BLOGWORDS – 31 March 2018 – NEWSLETTER – a little birdie told me

31 March 2018                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Edition VII

 

Roll Call

HALLLOOO!!!

Tell me who you are and where you’re at!

The Bird House Book Club

What I am / have been reading!

High Treason by DiAnn Mills

The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz

A Light on a Hill by Connilyn Cossette

The Innkeeper’s Daughter by Michelle Griep

The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright

Unforgotten by Kristen Heitzmann

 

What are you reading?

 

Friends of Authors Society

Who knows the best way to show your love for your favorite authors? (I’m one, right? Your favorite?) Besides the obvious of buying and reading my books, leaving a review on Amazon tickles their calculations and formulas and moves my books up in their ranks, which in turn means more peeps see my books, which means more peeps are likely to buy them.

There are other things you can do, as well. Suggest my books to your library or book club. Tell your friends, buy gift copies to give to your friends. Heck, tell ME how much you love ‘em!

 

Robin’s Readers Flock

New on Facebook—a group just for my readers!! Ya’ll this seriously trips me out! I appreciate every one who has read or will read my books, and this group is for you!

“This group, as with my blog and (languishing and sadly neglected) website—and my writing—are all about community and family. It is a place to gather to chat and discuss my books, but also to become better acquainted and to encourage and pray for one another.”

If you’re interested, gimme a holla! I’d love to have you as part of my Flock!

 

Robin’s Nest, Stories by Design

Writing first, blog second. Is that rude? Perhaps, but the blog supports the writing and if there’s no writing, then the blog is, well, a solo act. And while I love blogging, and welcoming readers and other authors, writing is my first love. I have guest post topics for the rest of the year, if not actual guests… Interviews will reappear hopefully in June, possibly as early as May—and I do have the fellas lined up for Manly Man July Interview Blitz so there’s that at least…

 

Seasons, the Series

The southern town of Saisons lies at the crossroads between North and South, progressive and genteel antebellum life. Between East and West, between history and heritage, and new frontiers. Downton Abbey meets Gone With the Wind.

It’s 1912, in a world where slavery is dying and women’s rights are rising, and four young women who once shared a bond—and experienced a tragedy—question their own truths.

The Long Shadows of Summer…

Mercedes has always been an avid reader and devours each new Sherlock Holmes mystery as soon as she gets her hands on them. When one of her friends comes to her, Mercedes vows to keep Simone’s secrets and uncover the truth.

But as Mercedes plays detective to her friends’ questions, she discovers something far more shocking—she herself is not who she thought she was.

 

The Long Shadows of Summer, available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Long-Shadows-summer-Seasons-Book-ebook/dp/B07569MM8S/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

 

Leave a comment or email me at robinemason212@gmail.com for a sample chapter.

 

…and The Tilting Leaves of Autumn…

Scarlett was the shrinking violet in the group. Faithful to her friends, and hiding secrets of her own. When Mercedes steps in to rescue her, she unknowlingly plucks the thread that unravels Scarlett’s whole world.

But as Scarlett strives to hold fast to what is familiar the fabric of her life continues to come undone and secrets that are best kept hidden are exposed.

 

The Tilting Leaves of Autumn, available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tilting-Leaves-Autumn-Seasons-Book-ebook/dp/B077PYCZG3/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

 

Leave a comment or email me at robinemason212@gmail.com for a sample chapter.

 

… The Silent Song of Winter…

Pearl had lived under the impossible taskmaster of perfection. Nothing she does or ever did pleased her mother. And nothing she ever did could disappoint her father.

Caught up in the mystery of her friend’s curious—and secretive—return, Pearl wrestles with her own decisions, and flees lest her own secrets are exposed.

 

The Silent Song of Winter, available now on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Song-Winter-Seasons-Book-ebook/dp/B079YZTZYD/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

 

… COMNG IN MAY—The Whispering Winds of Spring

Simone Bishop’s life was unraveling. All she had known and held dear was gone from her. At ten, all she wanted was to escape beneath the black waters of the Edisto River. She couldn’t know her whole life would be stolen from her.

When she returns to Saisons fifteen years later, she has no memory of ever having been there. Not even that it was her birthplace. Enlisting the help of her childhood friend, Mercedes, Simone encounters misty memories, and stirs up more mystery than she started with.

* not the final cover

The final chapter of Seasons, The Whispering Winds of Spring.

