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Biography: Love Seen From Hell My thoughts 5Stars

By John Emil Augustine
Published: June 22, 2012 
Words: 71956 (approximate)
Language: English
Genre: Biography
ISBN: 9781476093369
To get your free copy for this month only
Smashwords

All the information were taken from the Smashwords website, the Review my own.

Short description

The realest romance you'll read this fall! Truthful and addictive, the first-person narrative looks at 21st century romance, marriage with children, and divorce from a regular guy’s perspective. Augustine delves deep into his own abuse, the hopeless place in which he finds himself during divorce, new beginnings, and his ordeal’s significance in retrospect. Free this month! 

Extended description

This rare and honest first-person account looks at 21st century romance, marriage with children, and divorce from a regular guy’s perspective. The colorful and addictive narrative delves deep into spousal abuse, the hopeless place in which a father finds himself during divorce, new beginnings, and his ordeal’s significance in retrospect. John Emil Augustine’s insight throughout, the result of his own tragedy and redemption, is nothing short of eloquence itself written in a very down-to-earth, casual way. This heart-jerking, wisdom-flecked story is a must read for lovers of fiction and non-fiction alike.
John Emil Augustine has been a landscaper, musician, English professor, welder, forklift operator, and is the father of four boys. John writes and performs in his spare time. “Love Seen from Hell” is his first novel. 

Adult-content rating:

This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages. 

Foreward
"What first prompted me to start writing this was my friend whom I have always thought of as my kid sister. She had recently gone through some tough shit and I wanted to do something to help. She was living away from home and was trying to process her own episode while dealing with home sickness. I thought by giving her my story in small installments, about a chapter a day, she would have something to look forward to each day and to which she could possibly relate. Had it not been for her encouragement throughout the process, this book would not have been written. She seemed to like the story enough to encourage me to keep writing as I went, rough as my writing was in its rushed state.
An excellent writer in her own right and of a far more literary background than I, her admiration and thoughtful reactions as the story progressed were what kept me at it. I typed it up in the warehouse where I work, on breaks and in the few quiet moments between shipping and receiving, then sent it to her each day at the end of my shift. It was interesting that when my mind was already on the topic, doing the manual labor gave me a chance to arrange my thoughts before I sat down to write. I ended up working on my warehouse tasks specifically because I needed time to process what I was going to write next...oh, and because that's what I'm paid to do, though the pay was admittedly secondary at the time. I came to realize that neither act, the manual nor the intellectual labor, was much different than the other. They both were harmonious, simultaneous actions. One gave my mind a break, and the other, my body a break. In so doing, I never got tired of my work, the warehouse nor the writing. How strangely complimentary, though seemingly unrelated, some things can be!
While I was learning about my own writing process, I figured I was helping my friend out, too. I think what I was writing perhaps helped in some small way, but by the end she pretty much said my conclusions didn't really apply to her situation. So much for my finding an applicable story! The thing is: everyone walks away from a story with something different, so I don't mind that my conclusions were not hers. Everyone sees the same thing in a different way, and the importance of storytelling has a lot to do with the ensuing discussion. We need such discussions as a larger community to collectively better ourselves as inhabitants of the planet. Our stories can serve multiple purposes, and thus far this one has served a couple. Perhaps it will serve a purpose for you as well. Please feel free to let me know if it does. As I once did with the stories I used to tell in my own English classes, I certainly welcome discussion from you in this forum.
Enjoy the story. It is true and it is here almost exactly as I sent it to my friend, my kid sister, from late March to early May 2012 in chapter installments."
-John Emil Augustine, July 2012

Biography

John Emil Augustine grew up in Minneapolis, MN and toured in his twenties and early thirties with local and national acts; writing, arranging, and performing on the road with well-known Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Reggae, Post Funk, Prog Rock, and Folk Rock groups. John has also been a landscaper, welder, English professor, and forklift operator. He currently lives in Moorhead, MN with his wife and four boys.

My Thoughts

This was such an amazing biography that it felt unsincere to say this is my review. Since you can not rate a persons life by the measure of stars. It would not be honest nor truthful on my part to distinguishing the author's life lessons as a mere story. Then we have learned nothing from his perspective. His main reason for starting this book to help a dear friend and sister. We are all connected like a puzzle. Each brings a piece to complete the picture. Some pieces are skew with indents that just does not make sense but when the image unfolds the piece fits perfectly. This is one piece to be cherished until it fits in your life. Lessons learned comes with a price. Not everyone is willing to pay that price. It can bring out the best or the worst it all depends on your point of view. In John's life it turned for the best but I believe this is not the end. Age has taught me that. Trails shapes us, refines us and at the end the result is what God intended all along. His image incarnated in out very soul.

Humbleness, Honesty, Courage and a good measure of wisdom revealed a world of abuse and bullying from a man's view in a failed marriage. Mistakes was made on both sides but yet not once I saw a man that said this was your fault. He never shifted blame in it self that speaks of integrity.

He looked within him self where he could change, not only for himself but his son. His main concern. At the end it cost him heaven on earth but yet it was only a shadow with what he end up with. John's life is an open book for those who is seeking answers with their own questions, their own struggles. I saw a lot of myself in both John and Cindi. It brought me to tears. 

