Saturday Spotlight - In His Sight

Good Morning Friends!

Yep, it's that time of the month again - time when I spotlight one of my own titles for your reading pleasure. This month I'd like to share with you my first (and so far only) romantic suspense. This book started out as an entry into White Rose Publishing's "Hearts Crossing" contest back in 2009. The original title was to be named after the setting of "Hearts Crossing, TN" a fictional town near Nashville.

However, since I was unable to finish the story in time to submit to the contest, I subsequently changed the setting to "Stars Crossing, TN" and the title underwent several transitions until we settled on In His Sight.

Now I don't normally write romantic suspense, in fact, I had absolutely no idea how to do so but when the editor suggested we revise the story to focus on the suspense element that had sneaked into the plot, I readily agreed. I still don't know if I could put together another suspense, but hope to sometime in the future. IMW, please enjoy this sneak peek into In His Sight.....

Grade school teacher Carson Alexander has a gift—a gift that has driven a wedge between him and his family. Worse, it’s put him at odds with God. Feeling alone and misunderstood, Carson views God’s gift of prophecy as the worst kind of curse…that is until he meets Lorelei Conner, landscape artist extraordinaire, and perhaps the one person who may need Carson and his gift more than anyone ever has.

Lorelei Connor is a mother on the run. Her abusive ex-husband has followed her all over the country trying to steal their daughter. Distrusting of men and needing to keep on the move, she’s surprised by her desire to remain close to Carson Alexander. Through her fear and hesitation, she must learn to rely on God to guide her—not an easy task when He’s prompting her to trust a man.

Can their relationship withstand the tragedy lurking on the horizon?

 EXCERPT.....

Carson Alexander walked through his classroom and tugged desks into a semi circle around the dry eraser board. One thing he loved about teaching sixth-grade English at Stars Crossing Middle School was that the classes were so small. With no more than fifteen students at a time he could work closely with each one and give them the attention they needed and deserved. Another thing he appreciated was the lack of standard or strict curriculum. As long as the children passed the exams set forth by the Department of Education, he could teach as he pleased.

So far, his kids excelled, maintaining some of the highest scores in the entire school. Pride filled his soul and caused his heart to swell, chest to puff out.

Pride cometh before the fall.

The Voice echoed in his mind, ricocheted through his soul. He shrugged off the warning, walked to his desk and picked up the name tags for each incoming student. He thumbed through the stack, pondered each one and wondered about the child attached to the name….Jenny & Jerry Smith – twins or un-related? One name struck him hard, sent unnamed emotion curling through his system – Laurel Connor.

He hadn’t heard the name Laurel in years and then, used only as a surname or when referring to the small town in Mississippi from whence he came. He moved to Stars Crossing, Tennessee five years ago for two reasons. One, the teaching position and two, the town though smaller, reminded him of home.

Memories crashed through the floodgates he’d built around his heart…..the huge two-story house and two-hundred acre farm where he grew up. His seven siblings, parents who adored him – their eldest son, and the pain of losing everything he held near and dear to his heart.

Tears threatened. His vision blurred, hands began to shake. Carson swallowed the lump in his throat, put the stack down, and shoved his hands into the front pockets of his slacks. Adrenaline pumped through him, caused his pulse to skitter and jump. Saliva pooled in his mouth. By sheer force he willed his emotions under control. The bell rang and he turned to greet the children who rushed into the room. He watched as one-by-one they filed in and took a seat. 

In His Sight can be purchased directly through Pelican Book Group/White Rose Publishing, Kindle or Nook!

Well friends, hope you enjoyed this spotlight. Stay tuned next week for more Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and of course another edition of Saturday Spotlight!

PamT

Tuesday Treasures - CMSA

I'll bet some of you are thinking 'What in the world is CMSA?' - I know I would've been. But now I know what it stands for - aren't you jealous? ;-)

Seriously though, I was in the dark about CMSA until this past weekend when I took a trip to the Young County Arena in Graham, TX to watch my friend compete in a "Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association" Event.

There were costumes of a patriotic nature and even some a mite flamboyant as cowboys and cowgirls from all over including Oklahoma, Louisiana and Texas, and if my memory serves me correctly, even Colorado and Arkansas were too. (If I missed any states, I apologize but with over 100 shooters, it's hard to remember where everyone hailed from, but regardless everyone was friendly and fun-loving! Even AQHA was represented in this competition.

