I think when last I talked about this topic, I mentioned that the small critique group I'd joined earlier this year was disbanding. All of us were joining the new, larger ACFW critique group, out of which new, small groups would emerge.
Well, I was asked to join one of the new, smaller groups based on my style of critique.
I accepted, and so far, so good. This is a fabulous bunch of ladies who are serious about writing. One has finaled in the ACFW Genesis contest twice. Others have published articles, greeting cards, devotionals, etc. One has published a non-fiction book, and one has two YA books that just released this past Saturday. (More about her in a minute.)
We've only been together a couple of weeks, and already we're establishing a camaraderie. I've critiqued three chapters for one CP and a whole book for another. We've decided that flexibility will be key to our group's success, as everyone has a different approach to writing and is in different places in their process.
I'm energized by this group of writing gals. It's been hard to focus on writing this summer. As usual, I'm writing in fits and starts. One thing I hope to get from the group is an accountability partner, someone to encourage me and keep me on track as I plow through my wip while juggling all the other balls that are part of my hectic, sometimes unsettled, life.
But I'm writing, which always is better than not writing. And, with my August book review commitments near non-existent, I expect to get a whole lot of writing done this month.
I want to introduce you to one of my critique partners, Nicole O'Dell. On tomorrow, August 1st, debut author Nicole will enjoy not one, but two debut releases in her unique new Scenarios Series for teen girls.
Here's how the series is described on her website: Decisions, decisions! How is a girl supposed to choose? Lessons of right and wrong are put to the test in the Scenarios series, where you can test your decision-making abilities in an eye-opening, but safe, way. Each book follows a character up to the point where she has to make an important, life-changing decision—then it’s your turn to choose. Will your choices lead to a happy ending?
What makes this series unique is that each book contains two endings, each based on one of the two options the main characters faces. The books are fast-paced and deal with real world issues that today's teens face. The first two books are Truth or Dare, which deals with peer pressure, and All That Glitters, about a girl who has to value the cost of pleasing a popular boy.
If you enjoy YA fiction and/or you have a teenage girl who likes to read, pick up a copy of Nicole's books. I hope to interview Nicole here in the near future, but you can learn more about her and her books now via her website, http://www.nicoleodell.com/
One of the first writers I came to "know" online was Camy Tang. This bubbly, west coast Christian writer was and remains enthusiastic about helping other writers, always teaching craft and providing technical assistance via her Story Sensei blog and editorial services. Her first single-title series, The Sushi Series, was published by Zondervan to rave reviews. (I certainly raved about it and her here, here, and here.)
Now Camy has set her sights on bringing her special "romance with a kick of wasabi" to the category romance world, beginning with Deadly Intent under the Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense imprint.
Naomi Grant is managing the family's exclusive spa while her father recovers from a stroke. When a client turns up dead, murdered at the spa facility, her tenuous hold on the business begins to unravel.
Dr. Devon Knightley provides a welcome fantasy from the craziness, an acquaintance from business dinners. Until Naomi wonders whether he has anything to do with the murder. Clearly he's hiding a secret, one that might make all the difference.
This inspirational romance was all Camy. Her familiar voice was loud and clear as I read this mystery. That was good and not so good, because Camy's voice has a bit of "lit" feel to it, which is good but not what one expects when reading a category romance. But the voice issues aside, I enjoyed this romance in a spa-setting.
I wondered how Camy would go from writing single title to category, because they are very different animals, but she made the transition remarkably well. The story zips ahead at a fast pace, with unexpected twists around every turn.
The beauty of the Love Inspired lines--really, all category romance--is a short yet satisfying romance that can be read in as little as a single sitting. Deadly Intent certainly fits the bill.
Like many bloggers, I occasionally will acknowledge the recipients of a particular writing award. The RITA. Golden Heart. Christy. Bram Stoker. Daphne du Maurier. Golden Quill. Holt Medallion. Merritt. Maggie.
The list goes on and on and...
Hearing about all of these awards can be a bit confusing, raising more questions in the minds of aspiring and published authors alike.
So the object of this post is to shed some light on a few of the many writing awards.
I'll limit my examination of writing awards to romance and Christian fiction awards since those are the areas in which I write and in which I read the most.
Let's start with Christian fiction:
The biggest Christian fiction conference of the year is hosted by the American Fiction Christian Writers. Each year, ACFW acknowledges unpublished authors by way of the Genesis awards and published authors by way of the Book of the Year awards. This year's conference will be held in September in Denver, CO. The Genesis award finalists were announced here; the BOTY finalists were recently named and can be found here.
The Christian publishing industry has its own awards for Christian fiction, the prestigious Christy Awards. These are awarded at the annual International Christian Retail Showcase. I blogged about the 2009 Christy Award winners recently.
Then, there are the Touched By Love awards, awarded to unpublished authors by the Faith-Hope-Love chapter of RWA, and the IRCC or Inspirational Readers Choice Contest awards, awarded to published authors. This Touched by Love is judged by writers, editors and agents; the IRCC by a panel of non-writing readers. The 2009 TBL winners can be found here; the IRCC winners here.
On to romance:
The grande dame of all romance writing awards is the RITA, awarded each year at the Romance Writers of America's annual conference. This award goes to published authors in a variety of categories, including short contemporary, long contemporary, inspirational romance, and women's fiction.
But there's a set of awards for unpublished authors too, the Golden Heart. I blogged about this year's winners of these two prestigious awards here.
Then there are the many RWA chapter writing contests, each having its own set of awards. For unpublished authors, these include the Merritt (San Antonio Romance Authors), the Southern Heat (East Texas Chapter RWA), The Golden Pen (The Golden Network of former Golden Heart finalists), or contests with great names like the "Hook, Line and Sinker" (Hudson Valley RWA).
For published authors, awards include the Book Buyers Best (Orange County Chapter RWA), the Award of Excellence (Colorado Romance Writers), and the Holt Medallion award (Virginia Romance Writers).
A few, like the Daphne du Maurier (RWA Mystery/Suspense Writers), the Laurie (Smoky Mountain Romance Writers) and the Maggie (Georgia Romance Writers) have a set of awards for unpublished and for published authors.
But these are just a few. There are many, many more.
I'm told some chapter awards are more prestigious than others, but I really couldn't say which are which. The advice I've read over and over is to first and foremost determine what you want out of entering a contest--recognition, to get in front of a particular agent, feedback, etc. Then,
determine if the contest has a category that works for you;
review the contest rules and guidelines to see whether it's the type of contest that works for you (i.e. requires a synopsis, doesn't require a synopsis, provides feedback from all judges, first 10 pages, first 50 pages, etc.);
see whether particular editors and agents you'd like to target might be judging;
determine whether the entrance cost and deadlines work for you.
