The holidays are barreling down upon us. I'm hoping to have Tempered Dreams in audio by Black Friday. Keep watching for updates on that.
Meanwhile, please welcome my friend and fellow author, Linda Rondeau back to our blog. It's been a while, but she's been in our spotlight a couple of times before, and today she gives us a peek into her newest release, It Really is a Wonderful Life.
If that don't beat all....Linda's title fits right in with my Wednesday Words with Friends post LOL! Take it away, Linda....
Jamey Sullivan has put his professional life on hold in order to run the family business and to help his ailing father. He signs on for Midville’s production of It’s a Wonderful Life, although he hopes to receive a Broadway casting call any day now.
When these two meet, they are instantly attracted to one another. However, ambition, demanding children, and a romantic rival threaten to squash their growing love for one another. Each must discover that the best things in life are found where your heart resides.
It Really is a Wonderful Life is set in the beautiful Adirondack mountains, a perfect backdrop for a Christmas romance.
Excerpt: Dorie threw the letter and shrugged as it landed on top of the leftover peanut butter sandwiches. Maybe she should finish reading the letter, just in case she’d misunderstood the opening paragraph. She picked up the memo again and flicked off the residue along its edges, skimming the next few lines. When done, she subdued the urge to scream. The kids were asleep—finally.
As she read, she mouthed the words with clenched jaws. “Thank you for your interest in Bargains Galore. I am sorry to inform you that the position for which you applied has been filled. Blah, Blah, Blah. Sincerely James Paul Sullivan.”
Regardless of the perfumed words, they still stung.
“What is it with this town?” She ripped the rejection into pieces and tossed it into the trash. “I can’t even get a job at the local dollar store. Somebody, somewhere, must need someone with a business degree.”
Focus on the positives, Dorie. Mom’s voice echoed in her memory. She’d spent a great night with the children—her favorite people. A read-a-thon and Fern Gully and bedtimes with no rebuttals from Josh or squalls from Emma … all huge positives.
When the kids went to sleep, however, the night resembled a desert crossing—interminably long and arid. She settled into the recliner—Devon’s chair—and flipped through the television channels. Nothing of interest. Just news, reruns, or cartoons.
She clicked off the television and picked up the newspaper. With a discordant sigh, she skipped over the first seven pages and turned to the classifieds. Scanning the five employment ads, she screeched an entire sonnet of Midville condemnations, then threw the paper at the wall.
Now her tirades beamed toward her late husband. “Devon, you had no right to get yourself killed fighting a war nobody cares about anymore. How do you expect me to raise these kids on my own when I can’t even get a job?”
Boomer’s bark brought her back from the edge of uncontrolled rage, a precipice she teetered on all too often these days. He nudged the crumpled newsprint in her direction. Some people believed Irish setters could read minds. But last she knew, they couldn’t read newspapers. Maybe he sensed something there—something good.
A breeze from the open window stirred its pages.
She bent over to pick it up. A jelly smudge brought attention to the announcement, Midville Players casting call. Who would have thought a puny town like Midville would have a drama group?
Curiosity numbed her anger. “Midville Players will hold auditions for their upcoming Christmas production of It’s a Wonderful Life—”
Did she dare? She’d played an angel in a Christmas pageant once. That was a lot of fun, and her teacher said she was the best angel. This would be different, though. Still, what was the worst that could happen?
You’d look like a fool and find new depths of rejection.
Discretion warned her to avoid any more opportunities for failure.
“Now don’t let your mind go there, Dorie,” she said aloud. Talking to herself was becoming a bad habit. Then again, who else did she have to talk to besides Boomer?
He barked as if to say he’d heard her.
She gazed at the article again. Why not go for it? Devon had always encouraged her to try new things. Besides, didn’t Daddy say the best way to find a job was to network? Since moving to Midville four months ago, her only networking had been with her parents’ retired church friends. Time to find a circle of friends closer to her age.
She picked up her cell and called her lifeline. “Mom, will you watch the kids for me tomorrow night?”
It Really IS a Wonderful Life is inspired by the author’s true experiences
in a small town Community Theater. During her twenty years as an actor,
producer, and director, the author met and married her best friend in life. The
couple now reside in Hagerstown, Maryland, where they are actively involved
with their local church ministries and spend time with their children and
grandchildren. Most of Rondeau’s works reflect the beauty and friendliness of
the northern Adirondack Region, where this book is set. Readers may connect
with the author through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads.
Follow the authors blog, Snark and Sensibility, on her website www.lindarondeau.com and signup for the author’s newsletters.
Coming
soon: A Christmas Prayer A
Country Music star, a newspaper journalist, and a 12-year-old autistic child
each pray seemingly opposing Christmas prayers. How will God answer?
Social
Media Links
Can anyone say "Hallmark Movie?" GREAT excerpt, Linda, thanks for sharing! Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight, friends and that you'll check back weekly for Wednesday Words with Friends and another Saturday Spotlight.
Meanwhile, get your copy of It Really is a Wonderful Life at Amazon.
Until next time, take care, God Bless and remember....Life is what you make it so make it your BEST day/life ever!
PamT
4 comments:
This sounds like a wonderful Christmas romance novel. Congrats, Linda, and best wishes.
Wow, this does sound like a future Hallmark movie. Best of luck with the book!
I love Christmas stories, and this one sounds like a great read. Enjoyed the excerpt! Congrats and Happy Holidays!
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