SRP Review: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Disclaimer: The reviews I post on The Self Rescue Princess won’t be the usual style of book review that talks about all the points and elements of a novel. My intention is to focus on heroines that I believe exemplify the spirit and character of a self-rescuing princess or are on their way to achieving that status.

The Nightingale features two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle Mauriac, who live in France during the start for World War II. Isabelle is 18, fiercely headstrong and also independent to a fault. Isabelle has compassion for all and a strong sense of justice. From the start, Isabelle was what I’d call a self-rescuing princess because she was not content–nor wanted–to hide behind anyone. She knew what was happening in her country was wrong and would hurt many people before it was over…if it was ever over. Isabelle had no problem risking her life to save others and struggled to keep her opinions in check, only doing so when she knew her outspokenness might harm her sister and niece. Isabelle was larger than life in way. A totally selfless person who put the good of mankind before any thoughts of preserving her own life. She knew her actions placed her life at risk and did so with abandon.

I related more to Vianne as she was a woman who was desperate to keep herself and child alive, even when it meant following rules she longed to break. She had a quieter of being self-rescuing princess, doing all she could to keep her child feed, healthy, and as protected as she could from the devastation in France. Vianne didn’t feel she had the right to take a stand when her child might suffer the consequences for her decisions. Vianne struggled with her conscience and doing what was needed to survive instead of what her heart and spirit screamed needed to be done. My heart went out to her. Vianne believed herself to be weak and cowardly when compared to her sister. While her sister made bold, brave choices, Vianne also made those same decisions but in a different way. Vianne, like her sister, had a cause deep in her heart and when faced with the choice of looking the other or getting involved, she pushed down her fears and acted. 

I know I related to Vianne more because I felt her situation was one I’d most likely might find myself in one day. Not so much having to save someone in a dire, wartime situation, but more of an action that is smaller and local, not something huge and grand. I think those are the situation that everyone finds themselves in during their lifetime, and it’s these times our character is tested and challenged, making us change how we define ourselves. Everyone has had a strong and brave moment, and will again. Many times we don’t see ourselves that way because our actions aren’t grand. But it doesn’t take a grand, in-the-world’s-face action to help someone or to save them…sometimes it’s stepping up to help when it’s needed or simple telling others to stop.

SRP Review: Cam Shaw from Who Killed the Ghost in the Library?

Disclaimer: The reviews I post on The Self Rescue Princess won’t be the usual style of book review that talks about all the points and elements of a novel. My intention is to focus on heroines that I believe exemplify the spirit and character of a self-rescuing princess or are on their way to achieving that status.

Who Killed the Ghost in the Library was just the book I was looking for right now. We’re in the middle of a prolonged kitchen remodel and my stress level is a little high. I wanted a fun, engaging book that took me out of my life and put me into someone else’s and this book accomplished those goals. Cam Shaw is a headstrong, sassy, take-charge, yet still kind and trusting. Normally, I get annoyed with heroines who are so trusting they fall into the too-stupid-to-live category of heroines (and those books I stop reading after a couple of chapters). But, Cam’s trusting nature wasn’t because she refused to see what was in front of her, instead it rested in the fact she focused on the good in people and was willing to give everyone a chance.

With Cam Shaw, I found her accepting and trusting nature charming and a true part of her character rather than just a device for her to rush headlong into trouble. She believes the best about everyone and is willing to take them at their word, a little unusual for an amateur sleuth, but that’s what I loved that about her. Now don’t get me wrong, Cam isn’t a push-over. She’ll speak her mind and when she finds out she’s been lied to all bets are off.

I also admired the fact that Cam isn’t afraid to ask her friends for help when needed. It’s not a trait that comes easily to me and I found that very intriguing and admirable with Cam. I loved seeing a character who wasn’t afraid to reach out to her friends for help and accept it.

 

SRP Heroine Interview: Ellen Michaels from Dependent

Today, I’m talking with Ellen Michaels from the book Dependent.

1. Please tell us a little bit about what is currently going on in your life?

A year ago four men came to my door. Four men in uniform—men that no military spouse ever wants to see. And they were there to tell me what no military spouse wants to hear. And I was 45 years old…a widow with no career, no home, and no roots. And I had a secret. An awful, dark secret. A secret I had no idea how to escape. But I had to try.

