That time I bit off more than I can chew

Brick work done, now just need to fill with topsoil and build the Cottage/Shed

A few months ago I made mention of a project I was getting ready to tackle. My ever patient husband had agreed to let me purchase 1000 reclaimed antique bricks for the purpose of building some new garden boxes. I promised an update on that project upon completion and - sigh, gasp, fist-pump! - it's finally done... Well, at least the brick part of it.

The truth of the matter is, this was a big project and I knew it. What I didn't know, however, was just how big it was.

It started early this spring... in a corner of our yard formerly know as the "Playground."

As tends to happen, our kids had outgrown their playset. The day we decided to let the it go, was a sad day. It'd already sat virtually untouched for a couple of years and the idea of holding on to it for the enjoyment of our (distant) future grandchildren didn't appeal to me or my husband. It was time to let someone else love and care for our awesome swingset. 

And so, we sold it.

Which left us with a big, bare spot... And even bigger ideas and plans! 

I decided to build a garden "cottage" (aka shed) where the trampoline was and move my garden boxes to the newly vacated playground area. This, of course, meant we needed to pipe water to the area.

That was one of those moments (days really) where having a large lot was NOT exciting. To get water to the new garden box area we had to trench 97 feet across our yard through sod, rocks, and the most ridiculously hard clay you can imagine. (At least we didn't have to go the whole 150ish feet across the yard. That might have been a deal breaker!)

Once the water line was run, I moved our peach tree and our apple tree to their new homes. The peach tree managed the move gloriously... the apple tree not so much.

Then, Prince Charming authorized the purchase of my BEAUTIFUL bricks. 

With the help of our children, moving roughly 5000 lbs of bricks wasn't too daunting. We stacked them along the parameter of the garden area so they'd be out of the way when I began construction.

Now, I've done a lot of handy-manish projects, but brick laying has never been one of them. I had a pretty good idea how things should go, but to solidify my ideas I attended several sessions at the University of YouTube. The masonry pros made it look easy and before long I was confident that I understood the technique.

So I got down and dirty. Literally. As it turns out, masonry isn't as easy or as clean as I thought it should be. 

I can't tell you how many hours it took to lay those darn bricks, but each and every one of them was grueling. It did't take me long to realize that trying to make PERFECT BOXES out of IMPERFECT BRICKS was a PERFECT TEST of my IMPERFECT PATIENCE. 

And, oh how I celebrated the moment I placed that last little brick! I tucked my tools in my garage with a vow that I will NEVER do masonry work again. 

We will fill these beauties up with topsoil (and a new apple tree) early next spring! Then, I get to build my cottage. And, no, it will not have bricks on it.... a covered porch, stone work, and shutters, but not a single little brick! 

Diary of a Missionary Mom: Give me some meat!

Dear Elder,

I appreciate your weekly emails. I'm glad you are doing well. From the breakdown in your emails, I gather that you are keeping busy. Monday pdays, football (aka soccer), photos and emails. Tuesday finding. Wednesday meetings. Thursday dinners with ward members. Friday more finding. Saturday games with the youth. Sunday meetings ....

Yep, I've got your weekly routines down.  What I don't have, however, is MEAT! You give me lots of gravy, but frankly, I'd like more than sentences that end with, "it was good" or "it was awesome." I'll bet it - whatever it is - was awesome! But, do you know what? It'd be nice to know a little more about it than the fact that it was good.

Here's a revolutionary idea: How about when those cool things happen, you actually tell me about the event. You know, from start to finish. I suppose a cursory note about how awesome it was can be part of the text, but for heaven sake, dear son, it doesn't need to be the beginning and the end to your story.

"... Elder B caught his handlebars on a railing as he rode by. I had to fix his bike.... It was awesome."
 - Hmm? And what about Elder B? How did he fare his little debacle? Did he flip or fly? Did he meet pavement or lawn or shrubbery? Is he okay?

"... We met with a man from the ward today. He told us his story from the War. It was awesome."
- Great. And it was awesome because? *shrugs*

"... We helped Sister So-and-so tame her yard today. She literally had trees growing out of her walls. We tackled it as boys do and it was awesome."
- Tackle? As in a full-body take down? Or with an arsenal of tools? How big, exactly, are these trees you speak of? Fingerlings? Staunch logs? Did you need a chainsaw? ... And, how do trees manage to grow out of walls? Is this normal?