"Your life is a process to be enjoyed." he has learned the hard way. Sometimes we miss that lesson in our own trails. It is easy to say Cindi was manipulative[and she was, no doubt] a bully but yet John never blamed her and moved on.

Expert:

 “My great-grandma is dying.”
“What did they need you for?”
“She wouldn’t stay in her chair and then she would fall in the hall and we would have to
carry her back. They were trying to keep her in her room.”
“So you held her down!?!”
“No. I carried her back.”
“You know what, forget it! You and your whole family are so sick. I can’t believe I am
still here!”
“What?”
“I CAN’T BELIEVE I AM STILL HERE!!!” She screamed. Charles cried and twisted in my arms
as I moved this way and that to hold onto him. I had nothing to say to that.
Cindi went to the kitchen, twisted her feet into her sandals, and opened the door. “FROM
NOW ON, YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN!” She screamed.
I stood there with a crying baby and watched her open and slam the door. I moved to the
kitchen window to see her run through the back yard.
Where was she going?
She opened the gate, went into the driveway, quickly got into the car, backed away from
the garage, and screamed away.
As I was watching, I had set Charles onto the counter and against my chest as he cried. I
picked him up, sat down on the kitchen floor, vexed, and held him up near my face. “Hey,
little boy,” I half-whispered, “You’re ok. Hey, Charlie, no worries. What you wanna do? You
tired? Hungry? I suppose you’re going to need something to eat, huh bud?” He was calming
down a bit. Those big baby-sobs started to come as he reversed his own crying. “Well, what
do ya say? Should we get some food? At least we can try to eat something; and if you don’t
want to do that, you can sleep, huh?”
He had begun to calm down as I slowly got up and held him close, all the time looking at
him and talking quietly. “I know, Charlie, I know. It’s tough all over, isn’t it? Well, we won’t
let that get us down. Nope, not us. We’re gonna be just fine.” He began to close his eyes. He
was tired, the poor guy. I lay him down in my left arm. “There ya go. You sleep a little and
I’ll see what I can do, ok? Yeah, you’re tired, huh? Just have a little break there, guy. Now
we’re cookin’. Now we’re cookin’.”
He was beginning to fall asleep and I was shaking uncontrollably.

With each step he came closer to where he is right at this moment. Tricked? maybe into a marriage the woman knew where this was headed but what stood out the most was John's strong character of responsibility towards his son. To be there for him even if it cost him. He was willing to lay down his own desires and needs to make it better for Charles. What a Blessing to have great grand parents and grand parents that instilled this truth in him from a young age. As if he was prepared for this.

'I vowed to stand with her for better or worst. For better or worst'

To learn life's lessons at such an early stage in life and still speak about it without any bitterness is another good character trade. In a world that we could speak our minds, have humantarian rights, to have your way without the consiquences of your actions is rare and far apart. Discipline teach us that but yet is removed to create a selfish and narcistic world revolved only around one; Me. We can remove discipline in the home or even in the class room but life does not work like that. Life is still working on the old rules. Here is today's lesson..., don't get it right discipline will follow. If you deserve it or not, if you are priviledge or not.  If you are poor or rich, black or white. Man or woman. Life does not look at those carnal fleeting things. Life change you, shape you until you bend and get it right.

Just seeing the process as it is takes courage. Admitting your own mistakes and flaws and allow time to heal you. Send people on your path to help you in this process. We can not do it alone. In John's case Kim was his help, his piece of heaven in hell. I love the name of the book. It gives hope and focus even if things seems bleak. She was his shoulder to cry on, ear to listen with out judgement. Confidant and Comforter. But it was only for a season. Life once again works in seasons. Not according to your agenda. Seasons, Cycles. Death, New Beginnings, Fruit, Harvest and every one can experience or participate in this seasons as they come and go. Their coming and going leaves something behind to help you. That is if you are wise enough to see it and take it for what it is. Maybe one day I would be able to share my story as John did with us. But it takes guts and frankly I am not there yet. Still living with the consequences of my own actions.

Tears often fell during the reading of this book because I could understand the loss and pain, the heart ache. The absolute destitution and loneliness when all seems lost. Then a simply thing like being invited to some one's home is something to cherish, to keep in your heart. The knowing that you are not alone.

The self searching to understand all of this: Life

I really hope John that you can find away to return to your class room and instill the values that you have learned in your students. If it was possible I would be the first to sign up for your class.

 Thanks for sharing your life story. 

Janelle's Time (TIME Series, Book 1): My Review

Title: Janelle's Time (TIME Series, Book 1)

Author: Dayna Leigh Cheser

Publisher: All Things That Matter Press

Length: 98,600 words

Genres: Historical Romance (ADULT with a little time travel)

Heat Level: Steamy

AVAILABLE AT:

Amazon (Paperback) | Amazon (Kindle)

BLURB:

Janelle’s Time is the story of the great love between a New Hampshire farmer’s daughter and the younger son of an English Duke.

