June 3, 2026

BookQW = SEVERAL


BLOOD TIES

(A Historical Time-Travel)
In the shadow of the Civil War, love became immortal.

 

Was that a hint of melancholy in her voice? Emma turned just in time to see the touch of a smile leave Kate’s softened face. Does she know something?

“Did you know the family well, Kate?” Emma stood in front of the hearth of a red brick fireplace. The evidence of objects once set upon the mantel was still faintly there, and the hearth held the ashes from past fires.

“Romance fills this room, can you feel it? A room full of books, firelight, loves…I must admit, Ms. Sorenson, I was quite surprised by your advertisement.” Kate stood next to Emma, no more relaxed then she seemed to be several moments ago. “Your description of a house to rent was very detailed.”

“Please, call me Emma.” Circling the room, she absorbed everything she could. Mentally, she painted a picture of every crook and cranny. “Yes, it was. I knew exactly what I was looking for in a home. Thankfully you answered my ad.”

Emma paused at the window seat, then sat on a cushion that looked as worn as the carpet on the library floor. The grimy bay window around the seat played host to the same pattern of tattered lace curtains hanging in the entryway.

“As for the Kinsmans, I knew of them. Everyone in town did. The family was well known for their festivities, and all in the neighborhood were always welcome. I don’t recall any stories of a Kinsman turning someone out. That is, not until Royal Kinsman decided to move on and rent out the family homestead,” Kate mentioned.

“How long has the house stood empty then?” Emma traced the delicate lace threads, hoping they didn’t crumble beneath her touch.

“Honestly, too long. It’s far too expensive to heat during the winter, and then there’s the rumors.” Kate’s voice held an edge of uncertainty as she made her way out of the room.

“Rumors? What kinds of rumors?” Emma circled the library for one last look, then joined Kate in the hallway.

