Friday 30 November 2012

RAZED ~ Review


It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!




You never know when I might play a wild card on you!








Today's Wild Card author is:




and the book:


Mindstir Media (July 12, 2012)

***Special thanks to Paula Wiseman for sending me a review copy.***


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




 After working several years as research chemist, Paula Wiseman was blessed with the opportunity to stay home with her children and follow the writer’s path. Her bestselling Covenant of Trust Series, including Contingency, Indemnity and Precedent was recognized by Indie Excellence Awards, a Readers Favorite Gold, and Next Generation Indie Book Awards, and featured on Lifetime Television. When she isn’t working on new projects, Paula blogs on matters of life and faith at www.paulawiseman.com.





Visit the author's website.




SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:


 Doug Bolling lost his wife of twenty years just as their stormy marriage was beginning to thrive, and he bitterly blames God. He tries to reconnect with his son, but it seems Mark is only interested if the relationship comes wrapped in religion. Mark claims he's just following God when he moves his family, including Doug's grandsons, further away, first to pastor, then to attend seminary. With frustrated resignation, Doug turns his attention to building a new life and a new home for himself and interior designer, Cassandra Grayson. The conflict erupts as Mark is preparing to leave for the mission field in Kenya. He delivers an ultimatum, cutting off all contact between his kids and their grandfather. God may have ripped away his wife and his son, but Doug draws the line at his grandchildren. Mark's attempt to force him to choose between the woman he loves and the grandkids he adores, drives Doug to one fateful desperate act, even if it means destroying his relationship with his son.







Product Details:

List Price: $15.99

Paperback: 390 pages

Publisher: Mindstir Media (July 12, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0985365099

ISBN-13: 978-0985365097






AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:







SIXTEEN YEARS AGO



Thursday, July 29



Doug Bolling clutched the small bag of cookies in his left hand. His right hand rested on the door handle to his wife’s hospital room. No matter how many times he’d done this, it never got any easier.



He took a deep breath, pushed the door open slowly, and stepped inside. Images flickering across the screen of the muted television gave the room its only light. Judy’s eyes fluttered open as he got closer, and she gave him her best smile. “Hey, Babe,” he whispered, and leaned down to kiss her, wishing her cheeks were still full with the almost babyish roundness they used to have.



“You just missed the doctor.” She pulled at the bedrails and managed to prop herself up.



“There was a line at Schnuck’s.” He held the bag up for her to see.



“What’d you bring?” She stretched her arm forward, revealing her narrow wrists. Would she have enough strength to hold the bag?



“Those cookies. The white chocolate and macadamia nut ones.”



“Bless your heart.”



She labored to open the bag, and he fought the urge to do it for her.



She inhaled deeply. “They smell wonderful. I can’t wait to have one.”



“Why can’t you have one now?”



“I’m not hungry yet. I’d rather be hungry.”



“You want me to set them on the table?”



“No, I want them close.” She held out her hand, and he cradled it in his. “Almost as close as I want you.”



“So what’d the doctor say?”



Her smiled faded and she hesitated. Not good. “He’s sending me home, Doug.”



Home. Not “home” home. Home to die. “There’s not anything—?”



She shook her head. “He suggested some, uh, some hospice care providers.”



“How, how much—” He swallowed and tried again. “How much time?”



Her gentle smile returned. “He’s too slippery to give me anything definite. Christmas is probably, I mean, Christmas was his best-case estimate. He said I should think in terms of weeks . . . not months. I’m sorry.”



The grief in her eyes tore at him most of all. “Don’t be sorry.”



“I hate for you to have to go through this.”



“Me? Don’t worry about me. I’m a tough guy.”



“The toughest,” she said, and he felt the slightest squeeze. “I have a request.” She raised her eyes to his. “I want to be the one to tell Mark.”



He nodded. She’d do it better than he would anyway. He hooked his boot around the leg of the bedside chair and dragged it closer without ever letting go of her hand. Home. Hospice. Christmas. They knew it was close. But hearing it, having a doctor pronounce that . . .”Are you afraid?” He hoped she’d say yes, because he was terrified.



“No. I don’t have any pain, really.”



“I mean to die.” He regretted the words as soon as he heard himself say them. He shifted in the chair. “I shouldn’t have said that,” he mumbled.



“It won’t be as frightening if we talk about it.”



Which meant she knew he was terrified, so she would pretend she was, too. “But you’re not scared.”



“You remember when you asked me to marry you?”



“Like it was yesterday. I think it was just yesterday.”



“Seems like it. My parents were so worried. All they could see was this punk who barely graduated high school.”



“They still see that.”



She smiled and squeezed his hand again. “They never heard you say that you’d take care of me, and that you’d never, ever leave me.” She twisted and pulled herself up a little straighter. “I know this makes no sense to you, but God’s made those same promises to me, so I’m not afraid. I trusted you. I trust Him.”



He dropped his head and hoped she couldn’t see his jaw clench in the low light. The God she trusted was a fairy tale, a happy story to help her sleep better at night. A real God, a good God wouldn’t kill a wife and mother in the prime of her life.



“I see that line of discussion is a dead end.”



He smiled at the spark of attitude. “I’m glad your, uh, your faith helps you.”



“I wish it helped you.”



“It does. When I see you optimistic and brave and—” He had to look away again. If he didn’t shut up, he’d lose it in front of her. “So where’s that doctor? I need to get you out of here.”



*******



For Mark Bolling, three-thirty was the best part of the day, and his favorite thing about working for Bolling Developers. He didn’t hate construction work exactly, even though he missed the air conditioning at his grandfather’s car dealership. His dad was rarely on-site and the guys were okay to work with. He liked being able to see progress when he left every day.



His mother smiled with quiet approval any time he mentioned working for his dad. That was the main reason he was doing it. Plus, it was her idea. Right after she got sick last summer, she suggested—no, insisted—he ask his dad for a job. His father said, “So help me, if you pull an attitude and embarrass me, you’ll wish you were shoveling horse barns for a living. Am I clear?”



“Crystal.”



“You need work boots. Pack your own lunch and be ready to leave by six-thirty in the morning.”



That was his orientation talk.



The first two days she was in the hospital this time around, it looked like this was her last trip, but she rallied once more. He planned to grab a quick shower then spend the evening there with her.



His father’s truck was in the driveway. That meant his parents were home—both of them. They’d sent her home. Great!



The stillness in the house sucked that optimism right out of him. He walked as carefully and quietly as his clunky, steel-toed boots would allow, checking the living room and the kitchen. Outside? He peeked out the back door and saw his dad fussing with the charcoal grill.



