Excerpt Wednesday - The Adventures Of Angel

 Excerpts From All Eight Stories

Angel's New Friends

"What are you doing in the forest?" Lou asked.

"I'm looking for some friends to play with." She looked around herself. "Where's everybody?"

Lou stretched. "Sleeping. That's all everybody does, is sleep."

"Want to play tag, Lou?" Angel asked.

"Sure, but you're it," he growled, tapping her on the head.

They laughed and frolicked for over an hour and ran deeper into the forest.

Angel's Band

"Butterfly's going to tell us how music is made," Angel eagerly said.

Piddy joined the circle.

"Uh hem." Butterfly cleared her throat. "An instrument is anything that makes a pleasant sound. Let me see." She flew around the barn, finally lighting on an old turned upside down tin cup. "Angel, tap on this."

Angel hopped over to the tin cup. She placed her hands on top and gently tapped on it.

"No, no, no," Butterfly said, flying around her in circles. "You must tap it harder."

Angel brought her hands down harder. "It doesn't sound very good, Butterfly. In fact it sounds awful!"

The others agreed.

Butterfly flew once again around the barn, finally sitting down next to an old wooden spoon. "Use this," she said.

Angel grabbed the wooden spoon and tapped lightly on the tin cup. She excitedly hopped up and down. "I made music!" she exclaimed.

Angel and The Watchdog

Butterfly sat on the ground in front of her. "The house is too close to the road. Farmer Zack worries that someone may accidentally wander into the road and get hurt." She pointed to the tall fence separating Angel from the front yard. "That's why he built that big fence."

Angel hopped over to the fence. "I think he meant that only for the farm animals," she insisted. "He certainly couldn't have meant it for the garden animals," she stated.

"I believe he meant it for all the animals living on the farm," Butterfly said.

Angel studied the fence. She looked up at the enormous height, then down to the ground. She hopped closer. "I bet I can crawl under that old fence," she bragged. She lay on the ground and tried to push herself under the narrow opening, but found herself just a little bit larger than the opening. "Hmmm," she said as she bounced back and forth for a few minutes.

Angel's Wish

"But Herman will come back. We have to do something for Herman," Angel insisted.

"Let's all think about what we can do for Herman," Butterfly said.

They huddled together deep in thought. Finally Angel jumped up and down, clapping her hands. "I know what we can do! We can wish Herman better!"

"Growl. What good will that do?" Lou asked. "I wish for lots of things, but that doesn't mean I ever get everything I wish for. Usually I don't get anything I wish for," he frowned.

"Yes," the others agreed with Lou. "Wishing won't help Herman to get better."

"It's better than doing nothing at all," Angel protested.

Butterfly sat on Angel's back. "Angel's right. Wishing is better than doing nothing at all." She looked at Lou. "Sometimes our wishes don't come true because we may be wishing for something that's not good for us, like too many treats. If we had too many treats, then that could make us sick. Or wishing for it never to rain again. That wouldn't be a good idea because then the fields would dry up and we would have no food to eat or water to drink. But when a wish is for someone else instead of ourselves, then that's the nicest kind of wish there is."

Angel's Parade

"I have an important announcement," Angel said in a serious voice as her friends gathered around her.

"Moo! What is it, Angel?" Herman asked as Leo ran to his side.

Piddy and Lou hurried over to her, with Bugg and Danny following behind them.

Butterfly flew overhead. "Everyone, please listen to Angel's announcement." She rapidly flapped her wings up and down.

Angel cleared her throat. "Our band is getting better and better every day." She looked at Butterfly.

"Hmmm…yes," Butterfly replied. "It is much better than when we first started."

"We're going to make a marching band and be a parade. Everybody pick up your instruments and then stand in line, and when Butterfly calls your name, make a sound on your instrument."

A Secret For Angel

Lou frowned. "We can't tell you what the secret is, Angel."

"Oh, please tell me, Lou," she begged.

"We can't, or it wouldn't be a secret."

"Does everybody else know what the secret is?" Angel asked.

Lou nodded.

"Well, then tell me and we'll all know."

"We would if we could, but we can't," Piddy said, looking at the others.

"Do Herman, Leo, Bugg and Butterfly know the secret?"

"Yes, Angel, we all know the secret," Danny answered.

She wiggled her nose. "Doesn't anyone want me to know the secret?"

"Growl. We have to go now, Angel. We'll see you later."

Tears filled her eyes. "Okay, then. Goodbye, everyone," she said sadly as she slowly hopped away.

Angel's Glasses

Butterfly tapped Angel's head. "You're it, Angel."

Angel looked around as everyone scattered. She hopped and ran as fast as she could to catch Danny. She reached out to tag him, but he ran as fast as a walrus could out of her reach.

Danny smiled. Usually he was tagged right away, but today was different. He wondered if he was getting faster.

Angel suddenly stopped, then rubbed her eyes. She squinted as Danny hurried away.

"What's the matter, Angel?" Butterfly asked worriedly. "Why didn't you tag Danny?"

"My eyes are blurry again," she said as she looked at the others coming toward her. She blinked a few times, but they were still blurry.

Angel's New Sister

"Angel, the baby is going to be a part of our family, whether you want her to be or not. That's not going to change. I need you to help me get the nest ready." She patted Angel's head. "You'll always be my special girl."

Angel crinkled up her nose. "Can I go play with my friends now, Mommy?"

"Yes, but make sure you're back in time for supper."

Angel hurriedly hopped out of the garden. She scurried over to the flower garden, seeing Butterfly sitting on top of a sunflower. "Hi, Butterfly." She waved.

Butterfly flew over to her and landed in front of her. "I was waiting for you, Angel. What do you want to do today?"

Angel shrugged. "I don't know." She sat down and put her face in her hands.

"Don't you feel well, Angel?" Butterfly asked worriedly.

"I feel fine, Butterfly."

"What's the matter then?" She tipped a wing in Angel's direction. "You look so sad."
 
Angel frowned. "Mommy's having a baby."

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Excerpt Wednesday – Squeaky Squirrel

Deep in the forest, a little squirrel named Squeaky lived with his mother and father, older brother, Sam, and twin sisters, Jenny and Julie. Actually, Squeaky's real name was Simon, but he'd been nicknamed Squeaky because every time he talked, his voice made squeaky sounds.
 
All through the long summer days, Squeaky and his brother and sisters frolicked and swung back and forth from tree to tree as they chased one another in a game of tag. Squeaky loved summertime best of all and wished it would last forever, but when he felt the first nip in the gentle winds that blew through the trees, he knew that it would soon be time to go back to school. He didn't mind school. He'd just rather be playing in the forest all day.  

