Sunday, October 22, 2017

#Book in the Spotlight from Toi Thomas #OurAuthorGang

Yesterday was my birthday and today I’m happy to let you know that all my ebooks are currently on sale $0 - $1.99 at Amazon.com. Even though this is the season of all things spooky, I thought I’d spotlight something a little romantic.


Rebecca has just turned thirty. She’s happy living a perfectly comfortable and predictable life. She’s even ready to marry her long-time boyfriend whenever he finally gets around to asking her. But all that changes when her best friend whisks her away to Italy for a much-needed vacation.

In the midst of site seeing and finally letting loose, Rebecca manages to catch the eye of a young English tourist but doesn’t let it go to her head. By the time she’s back in the States and back in the arms of her long-time beau, Rebecca has already forgotten about Peter, Paten, Paul…whatever his name was, that is until he shows up at her brother’s cabin in the woods.

A life of normalcy, routine, and stability gets turned upside down as Rebecca decides whether or not she’s truly ready to get married. And if so, who is the one she’s really meant to be with?

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Please enjoy this excerpt from the chapter entitled: That One Thing
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Once on the other side, Rebecca could see that she was inside a large crater of some kind. The hole opened up like a basin. The sky was bright and blue. The light revealed a pictorial gallery of treasure all around them. Paul and Rebecca sat back-to-back for a while just staring at the images, silently taking in their beauty and embedding them into their hearts and memory. Finally, Paul had to ask, “Aren’t you going to take any pictures?”

“No, I don’t think so.” Rebecca’s voice was almost a whisper, and Paul responded by holding his breath. “A photo would never do this justice. I think I’ll keep this to myself. It’ll be my one thing, my secret to keep.”

Paul turned slowly and Rebecca followed his movement. “It’ll be our secret,” he said, smiling at her and staring into her eyes.

After a few more gazes, Paul and Rebecca decided to return to the group, hoping they hadn’t missed the bus. When they reached the low valley they’d traveled, they could see that the bus had arrived. They each began to run and shout out, “Wait, don’t leave us! Wait,” but they were too late. Exhausted and out of breath, Rebecca immediately decided to take her frustrations out on poor Paul.

“So, I guess this is the kind of muddle you’re used to. This kind of thing never happens to me.”

“I’m sorry we missed the bus; you don’t have to be so upset.”

Rebecca stood silent for a moment and remembered the Petroglyphs. She knew it wasn’t his fault and that she was wrong to snap at him. “I’m sorry, Paul. I really am. I don’t do well with change. That’s why I plan everything, and this wasn’t part of my plan.”

“No worries,” said Paul. “I learned from my friend Rick, when plans don’t work out, go walkabout.” 

When Rebecca looked up at Paul with pure confusion on her face, he realized he needed to better explain himself. “Rick’s an Aussie. What his statement means is, don’t just sit around. Between the two of us, we have enough food and water to get us fifty miles in a desert. All we need to do is walk about ten.”

“Oh, only ten,” Rebecca muttered. “Ten miles is easy.”

“Come on,” said Paul, “it won’t be that bad. The day is early and long this time of the season. Plus, you’re dressed for it. The quicker we start walking, the quicker we make it back to the inn.”

Rebecca wasn’t going to argue with Paul’s logic, so they got up and began walking. Rebecca assumed she’d have trouble keeping up with Paul’s stride, but it didn’t take long for her to figure out that he’d slowed his pace to keep up with her. Paul actually seemed to be enjoying the time alone with Rebecca, a notion she wasn’t sure if she was comfortable with.

Paul talked most of the way, making the time seem to fly by. He told Rebecca about his mother dying when he was very young from cancer and how he and his dad had been coming here every year on her birthday to visit all the places she loved. Paul told her about him and his father, and how though his father was an old man even when he was a baby; they were more of best friends than father and son. They were very close and talked about everything. It was his father who encouraged him to become a writer. His father told Paul he went into banking because his father was in banking, but that he always wished he’d followed his dream to become a jazz musician.

