Thursday, April 19, 2018

The True Pain of #War by @AuthorTinaGayle #Soldiers #Vets



On a lonely bluff located near a grove of trees is a sight that touches one’s heart and leaves it bleeding. A cemetery is a place of remembrance and a final resting place for those we have loved, respected, and have lost. This particular one reminds us all of the pains of war. As a Civil War Cemetery, it has graves of soldiers who died while fighting. Yet, the vast majority of men buried here have only UNKNOWN on their headstone.

The sheer heartache of seeing these markers is a cruel reminder of the misery that their families suffered when losing a son on the battlefields. Their relatives never knew what happened to them. Where they were buried or how exactly they died.

Can you image sending your son off to fight and never having him come home? His wife not being able to mourn over his grave. His kids having to responses to questions as to where their father might be with, “He went off to fight and never returned. We don’t know what happened to him.”

The pain of not knowing is a crushing burden to have to deal with. This is why war of any kind is so crushing for us. No matter which side a person might fight in a conflict. Their family walks with them onto the battlefield, praying that no matter whether they are victorious or not they will return home.

This is one of the reason people from the south want to hold onto their civil war monuments. Not as a symbol of oppression of a race but as a remembrance of family and friends that were lost. The memorials show the spirit to pay the ultimate price for a cause. Right or wrong, these men’s deaths spread pain across the country that is still being felt when you glance at a soldier’s gravestone that reads. UNKNOWN.


Friday, April 13, 2018

Titillating Teaser by @AuthorTinaGayle - Summer's Growth #Ghost #Spirits #Haunting

What if we had family spirits that guided our lives?


In Summer's Growth, Amber Harrison is given the opportunity to become the Winston family keeper. She runs the family trust and lives in the family home.


Problem is she has to prove herself by solving a two hundred year old mystery.


The family spirits try to help her find the answers to the disappearance of her great, great, great, great, grandmother. Yet, there are forces which don't want her to find the answer. Luckily, the ghost of her grandmother is helping and saves Amber's life on more than one occasion.


Can Amber solve the mystery or will those who don't want the mystery revealed kick her out of her new job permanently by killing her?


Excerpt -

Mattie raised her chin as if ready to receive the blow. The resistance in her eyes warned of the fireworks to come. “Amber isn’t a stranger. She’s part of the family.”

Heedless of the danger, Cynthia forged ahead. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Having forgotten Josh, Amber jumped at the sound of his voice. “Mom, don’t you remember? Amber told us she’s part of the Winston family tree.”

Locked in combat with Mattie, Cynthia didn’t shift her gaze away from her sister. “I believe there’s more to it. Would you care to tell us the rest of the story, Mattie?”

She shrugged. “I have decided to name Amber as heir to the estate.”

Stunned, questions shot through Amber’s head like bullets. What? Did Winston Manor really belong to Mattie? Then who was Jonathan? And why did he write...

Cynthia jumped to her feet and screamed at the top of her lungs. “What in the hell do you think you’re doing? The estate is locked up in a trust fund.”

She threw her napkin on the table and slammed her hand down over it. “You idiot, just because this girl claims to be part of the family is no reason to award her the estate. We’re talking about my family legacy too.”

The sheer fury resonating from Cynthia’s body frightened Amber. Were the two sisters about to rumble?

“You have no right to hand it over to her or anyone else.” Cynthia pointed her finger at Mattie and continued with her tirade. “If you don’t want to be in charge of the trust fund, let Josh handle it. We’re your closest living relatives.”

The color drained from Mattie’s face, but she remained composed. “I’m sorry, but my mind is made up.”

“You’ll regret this. I won’t stand by and let you steal away my inheritance.” Cynthia pivoted on her heels and without a backward glance stomped to the door. “Come on Josh, we’re leaving.”

In shock, Amber waited for the scene to unfold. Josh stood, walked to his aunt, kissed her cheek and followed his mother out of the room.

The front door clicking shut didn’t interrupt the hushed sound of hurt radiating from Mattie.

Impatient for answers, Amber couldn’t remain silent. “This doesn’t make any sense. The letter I received said I’m supposed to inherit the estate from someone named Jonathan. Not you.”

A sad expression marred Mattie’s face and she patted Amber’s hand. “I know. I’m the current owner-slash-keeper of the estate. When I die, you’ll inherit the estate. Until then, you’ll be the new keeper or lead trustee.”

“But I don’t understand. It’ll be years before you die.” Amber swiveled her head around and studied Mattie's pale complexion. “Unless you’re sick?”

“No, but I’ve had the responsibility of the estate for a long time. I need to learn to do something else.” She shoved away her plate. “This arrangement will offer you the chance to learn what it takes to be the keeper. And it will free me up to figure out what I want to do. A nice exchange if you ask me.”

“But why didn’t you tell me this before?” Amber suspected more to the omission.

“I didn’t think it mattered.” Mattie rose, lifted her plate and walked into the kitchen.

“But Cynthia is your sister.” Amber rushed to gather up her dishes. “Shouldn’t one of them inherit the estate?”






Also if you are a member of Goodread be sure to check out my preview of Summer's Growth that includes several chapters.
https://www.goodreads.com/reader/35560-summer-s-growth?return_to=%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F17332182-summer-s-growth


The next book, "Fallen Leaves" has been released and you can read the 1st chapter on my website.
http://www.tinagayle.net/mybookpg.html


Also, check for the exclusive offer inside the ebook.


Have an awesome day,

Tina

Sunday, April 8, 2018

A Cowboy's Pleasure by @AnitaPhilmar #Romance #erotica #hotread





A Cowboy’s Pleasure

Naked Bluff, Texas series
Book 5


Blurb–

Having traveled across the country to escape the war between the states, John Bristol Smith needs a job, any job.
Told of a potential job, he arrives at the interview with high expectation. Nothing, however, in his life prepared him for the nature of this assignment. Tess Van Pelt wants excitement and she means to have it.
Her husband is more than willing to pay for whatever she wants and she wants John.
Is this a job or a fantasy?

Excerpt:

“Then tell him straight out what you’re after.” Gab carried the tray over to the table in front of the couch where his wife sat. He handed her a glass then walked the other drink to John.

“Shouldn’t we, at least, give him a little background on us first?” She queried.

After taking the glass, John stepped to a wingback chair and perched on the edge. “I’m sure whatever type of job you’re offering, I’ll be more than willing to work for you.”

Gab chuckled, “You’re right. Most men would, but this requires you not discuss anything that happens within these walls with anyone.”

“Can you do that, John?” Mrs. Van Pelt sipped her drink and her eyes undress him.
Uncomfortable with her probing inspection, he glanced at her husband. “I have no one to tell. Remember, I’m new in town.”

“Yes, you are a God sent. Tess, here, is getting a little restless. She’s used to getting what she wants right away. And well, I’m afraid I’ve kept her waiting too long.” Gab turned to his wife and smiled.

“I must admit, now that you are here, I believe the plan has more merit than I previously gave it.”
“See, I told you. It’ll be just like old times.” Tess patted the spot next to her on the couch and her husband sat beside her.

Sorting through every possible job he could envision, John struggled to come up with the task they wanted to achieve. Mrs. Van Pelt seemed excited by the possibility of him working with them. So perhaps, they liked him and would want him to hire on for a few months, maybe even longer.

“Then I guess we better see if John is open to the idea of making love to you,” Gab said and lifted his glass. “So what do you say?”


Smashword



Kobo



Hope you enjoy.

Thanks Tina for hosting me,

Anita