“It’s an old house, Ms. Sorenson…ah, Emma. Rumors always accompany an old home like this.” Kate led Emma through the rest of the main floor. “Stories trumped up by the local kids about ghosts.”


 ~~~ Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KPMN249 ~~~

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May 27, 2026

BookQW = MORNING


DECEITFUL PROMISES

(A Letters to Santa Story)
This Christmas promises may deceive, but love could be the miracle they never expected.


“Miss Blackwell,” Caroline greeted, noting Lydia as cold and calculating as when they’d first met. “Thank you for meeting me here.”

Caroline knew Miss Blackwell’s blackened reputation of attempted seduction. The desire not to be in service for the rest of her life to the women she longed to become one day led her straight into Oscar’s plans. It was even rumored she’d attempted murder on several occasions as a means of revenge for being rejected. Fortunately for Miss Blackwell, there wasn’t any proof.

Lydia grew up knowing what it meant being a servant. Her childhood had been spent observing her mother working in the kitchen of a highly influential family in New York City. As she grew older, Lydia herself worked her way up to become a lady’s maid; several steps up from the kitchen maid her mother had been. After years of attempted seduction of her various mistresses’ husbands to elevate her social standing, followed by several dismissals, it was her misguided ambition to be part of society that led her to her current situation—and into the clutches of The Lion of 5th Avenue.

“I was beginning to think I’d been abandoned,” Lydia snipped.

“Have your trunks arrived?” Caroline asked, ignoring the snide remark.

“Yes, I believe Mr. Dawson had everything sent down this morning,” Lydia replied, smoothing her already perfect coiffured hair. “There were several trunks, if I recall.”

“Very well,” Caroline said, reaching for Lydia’s elbow only to have it withdrawn. “Shall we find your compartment, Miss Blackwell?”

“I’m sure the private compartment will be easy to locate, Madam Harper,” Lydia sneered, waving a hand in dismissal.

“Of course it is! Now, we should go, or you might miss the train altogether,” Caroline suggested, clasping her hands together. “I gather you have all you need for your journey?”

“Mr. Dawson has provided me with money, new clothes, and a future rich husband. What else would you think I’d need?” Lydia replied, tugging at the white suit with pink appliques.

“I heard Mr. Dawson had taken ill the past few days. How did he seem to you?” Caroline asked. She may not care for Oscar Dawson, but she didn’t wish an illness even on someone like him.

“How should I know? Whatever it is I’m sure he will be feeling much better soon,” Lydia replied, not an ounce of compassion in her cold eyes.


~ ~ ~ ~

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May 20, 2026

BookQW = HELP

DECEITFUL PROMISES
(A Letters to Santa Story)
This Christmas promises may deceive, but love could be the miracle they never expected.

 

Clara Wakefield arrived at her aunt’s residence earlier in the day after having received a rather urgent request the day before. She knew from Amelia's demeanor that something was terribly wrong; otherwise, she’d never have asked Clara to help with a rather delicate situation.

Taking a deep breath, she walked down the stairs and into the dining room where her aunt waited for her.

“Ah, there you are,” Amelia said, as if she had been waiting and watching for hours for Clara to appear. “Fitz, you may serve lunch now.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Fitz waved unspoken instructions to the only footman left to service the household.

“A dear friend of mine is in dire need of your skill and services.” Amelia started, her words a bit shaky.

“Who is this dear friend?” Clara looked at her aunt, shocked at seeing fear running through her eyes. Unafraid of anything or anyone, the obvious distress coursing through Amelia Wakefield gave Clara a cause of concern.

“Please, Clara, sit down. It will be so much easier for me to tell you what the situation is,” Amelia suggested, with that familiar tone of authority lacing her request.

Clara did as her aunt asked, taking the seat to the left of her. She sat quietly and waited as Fitz served lunch, then left them until needed. Clara knew her aunt well enough that Amelia carefully weighed her words before speaking. It had been how she was brought up, and although Clara was quite the opposite, she gave Amelia the respect she deserved.

“Oscar Dawson,” Amelia divulged softly.

“The Lion of 5th Avenue needs my assistance? What has he done? Murdered someone and is looking to get away with it?” Clara asked, only to be hushed by the look on her aunt’s face. Always a mystery to her, Amelia Wakefield was Clara’s father’s sister and shrouded in stories. Stories that had her thinking she may be a deeply wounded woman for what another family had done to their father, Clara’s grandfather, among a list of other things Clara’s mother didn’t go into. Could Oscar Dawson also be behind her aunt’s pain?

~ ~ ~

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May 13, 2026

5/13/26 BookQW = Wonder


DECEITFUL PROMISES

(A Letters to Santa Story)
This Christmas promises may deceive, but love could be the miracle they never expected.

“I haven’t asked you for money, Father. I have merely told you that I plan on going west to start a life of my own,” Kit said.

“I understand that and since you want to make your own way, I would like to suggest a business arrangement,” Oscar said softly. “Your mother would have my head if I didn’t finance your adventure for one year at, shall we say, a four percent interest. This is in lieu of your allowance, of course.”

Kit leaned deep into the chair. He knew Larry would want to be in on this decision, but it was between Kit and his father; with no mention of Larry in the offer at all. And it was a generous one from a business point of view. His father gave him an opportunity to make his own way; but in his heart, Kit knew there would be a clause to the agreement. That’s how Oscar Dawson became the success he was.

“Draw up the financial papers. I’ll look them over and sign them if they are agreeable,” Kit said, pushing out of the chair. “Thank you, Father.

“I remember what it’s like to sow my oats.” Oscar stood, matching Kit’s height of six feet. “There is a condition though.”

“I wondered when you’d get to that,” Kit said, standing over his father’s desk, waiting.

“It’s the same one your grandfather gave me. You have one year from the date of the agreement to be successful enough to repay the loan.” In an uncharacteristic manner, Oscar sat down and reclined in the chair with his feet propped on the desk. “If you haven’t successfully paid back the loan by at the end of the agreement, you will come home and learn the family business.

“Oh, and one more thing, and this is to make your mother happy, you shall find a suitable bride as well.” Oscar stood, his gaze matching Kit’s. “A year is long enough to court a woman and fall in love.”

“I have no wish to marry for several years,” Kit reiterated, his gaze fixed on his father.

“There is no room for compromise on that one condition, Christopher. I intend to continue making your mother as happy as I can. So, you either agree or not. Your future is in your hands at this point, not mine.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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April 29, 2026

4/29/26 BookQW = FREE


ART OF DECEPTION 
(a Mystery on Lilac Lane story) 
Every masterpiece tells a story—this one whispers murder.

 

“Not yet,” he agreed carefully. “If we do, we lose control of the narrative.”

She looked at him, surprised. “You think he’d dismiss it.”

“I think he’d try to make it small,” Lucas said. “And whoever’s doing this would love that.”

Skye nodded slowly. “they’d know we were scared enough to call for help then.”

“And because they’d know exactly what we’ve handed over,” he added. “Photographs don’t stay quiet once they hit an evidence locker.”

Her lips pressed together. “I hate that you’re right.”

“So do I.”

Lucas picked up the Polaroid again, studying the angle and the framing. He’d spent years behind a lens. He knew what was accidental and what was deliberate.

“This wasn’t taken by an amateur,” he said. “See the composition? The way you’re centered but reflected in the glass? That takes intention.”

Skye hugged herself. “So, they know photography.”

“They understand it,” he corrected. “Which means they understand me.”

The realization settled heavily in his chest. He crossed to the front windows, scanning the street outside. People moved freely about laughing, shopping, and joyfully living their small-town lives. Nothing looked threatening and that was the problem.

