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

THE OBSERVER - His Eye is on the Sparrow

 THE OBSERVER - His Eye is on the Sparrow - an excerpt

PAGE  91 -92

Thomas married me in Bangalore and brought me, as his wife, to this small town in northern Ontario. The town is named after its largest body of water, Elliot Lake, and the pretty, primarily small homes of the residents are built on streets which seem to wind and circle all around this lake. I am used to Bangalore; an ancient city with very old buildings and homes. Here in this place everything is new.

Thomas tells me this city did not exist before 1955; that because of the discovery of uranium, mines were established and people from across the country and even from other countries came to Elliot Lake to work in the mines just as he did. I am a friendless foreigner.

It is a very long journey from Bangalore to Elliot Lake.  On our arrival Thomas takes me to his apartment building on Hillside Drive. I learn later that, by Canadian standards, this apartment is a very average two-bedroom home with a small kitchen, a bathroom, and clothes closets in each of the bedrooms.

To me, a woman who has been living in one roach-ridden, small room in a run-down tenement rooming house in a bustling city with a population of millions, this apartment is luxurious. The small town with a population of less than 30,000 people is a quiet oasis surrounded by forest on all sides.  It is a pretty place, filled with natural beauty, but I do not feel at home.

There is  no large marketplace in Elliot Lake. There is nothing like the one where I had worked selling saris in Bangalore, but there is a small indoor shopping mall plus more small shops in the area. Compared to Bangalore, there are a very few shops but there are sufficient stores to provide for our needs.

I arrive in Elliot Lake in the summer.  Dressed in my blue sari, chappals, and with a disfiguring scar on my dark-complexioned right cheek, I am someone who attracts attention; unwanted attention. I don't like it. I don't like people looking at me. I feel self-conscious and shy. I can feel the stares of these Canadians and they feel like sharp knives through my heart. I wonder if I will ever make a friend. .................

THE OBSERVER - His Eye is on the Sparrow is available on all Amazon sites in both kindle and paperback formats.  You will find it in my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

OR DIRECTLY AT https://www.amazon.ca/OBSERVER-His-Eye-Sparrow/dp/B0857CFLVL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=TWOP6R7YEA9J&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tz2-EeeMZWg5q8_RD4GLUYMUfRJe95NfeyTmDodqbjHDuzZaIYJBH1r91c2A2N47fHbjy53kZ8xj7hlMyanJqtJ6Iw1qciFLSoiRLVYO6dc.LVftvQWe7SKTyJI9eIxkmDFfZoO8e_j38cpudiZ6CHI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+the+observer&qid=1778682747&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+the+observer%2Cstripbooks%2C150&sr=1-1

STRUGGLE to Reach the Bridge of Light - an excerpt

STRUGGLE to Reach the Bridge of Light - an excerpt

PAGE 210 - 211

Murderer!  I killed my father!

I was fifteen years old and my case was tried in a Youth Court. We didn't have a lot of money for legal fees, so I was very grateful to be represented by Mr. Martin, the lawyer my mother had worked for throughout most of my childhood. Mr. Martin was surprised and shocked to learn that my mother had been abused. Never had she breathed a word of it to anyone, and always she cleverly hid the marks and bruises inflicted upon her by wearing the right clothing to cover the evidence of her husband's abuse.

The Court deemed that I was old enough to know the difference between right and wrong. And that was true. I was more than old enough to know that what my father had been doing to my mother for all those years was wrong. His despicable behaviour needed to be stopped but, even I knew, it did not warrant death.

Mr. Martin explained to me that the Youth Court in New Zealand dealt with young people fourteen to sixteen years of age. He also explained to me that less than a third of young offenders were prosecuted in Youth Court. This gave my mother and me some hope. But our hope was short-lived. I did not escape prosecution. The reason I did not escape was because I denied the charges. I denied that I had murdered my father.

"I just pushed him. It was an accident," I insisted. "I hadn't meant to kill him. I just wanted to stop him from hurting Mom," I told the Judge.

