Between The Pages - Dance To A Wylder Beat

Dance To A Wylder Beat 

Marilyn Barr 

July 2021 

Nartan Sagebrush's name may mean "to dance" in Arapaho, but he dances in secret. Forced to abandon his Shamanic apprenticeship, he is overwhelmed with homesteader life, and even his spirit guides are at their wit's end. Nartan takes fate into his own hands. Instead of divine intervention, a wife will help with his responsibilities and in assimilating into the Wylder community. 

Olive Muegge answers Nartan's "wife wanted" advertisement. Wildly independent she has secretly dreamed of a family to call her own. The secret she carries inside makes her an outcast and her wild ways don't fit the quiet wife Nartan thinks he desires. 

Despite their differences, they are drawn to each other but a mistake may drive them apart. Will Nartan embrace his Shamanic past to save them both or will he choose to rid himself of Olive forever? 

Between The Pages 

This historical western with a slice of paranormal was such an enjoyable read. Olive and Nartan are perfect together, and they have extreme chemistry, but instead of rushing the intimacy, the author did a wonderful job letting their relationship grow, making the story more emotional and believable. Their fun banter will make you smile. The setting is picturesque with an easy visual of the cabin, teepees, and landscape. A well-developed plot describes Nartan’s culture, drawing the reader further into the story. His brother, Ikshu, was a delightful secondary character as were the spirit guides. A ceremony near the end was vivid and touching. This book is a must read.

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Mystery on Spirit Mountain

Mystery on Spirit Mountain 

Brenda Whiteside 

August 2021 

The past never sleeps. The truth never dies. 

Only Harlan MacKenzie can sense the troubling secrets of the Big Purple House—secrets that entangle his family in deceit and murder. When a stranger appears weaving a web of deception, hell-bent on correcting an old grievance, the dark revelations about the historical mansion and his stormy, friends-to-lovers relationship with the owner, Phaedra, are further complicated. As the past and present implode, Harlan and Phaedra are plunged into a life-threatening mystery, risking not only love but their lives. 

Between The Pages 

The second book in the Mackenzie Chronicles has a punch of suspense that has you flipping through the pages with ease. A mystery surrounds the Big Purple House and Harlan feels a strange connection of energy – good and bad. His relationship with Phaedra is growing into something more than friendship, which is interesting to watch with their fun banter and emotional struggles. It was nice to revisit past characters from the first book. Harlan and his sister, Magpie have a tender moment, and his scenes with his father are heartwarming. The bonus in this story are the journal readings from Nora’s great grandmother, connecting the past to the future in a suspenseful and surprising family twist. The author is a master at weaving a romance into an edge-of-your-seat mystery. Will Harlan’s other sister appear in a future book? Fingers crossed. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Writer Wednesday - When You Neglect Your Stories

Hocus Pocus and All That 

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

When You Neglect Your Stories 

"That look I get when I'm writing my stories."

I’m a fiction writer and a freelance writer. Lately my fiction stories are often waiting for attention while I rush to keep up with freelance deadlines. You see, fiction writing is more like a marathon, while freelance writing is comparable to a sprint—complete with editors and tight deadlines shouting from the sidelines. So, I keep thinking I’ll get back to “training for that marathon” after I finish this sprint. But time is a sneaky witch that has a way of distracting me of its passing as the days and months accumulate. Time wasn’t going to pause for me and my story, only I could try to cram more into each day than I already do.

This Is Not How My Story Ends
Fiction writing has been my dream since childhood, it’s what I want to do. “My story” ends with me being able to write fiction full time. The challenge with dreams is keeping them alive through nurturing, love and attention. People will notice if I neglect my freelance stories, because I must do them. Often the only one who notices that I’ve not had time for fiction is my characters.

Being a panster (writes by the seat of my pants) has other “side effects” for me besides a hot mess of a first draft. It allows me to discover the characters and the story almost as a reader would. It also means that when I pull a story out after neglecting it for a while that often I no longer remember what happened. That’s good, and bad.

It’s good that I can read my story with fresh eyes, but then I also don’t remember what needs added, corrected or deleted—or where I was going. Like a child vying for attention my characters “punish me” by withholding information and pushing some of the storyline from my feeble memory. This delays my writing process even longer because I need a large chunk of time to immerse myself with my characters. Time that I don’t always have to do what I want to do because there is too much I must do.

