

February 2019

Volume 2, Issue 2

IN THIS ISSUE... • A must-read exclusive interview for all fans of Sherlock Holmes

• Romantic articles and stories for Valentine's Day • Articles for Dads

• Plus, recipes and practical advice on health & wellbeing for you and your family

All contents Copyright © the individual authors and used with their permission. All rights reserved.

Promoting Literacy Parenting Tips Short Stories Recipes Activities for the Kids Exploring New Worlds

Wellness and Well-being

Discovering New Authorsand so much more...

Mom's Favorite Reads eMagazine is published monthly by Goylake Publishingand designed by Nicole Lavoie of www.JustSayingDezigns.com

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Feature Article

I Hear Of Sherlock Everywhere

Interviewed by T.E. Hodden ..............................................6

Articles

Food & Romance by Jessica Williams .................................................................10

Christianity \- Greek Orthodox Style by May J. Panayi .......................................22

Mould by Alexander Williams .............................................................................26

Meeting my Soul Mate by Keith Guernsey  ........................................................30

A Cross-Cultural Relationship: What's that all about? by Grant Leishman  ......32

Why Mothers Should Practice Self-Care by Rachael Wright ..............................36

10 Keys to Long-Lasting Love by April Cox ......................................................38

Love Hurts, so Why Would Anyone Read Romance? by Val Tobin ....................42

The Meaning of Valentine by Millie Slavidou .....................................................45

A Relic from Wordsworth's Garden by Catherine Kullmann ..............................46

Heart Love by Heather Ramsay ...........................................................................50

Love Generates Love by Ronesa Aveela..............................................................52

Q & A with Sheree K. Nielsen \- Author of Midnight: The One-Eyed Cat ..........56

The Writer's Listening List by T.E. Hodden ........................................................81

How Writing a Sex Scene can Make or Break Your Reading Pleasure by Christine Ardigo .......................................................................................82

Vidocq – The First Detective by Hannah Howe ..................................................86

The Goalkeeper's Love of the Penalty by Mansel Jones .....................................88

Stories & Poems

Superfly Part Two by Anthony Randall ...............................................................12

Homesteader's Muddy Love by Cherime MacFarlane ........................................16

Taken by Amanda Steel .......................................................................................21

Grandpa by Penny Luker .....................................................................................31

What is Love by Brenda Mohammed ..................................................................41

Not Love by Penny Luker ....................................................................................35

A Special Celebration by Kate McGinn ...............................................................48

Mini Mystery: The Wireless Murder  by Hannah Howe .....................................59

Drewed by Cate Mckoy .......................................................................................60

After the Affair: Abbi's Story by Kirsten Nairn ...................................................76

Iberian Memory & The Touch of Love by Stan Philips.......................................85

No Regrets by Cassandra DenHartog ..................................................................90

In This Issue

Author Spotlight

Anna Rashbrook ..................................................................100

Books

On the Origin of Species \- Book Review by Christine Irvin ...............................28

Little Dreamers \- Book Review by Christine Irvin ..............................................29

Bestsellers & Hot New Releases ..........................................................................

Recipes

Brunsviger Recipe by L.L. Thomsen ...................................................................66

Welsh Cakes (low sugar version) \- Recipe by Ceri Bladen .................................70

Veggie Chilli \- Recipe by Anthony Randall .........................................................72

Valentine's Berries & Cream Tarts \- Recipe by Christine Ardigo .......................73

Microwave Low Carb Keto Bread \- Recipe by Dianne Wolfenden.....................74

Low Carb Cream Cheese Pancakes \- Recipe by Dianne Wolfenden ...................74

Activities

Chess Puzzle \- Supplied by Chess.com ...............................................................25

The Little Labradoodle Coloring Page \- Provided by April M. Cox ...................58

Crossword Puzzle by Mom's Favorite Reads ......................................................69

Word Search by Mom's Favorite Reads ..............................................................75

Horoscopes

February 2019 by Barbara Astrosis ......................................................................96

Mom Supporters

Connections eMagazine by Melanie P. Smith & Rhoda D'Ettore .....................102

Meet Our Designer \- Nicole Lavoie / Just Saying Dezigns ...............................105

In This Issue
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I Hear Of Sherlock Everywhere

Interviewed by T.E. Hodden

Since John Watson was first advised of a rum sort in need of sharing the cost of his lodgings, Sherlock Holmes has never been unpopular. Through Conan Doyle's canon of stories, the countless stage plays, movies, spin off novels and television shows, every generation has had their Sherlock of choice.

There has also been Sherlockian Scholars, writing about the Great Detective, and playing the Great Game, teasing the details of his life and times from the records we have of his most notable cases.

For years now, Scott Monty and Burt Wolder have been presenting "I Hear Of Sherlock Everywhere", the Podcast, a regular insight into the world of all things Sherlockian.

Hi, would you mind telling us a little about yourselves and your podcast? We're both members of the Baker Street Irregulars, an international literary society dedicated to Sherlock Holmes. We've been friends for over 20 years and both work in the field of communications and marketing. At one point in early 2007, we decided that the Internet needed a talk radio program rooted in Sherlock Holmes. So we started one.

Do you think there has always Sherlockian Scholars because the character is so popular, some of the fans were bound to be academic in nature, or is there something about Conan Doyle's character that attracts the scholarly minded? The notion that Sherlock Holmes stories could be

dissected in a  scholarly way began with Monsignor Ronald Knox, an English theologian and crime writer. In his first publication, "Studies in the Literature of Sherlock Holmes," he laid out the intellectual exercise of discovering a deeper knowledge of the stories by correlating the Canon with historical fact. He applied the "Higher Criticism" of Biblical scholarship and the Game was born. But it's always been done with tongue firmly planted in cheek, but with "the solemnity of a cricket match at Lord's," as Dorothy Sayers put it.

Over the years you have covered a wide range of interviews and articles, from Sherlock's original name, and the various adaptions of the stories, to things as diverse as the online "I believe in Sherlock" campaign. Is there any you would consider a highlight? We're fairly proud of all of our work, from the interviews we've landed with regular, everyday Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts to producers of international hit shows. We were the first to refute the erroneous report of a newly-discovered Conan Doyle story, which Mattias Bostrom wrote for us (Link: https://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2015/02/conan-doyle-didnt-write-lost-sherlock.html).

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And back in 2007, we played an April Fool's prank that got picked up by some Hollywood papers (Link: https://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2007/04/is-long-row-veil_1.html)

Between Elementary, Sherlock, and the two Robert Downey Junior films, we have three very recent, very different interpretations of Holmes, that are incredibly popular. Is this perhaps part of the enduring appeal, that the character is so big, different aspects of his character can be explored to produce fresh, new shows? Every generation has its own Sherlock Holmes. William Gillette, John Barrymore, Arthur Wontner, Basil Rathbone, Peter Cushing, Douglas Wilmer, Jeremy Brett... each occupied a decade or more in which their interpretation was definitive. And every production that came along had a different approach. That will likely continue, as the character is immortal, and whether he occupies Victorian London or the modern world, is a reflection of ourselves back onto him.

With so many incarnations of the Detective on stage and screen, do you have particular favourites, and why? Our favourite production is the Granada series, starring Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes and David Burke and later Edward Hardwicke as his Watsons.

The series, for the most part, was quite faithful to the original stories, and the production values were top-notch.

Perhaps more importantly, do you have a favourite Watson? Burke and Hardwicke each brought humanity to the role, and Jude Law is actually quite good in the Downey, Jr. films.

As a young lad, first discovering the books at school, I always thought that to create a character like Sherlock Holmes, Conan Doyle would have to be like Holmes, but given all we know of his life, the crimes Conan Doyle helped  solve, his spiritualist beliefs,  and his ongoing, friendship and debate, with Harry  Houdini, is it fair  to say that Doyle  was much more  of a Watson? There's a bit of Conan Doyle in each of Holmes and Watson. He himself helped to solve at least a couple of

real life cases:  George Edalji and  Oscar Slater, both  accused of crimes they  didn't commit. So he was  like Holmes in that  sense. But of course he  was also a medical man,  a family man, and a  great athlete as well –  something we see in Watson.

So, is it James or John Watson? It's John H. Watson. The 'H' stands for Hamish – which is a Scottish version of James.

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The canonical stories are littered with references to the "other cases" of Sherlock Holmes. Are there any of these that you wish you could have read? The one that screams out to everyone – partially because it was in the opening of "The Sussex Vampire" (another eerie favourite) – is the Giant Rat of Sumata, "a case for which the world is not yet prepared." Why wouldn't we be prepared? What happened? How large is a giant rat?

Do you have a favourite story from the Canon that would be your rainy day read of choice? There are so many to choose from! I particularly enjoy the stories within The Return of Sherlock Holmes – so many of them take place in 1895, that magical year. And we find Holmes in top form in those stories: "The Empty House," "The Norwood Builder," "The Dancing Men," "The Abbey Grange," "Charles Augustus Milverton" – really, the entire collection stands out to me as not having a single loser in it.

How about the scores of novelists who have written new adventures for Holmes. Are there any that stand out as favourites? Personally, I'm not a fan of pastiches or parodies, but Nicholas Meyer's The Seven Per-Cent Solution was a groundbreaking work in the 1970s that was well researched and well written.

Similarly in recent times, there's no one who gets Watson's voice right as well as Lyndsay Faye in Dust and Shadow.

"Weird Sherlock" tales, with Cthulhu, Dracula, Jekyll and Hyde or the likes, have become a genre of its own. Is this a relatively new direction, or is there a long history of Holmes vs the Supernatural? Holmes has long crossed over into the supernatural. With cases like The Hound of the Baskervilles and "The Sussex Vampire," it stands to reason.

Sherlockians are seen by many as the first Fandom. Is that a fair way of seeing the community? I think so. Really, what is a fandom, but a group of enthusiasts who are hungry for more? But in many ways, the Sherlockian (or Holmesian) community is one that I've found can use our common interest as an excuse to gather, but then have a raucously good time without having to talk about the stories. We're a group of literary enthusiasts who enjoy being social.

So, are there any books, films, or characters whose fandoms you look at, and think might be considered as respectable and scholarly as Sherlockians in a few decades? It's always difficult to prognosticate, isn't it? There are many literary genres that

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already fall into that category, from the P.G. Wodehouse Society to the Jane Austen Society, the Wolfe Pack (Nero Wolfe enthusiasts), and more. If they continue with the streak of popularity, then perhaps the Harry Potter books will see its fandom continue to grow.

What's on the horizon for Sherlock fans? Is there anything on the way you're excited about? We're just enjoying the current Sherlockian renaissance we happen to be in the midst of. And we'll gladly take Sherlock Holmes in whatever form comes next.

Is there anything else you would like to discuss? Thank you for the opportunity. We hope your readers enjoy poking around our site – and checking out our second show, Trifles, in which we discuss some of the minutiae of the stories for 15 minutes at a time.

T.E. Hodden trained in engineering, and works in a specialised role in the transport industry. He is a life long fan of comic books, science fiction, myths, legends, and history. In the past he has contributed to podcasts, blogs, and anthologies.

You can discover more about T.E. on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/t-e-hodden/

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Food & Romance

by Jessica Williams

Oh February, the month of love and romance... and for more than 80% of people it means throwing our New Year's Resolutions out the window! I get it, sticking to our resolutions can be hard, especially with the added pressure of unrealistic expectations to accomplish our goals to be healthy and more fit in a short period of time.

We get excited for a new year, "new me" outlook and start to compile a laundry list of all the things from the past year we would like to see change... Sound familiar? ... The first couple of weeks are going pretty good, but then we start to let excuses, distractions and missteps get in the way. So, why do we just decide to give up? In my experience as a Lifestyle Coach, I've seen a few common reasons.

For most of us, we aren't seeing the results we want in our expected time frame, i.e. immediately, so we set ourselves up for failure when our expectations are too high. For others, we don't have the education, tools or accountability to set up a plan that makes sense for our goals and lifestyle. We are lacking the structure to help us create

small changes that we can celebrate along the way and those that will add up to the long term lifestyle we are looking to maintain. Lastly, we forget to make a conscious effort to identify our relationship with food.

Food and love do share something very important to our daily lives: they flood our brains with dopamine, the hormone that allows us to experience pleasure or happiness.

As part of the natural evolution of the human species we are wired to associate the feeling of love with a shared meal. As humans began to hunt large animals, there was too much food for a small group to consume, which led to the sharing of meals. John Allen of the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California and author of The Omnivorous Mind states,

"The gut-brain connection probably exists because our ancestors were more likely to survive if they remembered clearly where they got their last good meal. And [...] this same link between

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gut and brain is probably why he responds the way he does to a dish his mother used to make him called ketchup fried rice"

Ah, so that's why those "cheat meals" make us so happy in the moment!

Perhaps this is how we get carried away and fall back into old habits; one feel good moment to the next. That instant gratification feels amazing, but when you are working on your health goals, consistency with small changes over time is key.

Food and love are associated with our memories, gatherings and emotions. Sometimes we need to look at our relationship with food, as we would analyze our personal relationships;

Is this relationship healthy?Are you happy? Do you feel confident? Are you sleeping well? Do you wake up energized?

Break up with that long term relationship of poor habits and choose foods that fuel your body, make you feel energized and confident in your own skin. Choose the long-term healthy habits that will allow you to feel sexy, fulfilled and happy. It's time to start eating for a body you love

Jessica Williams is a Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach/Author. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2012 and was able to begin her career as a Nutrition, Lifestyle and Body Image Coach. Working with people on their nutrition & wellness goals has always been a passion of hers.

Elevate has become a vehicle for Jessica's passion of showing other's how to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle where enjoying delicious food, feeling incredible in your clothes & still reaching your goals becomes a reality.

You can discover more about Jessica on her website here:http://www.jesswilliamscoaching.com

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Superfly Part Two

by Anthony Randall

Luke was with us almost from the off, a trumpet playing maestro who hardly ever missed a gig and uniquely, remained a part of the furniture until the very end. Butwhen the bearded elfin hippie first walked into the stale smoke, sweat infused rehearsal room we'd hired; we had scant idea of his calibre or indeed of his catalogue.

Up until 1992 I had only ever been in original outfits, always trying to write the perfect pop song, always searching for a record deal. We were signed to an independent label back in'85 and put out two singles, an exciting time, but barely a soupcon of the major industry. The pinnacle of that foray was touring night clubs miming to the singles and signing record sleeves and photographs given away to eager grasping hands, keen on a freebie, some of which ended up on the dance floor. This endeavour faded away to nothing, yet we soldiered on.

It was my Brother Terry, my on off bass player for an eternity, who suggested that we form a covers band after my last original line up went their separate ways. Together with a mutual friend Paul, a guitarist of some rigid ability, and James

a drummer from the Watford scene we'd known for years, we booked a block of time in Basement studios with the idea of polishing a bunch of 60's Soul tunes on the back of the hit film The Commitments. The thought of actually earning a few bob for our efforts was the main catalyst driving this bus, for it would be quite novel to get paid to play for a change.

Soul music had remained quite a distance from me, a white cracker who'd grown up listening to The Eagles, Elton John and Rod Stewart before I discovered Punk Rock, and some of the artists that Paul was proposing, I'd never heard of yet alone attempted to imitate, but for some strange reason both he and Terry had the upmost confidence that I could pull off a worthy rendition or two. It was going to stretch my capabilities as well as my vocal chords.

James knew a keyboard player, Nick, an astonishing, available, multi instrumentalist, a natural musician with a computer brain who could pick up and emulate any tune you threw at him, he also sang BV's, a bonus.

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Nick knew a Sax player, Rowan, who knew Luke from a big band they were in. and thus the first line-up was complete, seven Watford lads, who sounded remarkably okay.

Luke wasn't a boastful fella, he revealed his mighty past achievements in small unassumed bites, like that fact that was in The Boomtown Rats and had played at Live Aid, and that he had recorded with every, I mean every major British pop artist in the 1980's who'd had a horn section on their recordings. That brilliant classic 'Breakout'by Swing out sister, he's on that. He's played with The Bee Gee's, Peter Gabriel, Everything but the girl, Phil Collins, The Style Council, the list goes on. You'd be sitting in the van on the way to a gig and he'd be contemplatively listening to the radio and he'd quietly say "Hmm, I think I played on that." And it would be a massive hit record. He'd chuckle his little goofy laugh and drift off to somewhere in the past. Luke had the astonishing ability to be able to tell what key a song was in just by listening to it; apparently the tone of middle C was imbedded in him and he had perfect pitch. I'm at the other end of that scale; tunes have to be steamrollered into me.

In those early days I drove an apple green Bedford Midi van; it was big enough to get the whole kit and caboodle in,

including the band. Three of us could sit in the front if one was prepared to perch on the engine housing between the two front seats, sans seatbelt of course, illegal and dangerous, but warm to the buttocks. The other four would squeeze in the back with the gear, an uncomfortable ride but it made sense for a way of getting everybody to venues on time and economically advantageous, for some of the band members didn't actually drive, Luke included.

One summer evening we were on our way to The Roadhouse in Covent Garden, a popular nightclub that hosted live music most nights of the week and extorted its customers with inflated drink prices. The pay was poor, the parking a nightmare and the staff were resentful that we got paid at all, but we did get a free meal, a crate of beer and it was a prestigious venue to showcase the band to potential clients who seemed keen to have a night out in the Smoke, a good feed and a chance to strut their wonky stuff on the packed dance floor. We secured many a wedding booking that way.

Circling Swiss Cottage on the Finchley Road, (for those of you who don't know Swiss Cottage, it's an elongated island of tall buildings ringed by a one way system of five lane traffic), the windows

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were down and the brass players and me were enjoying some laughs in the front. I wasn't paying enough attention to the road and realised a little late that I was in the wrong lane to go on to central London, so indicated and pulled over to the right, un-detecting a detective in his patrol car in my blind spot who sounded his horn, braking sharply to allow me to pull in front of him.

I held my hand out of the window in apology at the very same time as Rowan and Luke were cracking up at some unrelated joke, they had no idea that I'd almost just refurbished a police car. Unfortunately I laughed as well, which had the copper thinking that I found the incident funny, and being a London rozzer, he wasn't having anyone take the piss out of him.

Pulling along side me, his bitter faced shaven head was steaming, he hollered out of his lowered window "Oi, pull over!" pointing aggressively towards the curb.

Dread went through my heart, I get nervous around policemen at the best of times, but I knew that I shouldn't have three people in the front, definitely not have four in the back, and I had a worn tyre on the rear as well, he was gonna throw the book at me.

He parked in front of me and burst out of the door tight lipped and arteries bulging in his neck. He was square jawed,

ripped and looked like he enjoyed batten charges.

At the same time a police Land Rover came out of nowhere and sandwiched us in at the rear. That officer got out and came round to my passenger side.

I stepped out on to the road to a torrent of abuse from the maniac in front who was more than a little upset, calling me every name under the sun obviously trying to provoke me into retaliating just so he could have a reason to slam me into the side of the van and rearrange my freakishly good looks. I wasn't playing ball, while he was effing and blinding and worse ( I mean are officers allowed to talk to people like that?), all I could think of was getting to the gig on time, and praying that he wouldn't look in the back. So I placated him with overtly meek yes Sir's, and no Sir's, and sorry's until he had nowhere else to go.

Meanwhile Luke, seemingly because he was wearing an African Kufi hat, an outrageously coloured shirt, and had a ponytail, apparently appeared high on the constabulary's drug user radar, and had been removed from the van and wassimultaneously being frisked on the pavement.

Of course he had a small baggie of weed on him, possibly a sixteenth; just enough for a few smokes, but the harmless free spirited little fella looked bewildered as to why this was happening at all.

They arrested him right there, cuffed him as well, and frog marched him back to the Land Rover. I couldn't believe it. The bone head came back to me totally smug with his conquest, yet still threatening, I expected that I was going to be made to abandon the vehicle on the side of the heinously busy road and have to

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accompany the officer back to the station as well, but all he venomously said was "You're one musician short, go on F--- off!"

How pleasant. I didn't have to be told twice; I got in the van and waited for him to leave before cautiously heading off in the same direction towards gig, late and contemplating the thin brass sound without my trumpet player.

Rowan, who is the full time ultimate anti establishmentarian, was seething at our treatment from the Old Bill. Although he sat buttoned up during the event, he raved all the way into the West End, but he did pull off a spectacular coup by ringing round and finding an available trumpet dep who could make it on time, amazing, he was good as well.

The police were rather unkind to poor old Mr Tumnus (as Rowan christened him), they kept him in a cell at Paddington Green until 2 a.m. Then let him go

without charge, confiscating his pot of coarse, they were just being arseholes, scoring a softgoal, and probably finding it highly amusing. Luke had to walk to Euston station, catch the train back to Watford and then walk home from there. I think I actually got home before he did just as the sun was coming up. Why he never walked back to Covent Garden to get a lift with us remains a mystery, perhaps it was just his homing instinct following a trauma, he wasn't very forth coming with his reasoning.