Charcoal. The guy was a million-dollar-a-year homebuilder, but he was too cheap for a gas grill. Not only that, they still lived in the same three-bedroom place he built the first year Bolling Developers was in business, and he still drove the pick-up truck he bought that year.



Mark slipped off his boots and left them by the back door, then he took the stairs two at a time, doubly anxious to talk to his mother. He heard the television. Hopefully that meant she was awake. He knocked gently as he pushed the door open. “Mom?”



“Mark? Is it that late already?” Her voice was soft, but her eyes shone. She reached for the remote and clicked off the television set. “Come and sit with me and tell me about your day.”



“I’d rather hear about yours.” He eased himself down onto the edge of the bed.



“Oh, it was about what I expected.” She tugged at the sleeve of her warm-up jacket, pulling it toward her wrist. The sicker she got, the more athletic her preferred attire became. She thought the bulky clothes hid things better. She was mistaken.



Her eyes fluttered, hardly daring to rest on his. “I shouldn’t have to go back.”



“No more treatments?” he asked, knowing exactly what that meant.



She shook her head. “The doctor said . . . well . . . his primary concern from here on out . . . is that I’m comfortable.”



Here on out. The death sentence. The air in the room thickened until it was like trying to breathe syrup. Hot, smothering syrup.



She put a hand on his knee and winked with an impish grin. “I can have all the morphine I want.”



He had to smile at her. “How did . . . ?” Mark swallowed hard and wiped his eyes. “How’s Dad?”



Her smile faded. “That’s what hurts me. Watching him.” She smoothed the comforter. “He’s so lost. He needs you more than he will ever admit, more than he understands even.”



His father didn’t need anyone, least of all him. “Excuse my cynicism.”



She took his hand and spoke with urgency. “I want you to remember this when I—” She shook her head gently. “Your dad, he carries everything inside, and he’s going to need someone he can vent to. Someone who can take it.”



“You mean someone to yell at?”



“Yell at, yell to. It’s all the same to him.”



“Then I’ve been there for him for years.”



“I’m not explaining this right,” she said. “There’s much more to your dad than the blustering guy in the hardhat. Give him a chance. Be patient and he’ll come around. Promise me you will.”



“Have you given him this speech?” he asked, carefully avoiding the promise.



“Not yet. He’s on my schedule.” She smiled. “If only I could have a few more years with him.” She blinked away her own tears. “He just needs someone who will love him.”



She wanted, expected, him to be the one—a worshipful son to take the place of the smitten wife. He was in so much trouble.



*******



Doug sat at the kitchen table sorting through the latest stack of bills. Doctor, doctor, hospital, ambulance, radiology. What a mess. He wrote check after check, stuffed them in the envelopes, and dropped the keep this portion in the box at his feet. He didn’t have time for this. He should be in there with Judy. Christmas. Christmas was only five months away. He couldn’t be ready in five months.



If she didn’t eat any more than she did today, he didn’t see how she could last that long. She used to have this metabolism most people would give anything to have. She could eat whatever she wanted, and still keep a cheerleader’s figure. He teased her about out-eating him.



She was never what anyone would call beautiful. Judy was cute. Petite and youthful, she never seemed to age. She’d never let herself get old, she said. Terminal cancer took care of that for her.



Mark strode into the kitchen and pulled a glass from the cabinet. “She’s asleep.” The teenager got a two-liter bottle from the refrigerator and it hissed loudly when he twisted off the cap. “You want a Coke or something?”



“No.” Doug laid down his pen and pushed his chair back from the table. He’d dreaded this conversation all day, especially the part where he’d ask the center of the universe to relinquish his position. “Listen, I think you need to sit out this semester coming up.”



“Why?” Mark gulped the Coke, then set the glass on the counter, clinking it against the sink.



“Really? I have to explain this to you? Your mother is dying, Mark. It’ll be a miracle if she lives past Christmas. Don’t you think you belong here with her instead of some frat house somewhere?”



“I’m not even gonna respond to that.”



Doug had seen the same condescending sneer on Judy’s face more times than he cared to remember.



“Mom specifically said not to drop out of school. She told me to go on with my life.”



“I bet she did,” Doug muttered.



“Fine! You want me to stay home? I’ll stay.”



“Oh no. I’m not taking the blame for bullying you into dropping out of college.”



“You bully me into everything else.”



“And Mommy always rescues you, doesn’t she?”



“Again, I’m not going to respond. You’re just ranting at me, and I’ve learned not to try to reason with you when you’re like this.”



“I’m unreasonable?”



“Right now, yes.”



Doug jerked himself out of the chair and stood inches away from his son. The boy, the man now, straightened himself until he stood half a head taller than Doug, with a look of annoyed indifference he inherited directly from Judy’s father.



Then Doug stopped himself. He waved his hand and stepped back. Mark couldn’t understand, and he didn’t have the strength or the words to explain it.



“Go ahead and say it, Dad.”



This time it wasn’t a challenge. Mark was inviting him, the way Judy did. Maybe the long talks with his mother were paying off. Maybe he was listening.



“Just . . . you better pray to that God of yours that you never have to stand by and watch your wife . . . watch her go through something like this.”



“He’s your God, too.”



“I have no God.”



“That’s your problem.”



*******



Tuesday, August 3



“What do you think you’re doing?” Doug leaned against the kitchen doorframe, his arms crossed against his chest as he watched his wife rummage through the kitchen cabinets.



“Making your dinner.” Judy hugged a skillet close to her body.



“You have no business—” He gently took the skillet from her hand and set it on the counter.



She huffed like an angry teenager. “Will you please, please, let me do as much as I can for as long as I can?”



“But you shouldn’t be wasting your energy—”



“It’s not wasting it if I’m doing what I enjoy.”



“You enjoy making my dinner? Since when?”



She pulled the skillet toward the stovetop. “All right, all right. There have been times when making dinner was not my favorite thing.”



“Like the first nineteen years of our marriage,” Doug teased.



“Get out the spaghetti, smart aleck.”



“That’s more like it.” He handed her the box of pasta and watched her brown the ground beef. He wasn’t joking, though. She had begrudged everything she did for him until she got sick.



“You know, this reminds me of the time we were at Disney World and Mickey or Goofy or somebody sat down beside Mark and begged for his spaghetti.” She smiled as she stirred. “He wouldn’t walk close to the characters any more after that. Do you remember?”



“No.”



“Oh, sure you do. Mark was about . . . five . . .”