Side Effects of Neglecting Our Dreams
We all have our dreams. Many of us may have let them fade to a distant memory. But I find that I’m not the same person if I don’t make the time to cultivate my dreams. I may look the same on the outside, but on the inside, I’m less. The world seems darker and not as exciting. I’m not always immediately aware of what’s happening. Only feeling as if something just seems off. Then I realize that I haven’t written for a while. I need that indulgence more than a vampire needs blood, or a witch covets her favorite broom.

Think of one of your dreams and consider how you feel when you’re indulging in that dream. I’m betting you feel good—perhaps more whole, or complete. Because, you see, if we only allow time for dreams when we’re sleeping, we’ll never get to see how beautiful they can look in the light of day and how they are an essential part of our story.

How Do You Nurture Your Story?

~Originally published on Paranormal Romantics~

© 2021 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved
Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

Between The Pages - The Texan's Favor

The Texan’s Favor 

D.K. Deters 

October 2021 

Ambushed, Texas Ranger Jake Fontaine's a dead man until a Kansas spinster raises her shotgun in his defense. Despite the rogue lawman's obsession to bring in his brother's killer, duty demands he escort her to the next town. 

Kat Collins is a thief, though an honorable one. She's on the run from controlling kin and aims to escape her past. Traveling with Jake offers the perfect cover—until her uncle finds them sharing a campfire and imposes his own kind of justice—a wedding. 

Marriage will cost Jake his freedom, but refusing may cost him his life. Kat figures he's bound to recognize her on a wanted poster. Would sharing passionate nights in his arms be worth the peril? 

Between The Pages 

This story has the ‘wow’ factor – Wild west entertainment, Outstanding setting, and Wicked cowboys. The action fuels the plot with flying bullets, cattle rustling, vengeance, and mistrust. The author does excellent work of dropping the reader into the scenes of a rugged yet beautiful terrain. With a cast of cowboys, this story has a definite swooning element with Jake, Dallas, and Levi (who is deserving of his own book). Even the villains are interesting to learn about. The chemistry between Jake and Kat is heartwarming and believable. If I had to nitpick, I would have like the two years separation between Jake and Kat to be shorter and have Kat standoff against her cousins near the end. But those are small things that don’t disrupt the smooth and enjoyable read. A few twists in the plot makes this historical western romance a page turner, which I highly recommend. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Twisted Lies

Twisted Lies 

C.B. Clark 

September 2021 

Athena Cooper’s tragic past drives her to seek solace in a bottle. The addiction threatens her legal career, and she risks spiraling out of control. When her dog engineers a meeting with an all-too-handsome hunk, it’s lust at first sight…until she discovers his identity. 

Businessman Russell Crawford is desperate to find the woman who cheated him out of his inheritance. His shock when she turns out to be the gorgeous red head he had a brief encounter with is only surpassed when she claims his father was a murderer.

Athena and Russ declare a truce and join forces to investigate the mystery of her parents’ disappearance from an isolated island off the rugged Northwest Coast of British Columbia. Russ promises to be her safe harbor as they uncover long-buried secrets that rock her very foundation. Can she overcome a lifelong distrust and open her heart to love? 

Between The Pages 

This story checked off all the ‘must read’ boxes. The west coast setting of Canada drew me in immediately. Athena and Russ have great chemistry from their first meeting, providing a touching romance element. The mystery/suspenseful plot was masterfully written with twists and turns. Just when you think you solved the mystery, the author throws in another revelation. As Athena and Russ dig deeper into the disappearance of her parents, their findings pull the reader in and grabs your attention to the very end. A well-rounded cast adds to the enjoyment, especially Otis, Athena’s loveable dog. Get comfy in your favourite reading spot because once you open this book, you won’t want to put it down. 

Rating

5 Stars

Writer Wednesday - What If Something Happens...

Window Over The Sink 

By Liz Flaherty 

What If Something Happens... 

I'm sitting here at my desk on January 30. Watching the clock. Because my phone says that in 15 minutes, snow flurries will start. And over the course of the next day or two, something like 10 inches of snow should arrive. Since we are retired and since we have plenty of milk, bread, coffee, and toilet paper, I'm not worried a lot about it. My husband's not looking forward to dragging out the snow blower, for which I don't blame him.

And there's always this little itch at the back of my mind that I can't reach to scratch.

What if something happens?

