret a long time, like the length of her freshly-signed contract. She bit back a sigh, refusing to give him the satisfaction. He shook his head as he walked passed her, taking his eternal smirk and overpowering Polo cologne to the other side of the room. “Dr. Murdock?” An ache hinted at the edge of her forehead. Yep, migraine-cause confirmed. “Adelina, we’re colleagues now. Call me Alex. Besides, as much research as we’ve done together, we already have the start of a good friendship. Right?” Sure, if slave and master fit the start of a good friendship. Adelina forced a smile. “How often should I expect your visits?” Please say never. “I’ll keep close contact with you via email and visit once a month to ensure the program has a firm foundation.” He rapped the desk with his knuckles and stepped to one of the empty bookshelves, examining a few trinkets she’d haphazardly placed there. He touched her silver ballerina figurine, a twelfth birthday present from Jason – and silly way to keep her brother nearby. Alex’s fingers drifted over Desperaux, the peace lily which had survived all four of her moves in the past five years. If nothing else, the poor plant deserved a consistent owner if it couldn’t get a consistent home. He finally tilted her Calvin and Hobbes year-of-quotes book up toward him before she could stop him. She’d just read the one for today as she’d unpacked it. You know, Hobbes, some days even my lucky rocket ship underpants don’t help. She struggled to control her grin. Apropos for the moment, but no less cringe-worthy. His lips didn’t so much as tip. Who didn’t grin at Calvin and Hobbes? It was nearly unthinkable. “Isn’t Appalachia part of your heritage or something like that? One of the reasons you’ll thrive in this position, I suspect.” He relaxed back into her office chair and propped one ankle on the opposite knee. “Besides, everybody has to start somewhere.” It sounded better when her father said it. Dr. Murdock pulled his iPhone from his jacket pocket and thumbed over the screen. Dee swallowed the little taste of envy in her throat. After seven years of college life, scrounging for money, surviving on coffee and microwavable mac-n-cheese, and shopping consignment, she had her priorities in order. Keurig machine and a new car before an iPhone. But that would be next. “Is there a particular reason you traveled the three hours to see me, Dr−”. Dee stifled a groan. “Alex?” “I have to make one visit a month.” He looked up from his screen, shrugged, and returned to his email list. “It made sense to come before my schedule became too busy.” “Of course.” Dee rolled her eyes and then contemplated ways to get Alex out of her office chair- or out of her office in general. “Dr. Lindsey’s secretary said your new landlady is quite a character.” Alex murmured. “Whatever that means.” Obviously Mr. Clueless had never dealt with ‘character’ landlords in his gilded world. It figured. Of course, life in affluent St. Louis probably held no comparison to backwoods Virginia. Her stomach started into a freefall. She hoped for cartoon-like characters instead her previous Elvis-lives-character-landlord. There was something uncomfortable about a man with more bling. “How does it feel to return to your roots?” The glint in Alex’s eyes was unmistakable and downright impish. He had no idea about the Appalachian culture. Andy Griffith shone Hollywood’s light on it, but she knew the dark side all-too well. One of the many reasons she never wanted to return. Her mother’s dreams usually included a long-necked bottle and blood-shot eyes. Painful proof that most of Appalachia wasn’t filled with Mayberry’s charm or happily-ever-afters. His expression sobered and a strange sort of longing filled his eyes. “Is it home for you?” Dee hesitated. “No, never for me.” Growing up in the culture singed any desire to return. Even the unearthly pull of those gorgeous mountains beyond the window had her heart palpating a retreat rhythm. The sudden urge to click her heels together three times and repeat There’s no place like home almost overtook her, but —she didn’t have a home. And she wasn’t a quitter. Ever. Alex cleared his throat and stood, eyes fixed out the window. “The town seems idyllic – something off a movie. I just thought, maybe it was a good place to call home, that’s all.” The contemplative look on his face evaporated with his shrug. “Who needs to worry about home when we have our work, right?” His declaration shook to her core. Maybe because it felt truer than she wanted. What else did she have but her job, really? Alex flipped through a text on her desk. “Oh, and I need to get a copy of those last ten cases you completed.” “My cases?” Adelina’s emotional downward spiral came to a lurching halt. “Why?” “I’ll need the information for my presentation at ASHA in November.” Within one second all heat left her body and then rushed back in a wave of fire. He wouldn’t. “ASHA? You’re going to present my research at the national convention?” “Your research?” Alex shook his head as if to console her. “You wouldn’t have your research had I not agreed to supervise it. My name is on all the documentation and we started it together.” She surged forward, hands on her hips. “Your signature might be the only effort you put into it.” But he was right. Every piece of research held his golden seal of approval. His gaze held a singe of warning. “Supervisor clearly gives me specific rights to it, Adelina. You know that.” “Perhaps technically.” She lifted her chin in challenge. “But not ethically. You know the work I’ve done, better than anyone.” Alex drew out a long sigh. “You are a very bright woman, and no doubt you will be in top form to present at the National Conference soon. But you lack an important ingredient for the success associated with such an honor.” He sobered, like he just might have found a heart. “You have excellent theory, you’re a solid clinician and researcher, but you have practically no experience. This presentation is part of a round table discussion with the experts. You’re not ready for that.” He leaned back in her office chair and stared with that pasted smile sticking to his face. “No experience?” “You just received your doctorate in May, Adelina. I