“Judy, I wasn’t there. You and your parents took Mark. I couldn’t get away.”



“Or wouldn’t.”



“That’s not fair.”



She sighed with a heavy sadness. “Why did we treat each other that way for so long?”



“We were young. We didn’t know what we were doing.”



“I was selfish, Doug.” She struggled to pull a heavy pot from the cabinet, so he steadied it for her. “I married you because it infuriated my father.” She slid the pot into the sink and turned the water on. “You deserved a woman who loved you for you.”



“I have one.”



“But I’m not gonna be around to finish the job.” She turned off the faucet and held out a hand. He slipped in beside her and put an arm around her waist. She was so thin now. “Can you forgive me?”



“For what?”



“For being such a horrible wife.”



“That’s crazy.” He dropped his hand and stepped away. “You were, I mean, are, you are a perfect wife.”



“Now who’s crazy.” She arched an eyebrow at him, and he smiled. “I know better.”



“At least we had the last couple of years when things were good. Some people don’t have that.”



“It has been good, hasn’t it?”



He nodded and lifted the pot from the sink, then set it on the stove for her. “I think we both learned what was really important.”



“I learned what love was. I couldn’t give you what I didn’t have.”



Doug braced himself. He recognized the set-up for another Christianity commercial from her.



She wrinkled her brow at him. “All right. I won’t say anything else.”



“No, say it. I don’t want to leave anything unsaid between us.”



She faced him and spoke with urgency. “You’re a good man, Doug. You’ve made your own way. You work hard, and you have great integrity. I love all those things about you.”



He smiled, trying to diffuse the heaviness in the moment. “Tell me more.”



“Those things aren’t going to be good enough. The only thing, the only thing that scares me is an eternity without you. Mark finally came around, and I pray every day you will, too . . . and I pray I’ll get to see it.”



He saw the tears in her eyes, and guilt washed over him. Why couldn’t he simply say he believed whatever she wanted him to, make her happy, let her have peace these last few months?



Because he couldn’t lie to her.



“Babe, here’s how it looks to me. God . . . I don’t trust Him. He could fix all this and He won’t. He’s holding out.”



“But He’s not like that!”



“Not to you.”



“Let me find somebody who can explain things better than I can—”



“I don’t want to talk about it with somebody else. I only talk about it with you because—”



“Because I’m dying. You’re patronizing me.”



“I’m not patronizing you. I’m trying to be supportive.” He sighed deeply at the hurt in her eyes. “Just save your religion talk for Mark.”



“You hate that, too.”



“I don’t. ” He turned his back to her, paced away, and took a deep breath. If she saw his eyes, she’d know he was lying.



“You resent every minute I spend with him.”



It was a soft declaration, not an accusation, but she still knew how to cut into his very soul. He faced her again. “Can we compromise on this?”



“Can we?” The light in her eyes faded, and her hair seemed to gray before his eyes. She’d spent all her energy on him.



“Talk about your religion, your faith. Tell me all about it, but I don’t want to hear how much I need it. No hard sells, no sob stories, nothing.”



“And you won’t give Mark a hard time?”



“Mark and I will be fine.”



*******



Wednesday, September 22



Mark met his father at the top of the stairs outside his mother’s room, and to his utter surprise, his dad held out a hand. Mark shook it as grieving fear took hold of him. “Is she . . . ?”



“They said it was a matter of days now.” His father glanced back toward the door. “She’s on a lot of medication. She’s kind of in and out.”



Mark nodded. “You tell her I was coming?”



He shook his head. “She didn’t want me to call you. Afraid your schoolwork would suffer.”



As if he had anything more important to do.



“I’m gonna grab her a glass of water and throw a load of her things in the laundry. Did you get the mail on your way in?”



“It’s on the table.”



“Thanks.” His dad stepped around him and headed down the stairs.



“Dad?”



“What?”



“We’ll get through this.”



His father shook his head and shuffled into the kitchen.



Mark pushed the bedroom door open, and his breath caught when he saw his mother, ashen-faced and motionless, propped up against a pillow. “Mom?”



“Mark? It’s not Friday, is it?”



“No, it’s Wednesday.”



“Your dad doesn’t listen.” She managed a smile.



“I’m glad he called me.”



She reached for his hand. “Your dad, he reads my Bible to me. I wish you could hear him.” Her eyelids drooped until they were only half open. “It’s the most beautiful thing. Mark.” She let out a dreamy sigh. “Would you let him read at your wedding?”



“My wedding?”



“You’re still dating the preacher’s daughter, aren’t you?”



“Well, yeah.”



“You love her?”



“I do.”



“See, you’re already practiced up on the ‘I do.’” She smiled again and rolled her eyes to look at him. “Don’t wait, Mark. Don’t wait until you’re older . . . or you’re more settled . . . or you have more money. There are no guarantees.”



“Mom, it’s a little—”



She managed another smile. “Your dad doesn’t know about her, does he?”



“It’s not like I’m trying to keep it a secret. It just never seemed like the right time to bring it up.”



“Practice then. Tell me about her. Tell me what you love about her.” She settled back against her pillow, her eyes drooping shut again.



“Um, well . . . She’s, uh, she’s pretty, of course, and smart. She listens to me.”



His mother nodded slightly. “Mmmm. You need that. Men need that. They need someone who believes in them . . . then they can do anything.”



“Did you believe in Dad?”



“Not like I should have. Look what’s he’s accomplished in spite of it. What if I’d been what he needed? What could he have done?” She reached for his hand and squeezed it gently. Her fingers were soft and cool. “With, uh, tell me her name again.”



“Julie. Julie Hammell.”



“With Julie behind you, there’ll be no stopping you. I wish I could have met her. I’m sure she’s wonderful.”



Mark smiled and nodded. “She is.” Julie Hammell was his ticket to respectability, acceptance, and purpose, and it didn’t hurt that she was crazy about him. “Does Dad know you want him to read?”



“He promised me today.”



“You pick out the passage?”



“First John, chapter four. Where it talks about love, God’s love for us. He read it today.” She sighed and closed her eyes. “‘There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out all fear.’ It was beautiful. He has a beautiful voice . . . and he read it slow so he didn’t stumble.”



“Are you getting tired? I should let you rest.”



“No, stay. I have one for you too.”



“Something to read at my wedding?”



“No, a promise. I want you to make me a promise.” She squeezed his hand weakly again. “Promise me you won’t give up on him. Promise you’ll make sure your dad becomes a believer.”



“Mom, I can’t. He has to make that decision.”