We are what is euphemistically referred to as elderly, so it's always a bit of a concern, I guess, although I doubt we worry as much about it as our kids do. We have lived long and prospered, not to mention we've loved and laughed a lot. And we've been happy.

But that's not even why I brought that up. I brought it up because What if something happens? is the beginning of every story we tell. The only advice about writing I ever give with any surety is to start the story when something changes.

When something happens.

This seems...no, it is a simple concept. It's also one I have some trouble with. Because I like introspection. I like dialog. I love humor. I tolerate conflict. I can go on for days writing those things, and sometimes that's exactly what I do. Of course, all the time I'm writing this lovely prose, nothing is happening in the story.

The word for it in publishing is "pacing." I know this because it's been mentioned to me so many times. Usually, the word "slow" is in there somewhere, too.

I know I'm largely preaching to the choir here, but the lesson is a good one. I hope I learn from it by writing this. Now, snow flurries are supposed to have already started. They have not, but one of the cats is meowing worriedly, and bare branches are moving fretfully against a moody sky.

Something is going to happen.

©2021 Liz Flaherty All Rights Reserved
Retired from the post office and married to Duane for…a really long time, USA Today bestselling author Liz Flaherty has had a heart-shaped adult life, populated with kids and grands and wonderful friends. She admits she can be boring, but hopes her curiosity about everyone and everything around her keeps her from it. She likes traveling and quilting and reading. And she loves writing. http://lizflaherty.net/

Between The Pages - Red Velvet Crinkles and Christmas Sprinkles

Red Velvet Crinkles and Christmas Sprinkles 

Maria Imbalzano 

November 2021 

Competitive, work-obsessed Bella Simonetti has just been fired from her high-paying job at a Manhattan law firm. At an all-time low, she returns home and helps her parents at their small-town gift shop, but the business is failing and may not make it past the Christmas holidays. 

Successful landscape architect Dean Jackson is like a son to Bella's parents. But he's a persistent annoyance to her—he seems to have forgotten his unforgivable blunder thirteen years earlier. 

When Bella transforms her parents' gift shop into a cookie cottage, Dean's generosity and magnetic smile are hard to resist, and those feelings of unrequited adolescent love come rushing back. But can Bella let go of the past and accept Dean for the man he is today? 

Between The Pages 

This short holiday book was a delight to read. Unlike some of the Christmas Cookies themed stories I have read where the romance is rushed and the cookies are barely edible, this book is a star above the rest. The romance is filled with heartbreak, chemistry, and emotion. The cookie theme is well-balanced with cookie baking and the cookies are a significant element in the plotline saving Belle’s parents’ business. Bella’s and Dean’s relationship is realistic and sweet. Though the story is short, the author has a well-developed plot and characters, which allows the read to flow to a satisfying ending. Did I mention how beautiful the cover is too! This holiday romance is a must read. 

Rating

5 Stars

Writer Wednesday - How to Stay Humble In An Imperfect World

Life Coaching 

By Vicky DeCoster 

How to Stay Humble in an Imperfect World 

During a recent television interview profiling the CEO of a global property restoration company, he not only talked about the success of the business he built from the ground up, but also about the one task he is devoted to completing daily.

 
Every morning, the CEO signs birthday cards for employees celebrating that day and, when possible, includes a personal note. He initially started the process when his team was comprised of just nineteen employees. Today, thousands work for him around the world. When asked why he takes the time to focus on this task when there are many other important issues for him to address each day, he stated that it is important to him to stay humble. It is very possible that this CEO has a loyal team behind him because his actions show that he genuinely cares about those who support him, not just himself and his accomplishments.

So, what does being humble mean exactly?

Having humility in your life and work means that you believe, no matter your title, bank account balance, or material possessions, that you are not better than those around you.

 
Being humble means:
• You understand the difference between confidence and arrogance.
• You set clear core values for yourself, base your daily actions on those values, and no matter the temptation to stray from those values, you stay true to your mission of being a positive influence on those around you.
• You take time to mentor others by first pointing out their unique talents and strengths, and then guiding them to find their passion and place in the world.
• You never forget those who have helped you along the way by checking in with them on a regular basis to determine if there is a way you can help them achieve greatness.
• You greet those who cross your path with genuine curiosity about how they really are, no matter their title, role, or wealth status.
• You have a willingness to always learn, and never believe you know it all about anything.

While navigating our way through an often competitive world and workplace, it can be tempting to boast about our achievements or focus only on ourselves as a way to stand out. But is that truly the best way to live?

Being humble is not a weakness. Instead, it is a strength that can serve as a trusted guide with a purpose of gently reminding you that life is more than material objects and professional accomplishments. Leading with humility is about being kind, focusing out instead of in, sharing recognition, and practicing gratitude for all the gifts life brings you every day.

© 2021 Vicky DeCoster All Rights Reserved

Vicky DeCoster is a Certified Life Coach who specializes in helping her clients move past obstacles, create a plan for happiness, and cross the bridge of transition to find a new and fulfilling direction in life. To read more about her and her practice, visit her at http://www.crossthebridgecoaching.com/

Between The Pages - The Spy Who Loved My Russian Tea Cakes

The Spy Who Loved My Russian Tea Cakes 

Marilyn Barr 

November 2021 

Reiki Practitioner Cassie Morgan is the black sheep of her family. She would rather work over the Christmas holidays than answer her family's interrogation about her non-existent love life and career choices. She assures herself it has nothing to do with the handsome coma patient, Sergei Chekov who stars in her dreams. 

Sergei wakes from blackness and dreams of a siren's call. He isn't sure who he can trust when the woman from his dreams walks into his room with his favorite childhood treat to jog his memory. Despite his attraction to her, he must escape to safety. 

Cassie is heartbroken and left with nothing but questions. Who was the woman who convinced her to wake Sergei? Why is the FBI involved? And will she ever see Sergei again or will she be left to pine over the spy who loved Russian tea cakes? 

Between The Pages 

The author pulls you into the practice of reiki and spiritual healing, which is quite interesting. While first person and present tense narration is not my preferred reading, the author has a unique voice, mixing drama and wit in a good combination. Cassie and Sergei have an immediate attraction and most of their interaction is viewed from within their dreams, which steams the pages. In addition to their dreams, I would have liked to see them connect more to each other on a deeper level while playing games in the hospital. Sergei’s background and his mother’s appearance are great plot points. The dinner scene with her family is a touching and entertaining moment. A cookie recipe at the end is a bonus. This fun holiday read is fast paced and enjoyable. 

Rating

4 Stars

Between The Pages - Waking The Dead

Waking The Dead 

Kerry Blaisdell 

May 2019 

Hyacinth always assumed dying would simplify her life. But when her new boss, Archangel Michael, sends her on her first official mission—to retrieve a powerful rock from a collector in Germany—things go downhill fast. For one thing, the Dead keep popping up, expecting her to guide them to the Afterlife. For another, her part-demon nephew Geordi's powers are starting to leak out, at age seven. What if Michael finds out about him? Worse, what if Satan does? 

Then there's her love life-after-death. Rooming with a dead French cop no one else can see is complicated enough. But when Jason, Geordi's lying Dioguardi Demon cousin, resurrects himself—so to speak—all Hell breaks loose. Literally. Can Hyacinth get Michael's rock back before Satan steals its powers and breaks free of his prison? Or will her single-minded pursuit put those she loves—and the rest of the world—in the path of Satan's fury? 

Between The Pages 

This story has the ‘wow’ factor – Wickedly entertaining, Outstanding scenes, and Well-rounded characters. Without much time passing after the first book Hyacinth is thrown into a new adventure to find another piece of the archangel’s rock. This plotline dives deeper into the world of the dead. Souls are looking for direction while others are uprooted from their graves to wreak havoc. So many scenes are captivating with Michael’s appearance in different attire, historical add-ins of Nazis soldiers, adoration of control, and visual action. But it’s the cast that makes this book come alive within the pages. A round of applause is needed for Jason’s return, which once again puts Hyacinth in a web between Eric and Jason. Her nephew, Geordi, is superb. He rose into a star in this book. The scene with him smashing rocks was outstanding. And the ending…a ‘didn’t see that coming’ tremendous cliffhanger! This book is a stand-alone in the Dead Series, but I highly recommend starting with the first book to follow the continued storyline. Waking The Dead – a paranormal suspense - is a must read. 

Rating

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Secrets Of The Ravine

Secrets Of The Ravine 

Brenda Whiteside 

September 2020 

The lies can haunt. The truth can kill. 

When a ringer for her long-dead love walks into her life the same day skeletal remains are unearthed, Magpie MacKenzie can’t ignore the universe’s warning…solve the mystery, or become the next victim. After Zack falls for the free-wheeling shopkeeper, her mystery becomes his destiny. Armed with clues from her father’s past and Zack’s déjà vu moments, the couple plunge into a treacherous race to save love and avoid a murderous fate. 

Between The Pages 

This suspenseful, mystery, romance is a page turner. The plot of a guy who looks a lot like a missing – yet suspected dead ex, and a murder from the past will draw you in and hold your attention to the very end. The cast is well developed with several interesting characters. A bonus were the scenes in Magpie’s father’s point of view with a nice background shift that doesn’t disrupt the main storyline because his past is important to the story. The murder mystery is exciting as the author leads you closer to the truth. Magpie is older than Zach, but their attraction is realistic. I can’t wait to continue reading The MacKenzie Chronicles with book two, Mystery on Spirit Mountain. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Sundae My Love

Sundae My Love 

Debby Grahl 

June 2021 

Samantha Murray is the manager of her family's ice-cream business. When her former love comes back to town—he almost drowns her. And his idea to build a rival ice-cream shop right next door to the Dairy Delight is totally unacceptable. 

Architect Zack Hunter returns to Sand Lake to win back the woman he loves and fulfill his grandfather's dream of restoring Frontier Town—by adding an old-fashioned ice cream shop. He doesn't count on Samantha having a stubborn streak. 

Samantha is heartbroken over Zack's past betrayal, conflicted over the love she can't deny, and resolved to stop his plan. Zack is torn between his love for Samantha and fulfilling his grandfather's legacy. 

When the situation escalates, ghosts from both Sam and Zack's families decide to intervene-—but will their plot smooth the course of true love or make everything worse? 

Between The Pages 

The cover will draw you in immediately, and the book can be read in a day. Such a sweet storyline. Samantha and Zach get a second chance at love, and while their reconnection is quick, the author does a good job not leaving out any details or rushing their reunion. The highlight of this story was the ghostly relatives, adding a paranormal element. They lurk in the background but are stars on the stage. This book is a wonderful addition to the One Scoop Or Two themed stories and is not only a perfect summer read, but also anytime of the year. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Writer Wednesday - There Should be More Dancing

Hocus Pocus and All That 

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

There Should be More Dancing 

"If you're getting ready to dance I'm outta here."

I’ve been really busy lately, and an adult for quite a while, the word “fun” sometimes sounds almost foreign. Fun? What is that? There were things that I used to find fun when I was younger but now, not so much.

But then I realized, there was one thing that was always fun for me as a child—and it still is.

Dancing Since Back in the Day

Saturday nights meant Hee Haw and then Lawrence Welk and dancing in the living room with my sister or my stuffed donkey. (Hey, it was the only thing that had arms long enough to be a partner.) As I grew older the dance floor remained in the living room but we moved to records and other music.

As a teenager, I went to the roller rink —where they’d have roller skating half the time and then dancing and other dance clubs and even dance aerobic classes (break out the spandex!).

The Beat of Adulthood

Although the opportunities to go out dancing dwindled, that didn’t stop me. I found ways to work in dancing through taking belly-dancing lessons and Zumba classes. The most distressing thing to me when I herniated a disc in my back and when my belly got so big when I was pregnant with the girls was that I couldn’t dance. (Okay, one distressing thing.)

No Dance Floor Required

When we finished the basement of our house (aka: man cave) I lost the battle to have a dance floor installed but won the colored dance lights I put on when the hockey game is over and me and my friends are ready to get our groove on.

No matter what age, venue or tune, I’m almost always ready to dance. Pretty much every day. Either In my kitchen. Or annoying Scruff when he refuses to join in dancing. Or wherever I get the opportunity. It’s in my blood. Really, it is. Years back when I went out with my 3 sisters and my Mom and a song came on, we all stood up simultaneously to head for the dance floor. It’s the only time I’m not trying to coerce other people to dance when the music is right.

Dancing is the perfect way to destress and take my mind off my troubles and it’s always so much fun.

Ready to Dance?

Originally published on www.maureenbonatch.com

© 2021 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved
Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

Between The Pages - The Red Quilt

The Red Quilt 

J.S. Marlo 

November 2021 

A last-minute Christmas trip goes horribly wrong for Eli and his five-year-old granddaughter, Ruby. On their way to a Bed and Breakfast on Prince Edward Island after a kitchen fire forced them out of their house, they get caught in a blizzard and end up in the ditch. 

