In Your Eyes by L. Thomas-Cook

I approached reading In Your Eyes with a mild case of apprehension, as I was advised in advance about its subject matter.

In this story, we have two highly reputable and respected police detectives, Jay and Sonny. As partners and best friends, they perpetually have each others' backs. To the world, they are perfectly matched co-workers, but they are actually living an enormous lie. In the ultra-macho setting of law enforcement, these two cops are not merely roommates--they have become lovers.

Now, before you run away screaming and predetermine a negative evaluation of this story, let’s chat. Some would ask, “What’s the big deal? Zillions of people are coming out of the closet--celebrities, politicians, your next door neighbor. This has become perfectly common in prime time network television. Viewers are inundated with gay characters, I believe the goal being an attempt to expand the minds of the general public to become desensitized to the inclusion of gay family members and friends into mainstream television. It is a movement to bring normalcy to having a homosexual lifestyle. I know personally from just listening to young family members that kids are deciding at younger and younger ages that they are gay, and I believe that this is partially due to the overexposure of a gay lifestyle in television shows. They haven’t even had time to grow to learn who they are and about their sexuality, and they are deciding they are gay. I have deep concerns about that.

Some folks remain steadfast in their beliefs and Christian upbringing on this topic and say, “If God intended people to be gay, He would have put Adam and Joe in the Garden of Eden instead of Adam and Eve.” And I totally get this point of view. Therefore, I must admit that I tended to skip over some of the more “romantic” scenes between Jay and Sonny. I found myself wishing it was the same story only Jay and Suzie, co-workers trying to hide their relationship from the rest of the police force. That’s just me.

 I felt that Thomas-Cook’s story-weaving skills prevailed, however, as I was far more interested in the captivating narrative rather than what was happening in the sheets. Most of the amorous scenes were far more tastefully written than some that I have encountered in many mainstream novels.

It was intriguing to witness the complexity of Jay & Sonny’s relationship. From Sonny’s struggle to identify his sexuality to Jay’s insistence on their love remaining deeply undercover (sorry!), the reader can easily sympathize with their plight. No way would the guys on the force tolerate these two tough cops smooching and cuddling, loving and touching each other.

The book heightens my curiosity about whether being gay is 1) a choice, 2) learned behavior or 3) a genetic predisposition. It begs the question: If being gay is strictly a choice, why would anyone deliberately and knowingly opt for a lifestyle that potentially alienates families, rips open the seams of churches and denominational theology and even in this decade of alleged tolerance, guarantees disapproval and animosity from many?

In Your Eyes demonstrates the complications of Jay and Sonny’s precarious social and medical standing when Sonny is seriously injured in an accident. As merely “friends,” Jay has no legal rights to make medical decisions for Sonny. This story keeps the reader anxious to know the outcome, and whether or not you believe in gay rights, you want the best for these two sensitive, likeable guys.

One cannot deny that this story pulls the reader into a better understanding of what the gay community faces. And I believe that God loves everyone, but doesn’t necessarily love our behavior whether we are gay or straight. It isn’t my place to be judgmental because there is ultimately one Holy Judge in the end, and that isn’t me.

Book Description

Undercover detective Sonny Santini is handsome, sexy, and charming. Detective Jay Jamison is tall, blond, and sensible. Together they make a great team working in one of the most dangerous cities in Florida during the early 1980s. On duty and up against some ruthless criminals, they are loyal partners dedicated to each other. Off duty, that dedication also includes protecting a private secret about their true relationship. Jay, who for years was conflicted about his feelings for Sonny, one day finally finds the courage to tell the attractive man the truth. After that, they create a life that works for them and with that life comes a promise that no matter what, they will keep the love they share private and then...a near fatal accident destroys it all.

Sonny is the love of Jay's life but once Sonny comes out of the coma, he no longer has any memory of his life or connections to those around him. Jay stands by Sonny's side even through the agony of learning his partner has irreversible brain damage. Jay is left alone with no one to confide in and a choice to maintain the secret about him and Sonny guarding it even from Sonny.

How long can Jay keep up the charade? Sonny is vulnerable, reckless, and lost. He's confused over right and wrong and when a seductive woman sets her sights on Sonny and preys on his innocence, Jay is desperate to do what's best for his partner. But what is best? To keep the secret and risk losing Sonny or tell him the truth and risk losing even more?

Words from the Author

“I was born and raised in upstate New York. Growing up and being educated in New York was nice, but enough with the winters already. So I decided in 2011 to move down south along the Grand Strand of South Carolina. The ocean air and live oaks were inspiring and the old itch to write kicked in. Actually, the itch never left. I have been writing since forever but now that the family is grown, I have the time to really practice the craft. A big fan of suspense, cop shows, romance, and human rights, I decided to combine those things and created the Santini & Jamison series. I also enjoy the paranormal and have written some stories on that as well. Along with my writing, I am a nature photographer, animal lover, beach walker, and history nut. I love to write rich character driven stories with just the right amount of anguish, conflict, and edginess to keep it interesting.”

The Writing of In Your Eyes per L. Thomas-Cook

“I came up with the idea of two men, in love with one another, who would keep the secret of their love even as the odds mounted. People ask me why I chose that story line. Well, I have always been an advocate of people's rights and there is no right more precious than the right to love who you want the way you want. I am also big into anguish. In fact, some have called me the 'Queen of Anguish.' Well, can you think of better anguish than loving someone that many people in the world say is wrong? Plus, let's face it, two very hot men is a turn on and I don't want to compete with another woman. I don't know the psychological reasons why women of a (cough) certain age find gay men intriguing, I just know that many of the audience for shows like Queer As Folk and story lines in some of the soap operas have drawn a significant female population. Okay, I'm going to say it...there is a certain sexuality to it that is erotic. Add that in with a great love story and I think you've got a nice mix.
I don't just write gay love stories. I write suspense romance, psychological thrillers, and science fiction (if you put the paranormal in that category.) What can I say? I have a thing for murder, conflict, and ghosts. I also like dark, edgy stories that read like a roller coaster ride with unexpected turns and twists.”

More About L. Thomas-Cook

Regarding living here along the South Carolina Grand Strand she said, “Close to the ocean and the marsh, nature surrounds me. I truly believe it's as close to heaven as I can get on earth.

I live here with my oh so terrific husband, a man who must be a saint not to have killed me yet, and our best little friend, a dog named Sonny.”

Thomas-Cook is on the Board of Directors with the South Carolina Writers Workshop. She is also on the board of the Murrells Inlet Community Theatre, where she has been Stage Manager, Producer and Technical Director.

Visit the L. Thomas-Cook website at http://www.lindathomascook.com  and see In Your Eyes at http://www.amazon.com/In-Your-Eyes-Santini-Jamison/dp/0615835813.

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See you soon!

Mary Anne Benedetto

Author of Eyelash, 7 Easy Steps to Memoir Writing: Build a Priceless Legacy One Story at a Time!, Never Say Perfect, From Italy with Love & Limoncello and Write Your Pet's Life Story in 7 Easy Steps!

Seven Tears by Sheila Joyner

Seven Tears is a compelling story of a young girl’s struggle in trying to live a normal life within a sadly dysfunctional family.

Written in first person point of view, this story takes the reader straight to the heart of what Birch Thomas is experiencing and feeling. Her mother’s substance abuse issues left this youngster virtually on her own to manage life. The close residential proximity to Birch’s maternal grandparents should have been a blessing, but it turned out to be just the opposite. Rather than offering her protection, it was the location from which sexual abuse would emanate and denial would conceal.

The story continues with more traumatic circumstances occurring and lack of solid, positive support from home. Birch finds herself in the foster care system and unable to stop her self-destructive behavior.

Something that was impressed upon me in reading this book is the importance of growing up with a stable, loving, caring parent or parents. Parenting isn’t easy. That’s a fact. Even the most well-intentioned, engaged parents will find their kids testing the waters at some point; however, when there are parental addiction issues in the home, the kids will automatically suffer. They are the innocent victims of  compulsions, whether it be of the alcohol or other substance abuse variety, sexual or even a golf or tennis obsession--anything that is the top priority over the children’s best interests and creates limits or even excludes quality time spent with them. The addiction or obsession becomes what matters most, and the children are left to their own devices to fill their free time.

It’s also not easy being a kid. Everyone wants to fit in somewhere, and most children are going to participate in the same activities as their friends. One can only trust that the friends are on the right path.

Seven Tears paints a vivid portrait of Birch’s difficult situation and the effects of addictions in the home. It is a quick, but captivating read that leaves one wondering how many kids are out there silently suffering. I was incredibly  thankful for the positive ending!

Joyner approaches a difficult topic through the eyes of an innocent child, a rebellious adolescent and, finally, a young adult. I hope that this author has future books in the works.

Book Description

I was six years old when I lost my innocence. Keeping quiet about it was more out of fear of his wrath. When it was finally revealed, I was a drama queen, they said. At age thirteen, they didn’t believe me after the gang rape, but found it justified to send me away to have the baby. I was a drama queen, they said. Living in a family of dirty little secrets, I began acting out in a big way.

For seven years I fought neglect, abuse, and even death. And then one day it happened. For Birch Thomas, life is not easy. She had fought neglect, abuse, and even death for seven years, living with the dark secrets her family hid. Birch can’t seem to catch a break from the negatives of life, and she doesn’t know where to turn. She isn’t sure she’ll ever escape her secrets. Inspired by actual events, Seven Tears will captivate and inspire young adults and parents. Take an inside look at the skewed foster system and discover the true meaning of home.

