IWSG Wednesday

The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

Thanks, as always, to Alex Cavanaugh, founder and Ninja Captain extraordinaire and our awesome co-hosts.

The IWSG monthly question can be found under the IWSG Sign-up tab on the Insecure Writer's Support Group Blog.

April 1 question - The IWSG’s focus is on our writers. Each month, from all over the globe, we are a united group sharing our insecurities, our troubles, and our pain. So, in this time when our world is in crisis with the covid-19 pandemic, our optional question this month is: how are things in your world? 

As many of you know, the stars have not beeen aligned in our family in the past few months, but I'm happy to report there are no new health issues and the fam is on the mend.  No COVID 19. Knock on wood. We're still standing! :)

AND...What I've been reading. 

HUNDRED DOLLAR BILL by Sherry Morris

Mountain girl joins secret service.

Several years back Chloe Lambert saved the president from drowning so when she comes down from the mountains and wants to join the secret service the president endorses her. Chloe’s new job brings her up close and personal to the first family, a ring of counterfeiters, a handsome agent and several madcap characters. Pure entertainment, especially for those that enjoy reads set in the 1940s. Order here.

THOUSAND DOLLAR PHARAOH by Sherry Morris

Zany suspense.

Chloe Lambert is a secret service agent on the trail of a counterfeiter who takes her to Egypt, England and then back to the U.S. Her character is reminiscent of Lucille Ball and brings levity to this 1940’s suspense novel. The author has captured the time period in both her language, setting and issues of the day. A fun read, especially for history buffs and those that enjoy humor sprinkled in with their romantic suspense. Order here. 

THE ADVENTURES OF HARRY PUTTER by Judy and Keith

A delightful romp on the green.

Evelyn is spoiled, rich and trash talks a lot of T and A. To balance the equation, she is also smart and has a gift for golf. Harry is poor but gifted and is determined to be a successful pro golfer. He’s a character that is likeable from the beginning. There is plenty of adventure and witty conversation to hold the readers interest. Golf lovers especially will enjoy this romp across the green. The authors’ knowledge of the game comes through in the story. Order here.

GABE’S GUARDIAN ANGEL By Beverly Stowe McClure

Short Blurb/Review. This story touches on two very real problems young people face today: bullying and suicide. It takes a tough subject and handles it in a positive, uplifting way. A must read for teens and tweens. 

Full review: Fifteen-year-old Gabe has his problems. He’s overweight and dyslexic. If that’s not enough, now he’s being bullied. 

Gabe is in a new school. His clumsiness and his dyslexia have made him self-conscious and he makes no attempt to gain friends. When he starts getting bullied and one of the tormenters suggests suicide, he takes the suggestion seriously.

That’s when his guardian angel steps in. He’s nothing like any celestial being Gabe has ever imagined. He has no wings and wears a straw hat and cowboy boots. With help from Charley—his angel—and his family, he begins to realize that not only is he someone that has a lot to offer others, but just maybe his bullies do as well.

The author has taken two difficult topics and turned them into a story with a positive message and a happy ending. A recommended read for teens, tweens and adults.  My favorite line: “Life is tough. So is our family.” Words to live by. Order here. 

ABOUT US by Elizabeth Seckman

Hayden Matthews is coming out of an abusive relationship and failed marriage. Cam Vorelli has loved her all his life. Unfortunately, it was his cousin she ended up marrying. But now that she’s free, maybe this will be a second chance for both of them.

In this story, as in her other books, the author nails her characters and their emotions. She leaves the reader feeling that that he/she could step into the pages and carry on a conversation with the protagonist and his/her associates. She takes a difficult subject—spousal abuse—and puts it in a perspective people can relate with. Order here.

BORN OF CHAOS by Jeff DeMarco
This book picks up where INTO ARMAGEDDON left off.  It’s a well-written thriller than crosses several genres including apocalyptic sci fi and military fiction. The author takes terrifying subjects and make them believable. Such as: Do scientists finally overextend themselves and create their own end? Do some religious fanatics get so focused on their cause they forget their humanity and destroy anything and anyone that doesn’t agree with them? Find the answers in this chilling, heavily researched thriller.

Warning. Like most military fiction there is violence. This is not a stand-alone. You will want to read the first book in the series before diving into this one. Order here.

Happy April Fools' Day.

Friday's Good Read

Beverly has a new young adult book out that involves a guardian angel, a bully and a possible suicide. Take a peak.

Blurb:

Gabe Montana's clumsy. He's overweight, and he's dyslexic. Worse yet,

the bullies make his fifteen-year-old life even more miserable-so

miserable he wants to die.Charley, his guardian angel, says no to that

idea, and comes up with a different plan.

Short Excerpt:

As Gabe moseyed over to join Charley, he mumbled under his breath

 trying to figure out if angels truly existed or if his imagination had gone

wild, "I may be slow with my studies, and I may not spell cat and

other words correctly, but I am sure of one thing. Charley, except for

his cowboy boots and hat, looks ethereal, the way Mr. Smith described

the boy in my painting. What exactly does 'ethereal' mean, however?

Not human, right? So, angel works."

Bio:

Most of the time you'll find Beverly Stowe McClure at her computer, typing

stories young voices whisper in her ears. When she's not writing, she's snapping

pictures of wildlife, flowers, and clouds. Or else she's playing with her two

kitties and one doggy. She's sometimes known as the "Bug Lady." She's not

telling why.

Congrats, Beverly.

IWSG Wednesday

The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

Thanks, as always, to Alex Cavanaugh, founder and Ninja Captain extraordinaire and our awesome co-hosts.

The IWSG optional monthly question can be found under the IWSG Sign-up tab on the Insecure Writer's Support Group Blog.

Book Reads

Last month I had the pleasure of a sneak peak at Beverly Stowe McClure's GABE'S GUARDIAN ANGEL. I don't want to give anything away since it's not yet released, though it is available for preorder at Amazon. Just let me say, you are in for a reading treat. 

And for another holiday pleasure stop by tomorrow for information on J.Q. Rose's new release, YOUR  LIFE STORY.  You're going to love it. It will make a purrfect gift for those on your Christmas list who are hard to buy for.

Read last month: Indie author Joe Congel's DEADLY PASSION .   This one's for the gumshoe aficionados out there. A great read, with a chilling twist.

Currently reading: Good bud and Queen of Prehistorics, Jacqui Murray's: BORN IN A TREACHEROUS TIME. If you like Xhosa, I recommend that you give Lucy a spin.