Anthony Randall is fifty-six and hails from Watford in Hertfordshire. He has resided in Tucson, Arizona and Bourlens, France, but now lives in sunny Dorset on the south coast of England by the sea. He has been a singer and song writer for nearly thirty years, recording and performing hundreds pop tunes all over the world. He wrote and self published his first novel 'The English Sombrero' with co-author Doug Goddard back in 2005, now available as eBook and paperback online. This book is the first of a four part saga about the trials and tribulations of Don Simmons, an extravagant millionaire who lends himself to some outrageous adventures and sticky situations. Book two 'The Little White Ball' sees Don further his journey of enlightenment and is also available as an eBook and paperback online. Book three 'Choice' is under construction, as is a Thriller entitled 'Tip of the teaspoon' and my own novel called 'Tales of Tucson.'

You can discover more about Anthony on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/anthony-randall/

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The thermometer attached to the post on the porch hovered right at 30 degrees. The morning sun gained strength during the second week of February. By the end of the month, the snow turned mushy under the evenings crust.

When March came so did mud time. As the days got warmer, the snow evaporated. Under the melting snow, the soil still froze solid at night. This year would be messier than usual.

Soon, the entire front yard would be a sea of mud. It had been a mild winter. Several times a Chinook blasted through the basin. The warm winds melted everything they touched.

Tina Jean sighed as she swept the porch off for the third time in the morning. Yes,

Jimmy had spread a bunch of gravel at the base of the stairs. Gravel paths waited under the melting snow. It was never enough. This spring would be worse.

You couldn't keep children and pets confined to gravel paths. It didn't work. That meant her most hated time of the entire year was almost here; mud time. Trying to keep the floors and the kids' clothing clean would be a lost cause until the ground firmed up after the snow melted.

Homesteader's Muddy Love:Life and Love in Alaska

by Cherime MacFarlane

Copyright Notice: Copyright © 2018

This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Author's Note: I don't know any woman in Alaska who likes February. Valentine's Day is nice but mud time isn't. As soon as the snow starts to melt, mud infiltrates. I don't know for sure but I suspect February is a great time for Alaska tourist in Hawaii.

License Notes: This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your retailer and buy a copy for yourself. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Artwork: CMF • Dedicated to: the women who fight the muddy battle in March and April.Acknowledgment: Mom's Favorite Reads, you all know who you are.

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Tina Jean didn't look forward to it. She didn't know one woman who did. It might be a little better in Anchorage where they had real sidewalks, but out in rural Alaska it drove her crazy for almost three weeks. If they had the money, she'd spend the next three weeks in Hawaii.

Jimmy walked up to the porch, two milk buckets in either hand. She knew he brushed off the bottoms of the buckets before carrying them inside. That wasn't the problem. The combination mud, straw, and snow caked on the bottom of his boots was.

He was considerate. Jimmy tried. He put both buckets on the bottom step and used the side of the step to remove some crud. As she watched from the window he tapped the side of his boot hard against the wood. A little junk came off, some didn't.

She could race out there and take the buckets inside. But Jimmy had been out in the barn all morning. The man needed to come inside, get a snack, a hot cup of coffee and warm up.

Tina opened the door for her husband. He murmured thanks, leaned over to kiss her cheek then set the buckets down on the floor. Jimmy toed off his boots, left them on the boot tray and put on his slippers. Only then did he remove his jacket and hang it on the hook.

"What's the matter, sweet cheeks?"

She had a hard time hiding anything from the man. "It'll be a nasty, dirty breakup."

Tina Jean sighed as she followed her husband into the kitchen.

Jimmy pulled off his hat and hung it on the chair. "Yeah, it is. Never thought I'd say it, but it was too warm last month." He partially unzipped his coveralls, sat in the chair and reached down to unzip his pant legs.

Tina poured her husband a cup of coffee and handed him the egg salad sandwich she prepared a few minutes earlier. "Nothing satisfies humans. We complain when it's too cold and whine because it's too warm."

"Thanks, sweet cheeks. This hits the spot. I was darn hungry."

She reached over to run a hand down his sweat soaked, thinning, dirty blond hair. "You usually are this time of the morning."

Jimmy grabbed her hand and pulled her close for a kiss. "I could use a little attention." His grin and the fingers inching up under her shirt caused Tina Jean to giggle.

"Mister, you've got a one-track mind."

"Nope, it's got more than one track, but you're the destination. You know, like the old cliché about all roads leading to Rome?"

"You mean I'm ancient?" She halfheartedly tried to dodge his reaching hands.

Jimmy turned sideways in the chair,

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put both hands on her hips and pulled her close. With one hand on her back, he used the other to push her shirt up. Kisses and nips on her stomach had Tina clutching his shoulders.

"Oh, what the hell, why not? Okay, let's take it to the bedroom. I can forget about all the God-awful mud for a little while, anyway."

Out in the barn, Jimmy frowned while he worked on the bailer. Most people wouldn't understand, but a winter warmer than usual created problems. And Tina was feeling worn down he could tell.

Was there anything he could do to make her life easier? Damn good question. Maybe a boot scraper installed on the porch would help. But then where would the stuff scraped off go? If the junk they removed stayed on the porch, it would find its way in the house.

How to keep it from getting inside was the problem. He didn't think there was an easy solution. Any idea he came up with involved building something. He didn't have much free time in late winter-early spring.

One cow would give birth soon and he should breed their sow within the next couple weeks. The tractor needed work if he wanted to get a hay crop in. As warm as the winter had been, Jimmy prayed for an early spring. The quicker the seed got in the ground, the better.

Unless they had a cold snap. A long cold spell could kill the seed. With a grimace he tightened the last nut. If it happened, he'd deal with it as he had everything else that came along.

Maybe Arne would have an idea. Jimmy pulled out his phone, tugged the milking

stool over and sat down. His best friend for his entire life, Arne picked up on the third ring.

"Yo, Jim boy what's up?"

"I'm sitting out here in the barn trying to think of what I could do to make break up easier on Tina."

"So, what the hell are you calling me for? Last time you wanted to make Tina Jean's life easier, you made me and half the other homesteaders in the basin miserable."

Jimmy laughed. "Didn't I promise to help you put in a bathroom come summer? Doesn't that count for something here?"

"Yeah, I guess. So, what the hell do you want from me?"

"Ideas, dammit. I thought about installing a boot scraper on the porch. But it won't do much good if all the junk scraped off stays there. The kids and the dogs will drag it inside. That won't make anything easier for Tina."

"Makes sense. If the shit's on the porch, it'll wind up in the house. Maybe you could build a box with the scraper inside? Put in a drawer underneath you can pull out and empty. Like the chicken brooder you built."

"Okay, I can picture it. It's a thought. If the boot scraper got built into the porch so whatever got scraped off fell through..."

He heard Arne sucking a tooth while thinking it over. "Yeah, but it's a little cold to be working outside underneath the porch. Not to mention it's probably dirty as hell under there. It would be better if you had one of those grates like they use at the store or the restaurant."
\- 19 \-

"No lie! That's perfect. Now where the hell do I get one?"

"I haven't a clue. But dammit to hell if you get one you better get two. If you install one there and I don't install one here, the woman will chew my ear off for years."

"Finding one will be the problem."

Arne stayed silent for a minute. "Well, maybe not. But we may need to make a deal."

"With who?" Jimmy wondered what Arne had in mind. Knowing his best friend, it would involve some free work.

"I think one of the old boys down by Chitina might have something. I recall seeing a pile of cast-iron stuff he had. Don't know what he'd want in trade, but it's worth a shot."

"It is. If you can come up with two we can do a little chainsaw carpentry and make both Tina Jean and Megan happy."

"Fun part will be finding out what he wants. Tell you what, I'll trot on down there and talk to the dude. I think there's cell reception at his place. If so, I'll find out what he wants and get back to you. It won't be money, I can guarantee it."

The conversation led to carpentry work three days later. Jimmy and Arne told their wives Jimmy had a project needing four hands which would take all of Saturday to finish. Megan called Tina and the two women thought they'd make a family day of it.

Both men worked on the small chick brooder for the homesteader, his price for the grates. Arne agreed to deliver it on Sunday. On Monday Tina, Megan, and Jade, Megan and Arne's daughter planned

to take the laundry to Glenallen.

February is always a tight month for homesteaders. Neither family had a lot of money left over for things like gifts at Valentine's Day. Both men got cards for their wives. The grates would be delayed Valentines gifts the way they looked at it.

Megan and Jade would wash their clothing first. They needed to use the dryers once everything got washed. Tina had her own dryer and would bring the wet stuff home. Jimmy and Arne figured laundry day would give them four hours to get the grates installed in their porches.

Arne was the best chainsaw carpenter Jimmy knew. But Jimmy was better at measuring and laying stuff out. Arne didn't have the patience for it, he did. The minute the women left the driveway, Jimmy got on his hands and knees out on the porch.

It went faster than Jimmy hoped. An hour and a half later, the new installation on his porch was finished. They raced down the hill and got to work on Megan's.

They had it figured out. Arne's grate went in slick as could be. As they worked, afternoon sun warmed the south facing stairs. The porch itself held a strip of deep shade. Jimmy blamed the patch of slick ice on the top step for the fall.

The wound on his head spread blood all over everywhere. Arne did his best to stop the bleeding as he mumbled about Tina Jean killing him.

Arne refused to let Jimmy drive home. The other man went into a panic when the women drove in as he helped Jimmy inside. A few minutes later Arne fled. He promised to bring Jimmy's truck back before nightfall. 
\- 20 \-

Tina issued orders. The kids got the laundry into the bathroom while she worked on his head. She ignored his protests as she checked his pupils after pulling the wound's edges together with butterfly bandages. She declared him finished for the day.

She and Kyle took care of the evening feeding and watering chores. Jimmy tried to talk to the woman about the grate. He got put off because stuff had to get done. Later, in bed, he refused to get put off any longer.

Curled up against him, her head on his arm, Tina sighed. "Was my whining the reason for the grate?"

Jimmy thought he heard a touch of guilt. "Nah, sweet cheeks. I've been thinking about doing it for a while. I never had the right material before. Arne and I did a deal with an old boy for those cast-iron grates. Consider it a late Valentines present."

Her fingers brushed the hair back behind his ear. "I didn't need a present."

With a chuckle, he turned, caught her hand then placed a kiss in her palm.

"You don't need one, but you sure as hell deserve anything I can give you to make life out here in the middle of nowhere easier."

"Hush up, James Robert Dewey. I like living out here with you. You are the best present I ever got. No doubt about it. But you take better care of my Jimmy. I don't like coming home and finding you all bloody."

"So, I'm your present am I? That's funny. I always figured you were mine." He urged the woman to turn on her side and he wrapped both arms around her. "Sweet cheeks, what we have here is a mutual admiration society. I think I need a little investment into it."

He nibbled on her ear, and Tina pushed her sweet cheeks against him. "I love you, Jimmy."

"Damn good thing. I sure love you all to pieces, woman."

She wiggled around to face him. "And I'll love not having all the nasty mud tracked in at breakup. Thanks, sweetheart. I love you, but I sure hate breakup."

Jimmy laughed. There wasn't much he wouldn't do for Tina Jean. Damned little, in fact.

Cherime MacFarlane is an award-winning, bestselling, prolific multi-genre author. She has a broad range of interests that reflect her been there-done that life

You can discover more about Cherime on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/cherime-macfarlane

\- 21 \-

Taken

by Amanda Steel

Taken, just a word that means so much You've taken a place in my heart And occupied my waking thoughts Whenever we're apart

Taken, so nothing else matters Chris Hemsworth could show up right now And I would show him the door Sorry but I'm taken, Thor

Taken by the way my heart Steals an extra beat Whenever we're together You knock me off my feet

Taken by the way you look at me Silently saying that you feel the same I don't want to be single and free I just want to be with you

More than just a status on Facebook There were plenty of fish But I'm the one who ended up on your hook I'm happy just to dangle here.

Amanda Steel is a multi-genre author based in Manchester, UK.

She has written "Love, Dates and other Nightmares". Amanda is the author of "Lost and Found" under the pen name "Aleesha Black".

She is also the co-host of "Reading in Bed", a monthly book review podcast. This is available on Bandcamp and Mixcloud.

You can discover more about Amanda on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here: https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/aleesha-black/

\- 22 \-

Christianity \- Greek Orthodox Style

by May J. Panayi

Greek Orthodoxy is a branch of Christianity, not widely known about in Britain. However, there are a large number of Greek Orthodox churches, serving a sizable Greek community. By the end of each service, the church is usually full; and at major holidays, like Easter and Christmas, Greek churches are positively heaving with people. This may be because, in Greece and Cyprus, ninety eight percent of the native population are Greek Orthodox, and church attendance is an accepted part of daily life. When Greeks come to live in Britain, church attendance is not only a link to the Greek community, but also a link to their homeland.

The Greek Orthodox service, known as the divine liturgy or doxology, is very different from most English worship. For a start, it is conducted almost entirely in Greek, often ancient Greek at that. A few important passages such as The Creed and The Lords Prayer, are repeated in English; and the liturgy is printed in a book with English on one page, and Greek on the opposite page. As a non Greek speaker, it is possible to follow what is going on, but any serious convert to the faith, would do well to take Greek

language evening classes for a few years. It would certainly improve acceptance into the church community.

The Greek Orthodox service lasts considerably longer than its English counterpart, taking on average, two and a half hours. It starts at 9.45am and finishes at about 12.15pm, but may continue longer if there are memorials or it is a special service. People tend to come in at any point during the service, and this seems to be the norm. Children often run about as they please, though some attempt is made to keep them a bit quiet, especially at more important parts of the service. The Priest does not mind this as he says, "It is better that the children are happy to be in church and not nervous about it. Then it will be a place they are joyful to come to as adults." The children certainly do seem happy to be there.

Walking into a Greek Orthodox church, one is at first struck by all the icons and other religious artwork. These are painted to a uniform Byzantine style, usually by Priests and monks who travel to do the work. The icons represent the life of Christ and scenes from the Bible as well as representations of the Saints.

\- 23 \-

Candles are lit, both for the departed and for current needs of the living. As people enter the church they genuflect, and then do so again in front of each of the Icons, finishing by kissing the Icon. Greek Orthodox cross themselves right to left, and holding three fingers pinched together to represent the Trinity. The Altar is situated behind the Iconostasis, a huge wooden wall, carved and decorated with Icons, often imported from Cyprus or Greece. Only men are allowed behind the iconostasis, where the Priest performs his holy duties with the assistance of the Deacon, who is a ley helper. Just outside the iconostasis, in front of the pews for the congregation, are situated the Chanters. This is between three and six men and women, who sing the responses to the Priest, and chant prayers. The congregation, generally do not sing at all, and are represented by the Chanters. In the liturgy there are passages marked 'People' and one may sing those responses if they wish. Generally it is left to the chanters though. The congregation say the Lords Prayer together.

The Priest comes out of the iconostasis to perform functions that integrate with the flock, such as bringing the gold Bible out for the congregation to kiss, censing the people, reading the gospel, preaching the sermon, carrying the communion chalice to each part of the church, giving

communion and the gift of bread. When the Priest comes out, the congregation stand. As the Priest walks to each part of the church the congregation turn to follow him, and cross themselves as he passes. They also bow their heads and cross themselves when censed. Even communion itself is different, the bread, Commandaria wine and hot water being mixed together in the communion chalice and served with a spoon. Only baptised Greek Orthodox, that have properly fasted, (Orthodox fasting is an article in its own right, as it is very complicated and dependent on the time of year as well as days of the week,) and been blessed, may partake of Holy Communion.

After communion, services are performed for the departed, usually annually, but more frequently when passing is recent. Special bread, wine, oil, and a dish made of wheat, pomegranate, almonds, raisins, and sesame seeds called 'kollyva' are used to commemorate the dead. Kollyva is given in bags with bread to the congregation after the service. When the Priest closes the service, he hands out a chunk of bread to all present, as a gift from the church. It is customary to kiss his hand when accepting the bread. The collection is taken just before communion, much the same way as in English churches, a basket is passed around, and one puts in what they can.

\- 24 \-

During Holy week at Easter there is a total of twelve different services in one week. The book of special service is the size of a Bible, but with less content. At other times Basil water may be given to the flock to cure what ails them, and Bay is sometimes given out in sprigs. At certain times of the year, the entire church goes outside and parades through the streets as part of the celebrations. After the service, there is Cypriot tea, which is flavoured with cinnamon and cloves, and is most delicious, along with home-made Greek cakes, pastries and breads.

Sadly, some churches in Britain, for example The Holy Trinity church in Brighton, have been the subject of ethnic hatred. In 2010 a firebomb attack, causing half a million pounds worth of damage has caused the church to need complete rebuilding, for which fund raising continues. It is very sad that people should resort to such acts of hatred, from perhaps a lack of understanding. The Greek Orthodox church, although very ritualistic, does provide a very real sense of peace, and communion with God.

May J. Panayi has been writing since 1967, when she had her first poem called 'In a Rage' published in the local Gazette newspaper. That was the point at which she decided she wanted to write, and has been scribbling in one form or another ever since. She's had poetry, short stories, articles and fillers, published in a variety of magazines, two book anthology collections, fanzines and websites.

You can discover more about May on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/may-j-panayi/

\- 25 \-

February Chess Puzzle

Supplied by Chess.com

Supplied by https://chess.com/ the #1 chess website. Used with permission. For more chess puzzles please visit https://chess.com/

The answer for this puzzle is available on our website (click here)

Checkmate in 2

If you recall, we have already done one of these in the Beginner: Checkmate course. It's tricker because you have to look ahead to see what your opponent's move is going to be!

\- 26 \-

Mould

by Alexander Williams

I am seated in the middle of a large fast-food restaurant at 3 o'clock in the morning trying to shut out the intrusive noises of people huddled around the till stations clenching their receipts and shouting over one another.

It is easy to pick out the working girls from the partygoers. After nine years sleeping rough and living in hostels, I have developed something of an antenna for those who, like me, belong to the night-time world. These women stand apart from the others. If you looked long enough, you could see the signs of their occupation: short leather skirts despite the cold weather. Not lingering longer than necessary, they sit apart from the crowds eating their dinner in silence, seeming as if they would rather not be noticed. It is easy to overlook them amongst the teenagers out late and the professionals of London just coming back from a night out on the town. They are the only ones who seem to make an effort not to be seen.

It was the same for me: I would sit in the corner as close to the entrance as possible, silently praying that no one would disturb me, pester me for cigarettes, or in any way intrude on my bubble of loneliness. This was my time to be alone, to observe, to write. Not for the first time I wondered how these women ended up in their profession. Where were their parents? It is my belief, after years of trying to seek help from social services and doctors, that most of society sees those of us who are living below the poverty as mould; we just sprang up somewhere. Yes, the woman sitting in the corner eating a happy meal is a prostitute,

but she wasn't always, was she? Surely there must have been a time when she was a young girl with hopes and dreams of her own. She didn't just spring up fully formed as Venus did from the foam. Something did happen to all of us.

When I first slept rough a few days after my sixteenth birthday I didn't understand how it had happened. I had done well in school, passing all my GCSEs and had dreams of going to college to study English. I enjoyed reading. Reading gave me a safe place to go to when I was wandering the streets at 3 o'clock in the morning. I thought I was intelligent for my age; not a drinker, and having no desire at all to experiment with drugs, I thought I was one of the good ones. It was quite a shock to find myself sixteen and homeless. I was told by GPs to go home, as I was not ill. I was told by the local authority of the town I had lived in for sixteen years I was 'not a priority'. I was homeless for just under a decade, and despite working six days a week I never quite made enough to afford a deposit for a flat and feed myself at the same time. I was caught between the lines. And it's easy to see how people end up homeless: the fruits of evil are born from roots of indifference.

\- 27 \-

When my parents separated, my mother disappeared. She was bipolar and after one particularly bad row with my father disappeared into thin air. My father wanted to remarry straightaway and start a new family with his mistress, and dropped me and my older brother off with his mother, my grandmother. My grandmother took my brother in, but would not take me. I was gay and not welcome under her roof. I had to find my own way. I never would've guessed then at sixteen that the small choices made by ignorant and uncaring adults would somehow shape the next decade of my life, and that I would be doomed to spend years working a long string of poorly paid customer service jobs on a wage of £6.70 an hour in a city where the minimum rent for a room is £600 a month.

But it was in being homeless and sitting in a fast-food restaurant at 3 o'clock in the morning watching the drinkers and the prostitutes come in that I had what was to be the best idea of my life. I thought to myself, what if there was something out there, something in the dark that literally ate people like me? I knew I wouldn't be reported missing if I disappeared. That thought hit me like a ton of bricks. I could disappear and no one would even notice.

