Karen’s Blog

While I’m basting the turkey and mashing potatoes, I’ll be thinking about my next novel, which is almost finished. A fantasy, set primarily in the Amazon rainforest, it includes a cast of supernatural characters and magic of all kinds, along with a contemporary family whose interactions with the fae keep their lives interesting.

But I need a title! If you have any ideas, please leave them in the comments. If I use your suggestion, or even a variation of it, I’ll send you a book of your choice from any I’ve written.

If you like sweet contemporary romance, especially one that includes a rodeo and some horse races, Ride into Romance might be one for you. It’s on sale for $.99, from today through November 28th.

A Wish and His Demand and Juan’s Path to Justice are both free this month. Scroll down for the details.

Until next time,

Best Wishes!

Karen

Ride into Romance

A rhyming tale to make you smile!

You’re Mine

Karen Black

This night was special, Halloween! Twelve months had passed since he’d last seen his faithful friend of many years. When she arrived, sometimes his tears still fell as he remembered when she’d left him. She was only ten. Renee, his pal, his special friend. He’d been the one who caused her end.

It happened on the railroad track. He often wished he could go back to that October thirty-first. That cold, dark night he made the worst choice of his life. He let her walk alone that night. They’d talked of costumes, trick or treat, and after dinner where they’d meet.

Renee was picking lavender. Having such fun, she never heard the train. It rumbled down the track and struck her squarely on her back. A momentary jolt of pain, her life extinguished by the train. Her spirit floated to his side where she decided to abide.

It happened sixty years ago. Since then, he’d never truly known a day alone in all that time. Each day, she told him, “You are mine.” She never blamed him for her death but made it clear she’d never rest without her friend. Most times a voice, yet Halloween allowed her spirit to be seen.

He lit a candle for some light within his room that moonless night. Then hovering above the flame, he saw her, and she called his name. And when she stood, the room turned cold. He reached for her, so he could fold her in his arms. He hugged his beautiful Renee, and like always wished she could stay.

Though once a year, she could pass through, the spirits’ barriers, he knew that every day, at least one time, he’d her softly say, “You’re mine.”

***

Do you believe in ghosts? I do. Although I don’t think the only time they visit is on October 31st, I suspect there are a lot more spirits wandering on that day, if only because we summon them.

Watch spooky movies, read scary books, dress up in costumes, and enjoy the parties. But be extra careful with Ouija boards and seances!

Looking for some spooky books? Here are a few you might enjoy reading, along with a short review of each.

WHEN THE ROOSTER CROWS AT MIDNIGHT by Hargrove Perth. The story grabbed me from the outset. But who could resist a first-person tale, told by a detective who happens to be a witch? Detective Mallory Shane is employed by the City of Pittsburgh’s Immortal Detective Association of Witches, IDAW. When witches are being killed by an assumed serial killer, it is up to Detective Shane to figure out who is responsible and why others of her kind are being attacked. At the same time, she needs to focus on keeping herself out of the killer’s path. With memorable characters and a fast pace, this well-done novel will keep you entertained.

DEAD GAME by Susanne Leist It doesn’t take long to get involved in this engrossing fantasy. I don’t usually recommend prologues but will make an exception. Read the prologue! In Leist’s delightfully chilling novel, all vampires are not created equal and all of them aren’t as wicked as most folklore has led us to believe. The author weaves a page turning story that will satisfy current fans of vampire tales and will undoubtedly create new vampire enthusiasts, with emphasis on the memorable characters in the Dead Game. I’m looking forward to Book Two.

BREATHLESS: A SHORT STORY by Yvette Calleiro A cross between be-careful-what-you-wish-for and karma-is-a-beast, “Breathless” is an adult fairy tale. Love and hate, good and evil, happy and sad are all woven together, with a touch of magic. The author has created an entertaining short story with exactly the right ending.