From her father’s death to the birth of twin daughters, Janelle makes it difficult for Richard to keep her safe.

Unaware of Janelle’s maternal-line powers, the couple time-travel to 14^th century England, where they meet Richard’s ancestors - and discover some startling truths about his aristocratic family.

Logan Conor, the Scots Duke of Muileach, crashes Richard and Janelle’s wedding, bent on revenge, but finds his own true love instead.

On their wedding trip, a madman attempts to kidnap Janelle - twice.

Later, Richard unknowingly betrays Janelle who strands him in England. Richard finally arrives home, but fate separates them again – and he misses the birth of his son. Will they ever make a life together?

Filled with unexpected twists and turns, their love story spans two continents, and hundreds of years. But, can their love survive their very different backgrounds and the endless obstacles life throws at them?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Writing ‘runs in the family.’ My mother is a multi-published non-fiction author, and my two brothers make a living writing, one as a newspaperman, the other as a copywriter. My sister edits her church newsletter.

My father was a school teacher/reading specialist (later an elementary school principal) when I was little. During story-time one night when I was about four years old, I stopped him and asked how he said the same thing every time he read that story to me. That night, he started teaching me to read. It began a life-long love affair between books and me – for that, I am grateful.

In junior high, I wrote short stories to entertain classmates. In high school, one English assignment was to write my autobiography. In the teacher-specified chapter entitled ‘Future Plans,’ being a published writer topped the list.

After a college professor told me I ‘couldn’t write my way out of a paper bag,’ I stopped writing for many years. Then, in the late 1970s, I wrote an article for “World Radio News” (San Diego, CA) about our amateur radio club providing communications for a March of Dimes Walkathon. The ‘WRN’ editor used my article word-for-word.

In early 2002, between jobs and wanting to write, I sought a third-shift position and used the ‘free time’ to write what became ‘Janelle’s Time.’ When it was complete, I shelved it. In 2009, the WIP came off the shelf. By August 2011, it was ready – at last - for submission.

In 2009, I started a Twitter account, @Writers_Cafe. I feel as if I’ve earned a degree in ‘book publishing’ since then! You can learn so much from over 14,000 followers. 

I penned an article about @RileyCarney, a Colorado teen, and very prolific YA fantasy author, who heads her own non-profit literacy project. Never officially published, countless people have seen it, thanks to Twitter retweets and some carefully chosen email inboxes.

On New Year’s Day, 2010, I went ‘live’ with my blog. It has evolved into a combination of chronicling my writing journey and hopefully helpful posts on publishing industry topics.

In the fall of 2011, I added ‘DIY Interviews’ to my blog (see the left column of my blog for details on doing your own interview). Several authors have submitted ‘interviews’ to date.

Janelle’s Time is Book 1 of my TIME Series. Book 2, ‘Moria’s Time’ was my NaNoWriMo project for 2011. I reached 51,000 words on November 26! Now, I have to finish that book, and three more in the series: ‘Adelle’s Time,’ ‘Logan’s Time,’ and ‘Clarissa’s Time.’

Moving into 2012, I’m very excited about the release of ‘Janelle’s Time.’ It’s the culmination of a life-long dream – and is only the beginning of my retirement career. I’m working on “Moria’s Time,” book 2 of the Time Series.

My husband, Pete, and I have been married over forty-three years – no children. We lived in Massachusetts for thirteen years, and then moved to New Hampshire for eleven years. In 1992, we moved to Florida.

Find me on Twitter and Facebook:

@Writers_Cafe

Author Dayna Leigh Cheser

What Readers Are Saying About Janelle’s TimeThis is a book for those who love the magic of romance and the romance of
magic. Filled with wonderful description, written with historical
accuracy, and charged with sexual energy, ‘Janelle’s Time’ truly glows.-Kenneth Weene, author of Tales From the Dew Drop Inne,
Memoirs From the Asylum, & Widow’s WalkI guarantee you will not be able to put this down until it’s finished, then you’ll go back and start reading all over again! -Donna Lawrence, Book Lovers ParadiseA story to escape reality with. A chance at true love that
will sweep you off your feet. You don’t want to miss this one. -Miranda Lynn, My Eclectic BookshelfAuthor Dayna Leigh Cheser takes the reader on a magical journey back in time to the 1830’s with a story filled with intrigue, deceit, and vividly described characters in a well-crafted historical novel that will keep
the reader riveted to the printed page from start to finish. -Fran Lewis, author of Because We Care, & Faces Behind the Stones

      

Janelle’s Time is a beautifully written talk of mystical adventures set in the 1800s in New Hampshire and England – a love story of great proportions. The author has created a winning, fictional historical piece of literature using well-defined characters. The plot is unique and fast moving as well. I rather enjoyed the dialogue between the characters, as it flowed with ease and believability ….
       Upon her father’s death, the young maiden inherits a world of wealth in which she is clearly not prepared for. Fate steps in, and she meets the love of her life, Richard Grayson, youngest son of an English Duke – the beginning of a suspenseful and romantic tale ….
       This tale is more than a love story; it is a story of determination and the willingness to endure whatever obstacles ‘one’ must in order for love to prevail.
       Janelle’s Time is written to include many colorful characters – all of which undertake a dramatic role. I sincerely look forward to reading more adventures created in this series by this author. I give the author and her work five historical stars for this entertaining read!
       -Barbara Watkins, author of Hollowing Screams

