MONDAY

Yolanda Renée © 2017

 “When you start to do the things that you truly love, it wouldn't matter whether it is Monday or Friday; you would be so excited to wake up each morning to work on your passions.”

― Edmond Mbiaka

TOPSY-TURVY

Yolanda Renée © 2017

Sometimes, no matter what you do,

you can’t keep the world

from going topsy-turvy!

 **

LEAD, KINDLY LIGHT

Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,

Lead thou me on!

The night is dark, and I am far from home,--

Lead thou me on!

Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see

The distant scene,--one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor prayed that thou

Shouldst lead me on:

I loved to choose and see my path, but now

Lead thou me on!

I loved the garish days, and, spite of fears,

Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.

So long thy power hath blessed me, sure it still

Will lead me on;

O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till

The night is gone;

And with the morn those angel faces smile

Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.

---John Henry Newman

BULLETS ARE FLYING! - FORBIDDEN BY F. STONE

I'm thrilled to be part of the book launch of

Forbidden

 by
 F. Stone

Better Wear Your Flak Jacket

FORBIDDEN
 

AMAZON

Synopsis:

Year 2047, City of Samarra, capital of the Republic of Islamic Provinces & Territories

Fifteen American travelers have vanished. Surrendering to Mayor Aamir's demands, Captain Sharif becomes the reluctant keeper of his city’s bloody secret – and the witness, Eliza MacKay. The devout Muslim is horrified to discover that if he exposes the cover-up, his family will suffer dire consequences.

The CIA has the lying Sharif in their cross hairs. Sharif’s only hope is to prove his country's government is free of guilt. Secretly, he hunts forensic evidence. Cryptic messages, backstabbing informants, and corruption threaten Sharif’s resolve to see justice served. When he discovers the shocking truth, he and MacKay become the targets of a ruthless killer.

Sharif is tortured by his attraction to the impetuous Eliza MacKay. In spite of her struggle with PTSD, he’s drawn to her vivacious personality. Islam forbids the intimacy he craves. In desperation to save Eliza, Sharif plots an act most forbidden and fatal.

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MY REVIEW:

One of my favorite things about this book is the dedication. Once you read that you’ll know the heart of Forbidden.

Set in the year 2047, politics and religion combine to create a volatile atmosphere for a coup. Police Captain Hashim Sharif meets a feisty Eliza MacKay, after the brutal murders of her companions. Working to expose the truth becomes a dangerous journey through betrayal, government corruption, and multiple assassination attempts.

The setting, the politics, but especially the principles and faith of the lead character, Captain Sharif is both heartwarming and a breath of fresh air. His Islamic faith, intelligently described, features prominently in the story as Eliza MacKay tests his virtue, and he proves her determination.

Despite fighting PTSD, Eliza MacKay surprises her protector every step of the way. No wilting flower, Eliza starts out fighting and continues the fight all the way to the last page.

If I have any criticism, it’s that I wish a few of the key players had been mentioned earlier in the novel. Still, I highly recommend Forbidden, a novel that is superbly written, with well-crafted characters, a twisting plot, and non-stop action.

James Patterson says to write a novel as if it’s a movie playing out for the reader. Ms. Stone does this beautifully.

Truly suspenseful this intriguing novel tells a sweet love story and has the kind of ending you’ll love. Kudos, Ms. Stone!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter your name in my rafflecopter for a chance to win:

-   GRAND PRIZE:  AMAZON coupon valued at $100 USD,

-   Second prize:  Amazon coupon $50,

-   PLUS five ten dollar amazon coupons.

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LAUNCH SCHEDULE

February 13:

Review by Lily Eva Blake

February 14:

Guest Post with Pat Garcia

Review and Guest Post with Juneta Key

February 15:

Featured in OPAL Magazine

Guest Post with Lily Eva Blake

February 16:

Review and Showcase with Nicki Elson

Showcase with Jennifer Lane

February 17:

Showcase with Nancee Cain

Interview with Tyler Wiegmann

February 18:

Review and Showcase with Yolanda Renee

Showcase with Michelle Willms

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Romance Under Fire
Author Feather Stone / F. Stone / Judy Weir:

On our cattle ranch, when an animal was in distress or injured, I was put in charge of nursing it back to health. Never mind that I was just a kid and hated the sight of blood, but I had to muster up the courage to apply home remedies. My survival rate was pretty good. It seemed like a foregone conclusion that I would progress to nursing – humans. After one year into nurses training, I bolted. Bed pans and chronic diseases pushed me in different direction; a career of dealing with drug addicts, murder, suicide, fatalities, and biker gangs. In 1983 I graduated with honors as a paramedic and worked in the City of Edmonton’s Emergency Services.