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Excerpt Wednesday – Angel's New Friends

Stand Alone Book From The Adventures Of Angel

"What are you going to do today?" Butterfly asked.

Angel wrinkled her nose. "I'm going to find some new friends to play with!" she announced as she hopped away.

"No, you can't!" Butterfly warned, nervously flying around Angel in circles.

"I'm a big girl," Angel stubbornly answered as she washed her face.
 
"Besides, I heard Froggy telling neighbor Groundhog that he met some very nice forest animals on his vacation."

"But you'll get into trouble, Angel. Those animals and insects aren't our kind. You have to stay in the garden."

"I don't care, Butterfly. I'm going to see who's in there," Angel said and scurried into the dark forest.  

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Excerpt Wednesday - Deadly Tales

 Excerpts From All Five Stories

I'm Waiting For You

"I'm worried about you, honey," he said again. "Hasn't it ever occurred to you how this woman you claim to see knows exactly where you'll be at any given moment and then shows up out of the blue? You're the only one who can see her."

"I know," she answered, her voice softening. "I wish you could see what I do. I'm not crazy, Will. Please believe me."

"I never said or thought you were, but I don't see anyone wandering down this highway. There hasn't been anyone walking on this road for the two hours we've been on it."

"Maybe my mind is playing tricks on me," she said, but deep inside she knew what she saw was very real. She wasn't dreaming or imagining this woman.  

It's Me

Why are all these people standing around my car?  Maybe they are just curious as to why it's been abandoned on the side of the road.  No, that doesn't make sense, but it's the only explanation I can think of right now.

I need to push my way through this crowd and get into my car and be on my way.  I'm pushing, but no one is even acknowledging my presence.  I'm speaking, but why aren't they responding?  Why do they appear as though they are looking right past me?  I'm waving my arms.  "Hello!  Please let me through!"

The Ducks

He watched Sally's webbed feet as she waddled towards him, squawking as her eyes beheld the customary feast in his hands. He laughed as she drew closer. "Look what I have for you, Sally."  

She grabbed the bread from his hand. The other ducks stood behind her until she'd had her fill, then watched as she stepped aside. They hungrily devoured the remains of the bread she'd left for them.

For the past six months Joe had pondered this strange behavior, but could come up with no logical explanation. It didn't make sense. He pored over books in the library and traveled to several duck ponds, but none of those ducks acted like Sally did. She was the ultimate leader. Joe watched carefully as her followers finished eating, then looked at her. They didn't move. They never did until she gave the signal…a slight nod of her head. Sally eyed him cautiously, then tilted her head, and led the group back to the other side of the pond.

The Ticket

Aside from his obvious joy of making his employees' lives miserable, Harry Ranko had one other passion—playing the lottery. He was constantly waiting for the big one and had grandiose plans for his winnings, which he didn't hesitate to share with Rosie. The money he threw away weekly on the lottery would have supported Rosie and Bart for a month. Ranko was already a wealthy man and he made sure everyone he met knew it. He had no sympathy for those less fortunate-the more money he made, the more he wanted, and the less he wanted to part with.

Every Thursday Harry Ranko called Rosie into his office to check the numbers on his tickets. Why he trusted her with this task he'd never said and she'd never asked, but would dutifully enter his office after the others had left for the day. His small beady eyes widened with glee when he learned he had a winner no matter how small the payoff. It was his obsession.

The Stranger

The girl looked into her eyes, then flashed her a toothy smile. "I'll have a milkshake, Jenny."

Jenny was caught off guard by the child's familiarity. "I don't believe I've ever met you before. How did you know my name?"

"You never met me, but you knew my daddy."

The waitress frowned. "Where is your father? What's his name?"

"He used to come here all the time when he was on the road driving his truck. He told me all about you and other people in this town. He said it was just about the friendliest place on earth." She smiled again.

Jenny was puzzled. "Is he in the restroom?"

"He's not with me, but he's in the most beautiful place," she replied softly.

"What's his name?" Jenny asked again.

"May I please have my milkshake?"

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Excerpt Wednesday – Weekend Swap

Kay smiled. "My fantasies definitely don't take me that far."

Tyler's eyes narrowed. "Mine do and I'd like to make them a reality," she stated bluntly.

"You're joking aren't you?" Kay's jaw dropped. "You'd sleep with another man?"

She studied the shocked look on her friend's face and flashed her a bright smile. "No. I'm not kidding, I'm serious."

Kay picked up her coffee cup and held it between her palms. "Come on, you're teasing, right?"

"No, I'm deadly serious." She sighed deeply. "Sometimes it's good for a marriage."

Kay's eyes narrowed. "It's cheating plain and simple. How can that be good for a marriage?" She gazed uncomfortably at Tyler. "You of all people, Tee, I would never imagine as a cheater. You and Will have such a rock solid loving relationship."

She tossed her head. "No, it's not cheating if your spouse is a part of it. And Will and I do have a strong committed relationship. I could never imagine being apart from Will. He's the love of my life."

"Then you mean wife swapping?" she choked. "Or swinging? Whatever it's called." 

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Excerpt Wednesday – Hidden Desires

Charles smiled smugly as he placed Sage's file in a desk drawer, then locked it. He liked her. She was young and innocent and her naivety amazed him. He'd thought it would have taken much more convincing to get her to accept the position. She was perfect.

He walked over to the window. He loved looking down at the city, above all at night. It made him feel less alone. He'd fallen in love with Buffalo long before he'd made it his home and soon became an avid football fan, rarely missing a Bills game. His face suddenly darkened. He had it all: power, wealth, intelligence, but not the love of the only woman he'd ever wanted. He'd had her once and he was determined to have her again.

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Excerpt Wednesday – Hearts On Fire

She shivered as she picked up a pair of silk stockings and dreamily rubbed them against her cheek, and then smiled. She craved pure raw, uncontrollable sex with no holds barred. She wanted to be taken to the edge and back again. She’d never dared to share these innermost fantasies with anyone, so they had stayed inside clawing to be set free. Now was the time to let down the barriers and be the woman she was meant to be, the woman who would give her partner as much or even more in return.

Harvey had been a good husband and provider. He gave her and their sons, Jeremy and Scott, a life of ease and luxury that not many of her poor background had or ever would have. And Annabel had loved him. Despite their sexual problems, Harvey had been her rock. He had been her best friend since the moment they’d met and she still
felt that way, right up until the moment of his death. She missed his friendship and camaraderie.

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Excerpt Wednesday - Revenge

Jackson Bridges leaned against his red pickup truck as he watched Christine Westmiller fussing over her husband and daughter’s graves. A burning rage began in the pit of his stomach. Zoey had been trouble from the start and he wasn’t sorry she was dead. He loved coming here to the cemetery. He enjoyed witnessing Christine Westmiller’s pain. He hoped the bitch suffered for the rest of her life.

