It Happened Book 6

I’m about to start Book 6 in my It Happened series. I have the ‘who,’ ‘where,’ the ‘meet-cute,’ and the ‘movie tie-in.’ And even the dog who brings the couple together.

I’ve also designed four covers for the book.

Book 6
Cover A
Book 6
Cover B
Book 6
Cover C
Book 6
Cover D

I’ve decided to set this book in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. While I may not have hit every province, I have gone coast-to-coast in the series.

Book 6 features Amy Scott (Michael’s twin). But in that stage between wakefulness and sleep, I can’t think of anything else to write in this story. However, I can come up with many ideas for Book 7, although I only planned on six in the beginning. And I’ve also had some ideas for a third book in my dual timeline series. I’m writing those ideas down so I don’t forget them.

Amy and Seaumus

Yes, I know Seaumus isn’t spelled as it normally would be. However, for the ‘meet-cute’ to work, it has to be spelled this way. I created this image using Bing. The real stuffie in the book isn’t nearly as big as this one.

Back to the covers, I have my favourite. Which one do you like best? Leave your selection in the comments.

The Family Before Us by Tracy Martin-Summers

Please join me in welcoming Tracy Martin-Summers and her latest novel, The Family Before Us, to Celtic Connexions.
family

Blurb

I was only seven when I first met Eva. She stood at the front of the classroom, pale and petrified, clutching her hands as our teacher introduced her.

There was something about her—something that pulled me towards her immediately.

Maybe it was the sadness that lingered in her eyes, or her oversized, second-hand clothes, or the shoes so tight they pinched with every step.

Whatever it was, I knew I had to be her friend.

It’s ironic that her one simple mistake at the age of sixteen contributed to turning our lives upside down.

How was it that one single act of kindness exposed a web of inconceivable deceit, so mind-blowing, it was impossible to comprehend

What would you do if you discovered a secret so shocking that you no longer knew who you were?

How far would you go to protect the people you loved?

family

Book Links

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222383821-the-family-before-us

Purchase Link:  https://mybook.to/familybeforeus-zbt

My Review

Abandonment, bullying, deception. And behind it all? Someone in a position of trust.

The title made me think of Lisa Jewell and her books. This wasn’t like them at all. I flipped through the virtual pages, trying to figure it all out.

This is the first Tracy Martin-Summers book I’ve read, and it won’t be my last. I still get shivers when I think of the book.

About the Author

family

Tracy was born in Harrow Weald, Middlesex, growing up in a loving family home. She married her first husband in 1990, has two grown up children and two granddaughters.

She studied a variety of topics via moduled learning, embarking on City and Guilds and NVQ courses, ranging from a brief spell in hairdressing to administration and now works for a utility company in North West London.

Tracy has numerous hobbies ranging from landscape painting to landscape gardening and always likes to paint the scene, even if it’s changing the colour scheme,yet again, within her home.

Tracy has always enjoyed writing and used to write short stories for her own children’s amusement but it has only been in the last few years that she has taken this more seriously and has gone on to write her first police procedural psychological thriller series, comprising Gordon Square, Arlington Terrace and Keeper’s Lodge.

On the 1st August she released her latest psychological thriller 101 and is now already plotting her next book.

Tracy married her second husband in 2014 and now lives in Bedfordshire in a sleepy hamlet where she writes whenever she gets a spare moment.

Author Links

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/TracyMartinSum1

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/tracy_martinsummers/

Website:  www.tracymartinsummers.co.uk

Red Daisy by Gemma Owen-Kendall #REDDAISY

I’m thrilled to have a new-to-me author here at Celtic Connexions today, Gemma Owen-Kendall to find out more about her novel, Red Daisy.

Blurb

What if the girl who wore the red coat fell in love with the wolf?

Grace Kennedy was once a quiet teenage girl growing up in a rural area with her parents. When Grace turns sixteen, she moves to a new town to live with her grandparents to study for a diploma in Dance at the local college.

It’s there that Grace’s life changes when she meets the polite and charming Daniel and also encounters the dark and mysterious Ben.

But are both boys truly who they say they are …

Dealing with the sudden strange events happening to her and a complicated love triangle, Grace’s world implodes when she learns that werewolves and spellcasters do truly exist.

Red Daisy

Buy Link

Amazon

Excerpt

I dropped to my knees onto the wet, cold and snowy ground. I could not understand why one moment he was caring and affectionate towards me then suddenly just vanished. I let the tears fall down my face, then a feeling of anger hit me. My fists clenched to the point I dug my nails into my skin, blood pressure increasing.

Letting out an almighty scream, I screamed so high and so hard that

I felt the veins through my body tighten and surface. I screamed that much that I struggled to breathe, then became light-headed and collapsed further into the snowy ground. I just wanted to be swallowed up. I didn’t care right now if I was to be taken onto the spirit world. I closed my eyes and just waited to see what would happen next.

Inspiration for Novel

I was inspired to write Red Daisy back in 2013 when I had an epiphany whilst in my car wearing a red coat, I came up with a sudden idea that I wanted to write my own version of Red Riding Hood and also go down the route of what if the girl in the red coat fell in love with the wolf.

I’ve always loved the Twilight books so author Stephenie Meyer has always had a big influence on my writing xx

About the Author

Red Daisy
Gemma is a writer from North East Lincolnshire, UK. Graduated at the University of Lincoln in 2009, she studied a degree in Drama. However years later Gemma has discovered writing is her hobby and passion. She hopes to one day to be able to go back to University to study creative writing. As well as her own writing, Gemma is a huge supporter for writers within her local area.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

www.facebook.com/innocenttimesauthor

www.instagram.com/gemma.authorpage

X – @gemmaowenkendall

It’s A Right Cozy Christmas Crime! #ARIGHTCOZYCHRISTMASCRIME

What better to whet your appetite for the festive season, than a seasonal read. In this case, it’s a collection of short stories all with the same theme – crime! Kick back and grab a cuppa and we’ll get down to business with A Right Cozy Christmas Crime.

Right Cozy Christmas Crime

Wendy J. Jones was the brainchild, and through her company, Scott and Lawson have gathered a diverse group of crime writers to put this first in a series of cozy crimes together.

Right Cozy Christmas Crime

Blurb

Step into a world where twinkling lights and holiday cheer are accompanied by Christmas puddings and a dash of intrigue. A Right Cozy Christmas Crime brings together thirteen festive mysteries where annual traditions are intertwined with shadowy secrets. From a historic Scottish Castle hiding a chilling truth, to the bustling streets of Lagos filled with more than just Christmas shoppers, each tale sparkles with holiday warmth while unravelling a deliciously puzzling mystery. It’s time to put your feet up, sip hot cocoa and join our detectives as they ensure justice is served. Perfect for lovers of cozy mysteries with a holiday twist.

My Review

I loved this collection of short stories. I could dip in and out as time permitted. The stories were interesting, and there was quite a collection of characters involved. Past and present timelines and a range of locations made for a fun read in the lead-up to the festive season.

Oh, and at the end? A recipe!

Buy Link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DKG4TP9Q

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY 

Scott and Lawson Publishing, situated in the heart of Dundee, Scotland, is a beacon for literary enthusiasts. The company publishes captivating cosy mystery anthologies, transporting readers to quaint locales filled with intrigue and charm. In addition they specialise in non-fiction books tailored for writers seeking to hone their craft, the company offers invaluable insights and guidance fiction aficionados are also catered to with thrilling narratives that keep them on the edge of their seats. With a commitment to quality and a passion for storytelling, Scott and Lawson Publishing is a cornerstone of the Scottish literary landscape.

A Right Cozy Christmas Crime Features 13 Short Stories written by

Wendy H. Jones
Linda Mather
Sue Cook
Melicity Pope
Marti M. Mcnair
Sheena MacLeod
Pauline Tait
Gulia Fancelli Clifford
Dianne Ascroft
Gillian DuffStella Oni
Alex Greyson
Sophy Smythe

WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

 

https://www.wendyhjones.com

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Wendy-H.-Jones/author/B00OABSKH0

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Dianne-Ascroft/author/B002BOCBKA

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/LINDA-MATHER/author/B095CQWLDY

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Pauline-Tait/author/B01MU5U020

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Sheena-Macleod/author/B01N32QPOJ

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Stella-Oni/author/B08MV9TP6P

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Alex-Greyson/author/B0DKJXNW16

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Sue-Cook/author/B0BG8X6L37

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Gillian-Duff/author/B06XBTXG14

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Marti-M.-McNair/author/B0CK8JM7FQ

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Sophy-Smythe/author/B08YNV7ZTF

 

The Queen of Cups by GB Williams #THEQUEENOFCUPSMURDERS

Today, the blog features something a little different. I’m reviewing The Queen of Cups by GB Williams.

Queen of Cups

BLURB

He’s determined to draw a better future. But his morning reading didn’t warn him about the muddy ditch of corpses…

South Wales. Detective Sergeant Madoc Palmer struggles to fit in. Committed to his job, the tarot reader hopes his transfer away from a sabotaging superior is a fresh start. Though he downplays his psychic ability as good instincts, the ploy is tested when two murders trigger strange visions.

As his abilities take an inexplicable leap forward, Palmer navigates the tricky task of guiding the sharp-eyed, evidence-following Detective Inspector Ruth Atkins to the identity of the decayed remains. With his suspicious new DI watching every move, the newcomer fears any slip of the tongue could get him laughed off the force.

Can he reveal his truth without destroying his life or letting a killer slip from their grasp?

Queen of Cups

LINK TO BUY

Queen of Cups

MY REVIEW

Anyone familiar with tarot will know the book’s title is a card in the deck. I can put everything I know about tarot cards in a doll-sized teacup. I know South Wales reasonably well, where the book is set. The book was engaging, and the characters were likable.  My lack of tarot knowledge did nothing to spoil my enjoyment of it.

The dynamics between the lead characters, DI Ruth Akins and DS Madoc Palmer, made it enjoyable.

I was lucky to get in on the ground floor with this book since it’s the first in a series of police procedurals.

A 5-star read, and I’ll be watching for more books by this author.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Queen of Cups

GB Williams specialises in complex, fast-paced crime novels. Her works include the recently expanded Locked Trilogy, The Elaine Blake Novels and the stand alone, The Chair. GB was shortlisted for the 2014 CWA Margery Allingham Short Story Competition with the story Last Shakes, now available in Last Cut Casebook. GB is a member of the Crime Writers Association, Crime Cymru, and part of the organising team for Gŵyl CRIME CYMRU Festival, as well as working as a writer and freelance structural editor. 

WEBSITE

HOME

For a free story, see books.gailbwilliams.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Facebook: @GBWilliamsCrimeWriter

Instagram: @gbwilliamsauthor

Threads: @gbwilliamsauthor

Blog:  GB Williams Crime Blog

It’s paperback launch day for It Happened at Niagara Falls!

In just a few short hours, I’ll be hosting the paperback launch of the latest novel in my It Happened series, It Happened at Niagara Falls!

via GIPHY

Where: Prescott Pop-Ups

When: Saturday and Sunday (September 28 and 29) from 10:00-17:00 both days.

Supplies of this first print run are limited so get there early to purchase your copy.

paperback

What’s the book about? Well, here’s the blurb.

Must Love Dogs meets Serendipity

Scarred by a devasting accident that killed her parents and younger brother, Jennifer Fox finds solace in the embrace of Niagara Falls. Her pug, Zeus, holds the title of her best Friend. Undeterred by her physical constraints, she maintains a bartending job in one of the city’s many bars.

Since graduating from university, archaeologist Michael Scott has been on many prestigious digs. The discovery of Richard III in 2012 has been the pinnacle of his career to date. His dedication to his profession has prevented him from having many personal connections.

A chance encounter with a runaway pug leads Michael to invite Jennifer to the charming village of Percé.

After accepting the opportunity to work with a team on a dig site near Cairo, he leaves her behind in Canada.

Despite their different backgrounds, can Jennifer and Michael find common ground and live happily ever after?

*****

Did that whet your appetite for more?

*****

Each book in my It Happened series involves at least one dog, and said animal is instrumental in getting the couple together.

Currently, the paperback isn’t available to purchase online, but it will be soon. You can buy the ebook from these outlets at Books2Read.

I think of all the It Happened books I’ve written, this one was the most fun. It’s also the longest. The first four in the series range from 45-55K words. It Happened at Niagara Falls came in at over 80K.

I hope to see you over the weekend.  Here’s the cute building where I’ll be located.

paperback

 

 

The Grandmother by Jane E. James

I’m pleased to welcome Jane E. James back to Celtic Connexions with another of her psychological thrillers, The Grandmother!

grandmother

Blurb

I might be a grandmother. But I’m not some sweet, harmless old lady who people can push around.

Two little girls stand with their heads bowed in my living room. I’m told they’re my granddaughters. This is the first time I’ve met them since my daughter and I fell out after she married that waste of space, Vince. Daisy is nine, and Alice seven. Daisy is the spitting image of her mother.

They’ve come to live with me because their mother — my daughter — was murdered. In her own home while they slept close by.

I think their father, Vince, killed my daughter. But the police can’t prove it. I’ve always known he was no good. He treated my daughter like dirt. I warned her he’d cheat on her — but she wouldn’t listen.

But then, most people have a dark side — and I’m no different.

Now he wants his daughters back.

Over my dead body.

I finally have a family of my own. And nobody is going to take it away from me.

the grandmother

My Review

grandmother This book started on a slow burn for me. The loving Grandmother, Yvonne Castle

It really took off on my Kindle at about the 62% mark. It was a ‘what? I didn’t see that coming!’ moment.

I’m a fan of psychological thrillers, and this one ranks right up there.

The author created well-rounded characters, and the writing was strong. The Grandmother isn’t the first book I’ve read by this author, and it certainly won’t be the last.

You can find The Grandmother here

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216727227-the-grandmother

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/grandmother-zbt

About the Author

The Grandmother

 

Jane E. James is a bestselling author who likes to create chilling reads that appeal to fans of psychological suspense thrillers, mysteries, and dark fiction. Her novels are packed with plot twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. All of them are standalone novels.

Jane is an animal lover and lives with her cat, Hero, in a small country village near Stamford, Lincolnshire in the UK, which is known for its quirky tea shops and cobbled streets. Rebecca, Carrie, The Woman in Black and Wuthering Heights are among some of Jane’s favourite reads.

Jane’s Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janeejamesauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jane_e_james

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janeejamesauthor

Website: http://www.janeejames.com

Joffe Books’ Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joffebooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/joffebooks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joffebooks

Website: https://joffebooks.com/

The Grandmother

Mutate by Hetty Waite #MUTATE

Today, I’m welcoming a new-to-me author, Hetty Waite and her book, Mutate.

Mutate

 

Let’s have a look at the cover.
Mutate

Blurb

One change can be deadly…

In the city of Galex, all that matters is your genetics. Living with a virus that only affects the Y chromosome, men – Ys – are at risk of death or mutation and considered too dangerous to live freely. Women – Xs- rule the city.

Cara must navigate a world where the one she loves is considered a deadly enemy. With her sister Myla in charge of Galex and driven by a hatred of Ys, Cara has a dangerous secret.  If discovered, it will not only destroy her relationship with her sister, but will threaten the life of the Y she loves.

Brown has spent his life enslaved, knowing he could mutate at any moment. After seeing his best friend killed, he volunteers for a deadly mission.  He is soon to face a difficult decision: protect Cara and sacrifice her sister, or betray his fellow Ysand place all his loyalty in the hands of an X.

Excerpt

There are two main narrative perspectives in Mutate: Cara, an X, and Brown, a Y. Cara is a powerful figure in the new city of Galex, whereas Brown is treated as a slave.

This excerpt is from the beginning of the novel, from Cara’s perspective.

One of my earliest memories is the first time I witnessed a Y transformation.

I must have been about three years old. We were moving between city hostels at the time, trying to find safe havens. There weren’t many back then. Ys were still running free without controls, so the risk of them becoming infected and mutating was high. The army was struggling to keep control: so many soldiers had died, they hardly had any manpower left, and the ones they did have were at risk of changing. It’s a shame that, at the time, the army was overwhelmingly made up of Ys.

Why I was out alone in the street at that age is anyone’s guess. Myla always says I must have been on the hunt for food, as I never stopped eating. We’d joke about poor parenting skills leading to kids being made breakfast by monsters.

At the time I didn’t laugh, though. I can still remember how hard my heart pounded, how afraid I was, when this human-lizard hybrid looked at me like I was human-shaped snack. I can still remember my Mum’s angry, hysterical shriek as she yelled at me. I can still remember Myla peeking out from behind her legs, barely six years old herself, shaking in fear as she witnessed her mother killing a Saurian to save her little sister. 

Unfortunately, that’s no longer the worst monster I’ve seen.

Buy Link

amazon

About the Author

Mutate

Hetty Waite lives in Derbyshire with her husband, daughter and cavapoo.

She is always looking to get lost in a good book and has spent years passing on her love of reading by teaching English to teenagers. Whilst no longer in the classroom, (and definitely not missing the marking), she is keen to continue helping young people engage with literature.

Nowadays, when not pandering to the whims of her demanding 4-year-old or tutoring GCSE students, she finds time to write YA fiction.

The Chromosome Trilogy Book 1: Mutate is her first novel.

Follow Hetty at these links:

WEBSITE – https://hettywaite.co.uk

FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086494572838

INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/hettywaite

X – @HettyWaite

mutate

 

Hunter’s Rules by Val Penny #HUNTERSRULES

It’s my pleasure to feature Hunter’s Rules, book six in Val Penny’s Hunter Wilson series, set in Edinburgh.

Hunter's Rules

Let’s have a look at the fantastic cover!

Hunter's Rules

Blurb

A bloody scene brings Hunter and Meera’s romantic plans to an abrupt end. 

A young woman attacked in a hotel lift has life changing injuries. Her wounds match those inflicted on two women who were murdered.

When Hunter is identified as a suspect in the case, he must establish his innocence to lead his team and solve this bloodcurdling crime.

Is the same person responsible for all three crimes?
Will the girl in the lift finally identify who is targeting these young women ?

Hunter will stop at nothing until he catches the unhinged killer.

My Review

Each book in this series has improved upon the previous one. This one, in my mind, is the best of them. The fact that it’s set in Edinburgh certainly helps. I love that city.

I’ve loved the characters from the beginning, and each time I pick up a book featuring them, it feels like I’m sitting down with old friends and having a catch-up.

Val creates an excellent page-turning read. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!

Buy Link for Hunter’s Rules

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D7ZPBJDX

About the Author

Hunter's RulesVal Penny has an Llb degree from the University of Edinburgh and her MSc from Napier University. She has had many jobs including hairdresser, waitress, banker, azalea farmer and lecturer but has not yet achieved either of her childhood dreams of being a ballerina or owning a candy store.

Until those dreams come true, she has turned her hand to writing poetry, short stories, nonfiction books, and novels. Her novels are published by SpellBound Books Ltd.

Val is an American author living in SW Scotland. She has two adult daughters of whom she is justly proud and lives with her husband and their cat.

You can follow Val at these links

Website – https://www.valpenny.com

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Val-Penny/e/B07C4725TK

Author Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/valerie.penny.739

Author Twitter Page – @valeriepenny

Author Instagram Pagehttps://www.instagram.com/valerieepenny/

Downstream by Maressa Mortimer #DOWNSTREAM

Once again, I’m happy to host Maressa Mortimer, who is sharing an excerpt from her latest book, Downstream.

Downstream

Blurb

Radio signals have been picked up that might reveal the location of Downstream. Macia longs to find her mother there and tries to persuade her friends Gax and Cecilia to join her in the search. But is it a dangerous mistake or a mission from God? Many difficulties await them and they will need to trust God as they encounter darkness and danger, reaching out with the Light.

Downstream

Excerpt

Chapter One Part 3

Life has changed for the girls. What they wear, read, say, and do is a world apart from the controlled society of Elabi. Macia rubs her arm, “My arm says it’s going to be wet later,” she grins, sure that the healed break can predict the weather. “I better go for a run now, before we have to help in the shelter.” She smooths out one of her nails, and continues slowly, “I hope Gax will know more soon.” She swallows, “It’s made me struggle to sleep at night, and I have had to write my imaginary diary again,” she laughs as she gets up to get ready for her run.
Caecilia goes up to her room, not wanting to stay in the shared
lounge by herself. She lowers herself on her bed, thinking. “Dearest friend,” she whispers, thinking of Macia and her diary, “maybe I should have a dearest friend as well, as my head is spinning. I wanted to forget Elabi, but it’s there and my parents and my family,” she wipes tears away that have suddenly splashed on her cheeks. She can’t remember ever crying in Elabi, but since arriving in Mataiox nearly a year ago, she has changed. Even Macia, who has not even been a year, has changed. “Anyway, dearest friend,” Caecilia forces her mind back to the diary in her head, “I am confused. I would love to leave it all behind, but the mention of Elabi has stirred something in me. I should pray about it, but I don’t know how to, as I can’t work out what I want.”
Working in the Shelter is a good diversion, both girls agree. The Shelter provides sleeping spaces and meals for homeless people. “That’s the sad side of Mataiox,” Caecilia says to Macia as they’re stirring large pots and pans, filled with wholesome food. “It’s free,
or less controlled, but it comes with many problems. Sometimes I wonder if the freedom is worth it for many people, until we’re back at the Meeting House, then I am glad!”
“I like the freedom,” Macia says, “freedom to wear what you want,” and she looks down at her new jeans, and grins at Caecilia, “Well, I like them,” she says, lifting her chin, “They are comfortable and everyone wears them.” Caecilia shrugs but Macia carries on, “And there are other freedoms I like. It might come at a price, but in Elabi, there is a price too. Think of Downstream, and beyond the hills. Here, people can change, like some of the people visiting the Shelter. They might visit the Shelter for a while, but some of them do get back on their feet.” She stirs a little slower, “Maybe not many, and definitely not all, but there is a way back from their struggles. People are around to help the homeless people. Downstream is final and the hills are often final.”
Gax is waiting for the girls as they finish cleaning up the kitchen.
The Shelter is quiet now, leftover food is boxed up and put away, and most of the staff has gone home. Gax watches the girls, and as Caecilia smiles at him, he says, “I talked to Linu today, after my morning Ethics class.” Both girls stop what they’re doing and Gax shrugs. “There isn’t much more I can tell you, but maybe we could go for a quick walk along the beach?”
Macia is glad of her new jeans when they get out of Gax’s car. The wind is sharp and she tugs her coat tighter. Caecilia shivers, but keeps her smile in place. She clutches her new handbag, hoping Gax will notice. It’s similar to the bag his sister has. Gax smiles at her, causing a warm glow inside her and the three walk onto the soft sand, Gax in the middle.
Macia is the first to break the uneasy silence by taking a deep breath through her nose. “I love the smell of the sea,” she says, “it reminds me of my paddleboarding lessons.” Her mind wanders back, thinking of the woman who helped her and even provided the board that brought her to freedom. It always fills her heart with gratitude as well as worry for the woman’s safety.
Caecilia nods, “It reminds me of my father’s lighthouse,” she says softly, hugging her large bag a little tighter, forcing her voice to stay light.
Gax smiles at her. “That lighthouse is special,” he grins, “it was the first thing I saw, getting into Elabi, and in a way the last thing as well.” He looks away. “Linu says the chatter isn’t from Elabi itself.” The girls nod, as Gax had shared that part already. “She tried to get more information, and says the main word she managed to unscramble was,” he hesitates, “…was Requipacem.”
Both girls gasp and Caecilia takes a step away from Gax whilst Macia stares out over sea. Requipacem. The word indicating the ending of someone’s life in Elabi. Macia keeps her back towards Gax, but manages to ask, “Why would that be part of a radio conversation?” Gax looks at his shoes, not wanting to look at the girls. “Linu thinks
the chatter isn’t from Elabi or from beyond the hills. She isn’t sure where exactly it is from, although she has managed to narrow it down. We think… we think it might be from Downstream.”
Macia spins round, opens her mouth, closes it and turns back to watch the gentle waves hugging the yellow sand, leaving darker lines. She doesn’t move as Caecilia asks, “Does she know whereabouts Downstream is in that case? And would it matter at all?”
Macia spins round at that. “I agree. What difference would it make? People go Downstream for Requipacem, I’m sure. There is nothing down there. There can’t be anything.” She chews her nail, “There has never been anyone returning, otherwise, if they could they would. She would.” She gives a small gasp as the last couple of words escape her mouth. She blinks, sniffs then continues, her voice no longer fierce.
“She would have returned for us, if there was a way back. Once my little brother had gone, she would have returned, I’m sure.”
Caecilia touches Macia’s arm with her fingertips. “She wouldn’t have been received well, and she would have known that. Maybe she could have found a way back, but it wouldn’t have been worth it. Your father wouldn’t have received her back with open arms, would he? And the city leaders wouldn’t have accepted her back either, as every parent of sick and imperfect children would have followed her example.”
Macia gives a small sob and whispers, “What if she stayed there then? What if she is alive and living Downstream? Maybe she is still there.”

Buy Link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Downstream-Elabi-Chronicles-Maressa-Mortimer/dp/1838313494/

About Maressa

DownstreamMaressa grew up in the Netherlands, and moved to England soon after finishing teaching training college. Married to Pastor Richard Mortimer they live in a Cotswold village with there four children. She is a homeschool mum, enjoying the time spent with family, travelling, reading and turning life into stories, she wants to use her stories to show practical Christian’s living in a fallen world.

Follow Maressa

Website http://www.vicarioushome.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vicarioush.ome

Linktr.ee https://linktr.ee/Vicarioushome

My Scottish roots and writing by Melanie Robertson-King