I am with my friend Nona Cross at a Donald Maass workshop put on by OKRWA and so very excited to be here!
A couple of months ago I introduced you to a brand new Pelican Book Group author, Emily Conrad with her debut title, Justice. Emily shared treasures and thoughts with us but, today we're getting a sneak peek into the book. And, since it is my birthday I'm giving away an E-copy of the book to one lucky person who leaves a comment!
Take it away Emily.....
Excerpt: Brooklyn’s mouth pulled into a tight grimace. For two months, sadness had infused her expression whenever she didn’t seem to think he’d notice, but this was the first time she’d failed to tuck it away when he was obviously watching.
This could be the answer to his prayer that she would open up again. He led her a few steps away to a space by the display shelves. “You want to talk?”
A collection of tears glittered in her eyes. “I haven’t been as good as I’ve been acting.”
He would wrap her in the hug of her life, but their friendship rarely crossed the border of touch. He tried a gentle smile instead. “That’s a problem. Because you haven’t been acting very good.”
A laugh caught in her throat.
He put his hand on her shoulder and guided her to the rear corner of the first floor, where she could sit with her back to everyone.
Even wrapped in privacy, she stared toward the wall and picked at her fingernails. “I planned what to say to you.” Her voice quieted. “But I don’t think I can do it.”
His relief morphed into dread. What could be this bad? Father, don’t let me mess this up. “Just tell me the script. What’d you plan to say?”
“I need a ride to a doctor’s appointment.” She spoke in a flat tone.
He wanted to play along and say his lines, too, but all this over an illness? If she’d been sick since her mood froze over in January and couldn’t drive herself, it was serious. His dad’s problems had started this way—an appointment followed by a cancer diagnosis, months of treatment and supposed remission, and, finally, a funeral.
Brooklyn searched his eyes, tense sadness weighing down her features.
He kept his gaze trained on her beautiful, worried face. Maybe this appointment was something simple. He had to believe it, or he couldn’t ask. “What kind of appointment?”
Brooklyn swallowed, neck ridged. “I’m three weeks late.”
“To the appointment?”
“My body. My body is three weeks late.”
“Your body…” Then it hit him. She thinks she’s pregnant. How had he not understood sooner?
****
Oh wow, wow, wow...I can't wait to read this one Emily!
Emily Conrad lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two
rescue dogs. She loves Jesus and enjoys road trips to the mountains, crafting
stories, and drinking coffee. (It’s no coincidence her debut novel is set
mostly in a coffee shop!) She offers free short stories on her website and
loves to connect with readers on social media.
Remember friends, I am giving away an E-copy of Justice to one lucky person who comments so good luck to each of you!
Hope you enjoyed today's post and that you'll join me each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time take care and God bless.
PamT