As the weeks, months, and then years passed, his boiling rage only increased. He was still haunted nightly with nightmares about the hospital with all those crazy people. He doubted that after two years, the dreams would ever go away. Christine Westmiller needed to suffer even more. She had to pay for her part in his being locked up like a caged animal. He scowled as Christine stepped into her car. He jumped into his truck and gunned the engine.

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Excerpt Wednesday – The Stalker

Jeremy sat on the bus, staring blankly out of the window. He heard the familiar echoes and tightly closed his eyes for a few seconds.

You almost blew everything! they shouted.

But I didn’t, his mind screamed back at them. He popped his eyes back open, then cautiously looked at the other passengers. No one made eye contact with him. They were involved in their own private thoughts. He settled back in his seat as the bus stopped and passengers got off and new ones got on.

It’s a good thing we were there to help you keep your cool. Forget Rebecca. She’ll never be your girlfriend, they hissed.

Yes, she is! his mind shouted, repeatedly trying to drown out their screeching, hissing voices. He’d concentrate on Rebecca. Thoughts of her brought a smile to his lips. He couldn’t wait to see her again. As he willed himself to focus just on her, he chased the demons to the far corners of his mind.

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Excerpt Wednesday – Over The Edge

 Brant slowly shook his head. "Now, Chris, what kind of a man are you? You’re going to choose an over-the-hill conniving bitch like Maggie Allen instead of a tender young thing like Chelsea?" He scoffed. "What the hell’s the matter with you? You’ve got an opportunity most men would beg for. What does Maggie have that would make you throw away a chance with Chelsea?"

Chris’s muscles tensed. "Maggie has something that women like Chelsea will never have, and that’s called class. You have no right to call Maggie names. Just keep her out of it. You know nothing about her," he angrily replied as his hands formed into tight hard fists.

Brant threw his head back and laughed. "Well, I call it as I see it, and with Maggie I don’t see any class, only a washed-up whore who destroyed her life because of her corrupt ways." He sniffed. "Her partner in crime even dumped her when the heat was on."

Chris looked into Brant’s devious eyes. "Maggie’s past is none of your damned business. She was set up! The bastard used her!"

Brant continued to laugh. "Boy, she certainly has you hoodwinked." His eyes narrowed.

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Excerpt Wednesday – Silent Dreams

He moved closer to Blaine. "Stand up," he said softly, extending a hand to help her to her feet.

She cocked a suspicious eye at him. "Why?"
 
"Because I asked you to," he answered in the same soft voice.

Blaine smirked, shooting a sideways glance at Kami as she noted Josh’s expensive suit and the ease with which he wore it. She assumed that his classic movie star looks and obvious wealth made him think he could demand whatever he wanted whenever he wanted it. "Who do you think you are?" Her voice was icy. "No offense, Kami, but I am definitely not impressed. Someone should have taught your friend some proper manners."

Josh kept his eyes on her as his lips turned up into an amused, but at the same time, eerie smile.

"Just do as he asks," Kami said in a low voice.

Blaine’s eyes narrowed. "Why should I?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "I don’t know who you think you are, but you certainly don’t impress me." She folded her arms across her chest.

Josh laughed. "We’re going to get to know one another very well before this night is over."

"I don’t think so," she replied disgustedly. "Maybe you’re used to women throwing themselves at your feet, but I’m not one of them. I am definitely not interested in anything you have to offer."

He inched closer. "I don’t give a damn what you are or are not interested in." His eyes traveled over her body.

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Excerpt Wednesday – The Black Heart

"Then what the hell is it?" he demanded.

She shook her head. "I don’t know. There’s something strange about her. She’s so secretive about her past."

He lifted his eyebrows. "No, she’s not."

Payton frowned. He wouldn’t listen and she wasn’t in the mood to get into a debate. "I think we should end this line of conversation. But just remember, Carter, that I care about you. I always have and always will."

"If you care, then please treat my wife with the respect she deserves," he replied.

She decided to change the topic. "Who’s watching Becca this afternoon?"

"Morgan."

She frowned. "Do you think it’s wise to bring the baby to the funeral?"

"Morgan’s not going."

"What do you mean she’s not going?" Payton exclaimed. "Doesn’t that prove my point to you?" she smugly asked.

"And what point is that?" Morgan asked, entering the room with Becca tagging behind her.

"Nothing, honey," Carter, flushed, quickly said.

Morgan looked suspiciously at Payton.

Payton caught her eye, and then quickly looked away from the penetrating stare. She forced herself to keep her mouth closed.

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Excerpt Wednesday – Twisted Lives

Hunter Tucker studied himself in his mirror. He knew that he was well above average in the looks department. Wherever he went, women flocked to him like bees to honey. He wondered if it was his black hair and deep-set midnight blue eyes. Or could it be his deep sexy voice? Maybe it was his muscular body and the way he used his raw sexual appeal to tell a woman exactly what she wanted to hear. He smiled as he continued to gaze at his naked body. Years of working out kept him in top physical condition. He lifted weights every other day, and on the even days ran at the track. His body and looks combined to get him what he wanted out of women.

It never took him long to ease into the graces of some of the wealthiest women in the world. One day he’d marry one of them, and then he’d have the status and prestige he craved. He didn’t care about their money. It was the name he wanted to be connected to. He was new money, but they had old money and the honor and respect that went along with it. It couldn’t be bought, so he was willing to sacrifice his bachelorhood to worm his way into one of the elite families.

He’d traveled from coast to coast in his quest to find the perfect woman. Most were willing to bed him, but when it came to marriage, they chose to look elsewhere. He knew the real reason was because he didn’t meet the criteria from their hard-nosed families. They would bed him, but would marry only into their own kind…those that came from old money. Love didn’t seem to factor into it. But then he hadn’t loved any of them either.

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Excerpt Wednesday – Maggie Quinn

Patrick dropped to his knees by the other side of the bed and took his mother's hands, while Maggie set the bowl on the table and then sat quietly looking at Catherine's drawn face. Every breath she took was an effort as she struggled to speak.   

"We're here, Ma," Maggie whispered. "Paddy and I are here."

"Where's Paddy?" Her faded eyes struggled to focus. "Paddy?"

"I'm here, Ma." His eyes welled with tears and he swallowed hard.

Catherine slightly turned her head and focused her eyes on Patrick. Maggie leaned closer and Catherine, with great effort, slightly turned her head as her lips tried to form a smile. "My beautiful children." Her voice was growing weaker, and Patrick and Maggie had to strain to hear her. She paused and drew a ragged breath after each word, struggling to make herself heard.

