Five Fall Favorites - Day 2: Epistolary

 While trying to find some epistolary books, I came up sadly empty. So PLOT TWIST I decided to change my genre today to mental health awareness!

Mental health is super important...so here are some books about it!

(Again, click on the covers to be redirected to the book's Goodreads page)

(Again, the redirection will open on a different page to avoid the frustration with which I am well acquainted, trust me)

Sons of Slaughter by Brian McBride

Just a warning, I would not recommend this book for younger or sensitive readers. It's a super powerful and eye-opening book, but it also has a super dark and haunting plot, and also deals with tough topics (like teen pregnancy, suicide, domestic abuse) and characters. But with that aside, it's very well done, and has a message that sticks with you even after you've read it. It's not a feel-good story...but it's not a horror story, either. Just very, very serious. ;)

Freedom by Faith Potts

Yes, I've talked about this book before, and yes, I'll talk about it again because it's SOOOO GOOOOOD. My favorite read of 2019, if that tells you anything. *grins* Snarky, serious, and full of amazing themes and messages. But again, read with caution—PTSD and suicide aren't easy topics. ;) You can find my review of this amazing book here.

Stories that Bind Us by Susie Finkbeiner

If a story's going to be set in the 1960s, of course I'm going to be curious. And after reading All Manner of Things by Finkbeiner, I had high expectations of this one, and I wasn't disappointed! Betty Sweet (married to Mr. Sweet of Sweet Family Bakery), suddenly a widow and having her sister suddenly show up with a surprise that she least expected...this book is just. so. sweet. You can read my review here.

When I Close My Eyes by Elizabeth Musser

This book hurts, y'all. About a woman who has suffered with serious depression her whole life—calling it a 'black hole'—and then fighting to live after someone's attempt on her life. And then also about her daughter, racing to find out secrets and discovering more than she ever expected—not just about the perpetrator, but about her own mother as well. Find my review here.

Beloved by Kaitlyn Krispense

*Coughs* *coughs again* c'mon, you had to see this coming. #shamelessselfpromotion This book hurts too. Because life hurts. And without the love of Christ...there really isn't any hope. Suicide is a very serious topic and it's so, so rampant in our world today. People need hope, y'all. Let's give it to them. (besides. It totally counts to use my book. *grins*)

Grab a bushel basket and go pick some apples in the grove—or fill them with books that you find at Five Fall Favorites! The choice is yours—but I know what I'd pick. ;) (pun unintended *smirk*)

And, of course, you can't forget the giveaway!

Are your baskets full yet? What's your favorite epistolary (or mental health) book(s)?

Five Fall Favorites - Day 1: Vintage

Welcome to day one of the Five Fall Favorites party! You may remember me joining in this party last year, and though I didn't do well at all with promoting the event beforehand, I'm joining this year, as well!

Don't remember what the FFF party is about? Or you're just new here? Well, FFF is going to be six days of posting five book recommendations in the specified category for the day. Today just happens to be all about vintage books, and while I didn't think I'd read enough to even recommend, I actually did find enough! So. On with it! *grins*

(Note: click on the cover images to be redirected to the Goodreads page of the book!)

(Another note: each link opens a new window so you won't have to worry about going back n' forth)

(Also these are in no particular order, but my favorite of them all is probably the last one)

Austin of the Air Force by Dan Senseney

Probably one of the first military books I read...but don't quote me on that. ;) It's been so long since I read it that I hardly remember what it's about anymore...but I do remember that I read it twice and it's about two buddies who enlisted in the Air Force and *spoiler alert* got into a fight over something.

Dirt Track Summer by William Campbell Gault

Again, one that I haven't read in years, but again, one that I read twice. (I read most of our old hardbacks twice bc I just liked them...) This one's about a couple of brothers and their friend who build a race car together (I think?? I'm pretty sure??) and try out for races. I remember loving how Gault described the races, the driving, etc.

