DRAMA - a novel idea (Boxed Sets on Kindle)

I am very excited to announce that very soon three of my novels which are:

and

 

 

will be brought to the Kindle reader in a boxed set

under the new title of

 

cover design Susan Ruby K.

http://yuneekpix.com

 

 

Buying these 3 novels in a boxed set will provide a cost savings to the reader.

 

I have it in my future plans to do the same thing with my Social Studies Books -- which again will provide savings to the Kindle Reader.

 

And I am considering doing the same with my three novellas:  Crabapple Court; Recompense; and When God Gives Us Spring.

 

I am finding it fun and exciting to keep up with all that is happening in the on-line publishing world.   Special thanks to my dear friend, Mags, for suggesting the idea of

putting these books into boxed sets. 

 

Special thanks to Susan Ruby K. of http://yuneekpix.com for her

brilliant cover designs.  Such a talent!

 

More and more readers are choosing the Kindle E-reader and it is my pleasure to soon provide these boxed sets to provide cost savings.

 

Of course the books will continue to be individually available in both

Kindle and Paperback format exclusively on all Amazon sites.

 

I confess I am one who still prefers the feel of a real book in my hands.

 

Thank you for checking out my author's page at

http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

 

 

 

 

Think Spring - Two free books for your reading pleasure today

I can't wait for spring.  I've had more than enough of winter and today, to celebrate the last day of February,  it is my pleasure to offer to you two free Kindle books on all Amazon sites.

The first is my first novel; Sara, a Canadian Saga.

 

The second free book today is Keeping It Simple - Imagine Being Whole

 

I hope you will enjoy the reading today.   Stay warm and think Spring.  :-)

 

And thanks for checking out my author's page  http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

 

And special thanks for your positive reviews on Amazon and/or Goodreads..





Dinner At Seven - a Romance Novel

Who is more excited than me? My first romance novel, ;Dinner At Seven, is celebrating its book launch on all Amazon sites. I have ordered ten copies which should arrive here on or before March 13th. Thanks Sue Grieves , Victoria Street and Deborah Lang for requesting a copy in your posts. I will have a signed copy set aside for each of you. This means I will have six copies on hand. If you live in Elliot Lake and want a signed copy please leave a post or message or email me and consider it done. 

 Thank you, Elliot Lake readers, for your continued encouragement and support.

Friends and family outside of Elliot Lake, Dinner At Seven, is available on all Amazon sites. Or you can purchase it directly from Create Space. The link there CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/5339180 My Amazon author's page is found at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Dinner At Seven is my fifteenth book but it is my first romance novel. I hope you will love it. Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin 

   

Dinner At Seven

a romance novel
       The story begins in 1985 at The Carrington Club in Toronto. Marsha feels in the doldrums until David arrives on the scene. Love and romance flourish until deception and betrayal raise their ugly heads. To escape Marsha flies to Bermuda where the power of love cannot be under-estimated.

CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/5339180

 

Available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.   Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

 

Dinner At Seven - a romance novel

I have completed the writing of my 15th book -- it is my very first romance novel.

It is titled "Dinner At Seven  and I'm very excited to tell you that it will be released within a few days.

Poetry From A to Z

Poetry from A to Z is a collection of poems, some of which have been previously published in various anthologies. This collection includes a variety of subjects and styles for your reading enjoyment.

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From the Author

From my earliest childhood days I have memory of my mother, a wonderful poet, sharing her poetry with others.  It is her inspiration which has prompted me to put together this, my first book of poetry, which contains 50 poems that I hope you will enjoy reading.

 

From the Back Cover

Books by Audrey Austin
 
Sara, a Canadian Saga
Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy
The Silent Star Plus a Dozen
Ellen and The Hummingtree
Keeping It Simple
Social Studies - Book One - Dying To Be Popular
Social Studies - Book Two - Shattered and Broken
Social Studies - Book Three - Weaving Alice
Beyond The Blue
Recompense
When God Gives Us Spring
Crabapple Court
The Last Drop
Poetry from A to Z

 

Hi Poetry Lovers!  Tomorrow (Sunday, February 22nd) Poetry From A to Z will be free in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites. 

