August 20, 2023

The Healer, a 60 page novelette, once reserved for email subscribers, is now available to download for FREE for anyone with an hour, a soft spot for tender romance, and a willingness to travel back in time to 1913 Oregon.


The "back cover" summary:
In 1913 Oregon, Norwegian immigrant Hans Friesen is a capable, intelligent man who can do anything he puts his mind to—except master spoken English. Widowed upon arriving in America, Hans gets by, delivering freight to patrons along the banks of the Umpqua River. Hans dreams of turning his business into a fleet of freight barges one day, if he can rise above the discrimination of those who see his limited English as a barrier.
He also dreams about the lovely widow, Lily Sanders, whose healing remedies he helps to distribute. Because she has a special, God-given gift, Hans aims to help Mrs. Sanders succeed. He tells himself that helping this woman of steadfast faith is the most he can hope for, even though his heart hopes for far more.
If only Hans could make something of himself before Lily marries the wealthy landowner's son who showers her with expensive gifts. If only he had more time to improve his English and his station in life. If only her beauty, kindness, and healing touch were not so consuming.

Go HERE to get your free copy!

ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE MYSELF. . . .

RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME:

I've published five novels and 2 novellas (more about those on my website.) I've been writing all my life, but decided in 2007 to get serious about being published.

I love action movies and Jane Austen. (she’s dead, I know. I found that out when I tried to get her to endorse my novel)

They let me play Bass guitar and sing in a worship band.

I can produce 4 dozen homemade cinnamon rolls in a flash for a crowd of drooling young adults. Or publishing house editors.

I used to have a Harley. Now we have seven grandkiddos. Decent trade, really.

I am a proud Grammy. Don't even think about taking candy from my babies.

I hate shopping (Yes, I'm aware that I'm a girl)

MY ROOTS:
I've lived in Oregon all my life, spent time in Eugene (Go DUCKS!), Springfield, Reedsport, and Smith River. Which is not really a town, but a river, about 70 miles long, a tributary of the Umpqua River in southwest Oregon.

Although it's not a town, it is a community with a strong sense of pioneer history. It's cool to say you've lived there, especially if you lived there during the days when you had to take a boat to school. No joke! The old farmhouse my grandfather and my mother grew up in still stands, nestled into a narrow, pasture carpeted valley, complete with a swimmin' hole and its own 'crick'. It may turn up in one of my novels.

There's a rumor that my ancestors had a connection with the Mafia back in Sicily. I used to fantasize as a kid about a big black limo with tinted windows pulling up and whisking me away from school. Ahhh. So THAT'S why I'm having so much trouble conjugating my dangling participles now.

NOT RANDOM: I am challenged by the truth and amazed by the grace of God. And it's either in spite of or because of that grace that I hold a PhD in Learning Stuff the Hard Way.