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When #Cancer knocked at my door ~ #breastcancer #staypositive #health

Wow … what a roller-coaster ride!

I’ve been wondering whether or not to publish this post, because it has nothing to do with me as an author, but then again, it has all to do with me as a person which defines who I am as an author.

A couple of months ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Scary thought. Especially as the mammogram came up clear, the ultrasound was not clear, and it was only the biopsy that confirmed the bad news.

Since then … I’ve been in this fast flow of rapids and haven’t had a chance to catch a breath. First I had a couple of scans which were all clear – THANK GOD. I had surgery early November to remove the lump and a lymph node. Again, I thought luck was on my side with the lymph node coming up clear as well. I prepared myself for radiation …

But luck wasn’t on my side. The actual tumour was big and aggressive resulting in my first chemo treatment yesterday. I’m doing well considering the stuff they pumped into me. Getting the needle into one of my veins was actually the worst part. To be honest, it wasn’t as easy as I’ve read it’d be. It was uncomfortable and the second dose of meds was a bit tough to take in. My wonderful friend gave me a recording of a meditation which was a lifesaver! I have been reasonably well since then, though, with the occasional wave of nausea, but nothing serious.

The worst thing for me, though, is the thought that I’ve got the medication, the poison that destroys so many of my good cells, inside me. I’m having a hard time to cope with this.

But my small family, my mum and my sisters, friends, neighbours, colleagues, the doctors, the nurses, and even strangers have been such a wonderful support, I feel I am in good hands.

So what lies ahead of me?

Christmas!

I want to have a wonderful Christmas with my husband and my girls who have been my rock, my best friends, my support, my everything over the last few weeks.

And then … well then we take 2017 as it comes. Each day at a time.

Have a wonderful Christmas season everyone … and don’t forget to count your blessings ♥♥♥

Love to you all.

Snippet Sunday – FLY WITH ME – 11/12/2016 #romance #love #SnippetSunday

 

FLY WITH ME

This is Tiffany’s story, who receives a call from the police one morning forcing her to deal with a chapter from her past, which she is unhappy to revisit. When she calls her friend Dylan, it’s Mat from New Zealand she ends up talking to.

This is still a WIP, so critique away. It’s set partly in Melbourne, Australia, and in New Zealand.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

 

“What the fuck are you talking about?”
Mat’s laughter echoed in the small car as he turned off the engine and got out. With a few long strides, he headed towards the café. “Does Jess know about her?”
There was a groan on the other end of the line. “You start any rumours and I will kill you.”
As he stepped inside the cafe, Mat replied, “In all seriousness, mate, Tiffany was desperate to talk to you. You’d better give her a call, aye.”
“I’ve already talked to her, but I don’t—”
“I’m glad she was able to get hold of you. It was obvious she needed to talk to you.”
Mat held his phone away for a moment, smiled at the young woman behind the counter, and ordered his coffee.
”You’re still there?” Dylan asked with a loud voice.
Mat shook his head with a smile and explained. “Mate, I’d say even in Australia it’s considered rude to talk on the phone while ordering your coffee.”
His friend’s resigned sigh gave him another chuckle.
“Mate, if you’ve already talked to her, we’re all good, aye.”
“To be frank, I’m completely lost here. How the hell do you know about Tiff? Give me the courtesy and give me a quick run down of what’s happened.”

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

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#MFRWHooks for **NEW BEGINNINGS** 07/12/2016 #bookpromo #amreading #MFRWOrg


I hope you get hooked by this Snippet

Today’s hook

He rubbed his chin with his fingers, his unease now obvious, and although she almost felt sorry for him, she tried not to care. She needed to know more. And not just the what, but why and who as well.
Only a week earlier, Sophie had received the call from Mr. O’Connor telling her about an inheritance. Initially, she’d thought it had been a horrible joke when he’d given her details on where to pick up airplane tickets to Hobart. It was important for her to come, he’d explained. Some legality she hadn’t understood. Something about her having to sign documents for the transfer of ownership of some assets. It’d sounded too farfetched at the start, but after some research on the firm with the help of a friend, it sounded valid, and she’d hoped her life was finally turning around for the better.