2. What made you want your story to be told?

Military spouses are selfless unsung heroes who are often held back by their circumstances—early marriage, young children, deployments, frequent moves… I’m sure I’m not alone in my story of loss and secrets. I hope my story can be a wake-up call to other spouses who are fighting to keep their sense of self in the shadow of the ubiquitous military machine.

3. What lead you to make the changes you did in your life?

When I got that knock on the door I thought my life had ended—and in a way it had. John was gone and I had to face my demons by myself. I had to search deep inside myself for the answers. It was the worst day of my life, that day. But I’m stronger now because of it.

4. In your life, what has empowered you?

Time…experience…the love of my husband, my children, and of my high-school friend. I gained strength and confidence slowly—year by year, day by day—until one day I’d just had enough of the oppression I was fighting against. I was dependent on no one, and no one else was dependent on me. It was a freeing and empowering moment for me.

5. What are strengths and weaknesses?

I am very resilient—I can put up with power outages and pukefests and deployments and all kinds of awful things and still stay sane. Well, sort of sane. And I’m selfless. My kids and my husband always come first. But that can backfire on me sometimes. I let people take advantage of me. And until recently I was really awful at sticking up for myself.

6. Describe what being a self-rescue princess (a strong, confident woman) means to you.

A self-rescue princess remembers that her goals are important. She can support the love of her life in his career without letting her own career plans slide away. She is proud of her own accomplishments, and a positive role model for her children. When the going gets tough, she digs deep and doesn’t lose sight of who she is.

7. What one advice/wisdom would you like to pass onto young women?

Marriage is a partnership between two people. Your dreams matter. You matter. Never let yourself become so dependent that you forget who you are.

8. Favorite quote or Bible verse.

“Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming…”

–Dory, Finding Nemo

9. If your story had a theme song, what would it be?

“Grey Street” by Dave Matthews.

http://www.vevo.com/watch/dave-matthews-band/grey-street/USRV80600149

10. Will you be continuing your journey in written form?

No, I’ve found my independence. I hope other service spouses gain strength from my story.

11. Is there anyone in your life (friend, family member) who will be sharing their life?

No, I don’t think anyone else I introduced you to will be sharing anytime soon. Perhaps one of my friends you haven’t met yet will. She and her husband have just moved to England on a military posting. They are having all sorts of adventures. Who knows? You might get to meet them.

 

The SRP Search: Dependent By Brenda Corey Dunner

Reading has always been a love and how I learned, experienced different worlds, and came to understand view points different from my own. Lately, I’ve put myself into a “reading box”, turning to the same types/genres of stories. I need to stretch myself more and experience something different…especially new and new to-me authors. This feeling of wanting something new along with the comfortable is that a big change is coming up in my life and I’m nervous. Scared. My youngest graduates high school next year and plans on going away for college. My middle child who’s been attending a local community college will also be leaving for a 4 year university next fall. My husband and I will be empty-nesters. That’s a huge change itself, but it will also be the first time that it’s just us…husband and wife.

When I graduated from high school, I joined the US Army and was stationed in Germany. I met my husband there and we got married overseas. A few weeks after we were married, Desert Shield (later turned into Desert Storm) happened. He was deployed to Saudi, and we section was to follow a few days later. Before I left, I discovered I was pregnant so remained in Germany. He returned home about three months before our daughter was born. The majority of our marriage has been us and children.

During this next year (school year), I want to step outside of my reading comfort world. Not that I will stop reading my favorites (mysteries), I just want to “live” through some new experiences in my books while I start navigating the ones in my real life.

I was drawn to the book Dependent when I heard about it on a board because I felt a kinship to the heroine. Ellen is also at a point where her life is starting over. Everything she knows is being changed and she has no say in the matter. She has to work through her heartbreak in a world than the one she was lived in. Below is the blurb that grabbed my attention and heart.

