Book Promo ~ Fear, Fortitude and Escape

Fear and Fortitude of Dutch Boy
Who Escaped the Nazis

^{by David Tabasky}

 Inspired by a rteal boy and real events, David Tabatsky’s new book, The Boy Behind the Door: How Salomon Kool Escaped the Nazis, shares the story of a Dutch teenager who survived World War II by eluding the Nazis time and time again as German forces occupied the Netherlands.

The Boy Behind the Door opens in 1940 as Sal is about to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. Amsterdam is invaded, and after the Nazis make life more and more impossible for its Jewish residents, he finally must hide behind his bedroom door while German soldiers barge into his home and take away the last two members of his family.

Sal is left to his own devices to evade the Nazis over and over again. With the help of resistance fighters and brave non-Jews, Sal barely survives the war. When he returns to Amsterdam as a young man, he eventually finds out that his entire family, including his parents and three siblings, have perished in concentration camps.

The rest of the story follows Sal as he navigates the aftermath of the war. The Holocaust has changed his life forever, along with his beloved hometown, and the world will never feel the same for him and so many other survivors.

Tabatsky’s storytelling brings this significant time in history to life. “This is a powerful story, powerfully told,” says Michael Berenbaum, director of the Siri Ziering Holocaust Institute at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles.

According to Tabatsky, “Sal’s story is a moving document of a period in world history we must never forget.”

It can be difficult to find Holocaust literature that will interest and enlighten young readers, especially boys, but The Boy Behind the Door is appealing and accessible to emerging adults of all reading levels.

About the Author

David Tabatsky is a writer, editor and performing artist based in New York City. David’s two passions have driven his career as a performer and writer. He has performed as an actor, clown and juggler around the world, in venues such as Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theatre, throughout Europe and Japan, and most notably at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Tabatsky is the co-author of several books about cancer, and the author of Write for Life: Communicating Your Way Through Cancer. He was the consulting editor for Marlo Thomas’ bestseller The Right Words at the Right Time, Volume 2: Your Turn. Tabatsky released his memoir, American Misfit, in 2017.

For more information, visit https://www.theboybehindthedoor.org/.

The Boy Behind the Door: How Salomon Kool Escaped the Nazis
Publisher: Amsterdam Publishers
Release Date: September 1, 2022
ISBN-10: ‎ 9493276325
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-9493276321
Available from Amazon.com and BN.com

Book Promo ~ Empty Quiver

Rival Operatives Unite to Dodge Nuclear Disaster

~by Tom Davis

The U.S. Pershing II and Soviet SS-20 missiles on display at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., were once at the center of the Cold War chess match that underpins Tom Davis’ suspenseful new book, Empty Quiver. Set against a backdrop of historical figures and actual events, Empty Quiver brings history to life with a riveting tale that reimagines what might have happened behind the scenes as Cold War tensions escalated.

Davis brings back NSC staffer Carter Cardwell and CIA Analyst Katherine O’Connor, whom readers will remember from his previous book, Conclave. Empty Quiver begins in 1983, as the Soviet Union deploys its new SS-20 missile, and the U.S. counters by developing and stationing its new Pershing II missile in West Germany. But many Germans are opposed to having the new weapons on their soil, a resistance the Soviet KGB decides to exploit, no matter who they must team with to halt the U.S. deployment.

In Washington, Carter is sent to find out what forces are at work and what the KGB is up to. He brings with him Katherine, an expert on the Soviet Union with whom he has a personal relationship. Meanwhile, the KGB decides upon a risky and complicated approach to broaden German opposition against the arrival of the new Pershings. The KGB chief responsible for Western Europe, Dimitry Zhukov, takes personal charge of the Soviet effort.

Carter, Katherine and Dimitry have confronted each other before, but now find they must work together before a nuclear confrontation spins out of control. Both sides must confront dark forces from the past in order to create the conditions for a more peaceful future. Will they succeed? Or will nuclear terrorists upset the nuclear balance?