 

COVER REVEAL 11 MAY

RELEASES 31 MAY

 

Seasons is ONE | GIANT | STORY, told by four main characters, each with their own contribution and perspective to the story. One set of characters, one fictional setting, one timeframe to research (1912 – 1913.) And it concludes with The Whispering Winds of Spring.

(seriously, ya’ll, this series has whipped my butt!! LOL)

Leave a comment with your email for a copy of the first chapter. If you don’t want your email public, send it to me privately at robinemason212@gmail.com.

 

Coming in 2019

Yes, I’ve got my next series in mind, The Steppe House. A literary tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright, the Steppe House is fashioned after Mr. Wright’s Falling Water House. Built into the side of a mountain, each of seven (I think) levels is home to a different family, each with their own story. It’s set in the 1940’s, a la Dame Agatha Christie, along the lines of Ten Little Indians (And Then There Were None,) and there is a character named Francis Llewellyn Wiggins; beyond that, I don’t know much about it at all.

 

This summer, after Seasons wraps up and my surgery (see below), I plan to write a fun departure from deep dark secrets, One for the Price of Two. Twins Elizabeth and Meredith are so identical their parents can’t even tell them apart.

 

BUT FIRST…

 

A Christmas novella, The Key on the Christmas Tree.

I started this story a while back as part of a series, The Key, and have a short story, The Key in the Mailbox, included in an anthology by my friend, Mary Blowers, Blood Moon, and can be found on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Moon-Anthologies-Heart-2/dp/1511811897/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

 

* not the final cover

Facebook Live

Technical difficulties…

 

All in the Family

 

 

I am so proud of my oldest son, Doug. After twenty-plus years of drinking, he has been sober for over a year now. HUGE shout out for a HUGE accomplishment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Son #2, Russell, is a biker. He has ridden in the Ride for a Cure for a couple of years, and will be riding again this summer. The link for anyone who would care to donate (or share) is:

 

 

 

https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?idb=1450210931&df_id=35220&35220.donation=form1&FR_ID=10937&mfc_pref=T&PROXY_ID=13229140&PROXY_TYPE=20

 

 

 

My poor daughter, Maggie, has had a most horrific struggle with asthma complicated by allergies and, sadly, smoking. After yet another trip to the ER, this time in an ambulance, she is making every effort to quit smoking. I have read / heard that is the single most difficult addiction to break!

 

 

 

The Knewbie Kneebie, Part 2

 

Scheduled for Tuesday 26 June! After the book launch and blog tours, after this amazing series is done and I am SO excited! Reviews may or may not happen later in the year as I plan to read whilst recovering, and work at a more leisurely pace (yeah right! bwahahahah) on the Christmas novella and the twin story before launching (see what I did there?) into the next series.

 

Manifesto and Author Tag

The manifesto short version is,

“Stories for Christians to see or remember the ugly effects of the lies of the enemy, and for unbelievers to see the beauty of the Truth of the Word of God.”

 

And my author tag:

 

“the battle for identity, one story at a time.”

 

 

Chatcha’ll next time.

 

Got questions? Email me at robinemason212@gmail.com.

 

Here endeth Edition VII of

Thank you for subscribing following!

 

http://robinemason.com

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Robin-E-Mason-Author-Artist/224223274404877
http://www.amazon.com/Robin-E.-Mason/e/B00MR5IQ9S
https://twitter.com/amythyst212
http://www.pinterest.com/amythyst212/

https://plus.google.com/u/0/108929134414473292325

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7808042.Robin_E_Mason

 

“the battle for identity, one story at a time”

 

 

 

A Little Birdie Told Me, #newsletter, Roll Call, Bird House Book Club, Friends of Authors Society, Robin’s Readers Flock, Seasons, the Series, The Long Shadows of Summer, The Tilting Leaves of Autumn, The Silent Song of Spring, The Whispering Winds of Spring, Coming in 2019, The Steppe House, The Key on the Christmas Tree, Facebook Live, All in the Family, The Knewbie Kneebie, Manifesto and Author Tag

Read Full Post »

BLOGWORDS – Friday 30 March 2018 – FIRST LINE FRIDAY – LITTLE WOMEN by LOUISA MAY ALCOTT

FIRST LINE FRIDAY – LITTLE WOMEN by LOUISA MAY ALCOTT

 

Welcome to First Line Fridays, hosted by Hoarding Books!!!