For unpublished author contests, sometimes it depends on whether you've ever been published in novel-length; sometimes only how recently you were last published.
For published author contests, sometimes the author can submit her own work; sometimes the work must be submitted by the publisher or other party.
Hope this clears up some of the confusion and provides a jumping off point for understanding and researching the many writing contests. If there are other topics you'd like me to expound upon, just let me know.
A couple of months ago, I was approached by a writer looking to promote her work. Since I'm all for promoting authors, especially debut ones, I agreed to take a look at her stuff.
This one was different for me though. Because today's featured author is a poet.
I don't read much poetry. I've enjoyed some poetry in the past--Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes--or writings with poetic leanings, like Edgar Allan Poe or The Odyssey. I know a few bloggers who write poetry, like Angelia Menchan and a.Kai. One of my favorite authors, Janice Sims, usually includes a poem in her romance books, quoted from a fictitious book of poems, The Book of Counted Joys, that I went searching for only to discover it doesn't actually exist (because she hasn't written it...yet).
But typically, I don't go looking for poetry. Occasionally I'll bump up against a contemporary writer of poetry whose writings interest me, but usually it's by accident. Kind of like Patricia reaching out to me. However, she was kind enough to send me a couple of her poems that I found pleasant and fun.
So today I'm featuring my first poet, Patricia Neely-Dorsey.
SOUTHERN LIFE If you want a glimpse of Southern life, Come close and walk with me; I'll tell you all the simple things, That you are sure to see. You'll see mockingbirds and bumblebees, Magnolia blossoms and dogwood trees, Caterpillars on the step, Wooden porches cleanly swept; Watermelons on the vine, Strong majestic Georgia pines; Rocking chairs and front yard swings, Junebugs flying on a string; Turnip greens and hot cornbread, Coleslaw and barbecue; Fried okra, fried corn, fried green tomatoes, Fried pies and pickles too. There's ice cold tea that's syrupy sweet, And cool, green grass beneath your feet; Catfish nipping in the lake, And fresh young boys on the make. You'll see all these things And much, much more, In a way of life that I adore.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life In Poems
Patricia graciously answered a few questions about her writing and a poet's challenges in today's market:
How and when did you start to write poetry?
Almost unbelievably, I wrote my very first poem February 14th, 2007. I woke up early in the morning with this poem swirling around in my head.I got up and quickly scribbled it down. That was the beginning of many more poems to come from which about seventy of them would eventually be published as Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia.
Why did you choose to write poetry about Mississippi?
I really didn't choose to write any certain poems. The poems actually chose me. Mississippi and the south make up so much of who I am. I have a poem that speaks of that..." I am simply Mississippi through and through". My poems were just an overflow of the heart. They are basically, as the title suggests, a life...my life in poems. But, it's not really just book about Mississippi . It about love for the southern way of life in general, love of family, love of culture and heritage, love of community and relationships...
How do you promote your work? Does the recent interest in "spoken word" events provide a platform for your art?
I do a lot of booksignings and speaking engagements at all kind of venues--schools, libraries, book clubs, etc. People do like to hear the spoken words. There is so much more interest in buying the book when I do a reading.
Is there much of a market for poetry?
Oh my goodness!! I can't even begin to tell you what a "hard sell" poetry can be in the book industry. I read an article recently that described it as the stepchild in the industry. It is so true! Although spoken word has become wildly popular, people are very reluctant to purchase a book of poetry.
It is very difficult in many instances to even get reviewers to review a book of poetry. Many newspapers and publications even have a no-poetry rule for reviews. I have had to do some real convincing and arm twisting (LOL) to even get people to give it a try. When they finally do, they absolutely love it! All I can say is it's hard out there for a poet! (LOL)
What poets do your read? Who are your favorites?
I love Margaret Walker, Maya Angelou, of course and Nikki Giovanni. Jill Scott has a fabulous book of poetry!
When not writing poetry, how do you spend your time?
I love reading, learning how to play golf, spending time with my family and enjoying the simple life.
What are you working on now?
I am always writing and always promoting! I have poems for two more books that will come when the time is right.
I got a blog award from my friend, fellow author and blogger Jennifer Shirk. (BTW, if you haven't already, check out Jennifer's contemporary romance, The Role of a Lifetime from Samhain Publishing.)
Now for the blog award rules:
Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.
Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.
Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award.
Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we’ll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!
Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.
Naming 5 people was a little tough. I've awarded some of my favorite bloggers with blog awards in the past so I wanted to recognize some folks that I haven't previously. I read a lot of blogs that are group blogs and/or industry blogs. Didn't think they were appropriate candidates this time. And a few of the folks I picked have already received this award from someone else.
So the 5 people I'm passing this award on to are:
1. Rhonda McKnight of Urban Christian Fiction Today, a savvy Christian fiction author whose debut novel Secrets and Lies will be released in December by Urban Christian Fiction.
2. Donna Dickson Deloney at Write on Girl!, an encouraging author friend whose debut novel, Journey to Jordan was released last month by Hollygrove Publishing.
3. Ann Brock of The Old Black Church for what are always provocative, if not controversial, posts about race and religion.
4. Ang of Get Fit After 40, a fellow mom "on a mission to lose weight and be healthy for her kids", who provides encouragement--and challenges--to keep me moving toward the same goal.
5. Kimberly Cash Tate of Colored in Christ for godly wisdom with which to begin each week.
Congratulations folks! I enjoy your blogs so keep scribbling!
One last look at RWA by author Barbara Samuels who has just completed her 38th book. A look back at how things were and how much they've changed (or stayed the same) in the 20+ years she's been in this business.
Unauthorized refunds another ebook consideration? Last week, Amazon deleted unauthorized copies of George Orwell's books from Kindle owners who had purchased them--and refunded their money. Good business or a bit creepy?
Publicist PJ Nunn talks about mistakes authors make, everything from having bad photos to listening to bad advice, in three parts: here, here, and here.
Barnes & Noble has launched its e-bookstore, which unlike Amazon's Kindle store, will provide e-books in a variety of formats. The store will offer as many as 700,000 books at launch.
Authors Stephen King and Jerry Jenkins, seemingly at parallel ends of the fiction spectrum, meet and talk writing. For a taste, here's what Stephen King says about a writer's imagination: "The writer must have a good imagination to begin with, but the imagination has to be muscular, which means it must be exercised in a disciplined way, day in and day out, by writing, failing, succeeding and revising." Read the rest here.
