May 12, 2012

Excerpt from DRY RAIN - unpublished. By M. Gardner


Thanks!

McKenna Gardner

Here is the excerpt from DRY RAIN:

Mr. Morgan said nothing as he held the majority of Annabelle's thick long hair in his left hand and pulled the little branches out with his right.

Finally, he was done. “That should do it,” he whispered softly as he slowly released her hair, gently brushing his fingers against the back of her neck as he let go. “You’re free.”

Annabelle's heart pounded powerfully in her chest as she slowly turned around to face him. She was overwhelmed with their closeness and felt drained of all focus. He was motionless, expressionless, as he watched every little movement she made. His arms were spread out, his white-knuckled hands clutching the branches on either side of them.

Annabelle stared at him. Those unforgettable piercing blue-gray eyes had held such sorrow once upon a time. Now they seemed to appear crystal-like with their brilliance. The way they captured her attention made her welcome the imprisonment. Regardless of his unreadable countenance, Annabelle felt she could detect a hungry anticipation in those scorching eyes.

She knew she would regret her actions as soon as they entered her mind, but it was no use resisting them. Any attempt was futile.

She stepped forward onto her tip-toes, grabbed either side of his lapels, and pulled him roughly down to her, kissing him hard on the mouth. Without enough time to close her eyes, she saw his burst wide with surprise. His reaction frightened her, causing her to instinctively release him. She knew she could have just made the biggest mistake of her life.

She moved to back away, but before her heels could even touch the ground, his arms held her fast. For a fraction of a second, his eyes searched hers intently. Then, with one swift movement, he grasped a handful of material at her back and pulled her against him. His mouth greeted hers with urgency.

His lips may have been smooth as silk, but they pressed demandingly on her own, filling her body with an awakening heat. He moved one hand to her hair where he entangled his fingers and deepened the kiss. An involuntary noise squeaked out of Annabelle’s throat. Her legs gradually failed to support her weight and she weakened pleasantly in his arms.

He held her firmly. Kissed her perfectly.

After a moment, he softened his kiss. The first time his lips left hers, she experienced a sense of loss. He kissed her gently on the forehead and brought his hands to her arms in an effort to steady her. They trembled against her skin.

May 11, 2012

Legacy of Lies - Kiss

They were alone.


Her pulse quickened. He was close enough for her to smell his slightly salty, woodsy scent. She squeezed her eyes shut and took a deep breath.

His husky voice broke into her silent revere. "You worried me back there. I don't knowwhat I would've done if you'd been hurt."

Her gaze met and held his for a moment, but she quickly looked away. Sarah plucked atall blade of grass and rolled it between her fingers. The emotion in his voice stirred the butterflies in her stomach. She straightened her posture. "I made it out okay."

A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, but he remained silent.

Sarah lowered her head. "What I meant to say was thank you for saving me," shewhispered.

"You're welcome."

Sarah smiled. "That bull sure did give me a scare. I'm kinda surprised my heart didn'texplode from sheer terror."

He cleared his throat. "Well, now you know how I felt. When I heard you screaming, myheart nearly stopped." His eyes locked on the dancing flames.

Sarah swallowed hard, the tension thick enough to be palatable. She eased a little closerto him. Suddenly, he turned to her. His face was only inches away.

For a moment, she openly gazed into his eyes. They were deep brown with tiny flecks ofgold. Pools of mystery she longed to solve.

"I'm sorry, Jim. I just saw that baby get stuck and I didn't want to see it trampled." Herhands trembled now. She needed to look away. She needed to break this hold he had on her. She couldn't.

"I know. You're a sweet girl." He spoke so softly she nearly missed the words. Hisfingers traced her jaw and then lifted her chin.

To her surprise, her lips eagerly met his.

 
Desert Breeze Publishing: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-273/A-Legacy-of-Lies/Detail.bok

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/A-Legacy-of-Lies-ebook/dp/B007K1LS58/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332042156&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-legacy-of-lies-stephenia-mcgee/1107713261?ean=2940014338950

Also available for download from iBooks for the iPad



May 10, 2012

Legacy of Lies - Reviews

When I first started reading this novel, I fired off an email to the author (an online friend) and told her that this was a fantastic book. And I was serious. She starts with a murky mystery and it doesn’t let up until the very end. In fact, as I read the last few pages, I realized what this book was: this is an Inspirational Gothic novel. Think Castle of Otranto and The Turn of the Screw in a cowboy romance. Fan-TAS-tic.


The story follows Jim, a ranch hand with a history he refuses to discuss, Sarah, a frustrated student sinking in debt, Jonathan, a billionaire with a heart of steel and Elizabeth, a lost soul who can’t seem to remember who she is or why she keeps coming back to a strange little shop that is always open in the middle of New York City. They are all linked in one tragic tale of love, rejection, redemption and supernatural intervention.

This book has it all: a nice quick plot, a massive castle, cowboys, a dark mystery, a cold seductress and a story that leaves you thinking about it long after you’ve finished the book. If you’re looking for one good read, I definitely recommend this book.

Patty FroeseNtihemuka, Author

********************

I knew it was a Christian romance when I started reading. I didn't know it would have such unexpected twists and turns. Desperately needing to know what would happen next, I couldn't put it down until I reached the last page. I've been looking for something that isn't "formula," and found it here. "A Legacy of Lies" has put Stephenia H. McGee on my must-buy list.


Judy T – Amazon reader

Desert Breeze Publishing: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-273/A-Legacy-of-Lies/Detail.bok

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/A-Legacy-of-Lies-ebook/dp/B007K1LS58/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332042156&sr=8-1

Barns and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-legacy-of-lies-stephenia-mcgee/1107713261?ean=2940014338950

Also available for download from iBooks for the iPad




May 9, 2012

A Legacy of Lies

EXCERPT used by permission of Stephenia H. McGee
Excerpt is unedited.


Jim settled into the brushed leather of his ranching saddle. The saddle had a deep seat and the fenders turned the stirrups out perfectly. He was as comfortable here as most men were in a recliner in front of the television. He tried to keep his mind off Sarah's emerald eyes. No luck.

Focus on something else.

The deep indigos and golden streaks had faded from the sky, the sun now sat high enough over the white mountain peaks to start warming the air. A clear sky promised a peaceful day. It would be nice to spend the day--

What the...

A streak of color blurred past him. Ciervo lurched underneath him. Jim cursed under his breath, trying to steady his spooked mount. Up ahead he saw clods of soft earth flying up from behind galloping hooves. Panic set in.

Runaway horse.

Sarah.

Jim squeezed his legs as he leaned into the saddle and lowered his head. Ciervo dipped his haunches and rocketed forward. Within a stride his horse extended to a full gallop, his hooves barely hitting the ground. In mere seconds, they were gaining on the other horse. A sorrel.

Jim flung the reins around his body. The leather ends popped into Ciervo's thick hindquarters. The horse lowered his head and surged. Amazingly, the powerful buckskin found another gear. Jim's hat flew off, the leather strap catching hard against his neck. The wind buffeted his face. He squinted his eyes, leaned forward in the saddle, and gripped the reins with both hands. His body was now moving in rhythm with the horsepower beneath him.

Ciervo heaved in massive amounts of air. Pounding hooves and the horse's deep snorting breaths drowned the startled cries behind them. Ciervo's tail whipped through the air. Jim urged him on. Ten more feet. Five. He came even with the sorrel and reached for the reins, his fingers barely grazing the leather. He leaned further and Ciervo followed Jim's lead, nearly brushing against the other horse as the two animals raced across the valley. He reached out again and finally grabbed the runaway horse's rein.

"Hang on." Jim shouted above the deafening thunder of pounding hooves.

In one fluid motion, he planted his feet in the stirrups, rocked back in the saddle, and jerked Sarah's left rein down to his thigh. Sassy's head jerked, her neck curving until her muzzle met her shoulder. The mare's front feet planted into the soft earth, her massive weight tearing loose the grass underneath. As Sarah crashed into the saddle horn, a whoosh of air escaped her lips. Ciervo lowered his haunches and buried down to his hocks in the dirt. They came jerking to a halt. For a second no one moved. Jim let out his breath.

He looked at Sarah. She bent over the saddle horn, gasping for air. Her face splotchy red. When she caught her breath, she glared at him, her eyes nearly shooting daggers.

"What do you think you're doing? Are you crazy?" Sarah yelled at him and snatched her rein from his hand. Jim's jaw dropped. He could only stare at her. He'd just risked his life to save hers and she yelled at him? His fingers tightened on his reins, clenching into tight fists.

He knew it. Nothing but trouble.

Desert Breeze Publishing: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-273/A-Legacy-of-Lies/Detail.bok

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/A-Legacy-of-Lies-ebook/dp/B007K1LS58/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332042156&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-legacy-of-lies-stephenia-mcgee/1107713261?ean=2940014338950

Also available for download from iBooks for the iPad



May 8, 2012

Sharing Hidden Paths with author JoAnn Carter

Hidden Paths – Young Adult Inspirational Romance


Julie Hemmingway, a recent college graduate, is preparing to leave for the mission field. When she meets Adam Jacobs, her well-organized plans begin to go awry. Will she fight to hold onto her own agenda, or open her heart to a new – yet, Hidden Path?

Staying in Vermont on the family farm wasn’t what JULIE HEMMINGWAY had envisioned for her life. After all, she had just spent two years at the community college in preparation to join a mission agency to use her nursing skills overseas. However, those plans quickly change when her father suffers a massive heart attack and dies. Out of necessity, she stays at home to help her mom manage the farm.

To help make ends meet, Julie accepts a new job at a construction company where many unexpected things happen, including working with the handsome, ADAM JACOBS. Will Julie learn that she can trust in God and the path He has planned for her life – even when it looks totally different than what she expected?

Favorite Review:

Over on Amazon, there are only two reviews posted so far, but both are special to me. Let me share them with you and then my thoughts will follow...

Donna Basinow wrote the first. She said, "What a great story - and so true of how we serve God! How often do we serve Him by doing something we think He wants without seeking Him in prayer first? Usually it's only to find out it's OUR choice, not what He wants.

Julie finds that through prayer and listening for God's will that she can find the peace and comfort in knowing what God's will really is for her. But she still has doubts that her prayers are heard, that she's really following His will.

And Adam has a lot to more to learn than he lets on. As they help each other in different ways it's amazing how God teaches them both the lessons they need to draw closer to Him - as well as God's plan for the two of them.

It's amazing to see how God works in the lives of these two - just like He works in the background of our lives."

The second is, by Tanya Stowe... "In Hidden Paths, JoAnn Carter tackles two of Christianity's most difficult questions: Am I doing God's will or my own and why do bad things happen to good people? Ms. Carter sends main character, Julie Hemmingway, into life's most difficult situations. When Julie's life plans are abruptly changed, she leans on God...and her new found friend and employer, Adam. But when crisis strikes again, even Adam can't find his way and Julie has only her faith to guide her. During Julie's journey Ms. Carter takes us through tragedy, pain, romance and even a new born faith. It's a joy to see how Julie meets those challenges head-on with her courage and faith intact."

--

Why the reviews meant so much to me...

I think this reader's note that you'll find at the end of Hidden Paths will explain it all. J

Well, here we are at the close of another story... Hidden Paths. I have to chuckle a bit at the irony of the situation. You see, that's the perfect title for my own personal journey that the Lord has been guiding me through.

Although I have other books in circulation, this was the very first story I ever drafted fifteen years ago. I started writing on a whim. Don't ask me why. In fact, have you ever watched Night at the Museum? The first time we saw that movie I cracked up. I am so like that museum director. Some days it seems as if I can't put a complete thought -- let alone sentence -- together to save my life. Couple that with dyslexia and grammar and spelling that would make any English major cringe and... yup, that's me. Yet, here I find myself, walking down the path that once seemed so elusive and hidden to me.

Quite a few years after I wrote this book, I went to a writer's retreat. I prayed and prayed that God would show me what He wanted me to do and give me direction. I knew writing was something I enjoyed but was this what God wanted me to do? I struggled with that, and to be honest, still do on occasion.

I walked away from that weekend with as many questions as I arrived with. I was so discouraged. Didn't God hear me? I wanted to follow His will for my life, yet felt like He was far away and unwilling to give me the direction I so desperately craved.

He had heard my prayers, yet I was too close to the situation to see that He had been, was, and still is guiding me. I stand amazed as I think about this now... God has led me to friends who had a passion for the craft of writing and the gift of encouragement. I've been blessed with a family who supports my writing endeavors, and I've learned a ton of stuff along the way... I could go on, but I'm sure you get the gist.

What I've come to realize is I don't need to have everything figured out. I serve an awesome God who knows what's best for me. Sometimes I may not particularly care for what needs to be done. The road may seem long and hard and the mountains too big to scale. Yet, God loves me too much to let me settle for the easy road where I would forget where true strength is found.

Perhaps like me, you have been struggling with direction in your own life. I would like to challenge you to place your hand (and your life) in God's hands and allow Him to plot your course. You might find yourself in for a crazy ride -- on a path, like Julie, that you would have never imagined.

I'd love to hear what you think of this story too!

Purchase links ~

Desert Breeze Publishing: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-235/Hidden-Paths-JoAnne-Carter/Detail.bok

(On Sale for 20% off) CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/hidden-paths-ebook-joann-carter/9781612521190/pd/24497EB?item_code=WW&netp_id=979803&event=ESRCG&view=details

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006LTLUE4

Also available at B&N and other e-book retailers.

Thanks for having me, Shaunna!

~JoAnn

May 7, 2012

Momentous Moment

This Moment is shared by Donna Weaver.

Background:
Lyn has some emotional baggage and didn't expect to care for Braedon so quickly--and literally ran away and avoided him for days after he tried to move their relationship beyond friendship. This was their first meeting after she fled. Now, the reconciliation takes place later in the book and in an entirely different way. Ms. Practical and Miss Romance are battling voices she has in her head.


The moment:
I was on the floor in a full split, when Braedon tottered in. I ducked my head, my heart pounding, hoping he wouldn’t see me down on the floor, but he paused at the entrance next to the aerobics area. I didn’t hear him move on, and curiosity finally got to me; I looked up to see what he was doing and saw him studying me. I wasn’t sure what to think of his expression.

Flushing when our eyes met, I dropped my head back down on my leg. With my peripheral vision I saw that he continued to stand there for a moment before moving on. I glanced up when I heard him move away and saw him going to the treadmills.

I scooted farther away from the entrance, but I could still see him. If he turned around he would be able to see me. I hurried through the rest of my stretches, really sorry now for the four missed days.

When I was finished, facing away from the treadmill area, I hurriedly put my things back in my bag. It was hard to keep my footing, but I finally got everything packed and turned around.

Braedon stood directly before me, his feet slightly spread for stability.

I started and then staggered when the ship rolled. As I lost my balance, he grabbed me around the waist and pulled me close to help steady me. I believe it was a combination of all the stress I’d been under combined with the surprise of suddenly being in his arms. I lost my head and said the first thing that came to my mind.

“You are so hot,” I murmured.

His eyes opened wide, and my jaw dropped as I realized I’d said it aloud.

“I didn’t say that!” I exclaimed frantically, pulling away from him.

Braedon grabbed me back again. “Oh, no you don’t! You can’t say something like that and then just walk away.” He kissed me. It wasn’t forceful or pushy, but rather gentle and tentative.

