A Somber Anniversary

This day every year gives me pause. In 1968, I was a little girl and I got up in the morning to tell my daddy good-bye before he left for work. That was the last time I ever saw him. He died later that night on a dark, lonely road near Simi Valley, CA. His funeral was on December 24th. That event, of course, changed my life forever.

I often wonder what might have been. Would we have stayed in Santa Barbara? Would my parents have had more children? Would they both still be alive today enjoying their grandchildren? Would I have found the gospel?

I don't know the answers to these questions. What I do know is that I have the gospel in my life. I feel so blessed each day to know that my Redeemer lives, and because He lives, so does my father. And my mother. My grandparents. Friends. I may not be able to see those that I've loved and lost with my mortal eyes, but they are not far from me. Some days, I've felt them so close I could almost reach out and touch them.

As I consider the tragic events as of late, especially at Sandy Hook Elementary School, my heart aches for all those who have lost loved ones to such violent acts. But I know that they can be reunited one day. I know that their loved ones are not gone forever. Because the Savior lives, so do their precious loved ones. And through the Savior, they can find some peace and some comfort.

I will never stop missing my father, or my family members that have died. There will always be a hole in my heart for each one, but I can feel comfort knowing that they are in a better place and that the bonds of family do not end with death. I don't think you ever get over losing a loved one, but with time you learn to live with it.

The Savior said in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

May we all find some peace and comfort, especially those in Connecticut.

Aura is $.99 This Week

In celebration of the release of my newest novel, Aura, it's on sale for $.99 at Amazon for the Kindle.

If you'd like to read it but don't own a Kindle, you can download the free app from Amazon that allows you to read Kindle books on your computer. Go here to download that app.

If you prefer to read print books (and who doesn't love how a real book feels in your hands?) Aura is now available in a print version.

I sincerely appreciate your help and support in spreading the word about Aura. Word-of-mouth is THE best and most effective way to advertise a book. So, thank you to all of you who have read it and recommended it. And, thank you to those of you who have posted reviews.

Being an author is like walking around naked. You bare your soul because each book is an extension of who you are, what you believe, and how you view the world. Yes, the stories are fictional, but the way each author tells his or her story is very personal and based on his or her life's experiences. Every time I publish a book, it's like sending my child out to the world to be judged. It's exciting and stressful at the same time. Sometimes, I think it'd be easier to be a brain surgeon. Or a rocket scientist. And yet, I can't not do it. I can't not write the stories in my head that are begging to be released.

Thank you again for your support!

Aura is FREE Today and Tomorrow

Aura is FREE today and tomorrow on Amazon. Here is the link to get it. Tell your friends!

I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for your support!

After you read it, if you'd like to post a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads, that'd be awesome.

Happy reading.

Finding New Authors

There are the books everyone has heard about: Twilight, Hunger Games,  Harry Potter. But what about all those books written by people you’ve never heard of? Some of them are treasures, just waiting to be found, and that’s what this blog hop is all about: the books you might not have heard about, but that you might end up loving.

I was tagged by Julie Coulter Bellon. You can learn more about Julie on her website or her blog, and  where you can then connect with her on Twitter, and even Pinterest. 

Here’s a little info about my current project:

1: What is the working title of your book? Aura

2: Where did the idea come from for the book? I knew a guy in high school who claimed to be a warlock and that he'd gotten his powers from his dad. I asked myself, what if the son didn't want to be like his dad and what if it were demons and what if a girl had enough power to fight the demons and what if her power came from her virtuous choices.

3: What genre does your book fall under? Young Adult Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? The villain: Cillian Murphy (Scarecrow in Batman Begins), Melinda: Julianne Moore. I actually found photos of each of my characters, including the main character, Crystal, but they aren't famous actors.

5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? Everything in Crystal Scott's life finally seems perfect--until a powerful demon thirsts for her Light.

6: Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? I have self-published this book after having three novels traditionally published.

7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? Over a year (in my defense, I have 10 kids).

8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? I'd say my book is a mix between the TV show Supernatural and Twilight (without the vampires).

9: Who or What inspired you to write this book? Young girls who don't see themselves as being powerful. I wanted to empower young girls and help them realize that they have strength.