spent two years in a clinical setting in California before even applying for a university appointment.” Her eyebrows lifted so high she thought they might go into orbit along with her blood pressure. Not ready? “It took me six years to finish my PhD, and four of those years were spent devouring research on accent modification. I followed through with all the protocol. I found the subjects to evaluate and treat. I wrote the paper. And I should present those findings at ASHA. It’s my research.” Well, that got him out of her office chair. He stood to his full height, eyes narrowed. “Self-promotion has never been your strong suit, Adelina. Do you think you’re ready for the pressure of researchers grilling you?” Both palms lifted with his shrug. “But, by all means, if you’re ready, you need to prove it.” “I can prove it.” “You’ve not shown a lot of personal initiative so far. You’ve been more of a follower.” Her cheeks flamed hot enough to evaporate her makeup. Presenting at ASHA was one step closer to tenure. And a round table discussion? Right up there with being the dean’s daughter: A professional goldmine and probably a first class ticket to Charlottesville. “During the past two years, I’ve helped over forty clients reduce their accents. Two native Appalachian speakers even went on to land jobs in fortune 500 companies. I have experience and saw faster results with my clients than you did.” She sounded like a whiney four year old, just short of stomping her foot. “You’re jealous.” He and every ounce of his cologne stepped closer. “And I’ve seen over three hundred clients and presented at ASHA on four separate occasions, as well as several other national conferences. My expertise isn’t as focused on accent modification as yours, because I’ve spread my research out with the Aphasic population, but I am clearly more qualified to –“ “It’s my research, Alex. I have the knowledge and skills, and I can prove it.” “Really?” His tone almost mocked her ability – or at least it sounded that way to her nagging insecurities. “I can take any hillbilly in this town and pass her off as a Harvard grad in twelve, maybe even ten weeks.” “Ten weeks?” His grin grew so wide she knew he was trying to hold his laugh in check. “I’ll admit you’re good, but not that good.” “You pick anybody. I can do it and when I do, I’ll present at ASHA in your place.” “What? That’s ridiculous.” “And if I don’t…” She racked her brain for an ultimatum, something powerful. Something to get his attention. “I won’t share with the board some of the discrepancies I found in your research.” She leveled him with a stare. “Careless, shall we say, mistakes that made your research just a bit better than it truly was?” Well, there went the idea of not offending her supervisor. Brilliant, Dee. Kiss Charlottesville good-bye. “’S’cuse me.” A deep rumble of words pulled her attention to the doorway and away from the sparks igniting Alex’s eyes. A rugged-looking man stood framed by the doorway, muscular arms tan against a pale blue shirt half hidden underneath dark overalls. He towered over her, the nervous movement of the cap in his hands a clear contrast to the strength in his size. He was as out of his element as she was. His jaw line was shaded by five o’clock. No more like ten o’clock shadow. Midnight hair tossed in a disarray of curls topped his head and spilled over his forehead to enhance the depth of his dark eyes. There was an intoxicating strength about him. “Need any help, ma’am?” He shot Alex a severe look. Adelina blinked out of her trance and snagged a breath, casting a glance back at Alex whose jaw was set for battle. The last thing she should feel toward the burly farmer in the doorway was safety, but something about her knight-in-overalls almost had her stepping closer to his side to take cover. “No, thank you.” Adelina smiled. “Can I help you?” His gaze zeroed back to her face. Alive and intense, those creamy brown eyes fastened on hers, like he could see all the way to her childhood memories. There was a gentleness in them, a shared understanding she didn’t quite comprehend, but it shook her. A strange tingling sensation quivered in her chest and she stepped back into her desk. She pinched the edge of it so hard the corner of the wood pricked the inside of her palm, shaking her free of his hold on her thoughts. Good. She didn’t like intruders. “I’m real sorry for presenting myself like this.” He patted a tanned hand against his chest. “I wasn’t plannin’ on coming into town today.” He offered a grin that didn’t quite match the farmer motif; a perfect row of white teeth. Actually, framed by his midnight moustache and beard his smile almost gleamed. “You know a Dr. Roseland?” Adelina worked to keep the surprise from her expression. “Dr. Adelina Roseland?” His eyes widened. “Adelina?” He tried the name on his tongue, a kettle drum of consonants. “Well now, Mama ain’t said nothin’ about the doc being a …” How on earth could he make the word mama sound so sweet, even with his vowel-mutilation? In her experience, the two rarely fit together. “I’m Dr. Roseland.” Adelina extended her hand. Warning rhythms pounded in her head, but she offered him the friendliest smile she could muster. His dark brow tilted a question followed by another glimmer of teeth. “Nice to meetcha.” He stepped further into the room, all 200-something pounds of him, and took her hand. His skin was rough, but not his touch. She looked up from their clasped hands and an overwhelming sense of ‘home’ washed over her, warming untouched places in her heart. Home? Heat drained from her face and she pulled her hand from his. Ransom, Virginia was not her home. “Name’s Reese Mitchell. Welcome to Ransom.” The warm fuzzy feelings in her chest died with the turn of his speech. The poor man could injure more vowels in a single sentence than all the Beverly Hillbillies combined. “Thank you, Mr. Mitchell.” Dee’s smile tightened as she gestured to Alex. “This is Dr. Alex Murdock.” The men exchanged a nod, measuring each other like two dogs. Well, in this standoff, her odds were on the mountain man. “I didn’t mean no bother. I was sent to help you with your boxes and things.” He furrowed his shaggy brows and ran a hand