From bays to buckskins, paints and palominos, horses of every size and color were there, including a mule!

Yes, you heard me correctly, Molly the Mule was a contender.

These folks shoot from their horses at balloons set up in different patterns....

So friends, if you love competitive equine events, find the nearest CMSA event and attend. It'll surely be a memory to treasure (be sure and bring your ear plugs!).

And if you like cowboy romances, check out my Tempered series & Lori's Redemption.

Until next time...Be Blessed!
PamT

Saturday Spotlight - Rachel Windham & "I Listen"

Good Morning Friends,

Earlier this month I spotlighted friend and fellow BWG member, Rachel Windahm. Today I'd like to share with you, I Listen, the companion coloring book to I Pray which teaches children how to listen to God speak to them. 

The books I Pray and I Listen are designed as a set.  Both may be purchased from the website rachelwindham.weebly.com or through Amazon .com.  Signed orders may be purchased from the author. 

Rachel Windham resides in Louisiana with her husband, their two teen-aged children, and the family pets, Pugzy and Jamby.  Her passions are God and family, themes woven into her various works.   Through her devotional books, she hopes to give families tools which will inspire and enrich their relationships with Jesus Christ.  She has several works in print, including a family devotional, A Kingdom to Call Home, and her most recent chidren's books, I Pray and I Listen.   See what is happening in Rachel’s world by visiting her website, rachelwindham.weebly.com, where she blogs monthly and posts upcoming events, or follow her on Facebook to catch the latest and greatest.  

Sounds like great books to keep your children or grandchildren, nieces or nephews busy during these long, hot, summer days!

Until next week...take care & God bless!

PamT

Thursday Thoughts - The Key to Happiness....

Good Morning Friends!

If you could do ONE thing with the guarantee it would change your life, would you do it?

This sounds like a pretty dumb question to me, but trust me when I say there are folks out there who would jump on this with a jubilant "Yes!" and yet others who would mumble, grumble and doubt.

But seriously, there IS one thing we can all do that will not only change our life, but the lives of those around us.

By now you're either waiting for me to reveal that secret....

Well here it is.... Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life.

As the Bible states.... "As a man thinks, therefore he is."

Yes, the key to happiness lies within YOU and only YOU can make yourself happy!

True there are circumstances and situations and people that can ADD to your happiness but unless you Choose to be happy, those things will not suffice. Oh, they may work for a while but why settle for a temporary high when you can have a life of happiness?

Something to think about!

Speaking of Choices...Check out my short story about that very same thing!

Best-selling novelist and songwriter, Camie Rogers has penned numerous accounts of the secret love she holds in her heart. Country-Music Superstar Kip Allen has changed from the shy, humble boy, to the epitome of “star.” Can the two rediscover each other after one night of his Home is where the Heart is Tour? 

Available from White Rose Publishing, Kindle & Nook!


"Inspirational with an Edge!"

Tuesday Treasure - Journey to Sand Castle by Leslee Breene

 Today it is my pleasure to bring to you another great author and book!

Leslee Breene, award-winning author of novel and short fiction, takes pride in being a Denver native. She lives beneath the Colorado Rockies with her husband and, hopefully soon, a beloved rescue canine.

    Her newest release, JOURNEY TO SAND CASTLE (June 2013), is a contemporary inspirational romance set in the San Luis Valley next to the Sangre de Cristo mountains. "Leslee Breene confronts conflict, resistance, and prejudice...in a well-written story of love and redemption." Heidi M.Thomas, WILLA Literary Award

   STARLIGHT RESCUE, (2011- Treble Heart Books) a western romance, is available in soft cover through www.lesleebreene.com and Amazon.com, and is set beneath the Wyoming Big Horn Mountains on an animal rescue ranch. It received an RWA PASIC Book of Your Heart Award in the contemporary, single-title category.

   HEARTS ON THE WIND (2008 - Five Star), a Denver bestselling historical romance, received an “A” review in the Rocky Mountain News.    

   

Ms. Breene’s short fiction has been published in various magazines, won national awards, and was a finalist in the 2009, 2011 and 2012 Women Writing the West LAURA (Ingalls Wilder) Award Competitions. http://womenwritingthewest.org/laurajournal.html.