LONG STORIES SHORT by Karen Black is a collection of ten short stories, includes several previously published readers’ favorites. Mark and Erin discover the power of the Ouija Board in “You Summoned Me,” and “Magic or Miracles” will take you on a journey that may help you decide if there’s a difference. How long is “Forever?” Does Bigfoot exist? Eli believes so and “One Step at a Time” tells his story. Is there life after death? “A Candle in the Darkness” looks at both sides of the question. “Mountain Justice,” a story of domestic violence, friendship and a horse’s devotion might make you wonder how far you would go to save a friend’s life. A house fire causes tragedy in “Aftermath.” A hasty decision has devastating results in “Unintended Consequences.” Dreams and reality collide in “The Hunted.” Man’s best friend proves he is just that in “Indisputable Evidence.” Written in a variety of genres, the reader will find drama, suspense and paranormal. Expect the unexpected.

Until next time,

Thank you to everyone who entered the recent Sweepstakes for a chance to win Race into Murder, and to all the new subscribers to Stories by Karen. I appreciate your interest and your support!

It’s the end of summer but the beginning of football season. Yes, I am a football fanatic. Ivan thinks “touchdown” means “kitty treats.”

Here’s the link to a short story you can read at halftime.

“Treacherous Love” is free from September 2nd through the 5th.

Happy Labor Day!

Cheers!

Greetings, everyone!

A big, romantic full moon tonight makes it the perfect time to release my latest novel, Ride into Romance. It is on sale for $.99 through August 7th.

Personalities clash and relationships explode when Maggie is forced to choose between the man she’d hoped to marry and her dream of a career as a thoroughbred jockey. She learns the truth can be brutal, as she discovers that some horsemen will do anything in pursuit of success, including using her as the means to an end. Still, there are others who want nothing but her affection. Once again, Maggie must choose.

https://amzn.to/45edhtX

“…a sweet romance revolving around horses … beautifully crafted and written … with intrigue and conflict.”  Readers’ Favorite.

“Ride Into Romance is the quintessential escapist read, with all the elements that make romance such an enduring giant in the literary genre. There is the push-pull, will-they-won’t-they dynamic, the expected angst, and all the feels to keep readers turning pages into the night.” The Book Review Directory. 

“A lighthearted love story that carries hope, forgiveness, and a promise of accomplished dreams…Ride into Romance is an uplifting love story suitable for readers who love modern westerns, cowboys, and friends-to-lovers tropes.” Independent Book Review.
 
“A story of a woman torn between her career and the traditional values of a relationship. An easy fun read, but so romantic that your heart will swell for the true hero of the story. Just one of those “I can’t wait to see how it ends” kind of stories.” International Review of Books.

Have a lovely August!

Karen

In case you haven’t met him, the furry critter in the picture is Ivan. He heard there are horses in the book. He’s looking for horses…

Summer vacations are the perfect time to escape with a book and an icy drink. If you’re looking for a novel to go along with that drink, I’d be delighted if you would consider RACE INTO MURDER. It is on sale for $.99 from today through the 6th of July.

If you’re celebrating on July 4th, have a lovely holiday and be careful with those fireworks!

Happy reading and writing,

Karen

Greetings readers and writers!

Spring certainly flew by. Happy Summer, everyone! Speaking of flying, a momma robin built a nest on a table on our deck. Really, on top of a table. They stayed until the end of May. Although it’s nice to have the use of the deck again, I miss watching those little guys.

Like so many of you, I’m enjoying sunny days, cool evenings and yummy outdoor barbeques. Although I adore the hummingbirds and the butterflies that come this time of year, temperatures over 75 degrees are my least favorite. I’m sure you’ll understand how delighted I was to find a great little fan with a water mister to help cool the air in my typical summer spot on the deck. Yes, I’ll be under an umbrella, in the shade!

Thank you to everyone who entered the BookSweeps Sweepstakes and subscribed to Stories by Karen. Congratulations to Peggy, the grand prize winner, who has her summer reading lined up with all the books she won!

