Author Interview ~ Sharlene MacLaren

After 31 years of teaching second and fourth grades, Shar decided to say, "Bye-bye, Students!" and "Hello, Writing World!" and it's been an interesting, exciting, challenging, and inspiring adventure. One thing she knows for certain—God dropped a seed of passion for writing in her heart back in the summer of 2000, and He's been growing it ever since. She signed on with Whitaker House Publishers in early 2006 and in December of that same year released Through Every Storm, a general fiction title that finaled in the American Christian Fiction Writers Book-of-the-Year. Another general fiction title, Long Journey Home, hit shelves in 2008. (It is her pleasure to announce that both of these titles are also available in SPANISH.)

Sharlene’s beloved, bestselling “Little Hickman Creek Series” released in 2007-08. This 3-book series set in 1895 KENTUCKY won the “Road to Romance” Reviewers’ Choice Award and a third place standing in the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest in 2008 and 2009. Also, in 2009, her historical series, “The Daughters of Jacob Kane”, began hitting bookshelves in stores countrywide. In late summer of 2010, Tender Vow, another general fiction stand-alone, will release, and following that, a 1920s 3-book set called “River of Hope”. The first in that series, River Song, should become available in the spring of 2011. Yep, you guessed it – Shar is BUSY!!!

Shar has done numerous book-signings across the country, appeared on many national television and radio shows, and participated in countless interviews. She has been married to the love of her life since December of 1975, has two wonderful daughters and two handsome sons-in-law. The joys of her life, however, are her adorable grandchildren. Besides her involvement in music at her local church, Shar has been a speaker for the local MOPS organization, is involved in KIDS’ HOPE, USA, a mentoring program for at-risk children, counsels young women in the international APPLES OF GOLD program, and attends two bi-weekly Bible studies. She and her darling husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan with Peyton, their loveable collie, and Mocha, their big, lazy cat.

When did you decide to be a writer?

I started writing at the ripe age of 51 back in the summer of 2000! So, not that long, actually. I had dabbled a little bit in fiction while in high school, but after college, marriage, raising kids, music, church responsibilities, etc., writing took a waaaaaay back seat. And then one day about 9 years ago, God awakened that seed of passion for writing He’d planted in my heart so many years before.

At what point did you stop juggling suggestions and critiques and trust yourself (as a writer)?

I have to say I still don’t trust myself completely. It goes without saying that God is my true source of strength, guidance, and wisdom. Of course, I welcome other writers’ critiques and listen with a keen ear to what my readers have to say, but for the most part I learned early on to go with my instincts, write what I felt deep in my heart—then wait for my wonderful editor to tell me where I went wrong. Ha!

Are you a disciplined writer or do you just write when you feel like it?

Did you say disciplined? Hmm. Well, I’m what you’d call a seat-of-the-pants writer, meaning often I don’t know from chapter to chapter what’s going to happen next or where my characters will take me. I have a fair idea, mind you, but I don’t outline my chapters or think far enough ahead to know what to expect. I attribute my SOTP style to my “undiagnosed ADD”. I become very easily distracted as I write and can think up a million other things to do right smack in the middle of a sentence. If I come upon the least little snag in my writing I’m off to check my email or get a snack. I tell you I’m terrible. Disciplined, did you say? Not really. I do manage to meet my deadlines though and, you guessed it, by the seat of my pants! As for a schedule? Thankfully, I’m a retired teacher, so home most of the time. I definitely try to write everyday, even weekends, but I don’t follow a specific timeframe.

What kind of activities to you like to do that help you relax and step away from your deadlines for a bit?

I love spending time with my precious husband, darling daughters and their husbands, and my adorable grandbabies. I also enjoy shopping, traveling, goofing off with girlfriends, trying new restaurants, going to GOOD movies, and relaxing in front of a cozy fireplace. In the summer, I love lounging by my pool and taking long walks with my dog.

What is your favorite novel and what made it special?

I think maybe the novel that most “has my heart” is the very first story God inspired me to write when He first planted that seed of passion to write. It’s titled Long Journey Home, but it didn’t publish for about 8 years after I wrote it. When my publisher asked for it, it was just like sending my firstborn child out the door to kindergarten! OH WAIT! IT JUST OCCURRED TO ME THAT YOU PROBABLY MEANT THE FAVORITE NOVEL I’VE EVER READ! (Duh!)