~~~~

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April 15, 2026

4/15/26 BookQW = FAMILY


ART OF DECEPTION

(a Mystery on Lilac Lane story)
Every masterpiece tells a story—this one whispers murder.

“Andrew Vale’s family owns acreage out here,” she said quietly, circling a point near the river. “Not the barn, but close.”

“And the Hendrickson place backs onto this line,” Lucas added. “So does the old mill.”

Skye’s jaw tightened. “These aren’t random art pieces.”

“No,” Lucas agreed. “They’re surveillance.”

The realization sat heavy between them.

Skye traced the symbol again, thoughtful. “What if Eddie wasn’t the first to notice this?”

Lucas’s throat tightened. “What if he was just the first to ask the wrong person about it?”

She looked at him, eyes steady and fierce. “And now that person thinks you’re next.”

Lucas nodded. “Which means hiding isn’t an option anymore.”

Outside, a car passed slowly, tires humming against the pavement. Lucas waited until the sound faded before speaking again.

“I think this started long before Eddie,” he said. “Before me, even. Whatever this is, it’s been guarded for years.”

“And now it’s unraveling,” Skye said.

He met her gaze. “And someone’s panicking.”

Skye gathered the photos into a neat stack. “Then we stay one step ahead.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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April 1, 2026

4/1/26 BookQW = OLD


ART OF DECEPTION
(a Mystery on Lilac Lane story)
Every masterpiece tells a story—this one whispers murder.

Ah, there it was. The real reason he wanted to find out who painted on the photo—to uncover what really happened to Eddie, and whether he’d been murdered. Ignoring the churning warning in her stomach, Skye grabbed a light jacket from the tree stand.

“Okay. Why don’t you gather what you think we’ll need? I’ll pop over to Magnolia and get food and coffee, just in case we’re out longer than expected.” Skye dashed out the door, not waiting for Lucas to answer. She didn’t want to go to the crumbling old barn, which looked like it would collapse in a light breeze. Even so, the fact Lucas wanted to go was a step in the right direction. In her mind, she pictured a dead body looking up at her. Shivering, she wondered what Lucas might see.

What if he relapsed, retreating back into grief? She wouldn’t be able to bear it.

Skye returned to the gallery with two large coffees, a bag of pastries, and a couple of breakfast sandwiches, finding Lucas waiting in his SUV.

“It’s about time, Skye!”

“I thought it would take you longer.” She glanced in the back window before sliding into the passenger seat. “Are you sure you have everything? Looks like your entire studio is back there.”

“I grabbed my camera bag when I came over, in case you needed photographs for any insurance claims.” Lucas pulled onto the street, heading out of town.

“Always prepared. Nice to see those Boy Scout values are still in place,” Skye teased, sipping from her paper cup. “Have you thought about what we’re looking for?”

“I think we should start with the ghostly figure painted on the photo,” Lucas said, his fingers gripping the steering wheel. “I put the photo in the back so we can be sure of the exact location. The barn is probably in worse shape than before—”

“We need to be careful,” Skye finished for him.

~ ~ ~ ~

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March 25, 2026

3/25/26 BookQW = FACE


ART OF DECEPTION
(a Mystery on Lilac Lane story)
Every masterpiece tells a story—this one whispers murder.

MISSING LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER FOUND


WISTERIA, WI — The small, picturesque town of Wisteria was shaken late Tuesday afternoon when local photographer Eddie Parsons, 62, was found deceased inside the old Hendrickson barn, a long-abandoned structure known to be frequented by hikers. Parsons, a familiar exhibitor at the Wisteria Frame Up Gallery and a mentor to many of the town’s amateur photographers, was discovered by a local hiker, who immediately notified authorities.