For the next twenty years, I came face to face with scenes most people would rather not think about. I loved it. Having experienced life in the most deadly and gut wrenching events, and work alongside the police service, I gained the fodder for creating intense novels.

My first novel, The Guardian’s Wildchild, was published by Omnific Publishing in 2011. The setting is on a naval ship, under the command of a surely man who is under suspicion of treason. When a battered woman is brought to his ship for execution, he has no idea that she is about to turn his disciplined life into chaos – and that she is no ordinary woman. The Guardian’s Wildchild has a rating of 4.1 at Amazon.

Social Media Links: Stop by and say hello at:

Romance Under Fire Blog

Facebook: FSauthor

Twitter: Featherwrites

Pinterest

Goodreads

Ω

HOW ARE YOUR SAILS SET?

A changing sky for your enjoyment.

"One ship drives east, and another drives west,

With the self-same winds that blow.

"Tis the set of the sails, and not the gales

Which tells us the way they go.

"Like the waves of the sea are the ways of fate

As we voyage along thru life.

"Tis the set of the soul which decides its goal

And not the calm or the strife."

                                     - Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Photo's were all taken Friday, February 17, 2017 as the sun made his appearance.

All pictures Copyright 2017 by Yolanda Renée

WEP - ARE YOU READY?

WRITE...EDIT...PUBLISH

A SEMI-MONTHLY FLASH FICTION/ARTISTIC CHALLENGE

ARE YOU READY?

Jenny threw her keys on the credenza and stormed upstairs to the attic where she kept her luggage. She’d just lost her dream job, and when she called her boyfriend, Hugh, he claimed to have car trouble. Except, Jenny heard a woman giggling in the background. Jenny’s heart sank. Recent doubts verified. Hugh was seeing someone else. Jenny knew it was time for a change!

“When the world decides to dump a load on you, why not on your twenty-fifth birthday?” Jenny shouted to the dust bunnies scurrying across the floor as she trampled to the back of the attic. She sneezed as the disturbed dust tickled her nose and decided maybe less frenzy would be wiser. She stopped. Closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths, behind her sleeve, to calm her rage.

Eyes open, she spotted her Grandmother’s desk. It looked pristine, not a speck of dust anywhere. She pulled out the chair and sat down. Running her hands across the hand-hewn wooden planks, she remembered doing her homework while sitting at this small but impressive work of art. Instead of placing this part of her inheritance in the living room, Hugh had put his stereo in the chosen spot. “That will change.”

Jenny opened the drawer in anticipation of finding hidden treasure, but there was nothing. Disappointed, she closed the drawer, but it wouldn’t shut. She wiggled it, tried again, to no avail. She pulled the drawer out and stuck her hand inside.

“Aha!” She pulled out a stray document. Her name was written across the envelope.  Jenny recognized her grandmother’s stationery.

White with pink flowers. She held it close to her heart. “I knew there’d be a surprise!” She carefully undid the flap and pulled out a crisp sheet of stationary. She read.

Dearest Jenny:

          “Happy 25^th! I’m sorry life has failed to meet your expectations, but I’m also glad. Because at this moment in time you’re ready for a new adventure. Am I right? (Smiley face) I’m always right!”

Jenny laughed.

It was as though her grandmother was right there in the room with her, and knew her thoughts and emotions. “Yes, Grandma, you’re right!”

Jenny finished reading:

          “Pack, go to the airport, and introduce yourself to the gentleman at the information desk, and he’ll take care of everything. Do you trust me?

          “Well, what are you waiting for?”

Jenny laughed. “Exactly! What am I waiting for?” She did as instructed.

The man at the information desk smiled when he heard her name. He took her by the elbow and led her through the airport.

“Welcome to Galaxy Airlines, Miss Evans.” He hurried her to a private jet. Your flight is ready. Enjoy.”

Jenny boarded a converted 747 with all the comforts of home.

The pilot announced, “Please be seated, Miss Evans. You’re welcome to take advantage of the bedroom once we’re in the air. We’ll arrive in Antarctica in nineteen hours.”

          “Antarctica?” she said in surprise.

          “Yes, Miss,” the pilot responded. “Please fasten your seat belt.”

          Jenny scrambled into a seat and buckled up.

          “If you need anything just use the intercom. Enjoy your trip.”

*****

The plane landed between two snow-covered mountains and taxied into a large structure. The pilot opened the exit door for her and bowed.

“Thank you,” she said, and descended the steps. A man in a tux greeted her. She felt underdressed in jeans, boots, and sweater.

“Miss Evans, welcome. Please, follow me.”

He didn’t offer her his hand, and she quietly said, “Thank you.”

He led her to an elevator and down a long hallway. She gasped when he opened a door into a large room filled with shelves of books at least twenty feet high. In the center sat a large desk, and behind that a sitting area with a massive fireplace.

The fire crackled, and Jenny was shocked to see her grandmother moving toward her. “You’re dead, this isn’t possible.” Jenny backed away. She felt joy and fear all at once.

“Don’t worry, dear. I’m just a hologram. You can put your hand right through me.”

Jenny reached out. Her grandmother's image fluttered but didn’t disappear.

“How? Why”

“Questions, so many questions. Please, sit. They’ve provided tea and a snack. That plane is comfortable, but there’s nothing like being on solid ground, is there? How do you feel?”

“Fine. Curious. What is all this?”

“Your inheritance.”

Jenny’s mouth fell open. “Inheritance?”

“You’re an immortal, dear. A descendent of the Galaxy Sisters. It’s time to fulfill your destiny.”

“Immortal? Galaxy Sisters? Destiny?”

“Yes, you’ll live forever, looking just as you do today, all to serve the cause. Unless you decide to marry and have children, then and only then, will you begin to age in a normal progression just as I did. The universe has nine populated planets. The role of the Galaxy Sisters is to guide each planet to be its best.”

“What cause?”

“Before man took over the earth it was ruled by women. Their insistence on making women a slave, a servant, and a whore took years to achieve, but they won the revolution, and we’ve fallen far because of it. Your job here is to rebuild what men have corrupted.

“My major contributions included the Russian Revolution of 1917, the strike for ‘bread and peace’ and Suffrage. And no, you won’t read about my contributions. Your role is to help those who will make change happen. In no way, do we make headlines.” She laughed. “If you’d turned twenty-five sooner we might’ve had a woman for president instead of a clown. Sa la vie, it is what it is, but our attempts at equality just took ten steps backward. So, my dear, what do you say? Do you accept the challenge?”

“I have a choice?”

“Of course, dear. This sort of thing isn’t for all women, even some descendants of the Galaxy Sisters enjoy their subservient role. The universe is made up of all kinds. Are you ready for an amazing adventure?”

Yolanda Renee © 2017

1000 words / FCA

HAVE YOU STARTED?

Every sunrise is different, but

every day holds a

new

opportunity!

Yolanda Renee © 2017

OPPORTUNITY

“For the best verse hasn’t been rhymed yet,

The best house hasn’t been planned,

The highest peak hasn’t been climbed yet,

The mightiest rivers aren’t spanned’

Don’t worry and fret, faint hearted,

The chances have just begun,

For the Best jobs haven’t been started,

The Best work hasn’t been done.

–Berton Braley

GREETINGS

This is how the morning greeted me!

Yolanda Renée © 2017

But

What counts, is how I greeted the morning!

"It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishment the scroll,

I am the Master of my Fate:

I am the Captain of my Soul."

                                                                                                                         –Henley.

How did you greet the morning?

IWSG - READING & WRITING

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

The brainchild of

Alex J. Cavanaugh

Question:

How has being a writer

changed your experience as a reader?

I became a reader and a writer almost simultaneously. Reading increased my vocabulary, and my writing skills have improved with each story, essay, and novel.

I have heard other writers say that they don’t enjoy reading and seldom do. I can’t wrap my head around those kinds of statements.

If I could, I would own a large room filled to the brim with books, I would spend hours each day just reading. I would gladly give up food for the privilege!

FYI: Here's a link to the Funds for Writers website - she posted links to Talking Book Services. Check it out!

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The brilliant co-hosts are  Misha Gericke, LK Hill, Juneta Key, Christy and Joylene Butler!

Be sure to say hello and thanks!

*****

February's WEP Challenge

 Back of the Drawer

is open!

Sign up today!