Every breath she took was labored as though it would be her last, and Maggie swallowed the lump in her throat as she listened. Her eyes misted, but she knew her mother couldn't see. "Don't try to talk, Ma," Maggie said quietly. "Keep your strength."

"No. I need to talk."

Maggie glanced at Paddy. His eyes revealed that he was as frightened as she was at their mother's worsening health. She didn't know how to help her mother and did the only thing she could do, which was to offer up another silent prayer for her healing. But she had to face the truth. The Lord would soon take her beloved mother the same as He’d taken Da and her brothers and sisters. She wanted to scream and pound her fists. What had they done to deserve this? She drew a deep breath. No, her faith was being tested. She had to hold on. She had to accept whatever burdens the Lord had placed on their family. She couldn't forsake everything Ma had taught her.


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Excerpt Wednesday – Murder In The Pinelands

"I don't care about any of that!" Jensyn screamed. "I only remember walking to the car. Everything is a blank after that." She charged at him again. "What did you do, Evan?"

He grabbed her wrists again. "Stop it, Jensyn! You need to listen to me. I took you two home. That's what I did!" he spat at her. "Now both of you better shut up and listen to me." He drew several deep breaths to calm himself. "Don't tell the police you don't remember anything about last night. And especially don't tell them we were drinking. Do you know what they'd do to us?"

"I doubt underage drinking is a top priority when a kid is dead, Evan," Kennedy said, dabbing at her eyes with a paper napkin.

"Do you want the police to think that we had something to do with it?" Evan hissed.

"Why would they think that?" Jensyn sniffed.

Evan's jaw tightened. "They'll want to know why he didn't leave with us," he explained. "You know how they twist everything." He stared at Jensyn. "Don't forget, Jensyn, you did argue with him. They'll try to twist that into a motive."

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Excerpt Wednesday - Shattered Vows

 Robert walked to the table, pulled out a chair, and sat down across from her. "So, what do you write about, anyway?"

Farrel set her pen down. "You’ve never seemed interested before," she said, surprised.
"I didn’t say I was interested. Just curious."

She sighed. Why did he have to try to ruin everything that meant something to her? She wanted so much to be able to have the kind of normal relationship where they could share their individual passions with one another. She looked at him. He was dressed in an old paint stained shirt and faded jeans. His feet were bare. His attire was unusual, but she didn’t dare question it. "Mostly, I write about my feelings. Sometimes what I’m feeling pours out on paper and releases all of my frustrations. The difference is that I can control my characters so they can have the most wonderful lives with all of their dreams fulfilled."

Robert’s eyes narrowed. "Are you saying that your life isn’t satisfying to you?"

Farrel noticed the disapproval in his eyes as he swept over her makeup-less face and uncombed hair. Self-consciously she swept a strand of hair from her brow as she pondered his question. "No, I don’t mean to imply that. It’s just that everyone always wishes certain aspects of their lives were different. In my writing, I can fulfill all of my dreams through my characters’ actions and emotions."

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Excerpt Wednesday - All I Want Is You

Rachel’s eyes clouded. She couldn’t tell her friend that Caleb had stirred something in her, something she’d never felt before. She had to brush those feelings aside. "I know what you’re trying to do, Kate. I told you last night that I’m perfectly happy with my life just the way it is. I don’t have the time or energy to focus on a relationship. My job and Ethan are about all I can handle right now."

Kate lifted a suspicious eyebrow. "What do you think I’m trying to do, Rachel?"

Rachel pursed her lips. "You’re trying to set me up with Caleb. Admit it, Kate. I can see right through it."

Kate held up a hand. "I swear I’m not, but you have to admit he’s not only gorgeous, but nice. You said so yourself, and Ethan likes him." She drew a deep breath. "Okay, I admit it. I thought if you two met each other you might be able to help one another. You’re both too young to shut yourselves away from the world. You already have something in common."

"I know your intentions are good, but did it ever occur to you that some people never get over their grief?"

"It has, and I personally don’t think it’s healthy." She shrugged. "You have to admit, he’s gorgeous."

"Okay, I admit he’s good looking, kind, and Ethan is enjoying his company." She sighed heavily. "If things were different—"

"Just what does that mean, Rachel?" Kate demanded, cutting her off. 

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Wednesday's Blurbs – 2 In 1: Hidden Desires & Weekend Swap

Hidden Desires
When Sage Ralston takes a job at Boylston Electronics, she soon finds out that her job is more than she bargained for. Under the guise of assistant to the company's owner Charles Boylston, she has actually been hired to spy on her fellow employees. As Sage tries to determine who is sabotaging the company, all evidence points to Connor Michaels who works in the research lab. After getting to know Connor, Sage has her doubts that Connor is the person leaking information about the company and joins forces with the woman to find out who the real culprit is.

Weekend Swap
Tyler Thornton convinces her strait-laced best friend Kay Reagan to swap husbands to add some excitement to their sex lives, or in Kay's case, to show her what she's been missing. What Tyler doesn't know is the deep dark fantasy that Kay has been harboring for years.

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Wednesday's Blurbs – Sparks And Cabin Fever

Sparks
When the ruggedly handsome stranger from Texas walks up to her counter at the post office, Stefani is instantly attracted to him, but doubts she'll have a chance with him once her best friend Harper sets her sights on him. Stefani soon realizes that she may have a chance with him after all, but can she compromise her values for just one night with him?

Cabin Fever
When Kayla North's car is run off the road during a blizzard, she begins walking down an unfamiliar desolate backcountry road hoping to find shelter from the worsening storm. Later she awakens naked in a strange bed wondering how she got there. The door slowly opens and Kayla sees a handsome stranger looking at her. Something about him seems oddly familiar, but she is certain she's never met him before.  

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Wednesday's Blurbs – Torrid Teasers 53 – Christmas Dreams & The Fix-It Man

Christmas Dreams
Morgan and Davis have been best friends since they were children and even Davis' move to Maine didn't affect their deep friendship. When Morgan's relationship with her fiancé falls apart, at Davis' urging she moves to Maine to make a fresh start. She soon realizes that her feelings for Davis run much deeper than friendship.

The Fix-It Man
When Madison meets the new maintenance man, she uncharacteristically tries to seduce him. When her efforts backfire, she thinks she doesn't stand a chance until he comes knocking on her door.

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Wednesday's Blurbs – Weekend Swap

Tyler Thornton convinces her strait-laced best friend Kay Reagan to swap husbands to add some excitement to their sex lives, or in Kay's case, to show her what she's been missing. What Tyler doesn't know is the deep dark fantasy that Kay has been harboring for years.