DEBUT AUTHOR, DAYNA LEIGH CHESER, EXPLODES ONTO 

THE ADULT HISTORICAL ROMANCE SCENE WITH

‘JANELLE’S TIME,’

BOOK ONE OF HER EPIC

BOOK ONE OF HER EPIC ‘TIME’ SERIES, THE STORY 

OF THE GRAYSON FAMILY IN 1830s NEW HAMPSHIRE

OF THE GRAYSON FAMILY IN 1830s NEW HAMPSHIRE

“If you love the magic of romance and the romance of magic, this is a book for you.”Kenneth Weene, author of Tales From the Dew Drop Inne, Memoirs From the Asylum, & Widow's Walk Janelle’s Time is the story of the great love between a New Hampshire farmer’s daughter and the younger son of an English Duke.
From her father’s death to the birth of twin daughters, Janelle makes it difficult for Richard to keep her safe.
Unaware of Janelle’s maternal-line powers, the couple time-travel to 14^th century England, where they meet Richard’s ancestors - and discover some startling truths about his aristocratic family.
Logan Conor, the Scots Duke of Muileach, crashes Richard and Janelle’s wedding, bent on revenge, but finds his own true love instead.On their wedding trip, a madman attempts to kidnap Janelle - twice.Later, Richard unknowingly betrays Janelle who strands him in England. Richard finally arrives home, but fate separates them again – and he misses the birth of his son. Will they ever make a life together?+Filled with unexpected twists and turns, their love story spans two continents, and hundreds of years. But, can their love survive their very different backgrounds and the endless obstacles life throws at them?

Watch for Book Two: ‘Moria’s Time’ Janelle’s daughter, Moria, is the focus of a startling vision as an infant. As a teen, she meets Elizabeth Blackwell, M.D., who later introduces her to Florence Nightingale. Moria fulfills the vision in service to others but finds herself in grave danger - and in love. Will she ever see her family in New Hampshire again? Will she and her lover survive the danger to themselves and others? Will their love survive her destiny of service to others?Watch for Book Three: ‘Adelle’s Time’ Moria’s twin sister, Adelle, is an American country girl with her English father’s aristocratic blood coursing through her veins. She dreams of being English Lady, and will stop at nothing to achieve her goal. In a loveless marriage with her wealthy and powerful Duke, will Adelle find happiness as his Duchess in Victorian England? Or, will she leave him to discover her true self and find her way home to her American roots - alone?Watch for Book Four: ‘Logan’s Time’ Logan Conor, the Duke of Muileach, grows up in Scotland. His mother abandons
her two sons. His father spends his life missing his wife. Logan meets Richard
Grayson at school  in England. After school, it’s on to Paris where their friendship suddenly ends with the death of Minuet. Will Logan make peace with his
mother, Annella? Will Logan and Rachel live happily ever after? Will Seanna,
his sometime-lover, destroy Logan’s marriage?
Watch for Book Five: ‘Clarissa’s Time’Clarissa Conor, eldest daughter of the Duke of Muileach, grows up in Scotland. Born in New Hampshire, she and Damian Gerard, Richard and Janelle’s oldest son, discover they have much in common in spite of their very different backgrounds. As America inches closer to the Civil War, can Clarissa and Damian Gerard keep their love strong, or will politics and war destroy what they have? Or, will they flee to Scotland to avoid the war?  Find me on Twitter and Facebook:@Writers_CafeAuthor Dayna Leigh Cheser 

My Review: 4 Stars
 The story started at a fast pace with Gerard who died in a accident leaving his youngest daughter all alone. Her father made him promise on his death bed that she must find a husband quickly due to her exuberant inheritance upon his death. Three months later she met Richard the youngest son of an retired Duke who bought a farm near them. At first Richard was a worthy friend and later lover but then all went downhill from there. Janelle discovered that she had the gift of time traveling and Richard was normally with her. But on discovery of his true heritage the man's true colors showed.
I was extremely annoyed with the man. His immature actions caused much distress not only for Janelle but his family. So much that his father banned him from their estate. after another foolish act. then heart broken and crest fallen he got some back bone and used the time to learn a trade. But once he return not only to his father but also his estranged wife he did it again. Really!

Janelle similarly did a few things that grated me. Her willful character not knowing when to back down and reached out. causing much grief for Richard and herself. With a small baby to attend she stubbornly hold on to her willfulness causing her marriage to suffer.

Maura the old companion of Janelle and a family member -sort off- was the voice of reason bringing the two together with much wisdom. At times the story line was close to boredom not really knowing why certain things was mentioned or elaborated. But the Grayson family from the father Damian, his son Sinjin and Anthony helped things along. Their steady influence keeping Richard on track and focused. And at the end he became a grown man. Finally.

The interesting twists kept the story interesting with characters Logan a Scottish Duke, Rachel, Nick Statler, Angus, Sarah, Anges and Roger introduced periodically. There travels to the 1400 meeting the original Grayson family. The Horse Breeding keeping the families in America and England united.

The steamy scenes as warned in the beginning steamy but sometimes just to much. It seems it was the only place Janelle and Richard could come together and enjoy each other. Discovering each other.

A good read but lacked some real excitement. 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Finally after many months of waiting editing, proof reading the book is done

Blurp

Rosa Lee Almaida grew up in a sheltered life after she and her mother experienced a horrific ordeal in the middle of Africa. Meeting her father was the only good thing that came out of it. The man honored by all sailors on sea for his bravery and unconditional love. He was her hero the example of how her husband must be one day. Now twenty years later she is forced to return to the seas that took the life of many.

Abducted from her parents’ castle in Portugal, Rosa Lee Almaida was part of a ransom to The Falcon, a brutal Pirate King on the Island of Madagascar in exchange for her younger brother Pedro’s life.

She came face to face with The Falcon’s son Roberto de Ville, a man equally brutal but with a hidden agenda.

Reliving her past on the voyage she found that she admired the Pirate for his leader ship and skill, and when he saved her life she new this was the man for her but can she look past his pirate exterior to see the man for who he is? Through the inscriptions her parents left in their diaries she could make a choice to safe her life.

Marrying him she had to trust him unconditionally, hoping that her life would be spared. Giving her self over to the love and intimacy she craved.

Twice she had to take a live in order to safe those she cared for.

Roberto had to bring Rosa Lee from Portugal and bring her to the Falcon on the Isle of St Mary. From the stories told by her brother his mind was made up from the start that she would be his. While listening to her and saw her bravery through a daring escape he knew that this was the woman he waited for all his life. He was willing to set the life of Piracy away to become a farmer but first he had to set a plan in motion to change his life forever. He could trust only Pierre his second in command to bring it to fruitation.

Would he be able to change and safe them both?

The out come startled her at the end. The biggest lesson learned.

NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER.

It does contain love scenes and fowl language since it portray real events with authentic people.

Available at Smashwords

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/137808

Heart of the Ozarks: A Review

Title: Heart of the Ozark

Author: Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

Publisher: Rebel Ink Press

Length: 75,000 words

Genre(s): Romance

Sub-Genre(s) Contemporary

Sub-Categories: Second Chance at Love

Heat Level: Steamy (Hot sex scenes/language, but not explicit)

AVAILABLE AT:

(Buy links will be forwarded when available.)

BLURB:

After St. Louis TV weathercaster Cole Celinksi loses his almost estranged wife and three children in a car crash, his boss orders him to take a leave of absence.  Against his will, Cole leaves the city in late May to find the rest and relaxation everyone else thinks he needs. Without anywhere else to go, Cole heads for Lake Dreams, a resort on the quiet side of Lake Taneycomo in the Ozarks he visited each summer as a child with his grandparents.  Some of his best memories were made in the lakeside vacation haven with his summer friend, Maggie.

Upon his arrival, Cole learns Maggie now runs the place.  Twenty years have passed but from the minute he returns, they reconnect and soon their mutual attraction ignites.  He fishes in the lake, takes Maggie to visit some of the places he remembers and begins to find out who he truly is. Before he can heal, he must learn to deal with his loss and to see if he can create a new family with Maggie and her children. It’s a task he’s not sure he can handle but if he wants to be with Maggie, he must. A near tragedy brings them all together into a close knit unit and afterward, Cole may be able to make his dreams reality.

EXCERPT #1:

Maggie took three steps forward until she stood in front of him and put one hand on his chest.  She stared at him for a moment stretching out long and then stood on tip-toe to kiss his mouth, very gentle and soft.  It wasn’t a lover’s kiss, not quite, but intimate and Cole’s reaction surged through his body with a rush.  Her mouth’s brief caress whispered affection and familiarity.

“Go get changed,” she said, “We’re not fancy at Dove Chapel but shorts won’t do.  I’ll come pick you up in a half hour, okay?”

“Sure,” Cole said, “I’ll be ready.”

When she rolled to a stop beneath the cabin’s porch, he hurried down, wearing the single pair of Dockers he’d brought along with a button-down shirt. Maggie smiled, dressed now in an attractive navy blue and white print dress, hose, and dark blue heels. She’d also put on more make-up than he’d seen her wear yet and tamed her hair into a bun on the back of her head, held in place with a plastic clip.

“You look lovely,” Cole said, his eyes drinking in her beauty.

“Thanks,” she laughed, “Don’t turn my head or I’ll get nervous.”

She drove around the winding curves along the back roads to the old church, handling the car with skill. They didn’t talk much but she sometimes broke into song, practicing he guessed.  Cole realized he’d never ridden with Maggie at the wheel before. He recalled during the last summer he spent here driving Pop’s Impala with Maggie riding shotgun to Dove Chapel.

When the church came into view Cole’s chest tightened with sudden anxiety.  Too late to turn back, now he wasn’t sure he should have come. He offered up his first prayer in a very long time and begged God no one be present from St. Louis.