My case was heard in the High Court.

If I had not denied the charges, I later learned, my case may have been dealt with in a Rangatahi Court, which operates like a Youth Court but held on marae and follows Maori culltural processes. I didn't know but I learned that there are twelve Rangatahi Courts in New Zealand designed to involve the wider community in supporting offenders to find new direction in their lives. It was believed this would cut the rates of re-offending.

 To use the Rangatahi Court, I was told by Mr. Martin, I must admit to the charges. I must admit that I murdered my father. I could not do that ..............................

STRUGGLE to Reach the Bridge of Light  is available in kindle and paperback formats on all Amazon sites.   You will find it in my Amazon Author's Page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

OR directly from https://www.amazon.ca/STRUGGLE-Reach-Bridge-Audrey-Austin/dp/B08YHYVB2D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1F6NESDF136UB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.DsZd-rHwMp60M3OjdL9QtZIA0x6G9Ptq0ZtswNuzHZ-k1jbvI109unJvGNpfxiV5YE33AUrk85Tg2ZKvjRDErJ1vJiicbCsa3XsnQpLAcmU.slbnCq9fthUMgi2V26bpOzVRZF24byKCj6ivRgKCRcM&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+struggle+to+reach&qid=1778509665&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+struggle+to+reach%2Cstripbooks%2C109&sr=1-1

BEYOND THE BLUE

 BEYOND THE BLUE - a coming of age novella

An excerpt - Page 37 - 38

This time Jerry grabbed Anthony's arm with both hands. Encircling his arm he squeezed his fingers tightly, his right arm in one direction, and his left in the opposite direction. "Oh, that burns!" Anthony painfully cried. "Stop! It burns!"

The three bullies laughed. "Just a reminder, fat boy!" Timothy O'Brien shouted, "Just a reminder. Time's running out and fifty cents is all it takes."

Then they were gone and Anthony stood alone on the path. He held his arm where Jerry had squeezed it. He looked at the bruise already beginning to show itself, yucky yellow and barely blue. Anthony's first thought was, oh, no, how will I explain another bruise to mom? I wish dad were here. He'd show those blasted bullies a thing or two!

Tony hastened his pace anxious now to get home. He wished it were Wednesday because his mom would be working at the Dominion Store again. Tuesdays she was always home. He decided he would sneak up the driveway and in through the back door. With any luck at all he could get to his room to change into a long-sleeved shirt before she spotted him.

Turning onto Ashbury Avenue he walked down the short block toward their little house. Much to his dismay he saw that his mother was sitting on a kitchen chair out on the front verandah. Leona and Ronald were there too. The little children were sitting on the verandah floor. Ronald was colouring in his book and Leona was playing with her cut-out dolls. Oh, what to do, Tony puzzled. How will I ever get past mom without her seeing the mess they have made of my arm? Maybe I can duck way down and pass without her notice. There's still a chance I can go up the driveway to the back door and sneak into the house.

As fate would have it Anthony's plan failed before it was fully formulated. Like most mothers of her day Alice Breckenheimer had x-ray vision. She also had eyes in the back of her head. There was very little that escaped her attention when it came to her children. They were her reason for being and she didn't care who knew it.

Before he even reached the sidewalk in front of their house he heard his mother's cry. "Anthony, dear God, what has happened to your arm?"   .........................

BEYOND THE BLUE is available in kindle, paperback, and audiobook formats on all Amazon sites.  You can find it on my Amazon Author's Page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

OR DIRECTLY at https://www.amazon.ca/Beyond-Blue-coming-age-novella/dp/1500458341/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2TPH05MKORK7A&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-TCts2QF4iDlnhE2gmxLy58osq-qqH8XZGnTKopwRjgG8R9zrJHgHDKpKFYyL4BA.Jh5Pzw-d5TUUh5T3xqIZa1Nx6_bitBdMaBq0hlzpjpI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+beyond+the+blue&qid=1778430963&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+beyond+the+blue%2Cstripbooks%2C114&sr=1-1

Paperback cover

Audiobook cover

KEEPING IT SIMPLE - an excerpt

 KEEPING IT SIMPLE - Imagine Being Whole - an excerpt

PAGE 119 - 122 

Unlike the behaviour of the powermonger, the actions of one who needs to caretake others (with agenda) do not display one who is an obvious abuser. It is possible, in fact, that appearance-wise; this individual can often be wrongly described as one who is giving, and caring about the needs of others. You may even know someone just like this who has to have her finger in every pie. She is one who anticipates the needs of others and meets them before they have the opportunity to recognize they have a need.

He may be the one who serves on every committee; always giving, giving, giving of his time and energy. This person literally gives until it hurts.

And, in fact, it does hurt both the giver and the receiver.

Why?

Well, this individual who is so very generous of his time and energy is subconsciously giving in order to feel needed. And by feeling needed, almost indispensable, he tries to hold others to him. He wants to control their lives in such a way that they will need him so much that they will never leave or abandon him.

The caretaker with agenda wants to take care of everyone.

What she may or may not realize is that by attempting to take care of everyone and everything she is depriving others of their own powers of decision-making and action. She wants to feel appreciated and is often surprised when she isn't. And when she does not feel appreciated, sometimes not even a thank-you for all her efforts then resentment and anger builds within her.

Let's face it; the only people who need to be taken care of are children; sick people and sometimes the elderly.

It is desirable to care about others and often it is difficult to discern the fine line between caring and taking care. Someone who feels the need to take care of others is a controlling individual who lacks self-control and self-love.

He is the one who feels not good enough to just be who he is. She feels she has to take care of others because if she does not, she fears others will not want to be with her

Caretaking is a fearful, controlling expression of insecurity and low self-esteem.

Perhaps you have met someone with caretaking issues.  Perhaps you have heard him say, "After all I've done for you, why don't you love me? Why don't you want me in your life?"

Unaware of the subtle abuse they are heaping onto the unwilling recipient of all this caretaking, she cannot understand why she is not appreciated, "after all I have done and sacrificed for you."

 .............

KEEPING IT SIMPLE - Imagine Being Whole is available on all Amazon sites in both kindle and paperback formats.  

You can find it on my author's page at    https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin    

OR directly at https://www.amazon.ca/KEEPING-SIMPLE-Imagine-Being-Whole/dp/0978023838/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1MU3BNUM245BE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wAkOhsE7Cqaky74BHeslAg.JfOZ0Hl2IEdKA7MDhwRB-W1VkN_UlHhDWJERMyACEbU&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+keeping+it+simple&qid=1778329084&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+keeping+it+simple%2Cstripbooks%2C109&sr=1-1

My Historical Novels

 I have written only two historical fiction books. The first was "Sara, a Canadian Saga" which is a portrayal of a family's life during and post the depression years. At the outset, the story's setting is in the Maritime provinces and, later, as the story progresses, the family's saga continues in the province of Ontario. Sara was my very first novel written quite a few years ago. I'm happy to say that Sara is still enjoying sales on Amazon. Sara is available in kindle, paperback, and audiobook formats. https://www.amazon.ca/Sara.../dp/1492848697/ref=sr_1_1...

My second historical novel is "When God Gives Us Spring". I spent a tremendous amount of time researching prior to writing this book. I've loved writing all my books, but I don't mind admitting that "When God Gives Us Spring" is one of my favourites. I hope it can be a favourite of yours too and I hope you'll check it out.

When God Gives Us Spring: a novella

by Audrey Austin (Author) Format: Paperback

5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars (5)

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 available exclusively on Amazon in Kindle, Paperback, and Audiobook formats. You will find it on my Amazon author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Or directly at https://www.amazon.ca/When.../dp/1499106769/ref=sr_1_1...

Paperback

Audiobook

Audiobook

Paperback