through his hair, upsetting more curls. Something just wasn’t fair about a man with hair that pretty. “You were sent?” Four huge boxes of books still waited in the trunk of her car. Had Dr. Russell sent her some help? Maybe country manners weren’t so bad. The only thing Alex offered to take off her hands was her research. “I do have a few more boxes in my car.” He plopped the cap back on his head, and his eyes lit with boyish humor. “I can get ‘em.” Dee squelched a reflexive smile forcing professional distance she usually had no difficulty maintaining. Mr. Mitchell’s thought-stopping gaze captured hers again, almost as if he was gauging if she was fine or not. Could he tell? What did he care if her life ended in the next five minutes? Or worse, her career? “That’s very kind of you. Thank you.” She kept her attention away from Alex and turned for her purse, but his stare burned a hole in the side of her face. How could she have been stupid enough to offer an ultimatum? Threatening her supervising faculty member on first day? She kept her bottom lip from a slight quiver. “Are you a farmer, Mr. Mitchell?” Alex broke the awkward silence. “I am.” He replied. “Have you been in Ransom long?” Dee shot Alex a severe look. He didn’t even try to hide his sardonic grin. Someday, she hoped someone knocked him from his pedestal a few notches. Mr. Mitchell’s smile stilled. “Most of it. I finished some schoolin’ in other places, but mostly I’ve stayed close.” “Schoolin, eh?” Alex did nothing to hide the humor in his voice. “I guess farmin’ is a close-to-home kind of job.” Mr. Mitchell’s eyes narrowed a moment and he stood a bit straighter. He was even taller than he looked at first. “Home is a good place to be, Dr. Murdock. But I don’t mind some adventure now and then. Got myself an interview up near Chicago soon.” Dee braced herself for Alex’s reply. “Do you? For farming?” “Agricultural engineering firm. Seems that even big city folks are lookin’ for hardworkin’ country folks. Or at least I hope so.” He looked back at Dee, no smile in his eyes. “How ‘bout them keys, Doc?” Doc? “Well, that’s interesting.” His words came out slow, almost premeditated. She risked a look at Alex. The expression on his face made her do a double-take. He looked happy. Too happy. “Besides, Adelina,” Alex’s grin lifted in a mischievous twist. “We needed to finish our discussion so I can be on my way.” Warning lights flashed in her head. Perhaps keeping Mr. Mitchell as a human shield wouldn’t be a bad idea. At least he seemed genuine. She hesitated a moment before offering her keys to her country stranger. What if he stole her car or her CD player that skipped every two songs? One glance into those honest eyes tweaked guilt at the thought. Besides, if he was desperate enough to steal her twenty year old Jetta, he was more desperate than she was. “It’s a blue Jetta out in the front lot of the building. Two boxes in the trunk are labeled ‘office’. Oh, and there’s one box in the back seat too, but the back left door handle is broken, so you’ll have to come through the right.” A shaded grin quirked up one side of his moustache and lit his eyes. “Yes ma’am.” “And you might have to jiggle the key a little in the keyhole to get the doors to unlock.” His large hand wrapped around hers, keys and all. Warmth moved up her arm. “Got it.” The look in his eyes held her in place, even thinned the air around her. Pure kindness tinged with good-natured humor. Her lips itched to respond with a smile from her soul, but she stopped, and swallowed to wet her dry throat. Change was never easy, but this was ridiculous. She released her keys and stepped back. “Thank you.” With one last look at Alex and a quick glance back to her, the farmer stepped from the room, taking a hint of her courage with him. As soon as the door clicked closed, Alex turned on her. “We have a deal.” “What?” “You and Mr. Cow-man. Ten weeks.” His eyes sparkled like a mischievous elf’s. The implications of his statement took a full fifteen seconds to register in Adelina’s mind. “No, no way. Are you crazy?” She waved toward the boxes. “I haven’t even unpacked yet. You can’t be serious. I am not going to bring Mr. Cow…um…Mitchell into this.” “Too much of a challenge?” “No, I just —“ “Oh, I see,” Alex’s eyes narrowed into green slits. “You planned on picking someone who couldn’t roll their ‘r’s?” He shook his head and walked passed her to the closed door. Adelina clenched her fists and exhaled a shaky breath. Calm, remain calm. You are more mature than he is. “You know that’s not—” “Once you gain more experience, right?” “Fine, I’ll do it.” The words jumped out before she could catch them. Alex’s grin slowly spread across his face and she had a sudden thought of the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. “Ten weeks, which should make the great unveiling at the department Autumn Leaves Gala in Charlottesville. Perfect.” Alex reached for the door. “By then if you can pass him off as a sophisticated intellectual, no hint of the cowboy who just walked in this room, I’ll even buy you dinner at ASHA after your presentation.” What had she done? Alex stopped, hand on the door knob, his expression sobered, almost vulnerable. “How did you know about the data changes in the research?” Adelina stepped back, uncertain how to respond to this Alex Murdock. Not a hint of cynicism in his eyes. He was waiting, sincerely waiting, for her response. “I’ve been your research assistant for four years. How would I not know?” “And you never told anyone?” He stared at her for a moment, his expression softening until she felt like she didn't know him at all. He cleared his throat and opened the door. “Well, good luck, Adelina.” He walked down the hall and out of sight. Very odd. Maybe there was something more to Dr. Murdock than a perfectly pressed suit and a hot-head. She sighed. She didn’t have time to sort it out right now, and she really didn’t want any reason to like him. Not even a little. Her cup was already overflowing with more trouble than she cared to taste. She turned on her heels and moved back to her desk. How was she going to do this? Her shoulders relaxed and she collapsed into her desk chair. The majesty of a blue