#TenThingsYouMayNotKnow – About Sarah Brentyn

Today’s Wednesday, folks, and you know what that means, right? Right! Another Ten Things post, this time featuring Sarah Brentyn, who, bless her heart, has sucked up her courage and presented us with the ten things she wants everyone to know about her.
(Brace yourselves! šŸ˜€Ā  ) You’re on, Sarah … take it away!Ā 

Ten Things You May Not Know About Me
by Sarah Brentyn

Ten juicy, little secrets about myself? Ooh… You all are simply dying to know these things. Your curiosity is palpable. I can feel it through the screen. I will put you out of your misery (and bring you into mine).

  1. I still believe in fairies. (We have fairy doors in our home and build fairy houses in our yard. Though they don’t look as nice as the ones you’re imagining, believe me. Trying to duplicate a beautiful fairy house is like trying to bake a panda bear cake from Pinterest—it turns out looking much like a squashed beetle.)
  2. I have two tattoos. They are not in naughty places—sorry. Ankle and back, I’m afraid. Nothing to see here. Move on.
  3. I fell off a stone at Avebury and landed in nettle. (And took my dear friend down in the process. In fairness to me, I did warn her something like this might happen but, alas, she didn’t believe me. So that’s kind of on her. As were my feet.)
  4. I love essential oils and use them almost every day. Lavender is my go-to, can’t-live-without oil.
  5. I prefer paperback books and am nuts about the condition of them. After I’ve read them, you basically can’t tell I’ve even breathed on them. The spines aren’t creased, the covers aren’t wrinkled, and the pages aren’t crinkled. They’re in mint condition and, yes, yes I do sniff my books (my precioussssss…). Also, I rarely never lend them to anyone. (See previous precious parenthetical.)
  6. I got stuck in a phone booth in Paris with a mime outside. (Don’t ask me about this in the comments. I mean, honestly, why would you want to make me relive that kind of pain? That’s just mean.)
  7. I have a bag in my car at all times filled with blankets, clothing, and coffee shop gift cards so I can give items or food to someone who needs it.
  8. I love herbal tea. I have so much that it takes up two shelves in my kitchen and I buy it in bulk. Fun fact, for those who don’t already know this, herbal ā€œteaā€ is not tea (because it’s not made from tea leaves).
  9. My natural hair color is (was) blond but I colored it brown. When I became pregnant, I stopped coloring my hair (thinking the blonde roots would grow in and I’d look a bit like a skunk) and it grew in almost the exact shade of brown I was coloring it. (Except for my purple streak…that’s still colored. And wicked cool.)
  10. I’ve worked as a bartender, a cocktail waitress, and a beer girl. (I’ve had other jobs but these are ones you probably didn’t know about and, maybe, didn’t want to. But there you go.)