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Well, just in case you meant the former, I’ll keep that answer intact. All-time favorite novel? How do I answer that when there are so many? As a child, I loved The Yearling, as a high schooler, I loved the Nancy Drew Mysteries and anything by Victoria Holt, as a college student, I loved Christy, as an adult the one that most comes to mind right now is Francine Rivers’ Redeeming Love. Adored that book on so many levels.

How do you think reading the works of others helps you as a writer?

I am always deeply inspired by others’ writings, some more than others obviously just because we all have different opinions and tastes. I read so much fiction by so many wonderful authors before I set off on my own that I almost felt as if I’d taken a college course in “how to write a standout novel.” Reading other authors truly expands a writer’s knowledge and is a MUST if you want to stay current and fresh in your approach to fiction.

Tell us a little about your latest release:

Tender Vow is a heartwarming story about unexpected love amidst tragedy. All of my novels involve romance and most of them some measure of intrigue, mystery, or suspense. Tender Vow differs in that it’s a flat-out love story with tragedy at the forefront and God’s gentle grace the backdrop. If you enjoy a story of hope, healing, forgiveness, second chances, and renewal, then Tender Vow won’t disappoint.

Where did you get your inspiration for Tender Vow?

My mind is a constant flurry of ideas from day-to-day experiences, watching others, hearing people’s stories, and dreaming! Yes, dreaming. I’ve dreamt entire plots then awakend to quickly jot down the main points. I wrote Tender Vow many years ago, and have since revised it dozens of times, keeping the ‘bones’ of it the same but rewriting the better share of it. I am a true sucker for a good love story, and Tender Vow fills that need.

Which character is most like you?

I’m probably somewhat like the main character in Tender Vow, although I’d have to say all of my characters are a combination of many different personalities, traits, quirks, and habits. No two are ever alike, and most of them are nothing like me or anyone else I know.

Who is your favorite character and why?

As I said earlier, I’m a sucker for a good love story, but I’m also a sucker for the male heros in my books. I UTTERLY LOVE THEM BY THE END!

Did you know how Tender Vow would turn out? Were you surprised by any of the plot twists or characters?

I mentioned earlier that I’m a seat-of-the-pants writer, but in saying that I should have mentioned that I always have a clear beginning, middle, and end in my head. I do have the endings worked out ahead of time, just not the steps to how I’ll get there, so yes, I knew how Tender Vow would end. As for surprises, I don’t think I’ve written a book yet in which a character didn’t say or do something—or take me down a path I hadn’t expected to go—which wound up changing the direction of a particular scene or plot piece. I tell you, they can be such stinkers at times!

What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

My heartfelt, deepest prayer is that Christ will shine through my “feeble” words, that my readers will come to know Christ in a personal way. It’s a humbling thought that Christ would choose to use me in this way, but it’s my longing and desire. This is true for all my books, and Tender Vow is no exception.

What kinds of things have you done to market this book? Have you found anything that works particularly well?

I maintain a blog, stay active on Shoutlife, a wonderful, Christian online community that anyone can join, Facebook and try to keep my website current. I pay visits to my local libraries for book-talks, speak at local book clubs, and participate in author book-signings whenever possible. Aside from that, my publicist manages to keep me busy with media, both radio and TV, interviews. All these things help to give an author exposure and hopefully sell books, the ultimate aim.

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

Currently, I’m working on a new 3-book historical series that’ll begin releasing in early 2011. It’s titled “River of Hope”, and the setting is 1926-30, Wabash, Indiana. I’m now writing book one in the series, River Song. I think this series will enthrall anyone fascinated with the “Roaring 20s” era.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

Never allow those rejection letters to discourage you to the point of quitting. Okay, you can quit for a day or so, but then jump right back into it. If you have a strong urge to write, and you believe in your heart God gave you a passion for it, then chances are good you’ll publish someday. The trick is to keep plugging away. Honing your skill takes hours of hard work and study, not to mention attending conferences, reading in your genre, joining critique groups, and learning the industry. Pray, pray, pray. If God wants you published, it will happen, but bear in mind, it’s all about Him and His perfect timing.