   Ms. Breene attended the University of Denver, received a Denver Fashion Group Scholarship, and graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York City.  For several years, she worked as a newspaper fashion illustrator in San Francisco.

   She is an active member of RWA, Colorado Romance Writers, and Women Writing the West and is available for Denver/suburban area library and group speaking engagements. She welcomes visitors at her website: www.lesleebreene.com and www.facebook.com/pages/Leslee-Breene/

  In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Tess Cameron, a divorced teacher, becomes the unwitting guardian of a bi-racial orphan. She is compelled to take the little girl to the Colorado San Luis Valley to meet her grandfather, the only family the child has left. Estranged from her missing mother and bitter over their long separation, he is unaware of his granddaughter’s existence and doesn’t want her.

  Grant Wilder, a widowed outfitter, offers Tess temporary employment on his ranch. But can Tess’s wandering spirit find the faith to accept permanent responsibility of the child? Can she open her heart to love again in this land of amazing beauty and haunting secrets?

Excerpt:

Aftermath of Katrina- September 2005

Tess Cameron looked for Winona, searching the haggard faces of women with children.  Dark, shoulder-length hair, medium height, holding a year-old toddler.  Two boys and a girl.  So many mothers, so many children.  No match.

Buses waited in the high school parking lot.  People boarding.  Which one would Winona be on?  Wouldn’t she have tried to seek out Tess before she left?  No.  Not enough time.  

If I just had a cup of coffee.  Some orange juice.

Out of breath, she stopped and leaned against a wall near the entrance.  Sweat dampened her brow and upper lip.  Absently she swiped at her forehead, pulled fingers through her short, dark, oily hair.  Her reflection in the large side window scared her.  An eerie phantom stared back into her eyes.

Other evacuees milled around in haphazard groups.  Maybe Winona hadn’t left yet.  Maybe more buses would arrive later for Houston.

Impulsively Tess swerved back into the gym.  It seemed important that she at least say goodbye to Winona and her clan.  They had bonded during these last days, sharing the conversations of women, even though their lives were totally dissimilar.

She made her way to the rear side wall where the Binghams had stayed.  Her hopes fell when she saw their empty cots.  Then rose when she caught sight of little Crystal sitting with her legs dangling over the far cot.  But as she came closer, her gut told her something wasn’t right.

The child was sobbing, heart-wrenching sobs that shook her body and wrenched Tess’s heart.

“Crystal.”  Tess sat down next to her.  “Where’s Winona?”

The child shook her head, misery etched on her tear-stained face.  “Don’t know....”

Bewildered, Tess slipped one arm around her then glanced down at a folded piece of paper pinned to Crystal’s blue T-shirt.  “Here, let me see this.”  She removed the pin and unfolded the paper.  Out fell a billfold-size photo of Crystal and Carrie, and a ten dollar bill.  Hastily she read the scrawled note, her vision blurring, a hot ember burning in her chest.

Tess,

Sorry—we can’t afford to keep Crystal with us.

She likes you.  She is a good little girl.

Call her grandpa in Sand Castle, Co.  He’s her only living kin.  Jud Pearl – c/o Jud’s Tobacco Shop.

God bless you, Winona

Tess gaped at the note then at the orphaned child next to her.  Left behind like a stray puppy—with little more than the dirty clothes on her back.

We can’t afford to keep Crystal with us.

Crystal looked up at her, tears glistening in her wide topaz eyes, and hiccupped.  “Where’s my mommy?”

The earth careened on its axis, out of control.  A tightness gathered in Tess’s throat.  How in the world could she tell this sweet child that her mommy was gone, lost in the flood?

Tess took a shaky breath, tears welling in her own eyes.  Holding Crystal close, she said, “I don’t know, honey.  But I do know she loves you...”  Her voice cracked.  “Very much.”

“I want her.  I want my mommy.”

Tess gently wiped the child’s face and running nose with the corner of a blanket, looked into eyes of innocence and trust.  Stunned at her sudden dilemma, she reflected on her previous wandering past.  She had only been responsible for herself then.  Conflicting emotions tumbled through her mind.

Did she have a choice?  Really?

Tess wrapped her arms around Crystal’s small shoulders.  Whatever troubles awaited her, she could not abandon this little soul.  

For now, all they had was each other.