I'm not asking for novels or even essays. A couple brief sentences would suffice. I mean, come on, all I'm asking for is a little meat to go with all the gravy!

Love, your ever patient and easily satiated, just wanting a little more, Mom.

My Name is Bryan - by Stacy Lynn Carroll

I met Stacy Lynn Carroll recently at a writer's retreat. We had a great time chatting about our families, our past projects and our current work. As soon as she told me about My Name is Bryan, I immediately knew I had to read it.

My Name is Bryan is a novel based on the true story of Bryan Carroll, Stacy's very own father in law, who in 1979 at the age of 18, took a jump that changed his life forever.

From the back cover: 
If your friends jumped off a cliff, would you jump too? Bryan chose to dive. Moments later, as he lay on the beach, unable to move his arms or legs, two questions ran through his mind: Would he walk again? And would he ever have kids? Based on the incredible true story of life, love, and never giving up.


Once I started reading Bryan's story, I could not put it down. It was both heart wrenching and heart warming. I cannot even imagine the grief that would come from going from a healthy, strong, active young man, to a quadriplegic in a matter of seconds. And yet, Bryan's story is not one of anger or bitterness, but instead one of hope and perseverance. As I read I kept finding myself trying to imagine what it must've been like to be in his shoes. And, with each new obstacle he faced, I was inspired by his positive attitude and humble perspective.

This is a great story for readers of all ages. It is available for kindle and in paperback on Amazon  and other online retailers.

About the Author: 
Stacy Lynn Carroll has always loved telling stories. She started out at Utah State University where she pursued a degree in English. Go Aggies! She then finished her BA at the University of Utah (to be closer to her then boyfriend, now hubby) where she got an emphasis in creative writing. After college she worked as an administrative assistant, where she continued to write stories for the amusement of her co-workers. When her first daughter was born, and with the encouragement of a fortune cookie, she quit her job and became a full-time mommy and writer. It seemed like fate when Matt and Stacy married. She was a writer, and her father-in-law had a story that demanded to be written. She and her husband have three children, two Corgis, and a fish named Don. If you enjoyed this book, Stacy would love and appreciate your reviews on Amazon and Goodreads! She also loves to make new friends. Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorstacylynncarroll Twitter: @StacyLCarroll Or visit her website: www.stacylynncarroll.com

What in the world are you doing?... I mean me. What am I doing?

So, perhaps you've noticed it's been quite some time since I posted to my blog. Let's be honest, it's been MONTHS! I'd like to say that I've been lazy, but frankly, lazy is a word I don't typically keep in my vocabulary. BUSY, however, is. 

Of course, I'm happy to fill you in on where my time has been spent for the past 4 months, but first, I'd like to share with you where my current focus is.

What am I CURRENTLY working on? -

Let's talk writing projects for a minute. I currently have a few in the works.

Hacked is a contemporary romance SHORT STORY about a girl named Susan... or Ginger?... or Susan? As you may have guessed, there is an element of hidden identity and a twist of suspense. Susan - um, Ginger - is a (Computer) Security Analyst for the US Government. The story starts when Susan's identity gets compromised and she is sent from the Virginia NSA campus to the Bluffdale, Utah NSA campus under the new identity of Ginger. Of course, it can't be as simple as that and when love - or at least what she thinks is love - complicates the picture, she begins to discover that things aren't always quite what they seem to be.

My second short is actually a NOVELLA (meaning it's longer than a short story but shorter than a novel.) It's an LDS themed contemporary romance about a girl named Julia who, during her sophomore year at BYU happens to be dating the star basketball player, Adam. She thinks life couldn't get better until she meets a UofU med student named Wyatt. As if a love triangle isn't enough, a third twist throws chaos into her life when she begins to entertain the idea of serving a mission for the LDS church.  - No name for this Novella as of yet. I simply refer to it as Defining Julia. 

Of all my projects, Beautiful Daughter is my very favorite! It's a tender look at who we are as women and our ultimate value in the eyes of our Heavenly Father.