Before Rebecca realized it, she and Paul had reached the village where the inn was and soon they would be in their warm, dry rooms preparing for dinner. The sky had clouded up and it looked as though rain was imminent, but they didn’t rush back to the inn. They’d walked a long way and knew the end was near; they were okay with catching a few droplets if it came down to it.

A few feet from the entrance of the inn, standing under an old street lamp, Rebecca turned to Paul and smiled at him, breathing a little heavy. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but thank you. I had a really wonderful day.” Instead of offering the customary reply of, ‘You’re welcome’ Rebecca had expected to receive for the kind words she let flow freely from her mouth, Paul decided to show his appreciation for her gratitude in a more expressive manner.

Paul quickly charged through the space separating Rebecca from his touch and enveloped her body. Wrapping his arms around her, he kissed her lips tenderly, savoring every moment. Paul slid his hands up to Rebecca’s neck and massaged it as her head began to tilt back. He continued to press his lips to hers and caress her tongue while taking in her breath and absorbing her warmth and unchecked desire.

Rain began to pour heavily upon them, but Paul didn’t seem to notice. However, Rebecca did. Snapping out of the trance triggered by Paul’s tender kiss, Rebecca turned her head and tried to push herself away from him, but Paul did not want to let her go. Finally, she reached her hands up to his face and held his cheeks. While staring into his wide, wild, brown eyes, she pleaded, with a quiver in her voice, “Please, Paul, let me go.”

Paul looked at her. He sensed her longing and felt the reflexive touch of her hands struggling not to pull him in closer to her. He knew she didn’t really want him to let go, but her words and her eyes said otherwise. As soon as Paul let go of her, Rebecca ran into the inn.

It's Like the Full Moon 2nd Ed © 2016 Toinette Thomas, published as Glorie Townson.

Find out more about me, my work, and my inspiration at the following links:

Amazon | Goodreads The ToiBox of Words | YouTube | See a list of my other posts here.

#love, #circleoffriends, #lovetriangle, #30something, #secrets
COMMENTS

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Ruth de Jauregui via Google+

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Lovers of romance will delight in this lovely novel.
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Ruth de Jauregui via Google+

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Ruth de Jauregui

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Oh that was lovely!!

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
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Thank you.

Joe Bonadonna via Google+

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today on A Small Gang of Authors, Toinette Thomas, introduces us to nice scene from her romance novel, "It's Like the Full Moon," written under the penname, Glorie Townson. Stop by and check it out.
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Joe Bonadonna

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Happy Birthday, Toi! Wonderful excerpt!
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Thank you.
 
+Toi Thomas -- you're welcome!

Toi Thomas

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Writing romance is not something that comes easy to me, so I'm especially proud of my #romcom  It's Like the Full Moon.
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Grace Au

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Lovely romance....just love romance, don't you?
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Actually, it's growing on me. I think I adore romantic comedy.

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Guest Author #OurAuthorGang


We welcome new Author Jennifer Daniels to Our Author Gang today.  Jennifer was born in Upstate, New York where she currently resides with her husband, son, and dog--Kera. She loves camping in the summers, spending time with family and friends, staying up late reading, and crafting during the days. If you'd like to get in touch with Jennifer, she'd love hearing from you. She can be reached at
her Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/jenniferdaniels2017 or at
twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jld0316Jennifer

Jennifer's debut novel, Opalla, is available at Barnes & Nobel, iBooks, KOBO, KDP, and other international platforms.


Sisters, Scarlette and Lyndy Loftin, had a normal childhood and spent every waking hour with their best friend, Poppy Heller.  Their parents were kind loving people who treasured their children, but went to their graves because of a secret they refused to share with their young daughters.

Now...the girls are grown up and on their own.

Poppy's bubbly personality is perfect for her job as a successful real estate agent. She enjoys nature and photography, and spending time with her friends at the clubs or at home.

