Christmas Babies--continued

As I promised in the comments last week, here's more of "Christmas Babies" from FRIENDLY FIRE. Enjoy!


Ooops!





     All good things come to an end though, and as the credits rolled Mia slid off the sofa and bounced on the rug. “Beep! Beep!” Her high pitched squeal made me wince.

    Raina’s piping voice joined her sister’s raising the level of cacophony. Samantha reached for Raina to quiet her.

    Mia’s smile widened and her hops took on a frightening forward motion.

    “No!” Samantha grabbed for the little arm, but Mia giggled just out of reach and brushed my Christmas tree.

    Terry’s grab overshot her and he crashed into the branches. Bells and crystal tinkled then an ornament shattered on the hearth.

    Everyone froze. Terry’s eyes were round, brimming with tears as he turned to me. “I…I’m…” His chin trembled.

    Our first Christmas ornament, a paper-thin porcelain bell, lay in glinting shards across the ceramic tile.

    “It’s okay.” I swallowed a lump. If one of the tiny crystal angels, each unique had fallen, I’d just sweep it up, but the bell… How Tom’s face had lit up when we found it… My eyes were threatening to rival Terry’s as my tears welled.

    Then I saw Samantha. She had rolled herself up as small as she could and was tucked back into the narrow gap between the sofa and my recliner.

    Letting my vision of Tom go, I pasted on a smile. “Nothing the broom and dustpan won’t fix.”

    Mia leaned over the wreckage, one chubby hand stretched toward the razor-sharp slivers.

    “Mia.” My back groaned as I leaned over, tucking her into my arms. “Don’t touch. That’s an ouchie.”

    I handed Mia off to Terry. “Let’s clean this up.” The broom made short work of the mess and as I tossed the bits of thirty-four year old memories into the trash can, Samantha slowly unwound. But her eyes were wary, watching my every move, calculating when I’d get angry.

    I swallowed hard once more to clear my throat. The child needed me at my best.

    “Why don’t we color now?” I grabbed the pile of coloring books I’d bought for them, and knelt down on creaking knees in the middle of the rug—well away from the tree. “Pick out a book. I’ve got enough for everyone.” And enough crayons, too. The three little boys settled in.

    Mia and Raina’s eyes began to sink. Maybe a nap was in order for them.

    I finally settled back into the recliner, pinned to my seat by the twins as their sleeping warmth weighed me down. Samantha picked up the bowls and I nodded at her. She stepped over Terry’s legs where he and the other boys sprawled on their tummies peacefully coloring away.

    My eyes were as heavy as the girls’. The soft Christmas music wove its magic through the room. I’d be ready for a silent night when Cherie came to collect this crew.

    I jerked awake. The doorbell had roused me, but it didn’t ring a second time. Samantha had opened the door to a blast of chill, damp air and Cherie’s smiling face.

    “What a peaceful scene!” She lifted Mia off my lap as Samantha grabbed Raina.

    “Won’t you take your coat off and warm up?”

    “No. It’s high time I take this menagerie home for the day. Besides, you helped me finish up in record time by keeping them occupied. Nothing like Christmas shopping with the little grasping hands everywhere.” Cherie’s smile deepened. “You’re a good friend for helping out this way.”

    Jo-Jo tugged at his mother’s jacket. “Terry broke a ormanent!”

    Cherie’s eyes narrowed as she pinned the culprit in her focus.

    “I was catching Mia! She nearly climbed the tree.” His deep brown eyes were welling again. “Honest, Miss Cherie.”

    “Really, Miss Laura Grace?” Cherie’s eyes demanded truth. “Is that the way it went down?”

    Cherie’s focus shifted to Samantha’s white face as she nodded over Raina’s head.    “Samantha and Terry are great toddler wranglers.” I smiled at the two older children. “I couldn’t have managed without them.” I patted Mia’s back as she blinked sleepily from Cherie’s arms. “Think nothing of it.” My heart twinged a bit at my word’s reassurance, but it was better. Not the heartsick ache I’d expected.

    Cherie nodded, satisfied. “Okay then. Time to head ‘em up and move ‘em out.”

    “I’m not done yet.” Jamie grabbed for the box of crayons Samantha was filling.

    Jo-Jo fumbled at his pocket trying to hide a couple of crayons, but Samantha pried them loose.

    “Take the coloring books and crayons with you, boys.” I rose stiffly.

    “Can I stay and help Miss Laura Grace clean up?” Samantha looked from me to Cherie. “Please.”

    “It’s okay with me.” I smiled at her. “I could use the help. Tom did most of the cleaning. What do you say, Cherie?”

    She shrugged. “It’s okay with me if you want to. I’ll come—”

    “No, I’ll bring her home when we’re done.”

    “Okay, Laura Grace. If you say so. Let’s get this crew into their coats.”

Have a happy week among all the preparations. I'll finish this scene all the way out next Tuesday. ;-)

Christmas Babies

It's the Christmas season and I wanted to gift you with a bit of FRIENDLY FIRE. This scene is from early in the story and Laura Grace has her hands full. There's more to this, but I didn't want to overload you. I know you have gifts to buy, cooking to do, and cleaning for the holidays. ;-)



Baby-eye view of a Christmas tree

          A cold steady rain had finally lifted the fog, but Cherry Hill was still swaddled in a gray cocoon of winter. I could only hope that the waterlogged flowerbeds wouldn’t drown my mother’s iris. The painstaking digging I had done at her home place after her passing would have been in vain if it did. Maybe the rain would help them grow fat and healthy to bloom forth in all their deep purple glory next spring. I hoped so.
        Though the gray weather muted the Christmas lights on the other houses, inside my home, life bloomed, giggling and wiggling, on the sofa. I had successfully settled Cherie’s five smaller children—all seven or younger—in a line like museum statues. If the statues were alive, and all the children were. And loud. Now why had I volunteered to babysit this crew? On the surface it was to allow Cherie to Christmas shop in peace, but I knew that wasn’t the reason I had agreed. No. I was doing it to have more time with Samantha. The girl had rooted into my heart and I had to be with her. Even if it meant dealing with diapers. Cherie had assured me that it wouldn’t be a problem. Samantha would to the dirty work. We’d see. So far, no untoward odors had clashed with the cinnamon pine cones on the mantle.
        Peals of laughter rang off the vaulted ceiling as Jo-Jo, Cherie’s four year old, removed his finger from his nose and contemplated it cross-eyed. Samantha drew herself up, hands on hips. “Jo-Jo, that’s gross. Get a tissue.” The girl had her foster mother’s tone and stance down perfectly.
        The boy just grinned as plunged the offending booger into his mouth.
       “Eew!” Samantha squealed. “Don’t eat boogers!”
        I had to grin. I’d seen worse in high school classrooms, but Samantha’s reaction was priceless.
        Terry and Jamie joined Jo-Jo on the booger hunt, causing Samantha to sputter.
        Time to stop this. I placed the tissue box on Jamie’s lap and raised an eyebrow. He obediently pulled a tissue out and wiped his finger then passed the box down the line of offending little boys.
        Mia and Raina, the two-year-old twins, pulled a tissue for each hand and began to toss them, landing one on Jo-Jo’s head. He brushed it off and began to tickle his nearest little sister.
        “Enough of that.” I collected the tissues as Samantha smirked at the little boys.
         “Miss Cherie said we had to be careful not to mess up Miss Laura Grace’s clean house.”
          Terry grinned. “Is that why the sofa is covered?” He grabbed a handful of the afghan covering the seat. “To keep the leaky girls from soaking it?”
           The twins just grinned back with their tiny baby teeth and dimples. Cherie had dressed them in matching tops. Their black hair was drawn up in two identical curly puffs. I had to grin back. Diapers or not, the girls were too cute to resist and as sweet as the tiny angels on my Christmas tree.
          “No, I keep the sofa covered to keep Sunshine from scratching it when he jumps up.”
           Terry looked around the room. “What’s a sunshine?”
           “He’s my little boy.”
           “I didn’t think you had any kids.” Wariness deepened Samantha’s eyes to navy.
           “I don’t. No grandkids either. Sunshine is my fat old cat. He doesn’t jump much anymore—just sort of scrambles up. His back claws would scratch the leather if I didn’t cover it.”
           Jamie’s eyes were round. “Where is he?”
            I knew where Sunshine was. “He’s hiding because he doesn’t like to meet strangers.”
           Raina’s squeal of “kitty, kitty” ricocheted off the ceiling and Mia joined in.
           “Not today. Let’s let him hide. He’ll get used to you and come out later. Anyway, it’s movie time.” I hit play on the remote and Disney’s latest began to play.
            The kids settled in to watch and I nodded. That took care of the next ninety minutes or so.
           “Samantha, would you like to help me with the popcorn?”
           She followed me around the breakfast bar into the kitchen where it was relatively calm. I could see the little ones on the sofa as the warm, saturated colors of the cartoon glowed from the TV. That had settled them down.
          “Get us some bowls.” I pointed to the cabinet. “While I start the microwave.”
           Samantha’s bright blue eyes followed me as she handed me the bowls. “Why don’t you have kids? Don’t you like them?” The wariness had entered her voice now.
           I closed my eyes for a moment. How many students had asked me that question over the years? I didn’t want to know. The answer hadn’t changed though. Honesty was required here just as it had been all those other times I had answered the question. I looked into her eyes. “God doesn’t always give you what you want, but He does always give you what you need.” My mouth tightened around my self-consciousness. “Tom and I wanted children and we got a lot of them by teaching—hundreds of them.”
           Her eyes widened. “Didn’t you need kids?”
           I looked at the timer as the homey, mouth-watering smell scented the air. “I thought so, but it didn’t happen. I guess I wouldn’t have been a good mother.”
          “Oh, no! You would have been a great mother!”
           “Some of my students thought so too and even called me ‘Momma Chandler’” I smiled, thankful Kerry Jones had reminded me of that sweet memory. “Let’s go share out the popcorn.”
           As much as I loved hearing Paul Newman’s voice—hearing it come out of a cartoon car just wasn’t the same. But I couldn’t show “Cool Hand Luke” or Butch Cassidy to little kids.
           Though for a couple of hours of relative quiet, I could stand it. Of course it helped if your definition of ‘relative quiet’ could stretch to include a stinky diaper, a little boy kneading his crotch because he needed to pee, two squirming toddlers, and a spilled bowl of popcorn. The children for the most part had been giggling and engrossed in the story with their hands traveling to the popcorn bowls on remote control.
           Only Samantha wasn’t watching the movie. Tension thrummed through her as she sat at my feet trying to catch every falling kernel before it hit the floor.
           I laid my hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, Samantha.”
           Fear shadowed her blue eyes.
           “I’ll vacuum later. It’s not a problem.”
            She sat back, but the tension didn’t go completely. The child was still reacting to everything, trying to decide how she was supposed to act.

Mini Book Reviews: On the Romantic Side

 

I don't usually read pure Romance. Nothing wrong with it--just not my cup of tea. Then again,sometimes it's just the thing I need for a quick read. Then there's the meatier ones that add in history or are women's fiction with strong romantic elements. Here's a sampling of my more romantic reads.

A SINNER IN PARADISE Deborah Hining--Women's Fiction with a healthy dose of romance
There's nothing not to like in A Sinner in Paradise. Deborah Hining has created a unique, interesting, and feisty main character in Geneva. When she has to return to her West Virginia roots, she learns what's truly important is to love yourself. Everything and everyone else seems to fall in place. This is a truly delightful read. The religious aspects of the story are so deftly handled that it never jars or gets preachy.

THE WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING Beth Kendrick--Romance with a capital R ;-)
The Week Before the Wedding is a perfect example of what a tasty read can be when handled with characters who are 3-D. No cardboard-cut outs here. Enjoy this one when you need a light fast read.







NEVER TOO LATE Amara Royce--Historical Romance
Never Too Late is a rousing romance with a big heart for the social ills of Victorian England. Add a wonderful flip of the usual older hero/younger heroine and it moves into welcome new territory for romances. The social commentary is so integral to the main female character that it is eye-opening without being preachy. This is one historical romance that will keep you guessing. This is a must read for those who love historical romance.

Check out my interview of Amara from May 14 for more info.

IF THE SHOE FITS Amber T. Smith--Romantic Fantasy
If the Shoe Fits is a hilarious retelling of Cinderella. You'll never guess who is the fairy godmother, I promise. This is a light read that retells the old fairy tale with a mod setting.  Enjoy.

BURNING SKY Lori Benton--Historical Romance
Burning Sky is a must read! The story is deeply personal, rich in history, with captivating characters you won't want to let at the end. This is another book in which the religious beliefs of the characters are integrated with the story with no preaching--just people living their lives based on what they believe. Check out my interview of Lori on August 20 for more info.






Happy Reading!

Giving Thanks!

 



It's Thanksgiving week in the US and we're cleaning, shopping, baking, and cooking up a big feast. I wouldn't mind having those turkey cookies! ;-)

And I thought it was a perfect time to take stock and list a few things I'm grateful for.

• I'm thankful for the CompuServe Books and Writers Forum and most especially for the Writers Exercises folder. I've learned all I know about craft there. Thanks, y'all. You're the best. You've helped me from my first struggling scenes to a nearly finished rough draft.
• I'm thankful for the Women's Fiction Writers Association and all the support, resources, and friendship that finding a genre home provides.
• I'm thankful for a few very discerning Beta Readers who helped me see that FRIENDLY FIRE Part 1 was sorely lacking in tension. Thanks John, Sara, Susan, and Deniz!
• I'm thankful that ways to provide said tension have come to me relatively quickly. This month has seen a great new aspect being added to the manuscript.