cascade of mountains drew her attention to the horizon out her window. Her father had called the Blue Ridge Mountains, God’s country. A place she didn’t belong. Especially since she and God hadn’t been on speaking terms for a while. Another glance at her father’s framed face renewed the unwanted warmth in her eyes, especially on this day – when he couldn’t see the results of all her hard work. She trailed a finger along the edge of the frame, tears tingling at the bridge of her nose. She wouldn’t let his dream die with him. She would make him proud. Her throat tightened as unbidden memories peeked into the present. She pushed them away, determined to leave her unsavory past in the place where all bad memories go: one-on-one intensive psychotherapy. Mr. Mitchell moved into the room, a book box under each arm as if they didn’t weigh seventy pounds apiece. “Where would you like these, Doc?” She stiffened at his pet name for her. “By those bookshelves would be fine, Mr. Mitchell. Thank you.” The T-shirt stretched taunt across his broad shoulders as he placed the boxes on the floor. She quickly looked away, heat rising to her face. “Is that all?” “For now. I still have some boxes to sort through once I reach my rental house.” Mr. Mitchell offered another white smile, a startling contrast to the unruly, black shade covering his jaw. She had a list of important things to accomplish during her first six months at this tiny school, and reforming Reese Mitchell was not on the list. Until now? There had to be another way. She hoped she returned his smile. Keep the natives happy. Impress them and you impress the higher-ups. Besides, if this wager worked out, she’d be practically married to the farmer for ten weeks. Ten weeks of intensive speech therapy with a backwoods, mountain, cattle-farmer? A prayer came to mind out of nowhere. Help me, God. Mr. Mitchell dusted his hat against his overalls and lifted guilty eyes to her. “Again, I’m real sorry ‘bout showin’ up like this.” He looked down at his work-worn overalls and scraped a hand through his dark curls. Her fingers twitched. “I usually clean up better when I come into town, but I had to run Mama to the hospital.” “Your mother?” “The tough old bird fell off a ladder ‘bout four hours ago while she was paintin’. Cracked a few ribs. Didn’t tell nobody for two hours.” He offered a crooked smile and her heart stumbled into a different rhythm. Ridiculous. “Mama didn’t want to miss her appointment with ya.” “Her appointment? With me?” “Yeah, to take you to your house.” “My house?” Thoughts tinkered to a crawl and the spot just above Adelina’s right eyebrow began to throb. She felt sick. “The house you’re gonna live in while you’re here?” Reese slowed his speech even more than it already was. “The one at Mitchell’s Crossroads.” Mitchell’s Crossroads? Reese Mitchell. A sudden sense of dread whooshed through her and drained her face of heat. “It’s our family’s old house, spittin’ distance from the new farm. My mama’s yer landlady.” “My landlady?” She knew he spoke English, after all speech clarity was her specialty. But his words and her hopes weren’t matching up. “Your mother is my landlady?” His smile quirked into a fake, this-woman-is-crazy-grin. Could he tell she was fighting the impulse to run away and never return? Whatever drew her to this cowboy frightened her all the way down to her second-hand heels. “We’ll take good care of ya, Doc. The last professor who stayed with us didn’t leave for eight years.” Nobody could take care of her that well. She stared at Reese Mitchell, willing him to disappear or tell her it’s all a joke or provide some ruby red slippers. Something. Anything. Silence invaded the moment. He took in a deep breath, scanned the room, and finally set his big, brown gaze back on hers. “Well Doc, if yer ready, let me take you home.”
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Eighteen-year- old Lucy doesn't know why she's haunting Springett Hall in Victorian England. All she remembers of her life is that she was trying to fix a terrible mistake. Now, a necromancer's plans threaten everyone in the house--living and dead--and her only hope of stopping him is enlisting the help of a servant named Philip--the one living person who can see her. But as Lucy delves into the mystery surrounding her death, she realizes Philip may have secrets of his own.
~ AMAZON ~ BARNES AND NOBLE ~
~ BOOKS AND THINGS ~
E.B. Wheeler grew up in Georgia and California. She attended BYU, majoring in history with an English minor, and earned graduate degrees in history and landscape architecture from Utah State University. She's the award-winning author of THE HAUNTING OF SPRINGETT HALL and BORN TO TREASON (May 2016), as well as several short stories, magazine articles, and scripts for educational software programs. She lives in the mountains of Utah with her husband, daughters, various pets, and as many antique roses as she can cram into her yard. If she had spare time, she would spend it playing harp and hammered dulcimer, gardening, hiking, shooting archery, knitting, and reading. Q & A the Author: 1. When did you start writing, and was there a specific event or person who influenced you to become an author? I've been writing as long as I can remember, and I'm sure it helped that my parents read to me and sometimes made up their own bedtime stories (often with input from us kids), but I think it was Lloyd Alexander who made me want to write seriously. As a kid, I sent a letter telling him how much his books inspired me, and he wrote a really encouraging note back. I decided then I wanted to be like him (I'm still working on it). 2. Are you currently working on a project, and if so, can you tell us anything about it? I have a couple of projects in the works. My Renaissance historical fiction, Born to Treason, comes out in May, and I'm co-authoring a World War I novel, No Peace with the Dawn, scheduled for release in November. I have a Victorian fantasy about a group of outcasts fighting the Faerie Queen that's out on submission now, and a book about a treasure hunt making its way out of the rough draft stage.
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Snippet 2:
“Sunset,” Philip hissed.
