Monday, June 30, 2014

A New Series Coming-Can't Wait!


Some men keep secrets…Adam Monroe kept three.

Genre Contemporary Romance:
Amelia Book one of The Three Mrs. Monroes
Release Date: July 31, 2014
Digital ISBN-10: 1631120387 ISBN-13: 978-1-63112-038-1
Print ISBN-10: 1631120395 ISBN-13: 978-1-63112-039-8

From loss breeds new opportunity.
Amelia Monroe had felt the sharp pain from the loss of a soldier before—Adam Monroe’s death didn’t have that same effect.
Sam Jackson had one job—deliver Adam Monroe’s revised will. Even he couldn’t have anticipated that he’d be entangled in the web of lies his client had woven.
Doing what is right had been inbred in Amelia. She’d planned to say her goodbyes and start fresh. Staying in Adam’s small town with his other lies, that wasn’t part of her plan.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Book 8 Of The Keller Family is HERE!!!!





Available from 5 Prince Publishing www.5princebooks.com  books@5princebooks.com
Genre: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary
Release Date: May 29, 2014
Digital ISBN-10: 1631120360 ISBN-13: 978-1-63112-036-7
Print ISBN-10: 1631120379 ISBN-13: 978-1-63112-037-4
Purchase link : http://www.5princebooks.com/buy-links.html






The Acceptance:
Tyler Benson’s world was shaken with the news that he had a sister—one he never knew he had. Though he loves his sister, and his family remains a tightly woven unit, he simply can’t shake the feeling of betrayal from his mother. After a sabbatical from his family to find himself it is time to head back home and try to pick up the pieces of his life.

Courtney Fields has learned to deal with many tragedies. Losing her sight at eight-years-old was only a challenge that gave her many other skills. Now dealing with the loss of her brother in combat will no doubt teach her new lessons in life.

When Tyler meets Courtney on a South bound flight to Nashville he couldn’t possibly have expected that she’d be his lesson in accepting the things he cannot change or control. But can he reciprocate in helping her accept the loss of her brother when she learns the truth of his death?



About Bernadette Marie
Bestselling Author Bernadette Marie is known for building families readers want to be part of. Her series The Keller Family has graced bestseller charts since its release in 2011, along with her other series and single title books. The married mother of five sons promises Happily Ever After always…and says she can write it, because she lives it.
When not writing, Bernadette Marie is shuffling her sons to their many events—mostly hockey—and enjoying the beautiful views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains from her front step. She is also an accomplished martial artist with a second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do.
A chronic entrepreneur, Bernadette Marie opened her own publishing house in 2011, 5 Prince Publishing, so that she could publish the books she liked to write and help make the dreams of other aspiring authors come true too.
  
How to reach Bernadette Marie
@writesromance on Twitter


Excerpt from The Acceptance

There was something about an airport. People were coming and going. Some were heading out for adventure and some were heading home—just like Tyler Benson.

Nashville would always be home. He’d taken nearly three years to see the world and think his life through. He wasn’t sure he had a better grasp on it yet, but he knew one thing—he missed his family.
Why had he let his mother’s choices affect him so much? Things must have been pretty bad for her if she gave up a child and never spoke of it again.
The man in him understood. She was protecting him and his brother from what had happened to her when she’d fallen in love with an abusive man who tried to kill her. But the boy in him was still hurt.
Heading back wouldn’t fix everything. He assumed there’d be a lot of late night talks over the kitchen table as there had been when he was a teenager. His father already had offered him a good job in the construction firm which had been in the family for generations. And—he needed to finally get to really know his sister.
Darcy had been as shocked as Tyler when she’d learned who her mother was. After all, she’d fallen in love with Tyler’s cousin—that had to have been a little odd. But the Keller family was eclectic. It was made up of lots of adopted children, but they were still one big family.
His cousin Ed and his sister Darcy had been married over a year now. Their wedding had been the only time Tyler had been home in three years. Now it was time to face his parents and ask for some forgiveness, though he was sure they’d give it to him. Everyone understood his need to find himself.
They called his flight from New York to Nashville and it was time to board the plane. He stood and moved toward the line as a woman ran right into him.
“I’m so sorry,” she said quickly.
“It’s no problem.” He looked down and noticed she’d dropped her scarf. “You dropped this.” He bent down to pick it up and hand it to her.
The woman only held out her hand, but didn’t reach for it. Tyler placed it in her open hand.
“Oh, thank you. I lose more things.” She gave a casual laugh and continued on. It was then he noticed the cane in her other hand.
“Do you need an arm to get on the plane?”
She smiled at him, though her eyes were shielded behind big sunglasses. “Are you a nice man or do you feel sorry for me?”
That was quite a question, he thought. “Well, I’d like to think it was because I was raised right.”
“You’re from the South.” She thought a moment. “Tennessee?”
“Yes. Born and raised in Nashville.”
She leaned in closer to him. “I guessed from your accent and since we’re getting on a flight bound that way.”
He couldn’t help but chuckle. “Offer still holds.”
“What’s your name?”
“I’m Tyler. Tyler Benson.”
“Courtney Fields and, Mr. Benson, I’d love to have you guide me if you don’t mind.”
“It would be my pleasure.”
He let her take his arm, though she didn’t interlock elbows, instead she held the back of his arm just above his elbow.
When they approached the door Courtney held out her ticket and the woman scanned the ticket and placed the stub back in her hand. She then did the same for Tyler.
Once checked in, they walked down the jet bridge.
“Do you travel a lot, Mr. Benson?”
“It’s Tyler, and I’ve been doing my fair share the past few years. How about you?”
“I’ve been seeing the world, though not intentionally. So yes. I travel quite a bit. But this is a special trip back home.”
He desperately wanted to ask her why she said she’d been seeing the world. Could she see? Was it just a figure of speech?
“Hello, Ms. Fields.” The stewardess greeted her as they walked on board.
“Celia.” Courtney smiled, having obviously recognized the woman’s voice. “I didn’t expect you on this flight.”
“I’m state side now.” Celia took Courtney’s hand which still held her cane and patted it. “I’ve heard we have your brother on board,” she said softly.
Courtney nodded. “Finally.”
“Your family has been in my thoughts for a long time.”
“Thank you,” Courtney said. “Oh, Celia, this is Tyler. My arm candy for the walk down the jet way.”
Celia looked at Tyler and then back at Courtney. “I thought you had an escort.”
“It’s always good to make a new friend. How’s he look?”
Celia scanned another look over him. “You did good.”
Tyler forced a smile. “Thank you?”
Celia laughed. “Courtney, can I help you find your seat?”
“If you don’t mind, I’ll use my arm candy.”
Tyler looked at her ticket. “You’re in 3A.”
“Yep, that sounds right. Where are you?”
“I’m in 4F.”
“You like the window too?”
“Luck of the draw really.”
Courtney stopped and turned back to Celia. “Can you see if you can arrange my escort to trade to 4F?”
The smile on Celia’s face and the look she casually gave to Tyler made him a little nervous. His good deed had warranted him a seat change?
“Do you mind sitting by me on the flight? I could use some good company,” Courtney asked.
Tyler thought about the past three years and wondered if he could be good company. But, like he’d told her before, he’d been raised right. And if the woman wanted to sit by him who was he to turn her down?
“If the other passenger doesn’t mind changing I’d be happy to switch.”
“I still like the window. I hope that’s okay,” she said as she walked toward her seat.
Once they were seated Courtney turned to him. “Thank you for picking up my scarf.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Thanks for keeping me company. This trip home is a hard one and it’ll be nice to have a handsome man to talk to.”
He wondered what made her trip so hard, besides the obvious hindrance of not being able to see the world around her.
“How do you know I’m so handsome? Celia might have been lying to you.”
She smiled. “Oh, I can tell you’re handsome. And you’re not married. I would guess you’re in your mid to late twenties. You were well educated. You’re about six-two. And you have blue eyes.”
He knew that staring at her with his eyes wide open wasn’t going to make her aware of how stunned he was, but for some reason he was sure she knew.
“How do you know all that?”
The smile on her mouth turned into a playful pucker forcing her cheeks to dimple on both sides. “You handed me my scarf with your left hand. You don’t have a ring.”
“You felt for a ring?”
“I dropped the scarf on purpose. You smelled good.”
That made him laugh aloud. “Okay, keep going.”
“I’ve held the arms of many people. I’m five-five, so I know my heights from there.”
“I’m six-three.”
“I was close.”
“My education?”
“You have an accent, but your words have a refined quality to them. I’d guess you can speak more than one language.”
“My father speaks French, and so does my aunt. I’ve always known both.”
She nodded slowly as though she were collecting her reward for knowing so much.
“Okay, those are all logical. How do you know I have blue eyes?”
“That one was a guess, but I was right. You just told me.”
“You have quite a talent.”
Courtney turned her head toward the window. “You also seemed lost.”
“I beg your pardon. How would you know that?”
“I could feel it. It felt as though you could use some company and I sure know I could.”
He wasn’t sure how this woman could tell so much about him, but she had a keen sense of the world around her.
The last passenger to board the plane was a soldier in uniform. As he passed by their row he looked down at Courtney as if he knew she’d be there and then he continued to his seat which Tyler noted was the seat he was to have occupied.
As the doors were secured the pilot came over the speaker.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, we will be starting our flight shortly. I wanted to inform you that we have the honor of flying a vet home to his final resting place today.”
The air in the plane grew thick and Tyler could hear the many gasps and even sobs which had come from that announcement. He turned toward Courtney who had gripped her hands in front of her and pressed her forehead to her white knuckles.
“Are you okay?”
She lifted her head and he could see the tears streak down her cheek from under her sunglasses. Hesitantly she nodded.
“I’m finally getting to make the journey to take my brother home.”
Tyler let out a long breath and watched as this woman he’d just met turned her face toward the warmth of the sun coming in through the small window.
He’d gained a sister and felt like his world had ended.
Courtney had lost a brother and yet was thankful to be with him on his final ride home.
Tyler rested his head against the back of his seat. His life didn’t make any more sense than it had three years ago when he’d left Nashville. But at least when he got there his brother, sister, and his parents would be there.
What was there for Courtney?

Monday, June 23, 2014

This just looks suspenseful!


Genre: Fiction, Romance, Suspense
Release Date: July 24, 2014
Digital ISBN 13: 978-1-63112-060-2   ISBN 10: 1631120603
Print ISBN 13: 978-1-63112-061-9      ISBN 10: 1631120611

Lilac Lane


Ella and her son survived her ex-husband's drunken wrath. They are starting a new life in a new town, Stutter Creek. She's even met a real man. A gentle wild life biologist named Chet Boone. But now, her ex has been released from prison early. Is that him driving past their new house late at night? Is he the one causing the strange sounds and flickering lights? Can they survive a second round with a madman?

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Gotta love this cover!