10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? Crystal's power to fight the demons comes from her virtuous choices--her power is directly tied to her choices, including her choice to remain a virgin.

Here are links to some great books I've read this year:

The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Renee Anderson
The Kindling by Braden Bell
Checkin' It Twice by various LDS authors
On Little Wings by Regina Sirois

Check them out! You might find some new authors you love!

"Checkin' It Twice" Book Review

From the back cover:

Can Santa learn a lesson from the Savior?
Can a foreign exchange student help you see Christmas a little more clearly?
Do things really look better from a distance?
And just how many holiday ornaments does one woman need?

Get in the Christmas Spirit with Volume 2 of award-winning stories from LDS Publisher's 2010 and 2011 Christmas Story Contests! Sixteen short stories from popular LDS authors to help you remember the reason for the season!


Featuring LDS Authors:

Amie Borst • A Soldier’s Christmas
Angie Lofthouse • Broken Things
Brenda J. Anderson • Milkshakes and Mittens
Brian C. Ricks • Third Strike Christmas
Gussie Fick • Substitute Santa
Janice Sperry • Slushballs
Jennifer Carson Shelton • With Wondering Awe
Jennifer Ricks • Christmas Stash
Jennifer Ricks • The Two Hundred Forty-fourth Ornament
Kasey Eyre • Gifts from Jesus
LeeAnn Setzer • Christmas Bus
LisaAnn Turner • The Real Magic
Michael Young • Checkin’ It Twice
Rob Smales • Fishing Buddy
Teresa G. Osgood • Foreign Exchange
Weston Elliott • Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh

 

My Review:

 

I really enjoyed this compilation with stories that range from humorous to touching. This is a perfect book to read with your family--you can read one story each night as Christmas nears.

 

I was particularly touched by the story "With Wondering Awe" by Jennifer Carson Shelton. When I was four-year-old little girl, my dad left for work on December 19th. I never saw him again because he died in a car accident that night on his way home from work. His funeral was December 24th. Needless to say, Christmas was very different that year and in subsequent years. It's been four decades since that dark, sad night, but every year I remember my dad and I can't help but be a little sad for all the Christmases over the years that we've missed. 

 

The character in this story, "With Wondering Awe" has a similar experience, except it's her sister. when the story begins she is still mourning the loss of her sister a year before and she doesn't want to enjoy Christmas without her sister. By the end of the story, she realizes that her sister wants her to be happy and to go on living. It reminds me of what the pastor says in Courageous when he tells the main character, a mourning father, to stop being mad about what time he wouldn't have with his daughter and to be thankful for all the time he did have with her.

 

I was also touched by the story, "A Soldier's Christmas" by Amie Borst. It reminded me of my mother and how she must have felt when my father died. In this story, a young mother must face the death of her husband. I loved the poem in the story. It made me all teary.

 

Both of these stories really touched my heart, but I enjoyed all of them. I recommend you read this book next to a roaring fire while sipping some hot chocolate. It's a wonderful compilation from very talented writers.

 

You can learn more about this book here.

You can purchase it here.

 

Right now there's a Bonus Goodies package available for anyone who purchases a print copy before December 15th.  Just send a copy of your Amazon receipt to citbonus@rosehavenpublishing.net. 

Aura, Chapter 1, Part 2

She reluctantly walked down the hall toward their bedroom. He rushed into the kitchen and emptied his pockets of the money he'd cashed out earlier from their bank account. Rummaging through a drawer, he found a piece of paper and pen and scribbled a note to the landlord. He didn't want any loose ends when they left—no trail that could lead back to them. Not if he hoped to protect his wife and unborn child from the monster who had once been his best friend.

He slammed his fist against the counter. Why hadn't he noticed it sooner? The muscles in his neck constricted. All he'd wanted to do was provide for his growing family by working for a legitimate business. He shook his head at his stupidity and misplaced trust.

Pam's footsteps interrupted his thoughts as she neared the kitchen. He finished the note telling the landlord they were leaving and wouldn't be coming back. He tucked it under a cup with enough bills to cover the remainder of the lease and turned to Pam. She stood in the doorway, wearing a solemn expression, dressed in a grey sweatshirt and jeans with a brown suitcase in hand.