Davis himself once guarded nuclear storage sites in Europe during the Cold War, and he draws upon his experiences to inform his narrative. “The incident with the ‘rabbit hunter’ described in Chapter 5 actually occurred — to me — while the officer of the guard at one such site,” he said. “Fortunately, it was an innocent event that ended with none of the sinister implications described in the book.”

Author Tom Davis is a retired Army officer and senior corporate executive. He holds an undergraduate degree from West Point and a graduate degree from Harvard. He spent 25 years in the Army and then another 16 years in the corporate world. He has written numerous articles on politics and international relations, and a nonfiction assessment of the 1982 Israeli incursion into Lebanon titled 40 Kilometers Into Lebanon. His first novel, Conclave, was a historical novel about the election to the papacy of John Paul II. 

“I’m an old Cold Warrior who spent many years in Germany guarding the Fulda Gap and was there when the wall came down and Germany re-united in 1991,” Davis added.  “Back then, the U.S. and Soviet Union under General Secretary Gorbachev learned the benefits of cooperation. Those days are unfortunately behind us. We are now entering a new Cold War, and I am seriously concerned about the dangerous directions it might travel.”

For more information, please visit 
https://tomdavisauthor.com/, or follow the author on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000901572680.

Empty Quiver

Publisher: Punaro Press
ISBN-13: ‎979-8789110546
Available from
Amazon.com

Book Promo ~ The Lady and Her Duke

The Ladies of Sommer by the Sea Book 3

_{Kindle Edition}

Could she use her skills as a lockpick to crack open the secrets to the murder as well as unlock his heart?

Lady Katherine Thornton has no interest in men after an indiscretion at her disastrous Season in London. No man can be trusted. Instead, she indulges in her fascination for gears and all things mechanical. Her unique drafting skill is an asset to her uncle Bennett Sutton, who is automating his textile factory. She doesn’t need anything else.

Lord Ian Wallace, the 4th Duke of Blackhall, is a retired military officer. An accidental duke after the deaths of his father and brother, he retreats from society and the clawing mothers and debutantes who stalk him. He’s focused all his energy on his partnership with Sutton. He’s satisfied and needs nothing else.

An oath to marry, a family legend to preserve, an uprising of the factory workers, and Sutton’s murder, throw Katherine and Wallace together to find a blackmailer and murderer. They also will find two things neither knew they were missing… each other and their happily ever after.

Pre-Order the Kindle Edition NOW for just 99¢ Auto-Delivery on July 7!

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B3B6DX7M
Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Text-to-Speech
Screen Reader

Part 3 of The Ladies of Sommer by the Sea
The Lady and her Quill
The Lady and the Spy
The Lady and Her Duke

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ruth A Casie will be on Lady Catherine’s Salon from June 27- July 1

Meet Ruth A Casie IN PERSON at the Eatontown Barnes & Noble July 9 at 1 PM

^{visit Ruth A. Casie’s website for more info!}

Sign up for Ruth A. Casie‘s newsletter
for all of the latest news and giveaways!

Book Promo ~ Premiere: A Romance Writers of America® Collection

 A varied mixture of different genres that all
have something to do with love!

A collection of tales that showcases the breadth and complexity of the world’s most popular genre of fiction, Romance!

New York Times bestselling authors Cindy Gerard and Allison Brennan bring the thrills in their tales of romantic suspense.

New York Times bestselling authors Sabrina Jeffries and Courtney Milan take you on a trip back in time with lush stories of historical romance.

New York Times bestselling authors Vicki Lewis Thompson and Joan Johnston show the wonder of contemporary romance, while New York Times bestselling authors Monica Murphy and Laura Kaye’s New Adult romances delve into the evolving Millennial perspective.

And editor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Sylvia Day’s tale of angels and sizzling desire takes readers to the edge with paranormal romance.

From the first love of Young Adult romance to tales of second chances, LGBT romance to the realms of the supernatural, contemporary to historical, suspense to inspirational, the genre of romance has a story for every reader and this blockbuster inaugural collection from Romance Writers of America showcases it all!