Author Cindi Myers, back from RWA, reports that Sourcebooks is looking for romance submissions. In business since 1987, Sourcebooks began publishing romance two years ago under its Casablanca imprint and now publishes 5-10 romances per month. Ms. Myers reports that editor Deb Werksman is looking for manuscripts with "a heroine the reader can relate to; a hero she can fall in love with; world building; and a hook that can be conveyed in 2-3 sentences" as well as considering an author's "career arc". Check out Sourcebooks' submission guidelines for more information.
Just prior to last week's RWA conference in Washington, D.C., the ICRS--International Christian Retail Show--convened in Denver, CO. Just as the RITA and Golden Heart Award winners are announced at RWA, the Christy Award winners--Christian fiction's most prestigious awards--are announced at the ICRS.
The 2009 Christy Award winners are:
Contemporary Romance Category
* Beyond the Night by Marlo Schalesky (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)
Contemporary Series, Sequels & Novellas Category
* You Had Me at Good-bye by Tracey Bateman (FaithWords)
Contemporary Standalone Category
* Dogwood by Chris Fabry (Tyndale House Publishers)
First Novel Category
* Blue Hole Back Home by Joy Jordan-Lake (David C. Cook)
Historical Category
* Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin (Bethany House Publishers)
Historical Romance Category
* From a Distance by Tamera Alexander (Bethany House Publishers)
Suspense Category
* The Rook by Steven James (Revell)
Visionary Category
* Vanish by Tom Pawlik (Tyndale House Publishers)
Young Adult Category
* I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires by Cathy Gohlke (Moody Publishers)
The full press release, with book blurbs and author bios, is here.
You can find blog posts from authors who attended around the blogosphere, like Mary Lu Tyndall, Kaye Dacus, and Debbie Fuller Thomas. (Although I must say, there's not as much of a blogging furor for ICRS as there is for RWA.)
So the Romance Writer's Assocation's annual conference convened in Washington, D.C. last week. I didn't attend, but every year it's not too hard to get a feel for conference and get a handle on some of the big news. I've aggregated some of the best of what I culled from RWA news reports and bloggers below.
But first, in answer to a question related to the announcement of the RITA and Golden Heart winners, let me take a moment to explain. The Golden Heart awards are for unpublished authors in novel length. The RITA's are for published authors, and these books may be submitted for consideration by either the author or their publisher. More information about these coveted awards is available here.
Now, on to this special edition of Reader/Writer Tidbits:
As reported by Publisher's Weekly, the mood at RWA was upbeat, despite the recession, since romance has been selling well.
Author Nora Roberts interviewed with the Washington Post while in D.C. She's got a great sense of humor, and comes across as very down to earth. For example, her favorite book? "The one on sale now." check her out:
Bits and bytes from Day 1, including author Janet Evanovich's writing advice and what author Linda Howard thinks about her sister-in-law.
A Friday recap that includes info about what Avon and Harlequin Single Title will accept, and what actually makes a "bigger book". Also cool recap of the Harlequin 60th anniversary party.
Did you know 2009 RWA Conference workshop handouts are available for free download? Of course, you can purchase the CDs too, from Bill Stephens Productions. The 2008 and 2007 CDs are available now; 2009 will be available shortly.
Eva Marie Everson taught Old Testament theology for six years at Life Training Center in Longwood, Florida and has written numerous articles for Crosswalk.com (including the acclaimed Falling Into The Bible series), and has had articles featured in numerous publications, including Christianity Today, Evangel, Christian Bride, Christian Retailing, The Godly BusinessWoman and Marriage Partnership magazines. Eva Marie has been interviewed by radio, television, newspaper, and Internet media outlets. In 2002Eva Marie was one of six Christian journalists sent to Israel for a special ten-day press tour.
Eva Marie’s work includes the award-winning titles Reflections of God's Holy Land; A Personal Journey Through Israel, Shadow of Dreams, Sex, Lies and the Media, and The Potluck Club series.
She is married, has four children and five grandchildren, and lives in Central Florida.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Every family--and every house--has its secrets. Jo-Lynn Hunter is at a crossroads in life when her great-aunt Stella insists that she return home to restore the old family manse in sleepy Cottonwood, Georgia. Jo-Lynn longs to get her teeth into a noteworthy and satisfying project. And it's the perfect excuse for some therapeutic time away from her self-absorbed husband and his snobby Atlanta friends.
Beneath the dust and the peeling wallpaper, things are not what they seem, and what Jo-Lynn doesn't know about her family holds just as many surprises. Was her great-grandfather the pillar of the community she thought he was? What is Aunt Stella hiding? And will her own marriage survive the renovation? Jo-Lynn isn't sure she wants to know the truth--but sometimes the truth has a way of making itself known.
It seems there is a raging debate about e-book pricing and publication. I picked this one up from Nathan Bransford's blog so I'll let you read his very nice summary of the issue here.
This got me to thinking. Although I would agree that the e-book is akin to the DVD for a feature film, I think this whole thing is not quite as cut and dried as the industry is making it out to be because of the fact that e-readers don't quite have the same household penetration as a DVD player. That's assuming we're not talking cell phones, I-phones, PCs, and other such devices. Because if we are, that changes the whole ball game.
First, I think the publishers are, at this time, overestimating the impact that e-books have. (Before I get stoned, I'm all for e-books and clearly the numbers are increasing every year, but the sales are still far below physical book sales for most titles.) I don't have any hard numbers and couldn't find any, but I'm betting the vast majority of the reading public doesn't own an e-reader. (Here's a 2008 article that suggests this whole thing is academic.) Sure, by now, most agents, editors, and maybe even authors do, but that's a pretty small number of people. So the vast majority of people who are interested in a book are still looking for the physical book, not the e-book.
Of those people who do own e-readers, I think Mr. Bransford is probably right. It's a matter of what the book means to the individual. For one's most favorite, treasured authors, the reader may look for a physical book, no matter what. For all else, given a choice between an e-book at about a third of the price or the hardcover or even a trade paperback, the reader might pick the e-book. This assumes the reading conditions are the same and there's no inherent preference one way of the other. For example, if the reader is planning to travel, the e-book may be the way to go even if it cost more, given the price of extra baggage these days. But if the reader has vision problems, perhaps he or she uses an e-reader on occasion but overall still has a preference for a physical book (and is willing to pay the extra baggage charges or make book purchases upon arrival).
Naturally readers who prefer the smell and feel of a book are going to buy a book no matter what the industry does until someone or something convinces them otherwise.
Then there are special occasions. Most books as gifts are going to be physical books. Author-signed copies, to my knowledge, are also still physical books.
I don't own an e-reader so there's no choice for me (because I typically don't purchase and download books to my PC, phone or any other electronic device).