Here are two bonus facts about me you’ve already figured out (if you’ve been paying any attention to this list): I am a commaholic and have a deep and abiding love for alliteration and parentheses. (Also, I’m very, very bad at math. Those are three facts.)

~~~

Author Sarah Brentyn

I wrote my first story when I was nine years old and never looked back. My work has appeared both in print and online in lit mags, newsletters, websites, newspapers, and anthologies. I have a master’s degree in writing and have taught all ages, from Kindergarteners to adults. When other girls dreamt of being a ballerina, I dreamt of scribbling my thoughts in a notebook and turning them into a book. I bleed ink.

Buy Sarah’s books on Amazon HERE

You can reach Sarah on Social Media HERE:

Books: Hinting at Shadows | On the Edge of a Raindrop

Website: Sarah Brentyn

Blog: Lemon Shark | Lemon Shark Reef

Twitter

Instagram

Pinterest

#Sale – #OneWeekOnly – #The Emissary Books 1, 2, and 3 – $.99

To celebrate the fact that I’m VASTLY improved from my breakthrough case of COVID, I decided to say thank you to my guardian angel by offering each of my Emissary books for the heavenly price of a mere $.99 apiece. (If you download all three books, you’ll save $3.00.)Ā 

I hope those of you who haven’t checked out these books yet will jump on the chance to do so now! Here’s the scoop from on high:

The Emissary Book 1

BLURB

An angel’s work is never done—that’s part of the gig. But angels hadn’t been created to deal with such a vastly over-populated planet, rife with misery, suffering, and general chaos. Helping souls in peril has become a nearly impossible job, and even angelic tempers are frayed.

The archangel Azrael has had enough. He believes he’s found a way to ease their burden while saving jeopardized humans, too—hired help.

When Jake Daughtry lost his life rescuing a total stranger from certain death, he was on the fast track to Heaven. But that was before Azrael pulled him right out of line at the Pearly Gates. Now, as an Emissary to the Angels, Jake is taking to the highway in a quest to help souls in trouble. But the innate stubbornness of human beings bent on self-destruction is a challenge unlike any he’s ever faced.

It’s up to Jake and Azrael to bridge the gap between humans and angels. Will they ever convince the Council of Angels this endeavor is worthwhile? Can Jake figure out how to play by Azrael’s complicated rules? Will Azrael ever master the use of contractions in general conversation?

To find out the answers, hop on board Jake’s big red-and-white semi and travel the roads from the Florida Keys to north Georgia on an adventure that will make you laugh hard and cry even harder.

RECENT REVIEW

It’s not often you find a book that has it all: endearing characters, suspense, humor, gut-wrenching sadness, joy, and most of all, hope, but that is exactly what I found in The Emissary by Marcia Meara. The author sure knows how to spin a tale. This book held me hostage all afternoon. Helpless, all I could do was flip one page after another, engrossed in these characters lives, unable to fight it. I’m head-over-heels in love with Azrael, the angel in charge. The way Azrael and Jake play off each other is mesmerizing and hilarious. And the scenes with Dodger touched my heart. Can’t say more than that without spoilers. I’m so thankful I have the other two books in the series. Can’t wait to dive into Book 2!

Buy The Emissary Book 1 HERE
~~~

The Emissary 2: To Love Somebody

BLURB

They’re back!

Jake and Dodger, the first (and so far, only) Emissaries to the Angels, are on the road again.

They’re looking for mortals about to take a wrong turn. You know the ones—the kid thinking about stealing from a corner market or the man planning to lie about a coworker and destroy her career. Yeah, them. People on the brink of making a mistake that could send them down that wrong road and jeopardize their mortal souls.

Of course, there are rules by which the emissaries must play, and the archangel Azrael stands ready to enforce them. First and foremost, a person’s free will must never be compromised. Emissaries are allowed to use only the smallest of mental nudges. Thankfully, a whispered suggestion here or images of a better course of action there is usually all it takes. The potential mugger walks on by. The thief drops the wallet back into the unattended purse. But whether the results are obvious or not, Jake and Dodger are fully committed to making a positive difference, even as they struggle with issues of their own.

Will Dodger get over losing his chance to learn what true love is all about? Will Jake survive the grueling angelic equivalent of Boot Camp? Will Azrael ever finish the Official Emissarial Guidebook—including the chapter titledĀ Do Not Even Think About It?

One thing’s for sure—Jake’s and Dodger’s strengths are growing daily, as they help more and more people make better choices. But is the price for so much power higher than they’re willing to pay?

RECENT REVIEW

Anita Dawes: 5.0 out of 5 stars Second book in this amazing series!

Not all sweetness and light this time, as Azrael gets serious about equipping both Jake and Dodger for their job of helping souls in trouble.

I loved the chapter about the training session, and how Dodger and Jake reacted to the new strong-arm tactics.

I loved everything about this book just as I did the first in the series.

The way Dodger tries to cope with his insecurities, and Jake’s capable and patient attitude. Azrael had me laughing, he tried hard not to lose it as he struggled to get his point across to these very different personalities.

You never really imagine an angel getting cranky, now do you?

#GrannySays – #Wisdom, #Inspiration, #Humor

I know this to be a fact! I’d dreamed of being a writer all my life, and finally (at age 69) decided it was time to make that dream come true. Seven novels, three novellas, and a book of poetry later, I’m still going. If I can, YOU can! So dream your dream, then make it a reality! You can do it!