That is when I started writing the book. Once I decided to focus on the one thing that mattered most to me, it was like a weight lifted off me. I knew the places to go where it was free to spend the day: the libraries, and of a night the fast-food restaurants. I sat with my notebook writing longhand about two monsters who have found a way of living forever by stealing the life force from teenage runaways like me, taking only the depressed, the prostitutes, the homeless,

and smelling them out by the scent of despair they give off. And isn't that what sets me and the ladies of the night sitting at the table next to me apart from the drunk men wearing suits waving money and shouting at the cashiers? Despair.

I wrote every day. I would wake up in the park and walk to the library where I would sit and write obsessively till closing. I could see the storyline clearly: four women from different social backgrounds all at different stages of homelessness.

And then there was Charlie and Rose, relics from an old world who have found a way of staying young forever by stealing the life force of society's rejects. By the time I was housed I had 150 000 words written on an old typewriter. I had given myself purpose, a reason to get up in the morning, and I had found a place in the world where I belonged.

Now that the novel is in print (and as of this week has reached its 100th reader) I have joined the ranks of those authors who I sat reading at 4 o'clock in the morning, who sent their books into the world like ships out to sea. They gave me a constant and clear message that everyone needs to remember when they feel as if all the lights have gone out: you are not alone.

\- 28 \-

Alexander Williams grew up in rural Norfolk where he spent his childhood exploring old farmhouses and abandoned churches. He remembers nothing of his time in boarding school as he spent all his time in the library with his nose in a book. He was homeless between the age of seventeen and twenty-five and kept busy during the day by volunteering in an Oxfam bookstore, by night he worked on his first novel Eternal Youth sitting in a twenty-four MacDonalds with a notebook and pen. He is now a grown man who shares a small cottage with a black and white cat named Woobie and stays up every night writing by candlelight. He is diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome.

On the Origin of Species

Book Review by Christine Irvin

The subject of evolution is a rather complex one. It's not one you might expect to see in a children's picture book. But, author Rebecca Stefoff found a way to make the subject exciting and appealing to kids. She took Darwin's original manuscript for his book, ON THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES, which was published in 1859, and made some significant changes to it. Without changing the message or his findings, she made the text kid-friendly.

She did this by shortening the text and adding dozens of photographs, drawings and sidebars of additional information to it. The result is a colorful, informative, easy-to-understand explanation of the theory of evolution. A Glossary is included in the back of the book. There is also a list of web pages and books where young readers can go to get more information on the subject.

ON THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES: Young Readers Edition

by Rebecca Stefoff and Charles Darwin

You can discover more about Christine on page 9 or on her website here:https://christinemirvin.blogspot.com/
\- 29 \-

Author Vashti Harrison shares short bios of 36 visionary women from countries around the world like China, India, Ghana, Mexico, the United States and others throughout the centuries. The first bio is of Fatima Al-Fihri, who lived in the ninth century. The last one is of Maya Lin, who is still alive today. The bios highlight a range of professions, such as scientists, artists, teachers and musicians. Each profile consists of two pages: the bio is on one side and a portrait the featured person is on the other.

Additional material at the end of the book includes a section called "More Little Dreamers," which mentions 18 more women from various time frames and various parts of the world. "Further Reading" is a list of various books, websites, movies and other media where you can learn more about the women mentioned in this book. A list of Sources and a Glossary with definitions of some words that were in bold-face text throughout the pages are included, as well.

The portraits of each person featured in the book are delightful. Each portrait of each woman is similar in size and proportion, but each one has been individualized with clothing and props that represent the lifestyle and profession of that person. It says all the illustrations were done using Adobe Photoshop software.

Be sure to add this book to your collection of women you should know about, women from all around the world who had visions and changed their worlds.

Little Dreamers

Book Review by Christine Irvin

Christine Irvin is a freelance writer with a long list of publishing credits, including a series of children's craft books, numerous articles and hundreds of book reviews. She writes book reviews for several websites, including KidsReads.com and TeenReads.com. While she prefers to write for children, she also writes articles for adults. She lives with her husband and her dog in Central Ohio.

You can discover more about Christine on her website here:

https://christinemirvin.blogspot.com/

LITTLE DREAMERS: Visionary Women Around the World

by Vashti Harrison
\- 30 \-

After Kathleen and I split up I spent many a lonely weekend up at my lakefront condo. I spent many nights making sure every local watering hole showed a healthy profit! That is until I decided to do something so far out of my comfort zone that it made me shudder.

What happened next turned out to be the simplest but most pivotal decision of my life. Who knew the simple act of buying a newspaper would be the best decision I ever made. I turned to the personals and landed on one that intrigued me enough to pick up the phone. It said "44 year old WWWF". I remember thinking "I don't know exactly what that means, but let's find out?"

Susan and I had a nice, lengthy first conversation and the rest, as they say, is history! We bonded over a mutual love of family. I told her that I was an honest, straight shooting beer and pizza kinda guy. That seemed to spark her interest and we decided to get together for dinner. When we agreed to meet at a Dunkin Donuts, I knew I would be meeting a kindred spirit as nobody loved their ice-

cold Dunks coffee more than I.

We then headed downtown to Jacob Marley's for dinner. We a very nice time and agreed to stay in touch. Unfortunately, life and business travel intruded and we didn't reconvene until Labor Day weekend. But it was well worth the wait. Susan came up to the lake condo for the weekend. It was a magical time of swimming, soaking in the hot tub, dinners out and wonderful conversation! Before I knew it we were dating steadily and heading towards a very nice place.

I thought everything was fine but unbeknownst to me, Susan thought we were moving too fast. She tells the story about having a conversation with a friend at work and telling her that she would have a talk with me that weekend about slowing things down. Her friend ran up to her when she walked into work Monday morning and asked her how it went? Susan's reply was priceless when she said "great we're engaged!"

It's 22 years later and we are still every bit as in love as we were on the day we met!

Meeting my Soul Mate

by Keith Guernsey

Keith Guernsey is retired and living on Lake Lanier with his lovely wife Susan and his four-footed son Harley (who really is the king of this castle!).

You can discover more about Keith on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/keith-guernsey/

\- 31 \-

Grandpa

by Penny Luker

He didn't care about the election,nor if the EU felt rejection.He didn't long for leafy lanesor a cottage with lead window frames.

He loved uneven cobbled streetsand factories' grey smoke and heat.He loved his comfy, battered hat,and his black wellies, more than that.

But most of all he loved his grandson,of which he had no more than one.He made him laugh with many jokes,and smiled each time the dear child spoke.

He was a plain, no nonsense man;a strictly stout and meat pie fan.But most of all he loved this boy,who brought to his life, untold joy.

Penny Luker has been writing all her life. She is an active member of the Winsford Writing Group. Penny loves all forms of writing but particularly poetry. She has released three poetry books, the latest of which is, 'The Shadows of Love.'

You can discover more about Penny on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/penny-luker/

\- 32 \-

As a New Zealander, married to a Filipina and living in Manila, I'm often asked; what it is like to be in a cross-cultural relationship? Funnily enough it wasn't something I'd given a hell of a lot of thought about until I actually found myself in one. I mean, the heart wants, what the heart wants... right? The cross-cultural thing was always just a sideline issue for me.

I do think the things I'm going to talk about today are equally applicable in any relationship, but perhaps they are just more obvious and more apparent when the two parties come from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. After almost eight years of marriage I've learnt some things that may be of interest and even of use to others that I'd like to share today.

The first issue I would address is; "never assume anything". When I first arrived in Manila it was like coming to any big city, anywhere in the world; it was fast, exciting and flashy. When I looked around at the people I met and got to know here, I rapidly assumed I was in a sophisticated, cosmopolitan, and

urbane place that just happened to be in South East Asia, rather than Europe or the Americas. I guess you could put that surface sophistication down to over four hundred years of colonial domination by first the Spaniards and latterly the United States. What I quickly discovered, however, was that the veneer of a modern, sophisticated, people was just that, a veneer. You didn't have to scratch the surface very deep to find the little, country, girl from the back-block Barrios, of Occidental Mindoro, who was steeped in both mystical and religious superstitions and beliefs. I was shocked at how much of the beliefs of their parents and Lola's (grandmothers) especially, still pervaded their everyday thinking and actions.

I'll try to give you one example of how this operates in day to day life. When I asked Thess to marry me, her immediate concern was not about our future together, but rather that one of her son's, was getting married the day before we were planning to do so. This is not "good luck" in their culture. In fact, it boded ill for us. Well, fortunately

A Cross-Cultural Relationship: What's that all about?

by Grant Leishman

\- 33 \-

I managed to convince her that an "old wives' tale" should not stand in the way of our planned nuptials. We did indeed get married and as our eighth wedding anniversary comes closer, I can reflect on the fact that getting married in the same year as another family member appears to have done us no harm whatsoever. Neither, I might add, does it appear to have harmed the son and his wife, as they also approach their eighth wedding anniversary and their eleventh year together as a couple.

Little issues like that crop up regularly and are usually preceded by the dreaded words; "but my Lola (or Mama) always told me that..." Unfortunately, neither Mama nor Lola is around anymore, so I never had the opportunity to try to correct their superstitions (perhaps just as well). In general terms, though, I try my best to conform within the strictures of Lola's many pronouncements, partly because it keeps my darling wife happy, but also because, like all cultural truisms, there is usually an element of truth lurking somewhere in the deep, dark recesses.

The second issue I'd like to cover is; language. When your partner does not have your first language, as their first language, the opportunity for misunderstandings and hurt feelings is increased many-fold. My simple advice in this area is; "always mind your p's and q's".

Anyone that knows me well will be aware of my slightly cynical nature and

my annoying (to some) way of "throwing away lines". These aren't lines intended to hurt anyone or disparage them, but when in a cross-cultural relationship they have the power to cause much pain to the recipient. I learnt very early on in my life with Thess that what we say has an incredible amount of power. Words are powerful and can cut much deeper than any knife. What I would think was just an innocent comment would resonate deeply with my wife and she would ruminate on it for hours, feeling hurt and often betrayed. It took some time before I realised that my slang, my colloquialisms and my sometimes jaded view of the world was hurting Thess way more often than I realised.

This is, of course, true of all relationships – communication is the key, but more than that, clear and understood communication is the absolute key. This little technique has served us well for six years now and I'm sure will continue to serve us well for the rest of our lives.

The third and final area I'd like to touch on today is respect. When you enter into a relationship with someone, you automatically enter into their private world. You become privy to their private thoughts, beliefs, and ideas \- some of which may differ greatly from yours. This is even more so when your partner comes from a different culture.

\- 34 \-

One example of this, in my own relationship, is with faith. Now, Thess is a Catholic and I'm a good protestant (albeit, non-practicing) boy from New Zealand. In many societies -"never the 'twain shall meet", but for me, it was important that I not only respected my wife's faith, but that, where possible, I actively participated in it with her. Prior to meeting her, I had nothing but disdain for the Catholic Church, but when I saw the importance the Church and her faith played in her life, if I loved her (and I do) then it was incumbent on me to not only respect her faith but to be a part of it. No, I haven't become Catholic, but I do go to Mass with her from time to time and a few years ago I joined seven million other devotees to go and see Pope Francis deliver a Mass in the pouring rain.

When your relationship is cross-cultural there are many things that we, as Westerners, can sometimes dismiss as poppycock, which can quickly develop to cause hurt and a feeling of rejection in our partner. My point is \- there is NEVER anything to be lost by accepting and respecting your partner's beliefs, wherever they may have originated. There is so much more to be gained, in fact, by discussing them, analyzing them and even accepting them. What I've found, more often than not, is that Lola was a "pretty smart cookie".

So, there we have it, in this month of romance, just a few ideas on how to not only survive, a cross-cultural relationship, or indeed any relationship, but also to make it grow and flourish. I wouldn't change what Thess and I have for anything. Every day is another step forward in our deep and loving relationship and I can honestly say, I've never been happier.

Grant Leishman is a fifty-nine-year-old full-time author and editor, domiciled in the beautiful islands of The Philippines. After careers in finance and journalism, Grant finally found his true bliss in life – writing. He his happily married to Thess and they have two daughters, Rose and Angeline.

You can discover more about Grant on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/grant-leishman/

\- 35 \-

Not Love

by Penny Luker

This is not love.I don't even know your favourite colour,or what music you like to play,or whether you go outside to watch the moon.

This is not love.I don't even know if you sing in the shower,or whether you run barefoot along the sand,and collect special shells from the shore.

This is not love.It is a Jane Austin unrequited trauma;a foolish fictional fantasy,with two people living parallel lives.

This is not love.Even though I can't speak when you're near,and my brain stutters and stumbles.like a fifteen year old adolescent.

This is not love.Although my blood burns when I see you,and my heart hangs on your every word.You hardly know of my existence.

This is not love.All day long you steal my thoughts.I imagine the feel of your touch.I dream of walking hand in hand.

This is not love.But as the sun is the creator of shadow,your light causes my dark.No, this can never be love.

You can discover more about Penny on page  or on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/penny-luker/
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Often the articles available to us are "How Mom's Can Practice Self-Care" which extoll that, you too, can make time for yourself! As if all you needed were a few simple tips like, take a bath or go for a walk, to manage stress and maintain your health.

Self-care is much too important to leave on the back burner of your hectic life. You are vital to the success of your family. Picture your family as an automobile: you are the engine. Engines take the most maintenance because they do the majority of the work. The family's driving force and nervous center.

Mothers, like engines, are the ones most in need of self-care and yet they take the least time for themselves often eating poor meals on the go or surviving on five hours of sleep and espresso. These are mothers who see an afternoon with friends as abandoning their responsibilities.

Often mothers fall into the trap of believing that selflessly sacrificing their own needs and desires is beneficial for the family and makes them better mothers. This is, however, a dangerous trap. Yes, of course there are times where

self sacrifice is heroic–the middle of flu season for example. But if you are not eating well, not exercising, not getting the necessary sleep, how long will you last until you collapse?

There are hundreds of ideas for self-care ranging from a five minute tending to your cuticles to a weekend at a spa. But you do not have to spend hundreds of dollars to take care of yourself. A bath with epsom salt at the end of the day or a twenty minute walk in the morning are simple ways to retreat.

Mothers can practice self-care by taking time for themselves, whatever it is that looks like for you. But why should you do it? It's nothing new age. It is the simple fact that you desire the healthiest environment for your family.

Why Mothers Should Practice Self-Care

by Rachael Wright

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You desire your family to thrive and if you are married, for that marriage to be a successful one.

Mothers should practice self-care because by doing so they create a more stable environment at home. Mothers who practice self-care have more emotional reserves to deal with the struggles that come along with raising children. Mothers who practice self-care are healthier and happier.

Self-care then becomes the most selfless thing mothers can do for their families.

Rachael Wright is a Colorado native with degrees in Political Science and History from Colorado Mesa University. She is a devoted tea drinker, Manchester United fan, wife, and mother. She lives near Denver with her fantastic husband and daughter and very full bookshelves

You can discover more about Rachael on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/rachael-wright/

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10 Keys to Long-Lasting Love

by April Cox

My husband, Stephen, and I had a whirlwind romance and were married after just five months together. There were more than a few raised eyebrows, and whispers. No one thought we would make it. After all, neither of us had a good track record with relationships or positive role models to learn from. This year, my husband and I are celebrating thirty years together.

We each brought our own baggage to the relationship and the odds were stacked against us. Nothing worth doing is ever easy, but you CAN have a long and happy marriage. If Steve and I can do it – anyone can! Without further delay, here are our 10 keys to success for a long, loving, happy relationship.

1| Chemistry

Let's face it, without chemistry (e.g. sexual attraction) it's hard to endure the ups and downs that life throws at you. It's the making up that makes the fighting all that much more palatable. My heart still skips a beat when my husband walks into the room and there is nowhere that I would rather be than snuggled up beside him with my head on his chest and his arms around me.

2| Devotion

Devotion is defined as love, loyalty or enthusiasm for a person, activity or cause. Synonyms are loyalty, faithfulness and fidelity. Devotion is commitment, mutual respect and admiration. It is knowing you are safe, loved and cherished – knowing This is my Person. With each year, struggle and triumph in our relationship grew, and we became more devoted to one another.

3| Intimacy

A counselor once wrote on her white board the words intimacy = into-me-see. It is about more than physical intimacy. It's about letting down defenses and allowing someone to see every part of you. Sharing your hopes, dreams, fears and experiences is not easy, but it's

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important. It takes time to break down barriers, tear down walls (especially when there has been dysfunction, abuse or negative experiences in the past). It's worth the time and hard work it takes to get there – and make no mistake, it is hard work!

4| Communication

Communication is an important skillset, which includes talking, listening and being able to navigate conflict. What are your visions / goals? Do you want the same things? Are you able to ask for what you want / need? After thirty years, Steve knows to get me the mushy cards and I get him the funny / silly ones. The golden rule says to treat someone the way you want to be treated, but I say treat someone the way THEY want to be treated. What you want / need isn't the same as what they need. Learning each other's love language is an important part of successful communications.

5| Trust

Trust is earned over time. For me and Steve, trust was hard to come by since so many key people in our lives had let us down throughout childhood. It was our very strong bond and lots of hard work that helped build the trust. Working through issues, having each other's back over time and fighting fair made a difference. No one is perfect and you

will disappoint one another. Move past it and keep growing. Be honest. Lies, even lies of omission, will result in steps backwards.

6| Laughter

I am always way too serious and what I love most about my husband is that he can make me laugh. Laughter makes the hard times that much easier. Build memories, have fun and laugh at (and with) each other.

My husband was Mr. Mom before being a stay at home Dad was cool. My favorite memory is coming home to find Steve, leaf blower in hand, dusting my son's room. I can still see the dust flying out the window being blown out from under his entertainment center. It worked like a charm and it wouldn't be the last time I'd find him dusting with a leaf blower. It still gets a chuckle every time I think about it.

7| Positivity

My husband is a naturally glass half full kind of guy. When troubles come, he chimes in with stories about how it could be so much worse and how lucky we are. When we got our first apartment, we had nothing but a mattress on the floor. We borrowed a tent and set it up in the living room for our three-year-old and played campout for a few weeks while we scrimped and saved for more furniture. He loved it!

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8| Compromise

Steve and I are complete opposites and don't agree on much except that we love each other! We have had to learn ways to compromise in order to live a happy life. Find ways to negotiate, be fair and equitable and ensure that it's not one person always taking and the other always giving. The full version of this article includes some things that have worked for us. You can check that out on my blog at: www.thelittlelabradoodle.com/blog/.

9| Forgiveness

It doesn't take much to drive a wedge between a relationship. Apologies go unspoken, grudges develop, and things can fester. We can also bring anger and baggage from childhood or previous relationships. No one is perfect. The best thing I ever did was to learn to make peace with my past and forgive those who hurt me. It was something I had to do for myself and a heavy weight was lifted. We practice the same in our marriage – be quick to apologize and forgive. You may not think you were at fault, but even so, you had a part in it. Apologize for that and put your relationship first.

10| Resilience

Over thirty years, Steve and I have had many struggles, financial, personal, lost jobs, addiction, loss of loved ones and much more. Challenges will bring you closer over time. It may feel awful when you're going through it, but when you come together and are able to make it through, it makes the next one that much easier. You learn to depend on each other and have each other's back.

Life is filled with challenges. If you want to be happy, you need to be resilient. Things will knock you down. Bad things may come in clusters. Hang in there! Lean on each other. Remember the good things, focus on the positive, ask for help. Don't give up – you can do it!

In Conclusion

While the list above isn't all-inclusive, they are the major categories that helped this imperfect couple make it through the past thirty years, still completely in love and thankful every day. I lean heavily on my faith, which I didn't specifically call out above because it is a part of each of these areas for me.

If you'd like to check out the full article, you can check out my web site at: http://www.thelittlelabradoodle.com/blog.

April M Cox is an Author of children's books and Entrepreneur, founder of Little Labradoodle Publishing. She is a Mom, Nana of 4 beautiful kids that inspired her journey. April lives in Pawtucket, RI with her husband, Steve, and two labradoodles.

You can discover more about April on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/april-m-cox/

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What is Love

by Brenda Mohammed

Some say that true love has no algorithm.Others say love is complex for her and him.Yet they say love is blind and you fail to glimpseSerious faults, moodiness, and even whims.

Love is a feeling that's hard to express.Connecting with someone, whom you feel is the best.Through trials and errors you learn to detectIf it was love or a dream you were trying to perfect.

Love should have no barriers to hold you back.From achieving your goals there should be no lackOf support and cooperation between one another.Together you can coordinate and facilitate each other.

Young people today say they do not want to marry.They are afraid to take on the big responsibility.Marriage is sacred and ordained by God.Choose your partner wisely and you'll never be bored.

Copyright © Brenda Mohammed

Brenda Mohammed is a former Bank Manager who was successful in her job. After her retirement from banking, she ventured into Insurance Underwriting. After six years, she was awarded Life membership in the Million Dollar Round Table, a Premier Association for Financial Professionals.A diagnosis of cancer changed her career aspirations and in 2013 she became a writer.

You can discover more about Brenda on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/brenda-mohammed/

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Back in 2018 I attended an event to promote my books, some of which fall into the romantic suspense category. As I do, I chatted up people who strolled past my table, asking them if they like to read, and if so, what it is they read.

One woman, upon hearing that some of my novels are love stories said, heatedly, "I don't read romance novels because they're unrealistic." She insisted there's no such thing as true love and, as if offering proof, added, "I'm divorced." Her logic was that because she hadn't found true love — whatever her definition of that is — then stories about characters who find it are unrealistic.

This incident stuck with me. Not because I hadn't heard this woman's opinion before and not because I'd never thought it myself. This encounter stuck with me because she sounded so bitter at the injustice of not experiencing love the way characters in books experience it.

Inside, I was thinking, Love is all around you.

I know nothing about this woman or her life, but my intuitive side told me she wasn't seeing what was there. But why should this attitude prevent her from reading and enjoying a story that ends happily? Don't stories in other genres have satisfying endings?

Lee Child's Reacher books wouldn't be as exciting to read if Reacher failed every time he pitted himself against a baddy. Mysteries wouldn't be as compelling if at the end you still didn't know whodunit. Alien wouldn't have been so satisfying if Ripley hadn't kicked alien butt, and The Martian would've sucked had it ended differently (trying not to provide spoilers).

So why are romance novels punished for ending well? I've faced bitterness and resentment before from people who rail against the fact that, in these stories, the relationship between the two protagonists drives the plot and the ending is happy. Often, there's a semblance of love at first sight or a promise of unconditional love that will last forever.

Love Hurts, so Why Would Anyone Read Romance?

by Val Tobin

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For the record, genre romance novels do have a happy ending — or at least a happy-for-now ending. The Romance Writers of America website provides a concise definition of what constitutes a romance novel: "Two basic elements comprise every romance novel: a central love story and an emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending."

Not all love stories, however, end happily. Anyone else read Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind? I read that as a teenager, fell in love with the story and the characters, and still feel Scarlett's shock and despair at the end. And Erich Segal's Love Story? No feel-good ending there unless you saw the Carol Burnett show's take on it. How about The Horse Whisperer? The Time Traveler's Wife?

Those stories don't fall under the genre romance category. They'd qualify as literary fiction that are love stories. They're more "realistic" and demonstrate that love isn't always enough or doesn't always conquer all.

So what would anyone get out of reading genre romance if they're not realistic? Or are they?

If it's well written, the story will be genuine and have a ring of truth. It may be unrealistic in the sense that lives don't play out the way they do in romance novels (or thrillers — who here has awakened to discover they've lost their

memory but have mad assassin skills à la Jason Bourne?) But in a good romance, the characters will be three dimensional, the plot will be compelling, and the prose will be captivating.

Yes, there are some badly written romance novels that give the excellent ones a bad name. But badly written thrillers, mysteries, science fiction stories, fantasies, etc. also exist. Bad writing isn't limited to the romance genre. Good writing isn't limited to every genre except romance.

So, if it's not the quality of the writing that turns people away in droves (or keeps them reading in secret), then what is it?

The clue, I think, is in that woman's reaction when I showed her my romance novels. If someone isn't an assassin like Jason Bourne or an astronaut like The Martian's Mark Watney or even a Hobbit like Frodo, a person can accept that and enjoy living vicariously through the characters in these books. But if a person lacks love in life, reading romance could feel like rubbing their face in it.

In one of my novels, I have a scene where the wife of the main character waits for him to return from work. She's frustrated and missing him. She contemplates picking up the book she's been reading but changes her mind because she doesn't want to read a romance when her marriage might be failing. While I can relate to that — I've lived through years without reading a

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genre romance novel because I couldn't stand the sight of someone's eventual, albeit fictional, happiness — one can draw hope from such stories.

Much as well-crafted thrillers can teach you about guns or martial arts, or much as well-crafted mysteries can teach you something about police procedure, well-crafted romances can teach you about relationships. In addition, romance stories, as other stories do, contain subplots that move the main story forward but have nothing to do with romance — much as science fiction or fantasy or any other stories can have romantic subplots that have nothing to do with the genre they represent. If you've read the Bourne books, you know there was a romance in it that didn't end the way it did in the movies.

Romance stories can explore philosophical themes; they can teach about police procedure if they include a crime; they can include action and suspense, magick and horror. They can have depth and beauty.

When an author asks "what if," they can answer that question in myriad ways within their given genre. Sometimes, romance suits it best.

Even novels that aren't primarily relationship-driven can contain people who love and people who lust. Which brings me to another reason some steer clear of romance: sex. Either they think a story is too steamy or they think a story is too chaste.

Erotica elicits derision from those who view it as gratuitous porn. Yes, that type of story (using the term loosely) exists, but that actually is porn. Readers of erotica want a story, and they require the sex scenes to either build character or move the plot forward just like any scene in any novel. They require it as much as readers of thrillers or crime novels expect the violence in the novels they read to do the same. If your standards for quality reads are high, you expect all the scenes in the stories you read to have a point even if you don't realize that's what makes you accept or reject a book.

If you've never read a romance novel or you haven't read one in a long time, pick one up and read it for the sheer enjoyment of it — or because you want something well-written, intelligent, and moving to read.

Val Tobin, formerly a software/web developer, now spends her time writing. She is also a Reiki Master/Teacher and Angel Therapy Practitioner® with advanced training, certified by Doreen Virtue in Kona, Hawaii. She has written numerous novels and some short stories, available at various retailers. In April 2016, Val received her master's degree in parapsychology.

You can discover more about Val on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/val-tobin/

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The Meaning of Valentine

by Millie Slavidou

A word that today is associated with love and romance, you might think that it is obvious where the word comes from: surely it is simply from the name of the saint whose feast day is celebrated in February? Saint Valentine.

However, there is more to it than that. The name is where it all starts. What does this name really mean?

People often have names that are no reflections at all of their character. There can be unhappy people called Joy, or atheists bearing the name Timothy, which means "honouring god". So it should be surprising that the name Valentine derives from a word that has nothing to do with romance.

Instead, it comes from the Latin word valentia, which meant "strength", or even "capacity. Those of you who know the word from chemistry may be nodding your heads at this point, as valentia, via

the German derivative Valenz, gave us valence, used in relation to power in chemistry.

Going back to the Latin word, valentia, we can trace it to its verb form valere, which meant "to be strong". This is considered to have developed from the Proto-Indo-European root *wal- of the same meaning. Proto-Indo-European is the theorised language from prehistory that was the ancestor to the vast majority of languages in Europe. We can trace it through words that have similar meanings, or related meanings and similar sound associations in disparate languages.

Let's take another look at our root: *wal-.This is where our story takes a little twist. This root developed in English along different paths from its counterpart in Latin, and it is the source of the word wield in modern English, as well as having given us cognates via Latin, such as valid, value and valour. This makes all of these words cognates, or distant cousins, of valentine.

Millie Slavidou, author of the Lucy Evans Instaexplorer adventure series for preteens, featuring little snippets of language, and Sparky, a first chapter book for early readers.

You can discover more about Millie on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/millie-slavidou/

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A Relic from Wordsworth's Garden

by Catherine Kullmann

Readers leave many things in books—relevant press cuttings, bookmarks or keepsakes for example and one of the pleasures for purchasers of pre-loved volumes is discovering these reminders from the past. The older the book, the more intriguing the find. Today I want to share with you a treasure from my collection which I found in this early nineteenth century notebook owned by Lieutenant (later Commander) Charles Haultain of the Royal Navy. Commander Haultain died in 1845 and we must suppose that one of his descendants found the clasped notebook the ideal place to press this leaf. I was awestruck when I read the inscription:

A relic from Wordsworth's garden, pluck'd by Mr H Luttrell September 1848.

It was as if I had reached across time and space to establish this fleeting connection with one of England's greatest poets. The leaf was plucked by Henry Luttrell, a society wit and author of light verse who, I dare hope, was a welcome guest and

not one of the day-trippers who besieged Wordsworth's home of Rydal Mount, near Ambleside in the English Lake District.

By 1848, two years before his death, Wordsworth was Poet Laureate and the revered elder statesman of English poetry. Elizabeth Barrett wrote to Miss Mitford in February 1842, 'I might, if I were tempted, be caught in the overt act of gathering a thistle because Wordsworth had trodden it down ... of gathering it eagerly like his own ass!' (Later in the same letter, she goes on to say, 'Yes—Wordsworth is wordy sometimes—in his blank verse he is. But he is a Wordsworth—a great poet & true!'

He was a keen landscape gardener and designed the four acre garden where he built a 'writing hut'. During his life time, it had already become a tourist destination where, according to James Gibson's 1843 Guide to the Scenery on Windermere, Wordsworth 'most kindly invites all strangers to walk through his grounds'. The opening of the Kendal and Windermere Railway in 1847 brought even more 'Tourists' and

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'Cheap-Trainers' to the house, who did not hesitate to ring the bell and ask for an autograph or help themselves to a leaf as a memento.

William Wordsworth died in 1850 and his family continued to rent the house until the death of his widow, Mary, in 1859. It was acquired in 1969 by their great great granddaughter and remains in the ownership of the Wordsworth family. The house and gardens are open to the public.

© Catherine Kullmann 2016

Catherine Kullmann was born and educated in Dublin. Following a three-year courtship conducted mostly by letter, she moved to Germany where she lived for twenty-five years before returning to Ireland. She has worked in the Irish and New Zealand public services and in the private sector. She has a keen sense of history and of connection with the past which so often determines the present. She is fascinated by people and loves a good story, especially when characters come to life in a book.

You can discover more about Catherine on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/catherine-kullmann/

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A golden glow emitted from the lit candles on the table. Its light reflected off of the crystal wine glasses and the silverware. When Lawrence closed his eyes, the heady scent of the bouquet of roses, hydrangeas and peonies made him feel as if he were standing in a country garden. He reached down and straightened a fork giving the table a final look before heading into the kitchen.

The kitchen was a chef's dream, and Lawrence had made sure Wendy had every kitchen implement and device she wanted. It had been a surprise for their tenth wedding anniversary. She had been ecstatic with the gift. He had been more than happy to eat all of the delicious treats she prepared in her new kitchen.

Lawrence checked the lasagna in the oven. It needed a few more minutes. He pulled the salad plates from the refrigerator taking them to the dining table. The water glasses had been filled when the oven timer went off. He entered the kitchen grabbing the oven mitts beside the stove. The cheese had melted and the dish steamed as he set it on top of the stove. It should be ready to serve in a few minutes.

Now, he needed the guest of honor.

His hand paused a moment before latching onto the doorknob. Lawrence had set a bright smile on his face before he opened the door.

"Hi, beautiful! Happy Anniversary!" Lawrence knelt on the floor in front of his wife, Wendy. Her large brown eyes focused on his smiling face.

"Thank you, darling."

"Are you ready for your surprise?" Getting to his feet, Lawrence bent down so Wendy could put her arm around his neck. He scooped her into his arms as gently as possible. Her weight was inconsequential; she was as light as a feather. Knowing he held his most precious cargo in his arms, Lawrence cradled her small frame as he walked towards the dining room.

"Close your eyes, Wendy. I want you to be totally surprised." She laughed softly and complied with his request. Lawrence lowered her into the chair sucking in his breath when she gasped as her body settled into it. "Keep them closed, sweetheart."

A Special Celebration

by Kate McGinn

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He sat across the table from his wife. Time had not detracted from her beauty. No, his heart galloped in his chest when she smiled at him with her eyes still tightly shut.

"Okay, you can open them." Lawrence's voice cracked as he uttered the sentence his emotions beginning to swell within.

Her lashes parted, and her dark eyes reflected the sparkle of the candlelight. Tears streamed down her gaunt face. Lawrence didn't see her bald head or her

body \-- so thin from fighting the ravaging cancer. At this moment, he saw his beloved wife, and all he wanted was to give her joy today on their 20th wedding anniversary.

She pressed her hand to her lips kissing it before dropping it enough to blow her kiss to him. Wendy mouthed the silent words 'I love you' to him. Lawrence caught the kiss in mid-air and placed the invisible kiss in his pocket.

"And I love you."

Kate McGinn loves a good story. She pulls from her own life experiences when writing. She has worked over the years as a registered nurse, an Army Reserve officer, and ran a Bed & Breakfast Inn. Born in New York City, Kate grew up in the Midwest and lived along the Gulf Coast and in Italy for many years before moving to Wisconsin. She and her husband have two adult sons, a lovely daughter-in-law, and live near the Mississippi River in a c.1855 Greek Revival home.

You can discover more about Kate on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/kate-mcginn/

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Heart Love

by Heather Ramsay

During this month full of love and romance it's hard not to think about our hearts. Not only are they associated with feelings of affection, but these muscular pumps were our very first organ! It has been working away since before we were born and unlike other muscles, it never rests. It's now pumping about 8,000 liters or roughly 8800 quart-sized milk cartons of blood through our bodies by beating approximately 100,000 times each day.

Whew!

Our hearts are awesome.

February is Heart Health Month, so while you read your romance novels and nibble on chocolate, here are a few ideas on how to thank your heart for all it does.

Get It Pumping!

Cardiovascular exercise has multiple benefits. It'll lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia, Alzheimer's and several types of cancer.

Adults need 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity (or a combo of the two) each week.

Children 6 years and up need 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each day and should include vigorous activities at least 3 days a week.

What are moderate activities?

They're anything that gets your heart beating quicker than normal. You'll also be breathing faster, but you should still be able to carry on a conversation.

Examples: Brisk walking, water aerobics, push-mowing the lawn, gardening, light cycling (less than 10 miles per hour/16 kilometers per hour) or tennis doubles.

What are vigorous activities?

Your pulse and breath are both coming faster, you're sweating, and you won't be able to talk.

Examples: Hiking, running, swimming laps, cycling (more than 10mph/16kmph), jump rope or tennis singles.

Feed It Healthy Foods:

Eating a balanced diet is an excellent way to ensure overall health (follow your country's dietary guidelines if you feel lost when it comes to diet and nutrition). Here are a few heart healthy diet tips to keep your ticker, ticking.

• Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables

• Switch to fat-free or low-fat dairy

• Make half your grains whole. Try brown rice, oatmeal, whole wheat, quinoa or barley.

• Limit foods high in saturated fats, trans fat, added sugars and salt

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Give It A Mindful Moment:

For many of us, trying to find a few minutes in our busy day to sit quietly is unheard of, but if you make the effort, the benefits are plentiful. Not only has meditation been found to decrease stress, anxiety and depression, but it improves factors linked with heart disease including lowering blood pressure and helping with smoking cessation.

If you have trouble stilling your hectic mind, try this:

• Find a quiet, comfortable spot and close your eyes.

• Visualize an open window in your mind's eye.

• Allow any thoughts that enter to drift through your mind and straight out the window as if caught on a light breeze.

• Keep your focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, into your lungs and down into your belly.

• Exhale slowly.

*If you still have trouble, try reading a piece of poetry, a short analogy or an inspirational quote before you start. This may help direct your focus and set your intentions.*

And there you have it! Try making a few small changes every day and show your heart a little love. Now go enjoy that box of chocolates, but consider having just one.

Heather Ramsay grew up in a town just outside of Toronto, Ontario. After spending a few years working and exploring California, she now resides in Pennsylvania with her family. Personal trainer, yoga teacher, and group exercise instructor by trade, her true passion is writing. An avid reader and make believer from a young age, Heather dreamed of one day publishing her own book. When not reading or writing, you can often find her training, spending time with family, or chasing around her kids.

You can discover more about Heather on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/heather-ramsay/

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"When two people are in love, they bring something extraordinary to the entire cosmos."

The above quote comes from Peter Deunov (Петър Дънов), a Bulgarian philosopher and spiritual leader, who's better known by his spiritual name, Beinsa Douno (Беинса Дуно). He was born July 11, 1864, and died December 27, 1944. His words and teachings are still quoted today, and he is so beloved by many people that they call him "The Master" and speak his name with reverence.

He founded a new-Age religious movement which practices prayer, meditation, breathing exercises, yoga of nutrition and paneurhythmy. The latter has been called "the divine cosmic rhythm" and is a form of meditative dance movement performed to sacred music. As people dance to concepts of giving, receiving, and renewal, they allow the Earth and Cosmos to do the same.

Love is all around us, and his vision was that Love gives birth to more love. Love between two people, as well as love you spread around you and give to other people, animals, and plants.

Since February is the month for celebrating love, we'd like to share some of Peter Deunov's quotes and reflections on love and good karma.

• If you love people, they will love you. There is no human who does not react positively to Love.

• There is no creature in the world that, as you love, does not know you love it. Try experiments with animals and plants and check out this law. I've tried with some bad dogs. Choose a dog, love it. I pass by him a second time. When I pass, it will come out; it will come \- it knows me; it does not bark at me. It says, "I know you." Having loved other dogs, they are silent.

• Tell someone a good word and do not think anymore. What he will do, whether he deserves the good word – you don't need to worry about this. This person was not born to understand you. It is important that you understand God and can help others. This is the meaning and beauty of life.

• Do not visit your friend's house when you are ill or sick. Do not go to your friend when you are unhappy and mad. Stay in the forest, walk among the trees or around the lake and complain to them. When your mind is calm and your heart free, visit your friends, pay tribute and affection to them.

• You meet a person dressed in simple clothes, but he has a soul, a spirit, a heart, and a great mind. All this you have to find and appreciate in a person. If you pay attention only to their

Love Generates Love

by Ronesa Aveela

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appearance, to the new and beautiful garment, and ignore everything else that lies under this garment, you will not see the Divine in the person.

• People are rough because they lost their inner light. In the evenings, the stones are cold. When there is inner light, people are soft, warm, gentle and loving. When we lose that light, we get cold and rough.

• Never tell everything you know. Do not sell, do not give everything you have. Leave something for yourself. Don't forget to love yourself.

• A real friend is the one who, with his presence, can dry your tears; sorrows, sufferings and disturbances disappear.

• One has to value both his time and others people's time. The polite person is not only careful and patient; he not only listens to others but also does not waste anyone's time.

Let's finish the array of wonderful inspiring quotes with one about love.

"Love is harmony of the spirit. If people do not love you, you still need to love them."

This Valentine's Day let's Celebrate Love in all Forms! Expand your definition of love to include all of those special people in your lives and don't forget YOURSELF!

Ronesa Aveela is "the creative power of two." Two authors that is. The main force behind the work, the creative genius, was born in Bulgaria and moved to the US in the 1990s. She grew up with stories of wild Samodivi, Kikimora, the dragons Zmey and Lamia, Baba Yaga, and much more. She's a freelance artist and writer. She likes writing mystery romance inspired by legends and tales. In her free time, she paints. Her artistic interests include the female figure, Greek and Thracian mythology, folklore tales, and the natural world interpreted through her eyes. She is married and has two children.

Her writing partner was born and raised in the New England area. She has a background in writing and editing, as well as having a love of all things from different cultures.

Together, the two make up the writing of Ronesa Aveela.

You can discover more about Ronesa on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/ronesa-aveela/

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Bestsellers & Hot New Releases

Strength for the Disheartened: Motivational Poems – Brenda Mohammed

"A collection of motivational and inspirational poems intend-ed to cheer up the disheartened, discouraged, and persons who have lost hope."

https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/brenda-mohammed/

Chloe: Book Four of the Sibling O'Rifcan Series – Katharine E. Hamilton

"Strong, sweet, and beautiful not only describes Chloe O'Rifcan but also the flowers she works with."

https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/katharine-e-hamilton/

Creating Grace – Cassandra DenHartog

"Can love really heal a rift between heaven and hell?"

https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/cassandra-denhartog/

The Curate Barley Mysteries – T.E. Hodden

"Adventures of a sleuthing priest named Griffin Barley, who has no desire to keep finding mysteries."

https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/t-e-hodden/

\- 55 \-

Bestsellers & Hot New Releases

Angel of Whispers – Laura Birzulis

"Finding true love, mastering angelic genes, enjoying vam-pire life – pure bliss. Or so Jade thought."

http://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/laura-birzulis/

A Spark Of Hope: An Anthology of Poems for Saving Lives– Brenda Mohammed

"Some poems are therapeutic, and some have been known to save lives. This anthology will hopefully ignite a Spark of Hope in someone."

https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/brenda-mohammed/

Amie: Savage Safari – Lucinda Clarke

"Amie, the world's most reluctant spy is back. She's assured that her next assignment will be easy and very safe. How could a safari camp in the African bush along with the President and international representatives from several countries possibly be dangerous?"

https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/lucinda-e-clarke/

Authors, book visibility is the key to sales!

If you are looking to promote your books through a promoter, we recommended the Fussy Librarian. In our experience, per dollar, the Fussy Librarian is the best promoter available. Of course, no one can guarantee book sales, but if you are serious about book promoting, we suggest that you check out the Fussy Librarian at www.thefussylibrarian.com

\- 56 \-

Q & A with Sheree K. Nielsen

Author of Midnight: The One-Eyed Cat

What should readers know about me? The wanderlust bug bit me as a toddler. My parents traveled annually in May to the Florida Keys and the Carolinas, and every August to the Great Lakes. Drop me on a beach and I'm happy. As an artist and photographer, I've dabbled in both creative forms since I was a young child. Since 2009, I've been a travel writer for major publications. Mentoring teenagers on life's issues, I enjoyed serving as a youth sponsor at my church. I love being with nature and have rescued fur babies for the last 30+ years.

I'm an artist and photographer, dabbling in both creative forms since I was about 5 years old. I've been a travel writer for the last 9 years.

I've dove with a 10-foot pregnant black tip reef shark, a wild dolphin, and stingrays; visited a disappearing sand bar in the middle of the ocean, swam with pigs in the Exumas, and was part of the magician David Copperfield's famous disappearing act, "Lucky 13", the last time he performed in St. Louis.

I've served as a youth sponsor at my church in the past, mentoring teenagers on life's issues. I love being with nature and have rescued fur babies for the last 30+ years.

Who is your favorite children's book authors / what is one of your favorite picture books?Shel SilversteinThe Giving Tree

What advice would you giving to aspiring writers? I think it's important that aspiring writers plug-in to a local writer's group. They offer writing tips, workshops, constructive feedback, and you might just make some new friends. Also, be open and allow other writers to read and critique your work. "Show Don't Tell" a story.

Where do you feel most inspired? Describe where you like to write. I feel most inspired at the beach. The shoreline, the waves, the birds, the wind whipping through my hair stimulates my senses, and words flow freely. At home, it's the 'big' chair by the window overlooking our three acres in Missouri, where I can gaze at the squirrels, the birds, the bunnies, right outside my window.

What is the best piece of writing advice you've ever received? I had the opportunity to listen to Garth Stein, NYT bestselling author of The Art of Racing in the Rain, a few years ago a St. Louis Library event. His journey to best-selling status had a bumpy start. Over time, he connected with a literary agent that was touched by his manuscript. As his talked about his journey, he mentioned to keep the main objective in mind \-- 'never give up'. His story still inspires me to this day.

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What kind of books do you enjoy reading? What have you read recently that you've liked? I love reading non-fiction – especially books related to the importance of being near water, animal rescue or training related books, and essay collections. As far as fiction, I love beachy chick lit, and of course, anything that has a dog or a cat in the story.

What have I read recently that I've liked? Blue Mind, by Wallace J. Nichols – The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What you Do

That's a long subtitle!

When did you first start writing? I penned a lot of poetry as a little girl. But I never showed those poems to anyone. In the last year, I found my folder of poems, and read them over, which brought back wonderful memories.

Sheree K. Nielsen is the 2015 Da Vinci Eye Award recipient for FOLLY BEACH DANCES – The Infinite Rhythms of a South Carolina, inspired by the sea and her lymphoma journey; and 2015 Eric Hoffer Foundation Art finalist. A multi-award winning multi-genre author, poet, and photographer, she finds inspiration and solitude in travel, nature, family and pets. She credits a deep affinity for the ocean to her parents, who taught her about discovering new destinations, spinning stories, art, and nurturing the soil.

You can discover more about Sheree on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/sheree-k-nielsen/

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The Little Labradoodle Coloring Page

Provided by April M. Cox

This page is available to download and print out on our website (click here)You can discover more about April on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/april-m-cox/
\- 59 \-

Hannah Howe is the author of the Sam Smith Mystery Series, the Ann's War Mystery Series and the #1 international bestseller Saving Grace. Hannah's books are published by Goylake Publishing and distributed through Gardners Books to over 300 outlets worldwide. Her books are available in print, as eBooks and audio books, and are being translated into ten languages.

You can discover more about Hannah here:

https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/hannah-howe/

Mini Mystery: The Wireless Murder

by Hannah Howe

On 13 July 1910, Inspector Walter Dew of Scotland Yard called at 39 Hilldrop Crescent where, in the cellar, he found the remains of Cora Crippen. Married to Dr Hawley Harvey Crippen (pictured), a doctor of homeopathic medicines, Cora had been poisoned with hyoscine, the only time hyoscine has been used to commit murder.

The Crippen's marriage had been stormy. A would-be music hall singer, Cora had indulged in a number of affairs, while Dr Crippen had taken up with his secretary, Ethel Le Neve, a woman twenty-one years his junior. Inspector Dew suspected Dr Crippen of murder, but he couldn't locate the doctor.

Meanwhile, on the SS Montrose, a steamship bound for Canada, the ship's captain, Henry Kendall, became suspicious of two passengers, John Philo Robinson and his sixteen year old 'son';

rightly so, because Crippen had shaved off his moustache while Ethel had cut her hair short and donned boy's clothing.

Captain Kendall informed Scotland Yard. In haste, Inspector Dew boarded the SS Laurentic and moments before Dr Crippen and Ethel could disappear into the vast continent of North America, he arrested Crippen, the first man to be captured by wireless telegraphy.

\- 60 \-

Drewed

by Cate Mckoy

My pace quickened in direct response to the howling wind. The further I walked the more my surroundings began to look like the woods in a horror movie about an abandoned camp with a crazed killer.

What was I doing out here? Oh, yeah, that's right I want to be like mom. My mom is great. She's smart, beautiful and awesome. I didn't know how awesome until we went through all my growing pains and I stopped being a royal pain in her butt. And stopped my know-it-all attitude.

My mom, Sheriff Kerry Drew, took on tremendous responsibility and I am not just talking about the small hamlet of Eldred, NY. She handles her civic responsibilities with style and grace. The entire town loves my mom. What she deserved an award for is fulfilling her responsibilities to me, Nancy Ann Drew.

Yes, I said, Nancy Drew-- and don't-- I've heard it all! I've lived through all the name jokes from kindergarten to graduation from high school. And, I imagine I will deal with some when I attend college this fall. I am willing to admit I am a handful. I have a strong independent streak that was ironically instilled in me by the mother I used to

give such a hard time. It's why my mom is my hero. Or is it heroine? Whatever, she is the one I look up to and wish most to emulate.

In Eldred, it is a small mix of people, mostly white, very few blacks and even less Hispanics. My mom and I are among the few blacks in Eldred. What made my mom settle in such a predominately white town is anyone's guess. She had inherited land and a house from her great grandfather and instead of selling and scramming, she moved in and settled. She had already earned her bachelor's in criminology and law enforcement. She had also done a stint in the NYPD. When Eldred's sheriff election came up, it made perfect sense that my mom should run. I remember my mom telling me at the time that she didn't think she'd win against the incumbent, Bob Dobbson, but still wanted the experience of running for an office. To our surprise mom won by a landslide. It was then I realized people genuinely liked my mom, a lot.

I started to like Eldred. I stopped complaining that there were no other black people except for old Jed at the hardware and feed store, no other stores to speak of, no mall and no movie theater. I stopped bemoaning the nearest neighbor being a mile and a half away. Even with this distance, everyone still knew everyone else and their business. Regardless of the size and lack of technological advancements, Eldred is quite modern. We have our own post office, library, which doubles as our video store, a diner that is also the weekend hangout for teens, a gas station with two whole pumps and a

\- 61 \-

mechanic. A small general store for all other needs and if they didn't have it, it can be ordered. The front counter even boasts smartphones for sale.

Thinking of smartphones, I pull mine from my jacket to stare at the blank screen. I hadn't traversed what the locals called the dead-zone. No matter the phone or carrier, no one got cell service along this stretch. The streetlamps went out periodically. My mom had to have them replaced three times during her term. Lately the dead-zone had been renamed kill-zone. It is the area in which three of our community's daughters disappeared only to be found at the bottom of Hawk's Nest, a 1,500 feet cliff overlooking the Delaware River.

The first girl Allison Acker was assumed a suicide. It was my mom who had seen the disturbed earth at the top of the cliff, which indicated a struggle, plus Allison had defensive marks on her hands. Allison's death was then ruled a homicide. Four weeks later Frances Brewer's body ended up at the bottom of Hawk's Nest too, same signs of a struggle, same defensive marks.

Further investigation, revealed that each girl had been walking home from one of the main establishments in the center of town to their homes, a five mile walk at best. Their personal belongings, purse, cell phone, keys, were all found in the dead zone. It was theorized that the girls were taken from this one mile stretch of road that defied modern conveniences.

The next girl to be found was Cindy Calder. Cindy was a popular girl who had learned to be a nail technician and cosmetologist via the internet and was planning on borrowing money to open her very own salon in town.

I got this crazy idea to be just like mom; kicking butt, taking names, solving crimes. Well, mom never kicked butt. She did take a lot of names though to file the normally menial charges Eldred was known for; drunken disorder, unpaid tickets, noise ordinance.

With the third girl being found, my mom had an epiphany. The girls were being killed in alphabetical order, Acker, Brewer, Calder; A-B-C, so following this hypothesis the next victim would have a last name that begins with D, as in Drew, specifically Nancy Drew. There was only one other girl in town who fit the criteria of the Letters Lunatic or Alphabet Killer; just to name a couple of the media names given to our killer, her name was Dana Darby. I know Dana's Double Ds were most likely more appealing to the killer. I was hoping, my ill-advised trek home would make me more accessible.

Suddenly, I froze with fear, my feet and my heart stopped simultaneously, as I was outlined in bright lights from behind. The bright light engulfed me more as it got closer. I resisted my natural instincts to turn and look. My feet resumed walking, albeit with a little less finesse. My heightened senses amplified the sound of my footsteps, the slowing down of the car behind me, the car braking and the car door opening. "Nancy Ann Drew, what do you think you're doing?" Suddenly, I was silhouetted on the ground as my mom turned on the flood light on her sheriff's vehicle. I have never been so happy to hear my mother's annoyed

\- 62 \-

voice.

With a happy smile, I turned and walked to my mother's vehicle. "Mom, what are you doing out here?"

"I asked first young lady. Get in the car." I realized it was not my mother speaking but Sheriff Drew. Quickly, I rounded her SUV and got in the front passenger seat.

"I am out here doing my job. What are you doing?"

"Mom, I got to thinking about the killer. You said he's killing girls in alphabetical order. I figured the killer is up to the letter D—"

"Nancy Ann Drew, have you lost your mind?"

"I heard you talking to the coroner on the phone. You said that you needed a trap for this guy."

"That is for me to figure. Not you, certainly not you alone!"

"I am one of only two people who fall into the category of the victims. I'm perfect!"

"You're too perfect! The answer is no!"

"Mom, this is our chance!"

"Not ours, missy, but, mine! You have college to worry about."

I really hate when she calls me missy. I go silent, wondering if this is a good time to tell her my decision. I blurt out my plans. "I've decided to enter the NYPD police academy."

I close my eyes, waiting for a parental explosion. When all I hear is the steady turn of the tires on asphalt, I slowly open one eye. Mom is steadily watching the

road. "Mom, did you hear me?" I ask, opening both eyes.

Mom gives me a glance with a serene smile. Uh-oh, this could be bad. "Yes, I heard you." Even her voice is all kinds of mellow.

"You're ok with me entering the academy?" "I wouldn't say okay with it. But I know the feeling of wanting to help others and solve the unknown. I guess you come by your sense of duty and curiosity honestly."

I let out a relieved breath. "Thanks for not being angry mom. I figure if I walk home from center of town each night this wee—"

"Oh, make no mistake, I am angry. I thought I raised you smarter than this."

I raise my eyebrows in shock. I've been an honor student since sixth grade. I graduated valedictorian with a four-point-oh GPA. "I was just acting on your plan. You're calling your own plan dumb."

"My plan is smart. Yours isn't." Mom smiles.

"It's the same plan. How is one smarter than the other."

"My plan involved a wired decoy, backup, deputies in plain clothes hiding in the bushes along the dead zone. Your plan was to...uh, walk home...in the dark... alone." Mom shook her head before adding, "Not a good plan, missy."

Put like that, I couldn't argue. Ugh. I hate it when she's right, which is often. Who am I kidding? I love it when she is right.

I needed to think on my feet to get mom to allow me to be her non-decoy bait. "So, mommy, how about we combine our 
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plans and bag this bad guy?"

Mom turns a smile on me that I am just beginning to see in my own bathroom mirror in the mornings. I really am the spitting image of her. Which I have no problem with since my mom is a looker. Guys in town hit on her all the time. Even old Sheriff Bob Dobbson had hit on mom.

"Okay, Nancy, you've convinced me. We will start tomorrow night."

****

I sit nervously, my one knee bouncing with unleashed energy, while mom, her deputies and the coroner go over the plan. Dana Darby is sitting across from me, watching the action too. Mom thought it best if Dana stayed out of sight while we ran the operation. I love cop-talk.

This will be the third night in a row that I've walked along the darkened road to our house. The first two nights were uneventful, unless you count my heart nearly beating out of my chest.

Mom turned from the desk they all had been standing over. "Ok, Nancy, we're going to

give these guys twenty minutes to get in place and then you're going to start your walk home. Come here."

I stand and go to my mother as the deputies leave to go to their assigned spots along the dead zone.

"Now, what's the distress code?" Mom asks while fixing my shirt to securely hide the wire that is under my clothes.

"Moon." My voice is a little shaky, regardless that I've already done it twice. Mom holds my shoulders, giving them a

comforting squeeze as she offers me an out, as she did the other two nights, "You don't have to do this. We have a city clerk that can pass for Dana willing to be a decoy."

"I want to help. I can do this." I give the same answer I gave the other two nights. And as before my mom smiles reassuringly and pulls me in for a tight hug. I don't want to admit it, being as I am no longer a baby, but mom's hug settles my nerves. She kisses me on my cheek and heads outside to her car. I will follow fifteen minutes later.

I sit and talk with Dana for a bit. "How are you doing?"

Dana smiles. Dana is a beauty pageant veteran. She's been in all kinds of beauty contests all up and down the east coast. "I'm okay. I don't know how you can stand this."

"I want to be a cop." I say it with pride.

Dana laughs. "I know. I think everyone knows. You are Nancy Drew."

"Ugh! I wish my mom would have named me something else...Jane, Lisa...Ted."

Dana laughs harder. "It isn't your name I was talking about. I was talking about you being Sheriff Drew's daughter. You're just like her."

My eyebrows rise. "Really, I know I look like her but I didn't think I was like her in any other way."

"Sheriff Drew gets things done. Stuff the community had asked Sheriff Dobbson to do a million times. Your mom took care of it. You may not see it but there are a ton of improvements since your mom has been sheriff."
\- 64 \-

I thanked her. We talked about our college plans until it was time for me to leave. I headed out feeling good about what I was doing.

My walk was keeping to the pattern of the previous two nights. Uneventful. As I entered the dead zone, my heart rate picked up. I hear sounds of the night as though they are magnified. The hoot of an owl, the wind off the lake, the crickets, night creatures taking their nocturnal paths.

Snap! Was that a twig? Forgetting all the training my mother had given me, I pull a complete novice, horror-movie-damsel move. I come to a complete stop, look around me and say, "Hello...is anyone there?"

When I couldn't scare myself any more, I am outlined by powerful headlights from behind. I had been so wrapped up in listening to the sounds coming from the woods I hadn't heard the car behind me until it stopped and put me in its brights. I turn expecting to see my mom.

It's not my mom. I start to shake a little when a burly figure stands. "Nancy Drew?" I am awash in relief. I know that voice. "Yes, it's me. Sheriff Dobbson?"

Everyone in town still called him Sheriff Dobbson. He was huge; about six-three and two-hundred-fifty pounds. If you didn't know he was a law man, he'd be frightening to behold on a dark street alone.

"Come get in. Can't have you alone out here."

"Oh, that's alright. I like walking at night. Thanks anyway." I wave and turn to continue my walk.

Suddenly, I am gripped from behind and swung around. Sheriff Dobbson is standing a foot from me, holding my arm in a painful grip. He sure can move fast for a big guy. I look up into his eyes and realize I'm in trouble.

"I'm afraid I must insist, Nancy." Ignoring my protests and me trying to pull my arm loose, he half pulls, half drags me to the passenger side of his SUV.

"Sheriff Dobbson, I like looking at the moon as I walk." I grab my phone from my pocket just in case my distress word wasn't heard. Before I can do anything, Sheriff Dobbson snatches my phone and tosses it. I hear the thud of it landing somewhere in the woods. I look in to his eyes. They're hard, unrelenting orbs of anger. Giving up his act of good Samaritan, he slaps me, picks me up with one hand, opening the door with the other, and tosses me on the front seat.

Dazed, I go to open the door as he rounds the car only to find the door handle missing. Fear grips me and bile rises to the back of my throat as he gets in and takes off down the road. I know where he is going. Hawks Nest!

I try to get him to talk. "You're the one?"

He sneers at me before looking back at the road. He starts to speak vitriol filled words. "I used to be the one. I was the one everyone in this town looked up to. That is until your mother came here. I was the one; they asked for help. I was the one they asked to dinner parties. Now they all drool over her."

His words remind me of what Dana said. With confidence, I say, "Mom, will get you."
\- 65 \-

"No, she won't. She'll be just as stumped as she has been." He gives an evil laugh before continuing. "When your mom fails to solve her own daughter's murder, the town-people will beg me to become sheriff again."

I realized I was dealing with a deranged mind. Just as I was about to scream, I noticed headlights coming up fast from behind. Dobbson notices too and hits the gas. We shoot forward and are just rounding the last bend before Hawks Nest when we are greeted with a line of police cars across the road, with lights flashing. I am slammed against the dashboard as Dobbson hits the brakes. As the engine idles, I look behind us and see another line of police cars across the road. We're surrounded by cops.

I wait with bated breath to see what Dobbson is going to do. He is looking front to back to the sides over and over. I look to each side and see men emerging from the woods with rifles. My heart is so erratic it hurts. I am so scared I scream when there is a tap on Dobbson's window. He and I both look over in to my mom's eyes. Even though I am still in the car with the maniac, I am relieved.

Dobbson rolls his window down as though this were a simple traffic stop. Mom is cool as a cucumber. "Bob, we have to end this."

"We'll end this alright!" Dobbson reaches under his seat. Before he can pull his hand up, a bullet pierces the windshield and his head is thrown back with force. There is red splatter all over the front of my mom's uniform.

Calmly, mom walks around to the passenger door, opens it and offers her hand to me.

****

I enter my police academy dorm room loaded down with suitcases. There is a girl already in the room. I walk over to the untaken bed and drop my things

"Hi, Tina Langee." The girl offers me her hand.

"Hi, Nancy Drew." I say as I shake her hand.

Tina laughs, "Your name is—"

Sighing I say, "Yes I know!"

Cate Mckoy is a life-time resident of a small upstate town about sixty minutes north of Manhattan. The only thing she loves more than being a writer is being a mother and grandmother. She has been a Jane of all trades and was formerly trained as a technology analyst and computer tech. Cate supports a number of charities and wishes everyone "Happy Reading."

You can discover more about Cate on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/cate-mckoy/

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Brunsviger

Recipe by L.L. Thomsen

A soft yeast-dough, smothered with a delicious brown sugar & butter drizzle.

Versatile and easy to make, 'Brunsviger' \- otherwise also known as the 'Classic Danish Coffee Cake' \- is an old favourite of mine from way back.

The cake originates from the island of Fyn (Funen) – incidentally, the same island where H. C. Andersen was born \- but this recipe is my very own, handed down to me from my grandma, and to this day, the finished product is still as yummy as I recall it from childhood.

Whether a beginner or veteran in the baking arena, this is one of the simplest, easiest recipes to approach. There is really not any particular order in which you need to mix the ingredients; if you forget one, just add it later – the end result will still not disappoint. Furthermore, this is also a great bake in which to involve the kids, since you can pretty much make it as messy as you like with lots of little hands literately getting stuck in to mix the dough. Or, if you prefer, you can just as easily keep it tidy by mixing everything with the hand mixer. The choice, is yours.

Preparation time: 10/15 min+ & 10min to prepare the topping

Rising time: 1 to 1.5 hrs raising (or till the dough looks sufficiently 'poofed up'.)

Oven: Preheat to 200 C/ 212 F on a normal setting (avoid hot air). Bake for 25 min.*

Tray: Any size will do – deep or shallow, but remember that this cake will rise in the oven so if your tray is shallow, opt for a larger size to accommodate. I usually prefer a 35cm x 30cm (13" x 12") metal tray, lined with baking paper.

Dough:

• 100 g butter

• 350ml milk

• 2 tablespoons white sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 390g plain flour (with a little extra to clean dough off hands/fingers if necessary, or to adjust the dough if it feels too gooey.)

• 50g yeast (mixed with 50-80 ml warm water to dissolve.)**

Topping:

• 250g butter

• 280g dark brown Muscovado sugar***

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Method:

• Mix soft butter and white sugar till it becomes a smooth paste. Add the salt. Mix in.

• Sift in flour a little at a time, mixing and alternating by adding a little of the milk until both ingredients are spent. (If the dough seems too gooey you can keep back a little of the milk as you've also yet to add the dissolved yeast, which can make the dough feel very sticky.)

• Add the fluid yeast. Mix until the dough is firm.

• Get baking tray, lined with grease proof paper. Place the dough in the tray and distribute as smoothly as possible. Remember it does not have to be particularly neat but try and get some dough into the corners so that the cake cooks evenly.

• Cover with a towel and place tray of dough in a warm place to rise.

• Now get a small saucepan. Place on a very low heat on the stove and add the butter, then the Muscovado sugar. Melt the two ingredients till you are left with a thick dark runny mixture that resembles molasses. Be careful not to burn the sugar mix, or else you'll have to make another batch. Remove pan from heat and set aside.

• Get the tray of dough after it has risen. Now poke the tips of your fingers into the dough until the entire surface is dotted with tiny wells. This does not have to be neat, but the more wells, the more space for the sugar mix to collect.

• Pour the topping sugar mix onto the dough. It should still be slightly warm and therefore easy to manipulate to cover the entire surface of the cake.

• Place cake on middle shelve in the hot oven. Bake till ready.

• Remove cake from oven and allow to cool slightly. If you like, you can remove it from the tray and place it on a wire rack but this is not a 'must'.

• Eat whilst still warm, then save the rest. The cake will freeze nicely and can be taken out and gently reheated in the oven, either from frozen or defrosted.

\- 68 \-

Handy Hints:

As you're mixing, the consistency of the dough will resemble bread dough, but it might feel a little more sticky or gooey. That's ok.

If you want, at the end stage you can add a little more flour to the mix – just enough to make it feel a little firmer. However the overall consistency should feel towards soft and springy, not dry. If in doubt, always err on the side of a sticky dough.

* The baking time may vary depending on the individual oven. If at any point you begin to worry that the sugar topping is going to burn, you can reduce the heat slightly.

If after 25 minutes, you test the dough and find it not quite baked all the way through, then simply allow it to bake for another 5 minutes.

** In regards to the yeast... In Demark we can readily buy small 50g handy packs of fresh yeast. If however you can only get dry yeast, worry not. You'll need approximately 25g dry granules, which you can then dissolve in a little hot water and stir till it becomes a paste. Cover and leave in the fridge. After 24 hrs, this paste will grow firm and gain a little mass, which just so happens to weigh around 50g. This actually resembles the fresh yeast we get in Denmark, so when you are ready to bake, simply dissolve the prepared yeast as described above and you're good to go. If you are used to baking with yeast, feel free to follow your usual methods.

*** On a diet? If so, or if you just like the taste of it, you can substitute half the Muscovado with coconut palm sugar.

You can also cut back on the butter. For example, rather than 250g, you might opt to use only 200g.

Additional tips:If you are feeling adventurous, why not add chopped nuts, raisins, dates, etc. to the topping mix before you pour and bake.

Serve a slice of cake with strawberries of raspberries for a refreshing lift, and/or sift icing sugar over the cooled cake to add a festive touch.

Great with tea or coffee! Bon Appétit!

L.L. Thomsen is the author of The Missing Shield: an adult high fantasy series that is set in an epic new world that involves a full cast of flawed, multi-faceted characters. With a hint of mystery, darkness and romance her conceptual approach to writing is utterly unique to the fantasy genre and cannot be fully appreciated unless you are prepared to read beyond the 'first 10 pages' and immerse yourself in the experience.

You can discover more about Linda on the Mon's Favorite Reads website here:

https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/l-l-thomsen/

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February Crossword Puzzle

by Mom's Favorite Reads

This activity is available to download and print out on our website (click here)The answers for this activity are also available on our website (click here)
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Welsh Cakes (low sugar version)

Recipe by Ceri Bladen

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (225 g) self-raising flour (or all purpose flour with 1 tsp baking powder)

• 5 oz (140 g) salted butter

• 2 oz (55 g) caster sugar (if you want normal sugar increase to 3 oz/85 g)

• 1 large egg

• a little milk

• pinch of mixed spice

• handful of raisins or currants

Traditional Method

• Place fat and flour into a bowl and rub together using fingertips until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs

• Stir in sugar, mixed spice, and raisins or currants

• Make a well in center of mixture

• Add whisked egg and combine with a splash of milk if needed.

• Form the dough into a ball

• Leave to rest for 15 mins

• Roll out onto lightly floured surface--around 1/4 inch (5mm) thick

• Cut into rounds with a 3 inch (7.5cm) fluted cutter

• Heat your bakestone or heavy iron griddle

• Rub with butter

• Place your Welsh cakes on

• Cook for 2-3 mins and then turn (when they become caramel brown in colour)

• Remove from bakestone and dust with sugar while still warm

(Alternative method on next page.)
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Alternative Method:

• Place sieved flour and fat into a processor and blitz until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs

• Pour mixture into a bowl

• Stir in sugar, mixed spice, and raisins or currants

• Make a well in center of mixture

• Add whisked egg and combine with a splash of milk if needed.

• Form the dough into a ball

• Leave to rest for 15 mins

• Roll out onto lightly floured surface--around 1/4 inch (5mm) thick

• Cut into heart shapes

• Heat your heavy iron griddle or electric griddle (medium heat)

• Rub with butter

• Place your Welsh cakes on the heat

• Cook for 2-3 mins and then turn (when they become caramel brown in colour)

• Remove from bakestone and dust with sugar (and cinnamon) while still warm

Ceri Bladen is a Welsh girl currently living in Turkey.

In between looking after a husband, three children, street dogs, and a kindle of street cats she manages to squeeze in time to write.

She loves romance, so most of her books contain elements of it, whether in the form of historical, contemporary, or fantasy.

You can discover more about Ceri on the Mon's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/ceri-bladen

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Veggie Chilli

Recipe by Anthony Randall

Quick, simple, healthy, inexpensive and delicious, should feed a tribe of 4 and turn you into a legend.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 a Courgette • 1 packet of chilli con carne powder

• 1 Onion • 1/2 teaspoon mixed herbs

• 8 Button mushrooms • 2 garlic cloves

• 1/2 a Capsicum pepper (any colour) • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

• 1 tin of chopped tomatoes • Salt and pepper

• 1 small tin of sweet corn • Basmati rice

• 1 tin of kidney beans

Method:

Boil a large pan of salted water and add the rice, half a cup per person should be sufficient, depends on how much you like rice. While the rice is cooking, dice up the onion and add that to a large frying pan containing the oil, turn up the heat to medium. Soften the onions and then add the diced courgette, sliced mushrooms, diced pepper and sauté for around five minutes, stirring all the time.

In the mean time drain of the liquid from the kidney beans and the sweet corn into a measuring jug and add a little cold water to make the contents up to 350ml, then add the chilli con carne powder into the liquid and stir until it has dissolved.

Add the beans and the sweet corn to the frying pan, followed by the tin of tomatoes. Now stir in the chilli liquid and watch the colours come to life.

Keep stirring the rice and top up with extra water if it is getting stodgy or dry.

Finely chop up the garlic and add that to the mix, along with the herbs and salt and pepper to taste. Then turn down the frying pan to a low setting and let it simmer for a further ten minutes, or until the rice is cooked.

Drain the rice into a colander and wash it over with some boiling water from the kettle to rid it of sticky starch.

Serve with either garlic or French bread, then veg out on the sofa, leaving the dishes by the sink for tomorrow.

You can discover more about Anthony on page 5as well as on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/anthony-randall/

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Valentine's Berries & Cream Tarts

Recipe by Christine Ardigo

Ingredients: • 1/4 cup whipping cream • 2 teaspoons sugar • 1/4 cup nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt • 15 frozen mini phyllo cups (1.9-ounce package) • 15 fresh blueberries • 15 fresh raspberries

Beat cream in a small bowl until soft peaks form. Add sugar; beat until stiff. Fold in yogurt. Divide the yogurt cream among phyllo cups, keeping the cups in their plastic tray. Top each with blueberries and raspberries. Serve immediately, or chill for up to 4 hours.

Christine Ardigo is a Registered Dietitian/Personal Trainer who writes contemporary romance novels in her spare time. When weight lifting, rock climbing, white-water rafting, and jumping out of airplanes wasn't enough, she decided to fulfill a dream she had as a child: to write a book.

She's lived in New York her entire life and can't imagine living anywhere else. She has the beaches, the bay and the city, all a half hour away. She's built memories here with her husband, two silly daughters and a bunch of crazy friends, all whom she loves very much.

You can discover more about Christine on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:

https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/christine-ardigo/

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Ingredients:

• 1 egg

• 1 Tablespoon butter or oil

• 3 Tablespoons Almond Flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

To make, simply combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and pour into a greased microwave-safe bowl or ramekin. Microwave for 90 seconds. Flip out of the ramekin and slice in half.

To Toast, butter a pan or skillet over medium heat and toast the bread until golden and crispy. Alternatively, toast in a toaster.

• Add cream cheese and eggs to a high-powered blender.

• Blend until smooth.

Allow the batter to rest while you heat the griddle to 375°F or medium-high.

Butter the griddle and pour two tablespoons of the batter onto the griddle plate.

Cook on one side for about 2 minutes (until golden), then flip and cook on the other side until both sides are golden. Serve immediately.

Microwave Low Carb Keto Bread

Recipe by Dianne Wolfenden

Low Carb Cream Cheese Pancakes

Recipe by Dianne Wolfenden

Dianne Wolfenden writes under DM Wolfenden. II love all things dark and am a horror addict. I grew up watching the old British hammer horror TV movies. Most of my stories have a dark side and one of my friends said they represent me pretty well; a little dark with a lot of heart.

You can discover more about Dianne on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/dm-wolfenden/

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This activity is available to download and print out on our website (click here)The answers for this activity are also available on our website (click here)

February Word Search

by Mom's Favorite Reads
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After the Affair: Abbi's Story

by Kirsten Nairn

Note from the Author: I have had several emails and requests from readers wondering if there would be a follow up to A Sorry Affair, and in particular people wondering what happened to Abbi. So here it is. I have drafted a short novel which I am currently editing, but in the meantime, have condensed this into a short story to give you a flavour of how life turns out for Abbi. You can keep an eye out for announcement of my publication on my facebook page, twitter or website

You don't have to have read A Sorry Affair, but of course I'd be more than happy if your curiosity gets the better of you!

quite frankly, I no longer care whether they believe me or not. I've accepted what happened and moved on as best I can, however, there are times when the aftermath comes back to haunt me. Today is one of those days. I can feel the insidious memories invade my thoughts, taking root, like a tapeworm. My own stupidity still needles me, but it is the far-reaching ramifications of Mack's selfishness which still hurt and infuriate me.

He had no idea how much devastation he caused. He came into my life with a swagger and a smile to die for, wreaked havoc, and left. To be fair, I eventually told him to leave, but not immediately. And there lies the problem. I will be blamed forever because I didn't end it the moment I found out. I took him back knowing he had a fiancée. But by then it was too late. I loved him and was beyond the point where I could cut all ties.

He ruined my life and spoiled it for me for anyone else. I will never trust any man again. I will never again allow anyone to get close enough to hurt and

Is it really possible to be the 'other woman' in an affair and not know it? It sounds crazy, I know, but the answer is YES, it is possible. I know that with one hundred per cent certainty because I was the other woman and I had absolutely no idea.

I'm not proud of it. But, despite the doubters and the critics, I still maintain to this day that I did not know that the man I fell in love with was engaged to another woman. If I was guilty of anything then it was naivety and inexperience, but I wasn't guilty of deception or stealing someone else's man. I would never knowingly have had an affair with anyone. I didn't realise how strong my principles and morals were until my 'affair' with Mack, by which time it was too late.

I learned to accept long ago that the non-believers will never be swayed and

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humiliate me in the way he did.

I haven't had a serious relationship since my break up with Mack. I've had plenty of dates and short-term encounters, but nothing beyond six months. Six months is my absolute cut off, although in reality, I have never reached anywhere near six months.

I sigh as I use all my reserves to push the thoughts to the back of my mind. Today is my thirtieth birthday and life should have been very different but I don't want to think about what could have been.

I feel Daniel stir next to me. Moments later his arms are wrapped tightly around me, pulling me into a bear hug. He starts singing Happy Birthday tunelessly, knowing it will make me cringe.

'That was terrible. Don't give up the day job will you?' I laugh.

'Oh you wound me with your cruel words. Morning my sweet little Princess.' He plants a kiss on my cheek. 'Now wait there while I get your present.' He rolls over, reaching underneath the bed, making a great show of looking for my present.

I groan. 'Please tell me you haven't gone overboard with presents. Nothing...'

He holds up his hand to stop me. 'I know. Nothing grand. No big gestures. I got that message loud and clear. You're such a spoilsport,' he grins.

Daniel is the craziest, most spontaneous person I had ever met, and although he knows the score with me, he persists nonetheless. I have been very clear and upfront with him from the beginning. This relationship will not go beyond six months, but he just grins, his

stupid, lopsided grin, and replies, 'Fine by me Pixie. I only ever take one day at a time.'

Although Daniel does his best to underplay my plans, I know it's on his mind more than he is admitting. He has asked me twice this month how long we have been seeing each other. It's been four months. It's the longest I have been with anyone since Mack and I know I'm getting into dangerous territory. I push it to the back of my mind. I can't deal with it today.

I realise I am tense, worried about the present he is going to produce, but immediately relax as I realise it's too big to be a ring. I gasp as I pull out a beautiful silver necklace with my birthstone (Amethyst) and earrings to match. 'Oh Daniel, they are gorgeous. I love them.' I reach up and plant a kiss on his lips, unable to hide my delight.

'Good. There are of course a few more surprises to come, but more of that later.'

I feel the tight ball of anxiety form again as it occurs to me, I'm not out of the woods yet. There's still time for him to do something off the wall. 'Oh God,' I groan, suddenly fearing the worst 'Please don't tell me you've invited my parents down?'

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Apart from the broken heart and total humiliation I suffered when Mack admitted he was having an affair with me, it was my parent's disappointment which hurt the most. They had such high hopes for me, their only child, and I was well in my way to living up to their high aspirations until Mack dropped his bombshell.

Daniel throws his head back, laughing. 'It might have escaped your notice, but I have no way of contacting the lovely Joan and Wilbert. I don't know where they live, but even if I did, I wouldn't invite those Highland savages down to run amock in their kilts, wielding their broadswords, destroying the peaceful towns and villages of the New Forest.

I dig him in the ribs. 'You watch too much Outlander. And it's William, not Wilbert. Seriously Daniel. Nothing grand. No big surprises tonight. I'm warning you.'

He sighs and rolls his eyes in exasperation. 'Jeez, I know alright? God, you certainly know how to put a dampener on things,' he scowls. 'When will you learn to trust me?'

'You know the situation Dan. I have never lied to you.'

He reaches for his phone and begins tapping furiously.

A moment later, my phone pings. I consider ignoring it but Dan looks up. 'Aren't you going to answer that? It

might be important. Perhaps your parents wishing you a happy birthday?' he smiles, innocently.

I glare at him and pick it up. Anything for an easy life. I smile as I see it's an email from Dan. Typical Dan, he never stays mad for long.

Bear in mind I'm now studying you closely to gauge your reaction. I just want to say this. You've tried it your way, and it seems to me that it's been rubbish so far. How about trying it my way, just for a little while, and if it doesn't work, then, at least you've tried it. Here's my proposal (don't panic at the P word Jelly Bean, it's a proposal of a different nature). You know I'm a one-day-at-a-time kind of guy, so how about you try living in my world for a while. Forget the 'six-month date and ditch' concept which you have developed and, as yet, untested, and go for the 'Live life one day at a time' model instead.

You only die once Jelly Bean, but you live every day until then. Ask yourself this, do you really want to end up at the age of eighty, a grey-haired, wizened old hag, wondering how life would have turned out if you had thrown caution to the wind and embraced life with that gorgeous, sexy, caring, witty, charming, hunky whatshisname?

I carefully try to hide my expression as I reply.

Interesting concept. Perhaps I will consider this proposal when I meet gorgeous, sexy, caring, witty, charming, hunky whatshisname

I watch as he reads the reply and starts tapping. My phone pings again.

You only have to look up baby

\- 79 \-

How do you know my hair will be grey?

Well, I am a doctor. There are some things which are certain in life and one day your beautiful shiny black hair will be grey. But I will still love that pixie face, no matter what colour the hair.

I notice he's careful to say he loves my face, not me.

He takes both my hands 'Just think about it okay?'

I nod in agreement. It's easier than saying no to his face. I know the answer though.

'You will?' he asks in astonishment. 'Really?' A smile spreading slowly across his face. 'I was convinced you would refuse outright. Abbi, I swear, I really believe we can make this work, and it goes without saying, I won't do anything to hurt you.' His excitement is difficult to contain and the air of anxiety which surrounded him is instantly lifted.

'Look, Daniel,' I try bringing him back down to earth, 'I'm not promising anything. I'll try, but it's not going to be easy. Okay?'

'I know, I know,' he says in soothing tones, gently stroking my hair, 'one day at a time.'

We reach our six-month anniversary. In the lead-up Daniel has been unnaturally bright and cheerful and I know he is trying to ignore the enormous elephant in the room, hoping we get past day seven of week four of month six and then all be well.

I try my hardest to take each day at a time, but I feel myself being dragged down more and more every day,

descending into a deep cavern, and although I'm clutching at the sides, trying to pull myself up and out, it's no good. I'm slipping further down. Every day the decisional balance weighs heavier in the favour of singledom.

Daniel, I have slowly come to realise, means so much more to me than Mack ever did, and deserves so much more than me. I can see this is taking its toll on him. He has lost a little of his sparkle. He is quieter and more guarded around me, being careful what he says and how he says it. I'm racked with guilt. I hate myself for being the sole cause of his pain.

Six months and two weeks into our relationship I become aware of him standing motionless at the living room door, his head bowed, his sadness tangible.

'I can't do this Abbi. It's obvious I'm am forcing you to do something you don't want to do, and I can't do that. It's making you miserable. And me,' he adds quietly. 'I'm going to go unless you tell me not to.'

No, no, no, I want to scream. I need you to tell me you want me. I persuaded Mack to stay and look where that got me. I know Daniel has never stopped telling me how much I mean to him, how much he wants me, how much we can

\- 80 \-

make this work, but I need him to tell me NOW, when it matters the most. Try as I might, I can't tell him this. I can't stoop to those humiliating depths of pathetic neediness again. I want nothing more than for Dan to rush forward and take me in his arms. I want to feel his strong arms around me, holding me tight, keeping me safe.

I'm hoping he can see all this in my eyes, these thoughts I'm trying to convey, but it's useless. He stands motionless.

'Fine,' he says miserably. 'Just one thing though. It's your courage you need to work on. Not your trust.' And with that, he turns and walks away. I look up, bargaining with myself that if he looks back, stops, hesitates even, I will tell him. But he does none of these things. I hear the front door click quietly as he closes it behind him.

I know he won't call.

Kirsten Nairn is a part time author, writing in secret, having just published my first novel A Sorry Affair, which goes perfectly with gingerbread santas and mulled wine!

You can discover more about Kirsten on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/kirsten-nairn/

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The Writer's Listening List

by T.E. Hodden

Because you are reading an electronic magazine, it is safe to assume you have a device on which you can listen to podcasts, on your favourite podcatcher or app. I have been pruning through my streaming list, and may have one or two suggestions for you to consider.

The Allusionist with Helen Zaltsman should go top of the list. From the ever reliable Radiotopia stable, this show is an entertaining and often amusing show about language, looking at subjects that have ranged from the secrets of romance literature, to the power of names and changing your name (with some amazingly insightful stories from the Trans community).

https://www.theallusionist.org/

In Our Time with Melvin Brag is a long running BBC Radio 4 show, whose immense back catalogue is available on a podcast. Each hour long episode is a round table discussion on a subject that is... well... interesting, drawing from history, philosophy, mathematics, or science. Each episode strikes a fine balance between introducing new listeners to a subject, and delving quite deep into the topic at hand.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qykl/episodes/downloads

Also from the BBC is Punt PI. Steve Punt, (one half of comic duo Punt and Dennis), investigates weird and wonderful subjects, with bad puns, and some interesting nuggets of inspiration. Past cases have ranged from asking if a bank robbery was really a ruse to save a royal from blackmail, where Boudicca's army lost their war, if there is a secret stash of steam trains awaiting a nuclear war, and... if TV detector vans actually do anything.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00krfns/episodes/downloads

Great Leap Years, with Stephen Fry, is a history of technology. The limited series of lectures are engaging and informative, but above all benefit from Fry's approachable, friendly, enthusiasm.

http://www.stephenfry.com/greatleapyears/

Page 94, is the podcast of the Private Eye magazine. Each podcast in an interview, with one or two of the magazine's contributors to discuss a burning issue. Like the magazine that spawned it, this cuts through the headlines, to set out the facts in a way that even an idiot like me could understand.

http://www.private-eye.co.uk/eyeplayer/podcast

You can discover more about T.E. Hodden on page  or on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/t-e-hodden/
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How Writing a Sex Scene can Make or Break Your Reading Pleasure

by Christine Ardigo

When I first began writing Cheating to Survive and Every Five Years, my sex scenes were very different than what they are now. Initially, I wrote them as I thought they were supposed to be written. Explaining in detail how the peg goes into the hole, what positions were taking place, who touched what, and narrating every last detail. After writing a few sex scenes, I quickly realized I was running out of ways to describe the same thing I just narrated a few chapters earlier. And, in Cheating to Survive, there are three women having affairs with three different men. It got old quick.

I started looking into how to write a sex scene and asking others what they liked. It changed me. Most people like the "build up" to the actual act, but skim over the actual sex scene. They felt the sex scene had to be different in order for them to read it through. How do you make it different though?

I read a book a few years ago and the main characters have sex by chapter three. Although they were in their early thirties, it was like reading a high school teenager's description of her and her boyfriend's first sexual encounter. It was 25 pages long, and gave specific details of every step taken from their first kiss,

to 2nd and 3rd base, right to the grand finale home run. They did every sexual position, shower scene, room-hopping, all in one night. It went on and on, and all I could think of was: what's left? You already described everything. What will the next 40 chapters hold?

It was a boring, textbook description of sexual intercourse for the purpose of reproduction of Homo sapiens on planet earth. Ugh!

I found a great article (wish I still had it) about writing sex scenes and it hit home. They said: sex is basically the same ol' same ol' so how do you make it different than the peg goes into the hole? Easily.

By describing what the POV character is feeling during it, and having the act in an unusual location, therefore creating a different feel to it. I not only changed the sex scenes in my books, but to this day, I cannot read a book without analyzing their scenes. And even though I've enjoyed erotica books, the scenes I love the most are the ones that skip over much of the who-touched-what, and instead, describe the deep emotions of the characters, what they are feeling as it's about to happen, during, and afterword.

So how to make it different? In Cheating to Survive, I luckily had 3 women at

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different stages of their lives, different ages, and at different stages of their marriages. I thought: I can work with this.

Victoria was the most difficult as I had a hard time describing what an older women might feel during an affair, after 30yrs of marriage. I decided to pretend I was an older woman, unhappy with how my body deteriorated over the years, and the fear of breaking a sacred bond with my husband. Guilt, humiliation, and betrayal all played a huge part.

Heather was fun. She was pissed and aggravated and had no qualms of doing anything and everything, no matter where it was. Her free spirit and "not caring anymore" attitude let me take her wherever the wind blew.

Initially, Catherine was the hardest. How do you make interesting sex scenes with a shy, prudish woman that's only slept with one man her whole life? Well, her character ended up being the most fun. I loved writing her scenes and after a while, Catherine wrote them herself. Her thoughts during her first sexual encounter cracked me up. And the kitchen scene? If you haven't read it yet, you'll see what I mean. A lot of people tell me that's her favorite sex scene in the book, and the funny thing is, I almost cut it. I thought it was over the top. Thanks to Catherine for helping me write her scene. She took over and told me how to do it.

Casting their different personalities in each scene and hearing what they were each thinking, made it more interesting for me to write. I loved creating new environments for them to have sex in. Once I chose a place, the writing came easy as I pictured what it would be like if I was having sex there. Would I be afraid? Nervous? What visuals would I see? Would someone catch us? Would it make the scene more erotic or romantic? Discovering new places was half the fun.

For book 2, Every Five Years, I realized that although Heather and Nicolo longed to be intimate with each other, after years and years of waiting, their first encounter could not be about the peg in the hole. It was so much deeper. Their desires for one another after holding back for so long, meant so much more than what they actually did between the sheets. I initially had it in Heather's point of view, but thought it would be much more powerful taking it from Nicolo's point of view, since he had fallen in love with her instantaneously, could not have her, and waited years to have this moment. All his dreams were finally coming true, and I needed to bring that out, more so than what they actually did.

One scene that made me laugh out loud, was later in the book, when Heather had had it with her husband Lance, but he wanted to have sex with her

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anyway, (despite his oblivion that she wanted nothing to do with him anymore, especially when sex was involved). Writing that scene, to me, was so much fun.

Creating interesting scenes that don't go into great detail, and making it challenging and interesting. I love a challenge! I love getting the creative juices flowing. Book 3, The Bridges Before Us, will have some interesting scenes as well. I hope all of you use your imagination as you read them, and picture the craziness that goes on inside Samantha's head!

What do you like in sex scenes? What do you look for? What do you hate? What do you skim over?

I love hearing from you!

You can discover more about Christine on page  or on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:

https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/christine-ardigo/

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The sand was warm between our toes as we walked that moonlight beach.

The stars floated in the sky,And the night bore the fragrance of blossoms.

From an unseen bar the sound of a soft guitar drifted across that Mediterranean shore.

Your hand rested in mine, and the promise of love filled the unused hours till dawn.

Behind us the gentle swishing sea embraced the shore, and our footprints were erased from the sand with the kiss of the ocean.

Iberian Memory

by Stan Philips

The Touch of Love

by Stan Philips

Stan Philips is an 80 year old poet, musical podcast maker, part time wannabe male model, and occasional stand up comedian. I used to be a psychotherapist/ counsellor when I had an honest job. I was born into prewar London, and attended 17 schools (My father believed they couldn't hit a moving target) and I eventually finished up here in Ireland. Still wondering what I will be when I grow up \- but enjoy writing my quirky poetry as I do so.

You can discover more about Stan on the Mon's Favorite Reads website here:http://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/stan-phillips/

Phantom figures fill the endless, empty night.

Dark dreaming dredged from forgotten memories chase me across the midnight sky.

And I hear the sounds of my breathing echoing hollow against the blackness of my vision.

All my nightmares chased each other like frantic demons over the dark canvas that stretched twixt night and day.

Till your love came to bathe my eyes with stardust.

To tell me all was well.

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Vidocq – The First Detective

by Hannah Howe

Eugene Francois Vidocq, born in 1775, was a thief turned detective, Europe's first bona fide private eye. At fourteen he killed a fencing master in a duel and this incident paved the way to a life of crime. After serving his time as a convict in the galleys, Vidocq became a police spy and later the head of the Paris Surete.

A powerful physical specimen with a leonine head and muscular arms, Vidocq was the son of a respected baker from Arras. After killing the fencing instructor Vidocq stole two thousand francs from his father's safe and fled to America. However, within a year he was destitute and so returned to the family home.

Back in France he joined the Bourbon Regiment and within six months he was involved in no less than fifteen duels. His thirst for action produced many brave acts, particularly in a battle at Valmy in 1792. However, far from being regarded as a hero, Vidocq's violent acts led to his banishment from his home town.

A period of womanizing and gambling followed and at times Vidocq was arrested, only to escape – in Toulon he fell in behind a funeral cortege and walked to freedom.

A life of serious crime beckoned though Vidocq, for all his misdeeds, had no wish to travel down that road. Instead he met with a Paris policeman called Henry, nicknamed the Bad Angel and the two men struck a deal – an amnesty if Vidocq became a secret police agent. Faced with a lengthy spell in prison, Vidocq could hardly refuse.

A natural, Vidocq soon adapted to undercover police work and the man became something of a legend, both in the Paris police and the criminal underworld. His physical gifts and his detective skills ensured that by 1811 he was serving as the first full-time detective in the Paris police. Gaining in confidence and influence he proposed the creation of the Surete, a proposal that was readily accepted.

The Surete with its twenty-four full-time agents and network of police spies soon became a great success in fighting crime. The agents were not paid a salary. Instead, they were rewarded with expenses and a fee for every arrest.

At heart, Vidocq was a showman and he ensured maximum publicity for every success. His reputation helped to secure a decent pension and he retired in 1827, aged fifty-two. However, in retirement he was far from idle. He opened a paper mill, employing former criminals in an effort to rehabilitate them. Sadly, this public-spirited venture was not a commercial success and, insolvent, Vidocq was forced to return to the Surete.

In 1836 Vidocq retired for a second time and on this occasion he set up a private detective agency, twenty years before Pinkerton established his agency in Chicago. Playing a game he knew well, Vidocq ensured that his agency was a great success, often outflanking the police in the best traditions of detective fiction. Unfortunately success brought jealousy and Vidocq's offices were raided by the police. Over three thousand files were seized, many of them police files, 
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and Vidocq was arrested on charges of corrupting the civil service. Vidocq was convicted, but won an appeal. However, the bad publicity surrounding his arrest brought the curtain down on his agency.

Insolvent again, Vidocq turned to his pen. He wrote Memoirs of Vidocq, Principal Agent in the French Police. With the aid of a ghost writer the memoirs were a great success. Blending fact with fiction Vidocq's stories were the earliest of their type and they went on to influence the cultural perception we have of the private eye.

After leading a colourful life Vidocq was finally granted a pardon in 1843. His legacy as a policeman is a substantial one, yet you could argue that his memoirs are more important because they paved the way for the plethora of Victorian detective stories that followed and still influence the detective fiction we read and write today.

Pictured, Eugene Francois Vidocq

You can discover more about Hannah Howe on page  or on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:

https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/hannah-howe/

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The Goalkeeper's Love of the Penalty

by Mansel Jones

I could have been a contender. In my youth I was a goalkeeper for a below-average team that lost most of its matches. But because we were no good my goalkeeping prowess was often on display and quite often the coaches of the teams who beat us would come up to me after the game and ask me to join them. Yet, I stayed loyal to my local no-hopers and played the game for what it was, fun.

Then there was the school kick-around with some teachers that effectively ended my 'career'. One teacher was very competitive. Challenging for a 50-50 ball he went over the top and shattered my knee. I could probably sue him for millions if it happened today. An operation repaired my knee to some extent, but it left a weakness there and I was unable to kick the ball any great distance. Also, after a match my knee would swell and ache to the point of agony. So, I retired and contented myself with watching the game.

Watching the modern game reminds me of the times I faced a penalty or a penalty shoot-out. These shoot-outs occurred during six-a-side tournaments when the scores were level in goals and corners

won. I used to love these penalty shoot-outs because there was no great expectation on the goalkeeper. The penalty-taker was expected to score and you were expected to fail.

Sometimes I saved these penalties, sometimes the ball hit the back of the net. In those days you were not allowed to move at all on the line and I found that to my advantage because most penalty-takers hit the ball down the centre or near the centre of the goal. If the goalkeeper remained poised on his line and didn't dive before the penalty was taken he would save 50% of the penalties and, if his team-mates did their stuff, his team would win the game.

Of course if a penalty is placed into a corner of the goal and you don't move before the penalty is struck you are not going to save it. But if that penalty is struck sweetly, you won't save it anyway.

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'Stand still and allow the penalty-taker to make a mistake' should be the goalkeeper's motto. After all, the goalkeeper is in position, watching with everyone else as the penalty-taker makes that rubber-legged walk from the half-way line to the penalty spot. If the striker scores after that walk, good luck to him. But if you hold your ground and he misses you can be a hero.

Footnote:

Are penalties a fair way to decide a football match? No.

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Are they a dramatic way to end the game? Yes.

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And because of their drama, they will stay.

Mansel Jones has been researching and writing about medieval history for the past forty years. He is an acknowledged expert in his field and academics and universities seek his views. He is the author of A History of Kenfig, Pendragon and Tangwstyl.

You can discover more about Mansel on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here: https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/mansel-jones/

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No Regrets

by Cassandra DenHartog

The funeral director handed Abraham a pen and a glass of water. "What would you like written on your wife's headstone?"

Abraham paused, pen in hand.

It all started thirty years ago when he was twenty-one.

The gardens of lilies and phlox along the driveway of the old farmhouse had an unusual number of weeds in it. He hadn't seen old lady Fortner in a few days. As he bounced by in the buggy, he noticed the front screen door open, banging against the grey siding in the breeze. She had said her family was supposed to have an early Thanksgiving dinner this year. He guided the old mare into the drive and walked the gravel path up to her front steps. The first step remained broken as it had been for his entire childhood. She visited him often, especially after his parents died and he inherited the neighboring farm.

He knocked. "Mrs. Fortner?"

After no response, he pushed the front door open. The hinge gave a pained, unnatural creak. He'd never forget that sound. Mrs. Fortner had two kitchens in her home. He found her in the newest one on the wood floor. Dead. Thanksgiving fixings laying around her.

One week later he wished the English lady, who'd watched him grow up, goodbye.

Not long after, she came. The day was hot. The old chestnut mare was having trouble pulling the buggy. The crunch

sound of her hooves and the metal wheels on the gravel almost lulled him to sleep until the unusual chorus of laughter jolted him. A woman stood under the shade of the large maple out front. A small boy tugged on her denim skirt. A girl, a little older, followed a man in uniform up the broken step into the old farmhouse. The woman smiled and waved at him as he passed. Her hair, gold as a sunflower. Frame petite, almost childlike. He watched them settle in as he tended his farm each day, alone.

Every Sunday and market day she waved as he trotted by. She, always in her skirt and cheerful blouse, worked with her son on the yard every day. Every morning when the school bus went by, her daughter would wave at him from the back window.

Three months later a knock came at his door. Abraham put his glass of sun tea down. Half expecting another person is wanting fresh eggs he pulled the front door open. The mouthwatering smell of hot blueberry sweetness wafted up to him from the woman next door. Her large blue eyes were red as if she were sick or crying. A handkerchief hung from her denim pocket.

She introduced herself as Lorain Fortner. Basket of fresh blueberry muffins in her hands. "I'm sorry to bother you, but..." She cleared her throat. "My husband's horse is out and-"

Her whole face contorted. She shoved the basket of muffins at him. He caught it just in time for her to grab her handkerchief and sneeze twice.
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A dog barked behind her. The boy and a fluffy brown puppy stood further down the walk.

"I can't get him back in and came to ask for help."

"Where's your husband?"

She looked down. "Deployed last week to Iraq. I have no family here and-" She sneezed again.

The boy came up and took her skirt. "Mamma sick."

"Hush, Joe." She looked up and forced a smile. "I have allergies and asthma. It's a rough time of year."

She explained that her homemade muffins were trade for his help. He caved to the delicious smell.

She returned a few days later with two handkerchiefs, an inhaler, and a plate of chocolate chip cookies.

"My mower-" Achoo! "Is... broke...."

Again he caved. Every week, progressing to every day. When late fall hit, a little knock came at his door.

The same girl that always waved from the bus met him with bright red eyes. "Mommy can't breathe."

His chest seized up. "Did you call an ambulance?"

She shook her head. "She told us not to. Joe stayed with her. We didn't know-"

"That's all right." He patted her on the shoulder. "Let's go."

They ran all the way to her house in the dark. The girl's pink flashlight leading the way. Light from the kitchen windows

spilled out on the dark deck. He jumped the still broken step and followed the girl to the front door. Again the hinges cried out to him. A shrill gasp came from the kitchen.

Lorain sat on the floor leaning against the cupboard. Her eyes moved to his and then lulled to the side. He dropped to his knees and put his hand on her shoulder. "Lorain. Can you hear me?"

She gasped for air, the sound like an animal being choked to death. His heart raced hard enough to drive a sweat onto his brow. "Call an ambulance."

The girl looked from Lorain to him and nodded quickly.

"Breathe. You have to breathe," he coached.

When her gasps grew short and ragged, he took her in his arms, tilting her head back to open her airway. Old Lady Fortner had told him that, one afternoon when reflecting on her nursing days. Minutes drove on like hours until blue lights flashed in the windows.

He stood with her children in the front lawn as the ambulance took her away.

Joe, now crying, took ahold of Abraham's pants.

"Do you have any family around here?" he asked.

They both shook their heads.

"What about friends? Does anyone watch after you?"

"Suzie watches over me," said Joe.

"Hush. That's not what he means Joe," said Suzie "Mom watches us mostly. Granma and Grandpa both passed away. 
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We have an aunt in California."

"I want to see mommy," said Joe. "Will mommy be alright?"

"I'm sure she'll be fine." He smiled and patted the boy on the head. Despite his words, his heart still raced.

The night drew on, and the children grew more restless. Joe cried several times, comforted only by Suzie. Abraham sat silently at the dining table that, ironically, was one his father made for Old Lady Fortner before his parents passed in the car and buggy crash. Times like this he almost wished he had a car himself.

"Hmm. Are you two up for an adventure?"

The pair lifted their faces to him. He gave them both a grin.

"Where?" asked Suzie.

"To see your mother."

She sprang up and clasped her hands together. "You can do that? But... I thought mommy said it's against the rules for you to drive."

He smiled. "That's right. But we can ride in my buggy."

"With your big horsey?" asked Joe, his eyes wide.

A true smile broke across his face. "Yes. With my horse." Luckily, since he had to take care of the farm mostly by himself, he had installed headlights to his buggy for late night work. He could keep them until next year when he turned twenty-two. Then he would have to decide.

He took the kids the five-mile buggy trip to the hospital. Lorain's shocked and happy tears when they all entered

her room warmed him like nothing else had before. Bad asthma attack, is what she said with a smile as she thanked him repeatedly. Even days later she returned with a fresh pie and thanked once more.

"This is quite inappropriate," an Elder told him.

"You should not spend so much time with a married English woman," said another.

But, the cookies and pies kept coming with her desperate pleas for help.

"I know I don't do well out here. But I don't want to lose my husband's family farm."

Abraham remembered this all in the dim light of the funeral home as he looked down at his round belly. A teardrop fell to his white button-up shirt as each painful, yet wonderful memory poured in.

After months of visits and warnings from the Elders, Lorain suddenly didn't show up. No children. No ambulance. A cold pre-winter chill to the air. A fresh layer of snow covered the deck, unmarred by even paw prints. His mare whinnied from the driveway in the deafening silence.

"Lorain?" No one answered his knock. The front door let out the old haunting creek he'd heard a year ago. Chills snapped down his back. No, he thought. Please not again.

He found her, crumpled on the kitchen floor clutching a note. Inhaler, tissues, and a plate of cookies scattered beside her. The quick wave of relief he felt from finding her alive whisked away like smoke in the wind when he realized what happened.

"He- He's-" She didn't have to say anymore.
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He should have had more control, but he couldn't take the pain in her eyes.

"It'll be all right." He rested his hand on her shoulder.

She folded before him, smothering her face onto his chest. Deep sobs made her body heave up and down. Each breath grew more labored until she ripped away and reached for her inhaler, which he already had in his hand. He stayed with her all night. Deep in his heart, he could not abandon her.

Again, he returned to the funeral home, standing in the back. As Mr. Fortner's casket was carried out, Joe ran for him. He took his pant leg and cried. Lorain buried her husband in the cemetery near their homes. Despite the time it took to ride back he still found her out by the new grave. He let her mourn, and instead picked up the children and took them home.

She didn't have to ask for his help after that. He just came.

"You must stop spending so much time with the English woman," repeated the Elders. "It's inappropriate. You must cease your actions immediately."

But, help they neighbor. Do unto others. In his heart he could not abandon her. Not now. A few more months and pant sizes later, spring set in. Flowers all in bloom. She would smell them even if it made her sneeze. She tended each garden with the same love as old Mrs. Fortner did. No, more. She loved the flowers, the colors, even the smells although the pollen made her sick.

The warm sun glinted off her hair. Today she wore a bright yellow blouse over her skirt. She bounced garden to garden

discovering the newly blooming flowers he'd known all his life.

He picked a few pink crocuses and snuck up behind her. "Surprise."

She turned and her eyes lit up like stars that sparkled with delight. "I love them." She scooped them up and cradled all but one that she tucked into her hair.

"You know..." she whispered.

"What?"

"The kids are very fond of you. You've really helped them cope."

"They're strong kids."

A soft blush covered her cheeks. "They asked me the other day if you were going to come live with us."

He froze in place. Not that the idea didn't cross his mind. But my commitment to the church, he thought. He only had two more months before getting baptized into the church. At least, he had planned on that before he met her.