But if I did own one, I imagine I would want to fill it. I understand that a Kindle can hold up to 1,000 books. Of the roughly 150 books I read each year, the vast majority are what I'd call "one and done", meaning I will never read them again. Ever. No matter how good the books are because there are always new good books to read. I'd say something like maybe 1-2% are worthy of re-reading, but I don't know which ones until after I've read them.
I might want those with re-read potential in book format, which is starting to sound like it might require two book purchases, the initial e-book and then the keepsake physical book. That should make the publishing industry happier, but again, it's only maybe 3 or 4 books per year for me.
I'm also a patient woman. I actually do wait for most movies I'd like to see to come out on DVD. Even then, I decide whether I really want to buy or whether a less expensive rental will work for me. I'd have no problem doing the same thing with a book, waiting six months or more for it to be released in electronic format. So if I were looking for a right-now e-book read, I'd buy from the available list, not spend more for the hardcover. At the same time, if I really, really want to read it, I'd buy it in whatever format is available. (Kind of like seeing the latest Harry Potter on its release date, as my family just did. And I've already read those books!)
I guess Mr. Bransford and I pretty much agree on this issue.
First things first. The Romance Writers of America conference got underway this week in Washington, D.C. If you have the pleasure of attending, I hope you have a great time, and bring back loads of information to share. If, like me, you're at home, I hope you're taking advantage of Blogging National or the Not Going to Conference Conference. (You have to register for this last.) Each year I find these interesting, informative, and a bit of fun.
Also, the Faith and Fiction Retreat is underway in Orlando, FL at the Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort. If you're in the area and have a chance to stop by, you can register for today's workshops. Go here for more info. Not sure what I'm doing just yet, but maybe I'll see you there.
Today's tidbits are a hodgepodge of stuff I've collected over the last few weeks but didn't get a chance to share. Forgive me if it's old news, but hopefully someone will pick up news she can use.
Was vs. were? I'm including this post about subjunctive vs. indicative mood because somewhere along the way, this one stuck in my mind. And when I read it done incorrectly, it sticks in my craw. These days, I get that a lot. So maybe a writer or two will find it helpful.
Time is winding up to register for the FREE 2009 Muse Online Writing Conference. The deadline is August 1. Go here to register; go here for more information.
2009 SORMAG Online Conference begins August 23rd. Registration is still open. I've participated in the last three or four of these. It gets bigger and better each year. This year, I'm sitting on the book reviewer panel. Go here for more information.
Wonder how full-time authors structure their writing lives for steady income? Author Anna DeStefano shares here.
My author friend, Bettye Griffin, has a new book out. Save the Best For Last is Bettye's first self-published title, after 15 releases. Support Bettye in this new endeavor, please. She gives all the details about where you can find the book here.
I'm caught up on my book reviews and I'm still writing in bits and pieces, which is better than not at all.
Meet Michelle Larks Michelle Larks was born and raised in Chicago, IL. She currently resides in a suburb of Chicago. Michelle was educated in the Chicago public school system and attended the University of IL at Chicago Circle Campus. Michelle has been employed in the IT field too many years to mention.
Michelle is married and the mother of two adult daughters. Michelle signed a two book contract with Urban Christian Books in 2006. Her first book, Keeping Misery Company was released in November of 2007 and went on to attain best selling status. Her second book with Urban Christian Books, The Legacies was released in July 2008. Til Debt Do Us Part will be released in July 2009.
Keeping Misery Company is being adapted for the big screen and will be released in June 2010. Michelle is currently working on a manuscript titled Faith.
ABOUT THE BOOK Life was easy for Nichole Singleton, with a voice like an angel, a job she adores, and a church she has called home since her teens. While Jeffrey, Nichole’s loving husband, has control over the life they are living, Nichole still feels blessed . . . until her gambling “hobby” turns into a personal cross to bear that threatens to destroy her marriage.
Through her trials and tribulations, will Nichole remember to put her trust in God and reaffirm her faith in the Lord, or will she see her marriage and gambling habit as bigger than even the God she serves?
MY BOOK REVIEW Nichole "Nikki" Singleton and her husband Jeff are fairly young in their marriage--three years--and living out their five-year plan to build a strong financial foundation before starting a family or otherwise splurging. Jeff's idea. Nikki, however, encouraged by her book club sistahs, has other ideas, which lead to her gambling addiction. Nikki tries every way she can imagine to keep her problem from Jeff, all the while her behavior is changing at work and at home, and their sure foundation is turning into quicksand. But Jeff's got secrets too, and this young couple must find a way to work through their issues and to save their marriage.
'Til Debt Do Us Part was an enjoyable read. Nikki and her friends & family are very real people, easily friends, family, neighbors, or fellow church members of any reader. Every time Nikki thinks she's found a way out of her problems, she finds herself either hitting a brick wall or facing the demons of her addiction, or both. Nikki and Jeff discover that no one person is responsible for the failure of a relationship, and as a result, both grow as marriage partners and in their faith.
Book Four in the It's All About Us YA inspirational series features Shani, the African-American member of this group of friends attending an elite San Francisco boarding school. I am a big fan of Shelley Adina's and love this series. Although these young ladies travel in an exclusive world, and some of them come from that world, they are very down to earth. Their concerns are the concerns of most teens: getting good grades, wearing the best fashions, attracting the cute boys, pleasing their parents, and so on. Add to that discovering or drawing closer to God and you have you have a delightful bunch of stories.
The twist in this one was quite unexpected, and I didn't see it coming until it happened--although looking back, the clues were there--a testament to Ms. Adina's writing ability. If you enjoy a good story or you're looking for some uplifting fare for your young adult, this series and Who Made You A Princess are for you.
Award-winning author Shelley Adina wrote her first teen novel when she was 13. It was rejected by the literary publisher to whom she sent it, but he did say she knew how to tell a story. That was enough to keep her going through the rest of her adolescence, a career, a move to another country, a B.A. in Literature, an M.A. in Writing Popular Fiction, and countless manuscript pages.
Shelley is a world traveler and pop culture junkie with an incurable addiction to designer handbags. She writes books about fun and faith--with a side of glamour. Between books, Shelley loves traveling, playing the piano and Celtic harp, watching movies, and making period costumes.
The All About Us book series has its own home over on the Hachette website. Stop by and see what the five fabulous girls at Spencer Acadenmy are up to! Series Website.
Shani Hanna returns to SpencerAcademy for her senior year after an amazing summer spent with her friends Lissa, Gillian, and Carly. But the best part about summer was meeting Danyel Johnstone. Danyel is cute, smart, cool, and super nice. All Shani has to do is get him to see her as more than just one of the gang.
But when the girls return to school, they find a new addition to the distinguished student body: Prince Rashid al Amir of Yasir, an oil-rich desert kingdom in the Middle East. Prince Rashid moved to California to prepare for an eventual MBA at Stanford...and to romance his future wife: Shani Hanna!