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Wednesday's Blurbs – Hidden Desires

When Sage Ralston takes a job at Boylston Electronics, she soon finds out that her job is more than she bargained for. Under the guise of assistant to the company's owner Charles Boylston, she has actually been hired to spy on her fellow employees. As Sage tries to determine who is sabotaging the company, all evidence points to Connor Michaels who works in the research lab. After getting to know Connor, Sage has her doubts that Connor is the person leaking information about the company and joins forces with the woman to find out who the real culprit is.

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Hearts On Fire

When Brianna Jackson pays a long overdue visit to her Aunt Emily to heal from her broken engagement, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with her aunt's new sexy gardener Chandler Russell. As the passion heats up between Brianna and Chandler, her aunt fears Brianna's reaction if she finds out about Chandler and her beloved 'adopted' Aunt Jo's past steamy love affair.

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Wednesday's Blurbs - Deadly Tales

Deadly Tales, horror, paranormal, short stories, chilling, dark, unexplained, Susan K. Droney, Barnes & Noble, Itunes,

Excerpts From All Five Stories

I'm Waiting For You
A young woman fears she is losing her mind when a beautiful mysterious presence, unseen by others, begins to follow her.

It's Me
A woman stranded on a busy highway wonders why no one stops to offer her assistance.

The Ducks
A cruel friendless man pays the ultimate price when his wife turns the tables on him.          

The Stranger
A little girl mysteriously arrives in town with a chilling message for the residents.

The Ticket
A woman who has lost everything is pushed to the brink when her rich, cold-hearted, greedy boss wins the lottery.

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Wednesday's Blurbs - Revenge

Jackson Bridges is released from a court ordered two-year stay at a psychiatric hospital for a brutal attack on his wife, but he blames his ex-wife Zoey's mother for putting him there in the first place. His domineering mother who controls every aspect of his and his two older brothers' lives compounds his bitterness.

Christine Westmiller has spent the past two years taking care of her daughter Zoey who fell into a coma after a brutal attack by her husband Jackson Bridges. When she learns that her former son-in-law has been released from the psychiatric hospital, she is bitter and has trouble coping with her emotions.  

Devine Destinies 
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Wednesday's Blurbs - The Stalker

Jeremy Talbot is a lonely, troubled young man whose only friends are the demon voices he hears in his mind. His obsession with a young woman named Rebecca Walker leads him on a murderous rampage as he tries in vain to win her love and prove that the demons are wrong when they taunt him, declaring that she doesn't care for him.

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Wednesday's Blurbs – Over The Edge

Maggie Allen's world of corporate money and power comes crashing down after she is taken in by a man who is only out to use her for his own gain. When she is released from a short stint in prison, she refuses to give up even though no one will give her a second chance. She loses everything she's worked for and is forced to move to the other side of town where she is determined to make a new life for herself. Her life would be perfect if it wasn't for Brant Evans, a corrupt police officer, who makes it a point to constantly remind her about her past and all that she has lost. She can't understand his vendetta against her, but she refuses to be intimidated by him and is not afraid to stand up to him no matter the consequences.

Brant Evans has Cedar Pines under his thumb. His wife Janna controls the social and political levers of town with her money. The two of them work hard to ruin the lives of anyone they don't like, or anyone who crosses them. Maggie Allen is caught up in their web of hate. Brant has special plans for Maggie. Plans that include arrest, imprisonment, and ruin.   

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Wednesday's Blurbs – Silent Dreams

Blaine Kirsten unwittingly gets pulled into a prostitution ring when her best friend, Kami Matthews, introduces her to Josh Barnes. When Blaine refuses to become a part of his operation, she faces brutal consequences. 

Detectives Jane Adams and Casey Jorgan are assigned to the case. Almost immediately, Casey finds herself unable to separate her personal emotions from this case, which jeopardizes her career.

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Wednesday's Blurbs – The Black Heart

After three members of Carter Rogers' close-knit New England family end up dead within weeks of each other, the family begins to suspect that one of their own may be responsible. Carter soon realizes that most of his family, and even the investigators, suspect his wife and he is determined to prove her innocence.  

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Wednesday's Blurbs – Twisted Lives

When a series of murders hits too close to home, Detective Daniel Trevors' life is ripped apart forcing him to question everyone and everything he's ever believed in.

Detectives Daniel Trevors and his partner, Ben Wilson, are hot on the trail of a murderer who appears to kill just for the fun of it, but they soon realize that the case is more complicated than they thought.

Available in paperback and ebook.

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Wednesday's Blurbs – Maggie Quinn

In 1840's Ireland, with most of her family wiped out from disease and the fields ravaged by the potato famine, Maggie Quinn, along with her younger brother Patrick, realizes she has no choice but to leave her beloved Ireland. Leaving Ireland isn't as easy as she thinks and she's forced to make a daring escape for the better life she's been told awaits her in America.

Available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook.

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Wednesday's Blurbs – Murder In The Pinelands

When a teenager is brutally murdered in The Pinelands, his friends insist it was the work of The Jersey Devil.

Christine Daniels, an investigative reporter, works with the police to determine what really happened to the teen that night.

Available in paperback and ebook.

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Wednesday's Blurbs – Shattered Vows

All Farrel Drake wanted was a normal family life for her two daughters and herself. When her second marriage ends up worse than the first with daily physical, emotional and verbal abuse, Farrel seeks the help of a counselor.

She eventually finds the courage to leave her husband and settles into a happy routine with her daughters. Just when Farrel's starting to believe her new beginning will work, threatening phone calls shatter her peace. When Farrel realizes fear is no longer able to rule her life, her real new beginning starts.

Available in paperback and ebook.

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Wednesday's Blurbs – All I Want Is You

Rachel Sanderson, a pretty young woman struggling to support her young son, meets handsome firefighter Caleb Jason. Long dormant feelings in her come to life. As their relationship intensifies, she makes the decision to tell him the secret she's been hiding and why she'd lied. Before she can tell him, though, her past comes back to haunt her.

Devine Destinies 
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Wednesday's Blurbs – The Adventures Of Angel

Blurbs From All Eight Stories

Angel's New Friends
The first story in The Adventures Of Angel Book, introduces the new friends Angel, a curious bunny, meets when she goes exploring into the forbidden forest, ocean and farm in search of new friends.

Angel's Band
In the second story of The Adventures Of Angel Book, Angel and her friends decide to form a band using objects found around the farm for their instruments.

Angel and the Watchdog
In the third story of The Adventures Of Angel Book, Angel meets Farmer Zack's watchdog-in-training in a most unusual way.

Angel's Wish
Angel is saddened by the illness of one of her friends in the fourth story in the book The Adventures Of Angel.

Angel's Parade
Angel and her friends decide to have a parade for their families in the fifth story in The Adventures Of Angel book.