Journey to Sand Castle is available at Amazon.com

Well Friends, hope you've enjoyed this Tuesday Treasure. Next week's will be something of a personal nature. Until then, take care, God Bless and stay tuned for another Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight!

Saturday Spotlight - Sharon Garner

Good Morning Friends!

Well it's been a crazy couple of weeks, which is why there was no Tuesday Treasure or Thursday Thoughts this past week, but I promise to get back on track next week.

Today's spotlight is Sharon Garner with her book, Sanctuary.

Sharon K. Garner writes so she can snag all the great comebacks that often elude her in real life, although she manages to voice her fair share.  She began her writing career with disastrously detailed diaries, moving on to simply loving words, books, and reading.  Living in seasonal Pennsylvania, she chooses to write her stories of love and danger set in warm, tropical, even exotic locations.  A former library cataloguer and newspaper proofreader, she now does freelance copyediting and proofreading for other writers.  In her free time, she reads mystery and suspense novels and prances around her living room doing walk aerobics.  Visit her at sharonkgarner.com.

A double cross that keeps on giving, a Brazilian ex-mercenary who wants to live in peace, a children’s book illustrator who leaps into a danger she doesn’t understand with a man she doesn’t want to love…

Excerpt:

    “Please don’t make me shoot you.  I want nothing from you except information.”  

    Emily Noble’s voice quavered.  A fever had waylaid her about two hours ago, making her shoulders, her whole body, ache relentlessly.  The old pistol she’d discovered in the rental car’s glove box trembled in her grasp.  Then her brother’s training kicked in.  With her heart racing, she brought up her left hand to steady the heavy gun. 

       A brief stillness when he first saw the gun was her only clue that she had shaken Christovao Santos.  His military walk and his air of authority were familiar when he strode into the room where she lay in wait.  Her father and her fiancé had sported both in abundance.  Her brother James had a mere hint of each.

The big Brazilian recovered and finished lighting a cigarillo.  He studied her through its smoke like she was a long column of figures that didn’t quite add up.  A look of watchful expectation replaced his wooden expression.

       “Please, put the gun down and we’ll talk.”  He spoke with a slight accent.  “A beautiful woman holding a small cannon plays hell with my concentration.”

Sanctuary can be purchased at Amazon & Smashwords!

Well friends, hope you enjoyed this spotlight! Hope you'll drop by next week.

PamT

Saturday Spotlight - Rachel Windham

Good Morning and Welcome to Another Edition of Saturday Spotlight!

Today I am very pleased to bring to you another Bayou Writers Group member with her book!

Rachel Windham resides in Louisiana with her husband, their two teen-aged children, and the family pets, Pugzy and Jamby.  Her passions are God and family, themes woven into her various works.   Through her devotional books, she hopes to give families tools which will inspire and enrich their relationships with Jesus Christ.  She has several works in print, including a family devotional, A Kingdom to Call Home, and her most recent chidren's books, I Pray and I Listen.   See what is happening in Rachel’s world by visiting her website, rachelwindham.weebly.com, where she blogs monthly and posts upcoming events, or follow her on Facebook to catch the latest and greatest.  

I Pray is a children's book designed to teach children how to talk to God.  It may be purchased through the website, rachelwindham.weebly.com or through Amazon.com. 

Signed copies may be purchased directly from the author, who may be reached at rachel_windham@suddenlink.net.

 

Well Friends, hope you enjoyed today's spotlight! Drop by next week for more Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and of course another Saturday Spotlight!

PamT

Thursday Thoughts ~ Divine Help

Good Morning and Welcome!

Over the past several days I've been listening to some of the teachers who've been interviewed as part of Hay House's 2013 World Summit. Yesterday I had the pleasure of listening to Doreen Virtue who is well known for her expertise on angels. This wonderful interview gave me so much insight on God's messengers!

As far back as Genesis, the bible talks about angels and their part in God's plan, our spiritual journey, and salvation. Jesus was very familiar with the angels and turned to them for their guidance and strength often!

This led me to today's "Thursday Thoughts" on Divine Help.

St. Francis DeSales is known throughout the Catholic Church and other religious circles for his writings on living the devout life. He is also known as the Patron Saint of Writers.

Writers can go to any Catholic book store/gift shop and find a novena (prayer) to St. Francis DeSales that is known to help with guidance and inspiration.