It turns out, Shani's family and the prince's go back for generations, entwined in tradition, obligation, and family honor. In each generation, members of the two families have expanded their business interests through arranged marriage. Will Shani put aside her feelings for Danyel to pursue her family's wishes? Or will God answer her prayers for an intervention?
I typically don't do weekend book features, offering my Reader/Writer Tidbits instead. But delays in getting the book out caused this book feature to move around a bit, finally landing on today's date.
No problem.
I like books set in Louisiana, because my husband attended LSU and I find the people and culture intriguing. So I look forward to reading this one when I get a chance to catch my breath.
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It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Patti Lacy graduated from Baylor University with a B.S. in education. She taught at Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois, until 2006, when she began to pursue writing full-time. She has two grown children and lives in Illinois with her husband, Alan, and a dog named Laura.
List Price: $14.99 Paperback: 336 pages Publisher: Kregel Publications (March 24, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 0825429374 ISBN-13: 978-0825429378
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Prologue
Hold the Wind, Hold the Wind, Hold the Wind, don’t let it blow.
—Negro spiritual, “Hold the Wind”
August 26, 2005, Normal, Illinois
“I’m meteorologist Kim Boudreaux.” Clad in a dark suit, the petite woman smiled big for her television audience. “Katrina’s track has changed.” She pointed to a mass of ominous-looking clouds that threatened to engulf the screen. “She’s no longer headed for Mobile but is on course for the Crescent City.”
Sally Stevens checked her cell phone, then paced in front of the television, as if that would make her brother Robert pick up the phone. She needed to talk to him, needed to know that he’d gotten her nieces and her sister-in-law out of the death trap that New Orleans suddenly had become. Needed to have him assure her, with his balmy Southern drawl, that he and his National Guardsmen were going to be okay.
A slender hand pointed to what must be a fortune’s worth of satellite and radar imagery. “As you can see, Katrina’s moving toward the mouth of the Mississippi, toward the levees . . .” The meteorologist buzzed on, seemingly high on news of this climactic wonder.
Every word seeped from the television screen, crept across the Stevens’s den, and crawled up Sally’s spine. Louisiana had once been her home. Her heritage. What would this hurricane do to the Southern state that she still loved?
A glance at her watch told Sally to get moving. Instead, she once again punched in Robert’s number. If she could just hear his voice, she’d know how to pray later as she stood in her classroom pretending to be passionate about her lecture on the history of American music, pretending to act like it was another ordinary afternoon in Normal, Illinois, while this mother of a storm wreaked wrath and vengeance upon her brother. Her home.
“. . . the next twenty-four hours are crucial . . .” The camera zoomed in for a close-up, focusing on a perfect oval face that, for just a moment, seemed to stiffen, as if a personal levee was about to be breached. “I’m not supposed to say this.” Urgency laced the forecaster’s voice “But I’m telling you. Leave. This is a killer.” The pulsating weather image seemed to confirm her report, a mass of scarlet and violet whirling about an ominous-looking eye. Growing like a cancer. Moving in for the kill . . .
Talk turned to evacuation, log-jammed roads, but Sally barely listened. Years flew away as she studied Ms. Boudreaux’s flawless mocha complexion, the tilt of her chin. The determination of this woman to save her city, or at least its people. So like the determination of Ella, that first friend, who’d taken off for New Orleans. It was as if the lockbox of Sally’s memories had somehow sprung open. Ella, that friend who’d saved her. Ella. And her brother Willie, if he’d gotten out of the pen. Were they digging in, evacuating—
A classical song Sally’s kids had downloaded onto her phone poured from the tiny speaker as the device vibrated in her palm.
“God, let it be—” She glanced at the readout. 504 area code. New Orleans. Robert. Her fingers suddenly clumsy, she struggled to flip open the phone.
Static greeted her.
“Robert? Bobby?” She was shouting, but she didn’t care. “Are you there? Are you—”
“Ssss—got them out.”
He’s out there somewhere, right in the elements, from the sound of it. “Where are you?” Sally cried. “Robert, what’s going on?” Sally pressed the phone against her ear until it hurt. All this technology, yet she could barely hear him, could barely—
The whooshing stopped. So did Robert’s voice. Sally stared at the readout. Ten seconds she’d had with him. Ten seconds to gauge the climate of a city. A city that might still claim as a resident that once-best friend. Sally whispered a prayer as she grabbed her briefcase and headed to class.
***
August 29, 2005, New Orleans, Louisiana
“It’s no use! The generator’s flooded!” A single battery-operated hallway light revealed the faint outline of Dr. Powers, the thin, impeccably groomed physician whom Ella Ward had worked with for a decade. “Ella? Ella?” He groped against the hospital’s second floor wall, his hands and arms made ghoulish by the shadowy dark. “Are you there? Ella? We’ve got to get them out of here! Now.”
Screams, howling winds, and debris crashing against boarded-up windows swirled into a hellish cacophony that tore at Ella’s heart. What were the three of them, she, Willie, and the doctor—no. Willie didn’t count. What were the two of them going to do for sixty-three patients writhing in excrement, gasping for breath, thousands of dollars of ventilators and BiPAPs rendered powerless? Dying, minute by minute, second by second?
Just to keep from falling down, Ella dug her fingernails into a wall sweaty with humidity. She opened her mouth to answer, but no words came out. At Dr. Powers’s side, she’d watched an aortic artery explode, a patient gurgle in his own blood . . . “The scalpel, Ms. Ward?” he’d said. “Suction, please.” With ice-blue cool, Dr. Powers had plucked life out of mangled messes and never even raised his voice. Now his screams pierced Ella’s ears, and her hopes. Even with one of New Orleans’ best surgeons at her side, the prognosis of surviving this storm was dim. There was nothing for Ella to do but close her eyes and beg. “Oh God. Please Spirit. Please Lord Jesus, please.”
Dr. Powers clutched at the sleeve of Ella’s cotton scrub. “Where’s Willie?”
The doctor’s touch and the mention of her brother brought Ella around. Still, she could barely speak for the quivering of her lip. “Where . . . do you think a junkie would be?”
“The . . . pharmacy?”
Even though Dr. Powers most likely couldn’t see her nod, Ella went through the motion. Twenty-four hours ago, she’d decided she and Willie would come here together. Yet even in her worst nightmare, she hadn’t really believed that they’d die here together.
“Someone, anyone, let me outta here!” It was Mrs. Smith, in Room 215.
“Hold the wind, Lord!” Mr. Lunsford, who’d thought he’d die of cancer.
Ella gritted her teeth. One by one, the patients were seeing the storm’s demonic fingers etching out a death sentence, and screaming their response.