A Secret For Angel
Angel is sad because her friends don't want to play with her. She is surprised when she finds out the real reason in the sixth story of The Adventures Of Angel book. 

Angel's Glasses
When Angel starts bumping into things her mother decides it's time to take a trip to the eye doctor. This is the seventh story in The Adventures Of Angel book.

Angel's New Sister
In the eighth story in The Adventures Of Angel book, Angel is upset when her mother tells her that soon a new baby sister will be arriving.

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Wednesday's Blurbs – Squeaky Squirrel

Squeaky Squirrel is a shy little squirrel with a squeaky voice. When he meets Sally Squirrel he learns that what is most important is being liked for who you are on the inside.

Devine Destinies 
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Wednesday's Blurbs – Angel's New Friends

In this stand-alone book, Angel's New Friends, Angel, a curious bunny, goes exploring into the forbidden forest, ocean, and farm in search of new friends.

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Excerpt Wednesday – 2 In 1: Hidden Desires & Weekend Swap

Hidden Desires

His jaw twitched. He couldn't help himself. Innocent, naive women challenged him, now more than ever since he'd lost the love of his life. Sage Ralston would be a challenge, and it had been too long since he'd had just such a confrontation. She'd led a sheltered life, had few friends, and a strict upbringing--all the ingredients to mold her into the woman who'd be perfect for him. He'd show her a world she'd never known, and once she entered his world, she'd be eager to stay.

She was a beauty. Her slim body, slightly rounded breasts, small hips and those clear green eyes, as she innocently looked at him, made him grow hard. He imagined running his hands through that beautiful auburn hair as he laid her on the bed and mounted her. It would be soon…very soon. She would make him forget all about the other woman…at least for a while.

Weekend Swap

She shook her head. "No. I've got some ideas."

Kay propped her elbows on the table. "Can I ask you a personal question?"

Tyler laughed. "Since when have you needed my permission to ask? Ever since I've known you, you've just plowed right in."

Kay slowly let her breath out. "Are you attracted to Ed? Is that why—"

"Of course not! I mean he's good looking, but I definitely wouldn't want or expect anything more from him than a good fuck while you're getting fucked by Will."

Kay's face turned a deep shade of red. "Well, that's putting it bluntly."

"You asked. Come on, Kay, face it—that's all it would be. You might even enjoy yourself."

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Excerpt Wednesday – Sparks and Cabin Fever

Sparks

Before Stefani could answer, Harper came out of nowhere and sashayed up to the bar. She was dressed in a short denim skirt, a low-cut light blue blouse which showed ample cleavage, and navy heels. Deacon's eyes were immediately drawn to her like a magnet.

Stefani's heart fell. She hadn't been enough to keep Deacon interested once Harper entered the picture. Even though Deacon claimed he loved the outdoors, when he was indoors, Harper would be his preferred partner.

"I'm sorry I'm late," she said throwing her arms around Stefani's neck. "Forgive me?" She turned her head and noticed Deacon sitting next to Stefani. She immediately stepped back from Stefani and with hands on hips beamed at Deacon. "I'm surprised to see you here," she said with a phony accent.

Stefani's eyes narrowed. What a liar! She shot Harper a steely look. Harper lifted an eyebrow slightly. The only reason Harper asked her out tonight was to pretend they were having a girls' night out and then act surprised if she ran into Deacon. She'd obviously planned to come in late then feign surprise at seeing him. Stefani fumed, but she had no one to blame but herself for allowing Harper to use her to serve her own purposes. What did it matter? Deacon hadn't shown anything more than a friendly interest in her. She'd
made it out to be more than it clearly was only because that was what she so badly wanted. Deacon had shared some friendly chitchat, nothing more. She couldn't even blame him for leading her on because he hadn't.


Cabin Fever

He was even more gorgeous in the flickering candlelight. It took all of her willpower not to leap over the table and throw herself at him. Her heart beat erratically as she imagined his hands gliding over her naked flesh and teasing her nipples until she thought she would explode.

"Are you okay?"

She felt the wetness between her legs. Her face reddened. "I'm…I'm fine." She hoped he couldn't see her flushed face in the flickering candlelight. From the expression on his face she knew he had. She picked up her spoon with a trembling hand and continued eating.

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Excerpt Wednesday – Torrid Teasers 53 – Christmas Dreams & The Fix-It Man

Christmas Dreams

Morgan's eyes popped open. She patted the spot next to her. It was empty. She knew it would be, but a part of her had hoped it wouldn't be. It was only a dream. Davis? Why had she dreamed such an erotic dream about her best friend? It unsettled her. She climbed off the bed, grabbed a robe, pushed her feet into a pair of slippers, and padded to the kitchen. She fixed a cup of tea then brought it back into the living room and settled into her easy chair. Her hands shook as she set her cup of tea on the table next to her chair. The dream stayed fresh in her mind; it had seemed so real. Why had she dreamed about Davis? Her face reddened at the memory. She sucked in her breath unable to get his hauntingly gorgeous naked image out of her mind.

The Fix-It Man

"I'd love a cup, but aren't you forgetting about your bath?"

She laughed. "I can take it later. Let me throw some clothes on." She ran into her bedroom and hurriedly threw on a pair of jeans and a pullover then returned to the kitchen. Nathan was leaning against the counter. "Have a seat," she said as she prepared the coffee. She tried to focus on what she was doing instead of his rippling biceps. She wanted him and she would seduce him if she had to, even if she wasn't primed in the art of seduction. She wondered what Lucy would do in this situation. Of course, Lucy would let him know in no uncertain terms that she wanted him. What about afterwards? Could she just walk away without any expectations like Lucy did, or would she want something more? No, she'd listened to Lucy talk about not making it personal. That's what she would do. She'd fuck him and then they would go their separate ways with no obligation to one another.

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Excerpt Wednesday – Weekend Swap

She pictured Ed with a whip in his hand as Kay, on all fours, her bare ass quivering in the air, begged him to punish her. She suppressed a giggle as she stole a glance at the couple. She couldn't picture either of them in those roles, but sometimes the person you least expected was the one who was a tiger behind closed doors. She grew hot as she continued to look at Ed wondering what kind of cock he had, but mostly wondering what it would feel like having it pound into her now dripping pussy. She bit her lip as an intense ache encompassed her vagina. Damn, she wished she could excuse herself and lock herself in her bathroom, then plunge her fingers into her throbbing vagina. She swallowed hard and cleared her throat willing her urges to go away. She walked stiffly back to the table and seated herself.

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Excerpt Wednesday – Hidden Desires

She was humiliated. All the warm sensations she'd been feeling disappeared, leaving in their wake an icy cold emptiness. He'd rejected her. She'd lost not only the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, but her best friend. Her heart broke. She pulled away from him, her eyes swimming with tears. "I won't throw myself at you ever again."