 

Tell us your first line in the comments & then head over to Hoarding Books to see who else is participating!

 

 

 

THE BLURB:    

Louisa May Alcott’s most famous novel, “Little Women,” is the story of four sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March. Loosely based upon the author’s own experiences with her three sisters, the novel is a classic coming of age story which follows the development of the young women into adulthood. Set against the backdrop of the American civil war, the story begins to unfold during Christmastime. With their father away at war, the family must endure great poverty induced hardship, often times going hungry. Central to the theme of the novel is the issue of overcoming one’s character flaws. For Meg it is vanity; Jo, temper; Beth, shyness; and Amy, selfishness. Through the various activities of the four sisters told throughout the novel lessons are learned of the consequences of these particular flaws. “Little Women” was an instant success and popular favorite ever since its original publication in 1868, spawning many sequels which Alcott’s readers clamored for.

 

THE FIRST LINE:   

“Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” grumble Jo, lying on the rug.

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Confession: I don’t remember ever reading this! GASP Shocking, I know! (That’s not to say I didn’t, I just don’t remember… ) But a) it’s a classic, and b) I have seen the movie—GASP Not the same, I know…
It has endured and still stands as a classic, a story readers come back to again and again. That speaks for itself! And for me, the dynamic of family wins the story in my (ahem) book!

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS:

Gotta give it five feathers!

 

 

#Blogwords, First Line Friday, #FLF, Little Women, Louisa May Alcott

Read Full Post »

BLOGWORDS – Thursday 29 March 2018 – GUEST POST – GINGER SOLOMON

BLOGWORDS – GUEST POST – GINGER SOLOMON

 

FAITH FICTION

 

“Maybe you have to know the darkness to truly appreciate the light.” —Madeline L’Engle

 

Saw that quote the other day—and it says so much, and rather defines my writing—my life. I think most of us, as authors, draw from personal experience; I know I do. And the biggest part of my writing, truly my life, is my faith. But I don’t write Christian Fiction. I cannot market as such, because of “those” words. They’re rare, few and far between, maybe 5 in 100K manuscript. But they’re there.

 

But so is my faith.

 

Borrowed the words of my sweet friend, Carrie Schmidt, when she reviewed The Silent Song of Winter recently:

 

“In her novels, Mason wrestles with some of the darkest parts of human nature. But she also wraps each story in the loving arms of Grace… A realization that the words of Scripture are God’s heart written just for her. A new awareness that she is a child of the King who is dearly loved. As this transformation takes place in Pearl’s heart, it touches every area of her life – with some very moving results.”

 

http://readingismysuperpower.org/2018/03/09/book-review-and-a-giveaway-the-silent-song-of-winter-by-robin-e-mason/

 

I remember a phrase a pastor friend used to use, “Friendship Evangelism.” And it resonated with me to my core. I feel slack sometimes, that I don’t “do” more to spread the Gospel. But Holy Spirit reminds me, so gently as He is wont to do, I am spreading His Word. With my daily living, even and perhaps most especially, when I fail. Because that’s when I pick myself up—rather, He picks me up—and like Twila Paris says in her song, I look up for a smile. And Father’s arms are always always open to me. His heart is always always FOR me.

 

My writing manifesto says much the same as Ms. L’Engle,

 

“Stories for Christians to see or remember the ugly effects of the lies of the enemy, and for unbelievers to see the beauty of the Truth and transforming power of the Word of God.”

 

It’s how I live my life. It’s what I pray shows in my writing. It’s how I believe all Christians are called to do.

 

Jesus didn’t hide from sin or from sinners. He went to them, He reached out, met them at their point of need and desperation. Loved them in their ugliness. So, too, should we.

 

Is my writing Christian Fiction? Perhaps. Perhaps not. But it is Faith Fiction.

 

When all the noise has gone silent, all that is left is her song.

 

The southern town of Saisons lies at the crossroads between North and South, progressive and genteel antebellum life. Between East and West, between history and heritage, and new frontiers. Downton Abbey meets Gone With the Wind.

 

It’s 1912, in a world where slavery is dying and women’s rights are rising, and four young women who once shared a bond—and experienced a tragedy—question their own truths.

 

Pearl had lived under the impossible taskmaster of perfection. Nothing she does or ever did pleased her mother. And nothing she ever did could disappoint her father.

 

Caught up in the mystery of her friend’s curious—and secretive—return, Pearl wrestles with her own decisions, and flees lest her own secrets are exposed.

 

GIVEAWAY

I am offering an e-copy of The Silent Song of Spring.

 

http://www.gingersolomon.com/posts/faith-fiction-with-robin-mason-plus-giveaway/

 

 

 

#Blogwords, Guest Post, Ginger Solomon, Faith Fiction, Why I Write What I Write, Friendship Evangelism

Read Full Post »

BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 28 March 2018 – WREADING WEDNESDAY – FEATURED BOOK EXCERPT – GRACE RESTORED by TONI SHILOH

WREADING WEDNESDAY – FEATURED BOOK EXCERPT – GRACE RESTORED BY TONI SHILOH

 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Series: Freedom Lake
Genre:  Adult, Christian, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Indie
Publication date: March 20, 2018

 

Michelle Thomas has it all. Beautiful and successful, she’s just opened her own law firm in Freedom Lake. What more could she want? When her old flame rolls back into Freedom Lake, she’s intent on ignoring him. But how can she give the widower and his precious twin girls the cold shoulder?

Still reeling from the death of his wife, Guy Pierre returns to Freedom Lake to take over as town sheriff and raise his twin daughters. Alone. Yet, life keeps throwing Michelle in his path and sparks of interest began to rise.

Will old secrets tear them apart again or can they find the faith to let God’s grace restore what has been broken?

 

GOODREADS | AMAZON | B&N | BOOKS2READ | KOBO | ITUNES

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.

She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and president of the Virginia Chapter.

​​

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM
BOOKBUB | AMAZON | WEBSITE  | NEWSLETTER

 

 

AUTHOR INTERVIEW:

1. How did you decide that you wanted to write Christian romance?  What inspired this?
   When I rededicated my life to Christ, I wanted to be used by Him. It wasn’t until I went back to school to get my Bachelor’s degree in English that the writing bug really called to me. Not that it hadn’t before, but that it could actually be a way to reach people. I went to my local library to see if they had any books like this. I had never heard of Christian fiction so once I found the section, I began devouring the books and the lessons found between the pages.
2. How often do you hear from your reader fans? Do you have any funny and/or awkward stories?
   I hear from readers maybe once a month. Usually it’s because they’re sharing a review with me or they just want to share how the story touched their hearts.
3. What inspired the idea forGrace Restored?
   When I wrote book one, I knew the characters for each series. It wasn’t until I was midway through book one, Returning Home, that I realized how much of a story Guy and Michelle had. As soon as I finished the first draft of RH, I dove into Grace Restored with anticipation. They did not disappointment me.
4. What do you want readers to take away from reading Grace Restored?
   That no matter what skeletons you shoved in your closet, God’s grace is enough to restore You to the kingdom, to peace of mind, to faith.
5. What is your current WIP? What can you tell us about it?
   Currently I’m working on finishing the fourth and final book in the Maple Run series. This book features Shorty and Nikki with characters from the first three books making an appearance. These two have really struggled to share their thoughts with me from the moment I tried to make them book 2, lol. Thankfully, they’re opening up but it’s still a struggle.

 

EXCERPT:

June 11, 2003

“Promise we’ll always be friends.” Michelle Thomas glanced at her best friends, Jo Ellen Baker and Chloe Smith. Graduating from high school was going to change their relationship no matter what. She just prayed it would stand the test of time.

“Of course, we will,” Jo said in her no-nonsense tone of voice.

“Just because we’re going to college doesn’t mean our friendship will change,” Chloe stated in her soft voice.

Michelle sighed. She loved her friends, but sometimes, they didn’t seem to understand how tenuous time could be. In the blink of an eye, life could be altered.

“I love you, guys.” She smiled at them, eyes misting over.

“Aw, group hug.” Jo exclaimed.

Michelle wrapped her arms around them. Life couldn’t get much better.

The sound of the doorbell brought the hug to a close. Her parents had gone out for date night and had allowed her to have a sleepover with her girls. She knew they didn’t like her opening the door when they weren’t home, but she was an adult now.

She peered through the peep hole and frowned. Why was there a police officer at her door? She opened the door. “May I help you?”

The officer removed his hat, a somber look coloring his features. “Are you Michelle Thomas?”

She nodded. This was getting stranger by the minute.

“I’m Officer Simpson with the Kodiak City Police Department, may I come inside?”

What were the Kodiak City Police Department doing in Freedom Lake?

“Who’s at the door, Chelle?” Jo called out.

“The police.”

Jo quickly padded to the door to stand next to her. “How do we know you’re really the police?”

Trust Jo to be cynical and non-trusting. Who would lie about that?

He handed over his badge and Jo examined it. Michelle wanted to laugh at her serious expression, but something was off. Something wasn’t right.

Chloe peeked over Jo’s shoulder. “Looks real to me.”

“I suppose,” Jo replied. She handed the badge back. “Just say what you have to say right there.” Jo pointed past the threshold, as if the officer wasn’t strong enough to cross it if necessary.

The officer met Michelle’s gaze, his gray eyes softening. “Ms. Thomas, your parents have been involved in an accident.”

“What? Are they okay?” She swallowed, trying to dislodge the lump in her throat. She met Jo’s eyes, noticing the creases in her forehead. She vaguely noted Chloe’s hand on her back.

“Ma’am, I regret to inform you…”

It sounded like a recording. The words didn’t make sense. How could they be dead? She just saw them. Her dad had teared up after the graduation ceremony while they were taking family photos.

Slowly, the sound of wailing penetrated her thoughts. She wished they’d shut up. How could she hear what the officer was saying if they wouldn’t stop?

Her knees buckled and she felt arms come around to steady her.

It was her.

She was the one wailing. She was the one making the incessant noise.

They were dead. At the blink of an eye, her parents were dead.

 

GIVEAWAY:

 

For a chance to win an e-copy (International) of Grace Restored by Toni Shiloh, comment on this blog responding to the following question: What verse capture’s God’s grace for you? (runs through 31 March)

 

 

 

 

#Blogwords, Wreading Wednesday, Featured Book Except, Grace Restored, Toni Shiloh

Read Full Post »

BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 28 March 2018 – WREADING WEDNESDAY – FEATURED BOOK EXCERPT – CHASING THE WIND BY PAULA SCOTT

WREADING WEDNESDAY – FEATURED BOOK EXCERPT – CHASING THE WIND BY PAULA SCOTT

Welcome to the Chasing the Wind blog blitz and giveaway, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Chasing the Wind
Author: Paula Scott
Publisher: West Butte Publishing
Release Date: March 20, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction

A beautiful, half-Indian girl raised by the Californios finds her fate intertwined with an American frontiersman haunted by his past in 1850 California.

As California comes to statehood amidst the madness of the gold rush, Isabella Vasquez must wed a buckskin-clad American who wins her in a card game. Though their union is passionate, Isabella soon finds herself abandoned in a brothel, where she rises to fame as a singer known as the Bluebird. Yet because of her Indian blood, the Bluebird will always be bought and sold in the white man’s world. When more is demanded of the Bluebird than just singing, Isabella flees to Fort Ross in search of her Russian father and her own race of people.

Peter Brondi has battled Indians all his life. The last thing he wants is a half-Indian wife. While taming the West with Kit Carson and John C. Fremont, Peter has fought the Mexican War and lost his beloved fiancée, Maggie, to his half-Indian brother, Paul. To satisfy his father’s dying wish, Peter vows to find his brother and put an end to the hate that’s between them. But when history repeats itself and Paul steals Isabella away, Peter must come to terms with his past and the animosity he holds against all Indians, including his half-brother and the wife he has forsaken.

*Chasing the Wind is the final story in the sweeping saga of California Rising, a tale of love, betrayal, and the ties that bind brothers together and California to the nation.

EXCERPT

Peter released his own breath. He wished a real minister was here. He had no idea how to seal a vow before God with her.

She stared expectantly at him. With her hair pinned back, at least she looked old enough to be his wife. What if, like Maggie, she died giving birth? He closed his eyes, willing his thoughts into order. He’d learned long ago that worrying about the future only marred the present.

“We don’t have to do this,” she said, mistaking his hesitation.

He opened his eyes. Her gaze was intent on him.

Take care of my lamb.

He recognized that voice. It didn’t come from his own thoughts. It sounded just like Jedediah when he read the Bible as they sat beside the fire on cold winter nights.

He realized the words of the Bible had stuck. They’d bur¬rowed deep into his heart like an Indian arrow and killed the man he’d once been. He didn’t want to chase the wind any longer. He wanted to make a life with Belle.

 

PURCHASE A COPY: Goodreads | Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paula began her writing career as a civilian contracted to write for the United States Air Force’s newspaper and magazines. Later, she wrote feature stories for a daily California newspaper. A fifth generation Californian, Paula’s great great grandmother came to California in a covered wagon and married a California farmer. Paula’s family has been farming ever since. Paula works on her family’s farm, writes historical fiction, and blogs about life, love, and farming at psbicknell.com

CONNECT WITH AUTHOR: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

 

GIVEAWAY

Paula Scott is giving away a signed print copy of Chasing the Wind! (US Only) Void where prohibited by law. Enter via the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

March 28, 2018
Launch @ JustRead
ReadingIsMySuperPower
Remembrancy
She Lives to Read
All-of-a-kind Mom
The Christian Fiction Girl
Robin’s Nest
The Mary Reader

March 29, 2018
Singing Librarian Books
Edits and Reviews by Leslie
A Baker’s Perspective
Faithfully Bookish
Blooming with Books
Reflections From My Bookshelves
Radiant Light
cherylbbookblog

March 30, 2018
Fiction Aficionado
Among the Reads
Cafinated Reads

#Blogwords, Wreading Wednesday, Featured Book Except, Chasing the Wind, Paula Scott, Just Read Tours

Read Full Post »

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 27 March 2018 – SPECIAL EDITION – remmarwrimo

SPECIAL EDITION – remmarwrimo

 

“My world came to an end the day I jumped off the top of Versailles.”

 

Thought I forgot, didn’t ya?? Nah, I’ve either been so #intheflow—or totally NOT in the flow that I just haven’t stopped to post an update!

 

I’ve had a rough several days, #jellomode—that’s mode, not mold! LOL—and though I’ve made progress it has been piddly and hard won. But I’m determined, tenacious someone told me many years ago, and I WILL have this story finished in time! To that end, I’m feeling good today (gotta love the side effects of that steroid injection… ) and I’m looking for perhaps a record-breaking WC today! #GOALS

 

I think *I think* I finally *FINALLY* got  ***ALL | THE | NOTES***  in order so I can finally  *FINALLY*  write this story without offending the first three books in series!!!  #somanynotes  #somanypages  #stillnotaplotter  #alwaysapantzers

 

Ya, no, that’s not even gonna happen! LOL  #allthenotes are #allovertheplace, although I do have them in #somesemblanceoforder… ish, order-ish! bahahahah

 

Finishing #TheWhisperingWindsofSpring by deadline is gonna be a tall order, but have no fear, I’m up to the task!

 

And all the teaser questions posed thus far?? Look for your answers in Simone’s story!  #winkwink

 

Fourth and final book in my SEASONS SERIES, coming in May!!! I do love how these stories are overlapping and intertwining, each new one going back to the previous ones, and tying them all together!

 

 

“I’ve always had voices—er, stories in my head. I once said I should write them all down so someone could write them someday. I had no idea at the time that someone was me!”

 

 

http://robinemason.com

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Robin-E-Mason-Author-Artist/224223274404877
http://www.amazon.com/Robin-E.-Mason/e/B00MR5IQ9S
https://twitter.com/amythyst212
http://www.pinterest.com/amythyst212/

https://plus.google.com/u/0/108929134414473292325

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7808042.Robin_E_Mason

 

 

“the battle for identity, one story at a time”

 

 

#Blogwords, Special Edition, #RemMarWriMo, Seasons, The Long Shadows of Summer, The Tilting Leaves of Autumn, The Silent Song of Winter, The Whispering Winds of Spring

Read Full Post »

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 27 March 2018 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE HOUSE ON FOSTER HILL BY JAIME JO WRIGHT

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE HOUSE ON FOSTER HILL BY JAIME JO WRIGHT

THE BLURB:

 

Kaine Prescott is no stranger to death. When her husband died two years ago, her pleas for further investigation into his suspicious death fell on deaf ears. In desperate need of a fresh start, Kaine purchases an old house sight unseen in her grandfather’s Wisconsin hometown. But one look at the eerie, abandoned house immediately leaves her questioning her rash decision. And when the house’s dark history comes back with a vengeance, Kaine is forced to face the terrifying realization she has nowhere left to hide.

A century earlier, the house on Foster Hill holds nothing but painful memories for Ivy Thorpe. When an unidentified woman is found dead on the property, Ivy is compelled to discover her identity. Ivy’s search leads her into dangerous waters and, even as she works together with a man from her past, can she unravel the mystery before any other lives–including her own–are lost?
THE AUTHOR:

Professional coffee drinker & ECPA/Publisher’s Weekly best-selling author, Jaime Jo Wright resides in the hills of Wisconsin writing spirited turn-of-the-century romance stained with suspense. Coffee fuels her snarky personality. She lives in Neverland with her Cap’n Hook who stole her heart and will not give it back, their little fairy TinkerBell, and a very mischievous Peter Pan. The foursome embark on scores of adventure that only make her fall more wildly in love with romance and intrigue.

Jaime lives in dreamland, exists in reality, and invites you to join her adventures at jaimejowright.com!

 

 

 

 

MY REVIEW:

 

The number of times this book gave me the chills! The twists, the turns, the unexpected’s! I enjoy a good book written in a dual timeline, and Ms. Wright does not disappoint. Both threads are well written, characters alive on each page, and the connection from one to the other is evident while keeping the reader guessing. The story lagged for me in a few places, and some of the dialogue didn’t seem in keeping with the era, but not enough to through out of the telling, or put the book down altogether. Seriously, this is a page turner and kept me reading several nights long after I should have put it down.

 

STARS:

 

 

 

This book was given to me as a gift. I offer my review of my own free will, and the opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, The House on Foster Hill, Jaime Jo Wright

Read Full Post »

BLOGWORDS – 2 March 2017 – NEW WEEK NEW FACE – GUEST POST – MELISSA WARDWELL

NEW WEEK NEW FACE – GUEST POST – MELISSA WARDWELL

 

Family

Some of us love our families without abandon. Other families work better on opposite sides of the room. But no matter the kind of family, you are there for one another. It is engrained into our DNA to lift up and support one another and put aside our differences. We come together on holidays and special occasions and celebrate each achievement. And sometimes, when one is in desperate need, we, link our arms together  and hold that one up through the trial.

This is my matriarchal side of the family. When one of us needs a little extra boost, someone is right there to help. Need a couple more bags of groceries to fill your pantry, you will find them on your door step. If the kids will be home from school before a parent can get there, someone is available and willing to be there to get them off the bus. We are a tight family, no matter our difference in faith, politics, and life choices. There is still a constant bond that remains. A fine thread that binds us all together.  Grandma.

My Grandma A is the last of my grandparents. At one point, she was sassy, bold, opinionated, vivacious, tenacious, stubborn, and will never complain. You would rarely find her home on a Sunday evening because she was out with her girls (ladies she played cards with and I am guessing and adult beverage or two). She was the local VFW’s Queen of Poppies because she sold the most poppies every year to raise money for the Ladies Auxiliary. Having been a widow since 1987, she filled her time with volunteer work and helping her kids. We could always count on grandma to be at school plays, choir and band concerts, dance recitals – well, you name it and she was there.

A little over a decade ago, we began to notice a change in this energetic thread. She began asking the same questions repeatedly in a short amount of time. Then, she forgot where she parked her car in the parking lot. That led to no longer recalling what street signs meant. And the ball began to roll. About eight years ago, that hated D word was mentioned – Dementia. A couple of years later – Alzheimers.

When grandma received these diagnoses, we banded together around her and formed a plan. Well, it was more like my mom, aunt, and uncle. My aunt made arrangements to live with grandma and the siblings would help with care as needed. Since grandma could no longer drive, it was mostly transportation related. Then, she digressed, and it became “check in on her once a day” just to make sure she didn’t feel alone.  A couple years ago, it became, “We need someone at the house twice a day.” She was forgetting how to make simple meals. That awful demon that was robbing my grandmother’s mind continued its journey.

I happen to live a block away from my aunt and grandma. Since I am a stay at home mom, I was the only one who could be there more than even my own mother. Everyone had to work to continue supporting their households. Even my aunt. Someone had to keep the heat on. So, I willingly go over to the house there times a week now. I enjoy our times together as we have shared many tender moments and some great laughs. But the light are flickering behind those amazing blue eyes. The person inside is bumping around in the corners of that 96 year old mind and she is getting pretty banged up.

“God, I really hate this disease!” Is something I remark often in my quiet times. I hate watching this pillar in our family wither away a little more each day. The woman who was once there for her children and grandchildren, never really relying on anyone, now needs all of those she helped to pitch in for her. Though she won’t ask for your help. Each visit is different now. The only routine we have is help her dress, comb her hair, make her breakfast, give her her medications, take her blood pressure, and if she isn’t too tired, play a round of Skip-Bo.

This winter, my husband had another opportunity to move us all south. We struggled with the choice this year. Grandma was slipping even more and I cannot bring myself to leave her. I am so glad my husband understands that I can’t leave her no matter how bad we want to get out of Michigan. In fact, he told me he knew this would be the case.

 

When we moved into our house five years ago, my journey as a caregiver for grandma began. I knew that God had placed me here to be easily accessible if something happened and when it was time, this door would close, a new door would open and we would move from this home to another. I must admit, moving to a bigger home is something exciting for my family, but my heart is a little scared. It means things are coming to an end. I am not sure I am ready. Then again, is anyone every ready to say goodbye to one they love so much?

 

Melissa resides in the small mid-Michigan farm community of Corunna with her husband, three children, one cat, and three dogs.

She began writing in 2014. She has 4 titles to her resume and is currently working on her next novel.  In her spare time, she reads a verity of books throughout the year and shares her thoughts on Goodreads or her blog Back Porch Reads.

You can connect with her at www.melissawardwell.com as well as all major social media outlets and Amazon

 

 

 

 

www.melissawardwell.com

www.facebook.com/mwardwell99

www.twitter.com/mwardwell99

https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Wardwell/e/B00T17KNGE/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1487615785&sr=8-2-ent

www.pintrest.com/mwardwell99

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-wardwell

www.instagram.com/mwardwell99

 

 

#Blogwords, New Week New Fact, #NWNF, Guest Post, Melissa Wardwell, Family, Grandma A

Read Full Post »

BLOGWORDS – Sunday 25 March 2018 – FRONT PORCH FELLOWSHIP – FAMILY AND THE BODY OF CHRIST

 

FRONT PORCH FELLOWSHIP – FAMILY AND THE BODY OF CHRIST

Family and my relationship with Christ are so intertwined. Like a carefully woven tapestry, to pull one thread would unravel the other.

 

As a Christian mother, my first ministry has to be my children. (As a married woman, my husband would be my first priority—and one day, I will have that honor and privilege again.)

 

Family. I can’t tell you how many times church peeps refer to each other and their ‘church family.’ Whether those relationship are filling a void left by broken families, or are enriching healthy and fun family connection, family is family.

 

Family –

In the context of human society, a family (from Latin: familia) is a group of people affiliated either by consanguinity (by recognized birth), affinity (by marriage or other relationship), or co-residence (as implied by the etymology of the English word “family” * from Wikipedia

noun, plural families.

1 – a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not: the traditional family.

2 – a social unit consisting of one or more adults together with the children they care for: a single-parent family.   * from dictionary.com

 

We moved a lot when I was growing up, and we weren’t always close to extended family. So they are all the more precious to me as an adult. (and large and extended families seem to be prevalent in my writing!! imagine that!)

 

Family gatherings, whether casual or a special event, are some of the most cherished times in my life. See, that’s what worship is like to me—family time with our Heavenly Father, and with my family in Christ.

 

And today was one of those cherished celebrations— my nephew was married this afternoon. Two families joining together in one. Reverent and holy, hilarious and silly, fun and fellowship. Church or family reunions, potluck dinners or ceremonies and celebrations. The Body of Christ is family, and perhaps, family is the Body of Christ.

 

 

#Blogwords, Front Porch Fellowship, #FPF, Sunday Devotion, Family and the Body of Christ, Weddings, Food, Fun, and Fellowship

Read Full Post »

BLOGWORDS – Saturday 24 March 2018 – WHAT’S COOKIN’ IN YOUR KITCHEN – RANDOM RECIPES – PIXTRAVAGANZA – WEDDING CAKE

WHAT’S COOKIN’ IN YOUR KITCHEN – RANDOM RECIPES – PIXTRAVAGANZA – WEDDING CAKE

 

Why wedding cakes today? Because my ‘nother nephew is getting married today. And today is all about weddings, at least in my family.

 

Bring on the pics!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#Blogwords, What’s Cookin’ in Your Kitchen, #RandomRecipes, #AuthorsEat #AuthorsCook, Wedding Cakes, Pixtravaganza

 

Read Full Post »