#GrannySays

For myself, I’m VERY grateful that my health is still improving a little bit every day, and that my family is ALL well and happy. Now it’s your turn: you are officially invited to share what YOU are grateful for today, and in doing so, perhaps inspire others to think about the good things in their lives.Ā 

Happy Freya’s Day, Everyone!

#GrannySays

And with that thought in mind, I’m going to keep on smiling and reminding myself that I could be hospitalized with severe COVID symptoms, instead of the daily mild flu-type stuff going on. Yeah, I’m too tired to do very much, and feel a bit crummy overall. (I mean, even mild COVID is unpleasant and exhausting.) But, I’m still here. And I will get past this! So yep. I’m going to CHOOSE to be happy! It’s that simple.

STAY WELL, FOLKS!

One Down and One To Go – Let’s Celebrate! #Sale

In celebration of my husband’s remarkable complete recovery from COVID-19, I have made an executive decision! (Alert the Media!) The best way I can think of to share our good fortune with others is to have a BIG SALE, so for at least a week (possibly a bit longer), my entire Wake-Robin Ridge series will be on sale for $.99 per book! Yep. You read correctly. That’s a savings of $2 on Book 1, and $4 on each of Books 2, 3, and 4. (Blame it on Covid Fog, as I’m not over it yet, but even so, I have enough brain power to know how lucky we’ve been so far.)

If you’ve been at all curious about this mildly paranormal series set in the breathtaking splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains, now is the time to grab some books. Maybe you’ve even wondered who this little boy named Rabbit is and why a ten-year-old mountain boy raised in the wilderness wouldĀ  garner the lion’s share of attention from my readers. If so, you now have a chance to learn more about him (and his extraordinary abilities) for a ridiculously low price.

If you (like me) are stuck at home quarantining, or just trying to avoid being in many public places right now, reading is a great way to escape for a while. (Reading and writing are recommended by the Alzheimer’s Association as the best ways to stave off loss of brain function, too. TV isn’t even in the top ten! Just sayin’ … )

Hope you’ll consider joining my official Kick COVID in the BACKSIDE celebration by taking advantage of the first ever Complete Series Sale on these books.Ā 


(Mark Kicking the Crap Outta This Stinkin’ Virus)

In the meantime, PLEASE feel free to join the singing, dancing, and general HOOPLA of the celebration going on at the Meara household. (One of us is Hoopla-ing a bit more energetically than the other, but I’m giving it the best I’ve got right now.)

~~~

(Please Feel Free to Share the News, Thanks!)
Buy AnyĀ  or All of These Books for $.99 each!

Download Wake-Robin Ridge #1 HERE

Download A Boy Named Rabbit HERE

Download Harbinger HERE

Download The Light HERE

HAPPY READING AND

PLEASE STAY SAFE!

And Yet Another #COVID Update

I hate to say it, but it would seem I spoke a bit too soon in my last update. While Mark seems to be completely over this wretched virus, it appears I am not. My original symptoms disappeared, as reported, and I was left with some pretty severe fatigue for a few days, but it looks like the whole thing has circled back around. I’m now experiencing the same symptoms I developed six days after Mark’s positive test, only a wee bit more so.Ā 

Don’t get me wrong. So far, it is NOTHING worse than mild flu-like symptoms, and I have no reason to think that that’s going to change, thanks to the vaccine.

But I’m definitely not quite done with this yet. Yesterday it was sniffles and headaches along with the persistent fatigue. Today, it’s a sore throat. (I’ve had worse cases of both of these things with bad colds.) I suspect the reason Mark kicked his sooner than I’ve managed is two-fold. One is because he’s six-years younger than I and has no other health issues going on, and two is because he got the antibody infusion. In addition to helping keep symptoms mild, that treatment can significantly shorten the duration.Ā 

Bottom line is, while I don’t expect to get any symptoms more dire than what I’m experiencing right now, it’s obviously going to take me a bit longer to fully recover. But FULL RECOVERY is what I’m expecting, and I will settle for nothing less! “So there!” to this CRUMMY COVID CRAP!! (Tacky language apology.)

With that full recovery in mind, I’m still going to listen to my body and REST, REST, REST, as needed. I will not likely be very active on the blog (or anywhere else) for a couple more weeks, though I do have a few things (like the #TenThings posts every other Wednesday) already scheduled for you. I will “Like” comments so you know I’m still alive and kicking here, but will probably limit my own comments, unless I’m feeling a lot perkier.

But be prepared! When I do return, it will be with a lot of hoopla and a celebratory book sale. Or two. 😃 And jokes, and smiley faces, and every happy meme I can find!

~~~

STAY SAFE, EVERYONE!

 

The Shadows We Breathe #NewRelease

Just wanted to give you guys a heads up that Sarah Brentyn’s new anthology, The Shadows We Breathe, is now officially released. Be sure to stop by Sarah’s site to read more about the book and all of the authors who contributed stories. I’m grabbing my copy today!

Sarah Brentyn's avatarLemon Shark

3D_Mockup_Vol1_watermark logo

It’s here! šŸ„‚šŸ–¤ šŸŽ‰

The Shadows We BreatheĀ is now available in eBook and paperback!

eBook

Paperback

I am so grateful to have worked with seven talented, amazing authors to create this gorgeous anthology of short fiction.

Ā 

Thank you to all the authors who contributed. And to Loni Townsend and Allie Potts for their help and patience in explaining techy stuff I don’t understand. šŸ˜œšŸ’•

Ā 

Blurb

WE ARE ALL PART SHADOWĀ 

Life promises joy and sorrow. Alongside the light, there will always be traces of darkness. It is the nature of being human.

In this anthology, we explore relationships—how they sculpt us, hurt us, help us, and reveal our deepest desires.

Eight artists, whose words paint worlds, bring you stories of heartache, loss, hope, and forgiveness.Ā They unveil the intimacy and complexity of relationships.

Whether family, friend, or lover, connections to others can hold us up or break us…

View original post 366 more words

Checkin’ In With an #Update

Good News for the most part! Mark’s first week back at work went well, though his energy level is lower than usual, and all of my symptoms are long gone, except for recurring bouts of fatigue, which are getting farther apart and lasting a shorter duration. So, we BOTH seem to be out of the woods, and between the vaccine and having actually had COVID, we now have double protection against future illness. Or so they say. (If you pick up on a wee bit of skepticism there, it’s only because what “they say” seems to change pretty much daily.) But, I do feel incredibly lucky and like we dodged the bullet for the most part, since we’ve both had bad colds that were worse than this turned out to be, thanks to the vaccines.Ā 

I’m hoping to gradually return to a more normal blogging routine by next week, as I don’t want to push myself when I’m still having spells where I have to go lie down for a bit. But never fear. I have some posts already scheduled, including a #GuestDayTuesday post this week and a #TenThings post next Wednesday. I’ll probably have a #ThorsDaySmile post this week, too, as I think we need all the smiles we can get.Ā 

And when I’m “officially back” again, I’ll catch you up on the links to #StoryEmpire and #Smorgasbord posts as well, in case there are any you missed.Ā In the meantime, please stay safe, everybody, and if you’ve been hesitant about getting the vaccine, I heartily recommend you go for it. I’m pretty sure it saved my life.Ā 

 

That’s all for now, but I’ll be back before you know it.

Update: Giving COVID a KNOCK-OUT Punch Around Here!

Just HAD to take a moment to let you know that Mark is cleared to return to work tomorrow. Yep! He has prevailed! Retest was negative, so there’s ONE down, and one to go.Ā 

As for me, my symptoms are almost totally gone, so I think I’m probably going to prevail, too, though I won’t know for sure until I get tested. I’m waiting the required 10 days quarantine, then will test to be SURE it’s safe for me to get back to giving my wildlife talks. But I’m feeling 99.9% sure I’m going to be okay, too, thanks to having gotten both shots weeks ago. As someone with three strikes against them health-wise, in addition to my age, I have no doubt that without the vaccine, I’d probably have ended up in the hospital, and likely intubated.Ā  Ā If you are hesitant about being vaccinated, I hope you’ll give it more consideration now. It can and does save lives, even if it’s not perfect, yet.

I’m still resting, taking it easy, AND isolating/quarantining here at home, but I feel more and more optimistic every day that I’ll come through this just like Mark has!

Thanks again for all your well wishes, prayers, love, and support! You guys ROCK!