He ran a trembling hand through his hair. "Sage, no, please understand, baby. It has nothing to do with that other girl. I haven't been with anyone else or even wanted to be with anyone else since I met you. It hasn't been easy, but I'm waiting for our wedding night like you've always wanted. I want it to be as special as you've dreamed it will be."

"It has everything to do with me." A tear spilled from her eye. "There's nothing more to say. Maybe my new job on Monday is an omen... a new beginning and a fresh start for the both of us—apart."

"What the hell does that mean?"

"Whatever you want it to mean." She glanced at her hands, too ashamed to look him in the eye. "Please take me home, Ryan. I have a splitting headache."

 
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Excerpt Wednesday – Hearts On Fire

"It’s about time that you took some time off," Annabel said. "You work much too hard," she gently scolded. "I worry about you, Em. Why do you do it? You certainly don't need the money."

Emily threw her head back and laughed. "Believe me, there have been times I’ve asked myself the same question." She grew serious. "What would I do if I didn’t write? That’s all I’ve ever done or ever wanted to do. I don’t know how I’d fill all those empty hours."

"Well, I for one can think of many more pleasurable pursuits," Josephine interjected. "Such as physical pursuits."

Annabel chuckled. "You’re wicked, Jo. I swear you have a one track mind."

"It keeps me happy and satisfied." She pointed a slender finger in Emily’s direction. "It might do you good to have an old-fashioned roll in the hay."


Available In Paperback and Ebook  

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Excerpt Wednesday - Revenge

"I’ll give you your release instructions on your final visit. I’ve already gone over most of it with you. Take your medication as prescribed and report as scheduled to your outpatient counseling sessions." Dr. Gilbert Simpson shifted his heavy body in his large well-worn, stiff wooden chair, as he looked hard at the twenty-eight year old, dirty, blond-haired, blue-eyed, husky, square-jawed man sitting across from him. There was no doubt in his mind that Jackson Bridges was deeply disturbed.

Jackson eyed the doctor coldly. He shoved his hands into his jeans pockets. "You don’t like me. I could tell from the first day I met you." He shrugged his broad shoulders. "That’s okay because the feeling’s mutual, Doc."

Simpson kept quiet as he studied him. Without the proper daily supervision and medication the hospital gave him, he would snap again. It was only a matter of time.

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Excerpt Wednesday – The Stalker

He watched from the window, the same streaked window he stood in front of every morning. He’d been watching her for ten long years. He licked his lips in anticipation, and his heart thudded irregularly in his chest just like it did every time he knew he would be seeing her. He moved the curtain slightly to get a better view. She was coming, and his heart raced. She bounded out of her door, hands tightly gripping those of her ruddy-cheeked, carrot-topped twin boys. He wished he could hear what she was saying, just as he wished it were he whom she was smiling at and talking to. The children continued looking at her, laughter in their bright eyes as their cherub faces smiled while she talked.

How he longed to hear her voice speaking to him again, but it was only etched in his memory forever. He watched as her boys scurried onto their school bus. She smiled and waved even long after the bus was out of view. How he ached for her all these seemingly endless, lonely years. Being apart from her angered him and brought the demons closer to the surface, forcing him to lurk even further in the shadows. The shadows were his only solace, where he could watch her with no one telling him it was wrong or that he was a freak. Time was passing quickly, much too quickly. He had to make a move. It was time to come out of the shadows and finally claim her for his own.

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Excerpt Wednesday – Over The Edge

Maggie gazed out of the kitchen window at the thickening clouds then slowly stood up, scraping the chair across the worn linoleum floor. She hoped the impending rainstorm would give some relief to the heat. She was restless tonight, and a feeling of loneliness overtook her. She hated these melancholy moods. Sometimes they’d creep up out of nowhere, almost suffocating her.

She eyed her meager possessions. This was all she had to show for years of her hard work. It hadn’t always been this way. Once she had everything she ever wanted or could possibly want, but that seemed like a lifetime ago. Right when she was at the top, an error in judgment caused her to topple and land in a crumpled heap back down at the bottom. All she could do was lie there wondering what had happened and try to claw her way back to the top. But that was never to be again. Her life would have to begin anew.

Today she lived in a tiny, rented, rundown trailer, barely able to afford the monthly rent and utilities. She was grateful to have her job as a waitress, even though it paid only minimum wage plus whatever tips her customers gave her. She had quickly learned that a customer would be more willing to part with his hard-earned cash if she were friendly. In time she felt a distinctive bond growing with the regulars, as they became the family she yearned for, filling the empty void within her. Her friendliness toward them soon became less forced and instead genuinely sincere. Maggie had grown accustomed to their stories and jokes, and when they talked about their families and adventures, she felt like she was a part of their lives.


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Excerpt Wednesday – Silent Dreams

She chewed her bottom lip. "I couldn’t do it, Josh. It wasn’t the right time. You should’ve seen her. Some creep roughed her up and almost raped her last night. She’s in bad shape."

"You have twenty-four hours to talk to Blaine and convince her to work for me—no more, no less. Do I make myself clear?"

"Josh, there’s no way Blaine will go for it. She’s different—you know what I mean—too innocent. I can’t force her to do this. All the other girls came on board willingly. I’m sure there are a lot of girls who would love to join, but not Blaine. I think this is a bad business decision."

"How I run the business is no concern of yours."

"But Josh, what you’re asking me to do is illegal."

"Twenty-four hours!" he snarled. "Don’t cross me, Kami."

The line went dead. "Dammit! Now what do I do?" she muttered to herself as she leaned back in her chair and squeezed her eyes shut. Her head pounded near her temples. She prepared herself for another in a series of what were rapidly becoming daily headaches. How had she allowed herself to get into this mess? But more importantly, how could she keep Blaine out of it? She needed time, but time was the one thing that Josh Barnes would never give her.


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Excerpt Wednesday – The Black Heart

Carter emphatically shook his head. "What vendetta could anyone possibly have against my mother? It doesn’t make sense! Who would want her dead?" His eyes narrowed. "My mother didn’t have any enemies. You know that, Jake. Could it be a random act?"

"I don’t know, Carter."

Carter’s nostrils filled with the stench of the smoldering ruins. He coughed, and then spat at the ground. "Fill me in on what you do know, Jake."

"There’s not too much at this point," he answered, pulling on his chin.

"I’ve known you my entire life, Jake. You must have a theory."

Jake was thoughtful for a moment. "I do."

"And?" Carter persisted.

His eyes slanted. "My theory is that the perpetrator knew your mother would be out this evening. He then entered the house and rigged up a device in her bedroom lamp that would detonate the moment she turned the lamp on." He paused. "After the lamp was turned on, everything just blew."