Kavik the Wolf Dog by Walt Morey

Once upon a time, Kaitlyn finally read a Walt Morey book upon her aunt's suggestion, fell in love with the story, and then proceeded to read every single book the library had from said author. *laughs* I kinda did that a lot when I was younger—obsess over one author at a time. Anyway, Kavik (wounded dog?? Dude nurses him back to health?? Yes pls) is just one of sooooo many fantastic books. If you love books with animals in key roles, you're definitely going to want to check Morey out. ;)

Wild Trek by Jim Kjelgaard

Another animal author! Except, Kjelgaard (if anyone has any clue on how to pronounce that name, pleeeeaaaase enlighten me) wrote books mainly about dogs. Yes, there was a point in time that I was just obsessed about dog books, I think, but hey, at least I got recommendations for you animal obsessors. ;) (If you're wondering, this one's about a trapper and his dog who come upon a wreckage in the mountains and have to lead the two survivors to safety #minordetails)

Moccasin Trail by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

Like I mentioned, this one's probably my favorite on this list! I've read it three or four times, and it never got old, and since it's been several years, I think it's time for another read. *grins* I mean really. Dude gets reunited with his long-lost siblings, but after living with Indians for so long, he can't even remember what it's like to be a 'white man' and he has to—*stops before this becomes a worse run-on sentence* Just...just go read it. *shoos you away*

But wait—the party's just starting!

I happen to be one of ten bloggers participating in this party! Each day, each of the blogs hosts a different 'room'—basically using autumn activities and items to use your imagination while we have an autumn-esque party! Today I'm the blankets room. Because there's nothing quite like curling up in a blanket next to the fire (or wherever your favorite reading spot happens to be(depending on where you're from, haha) and cuddling up with a good book. So take one of my recommendations, smell the old glue in the vintage binding, pour yourself a warm cup of your favorite hot beverage and get lost in the pages.

(pro tip: go find the books room for a free short story!)

To find the rest of the participants and their recommendations, visit the literary lodge, the headquarters for FFF! Also known as Read Another Page. ;)

Did I also mention that there's a GIVEAWAY?! Click the image below to enter!

Aaaaaand I think that's everything! Come back tomorrow for five more recommendations, but in a different genre!

Do you enjoy vintage books? What are your favorites??

Book Review: Stories that Bind Us by Susie Finkbeiner

 

Betty Sweet never expected to be a widow at 40. With so much life still in front of her, she tries to figure out what's next. She couldn't have imagined what God had in mind. When her estranged sister is committed to a sanitarium, Betty finds herself taking on the care of a 5-year-old nephew she never knew she had.

In 1960s LaFontaine, Michigan, they make an odd pair. Betty with her pink button nose and bouffant hair. Hugo with his light brown skin and large brown eyes. But more powerful than what makes them different is what they share: the heartache of an empty space in their lives. Slowly, they will learn to trust one another as they discover common ground and healing through the magic of storytelling.

Award-winning author Susie Finkbeiner offers fans a novel that invites us to rediscover the power of story to open the doors of our hearts.

My rating:

*grins* I expected nothing less than five stars from Ms. Finkbeiner! Her storytelling ability is phenomenal.

So, was there anything I didn't like? Well, to be honest, I finished this book quite awhile ago, and I just sat down to write a review yesterday, soooo...if there is anything I didn't like, it wasn't big enough to stick in my head!

Stories that Bind Us is, as I said on Goodreads, a fresh breath of something beautiful. I mean, I'm kinda a sucker for books set in the 1960s (don't ask me why; I don't even know), so the setting was fantastic. Diners, ice cream parlors, old cars, the clothing style for that age...just so much yes! *grins*

I adored the characters! Betty, though I expected her to be annoying, was actually a super, super endearing character. Though, being a widow and talking about how hard it is to keep going up and down the stairs, I kept forgetting that she was only forty years old, haha!

Hugo was...the most adorable thing ever. Seriously. Those that know me know that I love little kids, whether fictional or real. So to have a five-year-old little boy who is as sweet as they come and not a brat?? *grins* yessssss.

The Sweet family was so...sweet! (see what I did there? *smirks*) Not only was the fact that they owned and ran a bakery so cool (I'm a sucker for books where food plays a major point), but they were all sooooo cool. Albert and Stan and Marvel (and Pop!) were just...perfection. The twins, Dick and Nick, were hilarious.

The plot hurt but was also full of hope.

If you love a good book filled with endearing characters, a whimsical historical plot, and cinnamon rolls, you'll definitely want to check out Stories that Bind Us. ;)

(Also—the way the cover and title tied in with the book? That was pretty cool.)

*I received an e-copy of this book from Netgalley for promotional purposes. All thoughts are my own.

What's your favorite Finkbeiner book??

Book Review: Finding Hope by Katlyn Grace

Hope Lawson’s bakery has been a haven to Ethan Grey’s troubled soul ever since that horrible accident when Ethan lost everything. He lost his family, his faith, and his dignity. Now, he’s turned to alcohol to fill his voids, but is it really working? Problems seem more out of hand, and depression is slowly seeping in holes where there used to be joy. Hope’s compassion runs deep for the alcoholic whose lifeless eyes could use a sparkle of hope. When she steps out in faith to help Ethan, Ethan’s faced with the struggle of his intimidating past. Everything in him begs a second chance for a better life, but is it worth it? Is it worth giving up the alcohol that beckons him every waking second? Is it worth opening up about his past?Will Ethan begin to realize that he needs Someone better than himself to save him? Will Hope be able to help remove the blinders from Ethan’s eyes, so he can truly see his life for what it could be? And will it spark more than a friendly, Christ-like gesture between the two of them?

Series: The Lawson Series, #1

My rating:

 

*sigh* I really, really tried to like this book.

But, obviously, I didn't.

It was incredibly hard to get into this book. It took me literally weeks to get through it. I'd pick it up, read a few pages, and put it down for a few days.

The amount of pages overwhelmed me when I realized I had that many to get through before I was finished. But I pushed through, hoping that maybe it'll get better. Maybe the finale will be fantastic and breathtaking. 

Aaaaaand it's taken me over a month to talk myself into writing this review.

So, what didn't I like? *cries*

-The writing style was kinda amateurish, I could definitely tell that it was a debut novel. There was a lot of telling and less showing, and some of the scenes dragged on because of this. I'd just start to get sucked into a scene when the writing style would suddenly jerk and pull me out of it again.

-The romance. I knew that it was going to be a romance. But the COVER *heart eyes* is so adorable and from all I'd heard about it, the romance was super sweet. So I decided to give it a go. *deep breath* I...shouldn't have, honestly. This is the main thing I disliked. The first page of the book (please FORGIVE ME if I give out spoilers) has our heroine eyeing the town drunk, thinking how good-looking he is and that she'd consider marrying him...if he weren't a drunk. And our couple is constantly thinking about each other. Okay, fine, two people attracted to each other are gonna think about each other, I'll give you that. But when they insist upon just 'being friends' yet show up for each other when they're sick with soup and stay to watch a movie with them?? Not to mention forehead kissing and hair stroking when they're?? Just?? Friends?? *headesk* Oh, and let's not forget their first 'real' kiss! (they kissed once before but felt horrible about it and kept denying their feelings bc there's too many things between them...but they kissed anyway...like...no thx) Cute date, I suppose...but then a kiss and she's giggling and telling him how he tastes?? So he reciprocates?? *cough* sorry. Rant over. I'll move on.

-The plot was good enough, but cliche. Dude hits tragedy and becomes the town drunk. Finds sanctuary and stability in his daily trips to a bakery. Falls in love with the cute, sweet baker. She shows him what faith in action looks like. He has a rough journey but hopes to make it to where she is. Not bad, just...kinda meh. 

So what did I like?? (yes, there actually were a couple of things that I liked...surprised?)

-The characters were pretty good! I wouldn't say there's anything extra special about them...but they were still enjoyable. (Bri's character got on my nerves several times, but overall, she was a fun character) Mark was my favorite, though!

-The message was so good. Miss Grace brought out several excellent points and didn't shy away from the tough questions. I so appreciated this! She even gave me goosebumps a couple of times. ;)

So, yes, to say that my ride with this book was a rollercoaster would be an understatement...but I do believe that it's going to really touch someone someday! I...just am not that person.

*I received an e-copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. All thoughts are my own.

Have you ever read a book that everyone loved and you didn't?

Bookish News

 NOPE, I'M NOT PUBLISHING AGAIN.

(Yet, anyway.)

Just had to get that idea out of your heads at the beginning, hehe!

But what is this bookish news I speak of, you ask?

Good question!

Well. 

If you may remember, a year ago (come Thursday, that is) Faith Potts and I each published a book on World Suicide Prevention Day. Our books have been out in the wild for an entire year. #mindblown

September is suicide prevention month. This is what prompted Faith and I to launch our books, Freedom and Beloved when we did. Because every single life matters. Because no matter what you may think, there is light at the end of this tunnel, even if you can't see it.

You are not alone.

You are loved. So, so much.

So, to commemorate the anniversary of these stories, Faith and I are hosting an Instagram challenge! #MyReasontoLive2020 is all about spreading life and hope, and if you're on Insta, come join!! (have I mentioned that there's a giveaway??)

In other news, Beloved is is ON SALE on Kindle right now for just $0.99 through Friday! Go snag your copy now!