Featuring tales from:  Sylvia Day, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Lila Bell, Courtney Milan, Amber Lin, Monica Murphy, Regina Scott, Joan Johnston, T.L. Costa, Cindy Gerard, Harper St. George, Erica Ridley, Laura Kaye, Katy Regnery, Allison Brennan,
Lex Valentine, Sabrina Jeffries, and Diane Kelly 

available on Amazon

Amazon Reviews

“I LOVED this anthology. Such a crazy diverse group of authors and romance genres. There was something for EVERYONE. You HAVE to check it out!! I also loved that all the stories were connected in the theme of ‘a wrong number’ – everything about this was awesome!”
– All Romance Reviews

“I absolutely loved this collection of short stories. It was a varied mixture of different genres that all had something to do with love. Whether it was about a second chance at love, finding love in the most unexpected places, or rekindling past flames, they were all incredibly great romances that I truly hope are just precursors to more in a series. I want more from each world and each author. I truly enjoyed every single story in this collection and that is no lie.”
– Book Reader Chronicles

“This decadent and assorted collection of tales is the perfect treat for yourself or a friend this Valentine’s Day! A must read and a must own collection!”
– Books I Love a Latte

About the Author

Romance Writers of America: The Voice of Romance Writers: Romance Writers of America® (RWA) is a nonprofit association whose mission is to advance the professional interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy. Founded in 1980, RWA has grown to one of the largest writers associations in the world. RWA represents more than 10,000 members who live in 38 countries. RWA provides programs and services to support the efforts of its members to earn a living from their writing endeavors. If you are interested in becoming a part of this diverse and growing community, visit rwa.org for more information. Like RWA on Facebook: facebook.com/romancewriters; Follow RWA on Twitter: @romancewriters

Book Promo: Scoundrels Prefer Love

Scoundrels Prefer Love
(Fortune and Glory Book 2)

by Sandra             Sookoo

Adventure is exciting, but love is infinitely more heart-stopping.

Miss Calamity Calloway is the epitome of efficiency, as long as she’s typing travel reports, but when she’s out in the world, the troubles start. Tripping over laces, bumping into people on the street, and tumbling into awkward situations is the order of her days—and unfortunately, her handsome neighbor is usually a witness. All she longs for is a bit of trouble-free adventure.

Mr. Mason Lancaster is a retired American Navy man who has sailed all over the world, met countless dignitaries, and even taken on a stray pirate. A self-proclaimed scoundrel—women just complicate things after all—he’s on the hunt for the man who swindled his parents. When his neighbor, the smart, but clumsy Callie, decides to travel on her own, he joins the party… for her own good.

The mishaps—or adventures depending on who you ask—start before the two even board the ship. Callie’s penchant of falling into scrapes keeps them both busy, and an improper tryst further upsets the delicate friendship between them. But other dangers, lies, and deceptions also dog their steps, forcing Mason to decide where his priorities lie—protecting Callie or bagging his quarry. Perhaps a stroke of luck will correct their fate and prove life’s biggest adventure is worth its weight in trouble.

Buy Links

Amazon
Kobo
B&N
Apple

About Sandra Sookoo

Sandra Sookoo is a USA Today bestselling author who firmly believes every person deserves acceptance and a happy ending. Most days you can find her creating scandal and mischief in the Regency-era, serendipity and happenstance in Victorian America or snarky, sweet humor in the contemporary world. Most recently she’s moved into infusing her books with mystery and intrigue. Reading is a lot like eating fine chocolates–you can’t just have one. Good thing books don’t have calories!

Dragon Teeth by Michael Crichton

Harper Collins Pub

Michael Crichton, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Jurassic Park, returns to the world of paleontology in this recently discovered novel—a thrilling adventure set in the Wild West during the golden age of fossil hunting.