Carter grabbed the sheriff’s arm. "A bomb? Why? What could my mother have ever done to cause someone to want to blow up her house with her in it? It still doesn’t make sense."


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Excerpt Wednesday – Twisted Lives

Daniel sat at his cluttered desk with his eyes focused on a stack of files, all needing his attention. He rubbed his jaw. The murders plaguing Vickville made the other cases seem trivial by comparison. Four murders with no clues or possible motives. The killer was slick, but somewhere, somehow, he’d slip up. Someone knew something. He gulped his coffee and signed a few reports.

"Ready to call it a night?" Ben called to him from his desk.

Daniel closed a folder and stood. "Yeah, the rest of these can wait until tomorrow. Lately I’ve been spending more time here than at home. When I am home I’m only there long enough to grab a few hours of sleep, and I’m back here again." He stretched.

Ben grinned. "So what else is new? But all work and no play makes Ben a dull boy. I think I’ll go to Vito’s for a couple. Care to join me?" he asked, pulling on his jacket.

Daniel glanced at his wristwatch. "Not tonight, Ben. Thanks anyway."

"Got a hot date?" Ben teased.

"Don’t I wish? Nah, I’ve got to get home. I need to touch base with Taylor."

"Such are the demands of single parenthood. But you’re lucky. Taylor’s a good kid.


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Excerpt Wednesday – Maggie Quinn

She did have a glimmer of hope, though. If what Paddy told their mother was true, they at least wouldn't starve to death. She didn't know which was worse, dying of the fever or dying from starvation. "Is it true what you told Ma, Paddy? Do we have some potatoes? Can we afford some decent food for Ma?" she asked optimistically.

"I didn't tell Ma anything, Maggie. I can't lie to her. I told her we would be fine." Patrick was thoughtful for a minute. "I suppose I was not truthful with her because we won't be fine." He ran a hand over his chin. "We have nothing, Maggie. There's nothing left! Year after year, the crop has failed. There's no hope left. The land is in ruins." He glanced around the almost barren room. "We don't have anything left of value to sell even if we could find a buyer." He shook his head. "It's done," he said wearily. "All hope is lost."

Maggie jumped to her feet. "No, Paddy! I won't give up! There has to be a way. We need to stay strong and keep our spirits high for Ma's sake. We need to keep trying."

Patrick's eyes welled with tears as he looked at his sister. "The earth has swallowed up the beautiful land we once knew, and left nothing but a filthy putrid black mass in its place. It will never be the same, Maggie. Can't you see?" His jaw jutted out defiantly. "You are a dreamer. Your dreams never come true. This is the real world, Maggie. Why can't you see? You need to face the truth."


Formats:  Hardcover, Paperback, or Ebook

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Excerpt Wednesday – Angel's New Friends

Stand Alone Book From The Adventures Of Angel

"What are you going to do today?" Butterfly asked.

Angel wrinkled her nose. "I'm going to find some new friends to play with!" she announced as she hopped away.

"No, you can't!" Butterfly warned, nervously flying around Angel in circles.

"I'm a big girl," Angel stubbornly answered as she washed her face.

"Besides, I heard Froggy telling neighbor Groundhog that he met some very nice forest animals on his vacation."

"But you'll get into trouble, Angel. Those animals and insects aren't our kind. You have to stay in the garden."

"I don't care, Butterfly. I'm going to see who's in there," Angel said and scurried into the dark forest. 

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Excerpt Wednesday - Deadly Tales

Excerpts From All Five Stories

I'm Waiting For You

"I'm worried about you, honey," he said again. "Hasn't it ever occurred to you how this woman you claim to see knows exactly where you'll be at any given moment and then shows up out of the blue? You're the only one who can see her."

"I know," she answered, her voice softening. "I wish you could see what I do. I'm not crazy, Will. Please believe me."

"I never said or thought you were, but I don't see anyone wandering down this highway. There hasn't been anyone walking on this road for the two hours we've been on it."

"Maybe my mind is playing tricks on me," she said, but deep inside she knew what she saw was very real. She wasn't dreaming or imagining this woman. 

It's Me

Why are all these people standing around my car?  Maybe they are just curious as to why it's been abandoned on the side of the road.  No, that doesn't make sense, but it's the only explanation I can think of right now.

I need to push my way through this crowd and get into my car and be on my way.  I'm pushing, but no one is even acknowledging my presence.  I'm speaking, but why aren't they responding?  Why do they appear as though they are looking right past me?  I'm waving my arms.  "Hello!  Please let me through!"

The Ducks

He watched Sally's webbed feet as she waddled towards him, squawking as her eyes beheld the customary feast in his hands. He laughed as she drew closer. "Look what I have for you, Sally." 

She grabbed the bread from his hand. The other ducks stood behind her until she'd had her fill, then watched as she stepped aside. They hungrily devoured the remains of the bread she'd left for them.

For the past six months Joe had pondered this strange behavior, but could come up with no logical explanation. It didn't make sense. He pored over books in the library and traveled to several duck ponds, but none of those ducks acted like Sally did. She was the ultimate leader. Joe watched carefully as her followers finished eating, then looked at her. They didn't move. They never did until she gave the signal…a slight nod of her head. Sally eyed him cautiously, then tilted her head, and led the group back to the other side of the pond.

The Ticket

Aside from his obvious joy of making his employees' lives miserable, Harry Ranko had one other passion—playing the lottery. He was constantly waiting for the big one and had grandiose plans for his winnings, which he didn't hesitate to share with Rosie. The money he threw away weekly on the lottery would have supported Rosie and Bart for a month. Ranko was already a wealthy man and he made sure everyone he met knew it. He had no sympathy for those less fortunate-the more money he made, the more he wanted, and the less he wanted to part with.

Every Thursday Harry Ranko called Rosie into his office to check the numbers on his tickets. Why he trusted her with this task he'd never said and she'd never asked, but would dutifully enter his office after the others had left for the day. His small beady eyes widened with glee when he learned he had a winner no matter how small the payoff. It was his obsession.

The Stranger

The girl looked into her eyes, then flashed her a toothy smile. "I'll have a milkshake, Jenny."

Jenny was caught off guard by the child's familiarity. "I don't believe I've ever met you before. How did you know my name?"

"You never met me, but you knew my daddy."

The waitress frowned. "Where is your father? What's his name?"

"He used to come here all the time when he was on the road driving his truck. He told me all about you and other people in this town. He said it was just about the friendliest place on earth." She smiled again.

Jenny was puzzled. "Is he in the restroom?"

"He's not with me, but he's in the most beautiful place," she replied softly.

"What's his name?" Jenny asked again.

"May I please have my milkshake?"

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