THE OBSERVER - His Eye is on the Sparrow

 THE OBSERVER: His Eye Is On The Sparrow

by Audrey Austin (Author) Format: Paperback

5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars (2)

THE OBSERVER – His Eye is on the Sparrow is a story told by three generations of women; Karina, Anna, and Karen. I was privileged to meet these women throughout my NaNoWriMo writing experience in November of 2019. Three women, yet two souls, share their experiences. The story begins with Karina in Bangalore, India. She makes the challenging move to Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada and is overjoyed when her daughter, Anna is born. Time passes and sadly, Karina dies. Three days after Karina’s death, Anna’s daughter, Karen is born.

Anna realizes that Karen is her grandmother all over again. Is this possible? Certainly, Karen believes that it is.These three women bless us with their understanding, knowledge, and experience of the Christian and the Hindu religions. Each woman lives her own separate life; has her own personal struggles; yet family patterns repeat. Karen’s search for authenticity enriches the story and, yes, a beautiful love story is woven throughout the pages.

https://www.amazon.ca/OBSERV.../dp/B0857CFLVL/ref=sr_1_18

FOLK ART - COLOURFUL EXPLORATIONS

 “Folk Art – Colourful Explorations” contains many paintings created by me over the past few years. I began to paint for the very first time in an effort to encourage my partner who, in his elder years, was losing interest in his own creative endeavours. He was a very talented artist. His favourite pastime was oil painting but, in addition, he created lovely works with stained glass. He was also a highly skilled wood turner.

When I saw that he was losing interest, I had a large table set up in our basement family room with an easel at either end. Two painting stations – one for a very talented artist, the other for me, a woman who had never attempted to paint anything in her life.

My partner produced some lovely work. I didn’t. But I did discover that I loved to paint. That was my beginning.

I began painting with oils. When I made a move and became an apartment dweller, I switched to painting with acrylics, simply because that made for easier clean-up.

I love to paint. I was in my mid-seventies when I began with my earliest paintings.

It was friends who gave me the title of ‘folk artist’. I accepted, and I continue to be a prolific painter into my eighties. I love colour.

In this publication are many of my paintings. I hope you will enjoy my folk art.

https://www.amazon.ca/FOLK.../dp/B0GGBZPFC3/ref=sr_1_4

BEYOND THE BLUE

 Beyond The Blue: a coming-of-age novella Paperback – July 9 2014

by Audrey Austin (Author)

5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars (1)

BEYOND THE BLUE is a coming of age novella. 12 year old Anthony Breckenheimer is a clever boy with blue eyes, red hair and like his father he is a little on the chubby side. He lives in the big City of Toronto with his mother, his little brother Ronald and his little sister Leona. His father died a year ago and Anthony misses him greatly especially when he is confronted by bullies on his way to and from school; the biggest and baddest one being Jerry Hasselbergen. One day while in his classroom Anthony discovers a magical window. What he sees through this window and beyond the blue changes his life forever.

Beyond the blue is available in kindle, paperback, and audiobook formats.

https://www.amazon.ca/Beyond.../dp/1500458341/ref=sr_1_1

paperback cover

audiobook cover

REAWAKENING

 Reawakening

by Audrey Austin (Author), Susan Ruby Krupp (Illustrator)

5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars (2)

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.

Available in Kindle, Paperback, and Audiobook formats on all Amazon sites.

https://www.amazon.ca/Reawak.../dp/1508652228/ref=sr_1_27

Paperback cover

Audiobook cover

ELLEN and THE HUMMINGTREE

 ELLEN and THE HUMMINGTREE Paperback – April 4 2014

by Audrey Austin (Author), Susan Ruby Krupp (Illustrator)

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (2)

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.

https://www.amazon.ca/ELLEN.../dp/1926614674/ref=sr_1_1

DINNER AT SEVEN - a romance novel

 Although love stories weave their way through many of my novels, Dinner at Seven is the only one of my books that professes to be a romance novel.

