“Escalating big time,” I say while watching the robin redbreast spread his wings, then launch from the Heavenly One’s finger.
He nods sagely. “The intensity becomes ever more intense.” He smiles like he has the most fun secret.
“What?”
“The good, the bad, the ugly.” The Cherub pretends to draw his gun, and shoots toward a peach tree. Instantly brand new buds appear.
I wonder if there will be more peaches this year. “The Clint Eastwood spaghetti western?”
He nods, and holsters his invisible pistol. “The Good will intensify, escalating faster than has been known since the last great age.”
“And, also the bad and the ugly,” I add.
“Events on the world stage will appear like a horror movie.”
“It already does,” I mutter.
“Within people’s lives, and their communities, the Good will shine with more force than the sun. That is where each individual can rise, and everyone’s good deeds will become the true power on Earth.”
“That’s what it will take,” I say.
The Heavenly One dashingly presents his closed hand. “Guess what I have for you.”
I close my eyes, pondering. Opening them, I say, “Hmmm... Easter is next Sunday. An egg?”
The Cherub shakes his head mischievously, his purple eyes all aglow.
I look down. “A chocolate bunny?”
“A manna chocolate bunny.”
The following week will bring an odd mixture of blessings and trials. Be aware of those small blessings which make your life easier, and give whatever small blessings you can to others. One of the best gifts, is to simply pay attention to them. To notice who they are and what they have to say. And whenever you are given the opportunity to express yourself because someone is truly paying attention to you, do yourself a favor, take advantage of this gift from the heart and soul.
HAPPY EASTER!
May chocolate bunnies always fill the basket of your life...
Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
There is no Spring in 2012...
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS
Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?
Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down? ...more
~~~ NOW IN PRINT ~~~
Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET and A SECRET TREASURE ~
http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com/2008/08/author-discovery-savanna-kougars-when.html ~
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/savannakougar/wagaf.asp ~ http://www.bookstrand.com/ ~
Spring Kisses from Savanna Kougar...
~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance
~~~~~~
Monday, April 6, 2009
Angelic Forecast ~ XXXI
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Your astrological fortune cookie from Mudflat-
4/6 Monday - THE SUN CONTINUES TO BRING LUCK AND CONFIDENCE. BY THURSDAY YOU’LL BE FEELING ALL SQUARED AWAY. STILL FINDING A FEW LOOSE ENDS? THE REST OF THE WEEK WILL BE GOOD FOR TYING THEM UP.
New video for new book, Mudflat Toy Boy, Mudflat series bk 3, check the one-minute video at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRcndqxAPh0
Thursday, April 2, 2009
New Menage Amour Author Coming Soon
Hi, My name is Laura Ashton aka L.A. I'm a new author with Menage Amour. My initial offering Jasmine's Urban Cowboys should be out soon so keep an eye out. Here is the cover and a blurb for you to read.
Blurb, Jasmine’s Urban Cowboys
After a nightmare marriage and a bitter divorce, Jasmine is ready to celebrate big time. Jaz meets Ted and Gabe, two deliciously attractive, available men. Having spent a celibate year waiting for her divorce, waking up in the arms of a gorgeous hunk after a night of hot sex was at the top of Jaz’s list. Either of these dreamboats would be wonderful, but which one? When she has trouble deciding Jaz makes the decision. If either of them would be good, then both of them would be twice as good!
With that thought burning into her psyche, Jaz returns determined to seduce not one, but both of the ready and willing studs. What follows is a sexy, sometimes humorous story where the things that happen that night entwine all their lives, changing them forever.
Jasmine's Urban Cowboys is the first book in my Sensual Awakenings series. book two, Sharing Brenda is complete and book three, Vickie's Secret is underway. Two more books are planned at this time.
Four and a half books for 'Blue Gold' at Long and Short Reviews
Honeysuckle at Long and Short Reviews has given a wonderful review to my ancient Egypt title, Blue Gold.
