Risings: Fact or Fiction?

A little boy, beaten and left to die in an alley. A cop with a personal life out of control. When their worlds collide, God intervenes. Detective Ellie Saunders's homicide investigation takes a dramatic turn when a young victim "wakes up" in the morgue. The child has no memory prior to his "rising" except walking with his father along a shiny road. Ellie likes dealing with facts. She'd rather leave all the God-talk to her father, a retired minister, and to her partner, Jesse, a former vice cop with an annoying habit of inserting himself into her life. But will the facts she follows puts Ellie's life in mortal danger? And will she finally allow God into her heart forever?

My Review...

This is a book about life after death. Not the kind where one dies and goes to heaven. But the kind when one dies and comes back to life, again. You might say it's a controversial subject because there are so many different opinions about it. But the truth is, it has happened--and been documented--so many times, that medical science has its own name for the phenomenon. It's called, the Lazarus Syndrome. 

In THE RISING, Lynn Chandler-Willis has woven a compelling story about just such an occurrence. And from the very first sentence of, "The kid's not dead." it is a very hard book to put down. Detective Ellie Saunders is a person who deals with facts that can be proven (or otherwise), and is determined to track down not only an explanation, but whoever left the six-year-old in an alley to die in the first place. 

But one cannot brush up against such an incident without having their heart stirred. Even a well-guarded one. Her search for the truth takes the reader along a maze of speculative corridors, all the while asking the questions we would all probably ask if faced with the same situation. And somewhere along the line, one begins to ask themselves these questions, as well. 

Which is all I can say about the plot without giving away spoilers. At any rate, THE RISING is a well-written, suspense-filled mystery that will keep you wondering how it could all possibly end. Just right for a summer vacation when it doesn't matter too much if it keeps you reading into the night. One that will definitely keep you thinking about the subject even after you've turned the last page. Because it's a book that makes you think. 

And those are rare these days. 

Some words from Lynn...

Lynn Chandler-Willis

I’ve worked in the corporate world (hated it!), the television industry (fun job), the newspaper industry (burnt out), and even at a daycare center (stayed sick the entire time). I have two adult kids with great spouses who have blessed me with nine grandkids. They give me a lot of material.

I was born, raised, and continue to live in the heart of North Carolina – within walking distance to the kids and all the grands! I share my home and couch with Sam the cocker spaniel. He reminds me it’s okay to sometimes just sit and watch tv.

I believe in what if? I believe in the power of the kitchen table. Life and death decisions have been made around many. I believe sometimes bad things happen to good people, and sometimes good things happen to bad people.  Wondering why that is will get you nowhere. Accept it and move on. Often things aren’t what they seem. I like peeling back the layers, uncovering the mystery, page by page.

You can find out more about Lynn and her work by visiting: http://lynnchandlerwillis.com

Something to Think About…

A Romantic Suspense for Every Day of the Week.

Thursday's Child chases the whole...

Broken...with bits missing. That's how Niamh, senior prosecutor for the CPS, feels when she wakes in hospital severely injured with no knowledge what’s happened--for the past ten years. A tall man in a firefighters uniform claims he's her husband. While he's everything she's ever dreamed of, she doesn't know him. And if he was so important why can't she remember? Was there something so terrible in her marriage that her mind has suppressed it? 

My Review...

Niamh (pronounced Neeve, it's an Irish thing) has been getting death threats, but being a criminal lawyer, it's all part of her job. They don't have the impact they used to have on her. In fact, nothing does, anymore. For a long time, now, she's simply been throwing herself into work in such a way that there is little room left in a day to think about other things. She's in survival mode. The "I don't care, anymore," "just make it through another day," kind. 

Then--in a moment--her life is over. By the grace of God, she survives a major accident, but all the disaster, turmoil, and memories of the past eight years of her life are gone. Erased. And, blissfully, she can only remember who she was before those horrible times. But is this a blessing or a curse?

The thing I like most about a Clare Revell novel is the subtle yet gripping way she deals with issues we all end up having to face at sometime in our own lives. In Thursday's Child it's what happens when one is suddenly faced by the fact that they don't really like who they've become. Where do you go from there? It's a question we could all ask ourselves. 

Just watching the way Niamh and her family move through this scenario, makes one think a bit about themselves, and what they might do in such a situation. Maybe even shift a bit of perspective to feel better about our own lives because nothing quite so drastic has ever happened to us. 

Yes, that's what I like best about Thursday's Child, and this entire series. Or any other Clare Revell novel, for that matter. They not only give me a story that keeps me turning pages to see what happens, next… they make me think.

And I like that.

A bit of a visit with Clare...

Clare is my English author friend, and in case you haven't noticed, I very much enjoy the food and traditional aspects of each of her books. This time, she caught my interest with the mention of a couple of the more common English dishes that I didn't know anything about. So, hello, Clare, it's wonderful to see you, again.

Thank you, Lilly, it's good to be here.

OK. First up, BEANS ON TOAST. Now, that's an interesting combination. What kind of beans? Is it cold or hot, and is this a common breakfast item in England?

Tinned Baked beans on hot toast. Usually part of a full English breakfast but can be served alone. Very popular over here, and not just for breakfast. They make a quick substantial meal any time.

I'll have to try it. Although when I googled for a picture, someone commented that there was nothing quite so good as English sliced bread, and it was hard to get anywhere else. 

Well, I suppose some things can't be improved upon.

No doubt. Next up: What are cheese and onion pasties? Are they something you buy already made and are quick for dinner?

Pasties can be home made or shop bought. Shortcrust pastry filled with grated cheese and chopped onion and then oven baked. I often serve them for lunch or dinner with chips ( fries) or jacket spuds. 

Mmm. I imagine they'd work well for traveling (I think about that a lot, these days).

Very good for traveling. In fact, the Cornish miners used to take them down into the mines for lunch so often that when they immigrated to other countries, they became famous.

The miners or the pasties?

Both. But probably for different reasons. 

I see. One could definitely get a story out of that bit of information.

Go ahead if you'd like. I'm booked for the next couple of years just writing about people from Headley Cross.

And that's another thing, Clare. I love Headley Cross, and I really enjoyed seeing characters from some of your earlier books pop up in this one. It was a nice touch. Which makes me wonder where it is, exactly.

Headley Cross is about thirty miles southeast of London. It's in Berkshire on the edge of the Chiltern Downs. Weather is typically English. Lots of rain, some really hot days. Snow in winter. Fog in spring and autumn. Cold in winter. It's a small town about seven square miles with a population of 27,000. Readers can find out more by visiting the website I created for it, too.

Well, I definitely enjoyed my visit there, this time. And with you, too, Clare. Thanks so much for coming back, again. Here's wishing you all the best with Thursday's Child, and you can bet I'll be looking forward to Friday's Child, when it comes out in September.

Thank you, Lilly, and thanks for the visit, too.

Clare Revell

Clare Revell lives in a small town in England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, and her three children. Writing from a early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fanfiction to using her own original characters. Now, she enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, reading, sewing or keeping house or doing the many piles of laundry her children manage to make, she goes to Carey Baptist where she is one of three registrars. You can find out more about her at her website.

Spotlight on Sweet Home...

There's a new series by Jayna Morrow in the works about Sweet Home, Texas, dear readers, and the first book: GARRETT is out. Can't wait to read this one! 

Here's a peek...

"You can make plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail." Proverbs 19:21

What happens when you're living the dream and things suddenly change? Micara Lee's charming existence starts slipping away as land developers threaten the town she loves.

What happens when your dream doesn't align with God's plan for your life? Garrett Hearth finds out when an injury ends his athletic career. Disenchantment and wavering faith keep him from the life he desires. Micara's beautiful spirit touches Garrett's heart... but can she help restore his faith and convince him to live the life God has planned for him?

Their happiness and the legacy of Sweet Home, Texas hang in the balance.

Here's an excerpt...

“I see you decided to show up.” The harsh words grated like a meat grinder in Garrett Hearth’s ears. They echoed with double impact in the small metal building that served as the town hall.

His brother, Gabriel, shoved a straw cowboy hat on his head and stomped in the direction of the large, glass front door. He slammed into Garrett’s shoulder as he passed—a childish gesture, but one that spoke volumes.

Garrett took a step back to absorb the shock of the aggressive move. The churlish greeting came as no surprise. Gabriel could always be counted on to let him have it, no matter what the situation or who was watching.

“Good to see you, too.” He raised his voice loud enough for others in the room to hear. He wanted to draw attention, simply because his brother disliked it, but Gabriel never looked back. Guess he wasn’t in the mood today.

Garrett didn’t understand Gabe’s animosity and he never would. Their lives were so opposite they might as well live on different planets.

He pulled his attention back to the here and now. The folks filing out of the city hall building wore a variety of expressions, from angry to nonchalant to visibly stressed. He’d missed the meeting. Not that it mattered. Most everyone in town was against him anyway. Well, he didn’t care. His property belonged to him, and he could sell it to whomever he wanted. He didn’t owe anyone anything.

A shaft of late-afternoon light pierced his eyes as the front door opened, and he squinted. A young woman with bouncy brown hair and long, slim legs jogged out the door and caught up with Gabriel. He watched as the two talked, the woman using lots of descriptive hand gestures.

Moments later, she returned to the building more slowly than she’d left. By this time, Garrett stood in the entryway alone. She stopped in front of him, the smell of earth and flowers wafting around her, and gave him a slight smile that ruffled his soul like a warm breeze.

“I need to lock up. Are you ready to leave?” A pleasant enough voice, Garrett decided, although she looked a bit tired from this closer perspective, and she seemed a bit exasperated.

She stood in the doorway and jangled a set of keys from fingertips that sported well-chewed fingernails. Her jeans were worn in the knees and torn in places. Soil covered the tops and sides of her athletic shoes. She wore a t-shirt that read It’s Easy Being Green on the front. Rich, brown hair was pulled into a ponytail, but some of it had worked free and was tucked behind her ears. She’d clearly been working outdoors, but her beauty shone through all the dirt.

She tapped her toes, and Garrett remembered she’d asked a question.

“Yeah, I guess I missed the meeting. I better head out.”

“It was a good one. I think we’re finally starting to convince the property owners that selling out to the developers is bad news for Sweet Home. We’re already beginning to see the effects of heavy construction everywhere. Those vultures.” She pursed her lips and narrowed a pair of hazel brown eyes. Garrett stepped around her and out the door. He didn’t want to get into a debate right now.

The roof’s overhang blocked the light, making it possible to see without a glare. Her expressive eyes sparked with raw emotion, and for a moment her passion for the town almost swayed him from his resolve on the issue dividing Sweet Home—to sell or not to sell.

Almost.

Progress had been creeping into the small Texas town for years. A rural area not far from Bishop, Texas, Sweet Home had drawn the attention of big-city developers. Landowners were being offered good money to sell. The situation had neighbor pitted against neighbor. For months, town meetings had tried to bring unity, but so far, the efforts had only added fuel to the fire.

“I’m sure I’ve seen you around before, but I don’t think we’ve officially met.”

The young woman’s statement refocused his mind and he noticed her ringless hand stretched out toward him. How long had he been lost in those beautiful brown eyes?

“Garrett Hearth.” Their hands made a warm connection. Hers sported a layer of dirt, which she transferred to him during the handshake, leaving his skin feeling a bit gritty.

Enthusiastic and beautiful. Too bad she was on the wrong side. That made her a beautiful bother.

“I saw you talking to my brother, Gabe. How long have you two known each other?”

Rumor had it that Gabe was involved with some dark-haired woman. One of his co-workers told him that she was a well-to-do real estate broker from Bishop. Gabe always traveled there to see her. Could this be her? For some reason, he hoped not. She looked more country than city.

“Gabe’s your brother?” Her eyes lit up like amber stars. “Then you’re another descendent of this town’s founding family!”

A sense of pride surged through him, then fell away like leaves from a tree in autumn. His ancestors had settled here long ago, and others established homesteads around them. The Hearth family had named the town. For many years, life in Sweet Home had been ideal for all residents—pure, simple country living.

Now it was time for change.

“Yeah. That’s my family.”

“You must be so proud of your rich heritage. What a history this area has.”

Her eyes sparkled as she looked toward the surrounding hay fields, where golden bales glowed in the early evening sun. Beyond them, a densely wooded area boasted a variety of trees—old oak, pecan, and cottonwood stood tall and majestic alongside smaller mesquite trees.

All of them slated to be cut down.

“War, drought, the Depression, flooding...this town has made it through it all.” This gal was nothing if not single-minded. “I can’t imagine anyone wanting bulldozers coming in and tearing it all down. Oh, well. We just have to keep praying.”

A big smile spread across her face, replacing the serious expression from half a second before. Garrett allowed his eyes to roam from her face to take in the rest of her. Whatever it was that she did outdoors, it must involve physical labor. Well-defined muscles in her arms flexed slightly as she turned the locks on the door. Even in work clothes, she had a classy air about her.

“Oh! Your brother.” Her ponytail bounced as she spoke. “I didn’t answer your question. I haven’t known him long. I own a small plant farm and sometimes do installs for clients. Gabriel hired me to complete his landscaping project at his house. Been working over there all day, and I’ll be there at least another two days. Lots of work.”

Thinking about the job must have made her self-conscious because she dusted her jeans and held grimy hands in front of her, fingers splayed. “I’m a mess. Barely made it to the meeting—not a chance of going home to clean up. I didn’t call the meeting this time, and it wasn’t convenient at all.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Garrett couldn’t help grinning at her sudden discomfiture. “You look great. And these old farmers and ranchers don’t give a hoot about appearances. You’re fine.”

So she wasn’t Gabe’s girlfriend. Excellent.

About Jayna...

JAYNA MORROW is newly published with Prism Book Group. Her first book, GARRETT, launched the Sweet Home series, with four more installments in the works. She is a member of ETWA (East Texas Writers Association) in Longview and enjoys giving workshops for writers. She is currently employed by Marshall ISD as a 4th grade reading teacher. You can find out more about her by visiting: JaynaMorrow.com