For Authors For Bloggers Beck Valley Books is an influential book review site and book tour host - Book Reviewer Yellow Pages A dream to work with, professional, helpful beyond measure plus working with her is one of the best things I've done to promote my eBook - author Lisa Consiglio Ryan I love working with you - you're kind, encouraging and effective! Thanks for all you do for all of us authors! - author Kaira Rouda I knew I had met someone who would handle my books like they were her own. Truly a pleasure doing business with you! - author Melissa Foster Your service and perseverance to assure that the tour ran smoothly enabled its success. I cannot express my appreciation enough - author Joyce Strand Amazingly organized, efficient and stays on top of the details. Her professionalism is outstanding, communication skills unparalleled and she's even rather adept at hand-holding when it is necessary - author Barbara Boswell Brunner Thanks so much to you and all of your wonderful reviewers! I've had phenomenal success from this blog tour - author Delia Colvin

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Guest Post - Layers of Abundance by author of Abundance Triggers, Kanta Bosniak

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Layers of Abundance! by Kanta Bosniak

I’m happy and excited with this Blog tour because it deals with the Abundance Triggers experience in a more complete way, as a kind of "kit”: the book, guided imagery, and coloring book all together. It’s the whole interactive experience that I intended it to be. Using the book, guided imagery and coloring book, you get to delve into self-discovery through layered engagements.

We make the best shifts when we receive new material in multiple modalities and especially good shifts when guided imagery is one of them. That's why I usually publish an audio to complement each of my books. When you have an opportunity to become deeply relaxed, focus on positive ideas, and open to inner guidance, amazing things can happen. This is because the positive thoughts need to go deeper than the intellectual level. In addition, in deeply meditative states we can more easily benefit from the immense dynamic power that occurs when our planning mind rests and our imaginative mind and wise mind go to work together on our behalf. 

Almost all my books, the workshops that I facilitate, and the one-on-one work I do with individual clients incorporates creativity in the spiritual growth process. When they are intended to be so, creative activities like creative journaling, poetry-writing, drawing and doodle art, can be forms of self-hypnosis or meditation. They can take you right into your center of peace and wisdom and keep you engaged there long enough to really anchor the material.

“What is ‘the material?’” you ask? How to do what we all want to do and what most people haven’t the foggiest clue about. How to be happy. We all want to be happy. And more and more people are beginning to understand that happy is the launchpad for success in conscious creation. But relatively few actually know how. What’s “normal” for most people is a vague feeling there that’s something more to life, which they temporarily quell with substance use, acquisition, frenetic activity and over-engagement with work and media. There is more to life, and by using easy techniques to habituate yourself to happiness, you can allow yourself a more fulfilling “new normal.”

I call these techniques and tools, “abundance triggers” because they move our focus from fear and lack to happiness and abundance.  Think of them as “happy buttons.” They may include sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, memory, visualization, story reframes, interpersonal, creative activity and more. With the book you can build a toolbox of easy and immediate state-shifters. Using the creative journaling exercises in the book, you can even create your own state-shifters, ones that are that are personalized and specific to you.

With the guided imagery, you can go deeper in accessing personalized images, symbols and words that inspire you and help you stay on track. With the coloring book, you can further anchor the new resources and express your creativity. I encourage you to draw and play outside the lines, jot notes, write haikus and affirmations, and above all, have fun! 

Abundance Triggers

We understand how happiness can attract prosperity and abundance in our lives but how easy is it to be purely 'happy'?  Where is the 'Happy Button'?  There must be tools.  And so, there are. I call them ”abundance triggers.” Learn how to put yourself in abundance consciousness instantly and consistently, making happiness your "new normal" and co-creating the life of your dreams! 

With over 40 years experience an educator in Spiritual Growth and Guided Meditation, author Kanta Bosniak has made a lifetime study of how to shift negative thoughts and the emotions they produce to those good feelings, which boost energy and attract wonderful experiences. Kanta uses them herself, and as part of her coaching and guided imagery work, she helps clients access and use their own personalized triggers.

You can access your own “abundance triggers,” learn to shift your state at will, dissolve lack thinking at its roots and co-create ”miracles” on a regular basis!

Buy the book from.....

Also Available
Abundance Triggers; A Journey of Self Discovery Audible Audiobook - available September 

This Guided Imagery audible audiobook is designed to gently lead you into a state of relaxation so that you may access your personal Abundance Triggers, the inner archetypal symbols that will be most helpful for you to use as reminders to stay on track for success.

Abundance Triggers Coloring Book 
The Abundance Triggers Coloring Book
Nurture your spirit with hands-on creativity that triggers your Divine abundance! This coloring book for teens and adults includes whimsical new drawings and illustrations from mind/body/spirit books of author/artist Kanta Bosniak. It's a great complement to her book "Abundance Triggers," a how-to for shifting your state to prosperity consciousness. 

About the Author
Kanta Bosniak is an author, artist, coach and interfaith minister with over 40 years experience an educator in Spiritual Growth and Guided Meditation. She illustrates her publications with playful drawings and vibrant, color-rich cover art, so that readers and CD listeners can enjoy owning her work.

As your personal collection grows, you may be interested to know that you're in good company! Collectors of Kanta's art include a Nobel Prize Winner, an Emmy-winning producer, a popular television actress, several authors, a U.S. National champion athlete and people of all walks of life.

Kanta lives in Southwestern Virginia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where she has a private practice of coaching and Guided Imagery. She is available for appointments both in person and by telephone and Skype. She is a frequent speaker at New Thought churches, universities and Holistic Education centers and conferences throughout the US. She is listed in Who's Who of American Women.

Follow the Author

Follow our Book Tour and Giveaway 
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Sharon x

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Last Day by Richard La Plante plus $50 iTunes Gift Card Giveaway

Last Day

by Richard LaPlante
Charlie Wolf is an undercover cop assigned to infiltrate the Sons of Fire motorcycle club, suspected of manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine up and down the East Coast. Charlie’s been undercover for a long time—long enough to have broken the two cardinal rules of his work. He’s forged a strong friendship with Ray Sasso, president of the Sons of Fire. And he’s become addicted to meth. A near-fatal mistake during the attempted bust by the cops leaves a bullet lodged in the right temporal lobe of Charlie’s brain. Operating to remove it would likely kill Charlie. Living with it will change him forever. Two men linked by a tangle of lies and twisted loyalties. Two men who could not be more different—or more the same. When they meet again, for one of them it will be the Last Day.

Buy Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Escargot Books

About the Author
Richard LaPlante is the author of the popular Fogarty-Tanaka series of crime fiction novels as well as three memoirs. Last Day is his first paranormal thriller and explores his longtime interest in human consciousness and the Near Death Experience. A musician and lifelong student of martial arts, Richard lives with his two sons in the sunny mountains of Ojai, CA and is a founding director of an independent publishing company, Escargot Books, where he blogs regularly. Currently, Richard is also working on Hog Fever, an Ear Movie — a movie without pictures — based upon his motorcycle memoir Hog Fever and starring Academy Award nominee Terence Stamp, produced by Grammy award winner Greg Penny and directed by British rock icon Kevin Godley.

website - http://richardlaplantebooks.com
facebook - https://www.facebook.com/richard.laplante.1428
twitter - https://twitter.com/richlaplante

Follow the Book Tour

The author is giving away a $50 iTunes card. Fill out the form to Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway -- Sharon x

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http://www.beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com

Winners of the Along The Watchtower / There Comes a Prophet giveaway are........


Watchtower Tour Badge

The random commenter award of $100 goes to Myrbella, who commented on Life on the Leading Edge.

The Rafflecopter awards (two $50 gift cards) go to: Ashlee Cowles and Darci Paice-Bailey. Woot!

The "True Heroes" contest winners are:
  • Grand Prize for Most Touching (Kindle Fire): MCV Egan (comment #36)
  • Runner-up for Most Touching ($100 Amazon Gift Card): Lisa (comment #4)
  • Autographed Copy of Along the Watchtower: Nancy (comment #2)
  • Autographed Copy of There Comes a Prophet: Jennifer Mathis (comment #37)




Sharon x

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http://www.beckvalleybooks.co.uk 
http://www.beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Win $100 Kohls Gift Card from GiftCardRescue.com

Beck Valley Books is happy to join Adventures of 8 and Blog with Mom in a new Advertise with Bloggers Event!

  GiftCardRescue_logo_newTagline_forCarrieGmail 

How many gift cards do you have sitting around? Do you have gift cards to stores or restaurants that you either don't visit often or are not near you? Well, stop letting that money just sit around, instead go to GiftCardRescue.com and turn that unwanted gift card into cash or into the gift card that you could use! Cool, right? GiftCardRescue.com’s mission is to assist you in getting something from your cards. The company buys gift cards from those who don’t want them and sells them to those who would use them. You have two options, you can sell your gift cards and get up to 90% cash back or you can save from 4% up to 30% on discounted gift cards to over 350 national merchants. Plus, GiftCardRescue.com guarantees that all transactions are backed by the best customer support team in the industry.

  Gift card rescue

Take a look, Yankee Candles are 15% off that certainly caught my eye. Want to see what YOU could get for your unwanted gift cards or to see how much it would be for that gift card that you do want? Go visit GiftCardRescue.com NOW!

Giveaway Time!

Kohls GC

One lucky reader will win a $100.00 Kohls Gift Card from GiftCardRescue.com!
Giveaway Details -
  • This giveaway will run from 7/29 - 8/18
  • Is opened to entrants 18 years of age and older and are located in the US
  • All entries must be in the entry form and will be verified
  • To see full disclosures, see the disclosures at the bottom of the entry form

⇩⇩⇩⇩⇩Enter in the entry form below ⇩⇩⇩⇩⇩



**DISCLOSURE** Beck Valley Books is acting as an advertisement for the Sponsor and is not responsible for prize. This event is brought to you by Blog with Mom and Adventures of 8 through Advertise with Bloggers! If you are interested in sponsoring an event like this, please contact Advertise with Bloggers.

Sharon x

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http://www.beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com

Monday, July 29, 2013

Winner of the Guiamo $50 Amazon / Paypal Giftcard Giveaway is.......

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Winner of the $50 Amazon / Paypal Giftcard

is

Victoria C

Congratulations!!!


Special thanks to our author, Marshall Best, for this fabulous prize xx


You can buy all the books from The Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo by Marshall Best below, enjoy!!
 
amazon.co.uk           amazon.com

Sharon x

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SIGNED BOOK Giveaway - Win the first 4 books from The Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo

Ready to win the first 4 books of The Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo??

ALL SIGNED  !!

Then pop on over to the author's website and enter to win !!


Good Luck xx


A historical fantasy series which starts in 60 B.C. and spans hundreds of years covering many of the historical legends, myths, battles and people of England, Scotland and Ireland. It is the story of young Guiamo Durmius Stolo, abandoned at the age of 10. Through the kindness and wisdom of others, his inventive and courageous spirit and a gift from the god Mars, Guiamo will change the world.

Guiamo Book One - In 60 B.C., ten-year-old
Guiamo Durmius Stolo, an exceptionally gifted Roman orphan, is abandoned in Gaul . Left to fend for himself, Guiamo is set onto a path of legend. Recognized by the gods as having world-changing talents, he is given a weapon that changes his destiny and the world's forever. 

Combining legitimate legends with actual historical events, Marshall Best weaves an epic story that portrays the ancient world as it might have been, a world which the ancient historians recorded as fact; a time when gods ruled the earth and strange creatures dominated the land. It is the era of civilized conquerors exploring distant and primitive new lands. Scant recordings left to us today by ancient writers only touch on the fringe of the fantastic and brutal reality that existed in those distant lands of the west. Into this age, young Guiamo enters the world stage as the great game-changer, and by his hand the gods and beasts become destined to disappear into myth and legend 


Other books in the Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo 
Click to order The Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo
Guiamo Durmius Stolo sails in 55 B.C. with Rome's 7th Legion as Julius Caesar invades Britain. But Caesar has not before encountered the Fomori, a dominion of wicked creatures which wage war against the human inhabitants and dominate much of Britain. Armed with his god-made spear, Guiamo joins with the tribal kings against their Fomori foe when Caesar departs.

Having destroyed the Fomori in Britain , Guiamo Durmius Stolo decides in 51 B.C. to bring the Cruthin people, once slaves to the Fomori, to Ireland , but encounters the Fomori who reside there as well. Guiamo discovers that the gods venerated by the Druids are unworthy. The gods are displeased with him and begin to work against him. 

In 50 B.C. Guiamo Durmius Stolo finds himself victor over the detested Fomori whose leader, Cichol, is slain and those few who survived are scattered. Guiamo explores the secret places where Cichol kept his most important secrets and discovers there the treasures of Cichol's master, the goddess Domnu. 



 
amazon.co.uk           amazon.com


Sharon x

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http://www.beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Eternal Summer - A Collection of Short Stories

Eternal Summer - A Collection of Short Stories

Eternal Summer is a collection of eight paranormal short stories. Participating authors include: Olivia Hardin, C.G. Powell, Mandie Stevens, Liz Schulte, Lola James, Tawdra Kandle, Stephanie Nelson and Melissa Lummis.

Purchase on Amazon / Barnes and Noble


List of stories 

One Bite Paradise by Olivia Hardin - author of the Bend-Bite-Shift trilogy
Jill’s wish gave Doc a new chance at life – literally. Almost a decade of years have passed since Jill watched her lover get killed and now that time is like a chasm between them. Can they learn how to make One Bite of Paradise become an eternity?

Cat Napped by C.G. Powell - author of the Terra Stellar series
Tempers fly, when Sarik makes last minute changes to Jael’s and his vacation plans. How far will he go to get back in her good graces?

Eternally Yours by Mandie Stevens - author of Eva and Thomas series
Eva and Thomas are bound by magic and are getting on each others' nerves. Eva is ready for a vacation, but when someone from Thomas' past is in trouble, her holiday comes second to saving a soul from Hell.

Dark Remnants by Liz Schulte - author of the Guardian trilogy, the Easy Bake Coven series and the Ella Reynolds series.
Ella Reynolds and vacations do not mix—but she is willing to give it a try for Gabriel. However, when she stumbles across the ghost of a young woman who needs her help, all thoughts of fun and relaxation vanish from her mind. Can Ella solve this mystery before her vacation ends or will the spirit be trapped in an infinite loop forever?

Bound by Fate by Lola James - Author of the Spellbound series
Ben thought his trip to New York would be just like any other -- find two random people, nurture their love, and leave before his presence is detected. But when he runs into someone from his past, business as usual becomes complicated.The worlds of the Spellbound Series and the Fate Trilogy blend in Bound By Fate.

Stardust on the Sea by Tawdra Kandle - Author of the King series
Cathryn Whitmore does not want a vacation, not even in beautiful Cape May. But when she encounters a hot college professor at a bed and breakfast with a ghostly mystery, she just may change her mind.

Cursed Cove by Stephanie Nelson - Author of the Gwen Sparks and Anna Avery series
Gwen and Dorian head to Hawaii, but not for fruity drinks or sunbathing. A string of murders taint what the locals are calling Cursed Cove. Haunted by the infamous Captain Clarke, Gwen and Dorian must figure out how to rid the beach of the demonic ghost before more locals lose their lives.

Daylight Come by Melissa Lummis - Author of the Love and Light series
Some fun in the sun was just what Loti needed, but from the moment she and Wolf arrive at the not- so-quaint hotel, they know something's off about the place. Cockroaches, dirty linens and an unkempt room turn out to be the least of their worries. An evil spirit haunts the beach front resort and it has no intentions of letting them check out until it gets what it wants. Can they solve the mystery before daylight comes?

Sharon x

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http://www.beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com

Saturday, July 27, 2013

#UK #BassBuds - The NEW Exclusive In-Earphone taking the celebrity world by storm! The Sound of Fashion PLUS UK Giveaway !!

The NEW Exclusive In-Earphone taking the celebrity world by storm! 

Spot the Bassbuds!!


With the Largest colour range in the world & Advanced Crystaltronics sound Technology, BassBuds truly are The Sound of Fashion!  BassBuds encompasses the foundation of a premium sound experience. Through finely tuned intonation, BassBuds has defined the way bass, vocals and highs should sound.

Bringing you ultra distortion free bass and crisp treble. Experience the superior sound quality of High Definition crystal clear Advanced Crystaltronics Sound Technology through your Bassbuds.

Hear your music without any external interference. Listen to your favourite songs and experience them like you have never done before! Enhanced entertainment, advanced Crystaltronics sound technology is the NEW sound of 2012. With the new built-in high spec Mic/MP3 Controller, you can get an unforgettable listening experience.

With the added convenience of being able to have easy and simple control over of your music and hands-free calling. You'll enjoy quick-access to answering/ending your calls, play/pause your MP3 player, skip forward and back through your music and even interact with voice control commands. All without ever needing to access your phone or dig through your pockets for your MP3 player.

Highlights

  • Deep, rich bass tones
  • Lightweight aluminium construction
  • Control music playback
  • Answer and end calls
  • Luxury gift box
  • FREE accessories bundle

What's in the Box

  • BassBuds in-ear headphones with handsfree mic and MP3 controller
  • Soft storage and travel bag
  • 6 pairs of silicone tips
  • 3 pairs of memory foam tips

Compatibility Information

  • The mic is supported by all smartphones.
  • The MP3 controller is supported by all smartphones (some Android smart phones may not support all functions).

UK do you want a Sneak Preview and a chance to win ??

You now have the unique opportunity to be one of the first in the UK to be a part of the EXCLUSIVE BassBuds VIP Inner Circle / PREVIEW the Bassbuds Site and a chance to win a fabulous giveaway. 

Limited Time Only!!

Prizes

BassBuds Free Prize Draw in association with Choice FM where you can win some of these AMAZING PRIZES!
  • £1,000 CASH
  • £500 Harvey Nichols shopping experience.
  • Super Car Experience
  • iPad Mini
  • 2 Tickets to a Luxury Cinema
  • Limited Edition Fashion Collection Collectors Box
  • BassBuds Fashion Forward Bundle 7 x BassBuds (one for every day for the week)
  • BassBoomz Portable Bluetooth Speakers
  • and more...
click here to ENTER TO WIN & GOOD LUCK !!

Sharon x

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http://www.beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com

Friday, July 26, 2013

MVM Giveaway Linkup Time !!

Welcome to the best Giveaway Linkup on the web hosted by Moms with Voices Media! This is a great place to list and find giveaways hosted all around the blogosphere by some great bloggers.

  • List your giveaways below.
  • Hop over and enter 1 or 2 (or all) of the giveaways! If you're the lucky winner, we'd love to hear!

For more giveaways, sweeps and contests, check out our Giveaway Group on Facebook.



Join our facebook group
Sunday is Quote Day

"From time to time our blog receives books, products or services to review in exchange for our thoughts posted on our blog and social media sites.  As always our reviews contain what we truly believe in the books, products or services and what we pass on to you is completely genuine."

Sharon x

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http://www.beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com

Thursday, July 25, 2013

#What is Bassbuds? BassBuds & Choice FM Amazing Prize Draw - Win upto £1000 CASH or £500 Harvey Nichols Experience plus many other prizes !!

You now have the unique opportunity to be one of the first in the UK to be a part of the EXCLUSIVE BassBuds VIP Inner Circle and a chance to win a fabulous giveaway.
Limited Time Only!!

Prizes

BassBuds Free Prize Draw in association with Choice FM where you can win some of these AMAZING PRIZES!
  • £1,000 CASH
  • £500 Harvey Nichols shopping experience.
  • Super Car Experience
  • iPad Mini
  • 2 Tickets to a Luxury Cinema
  • Limited Edition Fashion Collection Collectors Box
  • BassBuds Fashion Forward Bundle 7 x BassBuds (one for every day for the week)
  • BassBoomz Portable Bluetooth Speakers
  • and more...
click here to ENTER TO WIN & GOOD LUCK !!

The NEW Exclusive In-Earphone taking the celebrity world by storm! With the Largest colour range in the world &Advanced Crystaltronics sound Technology, BassBuds truly are The Sound of Fashion! 

Spot the Bassbuds!!


Sharon x

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http://www.beckvalleybooks.co.uk 
http://www.beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com

Book Excerpt Along The Watchtower by David Litwack plus SIGNED BOOKS / $50 Amazon Giftcard Giveaway

Watchtower Tour BadgeAs part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, both Along the Watchtower and There Comes a Prophet by David Litwack are on sale this week.

What’s more, by purchasing either or both of these fantastic books at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes. The prizes include a Kindle Fire, $650 in Amazon gift cards, and 5 autographed copies of each book. All the info you need to win one of these amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE.

Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment--easy to enter; easy to win!

To win the prizes:
  1. Pick up Along the Watchtower at its discounted price of $2.99 on Amazon
  2. Get There Comes a Prophet at its discounted price of 99 cents
  3. Enter the Rafflecopter contest below
  4. Visit the featured social media events
  5. Leave a comment on my blog for a chance at a $100 prize.
Along the Watchtower tells of a tragic warrior lost in two worlds; a woman who may be his only way back from Hell.

Get it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or iTunes.


There Comes a Prophet A thousand years ago the Darkness came—a time of violence and social collapse. Nathaniel has grown up in their world of limits, longing for something more. For what are we without dreams?

Get it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or iTunes.


David Litwack, the once and future writer, explores the blurry line between reality and the

Visit David on his website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.






Please enjoy this gripping excerpt from Along the Watchtower by David Litwack. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including a Kindle Fire, $650 in Amazon gift cards, and 5 autographed copies of each book.  

Becky

On the ground floor, the center of the hospital opened into a small courtyard, an insecure space with too many places for insurgents to hide. I took a quick breath and tensed.

“Wait up, Ralph.”

“It’s okay, Freddie. You’re safe here.”

“Give me a minute. It’s my first time out.”

I surveyed the perimeter. A few benches. A flower garden dominated by hydrangeas, but not like the softball-sized blossoms my mom used to grow. These were small and paler than the Cape Cod variety, which were a blue that could compete with the sky.

At once, I could see my mom, hands buried in the hydrangeas, grooming her flowers—one of the few memories I could bear to recall. Me and my brothers in the driveway shooting hoops. Mom telling us to keep the ball out of her garden. She was happy then, surrounded by her family, her garden, and the ocean.

I looked past the hydrangeas to find purple asters and some lilies too. But no roses. For some reason, I’d been hoping for roses.

Despite the nice day, the courtyard was deserted, except for a woman about my age who sat on a wooden bench, finishing up a brown-bag lunch. Her eyes were closed and her head tipped back to take in the sun, making her appear to be dreaming. Sitting alone on the bench, her face seemed framed by flowers.

When she heard us coming, she sat up, straightened her scrubs, and smiled.

“Hey, Ralph. What do you have there? Another victim for me?”

“Becky,” Ralph said. “What’s up? This is Freddie, Lt. Williams, our newest patient. We’re trying to bring him back from the dead. Freddie, meet Becky Marshall, one of our physical therapists.”

I nodded a greeting to her, not much in the mood for small talk. She tilted her head to one side as if evaluating me. Then she gave me the kind of look that said we’d met before, if not in this world than in another, and that she intended to make a difference in my life.

“Is he ready for me?”

“Soon. If he’s assigned to you.”

My attention was drawn to a soda can on the bench next to her. I’d seen too many IEDs in soda cans.

She caught me fixating on it and grinned.

“Just my diet Pepsi, Freddie. See?”

She chugged what was left and tossed the can into a nearby trash basket. Then she crumpled the bag into a ball and to show off, stepped off exactly five paces and shot the bag into the basket in a perfect arc.

“Nice shot,” I said.

“I make that shot every time.”

“Yeah, right.”

She came close enough that our knees were almost touching and hovered over me, sizing me up.

“You’ll be mine,” she said finally. “I can tell. I get all the hard cases.”

As she walked away, light on her feet like a dancer, I fumbled for the wheel of the chair, trying to spin it around so I could watch her go. But Ralph had set the brake.  

The Gardener

The white butterfly fluttered before her face. When she saw it, she reached out a hand and at once it landed on the curve of her wrist.

“Now there’s a fine omen for you,” she said. “Light knows we need one these days.” She whispered some words and the butterfly flew off across the courtyard and out over the castle wall.

A fine omen? Perhaps. But I’d learned to be wary. I stepped forward, scuffling my boots to make noise. She ignored my presence. Not until I was a pace away did she turn.

 It was hard to say if she was beautiful or even pretty. Soil from the garden had splattered her cheeks and marked her forehead with a splotch that looked like a raven. A muddied apron hid her shape. But I took note of a glint in her gray-green eyes, as if the flowers had conspired to lend their color. And her mouth was a crescent moon upturned on its side.

The corners of the crescent twitched when she saw me but only for an instant. Then she went back to her work as if I were invisible. Her hands cradled each bloom as she sliced off the heads with a small knife.

 “Are you spirit or demon?” I demanded.

She made no answer.

I drew my sword, relieved it slipped so easily from its scabbard, and stretched it in her direction. She watched the point from the corner of her eye but kept her head down and continued to work. Finally, I nudged her with the tip.

She let out a yelp. Only then did I realize I’d thrust too hard, and the blade had slit her garment. I backed off at once, ready to apologize, but then recalled my encounter with the assassin. I poked again, more gently this time.

“Why do you keep doing that?” she said.

“To see if you’re real.” She stood and faced me, feet set wide and planted squarely on the ground. “Why shouldn’t I be real?”

She was tall for a girl, her head rising above my chin, and had a bearing unlike a servant. When I continued to challenge her, she reached out and eased the point of my sword to one side.

“Would you put that silly thing away?”

I began to back off, then remembered the circumstance and held firm. “Why didn’t you say anything when I first approached you?”

"Because we servants aren’t supposed to talk to you royals.” She lowered her gaze and turned back to the flowers. “I’m sorry . . . Milord.”

“What’s your name?”

“Rebecca.”

“Rebecca. My name is Frederick.”

She paled and then bent in a deep curtsy, her brashness collapsing into two whispered words. “The dauphin.” . . .

I wandered in a circle, hands folded behind my back, and inspected the flowers, unsure of what else to say. Then a thought occurred to me.

“Do you have roses in this garden?”

 “No roses, Milord. I have asters and hydrangeas. Some fall crocus. And climbing the wall to the watchtower, sweet autumn clematis. A bit of monkshood underneath and tulips in the spring. But no roses.”

I must have looked disappointed. She came closer and reached out, but not enough to touch me.

“It must be lonely, Milord, a terrible burden. Every morning as I walk from my village to the gardens, I see the darkening clouds and wonder where my strength will come from. Then I remember. The dauphin will protect us. Save Him Oh Goddess, I pray. If only I could do something to help.”

I mumbled a thank you and turned to go, but stopped when I saw her examining her damaged apron. “Are you here every day?”

“No, Milord, I have other gardens as well.”

“Come tomorrow, and I’ll bring you a new apron to replace the one I tore.”

She curtsied more deeply this time.

“I’d be so grateful, Milord, but I have nothing to give in return.”

“No need.”

“Ah, wait.” She took her small knife and clipped off a bulging blossom at the stem and handed it to me. “Now place it in water the first chance you get.” 

I accepted the gift and admired her through its petals.

“Thank you,” I said. “Tomorrow at noon.”

As I walked away, I glanced over my shoulder to get one last look at the gardener. She was back at her work, resuming her song and snipping away, so light of hand and foot. As she blew away a curl that had drifted across her face, the summer dress rustled against her skin. I inhaled the scent of the flower and thought I caught the sun peeking through the clouds over Golgoreth.

And for the first time since my father died, goddesses seemed possible.  


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Sharon x

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