Retired Military Nurse, Lana, lives on a potato farm with the ghosts of her husband and son. She welcomes into her home the marooned Eli and the young child he raises alone. The storm outside rages on and problems arise as Eli faces the demons and mistakes of his past, Lana becomes entangled in her neighbors’ illegal activities, and Ruby wishes for something Santa cannot give her. 

The resulting mix offers hope for a second chance even as it threatens their lives. Can Eli and Lana survive another storm to enjoy the love growing between them? And will Ruby’s wish be granted? 

Between The Pages 

Love the cover of this book! It draws you into the story immediately, which has a tender and interesting plot. I was also drawn to this book from its setting in Prince Edward Island and Halifax. The author did a fabulous job developing the cast. Lana and Eli are older leading characters, but their attraction is still real and emotional. Ruby is beyond sweet, as is Chewy. The visual is done well, placing you into the snowy winter setting. The plot is superb with several twists, adding a mystery spin with drug smuggling, Lana’s son’s demise, and Eli’s ex-wife. And just when you think all the presents are neatly wrapped up, the author throws in a surprise at the end. A great holiday read. This book is the first in Fifteen Shades, and I look forward to reading more. 

Rating

4.5 Stars

Writer Wednesday - The Woman in the Mirror

Window Over The Sink 

By Liz Flaherty 

The Woman in the Mirror 

Do you ever feel as if you lost yourself somewhere along the way? If you've had a bad time or an extraordinarily good one, do you ever look in the mirror and wonder exactly who's looking back at you? Because you've changed, and you're not sure what to do with the person who's there.

I'm feeling thoughty here--can you tell? I'm always, always whining about how much I hate change, yet when I look back--over bad times and extraordinarily good ones, it's an ongoing cycle, isn't it? It's what keeps life new and interesting. And, yeah, sometimes awful.

But if it weren't for change, and my kicking-and-screaming caving to it, I would:

Never have changed jobs and I'd have been stuck with working one I hated.

• Never have married the man I did because he wasn't the first person I loved.
• I'd never have had a third child.
• I'd have given up the first time a publisher said Nope.
• Or maybe the second.
• For sure by the twenty-third.
• I'd have kept my hair short.
• And let it go gray.
• I'd still be writing longhand on lined paper and thinking I wasn't good enough.
• For anything,

So, no, I don't always know the woman in the mirror, or, for that matter, the man I'm married to. I don't always like either of us. There are days when I do feel like I've lost the person I was. Because I have. Because every re-invention in every time of life is change, it's often hard, and it's always necessary. I think maybe I like it.

The post above isn't new. I found it when I was out cruising around trying to avoid the place in the scene I'm writing when I realize I turned the wrong way at the last corner. I thought maybe I shouldn't use it here because this is, after all, a writing blog.

But what is writing if not the recording of change? What we write--including fiction--wouldn't have much purpose if the story didn't start where something changes. I love knowing this. It feels almost like that "secret handshake" we used to laugh about published authors having.

©2021 Liz Flaherty All Rights Reserved
Retired from the post office and married to Duane for…a really long time, USA Today bestselling author Liz Flaherty has had a heart-shaped adult life, populated with kids and grands and wonderful friends. She admits she can be boring, but hopes her curiosity about everyone and everything around her keeps her from it. She likes traveling and quilting and reading. And she loves writing. http://lizflaherty.net/

Writer Wednesday - Viewing Life with Awe

Life Coaching 

By Vicky DeCoster 

Viewing Life with Awe 

On October 13, 2021, ninety-year-old William Shatner became the oldest man to fly in space via the Blue Origin rocket. After the craft touched down on Earth eleven minutes later, Shatner emerged, obviously touched by his experience.

While relaying his post-voyage feelings to Jeff Bezos, Shatner wiped tears and said, “I hope I never recover from this. I hope that I can maintain what I feel now. I just don’t want to lose it.” In short, Shatner was changed forever simply by changing his perspective and seeing the awe in life.

When was the last time you changed your perspective and viewed your life with awe?

You don’t have to fly to space on a rocket to feel something similar to what Shatner experienced that day. All you have to do is observe your life, experiences, and challenges from a different viewpoint or angle.

Today, make an effort to see your life just as William Shatner saw space and Earth—with wonder, awe, and excitement. All of this in the vast universe—nature, love, difficulties, and joys—is here just for you.

Think about this. You are just a tiny speck in a vast universe. The fact that you are even here is a miracle in itself. As you plug away doing the best you can every day to be a better person, make a contribution, and spread love, it’s important to never lose that feeling of awe and to remember that you are here for a reason.

You are a miracle who has experiences unlike any other in the world. You have the ability to view the world in your own, awe-inspiring way while knowing that what you hold in your head and heart from your experiences and views of your life are yours to keep.

Go outdoors and look up at the enormous sky. Think about all the miracles that surround you every day. Airplanes soaring. Clouds floating by. Birds flying. Stars twinkling. Listen to the wind in the trees. Feel the warmth of the sun on your face. All of these are wonders never to be taken for granted.

Be like William Shatner and make a pledge to stay in awe mode. Always.

“There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle.

The other is as though everything is a miracle.”—Albert Einstein.

© 2021 Vicky DeCoster All Rights Reserved
Vicky DeCoster is a Certified Life Coach who specializes in helping her clients move past obstacles, create a plan for happiness, and cross the bridge of transition to find a new and fulfilling direction in life. To read more about her and her practice, visit her at http://www.crossthebridgecoaching.com/

Between The Pages - Debriefing The Dead

Debriefing The Dead 

Kerry Blaisdell 

May 2018 

The only thing Hyacinth wants is her life back. Literally. She and her sister were murdered by Demons, leaving her young nephew, Geordi, to his father’s family in the brutal Sicilian Mob. Then Archangel Michael offers her a deal: recapture a powerful rock the Demons stole, and she can live long enough to find Geordi a safe home. Refuse, and she’ll continue up (or down) to the Afterlife. 

So, slightly more alive than dead, she heads for Turkey and the Demons, taking Geordi, her mysterious neighbor Jason, and a sexy dead guy only she can see with her. But the hardest part won’t be battling Demons, meeting Satan, or dodging Middle Eastern customs—it will be later, when Geordi is settled, and Michael rips her away again. How can she abandon her nephew? Or can she outwit the Angel of Death himself, and stay with Geordi forever? 

Between The Pages 

This book has such a great story with an interesting plot. The author puts a different spin on the storyline with the main character murdered, and then reincarnated by an angel, which pulled me into the story immediately and with force. The whole cast is superb from Hyacinth to her nephew Geordi, to the mysterious and handsome men - Jason and Eric, as well as Michael and the ghostly demons. The author places you into the setting and tells a story filled with action, suspense, and wit. The adventure in this book is like a ride at an amusement park with lots of twists and turns. More of a happy-for-now story, I can’t wait to read the next book to discover if Hyacinth will end up with Jason or Eric, or maybe neither…and to follow her next adventure. If you like supernatural, suspense, and paranormal, this first book in the Dead Series is the one to read. 

Rating

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Crimson At Cape May

Crimson At Cape May 

Randy Overbeck 

July 2020 

No matter how far you run, you can never really escape a haunted past. 

Darrell Henshaw—teacher, coach and paranormal sensitive—learned this lesson the hard way. Now, with his job gone and few options, he heads for Cape May to coach a summer football camp. The resort town, with gorgeous beaches, rich history and famous Victorian mansions, might be just the getaway he needs. 

Only, no one told him Cape May is the most haunted seaport on the East Coast. 

When a resident ghost, the Haunted Bride, stalks Darrell, begging for help, he can’t refuse and joins forces with Cassie, another sensitive. As Darrell and the street-wise teen investigate the bride’s death, they uncover something far more sinister than a murder. 

Can Darrell and Cassie expose those behind the crimes before they end up becoming the next victims?

Between The Pages 

I’m fortunate to have read the first book in The Haunted Shores Mysteries, so I was familiar with Darrell’s story. In book two, Darrell’s life is a bit of a mess. He was let go from his job, his relationship with Erin is on the rocks, and he sees a new ghost. You have to feel badly for this guy because he’s genuinely a sweetheart, and Erin is his perfect match. The story line is visual and descriptive - though in a few spots the narrative details slow the read. However, the plot is exceptional. The adventure Darrell and Erin take is what makes this story a great read. Lots of twists that have you wondering who killed the Haunted Bride. The addition of Cassie, a young girl who also sees ghosts, is a bonus to the book. Her background story is equally as interesting and the scenes in her point of view are emotional and heartbreaking. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy paranormal, ghostly, mystery stories. I’m looking forward to reading book three in this series.