“You have to tell him. You have to. It’s like in Ezekiel. You’re the watchman. If you don’t tell him . . . if he dies in his sins, Mark, we’re accountable. Maybe not responsible, but . . . Please tell me you won’t let that happen. I have nightmares—”



“I won’t, Mom. I’ll take care of it.” How could he not promise?



She relaxed against her pillow, apparently exhausted, and guilt closed off his throat. He couldn’t make his dad become a believer. He’d just lied to his mother on her deathbed.



“Talk to me,” she said without opening her eyes. “I love hearing you. I’m listening.”



Mark talked about his classes, his homework, the drive home, whatever he could think of, but the promise hung in the back of his mind. I’ll take care of it. How?



The more he talked, the more each word came with a keen awareness of every breath she took. If she passed without his father there at her side . . . God help them all.



*******



Friday, September 24



Doug rubbed his eyes and shifted in his chair. In the pale early morning light he squinted, trying to make sure Judy was still breathing. Finally, he reached his hand to her chest. It rose and fell in a slow, shallow rhythm. That reassurance was costly. Now he was afraid to pull his hand away for fear he’d miss the last one.



Ellen and Russell Carson had passed the night with him here, hovering over their only daughter. Of course they belonged here, had a right and a need to be here, but Doug hated it. When Ellen slipped out to get a quick shower, at least Russ left to make coffee, giving Doug these precious few moments alone with Judy.



“You’ve never answered anything I’ve ever asked,” he whispered. “But . . . I’ll do . . . anything. Or take me instead . . . Just . . . Don’t . . . You can fix this. I read those stories to her, I know what You can do . . . I need her. Take anything else of mine . . . Just not—”



Judy drew in two quick breaths and opened her eyes. “Doug?”



“I’m right here.” He slipped his hand around hers. “Right here.”



“I love you.” She labored to draw the corners of her mouth into a smile. “Mark . . . ?”



“He’s down the hall. He’ll be right here.”



“Were Mom and Dad . . . ?”



He nodded. “Your mom’s down in our bathroom getting a shower and your dad’s making a pot of coffee. They’ve been here the whole time.”



She closed her eyes. “You need . . . that.”



“Need what? Coffee?” he asked, daring to tease her in this moment.



She blinked slowly in place of a smile. “I heard . . . you pray.”



He felt himself flush with the shame of desperation. “I don’t think it did any good.”



“I pray . . . for you . . . and Mark. You need . . .”



You, he wanted to say. I need you, Judy.



“You need someone . . . someone who deserves to have you.” She squeezed his hand. “You . . . I love you. We will meet again. I have that peace.”



“What are you talking about?”



“I can let go. You’ll . . .” Her hand relaxed, and everything inside Doug Bolling died.


MY THOUGHTS:

This is the first book I've read by Author Paula Wiseman and I have to say...SHE IS AWESOME! Razed was one of the best books I've read this year! I COULD NOT put it down and when I got to the last page (I was reading on my Kindle so I didn't know I was nearing the end) I was soooo upset! Not because I was mad at the characters or the subject matter but because it was the last page !!! Talk about a Cliffhanger!!
OH EM GEEE!!!

The relationships in RAZED are beyond frustrating! Father/Son, In-laws, and even the relationship that Mark, who is a Pastor, has with God. I just wanted to shake all of them!

If you are looking for a cookie cutter Christian Fiction novel, Razed is not for you! BUT... If you want a story that is true to life, the good, the bad, and the ugly, then you will LOVE RAZED! I really appreciated reading a story-line that dealt with such true circumstances. So many times, pastors have such high standards for the families, and when their own children don't live up to that standard, they reject them in one form or another, and their relationship is rocky at best. Sadly, I don't know anyone that knows how to deal with the rejection of their parents, but PK's sometimes will see their parents giving to others more than they give to them or their own families. Paula handles this situation and all the other life situations in RAZED with such grace!

I related with each character and saw myself in them too. Life with Jesus can be like our Seasons at times.... we go through times that we feel Jesus right there with us and each day is so exciting! Being on fire for Christ, sharing HIM and seeing HIM move in our life! But there are also those Seasons in which you just wonder where HE is and WHY things are taken from you...

RAZED is such a grace-filled picture of two families going through life. One loves Jesus and the other wants nothing to do with HIM at all and how they all learn to love one another despite their differences !! I cannot even wait until the next book comes out but until then I will be finding more books by Paula and my guess is I will LOVE the others just as much!

Heart of a Bookworm gives RAZED 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s!


Happy Reading!

Tuesday 27 November 2012

Debt Proof Your Christmas ~ Review




About the Book:

Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it's also one of the most stressful--and most expensive. But you don't have to overspend or go into debt to have a fabulous holiday. Financial expert Mary Hunt shows you how to assess your situation, commit to no new debt, and think creatively about gifts. With Mary's guidance, you'll discover what caused you to overspend in the past and how to approach this Christmas with a plan. It just might be the best gift you can give yourself and your family.


About the Author:

Mary Hunt is an award winning and bestselling author, syndicated columnist, and sought-after motivational speaker. She is founder and publisher of the interactive website Debt-Proof Living, which features financial tools, resources, and information for her online members. Her books have sold more than a million copies, and her daily newspaper column is nationally syndicated through Creators Syndicate and is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of Everyday Cheapskate readers.

My Thoughts:

It was just last week that families everywhere were gathered around the table giving thanks for their blessings and enjoying the fruits of their labor. For some of these families however, their time was cut short this year. Why? Because some had to report to work, while others simply chose to go and get in line @ some retail store on Thursday evening for the NEW TIME and NEW KICKOFF of Black Friday. Call me crazy, I'm all about a good deal, and I am a Black Friday shopper but I don't go stand in line for any store nor do I go at some crazy hour!! I know just how crazy the atmosphere is even when I arrive sometime after noon! Mary has some great ideas that just might change your mind about how you do your Christmas shopping next year!

Mary Hunt's Debt-Proof your Christmas is filled with sooo much more than a recommended plan for getting through your Christmas debt free. She shares great ideas for gift giving, creating a plan for your budget and even the tools you'll need to be able to purchase a gift for that special person far before Christmas arrives. There are recipes for home-made gift giving as well as great holiday entertaining tips! Her BLACK FRIDAY is spent at home with her family, working together, making memories and far far away from any mall or outlet shopping!

Even if you have your shopping done and have all those gifts wrapped and under the tree, this book is one that will help you regardless of when you read it. In fact, it is one that will benefit you as the new year arrives. It will be one to refer to as the year goes quickly by and would make a Terrific gift for just about anyone!


I know I will benefit from this book greatly! Thank you Donna Hausler and Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review! It is most definitely a 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s

Happy Reading!

Thursday 8 November 2012

Placebo ~ Review




ABOUT THE BOOK:
While covertly investigating a controversial neurological research program, exposé filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world's largest pharmaceutical firms. After giving up his career as an escape artist and illusionist in the wake of his wife and sons' tragic death, Jevin is seeking not only answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program, but also answers to why his family suffered as they did.

Rooted in ground-breaking science and inspired by actual research, Placebo explores the far reaches of science, consciousness, and faith. Readers will love this taut, intelligent, and emotionally gripping new thriller from master storyteller Steven James.

My Thoughts:

Like many Steven James fans, I was introduced to him by reading his Patrick Bowers series. I devoured each book in that series!


Placebo introduces us to Jevin Banks and Steven James' new series! Filled with some serious suspense, mystery, and intrigue, Placebo will have you turning pages as fast as you can! I LOVED the journey that Jevin is on personally and professionally as well. The loss of his wife and twin sons takes a huge toll on him and learning how to deal with the pain and frustration of losing them is not always easy!

Some say, "behind every great man is an even greater woman," and I believe this to be true in the case of Jevin Banks. Charlene is Jevin's assistant and friend, who, at times, knows him better than even he knows himself. She can patient with Jevin when necessary, and very protective at other times.

Jevin and his crew find themselves in the middle of an assignment with one of the worlds largest pharmaceutical companies, as well as project research of mind-to-mind communication. As you can imagine in the pharmaceutical world, funds aren't a problem, and the people who are behind this project will do whatever it takes to make sure this program is a success, even if someone has to lose their life. Virtually no one can be trusted!

I Love Jevin's team and as they work diligently to find answers and protect the Nation, I was on pins and needles reading how it all played out! I love this series already and can't wait until the next book comes out (SINGULARITY, Fall 2013).

Thank you Donna @ RevellBooks, a Division of Baker Publishing Group for allowing me this complimentary E-book in exchange for my honest review!




Happy Reading!

Sunday 4 November 2012

The Christmas Note ~ Review




From the author of The Christmas Shoes comes a new inspirational novel about an unlikely friendship between two women, but one that will change each of their lives forever.

Gretchen McCray has recently moved into an apartment with her two children to be closer to her mother, Miriam. She and her children are building a life together in a new community when a mysterious young woman, Melissa Summit, moves into the apartment next to them. She has few possessions, little personality, and keeps to herself.

One day, a local landlord who is looking for Melissa knocks on Gretchen’s door for assistance. Melissa’s mother has died and in the coming weeks the landlord needs Melissa to empty her mother’s apartment. Gretchen reaches out and offers to help, but the apartment is a gut-wrenching shamble of a home.

There is little worth saving except for a few photos and a note that is discovered on the crate beside the bed. It is unfinished but in the two scribbled lines, Melissa discovers she has a brother and a sister that she never knew about. Even more shocking, she begins to uncover family secrets that show her who she really is.

Can two very different women embark on a journey that explores a long-buried need for forgiveness, hope, and redemption?

MY THOUGHTS:

I never would have dreamed a Christmas story could have such a great mystery mixed in it's story but The Christmas Note does! When Gretchen and Melissa meet, they could not be any different from one another but the Lord takes these women on their own journey and they become to depend on one another! This Heartwarming story will fill you with hope and is definitely one to share with others as the Christmas season is upon us!

Thursday 1 November 2012

Hidden in the Heart ~ Review


It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!





You never know when I might play a wild card on you!








Today's Wild Card author is:




and the book:


OakTara (September 15, 2012)

***Special thanks to Catherine West for sending me a review copy.***


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




Catherine West is an award-winning author who writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. Educated in Bermuda, England and Canada, Catherine holds a degree in English from the University of Toronto. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or tending to her roses and orchids. She and her husband have two college-aged children. Catherine is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America, and is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Literary.





Visit the author's website.




SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:




Everything Claire wants seems to be beyond her reach...



After losing her mother to cancer and suffering a miscarriage soon after, Claire Ferguson numbs the pain with alcohol and pills, and wonders if her own life is worth living. Adopted at birth, Claire is convinced she has some unknown genetic flaw that may have been the cause of her miscarriage. She must find a way to deal with the guilt she harbors. But exoneration will come with a price.



With her marriage in trouble and her father refusing to answer any questions about her adoption, Claire begins the search for her birth mother.



For the first time in her life, she really wants to know where she came from.

But what if the woman who gave her life doesn’t want to be found?



For all those who have loved, experienced loss, and lived life’s roller-coaster





Product Details:

List Price: $16.95

Paperback: 248 pages

Publisher: OakTara (September 15, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1602903298

ISBN-13: 978-1602903296





My Thoughts:

Hidden in the Heart is such a phenomenal read! Author Catherine West introduces us to characters that you can truly relate to. Seeing them deal with the consequences of their choices, see them realize how captive they've been to the strong holds in their life, and then seeing them walk in the beautiful gift of REDEMPTION & FREEDOM! I can relate to each of these and it is only through Christ that I have been able to face my own choices and strongholds and be redeemed and walk in the FREEDOM that HE so lovinging gives! Claire's journey is a difficult one in the beginning, and like many, she can be full of self pity. But, none of us can truly know another's heartbreak.
I came to love Claire and think you will too!


Hidden in the Heart will make you laugh out loud, shed some tears, and even shout for joy! It is just a WONDERFUL HEARTFELT read!



AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:







Claire Ferguson stood outside Baby Gap, unable to look away from the Christmas display. Red velvet dresses and miniature-sized plaid waistcoats. Tiny suede boots, tiny patent leather shoes, tiny colorful striped hats and scarves.



Everything was tiny.



Claire stared at a little red dress, her eyes filling as she imagined and wished for the impossible.



People filed in and out of the store, smiling, laughing. Happy. An ordinary day filled with ordinary tasks and lists of things that must be accomplished. She had no such list—just an overwhelming need to pass time quickly on this day that was not so ordinary.



Claire steadied herself and glanced at her watch. Late afternoon. Shoppers jostled by, oblivious to her pain, all in a hurry to get their purchases and conquer the next store in the mall.



If only she had a reason to hurry.



‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ crooned from the mall loudspeakers. Claire bit her lip and cursed Bing.



Christmas would be merry when it was over.



Claire tightened her grip around the numerous bags she carried and slowly moved forward. Her heel slipped on a slick patch of tile. She regained her balance before falling, but the effort shook her and sent her pulse racing.