A breeze stirred, whirling the dust into a funnel that glittered in the last light of day. How could something so beautiful exist in a place so foul? I glanced at Philip, hoping to share the moment, but his face was buried in his sleeve.
“Mr. Ketley?”
“It stinks, like sulfur and rotting meat.”
A rat dashed out of a dim corner and fled for the library.
The colors faded and the dust turned gray. The twirling breeze centered over the altar. The darkness beat like a pulse, flashing a black so deep it stung my eyes. I couldn’t imagine Philip not noticing it, but he scrambled to gather the papers from the floor and Sir Jason’s desk.
Dark mist materialized in the silver outline, thickening with each pulse, until the air in the circle roiled with black fog.
“Mr. Ketley!”
He glanced at the circle and swore. “Get out!” Scooping another armful of papers, he fled the room.
The black fog bubbled like a pot coming to a boil.
I hurried after Philip, grasping to pull the bookcase shut behind me. My hands slipped through. I covered my mouth, helpless to do anything against the darkness building within the circle.
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About the BookCarly Blosser may not match the typical description of a conservative Mennonite woman—unmarried at 27, living alone, and careening around her Oregon neighborhood on a pink bicycle—but she has a soft heart for the elderly Mennonite residents at Sweet Life Assisted Living Facility, where she works as a caregiver. When Carly’s plans for a new volunteer program go awry, she shifts her focus to one lonely resident named Martha. Adam Lapp, a wood shop instructor at Sweet Life, joins with Carly to reunite Martha with an old flame before her 85th birthday. Carly and Adam’s hunt involves carved initials on covered bridges, digging up the past, and the appearance of a newcomer, who hinders the budding romance between the two. Soon, new clues sweep them all in a harried race to the finish line where love is sure to be the ultimate prize. Dianne Christner lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Her Mennonite background brings authenticity to her new contemporary series about the plain people. Before this, she had several historical fictions published. Dianne is a member of Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Writers of the West, and National Association of Professional Women. She invites you to visit her website and blog. ReviewDianne Christner has written a sweet, heart-warming Mennonite story that readers will enjoy. It is the story of an older Mennonite woman, Carly Blosser, who works in an assisted living care center. She is sweet with a little sass, including her pink bicycle. Little by little Carly seems to be falling in love with her brother’s friend, Adam, Lapp, but there is tension involved as Adam is caught in the cross fire between his father and uncle to either court Carly for the wrong reasons or not be involved with her at all. Although it took me a little bit to get into the story, it was still a fun, sweet novel with delightful characters and well-written plot. I would recommend this entertaining and enjoyable story to readers that enjoy Amish fiction. Genre: Amish, romance, Christian Publisher: Shiloh Run Press, a division of Barbour Publishing Publication date: March 1, 2016 Number of pages: 320 Content Rating: G Book Rating: 4 stars A review copy of this book was provided by Barbour Publishing.
Enter handsome and easygoing Jesse Chapman, the roofer she meets on her first foray into volunteer work for Homes For Hope. In every way, the quirky man is her opposite—confident, a people kind of guy, and most importantly, happy. His likable qualities continue to draw her in, and for some reason he keeps coming back to her. But they can’t be more than friends—he’s made that crystal clear. Except for a handful of times…and the confusion is driving her crazy.
Sarah’s quest for self-definition becomes more tangled than she ever imagined, and she discovers that the journey will take her deeper than clothes and makeup. Filling the void in her heart becomes an obsession she cannot escape. How far is she willing to go to discover who she really is?
Jennifer Rodewald is passionate about the Word of God and the powerful vehicle of story. The draw to fiction has tugged hard on her heart since childhood, and when she began pursuing writing she set on stories that pointed to the grace of God. Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life. Four kids and her own personal superman make her home in southwestern Nebraska delightfully chaotic. She would love to hear from you! Please connect with Jennifer on:
It’s all coming together. In a handful of days, Sarah Sharpe will launch from my imagination into the world. Can you tell that I’m excited? Good. Because I am.
So while I do a happy dance in my kitchen, which I can’t show you, and you probably really don’t want to see, I’ll hand you the cover of my newest novel….
Tada!!!
This cover was fun, and I love that my sister, Joanna Jerome (Conn—almost! She’s getting married the day after The Carpenter’s Daughter launches. How fun is that?), and my sister-in-law Lorie Jerome were able to participate in the cover creation.
I have to say right off that I’m usually not a fan of decapitated heads on covers. So, why’d we go that route? Well, let me take you through the process… The photo shoot lasted a little more than an hour, and we had quite a few laughs during that time. Joanna is a stage actress, and she really showed her talent as she captured Sarah Sharpe’s quest for identity during the session. Here’s a few shots that didn’t make the cut:
Copyright: Lorie Jerome, 2015. Used with permission.
This was nearly perfect. Joanna and Lorie captured Sarah’s heart ache and longing. I love the hat. The dress ties into the story. And that hammer… every carpenter needs a hammer. However, we decided the background, as lovely as it is, didn’t make her pop.
We moved to an old shed, painted red. Better back ground. Pose…well, maybe. But Sarah’s hair is shorter, and darker. The wispy strands over her face make that element difficult to change.