The chance to start life all over with the help of a stranger.Twenty-two-year-old

Sophie Levesque has been guardian to her eight-year-old sister Mia since their mother’s death a few years ago, and it hasn’t been easy. Luck comes their way when they inherit a small house in Hobart. Problem is, though, they don’t know and have never heard of Clara Bellinger, the testator. Settling into their new life, Sophie is still afraid it’s all a mistake.

Mark O’Connor, attorney in Hobart and the bearer of the good news for Sophie and Mia, curses himself for the lack of information about the testator. However, researching the questions gives him an opportunity to see Sophie again, and the more time he spends with the two, the more he realises that his life is missing something. And it’s not his casual lover Linda.

But then there’s Zach, Sophie’s sexy neighbour from across the road… and a very good friend of Clara’s.

Will unravelling the mystery unravel Sophie and Mark’s promise of a future?

AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/2a1BSJ7
AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/29FTb4B
AMAZON AU: http://amzn.to/2a9yKgW

5star Review:

I’ve always enjoyed Ms. Blobel’s novels, but I adored New Beginnings. This is a
feel good storycentered on love and hope, Sophie’s dedication to her younger sister, Mia, is incredible. The child is the center of her universe and there’s nothing she won’t do for her. Concerned the recent inheritance is all a mistake, Sophie wants to know more about the woman who gave them a home. Helping her is a drop-dead gorgeous attorney and the handsome, hunky neighbor. Sophie’s journey of discovery is a beautiful one, and when she gets her answers, she finds the last thing she ever thought she would–love. Looking forward to the next book in this excellent series.


Wow…what a tangled web we weave! Sophie has got it coming in all directions with the mystery of the testator. These are the type of stories that I love…since it has a bit of everything in it. Not only do we get a bit of a love triangle but add some mystery and thriller to it. Now, that makes a perfect book by Ms. Blobel! But let me remind you that this is nothing new since I find myself always wrapped up in this author’s writing since she writes with emotion and feelings. Whether it be anger, happiness, sadness – you name it…Ms. Blobel gives us the whole package in her stories!

#NewRelease “Once & Forever” by M.S. Kaye ( @mskosciuszko )

Once & Forever

Once book 3, by M.S. Kaye

Once&Forever.v5.BNWho is the mysterious Santa who leaves toys on the convent steps?

After a twelve-year separation, Eden is finally reunited with her brother, Thomas, but why hadn’t she reached out to him in all those years? Eden, a nun, is constantly struggling against her dark past of living on the streets, and her attraction to Trace, an ex-convict farm worker. As Eden and Trace confess their pasts to each other and grow closer, will they be able to resist getting too close?

Amazon | Kobo | iBooks | Goodreads

Author Bio:

M.S. Kaye has several published books under her black belt. A transplant from Ohio, she resides with her husband Corey in Jacksonville, Florida, where she tries not to melt in the sun. Find suspense and the unusual at www.BooksByMSK.com.

To receive news on upcoming releases, sign up for email updates on her website.

Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Goodreads | Amazon | TSU | Pinterest | LinkedIn

Once, book 1

Her first and also her once.

Jonathan and Rebecca’s paths cross at exactly the right moment, when each most needs to hear what the other has to say.

But Jonathan is three days from entering the priesthood, and Rebecca leaves him to his peace. But he is unable to find peace.

Without each other’s comfort and strength, they must each struggle to forge a new path, with only memories of the one day that changed everything.

But are they able to forget and let go?

Amazon | Kobo | iBooks | B&N | ARe | Goodreads

Once & Again, book 2

She was once his secret desire… Will she be again?

Father Aiden, an ex-marine and new priest, falls in love with Maylynn, but he struggles to stay away from her. He’s successful for many years, though he can’t keep her out of his dreams.

Then one day she shows up for a pre-marital counselling session with her fiancé, Davis. Aiden soon realizes Davis isn’t who he says he is, but what does that mean for Maylynn, and for himself?

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | ARe | Goodreads

Excerpt book 3:

“You know what he did to git sent to prison?” one of the convenience store clerks murmured to the other.

Trace could just hear them over the horrible rendition of “Jingle Bells” playin’ through the speakers. He ignored them, like he always did. He tried to come into town late in the evening to avoid people as much as possible, but that also meant it was quiet enough that he could often hear what people murmured about him. Once he’d grabbed some protein bars and a can of beer, he headed up to the counter to pay.

The clerk with a buzz-cut told him the total, and Trace handed him some cash.

Neither of the clerks made eye contact with him, but they both hovered over the cash register as if he might snatch it and run.

Buzz-cut closed the cash drawer right quick and handed Trace’s change back.

“Thank you.” Trace stuffed the change in his pocket, took the bag of protein bars in one hand and his beer in the other, and walked out of the store.

He headed for the back lot toward the alley. He could get through most of downtown by way of the alley. This late at night it was almost too dark to see where he was goin’, but that was part of what he liked about it.

“Bitch,” someone growled. And then the sound of something—or someone—smacking into the brick wall of the back of the convenience store.

Trace moved more quickly and turned the corner, and he caught sight of a skinny, young woman punching a man in the face. His head snapped back. But then another man slammed his fist across her jaw. She looked so frail that the punch seemed like shooting a cannon ball at a piece of notebook paper.

“Hey!” Trace roared and ran at them. “Git away from her.”

Snippet Sunday – FLY WITH ME – 04/12/2016 #romance #love #SnippetSunday

 

FLY WITH ME

This is Tiffany’s story, who receives a call from the police one morning forcing her to deal with a chapter from her past, which she is unhappy to revisit. When she calls her friend Dylan, it’s Mat from New Zealand she ends up talking to.

This is still a WIP, so critique away. It’s set partly in Melbourne, Australia, and in New Zealand.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

 

The GPS voice in Matiu Apanui’s car had as little of a clue as he did about the directions how to get to his meeting place and after only half an hour he was still on the western side of Melbourne instead of in the city. The explanation was as simple as Tiffany was on his mind. He replayed the phone conversation repeatedly in his head. It was clear to him something must’ve upset her. Even though she’d relaxed during their short conversation, he’d been able to sense the tension in her voice.
“Shit,” he shouted as he pressed the speed dial button on his phone, remembering he’d never left a note for his friend.
“Mate, where are you?” Dylan asked by way of answering.
“I have no idea. Near a big park. Looks pretty with the tree alongside the walking tracks. Had no idea Melbourne had all these deciduous trees—”
“Mat!”
“The lovely GPS lady took me on a tourist tour first it seems. I’m considering stopping for a coffee and reboot her at the same time.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Mat noticed the frustration in his friend’s voice and asked bluntly, “Tell me about your girlfriend.”

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/2dpOWwU
AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/2dHV13g
AMAZON AU: http://amzn.to/2dPuJQI

Only $0.99

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  Check out my books on Amazon

#MFRWHooks for **NEW BEGINNINGS** 30/11/2016 #bookpromo #amreading #MFRWOrg


I hope you get hooked by this Snippet

Today’s hook

Hauled back from her thoughts, she heard Mr. O’Connor say, “I believe she was a distant relative of yours. I’m afraid I don’t have any further details.”
Sophie arched an eyebrow in disbelief, doubting the accuracy of it all. Not only did she try not to question his competence as a lawyer, but she also hoped it wasn’t a dreadful misunderstanding.
With a slight shrug of her shoulder, she asked, “Why not?”
He met her gaze steadily. “Pardon me?”
Sitting up straight, she repeated, “Why not? Why aren’t there any further details?”

The chance to start life all over with the help of a stranger.Twenty-two-year-old

Sophie Levesque has been guardian to her eight-year-old sister Mia since their mother’s death a few years ago, and it hasn’t been easy. Luck comes their way when they inherit a small house in Hobart. Problem is, though, they don’t know and have never heard of Clara Bellinger, the testator. Settling into their new life, Sophie is still afraid it’s all a mistake.

Mark O’Connor, attorney in Hobart and the bearer of the good news for Sophie and Mia, curses himself for the lack of information about the testator. However, researching the questions gives him an opportunity to see Sophie again, and the more time he spends with the two, the more he realises that his life is missing something. And it’s not his casual lover Linda.

But then there’s Zach, Sophie’s sexy neighbour from across the road… and a very good friend of Clara’s.

Will unravelling the mystery unravel Sophie and Mark’s promise of a future?

AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/2a1BSJ7
AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/29FTb4B
AMAZON AU: http://amzn.to/2a9yKgW

5star Review:

I’ve always enjoyed Ms. Blobel’s novels, but I adored New Beginnings. This is a
feel good storycentered on love and hope, Sophie’s dedication to her younger sister, Mia, is incredible. The child is the center of her universe and there’s nothing she won’t do for her. Concerned the recent inheritance is all a mistake, Sophie wants to know more about the woman who gave them a home. Helping her is a drop-dead gorgeous attorney and the handsome, hunky neighbor. Sophie’s journey of discovery is a beautiful one, and when she gets her answers, she finds the last thing she ever thought she would–love. Looking forward to the next book in this excellent series.


Wow…what a tangled web we weave! Sophie has got it coming in all directions with the mystery of the testator. These are the type of stories that I love…since it has a bit of everything in it. Not only do we get a bit of a love triangle but add some mystery and thriller to it. Now, that makes a perfect book by Ms. Blobel! But let me remind you that this is nothing new since I find myself always wrapped up in this author’s writing since she writes with emotion and feelings. Whether it be anger, happiness, sadness – you name it…Ms. Blobel gives us the whole package in her stories!

Share This:

Snippet Sunday – FLY WITH ME – 27/11/2016 #romance #love #SnippetSunday

 

Welcome back!
My apologies for the silence over the last few weeks, but life threw me a curve ball of the biggest proportions. We’re dealing with it as best as we can and are looking positively towards the future. I do hope I’ll be able to post every week as I undergo treatment for cancer, but apologise in advance if I won’t be able to read or comment on your wonderful stories. I’ve missed them so much over the last few weeks and can’t wait to stop by again.

Anyway …..

FLY WITH ME

This is Tiffany’s story, who receives a call from the police one morning forcing her to deal with a chapter from her past, which she is unhappy to revisit. When she calls her friend Dylan, it’s Mat from New Zealand she ends up talking to.

This is still a WIP, so critique away. It’s set partly in Melbourne, Australia, and in New Zealand.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

 

“Thanks Mat. Yes I’ll be fine.” It wasn’t a big lie, because at that moment she was feeling better.
She hung up and noticed a smile on her face. And instead of a churning stomach, butterflies had made themselves comfortable. She thought of how easy the conversation had flowed and how attentive he’d been. And his voice. She liked his voice. It’d been deep and calm, smooth and articulate. She closed her eyes and remembered his accent. It hadn’t been strong, but still obvious to her.
And then there’d been his laugh. God, his laugh. It had turned her inside out.
With a big exhale, she covered her face with her hands, surprised at herself that at a day she had to face the police, she was drooling over a man she’d never met, but only talked to.
For a few minutes, if at all.
The police. A ripple of worry went through her and she stood in search for her phone to give Dylan another call. This time on his mobile.

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/2dpOWwU
AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/2dHV13g
AMAZON AU: http://amzn.to/2dPuJQI

Only $0.99

banner-sdme

  Check out my books on Amazon