Available from 5 Prince Publishing www.5princebooks.com  books@5princebooks.com
Genre: Fiction, Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology, Fantasy, Historical
Release Date: June 19, 2014
Digital ISBN-10: 1631120522 ISBN-13: 978-1-63112-052-7
Print ISBN-10: 1631120530 ISBN-13: 978-1-63112-053-4

Purchase link : http://www.5princebooks.com/buy-links.html




About Katrina Sisowath
Katrina Sisowath, née Little, (1979--) was born in Frankfurt, Germany to an English father and American mother. Her formative years were spent in South-East Asia before returning to England to finish her studies. Deciding to follow in her father's footsteps, she enrolled in a University in China hoping to become a Mandarin-English translator. Visiting her father in 1999 who was living in Cambodia resulted in her meeting her future husband, settling down and opening a preschool. The couple has since chosen to return to England for their daughters' education.

On a personal level, Katrina is an avid book reader and loves mythology, history (preferably together), ancient civilizations and anything to do with occult ideologies and practices. Mages, Serpent Priestesses and the 'real' Gods, aka the ANNUNAKI (the prototypes for those we know today in the form of Greek, Roman, Indian and even the Biblical characters) are all addressed on her website www.katrinasisowath.com.  Included are descriptions of Dragons, reptilian lords, consciousness altering drinks and powders along with what the scarlet clad priestesses really got up to in their sacred chamber.


How to reach Katrina Sisowath
Twitter: @ksDragonCourt
Facebook: The Annunaki and the Dragon Court



Excerpt of Serpent Priestess of the Annunaki
The child sat staring at the setting sun, a slight frown marring the otherwise placid expression on her face. To a casual observer she would appear to be contemplating the mysteries of the universe, but to her long-suffering nurse she was merely demonstrating yet again the obstinance for which she was now legendary amongst the confederation of governesses and tutors, this one being the third in her short life.
Appealing to her parents brought no relief as they were firmly of the opinion childhood was all too short for an Annunaki child and the responsibilities and training began all too soon, so there was no harm in letting her be a child for as long as possible. This was not the common belief or practice amongst the elite of Nibiru, but her parents were as stubborn as she.
“Ninkha-nata you must come down from your perch and return home. Your betrothed and his parents have returned from Planet Tiamut and your presence is required at this evening's festivities.”
"I have no wish to meet him, I don't want to marry him and I especially don't want to move to that dreadful place. Whatever shall I do there? I heard they have no cities, no parties and no festivals or tournaments!"
Her nurse smothered the urge to throw her riding crop at the petulant child and calmly said, “You know you won't be married to him for many years yet, it is only to be presented to him and his family to see whether or not you like the look of him. If not, you can always tell your parents to cancel it. I should think House Samael to be fortunate to avoid you as a daughter by marriage."
Ninkha shrugged, smoothed her riding clothes and climbed down from her favourite tree with as much dignity as a 15 year old with the last vestiges of puppy fat could muster. She was of average height for a girl with the promise of further growth to come.
She approached Stethos, her mount, and instantly her mood changed. He was her birth-mate, hatched on the same day as her birth, and in accordance with the traditions of the Annunaki, they were bonded at once with a symbolic transfusion of blood through their umbilical cords. A male Annunaki was bonded with a female dragon and a female Annunaki with a male. This was to promote a symbiotic whole with male/earth/fire/dark and the opposite female/sky/water/light fused into one being.
 Where dragons came from or how the tradition started no one quite knew. Legends were many but as with all things legendary time erases much. The most common belief was that an ancient militant priest had been driven high into the mountains of Faliel on the planet of Mas during the Great War. The enemy had routed the Annunaki forces till they were scattered through the forests and mountains. The enemy stopped pursuit at the base of the mountain range for fear of the dragons who inhabited it as they were flesh-eaters. This priest, driven by desperation, took his chances.
Whilst hiding in the uppermost reaches of the tree line for forty days, he was compelled by hunger to look for food. He happened across an unguarded dragon's nest and thought to take an egg. But something unanticipated happened: it hatched and the little chick, upon seeing him, immediately bonded to him as though he was her mother. Try as he might, he could not rid himself of her and neither could he bring himself to roast her. So they remained together, each helping the other survive until the rescue ship arrived. By this time attachment was so strong he brought her with him and she grew into a formidable beast, accompanying him into battle.
 The other Annunaki decided this was a most prodigious turn of events and an expedition was raised to gather more dragons’ eggs. After much trial and error, the dragons came to regard Nibiru as their home and were able to populate the planet, hence the ability to pair each Annunaki with a dragon.
"Hello Stethos, who's my boy? Did you miss me?" Ninkha cooed as she pressed her face against her beloved bonded. Stethos raised his head; sending a ripple of scales cascading from the top of his head to his feet. He was ruby-red with blue and greed jewel toned shimmers on his under-belly. She thought him the most beautiful dragon there ever was. He snorted with delight, flickering his tongue, eagerly awaiting the treat he knew she had for him. She went to her saddle bag and pulled out the leg of lamb she had pilfered from cook earlier that day. Stethos whinnied and sent out a stream of fire in anticipation of his favourite treat.
"Catch" Ninkha cried. Stethos jumped, clasping the leg in his strong jaws, swallowing it whole
Nurse Gaia mounted her bonded, Pecharus, and said in the sternest voice she dared, "Ninkha-Nata, you must come NOW!! Your ladies wait to bathe and dress you. We must not keep Lord Anu waiting. He is not as patient as your parents"
Ninkha sighed, mounted her steed and whispered affectionately into his ear, "Fly my lovely--let's see if she can keep up.” Stethos spread his powerful wings and together they flew into the setting sun.
Looking down over the city of Aden she couldn't imagine ever having to leave her beautiful home
There were two centres of learning and doctrine for the majority of the Annunaki known as the Temple of the Fountain of Youth and the Temple of the Tree of Life, though there were those who followed the destructive energies as was their prerogative. These were known as Mulla Xul.
The Annunaki believed there must be a balance in nature for all to thrive and with creation came destruction. Some leaned towards the light of the sun or moon to create and heal, while others sought the secrets and mysteries of that which was hidden. Many things that were needful to Nibiru were discovered by the Mulla Xul and to eradicate them would be self-destructive. A society cannot exist in the light by pretending they have no need of the dark or that it is evil, they had need of those who discovered the power of the sun to use in weapons, or the poisons of the herbs that only bloomed in certain phases of the moon that also had healing properties when combined with other herbs.. Only when an Annunaki was harmed or Nibiru threatened was punishment meted out, to whoever had caused the harm--no matter their proclivities.
The government buildings housing the departments of war, science and discovery, health, and education were built in the first ring surrounding the two temples. The High Families had their houses in the next ring which formed the centre of the axle around which the city was formed. From the air one could see both the ever-widening rings and the 'spokes' which were large avenues that were laid in a direct line from the centre to the outermost ring. Each of those 'spokes' divided the city into sections with each industry allotted one section and a colour used for all the buildings in each division--seven in all. This allowed for practicality as if one needed a new garment one just went to the part of the city where clothes were made. In that section one found the raw wool, silk and linen importers, cloth dyers, weavers, tailors and seamstresses.
The only time there was a tumult was during the yearly tournaments which were held outside the city grounds. On those days there was no work and people were free to mingle, eat and drink to their hearts content.
Ninkha looked forward to these festivities as did many of her compatriots. The thrill of the best and boldest pitting their skills against each other in a test of daring and bravado, each charging the other on their dragon with swords known as Shuhadaku set aflame by the sacred fire. The competitors would be clothed in white loincloth with golden sandals, armbands, breastplate and helmet completing the look. A shield with the insignia of the house of the competitor afforded some protection to him/herself and means of identification to the spectators.
It was the dream of every Annunaki to compete in the tournament, once they had passed their 3 trials and were accepted as full Annunaki and no longer children. Exceptions were given to those who had been identified from an early age as having a special gift and were to be trained as Priests, Priestesses or Healers. These were considered sacred and the shedding of their blood forbidden. Ninkha, having been identified as strong in the Healing arts was automatically excluded from participation.
Ninkha wiped a tear from her eye as the two women rose ever higher, their backs to the setting sun. She would not let anyone see her cry but she could let nurse feel her displeasure. It would not do to greet her future in-laws in her present mood, so she nudged Stethos and pulled his reins up. He knew what she wanted; having felt her rage and sense of helplessness and responded. Up and up they flew, ever higher reaching past the point Annunaki were safe to fly until she could  see the many stars twinkling in the black of eternal night. Looking down through the clouds she beheld Aden bathed in the light of a receding sun, soft and golden. She heard nurse ordering her to come down that instant, but the voice was distant, as through a body of water. She held her breath for a moment: Stethos dipped his nose towards the ground and down they flew, gathering speed, the clouds, nurse, other dragons and vehicles a blur, the cupola of the Temple of Youth coming up closer and closer until just before they impacted the crystal dome Stethos pulled up and resumed flying in a 'normal' fashion, one nurse would approve, perpendicular to the buildings rather than hurtling towards it as some sort of missile. She had first played this game with friends at the age of 5 jumping off treetops and she had never tired of it. As they grew older the heights grew as well until she was the only one left, the others having admitted defeat. She never once closed her eyes, as her friends did.

*

Enki and his brother Enlil were in the courtyard of their house on Nibiru, having returned from Planet Tiamut the previous evening and spending 12 hours in the Chamber of Purification, necessary as the changes in atmospheric pressure could have adverse effects without a re-balancing of energy and breath intake. It was also feared Annunaki, animal or plant, could bring disease or blight to Nibiru without proper checks by the Priests. As much of a necessity as it was, the two brothers nevertheless found confinement torturous and revelled in the freedom once the doors were opened.
The Annunaki's airship was used to travel between planets and solar systems. It was huge and rather unwieldy, thus making turns and landings difficult but it could travel far at great speeds. It was divided into three parts: the command centre was a golden sphere which housed the sleeping and eating quarters of the Annunaki. Next was a long arrow-shaped object in which the dragons and animals were housed and supplies were stored. Finally, there was a finlike structure that propelled the airship forward using a fuel source that had run low on Nibiru but was plentiful on Tiamut. This was used during takeoff but once they entered a solar system the Annunaki had devised a method of harnessing the Sun's gravitational pull to slingshot through space, switching to fuel to move on to the next system.
"Free at last" Enki shouted as he stumbled out, half blinded, into the sun. His older brother, Enlil, paused at the doorway, taking time to rearrange his robe and become accustomed to the light before venturing into the open air. Both boys were tall, with the long limbs and defined musculature that spoke of hours spent at practice in the martial arts and less time spent at the desk studying with their tutors. Enki's features were perhaps a little more rugged, his forehead and nose slightly broader than Enlil's, but both had the same intense gaze from the same pair of dark eyes, the same manner of lifting one eyebrow when they expressed disbelief and the same smile that took women's breath away when directed at them. A strong jaw and mop of black curly hair completed their look, though Enki was prone to declaring he'd rather "shave the whole lot off" when he tired of the heat of Planet Tiamut.
"Must you behave in such a manner, you embarrass yourself", Enlil muttered as he caught up to Enki, who was engaged in a body roll with Rexar, one of their hunters.
"Come now Enlil, we're home, it is time to reward ourselves after all our effort."
“And turn myself into a laughingstock like yourself?  NEVER! I'd rather spend 12 more hours in the chamber"
At that point the boys heard the familiar whinnies of their bonded who had just been released from their Purification Chamber and rushed over to comfort them. As torturous as it was for them, it was even more terrifying to dragons, who would have to be subdued with chains else in their terror they attack one another.
The bond between Annunaki and dragon was stronger than man and wife, it lasted for life. Emotions and sensations were shared, especially pain, hence the strictest punishment enforced on those who attacked or injured another's dragon, unless at a tournament or in war. An Annunaki and his/her bonded dragon were as a team, but could also move and think as one. If one felt his energy flagging during battle, the other channelled his/her energy into their bonded, sustaining them.
The greatest wish was for every Annunaki was to die with one's dragon and for many that came true, whether in fighting or at peace. An Annunaki's worst fear was to outlive one's dragon for a lengthy amount of time as an Annunaki without one's dragon was considered less than whole, crippled and defenceless. A dragon without its bonded also did not fare well, and many chose to follow its bonded into death at the funeral rites rather than retire to the settlement outside Aden
"Hush Nahla, you're safe. It's all over", Enki soothed. Nahla shivered and shook herself as if to relieve herself from the nightmare she had just woken from. "Shall we go for a ride? Take a look at the tournament ground?"
Enlil smiled and petting Mardoh said, "Why not? Mardoh needs to stretch her wings. Perhaps we could throw in a little practice before dinner."
The two boys fetched their practice weapons, saddled their bonded and prepared to mount. Belil, their father's steward came rushing over, "Masters Enki and Enlil, where are you going? You must prepare for tonight's festivities"
"We're just going for a fly-over; we will be back in one turning of the dial."
The boys mounted, their dragons unfolding their wings and began beating in time, revelling in the movement after days spent confined on the craft and in the chamber. Belil smiled, inclined his head and said, "Very well, your attendants will await you upon your return."
Flying over Aden they engaged in a race weaving in and out of the buildings and spires, under bridges, over towers, skimming over the water, getting as close as they dared to people and objects on the ground without actually touching them. It was a game they often played, one that required not only speed, but also dexterity, skill and bravery. Enki was the faster and more daring of the two, but Enlil was far more shrewd and less likely to end up crash landing or requiring the services of the master healer after miscalculating the distance between himself and an object.
Lord Anu often despaired of his son's propensity to self-harm and wondered if he was marrying the right son to Lord Amun and Lady Isa's daughter. Enlil may have been the elder of the two brothers, but he was the son of Lord Anu's younger wife, Lord Anu having married a pair of sisters.  Enki's mother was first wife and, according to the customs of the Annunaki, Enki was regarded as first son and so the first to be wedded. The Ladies Barat An-na and Tiamat left the rearing of their boys to Lord Anu and the tutors, preferring to devote their time to the raising of Lady Tiamat's daughter, Eris. The Annunaki were matrilineal and the bloodlines flowed through the women. It was Eris who would be continuing their bloodline and so it was of vital importance that she be trained to deal with all matters related to their house. Each house had its own methods, practices and secrets and the women were the guardians of that knowledge.
They reached the outskirts of the city and spying the tournament grounds, steered their bonded over. Setting down they examined the grounds inch by inch, looking over the spectator stands, the distance of the targets, the obstacles for the flight competition and the area for the tournament the warriors most looked forward to; combat. Two opposing Annunaki and their dragons would fly at each other from opposite ends of the field each armed with a flaming sword and shield. The objective being dislodging the competitor from his or her bonded. Fighting was fierce and injuries common, with death being an accepted risk.
Enki and Enlil studied the shields posted on the tournament lists to better know who they would be facing, each of the major houses were represented as well as each city faction. In this, the nobility and commoners were equal, anyone could emerge the victor. It was a source of pride for each faction and much time went on training their best fighters with mini-competitions held throughout the year, the victor then going on to compete in the tournament. Each faction had their own emblem and insignia with their industry displayed on their shield. Thus the garment faction had a loom, the food a winnow of wheat, the goldsmiths a nugget of gold. The noble houses had animals or objects found in nature as their insignia, passed down through the women. Lord Anu's house which was House Samael was a two-headed eagle looking forwards and backwards, in reference to the unique abilities found in their bloodline
"Each of the 12 houses are represented this year, looks like House Daemon have found a warrior", Enlil snorted. It was not unusual for several years to pass between Houses entering their champions as each house had a limited number of children, the children must pass through several years of training and puberty and then face their 3 trials before being deemed fit to take part. Each champion could only compete once in their lifetime, so if a House had a gap in the age of their children, then they would not be represented in the tournament. 
"It was gracious of the council to allow father to enlist us both" Enki observed, studying the lists and two shields: one under House Samael for Enlil and the other under House Nata for himself.
"They had no choice, I came of age last year, but because we were commanded to remain on Tiamut it is only right they allow us both to compete"
"I could compete next year."
"No, I overheard Father and Belil talking in his study. The council is anxious it is taking so long to find a method to harvest the crops. Food supply is running low on Nibiru. We will not be able to return until supply lines are established, they're guessing 5 to 7 years. Besides, it hasn’t been settled, should you chose to not be betrothed to your intended bride, you will not be able to compete under her family shield."
"As you never fail to delight in reminding me."
"Rather you than me" Enlil said, playfully aiming his sword then swinging as if to strike his brother’s head off his shoulders.
 Enki ducked, then looked up momentarily distracted by a red blur hurtling towards the city centre looking though it were poised to strike a blow at the heart of the Annunaki before pulling up at the last second and heading off west, "Oh, we'd better get back. Father will be angry if we keep him waiting."
"Let's go meet that bride of yours. I wager you will be compelled to find a second wife before the first year's out. Our mothers have their designs upon this one." Enlil said with a grim nod in the direction of House Nata's shield on the lists: a serpent eating its own tail.


Monday, June 16, 2014

Another Great Book Coming Soon!

Genre: Fiction, Romance, Suspense
Release Date: July 17, 2014
Digital ISBN 13: 978-1-63112-047-3   ISBN 10: 1-631120-47-6
Print ISBN 13: 978-1-63112-048-0      ISBN 10: 1-631120-48-4

Crisis of Serenity

Tess Copeland lives a quiet life in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Thanks to the government’s witness protection program, she enjoys the freedom of never having to glance over her shoulder to see if someone is following her. Life has become safe, serene...and boring. Her heart longs for something more than just existing...until a ghost from her past shatters her serenity.

Once upon a time, Tess was caught between the FBI and the men the feds were trying to take down. Jake Coleman is the U.S. Marshal who extracted her from the jam she was in with the FBI, a man she could have fallen for...hard...if she had let herself. It’s been a year since she last saw Jake, and in all the months that have passed, he’s never tried to find her. The longer he keeps his distance, the more she wonders why his absence hurts so much.

When a stranger comes to town searching for her, all of Tess’ old fears are resurrected. Asking Jake for help with her current crisis might lure him into a dangerous trap involving murder, kidnapping, and revenge. When Jake and Tess come face-to-face with the past, they will have to use all their wits to survive.


Thursday, June 12, 2014

This looks like a really good book! Can't wait to read it!




Available from 5 Prince Publishing www.5princebooks.com  books@5princebooks.com
Genre:  Fiction, Christian, Romance
Release Date: June 12, 2014
Digital ISBN ISBN-10: 1631120506 ISBN-13: 978-1-63112-050-3
Print ISBN-10: 1631120514 ISBN-13: 978-1-63112-051-0

Purchase link : http://www.5princebooks.com/buy-links.html







The Letter Drawer
True love never dies, but is it enough to heal a broken faith?

Claire and Evan met when they were children. They grew up together and fell in love. When Evan became a soldier, he and Claire held onto their love, remaining faithful to one another through every deployment. As the years passed, it seemed that life had given them everything they ever wanted … until tragedy struck.
Evan, left in the wake of tragedies, is now forced to decide what is most precious to him. Will love heal him or will devastation destroy his faith? Can Evan’s family show him the way? Can love truly set him free? 



About Sarah Galloway
Sarah Galloway is an Army wife and a mother to four wonderful children. She began writing as a child and continued her love of writing throughout her life. Sarah wrote The Letter Drawer while her husband was deployed in Afghanistan in 2012. She and her husband are residents of Colorado Springs, CO, but are currently stationed in beautiful Monterey, CA.
Sarah and her husband are both avid readers and enjoy a library of books that they keep along the length of their wall in their home office. One of her favorite past times is curling up with a good book while her Great Dane snores at her feet.
Sarah is also a Registered Nurse and spent many sleepless nights working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Colorado Springs. She is very humbled by the tiny miracles that she saw during her years there and she loves all of the babies and families that she had the opportunity to care for. Sarah is continuing her education to become a Family Nurse Practitioner and plans to graduate at the end of 2014. Sarah’s passions include writing, healing people, and providing comfort to those who need it most.


How to reach Sarah Galloway

Twitter @GallowayBooks


Excerpt of The Letter Drawer
They had been so young, so very young. She remembered walking to the school bus, alone and scared. Her first day of first grade and then there he was, a young boy in a dress shirt and slacks, a lunch box in his hand and a blue and red backpack on his back. Tall and quiet, the boy’s eyes did not meet hers. His dark brown hair was well cropped above his big brown eyes. She saw him and lost some of her fear. Walking up next to him, she stood silently as they waited for the bus.
That was the beginning of it. From that moment on, they were never far from one another. She chose a seat next to him in class and she always picked the seat next to him on the bus ride home. They sat in silence at first, both looking straight ahead with their hands folded neatly in their lap.
Later, when she could finally stand the silence no more, she glanced over at him. “My name is Claire, what’s yours?”
The boy’s voice was quiet. “Evan.”
“Evan,” she repeated softly. “Okay.”
He gave her a puzzled look. “Okay what?”
“Okay, I like your name Evan. You can be my friend.”
Evan looked at her, a small, confused smile playing at the corner of his lips.

Time went on. They played, built forts, explored the forest behind their neighborhood, and laughed. They grew up together. They became best friends, and that did not change.
Middle school approached and Evan became an awkward, lanky boy while Claire was a dark-haired, green-eyed beauty. She didn’t seem to care. All of the sudden, the boys noticed Claire, but still, she stayed by Evan.
“Hey Claire,” they would say. “Want to come hang out with us after school?”
“No thanks,” replied Claire.
“Why not?”
“I’m studying with Evan.”
Despite the whispering, whining, and complaining that came from the other boys, Claire never wavered. When she left school, she always walked to the bus with Evan. She rode with him, laughed, and told jokes with him, even when the others snickered or sneered.
One day, as they rode next to each other, Claire realized that what she felt for Evan was more than just friendship. She reached over and took his strong, masculine hand, clasping it in her own much smaller one. He looked up at her, waiting for something.
Wondering what was on her mind, he interrupted the silence. “Claire?”
“Yes, Evan?”
Brown eyes sparkled back at her. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, Evan.”
The gaze lasted a moment longer. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, Evan.”
He left his hand sandwiched between hers. “Alright then.”
When the bus came to a stop, Claire stood and waited for Evan to stand beside her and they walked off together, as they always did.
Standing there on the sidewalk, Claire silently stared at Evan, not moving.
Evan was clearly confused. “Ummm, did you want to come over and study?”
“Not really.”
Absently, he scratched the top of his head. “Alright then. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“No.” She halted him with her hand on his shoulder. “Come with me.”
Pausing for a moment, he gave her an inquiring look. “Where are we going?”
She clasped his hand in hers. “Just come.”
They were seventeen and when she took his hand this time, it was because she loved him. She led him into the forest and back through trees they hadn’t been under in years. They walked through the thick underbrush and finally came to a clearing. He looked at it and smiled. A couple of old, beat-up pieces of plywood leaned together were held there by nails creating a sanctuary fashioned by children. Various odd blankets and pieces of bark and wood that were tattered and faded and barely recognizable lay underneath them.
Confused, he glanced from her to their favorite childhood place. “Claire, this is our old fort.”
She pulled him toward it. “Yes.”
“I had forgotten about this place.”
The light breeze rushed through her hair. “Do you remember when we built it?”
Nostalgia was obvious on his features. “Of course I do! Oh gosh, how old were we, nine, ten maybe?”
“We were in third grade. It was fun. Come and sit with me under it now, will you?”
As she pulled him forward, he laughed. “Okay Claire.”
On their hands and knees, the dusty ground was cool and soft as they crawled into the tattered old fort. When they were sitting under it, there was barely enough room for both of them and Evan’s body was cramped against Claire’s so that they would fit.
Claire smiled at Evan and touched his forehead, brushing a lock of fallen hair away from his eyes.
A serious expression fell across his face. “Claire, can I ask you something?”          
“Of course.”
Evan’s eyes trailed off to the horizon. “Why do you still stay with me?”
“What do you mean?”
He shifted his gaze back to her. “I mean, you’re … well, you’re beautiful Claire. All those guys want to be with you, the good looking ones, the ones all the girls want to be with, and you still always hang out with me.”
“Well,” said Claire blushing. “That’s part of what I wanted to talk to you about.”
“What is?”
Unblinking eyes stared back at her as she spoke. “Evan, I think I’m in love with you.”
A friendly bear hug enveloped her. “I love you too, Claire.”
“No, you don’t understand. Not like a friend, not like we are best friends. I think I have fallen in love with you.”
He looked at her, as though he was barely registering what she was saying. She looked back into his dark brown eyes. Still, he said nothing. Finally, she leaned forward and kissed him on the lips. It was a soft and tender kiss, yet it was warm and inviting, too. And it was perfect, like they had done it all of their lives.
The words fell out of her mouth in a whisper. “Evan, I mean it. I love you.”
His voice was soft and tender. “Oh Claire, I love you too.”
Now he put his arms around her and she rested her head on his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his body. They stayed that way, he held her and she curled up within his arms, finally able to relax now that she knew that he loved her too.

That had been twenty years ago.
Claire thought back on the memory and smiled. Twenty years. Has it really been that long? Twenty years since she realized that she truly did love Evan. It seems like only yesterday.
She closed her eyes and pictured him as he looked now. Sharp jaw, strong features, tall and lean and handsome. Evan was the kind of guy that women looked at twice when he walked by, although he didn’t realize it. Those soft, gentle brown eyes that she loved and adored still made her feel weak and he still had the shock of deep brown hair that he had to trim constantly because it grew so quickly.
He had been such a scrawny kid that nobody understood why she went for him when she could have any boy in the school, had she wanted them. They simply didn’t understand love. She had belonged to Evan from the first time she saw him. She had always been his.

Evan had taken more convincing. It wasn’t that he didn’t love Claire, because he did. It was more that he was terrified of her. He was scared to death that she would realize how amazing she was and that she would go fleeting off into the arms of one of the rough looking muscled guys that were always hitting on her. Eventually though, he realized that she only saw him and he began to feel safe with her. In time he learned that they truly did belong together and that she would never leave him. He didn’t quite understand why, but he knew it to be true all the same.