Dinner At Seven: A Romance Novel

by Audrey Austin (Author)

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (4)

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.

https://www.amazon.ca/Dinner.../dp/1508636184/ref=sr_1_1

MOOSE ROAD - a Canadian Tragedy

 Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy

by Audrey Austin (Author), Susan Krupp (Illustrator) Format: Paperback

3.6 3.6 out of 5 stars (30) 3.5 on Goodreads 22 ratings

Excerpt from:Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy by Audrey Austin, Chapter One: SEVEN DWELL NEAR

“Tell me a story, tell me a story, tell me a story and remember what you said.” Ever since that terrible day of the tragic accident each of the residents who live by my side has a tale to tell. Yes, everyone has a story and each story teller speaks his own truth. What I do find curious is the fact that no two stories are alike. Each is unique in its own way. I am of the opinion that truth is multi-sided and speaks from many hearts. A very long time ago I heard someone repeat the words of Winston Churchill who is purported to have said, “The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.” Yes, indeed, there it is. Truth is multi-sided and it dares to speak from many hearts. I have been around for a very long time. I existed in this very location even before man decided to give me a name. I guess that makes me old and, that being the case, I confess I am very old. I was here before any person chose this place to build a home. I have always thought I possessed a firm grasp on reality but since the day of the tragedy I am questioning for the first time the meaning and the impact of truth. I have more questions than answers. Is it possible that truth is, indeed, no more than one’s personal perception?Each individual’s truth, until shared, is locked in a sacred space in one’s memory. Memory does have its share of weakness. It can be faulty. As weeks turn into months memory is often tested. “Tell me a story and remember what you said.”I find it very interesting that the residents of the seven farms impacted by the tragedy each retain a different personal memory of the accident and its aftermath. Although I am well aware that it would not occur to any ordinary human that an old long-travelled country road could possibly have the capacity to remember, I can assure you that I do. Yes, indeed, I do have a memory. Even though I am very old it remains a good one. I do remember well. Some thoughts give me reason to smile while other memories I would prefer to forget. I have learned that the more painful memories are the most stubborn; the least likely to be forgotten and the most likely to be remembered. Even when a human believes he has managed to bury a painful memory he has not. That remembrance will pop up like a jack-in-the-box. It will present itself at the most odd and unexpected of times and sometimes even in the form of a recurrent dream. Of course, I am not a human. I can assure you that I am a no nonsense road; plain, practical and from my very first appearance on earth many generations ago I have made it my focused mission to do my duty and fulfill my purpose as I see fit. I have always taken great pride in my existence and to this very day I do my best to serve those who choose to travel upon my surface. Unlike humans who are, I have learned, sometimes very superficial creatures, I am not shallow. I don’t blame the travelers for being unable to see beneath my surface. But I assure you I am not just the visible thin layer of gravel you might observe at first glance. I do have substance. Yes, I am old now. I have been here in this spot in northern Ontario, Canada for many interesting and enduring lifetimes. Although I am a road less travelled I am still in pretty good shape. I expect I’ll be here for a few more generations. I can see no good reason why I should not continue to be here. I have never existed anywhere else on this earth and this is my home.

https://www.amazon.ca/Moose-Canadian-Tragedy-Audrey-Austin/dp/1492860182/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3JHIDIDQ481QO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6oMcI_sZR0UNDB5Ld44r2diGjhc5Ixptq3-cR9eFm1-yBtMF4B14Q07dhfetDvXg.xz6EYv3YQvHsrnnNPxe7vOQfY3LZ0ijO7If7jrsKvGc&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+moose+road&qid=1779721878&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+moose+road%2Cstripbooks%2C118&sr=1-1

STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light

 STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light

by Audrey Austin (Author) Format: Paperback

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (2)

STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light is a metaphysical/science fiction novel. Mother Earth has had enough. It is a sad day when a mother gives up on her children. The chosen seven share their stories as they lived their lives on earth. Scattered throughout the world in Canada, United States, Peru, Venezuela, and New Zealand, they are each warmed by the blue triangle which delivered the bridge of light which carries them to a small island in the Caribbean. Guided by Archangel Michael, they continue their journey on the bridge of light to the old brown boat which magically takes them to the centre of the sea. The merkabas arrive and the seven ascend to a way station where they meet Great Cosmic Power who informs them that they are a soul family reunited to continue their ascension as the chosen children of light.