“We’ve got to do something.”
Dr. Powers’s words sent a shiver through Ella. Had he read her mind? Or had she babbled without even knowing it? She clamped her hands over her ears. Lord! I’m goin’ crazy! Help me, Lord!
“What’s happenin’, Lawd? Oh, Lawd Jesus!”
“Sweet Jesus! Where are you?”
What had acted as a twisted tonic to incite the patients to a new level of chaos? Was it the howls of the winds, the thuds and crashes against the windows, the doors, the very roof of this place?
“Jesus, oh Jesus!”
Every moan, every scream, knifed into Ella like a scalpel. Nursing school hadn’t trained her for this. Nearly thirty years working at understaffed facilities hadn’t trained her for this. Nothing had trained her for this. With taut fingers, she pulled the doctor close, then shoved him to his knees and knelt by him, her hands flush against the wall. “We gotta pray,” she said.
ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a national bestselling author of 17 books, all published by Simon and Schuster/Pocket Books. Her sophomore novel, Let the Church Say Amen, is being made into a movie and national touring stageplay of which she is Executive Producer and actress Regina King is the director. Five of her other books, have also been optioned for film by CodeBlack Entertainment.
ReShonda’s literary career is such a success that in 2007, she was able to leave her job as a reporter with Fox 26 News in Houston to pursue writing full time. ReShonda has appeared on the Essence Bestseller’s list more than 20 times, as well as The Washington Post, Dallas Morning News and Ebony Magazine Bestseller’s lists.
ReShonda has won numerous awards for her journalism, fiction and poetry writing skills. She is a five-time winner of the National Association of Black Journalists Spirit in the Words competition. ReShonda’s upcoming projects include The Devil is a Lie (July 2009), Holy Rollers (2010) and two more teen novels. The Houston native and University of Texas at Austin graduate also serves as a freelance editorial and marketing consultant. She has ghostwritten four fiction projects and five non-fiction projects. She is married with three small children.
But when Nina goes to claim her winnings, she gets an astounding twist of fate: her ex-husband, Todd Lawson, shows up to inform he he isn’t her ex —since the paperwork for their divorce was never officially filed. By Todd’s side, his money-hungry girlfriend, Pam – the woman he left Nina for.
MORE MONEY, MORE PROBLEMS Between her divorce drama, Nina also has to deal with relatives coming out of the woodwork to seek a payday for themselves. Before all is said and done, Nina must ask herself if scoring a fortune in cash comes with too high a price tag. With a little bit of luck, Nina will discern the real wealth in her heart, not just her bank account—or risk losing everything—to find out what matters the most.
MY BOOK REVIEW I speed-read The Devil Is A Lie, in part because I wanted to write this review but in part because once I started, I couldn't put this book down. Nina Lawson is sweet and kind. Yet, although her husband Todd did her wrong and I have zero patience/tolerance for men who step out on their wives, I found myself empathizing with Todd.
Silly boy. Who knew Pam would turn out to be the headache that she does? And with these tough economic times, is it really any surprise that Todd at least thinks about getting half of Nina's lottery winnings? The man made a huge mistake, but he's got a good heart (can't say more without spoiling it!) and he still loves Nina (even though he really messed up and I'm a firm believer that you reap what you sow).
The writing is fast-paced and witty, flavored with African-American culture and nuances that are like the icing on a sumptuous cake. ReShonda Tate Billingsley gets better with each book. She's a natural storyteller, and if you've ever heard her interviewed or had an opportunity to meet her, her bigger-than-life personality and her distinctive voice will ring in your head as you read her works. It's as though she's telling the story just for you.
In the first half, when things seem to be going well and when they initially turn sour, there's not much mention of Nina's faith. Or Todd's for that matter. But isn't that how it is with so many people? Their faith is kind of on vacation--or at least taking a nap--until things get really bad. But as Nina and Todd work their way out of the mess they're in, they each discover that God always has a plan for us, even when He's not in our plans.
While away from my blog, I got my blog calendar all twisted up. I had two books scheduled for feature on tomorrow, another on Saturday, although I rarely do weekend book features, and a fourth on Monday. To give each book and author her due, I'm posting one of the books a day early--my apologies, Kaye!--one tomorrow, the third on Saturday, the fourth on Monday and then I'm taking a break from book features for a few days. A couple more before the end of the month, then only a few for August and September.
I haven't read this one yet. It's on my nightstand and next up after the book I'm currently reading. I don't read a lot of historicals, but after reading the excerpt on Kaye's blog several months back, I knew this one would be a gem, and had to get in on the fun.
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It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Kaye Dacus has a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a minor in history, and a Master of Arts in Writing Popular Fiction. Her love of the Regency era started with Jane Austen. Her passion for literature and for history come together to shape her creative, well-researched, and engaging writing.
List Price: $13.99 Paperback: 352 pages Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (July 1, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 0736927530 ISBN-13: 978-0736927536
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Portsmouth, England July 18, 1814
William Ransome pulled the collar of his oilskin higher, trying to stop the rain from dribbling down the back of his neck. He checked the address once more and then tucked the slip of paper safely into his pocket.
He took the four steps up to the front door of the townhouse in two strides and knocked. The rain intensified, the afternoon sky growing prematurely dark. After a minute or two, William raised his hand to knock again, but the door swung open to reveal a warm light.
A wizened man in standard black livery eyed William, bushy white brows rising in interest at William’s hat, bearing the gold braid and black cockade of his rank. “Good evening, Captain. How may I assist you?”
“Good evening. Is this the home of Captain Collin Yates?”
The butler smiled but then frowned. “Yes, sir, it is. However, I’m sorry to say Captain Yates is at sea, sir.”
“Is Mrs. Yates home?”
“Yes, sir. Please come in.”
“Thank you.” William stepped into the black-and-white tiled entry, water forming a puddle under him as it ran from his outer garments.
“May I tell Mrs. Yates who is calling?” The butler reached for William’s soaked hat and coat.
“Captain William Ransome.”
A glimmer of recognition sparkled in the butler’s hazy blue eyes. In the dim light of the hall, he appeared even older than William originally thought. “The Captain William Ransome who is the master’s oldest and closest friend?”
William nodded. “You must be Fawkes. Collin always said he would have you with him one day.”
“The earl put up quite a fight, sir, but the lad needed me more.” Fawkes shuffled toward the stairs and waved for William to join him. “Mrs. Yates is in the sitting room. I’m certain she will be pleased to see you.”
William turned his attention to his uniform—checking it for lint, straightening the jacket with a swift tug at the waist—and followed the butler up the stairs.