 

This book is also available in Paperback format on all Amazon sites as well as it can be purchased directly from Create space.com    The link to Poetry From A to Z  is 

CreateSpace eStore:  https://www.createspace.com/4973413   

 

I hope you will enjoy my poems and thanks for checking out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

 

For my poet friends I have a page at http://rhymesandtimesremembered.blogspot.com    If you care to share your poetry on this site just message me at http://www.facebook.com/audreyaustinca

 

 

 

REAWAKENING

REAWAKENING  is a Sci Fi love story that laughs at life and tells its tale.   "Notsew" is a far away place where everything you learned about life on earth is turned upside down.  This book is my second publication; the favourite of my dear sister, Muriel, to whom this book is dedicated.

In her memory, I will share this excerpt from REAWAKENING with you.

Once within its sparkling, white interior he became a small but important part of the bustling throng of Primes and Midescents who were arriving on duty or departing at their shift’s end.  Apart from the Newolds who never leave the Reawakening Centre until they become Midescents, no one had access to the Centre except for the Primes and Midescents so assigned,

But in this, as in everything else on Notsew, sometimes mistakes occurred. Throughout his own justification on Notsew to date Jim had heard of only one such mistake and it was a huge one with a devastating outcome.

No one could ever understand how the impossible became a likely, feasible reality but somehow a playful, imaginative, erratic Midager managed to devise what appeared to be an authentic entry card. How he evaded detection when he left the Midager Centre was anyone’s guess but somehow that was exactly what happened.  He did just that.

Gaining entry to the Reawakening Centre was intended to be a simple procedure for those authorized to enter.  It was unfortunate that on this memorable day the trouble-maker also found the process a simple one to accomplish. The Midager inserted the identity card which the machine accepted as authentic.  He punched some numbers at random and gained quick and easy entry.  It was as simple as that.

Of course, once he reached the interior no one paid him the slightest attention because, of course, everyone knew that wrongful entry into the Reawakening Centre was unachievable.  The Midager, unnoticed, entered the sleep space of the Newolds and began stuffing soothing capsules into their tight, often toothless, mouths.  It was not until then that all hell broke loose.  Those Newolds capable of doing so were crying out to be rescued.  It was only then that the irresponsible Midager drew attention to himself and was captured.

And, of course, again The Powers deemed it necessary that the Midager be chastised. He had no way to escape the punishment and he received his comeuppance. He was denied soothing capsules for two weeks.  To a playful, irresponsible Midager this was a fate worse than compaction.

 

SOME REVIEWS OF REAWAKENING:

 

With regard to this book let me share with you one review by Maggie Kirton who, at the time of writing, was the Executive Director of Wynterblue Publishing Canada.

She writes, "Every now and then a manuscript comes across my desk that completely captivates me. Austin has reached inside the human heart and removed all boundaries pertaining to everlasting love and her ability to play with the English language successfully is astounding.

Austin's Reawakening is a must read. It will take you into a land not far from your heart and bring you back to earth again believing that all things are possible with love and hope." 

 

 

Another review of REAWAKENING:

" Let me first wipe my droplets of moisture from my eyes. Some shed from sadness of a love so strong and true, that never seems to be a " togetherness of two the way I would hope. Then some shed for the amazing job Austin did in making me laugh at the craziness of our "human" lives.
"Reawakening" is a story I could not give anything less than 5 stars to. It is a love story, mixed with sci-fi, also mixed with drama and the comedy that sneaks up if you have the ability to laugh at oneself. Would I go as far as calling this book a romance...no I cannot! It is a book of love, true love, something many think they know, but will realize if by this story very few may actually have it right. A love on earth where age, appearance were not important to the two involved, happiness, comfort, and love was without a question in their lives. A must read for men and women.

Ann237 Beauregard

REAWAKENIING  is available in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.   This book is also available in paperback.  The paperback edition is not currently available on-line however a limited number of copies are available through the author...  audrey@persona.ca       If you wish to purchase a copy please put the title REAWAKENING  into the subject line of your e-mail, thank you. 

 

Cover design by Susan Ruby K.

http://yuneekpix.com

When God Gives Us Spring

Cover on Paperback Edition

Michael Custis Washington is a young black slave living on a cotton plantation in the Province of Virginia. He was born in 1802. Left an orphan at the age of five he is taken into the big house by his master, Alfred Gordon, to be trained as a house servant. While in this house he suffers severe emotional and sexual abuse. When he finally runs away with his wife Lucinda he is helped by the Quakers. Through the Underground Railway they reach the Elgin Settlement in Ontario, Canada. Freedom is his at last. But when the American Civil War breaks out in 1861 Michael chooses to join the Union Army. He works his way back to Virginia. Is he seeking justice or vengeance?

 

 

For the next couple of days the Kindle Edition of When God Gives Us Spring is free on all Amazon sites.

 

Cover on Kindle Edition

 

God Gives Us Spring was a joy to write and here are a couple of reviews this novella has received.   I hope you will find this book a joy to read.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating! March 9, 2014

By Dawn

Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

This book was well written. It gave knowledge of the events leading up to the Civil War and the struggles black people had to face to gain their freedom.

5.0 out of 5 stars A excellent reading January 10, 2014

By Eleanor Austin Lambert

I gave 5 stars because a lot of research was made and I was an absolute wonderful story about slavery and so well written.

There was nothing I disliked and absolutely liked the way it was written, easy to read and understand

I would recommend from 15 and up would get a lot of knowledge as to the way things were.

 

****

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin   and thank you in advance for your positive review on Amazon and/or Goodreads.   

 

 

After Words

Everything changed six months ago when John
bought a laptop.  He'd been on his way, as usual, to the movie rental store to rent his daily video.  A new computer store had opened up in town.   John impulsivelywandered into the new store and surprised himself when he put the purchase of
the laptop on his credit card.  One thing seemed to lead to another.   John Rowe, a retired teacher, discovered a whole new world thanks to his new laptop. He discovered the chat room. He enjoyed chatting on-line but now it was time to meet the young woman, Mary.  The widowed John is 78 years old and, sure, he exaggerated a little about his appearance, his age, his life. Did he exaggerate too much?

I very much enjoyed writing After Words.   In the cyber world none of us really know who we are chatting with; that is until we meet the person in 'the real world'.    This is one older man's chat room experience that is sure to leave a smile on your face.

About the Author

Audrey Austin's passion is creative writing. She will soon celebrate her eighth writing anniversary and invites you to enjoy her many short stories, novellas and novels. Check out her author's page at http://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin  Austin lives and works in Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada.

 

The Kindle Edition of short story, After Words, is free today on all Amazon sites.

 

You will also find After Words as one of twelve stories contained in short story anthology titled Social Studies, Book One - Dying To Be Popular which is available in both Kindle and Paperback format on all Amazon sites.     Social Studies, Book One - Dying To Be Popular can also be purchased directly from Create Space.com   The link to take you to this book is CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/4712947

 

Cover design by Susan Ruby K.

http://yuneekpix.com

 

Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy -- an excerpt

Some Reviews of Moose Road - a Canadian Traagedy:

#1 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Canadian > Drama

5.0 out of 5 stars Tragic and compelling April 7, 2014

By Alan Black

Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

Austin has written a not so simple story, weaving the lives of multiple residents on Moose Road around one tragic accident that leaves no one on the road or in the nearby Northern Ontario Canada town untouched. The subplots tug at our desire to comfort some residents of this town with a hug and those same subplots yank at our exasperation switch yelling at us to slap sense into some of these same people. The main story cries for our attention and gets it.

Austin is able to show us one tragedy from every point of view except the moose. The characters are so real that I wonder what Austin's neighbors thought about having their secret lives dragged into the public view. I started this book just to have something to read in between my own chores. However... to heck with the chores, I finished the book in one sitting.

4.0 out of 5 stars Hard to put down; leads to reflection perhaps June 13, 2014

By Mae Beth Williams

Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

The first narrator, the road itself, reappears to provide commentary on the views and viewpoints of the families living in this rural community. Strong characterizations that are not stereotyped help the book develop thoughtfully. The Canadian setting added local flavor to a 'far north' setting. I found this book enjoyable - if you can say that about a tragedy.

4.0 out of 5 stars Written from a road's perspective, well done, and interesting. May 16, 2014

By Bonnie Pfeffer

Format:Kindle Edition

I liked it. Character development was pursued, felt like the reader got to know them, well.
Interesting plot, simply and warmhearted written. Just a quiet read, that left reader thinking...