https://www.amazon.ca/STRUGG.../dp/B08YHYVB2D/ref=sr_1_16

Sara, a Canadian Saga

 Sara, a Canadian Saga

by Audrey Austin (Author), Susan Krupp (Illustrator)

The time is 1916. Sara is a 10 year old girl in rural Prince Edward Island. Roy is a 10 year old boy in mining town, Nova Scotia. Through their eyes we see, feel and experience their childhood challenges. We follow them through adolescence and their turbulent teen years. We celebrate their courtship and suffer their lost innocence in the wedding ritual. They take us through the Great Depression and share with us the frustrations, dreams and challenges they face in adulthood. As parents they introduce us to their children. This story appeals to all ages because Sara and Roy hold up a mirror and ask the reader to recognize truth about the human condition for many Canadian families through difficult economic times. We witness love that does not come neatly wrapped and experience the quiet, sometimes desperate, drama of lives unfolding.

Sara, a Canadian Saga is available on all Amazon sites in kindle, paperback, and audiobook formats.

Visit my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Paperback cover

audiobook cover

Shh! We Don't Talk About That! - an excerpt

 Shh! We Don't Talk About That! - an excerpt

PAGE 36

I could feel the cool breeze brushing my body and kissing my face. It was a lovely, bright day. I looked around and I saw many trees. And then I saw the house. It was a two-storey house painted white with touches of blue. There was a small front porch.

I wanted to go into the house, and I did try to do just that, but it wasn't to be.

As I remained sitting cross-legged in the circle, I described to Elaine what I was feeling and what I was seeing.

After this memorable experience, Elaine confirmed for me that all I had described to her was accurate. I asked her, "Why couldn't I get inside your home?"

She had no answer. But she did speak to me for a while about psychic boundaries and about the importance of respecting them. Perhaps there were others in the house at that time who had not invited me in and who would not welcome my presence.

This was not to be my last, but it was my first experience of astral travel. This event took place more than thirty years ago, but it is one that I will never forget.

During that conversation with my cousin, I learned for the first time about psychic boundaries. Later in life, when I began to understand and to learn much more about auras, and about reading another's aura,  I would remind myself, always, to respect those psychic boundaries. It was not for me to read another's aura unless I was recipient of a request to do so.

Shh! We Don't Talk About That! is available in paperback and kindle formats on all Amazon sites.  You can find it in my Amazon Author's Page at  https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Or directly at   https://www.amazon.ca/Shh-Dont-Talk-About-That/dp/B0BZ2R2T2X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=29YN0SG1CROG8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CyJgTR4z-Z1dn-Vr18_dxgu3SNMFod9b1ToOpP9g8Q9Oms5Ln4h7Z_c--j5VIwjeEHIXsHZYB-T2Mx5lS0Dt_Q.N5n3OtCLe0YxuZEHUc8nlIc_akSOe9ztIQZQnLKRgqs&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+Shh%21+We+Don%27t+Talk+About+That%21&qid=1779370475&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+shh+we+don%27t+talk+about+that+%2Cstripbooks%2C102&sr=1-1

ELLEN and THE HUMMINGTREE

 ELLEN and THE HUMMINGTREE

by Audrey Austin (Author), Susan Ruby Krupp (Illustrator) Format: Paperback

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (2)

See all formats and editions

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.

https://www.amazon.ca/ELLEN.../dp/1926614674/ref=sr_1_13...

https://www.amazon.ca/ELLEN-HUMMINGTREE-Audrey-Austin/dp/1926614674/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2SVUEXNRR74N1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.g5qsIcZmHCL0trmTMnRvfJCD-d85LzzfWskgPrw70qbGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.ileDwbu3JZJBt3TjXx9p751cP2B4OZdGHd1jCm2hd5w&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+ellen+and+the+hummingtree&qid=1779324853&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+ellen+and+the+hummingtree%2Cstripbooks%2C116&sr=1-1

ALL THEM HOUSES - a memoir

 "Almost Time to Leave" is my second memoir. My first memoir I titled "All Them Houses - Part One". I wrote the first memoir nearly 10 years ago and I have yet to write Part Two. Memoir is extremely challenging to write, in my opinion, but also very satisfying and cathartic.

Both memoirs are available on all Amazon sites. If you like reading memoir, thanks for checking them out.

All Them Houses: a memoir

by Audrey Austin (Author) Format: Paperback

5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars (1)

See all formats and editions

From the author: Throughout the past two years writing my memoir has been a most difficult challenge, however, I am happy that I have, at last, completed part one. I hope one day, in the not too distant future, to be publishing part two which will be titled All Them Houses – from John, Paul, to Bedlam.I am an ordinary woman. Each day I put one foot in front of the other and live my life, but there have been times throughout the past seventy-four years when I have felt like my life has been living me. I have sometimes felt like I am a stranger outside; an observer looking in on events that I don’t always understand. This writing has been cathartic for me, but I hope interesting to a reader. I find memoir writing to be very challenging, much more difficult than fiction writing and, for me, it is a very slow process. I can only hope I will live long enough to complete part two. At the same time I always hope that I will not out-live myself. Yes, it is true; I live in hope.These excerpts from my life are true from my perspective and as I experienced them.I encourage all women to write a memoir.

https://www.amazon.ca/All.../dp/1542874076/ref=sr_1_1

ON THE RADIO - a play in three acts

 My current writing project is a play in three acts. It's title is 'On the Radio'. This will be the second play I've written; the first being titled 'Chocolate Cookies" which was a comedy that was performed several years ago by our local theatre group, Elate.

It will be some time yet before I complete this project but it's keeping me happily busy. Here's a brief description of the play. It's my hope that I'll have it ready for publication before Christmas of this year.

"ON THE RADIO…it takes a village - is a fictitious story, however it’s one that deals with many social issues that are as prevalent today as they were at the time this story takes place more than twenty years ago.

Some of these issues include single parenting; childhood obesity; deadbeat dads; poverty; raising minimum wage; bullying; mid life crisis; lung cancer; prostitution; alcoholism/drug addiction; quality of school teachers; animal cruelty; emotional eating; child neglect/abuse; inter-racial marriage; failing health care system; low self-esteem; shoplifting; unemployment; homelessness; elder abuse; and war (in this story, Afghanistan. Today, Russia, Ukraine, Iran, United States, Israel, and more countries are at war).

The story’s main character is Stan Templeton, a late-night radio talk show host who gives advice. He is an open-minded listener with no religious scruples. He is equally insightful and understanding when speaking with all members of society.

Sharing the spotlight in this story is Timothy Worthington, a nine-year-old boy, who lives with his mother in a housing project called Regent Park. This project is the home of seven thousand, five hundred residents and is located in the Dundas and Parliament area of Toronto.

A massive revitalization project has begun in 2005. The building in which Timothy lives is going to be demolished.

Timothy makes the call to speak to the talk show host, Stan Templeman. Why is a nine-year-old child calling into a late-night talk show after midnight?

Who is this boy? His call soon has many people forming a search party; many people including Josh Middleton, Stan’s assistant; Laura Lincoln, a social worker with Social Services Toronto; and many anonymous individuals who call into the late-night talk show.

And so the story begins."

To check out available publications please visit my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

RECOMPENSE - a novella

 Recompense: a novella

by Audrey Austin (Author) Format: Paperback

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (3)

Maurice Wilson lives in Salt River, a small town near Cape Town, South Africa. He is the son of a black father and a Caucasian mother. After the sudden death of his parents he makes the decision to move to High River, Alberta, Canada, the place of his mother’s birth in search of a sense of belonging. He becomes a Canadian citizen, is employed as a mail carrier for Canada Post. The morning of his first day on the job he meets Alison Pierce, a plain woman whose silent passions run deep. Shortly into her relationship with Maurice all her hopes for fulfillment plummet however she continues to live with him for more than twenty-five years. In their later years Maurice and Alison become acquainted with the Internet and with the Senior Befriender Chat Room. When temptation with the name of Conrad enters their lives the shared bonds of loyalty and trust are put in jeopardy. Will deception rule the day? https://www.amazon.ca/Recompe.../dp/1500503010/ref=sr_1_1

THE OBSERVER - His Eye is on the Sparrow

 THE OBSERVER: His Eye Is On The Sparrow

by Audrey Austin (Author) Format: Paperback

5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars (2)

THE OBSERVER – His Eye is on the Sparrow is a story told by three generations of women; Karina, Anna, and Karen. I was privileged to meet these women throughout my NaNoWriMo writing experience in November of 2019. Three women, yet two souls, share their experiences. The story begins with Karina in Bangalore, India. She makes the challenging move to Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada and is overjoyed when her daughter, Anna is born. Time passes and sadly, Karina dies. Three days after Karina’s death, Anna’s daughter, Karen is born. Anna realizes that Karen is her grandmother all over again. Is this possible? Certainly, Karen believes that it is.These three women bless us with their understanding, knowledge, and experience of the Christian and the Hindu religions. Each woman lives her own separate life; has her own personal struggles; yet family patterns repeat. Karen’s search for authenticity enriches the story and, yes, a beautiful love story is woven throughout the pages.

https://www.amazon.ca/OBSERVE.../dp/B0857CFLVL/ref=sr_1_1...

If you have already read and enjoyed The Observer - His Eye is on the Sparrow, your review on Amazon and/or Goodreads will be much appreciated. I have many people tell me they really enjoyed a particular book and I am always happy to know that, but a written review on Goodreads or Facebook goes a long way to help me gain book sales. Thank you for taking the time.

MY BOOKS FOR CHILDREN - excerpts

 MY BOOKS FOR CHILDREN - excerpts

ONE DAY WITH MISTY - Page 26

To teach her what I want, I begin to drink from her water glass.

She does not like me drinking from her glass.

Finally, she understands and gives me a water glass of my own.

Sometimes I still try to drink out of my Mom's glass but she soon puts a stop to that.

She decides to put a lid on it.

I understand.  To each his own.

https://www.amazon.ca/ONE-DAY-MISTY-Audrey-Austin/dp/B0DKBYFP27/ref=sr_1_1?crid=29H8M9LVAP708&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KstcOVD39tJ2xoOGW810xg.bEQEgsXkQQ9mhDuJw3i07kphiUMOnr3zo9EKLbB7q2E&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+one+day+with+misty&qid=1778766388&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+one+day+with+misty%2Cstripbooks%2C107&sr=1-1

ELEPHANT and the BUMBLY BEE - pages 51 - 52

Time to travel again, and Elephant said,

"I am hungry! I'd sure like a peach."

"Okay, Elephant, let's journey down south,

We'll relax in the sunshine and go to the beach."

In Manurewa they found a beach,

The sun smiled down from skies bright blue,

Elephant and Bumbly Bee were happy as can be,

Warm sand was a happy place for the adventurous two.

Elephant was happier than he had ever been

Bumbly said,"It's wonderful!

There is so much to see!"

Travel on they did, and hunger, it was growing,

"Bumbly Bee, you promised!

Where is that peach for me?"

https://www.amazon.ca/Elephant-Bumbly-Bee-Audrey-Austin/dp/B0DJ52SGL5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3M4E2Z8N78I69&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QJ9SpFVbw3yv8L6p1bLipw5Tu5vkG1Je8a9Nq9MD63XGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.JusyvMs2QtpV9qLz6ZR9Npy-rG4eVr7JmPYt8zrbxf8&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+elephant+and+the+bumbly+bee&qid=1778766474&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+elephant+and+the+bumbly+bee%2Cstripbooks%2C124&sr=1-1

THE LAST DROP - Page 26 - 32

Suddenly, Alison

thinks of a plan.

Bobby is excited.

Yes, I'm sure we can.

To his parents he runs.

He is one happy fella.

Can we play outside

if we take an umbrella?

Very happy the children

who play in the rain.

Her pink boots in puddles

splash again and again.

While Bobby enjoys

the rain splat on his coat,

he laughs as he watches

his sailboat afloat.

https://www.amazon.ca/Last-Drop-Audrey-Austin/dp/1511404817/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1J8RZ7BZCRFMF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XgD_ZNdZk4h3SOJAQf4Sgg.ikNJAg2UAXNhJIpGBRxEfo4CD83h1rgBSAp8XNZIhYI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+the+last+drop&qid=1778766557&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+the+last+drop%2Cstripbooks%2C119&sr=1-1

My books for children are available on all Amazon sites.  You will find each one in my Amazon Author's Page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin