TOO LATE -- a song written in memory of my father

Recently a new door opened and I have written the lyrics to three new songs.   The one I wish to share with you now is one in which I wrote the lyrics, the melody, and I perform the song.  The music is by talented John Cal who brings my words to life with his beautiful arrangement.  Thank you,
John.  I have written this song in loving memory of my father.

https://youtu.be/MeQ3Kbw0t5s

When God Gives Us Spring - free today 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 available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.  The paperback is also available at the Create Space store.  The link is   https://www.createspace.com/4754962

Today in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites When God Gives Us Spring  is free for your reading pleasure.

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

Weaving Alice - Free in the Kindle Store today

#29 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Metaphysical

Weaving Alice is a short story and it is free today in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.

WEAVING ALICE is a story about a meeting on earth between personified good and evil. The mystical ending will bring a smile to your face


This short story is also available in both Kindle and Paperback formats as one of twelve stories in a short story anthology titled Social Studies, Book Three - Weaving Alice  on all Amazon sites.     

A review of Weaving Alice - 5.0 out of 5 stars did not see that coming! Oct. 9 2013

By Carleen E. Nicholson - Published on Amazon.com

Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

I had not read the description before ii purchased it...the title and cover just appealed to me. I loved it!!! I did not see the ending coming and was totally blown away! Great job!!

 

Quest for Cammirand - a mystery -- free today in the Kindle Store

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 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.

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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. 

 

Quest for Cammirand  is one of my short stories that dares to stand alone in the Kindle Store and it is free for your reading pleasure today.

 

Quest for Cammirand is also one of the twelve short stories found in one of my short story anthologies,  Social Studies, Book One - Dying To Be Popular.  

 

Beautiful cover design of my Social Studies anthology series is Susan Ruby K. of http://yuneekpix.com     What a talent!  Check out her site if  you are an author seeking a cover designer.    Her book covers are Amazon and Create Space ready for you to publish, whether you are an individual writer like me or a publishing company.  You will find no one better to meet your design and artistic needs.

 

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

 

 

Find Firinn - free today in the Kindle Store

Uncle Farlan teaches his young niece, Forba, Scottish folklore and history. Emigrating to Canada is not something he wants but to stay with family determines his decision. The importance of finding firinn he instills into Forba's young mind. Many years later Uncle Farlan is ill. Alzheimer has made its claim. Forba is there at her uncle's bedside when he takes his last breath.

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Uncle Farlan and his niece Forba invite you to "Find Firinn". This Kindle short story is free today, April 16th, and if you have any Scottish blood in you, it's a story you don't want to miss. If you have known & loved a victim of Alzheimer Disease this is a story you don't want to miss. Check it out at amazon.com/author/audreyaustin And if you enjoy the story thanks for your positive review on Amazon.com 

Review by Eleanor Lambert; Bermuda.

 I just read "Find Firinn" and enjoyed it immensely. It brought back a few memories of my own and of course thought immediately of  my sister-in-law. Anne,who was from Scotland. I gave this story 5 stars.

From the Author

The relationship between Uncle Farlan and his young niece is enduring.   Yes, he taught her to respect and always remember their Scottish heritage but even more important is the loyalty and love the two share throughout life up to the day of his death.  Alzheimer Disease is a terrible thief.  But even Alzheimer could not steal Farlan's memory of the secret he shared with his niece.    

 

 

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Find Firinn is also available in paperback format as one of the twelve stories contained in short story anthology Social Studies, Book One - Dying To Be Popular on all Amazon sites.   Find Firinn - Amazon Best Sellers Rank:  Currently    #3 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Nonfiction > Parenting & Relationships > Aging Parents > Aging     Cover design: Susan Ruby K. -  http://yuneekpix.com

Sara. a Canadian Saga -- free today, April 15th, in the Kindle Store

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 my first novel. Based on the harsh reality of life during the days of the Great Depression we follow one family.  The story starts in the Maritime Provinces of Canada.  The struggling economy is the deciding factor for Roy who makes the move to Toronto leaving Sara and their then two children behind in Prince Edward Island.  Once he secures employment Sara and the children join him. More children follow and the Canadian Dream is more elusive than ever

A Review of Sara, a Canadian Saga:

5.0 out of 5 stars Table Talk July 24, 2014

By Blue Dove 73

Format:Kindle Edition

I’ve read "Sara" twice now, the second time to my son who thoroughly enjoyed Austin’s portrayal of the early 20th century living conditions. This story is uniquely Canadian and could easily be marketed to students as part of their Canadian education. It is a narrative that figures in the histories of Canadian families everywhere. If you come from generations of Canadians someone in your story has a story just like "Sara."

The line that cracked me up and drew me into the story can be found on page 11:

"Their mother set the steaming bowls of vegetables in the centre of the large, old, wooden table that no amount of wax and polish could dignify."

I won't over-analyze why this struck me as hilarious except to say I laughed out loud when I recognized myself in this character. What sad, sad state Rebecca was in over her table! As you read on you will discover that this table is a silent witness to generations of love, hope, fear, strife, courage, ignorance and finally, understanding. What a beautiful metaphor for an old scratched up, banged around, inescapable history and our fear of endlessly repeating it.

Thank-you for inviting us to the table Ms. Austin.

 

Sara, a Canadian Saga  is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.

 

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

 

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

 

Sara, a Canadian Saga is also available in paperback from Createspace.com  The Link is:  CreateSpace eStore:    https://www.createspace.com/4461846

DRAMA - A Novel Idea a trilogy of novels

#96 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Canadian > Collections & Readers

DRAMA - A Novel Idea   is a trilogy of Canadian novels available in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.

DRAMA - A Novel Idea is an anthology containing three of Austin's most popular novels in a boxed set: Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy; Ellen and The Hummingtree; and Sara, a Canadian Saga.





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

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

What not to ask a writer....

You are a writer too, yes?  And don't you just love it when someone asks, "What are your books about?"

It is every writer's nightmare question.

I have eighteen books on the table; each one unique and special in its own way.

I am not locked into a single genre in my reading or writing preferences.

How many hours can you spend with me in order to explain to you what all my books are about? 

The ideal question to a writer is,  "I am most interested in .........  Do you have a book on this topic?"

When asked, "What are your books about?", I do my best to turn the conversation back to the potential reader and ask, "What kind of book do you most enjoy reading?"

Sometimes it works.  Sometimes --  well, we just do our best and carry on.  :-)

You will find my books on all Amazon sites in both Kindle and Paperback format.   I hope you find something  from among them to please you.

http://www.amazon.com/audreyaustin

REAWAKENING - free today in the Kindle Store

With regard to this book let me share with you one review by Maggie Kirton who is 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."

Reawakening is free today in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.  This book is also available in paperback format directly from the author.  audrey@persona.ca


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

Crabapple Court -- free today in the Kindle Store

Currently #12 in Kindle Store > Books > Crime, Thriller & Mystery > Crime Fiction > Kidnapping

Where is Susie Donnelly?

Without exception the residents of Crabapple Court do not like to draw attention to themselves or to their homes. They do not like publicity. They do not appreciate media attention but this day, whether they like it or not, the Fairmont residents are keeping them under strict scrutiny. Indeed the eyes of the entire country are fixed upon them.

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


Crabapple Court  is also available in paperback format on all Amazon sites as well as from Createspace.com   The link is 

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

 

Beautiful cover design is by Susan Ruby K. of http://yuneekpix.com

 

Visit my author's page at  http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustn


Here is an excerpt from Crabapple Court:


Annie Benjamin is a good housekeeper. But she is also a good woman who makes unfortunate choices when it comes to choosing a boyfriend.  It is not uncommon for Annie to arrive for work at Annette's kitchen door with a black eye, a bruised arm, or a scratched face. Annie's boyfriend, Ronald, has a mean streak wider than the front lawn and deeper than the backyard swimming pool that no one uses anymore now that the girls are grown and gone from home.

Annie confides in Annette.  "He's a mean man and I don't know how to keep him off me.  But what worries me the most is the way he eyes my little girl, Arabella.  If he ever lays a hand on my Arabella I swear I'll kill him."

"Has he ever hurt your little girl, Annie?"

"No, ma'am, not that I know of and he better not!  Maybe I shouldn't tell you this, Ms. Colletti, but I've heard rumors that a few years ago my Ronald messed around with a little girl in the Toronto projects.  He did things with that child no grown man is supposed to do.  I don't even know if the rumors are true but just knowing someone thought he could do something like that scares me to death. He better not ever hurt my Arabella. He just better not, that's all!"

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Crabapple Court - an excerpt

Annie Benjamin is a good housekeeper. But she is also a good woman who makes unfortunate choices when it comes to choosing a boyfriend.  It is not uncommon for Annie to arrive for work at Annette's kitchen door with a black eye, a bruised arm, or a scratched face. Annie's boyfriend, Ronald, has a mean streak wider than the front lawn and deeper than the backyard swimming pool that no one uses anymore now that the girls are grown and gone from home.

Annie confides in Annette.  "He's a mean man and I don't know how to keep him off me.  But what worries me the most is the way he eyes my little girl, Arabella.  If he ever lays a hand on my Arabella I swear I'll kill him."

"Has he ever hurt your little girl, Annie?"

"No, ma'am, not that I know of and he better not!  Maybe I shouldn't tell you this, Ms. Colletti, but I've heard rumors that a few years ago my Ronald messed around with a little girl in the Toronto projects.  He did things with that child no grown man is supposed to do.  I don't even know if the rumors are true but just knowing someone thought he could do something like that scares me to death. He better not ever hurt my Arabella. He just better not, that's all!"

****

 
Susie Donnelly is missing.  Is she just a little girl playing hide and seek or has she run away?  Is it a kidnapping? A murder?

Without exception the residents of Crabapple Court do not like to draw attention to themselves or to their homes. They do not like publicity. They do not appreciate media attention but this day, whether they like it or not, the Fairmont residents are keeping them under strict scrutiny. Indeed the eyes of the entire country are fixed upon them.


Crabapple Court is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats from all Amazon sites.

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

Crabapple Court is also available in paperback from Createspace.com   The link is CreateSpace eStore:    https://www.createspace.com/4894247

Poetry from A to Z is doing well in the Kindle Store

#39 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Canadian > Poetry

#39 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Canadian

 

Poetry from A to Z is doing okay in the Kindle Store on Amazon.ca

 

Thanks to my poetry loving readers.

 

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

 

 

Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy

Thanks everyone. Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy is doing well in the Kindle Store on Amazon.ca

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

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

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

Ellen and The Hummingtree is "free" today in the Kindle Store

My Easter gift to you today (Easter Monday) is a "free" Kindle reading of one of my novels titled Ellen and The Hummingtree.

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.

Ellen and The Hummingtree 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

Passion For Staying Put is free today in the Kindle Store

#11 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Death & Grief > Grief & Bereavement

#34 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Relationships > Marriage

 

 

Eleven years have passed. Arthur and Marion attempt to move on in the aftermath of the tragic loss their only child, Jennifer. Passion for Staying Put was a semi-finalist in the 2013 John Kenneth Galbraith Short Story Writing Award Competition.

 

Passion For Staying Put  is free today for your reading enjoyment on all Amazon sites.

 

Passion For Staying Put is one of my short stories which, like Daniel, dares to stand alone.  However, you will also find it as one of the twelve stories contained in short story anthology titled Social Studies, Book Two - Shattered and Broken.

 

 

 

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

Simply BE is free today in the Kindle Store

#3 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Religion & Spirituality > Spirituality > Inspirational

#4 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Self-Help > Self-Esteem

Simply BE is a collection of inspirational thoughts, sayings and quotations. This book is a reminder of the importance of striving to be who we really are. It’s all about choice, and knowing that who we really are is a good thing to be,

I wanted to illustrate this book although I am not a  visual artist. The most important thing I hope to illustrate is that we don’t have to be perfect. We do the best we can with what we have and give thanks.

It is my hope that Simply BE
Will encourage you to step up
And be all that you know you can be.

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From the Author

I wanted to illustrate this book although I am not a visual artist.  The most important thing I hope to illustrate is that we don't have to be perfect.  We do the best we can with what we have and give thanks.

It is my hope that Simply BE will encourage you to step up and be all that you know you can be.

From the Back Cover

Simply BE ...  Sometimes we forget that we are born into this world as human beings.  We forget because too much of the time is spent as human do'ers.  We do this; we do that; and then we do some more.  Sometimes we become involved in doing so much we forget who we are.  Simply BE is a reminder to all of us that it is possible to be who we really are.

 

Simply BE is available in both Kindle and paperback formats on all
Amazon sites.  http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

HAPPY EASTER! :-)

 

Happy Easter to all my reading and writing friends! 

The Big Book - free in the Kindle Store today for your reading pleasure

Forty-seven year old Gwendolyn arrives at the pearly gates. St. Peter searches and finds her name recorded in The Big Book. She is distressed to learn that she is barred entrance to Heaven. He gives her one last mission to complete on earth. Will she achieve success and be granted entry by St. Peter?

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From the Author

Short stories are my pleasure to write.  "The Big Book" was especially fun.  I am quite convinced that God has a wonderful sense of humour and in this story my imagination clearly visualized this woman learning her life lessons in a most unique way.  I hope you enjoy reading  the story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

The Big Book is one of my short stories that dares to stand alone.    If you are a short story lover, look for this story in one of my short story anthologies which is titled Social Studies, Book Two - Shattered and Broken .  

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

 

 

 

Books for Children

So far I have written three books for young readers.   For the youngest children there is the book titled The Last Drop.   This is a story about two young children who can't go out to play because it is a rainy day.  The story is told in rhyming couplets; educational and a story that helps a young child to learn the alphabet.

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

 

Another story I have written for young children is titled At The Edge of His World.   This is a book for children maybe up to the age of ten.   It is the adventure of a little chipmunk who fears his world is crumbling along with the garden wall.

This book is available in Kindle format only although I do hope to  publish it in paperback one day in the not too far future.

 

 

My third book for children is titled Beyond The Blue.  This book is a coming-of-age novella written for school aged children.  The book is about bullying and one young boy's victory over the boys who were doing their best to make his life miserable.   It's about a lot more too.  Beyond The Blue is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.

 

 

These three books which I have written for children are available on all Amazon sites.

 

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

 

 

To Be Who You Were Meant To Be in the First Place --- Simply BE

ALL THEM HOUSES

“Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything.
Maybe it’s about un-becoming
Everything that isn’t really you ...
so you can be who you were meant
to be in the first place."

Author unknown.

It was the above quotation plus some verses that I wrote many years ago that prompted me to do a little more writing with the result that I have published Simply BE.

I've reached a place in life where this quotation is very meaningful to me.

 "All Them Houses" is my current work in progress -- a memoir. And this quotation is inspirational to me in my current writing.

I wish I knew who the author was so that I could say thank you.

Cover design:  Susan Ruby K. of yuneekpix.com

 

Interior illustrations:  Audrey Austin

 

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