Come join our challenge and spread hope! 

Book Review: The Grim Alliance by Angela R. Watts

WHEN THE NATION RIOTS, THE INFIDELS MUST BLEED.

The Second Civil War storms through the crippled US and winter brings nothing but disaster. West Johnston has earned his mafia father’s trust while searching for hidden answers: why are the UN leaders being assassinated, and why can’t the killers be found? If West can’t stop the Union from attacking D.C. in their last attempt to win the war, how can he stop his father?

Springtown remains one of the few townships left standing amid the tyrannical rule. Another group of gangsters prepare the town for winter. Rene’ Fisher is torn between fearing for her boyfriend Simon’s life and the upheaval taking place in Springtown. Can her father keep the town at peace? Will God have mercy on the allegiance the town must form with an unlikely candidate in order to survive, or will Rene’s home burn like the rest of the world?

Told in multiple bold, abrasive narratives, THE GRIM ALLIANCE steps into a war-ridden nation where bleeding for what you believe is the only option for those determined to win. But with faith, can even the bloodiest hands be made clean?

Series: The Infidel Books, #2 (Definitely read them in order to minimize confusion!)

My rating:

MY MOST ANTICIPATED RELEASE OF 2020 IS OUT IN THE WORLD!

After reading The Divided Nation last year when it released, I couldn't wait to read its sequel. 

Well. That was definitely a ride. Once again, I adored Miss Watts' writing style and the way she DRAGS her readers through the muck and dumps them out on the other side.

She's heartless, I'll give her that. (Also I can say this bc I know Angela and I know that she's not gonna get offended...or if she does, I'm halfway across the country from her so what can she do to me?? *smirks*)

So. The Grim Alliance. Where to start?

Maybe I'll start with the things I didn't care for and get those out of the way. *grins*

SO. Heh. The main thing I didn't appreciate was the foul language. I'm not going to argue with anyone about Christian authors putting cuss words in their books, but it's just one of those things that bugs me, so unless the rest of the book realllyyyyyy makes up for it, it tends to detract from the story for me.

Also, it was verrryyyy confusing. Like, seriously. After all my confusion with The Divided Nation, I expected this one to be less confusing. I was wrong, haha! The Grim Alliance answered very few questions and added even more to my stack, soooo. *shrugs* BUT I think I'm finally starting to get all the characters straight!

The other thing is something that maaaayyyyy not be valid for anyone else. I mean, this part surprised me...it had slow bits. Which doesn't make sense to me. It was like WHOA hERe We GoOOOoOoooO and then all of a sudden we had a break where the characters do nothing but plot each others' demise and then YIKES EVERYONE'S DYING AGAIN.

*cough*

Again, like I said, it may not be this way for everyone who reads it. Angela herself said that it's more intense than The Divided Nation...but for me, it's somehow not...? But, I mean, it's been awhile since I've read TDN, soooooo...

ANYWAY. Now the things I like. *grins*

Everyone was screaming about Gideon after TDN and I have to admit that I became part of it after awhile...but OH MY WORD Y'ALL I FORGOT ABOUT MY FAVORITE CHARACTER. *cries* Can you believe I ACTUALLY forgot about my favorite baby?! WESTWESTWESTWESTWEST

*cough*

(As I edit this I realize that I'm doing lots of coughing)

(This is what Ang does to me)

WEST. Goodness gracious y'all. I mean, there's not really a character I don't love (unless it's one I love to hate *cough*George&Brian*cough*), but West is my cinnamon roll. Such a broken baby, trying to do it all on his own...for some reason he's always been my favorite and I couldn't give you a reason if I tried. So.

But ALLLLL THE CHARACTERS. Gideon, in all his loving gruffness. Alex, the amazing Aussie (some how I didn't know he's an Aussie? Or, at least, I'd forgotten until about 3/4 of the way through the book??) that keeps Gid sane. Simon + Nate, protecting each other while protecting Springtown. Rene' and her fam, leading citizens and people whose faith inspires and challenges me. And we can't forget GRAHAM!!

Yeah. I just love allllll of them.

But the best part of this book? Its message. My. Goodness. Gracious. The scariest part of this book is that, though it's a dystopian, it feels like it could happen at any given moment. Without Christ, our world is falling apart. I won't get into politics here, but let's just say that Angela strikes the fear of God into people with this book with how close to home it is. But the message is still there, shining oh-so-brightly. It's hope. It's light. It's knowing that, for those who trust in the Savior, everything is going to be all right in the end. Life may become hell on earth, but in the end...we win. Because y'all, the devil's already been defeated.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

About the Author

Angela R. Watts is a YA fiction author who strives to glorify the Lord in all she does. She’s a homeschool graduate  living at Step By Step Sanctuary, Tennessee, though with Gypsy and Norwegian in her blood, she tends to travel. She’s been writing stories since she was little, but also enjoys chores, painting, and watching sunsets.

Facebook | Website | Amazon | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway

1st place: paperback copy of The Grim Alliance + bookmark

2nd place: ebook copy of The Grim Alliance

Find the giveaway anywhere in this sentence *grins*

If you're a fan of edgy, freaky books with fantastic messages, this one's for you!

Throwback Tuesday #2: Tucker's Revenge, Part 2

Aaaaaand welcome back to the second installment of Throwback Tuesday! (If you're completely confused and missed the first post + explanation, you can find that RIGHT HERE.)

So. Let's hop to it, shall we?

The original writing will be in this font, while my edits will be in this regular font.

“Wake up, sleepyhead!  We’re leaving for the train station in a few hours; are you packed and ready to go?”  

Jamie rolled over and groaned.  “Go away, Reuben.” Suddenly she sat up.  “Wait, we’re going to Cheyenne today!”  She jumped out of bed, then froze.  “But... Levi and I were going to have another race today!  Do we have to leave?”

Reuben raised an eyebrow.  “Beth and Lewis are expecting us, Jamie.  We’ve been planning this for a long time.”  

Jamie sighed.  “All right, I’ll get packed.  But...” she brightened.  “I know!  We can take Thunder and Buck with us on the train and-”

Reuben held up his hand.  “Jamie, we’re not going to take the horses.  We’ll be back in a week or so, and you can have your race then.”

Jamie sighed.  “All right, Reuben.”  She pointed to a trunk in the corner of the room.  “Would you please carry my suitcase downstairs?”

******

Okay...I think I'd just delete this entire thing and mix the info in later. Because this is basically a waste of space + doesn't flow very well, especially since it's an entire section in & of itself.

Jamie’s eyes stared out the train window with boredom at the countryside swiftly moving by.  “I wish Mother could have come with us,” she said with a sigh.

Rewrite: Jamie stared out the window with a dismal sigh. The forgotten trip to Cheyenne was now forcing her to sit in this stuffy rail car instead of out in the pasture having a rematch with Levi, and the more she thought about it, the more frustrated she became. She opened her mouth to voice her complaints, but one look at her oldest brother's face told her that he wasn't as compassionate as their mother. "I wish Mother could've come with us," she whispered.

  

Reuben smiled.  “Yes, I do too,” he replied, “but we couldn’t wait any longer for this trip, and Mother would rather be at home in bed than traveling on a train while she wasn’t feeling good.  And she wouldn’t want her absence to spoil our trip, either; she’ll come visit Beth and Lewis sometime soon.” 

Rewrite: Reuben smiled, having heard the remark. "I do too, but we couldn't wait any longer for this trip." He patted her knee and leaned his head back to rest on the top of the seat. "Besides, you and I both know she much prefers resting in bed than rocking on a train while she's not feeling well." He chuckled. "I wouldn't put it past her to stay home now just so that she can come visit Beth and Lewis when she can have them and the kids all to herself."

“I’d rather be at home with her anyway,” Jamie muttered to herself.  “Now I have to travel with my brothers to a big city and sit in a stuffy room drinking tea.”

Levi shrank back in mock horror.  “Well, I’m sorry we’re not good enough company for you, Miss Abbott.  But I assure you, you will find no other men as dashing, handsome, and gentlemanly as the Abbott Brothers!”

Jamie rolled her eyes and giggled.  Then, noticing that her second brother hadn’t said anything, said, “Simeon, what’s wrong?”

Rewrite: "I'd rather be home with her," Jamie muttered. "But do I get to? No, I have to travel with my brothers to a big city and sit in a stuffy room drinking tea and acting all prim and proper."

    "Well, excuse me, Miss Abbott." Levi shrank back in mock horror. "I'm sorry that we're not good enough company for you. But," he smirked, "At least we don't make you be as ladylike as Mother does. That's good for
something, right?"

    Jamie tilted her head. "Maybe."

Simeon looked up from where he was sitting with his chin in his hand, his brow furrowed with thought.

“I’m not sure.  It’s just that... well, I’ve got a feeling about this trip.  And it’s not a good one.  I don’t know; I just have a feeling that something bad is going to happen.”

A tingle went down Jamie’s spine.  It was certainly not like Simeon to be unsure of himself-- or anything, for that matter.  

DELETEDELETEDELETEDELETE (seriously. Premonitions are, in my opinion, rarely good things to put in your book unless you can pull them off right. I'd just add some more dialogue, and definitely some more description about the landscape)(and for sure add stuff with Simeon since without this bit you wouldn't know he's traveling with them)

Finally they arrived in Cheyenne.  Disembarking, Jamie saw a mercantile across the street, which gave her an idea.  She grasped Reuben’s arm.  “Reuben, may I go to the mercantile and buy Mother some peppermints?  You know how she loves them.”

Reuben smiled and nodded.  “Yes, you may buy Mother some peppermints, but first I’d like to go visit a friend that lives a couple of houses down the street from here.”  

“I’ll take her,” Simeon spoke up.  He turned to Levi.  “You go wherever you want; we’ll meet you at Tucker’s Mercantile in an hour.”

******

Rewrite: Finally, after too many hours of being entertained by her brothers and watching them arm wrestle, Jamie stepped from the train to the Cheyenne depot platform. She stretched as much as was ladylike and tried to brush the wrinkles out of her dress as her brothers stepped down behind her. She straightened and spied a sign across the street that sparked an idea. She grasped Reuben's sleeve. "Reuben, may I go to the mercantile and buy some peppermints for Beth's children?" (no clue how a bunch of peppermints is going to last for an entire week around Jamie's fam) 

    Reuben hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, but I'd rather you didn't go alone, and I'd like to visit some friends down the street—"

    "I'll take her," Simeon cut in. He turned to Levi. "Go do what you want, and we'll meet you at the mercantile in an hour." 

(At this point I'd cut out the text break)

As Jamie stepped into the Tucker’s Mercantile later that afternoon, she smelled something unpleasant.

“Simeon, what’s that-” she was interrupted by a loud cry.

“No!  Please don’t hurt me! I-I’ll work hard to pay for it; honest, I will!”

“You’ll pay for it, alright!”  A gruff voice replied. “And after you pay for it, I guarantee you won’t even think of tipping over another sardine barrel!”

Rewrite: (no clue why it says 'later that afternoon')(also sardines were never stored in barrels right??)(so I'm gonna change the context a bit)

    As Jamie stepped inside Tucker's Mercantile, she was greeted with racks upon racks of everything that she loved about mercantiles—and the shattering of glass as something hit the floor further back in the room.

    A cry rang out. "No—please, don't hurt me! I'll work hard to pay for it; you know I will, Mr. Tucker!"

    "You'll pay for it, all right." A gruff voice grated on Jamie's ears like dragging fingernails across a chalkboard. "And after you pay for it, you won't even think of breaking another vase again. Do you have any idea how much those things cost?"

“Simeon, we’ve got to stop him!”  Jamie cried as the sound of slapping commenced. And, without waiting for a reply, she rushed off to find the source of the sound.

Near the back of the store, Jamie found the store’s clerk whipping a boy about her age with a belt.

Rewrite: Jamie winced as the all-too-familiar sound of leather upon flesh ensued. Her brothers had felt the wrath of the belt often enough that she knew the sound by heart. The image of Levi, face red and swollen with crying after a thrashing, flashed through her mind, and she winced. A twinge of compassion pushed her into action. "Simeon, we've got to stop him!"

    "Jamie, don't—"

    But she was already rushing to find the source of the sound. Near the back of the store, Jamie found whom she assumed to be the store's clerk whipping a boy who couldn't be any older than herself.

“No, stop! Stop!”  She cried, yanking on the man’s raised arm.

“Why, you little... it was none of your business!  I’m going to-” he turned in fury and raised his hand when he suddenly stopped, hand in mid-air, when Simeon stepped behind Jamie.

"Stop!" She shouted, grasping the man's raised arm and jerking It backward.

    He howled in pain as his shoulder popped, and he turned toward her, eyes flashing. "Why, you little—" he grabbed her upper arm in a meaty fist with a grip strong enough that she was certain that she'd have a bruise. "You're going to regret that, missy." He raised the hand holding the belt high, but stopped in mid-air. Jamie heard a heavy footstep behind her and didn't have to look to know that Simeon had come to her rescue.

I hope that was as entertaining for you as it was for me! *hides* just wait until you read next month's...