“Will people ask who I am?” he said as they climbed out of the car.

“Probably,” Maggie replied, “And everyone will stare at you and be nosy.”

His heart slowed and his stomach clenched.  “Tell me you’re kidding.”

She grinned, “I’m not, really but it’ll be fine, Cole.  Trust me, okay?”

If he hadn’t wanted to hear her sing and watch, he’d gone back to the car but he sighed instead. “All right, I’ll try to be on my best behavior.”

They settled into a pew midway down the right side of the aisle.  As Cole looked around the once familiar church, he could almost believe he’d been transported back to Mayberry or to a sound stage somewhere. The humble country church appeared to date to the early 19^th century and he figured it probably did.  Before he could analyze his thoughts further, a couple in their sixties appeared and greeted Maggie.

“Oh, you look so pretty, honey,” the woman said, “Who’s your friend?”

Cole cringed and restrained from ducking his head like a bashful child as Maggie rested one hand on his knee and said, “This is Cole Celinksi, an old friend.  He used to spend his summers at the resort when we were kids.  Cole, this is Irene Matthews and her husband, Tom.  They used to own a little motel over on the other side of Taneycomo, where Branson Landing is now.”

“Hi,” Cole said, extending his hand in greeting. “It’s nice to meet you.”

He repeated the phrase for the next ten minutes until the service began and everyone settled into place for worship.  Maggie remained in the pew through the opening song but then she headed up front. Cole watched, awestruck, as she stood in front of the upright piano and clasped her hands.  From the rear of the church, someone struck up guitar chords for the melody and she sang in a clear, full voice.  The sound of it filled the little old church and resounded around the room.  For Cole, it seemed as if she sang to him alone. Her eyes never left his face as she trilled out the lively song and as the message tucked within the music penetrated his heart, tears trailed down his cheeks, slow and steady.

Until then, he’d never realized how angry he’d been with a god who allowed his kids to die or how high a wall he’d erected around his faith to hide it. Listening to Maggie’s pure voice, he realized God sent joy to his people, a joy to dance about even when the devil’s on your back. He’d shut himself off from joy and wallowed in sorrow.  In her voice, he heard echoes of his children’s laughter and Cole moved his lips, singing along with Maggie without sound. As soon as she finished, she came to the pew and slid in beside him.

Cole reached out and squeezed her hand, speechless with emotion.  As the pastor took the pulpit and began to preach, Maggie handed him a tissue from her purse and whispered, “Are you okay?”

He nodded, mopping away his tears. “I’m good, Maggie.  Your song touched me.”

Maggie slipped her arm through his and leaned against him.  Her whisper came like a breath of wind, for his ears only, “I’m glad.”

Although the sermon lasted a full thirty minutes and the volume increased, Cole didn’t hear a word of it.  His mind reflected on the song but his awareness of Maggie beside him increased until he thought of nothing else but her and where their friendship might go from this point.

Her soft perfume permeated his nose and beneath it he could smell her lavender shampoo.  Each breath she drew he felt and when the congregation joined in song, her voice matched his.  Since he came to Branson, Cole’d known several quiet moments with Maggie but this one eased his inner turmoil in a different, more powerful way.

The thought struck him he belonged with Maggie and maybe he’d find his way home with her help.

He liked it almost enough to forget the idea scared the hell out of him.

EXCERPT #2:

Cole’d almost forgotten how pleasant kissing a woman he cared about could be until he kissed Maggie.

Her lips yielded to his unexpected kiss, warm and silky beneath his mouth.  Something sparked between them, old and familiar but new too.  The kiss kindled desire, his want surging strong and rich through Cole’s body and with it, he felt renewed.  Fiery electricity danced through his nervous system, tingling and reviving him.  When Maggie touched him and placed her hands on his body she stirred the embers almost faded in the ashes of his soul.  His living force within soared, catching fire with a whoosh rocketing from his feet to his head.

Cole didn’t think, just experienced.  He inhaled the essence of her shampoo, caught a whiff of her perfume, and tasted lingering coffee on her lips.  Her slender body shifted so she stood so close a thin sheet of paper couldn’t pass between them and warmth filled the space. His years, the months of tragic induced agony, the maturity of his third decade, more than halfway to his fourth melted like candy in the rain until Cole felt the wild, heady intoxication of youth.  A carnal yearning rose in him like a wild animal’s need to mate and yet something else tempered, a caring sense of connection.  He wanted to ravish her and yet nurture her, all at once.  He ached to use her like a whore and own her but deeper, Cole longed to become one with her, to twine not just bodies but merge souls.

He deepened the kiss until his tongue worked into her mouth and Maggie moved the rest of the way until her breasts rubbed his chest.  She made a soft little mew of pleasure and he knew he could have her, take her there on the living room couch, her body supported against the pillows she’d chosen at Wal-Mart or JC Penney’s. He didn’t doubt it and because he knew, he didn’t.  Cole let the kiss wind down, slow and easy.  He allowed one of his hands to crawl from her back to fondle her full breasts with a gentle caress.  He almost lost control again when she arched her back like a satisfied kitten but he eased back to normal, his breath a little quick and grinned at her.  Maggie smiled back with an unfocused gaze.  She looked the way he felt when he came out of a movie he’d really gotten involved with, dreamy until he walked into the sunlight and a jolt of reality.