Okay, many of you will stop reading now because of the stigma against novena's and praying to anyone but Jesus, but please bear with me! Regardless of what you've been taught it is MY belief that asking a Saint (who is already in the presence of Jesus) for intercession is no different than asking a mortal for intercessory prayer!

Anyway, not to get off on that tangent LOL!, in her interview, Ms. Virtue mentioned some of the Archangels and their role or mission.

As the widow of a law enforcement officer, I of course am aware that St Michael (also known as the Archangel Michael), is the patron saint of of law enforcement - He is known as the angel of strength, courage and protection.

What I was unaware of is that Archangel Gabriel is the patron angel of artists, writers and communicators! While researching this I found these two prayer cards.

Now I am a firm believer in Divine Help. Whether you credit that to God, Jesus, Mary or the angels and saints, we all know there are times in our lives when there is NO doubting divine help is available to us!

I also believe firmly in spiritual the practices of prayer, meditation, affirmations, etc. and one thing I can assure you is these two cards will be on my vision board!

For those of you who don't know their value, a vision board is a highly spiritual, energetic and motivational practice of placing pictures of what you want to achieve in your life on a poster or cork board and visualizing the end result. 

Well friends, I sincerely hope you enjoy this edition of Thursday Thoughts and that the information provided here will encourage you to find out who your patron saint or angel is and ask them for divine help. After all, Psalm 91:11 says that God has given His angels charge over you.... Something to think about!

"Inspirational with an Edge!" (TM) 

Tuesday Treasure - A Piece of Heaven by Donna B Snow

Good Morning Friends!

Donna and I have been friends and critique partners for quite some time and I know this story is near and dear to her heart - a true dream of something she would like to do, so it is with great pleasure I bring this title to you. Enjoy!

Trina Wembly dreamt of owning a Christian coffee house for years –a Godly place where people could enjoy a good meal, and entertainment that was pleasing to God. A Piece of Heaven is that dream, and Trina the star entertainer.

Jared Larou, the construction foreman who helps design and build the coffee house, is a wounded soul with a soft heart, a soft heart that Trina is drawn to.

Trina knows God is the only one who can heal Jared’s wounded soul. Does she have the faith and patience to wait on God’s will – if it is God’s will?

A Piece of Heaven can be purchased at Pelican Book Group, Amazon & BarnesandNoble!

Excerpt: 

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.—Proverbs 3:5

Trina Wembly stared at the name painted on the frosted glass, Dared Construction & Design. This was it, the start of her dream. She took a deep breath and pulled the door open. She hoped everything she’d heard about them was true. 

She tugged at her gypsy skirt, smoothed a hand along the soft cotton, and then wrapped the other hand around her leather shoulder bag. Heart pounding, she stepped inside. 
Classy, but understated. The reception area was a contrast of styles: elegant, not ostentatious; a bit eclectic, but well blended. She eased her grip as she absorbed the warm atmosphere the company had created. 

Framed prints hung on the walls, one by M.C. Escher. She recognized her favorite—Convex and Concave. Others she didn’t recognize with certainty, but would have guessed—Monet and Van Gogh, to name a couple. Intermixed with them were pictures of construction sites, some works in progress, some after completion. All Dared sites. All wonderful pieces of architecture that added to the environment they were in.

From cottage style, to country, to contemporary with a Mediterranean flair—color and texture and style surrounded her. Oh yeah, they could help her create the atmosphere she wanted in A Piece of Heaven, turn her dream into something real. Still, would they be able to get her vision from her simple drawings? 

“Can I help you?”

Trina whipped around, a hand to her throat. “Oh, I didn’t hear you.” She looked up, past broad shoulders covered by a white dress shirt that tightened around the man’s upper chest as he crossed his arms. Guaranteed, he didn’t spend all his time behind a desk.

Serious gray eyes stared back. His face settled into a quiet smile as he raised his brows. “Can I help you?”

About the Author....

Donna is a native New Englander and has lived there all her life except for a year in northern California (which reminded her of home). She  loves the change of seasons and the beauty each one brings. and says there is no place else that will ever feel like home.

She's been married for 20 years and has one teenage daughter who will be going to college next year. 

An active member in her church, she is a member of the choir (along with her daughter), and she writes not just stories, but her own music as well (that she hopes to get published also).

Don't forget to check out Donna's other title, Daffodils! 

Also Available from PBG, Amazon & BNN!