Friday, April 16, 2021

BOOK: Red Sarah by Carol Ann Kauffman





Sarah is a beautiful redhead who works for a special agency that fixes broken timelines and rescues historically significant people who are in trouble. 

She has a special set of skills that allow her to 'tap' someone out of a dangerous situation. Her present assignment is to find and rescue a prince whose son eliminates hunger and disease on his island nation. 

“Save the Prince; save the King; and save the Reds. In doing so, Red Sarah may just save herself, who knows, but what might be the cost? Moving from modern day wisecrackery to a time of romance long ago, Carol Ann Kauffman’s tale is filled with majesty and bravery. This time travel story is a gift for all.” - Amazon Review 



“Sarah has one job and that is to rescue Crown Prince Lucas of Mist from captivity in a dungeon. Yet everything is not as it seems and will Sarah be able to stop an upcoming war? 
This was an interesting book about time travel and trying not to disrupt the time continuum. I liked Sarah and it was interesting on where her and Lucas ended up.” 
-Amazon Review  






Excerpt:


Chapter One

Look What I Found in the Dungeon



Sarah approached the lifeless figure huddled on the floor. The prisoner was shackled to the wall in the small, dark, damp cell. She reached down toward his throat to make sure he was still alive.
“No,” he growled as he pulled away from her.
“Shh,” whispered Sarah. “I come to help you, not to hurt you. But you must be quiet. I cannot be detected in here.”
“They will kill you… or worse,” he whispered, “for trying to help me. I am not some poor unfortunate soul. Do you have any idea who I am?”


“Yes, I do. You are Crown Prince Lucas of the Mist Kingdom in the highland of LaMere. Let me touch your neck.” 
He moved toward her as much as he could. 


She gently touched his bearded neck. “You are very warm, Prince Lucas. I fear you have the fever.”

“I am Prince Lucas, yes, but not the Crown Prince. My eldest brother Marcus is the Crown Prince and heir to the throne of the Mist Kingdom. I wield no power, here or in the highland. If you help me, I can do nothing for you in return. Leave this rotten stink hole at once. You only put yourself in extreme danger. There is nothing you can do for me.”

“Oh, really?” Sarah laughed as she put a small flask to his lips. He sipped, then swallowed and sighed.

“Ahh, good. Thank you,” he whispered. “What is that?”
“Herb and honey infused whiskey. It will induce a deep and heavy sleep. If you are chained to the wall in here, you may as well get some rest.” Sarah gave him more of the strong, sweet liquid. 

“Sleep now, Prince Lucas. I will return tomorrow night, when the guards are fast asleep. I will bring you bread and cheese. Is there something else you crave?”

“Freedom from these bloody chains. A bath. Warmth. Clothing. Sunshine. Strawberries.”

“Strawberries, I can do. And maybe something for the fever.”
“Why? Why do you chance danger to bring me real food and medicine?” Lucas eyed her warily.


“Because you need to regain your strength if I am to help you escape.”
“Escape?” squealed Lucas with a surprisingly hearty laugh for a man in his depleted condition. “Are you daft?”
“Shh,” whispered Sarah. “Be quiet.”
Lucas nodded.

“You have quite the sense of humor, lovely one,” whispered Lucas. “I am chained to the wall in a filthy dungeon in the miserable, hellish depths of Marlow Castle. There is no escape for me. And where would I go? I am too weak to even make it to the drawbridge, let alone up the rugged terrain of the mountainside. I am alone. My people have abandoned me. And, in case you did not notice, this cell is locked.”

“So then… how did I get in here?” Sarah smiled.
The prince looked around in confusion.
“Now, close your eyes.”
Lucas closed his eyes.
Sarah disappeared.

The next night, Sarah appeared in the locked cell once again. “Is there anyone in here who is hungry for real food?” she whispered to the sleepy prince.

“Ahh, there you are!” He smiled at her. “When I awoke refreshed from my deep and restful sleep, I was not sure if you were real or simply a lovely vision of my imagination.”
“I assure you, I am real. Here,” she handed him a small cloth pouch with berries and pieces of bread and cheese and a flask of water. 

“I am most grateful,” said Lucas, “although I do not know why you do this.” Lucas lifted the cloth pouch to his nose and inhaled. “Smells wonderful.” He picked a strawberry from the pouch and ate it. “This is the best thing I have tasted since...since…”


 Amazon Link:


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RED SARAH!








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Thursday, April 15, 2021

ENTERTAINMENT: The Dig (Netflix)




Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes are two reasons to watch "The Dig". Based on a true story, a woman (Carey Mulligan) in a mansion hires a man (Ralph Fiennes) to excavate on part of her country estate for a paltry salary, looking for what I was not quite sure, in this very British film.

She has a young son who named Robert Pretty (Don't you feel sorry for this kid already?) who runs around in a cape and befriends the old excavator man. 

But it's about more than digging a big hole in the ground and finding treasure while fighting bureaucrats. Much more. It's a lovely movie.
 







 





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Wednesday, April 14, 2021

INTERVIEW: Master Storyteller Jared McVay


Jared McVay
Powell Butte, Oregon


Good morning, Jared, and welcome back to Vision and Verse, the site for Art and Authors and those who love them. Can you tell us a little about what you've written? 
So far, I've written over 20 books in eight different genres, including an award winning western Hacker's Raid, and a 10-book western series, Clay Brentwood, a contemporary mystery 2-book series so far, about a young woman named Kathleen McClusky. I've written a twice awarded contemporary action adventure, Not On My Mountain, a pirate/wizard trilogy, Brody O'Shea, a YA Fantasy that is also loved by adults, Silent Runner/Guardian Warrior, three children's books, and at present I'm writing book one of a Post Apocalyptic Fiction series called Patriot Warriors.


Favorite genre to write?
I'm still working on that one. As I said,
 I write several genres and like all of 
them. Who knows how many more I will write?


Favorite food.
Let's see, I'm a simple eater: Bacon and eggs, biscuits and sausage gravy, and last but not least, a pot of navy beans with cornbread, fried potatoes and a big slice of onion.


Tea or coffee?  
Black coffee, but a cup of tea on a cold or rainy afternoon is good.


Pizza or ice cream?
 
Definitely, ice cream

 
Wine or beer?
Beer on a hot afternoon. But Brown Sugar Bourbon is best, anytime.





Where would you like to visit?  
With a name like McVay, it has to be Ireland and Scotland.


Favorite musical artist. 
I'm an ole country boy so it has to be Hank Williams and Johnny Cash.
                                           

Do you listen to music when you write? 
No, it distracts from the movie I watch in my head that I write down what I see and hear - which turns out to be the book I'm writing.


What makes you laugh?
Far, far too many things to list. But basically, people and the silly things they say and do.


Favorite work of art or sculpture?  
Anything by my friend, Tom Browning, Artist.


How old were you when you started writing? 
Fifteen. I began writing short stories at the encouragement of my literature teacher. 

Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? 
No. As I said earlier, I turn on a switch and watch a movie in my head and when the movie ends, so does the book. I never know who's coming next or what will happen next. And I'm the first one to read it, so I get excited, angry, upset or sometimes, even cry. If I get emotional, then I figure I have a good story, which is what we all strive for.


Describe your perfect evening.
Big glass of ice tea, a big bowl of popcorn 
and a good movie.


Where do you get your inspiration?
My publisher, or anyone for that matter will say, "You should write a book about..." And off I go. That's all it takes. Guess that's why I've written so many genres.

                                              
What do you do when you get writer's block? 
Good question. So far I've never had it - but if I ever do, I'll let you know. Like I said, I just watch a 
movie in my head and write it down.


Who is your favorite author?
Tough question. As it turns out, I read a wide variety of genres and authors, both male and female, many who are  author friends of mine and first time writers who send me their book. As long as they write a good story, I love them all.


What was the last book you read? 
1st time writer, Grant Rosenberg - Gideon - detective/mystery


What would you do for a living if you weren't a writer? 
I guess I would go back to my old profession - SAG - AFTRA - EQUITY principal actor. I've been in around 40 movies - worked on more than 20 television shows,  a whole slew of television commercials, voice-over dubbing for foreign cartoons, ghostwriter for screenplays , MC for live shows- along with speaking about, acting, writing and motivational. 

    
Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life?
 In 1955, I was running wild and living a rough life, when I met a man named, Gene Warren. He gave me a job and for the next two years, he taught me about life and how to be a man. I still remember his teaching today. He and his wife became lifelong friends, and I was sad when I heard of his passing.


If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be, and why? 
After careful consideration, I would have to say, Benjamin Franklin. I would like to tell and show him all that came from his inventions.


What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer? 
Hummm, I guess I would tell them, if you're motivated and feel you have a story or stories in you that you need to put down on paper? Do it... Writing should be for yourself. and...if other people like what you have to say - then you become a professional writer - but no matter, write for yourself.
                                     

Do you have some links for us to follow you? 

I'm a writer and not a very techy one. I do put things on Facebook, - which I believe is attached somehow to Twitter and Goodreads. My publisher, Creative Texts Publishers, also advertises my books - last but not least - my friend, Crystal Gauthier of CIG Promotions and Marketing sends out ads about my books. 


Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Jared McVay/e/B0060B8M8Q

Jared McVay
Actor, Writer, Storyteller
Novels, Children's Books
Blog:  Jared's Scribblings


Dear Gentle Readers, 
Here are  my reviews of 

Not on My Mountain


They are great stories!
Hugs,
Carol









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Tuesday, April 13, 2021

BOOK REVIEW: Death Saint by Rich Curtin

Death Saint is another terrific Manny Rivera Mystery by the talented Rich Curtin. Set in the breathtaking New Mexico/Colorado area, the story begins with a confession leading to a cold case, and opens up the hidden world of tiny Hispanic village’s cultural and religious ways. I love New Mexico and felt as if I were back there again just reading the descriptions. I love Manny Rivera. This is the second book in the series I’ve read, it won’t be the last.


DEATH SAINT was selected as a Finalist for Best Mystery in the 2016 New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards.


New clues in an old, unsolved murder case lead Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera from Moab, Utah, to a small, remote village in the mountains of northern New Mexico. With reluctant and sometimes non-existent assistance from the local sheriff, he enters a community of people unwilling to open up with him because of a centuries-old distrust of outsiders--outsiders were the ones who stole their land grant. 


He slowly penetrates their hardened attitude toward strangers and learns about a series of bizarre events which took place there fifteen years ago. As layers of the case are peeled away, he begins to understand the complexities behind a number of mysterious deaths. Local cultural beliefs--superstitions, witches, evil spells, owl power, a secret religious organization, and a strange saint--stymie his progress, complicate his investigation, and threaten his life.


Amazon Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Death-Saint-Manny-Rivera-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01GQGW1EO








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Sunday, April 11, 2021

SCHEDULE: April 12 - 16, 2021

Orchid Show2020 
Riverside Fellowship Gardens
Youngstown, OH   
Photo by CAKauffman




Mon., April 12 - ART:
Spanish Artist 
Joan Miró
Tues., April 13 - BOOK REVIEW:
Death Saint
by Rich Curtin
Wed., April 14 - INTERVIEW: 
Master Storyteller
Jared McVay
Thurs., April 15 - ENTERTAINMENT:
The Dig
(Netflix)
Fri., April 16 - BOOK:
Red Sarah
by Carol Ann Kauffman










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Vision and Verse does not store any personal information like email addresses, home addresses, etc. We do not give any information to third parties. And cookies? We eat cookies.