5.0 out of 5 stars Tragic Story March 12, 2014

By Mary J. Dicarlo

Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

Very sad and tragic story told from many points of view. If only roads COULD talk we'd know so much.

 

An excerpt from Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy:

 

Pg. 192:   "Ignorant! People living here on Moose Road are plain ignorant!  And so is everybody who works for the Town of Mansey!  And so is that Judge Gordon!  And so is that psychologist damn doctor!  Stupido!  All of them!"

 

Maria Faccchinello could not bear another minute of listening to her husband.  "Franco, I told you to shut your face.  You think I want to listen to you yelling and screaming around my house every day like this? You think it is good for Annalisa to listen to her grandfather acting dementia like a crazy person?"

 

"What you care about me, eh?  You got your Roseannne.  You got your Annalisa.  You even got your Rocco!  Everybody feeling sorry for poor Maria.  Poveri Voi!  What about me?  What about Franco?  I lose my Santo and nobody cares.  That crazy Judge, he says nobody to blame! What kind of crazy man says a thing like that?"

 

"Go out to the barn and help Rocco.  Ever since we lose our Santo you do nothing around this place.  Everything on the farm it is Rocco has to do it.  Yes, you lost your Santo.  I lose my Santo too.  Rocco lose his brother! You think you are the only one is hurt? I can't stand to listen to you anymore Franco!"

 

"When you ever want to listen to me?  Never is when you want to listen to me!"

 

 "Franco, dammi un po 'pi pace?   Please give me some peace."

"You want peace?  I give you peace!"  He slammed the door behind him and strode out to the barn.

 

Rocco was there.  He was preparing to milk the herd when Franco stormed into the barn.  "Dammi un po 'pi pace?"   I give you peace!"  He was screaming.

 

"What? Dad, what are you yelling about this time?"

 

"Peace!  She wants peace.  You think I don't want peace? Never again will I have peace. Somebody is to blame.  Who I am to blame?  The bus driver? The plow operator?  Who I am to blame, Rocco? Why they didn't have the sanding trucks out?  Do I blame the Town?"

 

"Let it go, Dad.  We all miss Santo but no matter how much screaming and yelling you do around here you cannot bring him back.  Let it go, Dad!"

 

"I let it go!  I give the peace!  I let it go!"

 

Reaching up Franco pulled his rifle down off the barn's wall.

 

"Dad, what are you going to do with the rifle?" Rocco shouted.

 

"I told you what I'm going to do.  I am going to let it go.  I am going to give the peace!"

 

"Dad, wait!"

 

Shotgun in hand, Franco rushed from the barn to his Chevy pick-up. He climbed into the cab and with wheels squealing he backed out of the long driveway onto Moose Road.

 

***************

Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy is free today in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.

This book is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites

but it is also available in paperback directly from Create Space.com

The link to it is

CreateSpace eStore:   https://www.createspace.com/4463611

 

Beautiful cover design and illustrations throughout

are by Susan Ruby K.

http://yuneekpix.com

 

Thanks for checking out my Amazon author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

 

And special thanks for your positive review on Amazon and/or Goodreads.

Valentine Guffaw

This is a story about a boy and his grandfather. Each summer Jimmy Lincoln spends his summer vacation with his grandparents. This summer everything is different. Grandma died and Grandpa is living alone. Jimmy discovers that his grandfather is sad. He has forgotten how to laugh. For the first time he realizes that Grandad is growing old. Believing it is laughter that kept his grandfather young he sets out to find it. What must Jimmy do in order to once more hear Grandpa's guffaw?

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From the Author

I have memory of my young grandchild being with me at the time of my mother's death.  How difficult it is to be the grandparent the child has come to know and expect when one is grieving deeply the loss of a loved one.   It was this memory that assisted me in the writing of  "Valentine Guffaw".

 

Happy Valentine's Day!   I hope you will accept and enjoy this Kindle short story, "Valentine Guffaw"  as my Valentine's Day gift to you.

 

You will find it free today in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.  #2  in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Children's eBooks > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Difficult Discussions > Death & Dying

 

Thanks for checking out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

 

and know that your positive reviews are always welcome and appreciated on Amazon and/or Goodreads.

