Sunday, June 30, 2013

Excerpt: Crossing the Deep - Kelly Martin


“Rachel, are you going to hate me forever?” Sid asked as he draped his arm around her shoulder. His dark red coat matched his hat so perfectly that Rachel wondered how long he had searched for a coat the exact same shade as his favorite headpiece.

“I don’t hate you,” she said, shrugging him off.

“Sure you do. You both do. Carly told me you did.”

“She did what?”

“Yeah, in the van. She said both of you royally disliked me, and I wanted to hear it from you.”

The soft sound of the running water echoed through the trees. It sounded peaceful, tranquil. If only Sid would be quiet long enough for her to enjoy it.

Rachel held on to the flimsy, wooden handrail as she started across the swinging, single person bridge across Deep Creek, which ran perpendicular to the trail. Deep Creek wasn’t very big; maybe fourteen feet across, and appeared more of a trickle than a creek. She didn’t even see a waterfall. It kinda bummed her out.

“Deep Creek,” Sid read the sign at the beginning of the bridge and followed behind her. “Original. Misleading, but original.”

Rachel couldn’t argue with that. A few boulders were scattered across the creek basin. To Rachel, it looked like if something bad did happen and the water actually covered those rocks, then the creek would live up to its name.

“I don’t know what Carly told you, but I don’t hate you.

Carly is her own person and can think or feel what she wants,” Rachel said once she reached the other side of the bridge. ”But I don’t hate you. I don’t like what you did, but I don’t hate you.”

“Look, I know I messed up. I more than messed up. I screwed up and hurt someone I care about. I know that. If I could take it back, I would. Can you just please talk to Carly when we get to the picnic area? Make her see that I’m not a bad guy.”

Rachel didn’t know what to say to that. She had always heard once a cheater always a cheater, but she also knew it was her Christian duty to forgive.

“Come on. Help a guy out,” he added in a pitiful voice. “I told her I was sorry. What more does she want?”

“You’ll just have to figure that out yourself,” Rachel said, unsure of how to help him.

“Just talk to her. Pleeeeeeeeeeeease…”

“Okay!” she said just to shut him up.

“Thank you!” His face lit up like a Christmas tree, and he kissed her on the cheek before running up the trail toward Asher, who was leaning on a tree. “You’re the best!” he yelled back at her.

Rachel stopped walking. What had she agreed to, and what was Sid thinking kissing her like that? It wasn’t like he was letting his intentions be known, as her grandma liked to say. But still, being kissed — even in a chaste way — wasn’t something that happened to her every day.

She watched as Sid slapped Asher on the shoulder before running by him, and without thinking, her fingers went to the little spot on her cheek where his kiss had landed.

“If you get that riled up from a little peck on the cheek, I’d hate to see what would happen if you got a kiss on your lips,” Asher yelled, folding his arms with that same smirk he’d had at the snack machine. Rachel’s cheeks burned like fire, knowing what she must look like, staring all swoony--‐‑eyed at Sid. When did she start swooning?

“On second thought,” Asher said, narrowing his eyes, “maybe it would be a fun thing to see.”

“That would imply that I’d let you.” Rachel made her legs move again.

“Very true.” Asher laughed, falling in step beside her.

“What are you doing on this trip anyway?” Rachel asked, harsher than she meant. Her mouth was in defensive mode.

He shrugged, not seeming to take any offense. “Didn’t have any other place to be.”

Awkward silence filled the space between them as they walked. Rachel just wanted him to run ahead with Sid and leave her alone.

“You should cut him some slack, you know?”

“Who? Sid?”

“Who else? Yeah, Sid. He messed up, sure. He cheated. We all mess up. Even perfect little Christians like you.” He had a lot to learn about her. “I’m by no means perfect,” she said, her voice hard.

“And neither is Sid.”

“I’ve never cheated on a boyfriend.”

“Have you ever had a boyfriend?”

Ouch, that stung. “That’s none of your business.” Sure, she had never had a boyfriend, but she knew without a doubt she wouldn’t cheat on one.

“I’m sorry,” he said, almost like he meant it.

“Whatev—”

“And Sid’s sorry too,” he said without skipping a beat. “Making out with Easy Emily wasn’t the smartest move. One, because her lips should be retired for excessive use, and two because it hurt someone he cares about a lot.”

Rachel knew he was right. She’d even used the same argument with Carly. For some reason, she just wanted to stay mad at Sid, more so after he thought it wise to buy her help with a little peck on the cheek. The kiss had irked her. And her reaction to it irked her even more.

Asher spoke when she didn’t. “You Bible types are all about forgiveness,” he shook his head, “until it'ʹs you who has to do the forgiving.”

“What do you know of the Bible, Asher?” she spat. “Do you even own one?”

Without warning, Asher stepped in front of her. She could either stop or run over him; she chose to stop. Her eyes came up to his chest, and she tilted her head up to see his face. That close, she could see how blue his eyes were and the little moon--‐‑shaped scar on his chin. He didn’t look amused anymore, and the twinkle was gone from his eyes. “You think you know it all, don’t you? It’s all black and white with you. No gray areas. All or nothing. Well, guess what?”

He moved his hands to her shoulders and pushed her windblown curls back. “The world doesn’t work like that.” Asher lingered a moment, staring into her eyes. He stared so long, Rachel wondered if he was going to kiss her too, but that was stupid, because he obviously didn’t like her. Without a word, he turned and walked away.

Watching him go, her mind raced and felt completely empty at the same time.

She had no idea what in the world was happening on this trip.

ASTRAEA PRESS | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

Excerpt: Along Came Jordan - Brenda Maxfield

Laine was at EC -- was there no escaping her? When I walked in, she looked up and for a split second, I saw fire flare from her eyes. “Emili, you lost?” she asked in a voice pulsing with irritation.

“Isn't this Environmental Club?”

She jumped from her chair and came over to me. “Are you joining? Don't you think it might be too much? I mean, a new school, and already on decorations committee for the ball?”

I regarded her expression, and noted the hint of desperation lurking behind the cool façade. “I think I can handle it.”

There was an awkward silence, and I thought she was going to forbid me to join. Then she broke into a stiff smile which didn't reach her eyes.

“Okay, listen up!” She looked around the room and everyone gave her their attention. “This is Emili. She's a sophomore, and she's new here. She'll be joining us.”

Thank you, Your Highness for introducing me.

I raised my arm in a half-wave and sank into a chair. On my left sat the most gorgeous guy I'd ever seen. His smooth chestnut hair swooped over his deep toffee eyes. He sat relaxed, dominating the chair with his size. I saw how his broad shoulders strained the fabric of his Nike T-shirt. A shiver crawled up my spine. I couldn't help it, I stared. Was this Jordan, the guy I'd decided to avoid?

ASTRAEA PRESS| AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

Thursday, June 27, 2013

New Release: Just A Little Hope - Amy J. Norris


Tori Alberson always dreamed of meeting the perfect guy, and Carter Manning seems to fit the bill. An up and coming baseball star, Carter’s got the looks, the personality and the faith Tori’s always desired. When Tori receives some heartbreaking news, Carter remains by her side until she realizes he’s been keeping a secret from her…one that could destroy their newfound love.

Like what you've read? You can purchase Just A Little Hope HERE on Astraea Press!

New Release: Surviving Scotland - Kristin Vayden


Ioan is handsome... until he opens his mouth. How can someone so masculine and striking be so irritating? Yet part of her knows that if his sarcastic and teasing temper changed, she will lose her heart.

Elle is untouchable. His quick-witted barbs keep her at arm's length. She can never know the truth. But like a moth drawn to the flame he can’t resist her. Indeed he already burned.

When the Jacobites attack Carnasserie castle, the Black Watch come to assist. Surviving Scotland isn’t for the faint of heart…

Like what you've read so far? You can purchase it here on Astraea Press!

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

New Release: Echo Taps - J.L. Salter


Most of the Greatest Generation didn’t discuss their own war heroism. Her beloved elderly uncle died before he could explain why.

Kelly has just begun interviews for her special newspaper section in honor of upcoming Veterans Day, but she struggles to understand some of the larger issues of the war experience. Her boyfriend Mitch has a few insights, but he was never in combat.

Out of the blue, Kelly begins having flashbacks to heart-warming experiences with her beloved Uncle Edgar, a World War II veteran of the Pearl Harbor attack… but he’s been dead almost twenty years. Kelly also believes she’s hearing messages from her deceased Aunt Mildred, who took her in after Kelly’s parents died.

Kelly is aware that siblings Mildred and Edgar (very close in age) were rumored to have had a nearly telepathic connection with each other, and she knows her mother (born considerably later than Kelly’s aunt and uncle) had some extra-sensory perception. But did Kelly inherit any of those special senses?

Are Uncle Edgar and Aunt Mildred truly reaching back from beyond to help Kelly understand these complex issues? Or is Kelly just now remembering things long forgotten?

Why did Uncle Edgar tell the young family members such a different version of his actual experiences on December 7, 1941?

Will Kelly’s key interview with the American Legion Post commander just confuse her more… or help pull all these threads together?

You can purchase a copy of Echo TapsHERE on AstraeaPress.Com. Also available on Amazon and may other ebook retailers.

New Release! A Stormy Knight - Amy Mullen


BLURB:
In twelfth century England, Gemma de Vere and Nicholas de Reymes find love at a young age. Too naïve to truly understand what is happening, their fledgling relation-ship is torn apart by political games and scheming minds. Nicholas and his family dis-appear into the night and Gemma is left with a shattered heart.

Seven years later, Gemma still harbors a broken heart, and retreats into a life in which she will not be foolish enough to fall in love again. Mysterious deaths and accidents begin to plague those living within the walls of Blackstone Castle, and her father falls ill. She has no choice but to seek the assistance of King Henry.

Help arrives in the form of her childhood love, the handsome and imposing Nicholas, who is now a fierce and loyal knight bent on revenge. The pain and anguish he feels over the fate of his family casts Gemma as his enemy. To him, she represents all the misfortune in his life as he tries to keep her at arm’s length and far away from his heart.

Their journey towards truth is riddled with treachery and danger from an unlikely source. Will they find their way back to each other, or will his need for revenge outweigh the love he feels in her arms?

EXCERPT:

"I see you have charmed my sister," Gemma said.

"Would you rather I abuse her and make her scared of me?" he asked.

"Of course not."

"Then thank goodness for small favors and quit trying to make me out to be the enemy here. I am here to protect everyone, and you would do well to remember that," he snapped as he took a sip of his wine and slammed his goblet down on the table before him.

She squirmed in her seat. "I was worried you would be cruel to all. You have been so angry since you arrived."

"My anger is toward you, Gemma, as you had a hand in what happened to my parents. I was never good enough for your family. Someone must pay for what happened, but until I know who that person is, I will not alienate those who would serve me."

Anger rose and then ebbed quickly as she tried to contain herself. She tried desperately to be thankful for what he had just said, even though he had implied she herself might suffer. So be it. He was deluded about the past, and she would show him the truth no matter how long it took or what she had to do.



This book is available through Astraea Press HERE. Also available at most other ebook retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, etc.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

New Release: Mattie's Secret - Lisa Church


It’s 1929. Times are difficult for people. Twelve-year-old Mattie Blackson is orphaned after her parents die in a fire. With orphanages full, she is placed in a home of a couple with 7 other children. She loves her new life, but the time comes when even Emma Sue and John Grady can’t afford to keep her. To make matters worse, Mattie finds a tiny baby left on the doorstep. Fearing she will be homeless as well, Mattie keeps baby Sophie a secret in an old chicken coop. She feeds her and takes care of her on her own. Can Mattie preserve her role as a mama when she finds out she has a new home?

This book is available for purchase on the following sites: Astraea Press | Amazon

{Barnes and Noble will have it, just not right now}

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

New Release: Late For The Ball? - Heather Gray


Fulfilling one's destiny has never been so…compelling.

Myra is cast aside by her parents, betrothed to a man she's never met, and forced into a life she never wanted. In the midst of it all, she finds herself strangely drawn into something she doesn't entirely understand.


The earl is mocking, demanding and entirely unwilling to break the betrothal. He speaks in riddles, but by night's end, one thing is clear: He is not who he seems.

Follow Myra into a world of intrigue and hidden meaning. Will she unravel the mystery before time runs out?

New Release: Just Shut Up & Drive - Chynna Laird


One teen, one cranky old man and the open road. What could go wrong?

Eighteen-year old Wil Carter can think of more than a fistful of things he’d rather do than go on a road trip with his ninety-five year old grandfather. But when Gramps Wilf barks an order, you listen or get an earful of grief.

Wil lost his parents in a horrible car accident when he was five. Gramps has been the only parent he has ever known. Now that he’s ready to go off to college, the old man says he has things Wil needs to learn to be the man he’s supposed to be. But the trip turns out to be more than he bargains for.

Along their week-long road trip across the Canadian Prairies, Wil not only learns tidbits about his own life, but realizes the grandfather he thought he knew has mysteries of his own. With each stop they make, a new layer of emotional truth is revealed…for each of them.

Will Gramps teach Wil what he needs to know before the journey ends? And is Wil strong enough to hear it?

Thursday, June 13, 2013

New Release: Love Flourishes - Lynn Spangler


Can he show her the world like she’d never seen it before?

Melinda ‘Mindy’ Caldwell had everything she could want. Nice house, high-end clothes. The only thing she doesn’t have is a life…outside her house that is. An incident when she was four left her an agoraphobic-a prisoner within the sanctuary of her home. Besides her sister, she finds companionship in the form of handsome delivery man Jack Eberley.

Jack Eberley’s woman of his dreams won’t even leave her house. That does little to tamper his feelings toward her. He finds himself wanting to deliver more packages to her house and help her breakdown the walls she’s built around herself.

One night will change each of their lives. Will they find love in the first blooms of spring or will they let their love slip away?

“You have a...” he paused for a moment as if searching for the right word, “liking for the man.”

"No. Yes. Maybe,” she replied reluctantly.

“Which is it?”

His gentle tone did little to ease the churning in her stomach.

If she wasn’t careful, she’d give herself an ulcer. Mindy curled a leg underneath her on the buttery soft leather loveseat, tucked long strands of hair behind her ears, and then nervously wrung her fingers together. No sense in hiding what was so obvious.

Dr. Stamko’s face reflected infinite patience. He wouldn’t rush Mindy and would give her time to think the question through. “Yes,” she finally stated. Once the word left her mouth, a torrent followed. “I don’t know what to do. He’s so vibrant, so full of life. Jack deserves a woman who is equally spirited as himself. What am I?” She forged on, not giving Dr. Stamko time to answer. “I’ll tell you what I am. I’m broken.” Her hands lifted into the air and dropped again. “I’m defeated.”

“No, you aren’t. One can’t be defeated before they’ve even tried. This gentleman might be what you need to draw you out. You need to give him the chance.”

“What could I offer?” Pain etched her voice, making it break slightly. Tears burned and stung the back of her eyes. She fought valiantly against the torrent threatening to unleash itself.

“Why are you fighting it?”

His still gentle tone broke the dam. The first streams of wetness fell from her eyes. With hands covering her face, she shook with body racking sobs. After what seemed like an eternity later, she wiped the last of the tears away and raised her head. Dr. Stamko was smiling.

“Feel better?” he asked.

“I’m... I’m not sure. I just had a near nervous breakdown and you’re smiling.”

“You didn’t break, Melinda. You merely chipped. You see your tears as a form of weakness?”

“Why yes. Don’t you?”

"No. Trapped emotions eat away at you. They can make you physically ill. Everybody has a different way of releasing those pent up feelings. Some can go through their whole life without shedding an emotional tear. Others find tears are their only course of action. You’re good at holding in the tenseness and stress. But you aren’t totally immune. Honestly, do you feel better?”
The question gave Mindy pause. Never would she have guessed bawling her eyes out would leave her feeling cleansed, renewed, and invigorated. She smiled because she indeed did feel better. “I do. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I’m no closer to solving my dilemma but I feel lighter.”

“Good. Now we need to figure out what you intend to do about Jack.” Dr. Stamko sat back in the wing chair and crossed one leg over the other.


Author Bio:

I live in South Central Pennsylvania with my wonderful, loving husband and my beautiful daughter. I also have a son who is currently serving in the U.S. Navy. I have a cat named Kolzig and a dog named Cede who allow us to live with them.

I love to write and read. I also make jewelry when the mood strikes. I'm a huge sports fan. I love football, NASCAR, and hockey. I'm also a bit of a game show freak. I love old game shows from the 70's and 80's like Match Game and $25,000 Pyramid. Television shows like Criminal Minds and The Voice are also favorites of mine.

Buy Links:
Astraea Press
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Book Promo: At What Cost - J. Andersen


During her junior year, sixteen-year-old Maggie Reynolds expected to shop for prom dresses not maternity clothes. Now, instead of studying for the SATs, she’s reading, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Maggie’s ‘Mother Dearest’ lives in fear that Maggie will somehow taint the family name, so Maggie can’t turn to her for help. Meanwhile, her father is oblivious to anything but his 9-9 job. And her boyfriend, Justin? She’s pretty sure he’ll stay by her side.

While Maggie wrestles with her options, Justin offers a solution: abortion. It would solve all her problems quickly, easily, and effectively. And her parents would never know, which means they won’t throw her out and cut her off like they’d always threatened if she got herself knocked up. But an easy decision becomes difficult when Maggie’s aunt discovers her secret and sets out on a mission to stop the abortion, putting a kink in Maggie’s plan. Now Maggie must decide which choice she can live with: abortion or teenage motherhood. Either way, it’ll be a tough road to travel.

*Young Adult RONE finalist award and the USA Best Book Award finalist in Youth Issues *

Special Note: At What Cost can be purchased for 99 cents at Amazon and Barnes & Noble for this week only!

Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Astraea Press | Kobo | Smashwords | Audible

Lauren stared at Maggie with wide eyes. “Pregnant? You’re flipping pregnant?” Apparently, the word “flipping” was supposed to convey the substantial amount of shock Lauren had for the bomb Maggie had dropped. It worked. Maggie wished she had such a word to use herself. But she needed something stronger.

“No. I’m late.” Maggie tried to convince herself it was just a fluke. That she was late due to the stress her mother continually heaped on her or the new year of school starting, but the possibility she might be pregnant scared her to death. Still, she tried to keep her head.

Lauren wriggled like a worm on a hook. Being calm was not her forte. “Holy pig snot! That first day of school!” her voice trailed off.

“What?”

“When you were looking at your calendar and got all weird and sick looking.”

“Yeah, so?”

“That’s when you figured it out, isn’t it?”

The thought sucked Maggie back into that disgusting, dirty bathroom where she counted and recounted the days on her calendar realizing she had skipped her period that month.

“Yeah, but I could just be late,” she said hopefully. “The stress of school starting and all. I’m just late.” More than anything, she wanted this to be true, but the view of the calendar in her mind grated on her stability until it was a flaky pile, blown away with one wisp of breath.

“You trying to convince me or you?”

Maggie shot Lauren a narrow-eyed glare.

“Well, did you and Mr. Justin Davis use… you know,” Lauren asked, tucking her arms across her chest.

She hated when Lauren called him that.

“What?”

She leaned in and whispered it like a dirty word. “Protection?”

Thinking back, Maggie couldn’t remember. Playing that night over in her head a thousand times made the details a little fuzzy. “Yeah. I think so.”

“You think so, meaning you may not have?”

Maggie leaned back against the bed. She shook her head. “No, I’m sure we did. I made sure.”

“Mags! If you were drunk, how would you know? You were drunk, right? Please tell me you were drunk.”

“Not every time. I’d know, right? I’m sure we did. We had to.” They had used something, hadn’t they? Suddenly the purple butterflies clinging to Lauren’s walls flew at her as the room spun. Maggie choked down the bile rising in her throat and breathed deeply to steady the quivering of her lips.

“Well, if you did, it didn’t work, and if you didn’t, you’re an idiot.” Lauren slapped a hand over her own mouth. “Sorry, I didn’t mean that.”

Author Info: Jessie Andersen lives in a small town in Western New York with her husband and three kids. A former English teacher, she now spends her time writing while the kids are at school and the baby is sleeping. She volunteers at the local library and sings in the church band. You can find information about her books at her website, and you can follow her blogs at her personal blog and her book blog. You can also follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Promo: The Inaugural Astraea Press Fan Fest!

On July 16th Astraea Press authors Kelly Martin and Wendy Knight are hosting the first ever Astraea Press Fan Festival. There are over 40 authors participating and TONS of giveaways! The event is from 9AM until 9PM!

Have a favorite AP author you're just dying to ask questions? Want to ask an AP author anything? Comment on this blog post with your questions and on the 16th we'll post your questions at the event!

To join in on the fun, click HERE. If 150 respond by Friday we'll give away our first prize!

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

New Release: Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? - Liz Botts


People pleasers and wedding planning don’t mix.

Just ask Elle Reynolds.

Ever since she got engaged members of both families have been hot on her heels to “help.” And she feels obligated to let certain people assist with the arrangements.

As things spiral out of control Elle and her fiancé, Beau, wonder if they can take back their wedding because, really, whose wedding is it anyway?

New Release: Along the Way Home - Christi Corbett

>

When Kate Davis discovers her beau impregnated the town trollop she longs to escape both the impending gossip and her stifling life as a society woman. Her father presents a solution—starting a horse ranch in Oregon Territory. Seizing her chance at freedom, Kate agrees.

Jake Fitzpatrick, a seasoned trail guide, is flat broke and eating dandelion greens for dinner. He can only dream of raising cattle and crops out west, until a wealthy businessman offers double wages to guide his family across the Oregon Trail. Jake accepts with one stipulation—he is in complete control.

Their worlds collide on departure day.

Kate hates following the orders of a mere saddle tramp, especially Jake’s demand she abandon all possessions he deems frivolous, including her deceased mother’s heirlooms.

Trail life is a battle of wills until tragedy strikes, stranding them a thousand miles from home and in the midst of a treacherous land the United States doesn’t yet own or govern.

Now Kate is dependant upon the very man she despises and facing a choice—go back to every-thing she’s ever known or toward everything she’s ever wanted?



Monday, June 10, 2013

Blog Tour Promo: At What Cost - Jessie Andersen


During her junior year, sixteen-year-old Maggie Reynolds expected to shop for prom dresses not maternity clothes. Now, instead of studying for the SATs, she’s reading, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Maggie’s ‘Mother Dearest’ lives in fear that Maggie will somehow taint the family name, so Maggie can’t turn to her for help. Meanwhile, her father is oblivious to anything but his 9-9 job. And her boyfriend, Justin? She’s pretty sure he’ll stay by her side.

While Maggie wrestles with her options, Justin offers a solution: abortion. It would solve all her problems quickly, easily, and effectively. And her parents would never know, which means they won’t throw her out and cut her off like they’d always threatened if she got herself knocked up. But an easy decision becomes difficult when Maggie’s aunt discovers her secret and sets out on a mission to stop the abortion, putting a kink in Maggie’s plan. Now Maggie must decide which choice she can live with: abortion or teenage motherhood. Either way, it’ll be a tough road to travel.

*Young Adult RONE finalist award and the USA Best Book Award finalist in Youth Issues *

Special Note: At What Cost can be purchased for 99 cents at Amazon and Barnes & Noble for this week only!

Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Astraea Press | Kobo | Smashwords | Audible


“You’re pregnant?” It was a harsh half statement, half question punctuated with clenched teeth.
“Wha—?” Maggie was too shocked to realize what had happened, but when she looked back to where she stood, she spotted a sheepish looking Lauren mouthing the words, “I’m
sorry.”
“Ugh.”
“Well, are you?” His grip on her tightened.
“Justin, you’re hurting my arm.”
He let go and motioned for her to sit with a quick thrust of his hand toward the table, but his eyes revealed his anger. He was furious, but then she saw a hint of fear hidden behind his golden irises. In those moments, she was five years old again, the day she’d broken her mother’s favorite vase. Her mother had loomed over her, drilling her for information. Pointed and yelled. This time, it was Justin.
“Are you, or aren’t you?” His eyes crinkled, his brow furrowed, and a deep crease appeared on his forehead. Trying to control his reactions proved to be impossible, and soon, his leg bounced under the table, and he wiped the nervous sweat on his palms off on his jeans.
This still wasn’t the place to talk. The cement walls of the school were beginning to feel like a jail cell; anywhere she went, Maggie felt trapped.
“Can we talk about this after school?” Maggie said, trying to be assertive.
His knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists. “No, we can’t. If you’re pregnant, I need to know.”
This wasn’t how she had pictured it. She was supposed to plan the conversation and the place. Definitely not in the corner of the cafeteria with people walking by who might hear her secret, a secret she hadn’t decided how to handle. Thank you so much, Lauren!
Justin grabbed her wrists from across the table. “Maggie, it’s a simple yes or no question. Are. You. Pregnant?”
She could feel the rage rolling off him in waves, and she knew stalling was not an option.
“Yes.”
The silence grew louder, and Justin didn’t move. He stared at her, his eyes shifting across her eyes in a quick staccato. She didn’t know she could feel so uncomfortable, so she tried to ease that discomfort by looking away. When she met his gaze again, he glared at her, not saying a word. He never spoke. Not when he let go of her wrists, not when he got up from the seat across from her, not when he left the room.
Not a single word.
Author Info: Jessie Andersen lives in a small town in Western New York with her husband and three kids. A former English teacher, she now spends her time writing while the kids are at school and the baby is sleeping. She volunteers at the local library and sings in the church band. You can find information about her books at her website, and you can follow her blogs at her personal blog and her book blog. You can also follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Grace Awards: Crossing the Deep - Kelly Martin


The Grace Awards are pleased to announce the first place winner in the Young Adult Fiction category, to Kelly Martin, for Crossing the Deep. From the alluring cover design to the last page, Ms. Martin has constructed an engaging, age-appropriate story which will keep the readers captivated throughout the book. Rachel Harker joins a church youth group retreat with her close friend and other teens. During a hike in the Smoky Mountains, she makes a brief diversion from the trail, which unfortunately for Rachel, results in some devastating consequences. What began as a breezy hiking activity turns into a struggle for survival. Rachel and her friends find themselves stranded in a cold, rainy environment and must prepare themselves for the possibility of animal attacks, exposure and eventually, despair. Their faith, endurance and friendship are tested to the maximum as they desperately search for the “right path”. The characters in Crossing the Deep were realistically portrayed and much is learned along the way about certain events which influenced their lives. Faith in God is a point of contention for the characters along with an abundant share of twists and surprises. Despite the challenges facing the characters, the readers will find themselves cheering the teens on to victory. Crossing the Deep is a well-written tale which readers of all ages will enjoy and appreciate. Congratulations to Kelly Martin for creating such a marvelous, character-driven story!

Purchase Crossing the Deep from Astraea Press | Crossing The Deep | Barnes & Noble

We here at Astraea Press want to congratulate Kelly on winning the Young Adult Fiction Grace Award!