Cottage By The Sea

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Cottage by the Sea by Debbie Macomber

Have you ever suffered a traumatic experience – an experience that’s so devastating that you felt that you’d never heal?

Annie has suffered from a major tragedy. She’s now practically alone and only has a few relatives and close friends on which she can depend. She’s depressed and desperate to find happiness. She’s determined to find it in the cottage where she used to spend childhood summers with her family. When she arrives in Oceanside, she runs into Keaton – a man who remembers her very well from those childhood summers.

Keaton has his own issues. He’s always been a big and strong and he’s been teased by others because of his massive size. When Annie drops back into his life, it’s like a gift from heaven to him.

I thought this book was sweet, endearing and oh, so emotional. I really enjoyed seeing how Annie and Keaton interacted with each other in this beach town. Keaton is a man of few words, so communicating orally is a challenge for him. Plus, there’s an eclectic mix of secondary characters. Annie’s neighbor (Mellie) is a hoarder with a prickly personality. There’s also an animal lover who is interested in Mellie and Annie has a wide range of patients who suffer from massive problems.

I really enjoyed this heartwarming story and I’m sure you will enjoy it, too.

So, have you ever suffered a traumatic experience – an experience that’s so devastating that you felt that you’d never heal?

Bring Me Back

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Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris – a secular title

Have you ever known anybody who was missing? If so, was that person ever found?

Finn was in love with beautiful, red-headed Layla. They vacationed in France, and when she goes missing at a rest stop, Finn feels as if his whole life is spiraling out of control. How can he live without Layla in his life? Twelve years later, he’s now engaged to Ellen, Layla’s sister. Their relationship is a bit strained and tenuous. The threat of Layla’s return hovers between them like a poisonous mist.

I really enjoyed this book. It’s somewhat hard to talk about it without giving spoilers. It’s a suspense/mystery story and it keeps you wondering until the very end. Layla and Ellen used to play with Russian dolls when they were little (the dolls that come in a set and they fit inside of one another). Someone is mysteriously leaving these Russian dolls on their doorstep. Could this person be Layla?

I also loved reading a book set outside of the states. I’ve been mostly reading American novels and it was refreshing to read a European title. I highly recommend this book if you like a good, suspenseful read that’ll keep you guessing until the end.

So, have you ever known anybody who was missing? If so, was that person ever found?

Book Giveaway – The Underground Railroad Brides Collection!

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This giveaway is now closed! I announced the winners here!

 

Have you ever baked bread? If so, what kind of bread did/do you bake? 

 

I’m hosting a book giveaway. I’m giving away 2 copies of The Underground Railroad Brides Collection. These 2 copies are SPECIAL since they’re signed by all nine authors! In order to be entered into the giveaway, you must answer my question about baking bread. You must also leave your email address in your comment! I need an email address in order to ship the books to the two winners!

The title of my story in this collection is called The Bakery Bride. I loved writing this story and I really enjoyed researching how bakeries functioned during historical times. The Bakery Bride is the strongest story that I’ve ever written and I’m so glad that I took a leap of faith and wrote a historical novella.

One thing that I enjoyed learning about, regarding baking, is that during historical times, they couldn’t go to the store and simply purchase yeast. Back then, the yeast used in all breads was from a sourdough starter. The starter was made from natural yeasts captured in the air. Once this yeast is captured, you feed it with water, flour, and maybe some sugar regularly. You use about a cup (or more) of this natural sourdough yeast starter whenever you make loaves of bread. If you feed your starter regularly, and take good care of it, the starter will remain alive indefinitely. This just blows my mind!

I researched this and found that there are some sourdough starters that are hundreds, even thousands of years old! Can you imagine that? Can you imagine somebody during Biblical times starting a sourdough starter and that very same starter could be alive, being used in bread today?? Just thinking about that makes me say “WOW”!!!

So, are you a bread baker? If so, what kind of bread do you enjoy baking? I’d also like to know if you’ve ever used a sourdough starter!

Underground Railroad Brides Collection – Received My Author Copies!

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I hope all of you are doing well! I was so happy that I just had to send you a quick note to share my joy! Today, my author copies arrived for The Underground Railroad Brides Collection!
This is the first time that I’ve had a historical novella published. As a matter of fact, this is the first historical that I’ve ever written! I can honestly say that this is probably my strongest, most emotional piece of fiction.
Several years ago, an author friend of mine, Debby Lee, approached me about doing this collection. We brought on some other authors but initially, we were not offered a contract for our stories. I suppose the timing was not right. We waited a few years (well, more than a few) and decided to try again. We were pleased when we were offered a contract. It just feels so good to hold this book in my hands!
Ramona Cecil, another author in this collection, helped me with research. She knows a lot about history and her knowledge was helpful when I had specific questions.
You can read the first part of chapter one for The Bakery Bride here.
I hope all of you have a blessed weekend! Don’t be a stranger – follow me on Facebook! If you have any questions about writing then send me an email!
God bless and have a great week!

A Scarlet Cord by Deborah Raney

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A Scarlet Cord by Deborah Raney

Have you ever known somebody in the Witness Protection Program?

Melanie is still grieving over her husband’s death. She’s left his clothes in his closet, never removing the items since his death. She finds comfort in seeing and smelling her deceased spouse’s clothing. She still thinks about him, too. However, things change when Joel Ellington moves to her town. A new church member/church employee, she finds that she’s attracted to him. But, Joel seems to have un-explainable secrets. Melanie also wonders about his strange reactions to certain events.

Joel moves to Melanie’s town to make a fresh start. Romance just can’t fit into his life right now. His life is plagued with pain and secrets, but his budding feelings for Melanie are so strong. Might it be possible for him to have a normal romantic relationship with Melanie in spite of being haunted by the past?

I enjoyed this book. It shows how hard it is to love somebody in spite of being haunted by tragic circumstances. Joel’s love for Melanie was strong, so strong that he hesitates about his decision about having a relationship with her. Melanie has deep feelings for Joel, too. But when things shift, Melanie is plagued with solving a mystery. She’s stubborn as she seeks answers to plaguing questions.

So, as far as you know, have you ever known anybody in the Witness Protection Program? 

 

***If  you like mystery and suspense titles then you should try my novel, Shades of Chocolate. Over 100 Amazon reviews!