"What I love most about Ms. Townsend’s prose", she says, "is the ability to give the reader an almost holographic entry into life and times long past. You smell the fear, feel the passion, the frustration and anger, and burn under a hot, unforgiving sun, among other delightful stirrings of the senses."
And there's more! The full review is here.
New Review for Kentucky Woman
Kentucky Woman has received a 4 Cherries Review from Whipped Cream Reviews. Kentucky Woman is an erotic menage romance.
“In this Civil War-Era historical, three spirited individuals find love and healing with each other amid danger and betrayal. This was a highly erotic and fascinating story about three people each with their own secrets who learn to love and trust one another. Spies for Lincoln, Cutter Raines and Billy Marlow are intrigued by the young beauty, Jessie McGee, who offers her body in exchange for their assistance. Jessie is willing to do anything to protect her brother and locate her friends who have been abducted. Each of these characters has a secret that once revealed could either change everything or bring them even closer together. The author did a wonderful job of giving these characters each a distinct personality and motivation for pursuing this unconventional relationship. Behind Billy’s playful façade lurks a heartache and tragedy that truly touched me once revealed. And Cutter, the brooding member of this threesome, also has some secrets of his own that I never saw coming, but that have shaped him into who he is. These two longtime friends seem to need each other almost as much as Jessie needs them, but in a different way. There isn’t anything sexual between the two men, but Billy seems to have a calming affect on Cutter and helps him deal with his temper. Speaking of a temper, Jessie is a feisty character full of spunk and determination. She’s a little firecracker who needs and comes to care for the two men, yet at times it seemed her bond with Cutter was a bit stronger than hers with Billy. I couldn’t tell if this was intentional or if it was just me. I enjoyed each new revelation about these fascinating characters and there is definitely more to each of them than what meets the eye. Although at first I had my doubts about the threesome and whether or not I could buy their relationship considering their initial bargain, I really enjoyed watching as it developed and became believable. In addition to the fascinating relationship, there is also an intricate plot involving murder, betrayal, and the slave trade. Each new revelation added to the story and helped keep the story interesting. There were a few twists that I never saw coming, but that really enhanced the story. It was obvious that the author did some research into the time period and the area in which the story is set. I enjoyed the little historical names and facts interspersed throughout the story. They gave the story an authentic feel and helped to make the setting and time period believable. Overall, Kentucky Woman is a fascinating erotic historical that I found very entertaining.” -- Lilac at Whipped Cream Reviews
http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/2009/03/kentucky-woman-by-amber-carlton.html?zx=7fad89f7bd44fdd7
If you haven't already read Kentucky Woman, now's the time. The McGee-Raines-Marlowe story continues with their daughter Olivia as she travels to 1890 Kansas in Buckskins and Brocade, where she's joined by incredible twins, Connor and Desmond McBride. Kentucky Woman is available through Siren-Bookstrand and Buckskins and Brocade will be released this spring. It is available to pre-order.
http://www.bookstrand.com/product-kentuckywoman-13857-200.html
http://www.bookstrand.com/product-buckskinsandbrocade-14664-212.html
Thanks for reading!
Amber
Kissed by Fate - New release by Lara Santiago
Kissed By Fate
By Lara Santiago
Blurb:
Alex of Tiburon breaks off life-partner negotiations with a woman he doesn't love after discovering her with another. Relieved to be free, he journeys to Earth to explore the distant planet where his mother was raised and experience a world he's only read about never expecting to find true love.
Lizzie, disappointed by the lackluster kisses she's received from every guy she's ever dated, gets the shock of her life when the kiss, delivered by the gorgeous mystery man at a party not only tastes like chocolate, but is also satisfying at an orgasmic level.
Fate in the form of a single kiss changes Alex and Lizzie's future to an unexpected happily ever after, until unanticipated events threaten to separate them.
Will being kissed by fate keep them apart forever?
(This title was previously published as The Sins of their Fathers.)
This version has a new scene added.