After walking a bit, her arms began to burn. Her overflowing shopping bags were heavy, but gave a sense of accomplishment. She’d gotten out of bed and had the purchases to prove it.



“Claire? Hey…yoo-hoo!” A woman’s greeting floated above the noise of the crowd.



Claire lowered her head and rummaged through her purse. She popped a few breath mints into her mouth and chewed as she weighed her options.



Pretend she didn’t hear. Pretend to be someone else. Or turn around and face the owner of the vaguely familiar voice still calling her name.



Curiosity won out and Claire turned.



“Hi, Claire! I thought that was you.” The woman waved and hurried over. Platinum blonde hair swooshed around her shoulders. “Long time no see. You do remember me, don’t you?”



“Um…” No. Claire pushed through the tangled cobwebs in her brain. “Ashley…right? High school?” The woman’s Colgate-bright smile never faltered. She could have been on the cover of a magazine. Or a toothpaste commercial.



“Amanda. Barrington.” Blue eyes twinkled as though she held some untold secret. “Gosh, it’s been a while. How are you? Have time for a coffee?”



“Coffee?” Claire screwed up her nose. Vodka tonic would be more enticing, but whatever. She didn’t have anywhere to be. Not really. “Sure.”



They settled around a table at Starbucks. Amanda insisted on buying, which was fine with Claire. A few minutes later she sipped an Espresso and managed a smile. “So. Amanda. What have you been up to since high school?”



“Oh, not too much, you know. Busy. You?”



Claire nodded. “Same. Busy. Very busy.” Busy not answering the phone. Busy surfing channels. Busy ignoring the whole world.



Amanda stirred another packet of sweetener into her Caffè Misto. “You got married a few years ago, didn’t you? You and James?”



A bizarre image of Guy Smiley from Sesame Street flashed before her and Claire wondered what she’d done to win a spot on This Is Your Life. She suppressed a giggle. That third drink at lunch probably hadn’t been such a great idea. “Yep. Me and James.”



“Any kids?”



As if on cue, a mother walked past them pushing a toddler. The kid looked her way and released a blood-curdling wail. Claire let out her breath. “Didn’t you go to Vassar?”



“Oh.” Amanda’s pretty smile petered out as she fiddled with the top of her cup. “Yes, but I dropped out. Had a breakdown of sorts.”



“Of sorts?” Maybe that was the same as being a little bit pregnant. A ripple of anxiety washed over Amanda’s face and Claire felt a pinch of guilt. “Hey, it’s cool. I’m the last person to be throwing judgment around.” She pulled at a loose thread on her sweater.



Getting out of bed this morning had been tiresome enough, she hadn’t given much thought to her wardrobe. Just grabbed a pair of yoga pants and a long sweater that covered her butt, and pushed her feet into a pair of Uggs. She took in Amanda’s pristine appearance, fumbled with her hair and tried to remember whether she’d even brushed it. “Are you…okay now?” Stupid question. Of course she was.



“Oh, yes.” Amanda answered too quickly. “Right as rain.”



“Funny, that.” Claire couldn’t stop a grin. “Right as rain. People always complain when it rains, don’t they? I mean, what’s right about it, really?”



Amanda didn’t hide surprise well. She opened her mouth but no words came. She nibbled on a bran muffin and dabbed cherry lips with a paper napkin. “Um. I heard your mother died. Last year, was it? I’m sorry.”



Of course she was sorry. Everybody was sorry. God was probably even sorry.



Claire studied her nails. The pink polish was chipped and faded, most of her nails worn down by her chewing on them. Another habit she couldn’t seem to break. “She had cancer. Only lived a few months after her diagnoses.”



“I’m so sorry.”



“Yup.” Claire nodded, still pondering Amanda’s mysterious breakdown. She really wanted to ask how the accommodations were at the funny farm, because if things got any worse she might just be heading there herself. “So, what are you doing now, you know, now that you’re…okay?” Small talk seemed more appropriate.



Amanda perked up at the change of subject. “Oh, a bit of this and that. I’m planning a wedding, so you know how that goes. I got engaged a few months ago.” She waved a hand, a diamond the size of a small country in Africa almost blinding Claire. “You know, Claire…when I saw you, I remembered. You were adopted too, right?”



Hot liquid sloshed out of the small hole in the plastic lid and Claire put her cup down in a hurry. She dabbed at the mess and tried to think what an appropriate response would be. ‘None of your business’ probably wouldn’t go over so well.



“Too?” As Claire lifted the top off her paper cup to clean it, the lid on her memory slid off with it. “That’s right. You were the only other kid I knew who was adopted. Our mothers were friends for a while, weren’t they?”



“When we were in eighth and ninth grade.” Amanda’s eyes got misty. “I used to love going over to your house; you were so much fun. But then we…drifted apart I guess. You ran with the cool kids. I was a geek.”



“Oh.” Claire pushed down the lid of her cup and prayed she hadn’t been completely horrible to this poor girl who had apparently once been a friend.



“Anyway. I found my birth mother.” Amanda sat back, a small smile set in place. “That’s what I wanted to tell you. I thought you…well…that you would understand.”



“Your birth mother?” The words slammed into Claire, went straight for the gut, held tight and twisted. “No kidding?” She took another sip and hoped Amanda wouldn’t notice the tremor in her hand. “How?”



“It wasn’t that hard, really.” Amanda blinked and gazed across the crowded room for a moment. A bizarre heavy metal version of Jingle Bells blasted through the speakers and they shared a smile. “I suppose I just got tired of looking in the mirror and wondering. You know?”



Boy, did she know. Claire shrugged. “When was this?”



“Two years ago. I talked to my parents first, and they were okay with it. I wrote away for my non-identifying information and next thing I knew, Social Services was calling to put me in touch with her.”



“How’d that go?” A slow pounding began in her temples and Claire swallowed down the urge to puke. There was something wrong about this—having this conversation—today, on the anniversary of her mother’s death. Amanda of course, couldn’t know that. Couldn’t know that Claire had, of late, thought of doing the very same thing.



Searching.



Searching for answers. Searching for truth. As if somehow knowing the circumstances concerning her birth would help her get her life back.



Thoughts of whether or not to proceed had become an obsession.



Maybe her best friend, Melanie, was right. “There are no coincidences, Claire. Only Godincidences.” Claire could hear her Melanie now. “It’s a sign. You should do it.”



The only sign Claire wanted to see was the one that said BAR.



She turned her attention back to her long lost friend and hoped she hadn’t missed anything earth shattering.