Mrs. Marion Parsons shared how her son loved nature and capturing the unseen with his camera. She also said Eddie called every day without fail; when she hadn’t heard from him, she prayed each night that her beloved son would come home in time for dinner with a story about what his lens had captured.

Parsons was known for his breathtaking rural landscapes and historic preservation work, often highlighting Wisteria’s forgotten landmarks—including the Hendrickson barn itself. His most recent project focused on documenting decaying farmsteads throughout the county.

 

“Forgive me, Mrs. Parsons,” Lucas moaned with regret. He hadn’t had the heart—or the desire—to visit her, let alone call to check on her well-being. He didn’t want to hear how she felt when Rogers had knocked on her door, how she had reacted to the news that her only son, the light of her life, was gone—forever. Lucas wasn’t ready to face that pain when he had his own to bear. Reading about it was more than enough.

 

The Wisteria Police Department is asking anyone who may have seen Parsons or his vehicle near the Hendrickson property between Saturday and Tuesday to come forward.

Authorities have cordoned off the barn as the DOJ Forensics Unit continues to examine the scene. A preliminary autopsy is expected later this week.

If you have information related to this case, please contact the Wisteria Police Department.

~~ The Wisteria Gazette

Serving the Wisteria Community Since 1870

 

Lucas rolled the paper up as tight as he could. Back inside his home, he found himself in the darkroom, pulling down developed photos and tossing them into a box along with his cameras.

“I never want to see these again,” he vowed, locking the door behind him.

 

~~~~~

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March 11, 2026

3/11/26 BookQW = Laugh


WINDS OF CHANGE
(Men of the Double K, Book 2)
She came to heal a child’s heart…but it’s the grieving father who needs her most.


This must be the Red River written about in so many dime novels, she thought, looking for any signs of the west along the banks of the endless river. As the train moved along the tracks across the river to the land, she sighed in both relief and disappointment. Relief that they would soon be traveling back on solid ground. Disappointment that she hadn’t seen any signs of cowboys and cattle trying to cross the river. She had hoped to see something of the west depicted in those popular novels.

“Well, a city girl could hope, couldn’t she,” she laughed as she settled back against the seat. Had she really expected to find the scenes she’d read about in novels? Her educated self laughed at her. Her romantic self was deeply disappointed. “Even so, at least one cowboy would have been nice.”

Unwrapping the other half of her sandwich, Mollie nibbled at the cold breakfast. She was still very travel-weary and more than ready to arrive at her destination where a new life would begin. She wasn’t clear as to who would be meeting her at the station. Surely, it would be the man whose daughter she was to care for. It couldn’t be anyone else unless he sent a ranch hand in his stead. Back home it may well have been a servant sent to meet her, but here in the unknown of the west, she couldn’t imagine there were many servants.

Thus the reason for her being here. Well, that and out of necessity of course.

She wiped away the threat of tears that she’d had to leave the Fitzgerald household in Boston. After almost fifteen years of living with the Fitzgeralds and caring for their daughter Annie, Mollie grew to consider them the only family she had ever known in her life. She had hoped they felt the same about her, but obviously, once Annie had passed, they were no longer in need of her services. Otherwise, she’d still be back in Boston where she belonged.

Stop feeling sorry for yourself! You were a mere companion to Annie, not her sister, Mollie scolded herself and dried her tears. Another family needs my help, and that’s all I’ll ever be. The orphan who would only have a family at arm’s length. And although it may not be ideal, it is better than what some of the orphaned children had been through these past years. For that I should be grateful.

     “Next stop: Fort Worth, Texas!”


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March 4, 2026

3/4/26 BookQW = OPEN


WINDS OF CHANGE (Men of the Double K, Book 2)
She came to heal a child’s heart…but it’s the grieving father who needs her most.

The sound of heavy boots echoed across the front porch.

“I think our day is about to begin, Beth. Are you ready?”

Beth squirmed in his arms, and Cord let her down on the floor before he opened the cabin door. Beau and Jessica stood on the other side of the door, their little boy Colin teetering at their side. Beth and Colin were a mere six months apart and had become the best of friends.

“Well, I didn’t expect the two of you this morning,” Cord noted, closing the door as the two toddlers discussed whatever it was little children talked about.

“Cyrus had to go to town this morning. Since Johnny is home from college for a few days, Suzanne decided to go with him to get a few things.” Jessica scooped up her niece, planting a motherly kiss on her cheek. “We get to come to your house today. Colin has all sorts of things planned that he hasn’t even told his mama and papa about. You’ll have such fun!”

“She is growing like a weed, Cord. Seems like she’s at least a couple of inches taller since the last time I saw her,” Jessica noted, returning Beth to the cabin floor next to Colin.

“You last saw her yesterday, Jess.” Beau laughed, shaking his head. “I am no expert, but I don’t think children grow that fast.”

“Ooh, Beau Kennedy! You just don’t understand,” Jess retorted, lovingly poking her husband in the arm.

Cord watched the playfulness of his brother and sister-in-law. A year ago he’d have been melancholy at the sight; now he just smiled, even though he knew in his heart he’d never have that kind of life again.

He wouldn’t risk the chance of reliving the pain of losing someone he’d given his heart to ever again in his life.


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February 25, 2026

2/25/26 BookQW = Admirable


A KNIGHT TO REMEMBER

Out of time, bound by honor—only love can break the curse and stop the darkness from rising.

“Thomas, thy protection of me is admirable but not needed,” the Black Knight rebutted under his arnet to his childhood friend and then turned to the queen. Her furor over Thomas’s refusal was evident and so would be her vengeance. He couldn’t allow Thomas to face her wrath. “I refuse Sir Thomas’s protection and challenge him to Joust a’ Plaisance.”

Queen Isabel thought for a moment before coolly signaling for the Chief Marshall to approach her. A wicked smile crossed her lips as she whispered into his ear. A look of dismay soon turned to pleasure as the Chief Marshall faced the Black Knight and Sir Thomas.

“These are the queen’s terms of the challenge set forth. If the Black Knight loses, he will remove the coat of arms signifying his alliance with Heartsease and be banished from these lands for all time. If he should be the victor, then Sir Thomas will be stripped of knighthood and work the land as his father before him. In addition, the Black Knight shall do the queen’s bidding day and night as Queen Isabel so chooses.”

A hush fell over the list as all in attendance waited for the Black Knight’s answer to the cruel request. If he accepted this challenge and lost, he’d be forced to leave his homeland forever. This was the place of his birth and the birth of his beloved Catherine. His victory would bring shame upon Thomas and his family and devastate them, and he’d be at Isabel’s mercy for the rest of his days. Either way, he was doomed. The queen left him without a true choice.

The Black Knight backed his black steed, turned, and then trotted around the list toward William, his young squire. Passing along the rail, he paused long enough to take up the lace-and-purple-ribboned offering from Catherine, the beautiful daughter of Heartsease’s dressmaker. He leaned in toward the raven-haired, blue-eyed young woman, his heart already hers. She smiled and tied the token around his lance, making him her champion.

“How can I help but not fail, Catherine,” he whispered to the lovely but plainly dressed maiden.


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February 18, 2026

2/18/26 BookQW = PAIN


A KNIGHT TO REMEMBER
(a time-travel romance)

Out of time, bound by honor—only love can break the curse and stop the darkness from rising.


 Gathering himself, he repositioned the lance and charged toward Thomas again. As they met in the middle of the tilt, Reynold lowered his weapon at the last moment and felt the jolt of Thomas’s lance hit him squarely in the chest, causing him to teeter in the saddle. The cheers of the crowd echoed inside his arnet, vibrating in his ears.

One more pass, and it would be over.

Ignoring Will’s questioning look, Reynold spurred Abraxas around and charged his lifelong friend for what he prayed would be the last time. When the two passed, Thomas lifted his lance, missing Reynold by inches. Knowing in that instant Thomas was no fool, Reynold fell sideways, allowing Abraxas to drag him to the west end of the list.

The pain shooting through his body was nothing compared to the satisfaction of knowing Thomas would continue his life as a knight. His plan may not have worked to perfection, but his honor to Thomas was held intact. Reynold would find a new life—a lonely one but a life nonetheless.

“Whoa! Whoa!”

The words came through the blackness trying to take claim to his mind. Abraxas suddenly halted, and Reynold felt himself lifted off the ground. Someone took his foot from the stirrup and pulled the arnet from his head.

Focusing, he gazed into the eyes of his raven-haired love. He had indeed found his place, at last, in Catherine’s arms.

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