"I packed as much of our stuff as I could." She tried to smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. Matt sensed her misgivings. How would he ever explain this to her?

"Good." He took the suitcase.

She stood firm. "I want you to tell me what's going on and why we're leaving in the middle of the night."

"We don't have much time—"

She crinkled her forehead. "What does that mean?"

"It means we need to go." He reached his hand out for hers but she didn't reciprocate.

"I don't understand what's happening."

Matt stepped close to her and ran his hand down her arm, grasping her hand in his. "I know this all sounds confusing and crazy, but I need you to trust me. Please. I'll try to explain everything after we leave." His eyes pleaded with her, hoping she wouldn't ask any more questions or weaken his resolve.

"You're acting so erratic. You're scaring me."

Matt set the suitcase down and pulled her to him, losing himself in the familiar strawberry scent of her hair. He wished things were different. But they weren't. All he could do now was run—run fast and run far, without looking back. Their lives depended on it. He stepped back and gazed deeply into Pam's eyes. "We have to go before they realize that I've left."

"But—"

"Our lives are in danger."

Pam's eyes widened. "Danger?"

Matt nodded. "Yes. Let's go."

"Where are we going?" A tear snaked down her cheek. "What are we going to do?"

"Disappear."

 

You can purchase Aura here.

Aura, Chapter 1, Part 1

The brisk late-night air wound itself around Matt's neck while the house keys shook in his hand. He glanced over his left shoulder. Over his right. His heart thundered against his ribs. He scanned the neighborhood. Nothing out of the ordinary—but nothing was as it seemed. Never would be again. He wiped perspiration from his forehead and drew in a breath.

In one swift movement, he opened the creaky front door to the rental house, stepped inside, and closed the door. He locked the door and rested his head against it for a moment before turning around. With three strides he was standing next to the couch, where his wife lay sleeping, bathed in the glow of the television. He knelt next to the couch and attempted to calm his breathing while he watched the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest. So peaceful. Relaxed. Unaware.

He tugged on her arm, trying to rouse her. "Pam, honey, wake up."

Her eyelids fluttered open. He took several breaths, hoping to settle his raging heartbeat.

"Matt? What's wrong?" She lifted herself on one elbow and pushed a few strands of her long, blonde hair from her face. "You look terrified."

He didn't want to panic her or scare her. But he had no choice. "We need to leave."

She cleared her throat. "What are you talking about?"

"We can't stay here anymore." It sounded crazy and unreasonable—even to him.

Pam raised her eyebrows. "Why? You aren't making any sense."

"I can't explain right now." He raked his fingers through his hair, a stone of sadness in his stomach.

Pam sat up and adjusted her flannel nightgown.

Her pale face forced him to focus on her. "Feeling nauseated?"

She nodded and placed her hand on her belly. "All day and night. Whoever named it morning sickness got it wrong." She leaned her head over the small white trashcan next to the couch.

"I'm sorry you're sick. But we have to go. Now." Matt stood and crossed over to the window. He parted the curtains and searched the street. Had anyone followed him? The clock on the wall mocked him with its constant tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock.

"What are you doing?" Pam asked, wiping at her mouth.

He turned to face her. "I was offered a promotion."

"That's great—"

"No. It's not great." He licked his parched lips. "Not great at all." A shudder rippled down his back.

Images. Bits of conversations. Paperwork. It all made sense now.

"Why not?" She tilted her head and peered at him.

"The company isn't what it seems. Nothing is as it seems." He stepped over to the couch and reached his hand out for hers, pulling her up.

"You're shaking." She placed her soft, warm hand over his. "What's going on?" Her eyes searched his.

"We need to get out of here. Tonight."

Pam stared at him, the fear and confusion apparent in her blue eyes.

"Please," he said. "Go to our bedroom and grab whatever you can. There isn't much time." He let go of her hand and turned back to the window again, looking urgently from side to side. A siren sounded in the distance, and several dogs barked in concert. The scene seemed ordinary enough, but he knew better.

"But—"

He faced her. "Pam, please. Hurry."

Come back tomorrow for Part 2.