I've also - after pondering for a few years about the right way to handle this amazing story - gottten a good start on Lucas Kai. Unlike most of my other novels, Lucas Kai is not a romance. It is a "based on a real events" story of three women who, after each having their own battles, find their lives intertwined and mended through the beautiful miracle of a baby named Lucas.


What am I NOT spending my time? -

So, clearly, I have a lot of projects on my plate (and those are just the writing ones.) Because I've realized I may be one step away from masochism, I've decided to let a few things slide, at least for now. It is with a sad, but realistic heart, that I step away from my "Wonhundred Word Wednesday" posts for a bit. I will also be cutting back on author interviews and book reviews for a spell. Of course, I won't be completely closing the door on these (I have a review posting later this week, in fact), but I need to put my focus other places for a while.


And now... What have I been doing the last four months? - 

*Anchoring family TRADITIONS:

Catching some rays, some Zzzzs... oh and some fish at Fish Lake.

* Cheering on the Chilakins: 

Olivia took  first place in county with the Shot Put! 

Mason, our long legged runner! 

Olivia perfecting her sprint. 

*CeLEbraTiNg with the fam:

4th of July with Grandpa W.

Mom & Dad W's 50th Anniversary

Mason's birthday and priesthood ordination.

*Having fun with our "cardboard" Elder - 

Oh, brother! ;-) 

Taking flat-Tanner for a walk

*Camping (aka, finding dirt, eating junk, and smelling like o'de campfire) - 

Stunning views at Smith and Moorehouse

Endless beauty, Soapstone Basin 

Descending into the "Bear Den"  - Smith & Moorhouse 

Moab

My mom's first RZR ride

*Taming the yard-

Our dresser re-build. Converted it to a cat house (yeah, keep scrolling down, you'll see what I mean!) 

1000 reclaimed antique bricks to build new garden boxes.

*Playing - 

 

*Did I mention Camping? - 

With the cousins at Soapstone

*And the piece de resistance... We added a new member to our family. There is one animal I've sworn I'd never own. One. Just one. Well, guess what? Our awesome dogs, Lilah & Cooper, are the proud owners of their very own.... 

Kitty Cat! 

Meet Clairise... aka: the face of "Hell Freezing Over!" 

And that is my summer in short. Lots of go, go, go and do, do, do. As always, keeping it Krazy!

"Memories of Me" by Laura Hedgecock

About the book:
We all have stories to share with our children and grandchildren. Whether it’s a proud moment, memories of grandparents, or a lesson you’ve learned, Memories of Me: A Complete Guide to Telling and Sharing the Stories of Your Life helps you put the episodes of your past onto paper and share them with loved ones.

Inside you’ll find:

• Simple, down-to-earth instructions to get you started

• Worksheets with in-depth brainstorming exercises to spark recall

• Plenty of examples to spark your creativity

• Writing advice to make your memories shine

Preserve your stories and share them with the important people in your life by using the tips and advice found in this comprehensive guide.

What I liked about the book: 

When most people think about family history, they focus mostly on filling in the branches of their family tree. Names and dates are great, but I'm more of a story kind of girl. That is what I loved about this book. This is a book that will not only help you write your own history but it will help you compile those of your ancestors and family. And, what if your motivation is to simply make a record for your personal use? Well, that's okay too. As Hedgecock points out in the very first chapter, "You don't have to feel compelled to share your memories to be motivated to preserve them. You may want to preserve your stories while memory serves or while health still permits you to write and enjoy them. You might write to work through your feelings about your past, to reconnect yourself with your roots, process your grief at the loss of a loved one, or simply for the joy of writing." 

Hedgecock has put together a very informative, step-by-step guide to help you preserve your memories. What I liked most was the worksheets that help get you moving in the right direction. She poses questions to get you thinking. For example: 

• Who are the most important people in your life? 
• Moments in which I felt especially proud... or I knew what I was doing mattered. 
• What was a typical happy moment?
• What are memorable physical attributes of those in your family? What about situations or manners?  

One of the highlights of the book are Hedgecock's personal stories. I love how she teaches a concept then shows you an example from her own life. 

This is seriously a book I believe everyone should take the time to read. If you take it one chapter at a time, following the direction she gives, by the time you finish reading, you will be well on your way to having your history recorded.  

To learn more about the book visit: Treasure Chest of Memories

Get your copy of Memories of Me in paperback or ebook through Amazon and other book retailers. 

Wonhundred Word Wednesday: "Don't Peek!"

Wow, this was a tough one to keep down to 100 words. I needed at least 10 times that many to really develop a story. *shrug*  

Today's prompt: "No matter what you hear, no matter how badly you want to, do NOT open your eyes." 

“Jane,” Peter whispered softly in her ear, "No matter what you hear, no matter how badly you want to, do NOT open your eyes."

“But,” she started.

“Just keep your eyes closed and trust me, okay?”

“Okay,” she nodded nervously.

He took her hand and led her quietly through the house. At the base of the stairs he stopped. “Stay here.”

Bang. Thump. Crash.

She held her breath and cinched her eyes tighter. Shattering glass followed a reverberating pop, then another, then… silence.

“Don’t look.” Peter calmed her urge to peek as his hand gently engulfed hers again. “Let’s go.”

Don't forget to visit these other blogs to read their awesome 100 word stories: 

Wendy Knight

Kelly Martin

Alison Woods

Jessica Winn

R.K. Grow

Leah Sanders

Laura Bastian

Jaclyn Weist

Amryn Scott

K.R. Wilburn

Lindzee Armstrong

Katie Larson

Miranda D. Nelson

Angela Schroeder

Ginny Romney

Canda Mortensen

Diary of a Missionary Mom: Turning Point

I've reached a turning point. Actually, I must have reached it a while back and it came so subtly I just didn't realize it. I'd guess it was somewhere after his 6 month mark. Maybe closer to his 7th. Really, I can't put a finger on it though, because it was quiet. Uneventful. Natural. 

I don't miss him as much any more. 

I know there are mothers that may think that I lack compassion or that I am heartless for saying I don't spend every day missing my son who is halfway around the world, but I'd like to think that it means that (1) I've done my job in raising an independent, responsible child and (2) that I've learned to TRUST in God's plan for that child. 

After many grueling, sleepless nights, I feel at peace about where my Elder is and, more importantly, where he is not. The natural progression of life is such that a child should leave his parents and experience what this beautiful life has to offer. If we keep them chained to home, how can we expect them to grow and reach their potential? If we boo-hoo incessantly about how empty we feel without their daily communication, how can we expect them not to reciprocate? And, if we doubt, and worry, and fret constantly about them, where is our trust being placed? 

Now I'm not saying that I don't miss him. Absolutely I do. But not hourly or even daily. There are moments that he crosses my mind. There are events that make me miss him. There are activities that I wish he could join us in, but he is having his own moments, experiencing his own events, and participating in his own activities. He is making his own priceless memories... without me. And it's okay. No, it's more than okay, its fabulous! 

I've put my son in the hands of the Lord and if I can't trust Him to know what my child needs, who can I trust? 

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.  

- Proverbs 3: 5-6

Wonhundred Word Wednesday: A love/mystery two-fer

I slacked off last week on my Wonhundred Word Wednesday post. Sunshine, good friends, and time-out in Moab, Utah tend to have that effect. Rather than backdating a post for last week, however, I'll just do a two-fer this week. I like two-fers. They make me smile. 

Today's prompt: The truth about love is.... 

When he takes my hands in his, time stops.

When he says my name, my knees buckle.

When he looks into my eyes I feel like I’m floating, though my feet never leave the ground.

It’s the strangest of all senses, like you’re in control, but you’re not. It’s crazy butterflies in your chest and confidence in your mind. It’s falling and soaring at the same time. It’s putting all your faith in someone hoping beyond hope that he gives it back. And, when he does… no other truth is as pure, as fulfilling, as all encompassing as love is.

Last week's prompt:  You find a box in the attic that isn't yours. 

I stumbled up the dark stairs. They were steeper than anything built by today’s building codes. I assume in 1894 codes didn’t exist. Neither, apparently, did people with long, gangly legs like mine.

There was no lightswitch at the top. Clearly when electricity had been added, they didn’t think to run it to the attic. I opened the flashlight app on my iPhone. Dust, cobwebs, and a single, handcarved trunk illuminated the space. Curiously, the trunk sat alone in the center of the room as if it’d been deliberately placed there. But by who? For who?

I turned the key.

Don't forget to visit these other blogs to read their awesome 100 word stories: 

Wendy Knight

Kelly Martin

Alison Woods

Jessica Winn

R.K. Grow

Leah Sanders

Laura Bastian

Jaclyn Weist

Amryn Scott

K.R. Wilburn

Lindzee Armstrong

Katie Larson

Miranda D. Nelson

Angela Schroeder

Ginny Romney

Canda Mortensen

"Warrior Everlasting" by Wendy Knight

Introducing Warrior Everlasting by Wendy Knight. Wendy is one of the fabulous authors I get to do Wonhundred Word Wednesdays with each week. She is also a very talented, bestselling author. Sadly, I haven't had the chance to read her new release Warrior Everlasting quite yet, but I have no doubt that it is a book you will want to read. 

About the book: Warrior Everlasting

Fighting alongside the boy you shouldn't love is hard enough. Doing it while riding a unicorn who would gleefully fly to her death with you on her back is worse. What makes it insane?

Doing it in hell.

Scout and her unicorn, Ashra, risked everything just to make it into Aptavaras. Their plan is to free Scout’s family and the stolen souls, and seek vengeance on the man who took everything Ashra had once lived for. 

What they hadn't counted on was Trey and his unicorn, Torz, following them.

It might be the only thing that will save them.

Because in Aptavaras, the soul stealers are many and the chances of survival are slim. Even if they can get past the demons, trick the demon master, rescue the souls and escape with their lives, there’s only one person who can open the gate, and he’s on the outside defending the world. But Scout, Trey, Ashra and Torz have one thing the soul stealers don’t—

A reason to live.

And here's a little Snippet to give  you a taste: 

"You’re mad.”

She sighed. “I’m too tired for this right now, Trey. If you want Kylin, then—”

He glared at her. “You lose faith in me that quickly, Scout? I’ve been in love with you since I was eight years old. See these?” He held up his arm with the leather bands tied around his wrist. “Nine of them. One for each year I’ve loved you. I loved you when you hated me. I loved you when you were dancing for some other guy. I loved you when I watched you throw yourself off your unicorn eight billion feet above the ground.” Scout opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Instead, tears trickled down her cheek. Finally, she knew what those leather bands meant. And her heart swelled.

“Just because I talk to Kylin doesn’t mean I’m going back to her. What have I ever done to make you doubt me, Scout? And if you say the hospital—” His glare was more fierce than she’d ever seen it. Clearly, he’d heard enough about the hospital.

Scout smiled, scrubbing at her tears. “Nothing, Trey. You’ve done nothing to make me doubt you. I’m sorry. I’m just tired and insecure.”

His hand shot out, circling her waist, and he pulled her into him, so close she could feel his heart pounding inside his chest, and he kissed her like he would literally die if he didn’t. There was pain and fury and hope and love in that kiss. Scout rose on her toes and slid her arms around his neck, kissing him back, hoping he could feel that she felt the same way.

Here is the link to the html code for the rafflecopter giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NjAxM2VkYzlkNWFiZDc1MDZiMTQ4OWM5OTVhMGQzOjY=/

If books had soundtracks....

About the time I finished edits for All the Finer Things, Dierks Bently kindly put out the perfect soundtrack for it. Nice of him, right? And without even ever talking to me about it. He must just be psychic*wink*,  or I'm psychic, or we're both... well lets not go there. :)   If only I'd had it during the writing process I could've listened to it over and over for inspiration. As it is, every time it comes up on my playlist, I stop and think about Ammon Carter. This song - particularly the first verse, sums him up pretty perfectly. 

It's just an old beat up truck,

Some say that I should trade up

Now that I got some jangle in my pocket.

But what they don’t understand

Is it's the miles that make a man.

I wouldn’t trade that thing in for a rocket.

What they don’t know is my dad and me–

We drove her out to Tennessee

And she’s still here and now he’s gone

So I hold on.

To the things I believe in

My faith, your love, our freedom

To the things I can count on

To keep me going strong

Wonhundred Word Wednesday: You Know What They Say

It's Wednesday again and you know what that means: I've got 100 words to tell you a story. Since I've got Mother's Day on the mind, today's entry is an ode to Mothers. :)

"You know what they say..." 

“You’re going to get in trouble.” Jackie peered out the clubhouse window.

“Only if you tell on me.” Marcus pulled a lighter out of his pocket. He flipped the ignition switch and watched the flame flicker to life.

“I’m not telling anyone, but you know what they say about mothers?” Jackie crouched down beside her friend. “They say they have superpowers.”

“They’re just ordinary people,” Marcus said. “Exactly like you and me.” The flame danced.

 “Marcus!” His mother’s voice rang from the bottom of the ladder. “I told you not to play with fire.”

“See?” Jackie’s eyes grew wide. “Spider-senses.” 

Don't forget to visit these other blogs to read their awesome stories: 

Wendy Knight

Kelly Martin

Alison Woods

Jessica Winn

R.K. Grow

Leah Sanders

Laura Bastian

Jaclyn Weist

Amryn Scott

K.R. Wilburn

Lindzee Armstrong

Katie Larson

Miranda D. Nelson

Angela Schroeder

Mother's Day Book Bash

Mother's Day is just around the bend and I'm excited to be a part of this awesome book promotion! Nine books of various genres all on sale at special prices for the next week.

If you're wondering how to Give Ebooks as Gifts, click here. 

To help decide which books might best suit those you gift on Mother's Day, all week during the Book Bash,we're going to be posting tidbits about these books--excerpts, deleted scenes, etc.--on our Facebook event page here.

Eye on Orion by Laura Bastian

Sale Price: $.99, regularly $3.99  Amazon

Genre: YA Fantasy

Falling in love with your gorgeous new neighbor isn't a bad thing, but when he turns out to be the bodyguard of a princess from a planet nine billion light-years away, life gets complicated.

Seventeen-year-old stargazer Holly Adams never imagined she’d find herself trying to prevent the overthrow of an alien government. When Jai and his sister Amira move into the house down the street, Holly is immediately drawn to them. Jai acts suspicious of her from the start, making Holly more curious about their oddities. When Holly learns they are from a different planet, she does what she can to help protect Amira from Shander, a man who wants to marry her by force in order to take over the kingdom her father rules.

Mistaken identity, a botched kidnapping, and a first kiss that bonds Holly and Jai for life are hard enough, but when Shander believes Holly to be the princess, things get even more dangerous.

Arms Wide Open, a novella by Juli Caldwell

Price: $.99   Amazon

Genre: Romance

Lauren Brooks is in a rut, and her roomie is determined to yank her out of it by convincing her to participate in a local coffee shop's 5-in-5 speed dating event. Once she agrees, it takes her about 30 seconds to realize if there's an oddball out there looking for love, he'll find her. And creep her out. She confronts one weirdo after another until someone she used to know winds up in the same place, and she has to decide what she wants more: to make a break for it, or embrace the possibilities of another chance.









Not So Easy by Sherry Gammon

Sale Price: $2.99, regularly $4.25   Amazon

Genre: YA Fantasy

Senior Max Sanchez has it all. 

He’s the star pitcher for Port Fare High’s baseball team. He’s dating the head cheerleader, Emma McKay, and he has a great group of friends. 

Junior JD Miller’s life is Not So Easy. 

Unlike Max, JD struggles with making friends. He’s a social misfit, and he’s being bullied at every turn. He’s also barely surviving. 

A tragedy forces these two together. Now Max must face the hardest challenge of his life as he works to help JD. A tragic accident changes everything, merging their lives together, and Max soon learns that life is not so easy for everyone. Max works to the point of exhaustion trying to help JD survive the chaos that is his life, and his eyes are opened to a world he had no idea even existed. 

Not so Easy is a story about hope, surviving, and never giving up. Download a free sample and start reading now!





Adrenaline Rush by Cindy Hogan

Sale Price: 1.99, regularly 3.99   Amazon

Genre: YA romantic suspense

A madman with a mission is kidnapping groups of thrill-seeking high school seniors across the country, and it’s up to Christy to stop him. To do so, she must take on a fearless alter ego and infiltrate a group of adrenaline junkies bent on pushing life to the limit. Death-defying stunts are only the beginning: two groups fit the profile, and Christy must discover the real target before it’s too late. 