To read excerpts or purchase a copy please Click HERE
I have three new short stories on Bookstrand
Hi readers, Three of my low cost short stories are now available at Bookstrand. They are sexy and humorous. Check them out. But beware. They are not for the faint of heart. Especially Bananaz
The unlikely couple are lovers, lovers on a planet where the act of sexual intercourse has been against the law for four hundred cycles (six hundred earth years). Knowingly breaking the law they arrange surreptitious liaisons wherever they can, whenever the can, wiling away the days enjoying each others company and of course, making passionate love.
Then one day they are caught naked and making love. Refusing to give Adalina her clothes, the cruel soldiers herd her bound and naked to Mitheas' grandfather' s castle, where after spending the night in a restraining cocoon, she is herded, still naked into the throne room and in front of everyone, thrown to the floor at the foot of the King, Lor D'ana.
What do you do when you're in love? Not only in love but with a lavender skinned alieness AND you live on a planet where marriage, sex and LOVE itself has been banned for almost 600 Earth years! How long will Adalina and Mitheas be able to actually keep their love a secret?
I LOVED this story! It has a very unique preface and has a defiant Romeo and Juliet twist. Ms. Dawning gives the reader a fast paced BUT meaty erotic romp. Great visual writing and descriptive to.! If you are looking for a light, easy and spicy read you will not be let down! The only reason I did not give this one 5 stars is I really wanted a longer story about this cute couple. Ms. Dawning has a very unique sense of humor to her writing. Not a slap you in the face HA-HA but a kind of quirky one that will make you giggle. Not to be missed is our captured couple explaining their relationship to a very perplexed D'ana. This tale is definitely a wise choice for a fun steamy read when you're too pressed for time to curl up with a long book. I would definitely recommend checking out Ms. Dawning's unique writing!
Friday night at Mojo’s, while waiting for her movie-star-good- looks boyfriend, Eddy, to meet her, Mandy confides to her friend, Chelsea, that he never came home the night before. Chelsea, a fixture behind the bar at Mojo’s Bar & Grill in L.A., is in a quandary. She knows something her favorite customer, Amanda Carter, doesn’t–but wishes she did–Eddy has been stepping out on her. Hell, he’s even asked Chelsea out! But when he brings his latest fling into Mojo’s, right in front of Amanda, flaunting his infidelity to her friend, Chelsea decides enough is enough.
It’s time to tell Mandy the truth.
Seizing the moment, Chelsea reveals what Mandy’s philandering boyfriend has been up to. Mandy’s reaction is predictable—she’s crushed. However, her response is surprising, setting the stage for Chelsea to show Mandy the real depth of her friendship.
SRR Rating: A
Friday nights at Mojo's was always chaotic. While all the patrons were de-stressing and on the prowl; Chelsea was working for tips and in overdrive. Amanda Carter chose Mojo's on Fridays as her wind down spot and her friend, Chelsea, couldn't be happier. Well, she could but not while Amanda was clueless to her boyfriend, Eddie, spreading his love around the nightclub scene. After dumping Eddie and getting plastered, Chelsea invites Amanda to her home and tells Amanda she is in no shape to drive and going home means going to the apartment she shares with Eddie. Is this the perfect situation for both women to acknowledge the underlying attraction they've felt for each other and experiment with a few new fantasies that pop up?
Oh Wow!! Tattoos did not beat around the bush (ha!) at all. The story was straight forward and direct while being sexy as hell. This was my first story by Dee Dawning and let me tell you, if you are ever worked up and need sexual relief quickly, this quickie will help you along your way.
Amanda seemed to the a nice girl who believed everything her boyfriend told her until her blinders were torn off by her friend Chelsea. By working at Mojo's, I think Chelsea was able to look at situations in her life and know the warning signs when something was going to go wrong. I really liked the point they made that if there was ever a need for an addition to their sex lives, they would fulfill it. They didn't close the door of each other's fantasy.
Be warned, by reading Tattoos be prepared for heavy pulsating in your pants. By not reading it, you are REALLY missing out on a great book, great author, and a sensual experience.
Blurb
Joel is a lucky man. One afternoon after an exhausting day of work, he decides to take a nap on the couch. But his rest is interrupted by giggling and frivolity emanating from the kitchen. More curious than tired, he steals to the kitchen and peeking around the corner, spies his gorgeous girlfriend, Teri and three equally beautiful ladies, all in skimpy bikinis. And guess what they were doing?
Bananaz, is a fast clever read, combining the sexy aspects of erotica with humor. Bananaz is as zany as it’s name implies, yet, oh, so sexy
Would you expect being awakened by a bunch of giggling to lead to your biggest fantasy being fulfilled? Well, neither does Joel, but he's mightily thankful when he finds his girlfriend Teri and three of her friends practicing "technique" in his kitchen. What follows is the rollicking afternoon to end all time.
With Bananaz, Dee has given me an insight into just how funny and how much fun sex can really be, from anyone's point of view. The descriptions both arouse and make you smile, if not downright laugh, at the visuals they create, while I just have to wonder how the heck Joel will walk the next day...or if he'll even be able to get up. It's a frolic that starts on page one and made me wish it were a whole lot longer. Thanks, Dee.
Posted by Alternative- Read.com reviewer: WitchGiggles
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Wednesday's Words for April 1, 2009
Something happened this past weekend that has once again changed the composite of the Ashbury household: our daughter and grandson moved into their own place.
Despite the fact that today is indeed April 1st, this is no joke. We are once more a household of 2 humans, 1 dog and 1 cat.
Our daughter and her husband have reconciled, and we’ll see how it goes. We only want her to be happy, with no parental parameters defining that happiness. We really do hope everything works out for her. But we’ve come to the conclusion it’s time for her to stand on her own two feet.
Moving out now was her idea. She had been planning to wait until May or June, as she is just now finishing her college course. She had planned to get a job and accrue a couple of months pay before looking for an apartment, but one came available, and it was a very good deal. It’s at the other end of town, which isn’t a problem in any way, shape, or form since this being a small town, there are no “bad areas”.
My beloved asked her if she was certain that this was what she wanted to do. Her response was very positive, with the added codicil that she thought that if she lived here much longer she might murder his wife.
I can sympathise with that sentiment one hundred per cent.
There exists a fine line between helping our grown children and crippling them. I regret to report that I have on more than one occasion been guilty of the latter—not just in the case of my daughter, but with my late son as well.
It’s hard, as a parent, to say no. Even when you understand deep inside that ‘no’ is really the best response in the long run, it’s still a tough call to make.
We’re parents for life, of course. There will always be times when our children need us—well, until we hit that magical point where roles reverse. But until then, we know we’re always “on call.”
But we won’t always be here, and there comes a point when our children must face the tough stuff on their own.
My beloved and I are pleased we were able to help. Over the past fifteen months, we all had to make adjustments as we learned how to cohabitate together. The only space we had available for them was the upstairs, equal in floor space to the entire down stairs, but not quite “finished”. This had been a renovation Anthony and my husband had worked on before our son died, and since that time, my beloved simply hasn’t had the heart to finish. So we offered but ‘rough’ rooms – floors and ceilings and insulation and windows that worked, certainly, but no drywall or paint.
We had to learn how to live with two younger people, both of whom live life louder and faster than we were used to. My daughter had to get used to not being the woman in charge, and my grandson had to get used to having older people around.
Since they are relatively close by, and don’t as yet have such amenities as a washer and a dryer, I can be sure I’ll see my daughter on a regular basis. Until the end of the school year, my grandson will be coming here each morning in order to catch his bus to school. So of course they aren’t going out of sight or out of touch for long stretches at a time.
There’s a quality to the quiet here now that had been missing; even on weekends over the past fifteen months when they would be gone for a day or two, the house didn’t achieve the degree of quiet it has right now.
So life here will be returning to normal. Whatever that is.
Love,
Morgan
WANTON WAGER
THE LADY MAKES THREE
Available now only at SIREN-BOOKSTRAND PUBLISHING
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/morganashbury
Monday, March 30, 2009
Angelic Forecast ~ XXX
“After the storm,” I say to my unicorn, Shimmeria, while I stroke her glistening alabaster neck. We await the Heavenly One. “And the sky is such a gorgeous shade of blue, perfect for the Age of Aquarius,” I continue.
She nods, her golden horn subtly flashing in the sunlight.
“Yesterday was a storm of sleet, rain and snow. The sleet struck my window forever. It means weather and Earth changes are on the way, doesn’t it?”
“Yes,” the Cherub agrees, gradually floating downward. “As we have spoken before, the time is at hand. Mother Earth wishes to return to a more tropical landscape. And there are other forces at work.”
I sigh to my soul, wondering what that really means for the future. Looping my arm around Shimmeria’s neck, I give her a hug. She nuzzles my cheek in return with a sweetness my heart feels.
“Did you notice?” The Heavenly One grins, his countenance aglow with mischief.
“Notice? Do you mean the obvious?”
He nods and waits, offering his palm to Shimmeria.
“Today is the 30th of March. And this is the 30th Angelic Forecast. This synchronicity of numbers is getting scary.”
“It only means, you live your path successfully,” he soothes. I have my grave doubts. “It also symbolizes that this is a day made for serious and significant communication.”
“This day also breaks down to an EIGHT day ~ infinity and money,” I contemplate. “The world economy and the world soul, are they in conflict?”
“Yes, in conflict. More divinely important, the infinity of soul now commands the world’s economy and all monies.”
“That is divine. However, it means nasty conflicts since those in power will fight to keep their economic power.”
“True.” The Cherub has a far-away somber look in his purple eyes.
The forthcoming week is one of great opposites. There are wonderful energies which encourage fun and lightheartedness, so take advantage. Dance your cares away, so to speak. In opposition, there are Saturn-stern energies which will demand an accounting for the poor use of the Earth, for the greedy use of resources, and will come against all those who steal from the peoples of Earth.
This opposition will show up on an individual or personal level. However, the largest affect will be against all those on the world stage, who lead the world into poverty instead of being Wayshowers for prosperity.
Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
There is no Spring in 2012...
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS
Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?
Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down? ...more
~~~ NOW IN PRINT ~~~
Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET and A SECRET TREASURE ~
http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com/2008/08/author-discovery-savanna-kougars-when.html ~
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/savannakougar/wagaf.asp ~ http://www.bookstrand.com/ ~
Spring Kisses from Savanna Kougar...
~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance
~~~~~~
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Deception Revealed is available for pre-order
Good morning,
I'm very happy to announce that Deception Revealed is now available for pre-order at www.bookstrand.com. It will be available mid-2009.
JoAnna has raised her son alone, her hard work dissolving with the appearance of a dying man looking for forgiveness. Now James wants to be a part of their lives as if his betrayal hadn't happened.
Magnificent Abandon is also on the pre-order list. This story is about finding your first one night stand at your sister's wedding. Standing before the man she'd once given herself to freely years before, she felt her cheeks heat at the thought of how she allowed him to love her with no restraints.
I'll post the cover as soon as it's finished.
Remember, Her Alpha Male and Just One Night are still available for sale. www.bookstrand.com
For more details, you can go to www.lillithpayne714.com. l8 and over only please.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Theme Weekend on the Siren-Bookstrand Loop
"In the spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love..."
..... in ALL its wonderful forms!
We are having a THEME WEEKEND WITH A DIFFERENCE at Siren Bookstrand, on the PUBLIC
LOOP on May 2nd-3rd.
http://groups. yahoo.com/group/SirenBookstrand/
We open on Saturday morning with sweet and sensual romance. Grab an early coffee or cuppa and come join us in a celebration of male-female romance for all! Our BOOKSTRAND mainstream authors will be there to chat and share their excerpts. Come and see - you will find many names and friends whom you know. (Many of our talented SirenBookstrand authors write widely within the romance genre, as you will discover.)
At 2pm EST Saturday until late Saturday night, we feature titles, excerpts and authors from the MENAGE AMOUR line, where love and romance comes in many forms. Chat to our writers about this exciting form. Many best-sellers!
At 2pm EST Sunday until late Sunday night, we will be featuring work from SIREN. Erotic male-female romance with happy endings. More best-sellers!
On Sunday morning there will be a chance for you to put your questions to our writers and for our writers to share details of their latest releases. Bring your coffee and enjoy.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
COVER - Sinful, by Raina James
There’s less than one week to go until my next Menage Amour release on April 1 (no joke), and I’m starting to get pumped!
To add to the excitement, artist Jinger Heaston has created a very sexy cover for Sinful. The yummy male model in the foreground is a perfect match for my hero, Dylan, and I think the font used for the title is eyecatching.
Sinful is a 17,000-word contemporary erotic romance about a man who finds the adventure he craves with the sexy woman of his dreams, while she discovers the passionate love she’d always wanted.
Khariss Lloyd is attracted to Dylan Sanders the moment he walks into her dance studio for tango lessons. Something about Dylan's boy-next-door good looks and friendly smile make her want to get to know him better.
Dylan suspected he was being set up when his sister called on him for a favor, then left him standing alone and partnerless at a tango class, of all things. However, one look at the gorgeous, leggy instructor convinces him that for once he doesn't mind the matchmaking.
Khariss and Dylan are quickly swept away by a love every bit as scorching as the passion that flares between them — passion made all the hotter when Khariss introduces Dylan to unrepentant hedonist Marcus O'Grady.
In doing so, Khariss is taking the risk of her life — will she lose the love of a good man when Dylan finds out about her torrid past with O'Grady's exclusive nightspot? Or will Dylan get his own unfulfilled desires met with the help of the seductive owner of the city's most wicked sex club?
Sinful’s official release date is Wednesday, April 1, but it’s available for pre-order now.
Raina
:)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
FREE READ from Mudflat -
If you've been following the Mudflat books, you know who Nicotiana is. There is a short story for you about Nicotiana titled Steampunk Man at Phoebe's website. The link is in the title. Enjoy. - Phoebe Matthews
Cover for Deception Revealed
Wednesday's Words for March 25, 2009
I was at a gathering of writers not too long ago, and one of them made a comment that I found interesting. She said that we who are authors of romance are in the business of selling ‘happy’. She further stated that therefore, whatever we write or communicate on the Internet should be ‘happy’ because what you write lives on line forever. In other words, we should always be selling ‘happy’.
I’m not really sure if I agree completely with that. I do know that in just about every venue I try to adhere to the practice of spreading ‘happy’. The only real exception would probably be these essays. And even then I’m not certain they’re an exception, really.
I know darn well that from time to time the tone in these weekly missives is anything but ‘happy’. I’ve even been told by some that I have made them cry, and that certainly would seem to be the antithesis of happiness.
In the beginning, I fully intended to always have a cheerful or upbeat message. But somewhere along the way my mission changed. One thing that spending a lot of time on line gives you, aside from the occasional headache, is a much wider exposure to people, many of whom you would never get to know, otherwise. Whether it’s in chat rooms or on blogs, in yahoo groups or on discussion boards, people from every walk of life, and every age abound, and they all have something to say and something to share, and for the most part are not too bashful to do so.
What touches me profoundly is the number of people who have endured or are enduring some tragedy or challenge, believing themselves alone on their particular journey. I’ve always been the kind of person whose first instinct is to help. That’s just how God made me, and I want to help in these instances. Of course, I couldn’t—I can’t—do anything about the challenges or tragedies other people face, but I could, and can offer the simple assurance that they weren’t alone on the path they tread.
You are not alone.
The sense of being all alone is a universal exponent, doubling or tripling the weight of any stressful situation, because along with any particular challenge or tragedy comes a sense of hopelessness. We often can’t see beyond the crap life throws at us, and the dreadful sense that we’ll never get past this—whatever ‘this’ is—makes dealing with it that much more dreadful and difficult.
How reassuring to learn others have walked this same path and come out the other side, whole and sane.
That’s an affirmation we all need from time to time. We all need to connect to humankind, to feel a part of the whole. We all need the comfort of knowing that some things transcend the individual—that deep inside we are the same, even if we don’t all speak the same language, worship the same God, live in the same country, or vote the same way.
That became my mission. To reach out and touch others, to showcase our commonality, and maybe, in sharing my experiences—and reading of yours in turn—to reaffirm that we are all the same, we all will get through the temporary tough stuff, and that we’re all, when you come right down to it, okay.
I do try to maintain that positive voice in my weekly essay; but positive isn’t always the same as happy.
I think that’s probably the way it was meant to be.
Love,
Morgan
She bet a heck of a lot more than the farm!
Brand new from Morgan Ashbury: Wanton Wager
http://www.bookstrand.com/product-wantonwager-14470-200.html
Monday, March 23, 2009
The Look - hot off the press and out of Africa....
The Look is due for release tomorrow (24th March) and I thought I share a little background, mainly on the setting, because this is my “stamping” ground – rural South Africa, with it’s interesting collection of “one-horse” towns (or is that one-shop?) dotted throughout the rolling farmland, where community is a way of life and values like family and loyalty prevail…
Thornleigh is a fictitious town, but it epitomises any and all of the little remote backwater “outposts” that you can stumble into on a leisurely drive through the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands region – and any other part of South Africa for that matter. “Town” is something of an exaggeration.
Thornleigh consists of a filling station, a general dealer (which also serves as the post office) and, of course, the farmers’ co-op. The general dealer usually stocks everything from pantyhose to safety pins to school shoes (our kids wear uniforms here) and beer. Oh, and brandy, let’s not forget that. Klipdrift, usually, a popular brand among farmers. The farmer’s co-op deals in anything from portable braai’s (barbeques) to irrigation systems and, of course, fertilizer.
What they lack in infrastructure, they more than compensate in a commodity beyond price – community. Everyone in the district is known. Their genealogy, who married who and is related to who and how, where their kids are at school (boarding school, of course), who owned that particular piece of farmland before them (right back to three and four generations) and what it was sold for in Nineteen-“voetsak” (a classic South Africanism which basically means the year dot).
The KZN Midlands is an incredibly beautiful area, stretching inland from the mild coastal areas. The land rises steadily upward from the Valley of a Thousand Hills, beyond the provincial capital, Pietermaritzburg, and on to become the foothills of the mighty Drakensberg mountain range. The scenery is spectacular – lush and green and softly beautiful in summer, and incredibly shaded in hues of rust and gold and brown in the drier winters.
It is part of the vast empire of the Zulu monarch, King Shaka, who forged a nation from the tribes he conquered and who ruled with an iron hand. A master-strategist, he revolutionised the tribal armies and turned his "impies" (battallions), with their massive shields and hand held spears, into a force that effectively challenged the might of the British Empire. The area is also steeped in other history, the canvas against which the Anglo-Zulu wars, and the Anglo-Boer wars took place, and before that the place of hope and new territory for the Boer farmers who trekked east and north, seeking to escape British rule.
It’s primarily farming country, cattle and horses, and crops as well. It’s well known for it’s trout fishing, with dams big and small opening their doors to anglers, and also hosts the Midlands Meander, a sightseeing trip drawing local and national and international visitors. A slow drive through farmland to all the little out of the way places reveals a treasure of tucked-away craft venues, with screen-printing, pottery, sculptures…. Anything you can think of, you’re bound to find it there.
It has also mushroomed with many bed and breakfasts – farmhouses opened to the public, where you can stay as long as you like, rest, take walks and hikes, horse rides, fishing… All of these offer the most amazing getaways, with hosts warm and welcoming and the atmosphere beyond description. Zulwini Lodge, which plays a big part in The Look, is just one of these places (Zulwini is the Zulu word for heaven). The Midlands area is also, with it’s sweeping vistas and water-painted views, a popular place for weddings, and venues usually have to be booked well in advance.
This is the remote backwater my heroine, the sassy, streetwise, Morgan Slater, finds herself in. She comes looking for facts. Instead she finds a truth far deeper, one that challenges all her assumptions and turns her life inside out. The Look is not just a story about love – although Morgan’s encounter with lodge owner Blake Thornton brings a whole new dimension, and conflict to her life. It’s about community, and family, and the layers that go into making us who we are. Layers that Morgan is forced to explore and confront and examine in her journey to things unimaginable.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it! You can find it, along with an excerpt at: http://www.bookstrand.com/product-thelook-13952-330.html and I’ve included my blurb and author spotlight here…
Jude
Judah Raine
http://www.judahraine.com
Blurb:
With a secret that makes her pretty much a walking time-bomb with the potential to turn her own life and a whole lot of others inside-out, Morgan Slater's plans definitely don't include the suspicions of the determined and dynamic Blake Thornton.
She heads out to the back of beyond on a simple Quest for the Truth, but her first meeting with Blake draws the battle lines for a persistent confrontation that makes focusing on her real reason for being there extremely difficult. Worse, he has this uncanny instinct and a way of seeing beyond her sassy, street-wise confidence that makes their ongoing conflict more than simply a battle of wills.
But Morgan has also not anticipated a lot of other complications and, as she struggles to keep her secret and protect herself and others in a world of shifting boundaries and increasingly difficult emotional situations, The Look rapidly becomes...
Author Spotlight:
"I thoroughly enjoyed writing this book, because it explores the layers – in people, in situations, and in our assumptions about life and about truth and how they all fit together. Morgan's courage lies in allowing the process of stripping-away to become a process of adding-to, an intriguing journey that I think almost all of us can relate to." ~ Judah
Angelic Forecast ~ XXIX
“Spring has sprung. Corny as that is, I’ve always wanted to say that,” I say to the Heavenly One who is surrounded by a purply mist. I wonder why, of course.
“Didn’t you see a purple light above you, before you slept?” he asks, mischief in his gaze. He floats downward, standing on his feet before me.
I slowly nod. “I did. Was it you?”
“A friend of mine.”
“Another Cherub?”
“No. My friend is a light being from another planet-world. Or, she can shift to her light body and travel the Universe.”
“Fascinating. I suppose human beings have that potential, to shift into a light body and travel anywhere.”
“They do. They will.” He smiles enigmatically and I understand he won’t reveal any detail about how or when that will occur.
“Why did your purple friend visit me?” I link arms with the Heavenly One. We stroll over the greening tame prairie toward the overflowing pond, where the frogs are chorusing in great bursts of raucous song.
“She wished to see your aura and your light body.”
“I suppose there was a reason.”
“There was.” He pauses and I feel his seriousness. “She is studying how those of your vibration live in the material realms.”
I stay silent. Because I have no answers. Then, I say as the realization dawns, “I write.”
The Cherub strokes my arm tenderly. “Writers are sacred.”
The following week is one of adventure. Even the smallest shopping trip can turn into a small adventure, whether frustrating or unexpected fun. You can let the adventures come to you. Or, you can plan an adventure for this week. If you are an author, the adventurous scenes in your story should flow more smoothly. Certainly, it’s an opportunity to be wild and wonderfully imaginative, beyond what you thought possible.
This is also a week where a pet will feature prominently. If not your pet, one which belongs to a friend or relative. Keep an eye open for our animal friends.
Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS
Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?
Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down? ...more
~~~ NOW IN PRINT ~~~
Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET and A SECRET TREASURE ~
http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com/2008/08/author-discovery-savanna-kougars-when.html ~
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/savannakougar/wagaf.asp ~ http://www.bookstrand.com/ ~