Scarlette is an ER nurse with the perfect job. She's dating a hunky doctor, lives with her sister and best friend, and wants for nothing. Slight changes in her perception occur that make Scarlette question what's happening with her.

Lyndy's career as a successful editor allows her to purchase an old silo and renovate it into living space for three on the go women. When an old flame, Luca, comes back into town, sparks fly...literally. Tempers flare, causing physical and emotional changes in Lyndy that leave her wondering why.

The women are thrust into danger and transformation when they find out the secret their parents had been keeping from them. A secret that will take them on a journey of their lives...a journey to Opalla.

Friday, October 20, 2017

True Twin or Fickle Friend #OurAuthorGang

True Twin or Fickle Friend

by Rick Haynes



Part 1 – The Waiters

The flight was long, boring, and you’re tired, but you smile, for yesterday was gone and today is a fresh start. It is time to shed the coat of servitude, and to be the master, allowing others to adhere to your every whim whilst you dance to the tune of sunshine and relaxation for the next two weeks.

Your holiday has begun.

You sit on the beach, the waters caressing your feet like velvet slippers. With both eyes closed, you carefully map out the next fourteen days inside your head. A huge sigh escapes you, involuntary, but your plan is now complete.

“What can I get you, beautiful lady?”

His voice drips like a tap you can’t turn off.

 “A large glass of fresh orange juice please.”

“You wanna help me squeeze the oranges?” 

He oozes insincerity from every pore, but you dismiss his attitude. You have too, as nothing, or no one, is going to ruin the first day of your vacation.

You look the waiter straight in the eye and give him the rhino look just before it charges. That would stop any normal man, but not this one, for his skin is as thick as your rhinoceros and his heart as black as the night. 

Leaving is easy, for you get up, and walk away, telling yourself that you will never return.
Another walk along the beach, another seat, and another waiter materializes. He is polite, efficient and knows his place. Soft liquid soon falls down your eager throat as you slowly sip the orange nectar.

“May I get you anything else?” His voice is deep like the ocean, yet can be gentle like the surf brushing your toes. You chat. He is subservient, easily pandering to your every wish. The setting sun is showering the sea with rays of gold and ochre, and you daydream of a knight in shining armour.  
Yet inside, doubts bubble up to surface inside your brain, for is he simply another womanizer in a different guise?

Part 2 – The Reality 

As you can see I’ve painted two very different pictures here, yet I’ve witnessed both scenarios many times during my frequent travels to the Mediterranean region of Europe.
Some waiters prey on women like a lion hunting down an impala, but only sex with their victim is on the menu. 

Waiters also prey on men, but persuading them to part with as much cash as possible is their priority now. They know how easy it is to give out a couple of free drinks, naturally highly potent, and wallets are quickly emptied. 

Young girls, and young boys, are gullible, and on holiday inhibitions disappear faster than soap suds down a sink. They want a good time and party hard, but tomorrow’s headache is often a massive wake up call to reality.

I can hear the groans, and the screaming, but don’t kill the storyteller, as I’m telling you the way that it is, but read on, for you may be surprised.

Lest we forget, waiters are human beings, and clearly not all are the predators that I have portrayed. 
Seeing a youngster or oldster in distress is never pleasant, but locals rushing to assist are commonplace. Waiters are often the first to help, especially with calling for medical assistance and first aid. Cracking jokes, translating documents, even arranging taxis, I’ve seen their patience and their smiles through adversary.

Waiters are a much-maligned profession, and sometimes that reputation is justified, but alternatively, I’ve seen the other side of their nature.

So take care, don’t be fooled by some smarmy chat, but enjoy a laugh and a joke with someone who genuinely wants to help you choose your perfect meal and wine.

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Recipies change as the seasons change #OurAuthorGang

Food for Autumn and beyond
by Grace Augustine


Don't you just love the cooler temperatures? Looking outside your window at the beautiful reds and yellows and oranges that dress the maples? The smell of hot spiced cider?
Hot spiced cider
1 gallon apple juice
1 C granulated sugar
1Tbsp cloves (whole)
1 Tsp. allspice
7 cinnamon sticks broken into chunks
6-8 thin slices of oranges
In a heavy pan, pour apple juice and add spices. Bring to a boil. Cover pan and turn temperature to low and simmer at least one hour.  Uncover and add orange slices. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.


One of my most favorite breakfasts on a cold morning is a warm pecan roll. I found this recipe in a magazine collection and over the years have added my own spin on it. It is the easiest and most delicious recipe I've found.
2pkg dry active yeast
2-1/2C lukewarm water
1 tsp sugar
1 pkg white cake mix
6 C all-purpose flour
1 egg
1/3 C canola oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 C melted butter (no substitutes)
2/3 C sugar
4 tsp cinnamon
4 C powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla
3-4 Tbsp milk

1. In large mixing bowl, stir yeast into 1/2 C warm water and 1 tsp sugar. Let stand 5 minutes or until foamy.
2. Stir in cake mix, 1C flour, egg, oil, salt, and remaining water to the yeast mixture. Beat with electric mixer on high for 3 min, scraping sides of bowl constantly. Using wooden spoon, stir in remaining flour to form a moderately soft dough (dough will be sticky).
3. Cover and let rise in refrigerator over night or until double in size.
4. Lightly grease two 9 x 13 pans and set aside.
5. Remove dough from refrigerator and stir. Divide dough in half and turn one portion of dough onto well-floured surface. Turn to coat lightly with flour. Roll into 12 x 8 rectangle and brush with 1/2 of the melted butter.
6. In separate bowl, mix together 2/3 C sugar and 4 tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle half of this mixture on dough and roll jelly roll style, beginning at one of the long sides. pinch edges to seal. Repeat with remaining dough, butter, and sugar mixture.
7. Cut each roll crosswise into 12 pieces (usually makes more) and arrange cut side down in prepared pans. Cover loosely and let rise in a warm place til nearly doubled...will take close to 60 minutes.
8. Uncover pans and place baking sheets under each. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned and rolls sound hollow when lightly tapped. Invert on serving plates and drizzle with icing.

POWDERED SUGAR ICING
Mix 4 C powdered sugar, 2 tsp vanilla, and 3-4 Tbsp of milk to drizzling consistency.

VARIATION...GERMAN CHOCOLATE PECAN ROLLS (MY VERY FAVORITE)
1. Prepare dough as for traditional, only use 1 pkg German Chocolate Cake mix instead of white cake mix.
2. Filling will be 2/3C sugar, 1-1/4C mini chocolate chips and 1C shredded coconut.
3. In saucepan melt 2/3 C butter (no substitutes) 1-1/3C packed brown sugar, 1/3C light corn syrup. Cook until sugar melts. Remove from heat and stir in 2C coarsely chopped pecans.
4. Divide sugar/pecan mixture between the two pans. Slice dough and place on top of mixture and bake as directed.
5. Cool 3-5 minutes before inverting onto serving plates.


Now it's time to sit back with a cup of mocha (freshly brewed coffee, a scoop of hot chocolate mix and topped with whipped cream) and enjoy a good book.


Ginger Farnsworth grew up in the 70's, a very interesting, unique time in history. She was the captain of the cheer squad, led the dance and flag teams, and aspired to be the best chef in the world. We journey with Ginger through the next forty years as she lives life on the edge. Her penchant for cooking takes her to France and turns her into an award-winning pastry chef. We travel through the adversities and joys of her life from beginning a successful business to finally finding Mr. Right.  Mystic Capers, Book 2 of The Acorn Hills Series, will tug at your heart strings as you remember the milestone events of your life. It's funny, romantic, and brutally realistic. Look carefully, you may just see a wee bit 'o ye between the lines.

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