DEPENDENT by Brenda Corey Dunne: When 45-year-old Ellen Michaels loses her husband to a tragic military accident, she is left in a world of gray. For 25 years her life has been dictated by the ubiquitous They—the military establishment that has included her like chattel with John’s worldly goods—his Dependents, Furniture, and Effects. They—who have stolen her hopes, her dreams and her innocence, and now in mere months will take away the roof over her head. Ellen is left with nothing to hold on to but memories and guilt and an awful secret that has held her in its grip since she was 19. John’s untimely death takes away her anchor, and now, without the military, there is no one to tell her where to go, what to do—no one to dictate who she is. Dependent deals with issues ever-present in today’s service families—early marriage, frequent long absences, the culture of rank, and post traumatic stress, as well as harassment and abuse of power by higher-ranking officials. It presents a raw and realistic view of life for the lives of the invisible support behind the uniform.

 

Crafting Moment from Designed to Death

With March being National Craft Month, I’m featuring some crafting…and love of handmade item…moments from my novels. In this scene, Faith inadvertently asks Darlene to help her make class samples.

Excerpt: Darlene plopped herself down in the chair and pulled a blank card from the stack in front of me. “I’ll just use your black ink pad rather than getting another. No sense in wasting money.”

Of course not.

Darlene placed the stamp image onto an acrylic block then pressed the stamp image carefully into the ink. With care, she lined up the stamp and pushed down. Slowly, she lifted the stamp and revealed a clean, precise image on her first attempt.

I was impressed, not sarcastically either. Though, she should’ve bought the stamp first. Fortunately from her broad smile, I could tell she liked the image and the way she twisted and turned the card let me know it got her creative juices going.

She uncapped a navy blue marker.

“For an unofficial cropping, stamping session, you need to purchase the products first.”

Darlene frowned. “These are samples for the store which you requested. Teachers don’t pay for their supplies…”

“Depending on the class, teachers either get a discount or the product for free.” The free products were given when a company sent us free items to use to get an interest in their line. We didn’t allow teachers free reign over items in the store, especially a stamp that retailed at a little over ten dollars.

“Well then I should get the teacher discount. You did ask me to create a card.”

I did tell her to make her own, but it wasn’t because I wanted another sample. I wanted her to leave me alone. Instead of getting my wish, I had her help which might cost me a favor unless I gave her the stamp. Since I got personal items at cost, it would be cheaper for me to pay for the stamp and gift it to Darlene.

Though the thought of giving Darlene a gift made me want to shudder. She was the type of woman who made a worse friend than she did an enemy. I sighed dramatically so she’d get that I was annoyed. “Since this misunderstanding is my fault…”

Darlene made a noise of agreement.

“I’ll let you have the stamp…”

“And the markers.”

I frowned. These were the Copic markers. Expensive. “Don’t you have the full set?”

“But these would be for teaching only, not personal use.”

I tallied up the amount in my head. Still less expensive than owing Darlene a favor, and I had her occupied with something else than me helping her solve a crime. “And those three markers.”

“Good. While we’re working, I can tell you my plan on getting some evidence from Belinda’s house.”

I shook my head. “Don’t tell me. I’m not good at keeping secrets.”

Darlene rolled her eyes. “Of course you are. No one knows anything about your time out of Eden. Not one teeny, tiny hint of the scandal that forced you back home.”

“What makes you think I have a scandal?” I dropped the blue marker then wiped my hands on my jeans, hoping Darlene didn’t see the nervous gesture.

“You’re a woman. You don’t like to talk about yourself.” Darlene capped the marker and placed it on the table.

I appreciated the care Darlene treated the supplies with. Some croppers didn’t treat the store’s shared supplies as well as their own, or maybe it was the way they treated the stuff they owned and why they decided not to buy the more expensive brands or items and just used ours.

“Regardless of how much you admire my ability to keep quiet,” I said. “I’d rather not know your plans.”

Ted had a way of sneaking up on me and figuring out when I got the urge to investigate. I didn’t want to tell him what Darlene planned. While I wasn’t fond of the woman, tattling on her didn’t seem right. If she wanted to clear her name, which I couldn’t blame her for trying, who was I to stop her.

Blurb: Faith Hunter planned the perfect event at her grandmother’s shop, Scrap This, featuring local scrapbooker and Life Artist Diva, Belinda Watson. But the extravaganza goes up in a cloud of glitter when Belinda and her cousin, Darlene, brawl over scraplifted designs. Faith attempts to break it up, but only makes things worse. Then when Belinda turns up dead behind the Scrap This store, Faith’s involvement goes viral.

As accusations against her turn vicious, Faith sets out to prove her nemesis, Darlene, committed the crime, only to realize they are both innocent. Now they must team up or the murderer’s plan will come together seamlessly with the frenemies sharing a jail cell–or worse, a funeral.

Designed to Death is available in print, ebook, and audio. The book can be purchased at:

Mystery Loves Company (print)

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Itunes

Audible

Crafting Moment from Safe and Sound

With March being National Craft Month, I’m featuring some crafting…and love of handmade items…moments from my novels. In Safe and Sound, Hannah is drawn to venture inside a store that sells handmade goods.

Excerpt:

Hannah tugged open the door and stepped inside. A sense of calm filled her as she allowed the love used to make the items wrap around her. She smiled. She could live in the store. Reaching out, she trailed her fingers through the fringe of a cashmere scarf knitted in a mix of red and gold shades.

“Can I help you?”

Hannah gasped and spun around, pressing her gloved hand to her chest.

“I didn’t mean to scare you.” The woman looked her up and down then peered out the window. A frown developed on her wide face. “Are you hiding from someone? Do you think you saw the shooter from this morning? I’ll call the sheriff for you.”

Word sure did get around the small town quick. “A little rattled. Walking by your store, I saw all the lovely things and they called out to my heart. I had to come in and look and touch. I’m calmer already.” Hannah shoved her hands into her pocket. “I promise not to ruin anything.”

The woman smiled. “Don’t you worry none. Just noticed a busybody hovering outside and figured she was bugging you. Please take a look around. I’m Beverly, the owner. Are you looking for anything in particular?”

“The quilts and fabric caught my eye. Nothing says love like a beautiful handmade quilt.”

The woman beamed. “I have some made by a local artisan and a few others I picked up at some quilting shows. The quilts are all on the second floor. There’s a latch at the top of the stair gate, pull it up and it’ll open. Don’t forget to close it.”

Beverly started walking her to the staircase when the front bell jingled. A familiar looking young woman with brown hair stepped inside. The owner rolled her eyes. “Let me go see what Miss One-Thousand-Questions wants this time. Just call down to me if you’d like a closer look at any of the pieces hanging.”

“Thank you.”

Grasping the wooden rail, Hannah went up the stairs. When she reached the top, a gasp once again escaped her. Beauty left her awestruck. Slowly, she walked over to the first queen sized quilt hung on a large wooden hanger and drifted her gloved hand over the intricate hand-stitching on the front of the quilt. A precise line of stitches dipped and swirled over the soft pink and bright green shades of material, the fabric a mix of patterns and solid. A cream border surrounded the quilt.

Using her thumb and index finger, Hannah took hold of the edge of the quilt. She moved it forward on the rack. The next one was black and white with a red border in a contemporary style.

Hannah moved on to the next one. She fell in love. Navy blue and soft silvers complimented the winter scene of a cabin at night. The shimmery fabric used for the stars made the picture life-like. The artist used a silver, cotton fabric to create wisps of smoke coming from the chimney. Hannah could almost hear the fire crackling in the hearth. Smell the comfort of smoke wafting up the chimney.

Soft, almost buttery flannel backed the quilt. Yielding to temptation, Hannah raised a corner of the quilt and rubbed it across her cheek. It felt like home. Love. Safety.

The amount written on the price tag made her sigh. Out of her price point though it was worth every penny being asked. She stroked the fabric one more time and went to a rack with lap and crib-sized quilts. Maybe she’d be able to afford a smaller one. A lap quilt with a Christmas tree appliqué caught her eye. She lifted up the quilt and examined the tiny stitches used to puff out the ornaments. Beautiful.

The bell jingled.

Hannah smiled and gently released the quilt. She knew her husband would come after her.

Blurb:

The hope for a future for the broken begins in Mourning.

Four years ago while deployed, Connor’s new bride lost her way in a blizzard and the mountain claimed her. Grief-stricken and injured, Connor returned home to wrestle with guilt and begin life as a widower. When a woman’s body is uncovered, Connor learns his beloved was murdered…and the murderer has his sights on another woman. Connor’s past and present are pulled apart when the woman claims she’s Hannah.