In the Author’s Own Words

Sheila Joyner

“A friend once said, it only takes one person to change the direction of your life. Well, it happened to me and I started writing.

Raised in rural West Virginia and the daughter of a coal miner, my first job was with the hometown newspaper.

I now live in the seaside village of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. We have a saying in our town... ‘quaint drinking village with a fishing problem.’  I love to fish.

My favorite quote is ‘Gardeners know the best dirt.’ I'm the type of person that has to be in the know, the inner circles, the front lines. I love gardening also.

Favorite genre is anything with a true story.

I'd be thrilled to get your friend request. Gracias!”

And More

Joyner was compelled to write Seven Tears when she experienced the life-changing event of losing several grandchildren to the foster care system. A debut author, she is now a therapeutic foster parent and advocate for children in foster care and kinship care. She lives in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, with her husband, Sonny.
Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is now available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher at http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visiting http://www.barnesandnoble.com or http://www.amazon.com
Connect with Sheila Joyner on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SheilaJoynerBooks

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See you soon!

Mary Anne Benedetto

Author of Eyelash, 7 Easy Steps to Memoir Writing: Build a Priceless Legacy One Story at a Time!, Never Say Perfect, From Italy with Love & Limoncello and Write Your Pet's Life Story in 7 Easy Steps!

Visit http://www.awriterspresence.com

Circles in Time by Trilby Plants

It seems that Brant has a big problem. He is plagued with severe headaches, lapses of memory that involve substantial periods of time, inability to recognize his own sister and a plaguing sense that something is happening that is far beyond his control.

This intriguing, supernatural story brings us from the present to a distant past and back again. Unexplainable events are occurring in Brant’s life, and all he knows is that he can’t remember much more than a hazy vision of a beautiful woman, a fairy-like creature, whom he believes he encountered at his family’s remote cabin in the woods.

Why is he experiencing gaps in time? What part does his family history play in these episodes? His loving sister Maeve and police officer brother-in-law Rich desperately want to help him, but he doesn’t even seem to know or trust them.

Did fairy-like beings really exist? Reading Circles in Time sparked my interest and made me curious to dig deeper, and I found a quote by Benjamin Radford, LiveScience Contributor at http://www.livescience.com, who said in an article discussing leprechauns, “Leprechauns are a type of fairy, though it's important to note that the fairies of Irish folklore were not cute Disneyfied pixies; they could be lustful, nasty, capricious creatures whose magic might delight you one day and kill you the next if you displeased them.”

What would it have been like to live as a half-Faerie with exceptional powers, interacting with humans in a tumultuous time in history? Siobhan is experiencing difficulties of her own as she navigates an unexpected situation that changes everything.

I can only tell you after reading this historical/time travel fantasy that Trilby Plants’ enchanting Circles in Time might just leave you spellbound!

Book Description 

When a magic potion goes wrong, the consequences can reach through centuries….
In 10^th Century Ireland half-Faerie Siobhan is shunned by both fey and humans. She unwittingly ingests an unscrupulous druid’s potion. Siobhan’s quest to be part of human society leads her down a perilous road that culminates in her summoning forbidden magic that causes suffering to her descendants into the present day.
Drawing from Gaelic folklore and mythology, the story follows a half-Faerie woman who desires to belong in the human world, a clan chieftain who will do anything for an heir, an evil druid who concocts magic potions, time travel, a modern day man who experiences missing time, and a Faerie’s spell that has far reaching consequences.

Link to paperback version:  https://www.createspace.com/3968292

Link to Kindle version: http://www.amazon.com/Circles-Time-Trilby-Plants-ebook/dp/B009LLZTQ4

In the Author’s Own Words

“This book came about decades ago when I wondered what it would be like if a real fairy traveled from long ago to the present. The 9th and 10th centuries in Ireland are not well documented as little remains, so I filled in the gaps with my imagination. I have always been fascinated by the stories of the daoine sidhe or Tuatha De Danann. According to Celtic and Gaelic myths, these were beings who came from the sky in shining ships. They possessed powers humans did not and lived long lives.

I did a tremendous amount of research to get the historical aspects somewhat correct. The setting in Washington state came about because my parents lived there for quite a while and there are vast tracts of forested mountain terrain devoid of people. Ideal for a portal from the past.”

About the Author

Trilby Plants was hooked on words when, at the age of four, her mother read her Gulliver’s Travels. Plants has published poetry, creative nonfiction, short stories and a self-published fantasy novel, GATEKEEPER. She is currently editor of The Petigru Review, the literary anthology of the South Carolina Writers’ Workshop. She lives with her husband in Murrells Inlet, SC.

Author of Gatekeeper and children’s book Hubert Little’s Great Adventure, Plants also creates amazing book trailers. Watch for the upcoming spring release of  Meena Mouse's Perfect Raspberry, her new children's picture book illustrated by Deborah Gagnon. Visit Trilby’s website at http://www.trilbyplants.com.

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See you soon!

Mary Anne Benedetto

Author of Eyelash, 7 Easy Steps to Memoir Writing: Build a Priceless Legacy One Story at a Time!, Never Say Perfect, From Italy with Love & Limoncello and Write Your Pet's Life Story in 7 Easy Steps!

 

 http://www.awriterspresence.com

Days of a Wounded Heart by Barbara Flowers Jacobs

This book supports my motto that says, "Nothing is Easy," as well as the Scripture telling us that in this world, we aren't exempt from trouble. So many think that being a Christian makes life suddenly easy and effortless, and that's definitely a myth. What we do have is help from Above to cope with the issues of life and to know we aren't ever alone. We can turn it all over to Him and ask for guidance. He will see us through. And that message by this author is unmistakable.

Barbara Flowers Jacobs gets right to the heart of the matter--tales of a tough upbringing and then difficult years of parenting and beyond. She is able to convey challenging and sometimes heartbreaking situations that she encountered without giving graphic detail. She manages to paint a clear picture without forcing us to watch the entire movie.

Important memories, along with pertinent poetry, Scripture, and Thoughts to Ponder are what this book provides the reader. Inspiring and poignant, it is a true and honest testimony that touches the hearts of her family and anyone else who is blessed to read this story.

Book Description

Barbara Flowers Jacobs tells her stories through prose and poetry with courage and honesty. Most will find something within these pages to relate to from Barbara's trials and troubles, yet even if you can't, you'll find yourself admiring her for her bravery and faith.

"Barbara Jacobs' story is one of a woman who has struggled with cancer, an alcoholic mother, an abusive father, difficult relationships, and the trials her children and grandchildren have faced with her by their side. In the end, the Lord has blessed her much like He blessed Job after his suffering." - Rev. J. Patrick May

Amazon Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Wounded-Heart-Barbara-Flowers-Jacobs/dp/0985188928

About the Author

Spunky mother, grandmother and woman of deep faith, Barbara Flowers Jacobs was born in Colorado, but lived in a variety of locations during her lifetime. Her high school years were spent in Laurel Hill, North Carolina, and she has also lived in Texas, Virginia and Georgia. Jacobs has resided in the Myrtle Beach area since 2001 and said, "Living here in this house is the longest I have ever lived anywhere in my life."

Barbara recently told me an amazing story:

"I was standing in line at Walmart, and there was a girl with a young son waiting in line behind me. We began to chat, and she said, 'I feel like I should know you.'

The longer we talked, one thing led to another and I said that she should read my book. She asked me what the book was all about and then announced that she had already read it. I asked her where she had read it. Her response surprised me.

'In jail,' she replied. 'I read it and wrote down some of the poetry to take home with me.'

I asked her what she was in jail for. She told me that it was for drunk driving and drugs. She has now moved in with her mother, joined Alcoholics Anonymous and is raising her son.

Her son listened to our conversation and then said, 'You do know there's an angel here.'

What are the odds of running into this girl in line in Walmart and her knowing all about my book because she read it in jail and copied some of the poetry so she wouldn't forget it? It was definitely a God thing.

I knew that she couldn't buy the book, so I went out to my car and got a copy to give her. She was so thankful and appreciative, and as she walked along the sidewalk on her way home, I could see that she was engrossed in the pages of my book. And that's why I wrote it. I wanted it to help someone know that they didn't have to live the way they were raised. I hear people all the time say, 'Well that's the way I was raised.' God gives everyone the ability to make their own choices. And if my book helps anyone make a better choice, then I have accomplished what I set out to do. 

God's already left me here 3 times. I've had cancer twice and serious complications from surgery, but He has kept me here. Sometimes I say, 'God, I know you've kept me here 3 times, but could You please tell me what for?'"

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I think we know the answer to that question. Through her book and her testimony of faith and hope, she touches lives and hearts in ways that are so far reaching, she will never even know how many or how significantly. God bless you, Barbara Flowers Jacobs! Days of a Wounded Heart-a book packed full of inspiration.

See you next time with a new book selection for your reading pleasure.

Blessings,

Mary Anne Benedetto

Author of Eyelash, 7 Easy Steps to Memoir Writing: Build a Priceless Legacy One Story at a Time!, Never Say Perfect, From Italy with Love & Limoncello and Write Your Pet's Life Story in 7 Easy Steps!

Visit http://www.awriterspresence.com