"What did you say to that?"

Her blush deepened and moved down her neck. She let a small giggle and hid her face. "Children will be children."

"Is that what you want, too?"

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She jolted. "Well..."

He took her hands in his. "I need to know. Would you like me to live with you?"

"Well... Yes."

At that moment his heart exploded. All deep hidden emotion sprung forth.

"But I know it's against your religion," she said quickly.

It was. But the church had forbid them being together. He'd already felt the consequences, but could not stop. He'd worried that as soon as he joined the church, he would never be allowed to see her again. There had to be some way to make this work.

"What if I said I could make that happen?"

Her eyes lit up. "That would be wonderful." She threw her arms around him. Their first embrace. He felt more than her body. He felt her very emotion. He couldn't leave her.

He approached the Elders with his request.

"Absolutely not."

"We warned you to break off this engagement. By staying with her you go against the church. Against the customs your family has followed for generations."

"Is there any way at all?" he asked.

"No. You must break this off immediately. After which you may join the church."

"Is that your final word?" he whispered.

"Yes!"

"Very well." He lowered his head.

"Then you will break this off?"

"Yes, I will." Resolve swelled within him. He'd feared this decision for months, but now knew what he had to do. Now he didn't fear the choice. He looked each elder in the eye. "I'm leaving the order."

A gasp filled the room.

"And I suppose I will learn the ways of an English wedding," he finished.

It was all worth it when he told her the news. To see her face light up in a smile that seemed never to leave. He admitted he knew little of an English wedding, but wanted to be with her and the kids as much as possible.

That night under the moonlight he noticed her eyes, sad and looking out at the farm. "What's wrong?"

"Oh, it's just the family tradition says the farm should always belong to a Fortner. I just feel bad for breaking it. I hate to leave this place."

"Why would you?"

"Well, I can't ask you to give up your family farm. And I surely can't ask you to take the Fortner name. It's not even my family's name."

He shook his head and smiled. "I left the church. My brother will take the farm back. And why shouldn't I take your

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name." Despite all his family, it was old Lady Fortner that saw him the most. He was happy now. No regrets. This place felt like home.

"I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too, my sweet Lorain."

And the years passed by, happily filled with sweets, hard work, and two more children.

Until two days ago.

The dreaded creek in the front door suddenly returned. Cold chills shot down his back. His chest tightened with such dread that when he found her on the kitchen floor, he broke. Screamed. His favorite chocolate chip cookies littered the floor. His youngest son, their son, came running.

Abraham's hand shook as he remembered. Tears dotted the paper. The funeral director waited patiently. All he could write; all Abraham could muster was;

Sweet Lorain. No regrets, forever.

Cassandra DenHartog is an author of Paranormal and Fantasy Romance. Lover of fairy tales and dreams. Hospital worker and business owner. Often referred to as the crazy bird lady.

You can discover more about Cassandra on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here: https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/cassandra-denhartog/

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Horoscopes

by Barbara Astrosis, February 2019

Aquarius: January 20 \- February 18

You have a lot to look forward to this month, Aquarians. You're probably looking at the year ahead and planning your next moves. You may also be thinking about what you need to cut out of your life in order to simplify it. Or perhaps you've cut out too much and dropped people you felt were not supportive of you. You have no time for people who tell tall tales; rather you expect people to be honest and authentic. It might be time to lighten up, laugh a bit and embrace your quirkiness. Write down all the things you have achieved in your life and focus on those. Don't try to fit in, it won't work. Cut out the loud noises and the voices telling you what you should be doing and begin working toward the things that make you truly happy. It's time to reinvent yourself. Remember who you are and where you come from. Watch for the signs. Listen to the message of the music. Keep your eyes and ears open for synchronicities. The universe will communicate. Play along.

Pisces: February 19 – March 20

Life is often a balancing act and you may find yourself struggling to find the right balance between work, play, finances, love, hobbies etc. Too much or too little fun, spending or work will knock your life out of kilter and leave you feeling out of sorts. You are being offered a chance to set things right once more and to forge ahead, re-evaluate your life, the decisions you've made and how to rectify

those that are no longer working for you. Pay attention to your dreams and inner wisdom; they will always guide you in the right direction.

Aries: March 21 – April 19

Positive movement in the area of communications for you Aries people. Now is the time to show people what you can do. You may be feeling introspective, recognising what makes you tick and what your true values are. Shake off past conditioning and be like the fool in the Tarot. We've all been on a rough ride these past few years. Perhaps you've been feeling a build-up of tension and frustration over the things in your life that weren't working. These life lessons, hard as they are, shake us up and make us stronger. It's all about renewal with you, Aries, as you set your sails forward, throw off the yoke of self-inflicted hardship and celebrate all you've achieved. Soon you'll be feeling the sun on your skin and renewed optimism. Spring is just around the corner, me dears. Buy yourself some tulips for now; they won't break the bank.

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door. Opportunities abound. You're on a winning streak, Gemini.

Cancer: June 21 – July 22

The theme this month is about balance, dear Cancerians. Have you been overdoing things lately? Perhaps you've been enjoying too much of the good life? Now is the time to take things a bit more seriously, sort out your taxes, take care of any outstanding paperwork, and get your accounts in order. If there is an underlying theme in your life of having been tricked or having had something taken away from you, it's time to shed those feelings. Look at all the people who want to spend time with you. Dwelling on the things that didn't work in your life will only serve to magnify them. Try streamlining your thoughts. Keep positive and set your goals toward the sun. Planning a sunshine holiday or a mini-break in spring or summer will give you something to look forward to and keep those maudlin moods at bay.

Leo: July 23 – August 22

Ooh, la, la, Leo people. You're in for a lovely month and it's about time too, especially after all that eclipse energy and the home truths you've had to face these past couple of years. An excellent time ahead for those of you who are self-employed, or those of you who are considering starting something new. Perhaps you have a brilliant business idea but lack the marketing skills? Alternatively, you might need to learn more about social media to gain exposure for your business. Do pay attention to your finances though. Keep the books balanced. Dust yourself off, stand up tall and show people that leonine energy they

Taurus: April 20 – May 20

Perhaps you're feeling anxious and worried at the beginning of this month, dear Taureans. Something might be niggling you. Make positive moves by clearing up misunderstandings with friends and loved ones this month. Whatever is left unsaid can grow, fester, and finally erupt. By initiating the conversation, you'll avoid unnecessary tension. Again, as with most of the signs, it's about give and take and finding balance in your life. Take a long walk outside in the fresh air and capture a few sunbeams if you're lucky enough to see them in your part of the world. Eat some red foods, berries, beetroot, tomatoes, apples, pomegranate seeds etc. The right food and a healthy dose of exercise in the fresh air will restore your spirits and your sleep. A positive time for travel, further education, accumulating knowledge, publishing or marketing.

Gemini: May 21 – June 20

Positive energy for Geminis this month. You have the sun in your heart now as you tap into the sense of renewal we're all feeling with spring just around the corner. Yes, there's a change in the air and you can feel it. It's as if you are waking up and realising what you've been missing these past few years. You may be taking life into your own hands, making changes in your appearance, and upping your fitness level. Some of you may be looking for a new job or thinking of making changes in your existing job. Whatever you do, this month is the doorway to a new way of being for you. You've already been feeling it. Now is the time to walk through that

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expect from you. Wear something daring on Valentine's day. You never know who might be looking for you.

Virgo: August 23 – September 22

A time of new beginnings for you, Virgos. You're looking at a new way of being, a new job or a new approach to your life at this time. Pay attention to those inner prompts you've been getting. Whatever makes you excited, whatever makes your heart flutter, that's the path to follow. Take your time to work things out before rushing into them. If you do it right, you can't go wrong. Hard work pays off and nobody can accuse you of not being diligent. Concentrate on love now as we celebrate the month of St. Valentine. The colours yellow and light blue/grey will lift and calm your spirits. Buy a plant or some flowers to remind you of the beauty and wonder of nature.

Libra: September 23 \- October 22

The hand of Grace is being extended to you now, Librans. You value diplomacy and sometimes find it difficult to confront issues and make decisions. However, it is impossible to be everybody's darling at all times. You are the master at both remaining diplomatic while getting your

way in a situation. A call for discipline now, Libra, as you learn to curb your desires and set priorities. Things may not manifest for you as fast as you wish but it's worth striving toward your goals. Don't give up too easily. You will get there. And that grace will come in the form of clarity. Take time to be near water, walk around the lake, go to the beach or even take a scented bath. It will help to clear your mind and give you new insight.

Scorpio: October 23 – November 21

Can you see how it was necessary to break apart what was never going to be a strong foundation, dear Scorpios? Now you will be feeling more secure in your path. Renewal comes after destruction and the rewards are manifold and deeply spiritual. If you've been dipping into the shadows of your psyche and feeling troubled for some time now, I have good news for you. Better times are near. In fact, you are probably seeing signs of them now and feeling more optimistic about your life and your purpose. Do something, anything, to uplift yourself this month and remember how valuable you are. When you realise this fact, the universe will respond in kind.

Sagittarius: November 22 – December 21

Your feelings of optimism and your love of family and harmony are sometimes at odds with that niggling sense you sometimes have of being restricted, dear Sagittarians. You love the freedom of making your own decisions and not having to bow down to anyone else's authority. However, sometimes, it is necessary to be more disciplined and do things that are not always pleasant, like

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taxes and sorting out finances. Perhaps it is even about getting a health check-up. Sometimes you like to sample all the flowers and the scents can be dizzying. You will be more effective now if you focus on just that one thing and do that. First the work, then the fun, and you're going to have a lot of fun this month. The relief after doing these less-than-pleasant chores is well worth it. Do something

Capricorn: December 22 \- January 19

What may have seemed like a nightmare for you, Capricorns, for the last couple of years, as your world was turned upside down, will now make so much sense. You value security and have difficulty dealing with spontaneity. You do not appreciate it when the foundations you've spent so long working toward are shaken. And this is exactly what some of you have had to face. The death of the old and sleepless

nights as you worried how it all would turn out. Now, with spring approaching, you'll see the next few steps on your new path. If you look closely, you'll even notice some little shoots beginning to push through the cracks. Like you, they are resilient. Take time this month to do something out of the ordinary. It's good for your soul to change the patterns and introduce some new colours onto your palette.

Credit to Pixabay for Zodiac symbols.

Barbara Doran-Rogel is an Irish writer living in Germany. She writes under the name of Liz Doran and Barbara E Doran. For as long as she remembers, she has had a fascination with Astrology, Tarot and Numerology. She also trained and practiced as an Alternative Healing Practitioner in Germany (Heilpraktiker), specialising in classical homeopathy, foot reflexology and colour therapy.

Now she focuses on private readings via Skype and/or email. Her passion is helping people get unstuck and thinking out of the box. Her website is currently under construction.

You can discover more about Barbara on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/liz-doran/

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Qualities in a man?Humour and trustworthiness

Qualities in a woman?Friendliness and honesty

Pastime?Dog walking

Painters and musicians?Painter Lucy Kemp. Queen, Bowie and Unheilig

Colour and flower?Blue, Striped flower geraniums

Prose authors and poets?Authors; Rosie Thomas, Monica Edwards, The Pullein-Thompson sisters. Poet; Thomas Hardy

Author Spotlight

Anna Rashbrook

Your favourite...

Heroes in fiction?Ben in Beverley Hughesdon's, Song of Songs

Heroines in fiction?Rachel in Rachel's holiday by Marian Keyes.

What do you appreciate the most in your friends?They listen!

What is your main fault?Grumpiness

What is your idea of happiness?Walking in the mountains with husband and dog

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Author Spotlight

Anna Rashbrook

Anna Rashbrook was born in Winchester (UK). She grew up with dogs and a passion for horses which was fulfilled when her family moved to the countryside and she had her first pony. After school, she spent a year in Switzerland, then came, home met Dave in Marwell zoo, settled and raised a family. She later took a degree with the Open University, graduating with a First Class honours in English and History. Anna worked for five years at the Fortune Centre in Hampshire as a Riding Therapist. Married for 36 years, she has two adult children who wouldn't move to Austria when she moved there in 2007. Maybe a victim of watching too many editions of A place in the Sun and Grand Designs, she loves Austria and has no plans to leave! She now teaches English and is concentrating on her writing novels.

Anna rejected faith until her own family went through the trauma of an eviction and homelessness in the 1980s. It was through these events that she found God again. Since then she's been involved in Baptist, Anglican and Free churches, she's now in the Anglican Church in Austria. However, she says she is just a Christian who happened to be in these churches and wouldn't wish to be labelled!

You can discover more about Anna on the Mom's Favorite Reads website here:https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/anna-rashbrook/

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Connections eMagazine

by Melanie P. Smith & Rhoda D'Ettore

Connections eMagazine is a FREE quarterly publication founded by authors Melanie P. Smith and Rhoda D'Ettore. It is currently produced entirely by Editor, Melanie P. Smith. The magazine was created as a way for authors to connect with readers, reviewers and bloggers. Over the years, the magazine has evolved, and it now features promos and sales, freebies, blog articles, and short stories in every issue.

Embark on a Rollercoaster Journey of Discovery...

Melanie P. Smith is an American Multi-Genre author of Paranormal, Criminal Suspense, Police Procedural and Romance novels. Her stories are exciting, action packed and gripping. Her characters are classy, memorable and strong-willed.

To discover more about Melanie visit her website at: http://melaniepsmith.com/

No Fears, No Regrets

Rhoda D'Ettore is a Multi-Genre author of Erotica, Historical Fiction, and Suspense/Thriller novels. She is always looking for a new adventure and after working for the USPS for years, she decided to start a new career. She took advantage of a program, allowing her to obtain her CDL Class A, and headed out to drive big rigs. Unfortunately, this leaves little time to pursue writing and blogging at this time but maybe someday...

To discover more about Rhoda visit her website at: www.rhodadettore.com

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In 2017, the Connections eMagazine Readers's Choice Award was developed as a way to highlight exceptional books loved by our readers. It is open to all independently published authors and their work. This is an annual award. The entire August edition of the magazine is dedicated to participating authors and their books. Nominations are open until May 1st so be sure to recommend your favorite. Authors can be nominated by anyone who has read the novel. Books can be Fiction or Non-Fiction and are accepted for the following categories...

https://melaniepsmith.com/emagazine-landing/

Categories

• Romance

• Horror / Thriller/ Mystery

• Sci-Fi / Fantasy / Paranormal / Supernatural

• Young Adult

• Other Fiction

• Non-Fiction

• Children's Books

Visit our website for detailed information on the competition, scoring, and deadlines.https://melaniepsmith.com/readers-choice/

\- 104 \-

These days we associate Valentines Day with love, romance, decadent chocolates, and maybe — if you're really lucky — diamonds. But, it wasn't always about hearts and flowers. Let me tell you the story of Valentines Day and how it all began. Hold onto your shorts, because it's probably not the story you expect.

I'm not going to get into that cherub-winged infant yielding a bow and arrow commonly known as Cupid. But, Cupid was all about shooting arrows of fertility — a key element that was also present in the early Pegan ritual currently known as Valentine's Day. Unfortunately, that's where the similarities end.

No one truly knows the exact origin of the holiday. Although, some have traced it back to those wild and crazy Romans. Others disagree. For the sake of argument, I'm going to go with the Roman celebration which was later rebranded by the Catholics. Why did I choose this version? Because it's entertaining and bizarre — which is my kind of story. Join me now as we travel back in time to ancient Rome.

Read more by visiting us online...Website: https://melaniepsmith.com/emagazine/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConnectionsEMagazine/

Connections eMagazine Sneak Peek:

Valentine's Day — An Evolution

As you might expect, The February 2019 issue of Connections eMagazine is dedicated to Spring and romance. This issue features some amazing authors, new blog articles, and tips and tricks for authors. As an added bonus, in honor of Spring, Romance, and love; there's a special feature on the evolution of Valentine's Day. We hope you will take a minute to check it out.

Here's a sneak peek...

\- 105 \-

Meet Our Designer

Nicole Lavoie / Just Saying Dezigns

Nicole Lavoie is the Graphic Designer responsible for bringing the Mom's Favorite Reads magazine to you every month. She also designed our book catalog that is published quarterly and will be designing our upcoming cookbook that is on track to be published later this year.

Along with her dedication to Mom's Favorite Reads she also offers website design services, book cover design and specializes in design/layout of children's books.

Here are some examples of recent/current projects:

Whether you need help with your book, your website or could use a designer to help you finish off those creative tasks on your to do list, Nicole can help!

You can discover more about the services Nicole offers at: www.JustSayingDezigns.com

or by emailing her directly at:nicole@justsayingdezigns.com

Cover Design, Editing & Page Layout

Website Overhauland Redesign

\- 106 \-

We hope you have enjoyed this edition of Mom's Favorite Reads.

If you have, please share it with your friends and encourage them to join our community.

Mom's Favorite Reads eMagazine is published monthly and designed by Nicole Lavoie of www.JustSayingDezigns.com

All contents Copyright © the individual authors and used with their permission. All rights reserved.

Discover more about us through our video:

https://youtu.be/s0CNofMbQdM

Never miss an issue by subscribing to our FREE magazines:

www.tinyurl.com/momsfavoritereads-subscribe

Find us online

www.moms-favorite-reads.com

facebook.com/momsfavoritereads

momsfavoritereads@outlook.com

## Contents

  1. I Hear Of Sherlock Everywhere
    1. Interviewed by T.E. Hodden
  2. Food & Romance
    1. by Jessica Williams
  3. Superfly Part Two
    1. by Anthony Randall
  4. Homesteader's Muddy Love:Life and Love in Alaska
    1. by Cherime MacFarlane
  5. Taken 
    1. by Amanda Steel
  6. Christianity - Greek Orthodox Style
    1. by May J. Panayi
  7. February Chess Puzzle
    1. Supplied by Chess.com
  8. Mould
    1. by Alexander Williams
  9. On the Origin of Species
    1. Book Review by Christine Irvin
  10. Little Dreamers
    1. Book Review by Christine Irvin
  11. Meeting my Soul Mate
    1. by Keith Guernsey 
  12. Grandpa
    1. by Penny Luker
  13. A Cross-Cultural Relationship: What's that all about?
    1. by Grant Leishman 
  14. Not Love
    1. by Penny Luker
  15. Why Mothers Should Practice Self-Care
    1. by Rachael Wright
  16. 10 Keys to Long-Lasting Love
    1. by April Cox
  17. What is Love
    1. by Brenda Mohammed
  18. Love Hurts, so Why Would Anyone Read Romance?
    1. by Val Tobin
  19. The Meaning of Valentine
    1. by Millie Slavidou
  20. A Relic from Wordsworth's Garden
    1. by Catherine Kullmann
  21. A Special Celebration
    1. by Kate McGinn
  22. Heart Love
    1. by Heather Ramsay
  23. Love Generates Love
    1. by Ronesa Aveela
  24. Bestsellers & Hot New Releases
  25. Q & A with Sheree K. Nielsen
    1. Author of Midnight: The One-Eyed Cat
  26. The Little Labradoodle Coloring Page
    1. Provided by April M. Cox
  27. Mini Mystery: The Wireless Murder 
    1. by Hannah Howe
  28. Drewed
    1. by Cate Mckoy
  29. Brunsviger
    1.  Recipe by L.L. Thomsen
  30. February Crossword Puzzle
    1. by Mom's Favorite Reads
  31. Welsh Cakes (low sugar version)
    1. Recipe by Ceri Bladen
  32. Veggie Chilli
    1. Recipe by Anthony Randall
  33. Valentine's Berries & Cream Tarts
    1. Recipe by Christine Ardigo
  34. Microwave Low Carb Keto Bread
    1. Recipe by Dianne Wolfenden
  35. Low Carb Cream Cheese Pancakes
    1. Recipe by Dianne Wolfenden
  36. February Word Search
    1. by Mom's Favorite Reads
  37. After the Affair: Abbi's Story
    1. by Kirsten Nairn
  38. The Writer's Listening List
    1. by T.E. Hodden
  39. How Writing a Sex Scene can Make or Break Your Reading Pleasure
    1. by Christine Ardigo
  40. Iberian Memory
    1. by Stan Philips
  41. The Touch of Love
    1. by Stan Philips
  42. Vidocq – The First Detective
    1. by Hannah Howe
  43. The Goalkeeper's Love of the Penalty
    1. by Mansel Jones
  44. No Regrets
    1. by Cassandra DenHartog
  45. Horoscopes
    1. by Barbara Astrosis, February 2019
  46. Author Spotlight
    1. Anna Rashbrook
  47. Connections eMagazine
    1. by Melanie P. Smith & Rhoda D'Ettore
  48. Meet Our Designer
    1. Nicole Lavoie / Just Saying Dezigns

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## Landmarks

  1. Cover
  2. Table of Contents

