I’ve been wanting to share our amazing little town. This week on our stay at home vacation, my husband and I took our oldest grandkids on a walk through downtown Nevada City, CA. The trees were bursting red and yellow and the Halloween decorations were up. A quick stop was made at the candy store for ice cream and candy.
Here’s the color:
We crossed over Deer Creek on the way to downtown.
Downtown Nevada City where we stopped at the candy store.
Then on to the Halloween decorations.
Here’s the spooky Outside Inn. You can walk on the grounds where they lavish the landscape with Halloween creatures.
An Indian Medicine Rock.
We ended our walk with a stroll through the cemetery.
The road to Nevada City.
I hope to share some more pictures of our town this Christmas.
UPDATE:We are in the middle of the second power shutdown this week due to high winds and fire danger in Northern California. The estimated time frame to restore electricity where we live is Monday or Tuesday. I look forward to responding to your comments when the lights and wifi return.
There is another possible wind event following this one at beginning of week. Stay tuned.
Embrace your inner child this fall with a good book. Happy Halloween! D. L. Finn
“Mountain Justice” is a short story that’s about more than a horse; it tackles a difficult subject spousal abuse. Anne is in a horrible situation with a cruel husband, George. The abuse scenes are graphic and realistic, and you can’t help but feel for her and root for her well-being. Even as grim as Anne’s situation gets her relationship with Rob and her horse, Czar adds hope and heart to this story. Fortunately, this was a short read because I would not put it down until I knew what happened. I highly recommend this read.
Having come from a background where monsters lurked, I could connect to this metaphorical short story. There’s some insight into why things aren’t always what they seem in households. It offers some hope with a glance back at what was in a broken family. Sometimes you have to move on. This is a quick read for those from verbally abusive situations as a child or even an adult.
“Caste Metal” is a well-written short story based on the Hindu Caste System in 1877. A young genius untouchable, Cacchar, teaches himself to read. The penalty for this is brutal and cruel. The details are very graphic, and I felt the pain of his entire family. Not only the injustice of Cacchar’s place in society, but the dark side of humanity is portrayed skillfully. This is a story that evoked many emotions from me and one I highly recommend.
“Macabre Sanctuary” is a great collection to read at Halloween or any time of the year. Penned by ten different authors, I was already familiar with the work of five of them, but it was nice to be introduced to new writers. The stories were diverse but had that touch of creepy I enjoy. Each story is a terrific length for a quick read, but you have the option to keep reading, which I enjoy about anthologies. A couple of the stories will stay with me for a while in a good way, but they all entertained me. If you like a bit of horror in your short stories, this collection is for you!
UPDATES:
1. The monthly newsletter comes out tomorrow. Watch for it in your email if subscribed!
2. I will be on vacation with my husband this week. We are staying close to home, but my social media interaction will be limited.
Embrace your inner child by reading a good short story! D. L. Finn
Today is #RRBC Random Acts of Kindness Day! I like to pick a fellow member that I haven’t read before for my random act of kindness. I randomly picked Heather Kindt off my Twitter Support Team list. I added her book “The Weaver” to my TBR list and will read and review it in the next couple of weeks. Please welcome Heather here today!
Most writers choose the endings to their stories . . . most writers are not Weavers.
Laney Holden is a freshman at Madison College whose life goes from normal to paranormal in a matter of seconds. When the antagonist in the book she’s writing shoves her down the stairs at the subway station, she learns she is a Weaver. Weavers bridge the narrow gap between fantasy and reality, bringing their words to life.
Laney soon meets William whom she also suspects is a character from her book—one she’s had a mad crush on since her pen hit the paper. But he’s in danger as her antagonist reveals a whole different ending planned for Laney’s book that involves killing William. Laney must use her writing to save the people closest to her by weaving the most difficult words she will ever write.
THE WEAVER is the first installment of The Weaver trilogy. It is an NA paranormal romance set in a small town on the north shore of Boston. It will leave you wanting more.
Second-grade teacher Dottie Gale lives in the tiny town of Quandary, Kansas, which is pretty much smack dab in the middle of nowhere. No mountains. No ocean. No life. Her ex-boyfriend and current school board member, Corbin Lane, cheated on her, making school functions more than a little awkward. But worst of all, a tornado named Maxine Westward rips through Dottie’s school as the new principal and has made her life at work a living hell. When Dottie is chosen to go to a teacher’s conference in Las Vegas, she knows her life is going to change. Driving from Quandary to Vegas, three strangers enter her life. Through a string of situations involving poppies, flying monkeys, and a life-size sculpture of an iconic rock star the four soon become inseparable. So, when Westward arrives on her broom in Vegas, Dottie is ready for battle. Her boss black mails her with stories of incarceration, thievery, and a steamy relationship with her travel companion, but Dottie knows that those who hurl insults shouldn’t hold secrets of their own.
About Heather Kindt
Heather Kindt grew up in Derry, New Hampshire, but now resides in the mountains of Colorado with her husband and two children. She loves writing YA fantasy and humorous fiction. Her debut novel, Ruby Slips and Poker Chips, won the Dan Alatorre Word Weaver Writing Contest. To learn more about her and the great things that are coming in her writing world, visit her website at http://heatherkindt.com.
I’m excited to have fellow #RRBC author, Sandra Cox back here for “TumbleStar” release day, 10-14! I can’t wait to read it.
Excerpt
“Something on your mind?”
That was another thing she’d forgotten. How easily he read her. Considering her attraction to him, that definitely wasn’t a good thing. Nerves had her pleating a piece of her skirt between her fingers. But she looked him in the eye when she spoke. “I was wondering why you didn’t bring her in the house instead of sticking her in that dark little hut.”
He rocked on his heels and studied her. “What do you think?”
She gave him a level look, but couldn’t bring herself to make an accusation. There had to be another explanation. “I don’t know, Coop. That’s why I’m asking you.”
His face darkened. She could almost see the anger roll through him. He’d always had a quick temper. Got over it quick too.
“You think it’s because she was captured by the Indians and has a half breed son? Come on, Randa. You know me better than that.”
“I knew you better than that. It’s been a few years. Men change.”
“So do women. There was a time that thought would have never entered your head.”
She shrugged. “And I don’t really believe it now.”
Relief spread like sunshine across his features. Wiping out the angry.
Just like a popup storm, she thought. Here and gone.
“So, tell me. Why did you stick her in that dreary little shed of a building instead of the ranch house? My heart knows you even if my head questions. What was the reason?”
He drew himself up and looked down his nose at her. “I don’t make a habit of explaining myself, Miranda.”
She remembered that too. And the fact that he’d used her full name just went to show the storm wasn’t over.
“But I will.”
He held up a finger. “It’s where we take all the injured and sick because it’s close to Coosie.” He held up a second finger. “Yes, it’s dreary and it’s a shed, but it will be theirs. I told Anna she’s welcome to stay on once she’s better. We can use her help with the cooking, sewing and cleaning. As time allows, we’ll add a couple of bedrooms and windows. I figured she’d be more comfortable if she had a place she could call hers, no matter how small. I know the boy would.”
Remorse washed through her as heat flooded her cheeks. When had she got so smallminded? There must be some of her father in her after all. “I’m sorry, Coop. I sometimes forget, no matter how much trouble you got into, you always led with your heart.”
“You instigated your fair share of that trouble, Randa.” His voice gruff, his dark, slashing eyebrows still maintained their downward spiral.
She gave him a playful nudge in the ribs. “I learned from the best.”
The eyebrows rose to their normal position and his lips quirked in that lopsided smile that showed a snaggletooth and made her knees weak.
Sandra is a vegetarian, animal lover and avid gardener. She lives with her husband, their dog and several cats in sunny North Carolina.
Besides western and western romance, Sandra also writes time-travel, paranormal and regency romance, young adult fantasy and non-fiction. She is a category bestselling Amazon author, Eppie finalist and Golden Ankh Award winner.
I read and loved “The Hat,” so I was sure I’d be entertained in “Viral Blues.” This is an action-filled story of an unlikely group being thrown together to stop a plot to spread illness and death. It had a superhero feel with an apocalyptic-supernatural scenario and a lot of humor. The talking hat provided for much of that humor. I enjoyed the hat’s relationship with Lizzie and their band, but there were characters I enjoyed getting to know from previous books that I haven’t read. This includes a man who turns into a mist, a tough guy, and a robot, all adding their flavor to this wonderful mix of personalities. Each one had a different approach, but they found a way to work together. It wasn’t necessary to have read the past books, but after reading this story, I’ll be reading them. I highly recommend this humorous, thrilling ride!
Sixteen-year-old Maisie and her family move from the U.K. to France for her father’s work. I loved where they lived, the culture, and the countryside surrounding their community. It drew me into that part of the book. The house they move into is run down with part of the roof missing. The family makes the best of it, but tragedy strikes when her brother disappears. The story moved at a faster pace after Maisie’s brother went missing. Although there was a mystery, I found the aftermath of that event more dominate for Maisie and her family. Maisie seemed rather mature for her age, but she was strong-willed and as confused as a teenager would be. I rooted for her but didn’t fully connect with her until halfway through. I liked some subjects covered, including alcoholism and drinking and driving. “Strawberry Moon” crossed the line once, at least for me as a YA read, along with a reaction that I wished had more reflection on Maisie’s part. Still, this story held my interest until the last page. I’m hoping there’s a second book to resolve all those unanswered questions.
This is the second book of the Crossroads trilogy, and it picks up right where “Survival of the Fittest” left off. I loved the first book and couldn’t wait to continue the journey. Xhosa continues her quest to get her people to safety. Although I loved Xhosa’s strength and interactions with her people, it’s the wolf that held my heart. The journey in this prehistory world is fast-paced and full of danger. The details drew me into their world without weighing down the action. There is the perspective through the group that broke off from Xhosa’s people which added to the depth of this narrative. The characters all struggled to survive with sustenance, shelter, and the quest for control which is not much different than modern times. I’m enthralled with prehistoric fiction and this series. I can’t wait for book three. I highly recommend “The Quest for Home” and the rest of the Crossroads books!
This is an interesting book of Igbo Mythology that follows a young boy, Osondu and his mother, Gloria, after death. There are different journeys and lessons they learn in the afterlife. The first part focuses more on the son and the second part of the story his mother as they interact with other souls and gods along the way. I found it easier to connect with the mother’s journey than Osondu. I especially loved the places Gloria’s adventures took her to. Some parts left me thinking and wondering about our souls and my own beliefs about what is coming. I found it fascinating reading this perspective from Nigerian Igbo Myths and appreciated all the details that went into it. If you are a fan of myths and legends, you should enjoy this.
UPDATES:
1. Forgive my silence on social media this week, our power, along with 800,000 customers, was shut down for fire safety in Northern California. It lasted three days here. Luckily, we have a generator that powers our well, fridge, microwave, and outlets in the bedroom for my husband’s sleep apnea machine. We haven’t used this new generator since we got it a few years ago for more than a couple of hours. This purchase followed spending a week without water or power eight years ago after an early snowstorm. So this outage was like a five-star hotel for me. The downside? We only had two cans of gas. Unfortunately, all but one local station was closed. My husband spent a long time in line one night. Then the following evening, he made the trek to another town much further away but had open stations. Usually, we can get supplies locally when we are powerless, but they shut everyone down. This weekend, lots of food is being thrown away, but thankfully no fires here. I’m sure I’ll be talking about this more, but right now I’m happy to enjoy all the amenities that modern living offers, including having our landline back and the internet. The world becomes very distant when you are cut off from it. I worry this has become our new normal and it will happen again. Sending prayers to Southern California where the fires rage.
2. I will be on a short vacation with my daughter on Thursday through Sunday. My time online will be limited, but I will share a picture or two:)
3. There will be two special edition blogs this week. Don’t miss out.
4. Next week will be part 2 of my reviews. All the short stories.
Embrace your inner child with a book this fall! D. L. Finn
Welcome to my stop on the #RRBC OCTOBER-WEEN BOOK, BLOG & TRAILER BLOCK PARTY!
Here’s the winners:
(1) $10 Amazon gift card – John Fioravanti
(1) $5 Amazon gift card – Susanne Leist
For a chance to win one of these two prizes all you have to do is leave a comment below.
I’m sharing a poem I wrote after an unusual experience in Hawaii and all my adult and children’s books. I don’t expect you to watch all seven trailers, just the ones that interest you. I’ve included my short stories with their blurbs, too. If you’re intrigued, all you have to do is click on the title!
HONU
I swam next to my youngest daughter.
Face mask pressed tightly to my face,
Snorkel positioned, providing air.
A large silver-fish followed us
Circling in a mutual curiosity
Slicing slowly through the salty water
I snapped pictures capturing each moment.
Blue, yellow, black, green, and silver sea creatures
Decorated the clear cobalt liquid,
Until an eye-catching fish swaddled in a rainbow
Lured us in another direction.
Our flippers propelled us through the dull gray coral.
Unexpectedly, the reef burst into pink and purple.
Here the tiny yellow fish with black spots were on diverse display.
A school of thin blue-fish glided at the top of the water
While I floated above this underwater magic…
Trying to record these memories.
Suddenly, to my left, something large caught my eye.
In-between my daughter and I was a substantial sea turtle– a honu.
I met the honu’s gaze and wisdom was reflected back
We swam for eternity, just the three of us
Our souls recognized the significance of this occasion.
Then the honu glanced at me one more time
And with a slight nod from her, that I returned
She sped away into the riptide.
Gone from our sight, but not our hearts
I’m gifted with a saturating-perception of potential
What happens when you’re living the good life after retirement and your world suddenly turns upside down? Will and Cass Henderson learn the truth after a family member is murdered, but no one believes them because they’re the prime suspects. The Hendersons have a red-eyed killer in the family, and they’re next on its kill list.
All alone on Christmas Eve, Kenzie was feeling the betrayal of her recent break-up. While the sky was heavy with the dark clouds of an impending storm, she walked home from work to clear her head. Lost in her memories, Kenzie was completely unaware she was being followed by a man with green-eyes. Was this not-so-human being the good or evil that lurked around her? On the most magical night of the year, will Kenzie be able to save herself from that evil or will she need some divine inspiration? The outcome will depend on whether she can find the strength to forgive as the storm not only rages outside, but deep within her soul.
Can you believe everything you read? Steve must answer that question when he finds a strange blog while searching for his friend’s address. It was crazy to consider the government would poison a lake to find Bigfoot–and Steve wasn’t crazy. But, there were also some truths weaved into this unbelievable tale. Steve began to question his comfortable reality as he kept reading.
