Author Archives: Gail

Star of Wonder

Posted on by
Reply

Star of Wonder

When I was a child, Christmas meant three things: Santa, pictures, and a tree.

Santa was easy—the Sears catalogue was handed around to each child in turn, and we could choose three items: one toy, one game, and one other thing. That one other thing could be clothes—although it rarely was—or something fun like a toboggan or ice skates.

The picture-taking ritual happened on Christmas Eve as we hung our stockings, a solemn procession to the mantel, posing with stockings in hand. We went into the living room with stockings in hand and exited empty-handed. And on Christmas morning, the tradition was repeated, except this time we entered with nothing in our hands to discover a treasure trove of gifts.

The tree was a mysterious part of our ritual. First it went up, then it was tied to hooks in the wall so it wouldn’t tip over, then the star went on top. It was a wonderful creation, although its condition declined over the years as the heavy foil nicked and chipped. In front of the star, a simple blonde-haired, blue-eyed angel, whose pink lips faded with the years and the forty-watt bulb that lit it from inside.

No matter how bent the star or how tired-looking the cherub, nothing could diminish the wonder of staring at the top of a tree that seemed ready to burst through the ceiling, listening to Christmas music on the radio while we hung the ornaments and tinsel.

I could just about imagine that my father managed to capture the same star that led the shepherds and wise men to Bethlehem on that first Christmas morning so long ago.

Star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to that Perfect Light.

 Petty Cash prelim coverAbout Petty Cash:

Carly Turnquist, forensic accountant, is headed off for another mystery. She and hubby Mike head to Cape Cod as emotional support for their daughter Denise and her dentist husband Don who finds himself in the middle of a potential practice dissolution. But when their host fails to make an appearance, and a tropical storm blows through the area, things are topsy-turvy. Then when their host’s body washes ashore, Don is suspected. After all, they’d had several arguments witnessed by a number of people. Can Carly figure out who the real killer is before her son-in-law is shanghaied into a life sentence?

About Leeann:

Leeann Betts is still a child at heart when it comes to Christmas. She Leeann Betts writes contemporary suspense, while her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, pens historical suspense. She has released six titles in her cozy mystery series, By the Numbers, with Petty Cash releasing in aaaLeeann Betts_02 croppedDecember. In addition, Leeann has written a devotional for accountants, bookkeepers, and financial folk, Counting the Days, and with her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, has published a book on writing, Nuggets of Writing Gold, a compilation of essays, articles, and exercises on the craft. She publishes a free quarterly newsletter that includes a book review and articles on writing and books of interest to readers and writers. You can subscribe at www.LeeannBetts.com or follow Leeann at www.AllBettsAreOff.wordpress.com All books are available on Amazon.com in digital and print, and at Smashwords.com in digital format.

Website: www.LeeannBetts.com Receive a free ebook just for signing up for our quarterly newsletter.

Blog: www.AllBettsAreOff.wordpress.com

Facebook: http://bit.ly/1pQSOqV

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1qmqvB6

Books: Amazon http://amzn.to/2dHfgCE and Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2z5ecP8

 

 

 

Root Canals and Crowns and Christmas…

Posted on by
4

Today a lowly tooth underwent a transformation–a very pleasant, welcome change for me. Last Friday, I had a root canal. We often use this experience as an example of the WORST, but the surgery truly was the best, relieving unrelenting pain. And today, the saved tooth received a protective covering known as a crown.

20171222_084330

What a process, and with the help of the friendly folks at Burgmeier Dentistry, I chronicled some of the steps.

20171222_084439

A myriad of required tools20171222_091446plus precision, patience,

20171222_083753

skill and experience (thank you, Doctor KYLE!!!)

20171222_090500

some intense heat…

20171222_094308

and voila! a perfect fit and the ability to eat normally again.

20171222_091533

What does this have to do with World War II or the Christmas season? For one thing, I really enjoyed chatting with the staff today, several of whom have a great interest in the forties era.

And of course, Gratitude for GOD WITH US…no matter what we’re experiencing.

I’m so thankful for the sacrifices of thousands during the era of my novels, sacrifices to ensure our nation’s freedom and future. And Christmas? This holiday focuses on a priceless gift, with gratitude at its very heart.

20171221_130603

May your celebration this year be deeply meaningful and filled with peace. 

“Johnny Come Lately”

Posted on by
4

I’m excited to welcome Linda Matchett to Dare To Bloom, because she loves the World War II era–a kindred spirit! By leaving a comment, you qualify for a free e-book copy of A Doctor In the House.

Linda, tell us about your new Christmas historical fiction. 

Countless books and articles have been written about the cozy relationship between Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt during WWII, however their troops didn’t always enjoy the same chummy feeling.

The two world leaders had known each other since Churchill was First Sea Lord at the Admiralty, and recognizing that Britain’s combined military strength was greater than America’s, Roosevelt cultivated relations with England by inviting the King and Queen for a U.S. visit in the late 1930s. After the war began and against the wishes of his isolationist-leaning citizens, Roosevelt continued to develop the friendship by creating the Lend-Lease program to provide supplies to his unofficial allies.

The desire for neutrality and not “getting involved in a war that isn’t ours” was strong. Then one day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Germany declared war on the U.S., and the country was forced into the conflict fighting on two fronts.

After a period of training, many of the American troops assigned to stations around the world encountered condescension and hostility from the British. Nicknames such as “Johnny-come-lately” and comments such as “late to the last war and late to this one” greeted the new arrivals in 1942. British morale was low, and the soldiers were poorly paid and bedraggled. In contrast, the Americans were well-paid, wore brand-spanking new uniforms, and had access to goods and equipment unavailable to the English. The catch-phrase describing the “Yanks” was “overpaid, over sexed and over here.” The Americans didn’t help matters by complaining about the food, weather, and a country they considered old-fashioned.

However, nothing erases prejudice like exposure, and authorities embedded British and American troops into each other’s units, improving relations dramatically. According to one American soldier, “When you fight with them and next to them they are really all right.” The British agreed. One Tommy commented he worked with “a very nice set of fellows indeed.”

By Linda Shenton Matchett

The Hope of ChristmasA Doctor in the House (part of The Hope of Christmas collection): Emma O’Sullivan is one of the first female doctors to enlist after President Franklin Roosevelt signs the order allowing women in the Army and Navy medical corps. Within weeks, Emma is assigned to England to set up a convalescent hospital, and she leaves behind everything that is familiar. When the handsome widower of the requisitioned property claims she’s incompetent and tries to get her transferred, she must prove to her superiors she’s more than capable. But she’s soon drawn to the good-looking, grieving owner. Will she have to choose between her job and her heart?

Archibald “Archie” Heron is the last survivor of the Heron dynasty, his two older brothers having been lost at Dunkirk and Trondheim and his parents in the Blitz. After his wife is killed in a bombing raid while visiting Brighton, he begins to feel like a modern-day Job. To add insult to injury, the British government requisitions his country estate, Heron Hall, for the U.S. Army to use as a hospital. The last straw is when the hospital administrator turns out to be a fiery, ginger-haired American woman. She’s got to go. Or does she?

Buy Link: Available from www.amazon.com/dp/B077656725

linda-e

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, journalist, blogger, and history geek. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and a trustee for her local public library.

 

Joys of Christmas Past

Posted on by
5

Last week our community held a gathering for people to share their Christmas memories–some ninety-plus year-olds joined us. Can you imagine remembering the Pearl Harbor attack being reported in a radio news flash? 

Here’s a photo of my first Christmas. Before Charles Schulz cried the phrase, “Charlie Brown Christmas tree,” my brother and I posed beside one. In this 1951 photo, we look pleased and proud of our find along one of the ditches bordering our farm.

 

Cutler Old Picts

Mom looks happy, too, with the war over and never a hungry moment on the farm, like those she’d survived in her Depression-laced youth.

The war had ended five and a half years earlier, and good times were on the upswing. If you lent yourself to back-breaking farm work, you could make it. If anybody can identify the auto in the background, I’d like to know the year and make. Behind the tree sits Grandpa’s green Ford farm truck.

Like most children, my brother and I knew only the present: a loving mother, a hard-working dad, a roof over our heads, food and clothing. No fear for the future, no sense of the past…only this present moment in time.

Release Day

Posted on by
3

I’m researching my next novel deep in the heart of the Philippines, but pausing today to celebrate the release of A PURPOSE TRUE, the culmination of Addie and Kate’s story. My order of the new book is scheduled to arrive today, so I will post a picture of me hugging the UPS or FED EX delivery person, if at all possible.

Thanks to everyone who follows my work and encourages me in this writing endeavor. Seventy-six years ago on this day, the United States suffered great loss at Pearl Harbor and entered a long and costly war. I hope to keep people remembering what our ancestors contributed to the effort to halt the outbreak of evil across the world.

And as you follow Kate and Domingo through Southern France in their work for the Resistance, may you sense their growth through trial and tribulation–and the blossoming of their mutual commitment.

Today I’m visiting The Over Fifty Writer, where you may leave a comment for the giveaway of an e-book copy of A Purpose True and learn more about my long journey to this momentous day. http://www.pattishene.com/theover50writer/504

 

Cover_APuroseTrue01 w author headshot

Playing in the Minor Leagues

Posted on by
2

Recently I’ve gotten to know Rhoda Preston, my neighbor. Even though she has a lot on her platter, as you’ll see here, she always has a smile for me when she’s working at her desk, and she keeps her door open. 

One commenter here will win a copy of Rhoda’s recently published non-fiction book about the Old Testament Minor Prophets, Playing In The Minor Leagues. The title alone makes me want to read this–and it would also make a good gift for someone interested in the scriptures.  

playing in the minor leagues cover

The Rev. Dr. Rhoda Preston is a United Methodist pastor, author, and former preschool editor at the United Methodist Publishing House. Her most recent book, Playing in the Minor Leagues: A Look at the Minor Prophets, explores what the twelve Old Testament minor prophets (Hosea through Malachi) can teach us about the essential game of life. How did they address God’s major concerns for the world? How might their insights strike home with us today? Each prophet is presented in easy-to-understand fashion, placing each into historical context, providing in-depth commentary, and showing connections with New Testament Scriptures. Each chapter includes discussion questions for group study. Copies of the book are available on Amazon, in both paperback and Kindle editions. Additional articles on the prophets can be found on her blog, rhodapreston.com, and on her Pinterest page at https://www.pinterest.com/rhodaepreston/playing-in-the-minor-leagues-minor-prophets/.

Several years ago, during the Christmas season—in celebration of the wise men who followed a star to Bethlehem–our congregation introduced the tradition of “Star Gifts.” A Star Gift is simply a paper star with a word written on it. During our worship service, ushers pass Star Gifts to the congregation using our traditional offering plates. Instead of placing something into the offering plate, everyone is invited to reach in and take a star.

“Don’t intentionally choose a star,” we’re told. “Just reach in and grab one. Consider the word on that star to be God’s gift to you for the coming year. Take the Star Gift home and hang it up where you are sure to see it every day. Each time you glance at the star, ponder the significance that word might have in your life, and how God might be speaking to you and guiding you through that word.”

Every star in the offering plate contains a different word. It might be imagination or strength, courage or forgiveness, honesty or flexibility, integrity, humor, humility, hopefulness, peace….

Since I serve as the pastor of two separate congregations, I received two Star Gifts this past year. One said “Listening.” The other said “Helping.” I took the stars to my office, posted them on my bulletin board, right next to my calendar. Each morning I pray: “Lord, in everything I do today, give me a listening heart and helping hands. For You are a God who listens and helps, and I want to follow You.”

Sometimes my schedule can get so busy, so hectic. And when folks stop by my office, I may seem pre-occupied. “I hate to bother you…” they’ll say. And that’s when I realize: it’s time to stop what I’m doing and give this person my full attention. It’s time to listen carefully, and to help as best I can. God doesn’t want me to treat people as interruptions. God has given me the gift of just enough time, and the ability to make a difference. And I am so grateful, Wise and Generous God, for that gift!

Don and me (2)

You can enjoy more of Rhoda’s writing at her blog, rhodapreston.com

 

 

 

A NOVEL IDEA! Kathy Cretsinger

Posted on by
14

What a creative way to co-write a story, Kathy–enjoy this, everyone. AND, Kathy, who is also founder of Mantle Rock Publishing, is giving away either a print or ebook of Smoky Mountain Brides. Just leave a comment to qualify. 

In 2012 I could borrow Martin Luther King’s words, “I have a dream.” I’m afraid my dream was not the same as his. I had a dream to publish a book, and I did. Since I told a class at a conference that no one would tell me I couldn’t do anything, I was not going to be defeated in publishing my book. That was all I wanted to do, publish my books. That changed rather quickly. Before long I was publishing for other authors.

 

Back in 2012 I saw that new authors were having problems in getting their book published. The larger publishing companies were cutting back on manuscripts, and most authors didn’t want to self-publish. That’s where we stepped in to offer them something that was from a small publisher. Mantle Rock Publishing LLC publishes from twelve to fifteen books a year. Our goal for 2018 is for twenty books. We’ve opened a new line of Fantasy/Speculative books, and one Fantasy will go out in February.

The Fantasy line is in addition to our Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Cozy Mysteries, and Romantic Suspense. We will have our plate full. We hope to be able to publish all of the books within six months of a signed contract.

My real dream had always been about writing. When my kids were small I’d tell them stories about growing up in a cave with a dinosaur as my pet. Our oldest went to school and told her teacher the story. The teacher promptly told my child that it was a story. She emphatically told her that her mother didn’t lie.

I love putting words on paper and have since elementary school. I love developing a story. That’s how Smoky Mountain Brides came about. I wondered if two girls who were best friends since childhood could plan a wedding at Christmas on the same weekend.

Christmas-BridesPam Watts Harris agreed to collaborate with me and the two stories of Kayla and Becki came to life. Two girls who lived in different parts of the state became engaged at the same time and each wanted the other to be their bride’s maid/matron of honor. They had different lifestyles, different thoughts of their wedding, but basically the same values. This is how we did it.

Kayla was Pam’s main character. Pam wrote her book until we got to the wedding. Becki was my main character, and I did the same as Pam. We swapped manuscripts toward the end, made sure we had everything right. We each wrote our wedding scene, and then we put them together. It wasn’t that difficult. It was a lot of fun.

Our website is mantlerockpublishingllc.com and you can click on the blog for a pop-up to sign up for my newsletter. We also do a podcast each Monday. Our books can be bought on Amazon.com. You can purchase Smoky Mountain Brides at https://www.amazon.com/Smoky-Mountain-Brides-Katt-Anderson-ebook/dp/B075QQLKW6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1508946988&sr=1-1&keywords=Smoky+Mountain+Brides

Thanks Gail for having me on your blog.

Recipes and Baking Mixes and…

Posted on by
Reply

Good evening, friends. My husband sent me this e-mail when he saw me barely navigating the world this morning:  24067841_10154896266161861_5658206082048030083_n

This means it’s a headache day for me, and though these fall and winter pains are no surprise and I know it’s due to the barometric pressure changing, it’s nice to see it in blue and white. This would be why I feel SO much better in the mountains.

Now, at nearly six p.m., I’m able to do some work at the computer, but earlier, about the only thing I could manage was baking. With the holidays coming up, that’s a good idea. And next Monday night, we’re having a JOYS OF CHRISTMAS PAST gathering for folks to share their holiday memories–a perfect day for me to get a head start.

20171125_122851

 

This new recipe surprised me. It truly took about an hour from start to finish, and the final goodies look tempting. My daughter and granddaughter stopped in later and put their seal of approval on the taste.

Since this was such a success, I’ll share the super-simple recipe:

Mix together 1 pkg red velvet cake mix, 6 tbsp melted margarine, and 2 large eggs. You might have to add a little extra flour to make these into 40-60 balls, depending on the size you choose. I like small, because they puff up and look downright cute.

Dip the balls in a mixture of 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1/2 teas. cornstarch. stirred. Place on greased sheet and bake 8-9 minutes at 375 degrees.They’re ready to eat when they exit the oven – enjoy using these for your holiday guests.

Of course, I had to do a little research on cake mixes…were they available to my World War II characters? Surprisingly, on December 10, 1930, John D. Duff of Pittsburgh applied for U.S. patent no. 1,931,892, thereby birthing the first baking mix (for gingerbread). It’s interesting to read more, seems his company needed to use up lots of molasses…

Anyway, there you have it. A new recipe, and some baking history, to boot.

 

The Desire Accomplished…

Posted on by
1

is sweet to the soul.” Ahh…part of a favorite verse from Proverbs 13.

Today I’m announcing the release date for A Purpose True – December 7, 2017, in remembrance of the Pearl Harbor attack that launched the United States into World War II.

This release signifies a desire accomplished. I hope readers find satisfaction in the conclusion of this story, and enjoy re-entering this complicated era. Thank you so much for waiting with me. Here’s the purchase link:

This trailer, made for the prequel’s audiobook, actually fits so well with A Purpose True, I’m sharing it again..
And here’s the cover – at last, a face for Kate!
APT square