“We’re not that much alike, and after the first meeting…” Amanda prattled on. “But you know, did you ever think about it? I mean, your mom’s gone now and…”



“Me? Oh, no.” Claire checked her watch and frowned. She was supposed to meet James for dinner. “Hey, this was great, but…you know. My husband…we have plans.”



“Yes, of course. Well…” Amanda foraged in her Marc Jacobs bag and came up with a gold-embossed business card. “Give me a call sometime, Claire. And if you change your mind, you know, about searching, I’m here to help.”

 “Thanks. It was great to see you.”



“Merry Christmas.”



“Sure. You have a good one.”



Claire waded through the sea of shoppers until she reached the doors to the parking lot, and stumbled outside. Cold air brought clarity and she breathed deeply. She clasped her elbows and willed the trembling to stop, willed the world to stop spinning as she tried to get her bearings and headed in the general direction she hoped she’d parked.



She needed to get out of here. But to what?



Claire stopped walking and stared at the slush beneath her feet. The knot in her stomach pulled tight. James would be expecting her.



He wanted to talk. Again.



Claire had run out of words a long time ago.



She turned toward the warm building again, scanned the area inside the doors and spied a TGI Friday’s. It was a bit too early for food, but that didn’t matter.



She wasn’t planning on eating.



Two hours later, Claire peered at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. Maybe she should call a cab. She splashed some water on her face, spritzed a little perfume on her neck and picked up her bags.



After waiting half an hour for a cab to come into sight, Claire’s feet were frozen. She gave up and headed back to her car. It would be fine. She hadn’t had that much to drink.



She maneuvered her car down the back roads as carefully as she could. Snow started to fall and got heavier by the minute. Claire shook her head and cursed the snow. Cursed herself for being so stupid.



Staying in bed would have been the more sensible solution.



She’d been doing better. Almost convinced she could make it through the holidays. Now all she could think about was Mom, and that stupid conversation she’d had with Amanda.



Pain rushed her with such force she considered pulling off the road to expel the liquid sloshing around in her stomach. She was re-living it all over again. That long, dark night when her world had shattered like a Christmas ornament dropped from the highest branches of the tree.



“She’s gone, Claire…”



They all thought death was something you could prepare for. Thought if you read up, prayed up and clammed up, it would all be okay.



Her father read books and retreated into silence.



James went to church, put them all on the prayer chain and talked to God.



And Claire just ignored it and hoped the day would never come.



But it had, come and gone, and taken her mother with it.



A blast of sirens jolted her back to the present. Her SUV swerved and she pulled on the wheel, slowing until the vehicle straightened. Obnoxious blue and red flashers intensified the pain in her head. Claire swore, flicked on her turn signal and pulled over. Great. Just what she needed to make a crappy day even crappier.



“Ya better watch out, ya better not cry…” The modern version of the classic blasted from the radio. “Ya better not pout, I’m tellin’ you why…” The Boss’s raspy voice belted out the warning.



Claire almost grinned. Too late, Bruce. Already on the black list this year.



Through the rear-view mirror she watched the officer step out of his vehicle. He sloshed through gray snow, his burly frame shadowed in the setting sun, but she’d recognize that bear-like gait anywhere.



Definitely not Santa Claus.



Claire shook her head, her throat drying up. Why did it have to be him?



She shoved her hand in her purse, pulled out her breath mints and put a few in her mouth, wishing she’d had a second cup of coffee. She chewed quickly and shoved another couple in just before he reached her car.



Robert Ferguson tapped on her car window, a scowl set in place. His dark blue jacket was zipped halfway, his badge glinting. Claire returned the scowl and prayed for an apocalypse.  He rapped again and Claire knew she had no choice. She pressed the button and the window slid down.



“Hello, Claire.” Her brother-in-law stepped back and folded his arms over his chest.



A blast of cold air smacked her face as she shifted to face him, tightening her grip on the wheel. “Robert. What a pleasant surprise.” Not. She forced a smile and thought about sending up a quick prayer, but what would be the point?



God wasn’t listening. Not to her.



Not anymore.



“You okay?” He studied her in silence, suspicion settling in his eyes.



Okay? She had a wet butt from falling in the parking lot, lived through that strange conversation with Amanda and had a case of major indigestion, but whatever. “Sure, I’m okay. Sweet of you to ask.” Her heart rate jumped in time to the music as he let out a sigh.



“Can you turn off the stereo, please?”



“Sure.” Claire blinked at the dash and squinted. The silver buttons were so small and they all looked alike. “Ah. There. Better?”



“Where’ve you been, Claire? You were driving a little erratically.”



“Erratically?” She widened her eyes, surprised he knew such a big word. “Oh, back there, you mean? Yeah, black ice. Thought I was done for.”



His scowl deepened, forming a crater above the bridge of his nose. “Black ice, huh? You were all over the road. Going too fast, then too slow…I’ve been following you about a quarter mile. I guess you didn’t notice.”



“Seriously? Guess I didn’t. You know, female drivers. We never check the rear view mirror unless we’re putting on lipstick.” Her palms grew moist despite the cold air flooding her car.



His bland expression told her he wasn’t buying it. “Have you been drinking?” Robert narrowed his eyes, leaning in a little closer.



Claire shook her head and the interior of the car spun. She covered her mouth with one hand and took a minute. “Of course not. I’m not stupid. I wouldn’t do something like that.”



“Claire,” he growled, placing his big hands on the ledge of the open window, “level with me.”



There might have been a hint of compassion in his eyes but it faded too soon. Claire stared at the falling snow and wondered what she’d look like in orange. “I…um…went out for lunch. I might have had a glass of wine. That’s all. Really. I’m fine.”



“You don’t look fine.” He took a step back. “Want to get out of the car?”



“No,” she squeaked. “Come on, Robby. I just told you, I’m okay. Thanks for checking up on me though.” The back of her neck prickled and her throat constricted. He couldn’t possibly be serious.



Robert yanked the door open. “Get out.”

 “Please, Robert. I’m begging you. I’m not drunk. You can follow me home if you want to.”



“Get out of the car, Claire.” Anger dripped off his tongue and she knew she’d pushed his limit. Maybe if she pretended to pass out she’d wake up and find this was all some weird dream. Maybe she’d just pass out anyway.



“Claire. Today. If you wouldn’t mind.”



“I’m coming.” She struggled to stand, slipped on the slush beneath her and he caught her elbow before she fell. The towering pines across the road blurred into one big green snowball, hurtling toward her. She steadied herself and tried to focus on Robert. This was a nightmare. It had to be.



