Book Review: Storms, the way of the Mariner by Tom Schofield

 

Review

Storms: the way of the mariner is an engaging story telling of life at sea. Especially when facing the storms that have captured our minds and set our hearts thumping with fear.

I have never been on the sea, but after listening to the author Tom Schofield and Ruth Finnegan, I cannot help but newly appreciate the seven oceans, its stormy rage and strength.

Its formidable power is relentless once it finds its way to land. Causing havoc on land and leaving us defenseless to its power. Something I have learned while listening to the audible book was that it is safer at sea than on land during a storm. Your chances for survival are much better than closer to land. Where the reefs and rocks cause more devastation to ship and the lives on board.

What I liked about the narrative was that it felt as if the author was here with me, telling me a story in a calm and relaxed manner. Informing me of the dangers and life at sea in a casual and friendly manner that brings it home.

Definitely a splendid book to listen to. Especially if you are thinking of a life at sea. The valuable information is given in confidence and much authority. 

Here's how a friend (Ruth) described her experience of a hurricane. She was a passenger, not used to sea faring, in the Cenpac Rounder, a small ship that circulated round the central south Pacific, carrying trade goods from island to island. It took just seven or eight passengers each time.

As Ruth explains:

We were out to sea and that was beautiful, a little rough, but blue skies, high clouds, just a bit of wind. We were making for Tuvalu, an atoll island.

As with many of these atoll islands, you had to go into the lagoon through a very very narrow, jagged, danger-filled reef entrance. It takes a lot of skill to get through, so that ships are constantly getting wrecked on the reefs (in fact a few years after we were on the Cenpac Rounder, she was wrecked and lost on the reef off Fiji, her home port - whether her crew was saved I do not know - perhaps).

Buy Link

Amazon 

 Excerpt

Why was I at Sea?

Well, why ...?

My background is actually different, maybe surprising. My father was in the military, not the sea at all. And I wanted to follow his footsteps into the army. That's all I ever wanted to do until I was about 16 years old.

But then on the rugby field, my fate changed. I got tackled and broke a ligament in my knee. So an army accountant then wrote to me and told me I was far too much of an insurance liability to join the military. They were worried of course that after a career in the military, I'd sue them and tell them that it was all their fault that I had got a problem on my knees.

So then a grandfather in the Navy asked why don’t I join the merchant navy?

I started looking at it. There was not a lot of information to be honest, you have to really hunt down information about seafaring. I started looking at cargo ships and tankers and things and ships full of maybe just fourteen chaps going from coast to coast.

It appealed but not quite as much as when I saw a big poster of a cruise ship, the beautiful P & O Oriana and I thought, oh, that looks wonderful.

It was poster of the Oriana so yeah, back in the day Oriana was the ship and so interesting.

Luckily there was a girl two years above me whose father knew the careers master in our school. So he was invited in and came and spoke to me and that was it. Yeah, he pointed me in the right direction. And I joined P&O on leaving school at 17.

So - straight away to sea.

To be taken on I had to have done the two big subjects you needed, maths or physics i.e A level in maths or physics, and then a spattering of other academic qualifications, but as well, of course, you know, a keen interest in being at sea.

And then there was always one more thing. You have to go away and be put through training because they sponsored you on your cadet ship and then you leave them.

So that was their unavoidable - good - way: you start off on a cadet ship and then they watch to see if after you’ve been going away for long periods of time, you give up and leave. They just want to make sure it’s the right career for you.

And was it? Absolutely.

No disappointments at all as far as I was concerned, no, absolutely not.

Reedsy / LibraryThing / Goodreads

 

Book review: Playing Dirty: Operation Trouser Snake by AR Williams.

Synopsis

Honey Pursamon has a brief - and the file of names is huge!

Set the honey trap! Lure the opposition into bed, get lurid photos and destroy them, one by one!

The Slash and Byrne Progressive Party want to take over the House of Commons, starting with a sleazy sex scandal code-named Operation Trouser Snake. One of the members also takes matters into his own hands; using his initiative, he sets the ball rolling for a terrorist attack - using deadly gas. Who will survive?

Using Ambronootrop to make their members more intelligent and to move along the evolution of the human race, S&B will stoop to new depths.

Michael Ventiquatro is the charismatic leader of the S & B Progressive Party and has ambitions to win a massive majority in the UK Parliament and gain total power.

As Ventiquatro is wealthy and funded by his multinational company, Slash & Byrne Enterprises, money is no object.

The power-hungry Ventiquatro is distributing Ambronootrop, a Superdrug banned in the USA, because of the side effects it caused. Undeterred, Ventiquatro convinces his followers they will reach Fulfilment  if they take Ambronootrop and tow the S & B Progressive Party line.

Book review: Your Safe Retirement Roadmap: A Powerful Guide to Planning and Living A Deeply-Fulfilled and Prosperous Retirement.

Amazon & Goodreads

Review

 “To be able to enjoy a successful retirement, you must have a well-thought-out game plan. But, do you really understand how your cash flow needs and investment strategy are related and intertwined?”

The author, Frank Gutta asks valuable questions throughout the book, and then answers it. Being on the steps of retirement myself, I found the information highly valuable. Living with two retirees, I see first-hand the money troubles they have. The shortages and expenses, especially medical bills, are an eye opener. This petrifies me as I know that my old age is not far away, and I am not halfway ready to even think of retiring. I will confess there are times my mind refuses to be still and sleep a vivid memory. 

“Retirement isn’t something to fear or dread—it’s the start of a whole new chapter of your life with levels of freedom that you’ve probably never experienced before. Hopefully, this book has provided you with insights on effective retirement planning that you can use to enjoy a more financially secure retirement. My goal is to help my clients safely maximize their income in retirement and keep their taxes as low as possible. To live a happy, successful, and fulfilled retirement, you must prepare in many ways: physically, mentally, emotionally and financially.”

This quick read is very informative, and though I live in South Africa, he has given me a few pointers to look at. I found the helpful advice soothing, knowing with God’s help I will enter my old age with the knowledge I have done all to cope and that with God’s help I will not have to dread the golden years. 

Each chapter is a valued edition as he describes what the roadblocks are, how to plan your retirement and what to look for to grow your investment portfolio to minimize any lack. The Four-Bucket system is definitely an eye-opener and one I endeavour to follow.

Excerpt

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION? Financial planning for a prosperous retirement is a very complex undertaking. Most people will not have the time, training, or expertise to do this on their own. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We hire others for a wide variety of tasks, ranging from changing the oil in our cars to mowing the lawn to cutting our hair. Almost none of us would ever think of performing our dental work or representing ourselves in court. We hire professionals to do those tasks because they have the training and expertise to perform those services with a high skill level. Due to the importance of financial planning in helping us to live and enjoy a long and prosperous retirement, most people should hire a financial professional to help them do this properly. The great news is that it is now possible to hire some financial professionals at little to no cost. For example, in some cases, the financial professional is paid by the company employing them rather than being paid directly by you. REACHING OUR RETIREMENT INCOME AND LIFESTYLE GOALS To reach your lifestyle goals in retirement, you MUST make sure that you reach your retirement income goals. If you are like most people and lack a sizeable pension or 401(k), how will you reach your retirement income goals? The difference between “almost” reaching your retirement income goals and actually reaching them could mean the difference between living in a small rented apartment during retirement vs. living in your dream house in your dream location. It could mean the difference between being on a low-quality health insurance plan or having access to the best medical doctors and best hospitals in America. As you can see, the pay-off from high-quality retirement income planning is tremendous.

Reaching your retirement income goals has three key components: You must have the right tools, the right education to know how to use those tools and you MUST avoid large losses from the stock market or real estate along the way to retirement. Retirement today comes with tremendous opportunities, as well as staggering challenges. These opportunities and challenges stem from the fact that we are living longer and stronger than any generation before us. This should be something we celebrate. A longer and stronger retirement means that we can dream bigger dreams, travel to farther places, spend more time with our loved ones and live the lifestyle we truly want to live. The challenge that comes with living a long and strong life is: how do we make sure our money lasts as long as we do?

It constantly amazes me that people will spend more time planning a one- or two-week vacation than they will to plan for their retirement, which could last thirty years or more. Today, a sixty-year-old couple has a 40% chance that one of them will live to be ninety-five. So, if you started working at age twenty-five, retired at age sixty, and lived to the age of ninety-five, you could spend as much time in retirement as you did working.

Book review: Out of the Shadows by Tim Smith

Buy links

Amazon / Extasy Books / Goodreads

 

Synopsis

What does a former spy have to do to get some peace and quiet in his personal corner of paradise? In the laidback ease of the Florida Keys, Nick Seven has carved out a life far removed from the intrigue that once defined his life in the CIA. He runs his trendy club on the Gulf, keeps a low profile, and enjoys the tropical setting with Felicia, his Barbadian lover and former co-worker. After he sees a woman being killed at a resort, Nick finds himself thrust into an investigation where there is no corpse and no evidence of a crime. The police are busy with a string of high-profile home burglaries and don’t have time to look for his imaginary victim, so it’s up to Nick to investigate. Then French con artist Marco St. Julian unexpectedly surfaces from Nick’s past. Are the incidents related? And what part does the wealthy young trophy wife of a convicted financial scammer play in all of this? Throw in a career-hungry FBI agent, a mysterious Cuban crook and an ex-patriate Irish gunrunner, and it’s more than just another day at the beach.     

 

About the Author

Tim Smith is an award-winning, bestselling author of romantic mystery/thrillers and contemporary erotic romance. His novels featuring former CIA agent Nick Seven have garnered several awards and international critical praise. He is also a freelance writer, blogger, editor and photographer. When he isn’t pursuing those interests, he can be found in the Florida Keys, doing research in between parasailing and seeking out the perfect Mojito.

 

Review

Nick Seven and Felicia’s story becomes interesting with each new book in the series, Nick Seven. When I first met Nick Seven, he was an FBI agent. He and Felicia have met during one case years before, and the attraction was palpable. After a few years, the two were reunited, and love surfaced. Both had called it quits and were looking for a more relaxed time on the Florida Keys.

With each new book, we learn that it was not that easy to do. Especially when you have a keen eye and great observation skills.

In this book, Nick and Felicia were out for the day, enjoying the sun and each other, when he saw a woman getting murdered in a hotel suite. At first, he thought life was playing tricks on him, but soon a few other clues surfaced that something was happening in this quiet town.

When her body was later found, they learned she was connected to other crimes within the area. Homes were invaded, and the loot stashed. Which brings us to our next person of interest. A sleazy international crook who just showed up while all of this was going on.

“Hon, I think you have no way of knowin’ if the two are related. Maybe it was a mugging gone bad, or someone Jack pissed off. Let the cops do their job and investigate, then you can beat yourself up.” He glanced over at her. “That’s pretty deep. You know, when you want to be, you’re very profound.”

“I’m not just another pretty face.”

Other supportive characters were introduced as the story developed. Each with their own unique quirks, personalities and having a big part to play in the ongoing plotline. How was it all connected, and could Nick, Felicia, and the Sherriff of this perfect destination find the real crook in time?  

A fast-paced story from the get-go, with some romantic moments between Nick and Felicia, to relieve the suspense. Plus, a few interesting twists to keep you guessing till the end.

 

Excerpt

Sunrise over the Keys usually came in one of two flavors—a gradual filtering in of natural light through clouds forecasting potential rain, or a full-on bright assault to the eyes and senses. Today was the latter, which brought the promise of higher than usual heat with a healthy dose of humidity on the side. Nick tore his gaze from the bright sunrise and turned to the dull glow of his computer. After a quick scan of the headlines, giving him enough bad news from overnight, he began his real purpose for getting out of bed so early. His mind had been actively deciphering what he had learned the previous couple of days, and had now boiled it down to a few basic questions. One went to the top of the list—why did Marco St. Julian target Lauren Scott when there are so many other potential high-net-worth pigeons in southern Florida? He typed in a search for the newspapers in Saratoga Springs, New York. Lauren said she’s active in the social circles up there, and it’s her permanent home. Let’s see how she spends her ex-husband’s money. Numerous entries popped up, including several connected to the horse racing circuit. Nick looked at photo spreads of Lauren Scott posing with jockeys in the winner’s circle, and standing alongside well-heeled arts patrons. One of her charitable causes appeared to be underprivileged children, and she also found time to serve on the board for the local ASPCA chapter. No wonder she comes to Florida several months a year. It’s probably the only time people leave her and her trust fund alone. He was about to execute another search when something in one of the photos caught his eye. It was a group shot, taken at what the caption said was opening night at the Saratoga Springs National Museum of Dance six months earlier. Lauren stood with their newest prodigy, a young Serbian woman being sponsored by the Museum, surrounded by the Artistic Director and several board members. Nick clicked on the photo and zoomed in on the rubbernecking crowd in the background, all vying to be seen with the right people. He sat back and stared at what he’d found. Marco St. Julian stood among the onlookers, dressed in a stylish black tuxedo, a smile adorning his tanned face, and a glass of champagne in his hand. The son of a bitch knew her from before. Why am I just now finding out about this?

Felicia padded into the room, wearing an unbuttoned box-cut shirt and nothing else. She leaned against the doorsill with her hand resting on her hip and her leg cocked in front of her, the knee slightly bent in a provocative pose. “What’re you doin’ up so early?” she asked. “After yesterday, you shoulda slept ‘til noon.” Nick rocked back in his chair, giving her an appreciative, lusty look. “Too much on my mind. Why are you up?” “Same reason.” She dropped into an easy chair. “You think Lauren was tellin’ the truth last night?” Nick took a few moments before answering. He had been asking himself the same question since getting up, but hadn’t come up with a good response yet. He wasn’t necessarily looking for a great answer and would gladly settle for one that was just good enough for now. “Some parts of it, yes. Other parts, I’m not so sure.” “Which other parts?” He crossed his legs at the ankles. “The way she told the story, she agreed to take them to Cuba awfully fast.” “We weren’t there so we don’t know how much pressure Marco and that other guy put on her to cooperate.”

 

 

Book review: The Shepherd's Song: A Story of Second Chances

Shortly before suffering a tragic car accident, Kate McConnell wrote the simple but powerful words of Psalm 23 on a piece of paper to give to her wayward and confused son. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ... As she loses consciousness from her injuries, she wonders if she’s done enough with her life.

When a lonely dry-cleaning employee finds Kate’s humble, handwritten copy of the psalm, it begins an incredible journey around the world, forever changing the lives of twelve very different people. From a soldier wounded in Iraq, to a young Kurdish girl fleeing with her family to Turkey, to a Kenyan runner about to begin the Rome Invitational Marathon, the power of the ancient words begins to take shape in various ways, drawing us into these stories inexplicably linked by the passing of the psalm from one recipient to the next.

Eventually, Kate’s paper makes it back to its starting place, and she discovers the unexpected ways that God moves and changes lives through even our smallest actions. 

Goodreads  / Amazon

Review 

This is such an anointing book. The Christ-like truths so delicately woven into the very fabric of the plotline that I couldn’t stop reading.
The book begins with Kate McDonnell, that wonders if her life has meaning. To her, the minor acts of kindness she sowed in her community were not enough to catch the Father’s heart. Her husband was always busy and her son want nothing to do with her or her convictions. When she ends up in hospital, fighting for her life, we are swept away again.

The forgotten paper lands in the hands of a young man longing for direction. From America, to England, to Italy, then China back to America, we are swept away as each person comes to wonderous truths. The small, almost insignificant actions touched each person by divine intervention.

Each chapter is a short story, with a beginning when they receive the paper with the written psalm. To the middle, where decision must be made, right to the end: when peace takes over. Each line within this scripture touching them uniquely and you are pulled into the very centre of this psalm. The Lord is my Shepherd.

The book’s ending was something I didn’t expect but so fitting in its conclusion.

The thoughts, the prayers, the planning—everything becomes a tangible feeling of satisfaction. That our cups over flows and our heads are anointed with oil.

This story is uniquely written with a definite message for every person.

Thank you for this gift and anointed message. May the words from your pen continue to flow and God's grace be with you. 

About the authors

About Betsy Duffey

Betsy Duffey grew up with a love of reading and writing. Her earliest experience with writing came from reading manuscripts by her mother author and Newbery winner, Betsy Byars.

Betsy began writing in 1990 and has published over twenty children’s books, including a number of popular series. Her books have been Junior Library Guild selections, Crown Award nominees, and have been nominated for state awards in over twenty states including the California Young Reader Medal, the Texas Bluebonnet Award and the Florida Sunshine State Young Reader Award. Betsy’s books have been translated into Japanese, Korean, Dutch and Danish, and included in numerous book clubs.

Her latest books are devotional books for adults. She began writing short meditations for friends who were challenged in different ways. More Peace started for a friend undergoing chemotherapy. More Hope for a young friend dealing with infertility. The series continues to grow.

Betsy and her husband Bill split their time between Atlanta and the Georgia mountains. When she is not writing you can probably find her outside hiking in the woods, enjoying time with grandkids or on the porch in a rocking chair with a good book.

About Laurie Myers

Laurie Myers is the award-winning author of chapter books for children, including Surviving Brick Johnson, an ALA Notable book, and Lewis and Clark and Me, winner of the Pennsylvania Children's book award and Honor book for Michigan. Her books have been on the International Reading Association's Children's Choice, Teachers' Choice and Parents' Choice lists, as well as Junior Library Guild selection and many state master lists and nominations for the Crown Award.

She has collaborated with her sister, Betsy Duffey and her mother Betsy Byars on several popular books, which have been nominated for many state awards and won the Oregon, Louisiana, and South Carolina children's book awards.

She lives in Augusta, Georgia with her husband, their dog, Samson and their cat, Venus.

www.lauriemyers.com

www.writingsisters.com

 

Book Review: Solar Warden Book Three - Genesis by Peter Fuller

Genre: Christian Fiction, Military Science Fiction

Brief bio:

Award-winning author Peter Fuller worked in the Military History Department of the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, Alberta, Canada for eight years. He has studied military history for decades. Over the years, he’s written numerous articles and lectured at major museums and universities on the subject of military history. He has also been a regular panelist at NORWESCON since 2017.

Mr. Fuller has studied the UFO phenomenon since grade school. He is a member of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) and has had a few “close encounters” of his own. He recently interviewed the son of a US military officer about his late father’s work on several special access projects for the secret space program.  

Book Release: THE UNSPOKEN LOVE SERIES BOX by HP Davenport

 The Unspoken Loves Series!!!

The box set releases Aug 3rd on #kindleunlimited!

 Pre-Order: https://amzn.to/3yUBmIJ

 Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3yYiEjH

 #Blurbs 

Three couples find out the true meaning of unspoken love in this 4-book Boxed set.

 Book 1: UNSPOKEN WORDS, a friends to lovers romance

Camryn and Jamieson have been the best of friends forever. Every important memory includes the other. Without realizing it, the love they’ve always felt for one another evolves into something more. Opportunity smiles on them and both realize this may be their only chance. When two lifelong friends are put to the test, can they come out on the other side as lifelong partners … or will those words forever remain unspoken?

 Book 2: UNSPOKEN PROMISES, a second chance romance

Unspoken Promises are worse than lies. Morgan and Lincoln have been in love since high school. From the outside looking in, their relationship is perfect. One mirrored of fairytales. But behind the door, things are different. What Lincoln and Morgan don’t anticipate is that a horrific event is about to make them second-guess their wants.

 Book 3: UNSPOKEN VOWS, a friends to lovers romance

(Camryn and Jamie's bonus book)

Once upon a time, a boy met a girl.

Years later, the boy fell in love with the girl.

Lucky for him, the girl fell in love with the boy, too.

Soon after, the boy asked the girl to marry him.

Seconds later, the girl said yes.

They vow to love each other now and forever. To live happily ever after because vows are never meant to be broken... even Unspoken Vows.

 Book 4: UNSPOKEN FEARS, a second chance romance

In the blink of an eye, everything I loved disappeared. All it took was five horrifying words to annihilate my perfect life…and destroy my entire world.

I’m lost.

I’m alone.

I’m numb.

Is it true that sometimes our lives have to be completely shaken up, so that we end up where we’re meant to be?

Can my closed-off heart learn to love again, or will it forever be bound by my Unspoken Fears?

 

Book Review: Nefereti's heart by A.W. Exley

A very interesting and mesmerizing book with all the glamour of steampunk to make this a memorable read.

The unique storyline, realistic characters and danger that looms around every corner gives it a fast pace. And the sexual tension can be cut with a knife.

Set in the steam engine era, London is faced with the brutal killings of upper-class ladies in the most bizarre ways, and the Enforcers are lost for words.

At the young age of fourteen, Cara learned the harsh realities of a loveless father. Once sold to one of his friends, she underwent abuse, rape and scorn before she was fifteen. And by the time she came back to England, she still carried with her the pain and rejection of that time. In the place of the frightened young lady was a self-assured woman that didn’t need the protection of anyone. Her no-nonsense attitude a coat that arms her against the ton.

Nate, a Lord Pirate—it should be the name of a book—the one man that broke through her twenty-one self to help her not only fight against her own demons but find a killer. A killer that mimics the ancient artifact and believe he can be immortal.

An adventorous read that had me glued to the book and I can recommend it to any reader who loves a good steampunk story with more steam than what the engines can provide.

Nefertiti's Heart (Artifact Hunters, #1) by A.W. Exley | Goodreads

Nefertiti’s Heart by A.W. Exley - BookBub

Synopsis 

Cara Devon has always been impulsive, but tangling with a serial killer might cure that. Permanently.

1861. Cara has a simple mission in London - finalise her father's estate and sell off his damned collection of priceless artifacts. Her plan goes awry when a killer stalks the nobility, searching for an ancient Egyptian relic rumoured to hold the key to immortality.

Nathaniel Trent, known as the villainous viscount, is relentless in his desire to lay his hands on both Cara and the priceless artifacts. His icy exterior and fiery touch stirs Cara's demons, or could he lay them to rest?

Self-preservation fuels Cara's search for the gem known as Nefertiti's Heart. In a society where everyone wears a mask to hide their true intent, she needs to figure out who to trust, before she sacrifices her own heart and life. 

Amazon.com: Nefertiti's Heart (The Artifact Hunters Book 1) eBook : Exley, A.W.: Kindle Store

July Book Sale on e-books and print books by Lynelle Clark

 

The e-book July book sale at Smashwords is in full swing.

Follow the link, download the book or books of your choice.

And when you are done, leave a review.

And in South Africa, these books are available in paperback, and on sale. Visit my website for more information.

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/lynelle2012

https://www.kreativcollectiv.com/

1. A Pirate’s Wife. Do not judge a book by its cover. Purchase links: SMASHWORDS ● AMAZON ● BARNES & NOBLE ● KOBO BOOKS ● SONY ebooks • A PIRATE’S WIFE | KREATIV COLLECTIV

2. Bella's Choice Two roads. One choice. Purchase links: AMAZON ● SMASHWORDS ● BARNES & NOBLE ● KOBO BOOKS ● SONY ebooks • KREATIV COLLECTIV

3. Blood Mines Purchase links: PRINTED BOOK: GROUP 7 PRINTERS ● SMASHWORDS ● AMAZON • KREATIV COLLECTIV

4. GedagteKringe, 'n Afrikaanse Bundel Purchase links: AMAZON ● SMASHWORDS ● BARNES & NOBLE ● KOBO BOOKS ● SONY books

5. Juweel van die Oosgrens. KREATIV COLLECTIV • AMAZON • SMASHWORDS • BARNES AND NOBLE

6. Love at War. A love story. KREATIV COLLECTIV • AMAZON • SMASHWORDS • BARNES AND NOBLE • KOBO 7. Nonfictional books available on author’s website: Writing Journal for beginners Creative Writing Free Ebook R100 So, you want to be a writer? Creative Writing $0.99 Ebook R100

Beta Readers Wanted: Source of Joy by Lynelle Clark

 

Source of Joy is the first book in the Connection series.

The document is available in Google Docs. Just email me for the link at lynelle@kreativecollectiv.com.

I try to add a chapter a day so any feedback will be appreciated.

So far it is a 90k draft.

Genre: multi-generational family saga, Christian fiction, romance, mystery, and adventure.

 Questions to consider throughout the storyline:

1. How realistic do you find the characters?

2. Is there any part within the story that's unclear?

3. Since I know little about America or ranch life in general, your input in any of these topics will be taken into consideration. I try to do as much research as possible, but it's possible to still miss something. This will help to make the story more believable.

4. Are the characters realistic and relatable?

5. Does the storyline have a good flow or are there areas that needs to be rewritten?

 

Synopsis:

Source of Joy is a story of love and loss that brings a few generations together in a mutual bond of understanding and faith. Following the path of less resistance, be faithful to one’s dreams and God’s word might be harder than they thought.

One woman’s quest to be reunited with her son has a snowball effect on all she encounters. Trapped in a loveless marriage, Simone Stevenson walks a road of unfulfilled dreams while she remains in the shadows of a foolish man. As soon as her son follows his dreams, she withdraws in a shell of propriety and becomes a puppet with a lonely existence.

When she tastes the freedom at the Calloway Ranch, she realised she cannot return to her old manner of life. Back in South Africa, danger meets her as John Stevenson's secrets threaten to surface. She learns to cope with this growing tension and spend much time against the mountains of Camps Bay for guidance. That her son is happy helps to ease the pain of separation and she waits patiently for her next move.  

Bending the rules to keep his secret, John Stevenson will stop at nothing. Even commit murder if that will keep his secret safe. Living a double life, he soon realises that he has choices to make.

Against his father’s wishes, James Stevenson ends up on a Montana Ranch where the owner and his son teach him about ranch life, horses, and the freedom to follow your dream. Only during her brief visit does he realise the price she pays to visit him, and it leaves him with more questions.

Tripp Calloway leads a quiet existence in the Montana valley nestled between mountains and rivers where peace reigns. He heads the ranch with a strict hand and brook no excuses while he allows his son the space to grow. It is only when he meets Simone Stevenson that he realises he wants more in life. He, too, is challenged with lies that threaten to derail him and has to set his longing for a family aside. But a promise from God helps him to remain faithful to his dream and take this momentary delay as part of his process.

Celeste Stevenson knows about Simone, but Simone doesn’t know about Celeste. With her family at risk, she stop at nothing to keep her secret from being discovered.

All the characters involved in the plot trust God for a breakthrough in their lives. Will they listen or will life take its course and ran wild through them? How will the decisions they make now affect their futures later? Will Simone’s dream be fulfilled, or will she remain married to a foolish man?

Tracy Marshall is the daughter of Ben Marshall, a neighbouring ranch owner, with a crush on James. When Tripp offers her a position at the Conway Ranch, it gives her time to get better acquainted with the South African. But the two lovers might not overcome the brother's interference.

Travis Calloway has trust issues since his mother left him at a very young age. Simone helps him to get over this distrust and introduce him to a woman who works in the local diner. After an enormous loss, he asks God for help and has to trust His guidance as he continues to find his way.

A young flight attendant ends up in Billings, Montana. A world foreign to her. With nothing left to do, Mindy Botha follows a woman she has met once in her life to an unknown destination. The divine intervention connects her with a man so perfect for her she follows him blindly. Will she be able to put her dreams aside and follow God’s direction instead?

 

You can find the chapters at my website Kreativ Collectiv - https://www.kreativcollectiv.com/.../the-connection-series/

Or, if you are a member at Story Origin, you will find it here - https://storyoriginapp.com/.../3db30994-6ef5-4f03-b7f7...