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Writer Wednesday - The Frightening Mind of a Paranormal Writer

Hocus Pocus and All That 

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

The Frightening Mind of a Paranormal Writer

"I can be frightening if I want to. Really. I can." 

October’s here, which can only mean one thing…no, look away from the turkey napkins and Christmas decorations and out to the colorful leaves falling from the trees….that’s right, it’s Fall and Halloween isn’t far behind.

This means a little more to me than raking leaves and gorging on Halloween candy. Not that there’s anything wrong with that…throw on a costume and you’re entitled to eat ALL the candy you want. I think they’re supposed to put less calories in the Halloween stuff, don’t quote me on that cause I’m not certain, that’s just my theory and please don’t tell me differently because I figure I’m entitled to the candy because wear a costume everyday— that of being a normal person when in reality—I’m a writer of paranormal.

That’s not a costume you say? Hmmm….have you ever looked closely into the mind of a paranormal writer? Do you really want to go there? Okay, if you can handle the scary stuff and you insist…it’s the result/curse/blessing of an overactive imagination. Some () examples just from today…

• Every single time I pull out a plastic fork from the box and the tongs scrape against each other, I begin to question if I really need to finish the work I was doing because I’m obviously asleep and it’s only moments before I’m pretty darn sure that Freddy Kruger is making his way into my office to begin his reign of terror and I begin to plot if I have any potential methods to evade him or…

• While driving through a dense fog and emerging only to become confused on a route that is generally familiar, I fairly certain that I may have passed through a parallel universe and was eager to see what we’d find. Was it the same year? Or the a different universe all together (I hope if it’s a different world that the snacks waiting would be calorie free)

Okay, I may have digressed some there and I don’t want to frighten you too much…

I must admit, I may have been influenced by my early readings of Stephen King, John Saul, Dean Koontz, JR Tolkien and Anne Rice. I moved to many of these stories after reading my first taste of the paranormal…the Sweet Valley High books. After an intro in each book describing the perfect blonde haired twins with perfect smiles, perfect size six figures, perfect…perfect…perfect…I was all like…wait a minute…these girls can’t be real. Give me some hobbits, vampires and other creatures of the night…now those are real. I know cause I’d often mistaken many a shadow for one (again, I told you, paranormal mind).

Then when television began to embrace the paranormal with shows like The X-Files, Ghost Whisperer, Medium and Charmed drew me in like no other. (I must admit, I might have been influenced slightly for my novella THAT MAGIC MOMENT since I wrote it during a time I may, or may not, have been watching a marathon of the television show Charmed and there is the slightest possibility that I may, or may not, have played the theme song.

I don’t always write, but when I do, it’s a paranormal…

Originally published on Paranormal Romantics Blogspot

© 2021 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved
Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

Between The Pages - Merry Little Wishing Spritz

Merry Little Wishing Spritz

Cherie Colyer 

November 2021 

Modern-day witch Cassie Moore's cozy life turns upside down when her friend foresees the wrecking ball that threatens to destroy Cassie's home and workplace. But Cassie isn't giving up without a fight. She casts a well-intended spell meant to save her apartment and her job. But magic is unpredictable, especially when her friend casts a little charm of her own that has Cassie lusting after the man she desperately wants to despise.

Jack Quinn has had his eyes on Lakeside Books for years. He has big plans for the cozy waterfront property, but he didn't expect to care about the store or its employees. And he never imagined he'd be drawn to a certain brown-eyed saleswoman. 

Almost as if by magic. 

Between The Pages 

Get in the holiday spirit early with this sweet novella. The cover is adorable, and the story was enjoyable from beginning to end. An exceptional cast with Cassie and Jack as the lead, but the secondary characters are equally fun, which includes an adorable cat. Cassie warms your heart with a gift donation every year in the community, and Jack is keeping a secret. This book is perfect for an afternoon read and has a spritz of magic and a sweet romantic ending. As part of The Wild Rose Press’ Christmas Cookies themed books, Merry Little Wishing Spritz is my recommended read to get you into the holiday mood. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars