Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn. Be ready to stay up reading all night—Georgie, All Along is a real page-turner. The depth of emotion shared through the viewpoints of Georgie Mulcahy and Levi Fanning pulled me into their story as though I were right there living it with them. Georgie and Levi are total opposites, … More When a Scowl Belies a Tender Heart
The painting, ink and watercolor on handmade Japanese paper, spoke to me. Two women, cheek to cheek, share a tender moment. Bold strokes of black ink outline their faces while hues of blue, red, and yellow wash over the surface of the canvas, blurring boundaries as one color evanesces into another. The old clock on … More Final Kiss, Part 1
As Marianne strode toward Miss Dottie’s room, she passed the rooms of other residents. Next to each suite number, two shelves displayed mementos of the occupant’s life—wedding photos, figurines, and signs with cheerful slogans. Several doors were open, and Marianne peered in as she ambled by to see what others kept when they downsized their … More Coffee on Mondays
Tatiana knew Roksana would be devastated if Vladimir succumbed to Karina’s villainy. The tears streaming down the queen’s cheeks revealed the depth of her love for him. In the guest chamber, Karina sat at the vanity, brushing her hair. A glow near the window, as bright as the afternoon sun, illuminated her blond strands, making … More The Kings’ Deception, Part 2
Vladimir had known Roksana since they were children. As the only heir to Slavansk’s throne, she was crowned queen at an early age, when her parents died from the plague. That day, Vladimir made a pledge to himself—to stand behind Roksana and defend her against all threats, no matter the cost. Long ago, in a … More The Kings’ Deception, Part 1
The acrid smell of moldy, decomposing wood filled the air. Savine breathed deeply, welcoming the scent. Noise from the crowd escalated as stragglers tossed the last of the decaying timber onto the voluminous pile. Tonight, the siblings would perform their own ritual. Savine Marek studied the open matchbook in her hand. Twenty red match heads … More Burning Rage, Part 1
“Maybe it’s the curse of modern humanity that pulls us into the cocoon of our own lives. Our salvation is the capacity to reemerge with wings and take flight like a butterfly.” Sofia writing to Jesse Date: November 3From: JesseSubject: Cruise to Baja California Dear Sofia, When I saw you standing on the ship’s railing … More Butterflies
Abigail reached over and squeezed her twin’s hand. “You told me your connection with him went beyond the one you set up as a huntress. I can’t imagine that changed. But no matter what happens between you and Jacob, saving him was the right choice.” As the sun steadily rose on the eastern horizon, Jacob’s … More Hunting Season—Part 8
I pulled the 35-year-old photo from my purse and handed it to her. It was nestled in front of a piece of cardboard inside a plastic sandwich bag. “Ohhh.” She let out a breath as she studied the photo of her in a pink ballgown and my father in his black tuxedo. A single teardrop … More Satin Slippers
She heard a boy’s voice that said, “There she is.” The words were quiet, as though they were a whisper in her head. Lee Anne stopped pumping her legs, opened her eyes, and looked around. Were some of the other kids playing hide and seek? She scanned the playground for signs of a boy. The … More The Boy in the Woods
Allorianna Matsourani Author 