Star Rising Release Day is Here!

​I just wanted to let you know Star Rising is live today! I've included a favorite scene set at the Bunratty Castle. We almost didn’t go, because some of the travel books said that it was too touristy. Apparently, we like touristy stuff!

The castle sits on a good bit of land where they have a folk park. In that area, they try to recreate life in Irish history with a little village that demonstrates the old ways of doing things. Picture thatched roofs on stone cottages. Then, we toured the castle and had a medieval banquet there. They had singers, harpists, other instruments being played, and actors who entertained, while we ate a meal served family-style at long banquet tables. No silverware, just your fingers to eat with, LOL!

Here’s a small excerpt of Star Rising, where the hero Paul is picked to be the “scoundrel” by the actors and forced to sing a song to be set free. Don’t worry, because he deserves the punishment/embarrassment at this point in the story!
“Fetch the prisoner from the dungeon.” The earl clapped his hands, and the two men escorted Paul back to the stage but remained at his side. “The king and queen have resolved to grant mercy on our villain. But first the scoundrel must”—the actor gave a dramatic pause, waggling his eyebrows, and Paul readied himself for more humiliation—“perform a melody of their Royal Highness’s choosing.”
Yep. More humiliation. Good thing he’d had a few glasses of wine.
“What will you have the scoundrel sing, Your Majesties? Danny Boy? I’m a Little Teapot? Don’t Go Drinking with Hobbits?”
Paul groaned. Star and Will had to come up with better choices than those.
Star shot an apologetic look Paul’s way, then leaned close to Will. They discussed back and forth, shaking their heads as they selected his penalty.
Finally, Star nodded, and Will smiled. Will stood and shouted, “Do you know Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey? Maybe a little dance to go with it?”
Paul rolled his eyes. “Unfortunately.” One of his boss’s girlfriends had been a huge Journey fan and had played the group on the plane every flight. Plus, most every cover band in the world played that song.
“We’ve a treaty, then.” The earl raised one hand high in the air. “Singing and dancing to Don’t Stop Believin’. We will judge if your frolicking entails the proper amount of punch.” Wiggling his hips, the earl turned in a circle, and the audience laughed. “Go forth, scoundrel.”
Paul did his best to get out of trouble! I think you’ll enjoy the scene when you get to it in the book!
This was a fun book to write. It has funny moments like this one, but it also grapples with having faith when life falls apart. I hope you like it!
You can order your copy on Amazon Barnes & Noble iBooks or Kobo now for 2.99!

Star Youngblood has always been a fighter–a necessity after her mother married a monster of a man. Now, she’s finally on the path to the stable life she’s always wanted. Her employer, Priscilla Kelly, is a sweet woman ravaged by rheumatoid arthritis, and Star will do anything to help her. Even if that means going toe to toe with Mrs. Kelly’s neglectful son.

After being betrayed on the mission field and devastated by the tragic death of his father, Paul Kelly gave up on God. He lives life on his own terms, biding his time as a corporate pilot until he can save enough money to begin his own flight school closer to home. His mother is all he has left, and he wants to be near her. He just didn’t expect her health to decline so quickly. When he discovers his mother has taken in a stray—a woman he’s not at all sure can be trusted—his protective instincts kick into high gear. Paul’s handled a lot of turbulence, but he’s never gone up against a force like Star.

As Paul and Star strive to protect his mother in their own ways, they soon find their hearts are at the greatest risk.
​Get your copy of Star Rising today :)