The murderer who sent Hannah Stratford on the run has tracked her down. Now, the only way to stay alive is for Hannah to prove she didn’t die in a blizzard. Connor offers her safety and protection in his home, but keeps his heart guarded from her. Hannah wants more than to save her life. She wants Connor.

To read more of Hannah and Connor’s story, Safe and Sound can be found at:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Christianbook

Desert Breeze

This Spring, the New Beginnings series will be available in print.

Release Day: Far and Away, Book 5 New Beginnings Series

It’s a bittersweet day. Far and Away, the fifth book in the New Beginning Series is now available. Release days are always exciting but this one holds a tad bit of sadness as Far and Away is the last book in the series. I’ve enjoyed writing about these characters, and the town of Mourning, and am a little disheartened to have to say goodbye to the characters and the town. During the course of the series, the town of Mourning took on a greater role and in a way became its own character.

This last book features Priscilla Thorn and Edgar Fritz. Originally, the last book was going to feature a different heroine and an unknown at the time hero. But as it came time to write book five, I knew in my heart the story that needed told was Priscilla’s and Edgar’s. In a way, the series began with Priscilla Thorn and seemed fitting to end with her. I was thrilled that Gail, Editor-in-Chief, of Desert Breeze allowed me to change the story not just from the original heroine but also to feature an older couple. Older couples aren’t usually featured in romance, especially in romantic suspense, but this book had to be about Priscilla (62) and Edgar (70). I hope readers enjoy reading about a non-traditionally aged couple.

Blurb:

The hope of a future for the broken begins in Mourning.

Priscilla Thorn’s heart broke when her son killed his wife and now shatters when her son takes his own life. Priscilla’s grief-stricken soul finds little comfort knowing before he died, Samuel turned his life over to God. Priscilla believes for Samuel to receive forgiveness from the Heavenly Father, she must give it to Samuel’s earthly father…her abusive ex-husband.

Edgar Fritz is stunned when the woman he loves takes her dying ex-husband into her home. While Priscilla sees caring for her ex-husband as showing God’s love, Edgar believes Stephen will use the opportunity for revenge. Edgar risks losing Priscilla’s friendship by insisting the man hasn’t changed his ways and has come back to hurt her one last time.

Is Priscilla risking her life by insisting her ex-husband changed so the world — and God — will know her son had changed?

Excerpt:

Behind the coffin, the plain wooden cross stood tall and proud. Reminding Priscilla Thorn of all lost and then found when the Savior sacrificed His life on Earth so all had a chance for eternity in Heaven. All. Priscilla held that word tightly in her heart. All. The Lord promised it for all.

Priscilla clutched the single red rose. A thorn bit into her skin. Her son was gone from the Earth. Tears blurred her vision. She blinked to clear them from her eyes. The door to the sanctuary opened and a gust of wind skittered through the church. Strands of gray hair had escaped from the bun and hung down her back, fluttering toward her face. She tipped her neck back, hoping the wind God sent dried the tears on her face.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” a sweet voice broke into her thoughts.

Priscilla startled. Emma Haywood’s compassionate eyes meet hers. Emma squeezed Priscilla’s hand then slipped into the pew behind her.

“You came.” She didn’t know what else to say.

“Of course we would.” Sheriff Haywood’s voice rumbled from the doorway.

Priscilla pivoted in the seat and stared. Friends, neighbors, and the ones she hoped to see but already forgiven if they couldn’t, walked through the door.

“Sorry for interrupting, Pastor,” Sheriff Haywood said. “A car slid into the valley and delayed a lot of people as it got towed out.”

Hannah Stratford slid into the pew beside Emma. “Connor sends his condolences and regrets. They need his search and rescue skills, along with his dogs, to find the driver of the vehicle.”

Angelina Stratford took the vacant seat beside Priscilla while her husband Todd joined Emma and Hannah. “We decided it was best for Renee and the baby to stay at Connor and Hannah’s. Alex decided he needed to go help in the search so Jonas went with him.”

“I appreciate everyone making the trek to Mourning. This isn’t easy for your family.” Priscilla clutched the Bible to her chest, hoping it helped settle the roiling of her stomach and pounding heart.

“It isn’t for you either.” Angelina rested a comforting hand on top of Priscilla’s. “You were there for us in our grief. You took the anger Alex and Renee lashed out at you.”

“They needed somewhere for it to go.” Priscilla rubbed her fingers over the worn leather. “If I could’ve stopped it…”

“I knew that.” Angelina took hold of her hand. “Regardless of the fact Samuel took Melody’s life, he’s still your child. Your heart broke once when Melody died, and now it breaks again. We couldn’t let you go through that alone.”

Priscilla nodded, fighting back grateful tears. They had come. Her friends hadn’t forgotten her or allowed her son’s actions to keep them away when she needed them most.

One of the heavy weights on her shoulders slipped off, the other remained and skipped into her head as a situation played itself out. A car skidded into the valley. She had notified Stephen of the funeral.

Was her ex-husband the missing driver? Stephen drank during times of stress and this qualified. People changed. She had. Samuel had.

Buy Links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Desert Breeze Publishing

Celebrating Valentine’s Day: A Little Romance from Designed to Death

Thank you so much for spending time with me this weekend to help celebrate Valentine’s Day. This is my last celebration post and is from Designed to Death, the second book in the Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery series.

Designed to Death:

Blurb: Faith Hunter planned the perfect event at her grandmother’s shop, Scrap This, featuring local scrapbooker and Life Artist Diva, Belinda Watson. But the extravaganza goes up in a cloud of glitter when Belinda and her cousin, Darlene, brawl over scraplifted designs. Faith attempts to break it up, but only makes things worse. Then when Belinda turns up dead behind the Scrap This store, Faith’s involvement goes viral.

As accusations against her turn vicious, Faith sets out to prove her nemesis, Darlene, committed the crime, only to realize they are both innocent. Now they must team up or the murderer’s plan will come together seamlessly with the frenemies sharing a jail cell–or worse, a funeral.

Excerpt:

Steve’s lips turned up slightly. “I know this isn’t my business, but my advice is don’t trust Darlene again.”

I let out an unladylike snort. “There’s a warning I don’t need.”

“I’m thinking I should check your place tonight. I don’t like knowing Karen had the photographer following you around.”

This was one of my concerns of ‘officially’ dating Steve. He’d think it was his duty to protect me and look after me. I didn’t need looking after, or being told what was in my best interest. “She had him watching the store. Not me. I’ll be fine.”

Steve fought a frown.

I knew he meant well. And, I did like the fact he was annoyed with Karen. “It’s nice knowing I have someone I can count on. I kind of feel like I’m using you and I hate it.”

Steve faced me. “You can count on me. I’m here for you.”

“I know.”

Steve cupped my cheek. “That means a lot to me. I wish though you could trust me. I want the wall down between us.”

“There’s no wall.” I inched back, hating breaking the contact but also terrified of it. Butterflies had taken flight in my stomach and a heated feeling raced through me. Relying was enough at this point. I fooled myself for over a year, believing my only interest in Steve was in admiring him. One unexpected and soul-shattering kiss from Steve during my last “investigation” had me reconsidering my stance on no romantic entanglements ever. I still found myself wavering between forever single or trying again. Every guy wasn’t Adam.

“Don’t lie to me. Or yourself. You don’t mind talking as long as the conversation doesn’t steer toward defining what we are to each other.”

“You’re important to me. We’re friends.”

“I want more than just being your friend.”

I knew that. So did practically everyone else. I wanted more but then I didn’t. “You don’t want to be friends?” I gave him an innocent smile.

“I’d like more than friends.” Steve settled back into the driver’s seat. “If friends are all we’re meant to be, let me know. I’ll respect your decision.”

Why did I have to make a decision right now? I liked being friends and the flirting. Liked the will-we-or-won’t-we become an actual item aspect of our relationship. How long would Steve keep waiting for me to make some kind of declaration? Did he want the type of relationship I was satisfied with? What about Steve? Ted? Were all my confusing signals fair to him? Them?

Karen was making her intentions quite clear. So was Steve. He wanted a real relationship. Get married someday. Have children. Steve was a great guy. Successful. Nice. Considerate. Honorable. Hot. I couldn’t blame Karen. I’m surprised there weren’t a few more women trying to win his heart.

He deserved more than my insecurities. Heck, I deserved more than my insecurities and allowing Adam control of my life. People made decisions all the time and changed their minds. I married Adam, realized the huge error of that choice, and got it annulled. If I could alter that, I could decide to edit my rule about no more romantic relationships ever. Life should be more than living from guilt. Everyone made mistakes and deserved forgiveness. Including from myself to myself.

I undid the seatbelt and gave into the impulsive thought zipping through my head. Kneeling on the passenger seat, I leaned over the console separating me from Steve. I placed my hands on his shoulder for balance and kissed him. Good. I wanted him to know I was interested. Very interested in him.

Steve’s hand tangled in my hair, encouraging me. My blood was getting way too heated considering our location, a parked car near Scrap This. I did not want to be caught by Ted, or anyone else, making out in a car behind Home Brewed.

“Thank you.” I whispered the words onto his lips before pulling back. “I should go.”

I needed to tread carefully. Not for my sake, not because I viewed all men as untrustworthy, but I didn’t want to break Steve’s heart. He didn’t deserve it. When I made a commitment to him, I wanted to jump into it with my whole mind, heart, and soul. Not holding anything back.

*****

If you’re interested in reading Faith’s adventure, Cropped to Death is available at:

Mystery Loves Company (print copies)

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Apple

Audible

Celebrating Valentine’ Day: A Little Romance from Cropped to Death

Today, I’m wrapping up my celebration of Valentine’s Day with excerpts from my Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery series published by Henery Press. The first one is from Cropped to Death.

Cropped to Death:

Blurb: Former US Army JAG specialist, Faith Hunter, returns to her West Virginia home to work in her grandmothers’ scrapbooking store determined to lead an unassuming life after her adventure abroad turned disaster. But her quiet life unravels when her friend is charged with murder, and Faith inadvertently supplied the evidence.

So Faith decides to cut through the scrap and piece together what really happened. With a sexy prosecutor, a determined homicide detective, a handful of sticky suspects and a crop contest gone bad, Faith quickly realizes if she’s not careful, she’ll be the next one cropped.

Excerpt:

At least I didn’t think so. I didn’t want anyone control-ling or managing my life for me. I’d make my own decisions, good and bad. I needed support, not advice. Well-meaning or not.

“I won’t be used.” Steve walked around the desk and stood behind his office chair, the desk a barrier between us.

“I’m not…” The remainder of the sentence stuck in my throat. The intensity in Steve’s fathomless brown eyes rendered me silent.

He leaned forward, never breaking eye contact. “Your grandmothers raved about you and I was intrigued. When I saw you the first time, I knew I wanted to get to know you better. But you were reserved, leery of me and everyone else, except for Cheryl and Hope. I didn’t know why, but I knew you needed space. I respected that.”

“I appreciated that.”

For the first few months, he treaded carefully around me and my grandmothers, not wanting to force himself into my life. It was hard as my grandmothers had depended on him for so long and he was a part of their life. I liked having a hot guy around. He was wonderful to look at and having my grandmothers’ focus on him gave me the breathing room I needed.

He offered friendship. I accepted it. Even added in some harmless flirting. It was nice knowing a handsome man found me attractive. Steve was safe. He never crossed the line I drew, which was both disappointing and a huge relief.

“I apologize for overstepping your boundaries,” Steve said. “I never intended for my concern to come across as controlling. Your grandmothers wanted you safe. I wanted you safe, and like most males, figured if physical harm came from your investigating, I could handle that better than you.”

“I know you meant well.” I twisted my fingers in the hem of my shirt. Steve and I never had a conversation like this. We hinted around about our feelings and joked with each other. I wasn’t sure how I felt about laying it all out like this. Or at least Steve doing it. My contribution so far was clichéd one-liners.

“I want you to need me, Faith, because you need me. I want you to want me, Faith, because you want me.”

“I don’t think you understand me,” I croaked out. “I want you in my life. Need you.”

With each word I said, Steve walked closer. “I don’t think you understand me.”

Steve wrapped an arm around my back and pulled me closer. His mouth settled over mine. Shocked, I remained still except for my trembling knees, threatening not to hold up my weight. Not a real problem as one of Steve’s arms tightened around me while the other hand trailed up my back and cupped the back of my head.

My hands inched their way from his chest, to his shoulders, then clasped around his neck, increasing the pres-sure of his mouth on mine. Reality was so much better than fantasy. Steve’s lips left mine and disappointed swelled in me. The feeling left when his fingers tangled into my hair and he dropped a feather-light kiss onto my cheek.

“Steve…” I breathed his name.

He cradled my head to his chest. “When you come to the place where you’re ready to trust again, Faith, let me know.”

*****

If you’re interested in reading Faith’s adventure, Cropped to Death is available at:

Mystery Loves Company (print copies)

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Apple

Audible

Celebrating Valentine’s Day: Romance Scene from Safe and Sound

In continuing the celebration of Valentine’s Day, I’ll be posting a romance scene books three and four of the New Beginning series today. This excerpt is from the third book in the series, Safe and Sound.

Safe and Sound:

Blurb: The hope for a future for the broken begins in Mourning.

Four years ago while deployed, Connor’s new bride lost her way in a blizzard and the mountain claimed her. Grief-stricken and injured, Connor returned home to wrestle with guilt and begin life as a widower. When a woman’s body is uncovered, Connor learns his beloved was murdered…and the murderer has his sights on another woman. Connor’s past and present are pulled apart when the woman claims she’s Hannah.

The murderer who sent Hannah Stratford on the run has tracked her down. Now, the only way to stay alive is for Hannah to prove she didn’t die in a blizzard. Connor offers her safety and protection in his home, but keeps his heart guarded from her. Hannah wants more than to save her life. She wants Connor.

Excerpt:

Hannah opened the car door, braced her hand on the door handle, and turned her waist. Her legs remained frozen. Sweat coated her hand and her lungs burned. The air remained locked tight.

What was happening? She tried exhaling but the air refused to leave. She heard her small, painful gasps.

“Hannah?” Connor was at her side. “What’s wrong?”

She couldn’t talk. All she managed was looking into his eyes. Tears trickled down her face.

“I should’ve known it was too soon.” Connor cupped her cheeks with his hands and wiped away the tears. “Let’s go back home.”

No. She wanted people seeing her. Knowing her. Remembering her. The more people who knew about her, the safer she’d be. David might kill her but at least her death wouldn’t go undiscovered… like Kitty. Not once had Kitty’s family looked for her. They didn’t miss their daughter.

Then again, neither did her parents. The tears raced down her face.

Without a word, Connor gathered her into his arms and caressed her back and hair. “This is too much. Too soon. They’ll be plenty of days to try again.”

Once again it felt like Hannah couldn’t breathe. This time it was desire causing the turmoil in her lungs. She melted into his embrace, seeking not just comfort but warmth. The heat from his body started her pulse racing. She felt his heart beat against her chest. Hannah wound her arms around his neck and pulled herself closer. Heat raced through her and a deep craving for her husband.

One of Connor’s hands roamed down her back, settling on her hip and the other stroked her cheek.

She lifted her chin and stared into his eyes. His hazel eyes smoldered. He read her desire. Her wish. Even better, the same wish shone in his eyes. Hannah stretched her neck, seeking out his lips.

He lowered his head the last few inches and made her simple dream come true. He kissed her, a tender feathering of his lips on hers. Sensations long buried awoke in her body. She trembled and a yearning filled her.

Hannah gripped the front of Connor’s jacket and kissed him back. Harder. Demanding. She wanted her husband’s touch to overpower the bad memories. Sweet and heated moments from their honeymoon filled her mind. Her body reacted. Moaning, she deepened the kiss.

Connor braced his arms on her shoulders and pushed away, breaking their contact.

A whimper escaped from Hannah. She grabbed Connor and tugged him back, not ready for the end of the kiss. She needed more from her husband.

“Don’t,” Connor said.

The simple word felt like a slap. She recoiled. Hannah dipped her head. Shame rushed through her. What had she been thinking? Throwing herself at a man who wasn’t sure she was his wife?

Connor caught her hand, his thumb on her pulse and used his other hand to tip her chin up. Desire shone in his eyes.

“Some acts shouldn’t have an audience.” Connor sounded out of breath.

Happiness danced through Hannah. He wanted her. She hoped with all her heart those words meant he believed her, not just a physical reaction to a woman’s passionate kiss.

*****

If you’d like to read Hannah and Connor’s story, Safe and Sound is available at:

Amazon

Christianbook

Barnes and Noble

Available in print this spring.