Meet A Variety of Authors

On December 18th, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. (eastern), I will be participating in a Winter Carnival on Facebook. It's a three-day event to showcase authors from all genres. I'm very excited about this opportunity to introduce more people to my books and tell them a little about myself. Please join us!

I'm planning on giving away prizes!!

Here's the link. https://www.facebook.com/events/395581007270872/

Happy for the Holidays

With the holiday season in full swing, many of us are planning those gift lists, pondering menus for those Christmas parties, and preparing for the wonderful hustle and bustle of these next few weeks. This is my favorite time of the year.

We don't have any snow right now, but I'm wishing for a white Christmas -- as long as the white is snow and not ice. I still remember that horrible ice storm that made our transformer explode and kept us without power for a full week. We packed our groceries and cooked Christmas dinner at a friend's house while she had plans to celebrate elsewhere. That was really wonderful for her to let us do. I've been gifted with friends like that.

So, as we step more fully into the season, I want to wish everyone joy and peace.

Almost Turkey Time

I know I haven't posted in a while. What can I say except that life is full of ups and downs. But we're headed into the one period of the year that usually make me happiest.

I absolutely LOVE Thanksgiving and am so excited that it's only one week away. Oh my!! I need to go to the grocery store!! We always cook way too much food and we each have our favorites. Mine is cornbread dressing with lots of gravy. One daughter loves candied yams. The other is a fiend for baked macaroni and cheese. Then there are leftover turkey sandwiches and turkey-sausage gumbo for the next few days.

After dinner is cleared away and we wake up from our food-induced comas, we put up the Christmas tree and decorate the livingroom. Our cats always try to get in on the activity by stealing ornaments and batting at the blinking lights. One year, they climbed into the tree.

It's a day of genuine smiles and sincere laughter. I hope that your holiday celebration brings tons of happiness.

It Was a HUGE Success!

The Release Day Party for Premonitions: Dream Catcher Series ~ Book One was better than I could have expected! There was lots of participation and we gave away several prizes. If you couldn't attend, you can always go to this link and browse through the activities, music, and comments. https://www.facebook.com/events/633701976745769

I'm really happy to congratulate all of the winners of prizes!

GRAND PRIZE goes to Brittany Wilson!!! Congratulations!!

The other winners are:
Rebecca Baker Babblings for inviting the most guests
Suzanne Morrison for tagging 5 people
Stephanie Puterbaugh for submitting the best kiss (tie) and best girl in a business suit
Tanya Conaway for submitting the best kiss (tie)
Brittany Shivers for the winning caption
Lynn Miller Hill for the prettiest dream catcher
Kyra Dune for the best love song

Keychains are going out to: Marisa Richmond, Melanie Pollnow McClure,Megan Asmus, Brittany Shivers, Lynn Miller Hill, Stephanie Puterbaugh,Victoria Robertson, and Glenda Gregory

THANK YOU LADIES AND CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Preparing for Premonitions

The official Release Day Party for Premonitions will be on Tuesday, October 28th. It's an online party open to everyone, so log on to Facebook and join us! There will be games and prizes and good music; I've spent the past couple of weeks getting everything together and hope you will enjoy it. Of course, I'll be giving away copies of the book and other swag.

Until the party starts, stop by the event page to listen to music and take a look at some of the artwork and sayings that have already been posted. There are a few questions you can answer or at least think about. Get psyched! We're going to have fun!

https://www.facebook.com/events/633701976745769/

What Inspires Me to Write?

The short answer to that question is "everything". I look at the world around me and imagine what I would do or think "Wow, that was really interesting."

The long answer to that question is, obviously, a lot more complex.

I didn't grow up in a home where I got all the love I needed in the way that I wanted it, but I was surrounded by other relationships that taught me what love should look like. For that reason, while I have always struggled with overcoming fears and insecurities, I've also believed in love, romance, and happy endings. God truly does want the best for us. There is unconditional love out there and sometimes people read to be reminded that it exists. I'm basically an optimistic person. That was one of the reasons I immersed myself in Harlequin Romance novels and eventually began writing my own love stories.

Sometimes, I'm listening to music or watching television and a line stands out. I think, "Hmm. That would make a good story," and an idea starts to form. Sometimes, I am confronted with a situation that me or someone in my life is dealing with -- usually based on an insecurity or a question -- and I wonder how many other people feel the same and how would they handle it, and a plot starts to reveal itself in my mind. One day, I was listening to country music and decided I missed the times spent on my grandparents' farm; a story idea was born.

My goal is always to write stories that people can relate to but that also have positive twists. I want people to say, "I was at that place in my life" but to believe that the fairy tale ending they'd hoped for could be possible. There is always an opportunity for that first love to have a second chance or for that man to believe in you and accept your flaws. We all want to know that undying love exists just around the bend.

I write because I want people to believe in beauty and hope. What inspires me to write a particular story is when I find an idea or situation or lyric that I can turn into a chance to illustrate that goal.

Fortunate Forever

In two weeks, my newest novel (Premonitions: Dream Catcher Series ~ Book One) will be released. With all of the preparations completed and a little time on my hands, I've been looking forward to the holiday season and ways to promote all of my books.  And then, it hit me that I should also be looking backward and appreciating those things that brought me to this point.

Thank you. Those words go out to all of the people who have blessed me with encouragement, financial support, criticism, and even rejection. Yes, even the negatives are blessings. I am strong because of those investments. I have stories to tell because of the many experiences people have given me. I know sorrow, disappointment, and despair. But I also know courage, kindness, optimism, and perseverance. Consequently, I am that tenacious person who will always seek a way to accomplish my dreams.

For so many reasons, I feel fortunate. Personal setbacks have not destroyed or deterred me even when they have distracted me from my goals. I've had opportunities for wonderful accomplishments. Now is the time to take a breath, not push so hard for a minute, recognize all that I have, and be grateful.

I am fortunate to call myself a writer and blessed to be a published author. My words touch people. Their responses touch me. And I know, beyond a doubt, that this is the fulfillment of a destiny that was set long before my birth. God has smiled on me, held me through struggles, and sustains me today. Yes, I am among those fortunate enough to know that who I am is who I was meant to be, and that I am constantly growing towards a higher destiny.

My books are purely for entertainment. No, they do not solve the mysteries of the world or even give insight into its problems. They do not pretend to be high literature. What are they? They're just stories that create moments where we can (hopefully) relate to the personalities and predicaments of characters who reflect what we know and experience in a way that draws us away from our troubles, or at the least give a glimpse of the happiness that can lay beyond them. I write about ambitious women, dedicated men, and conditions that present challenges to many people. And in all of my books, I find that silver lining that is the beginning of the Happily Ever After. Yes, I am fortunate to consider myself a story teller.

So, as I'm awaiting the Oct. 28th release date for novel number four, I'm also soaking in the knowledge that I am blessed to be able to create. For this, I will feel fortunate forever.

Sincerely,
Brynette

A Preview of Premonitions

Are you ready for another excerpt? It won't go live on Amazon until the book is fully available, but I thought y'all might like a sneak peak. Enjoy! Don't forget to pre-order your copy at
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NQ5NZ2Q  Also, I'm hosting a virtual release party on Facebook on Oct 28th - please go to the event page and say you'll come.  https://www.facebook.com/events/633701976745769/

CHAPTER ONE

“Stephanie, this is Chaz Winters; Chaz, Stephanie Ballard.” To Chaz, she added an explanation that this was her very best friend in the whole wide world with a mischievous giggle. And with those introductions, Karen settled onto her high-back stool to observe the two people who’d agreed to this blind date. She watched them shake hands and tried not to smile at the tiny lift of her girlfriend’s left eyebrow. Instant attraction; she could sense it. Was Stephanie also feeling it? Of course, she must be—Karen was almost never wrong about matchmaking.

She turned her attention to the man who’d just entered the bar and was approaching them—her fiancé. Victor always looked sexy in his suit and loosened tie, even at the end of the day when he’d been raking his fingers through his hair and his eyes were a little dulled by fatigue.

“Sorry for being late.” He shook Chaz’s hand and gave Stephanie a quick hug. Then, he planted a lingering kiss on his future bride’s forehead and wrapped a possessive arm around her shoulders as he slid onto the bar stool beside hers. “How are you feeling?” His free hand rested on the lightweight lavender dress stretched over a very round belly.

“Greater than great,” she beamed. “It’s been an uneventful day.” In other words, she’d had none of the fatigue or nausea that seemed to have resurfaced even though the pregnancy was almost over. At the moment, Karen wasn’t too worried about her symptoms. In fact, her only concern was whether her best friend was going to enjoy her time with the tall, dark, and handsome owner of the pool hall. Of course, she would.

Having arrived nearly fifteen minutes earlier, she and Stephanie were munching on chips and had already ordered their drinks: Sprite with a twist of lime and a garnish of fresh mint for the baby incubator and a Mexican mojito with extra mint for the single woman. The drinks looked so similar that Karen made a mental note to pay attention to which glass she grabbed.

The two men ordered tequila shots and the bartender quickly set them down so he could tend to the other patrons. As was typical for a Friday night, the bar was crowded and the restaurant was filling up. The piped-in music could barely be heard over the mixture of conversations, laughter, ice clinking into tall glasses, and food sizzling as servers brought out dinner orders.

Chaz, dressed in a lightweight sweater and perfectly fitted slacks, leaned slightly toward Stephanie and asked where she worked, how well she liked her job, etc.—usual first date stuff. Work was always a safe ice-breaker topic.

“Earlier, Steph was telling me about her latest project,” Karen encouraged her friend.

“There isn’t much to tell,” Stephanie insisted as she tucked a curl behind her ear. She shook her head and it immediately popped back out. “Just another boring set of calculations for a development company. I honestly don’t understand why Mr. Kinsett wants to expand the business when he and his wife are almost ready to retire.”

“Does he know they’re going to retire?” Karen winked.

Stephanie sent a warning glance to the other woman before saying, “I would hope so. They’re almost eighty years old. It doesn’t take a mind-reader to know they shouldn’t be investing such a large amount of capital right now.” She took a quick sip of her drink before continuing. “Mrs. Kinsett is having some sort of medical problem. And, it doesn’t seem like any of their relatives are interested in running the business, so there’s not a clear reason why they want to go ahead with this project.” She shrugged and turned her attention to Chaz. “I’m sure you have much more interesting days at the pool hall.”

Chaz easily talked about how he could relate to Mr. Kinsett’s situation. He’d taken over the pool hall on the eastside of Erie from an uncle nearly a year ago and was trying to make it more profitable rather than be forced to sell it to someone other than family. While running the business was more work than fun, he honestly enjoyed being around the variety of people. His smile was as easy as the way he talked about his business.

“I usually get there around dinner time,” he explained, “just as the after-work young professionals are winding down the happy hour and a more settled clientele is arriving. There are mostly groups challenging each other to a few friendly games and the couples, like Karen and Victor, who just want to spend time with their special person.” He shrugged. “It’s my job to notice what’s going on and to walk around and make sure everyone is happy but not rowdy.”

Karen nodded absently as the conversation drifted to other topics. She had closely observed him keeping watch over the establishment. There was a strong calmness to him that she’d noticed not long after he’d first starting managing the pool hall. He talked with everyone, laughed easily, and didn’t seem to miss anything. So, over a few months, Karen and Victor kept watching how he interacted with the female patrons and were relieved to see that he didn’t seem to take any of them seriously. They flirted unashamedly, but he was always professional in his response. She thought about how it didn’t matter what day the couple showed up with other friends, Chaz was there and his personality was always the same—friendly, steady, dependable. He could be perfect for Stephanie, and she for him. Too bad that she didn’t like billiards or they could have met a long time ago.

Karen laughed quietly at her mental observations and joined the conversation about football. Stephanie knew what she was talking about and was passionate about the Pittsburgh Steelers. Chaz was noticeably impressed; his fascination was evident in the way he never stopped smiling and rarely looked away from his date. Everyone was having a good time.

“I definitely have to thank you,” Chaz said to Karen. Then, to his date, he sent a warm smile and made a comment that she was pretty amazing, a remark that made her blush. Victor and Karen immediately chimed in that they couldn’t agree more and that their friend was definitely special and one of a kind.

“Can we please change the subject?” The blush deepened as everyone chuckled at her discomfort.

“Maybe we should get a table and order dinner,” was Chaz’s suggestion. It was a good sign for a blind date. He could have very easily used the pool hall as an excuse to end the night early.

“Yes! I’m definitely ready to order some real food,” Karen eagerly agreed. “But first, I need to make a pit stop.” She waddled off to the restroom and her fiancé went to find a hostess to ask about moving them to a booth.

Everything was going well, Stephanie thought, and she could definitely see herself enjoying a little more of his broad smile and inquisitive eyes. Blind dates were usually unpredictable, so she was relieved that he wanted to spend a little more time with them. With her, she corrected silently. Yeah, the interest was definitely mutual.

“You’ve gotten quiet on me,” he said so softly that she had to lean a bit closer to hear him. A hand lightly touched hers and his eyes smiled.

“Just wondering about you,” was Stephanie’s reply.

“Questions you didn’t want to ask in front of your friends?” He chuckled. “Ask away.”

“Okay.” She looked him in the eyes and studied every nuance of his reaction as she said, “According to Karen, you haven’t been interested in anyone you’ve met over these past months, so why are you here tonight?”

“Because I saw you with Karen once and was curious as to whether you were the same person she wanted me to meet.” He pushed aside his now watery second drink. “You were shopping for shoes, I think. Anyway, the two of you were totally caught up in having a good time and you were smiling, relaxed, carefree. Beautiful. I remember wondering whether you’re always that way.”

“Not always,” came out with a lighthearted laugh. “It’s just easy to be happy around Karen. She’s has a way of brightening anybody’s mood. Plus, she’s a good friend; we know a lot about each other.”

“Such as her knowing what kind of man you like.” It was a comment, not a question.

“Yeah, that too.” Stephanie got a good vibe about Chaz. His eyes held hers as she tipped her head sideways in a gesture of continued curiosity. What was it about him that was so captivating? Déjà vu hit at that moment: she couldn’t remember having a dream of the specific scene, but then it unfolded in her mind a split second ahead of when it was actually happening. His same arm movement and shift of body. Her same fiddling with the empty drink glass on the bar.

“What’s your next question?” Chaz was asking.

“Oh . . .” She had to bring her attention back to the conversation. “I was going to ask whether you believe in fate, destiny, serendipity—whatever you want to call it.”

“Definitely.”

“So, some things are just meant to happen?” She watched him nod. “And do you believe some people are more open than others to following the vibes they sense from a person?”

He seemed to think about that for a moment. His eyes said he already had an answer but wasn’t sure whether to tell her; Stephanie could sense that a mild suspicion of her reason for asking was his strongest reason for hesitating.

“Do you believe it?” was his non-answer.

“Definitely,” was her confident reply.

He nodded again as he honestly considered what she’d said. Something comfortable and magical passed between them in that instant. Stephanie saw a slight warmth creep into his eyes and could only return the expression.

“Okay, our booth is ready,” Victor was saying as he rejoined them. His voice broke the spell.

He reached for Karen, who was just returning, and the foursome moved away from the noisy bar to the other side of the restaurant where mostly families were situated. Chaz’s hand rested casually on Stephanie’s back as they wove through the tables, and his arm was comfortably touching hers after they were seated. Stephanie was sure that she wasn’t imagining the electricity between them.

Karen kept everyone laughing as they looked over the menus and tried to determine what to order. She wanted one of everything and each option was more tempting than the previous one. Then she pouted that she probably wouldn’t be able to eat a full meal with the baby taking up so much room inside of her and settled on a dish that would be good reheated.

As they waited for the food to arrive, the talk shifted to current events in the news and somehow drifted into two separate conversations that were somewhat related enough for people to bounce between them. Yet, neither Karen nor Victor interrupted any moments when the conversation was soft words spoken just between Stephanie and Chaz.

“He’s definitely fascinated,” the pregnant woman told her friend when the two women took a restroom break.

“Yeah?” Stephanie dabbed on fresh lipstick and smiled at her friend in the mirror that took up the entire wall behind the row of sinks. “So am I.”

“Any special insights?” Karen gave a conspiratorial wink at the other woman’s reflection.

“Nothing specific; just a good vibe. He’s a good person.”

“Hell, I figured that out before I ever suggested the two of you get together.” She laughed. “But seriously, you didn’t pick up anything other than happy waves?” Hands absently rubbed her too-full belly.

“Not really.” Stephanie wasn’t ready to mention the déjà vu moment. She simply frowned at her friend and shoved the tube of lipstick back into her purse. “There’s something I can’t nail down that’s making me feel really connected.”

“Sleep on it,” Karen urged. “It’ll come to you.” She laughed and waddled toward the door.

Yeah, sleep on it. Strange things came into Stephanie’s dreams. Things that sometimes hinted at information she couldn’t know otherwise. Things that often came true. Things that had made other people say she was weird before she’d learned not to trust everyone with that detail about herself. Anyway, her gift had never been anything to fear; and she preferred to think of herself as one-of-a-kind.

Yes, she was as unique as the man waiting for her in the dining room.

Except he wasn’t waiting.

“Sorry, Steph,” Victor apologized. “Chaz got a call and said he had to leave. But he wanted me to tell you that he enjoyed the evening.”

“Did he ask for her phone number?” Karen wanted to know as she slid back into the booth. Her fiancé could only shrug. “That’s okay,” the woman assured her friend. “It was probably work. We’ll see him over the next couple of weeks and find out what happened.”

It didn’t matter to Stephanie. That déjà vu moment said a lot: something about their meeting was meant to happen, and she trusted her instincts. Always.

She’d see him again.

CHAPTER TWO 

Chaz wasn’t as confident about whether he would see her. In fact, as he drove to the pool hall, he considered that the date, no matter how innocent, might have been a mistake. Stephanie seemed to see right into him and had a way of looking at him as though no one else was around when they were talking. He was too attracted to her, and his life didn’t need complications.

He parked his car in a designated space behind the building, turned off the engine, and retrieved his gun from the glove box. He shoved it into a pocket. Checking his surroundings carefully before getting out of the car, he reminded himself that his business was not one where he could afford to be distracted by Stephanie’s loveliness. He pressed a button placed inconspicuously against the side of the door frame before unlocking the rear entrance and stepping inside. The key would have set off a silent alarm otherwise.

Down a rear set of stairs behind another locked door was a private area, supposedly for employees only, but the real break room was above the pool hall, not below. Consistent with its apparent purpose, a 250-lb, muscular bouncer appeared to lounge at the opposite end of the space and was flipping through the pages of that morning’s newspaper. However, he was neither taking a break nor reading the paper; and only the fact that Chaz had pushed a second hidden button made him set aside his gun that was, like Chaz’s, loaded and ready to fire. At his end of the room, concealed by a row of lockers, was another doorway. The two men exchanged lighthearted greetings before the bouncer aimed what looked like a TV remote at the door and punched a series of numbers. It swung open—no handle, no peepholes, no windows. All these precautions were for a very good reason.

Chaz stepped into the private gambling club. He was immediately greeted with a nod from the bartender at the end of the room who was setting a couple of beer bottles on a tray for the lone waitress to carry to a table. Modest though it may be, two poker games were underway across the room and a couple of patrons were seated at one of the blackjack tables, another six at a roulette wheel, and a few more at the cash bar. While there was a legal casino in downtown Erie, slightly higher payoffs and a more discreet environment assured the return of long-time customers who didn’t want their vices to be publicly known.

A floor-to-ceiling two-way mirror lined a large section of one wall. The pool hall’s owner spoke warmly to all of his gambling regulars as he made his way to the bank of glass that slid open just as he reached it. Chaz entered, pushed the door closed with a soft click, walked over to the desk along one edge of the small room, and lifted a stack of papers.

“It’s early,” Morgan announced as Chaz was making a quick calculation of the earnings based on the paper logs for that evening. “But it’s Friday. The room will be full in another hour.”

“If everything is on schedule, why did you call me?”

“Because Rick Benton called.” He watched Chaz perch on the edge of the desk and studied his reaction. There was barely any. “Someone important has been asking questions about what’s going on beneath the billiards tables.”

“Really?” Chaz rubbed his chin with interest. Rumors had been floating for months that Evan Mosley, a well-known local criminal, was looking for a way to expand his own gambling dens. He was apparently planning to absorb businesses that were already established and with a predictable clientele—but, most importantly, those businesses needed to be well-camouflaged and secure. In exchange for absorption, he was offering to provide additional security and back all bets with his own money. The current operator would only need to worry about keeping the dealers happy and splitting the profits.

Yes, Chaz was interested. For a variety of reasons.

“The guy in the gold tie at the blackjack table is his representative,” Morgan continued and nodded to the view through the glass. Chaz was already watching the room.

Gold Tie looked calm, but Chaz suspected otherwise. He was in unfamiliar territory, bringing a message that might not be well received, and with back-up that was probably in the pool hall since they wouldn’t have been admitted underground. The previous operator of the establishment had set into place an elaborate referral process that assured all patrons that the environment would remain selective as well as discreet and safe. Newcomers were never allowed to bring in unscreened guests.

Morgan went on to explain that Gold Tie had made inquiries at the upstairs bar for only a few minutes before asking to speak with Rick Benton, who in turn had called Morgan. Chaz trusted that Rick had done his job of checking the man’s references.

“Thanks,” was mumbled as Chaz pressed a button to let himself reenter the gaming area.

He walked to the bar in the far corner and had the tender pour bourbon on the rocks: it might be a long night. Then, he settled at the blackjack table and began what he knew would be the preliminary round of negotiations for a peaceful takeover of his illegal activities. The larger question, which he knew wouldn’t be addressed tonight, was whether Evan Moseley planned to take over the pool hall, too. Or, would he demand that Chaz run it as the legitimate face of what was hidden from all but a few well-known patrons? A package deal would be nice.

What he’d said earlier about not wanting the business to get sold outside of the family was a lie. His plan was to make a clean break from everything. He sipped his drink and wondered how to make Moseley’s representative think he was only cautiously interested in his boss’s offer. 

I'm Happily On A Roll

I love when a burst of creativity hits me!

Today, I spent about an hour working on the premise for the next book in my Dream Catcher series. It just seemed to flow out of me with the characters telling me which direction the plot should go, asking questions that I need to answer, and giving me clear cut directions on the themes I need to pursue. Whew! I'm happy to have exorcised those thoughts because as soon as I did, another wave hit me.

Totally unrelated to the series I'm in the middle of creating is the plot of another novel, one I started earlier in the year before I finished what was published as my first book. Scenes have been floating in and out of my head for a while, just not clear enough for me to nail them down in writing. Well, that changed today and I'm about to start building a sub-plot that will be integral to the reader understanding what motivates the main character's indecisiveness. There are reasons she can't seem to choose between the two men who love her and I'm excited about the ways to reveal that information.

I'm also looking forward to later this evening. I had an idea for caramel-apple cookies. After visiting the local orchard last week and picking 40 lbs of my favorites (Jonathan and Cortland), I'm ready to bake a few pies and create a new recipe.

Yep -- life is good right now.

A Day With the Dream Catcher

In Premonitions: Dream Catcher Series ~ Book One, Stephanie Ballard is the dream catcher. Symbolically, a dream catcher filters out bad dreams and only allows good thoughts to enter our minds. Throughout her journey, see how she handles a psychic gift that tells her things she isn't supposed to know, a man who isn't supposed to love her, and a future that isn't as clear as she wants it to be. Here's a little about her.

Age 27 

Single

Originally from Milwaukee, WI but lives in Erie, PA

Attended Penn State University and majored in accounting

Works as an investments advisor but is bored with her job

Loves to cook and at one point wanted to become a chef

Favorite colors are blue and purple

Has deja vu, the phenomenon of having the strong sensation that an event or experience currently being experienced has been experienced in the past,

Has predictive dreams that know when Chaz is in trouble either before or while the dangerous event is happening

Has fallen in love with a man she might not be able to have because his secrets mean they never should have been together in the first place

Is usually calm and confident and has a strong belief that some things are simply meant to be

I've Been Featured!

Look for a promo for my newest book on Bestselling Author Chicki Brown's blog. She is an amazing author who has decided to feature my book Premonitions: Dream Catcher Series ~ Book One. Travel over to her site and check to check it out and to also see what she has going on in her literary world.  She's at http://sisterscribbler.blogspot.com/2014/09/writer-wednesday-new-release.html

I'm was also featured and interviewed on Ey Wade's blog! She's another author and a publisher who is being very kind in giving me some exposure. The interview and a promo for Premonitions posted on Sept 23rd! Interviews with the main characters (Stephanie and Chaz) will occur over the next couple of weeks.
http://theinterviewedcharacter.blogspot.com/2014/09/brynette-l-turner-is-in-chair-come-hear.html

Thanks ladies!!

Sign Up to Review Premonitions Before it is Released

October 28th is the official release date for Premonitions: Dream Catcher Series ~ Book One. However, you have an opportunity to read and review the book before it is released. Just go to the Reviews Only Tour link below and sign up to post a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog.

As the first book in this three-part series, Premonitions introduces Chaz and Stephanie, who are drawn to each other and bound by psychic occurrences.  Here is a short excerpt:

She unbuttoned her blouse and he ran his hands across warm flesh. It felt good to touch her. When she turned to toss her garments across the lone chair in the room, he reached out and slid his fingers across the tattoo that ran from the center of her right shoulder halfway down her back. It surprised him although he didn’t know why it should.

“It’s a dream catcher,” she explained in response to his unasked question. “Considering my gift, it seemed an appropriate illustration of my identity.” She pulled her hair to the opposite side so that he could get a better look at it.

“Aren’t they supposed to filter out bad thoughts?”

“Yes.”

“But a bad dream is what brought us together.”

“That makes it a good dream.” A smile tilted her lips as she turned to him.

Chaz kissed her forehead. “You’re amazing,” he whispered before stepping out of his jeans. Stephanie ran her hands along his thighs as soon as his body had been freed. She smiled at the overwhelmed expression in his eyes and ran a finger up his chest, across his neck, and along the edge of his jaw.

Mesmerized, he had another fleeting thought that this shouldn’t be happening, a thought that spoke of their emotional rather than physical bonding. Stephanie watched him and knew she didn’t quite understand the depth of his struggle. So, she waited. She kissed his chest and his shoulder and the side of his neck. Her fingers moved purposefully over his body, content to learn each curve and ridge of the muscular man standing naked in her bedroom. He was beautiful.

Then, his strong arm held her hips tightly against him. His lips moved against hers in a way that brought lightheadedness. She was lost, and he knew it. They both were.

Sign up to get an Advance Reading Copy (ARC) so that you can post a review:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1TQ9lpkICg9TWgDpLR1uRd0HURd_kg_M0Oh13i_7v9sA/viewform

Feeling Great!

Over the past few days, I've taken a good look at what I've been doing and like what I see.

While sales could always be higher (don't we all wish that), I'm accomplishing an amazing goal with my writing.  I'm publishing books that readers like.  As you may have noticed, I've added three new pages to this blog so that I can highlight reviews of my books.  All in all - I've only gotten two reviews that weren't four or five stars, and not one bad review yet.  As time goes by and reviews come in, I'll add them to the appropriate pages.  I'd also appreciate comments and reviews from any of you who have read my books.  Just click on the appropriate title to get to that book's page.  I am always humbled and honored by your feedback.

So, here's to hoping that I will continue to satisfy the readers who stumble upon my works and that maybe some of those readers will become fans who will seek me out as I publish more books.

Speaking of publishing more books, I'm getting excited about the upcoming release of Premonitions.  The possibility of doing a cover reveal and of arranging for pre-orders have my mind spinning with the implications of new marketing tools.  Maybe they aren't new to other authors, but I've never utilized them.  At any rate, I'm hoping to generate interest for the book before its release date.  Keep checking back for more details on my plans.

In the meantime, I'm going to keep grinning over the positive feedback I've been receiving and keep telling myself how wonderful it is to be accomplishing a dream.  People actually enjoy what I write!  YAY!!

Time for Tenderness is More Than a Romance

YAY!!!  Another reviewer has given the book FIVE STARS!!

Here is what blogger CC Clubs had to say:

Time for Tenderness is a sweet but tragic story about the difficulties of love, relationships, and forgiveness. It took me a couple of pages to figure out where the story was going, but once the plot became clear, I couldn’t stop reading. Author Brynette L. Turner must have done a lot of research on dysfunctional families because the tragedies suffered by protagonist, Valerie, and her siblings, Monica and Jason, because of her father’s absence ring painfully true.

At times, I wanted to yell at Valerie, Monica, Jason and their parents for their decisions as if they were people that I personally know. And you DEFINITELY know a book is good when you feel that close to the characters. However, despite the somber story, Hope and Faith and God ring through clearly, telling the reader that there is hope for us all. That no matter who or what we are, change is possible for each of us.

The best part of this five star book is that Turner has written a follow-up called Monica’s Healing that will continue the healing process of the Weston family. Stay tuned!

New Reviews Are Here!

I've been working hard to promote Time for Tenderness and am even participating in a blog tour to get more reviews (which I hope to in turn use for more promoting as well as being a good way to increase visibility). Those reviews are starting to come in! Here are three I've gotten in the past couple of days. I'm very happy and humbled by the responses.

5-STAR Review by Destiny Rose Book Reviews (8/26/2014):

When a Man Loves a Woman he gives his Heart. This is a well-written contemporary romance that defines the places inside the heart that grow through love, that heal with forgiveness, and become stronger with compassion. The past tore Val and Tony apart. Pride got in the way. But he is the father to her daughter and Val needs him. Eventually, they learn to embrace the good and move forward together in life.

The hopes for happiness that Tony and Val have are put to the test. Mistakes happen and life sends them difficult trials to overcome. The difficult past and family troubles always seem to haunt Val. It’s hard for her to let Tony inside her private feelings, to trust him with her doubts about herself.

But she is strong and Tony has a good heart.

This is more than a story about romantic love. It is about family, of letting go of past hurts and hard words, and rising above hardship to become a better person. The other characters in this story reveal much about the harsh reality and destructive drama that played out in Val’s life.

She is lucky to have Tony. He loves her completely and is devoted to making their family work.

4-STAR Review by Library Mosaic (8/26/2014)

I enjoyed this book and thought it deals with an interesting and important theme.

The characters in Time for Tenderness are very well-written and came across as realistic. Val has a few issues and insecurities but she still manages to be strong and determined when she needs to.

Tony is great as well. He’s patient and loving and great for Val.

Plotwise, Time for Tenderness develops nicely and, as I said, deals with interesting topics as Val’s attempts to overcome her past and reconnect with her family. I think the author did a great job with these characters and story.

The book is well written and interesting and I think fans of contemporary fiction will definitely be able to enjoy this book.

Rating: Worth Your Time (4 Stars)



4-STAR Review by C.J. Mackenzie (8/25/2014)

I really liked the characters in this book, especially Tony. He was great, affectionate and, most of the time, able to understand Val. He makes a few mistakes as well, of course, but I still think he was great and brought out the best in Val.

Val is a good character as well. Despite her past, she’s strong. She doubts herself sometimes but I think that’s only normal given her story.

Val has a lot to deal with and this book is all about her struggles to let Tony in and learn how to deal with her past and her family.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It is very well-written and deals with an interesting topic.
If you enjoy a realistic, contemporary romance you might enjoy this book.

Excited About My Book Club

I started a closed book club on Facebook for my friends in the Columbus, OH area.  We're going to read, review, and have fun.  Most of this will be done online - just log on and participate in the questions I've posted on our discussion day.  Every once in a while, we'll get together for a social event.  Hmm - should we have a pot luck in honor of Jake's diner in our first book, Detour?

Go to Facebook, send me a friend request and a message asking to join the club, and start participating.

We're having our first discussion today on the opening third of the book, Detour.  I picked it because it was an inexpensive way to get us started.  However, from this point forward, we'll be taking suggestions and deciding the books.  Not all of them will be mine.

Hope to see you in the club!

Another 5-Star Review for Detour

A professional editor read my book and said it was amazing. Here is some of what she wrote on Amazon: "This was one of the most beautifully written stories I've read in a long time. She showed a true sensitivity of soul so needed by an author. The author slowly drew me in and made me fall for the characters, the small town with its homey feel and even helped me understand why Jess's family did what they did. If you love a well-written story full of emotion that leaves you with a smile and a satisfied sigh, this one's for you."

I thought you might want another taste of the book.

I watched her go over to the booth where the elderly couple had sat and join the conversation Jake was having. Then, I turned my attention to the laminated menu that had Wednesday across the top. No French toast. But the apple fritters with sausage patties and two eggs were tempting.

“That’s a good choice,” Jake said, standing beside me and noticing where my finger was on the menu.

“I have the feeling everything here is a good choice.” I couldn’t help but smile at the double entendre. I was very aware of how close he was and how he was looking at me. His expression was different from yesterday; it was probably more like it must have been last night when he was holding me. Something was definitely happening between us. “That’s what I’ll have.” I handed him the menu. He took it but did not move away.

“Did you sleep well?” he wanted to know.

“Definitely. Between the dancing and the beer, I was very relaxed. What about you?”

“I slept alright, except it was a little hot last night.”

Okay – I’m not stupid. That smile and those eyes said he was NOT talking about the weather. I made some comment about turning the air conditioning down in my motel room. He laughed quietly and walked away.

Hmm. Were we really flirting? Wasn’t that just a continuation of last night? I should eat my breakfast, check out of my room, and get back on the road. There was nothing to stop me from checking into the hotel in Indianapolis a day early. I should be doing what I was supposed to be doing – finding a business to buy. I shouldn’t stay to find out his life story and follow up on this attraction.

Looking into the Future

I've only been a published author for a few months, so it's imperative that I keep reminding myself to be patient.  People who like to read what I like to write WILL find me eventually.  Hey - I've got three books out there.  Don't get me wrong - sales have been pretty steady.  I just wish (as do most authors) that they could be a little higher.  What I also believe is that I'm a decent writer and time will bring the results I want.

So, I'm not dwelling on the current books.  While I am still promoting them, I'm moving forward with the next project.  Let's look into the future with Premonitions.

Premonitions is about a woman who has dreams that peek into the life of the man she falls in love with.  I'm not talking about science fiction.  This woman is having vivid dreams that unfold days or weeks later almost exactly like she saw them in her sleep.  She also has those deja vu moments when it seems like she just experienced something that she'd seen or done before.  Those "gifts" give her knowledge about her man's dangerous, secret world and put her in a position of needing to protect him the same way he is trying to shield her from what he really does. There are a couple of twists and (hopefully) a decent amount of suspense.

This book is scheduled to be released in late November, but I'm a little antsy.  So, this is the cover art I'm going to use.  Let me know what you think.  More teasers will be coming in the next few weeks.

Free Promotion for Detour

I decided to make Detour FREE as an e-book on Aug 9th and 10th.  In less than 24 hours, it climbed to #459!!  I can't believe we are in the top 500 for free Kindle books.  Wow!  And there's still another full day to go.

What I'm Doing

Isn't life always hectic when you think it needs to slow down?  I never realized how much work goes into the business side of being a self-published author.  While I love the support and feedback, at times the grind is overwhelming.  Yet, I'm overjoyed to be in this position!  It's never a nightmare and always a dream come true.

I undeniably have much to learn.  Facebook groups have been faithful to provide support as I stumble blindly towards my goal of writing a best seller (yeah - someday).  Their members answer questions, provide direction, and provide places for me to promote my work.  Honestly, a few real friendships have been formed with other authors (indie and traditionally published) who look out for me.  They tell me what they think about my book - yes HONEST feedback - and that my cover art is in need of resuscitation.  They provide information on affordable artwork sites, promotion services, and websites who will feature my book and post author interviews for FREE.  (Ahh I love that word.)  All of the hand-holding has kept me positive and pushing forward.

So, what have I been doing?  Promoting.  Promoting.  Promoting.  Researching.  Reading.  Surfing the internet for stock artwork. Keeping my fingers crossed that the books will keep selling.  And working through ideas for the current work-in-progress.  This is my job now, and I'm trying to be dedicated to it.

I'm additionally thankful every day for the support of my daughters, and their understanding when I eat and breathe this writing experience.  Yes, I've noticed your activities and am incredibly proud of your recent accomplishments.  Yes, I enjoy still cherish every moment we spend watching a movie or cooking dinner together.  Yes, you are still the most important people in my world.  Without you, I might not have had the courage to pursue this dream or the focus to walk this path of continued discovery.

Mostly, what I'm doing is enjoying this facet of my life.  It's really demanding but also really, really good.  Above all, I'm feeling incredibly blessed.

Another Taste of Time for Tenderness

Tony crossed the room and sat on the ottoman directly in front of her.  He leaned forward and clasped her hands in his.  Hers were trembling.  For a moment, he just sat there, watching the light rise and fall of her breasts as she refused to look at him.  Her scent was intoxicating and an all-too-familiar neediness spread through him.  It made him sick to know that she was still having such a difficult response to him.  Didn’t she know that this relationship she insisted upon was driving him insane with loneliness and longing?  Hadn’t he done all he could over the years to prove his devotion to her?  He leaned forward and kissed her gently on the forehead.  On the cheek.  On the side of her throat where that pulse was beating wildly.  He heard a small sigh escape her as his lips traveled lower, to her collarbone, and then brushed against a thin chain she was wearing beneath her tee shirt.

Suddenly, Val jerked away from him, her eyes wide with panic, her arms guardedly hugging her stomach.

“Val?”  Her body was trembling slightly.  Why?  What the hell was wrong?  Tony stared at her as his mind raced over those past few minutes trying to figure out what he had done.

“Tony, please leave,” came out as little more than a whisper, a desperate plea.

And then he figured it out.  He reached over and pulled the chain from beneath her top.  A filigree ring dangled from it, the pinkie ring he had bought in memory of their first Valentine’s Day.  The swirling heart design was unmistakable.  He tilted her chin up, forcing her to look at him.  He wanted her to see the confusion that was wracking his thoughts. 

“You don’t wear it where anyone can see it, but you haven’t broken your promise, have you?” he asked bitterly.  No answer.  “Have you?” he demanded.

“No,” she admitted faintly.  “I haven’t broken my promise.”  She closed her eyes for a moment to keep the tears of fear and humiliation from spilling over.  Outside of moving it from her hand to this chain, or removing it on rare occasions, wearing his ring was a promise she had made and kept; and her loyalty betrayed her.

 “Then why have you forced us to be apart?  You treat me like you don’t even want to be in the same room with me; and yet, you still wear my ring?  I don’t understand, Val.”  His confusion was fading and Tony was angry.  He was hurt.  He stood and stepped away from the hassock to keep from grabbing her shoulders and shaking some sense into the situation. 

“I don’t want to do this right now.”

“Alright,” he conceded.  “When?”  Valerie just shook her head and closed her eyes, blocking out the sight of his eyes expressing a myriad of feelings she did not want to see.  She could feel him staring at her and sense the depth of his frustration.  A few minutes later, she heard the soft click of the front door closing and sighed in relief.

The living room was decorated in soothing tones of blues and purples and magentas with large-leafed tropical plants in front of the picture window.  The sun shone into that room for most of the afternoon, making it a calming space.  But as soon as Tony left, it felt icy and empty.  Likewise, coldness crept into the pit of Valerie’s stomach and she couldn’t stop herself from shivering. 

A showdown was coming – soon.  One she had been avoiding for three years.  Well, Tony had finally found ammunition to force her hand.  He’d left tonight, but that meant nothing.   It was clear she had run out of time.  

Temporary Price Reduction!!

For a short time, I've reduced the price of Time for Tenderness down to $1.99 - just because I'm happy about the amount of support that has been shown to my creative projects.  Make sure you catch this deal while it lasts!  Thanks everyone.  I love y'all!!

Break Time

With my latest two novels available, now is the perfect time to catch up on reading some of the 12 pages of new books downloaded to my Kindle.  Many of them are "FREE" deals I grabbed while I could and that I might not even read.  Still, it'll be fun sorting through them and taking my mind off my own projects for a while.

Of course, the break won't be long -- probably a couple of weeks -- because I have another novel in the works that will be released late this fall.  It's a romantic suspense with a paranormal twist.  In the meantime, I hope you'll enjoy the relationships between Valerie and Tony, Monica and Patrick, and Jessica and Jake.

Take care,
Brynette

IT'S ALMOST PARTY TIME!!

Don't forget to log on tonight (5-9 est) for my virtual Book Release Party on Facebook!  Enjoy contests, trivia, and giveaways for "Time for Tenderness" and "Monica's Healing" - and also have a chance to get to know me.  I'm very excited to meet each of you and celebrate this accomplishment together.  See you tonight!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1486865901550178/

THEY ARE HERE EARLY!!!

Both "Time for Tenderness" and "Monica's Healing" are available on Amazon.com in e-book and print formats.  The release party isn't for another four days - so some of you might have a chance to read about Valerie and Tony before the big event!  Wow - I'm soooooo excited.

Visit with Valerie

Tony had tried not to be too obvious, but he was having a hard time being interested in anything other than her shy smile and easy, quiet laughter.  He was amazed at how that part of her contrasted sharply with the ability to look a person in the eye and clearly speak her mind.  She was down to earth, equally as comfortable playing water volleyball with her black hair pulled into a ponytail on the top of her head, or arguing over current world events.  And she was like a goddess with golden brown skin, soft plump lips, large brown eyes that sparkled in the sunlight, a face that radiated warmth, a slim body with firm round breasts and slightly full hips, and the shapeliest long legs he’d ever seen.  He later learned that she was only five-foot-five; those legs made her seem taller.   

After that party, when he’d walked her to her car and asked if he could take her out to dinner, she had simply looked into his eyes and laughed softly, seductively – as if she had anticipated the question and was already two steps ahead of him.  His heart had actually stopped and he’d had to remind himself to breathe.  He was hooked; and they had not dated anyone else since then.

A Minute with Monica

Monica had always projected a cold façade and quick temper; and at first Patrick wasn’t sure he wanted to be involved with someone who had as many issues as she apparently had.  Long before she had ever noticed him, he had observed all of her routines.  She’d shot down brothers at school so quickly and icily they hadn’t even realized they’d been hit until she was well on her way.  Several months of watching her in action around campus convinced him that she protected herself by not letting other people get close to her personal life, by quickly discouraging any man who thought of her as sensuous and intriguing, by being stubborn in a way that was designed to drive away all intruders.  He, however, knew how to charm himself back into her good graces, how to sidestep her when she was pushing for a fight, how to let her win when arguing over nothing important.

For Patrick, Monica held an energetic beauty that drew him and held him captive.  And she was gorgeous in her determined spirit that matched the physical attractiveness of her dark chocolate skin, exotic eyes, and athletic figure.   

A Piece of Patrick

Here's a short excerpt from "Monica's Healing".  Enjoy!

“Tell me what your family said to make you hate yourself so much that you can’t accept anyone else loving you?”  Silence.  “That’s what’s been standing between us from the moment we met.  Tell me what happened.”  She shook her head and backed away, stopping in front of the staircase.  “You have to get beyond it, Monica.  Talk to me, please.”

She hung her head and sighed.  Why was he pushing her? 

“Alright,” Patrick relented.  He wanted to wrap her in his arms and kiss away her fears, but he knew how she would respond.  Instead, he walked over to the sofa and made himself comfortable.  “I’m not leaving,” he announced.  He had realized that the state of mind Mr. Weston was concerned about had much less to do with his wife’s death than with the life she had inflicted on Monica – and he could not help until she told him the cause of her pain.

Monica stared at him, panic-stricken.  “You can’t stay here all night!”

“I’ll leave when you talk to me, not before.”

“Patrick, get out of my house!”

“No.  I’m not leaving you.”  Did she truly understand what those words meant?

“Patrick, you have to leave!  I can’t have people thinking you spent the night.”

“Then talk to me, Monica.  Tell me what I need to know in order to help us.”  He crossed his arms and studied her carefully.  Silence and that stubborn tilt of her chin.  What had he just missed about her change in demeanor?  Why had panic turned to defiance?  He blinked.  Suddenly, he felt sorry for Monica and silently prayed that he was doing the right thing.

A Taste of Tony

Here's a short excerpt from "Time for Tenderness".  I hope you enjoy it!

Tony wasn’t going to give Val any opportunity to doubt that he really intended to make the relationship last this time.  They spoke every day, sometimes hanging on the phone not really talking about much. 

“What are you thinking?” he’d softly demanded one night when the silence between them had grown exceptionally long.

“Umm, I’d rather not say,” she laughed in response.  Not much imagination was needed to guess how he might react to what was distracting her.  Would he remember a specific weekend they’d spent making love at a riverfront hotel and then sitting naked beneath a blanket watching the winter sunrise, and afterwards making tender love in front of a blazing fire?  He had given her so many memories like that one.  Would he want to recreate those moments?  She did.

“Do you want to know what I was thinking?”  Silence.  He laughed loudly.  “What’s the matter, Ms. Val – scared of what you might hear?”

“Maybe.”

“Hmm.”  How could he make a sigh sound so sexy?  “Then we’d better say goodnight,” he joked.

“Alright,” she countered.

“Val?”

“Yes?”

“How long are we going to tiptoe around this subject?”

“What do you mean?”  Did she really need him to spell it out?  No. 

When Tony responded, Val could tell he was smiling.  “I mean – what’s a brother gotta do to get with his woman?”  Their combined laughter drew them closer.  “Can I come over, Val?”  The intensity of raw emotions in his voice caught her by surprise.  Her body tingled in response.

My Characters are an Open Book

Valerie: grew up in a struggling family, worked her way through college with a job and scholarships, had a baby right after graduation but initially refused to marry the father, is employed as a financial analyst and currently living the middle class dream.

Tony: grew up in middle-class comfort, works as an engineer, has loved Val from the moment he saw her, and nothing is more important to him than his family.

Monica: Valerie's younger sister, has spent her whole life staying focused and ambitious, has no time for nonsense, and is finally happy pursuing her educational dream and life with Patrick.

Patrick: moved from the roughness of the urban jungle to accomplishing his goal of working in healthcare, is artistically talented, is unquestionably devoted, and values nothing and no one more than he does Monica.

Join them.  Learn them.  Love them.  The stories of these lives will be released on July 15th.  Meet Val and Tony in "Time for Tenderness" and follow Monica and Patrick in "Monica's Healing".

Hint for Healing

In "Monica's Healing" the Weston family has endured dishonesty, rejection, and humiliation; but no one seems to have been as emotionally wrecked as Monica.  She is damaged, hurting, and alone -- for the time being.

Patrick wants to change that.  He's spent the last two years trying to convince Monica that what they share is special; and she has been running from him the entire time.  Now, as she is struggling to build a new life after her mother's death, she hopes that his love is as strong as he says.

While Monica and Patrick try to cope with their changing world, old hurts, stubborn habits, and family drama threaten to destroy everything they are creating.

Getting Ready to Party with Valerie, Tony, Monica, and Patrick

I can hardly believe that my Book Release Party on Facebook is only a couple of weeks away!  I've been busy (with the help of some AWESOME ladies) planning trivia and contests, deciding what pictures to use, and working on my playlist.  In addition to the online party, a few friends are coming to the house and we're going to participate together.  It's an exciting time.

"Time for Tenderness" and "Monica's Healing" have been projects for years; so, it's with great joy that I prepare to celebrate finally releasing those works to the world.  Join us on July 15th from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. because we are definitely going to have fun.

Hint: Keep checking back for teasers and excerpts that might help you win a prize or two.

Sincerely,
Brynette

Here's A Tender Teaser

In "Time for Tenderness" -- Valerie loves Tony; but she has spent the past three years pretending otherwise because she had serious doubts that their love could survive all of her flaws and fears.  Regardless, Tony knows that Val is the only woman who could ever make him happy.  When she agrees to marry him, she believes they can build a life for their young daughter that is better than how Val was raised and more realistic than what Tony has always expected.  She trusts him to accept her and to always be her partner.

Unfortunately, the drama and destructiveness from her past inserts itself into their world in a way that Tony can't accept.  No matter how hard she tries, Valerie can't shake the fear that maybe love does not conquer all; and the couple must discover whether they are really able to survive through anything.

EXCERPT FROM "TIME FOR TENDERNESS" (release date July 15, 2014)

Val sensed his presence although she hadn’t heard him approach.  Maybe she had detected the familiar scent of his cologne.  Still, she was not ready for the discussion he wanted to have.  Closing her eyes and holding on to the railing, she enjoyed the few remaining moments of calmness.   

Tony’s hair was still damp and he had dressed in dark jeans and a navy shirt.  He stood at the sliding glass door watching her, thinking as always that this woman was exquisite.  He was in love with everything about her.  

When he realized she was stubbornly not going to acknowledge his presence, Tony stepped on to the balcony and stood beside her.  His fingers unsnapped the ponytail clip so her hair hung freely.  Then he wound fingers through her hair and lifted it aside so he could kiss her neck.  Both her hair and skin were so wonderfully and familiarly soft.  She stiffened and continued to look out at the water.

He stopped kissing her and walked away in frustration.  When he spoke, she tried to ignore the anguish in his voice.  “What’s wrong with me wanting you, Val?  You know I love you.”  Did he really expect an answer?

She took another deep breath and determined it was time to get the discussion over with.  She couldn’t think straight around him and was afraid he knew it.  Val continued to stare out towards the water as she spoke the words she had rehearsed in her mind.  “What am I supposed to say that hasn’t already been said?  Obviously, we will always be connected because we have a child.  But that’s not enough to build a future on.” 

When Tony didn’t respond, she turned to see where he was.  The angle of the sun kept her from being able to see the expression on his face but he stood just inside the doorway.  She was suddenly feeling trapped on the small balcony. 

He said, “Let’s talk about what wasn’t said three years ago.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“Do you love me, Val?  We’ve been part of each other’s lives for a long time; yet, those were words you carefully avoided,” he explained.  “I’ll admit you’ve made it easy for me to be with Sherry.  And I’ve always been grateful about that.  But now I need you to say how you feel about me.”  Valerie forced herself to swallow the anxiety that was fluttering in her throat.  She didn’t want to answer that question.  Could she deflect the focus of his inquiry? 

“Our relationship is over, Tony.  Why can’t you let go?  Is all of this some ego trip because you want to know that you were special?  Will you accept it if I admit you were?” 

“Ego trip?”  He stepped on to the balcony, his eyes clouded with intense emotion.  “This is the same brother that begged you to be my wife.  For three years, I’ve put my pride aside and let you run the show.  This is no damn ego trip, and you know it!”

“Tony –”

“Stop, Val.”  He reached over to expose the ring still hanging around her neck and gave a mocking smile.  “I’ll get on with my life as soon as you do the same.”   

Valerie felt defeated and wanted to wipe that smugness off his handsome, caramel-colored face.  “Tony, why are you making this so difficult for me?”

“Because we made a mistake, and it needs to be corrected.” Tenderness laced every word.

“No; we made the right choice.”

“Val, you made that choice.  I went along with it because I loved you and our unborn child too much to keep fighting about it, but mostly because I didn’t want to lose you and I was afraid that you would completely shut me out.”  He shook his head.  When he spoke again, all the years of anguish and isolation he’d felt surfaced in his voice and in those light brown eyes.  “I was wrong, Val.  I should have argued with you; should have made you understand how much I loved you and wanted a life with you.

“Well, now I’m asking you to consider more than just what you want.  I’m miserable without you; and I always have been.  I live for the weekends so I can see you and spend time with our child.  Sherry belongs with both of us, and we all deserve better than weekend visitation.”  He sighed.  “It’s not enough, Val.  I need my daughter, but I also need you.  We ought to be a family.”

“I can’t believe we’re having this conversation.  Tony, there isn’t anything to say that hasn’t been said; and I don’t have time for a journey down memory lane.”  She tried to push past him but Tony reached for her hand and held on to it.  He felt the slight tremble of her fingers.

“Don’t,” he said firmly, stepping closer.  “I know you too well, Val; I’m not buying your act.  So drop it.”   His eyes looked deep into hers.  “I don’t want to fight with you, but if that’s what it takes to make you stop running away from this discussion, then get ready for a fight.  We are going to finish this.  Today.”