For those of you who enjoy fantasy, A Wish and His Demand is currently FREE at Amazon.com. For those who rarely enjoy fantasy, try it. You might like this one. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5S3VB8M

Until next time, happy reading!

Karen

Greetings, everyone!

Lazy days at home in the sun, sitting on the beach, lounging by the pool, or taking a break for lunch, I think it’s always better with a book.

To celebrate summer, I have one for you. “A Wish and His Demand” is free on Amazon. If you haven’t read it, please take a minute and download this fantasy. I won’t give the story away, but I will tell you that one character is a clever cat named Odin.

Have a great summer!

Happy April and Happy Easter! Grab your drink of choice, put your feet up, and take a ten-minute break with some flash fiction.

Inside the Forest

Deep within the forest’s interior, water cascaded over wide steps and through jagged rocks within a pristine river. As a Forest Ranger, Sarah had been there before, although few others hiked so far into the wilderness. She’d chosen to camp at a perfect place for solitude, one of her favorite spots near the river.

After arranging large river rocks in a circle, she lit a blazing fire within the center and set a pot of water on to boil. While the water heated, she pitched her tent then sat on a giant rock and savored a dinner of freeze-dried beef stew. Tomorrow she hoped to have fresh fish.

Listening to the water’s melody and relishing the privacy, Sarah watched the constellations. When a stifled yawn reminded her of how late it was, she climbed inside her tent and quickly drifted into dreamland. It was almost daybreak when a sharp cracking sound startled her awake. Instantly alert, she listened. Half a minute went by before another loud snap was followed by a deep growl. Illuminated by the full moon, the shape of a huge creature was visible through the light-colored nylon of her tent.

Reaching for her bear spray, she hollered, “Go away, bear!”

 When the critter pressed his foot against the tent, Sarah was afraid that it might burst open, so she aimed the pepper filled canister toward it, as she yelled, “Stop! There’s no food here. Go away!”  Making noise was usually enough to frighten a curious bear.

Although she couldn’t see the detail, there was enough moonlight for the creature to cast a shadow across the tent. He was no longer pushing against it. Instead, he rose to his full height, and when he did, Sarah’s breath caught in her throat. He stood still for a few seconds, then tilted his head and chirped.

In amazement, she murmured, “You aren’t a bear, are you? And that wasn’t your foot, it was your hand.”

For years, she had heard stories of huge, fur-covered creatures that lived deep in the forest. Although she never refused to investigate a report of one, she had never found any evidence and was not convinced of their existence. Cautiously, she placed her hand against the tent’s flap and pushed. From the other side of the nylon wall, he crouched and gently stroked her palm with massive fingers.

The connection she felt toward the creature was magical. “The stories were true,” she whispered.

He replied with a soft whistle before, with astonishing speed, he sprang to his feet and dashed toward the tree line. By the time she’d crawled out of her tent, he was gone.

With sunrise only minutes away, Sarah got dressed and grabbed her fishing gear. In awe of her encounter, as she sat by the water, she relived every second of what she had witnessed and wondered if she would ever get a glimpse of her elusive visitor.

As the sun rose, the forest came alive. Squirrels played tag on the riverbank, a fox wandered in for a drink at the river’s edge, and the birds harmonized. After over an hour without any luck catching breakfast, Sarah’s stomach grumbled.

Figuring that she’d scramble some eggs and go back to fishing later, she pulled her line in, covered the hook with a rock, and left it at the river’s edge. Some trout would be as good for lunch as for breakfast.

Walking back to her tent, she noticed that the forest had gone silent. When a splash broke the stillness, she glanced toward the river, just as something smacked her shoulder. Expecting to find a branch that had fallen and hit her, when she looked down, an eleven-inch trout was laying at her feet.

A trout can jump from the water to the shore, but it cannot throw itself twenty yards from the river and land on a fisherman’s shoulder. But she knew who could toss one.

