Maggie's Trip To Toronto (a short story) FREE in the Kindle Store Sunday, February 21st

Maggie lives her very ordinary life in a very small northern town in Ontario, Canada. She lives in her parents' home and she works at the local variety store. It is not until her father dies that Maggie needs to travel to Toronto on an insurance matter. Upon her arrival in the Toronto office Maggie gets more than she bargained for.

MAGGIE'S TRIP TO TORONTO  is free in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites, Sunday, February 21st, for your reading pleasure.

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

ABUNDANCE is a short story free in the Kindle Store, Sunday February 14th

February 14th is St. Valentine's Day; a time to celebrate love.  

My Valentine's Day gift to you is ABUNDANCE, a short story FREE in the Kindle Store on Sunday.

ABUNDANCE is a love story.  Not a romance but a very realistic love story.

Ellen is distraught. Financial worry and loneliness are making her frantic. When Jethro Tunkel arrives at her backyard gate she is puzzled and fearful but not for long. Ellen does not realize it but with Jethro comes abundance. If you enjoy this short story you will love my novel titled "Ellen and The Hummingtree"

ABUNDANCE is an excerpt from 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.

Enjoy one of my promotional videos

I am very pleased with this promotional video produced by my good friend, John Cal, of JRC Productions.

The tune is one that I composed and I also wrote the lyrics for the song which is titled TOO LATE.

But it is the artistry of John Cal which brings the music alive.  His talent is outstanding.

I hope you enjoy this promotional video. 

And it goes without question, I hope you enjoy reading my books.

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

My Canadian readers will want to check it all out at Amazon.ca

And for those readers in my town of Elliot Lake, you will find some of my books available at The Elliot Laker Store, on 150 Ontario Avenue; and also at Simply Charming and Party Poppers, both lovely shops on Newfoundland Walk.

Thanks everyone for your continued encouragement and support.  :-)

A relatively mild winter in Elliot Lake but lots of snow .....

Those who are into ice-fishing may not agree with me, but I am enjoying this winter.  We have lots of snow here in Elliot Lake but temperatures have remained mild.  This morning it is right around the zero celsius mark which is very mild for the 8th of February.

Below are some pics I took this morning.

In spite of it all, spring is not far off now.

You will find my books at The Elliot Laker Store

All my books are available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.
But did you know that some of my books are available right here in town at the wonderful Elliot Laker Store?
Books available there currently are Dinner At Seven; Reawakening; Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy; Silent Star Selections (short story anthology); and Crabapple Court.

The Linen Cupboard - a short story free in the Kindle Store on Saturday

It is moving day; a most difficult time. Not only is she saying good-bye to the house but also to her mother. She feels okay though, keeping herself together, until she reaches the linen cupboard.

THE LINEN CUPBOARD - a short story, is free for your reading pleasure in the Kindle Store on Saturday, February 6th.

Check out my Amazon Author's Page  at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin  

Say hello on Facebook.  http://www.facebook.com/audreyaustinca 

Thank you for supporting Independent Authors

Poetry fron A to Z is free Sunday, January 31st in the Kindle Store

Create Space dot com addresses for my books in paperback format

Here are the addresses to purchase my books in paperback format directly from Create Space.

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

 

To purchase Moose Road – a Canadian Tragedy:

 

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

 

To purchase Sara, a Canadian Saga

 

CreateSpace eStore:   https://www.createspace.com/4461846

 

To purchase Keeping It Simple

 

CreateSpace eStore:      https://www.createspace.com/4733596

 

To purchase Ellen and The Hummingtree

 

CreateSpace eStore:     https://www.createspace.com/4743813

 

To purchase When God Gives Us Spring

 

CreateSpace eStore:     https://www.createspace.com/4754962

 

To purchase Beyond The Blue

 

CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/4895004

 

To purchase Crabapple Court

 

CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/4894247

 

To purchase Recompense

 

CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/4901516

 

To purchase Dinner At Seven

 

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

 

To purchase Silent Star Selections

 

CreateSpace eStore:    https://www.createspace.com/5343129\

 

To purchase Simply BE\

 

CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/5378530

To purchase The Last Drop

CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/5390505

 

To purchase Poetry from A to Z

 

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

 

 

Two Short Stories: The Silent Star AND Joshua's Journey free this weekend in the Kindle Store

Here are two dramatic short stories for your reading pleasure this weekend.

The Silent Star is free in the Kindle Store Saturday, January 23rd.

Joshua's Journey is free in the Kindle Store Sunday, January 24th.

THE SILENT STAR: Young Andrew suffers many losses. An orphan he feels alone and unwanted. He becomes the silent star. He walks alongside the track in life; often getting stuck on the wrong side. Rose is his redeemer and because of her and their love for one another he overcomes all odds and becomes an inspiration to others.
THE SILENT STAR is currently #9 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Canadian > Collections & Readers
#23 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Short Stories > Canadian
#24 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Canadian > Short Stories


JOSHUA'S JOURNEY: Joshua is an old man who lives in his room in a nursing home. He tells his story in a matter of fact way with no apology. He has experienced his share of difficulties and life has left him angry and bitter. He is unprepared for his meeting with Victoria. Because of his encounter with this little girl Joshua makes the decision to do the right thing. His action is his gift to himself on his birthday.
JOSHUA'S JOURNEY is currently #5 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Parenting & Relationships > Aging Parents > Aging

If you enjoy these short stories your positive reviews are most welcome on Amazon or Goodreads.

And thanks for checking out my other short stories, poetry, novellas, and novels while you are visiting my author's site at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

For those of you who live in Elliot Lake some of my books are available in The Elliot Laker Store. And all my books are available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.

Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy

#2 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Drama > Canadian
#2 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Canadian > Drama
#8 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Canadian > Drama
Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy is a story you will truly enjoy. This novel is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats.
...

Here are some reviews of Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great read May 19 2014
By heather
Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this book and all the diverse characters, including the personification of the road.


4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars Sept. 4 2014
By Deb Morrison
Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Good Canadian location read and tugged the heartstrings


5.0 out of 5 stars Tragic and compelling April 7 2014
By Alan Black - Published on Amazon.com
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 o 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 - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchaser
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...

Ellen and The Hummingtree is FREE in the Kindle Store Saturday, January 16th

Ellen and The Hummingtree will be FREE for your reading enjoyment in the Kindle Store this Saturday, January 16th.

Here are some reviews of Ellen and The Hummingtree.
4.0 out of 5 stars

 The Write Read for a Wintry Afternoon By Phyllis Humby on February 20, 2013
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.


4.0 out of 5 stars
Ellen and the Hummingtree By celticfrogreviews on February 20, 2013
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.


5.0 out of 5 stars
A GOOD read! By susan on January 5, 2014
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.

When God Gives Us Spring - a novella free Sunday, January 10th in the Kindle Store

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?

WHEN GOD GIVES US SPRING is a novella, free in the Kindle Store, tomorrow, January 10th.
This book is also available on Amazon in paperback format.

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyustin

RECOMPENSE - a novella free in the Kindle Store, Saturday, January 9th

This Saturday, January 9th, RECOMPENSE is free in the Kindle Store.

Bringing two worlds together was my goal in bringing together Maurice from Salt River, Capetown, South Africa and Alison, a postal clerk in High River, Alberta, Canada. Cultures blend but passion is lacking. I thought of these two people living together as a couple; not too unlike many couples who live together for years in unsatisfactory boring relationships. Then I thought what if, when they reach their senior years, something happens to wake them up? That's when I decided to introduce Conrad and the Senior Befriender Chatroom. Writing "RECOMPENSE' was an enjoyable challenge. Most of us are unused to reading about senior men and women in romantic situations,  I thought maybe it is time that I write something that will make us see our elders through new eyes.  '

Check out this review of RECOMPENSE

Meeting strangers
By Cindy J. Smith on October 31, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

Two people live together for years in harmony. Not married, not in love, just together. Enter the internet. The story leads us to places that are very real. What happens when they both create on-line identities that seek love? Sometimes when you meet strangers, you find out it is really you. I did enjoy the story. I give this 4 stars.  

This Saturday, January 9th, RECOMPENSE is free for your reading pleasure in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author

Happy Birthday, Ki! Tomorrow, January 2nd, "No Stone Unturned" is free in the Kindle Store

Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 2nd, is Ki's 9th birthday. To honour him, and all those in the animal kingdom, I am offering a short story titled "No Stone Unturned" free in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites. Hope you enjoy it.

I've often thought that if animals ruled our world it would be a more sane and a much kinder place to be. Dudleyville is a kingdom ruled by King Dudley. All the animals in this peaceful kingdom deal with unexpected terrorism in a surprising way.

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Welcome 2016!

Peace, good health, prosperity, and dreams come true for you in 2016. Love & hugs from Brian, Ki, and me.

Happy New Year!

REAWAKENING is free in the Kindle Store on New Year's Eve Day!

Celebrate New Year's Eve day! My gift to you is the Kindle edition of REAWAKENING.

Review
With regard to this book let me share with you one review by Maggie Kirton who 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 too. 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 were 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


From the Author

Reawakening is a novel that reveals itself in a place called Notsew. Here is a story that takes the reader on a journey, along with the story's characters, far from earth. In this place called Notsew the powers that be have great curiosity. They want to learn more about why human beings do the things they do and mostly they want to learn about some strange phenomena best described as emotion. The story's characters find themselves unwilling participants in an experiment.

I dedicated this story to my dear sister, Muriel, because she just loved it. Of all the things I had written this was her favourite. And though my sister is now also far from earth the love we shared continues to make me feel as close to her as ever.

Although I didn't know it at the time I wrote Reawakening, I believe there were greater forces at work. Why do I think this? Because the love my sister & I continue to share is the kind of love shared by the characters in this story. Nothing and no one - not even death - can lessen the power of love.

REAWAKENING is free in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites on New Year's Eve Day.
This book is also available in paperback format on all Amazon sites or directly from Createspace.com

Cover design by Susan RK of http://yuneekpix.com

Following Willow's Lead - a Christmas story free Dec. 24th to Dec. 26th in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites

Following Willow's Lead - a Christmas story, will be free for your Christmas reading enjoyment commencing Friday, Christmas Eve day, December 24th, up to and including Sunday, December 26th in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.

Since that morning, Gerry would take Willow’s leash and collar down from its hook on the kitchen wall and he would go searching for his best friend. He knew that Willow loved to chase the squirrels in the bush. He was determined to find her.

Gerry had forgotten that Willow had died. You see, Gerry Murphy has Alzheimer disease.

Following Willow's Lead is an inspirational Christmas story about a man who finds happiness in a most unusual way on Christmas Eve Day. Cover design of this short story features my German Shepherd/Mastiff with the name of "Ki" who is a ray of sunshine in my life.

Alzheimer is a terrible unrelenting thief. But much greater than this disease are hope, determination, and love. These are the real stars in the sky on this Christmas Eve.
,
Special thanks to my dear friend, Maggie Kirton for the prompt that inspired me to write this Christmas story

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin and I hope you will enjoy this Christmas story.

A Christmas Wish .... a poem by Audrey Austin

A CHRISTMAS WISH

A time of love, a time for sharing

Let's find new says to light the path

While old traditions tried and true

Express how much we're caring

For our family

For our friends

For people 'round our hungry world.

A time of peace, a time for laughter

Let's find new ways to share the love

While old relationships hold fast

We'll open hearts, extend our reach

To neighbours near

To neighbours far,

To those with whom we've yet to meet.

A time of joy, a time to remember

The holy birth of the blessed child

Who gave us the reason

To celebrate this season

A season of love, of caring, of sharing,

Love will brighten the path of all who are weary.

Hold the light, share the light, be the light.

Merry Christmas!

Crabapple Court free this Sunday, December 20th, in the Kindle Store

Crabapple Court found its genesis as a result of my entry in a 3Day Novel Competition. One year and many re-writes later the novella was born. The residents of Crabapple Court took my hand and led me on a wonderful journey that I am happy to share with you, the reader. I hope you will enjoy the story.

This Sunday, December 20th, Crabapple Court will be free in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.
This book is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites and also directly from createspace.com

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Cover design by Susan at http://yuneekpix.com