The year is 1876. Warring Indian tribes still populate America’s western territories even as lawless gold-rush towns begin to mark the landscape. In much of the country it is still illegal to espouse evolution. Against this backdrop two monomaniacal paleontologists pillage the Wild West, hunting for dinosaur fossils, while surveilling, deceiving and sabotaging each other in a rivalry that will come to be known as the Bone Wars.

Into this treacherous territory plunges the arrogant and entitled William Johnson, a Yale student with more privilege than sense. Determined to survive a summer in the west to win a bet against his arch-rival, William has joined world-renowned paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh on his latest expedition.  But when the paranoid and secretive Marsh becomes convinced that William is spying for his nemesis, Edwin Drinker Cope, he abandons him in Cheyenne, Wyoming, a locus of crime and vice. William is forced to join forces with Cope and soon stumbles upon a discovery of historic proportions.  With this extraordinary treasure, however, comes exceptional danger, and William’s newfound resilience will be tested in his struggle to protect his cache, which pits him against some of the West’s most notorious characters.

A page-turner that draws on both meticulously researched history and an exuberant imagination, Dragon Teeth is based on the rivalry between real-life paleontologists Cope and Marsh; in William Johnson readers will find an inspiring hero only Michael Crichton could have imagined. Perfectly paced and brilliantly plotted, this enormously winning adventure is destined to become another Crichton classic.

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

Michael Crichton was born in Chicago in 1942. His novels include Next, State of Fear, Prey, Timeline, Jurassic Park, and The Andromeda Strain. He was also the creator of the television series ER. One of the most popular writers in the world, his books have been made into thirteen films, and translated in thirty-six languages. He died in 2008.

Celebrate Veterans Day By Remembering

Shadow Commander: Celebrate Veterans Day By Remembering The Covert Commander Responsible For The Largest POW Rescue Mission In History

In Shadow Commander: The Epic Story of Donald D. Blackburn (Casemate Publishers), author Mike Guardia presents his readers with a memorable story of an underdog whose career was a testament to dogged determination and the will to stay alive.

The true story of the US Army legend who organized “Blackburn’s Headhunters” against Japan in WWII and went on to initiate Special Forces operations in Vietnam.

On the evening of April 9, 1942, the fires on Bataan burned with a primitive fury, illuminating white flags of surrender against the dark sky. Outnumbered and outgunned, remnants of the American-Philippine army surrendered to the forces of the Rising Sun. Yet US Army Captain Donald D. Blackburn refused to lay down his arms. With future Special Forces legend Russell Volckmann, Blackburn escaped to the jungles of North Luzon, raising a private army of 22,000 men against the Japanese. His organization of native tribes into guerrilla fighters would lead to the destruction of the enemy’s naval base at Aparri.

But Blackburn’s remarkable accomplishments didn’t end with the victory in the Pacific. He played a key role in initiating Army Special Forces operations in Southeast Asia, became commander of the 77th Special Forces Group and later took command of the highly classified Studies and Observations Group (SOG), charged with performing secret missions. Blackburn also revitalized the Special Operations campaign in South Vietnam, conducting full-scale operations against the NVA and Viet Cong in Laos and Cambodia. Following his return to the US, Blackburn was the architect of the infamous Son Tay Prison Raid, the largest prisoner-of-war rescue mission—and, indeed, the largest Army Special Forces operation—of the Vietnam War.

During a period when US troops in Southeast Asia faced guerrilla armies on every side, America had a superb covert commander of its own. This book follows Blackburn through both his youthful days of desperate combat and his time as a commander, imparting his lessons to the new ranks of Army Special Forces.

An internationally-recognized author and military historian, Mike Guardia is also a veteran of the United States Army. He served six years on active duty as an Armor Officer. He is the author of the widely-acclaimed Hal Moore: A Soldier Once…and Always, the first-ever biography chronicling the life of Lieutenant General Harold G. Moore, whose leadership was popularized in the film We Were Soldiers starring Mel Gibson.  As a lecturer, Mike Guardia has given presentations at the US Special Operations Command and the George Bush (41) Presidential Library.  He holds a BA and MA in American History from the University of Houston and currently resides in Texas.