I wish for all of you a wonderful end to November and a delicious meal on turkey day!

Links You Can Use

Here's a few links I've found lately you might like. They're full of good info. ;-)

What NOT to Do When Beginning Your Novel

How to Start Your Novel

9 Ways To Undermine Your Characters' Best Laid Plans

7 Ways to Cut a Novel Without Losing Anything Important

And for those who thought I was only reading Writer Unboxed, try this one from Barbara Rogan.

Rejection: Good for the Writer's Soul?

And if this one doesn't make you tear up, I'll be shocked.

Sometimes the 'Tough Teen' Is Quietly Writing Stories

Return of the Mini-Reviews!

It's been eight months since my last Mini Book Review post and I've read twenty-three new books and reread at least thirty books. Yep, I eat books like popcorn. ;-) At least I have a clue how much back breaking work goes into writing a single scene much less an entire work of fiction.

It's time to share a few more good books with you. Today, I'm sticking strictly with Women's Fiction. In fact, three of these authors are my fellow members of the Women's Fiction Writers Association. All I can say is, enjoy!

 

 

THE GLASS WIVES--Amy Sue Nathan

The Glass Wives is a sensitive and truthful story of ex-wives, widows, and single mothers—and the children who share their lives. Amy Sue Nathan has a voice that will sweep you into its embrace. Check out my interview of Amy Sue Nathan from May 21, 2013. I'm still in awe of the intensity of The Glass Wives. This is one of those books that really make you rethink the clichés about divorce and puts it into human perspective. This is a must read.



 

 LOUDER THAN LOVE--Jessica Topper

Louder Than Love is a "twofer". It's a masterful look at a young mother and widow's efforts to come to terms with her loss and how to live again. It's also an unconventional love story--one that will knock you off your feet. Jessica Topper's voice is refreshing and you won't think you've read this one before, because it's an amazing blend of library science and rock and roll. This is a must read.

 

 

BECALMED--Normandie Fischer

Becalmed is another truly unique combination of ideas and experiences. The main character--Tadie Longworth--is a jewelry maker, experienced sailor, and (in one of those loaded Southern terms) a spinster. She faces growing older with her old jerk of a boyfriend back in town when she meets a fellow sailor whose little girl steals her heart. Stuck between the old and the new, she's becalmed in a stew of what might have been and what could be. This is a delightful look at what a hurricane can blow in. Becalmed is a delightful read.

 

 

THE WISHING HILL--Holly Robinson

The Wishing Hill explores what happens when you think you've run away from your past, only to find that it is creeping up on you when you least expect it. This is a haunting story about recognizing the truth that our lives are made up of many choices and experiences. To live fully, we have to accept the good and the bad. The Wishing Hill is a lovely read.

 

I promise you can't go wrong with any of these books. So, if you're hunting a good read to keep you comfortable during the long winter nights ahead, check them out!

 

I promise to not let eight months go by without another installment of mini-reviews. In fact, I hope to do one a month for a while...or more often. Happy reading! ;-)





Cherry Hill's Autum Finery and An Annoucement

As the nights turn chilly, the plants and trees start the process of bedding down for the winter. Cherry Hill's trees are fast on the way to their brief moment of glory, dressing out in gold, orange, scarlet, burgundy, and yellow. The bushes are sharing their berries and the squirrels scurry to collect the acorns and pecans for those long winter months.


Pear

Ginko



Maple




Nandina





May your fall be bright and your winter cozy.











Check my new job: WFWA Write-A-Thin Program Coordinator
I'll be working with Catherine Vignolini to help WFWA members to keep working. The main push will be in January. Do you have any writing tips or great quotes to share? We'll need one a day. ;-)

Sorry About That...

I had planned to do more author interviews, but real life and my writing have gotten in the way. I plan to get back to them later. Meanwhile, I'll try to put together another list of mini-reviews soon.

It's also been limiting my visits to other blogs. I miss reading all of your lovely posts. :-(

There are a lot of meaningful goings on in my writing life at the moment. Among them are:

• New critique group--In late September I took part in one of WFWA's workshops. This one was all about Critique Groups. The express purpose of the workshop was to get us all on the same page when it came to critiquing and assigning us to groups. Now I get the excitement of reading three new friends' work. Check out Kristena Tunstall, Jeannine Everett, and Jess Ferguson's blogs.

• Editing of FRIENDLY FIRE--And as always, I'm working on getting a complete manuscript together for my WIP FRIENDLY FIRE. Currently, I'm working on a huge hole in Part 2. Send good vibes my way, why don't you?

So, if you've got some spare time to lend me, I'll jump on it. ;-)