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

An excerpt from Ellen and The Hummingtree

Ellen and The Hummingtree is available in both Kindle and Paperback format on all Amazon sites.  The  paperback edition is also available to purchase directly from Create Space.com   Here is the link that will take you to Ellen.  CreateSpace eStore:     https://www.createspace.com/4743813    Below is an excerpt from this fictional memoir.

Cover design by Susan Ruby K. of http://yuneekpix.com

An excerpt - Page 168:

He laughed!  The nerve of the man!

"Please Ellen, call me Jason.  I'm sure your daughters have given a lot of thought to this matter before they set up the appointment for this evening."

I turned my attention away from Jason Knobest and rested my hurt, angry eyes first upon my older daughter, Carol, and, secondly, upon my youngest girl, Sandi.  I said nothing.  My unwavering stare said it all just as it had years ago when I'd said, "It's time for bed so put those toys away now."  They understood my stare then and they understood now.

I looked into their eyes and wondered why; why are you doing this to me?

And it was as if they heard my thoughts.  Carol spoke first.

"We made the appointment last week, Mom, when you were very ill.  Sandi and I discussed it. We toured the retirement home.  We believed we were doing what was best for you."

Sandi added, "I'm sorry, Mom.  We jumped the gun.  Will you forgive us?"

"Please forgive us, Mom.  We've made a terrible blunder and we apologize."

I said nothing but turned away from my daughters' despair and, feeling much more in control of the situation now, I said, "Won't you join us for a cup of tea, Jason?"

"Why, yes, thank you, Ellen," he replied.

"Come girls, come back to the table,"  I invited.  "I know you meant well and, yes, all is forgiven."

"Thank you, Mom," they answered and as the four of us sat around the kitchen table that evening I took a closer look at this Jason Knobest.  My daughters are not the only ones who can develop ulterior motives.

"Jason," I asked, "I imagine that as the managing director of The Hawkwind Retirement Resort you make a comfortable living?"

"Oh, yes, Ellen.  And, more important, I enjoy the work."

"Are you a married man, Jason?"

"No, not yet, Ellen.  My career seems to demand too much of my time."

"Jason, did you know that my daughter, Sandi, is single too?"

"Mom!" Sandi shrieked,  "Stop it!  What do you think you are doing?"

"Well, Sandi," I answered, "I was thinking of setting up an appointment for you to meet with Jason one evening this week in order for you to get to know each other a little better."

"Mrs. Dawson, I assure you I am capable of making my own dates!"  Jason interrupted.

"Mom, what do you think you are doing?  My dating life is my personal business.  You have no right to set up appointments for me!"

"Oh, is that right, Sandi?  And do you agree with Sandi's statement, Carol?"

"Of course I do, Mom."

"And you, Jason?" Do you not think a mother has the right to arrange a date for her daughter?"

"Well, Ellen, I believe your daughters are both capable of making their own dates."

"I see, Jason.  So all three of you agree that it is wrong for one person to make an appointment for another without the other's consent?"

"Absolutely!" They all concurred.

"I rest my case, children.  Now if you will all excuse me, my bed awaits.  Be sure to lock the front door when you leave the house.  Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Mom, and I am truly sorry," Sandi said with a smile and a hug.

"I know you are, Sandi."

"I love you, Mom, and I'll never do it again," Carol promised.

"I know you won't, Carol."

"Ellen, please accept my humble apology," Mr. Knobest offered.

"Apology accepted, Jason.   And you can leave a brochure if you like.  I will take a look at it and, who knows, maybe the day will come when a tour of The Hawkwind Retirement Resort will be just what the doctor ordered."

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Thanks for checking out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

and special thanks for your positive reviews of my books on Amazon or Goodreads. 

 

 



Creative Connections 5 Reception and Exhibition

 

Creative Connections 5 will take place March 3 - 31, 2015 in the Gallery at the Centre.You're invited to attend the opening on Tuesday, March 3rd from 5 - 7 pm where the participants will talk about their collaborations. Refreshments served.

 

This is my fifth year to participate in Creative Connections Reception and Exhibition.

 

You are all invited.

 

Hope to see all my friends there.

Ellen and The Hummingtree

Ellen and the Hummingtree

A strong woman of faith, Ellen sits beneath her Hummingtree and talks to God through the yellow quartz rock.

She gifts us with glimpses of her life and shares the import of her personal relationship with family, friends and with God.