For more information, please visit:  https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Commander

Shadow Commander: The Epic Story of Donald D. Blackburn
Casemate Publishers
Available online at Amazon and at all fine book sellers
ISBN-13: 978-1612000657

###

World War II Magazine: “A follow-up to a fine bio of Russell Volckmann, this tale of guerrilla warfare spans from Bataan to Vietnam.”

Book News: “Donald D. Blackburn’s involvement in guerilla warfare against the Japanese in WWII qualified him to become one of the first commanders of the Special Forces. For this career biography, the author conducted personal interviews with Blackburn and his family in 2008, with access to all of Blackburn’s personal papers, documents, photos, and his war diary from 1941-1944.”

Miniature Wargames UK: “…very well researched and readable account of one man’s fascinating military career, which was rarely spent far from where the action was.”

Military Writer’s Society Of America: “An excellent biography of one of the Army’s lesser known but very important leaders. Blackburn’s activities in World War II alone would make him a hero, but the author goes on to cite in some detail Blackburn’s other contributions in Viet Nam as well as to the evolution of Army Special Forces. The author’s detailed accounts of Blackburn’s activities make this book a must read for anyone interested in military history, World War II, and particularly for anyone studying or who simply enjoys reading about guerilla warfare or Army Special Forces.”

Meeting Author Angela Kay Austin

Welcoming Author Angela Kay Austin to The Potpourri Parlor

Angela Kay Austin has always loved expressing herself creatively. An infatuation with music led to years playing several instruments, some better than others. A love for acting put her in front of a camera or two for her thirty seconds on camera before giving way to a degree and career in communications. After completing a second degree in marketing, Angela found herself combining her love for all things creative and worked in promotions and events for many years.

I met the multi-published Angela Kay Austin through Vanilla Heart Publishing, just one of several publishers that produces her terrific books. Angela’s latest offering is Run For Freedom (The American Civil War Series book 1)

The choice was to run for freedom or die never having been valued as a human — as a woman. The penalty was the same — death!

Freedom and her brother, Triumph, would fight for their lives and the lives of the ones whom they loved no matter the cost. Escaping bondage meant they must RUN! Run to Moses. Run to the Promised Land.

Watson Brown knew all too well the struggle to survive. The fight to live. He had been given a second chance to do what he had failed to do in life — as a human. What he and his father could not do before the Harpers Ferry Raid.

The runaway slave and her brother were a distraction.

He could afford no interferences with his mission. He nor his family could risk exposure.

The Interview

Angela dedicated this book to her mom who always supported her the whole way going to seminars and more with her.  Her mother used to check out books for Angela before she had her own Memphis Library card.

Angela explained, “So, there was nothing I could do, but dedicate it to her 🙂 Wish she was here to see it happen…” (Angela’s mom passed away earlier this year.)

Q: Please tell us a brief blurb about Run For Freedom.

Angela: RFF is a composite of many different things that interest me: history, love, and unlimited possibilities. I’ve never written historical, paranormal, or new adult. Without really attempting to I ended up crossing genres because of my interest in just following the possibilities.

Q: What kind of research did you do in order to write this tale?

Angela: I read a ton of history books on the American Civil War, weapons, slavery. I listened to a lot of recordings of freed slaves, as well as read some transcripts of freed slaves. I attended seminars on the American Civil War, too. It was all so amazing to learn.

Q: Please tell us a little bit more about your mom. Was she a writer?

Angela: My mother didn’t write, but when I was young she read different magazines and left them lying around. I picked them up. She encouraged me to never stop doing what I enjoyed and she told everyone she knew that her daughter was a writer 🙂 She even attended conferences with me and in my place, if I had conflicts. My mother was an absolutely amazingly selfless and giving woman.

Q: Most school children were raised with “history” lessons about this time in America, what piqued your interest in the subject you wrote about in Run For Freedom?

Angela: I’m from the south. I’ve seen remnants of the hate and segregation that divided my country, and I’ve always wanted to have the opportunity to be a part of the story of change.

