For Opal: My Book of Poetry

Now Available the Kindle!

Heaven on Earth 

When I was seven

I found heaven

my grandmother's house

I was the city mouse.

With a large bed just for me

not one bed, shared by three

awake each morning

to a bird song melody.

Peace and quiet

and a pancake diet

amid the flowers and the trees

I explored every nook and cranny.

A crowing rooster, cows, and chickens

I helped out in the barn and the kitchen

a sewing lesson with needle and thread

soon exhausted, I curled up in my large bed.

Snakes and storms, roses and thorns

homemade ice cream and fresh corn

my escape from a family of seven

Grandma's Earthly home was heaven.

  Yolanda Renée (C) 2020

***

Coming Soon!

For Opal: My Book of Poetry

In paperback

For Opal is a collection of poems written in memory of Lilly Opal Stansberry, my grandmother, and the inspiration for my writing. These poems portray a moment in time. Highlighting love, loss, tragedy, and survival. A few done just for fun and several that have a murderous slant. But they are all a small picture of life. Some are real and others pure fiction.

Before she passed, I promised her I would publish a book of poetry. This is that promise kept. Publication date November 2nd - would have been her 108th birthday.

I'm under no illusion, a poet I am not, but each verse has meaning for me.

Maybe it will strike a chord for you too!

*****

Anyone willing to do a blog post for my poetry book. Let me know. I'll send you a copy and we can discuss the subject. 

Or a simple shout out would be most appreciated.

A Promise Kept

 Available Now!

Just Published

How Do I Love Thee?

 

Elizabeth Barrett Browning says it best.

But I have an answer to the question posed, just like the rest.

I love thee for washing the dishes.

I love thee for doing the chores and always answering the door.

I love thee for granting most all my wishes.

I love thee for doing the laundry and grocery shopping.

I love thee for pursuing and never stopping.

I love thee for working hard, especially in the overgrown yard.

I love thee for letting me nap and for not acting like a sap.

I love thee for loving me gently, taking me to the stars on a ride so heavenly.

I love thee for accepting my worst; our lives have been blessed, not cursed.

I love thee unshaven or perfectly coiffed.

I love thee unrobed or fully clothed.

I love your mind, for an intelligent man is hard to find.

I love thee because you are you

and because you love me

unconditionally.

  Yolanda Renée (C) 2020

***

Just Released!

For Opal: My Book of Poetry

For Opal is a collection of poems written in memory of Lilly Opal Stansberry, my grandmother, and the inspiration for my writing. These poems portray a moment in time. Highlighting love, loss, tragedy, and survival. A few done just for fun and several that have a murderous slant. But they are all a small picture of life. Some are real and others pure fiction.

Before she passed, I promised her I would publish a book of poetry. This is that promise kept. Publication date November 2nd - would have been her 108th birthday.

I'm under no illusion, a poet I am not, but each verse has meaning for me.

Maybe it will strike a chord for you too!

*****

Anyone willing to do a blog post for my poetry book. Let me know. I'll send you a copy and we can discuss the subject. 

Or a simple shout out would be most appreciated.

WEP - A LIfe Stolen

A Life Stolen

I shared myself

You wanted more

I shared my hopes

You crushed them

I shared my dreams

You despised them

I shared my joy

You took it

I shared my love

You destroyed it

I shared my life

You stole it.

                  
                                                                                 Yolanda Renée © 2017
*****

Read all the entries here!

The above 'Stolen Life' is in honor

of Stowy Jenkins!

I'm thrilled to announce the release

of my latest!

The Snowman

N O W  A V A I L A B L E!

AMAZON KINDLE!

&

PAPERBACK TOO!

Meet Stowy Jenkins!

The Snowman

   Yolanda Renée

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

CELEBRATION!

WISHING YOU

A

HAPPY

PROSPEROUS

JOYFUL

NEW YEAR!

2017

MAY ALL YOUR SUNRISES

BE FILLED WITH BEAUTY!

FREE!

AMAZON KINDLE

RECYCLING & FREE BOOKS

Yesterday, the first book of my trilogy was free.

Is it a good marketing strategy or not? 

I know it's been successful for some but I've also read and experienced the negatives.

Have you tried it?

What was your experience?

Watching the stats was exciting, as each hour they changed. For Murder, Madness & Love the book went to the top, and surprisingly the other two books followed - not all the way to the top but they did climb the charts.

I was hoping that offering the first book free would entice readers to buy the trilogy and it did. I just wish I had real numbers to share with you, only my publisher knows those.

But all in all, I'd say this was a success, a few books were sold!

Since the giveaway is over I thought I'd do a bit of recycling by posting the information on all three books and that the trilogy is available, in case some one's not heard. :) 

Here, for your information is my tour this year, from the A to Z challenge, where I posted a topic and an excerpt for Murder & Obsession, to the individual guest posts, reviews and interviews. 

The A to Z Challenge

Why Alaska Speaks to Me on Denise Covey's Blog

Steven and Sarah on the Couch with Stuart R West

Michael Di Gesu introduces Murder & Obsession

A Discussion of Unrequited Love with C. Lee McKenzie

Talking Snark with Alex J. Cavanaugh

All About Writing A Trilogy with Patricia Stotley

A TRILOGY SET IN ALASKA

MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE

MEMORIES OF MURDER

MURDER & OBSESSION

Light is a fleeting moment in the frozen north that is Alaska. Although the sun shines brightly during the Summer Solstice, Detective Steven Quaid struggles to hold on to what he holds dear during life's darkest moments, his love for family, and professional achievement. Will a murderous stalker, a self-proclaimed Lucifer resurrected, or insidious obsession prove more powerful than this dedicated detective? Three separate life-threatening situations. One determined man.

MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE

Detective Steven Quaid is the Anchorage Police Department's top investigator. When he's called in to protect a beautiful widow from a stalker, he's not entirely sure she isn't behind the scheme herself. Before long, Sarah has him wound up tighter than barbed wire.

But one of the police department's best and brightest detectives may just be in over his head, especially when the facts start pointing to a conclusion he isn't willing to face. With a killer on the loose and a climbing body count, Steven can't afford to hedge his bets—or his life.

Is Sarah a victim or a very skilled manipulator?

MEMORIES OF MURDER

Catching Alaska’s most notorious serial killer as a rookie made Detective Steven Quaid a hero, but falling in love with a victim from his last case tarnishes that status.

 While attempting to repair both his personal and professional life, he stumbles upon an unusual case–and an even more extraordinary foe: a man who believes he is Lucifer. An insidious man who delivers Quaid the ultimate choice: save his fiancée from an assassin’s bullet or stop the sacrifice of a young girl.

MURDER & OBSESSION

Love is never easy, but for Detective Steve Quaid and his fiancée,  their road to happiness is laden with minefields.

After spending countless hours reconverting his grandfather’s cabin into the perfect honeymoon retreat for his bride, the cabin becomes a bloody crime scene detailing her death. Accused, Steven escapes into the Alaskan mountains, biding his time to find the truth.

Who killed his beloved?

A seasoned woodsman, he outsmarts even the cleverest of trackers. All but one.

Mauled by a grizzly, a half-dead Steven barely escapes.

But will he live to bring the rightful murderer to Justice?

*****

How is marketing going for you?

Ever offer your books for free? What was your experience and would you do it again?

Please help me spread the word!

A suspenseful romantic trilogy set in Alaska - The Detective Quaid Mysteries! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IF8UYDQ/ref=series_rw_dp_sw

Thank you for your support!

FREE! MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE

An opportunity for all readers!

FREE!

HOW COOL IS THAT?!

A TRILOGY SET IN ALASKA

MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE

MEMORIES OF MURDER

MURDER & OBSESSION

Light is a fleeting moment in the frozen north that is Alaska. Although the sun shines brightly during the Summer Solstice, Detective Steven Quaid struggles to hold on to what he holds dear during life's darkest moments, his love for family, and professional achievement. Will a murderous stalker, a self-proclaimed Lucifer resurrected, or insidious obsession prove more powerful than this dedicated detective? Three separate life-threatening situations. One determined man.

MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE

Detective Steven Quaid is the Anchorage Police Department's top investigator. When he's called in to protect a beautiful widow from a stalker, he's not entirely sure she isn't behind the scheme herself. Before long, Sarah has him wound up tighter than barbed wire.

But one of the police department's best and brightest detectives may just be in over his head, especially when the facts start pointing to a conclusion he isn't willing to face. With a killer on the loose and a climbing body count, Steven can't afford to hedge his bets—or his life.

Is Sarah a victim or a very skilled manipulator?

MEMORIES OF MURDER

Catching Alaska’s most notorious serial killer as a rookie made Detective Steven Quaid a hero, but falling in love with a victim from his last case tarnishes that status.

 While attempting to repair both his personal and professional life, he stumbles upon an unusual case–and an even more extraordinary foe: a man who believes he is Lucifer. An insidious man who delivers Quaid the ultimate choice: save his fiancée from an assassin’s bullet or stop the sacrifice of a young girl.

MURDER & OBSESSION

Love is never easy, but for Detective Steve Quaid and his fiancée,  their road to happiness is laden with minefields.

After spending countless hours reconverting his grandfather’s cabin into the perfect honeymoon retreat for his bride, the cabin becomes a bloody crime scene detailing her death. Accused, Steven escapes into the Alaskan mountains, biding his time to find the truth.

Who killed his beloved?

A seasoned woodsman, he outsmarts even the cleverest of trackers. All but one.

Mauled by a grizzly, a half-dead Steven barely escapes.

But will he live to bring the rightful murderer to Justice?

*****

Will you take advantage of the sale?

Will you help me spread the word?

Here's a Tweet for your convenience.

1st book in the Alaskan trilogy Murder, Madness & Love is free Aug. 12 & 13th! The Detective Quaid Mysteries https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EN77770/ref=cm_sw_su_dp#navbar

BLOGS AND VACATIONS

Hi, folks!

Today, I'm visiting with Patricia Stoltey and discussing
Writing A Trilogy. 

Please stop by and say hello!

Thanks for stopping by this week to support Tara, while I played at the beach. 

The vacation came up suddenly, and we took advantage but blog obligations had already been made too. 
So, here's to trying to do both!

VACATION!

Our first night we were amazed by

a storm that blew in from the northwest.

Notice the waves, they weren't the least bit impressed,

but we were! The lightening was amazing. 

Sorry, I couldn't capture that!

Immediately after the storm a double rainbow!

The moon was amazing, as always!

The night life bright!

And the beach, well, it's a beach!

We'll be home soon.

Too soon!

LOL

WEP - SNOW MOON

Picture Copyright

SNOW MOON

On Valentine's Day

At midnight, my love

The place we met

You'll find me near

Light a candle

And I'll appear

The delivery of white roses and a handwritten poem with the signature LF Slade made the air grow suddenly cold. My heart skipped several beats. A valentine from a dead man or someone's heartless joke? I wasn't amused, but the door was open and hope filled the void.

Valentine's Day, once a fun holiday, was now a day I dreaded. I studied the scribbled words closer. The handwriting was his, the signature, LF Slade was the way we signed all our correspondence. LF meant Love Forever. The word love had lost its luster, so we used LF to convey an emotion that had no description. Silly, but that's what you do during those crazy first months of discovery and passion. Eventually, we laughed about it, but now those letters, those words meant so much more.

*****

         I pulled off the road and followed the overgrown driveway to the cabin. The night was overcast, the rain misting, with temperatures in the low forties. I preferred snow; its brightness would've added enough light to maneuver safely. Instead, the setting was haunting, much closer to Halloween night than a night for lovers.

We'd met on a sunny but snowy day. I'd twisted my ankle on a cross-country ski trail. Hobbling back, I took what I thought was a shortcut to the parking lot and my car, but I'd taken a wrong turn and ended up at Aaron Slade's cabin.

Aaron saw me limping across the lawn, rushed out, and in minutes, I was in front of a warm fire. Hot cocoa, brandy, and a full night of conversation were just the beginning. A year later, in the same cabin, we celebrated Valentine's night under the Snow Moon. Aaron proposed. I whispered, “Yes,” and our future changed. Then the unthinkable happened, a day after proposing, he was gone. Everything he owned remained as it was, but Aaron never returned. I waited but moved to California for a fresh start.

I hadn’t left a forwarding address, so how had he found me? I never shared these details with anyone, but anticipation grew as each of these revelations made an impact.

 Concealed by the trees, I waited, trying to decide if I should approach or if I were only chasing ghosts. I'd hoped to see you, a light, or some movement, but there was none. Gathering my courage, I finally approached the cabin. The key was still hidden under the eve, the rooms empty of intruders. Following your directions, I lit a candle and opened the French doors to the patio.

The breeze shifted the clouds and the moon made an appearance. Our last moment replayed in my head. I recalled how Arron dropped to his knee.

"Marry me and I'll make all your dreams come true,” he had said.

"You already have," I'd whispered.

A sudden wind distinguished the candle’s flame. In the shimmering moonlight, Aaron appeared. He hadn't changed. My apprehension vanished as I stepped into his embrace.

            Then an alarm rang and I awoke to another heartless Valentine's Day.

527 words

Yolanda Renée