She allows us to witness her vulnerability and invites us into her heart where we experience her joys and sorrows.

In a few instances the author has drawn from her life’s experience but, in essence, Ellen is a composite of many beautiful, spiritual women the author has known and loved throughout her journey.

It is hoped you will welcome Ellen into your heart and it is hoped you will enjoy the stories she shares with you in this book; her fictional, magical, mystical memoirs titled Ellen and The Hummingtree.

At the outset of this writing journey we met. I became acquainted with her and now I can say that I truly like Ellen. She has the courage of her convictions And no matter what life threw at her, she never lost faith.

 

Ellen is a woman I came to know well during the writing of my third novel Ellen and The Hummingtree.    She often puzzled me yet she also had the ability to make me laugh and cry.  I grew to love her.  And the more I came to know her I began to realize that she truly is a composite of the many caring spiritual women I have known throughout my life.  Alzheimer is a dreadful disease and Ellen's victimization is a heartbreak.  My writing of Ellen and The Hummingtree comes straight from the heart.  I hope you will love her as I do.              

Audrey Austin, Author.

 

Some of Ellen's Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars A GOOD read! January 5, 2014

By susan 

Format:Kindle Edition

 

A very relatable story with an unusual twist, the connection Ellen has with others both visible and invisible is a journey into sometimes comical, sometimes intensely personal and sometimes very real and ordinary. It's an enjoyable read that left me more familiar with my own beliefs and hopes. . (My attempt at humour - I'm sorry)

Ellen has many fears, as do we all. The fear of growing old and senile, the fear of having to give up a home to live in a facility. Then there is the ultimate fear. Of growing older and older and older, when all she wants is to re-unite with all the loved ones that have passed on. You do remember that I said this was strictly my opinion.

Near the end of the book there is a chapter I Need You to Remember Me. I remember reading that story, or at least an edited version, some time ago. Please tell me, Audrey, that this was a published short story at some point. If not, I had an incredible déjà vu moment. I liked the story the first time I read it - otherwise I never would have remembered it - and it will remain indelible in my mind.

The last chapter Time to Go Home is melancholy and poignant. I have witnessed death and thought about life after death. I appreciate Audrey Austin's rendering. This chapter was a fitting ending to a thought provoking book with a unique approach.

Ellen and the Hummingtree by Audrey Austin; a good read for a wintry afternoon.

 

4.0 out of 5 stars Ellen and the Hummingtree February 20, 2013

By celticfrogreviews

Format:Kindle Edition

 

Ellen and the Hummingtree is the story of Ellen and a rock through which she speaks to God. The rock moves with her as she lives her life. Ellen doesn't have an easy life, but the rock encourages her and gives her courage. Through Ellen we meet her family and close friends, and especially the voice of God that whispers to her through the chunk of yellow quartz.

Ellen is very human with her share of flaws. The story is as much about her learning to accept those flaws in herself and others as anything else. She grows substantially by the close of the book. There are times when I wanted to give her a good talking to, and other times when she shows grace and humility.

Audrey has created a memorable character in Ellen. She is very well portrayed and has a wonderful complexity. The story moves back and forth in time as Ellen explores her life. The important movement isn't chronological but her development of love and faith through the rock in her garden.

I enjoyed reading the book and would recommend it for those who like strong women characters.

 

 

The Write Read for a Wintry Afternoon February 20, 2013

By Phyllis Humby

Format:Kindle Edition

 

My books have been gathering dust and creating stress. Yes, it stresses me out when everything seems to take precedence over reading. Anyway, today I finished a book that I couldn't wait to receive in the mail - months ago − Ellen and the Hummingtree by Audrey Austin, a writer from Elliott Lake.

I had the good fortune to meet Audrey online and become acquainted with her writing. If memory serves correctly, I first noticed Audrey's work on Commuterlit.com, a site that has featured my work as well.

Ellen and the Hummingtree is an interesting book about a woman of deep faith who has a unique coping mechanism. She speaks to God. Now, I know you will argue that many of us speak to God. But Ellen believes God lives inside a large yellow quartz rock in her backyard. Oh, and of course He speaks to her too. There's a little hole in the top of the rock. Never mind, just read the book.

It is a collection of well-written stories that weave back and forth through the emotional circumstances of a woman's life. These stories delve into her relationships as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Oh, and cousin - I forgot about her cousin Marielle.