Claire closed her eyes and pictured Evan next to her. She could almost feel his breath on her skin. But it was too soon, he wouldn’t be home for another five months. Sighing, she forced herself up to make breakfast.
Claire pulled the contents from her cupboard to make pancakes and began mixing the batter. As she was holding the bowl under one arm and whisking with the other, she heard Eve’s soft footsteps on the linoleum. The quiet, dainty sound of Eve’s feet were soon overshadowed by Connor’s much louder thuds.
Her two children came into the kitchen, both still half-asleep. Seventeen-year-old Connor was in sweatpants and a t-shirt, while thirteen-year-old Eve stood in a long night shirt and knit sleep pants.
Claire greeted them warmly. “Good morning kids.”
“Mmmph,” groaned Connor.
Eve yawned. “Morning.”
“Oh come on now you two, it’s a beautiful day, just look outside.”
They both looked out the window, indifference on their faces.
Jackson, the family pet, came meandering into the kitchen when he heard the kids. The huge, black Great Dane pressed himself against Connor.
“Oooph.” The air rushed out of Connor. “Jackson, it’s too early.”
The dog quite happily moseyed away to Eve who patted him lightly on the head. Then he walked to Claire and sat down next to her. She leaned playfully on him while she waited for the pancake in the skillet to be ready to flip, he didn’t budge.
Connor got out the milk and poured himself a glass. “Do you want some Eve? Mom?”
“Yeah,” yawned Eve as she took her place at the table, wiping sleep from her eyes.
Claire flipped a pancake in the skillet. “No thank you honey.”
Connor poured a second glass and walked it to Eve who took it, thanked him and sipped at it as she tried to will herself awake. Claire finished cooking breakfast and put some on the plates, handing them to the kids. She watched as Connor carefully poured syrup onto each pancake and then handed the bottle to his sister. Eve cut up her pancakes with a fork first, and then lathered syrup all over the small fragments.
Eve handed the bottle to her Mom. Claire put a tiny dollop of syrup on her single pancake and then spread it across in a thin, even layer. She smiled as she watched the kids eat. Slowly, they began to wake up.
Connor finished first, his voice still hazy. “I’m gonna shower.”
“Okay,” said Claire.
Connor left and Eve sat at the table with her daughter.
There was silence before Eve finally spoke. “Mom?”
“Yeah?”
“I miss Dad.”
Claire sighed. “So do I. Five more months and he’ll be home.”
Eve’s face drooped. “It’s still so long.”
Claire’s heart ached as she looked across the table at her daughter. “I know honey. I miss him too. Soon, soon he will be home.”
Eve looked up at her mother with solemn eyes. “Can he stay this time?”
Patting her daughter’s hand, she spoke. “I hope so honey.”
“Me too.”

Eve’s young face flushed and Claire could tell she was holding back tears. Claire opened her arms and Eve walked to her mother and hugged her. Claire held her daughter and silently thanked God that, unlike most thirteen year olds, Eve still let her comfort her this way. She stroked Eve’s dark brown hair until she finally let go.
Her daughter’s eyes looked moist, but she no longer looked as though she would begin to cry. “Are you okay honey?”
“Yeah, it’s just one of those days I guess. I’m gonna get ready.”
She watched Eve disappear down the hallway to her room. Alone in the kitchen, Claire began picking up plates and putting them in the sink. She heard the shower stop and a few minutes later, Connor emerged looking much more like the bright, chipper boy that he was. He takes after his father so much. He was tall and lean, just like Evan, and he had those same deep brown eyes. Claire smiled at him and he returned the grin.

As she finished rinsing the dishes, she looked over at him. “Connor?”
He slung his backpack over his shoulder. “Yeah?”
“Would you mind dropping Eve off at school this morning? I am going to write your father a letter.”
His free arm wrapped around her shoulder and hugged her. “Sure Mom.”
“Thanks honey.”
“You’re welcome.”
He was such a good boy. They were both good kids. She was so thankful for them.            “C’mon Eve,” Connor called from the kitchen. “Five minutes.”
Eve’s voice trailed in from her bedroom. “Okay, I’ll be there.”
Just in time, Eve appeared with her book bag slung over her shoulder and Connor walked with her to the door. Eve looked as though she were a little less sad and Claire felt relieved.
Claire lifted her hand to wave goodbye to her children. “Have a good day guys.”
“We will Mom,” replied Eve. “Love you.”
“Love you,” chimed Connor.
Her heart swelled with joy. “I love you both, too.” Her children were so good to her. She watched out the window as they climbed into Connor’s old but reliable car, laughing about something. Then she returned to the nook.

As they pulled away, Claire sat in the warm light that shone through the window onto the breakfast table. The glossy surface was cool against her wrists, but the sun was warm on her back. She brushed her hair back with her hands, feeling the soft curls run through her fingers. Retrieving a piece of paper from the little drawer hidden under the surface of the table, Claire began to write.

My Dearest Evan...
Claire wrote the letter, telling him everything that was in her heart. She read it over. When she was satisfied that she had said everything that she needed to say, she signed it:
Your wife,
Claire

She placed a red lipstick kiss at the corner of it by her name. She slipped the letter into an envelope and addressed it to the APO address where the Army would receive the mail before dispensing it to the soldiers.
She closed her eyes for a moment, holding the letter in her hand and feeling the sun on her back. In that moment, she felt at peace. Her white, gauzy nightgown flowed softly in the ruffle of the breeze coming in through the window. It brushed against her thigh and then floated away as quickly as a whisper. Her hair fluttered against her face and she closed her eyes, embracing the wind. As she opened her eyes and rose, she felt the sun’s rays leave her back. Placing the letter on the edge of the kitchen counter, she walked to the bedroom. As she slipped into a pair of jeans, she retrieved a lemon yellow blouse that was well fitted to her figure. She could almost hear Evan telling her how beautiful she was and how he could get lost in her eyes forever. Moving back to the kitchen, she paused to pick up her car keys. She glanced at the letter before deciding she would place it in the outgoing mail in the afternoon. When she climbed into her car, a soft smile rested gently on her lips.
That was the last time Claire’s family ever saw her alive.