Showing posts with label Silver Locket Sisterhood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Silver Locket Sisterhood. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Monday, June 25, 2018
Monday, June 18, 2018
Monday, June 11, 2018
Monday, June 4, 2018
Monday, November 20, 2017
Monday, November 13, 2017
Monday, November 6, 2017
Monday, October 30, 2017
Monday, October 23, 2017
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Posts About Me 7
This is the seventh in a series of posts about me. I hope these help
you decide my books are worth the read. I also hope they help save time
for those who have no interest in my books. I know there's nothing more
disappointing than expecting one kind of book and discovering what I'm
reading isn't something I'm interested in reading. Not all books in a
single genre are the same. Authors in the same genre are as different as
football players on the same team and cupcake bakers. A lot of similarities but no two are alike.
The Silver Locket Sisterhood series. I saved this series of stories for last, except for the Holiday series. TSLS is the most difficult to talk about, for me. It's the most personal of all the series. I took major turning points in my life and wrote stories with the truths I know now but didn't know then.
The inspiration for the Silver Lockets came from the story, The Refiner's Fire, shared through emails and on FB. One of my dear friends was a part of the women's Bible study group and shared the story with me. I chose the symbolism of the silver heart locket and the photos inside. Carol Fiorillo chose beautiful lockets for each cover. I held off on my descriptions for the lockets until I saw the cover mock-up. I did have specific ideas for some of them, but mostly Carol chose what she thought fit from the information given to her on the Cover Art sheet.
Some of the events in each of the stories are true.
In Luck In Love, I worked in Yellowstone, at Lake Hotel, in 1983. I was on the second floor, the women's floor, of the Sandpiper dorm. Sara, the heroine was chased by a moose. Yes, that happened to me. No, there was no Luck for me. He was a "What if?" I had so much to learn. I didn't know anything about PTSD yet. I gave Sara and Luck the benefit of my growth and changes. I endeavored to be careful to not use anything not common knowledge in 1983.
In Mark's Grace, I brought to life a dream I'd had years ago. I dreamed the man who wanted to impress me decorated my home for Christmas. I didn't know how to accept the gift. It terrified me at first, and then charmed me. I couldn't imagine any man doing something like that for me. Writing it into the story allowed me to live the dream. The house where Mark and Grace live actually exists in Signal Hill. If I were independently wealthy, I'd live there. The dog story is mine. Mark was inspired by cover model Jimmy Thomas. The first time I met him I asked for a hug. He gives the best hugs. I don't know how he did it, but he managed to wrap his arms around me without making me feel trapped or even uncomfortable. The moment he hugged me, I knew I'd found what I wanted for Grace. By the way, Grace wasn't supposed to have her own story and then her story wasn't supposed to happen for a few more years. Characters have their own ideas. I endeavor to stay out of the way.
In Saving Lisa, I lived in Thailand, in '84 and '85. I was present at the Fourth of July celebration at the embassy in Bangkok. I expected Lisa, but I didn't expect Eric. He surprised me, pleasantly. I'm not a photographer, but my sister is, so I picked her brain frequently. I knew of the slave trade while I was there, but only peripherally. I learned more later, after I returned home. Heartbreaking. I did land myself in a precarious position on one occasion, and to this day think that but for the Grace of God... All the royalties go to Operation Underground Railroad.
In Finding Home, I flew to England for the summer of '86. The moment I landed in London, I felt like I'd come home. The joy of writing the book was re-visiting a beloved place, and more especially the people. I learned a lot about being gracious and appreciative. I had a lot to learn. I was treated with kindness by everyone. Becki worked for the airlines, and so did I. Ian lives in the flat I would have loved to have owned. It was down the road from where I stayed. I miss the people who treated me like their American princess and claimed me as their own. I did not properly appreciate it then; I didn't think I deserved it.
In Wings to Fly, Samantha and Jordan wrapped up my whirlwind life of travel. The dog and the horse were mine. Samantha gave me an opportunity to pull together so many of the things I learned through my counselors. A fun side note is that Samantha and Jordan's favorite place to eat is P.croissant, which is my favorite eatery. P.croissant kindly gave me permission to use them in my story. They've been open since 1983. What a perfect coincidence.
In many ways, The Silver Locket Sisterhood was cathartic. I was able to release a lot of painful memories as well as clarify my faith. I can't remember ever doubting Jesus as my Savior. However, learning to trust Him has been a lifelong battle. I have to remind myself that the real lack of faith has been in myself. I was able to build my faith along with my characters. My hope in writing the series and seeking publication is others will learn they aren't alone.
The Silver Locket Sisterhood series. I saved this series of stories for last, except for the Holiday series. TSLS is the most difficult to talk about, for me. It's the most personal of all the series. I took major turning points in my life and wrote stories with the truths I know now but didn't know then.
The inspiration for the Silver Lockets came from the story, The Refiner's Fire, shared through emails and on FB. One of my dear friends was a part of the women's Bible study group and shared the story with me. I chose the symbolism of the silver heart locket and the photos inside. Carol Fiorillo chose beautiful lockets for each cover. I held off on my descriptions for the lockets until I saw the cover mock-up. I did have specific ideas for some of them, but mostly Carol chose what she thought fit from the information given to her on the Cover Art sheet.
Some of the events in each of the stories are true.
In Luck In Love, I worked in Yellowstone, at Lake Hotel, in 1983. I was on the second floor, the women's floor, of the Sandpiper dorm. Sara, the heroine was chased by a moose. Yes, that happened to me. No, there was no Luck for me. He was a "What if?" I had so much to learn. I didn't know anything about PTSD yet. I gave Sara and Luck the benefit of my growth and changes. I endeavored to be careful to not use anything not common knowledge in 1983.
In Mark's Grace, I brought to life a dream I'd had years ago. I dreamed the man who wanted to impress me decorated my home for Christmas. I didn't know how to accept the gift. It terrified me at first, and then charmed me. I couldn't imagine any man doing something like that for me. Writing it into the story allowed me to live the dream. The house where Mark and Grace live actually exists in Signal Hill. If I were independently wealthy, I'd live there. The dog story is mine. Mark was inspired by cover model Jimmy Thomas. The first time I met him I asked for a hug. He gives the best hugs. I don't know how he did it, but he managed to wrap his arms around me without making me feel trapped or even uncomfortable. The moment he hugged me, I knew I'd found what I wanted for Grace. By the way, Grace wasn't supposed to have her own story and then her story wasn't supposed to happen for a few more years. Characters have their own ideas. I endeavor to stay out of the way.
In Saving Lisa, I lived in Thailand, in '84 and '85. I was present at the Fourth of July celebration at the embassy in Bangkok. I expected Lisa, but I didn't expect Eric. He surprised me, pleasantly. I'm not a photographer, but my sister is, so I picked her brain frequently. I knew of the slave trade while I was there, but only peripherally. I learned more later, after I returned home. Heartbreaking. I did land myself in a precarious position on one occasion, and to this day think that but for the Grace of God... All the royalties go to Operation Underground Railroad.
In Finding Home, I flew to England for the summer of '86. The moment I landed in London, I felt like I'd come home. The joy of writing the book was re-visiting a beloved place, and more especially the people. I learned a lot about being gracious and appreciative. I had a lot to learn. I was treated with kindness by everyone. Becki worked for the airlines, and so did I. Ian lives in the flat I would have loved to have owned. It was down the road from where I stayed. I miss the people who treated me like their American princess and claimed me as their own. I did not properly appreciate it then; I didn't think I deserved it.
In Wings to Fly, Samantha and Jordan wrapped up my whirlwind life of travel. The dog and the horse were mine. Samantha gave me an opportunity to pull together so many of the things I learned through my counselors. A fun side note is that Samantha and Jordan's favorite place to eat is P.croissant, which is my favorite eatery. P.croissant kindly gave me permission to use them in my story. They've been open since 1983. What a perfect coincidence.
In many ways, The Silver Locket Sisterhood was cathartic. I was able to release a lot of painful memories as well as clarify my faith. I can't remember ever doubting Jesus as my Savior. However, learning to trust Him has been a lifelong battle. I have to remind myself that the real lack of faith has been in myself. I was able to build my faith along with my characters. My hope in writing the series and seeking publication is others will learn they aren't alone.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Post About Me 3
This is the third in a series of posts about me. I hope these help
you decide my books are worth the read. I also hope they help save time
for those who have no interest in my books. I know there's nothing more
disappointing than expecting one kind of book and discovering what I'm
reading isn't something I'm interested in reading. Not all books in a
single genre are the same. Authors in the same genre are as different as
football players on the same team and cupcake bakers. A lot of similarities but no two are alike.
The length of my books:
If you like fat books, my books are probably not for you.
If you like what I would call super long books, anything over 100,000 words, I'm not for you. My books run 60,000+, the longest being 82,000, unless you look at my Anthologies, 4 books in 1 paperback. I'm putting out my second one, this month. Each of my novellas run between 20,000-25,000 words.
Perhaps you could look at my books as a tasty appetizer or a midnight snack.
My novellas would qualify as yummy hors d'oeuvres.
The length of my books:
If you like fat books, my books are probably not for you.
If you like what I would call super long books, anything over 100,000 words, I'm not for you. My books run 60,000+, the longest being 82,000, unless you look at my Anthologies, 4 books in 1 paperback. I'm putting out my second one, this month. Each of my novellas run between 20,000-25,000 words.
Perhaps you could look at my books as a tasty appetizer or a midnight snack.
My novellas would qualify as yummy hors d'oeuvres.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Arizona Dreamin'
The special even ticket price of only $59 are only available through March 22nd.
Have you purchased yours?
http://arizonadreaminevent.com/
Look what arrived, this week:
Books to sell at the conference!
It's so lovely to see all my books in print, and they look so pretty on the shelf:
Have you purchased yours?
http://arizonadreaminevent.com/
Look what arrived, this week:
It's so lovely to see all my books in print, and they look so pretty on the shelf:
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Conversation among heroes
Luck: I see everyone's here.Leo: Even Jonathan and the Thorns.
Lance: Quite the impressive gathering.
James: A proper send off.
Todd: What's the occasion?
Jack: A Happily Ever After celebration, for which our lady is well known.
Patrick: For whom?
Benjamin: The satisfactory conclusion of a beloved series.
Richard: Peopled with worthy souls.
Henry: One of our series is drawing to a close?
Jack: The incomparable Silver Locket Sisterhood.
Tim: They've enjoyed a good run.
Dusty: Congratulations.
Matthew: I remember their debut.
Jonathan: How time has flown.
Lance: Five books spanning three continents and seventeen years.
Brent: Stories of honor, hope, and home.
Fitzgerald: Bravo, gentleman.
Jack: Last words?
Jordan: God holds us in the fire until He sees His reflection in us, and His timing is perfect.
Ian: God creates miracles using imperfect souls.
Eric: God's plan is always better.
Mark: God never intended us to wait for love but to love every day, as He does.
Luck: God overcomes evil, every time.
Jack: Godspeed, gentlemen.
Lance: Quite the impressive gathering.
James: A proper send off.
Todd: What's the occasion?
Jack: A Happily Ever After celebration, for which our lady is well known.
Patrick: For whom?
Benjamin: The satisfactory conclusion of a beloved series.
Richard: Peopled with worthy souls.
Henry: One of our series is drawing to a close?
Jack: The incomparable Silver Locket Sisterhood.
Tim: They've enjoyed a good run.
Dusty: Congratulations.
Matthew: I remember their debut.
Jonathan: How time has flown.
Lance: Five books spanning three continents and seventeen years.
Brent: Stories of honor, hope, and home.
Fitzgerald: Bravo, gentleman.
Jack: Last words?
Jordan: God holds us in the fire until He sees His reflection in us, and His timing is perfect.
Ian: God creates miracles using imperfect souls.
Eric: God's plan is always better.
Mark: God never intended us to wait for love but to love every day, as He does.
Luck: God overcomes evil, every time.
Jack: Godspeed, gentlemen.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Coming soon, the fifth and last...
...of The Silver Locket Sisterhood series.
Samantha Merritt wants a forever relationship, but painful lessons from the past interfere with her ability to trust anyone, including God. Despite her friend's reassurances 'this guy is different,' she refuses the offer of another blind date, until she meets him. Now it's too late...
Trust
Jordan Tyler trusts God to protect him but also believes in doing his part by avoiding people who guarantee extra drama. Accepting a blind date with an abuse survivor is not his idea of a leap of faith, more like a fall into stupidity, until he meets her. Choosing friendship didn't mean love would follow...
Forever
God looks on the heart and sees what mortal eyes do not. Only an All-knowing God would pair a couple who worked so hard to avoid each other. The only thing standing in their way of their own Happily Ever After is them...
Brilliant artist Carol Fiorillo created the book cover.
Wings
to Fly
Love
Love
Samantha Merritt wants a forever relationship, but painful lessons from the past interfere with her ability to trust anyone, including God. Despite her friend's reassurances 'this guy is different,' she refuses the offer of another blind date, until she meets him. Now it's too late...
Trust
Jordan Tyler trusts God to protect him but also believes in doing his part by avoiding people who guarantee extra drama. Accepting a blind date with an abuse survivor is not his idea of a leap of faith, more like a fall into stupidity, until he meets her. Choosing friendship didn't mean love would follow...
Forever
God looks on the heart and sees what mortal eyes do not. Only an All-knowing God would pair a couple who worked so hard to avoid each other. The only thing standing in their way of their own Happily Ever After is them...
Brilliant artist Carol Fiorillo created the book cover.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
The forth book in The Silver Locket Sisterhood...
Starting Over
American Becki Bagley's dreams are within her grasp only to be shattered along with her faith. God promised to give those who are faithful the desires of their heart. Why does He deny her? Where did she go wrong? Perhaps she failed to be good enough.
Moving On
Ian Morgan, British self-made businessman, is settled in his life. He's already raised a family, his younger sister. Another family holds no interest for him, although his pretty American neighbor tempts him to reconsider.
Finding Home
Home isn't a place but a space in the heart waiting for the right person to take up residence. Embracing a new faith and trust in God and leaving familiarity behind is the only way to welcome the love waiting, but only if trouble doesn't set up house first...
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
The third book in The Silver Locket Sisterhood...
Saving
Lisa
A New Job
Photographer Eric Hudson's home burns to the ground, along with all he owns. He accepts the only offer to salvage his career. No room exists in his life, or his heart, for anything beyond work.
A New Start
Lisa Montgomery is determined to leave the past behind and create a new life. In her effort to obtain refuge from emotional bondage, she lands in slavery of another sort.
A New Adventure
In 1985, Thailand offers exotic opportunities, but dangers lurk for the unaware. A complicated relationship with a woman who believes God solves everything isn't in Eric's plans. Lisa is challenged to live the truths of her faith. Despite bumbling attempts to hide from hurts and fears, guidance in the ultimate adventure awaits the imperfect souls who place their trust in God.
A New Job
Photographer Eric Hudson's home burns to the ground, along with all he owns. He accepts the only offer to salvage his career. No room exists in his life, or his heart, for anything beyond work.
A New Start
Lisa Montgomery is determined to leave the past behind and create a new life. In her effort to obtain refuge from emotional bondage, she lands in slavery of another sort.
A New Adventure
In 1985, Thailand offers exotic opportunities, but dangers lurk for the unaware. A complicated relationship with a woman who believes God solves everything isn't in Eric's plans. Lisa is challenged to live the truths of her faith. Despite bumbling attempts to hide from hurts and fears, guidance in the ultimate adventure awaits the imperfect souls who place their trust in God.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
The second book in The Silver Locket Sisterhood series...
Mark's
Grace
The Manager
In 1983 California, Grace Williams loves her new job as the manager of 'A Blink in Time,' the art gallery Angelinos are raving about. Burying herself in work means she doesn't need to face the past or how she feels about the gallery's gorgeous curator.
The Curator
From the moment he met her, Mark Callaghan, knew beautiful Grace belonged in his life, but she maintained a frustrating distance between them. Pursuing her is his other full-time job. Though the relationship produces a satisfying friendship, he desires a forever love.
The Partnership
An old flame hunts Grace down, and Mark fears his own decade-old affection for her may be too little too late. Will Mark's patience and life-changes win Grace at last, or will her past destroy whatever future they hoped to share?
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Vintage series The Silver Locket Sisterhood...
The first book of the series, was published in 2012.
Available wherever ebooks are sold and at Amazon in paperback.
Luck
in Love
Step Forward
In 1983, housekeeping in the century-old Lake Yellowstone Hotel beckons to Sara Budge's desire to escape her abusive family. The summer break from college offers the time to determine her plans for the rest of her life.
Into the Darkness
Peace eludes Luck Williams, and the opportunity handed to him to photograph his favorite place on earth is irresistible. Even caught up in the pristine beauty he is unable to escape the haunting nightmares of one horrific day.
God Lights the Way
A fresh start doesn't guarantee the past stays in the past. The fragility and carpeciousness of life guarantees pain and disappointment. Choosing perfect serenity and safety over love and trust may spare dips into the valleys, but the awe-inspiring views from the peaks are also forfeit. God provides inspiration and the precious gift of choice, for those willing to risk the leap of faith.
Step Forward
In 1983, housekeeping in the century-old Lake Yellowstone Hotel beckons to Sara Budge's desire to escape her abusive family. The summer break from college offers the time to determine her plans for the rest of her life.
Into the Darkness
Peace eludes Luck Williams, and the opportunity handed to him to photograph his favorite place on earth is irresistible. Even caught up in the pristine beauty he is unable to escape the haunting nightmares of one horrific day.
God Lights the Way
A fresh start doesn't guarantee the past stays in the past. The fragility and carpeciousness of life guarantees pain and disappointment. Choosing perfect serenity and safety over love and trust may spare dips into the valleys, but the awe-inspiring views from the peaks are also forfeit. God provides inspiration and the precious gift of choice, for those willing to risk the leap of faith.
Available wherever ebooks are sold and at Amazon in paperback.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Final edits are in...
Tarnished Knight and Wings to Fly are in. The first will be released on January 21, 2015. The second will be released on February 21, 2015. The paperbacks will be out a month later.
I'm sad to see the end of The Silver Locket Sisterhood series.
It's time to rethink my Holiday, USA series. I still want to write them, but clearly I need to create a better schedule.
I'm sad to see the end of The Silver Locket Sisterhood series.
It's time to rethink my Holiday, USA series. I still want to write them, but clearly I need to create a better schedule.
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