Q: Is this your regular genre?

Angela: This is all new to me, and I like it. It crosses many lines: history, paranormal, interracial and new adult.

Q: I notice that this is listed as the first book of a series – do you have ideas about the rest of the series? Anything you want to share?

Angela: I am currently working on the second book, and I have the idea for the third book taking root.  The final book in the series is what I’m developing. Right now I see it as Triumph’s story. (BTW, Triumph was my great-grandfather’s name.)

Q: Is there anything you want to say about Fiona Jayde (Illustrator) and Leonore Elliot (editor)?

Angela: These two have been my right hands with this piece 🙂

Q: Thank you so much for taking the time to join us here today. Is there anything you would like to add?

Angela: I hope that people will check out Run For Freedom. When I received the cover art, the first thing I wanted to do was share it with my mother. I think sharing it with readers around the globe, she will see it and smile!

www.AngelaKayAustin.com

www.FaceBook.com/AngelaKayAustin

@AngelaKayAustin

Download my author app TODAY for iOS or Android!

Book Promo – Valens the Fletcher and His Captive

Valens the Fletcher and His Captive (MF)
by Lindsay Townsend
Medieval Captives 2

Siren-BookStrand, Inc.

Heat Rating: SENSUAL

Historical

http://www.bookstrand.com/valens-the-fletcher-and-his-captive

 

Katherine has been let down by men before.
Can she trust the man who captures her?

England, Summer 1132

Valens is an arrow-maker and spy for Lord Sebastian (the hero of Sebastian the Alchemist & His Captive, Medieval Captives 1). His beloved sister Julia has died, leaving an infant who needs breast-feeding. Valens is still single, so needs to find a wet nurse for the baby.

He kidnaps young Katherine, and her baby, Jack, from a camp of women. Can Katherine save Edith, Valens’s little niece? Can she trust the handsome Valens, share her secrets, make a life with him? Can she recover Jack’s lost inheritance?

Ordered to court Katherine by his lord, Valens slowly begins to understand that he loves Kate, that he loves making a family with her, Jack, and Edith. Does his realization come too late? When, on their wedding day, a plot between Valens and Sebastian is revealed, can Katherine forgive Valens? Can she trust a spy?

BOOKSTRAND

AMAZON COM 

AMAZON UK

Valens the Fletcher and His Captive is book 2 of Lindsay’s Medieval Captives Series. Book 1, Sebastian the Alchemist and his Captive, is already out.

Sebastian the Alchemist and his Captive

He takes her for hate. Will he keep her for love?

Sebastian, lord of the tower in the northern high lands, is a proud, bitter man with a dark past. An alchemist and a warrior, he has had lovers but knows he is ugly—experience and betrayal have taught him that.  When Melissa, the beautiful, neglected daughter of two old enemies, falls into his possessive hands he is determined to hold her. Why?

As one of the detested and defeated Felix family,  Melissa must cling to her courage when she is claimed as a war-prize by the tall, grim Sebastian. Expecting torture and ravishment, she finds instead a peace and sanctuary that she has never known. Treated with kindness for the first time in her life, Melissa begins to blossom.

But there are secrets and old betrayals between them. Sebastian’s abiding jealousy is not easily quelled, especially when someone at the tower seeks to destroy his growing love with Melissa…

Medieval Captives 1  ~  Read Chapter One 

BOOKSTRAND

AMAZON COM 

AMAZON UK

BARNES AND NOBLE 

KOBO 

APPLE

Lindsay Townsend, historical romance.   Lindsay’s Book Chat 

Book Promo: Knight of Rapture by Ruth A. Casie

Knight of Rapture
by Ruth A. Casie

Historical, Paranormal
Fantasy

Available March 30, 2015

ePrice: $3.99
Paper: $14.99
Amazon,  BN,  iBook

BLURB:

For months Lord Arik has been trying to find the precise spell to rescue his wife, Rebeka, but the druid knight will soon discover that reaching her four hundred years in the future is the easiest part of his quest.

Bran, the dark druid, follows Arik across the centuries, tireless in his quest for revenge. He’ll force Arik to make a choice, return to save his beloved family and home or stay in the 21^st century and save Rebeka. He can’t save them both.

Rebeka Tyler has no recollection of where she’s been the past five months. On top of that, ownership of her home, Fayne Manor, is called into question. When accidents begin to happen it looks more and more like she is the target. Further complicating things is the strange man who conveniently appears wherever trouble brews—watching her, perhaps even….protecting her? Or is he a deliberate attempt to distract her? Rebeka can only be sure of one thing—her family name and manor have survived for over eleven centuries. She won’t let them fall… in any century.

EXCERPT:

She took another step and past the stone marker.

The air chilled and the sky turned an array of colors. Everything around her began to swirl. She realized her mistake too late. The portal, she was in the portal.

Arik. Close to him now, she reached for him but her hand passed through the form. She examined her hand turning it over then spotted the shadow of the man.

An illusion?

The shadow turned towards her. She watched as the wind washed over his face and it changed. “Bran,” she whispered in disbelief. Her head swiveled while she searched for something, anything to grab on to. The portal had one use and she had no intention of leaving.

Get out, her brain shouted.

His lips twisted into a cynical sneer. He tilted his head in jaunty satisfaction, snapped his fingers and vanished.

“No,” she yelled. “Arik,” she closed her eyes and screamed in her head trying to mind touch him while the wind tore at her.

“Beka,” he boomed.

Her eyes snapped open. She shielded them from the dust and debris and stared at Arik on the other side of the opening. He stood at the high plateau, miles away. His hands were braced on the opening’s edges, which were nothing more than solid streams of whirling wind. He struggled to keep the portal from closing.

“Come.” His voice didn’t allow for any argument.

The wind whipped at her, pushed her back. She tried again. “I can’t. The wind. Keeps. Pushing. Me. Away.” She shoved her staff in front of her and anchored it in the ground. Against the gusting wind, pulled herself towards him.

“A little more, Beka.” He gripped the edge of the portal with one hand and stretched the other out to her. She shoved her hand towards him as far as she could. The tips of their fingers brushed. In a burst of effort he caught the top of her hand, a precarious hold. With a tight grasp she wrapped her fingers around his thumb.

Safe, she wasn’t far now.

She concentrated on his face. The corners of his mouth turned up as he pulled her towards safety. The wind grew stronger buffeting around them then changed its path.

Before she could brace herself for the new direction, the gust blasted them. Without a firm grip, her hand began to slip. She pushed through the building panic. His smile slipped. The expression on his face turned to determination. Again her hand slipped until he held her by her fingertips.

He held them fast—crushing them but that didn’t matter. He had to hold on to her. Every muscle strained. Inch by inch he brought her closer to him. She tried to help him the best way she could. Anchored to the edge of the portal, Arik encouraged her on. But his alternatives were limited. The closer she got to him, the stronger the gale blew. Just a little closer, that’s all she needed for Arik to grab her and get her out of the portal.

The wind exploded from another direction.

The blasting gale pushed her staff away from the opening, across the dirt, cutting an ugly scar in the ground and dragging her away with her staff.

Away from Arik.

About Ruth A. Casie

Ruth A. Casie writes contemporary and historical fantasy romance for Carina Press, Harlequin and Timeless Scribes Publishing. Formerly from Brooklyn, New York, she lives in New Jersey with her very supportive husband Paul. When not writing you can find Ruth reading, cooking, doing Sudoku, or counted cross stitch. Ruth and Paul have three grown children and two grandchildren.  They all thrive on spending time together.  It’s certainly a lively dinner table and they wouldn’t change it for the world. She loves to hear from readers, so drop her a line at Ruth@RuthACasie.com OR visit her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/RuthACasie or on Twitter: @RuthACasie. If you’d like to receive her occasional newsletter, please sign up at http://www.RuthACasie.com.For more information about Ruth’s books, please visit www.RuthACasie.com.