My LINKS:

www.sharlenemaclaren.com
www.sharlenemaclaren.blogspot.com
www.shoutlife.com/sharlenemaclaren
www.facebook.com

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Sharlene is giving away a copy of her book Tender Vow. Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Friday for your chance to win!

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Corset Writing

I could have called this "Tight Writing" but the corset thing really was more fun, don't you think?

What is tight writing? Er, Corset Writing?

Okay, okay, tight writing shows when a writer can take an incident, no matter how small, then use that incident to mold the characters action or reaction later on.

For example. Your heroine wakes up to a beautiful morning. All is well until. . .she spills a bowl of cereal down the front of her silk suit. Now she is rushing to clean up the mess, change, and get to work on time.

Later, Mr. Right comes up to her as she is busily working on the computer. She's in no mood to melt into a puddle because the spill made her late for work and the boss noticed. So Mr. Right's conversation starter is shot down by heroine's terse responses. Then Mr. Right does something sweet. He makes a paper airplane and flies it into her cubicle with an invitation to lunch scrawled on the wing. Heroine's irritation begins to melt away. . .

Ahhhh. . .

Keep in mind, the longer the book, the harder it is to write tight. But every event should have some tie to the main event and show different aspects of your main character's personality.

Winners of last weeks contest: Bluerose AND Angie. Oh, and Lisa can have a book too. She is my fan club.

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Debut Author ~ Susan Sleeman

Susan grew up in a small Wisconsin town where she spent her summers reading Nancy Drew and developing a love of mystery and suspense books. Today, she channels this enthusiasm into hosting the popular internet website TheSuspenseZone.com and writing romantic suspense and mystery novels.

Much to her husband’s chagrin, Susan loves to look at everyday situations and turn them into murder and mayhem scenarios for future novels. If you’ve met Susan, she has probably figured out a plausible way to kill you and get away with it. Don’t worry, she’d never follow through on it.

Susan currently lives in Florida, but has had the pleasure of living in nine states. Her husband is a church music director and they have two beautiful daughters, a very special son-in-law and an adorable grandson. In her spare time, you can find her traveling to Oregon to visit her children and grandson, reading, gardening or working on TheSuspenseZone.com. To learn more about Susan, please visit her website, or follow on Twitter and Facebook.

When did you decide to be a writer?

The life long love of reading inspired me to want to write a book, but it was God who arranged free time for it to happen. I’ve always enjoyed writing from creative to technical writing I’ve done in the corporate world, and I said for years that I was going to write a book, but I was so busy working fulltime, raising children, and volunteering at church that I never made the time. Then in 2000, I began having health issues that limited my physical activity. Forced to sit for long periods of time, I started to research the craft of writing and began my first book.

As my health deteriorated, I had more and more time available and soon I was writing fulltime and actively pursuing publication. I continued to work on the craft and to submit books, got the requisite rejections and then in the fall of 2008 at the ACFW conference, I was awarded a book contract in front of 500 or so of my fellow writers. My agent, crit partners and the editor had conspired to keep this a secret from me for five months. Since then I have contracted additional books in the Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense line and look forward to writing for years to come.

How long did you write before you sold your first book?

I seriously wrote with the goal of becoming published for six years before I sold my first book.

Everyone’s journey to publication is different. Now that you’ve walked that road, what tips can you give to authors still hoping for that first contract?

There really are no shortcuts, but there are easier ways of getting there. The first thing is to attend writer’s conferences and if you can’t afford them, purchase the tapes that most conferences sell of the workshops. Read books on writing. Join critique groups. And most importantly be teachable and ready to learn from those who are willing to help you.

Was there something about the experience of getting published that was a surprise to you?

Absolutely. My big surprise came after I contracted my first book and within three months of receiving the contract, the publisher cancelled the line. So I learned even if you contract a novel with a well-respected publisher, that sometimes business decisions are made that change your contract. I am happy to report that Nipped in the Bud, the book I contracted now almost two years ago will release this October as a single title from Barbour Publishing.

Are you a disciplined writer or do you just write when you feel like it?

I used to write more when I felt like it, but deadlines now force me to be more disciplined. I currently set writing goals for every day and I write every day of the week. If the words aren’t flowing one day, I keep myself in front of the computer until they come or make up the time the next day.

What kind of activities do you like to do that help you relax and step away from your deadlines for a bit?

I love to read. Though as I writer I learn from reading other writer’s work, and some might see this as work, it is still a joy for me. Especially if it’s a book that I don’t need to review for TheSuspenseZone.com. I also love to spend time with my family watching TV or a movie, playing a game or just hanging out. When the weather is not brutally hot as it is now in Florida, I love to garden.

What is your favorite novel (not written by you) and what made it special?

Honestly, I don’t have a favorite novel. I do have favorite writers and when a new book releases by these writers I will get the books immediately. What they all have in common is an interesting and creative plot, characters who are well-developed and flawed with real life struggles, and I love as a writer to immerse myself in a book with really great prose.

How do you think reading the work of others helps you as a writer?

Reading books motivates me to write. If I get into a slump and can’t seem to fill the pages, I realize I have to put aside my work and read. It gets me excited about telling a story again and over the hurdles that made me put them aside. And also, when reading a book that I cannot put down, I analyze the book to discover why I like it and hopefully, I’m able to translate some of the skills that writer uses into some of my work.

Tell us a little about your latest release:

High-Stakes Inheritance is a romantic suspense book published by Steeple Hill’s Love Inspired Suspense line. In High-stakes Inheritance, family counselor Mia Blackburn’s Uncle Wally dies and leaves behind a will that requires her to return to Logan Lake, Oregon to live at the rustic Pinetree Resort for one full year in order to inherit the valuable property. If she fails to stay at Pinetree for the full year, the property reverts to her brother.

But on her first day in town she receives a threatening message: Leave Logan Lake or you will pay. Despite the warning, Mia won't let anyone scare her from the rustic resort. But when a fire traps her in a burning barn, she fears that she won't get out alive. Just in time her ex-boyfriend wilderness counselor Ryan Morgan rescues her from the deadly blaze. He had once broken her heart, yet she still has feelings for him. With Ryan insisting on keeping a close eye on her, Mia feels safer-and closer to Ryan than ever before. Yet the threats haven't stopped, and soon Mia's high-stakes inheritance includes a murder-and Mia could be the next victim.

Where did you get your inspiration for High-Stakes Inheritance?

This story came from watching a television reality television show called Brat Camp where troubled teens went into the wilderness to overcome obstacles in their lives. The show only stayed on one season, but as a psychology major in college, I found the program and student counselor interactions fascinating. So I researched wilderness counseling programs and the framework for High-Stakes Inheritance’s wilderness counseling theme came from there.

Which character is most like you?

Wow, that’s a hard question, but I’d say Mia is more like me than any of the characters. She is independent, determined, and likes to be in charge. She doesn’t like to give up, but perseveres in the face of a challenge. That would describe me pretty well. The one area we really differ is that she likes to control her life more than I do, but would have described me when I was younger. Now I lean more on God and less on myself.

Who is your favorite character and why?

My favorite character in this book is a bit player. Her name is Gladys and she’s a busybody in the small town of Logan Lake. She was such fun to write because she has no filter. What she thinks is what she says and she doesn’t care about the consequences. Of course, she can only get away with this behavior because she has a caring, generous heart and is willing to help others.

Did you know how High-Stakes Inheritance would turn out? Were you surprised by any of the plot twists or characters?

I knew how High-Stakes Inheritance would turn out as I plotted the book in advance. Writing suspense or mystery without pre-plotting can be a challenge because so many things have to happen in a certain order or the book isn’t suspenseful or it’s too easy for the reader to figure out the resolution too soon.

Still, characters surprise me along the way. Some demanding more time on stage than allotted in the synopsis. Others wanting starring roles in future books. I can’t share the biggest surprise in the book as it would be a plot spoiler and I’d never want to do that.

What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

As in all of my books, the main reason I write is to convey a spiritual message in an entertaining format. So I hope readers remember that you can never go wrong by trusting in God. Wow, that’s so easy to say, yet so hard to do when faced with life-altering challenges like Mia and Ryan experience in the book. I’ve been there more times than I care to count. When worry and the urge to take control overpower my trust in God. And that’s why I chose to write this book. To share through Mia and Ryan that no matter the problem, when we trust in the Lord and don’t try to take things into our own hands, He has a far richer and more rewarding life planned for us than we could ever dream on our own.

What kinds of things have you done to market this book? Have you found anything that works particularly well?

I am doing the basic things that many authors do like appearing on blogs, Tweeting, posting on Facebook, and other social networking things. How well these will market the book remains to be seen. I do have a great mailing list of suspense lovers and a website I started four years ago. TheSuspenseZone.com is devoted to Christian suspense books and authors so I have a ready-made audience for my books. I will be giving away a large number of books at the site in September and October, so stop by and win a copy. Also for the cozy mystery, Nipped in the Bud, I have partnered with the authors who have the first six books released in the line and we will be doing a blog tour together. I have created a website, http://www.hometownmysteries.com/ to give readers basic information about all of the books and authors.

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

I have contracted another romantic suspense book with Steeple Hill, Behind the Badge to release in early 2011 and am busy working on the edits for this book. This is book two of a three book series featuring the Morgan brothers, Ryan, Russ, and Reid. I have started book three in the series featuring the third brother, ex-FBI agent Reid Morgan, and hope it too will release in 2011.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

If you are called to write, persevere and realize though writing is a creative endeavor, it is also a craft that has to be learned to do it well. So keep on working and your dream can come true.

Thanks so much for stopping by, Susan!

Fans kind find Susan on the web at any of these locations:

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/susansleeman
Facebook Friends: http://www.facebook.com/susan.sleeman
Facebook Fans: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Susan-Sleeman-Books/124844037537711
Love Inspired Authors: http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com/

Also, be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Thursday for an excerpt from High-Stakes Inheritance by Susan Sleeman.

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Sunday Devotional

Dachshunds are bred hunters, but Max has never had to “hunt” for food a day in his life. Every morning, he heads to his food bowl where he knows he’ll find plenty of sustenance to carry him through the day. I doubt he worries whether or not the food will be there every morning. He assumes that it will, and believe me, he let’s me know if there wasn’t enough. He comes to my side, stares up at my face, and waits patiently until I get the idea: “Feed me. I’m hungry.” And of course, I do, because he’s depending on me.

God is so much more careful than I am. Not once has He forgotten to provide for one of His servants, so why do I worry about whether or not He’ll give me everything I need to take care of my family? Is it that I have not fully learned to trust Him? Is it that I do not believe He could love me enough to take care of me from day to day?

Unfortunately, I think it’s a combination of both, and no matter how many times I tell myself that God loves me, sin and all, I’m still afraid that one day, God will decide I’m not worthy of His love and watch care.

And therein lies my problem.

You see it’s not my worthiness that determines whether or not God will provide for me…it’s God’s character, His nature, His faithfulness. And I’m so glad.

Matthew 6:25-34 (New International Version)

Do Not Worry

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

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Winners!!

It's always so much fun to give away great books!! Congratulations to this week's lucky winners:

GBWILDFLOWER - The Perfect Blend by Trish Perry
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runner10 – A Riverwalk Christmas by Lynette Sowell
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Winners of this week's books, please use the button in the upper right side of this page to email me with your mailing address so I can forward your information to the authors. Then, sit back and wait for your book to arrive.

Thank you all so much for stopping by The Borrowed Book and thank you, Lynette Sowell and Trish Perry, for your generosity in providing books!

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Weekly Drawing

Entering our weekly drawing is easy:

1. Leave a comment on Fridays or...

2. Sign up to follow The Borrowed Book. Followers will automatically be entered for a chance to win that week's drawing!

This week, The Borrowed Book is giving away two great books:


The Perfect Blend by Trish Perry ~ Steph Vandergrift is in need of a job. She left everything behind to elope with Middleburg attorney Rick Manfred, never imagining he would stand her up at the altar. Now, hoping just to get by until she can decide what to do next, Steph thinks she’s found the perfect position at the local tea shop.

Kendall James, one of the kindest and most eligible bachelors in the area, meets Steph and proceeds to pursue her. But by the time Steph feels able to consider dating again, her runaway fiancé returns and tries to win her back. Steph is wary, but she and Rick always seemed to blend so well. Are they truly meant to be together, or does God have something else in mind?

A Riverwalk Christmas by Lynette Sowell ~ A vivid setting, rich in cultural history, Christmastime along the San Antonio Riverwalk is a delightful setting for four modern romances. Ecko finally meets the right kind of guy, but can he trust her motives? Valerie hires an old flame to revive her business, but will he stick around? Gabriela has a chance to forgive and find love, but can she? Sienna’s job brings her the chance of a lifetime, but will her rowdy family spoil it?

Winners will be announced on Saturday, 09/04/10.

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Reader Excerpt ~ A Riverwalk Christmas by Lynette Sowell

EXCERPT:

Miguel Rivera took a long sip of sweet horchata. He never tired of the taste of milk, sweetened rice, and cinnamon blended together with ice. His mama used to make it the same way, and he’d hover around the kitchen while she mixed up the beverage.

He tried to contain his excitement, feeling almost like a kid again. Getting the contract for the Hernandez’s kitchen remodel would help Rivera Remodeling end the year in the black, if barely. For his first year in business, not bad. Not at all. He was surprised when Tommy’s father approached him the other night at church.

“Señor Rivera,” Juan Hernandez had spoken as if to a business equal, “I understand you do kitchens.”

And so after a few minutes of conversation, they agreed to meet for lunch today to talk more about the project, or so he hoped. He needed one more project for the year. Pablo, his friend and fellow contractor, told him business usually screeched to a halt from November through January.

Miguel perused the menu and ordered the special, beef fajitas, knowing whatever he ate at La Cocina would be delicious.

Gaby was working today back in the kitchen. He’d glimpsed her once at the pass-through window, her serious face focused completely on the food going out on trays to customers. A strict planner like her father, but with a warm side like her mama. Maybe she still had that warm side, but he hadn’t seen it in a long time, and since his return to the fold, she seemed to steer clear of this formerly lost sheep as. Not that he blamed her.

“You’ve ordered?” Señor Hernandez took the seat across from him. He placed a manila folder on the table between them.

“Yes, the special.”

“It’s on the house, as they say.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I insist.”

“Okay. Well, what do you have in mind for your kitchen? Give me your ideas, and I’ll give you an estimate. Of course, it depends on the materials you want for cabinets, countertops, sink, and floor, and if you want to use the appliances you have now or buy new ones. And your budget.”

“Ah, I see. And my Rita isn’t here. She knows what she wants. But I can tell you the floor plan, where our appliances are.” Mr. Hernandez scratched his chin and frowned.

Miguel opened the portfolio on the table and showed him the graph paper with small cutout pieces to arrange and form kitchen layouts. “Show me the layout. I’ll need to go by your house and take measurements.”

“Sí, sí, of course you will.” Mr. Hernandez looked intently at him for a moment, and Miguel fought the urge to swallow the lump in his throat. Maybe he was changing his mind about the whole idea.

His waitress, a blond, glided past, steam rising from her tray, and the scent of peppers and tomatoes and melted cheese drifted in their direction. Miguel’s mouth watered. The donut he’d inhaled at six that morning had disappeared long ago.

Mr. Hernandez slapped the table with both palms and made the silverware jump. Miguel almost jumped, too. “I have it, I have it. You come for supper tonight. Rita has cooked something. There’s always enough. Like the old days.”

Miguel tried not to exhale his pent-up breath. Only a few diners glanced in their direction. The piped-in mariachi music featured a great drum solo at the moment. At first he sensed Gaby’s father was going to change his mind about hiring him. But he wasn’t expecting an invitation to supper at the Hernandez’s home. “Like the old days, the good ones.”

Mr. Hernandez nodded. “The good ones. Miguel, a man can make mistakes, bad ones that he does not think he can untangle himself from. But when the day comes and he travels a new path, he will look for the old path and see only weeds growing over what once was his favorite walkway. Do you understand?” Again, he gave the intent look, his dark brown eyes nearly black.

“Sí, Señor Hernandez. I understand that very well now. My old path is definitely overgrown.” And thorns might emerge from the weeds and try to track him down. But he didn’t say this to Gaby’s father.
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Lynette is giving away a copy of her book A Riverwalk Christmas. Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Friday for your chance to win!

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