Fawkes knocked on the double doors leading to a room at the back of the house. A soft, muffled voice invited entry. The butler motioned toward the door. It took a moment for William to understand the man was not going to announce him, but rather allow him to surprise Susan. He turned the knob and slowly pushed the door open.
Susan Yates sat on a settee with her back to him. “What is it, Fawkes—?” She turned to look over her shoulder and let out a strangled cry. “William!”
He met her halfway around the sofa and accepted her hands in greeting. “Susan. You’re looking well.”
Her reddish-blonde curls bounced as she looked him over. “I did not expect you until tomorrow!” She pulled him farther into the room. “So—tell me everything. When did you arrive? Why has it been two months since your last proper letter?” Susan sounded more like the girl of fifteen he’d met a dozen years ago than the long-married wife of his best friend. “Can you stay for dinner?”
“We docked late yesterday. I spent the whole of today at the port Admiralty, else I would have been here earlier. And I am sorry to disappoint you, but I cannot stay long.” He sat in an overstuffed chair and started to relax for the first time in weeks. “Where is Collin? Last I heard, he returned home more than a month ago.”
Susan retrieved an extra cup and saucer from the sideboard and poured steaming black coffee into it. “The admiral asked for men to sail south to ferry troops home, and naturally my dear Collin volunteered—anything to be at sea. He is supposed to be back within the week.” She handed him the cup. “Now, on to your news.”
“No news, in all honesty. I’ve been doing the same thing Collin has—returning soldiers and sailors home. I only received orders to Portsmouth a week ago—thus the reason I sent the note express, rather than a full letter.”
“But you’re here now. For how long?”
“Five weeks. I’ve received a new assignment for Alexandra.”
“What will you do until your new duty begins?”
“My crew and I are on leave for three weeks.” And it could not have come at a better time. After two years away from home, his crew needed some time apart from each other.
“Are you going to travel north to see your family?”
“At the same time I sent the express to you announcing my return to Portsmouth, I sent word to my mother telling her of my sojourn here. When I arrived ashore earlier today, I received a letter that she and Charlotte will arrive next Tuesday.”
“How lovely. Of course, you will all stay with us. No—I will brook no opposition. We have three empty bedchambers. I could not abide the thought of your staying at an inn when you could be with us.”
“I thank you, and on behalf of my mother and sister.”
“Think nothing of it. But you were telling me of your assignment. Your crew is not to be decommissioned?” Susan asked.
“No. I believe Admiral Witherington understands my desire to keep my crew together. They have been with me for two years and need no training.”
“Understands?” Susan let out a soft laugh. “Was it not he who taught you the importance of an experienced crew?”
William sipped the coffee—not nearly as strong as his steward made it, but it served to rid him of the remaining chill from the rain. “Yes, I suppose Collin and I did learn that from him…along with everything else we know about commanding a ship.”
Susan sighed. “I wish you could stay so that I could get out of my engagement for the evening. Card parties have become all the fashion lately, but I have no skill for any of the games. If it weren’t for Julia, I would probably decline every invitation.”
“Julia—not Julia Witherington?” William set his cup down on the reading table beside him. He’d heard she had returned to Portsmouth following her mother’s death, but he’d hoped to avoid her.
“Yes. She returned to England about eight months ago and has become the darling of Portsmouth society, even if they do whisper about her being a ‘right old maid’ behind her back. Although recently, Julia’s presence always means Lady Pembroke—her aunt—is also in attendance.” The tone of Susan’s voice and wrinkling of her small nose left no doubt as to her feelings toward the aunt.
“Does Admiral Witherington attend many functions?”
“About half those his daughter does. Julia says she would attend fewer if she thought her aunt would allow. I have told her many times she should exert her position as a woman of independent means; after all, she is almost thir—of course it is not proper to reveal a woman’s age.” Susan blushed. “But Julia refuses to cross the old dragon.”
“So you have renewed your acquaintance with Miss Witherington, then?” The thought of Miss Julia Witherington captured William’s curiosity. He had not seen her since the Peace of Amiens twelve years ago…and the memory of his behavior toward her flooded him with guilt. His own flattered pride was to blame for leading her, and the rest of Portsmouth, to believe he would propose marriage. And for leading him to go so far as to speak to Sir Edward of the possibility.
“Julia and I have kept up a steady correspondence since she returned to Jamaica.” The slight narrowing of Susan’s blue eyes proved she remembered his actions of a dozen years ago all too well. “She was very hurt, William. She believes the attentions you paid her then were because you wished nothing more than to draw closer to her father.”
William rose, clasped his hands behind his back, and crossed to the floor-to-ceiling window beside the crackling fireplace. His reflection wavered against the darkness outside as the rain ran in rivulets down the paned glass. “I did not mean to mislead her. I thought she understood why I, a poor lieutenant with seeming no potential for future fortune, could not make her an offer.”
“Oh, William, she would have accepted your proposal despite your situation. And her father would have supported the marriage. You are his favorite—or so my dear Collin complains all the time.” Silence fell and Susan’s teasing smile faltered a bit. “She tells the most fascinating tales of life in Jamaica—she runs her father’s sugar plantation there. Collin cannot keep up with her in discussions of politics. She knows everything about the Royal Navy—but of course she would, as the daughter of an admiral.”
A high-pitched voice reciting ships’ ratings rang in William’s memory, and he couldn’t suppress a slight smile. Julia Witherington had known more about the navy at age ten than most lifelong sailors.
“William?”
“My apologies, Susan.” He snapped out of his reverie and returned to his seat. “Did Collin ever tell you how competitive we were? Always trying to out-do the other in our studies or in our duty assignments.” He recalled a few incidents for his best friend’s wife, much safer mooring than thinking about the young beauty with the cascade of coppery hair he hadn’t been able to forget since the first time he met her, almost twenty years ago.
Julia Witherington lifted her head and rubbed the back of her neck. The columns of numbers in the ledgers weren’t adding properly, which made no sense.
An unmistakable sound clattered below; Julia crossed to the windows. A figure in a dark cloak and high-domed hat edged in gold stepped out of the carriage at the gate and into the rain-drenched front garden. Her mood brightened; she smoothed her gray muslin gown and stretched away the stiffness of inactivity.
She did not hear any movement across the hall. Slipping into her father’s dressing room, she found the valet asleep on the stool beside the wardrobe. She rapped on the mahogany paneled door of the tall cabinet.
The young man rubbed his eyes and then leapt to his feet. “Miss Witherington?”
She adopted a soft but authoritative tone. “The admiral’s home, Jim.”
He rushed to see to his duty, just as Julia had seen sailors do at the least word from her father. Admiral Sir Edward Witherington’s position demanded obedience, but his character earned his men’s respect. The valet grabbed his master’s housecoat and dry shoes. He tripped twice in his haste before tossing the hem of the dressing gown over his shoulder.
