South Branch Scribbler: June 2013

Earth.

Earth, An Anthology, is the first in a compelling four part series that celebrates our planet in a smorgasbord of unforgettable short stories. Ten best-selling and award-winning authors who call the North Atlantic home, share their vivid imaginations in these tales of intrigue and adventure. From potato farm mayhem; investigating mysterious jagged trenches; a voice from the past; a grim discovery, and a quest for a lost sword, to life lessons; seductive sparkle and fire; questioning the balance between good and bad; and someone – or something – that threatens the existence of Warden McCabe — Earth, An Anthology, is a treasure trove of pure entertainment. So tuck into your favourite armchair and experience our world as never before. Please click on the image.

Spring Paths. The anthologies continue.

Code Name: Iron Spear 1941

5 Star review by Author Diana Stevan for Voyage of Hope.

"Though a short tale, this story about a 11 year old Jewish boy in Germany just before WWII breaks out, is beautifully written and leaves the reader with much to think about, especially at this time, when Israel and Gaza are at war. Anti-Semitism is on the rise, or maybe it's just more exposed now, like it was during Hitler's time. There are many published stories about the horrors Jews faced during the Holocaust. We need them, to remind us of not only what happened, but to stop another holocaust from happening again. Allan Hudson's short story is one of them."

A love story. A story about family...

Jeb Coyne, proprietor of Coyne’s Confectionary, will have been widowed for two years tomorrow. Tending to his daily business takes his mind off the looming anniversary for a moment, as do his customers, whether cheerful or grumpy. But he’s never felt so alone. With the workday finished, Jeb is a few minutes from locking the doors. He goes out to bring in the sign board his father made and is interrupted by a tiny voice asking if he is closing. Olivia Fletcher stands before him, a teenager with wet strands of hair across her cheek, a baby in her arms. This chance meeting will change both of their lives forever. Click on the photo to learn more. TY.

5 Star review of The Alexanders Vol. 1 by Author Cheryl Schenk of Western Canada.

"A most enjoyable read. The author has done an impressive job of taking us through 9 years in the life of Dominic Alexander. A life packed with people, events both happy and sad, and accomplishments, and yet his life has only just begun. Also, I was impressed with the world history that continuously unfolded throughout the story. I spent a lot of time Googling much of that history. Also, I feel that I know so much more about New Brunswick, a province I have yet to visit. I look forward to more from the Alexanders." Please click on the image to learn more.

The Alexanders. Vol. 2 1921 - 1925

The Alexander Saga continues. Dominic has his ups and downs as life continues in his new country. His business is growing. His wife is expecting their first child. He often wonders of the woman he saw in Halifax. The Roaring 20’s bring speakeasys, jazz, flappers, a booming stock market, disregard for prohibition. Everyone who can is investing in the future. Europe is rebuilding after the war and supplies from North America are in high demand. Will Dominic get involved with the investing frenzy or will caution prevail? The words of his late Uncle Duff ring loudly in his mind. “Watch those pennies, lad. Don’t waste your money on foolish things.” Will Dominic’s decisions keep the business intact? Please click on the photo.

Vigilantes -

Another Drake Alexander Adventure. The master vintner at Chateau Lambert Estates, Jean-Paul Chouinard, stares up the rise at the family cemetery, where the darling of the house was laid to rest yesterday. The grave site is surrounded by four men and a woman. The people whose service Mireille Lambert was in when she died. One of them was her lover. One of them is Drake Alexander. Chouinard knows what they do. He knows who Alexander is. He hears the whispers. Vigilantes. He grieves knowing the brothers who are responsible for his daughter’s death twenty years ago have not been apprehended. Maybe it’s been too long. Maybe the brothers are already dead. Maybe, if he asked, Alexander and his people could find them

An excerpt from Wall of War.

“The bones were projecting from the base of a large boulder as if still reaching for freedom. The curled finger bones were still intact, tarsal and meta-tarsal pointed to the roof. Suetonius stared at the dreadful sight for many moments never having considered that perhaps he'd not been the first to climb this face. His curiosity brought him deeper. Behind the boulder, the skeleton continued, two sets of tibia and fibula with feet attached completed the scene. The man or woman had been crushed by a falling rock. Who it was would never be answered. What he may have possibly been doing here would soon become evident.”

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