Sarah lifted the stunned fish above her head and hollered, “Thank you!”

A distant whistle sounded in reply, and a moment later, the sounds of the forest erupted once again.

As she inhaled the aroma of the sizzling trout, she knew she would never tell a soul what had occurred. Some magic moments were better kept secret and her experience with a Bigfoot was one of them.  

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If you subscribe to THE RRBC PIPELINE MAGAZINE, you probably have. If not, keep reading to learn about the incredible battalion of women whose story is featured in The Contributor’s Corner of the latest issue of the PIPELINE.

The Six Triple Eight, by contributing author, Karen Black

This is the story of the 850 women of the 6888th Battalion of the Women’s Army Corp, the only African American enlisted women to serve overseas in World War II.

In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Women’s Army Corp, referred to as the WAC. With the support of the First Lady and the cooperation of civil rights advocate, Dr. Mary McLead Bethune, permission was granted for African American women to be admitted to the Women’s Army Corp. They were, however, limited to assignments in the United States, while the white WAC could be assigned overseas. Although military segregation officially ended in 1948, it was still practiced throughout much of the military when the Women’s Army Corp was established. It took just over a year of lobbying, but they changed the rules to allow the African American women to be sent overseas.

In November 1944, approximately 850 African American WACs were assigned to the newly created 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the SIX TRIPLE EIGHT. Because of long-term shortages of postal officers, mail was not being processed properly. Addresses were incomplete, assignments had changed, and soldiers had died, which meant mail needed to be returned. As a result, mail was as much as six months behind. The entire postal system was a mess. The 6888th was assigned to fix the problem. Major Charity Adam’s Earley was placed in charge of the battalion. They went to Georgia for overseas training.

After two months of training, they were sent to New York to board the ship, Ile de France, and set sail for Britain. The eleven-day trip was not without danger, with Nazi U-Boats in the area they travelled, but they made it without incident. When the ship got to Scotland, on February 14th, however, they were met by a German rocket. The explosion was close enough to sound the alarms, but no one was hurt. Soon afterward, the WACs boarded a train and headed for the central mail supply warehouse for the European theatre in Birmingham, England. The European theatre was one of two major areas of combat during World War II.

Faced with warehouses filled with letters and packages addressed to officers, enlisted men, Red Cross personnel and government employees, the assignment was to match the mounds of mail to the individual addressees. To find the soldiers, the women were given access to seven million information cards, each of which contained a name and serial number for one of the enlisted personnel. To make the assignment even more difficult, the addresses on much of the mail were less than precise. It was not uncommon for a letter or package to be addressed to “Johnny, United States Army.” Even those addresses with first and last names could be a puzzle. For example, in 1945, there were 7,500 soldiers named Robert Smith.

The SIX TRIPLE EIGHT was given six months to complete the assignment, working in cold warehouses with little light, since the windows were blacked out because of air raids. As if cold and dark wasn’t bad enough, they had to deal with the rats who found a food source in the warehouse, because of all the cookies, cakes and candy sitting in the packages stacked to the ceiling.

Undaunted, the WACs dove in. Wives, daughters and mothers themselves, many had relatives enlisted and understood the need for letters from home. Their motto became “No mail, low morale,” and they were determined to do what they could to raise morale. Working three shifts of eight hours each, seven days a week, the SIX TRIPLE EIGHT completed the assignment in three months. They averaged 65,000 matches each shift, an incredible rate, given what they had to work with.

In 2016, the SIX TRIPLE EIGHT was inducted into the Army Women’s Hall of Fame.

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If you haven’t already subscribed, here’s the link for The RRBC PIPELINE MAGAZINE. Your subscription is free! https://therrbcpipeline.wordpress.com/ 

If you are interested in contributing a story or an article to the PIPELINE, please submit your written pieces for consideration to:  RRBCInfo@gmail.com