She smothered a smile and followed him down the marble staircase at a more sedate pace. The young man had yet to learn her father’s gentle nature.
Admiral Sir Edward Witherington submitted himself to his valet’s ministrations, a scowl etching his still-handsome face, broken only by the wink he gave Julia. She returned the gesture with a smile, though with some effort to stifle the yawn that wanted to escape.
He reached toward her. “You look tired. Did you rest at all today?”
She placed her hand in his. “The plantation’s books arrived from Jamaica in this morning’s post. I’ve spent most of the day trying to keep my head above the flotsam of numbers.”
Sir Edward’s chuckle rumbled in his chest as he kissed her forehead. He turned to the butler, who hovered nearby. “Creighton, inform cook we will be one more for dinner tonight.”
“Aye, sir,” the former sailor answered, a furrow between his dark brows.
That her father had invited one of his friends from the port Admiralty came as no surprise. Julia started toward the study, ready for the best time of the day—when she had her father to herself.
“Is that in addition to the extra place Lady Pembroke asked to have set?” Creighton asked.
Julia stopped and turned. “My aunt asked…?” She bit off the rest of the question. The butler did not need to be drawn into the discord between Julia and her aunt.
The admiral looked equally consternated. “I quite imagine she has somebody else entirely in mind, as I have not communicated my invitation with my sister-in-law. So I suppose we will have two guests for dinner this evening. Come, Julia.”
Once in her father’s study, Julia settled into her favorite winged armchair. A cheery fire danced on the hearth, fighting off the rainy day’s chill. Flickering light trickled across the volumes lining the walls, books primarily about history and naval warfare. She alone knew where he hid the novels.
He dropped a packet of correspondence on his desk, drawing her attention. She wondered if she should share her concern over the seeming inaccuracy of the plantation’s ledgers with her father. But a relaxed haziness started to settle over her mind, and the stiffness of hours spent hunched over the plantation’s books began to ease. Perhaps the new steward’s accounting methods were different from her own. No need to raise an alarm until she looked at them again with a clearer mind.
She loved this time alone with her father in the evenings, hearing of his duties, of the officers, politicians, and government officials he dealt with on a daily basis while deciding which ships to decommission and which to keep in service.
The sound of a door and footsteps in the hallway roused her. “Papa, how long will Lady Pembroke stay?”
Sir Edward crossed to the fireplace and stoked it with the poker. “You wish your aunt to leave? I do not like the thought of you without a female companion. You spend so much time on your own as it is.”
“I do not mean to sound ungrateful. I appreciate the fact that Aunt Augusta has offered her services to me, that she wants to…help me secure my status in Portsmouth society.” Julia stared at her twined fingers in her lap.
“It seems to have worked. Every day when I come home, there are more calling cards and invitations on the receiving table than I can count.” Going around behind his desk, he opened one of the cabinets and withdrew a small, ironbound chest. With an ornate brass key, he unlocked it, placed his coin purse inside, secured it again, and put it away.
“Yes. I have met so many people since she came to stay three months ago. And I am grateful to her for that. But she is so…” Julia struggled for words that would not cast aspersions.
The admiral’s forehead creased deeply when he raised his brows. “She is what?”
“She is…so different from Mama.”
“As she was your mother’s sister by marriage only, that is to be expected.”
Julia nodded. To say anything more would be to sound plaintive, and she did not want to spoil whatever time her father could spare for her with complaints about his sister-in-law, who had been kind enough to come stay.
Sir Edward sat at his desk, slipped on a pair of spectacles, and fingered through the stack of correspondence from the day’s post. He grunted and tossed the letters back on the desk.
“What is it, Papa?”
He rubbed his chin. “It has been nearly a year…yet every night, I look through the post hoping to see something addressed in your mother’s hand.”
Sorrow wrapped its cold fingers around Julia’s throat. “I started writing a letter to her today, forgetting she is not just back home in Jamaica.”
“Are you sorry I asked you to return to England?”
“No…” And yes. She did not want her father to think her ungrateful for all he had done for her. “I miss home, but I am happy to have had this time with you—to see you and be able to talk with you daily.” Memories slipped in with the warmth of the Jamaica sun. “On Tuesdays and Fridays, when Jeremiah would leave Tierra Dulce and go into town for the post, as soon as I saw the wagon return, I would run down the road to meet him—praying for a letter from you.”
His worried expression eased. “You looked forward to my missives filled with nothing more than life aboard ship and the accomplishments of those under my command?”
“Yes. I loved feeling as if I were there with you, walking Indomitable’s decks once again.”
His sea-green eyes faded into nostalgia. “Ah, the good old Indy.” His gaze refocused and snapped to Julia. “That reminds me. An old friend made berth in Spithead yesterday. Captain William Ransome.”
Julia bit back sharp words. William Ransome—the man she’d sworn she’d never forgive. The man whose name she’d grown to despise from its frequent mention in her father’s letters. He had always reported on William Ransome’s triumphs and promotions, even after William disappointed all Julia’s hopes twelve years ago. He wrote of William as if William had been born to him, seeming to forget his own son, lost at sea.
Her stomach clenched at the idea of seeing William Ransome again. “He’s here, in Portsmouth?”
“Aye. But not for long. He came back at my request to receive new orders.”
“And where are you sending him, now that we’re at peace with France?” Please, Lord, let it be some distant port.
Sir Edward smiled. “His ship is to be in drydock several weeks. Once repairs are finished, he will make sail for Jamaica.”
Julia’s heart surged and then dropped. “Jamaica?” Home. She was ready to go back, to sink her bare toes into the hot sand on the beach, to see all her friends.
“Ransome will escort a supply convoy to Kingston. Then he will take on his new assignment: to hunt for pirates and privateers—and if the American war continues much longer, possibly for blockade- runners trying to escape through the Gulf of Mexico. He’ll weigh anchor in five weeks, barring foul weather.”
Five weeks was no time at all. Julia relaxed a bit—but she started at the thump of a knock on the front door below.
“Ah, that must be him now.” Sir Edward glanced at his pocket watch. “Though he is half an hour early.”
“Him?”
“Aye. Did not I tell you? Captain Ransome is joining us for dinner.”
I want to introduce you to one of my critique partners, Nicole O'Dell. On tomorrow, August 1st, debut author Nicole will enjoy not one, but two debut releases in her unique new Scenarios Series for teen girls.
What makes this series unique is that each book contains two endings, each based on one of the two options the main characters faces. The books are fast-paced and deal with real world issues that today's teens face. The first two books are Truth or Dare, which deals with peer pressure, and All That Glitters, about a girl who has to value the cost of pleasing a popular boy.