But no, she’d definitely had too much to drink and now she was busted.



Served her right.



There was always a price to pay.



She just wished Robert didn’t have to be the one to collect.



He barked instructions at her and Claire tried to follow what he was saying, but the buzzing in her ears made it hard to understand him. And she really had to pee.



“You’re a mess,” he muttered. He leaned forward, his eyes blazing into her. “You’re going to blow over, you know that, right?”



 “Maybe we should just skip it then.” Claire held out her wrists toward him and smiled.



 “Just get in the patrol car. I’ll drive you home.”



 “What? You’re not going to arrest me? You’re actually going to give me a break?” Claire stared in disbelief. “That’s…so…unlike you, Robby.”



He shifted and put his hands on his hips, his stance wide. “Claire, seriously? I’m trying to be nice here.”



 “Just spreading a little Christmas joy, huh?” Her eyes landed on the butt of his revolver, his hand dangerously close to it. Tears welled and one rolled down her cheek into the corner of her mouth.



“All right.” He zipped up his coat and propelled her toward the police car. “Let’s get you off the road before you kill somebody.”



“I don’t need your help, Robert.” She tried to squirm out of his grip but he was too strong.



“Do you want me to bring you in, Claire? Honestly, it would be a real pleasure. I’m only giving you a break out of respect for my brother. If you want to throw your life away, fine, I really don’t care, but don’t take him down with you.”



Claire whirled to face him. “Then arrest me! Go on. It’s what you’re supposed to do anyway, right?” The words flew out before she could stop them. She watched his mouth twitch.



“Get in the car.” His glare was enough to silence her into submission.



Claire climbed into the back of the black and white patrol car. It reeked of sweat, cigarettes and coffee. She leaned her head against the plastic-covered seat and waited. Out of the corner of her eye she saw him retrieve her purse from her vehicle while he talked on his cell phone. Her heart raced as she tried to second-guess him. He wasn’t going to arrest her. That was the good news.



Maybe she could get home without her father or James finding out. She’d sleep it off and be fine in the morning.



And never, ever, do anything so stupid again.



Done with his call, Robert tossed her purse onto the seat beside her and slammed the door. The car shook from side to side. Claire winced and closed her eyes. She pulled her knees up, resting her boots on the divider as he pulled back onto the road. “Excuse me?” She rapped on the plastic glass between them. “Can you maybe have my car taken home? There’s a lot of stuff in there. I just went shopping.”



“Before or after you stopped at the bar?”



“Robert!”



“Relax, Claire.” He cracked his gum and sniffed. “There’s a tow-truck on the way. It’ll be impounded. You’ll get it back eventually.”



“Stop kidding around. You can’t do this to me. Come on…”



He slowed at a stoplight along Main. Claire inched down on the seat, searching the faces on the sidewalk. “Where are you taking me? The exit is the other way.”



“I know where the exit is.”



He hated her. He was going to arrest her after all.



Claire swallowed back nausea and chewed on a torn fingernail. “So, um…how’s the family?”



Robert’s shoulders stiffened and he cleared his throat, glancing back at her through the mirror. “Claire?”



“Yes?”



“Stop talking.”



“Sorry.” Claire foraged through the jumbled mess of things inside her purse and came up with a lipstick. Didn’t bother checking the color. After applying a generous amount to her dry lips, she smacked them together. Bad idea. Her stomach rolled again and she popped a couple more mints in her mouth.



When he parked the car at the back of the precinct, Claire glared at the three-story gray building, crumbling in places. She swore it would fall down one of these days. With any luck Robert would be inside when it did.



“You said you were going to take me home.” Claire stared at the back of his big head, watching a fly settle on the short dark hair. Maybe she could smack it for him.



He cleared his throat and she pushed aside the idea.



“You’re staying at your dad’s house now, right?”



“Yes.”



“That’s what I thought. That place is at least a half hour out on the other side of town. That would be going way beyond my family obligations. You can wait here until somebody comes for you.”



“Who’s coming? Who did you call?” Claire pushed herself out of the car but he ignored her and escorted her through the back doors. She walked slowly, determined not to slip. Or fall over. They passed a couple of officers in the hall. Claire saw some raised eyebrows and one of the men let out a low whistle. Wonderful. She’d be the talk of small town Connecticut within the hour.



Robert stopped outside a small office at the far end of the corridor. He kicked the door with his black boot and it swung open. He walked in, checked out the room and glanced her way. “Take a seat. Nobody will bother you. Unless I tell them to.”



Claire’s feet wouldn’t move. “Look, I can just call a cab…I…”



“Nope. You’ll stay right here until you sober up.”



She marched to the desk, threw her purse down and turned on him. “You can’t just shove me in here, Robert! I know my rights! Which you haven’t even read me by the way, and…”



“Claire.” He breathed out her name, sounding tired and beyond reasoning. “Sit down, and for the last time, shut up.” Fury ran across his face. “I told you, I’m not arresting you. But I should be. You should be thanking me, not yelling at me like you haven’t done anything wrong.” Robert stood near the door, his eyes softening. “You’ve got to start dealing with life, Claire. You can’t go on like this.”



She pushed hair off her face and pinched her lips together. “Where do you get off telling me how to ‘deal with it’?” Familiar anger coiled inside her stomach and the dull ache returned. She sank into the chair behind the desk. “First my mother dies; then I have a miscarriage. Why does everybody expect me to just forget, just get over it?” Claire leaned back and closed her eyes.



“That’s not what I meant. But it’d be nice if you started acting more like a mature adult instead of a spoiled, out-of-control teenager.”



“Are you done?” She put her head in hands.



“I’ll be back in a while.”



“Fine.” Claire gazed up at him, unsmiling. “Thank you.”



“Sure. Whatever.” He turned and slammed the door behind him. The noise reverberated around the small room and pierced through her skull.



Claire rubbed her temples and wondered if she could down a couple of Tylenol without water. Robert was probably enjoying every minute of this. He’d hold court later at his favorite watering hole and regale his buddies with the story of how he finally one-upped his wayward sister-in-law.



Claire groaned at the thought. Since Mom’s death, things just seemed to go from bad to worse. Her family, her husband, the whole world was against her. Every single day she had to endure some trial.



She slumped down, put her head on the desk and took a deep breath.



Robert was right though. This time.



She was guilty. She should have known better than to drink and drive. But once she got started, it was so easy to keep them coming. She just wanted to get rid of the pain. But whatever the amount she’d consumed today, it wasn’t enough.



It was never enough.









Happy Reading!