If she chooses the wrong group, more people will disappear. But choosing right puts her as the prime target—with no guarantee that she’ll get out alive.






Rising Book 1: Resistance by Laura Josephsen

Sale Price: $.99, regularly $3.99   Amazon

Genre: Science Fiction

All Alphonse wants is a quiet summer at home before his final months at university. What he gets is a half-dead stranger on his doorstep and the task of delivering a package to the leader of his home country. Not long after he boards a train toward the capital, he's attacked by knights, elite soldiers of the neighboring king. 

Alphonse is temporarily rescued by Mairwyn, a mechanic with a haunted past and a deep hatred of knights. Together, they attempt to carry out Alphonse's urgent errand, only to learn that if they fail, countless people will die. 

And even if they succeed, they may not be able to prevent the war that lurks on the horizon. (Book 1 of 2)





Chimeria Omnibus Edition – Blood Will Tell and Blood is Thicker by Meredith Mansfield

Sale Price: $.99, regularly $4.75   Amazon

Genre: Portal Fantasy

Blood Will Tell

A half-werewolf and a dragon in disguise join forces to rescue an innocent woman from an unknown attacker. Without knowing who or why, each tries to solve the mystery in their own way. But a decades-old crime and the dragon's true identity may destroy their collaboration--and their growing attraction to one another--just when their enemy has found their hide out.

Blood Is Thicker

Rolf and Valeriah are back. Even while Valeriah struggles to adapt to her new life, a new crisis arises. If they can't figure out why the dragons' hatching grounds are suddenly going cold, a generation of dragons may never hatch--including their own eggs.






How to Have Peace When You’re Fall to Pieces by Rebecca Rode

Sale Price: $.99, regularly $4.61   Amazon

Genre: Nonfiction

You haven't seen your kids' bedroom floor in weeks, your schedule is overflowing, and the drive-thru lady knows you by name. But even when life feels chaotic, peace is possible. Packed with poems, quotes, and inspirational stories, this book gives a fresh perspective on a mother's work and helps restore calm to a hectic world--starting at home.



"Charming . . . full of wit, humor, and great ideas." ~Sandra Covey






A Change of Plans by Donna K. Weaver

Sale Price: $.99, regularly $3.99 (If you get the Kindle book, you can add the audiobook for only $1.99) Amazon  

Genre: Clean New Adult Adventure Romance

When Lyn sets off on her supposedly uncomplicated and unromantic cruise, she never dreams it will include pirates. All the 25-year-old Colorado high school teacher wants is to forget that her dead fiancé was a cheating scumbag. What she plans is a vacation diversion; what fate provides is Braedon, an intriguing surgeon. She finds herself drawn to him: his gentle humor, his love of music, and even his willingness to let her take him down during morning karate practices. Against the backdrop of the ship’s make-believe world and its temporary friendships, her emotions come alive.

However, fear is an emotion, too. Unaware of the sensitive waters he navigates, Braedon moves to take their relationship beyond friendship—on the very anniversary Lyn came on the cruise to forget. But Lyn’s painful memories are too powerful, and she runs off in a panic.

Things are bad enough when the pair finds themselves on one of the cruise’s snorkeling excursions in American Samoa. However, paradise turns to piracy when their party is kidnapped. Lyn’s fear of a fairytale turns grim. Now she must fight alongside the man she rejected, first for their freedom and then against storms, sharks, and shipwreck.





All the Finer Things by Stephanie Connelley Worlton

Sale Price: $.99, regularly $2.99   Amazon

Genre: Romance

Married to one of the most lucrative and sought after plastic surgeons in SoCal, Megan Hamilton has it all. Her posh life, designer clothes, and stunning penthouse leave her wanting for nothing… or do they? Controlled by his obsessive pursuit of perfection, Doctor Matthew Hamilton will stop nothing short of breaking his young, spirited bride into a subservient trophy wife. But when parenthood enters their picture, the entire game changes. How far will Megan have to go to escape Matt's obsessive control and abuse? And how much will she have to lose before she gets there?