In my opinion - only my opinion - the theme of this book is fear. I know that some of you who are familiar with this book may harrumph at that statement but a book is very personal. It's interpreted differently by each reader. That's why I love talking to my first readers. I'm fascinated by the interpretation of my work. Each person sees something different or relates with a different character. I digress (as always).

Audrey's character, Ellen, is on her own to raise two children. Fear. Her grandson, who has a learning disability, is bullied at school. Fear. God lives in a rock in her backyard. That would scare the crap out of me. (My attempt at humour - I'm sorry)

Ellen has many fears, as do we all. The fear of growing old and senile, the fear of having to give up a home to live in a facility. Then there is the ultimate fear. Of growing older and older and older, when all she wants is to re-unite with all the loved ones that have passed on. You do remember that I said this was strictly my opinion.

Near the end of the book there is a chapter I Need You to Remember Me. I remember reading that story, or at least an edited version, some time ago. Please tell me, Audrey, that this was a published short story at some point. If not, I had an incredible déjà vu moment. I liked the story the first time I read it - otherwise I never would have remembered it - and it will remain indelible in my mind.

The last chapter Time to Go Home is melancholy and poignant. I have witnessed death and thought about life after death. I appreciate Audrey Austin's rendering. This chapter was a fitting ending to a thought provoking book with a unique approach.

Ellen and the Hummingtree by Audrey Austin; a good read for a wintry afternoon.

 

 

Ellen and The Hummingtree  is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.    

 

The Paperback Edition is also available directly from Createspace.com   The link that will take you directly to Ellen  is  CreateSpace eStore:     https://www.createspace.com/4743813

 

Thanks for checking out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin  and special thanks for your positive review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. 

 

Who Stole The Sugarbowl?

Short Story titled Sugarville is currently #7 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Religion & Spirituality > New Age > Mysticism

 

Who stole the sugar bowl? Stella is frantic as are all the residents of Sugarville. Gregory takes charge and mystical means are utilized to rid their tranquil home of the terrorists determined to destroy them all.

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This is a wonderful metaphysical story that is sure to delight the reader.  It was a pleasure to write and left me feeling hopeful.

 

 

 

Sugarville is free today in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.

 

Thanks for checking out my author's page at  http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

 

Your positive reviews are always welcome and appreciated.

Quest for Cammirand - a mystery

Do you like a good mystery?   Then Quest For Cammirand  is for you.

Peter Lowenza is an insurance investigator in search of a woman, Cammirand Gauthier, whose husband Jessie Gauthier has died. Cammirand is beneficiary of his estate and stands to inherit millions of dollars. She had been abandoned by her parents at an early age, abused and deceived by her husband, Jessie Gauthier, who was known to be a ruthless businessman. Rumour has it he was also an abusive husband. Is this why Cammirand has disappeared? It is the insurance investigator's job to find her. What happened to Cammirand Gauthier? Peter sets out on a quest.

Current Amazon rating:  #48 in Kindle Store > Books > Crime, Thriller & Mystery > Crime Fiction > Murder

#52 in Kindle Store > Books > Crime, Thriller & Mystery > Mystery > Private Investigators

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From the Author

"Quest for Cammirand" is a story written for a mature audience exploring as it does social issues including spousal abuse; rape; deception; betrayal, murder and other topics of a sensitive nature.  It is not a story for young readers.  I love writing short stories and, as is  often the case, with this story I found that, once I got started, the characters

took the lead and it was all I could do to keep up with them.  I hope you enjoy the story.

 

Quest For Cammirand  is one of the twelve stories contained in short story anthology titled Social Studies - Book One:  Dying To Be Popular  

 

 

 

This anthology is one of a series of three and they are all found in both Kindle and Paperback format on all Amazon sites.

 

The Social Studies series of short story anthologies can also be purchased directly through Create Space.com

 

To purchase Social Studies – Book One  

 

CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/4712947

 

To purchase Social Studies – Book Two

 

CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/4713265

 

To purchase Social Studies – Book Three

 

CreateSpace eStore:   https://www.createspace.com/4713425

 

Quest For Cammirand   is free today in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites

for your reading pleasure.

 

Thanks for your positive review on Amazon and/or Goodreads.

You will find my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin