Prologue

Visions of her Cherokee grandmother, Cordie, flashed through Mary’s mind as her
mother, Marguerite, informed her that her stepfather shot himself and was in the
hospital. Oh no!

No! This can’t be! Not after the joking around at my home last night. NO!!!! Did
she use me last night? She’d never use her scapegoat child. No, she couldn’t! Even
Marguerite wouldn’t sink that low! Or would she? Marguerite had always been
abusive and vile to most people, and especially to her children and husbands, but
would she shoot Harold?

Yet, here I was, and I had to tell the police that, yes, my mother was at my home all
evening and into the night. How despicable that my mother connived her way into
using me as her alibi.

~

With great difficulty, I’ve come to realize that for all the blogging I do for others, I’m not able to find people who will blog me, support me. Thus I’ve decided to post my own snippets here and there. If you have read this far, thank you kindly.

~

Chapter One

 1960s

“Chills raked Mary and she shuddered. Was she more shocked that her mother shot her stepfather with murderous intent, or that she left Mary as her alibi?”

Let us back up. I should give you some background before we get to the shooting. I want you to understand the sociopathic people I lived with and the rage they couldn’t control. Marguerite’s rage was uncontrolled, quick, aggressive, and always held vengeance. I want to fill in background so that you understand sociopathic people and the rage they can present to another person or persons. My mother was a sociopath. Her rages were uncontrolled, and she acted fast, aggressively, and with vengeance.

As I grew up, I wanted to believe that my mother was a good mother, but I always knew something was off. Marguerite thought she was the best mother on the block—perfect even—but I learned quickly that not all mothers are made the same. I wanted to believe that my mother was a good mother, but always knew something was off. Marguerite, always seemed to think that she was the best mother, perfect even, but not all mothers are made the same, which I found out from an incredibly early age.

I remember the Christmas when I was about two years oId. We had a cedar Christmas tree with lights and tinsel. Somewhere, I found several small glass Christmas lights and held them in my hands. No one noticed me, so I took my pretty treasures and sat behind the heating stove in our small house on North Grand Avenue in Lyons, Kansas. For a reason only a two-year-old would understand, I put one of the light bulbs in my mouth and bit down. The glass broke, but I didn’t get hurt. I thought, oh, that was a cool sound, so I broke the other one in my mouth too!

My mother, older brother, and sister were in the same room, but it was my mother who found me behind the heating stove, blood pouring from my mouth. She flew into a ballistic rage! I was in trouble. She spanked my butt, put a coat on me, and yelled at me all the way to the hospital. She was quiet while they pumped my stomach, but she was good at hiding her true self from people with authority. She wouldn’t risk a doctor thinking she was anything but a perfect mother. When the doctors were sure there was no glass left inside me, and with only a small cut on my tongue that didn’t require stitches, they sent me home. I will never forget her rage, and that is probably why I remember the incident so vividly.

To be continued…

From Amazon:

For centuries, the vampire known as Viper has led his army to protect humanity from the evil that lives among them. His desire to find his one true soulmate has long since died. With a single-minded focus, he stomps out those who would destroy the world he’s devoted his deathless life to protect. Yet when he steps into a small bookstore, his once lifeless body begins to waken at the sight of her, his soulmate, his Cariturnus.

After surviving a failed marriage, Alyse desires only one thing… peace. The kind of solace that only comes from the stillness of the mountains. Yet, no matter where she goes or what she does, her dreams are haunted by a man with a sinful touch, tempting voice, and dangerous desires. When her reality collides with her fantasy, she is faced with everything she wanted and never knew she needed… Viper.

My Review:

Ms. Watters has written a masterpiece in this, book one, of this series. Alyse wants love but she is scared. Viper wants Elyse but he us a vampire. The story is richly woven and brogue used throughout. I loved reading about the catacombs in Colorado and when in Siberia, I felt cold. However, those are only two of the parts of this world the story is written. Humans and vampires can find love, but it’s made difficult when a devil vampire wants your soul. Well written, five stars.