Ohh…I like. The longing in her expression is perfect. The hair could be manipulated in this picture. Bummer, though, I don’t like the way the dress is laying at her shoulder…
This went on for hours. Days. And in the midst of it, and through talking with my critique partners and beta readers something important came to the surface. Sarah Sharpe could be any of us. She could be our neighbor. The shy girl who never makes eye contact at the coffee shop. The outspoken woman who is too bristly to embrace. She could be you. Heaven knows, she’s often me. In the story I give vague details about character’s physical descriptions—hair and eye color and that’s about it. In fiction, this is often frowned upon. People want to be able to “see” the characters they’re reading about, right? I want my reader to become Sarah Sharpe. To live in her skin. I feel like there is a greater impact when we don’t focus on the face but rather on the heart. I want a reader to literally take this journey with Sarah, because what she discovers is universally important. Life changing. How do I know? I took that walk with her, and it has made all the difference . In the end, we decapitated my model (poor Jo!). On purpose. I hope that you’ll forgive me (Joanna already has). I’m thrilled with the cover for Sarah’s story, and I can’t wait to show you what’s inside. To celebrate the fact that I’m actually ahead of schedule (Whoa. Mark it down, scribe.) the preorder is live and you can lock in your Kindle copy for $0.99. The link is below. The Carpenter’s Daughter on Amazon. Like I said, I’m so excited! Sarah’s story is pretty special to me, and I can’t wait to hear what you think. Thank you so much for allowing me to gush!
Smiling Book Reviews--Guest Post: Introducing the Carpenter's Daughter...and Sharing a New That Lasts
Reading is My SuperPower--Endorsements + Gust Post: Enough cherylbbookblog --Game: Word Search Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance--Sales Post Katie's Clean Book Collection--Character Sketch Bloomfield Of Thoughts--Guest Post: I am Loved KJ's Book Nook--Game: Puzzles The Editor's Note--Behind the Scenes (plus a sneak-peek)... Debbie's Dusty Deliberations--Playlist Singing Librarian Books--Guest Post: The Story Behind the Cover About the Book
Every family has secrets, but some are far darker, reach deeper, and touch a rawer nerve than others.
For Vanesa Neuman, the past is a closed book. The daughter of Holocaust survivors, her childhood in the cramped intimacy of south Tel Aviv is shadowed by her parents’ unspoken wartime experiences. But when her father passes away, the closed book falls literally open. Vanesa decides to unravel the mystery of the diary she has received, and strange symbol in it, at all costs. Set against the backdrop of the Jewish Museum of Prague during the Nazi occupation – Adolf Eichmann’s “Museum of an Extinct Race” – Galerie is fast-paced historical fiction in the tradition of Tatiana De Rosnay’s Sarah’s Key. From Jerusalem’s Yad V’Shem Holocaust research center, to the backstreets of Prague, and into the former “paradise ghetto” of Theresienstadt – Vanesa’s journey of understanding will reveal a darker family past than she ever imagined and a secret kept alive for over half a century. PERFECT FOR BOOK CLUBS: A book club guide is included at the end of the story. About the Author
Steven Greenberg is a professional writer, as well as a full-time cook, cleaner, chauffeur, and work-at-home Dad for three amazing young children, and the lucky husband of a loving and very supportive wife. Born in Texas and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Steven emigrated to Israel only months before the first Gulf War, following graduation from Indiana University in 1990. In 1996, he was drafted into the Israel Defense Forces, where he served for 12 years as a Reserves Combat Medic. Since 2002, Steven has worked as an independent marketing writer, copywriter and consultant.
You can find more information at Steven Greenberg’s website. You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. Praise
“…dark and gritty…the story and writing lift it up to the point of being nearly sublime. Buy this book and say goodbye to your family for the weekend, because you will not want to put it down once you get started.” ~ Eric W. Swett
“Galerie is a gripping read, rich with intrigue from beginning to end. As much a thriller as a Holocaust novel…” ~ BookWormNZ “Imagine Stephen King wrote Schindler’s List…Galerie manages to break away from the accepted treatment of Europe’s darkest hour and explore the horror from an unexpected point of view.” ~ Nikki “…uncomfortable in moments, but so provocative that it is impossible to put down.” ~ Sydology Review
Steven Greenberg has written a story that will mesmerize readers from page one. This deeply stirring story will suck readers in as they read about the story of Vanesa Neuman and her desire to learn more about her parent’s hidden wartime past. When her father dies, Vanesa sets out on a quest to discover her family’s identity and the meaning behind her father’s diary and the strange symbol within. This novel is filled with raw emotion and events that will make your heart ache. Filled with deep and rich history, this is a novel that readers will not easily forget as they read of horrific events that took place during WWII. I would recommend this novel to readers that thoroughly enjoy rich history and stories of WWII.
Genre: historical, WWII, thriller, literary Publisher: Evolving Publishing Publication date: October 26, 12016 Number of pages: 246 Content Rating: PG-13, some adult content in regards to WWI events Book Rating: 5 stars
A review copy of this book was proviced by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours.
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Tuesday, April 5
Review at Library Educated Wednesday, April 6 Review & Giveaway at Man of la Book Interview at Library Educated Thursday, April 7 Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book Review & Giveaway at The Maiden’s Court Friday, April 8 Review & Giveaway at Singing Librarian Books Monday, April 11 Guest Post & Giveaway at Teddy Rose Book Reviews Tuesday, April 12 Review at Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne Wednesday, April 13 Review at Flashlight Commentary Thursday, April 14 Review at Bookramblings Interview at Flashlight Commentary Friday, April 15 Review at Book Nerd About the BookThe prodigal is coming home. It’s been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray’s Glen, Washington. He’s broke, but not broken, and it’s time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again. He doesn’t expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest— a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there’s more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he’s determined to find out what she’s hiding…and why. Colt’s return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam’s right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn’t thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch’s contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray’s Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor. And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district’s wealth and power—or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good? About the AuthorRuth Logan Herne has more than half a million books in print, including fifteen “Love Inspired” contemporary novels. “Back in the Saddle” is the first book in her new western romance series. Ruth is a founding member of Seekerville, a popular writing collective blog. A country girl who loves the big city, Ruth and her husband live on a farm in upstate New York. ReviewSometimes in life we make decisions that disappoint our family and especially our parents. But after making mistakes, there is always forgiveness and redemption. That is exactly what happens when Colt Stafford returns home to the ranch after shirking his cowboy legacy and running off to a fancy career on Wall Street in Manhattan. When Colt returns he must prove not only to himself, but others that he has changed and is ready and willing to stay. Ruth Logan Herne has once again written a captivating story that readers will fall in love with from page one. Readers will not want to put down this magnificent story until the last delightful page. With easily relatable characters and a small town, western feel, Ruth has written a story that will captivate the attention of any adult, male or female. Series: Double S Ranch Genre: contemporary, western, Christian Publisher: Mulnomah Publication date: March 15, 2016 Number of pages: 320 Content Rating: PG, a little bit of kissing, mention of possible drug overdose, ranch accidents Book Rating: 5 stars A review copy of this book was provide by LitFuse via the publisher.
Happy Birthday To You!!!
Winner's choice of 2 of the following books:
-Beyond the Silence by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse -A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunger -A Season to Wed by Rachel Hauck, Cindy Kirk, & Cheryl Wyatt -The Imposter by Suzanne Woods Fisher -The Sweetest Rain by Myra Johnson AND Some fantastic author swag!! Including items from: Kate Breslin, Melanie Dickerson, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Carla Laureano, and Dawn Crandall. About the BookWhen Mahala Kent’s tea party honoring her brother’s marriage turns into a brawl over tea, she’s forced out of her wealthy neutrality. A public debate on the subject pushes her even closer to her childhood friend and hoped-for suitor, Jothan Stout. Will the arrival of a tea shipment in Greenwich push Jothan and Mahala further apart—or give them a common taste for herbal infusions? About the AuthorDarlene Franklin’s greatest claim to fame is that she writes full-time from a nursing home. She lives in Oklahoma, near her son and his family, and continues her interests in playing the piano and singing, books, good fellowship, and reality TV in addition to writing. Ms. Franklin is a graduate of Northeastern Bible College and Southwestern Baptist Seminary. Her devotionals have appeared in sixteen books and five magazines. It is Well with My Soul was written and compiled by Ms. Franklin. Ms. Franklin has also written more than thirty works of fiction. Connect with Darlene on: ReviewDarlene Franklin’s A Teacup Courtship was an absolute delight to read! I am a huge fan of historical fiction stories and the 18th Century time period. This story takes place during the unrest between Mother England and America and the argument over tea. I thoroughly enjoy reading about this struggle. Darelen’s novella in the A Teacup Courtship Collection has fun characters, including spunky and opinionated Mahala Kent, as well as a history based and pleasurable story with Tea Party debates and of course mention of dumping tea in the ocean so Americans can get their point across to England. There is also a bit of romance, which enhances this charming tale. I would recommend this novella to readers that enjoy historical fiction and stories that take place in the 18th Century. Series: A Teacup Courtship Novella Genre: historical fiction, Boston Tea Party, 18th Century Publisher: Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publication date: January 22, 2016 Number of pages: 72 Content Rating: PG, some violence due to Tea Party activities and debates, but nothing graphic Book Rating: 5 stars Other books in this novella collection:
1-A Touch of Sugar by Cynthia Hickey 3-Gold Dust Tea by Teresa Ives Lilly A review copy of this book was provided by Darlene Franklin's Street Team. About the BookThey’ve helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection. Love at Mistletoe Inn by Cindy Kirk Sometimes the road to happiness is paved with youthful mistakes. Ten years after what she thought was her almost-wedding, Hope Prentiss discovers that the ceremony counted—and, as fate would have it, the jilted John Burke has just ridden back into town. After spending some time with John and helping plan a Christmas wedding for a mystery couple, Hope begins to wonder if she really wants a divorce . . . or a real wedding of her own. A Brush with Love by Rachel Hauck Revealing the beauty in other women might be Ginger Winters’s specialty—but it will take an unexpected kind of love to help Ginger see the beauty in herself. Ginger Winters will be the “beauty-maker” for the Alabama society wedding of the decade. But when high-school crush Tom Wells shows up looking for a haircut, Ginger’s thinly veiled insecurities threaten to keep her from love once again . . . despite Tom’s best efforts. Serving Up a Sweetheart by Cheryl Wyatt Meadow knows how to serve delicious food to match any wedding theme. But can she accept love when it’s served up on a silver platter? Meadow Larson is having the mother of all Mondays when her roof caves in during a blizzard, right before the most important wedding contract of her career. Renovation contractor Colin McGrath offers to fix Meadow’s roof, even though he knows he is the last person she would accept help from. But the more Meadow gets to know the new Colin, the more she realizes God may have something more permanent in store than a new catering kitchen. Available to purchase on - AMAZON - About the AuthorsRachel Hauck is a USA Today Bestselling author. Her book, The Wedding Dress, was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Her book Once Upon A Prince was a Christy Award finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and two pets and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at rachelhauck.com, Facebook: rachelhauck, and Twitter: @RachelHauck. Cindy Kirk sold her first book in 1999 as a result of a contest win which garnered a critique of the entire manuscript. She’s been writing—and selling—ever since. Cindy has been a Booksellers’ Best Award Winner, a finalist for the National Readers’ Choice Awards and a Publishers Weekly best seller. Cindy has served on the Board of Directors of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) since 2007. In November 2014, she began serving as President of the 10,000+ member organization. She’s a frequent speaker at not only the national RWA conferences, but large regional writing conferences. She has also presented at smaller retreats and conferences across the country. She lives on an acreage in Nebraska with her high school sweetheart husband of too-many-years-to-count and their three “boys” (a shih tzu, a blue heeler and a dorkie). Their daughter lives close by with her wonderful husband and their two little girls. Cindy invites you to check out her websitewww.cindykirk.com. Twitter: @CindyKirkAuthor. Cheryl Wyatt writes romance with virtue. She’s a USA Today bestselling author and has earned RT Top Picks, spots #1 and #4 on her debut publisher’s Top 10 Most-Blogged-About-Books list, Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence final, and other awards. Cheryl loves readers! Join her newsletter at www.CherylWyatt.com. Facebook: CherylWyattAuthor Twitter: @cherylwyatt ReviewLove at Mistletoe Inn by Cindy Kirk After a slightly confusing introduction to the story and after a few pages of reading, I grasped the concept that and cute story idea of two young people, Hope and John, falling in love and having a shotgun wedding. But after being apart for ten years and believing that their marriage was not valid, when in reality it was, this changes everything. Although the storyline had great promise, I felt like the relationship between Hope and John was a bit forced. I did however enjoy the ending of the story. 3 stars A Brush with Love by Rachel Hauck At age twelve Ginger Winters was in a tragic fire leaving scars on her body. Now a beautician, Ginger doesn’t know what to make of her previous high-school crush when he returns to town twelve years after not showing up their first date. Ginger is especially confused when Tom tells her she is beautiful, scars and all. Ginger and Tom’s relationship is beautiful and precious. As always, author Rachel Hauck brings life and feeling into her characters and wonderful stories. 5 stars Serving Up a Sweethheart by Cheryl Wyatt After the roof caves in on her double home and catering business, a bully from Meadow’s past comes to her aid to rebuild her home and kitchen. As a teen, Colin used bullying as a way to hide family troubles, but has always regretted hurting Meadow. Through the rush of preparing some catering events and Colin fixing up her home, can Meadow and Colin become friends and even fall in love? Cheryl Wyatt has created a sweet and tender romance in her novella. With characters that learn from the past and fall in love. This winter romance is one that readers will not want to miss. 5 stars Series: A Year of Weddings 2 Genre: Contemporary, Christian, Novella, Romance Publisher: Zondervan Publication date: November 3, 2015 Number of pages: 336 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 4 stars A review copy of this book was provided by CelebrateLit. GiveawayLink to the giveaway in the graphic above. Tour ScheduleApril 5: Singing Librarian Books
April 6: Giveaway Lady April 7: CTF Devourer April 8: Splashes of Joy April 8: Southern Chelle April 9: Tell Tale Book Reviews April 9: Just Commonly April 10: Daysong Reflections April 11: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses April 12: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations April 12: Seasons of Opportunities April 13: Bigreadersite April 13: Simple Harvest Reads April 14: Texas Book-aholic April 15: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS April 16: A Greater Yes April 16: Cassandra M’s Place April 17: Quiet Quilter April 17: Bukwurmzzzz April 18: Reader’s Cozy Corner Playing the Part (A Class of Their Own) by Jen Turano -- Book Tour Review + 5 Book Giveaway
4/1/2016
About the BookCan they accept who they are behind the parts they play in time to save the day? Lucetta Plum is an actress on the rise in New York City, but is forced to abandon her starring role when a fan’s interest turns threatening. Lucetta’s widowed friend, Abigail Hart, is delighted at the opportunity to meddle in Lucetta’s life and promptly whisks her away to her grandson’s estate to hide out. Bram Haverstein may appear to simply be a somewhat eccentric gentleman of means, but a mysterious career and a secret fascination with a certain actress mean there’s much more to him than society knows. Lucetta, who has no interest in Abigail’s matchmaking machinations, has the best intentions of remaining cordial but coolly distant to Bram. But when she can’t ignore the strange and mysterious things going on in his house, it’ll take more than good intentions to keep her from trying to discover who Bram is behind the part he plays. Available to purchase on - AMAZON - About the AuthorJen Turano, author of the Ladies of Distinction series and the A Class of Their Own series, is a graduate of the University of Akron. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. ReviewOnce again, author Jen Turano has written a delightfully, charming and funny historical romance story. With dashingly wonderful characters and a plot full of mysterious secrets, abductions, adventure, fun, and romance, readers will not want to miss book three in the A Class of Their Own series. Join actress Lucetta Plum on an venture all her own as she runs from a man that has “acquired” her from gambling with her step-father and meets her friend Abigail Hart’s mysterious grandson Bram Haverstein in the process. What Lucetta doesn’t know is that Bram has secrets of his own. Every page is a simple delight and readers will not want to put this wonderful story down. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy humor filled historical romance novels. Series: A Class of Their Own Genre: historical, romance, Christian, humor Publisher: Bethany House Publication date: March 1, 2016 Number of pages: 352 Content Rating: G Book Rating: 5 stars Other books in the series: 1-After a Fashion 2-In Good Company A review copy of this book was provided by LitFuse. GiveawayLink to giveaway in the image above.
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