There was now a war raging inside me. Ms Practical shrieked at me to run, to get away. Miss Romantic shouted that I should put my arms around him and kiss him and touch those incredible shoulders and arms. I was frozen with indecision.

When I didn’t pull away, he kissed me again with more confidence.

My heart was now beating so hard I wondered if I wasn’t in the throes of a panic attack. I felt like someone had linked me to an outlet that was sending electricity through the marrow of my bones. My fingers and toes even tingled. I needed air ...

“Stop,” I finally gasped.

He did instantly, studying me.

“I’m not interested in a shipboard romance,” I whispered.

“Neither am I.” He said firmly and kissed me again—thoroughly.

“Stop,” I pleaded, breathlessly.

Once more he quit immediately, shifting his legs to keep balance as the ship rolled again. “Have you had breakfast yet?” he asked.

Ms Practical, Miss Romantic, and I paused in confusion. “Is that a trick question?” I asked.

Braedon chuckled and kissed me again. “No. Let’s go get cleaned up and have something to eat. We need to talk.”

I’m sure my blood pressure went through the roof.

Ms Practical and Miss Romantic were duking it out again inside my head. It must have shown on my face.

“Really,” Braedon said firmly. “We need to talk ... and please promise me you won’t disappear again.”

Miss Romantic did a flying roundhouse kick to Ms Practical’s face and left her lying in the dust, throwing her arms up in victory.

I nodded.

May 6, 2012

Sunday Sizzle

Danger at the Door by: Michelle Sutton
Excerpt published by permission.

Her hands fisted. "I… know, but I can’t seem to shake this… terror I feel." Tears stung her eyes.


"I’m so tired of this--" Choking on a sob, she covered her face.

His warm hands covered hers, and he tugged her fingers away from her eyes. "You must. I help you. I pray strav not make you sick."

That made her cry harder, and she struggled against him, but he wouldn’t let go of her hands.

She shook her head.

"Laney, listen for my words. You must give God strav. Is not okay for carry burden on shoulders. Jesus ask for heavy load, want you give strav for Him." With a gentle smile, he dipped his head down. "So I must cheer. One…" he whispered, "two…"

His proximity made her feel wild inside. She shrugged off her fear, basking in his nearness instead. When he reached three, she forced thoughts of Jovana from her mind, and turned her face until her mouth met his. Salt from her own tears had wet her lips.

The kiss started out tentative, soft, and gentle… When she relaxed her mouth to indulge further, he pulled away.

"We must go now." He ruffled his wavy hair with both hands and exhaled. "Is not good kiss…"

The words pierced her heart. No doubt he’d remembered his feelings for Jovana, and he didn't want to muddy the waters. While she’d lapped up his affection, he’d found the contact unfulfilling. The idea of never kissing him again made her chest ache, but she wouldn't force herself on him, either. Not when he loved someone else. She bit her lip and glanced up, her cheeks heating.

"You’re right. No more kissing."

"Is not what--" Bojan closed his eyes, groaning low in his throat. He cradled her face, kissing her firmly. When he released her mouth, she drew in a shaky breath.

Wow.

Licking the salt from her lips, she stared. Had he changed his mind about her? Tossed his feelings for Jovana aside? Her throat tightened and she whispered, "Why’d you do that?"

A loud sigh escaped him. He spoke slowly as if to make sure she understood every word, "I say for many times. I want bakni, for kiss you." He cracked a broad grin and slid his hands into his back pockets. "Is also very nice. I must bakni. Is good for heart."

He paused and tapped his chest, swaggering like a rogue.

Strange fluttering gyrations moved her heart as she drank in the dusky hue in his eyes. Without commenting, she slid onto the leather seat of his Hummer. Pondering the depth of her response to kiss, she wondered if it would be wise to do that again. Especially with his old flame in the picture.



You can buy Danger at the Door HERE http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-29/Danger-at-the-Door/Detail.bok


Oh My!

Oh my, it's been a long, long time since I posted anything here. Really, I do this now because I recently got a note, if you can call it...