“Oh, Cole,” she breathed, her tone filled with appreciation and what he thought might be affection.

“I guess you liked it,” he said, without planning. “I’m glad. I thought you might slap my face for that.”

Maggie laughed with a musical quality so sweet it ramped up his blood pressure a few notches. “I wouldn’t,” she told him, “But, oh, Cole.”

“What?”

She shook her head and her hair floated around her shoulders in a cloud. “I’ve been ready for you to kiss me again for twenty years but I don’t know if you are.”

His scarred heart skipped a beat.  Hell, he wasn’t sure either but he wanted to be and just that alone equaled a miracle.  “If you’d asked me a week ago,” he said, “I’d have said no way.  Yesterday I’d thought maybe in a distant future.”

“What about now?”

“I don’t know,” he said, “But I want to find out.”

She’d always been mercurial, a creature of many moods and faces so he wasn’t surprised when she put her hands against his chest and said, eyes smoldering, “Kiss me again and see what happens.”

Cole almost did but rational thought stayed him. “If I do,” he told her, without any bullshit, “I won’t be able to stop this time at just a kiss.”

Maggie’s eyes met his and hers were filled with the naked yearning of a hungry bird and the innocent trust of a pet bunny rabbit. “I don’t care, Cole.  I want you.”

Everything he longed for in this moment she offered but he shook his head. “I want you, Maggie, in every way a man can want a woman but it’s not the right time.  If we do this now, it’ll end up bad.  You’re vulnerable and the last thing I want to do is hurt you, honey.”

“You won’t.”

“I might without meaning to do it,” he said, his voice husky with emotion. “We’ve brought something to life so let’s don’t ruin it before it has time to grow.  We’ll be together when its right, I promise.”

Tears shimmered in her eyes and he thought she’d cry but Maggie didn’t.  She nodded and put her fingers against his cheek. “You’re being sensible, I guess, Cole.  Just tell me it’ll be soon.”

“God, yes,” he said with feeling, enough she laughed.

EXCERPT #3:

With total open honesty Cole said, “I hope not because I want to be around you for a long time, Maggie, maybe forever.”

“Then start with tonight,” she breathed, an invitation if he’d ever heard one.

He took three steps and enveloped her in his arms, very aware of just how little she wore.  Cole leaned down and connected his mouth to hers.  Her lips molded to his, warm and sweet and her arms wrapped about his neck to draw him even closer.  Desire, as electric as lightning, flared between them and although he ached to hurry, Cole decided to go slow and savor the experience.

So he kissed her with precision, with lingering anticipation and evoked a response he liked.  Cole craved more so he lowered his lips from her mouth to throat where he nibbled with delicate little bites. By the way she moaned and moved, he thought she liked what he did.  Cole enjoyed it too.  Each little taste propelled shivers through him, each one like a shuddering chill but with a physical pleasure rocking him hard. The flavor of her night sweat tasted salty against his tongue but he savored the she-woman aroma he inhaled even more.

Cole lowered the straps of her nighty so he could kiss her shoulder and brush the freckles there with his mouth.  Maggie shivered and without knowing quite how, he stripped the gown from her body.  The thin cotton fell to the kitchen floor as he cupped her full, lovely breasts in both hands.  “Beautiful,” he whispered as he put his mouth over one nipple and suckled just enough to make it bloom, hard and tight.  Maggie whimpered as he did and the sound of her pleasure intensified his.  His fingers caressed the flat smoothness of her abdomen, the slight curve of her lower belly.  Against his rough fingertips her skin’s softness seemed as fragile as cobwebs but beneath the veneer her body heat burned. If he didn’t know better, he’d swear she had a fever but this heat wasn’t from illness.  This fire came from internal combustion.

He fingered the soft curly hair above her cunt with the same reverence he would show for something precious but it wasn’t until her fingers jerked at the zipper of his jeans Cole remembered he still wore clothing. He wanted them off now and yearned to be skin to skin with Maggie so after she unzipped his pants he kicked them off with one swift motion.  When she hooked the edge of his briefs with one hand his heartbeat increased until the beats made a staccato rhythm in his chest.  Maggie pulled them down and he stepped out of them, sure she’d hear the wild drumming of his heart.

Cole’s already hard cock stiffened more when Maggie grasped it with one hand and squeezed with just the right amount of pressure.  At the rush of sheer physical rapture she caused he thought he’d fall down on the floor with the wave of response but instead he managed to pull off his khaki shirt, tearing away at least two of the buttons in the process.  He heard them ping against the kitchen floor but he didn’t care.  He owned other shirts and if necessary, Cole figured he might be able to sew them back on anyway. 

Maggie pressed against him, hand still cupping his cock and he almost ejaculated too soon at the sensation of her skin against his, even more erotic than he’d imagined.  She raked her nails down his back at the same time and Cole groaned aloud.

“Like that?” Maggie said, a grin emerging from the look of rapture on her face.

“Love it,” he managed to spit out.  Need roared within until he decided the hell with going slow.  He’d savored all he could stand now he’d feast.  Cole backed Maggie up against the kitchen table, lifted her ass enough to make her cunt accessible and entered her with a sudden, sharp thrust.  He plunged in deep and cried aloud wordlessly as her tight box fit around him.  The first of the spirals began, circles of carnal delight radiating out from where they joined to consume him with intense pleasure.  Maggie clung to him as if he were a life preserver out on a turbulent lake and made small sounds he found gratifying.  She gasped and then shrieked like a banshee.  Her outcry brought him over the edge and into the starburst of passion, the ultimate come experience. 

Afterward if he hadn’t caught her, she’d sagged down the floor and he probably would’ve followed if they didn’t hang onto each other. Cole brushed his hand over her wild and free hair streaming down her back and over her shoulders, gentle and tender.  He wanted to say so much but when his breathing eased back to normal, all he could manage was, “That was wonderful.”

BOOK TRAILER:

http://youtu.be/ODVN6JBH-Xo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy is a full-time romance author.  A native of the old historic city of St. Joseph, Missouri, one time home to both Jesse James and the Pony Express, she now lives and writes in the beautiful Missouri Ozark region.  Her romance novels include Love Never Fails, Witness Protection Program, Sing We Now of Christmas, A Patient Heart, In Love’s Own Time, Miss Good Samaritan, In The Shadow of War, Guy’s Angel,  and Heart of the Ozarks, all from Rebel Ink Press.  She also has six other novels and several novellas available. Her work also appears in more than twenty anthologies and she has multiple short story/non-fiction credits.

She is a member of RWA, Missouri Writers Guild, EPIC, and the Ozarks Writers League. Her work also appears in multiple anthologies. She earned a BA degree in both English and History from Missouri Southern State University as well as an AA Degree in Journalism from Crowder College.  She worked in broadcast media for a decade and also has a background in education.  Her weekly column “Hindsight” appears each week in the Neosho Daily News.

She is married to Roy W. Murphy and the couple has three children, Emily, Megan, and Patrick Murphy.

If Lee Ann – or Lee as many of her writing friends know her – isn’t writing, she’s reading or spending time outdoors.

In Neosho, Missouri, the small town she now calls home, she serves on the local library board, is active in the annual Relay For Life fight against cancer, has worked with the local Arts Council, and is active in her parish.

A Page In The Life: http://leeannsontheimermurphywriterauthor.blogspot.com

Rebel Writer - Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy: http://leeannsontheimermurphy.blogspot.com

Seanachie Stories: Tuesday Tales And More: http://seanachiestories-tuesdaytalesandmore.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/leeann.sontheimermurphy

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/leeannwriter

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Lee-Ann-Sontheimer-Murphy/e/B004JPBM6I/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

My Review: 5 Stars

After the loss of his whole family in a tragic accident Cole Celinksi was on a path of self destruction. His manager insisted he need to take a 3 month vacation to get to grips with the loss and grief for his wife and 3 children. He booked a place where he knew he found peace, a resort next to Lake Taneycomo in the Ozarks where he spend every summer holiday with his grand parents.

  He met  Maggie and her two teenagers, now running the run down resort that used to belong to her parents. After they realized that the old feelings were still lingering Maggie and her kids helped him to adjust to the new live without his kids who meant the world to him. He had to admit to Maggie that his wife was unhappy in the marriage and requested a divorce a month before the accident. He knew his marriage was over and he did not cry much about his estranged wife but his kids was a whole different matter. Every where they go in the small town and confronted with kids he zoned out and Maggie struggled to get him back. Her calm influence on him was good since he did not run to the bottle to curb the anxiety but found peace in her arms. her children accepting him as part of the family and soon he helped out on the resort doing maintenance work Maggie could not managed.

The mundane things keeping him grounded and brought him back to what were important in his life. He had to made decisions about his future. Go back to the city life or stay at her side. An old city friend at the end helped him to make that decision being confronted with old scorns that he detested. He knew he could not return to that life again. His troubled indigestion problems gave him a hard time and almost cost him his life. Why he never went to a doctor is beyond me. Maggie's premonitions also gave the story a bit of a edge although I thought it was dragged out to long. 

The plot of the story was very mellow and at times had a dragging edge with all the small stuff inserted but at the end the author managed to kept my interest peeked. A few spelling mistakes, the kind that you mistakenly punched the wrong key(smile) and a few cups of coffee later I enjoyed the story as the main character evolved in a man that faced his loss, cope with it the best he could [since it would not really be all over] and reached out for help in the form of a loving woman.  The steamy scenes was also more mild than steamy but enough to keep the momentum going.

 To start over is never easy but when you have understanding people around you that is willing to help you, you can make it. It is possible and this came out strongly in the story line.

Overall a good story.

At first I wanted to give it 4 Stars but the Trailer changed my mind. I have watched the book trailer on Youtube. The music and images all working together so that you could get the mellow feeling of the country and the new life Cole has chosen. The setting is adventurous and welcoming to a hurting soul.

Well Done

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