From Amazon: From monsters to cave demons, Tiffee creates Halloween tales with new, and unexpected twists. In “The Cemetery Book,” a writer gets himself in trouble when he leaves a book by his parents’ grave. “The Birth of Jazz” gives us a glimpse of what might have inspired a new music genre. The third story “Halloween Skull Flash Story” is a short, but powerful story of archaeologist who finds a skull in an Arizona cave. Purple Magic begins on All Hallows’ Eve in a pumpkin patch with the birth of a baby boy. An original fantasy story with a twist that takes the reader where they have never been.

My Review: Ah. Tis the way of this book for sure, which is to leave the reader wanting more. From being chained to a stone in a cemetery to a baby with magical powers, this set of short stories is perfect for all readers. The first story chilled me to the bone and the unique way it played out is amazing. Several stories could easily continue on in a book of it’s own. Five stars.

From Amazon:

The Veil is a biblical fiction book about the tearing of the veil inside the Jewish tabernacle when Jesus died on the cross. We don’t know of any eye witnesses to this from the Bible, but in the bibilical fiction story, The Veil, a Priest and a young boy who is being trained to become a Priest are eye witnesses to this spectacular event. Come along on this journey and experience this heart-pounding, fear-inducing, yet awe-inspiring event that holds so much meaning to the Christian faith.

There are references to the tearing of the veil in 3 books of the Bible (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), “the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” Inside the Tabernacle were two rooms, The Holy Place and the Holiest of Holies. The veil separated these two rooms. The Holiest of Holies was where God lived and only one Priest was allowed to enter that room and only after being both physically and spiritually cleansed.

The tearing of the veil upon Jesus’ death represents what Jesus did for mankind on the cross–he paid the ultimate price for our sin, so we are no longer separated from a Holy God, our Creator. Therefore, we now have access to God because of the blood of Jesus. All of our sins are forgiven and we are made righteous. There is no more guilt to bear for our sins. We are free! Hallejuah!

This book was written to inspire all who read it regardless of age to “live” the experience and contemplate the wonderful gift Jesus gave us when He died upon the cross. But, his death was not final. He was raised from the dead in 3 days as was predicted by ancient prophets in the Bible. Because he was raised from the dead, He overcame death. We do still die physically, but after we die, if we have accepted this free and wonderful gift that Jesus offers us, we will join Him and His Father (God) and the Holy Spirit in Heaven and live for all eternity!

At the end of the book is a prayer and an opportunity to accept Jesus as your personal Savior so that you can accept His gift and live forever! Your eternity starts the moment you accept Jesus into your heart. You will live without guilt or shame from any past or future sins you may commit, if you sincerely repent. You will know LOVE like you have never known it before. You will know JOY and PEACE no matter the circumstances you are in. You will find a FRIEND that will NEVER leave you and that’s Jesus!

My Review:

This moving biblical story had me enthalled from the start. A Jewish boy becomes a man at age 13, and he is chosen by the priest to study under him, live with him. The most moving part was when I read the words, “it is done”. I prayed then and there. True Christiand drama and delivered in a powerful verse by the author.

From Amazon:

When working for the British Secret Service, Sarah Gillespie can trust no one, not even her closest friends…

London, 1941

After losing her family to a Nazi bomb attack back home in Ireland, Sarah Gillespie joins the British Secret Services to bring them justice.

Partnered with American undercover agent Lieutenant Tony Anderson, Sarah embarks on a dangerous mission that takes her from war-torn London into the black mountains of Wales. But when one of her team is revealed to be a German mole, and enemies begin to close in, what price will Sarah have to pay to save her country—and herself?

My Review: I found this book by Lecky to be a fabulous read! Full of intense moments of intrigue, wondering who would come out alive, the electricity flowing between a man and woman, the baser human traits that are usually one’s own undoing, and all set in Wales and London with one person Irish and another American, set during WW 2, and a throughly lavish plot equals a solid five stars!

Please welcome Maurice M. Hebert to my blog. Hello Moe!

Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.

Good day all, first I want to thank you Mary for your efforts in promoting new authors and for this interview opportunity. I am Maurice M. Hebert; the M is for Martin, but close friends know me as Moe. Thank you for featuring me in this post.

Has writing always been part of your life and when did you “know” that it was time to start writing your first book?

My journey towards writing began with reading. I grew up of course with picture books and comics but soon I was intrigued by the material my dad would read. I read every issue of Popular Mechanics, Popular Science, Mechanics Illustrated etc. All these tech and DIY magazines were helpful in developing my love of learning about how things work and built. I also enjoyed authors Mark Twain, Jules Verne and Eric Von Daniken. I consumed many Science Fiction, Archaeology and Adventure books.

I began writing and storytelling in Vocational School and a bit more while in Community College. Soon after I married my wife in 1981, I was writing short plays and skits for Puppet Productions that we would both direct and perform for Sunday School. I wrote longer plays later for other church theatrical productions.

Inspiration for writing my first book came about while in a discussion with Megan Tennant, a friend at work. Megan recently graduated from Houghton College with her degrees English Lit and Studio Art. We agreed that the concept I had was a great idea and negotiated a contract for her to illustrate the book. She was encouraging, and helpful in teaching me the process of producing a picture book through Amazon Create Space now known as Kindle Direct Publishing.

How difficult was it writing your first book?

The first book “What Would I Do” was straightforward. Once I worked through the alphabet naming each character’s vocation A for Astronaut, B for Butler etc. the most difficult part was creating the situational rhyme associated with the character. Some rhymes came naturally others took a little more searching and imagination. Picture book illustrations carry much of the readers interest and Megan oversaw that aspect wonderfully.

Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?

I never had a thought about giving up the project as it was so exciting a concept to let go. I was having fun producing the characters, the situations, and the rhyme.

Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer?

My wife, my three daughters, and my youngest son are all so encouraging and supportive of my efforts. They have similar creative gifts that we as parents encouraged in them while homeschooling.

Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I know you and your children will enjoy my books because I evaluate them out on eleven grandchildren who really enjoy them and are always asking me to write more.

What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?

The best advice I have ever had was from a Pastor. He explained the meaning of the words in Zachariah 4:10 when the Lord was encouraging His people in rebuilding the Temple “Who shall despise the days of small beginnings”

He told encouraged me regarding what seems like little progress but be steadfast in your pursuits and your work. When you look back at the early days of your projects you will be amazed at how far you came because of your persistence and faith in God.

What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel

I am hoping to reach young readers aged four to twelve with my first two books. “What Would I Do?” helps young readers explore various occupations of the adult world and encourages them to imagine consequences of the actions the characters may choose in real life situations.

My second book “The Kingdom Without Rhyme” is more a fantasy story of a kingdom where the King has outlawed all rhyme. The reader takes part in the story by finding hidden words to complete the narrative verse. It is a fun story that involves a curse an inventor and a brave heroine. Megan Tennant skillfully illustrates this book.

Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?

The cover for “What Would I Do?” is a wonderfully illustrated image of all the characters within the book relating to each other in the last characters venue of the local Zoo Park. Megan and I produced and agreed to go with the idea immediately!

What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?

The next book to publish soon leans more toward the 10- to 14-year-old reader. The Pilgrim story comes from the genealogical perspective of a famous Pilgrim family.

Here is an excerpt from “Tell Us About The Pilgrims”

“It was a dark and terrible day! We were all cold and damp from the ocean waves pounding against the ship. The noise below decks was almost unbearable. The loud creaks and straining groans of the Mayflower, accompanied by the moaning of the people with sea illness.

“Infants were wailing and crying for their mothers, many of whom were ill and not able to comfort their children. Tossed about the lower deck, and sailors restrained the children and tied them with ropes to the posts and rails for their own safety.

“The spirit of prayer was as deep as the sea. We were petitioning the Lord for His mercy. Our voices reaching up through the hull into the dark windswept heavens. Suddenly, there was a great heave of the ship and a loud explosive ‘CRAAAACK’ sounded from one of the beams! The crew scurried about, inspecting the ship. They found the main beam had cracked and shifted menacingly. Soon we were all focused on the crisis as the chief mariners began shouting their hasty opinions of how to proceed. We turned to each other and questioned if we would be able to complete the voyage.

Any last words before we wrap things up?

There are so many books out there for children of all reading levels and it is hard for new authors and publishers to compete in the marketplace. Self- publishing is an expensive venture, and time scheduled for marketing and promotion. I have several manuscripts in submission process and would be thrilled to see one or more of them picked up by a big-name publisher. However, many publishers have succumbed to the latest trends that a few parents do not agree with. I am certain there is still a place for the traditionally wholesome down home picture book for young children, and intellectually stimulating, informative and entertaining material for young adults!

                    

Bio

Maurice M. Hebert is a New England descendant of the Hebert lineage from Canada. He was born in 1957 and married his wife Jane in 1981. Together they have raised five children and are now grandparents of eleven high-energy grandchildren! Maurice is enthusiastic about Christianity’s influence in history and politics and when not writing for children he often writes on apologetics.

He has extensive life experience that includes manufacturing, construction, creative arts, marketing, and administration. He has written many songs and several plays for children and adults. Maurice created Mograce Publishing to publish and promote new material. He is a member of the International Book Publishers Association and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

He also offers creative fine art photography at maurice-hebert.pixels.com You may find his blog post at momeaning.com and at mogracepublishing.com.

Now that his children are all grown up, Maurice has the time to create material that will entertain and inspire rational thought and reason in his grandchildren, and many others along the way!

Website

https://www.mogracepublishing.com/welcome

Authors Page

Twitter

Tweets by MoPubs

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers’ Favorite
As a child, Mary could not figure out why her mother’s behavior toward her tended to be either violent or angry. As she got older the relationship between them only got worse, so much so that she could not wait to get out of living under her mother’s control. Her siblings were not immune and even her mother’s partners bore their fair share of her vitriolic attacks. After she had moved out, got married, and started her own family, you would expect that Mary would be free of her mother’s machinations. Then she received a call about her stepfather’s death which coincided with her mother’s strange late-hour visit. Could it be that her mother somehow found a way to rope Mary into her fiendish scheme? One so unbelievable it could involve murder? Find out in Her Alibi by Mary L. Schmidt.

Mary L. Schmidt tells a compelling story in her book. Her accounts are detailed and graphic, leaving precious little to the imagination. She explains her family history thoroughly, making it easier to understand her story. It is difficult to believe that some of the events transpired in the way she recorded them, but the way the details come together in the latter stages gives the reader ample opportunity to draw conclusions as to the mental state of Mary’s mother and her capabilities. Her Alibi is another example of where reality trumps fiction and Schmidt must be commended for finding the courage to pen this book.

Media Kit

Book Title: Brushstrokes from the Past

Series: Soli Hansen Mysteries

Genre: Historical fiction – dual timeline, a bit of mystery and sweet romance

Twitter Handles: @HeidiEljarbo @cathiedunn

Hashtags:  #solihansenmysteries #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

Tour Schedule: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2022/07/blog-tour-brushstrokes-from-past-by.html

Brushstrokes from the Past

Soli Hansen Mysteries

Heidi Eljarbo

Blurb:

A Historical Art Mystery

WWII and the mid-seventeenth century are entwined in this fourth dual timeline novel about Nazi art theft, bravery, friendship, and romance.

April 1945. Art historian Soli Hansen and her friend Heddy arrive at an excavation site only to find Soli’s old archeology professor deeply engrossed in an extraordinary find in a marsh. The remains of a man have lain undisturbed for three centuries, but there’s more to this discovery…

As Soli tries to understand who the baroque man was and discovers what he carried in a sealed wooden tube, problems arise. A leak reveals the finds to the notorious Lieutenant Colonel Heinz Walter, and soon, both Nazi elite and the Gestapo are after the treasure.

When Heddy and the professor disappear along with the artwork, Soli and her resistance group must find them before it’s too late.

1641. In Amsterdam, French musketeer Claude Beaulieu has had his portrait done by his close friend and artist Rembrandt van Rijn. When a band of thieves steal the precious painting, Claude and his wife Annarosa Ruber pick up their swords and a few belongings and go after the culprits.

Set in Norway during the tumultuous last days of the second world war, as well as the peak of the glorious baroque art period, these two stories are a must for readers who love historical fiction with adventure, suspense, and true love that conquers all.

Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Lucinda Riley, Kathleen McGurl, Rhys Bowen, and Katherine Neville.

The Fascination with dual timeline novels

by Heidi Eljarbo

I enjoy reading dual timelines that seamlessly move between two eras and the dual narratives are linked together. When cleverly done, both timelines function on their own, and every scene moves the plot forward. Each riveting story is complete with a great setting, strong characters, a compelling plot, and a satisfying ending. But somehow, these two tales belong together, and the excitement of how they connect makes the journey twice as enjoyable. When both time periods are filled with obstacles, conflict, courage, loyalty, and love, I know I’ll be hooked to the pages.

For such a novel to function, both timelines need an interesting storyline and a compelling drive that makes you want to know what happens in both eras. The transition between times should be distinct and the chapters woven together in a natural progression.

A dual timeline is different from a chronological story that starts and ends with the same protagonists and one main plot. It’s also more than a novel with flashbacks. Even though a backstory may cover things in the past that lead to where the protagonist is today, this is not a dual timeline.

Also, stories where someone travels through time with the use of a hypothetical device is not considered a dual timeline, nor is the timeslip aspect where the characters magically or supernaturally travel backward or forward in time.

Dual timeline novels usually link a contemporary story and another historical tale. In Brushstrokes from the Past, I’ve chosen two historical eras that are three hundred years apart. I’ve connected three aspects I love—the bravery of the resistance during WWII, the seventeenth century, and art. I have a true passion for art history and have so much fun researching details about master artists, painting techniques, colors, and compositions. The goal becomes to weave in truly interesting history without having it read like a textbook or making it obvious to the reader.

As an avid reader of historical fiction novels, I expect no less. For two entwined stories to function together as a book, we need a common theme, element, or happening.

The main shared item in Brushstrokes from the Past, is a portrait painted by Rembrandt van Rijn in the seventeenth century as well as an ancient, preserved ledger kept by one of Rembrandt’s models. When an art historian during WWII comes across these two things, anything can happen.

Brushstrokes from the Past is a historical art mystery and the fourth installment in the Soli Hansen Mysteries. Each novel can be read as a standalone, but they are more enjoyable when read in order as both of the stories progress.

I hope you’ll enjoy the journey.

Buy Links:

Available on #KindleUnlimited

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/47g8Ej

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09ZBBRH84/

Amazon US: https://www.amzn.com/B09ZBBRH84/

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09ZBBRH84/

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09ZBBRH84/

Author Bio:

Heidi Eljarbo is the bestselling author of historical fiction and mysteries filled with courageous and good characters that are easy to love and others you don’t want to go near.

Heidi grew up in a home filled with books and artwork and she never truly imagined she would do anything other than write and paint. She studied art, languages, and history, all of which have come in handy when working as an author, magazine journalist, and painter.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She and her husband have a total of nine children, thirteen grandchildren—so far—in addition to a bouncy Wheaten Terrier.

Their favorite retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summertime and ski the vast, white terrain during winter.

Heidi’s favorites are family, God’s beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

Sign up for her newsletter at https://www.heidieljarbo.com/newsletter

Social Media Links:

Website: https://www.heidieljarbo.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeidiEljarbo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorheidieljarbo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-eljarbo-morrell-andersen-345a253a/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidieljarbo/

Instagram author page: https://www.instagram.com/authorheidieljarbo/

Pinterest: https://no.pinterest.com/heidieljarbo/

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heidi-eljarbo

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amzn.com/Heidi-Eljarbo/e/B073D852VG/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16984270.Heidi_Eljarbo

From Amazon:

Dreamland, the western territory of Romania, a paradise dreamed of by empires; a fairyland protected by its hearty folk; and centuries-long safe haven to hopeful emigrants.

Dreamland, these are stories lived, legends of why, myths of who, folk believes rooted in the days when the populace of Banat, Crisana, Maramures, and Transylvania laid the first foundations in places still untamed, places that maybe changed their face as they changed many hands throughout centuries.

Dreamland: like a river flows free, like the bird knows no boundaries, and like clouds spread over the entire horizon, so is the history, and the tales of these Romanian provinces. Dacians and Romans, Vlachs, Moti, Mocans, Huns, Peri, Magyars, Transylvanian Saxons , Swabians, Szeklers, Jewish refugees, Ottoman invaders, hajduks and emperors, priests, these are the folks who shared this Dreamland and together they shaped its history, culture and architecture.
In these troubled times, when one’s identity escapes and is easily strewn along paths travelled far and wide, let’s take another look back. Let’s meet the people who can still remember the tales of their ancestors, entrusted to them with the seed of truth.

Today Romania has ten defined historical provinces: Banat, Crișana, Maramureș, Transylvania (Ardeal or Erdély) presented in this book, Dreamland, but also Bucovina, Moldova, Basarabia, Oltenia, Muntenia, and Dobrogea.

Banat: local population lived mainly in huts scattered over the valleys because the main occupation was pastoralism without transhumance. This historical region often bordered various empires that made the area somewhat insecure, and often depopulated due to war outbursts. Today Banat is a land peacefully shared between Romania, Serbia, and Hungary.

Crisana: is a geographical and historical region in north-west Romania named after the Criş Rivers guarded by the peaks of Apuseni Mountains. The etymology for Crişana goes back to the old name for Criş Rivers, Chrisola, deriving from Ancient Greek golden due to golden specks often spotted in its waters.

Maramures: located in the very north of Romania, the very birth of Maramureş has its legend. Its people love to share it by the fire of the woodstove, during cold January evenings steeped in snow. The wood-carved Maramureş Gates are one of the most precious symbols of Maramureş Country.

Transylvania is a historical plateau located at the heart of Romania. Dominated by large pastures, Transylvania is sheltered by the Carpathian Mountains which stand guard around it: to the west, Apuseni Mountains; to the east, Harghita Mountains; and to the south by the Fagaras Mountains nicknamed the Alps of Transylvania and traversed by the spectacular Transfagarasan Road. A multicultural region with a noteworthy history and a rich cultural heritage, Transylvania is known as Ardeal to its millennial Romanian inhabitants, Siebenbürgen to the German Saxons who lived on this land for centuries, and Erdély to the Szeklers and the Hungarian people living here today, alongside Turks, Jews, Serbs, and Roma Gypsies.

This isn’t a history book, or a storybook, but rather a collection of fleeting impressions, lived truths, reflections, descriptive essays, and snapshots of a life lived in fabulous ways.

These short texts are meant to evoke passages from history and I tried to write them with passion and lyricism, and, I hope, wit. Telling stories is the best way to keep the past, this untouchable treasure, alive.

In chronological order: 117 Stories punctuated by historical details.
Over 80 color photographs.

My Review: Wow. This book was much more than I expected going in to read. I read folklore yes, and more. The stories evoked different reactions and that is the hallmark of a well written book. Most stories include a photo of the area, fortress, church, country home, etcetera. History of each area gives great insight to this special place on our beautiful blue sphere of life. Thank you, Ms Furstenberg.