4/17/15 WEWRIWA

If an author quotes says this, I believe it.

Charmaine Gordon writes charming stories filled with love! – Bestselling author of Playing For Keeps, Liz Matis

Bridging the Gap is released and ready to enjoy. WEWRIWA is thanked in the dedication for all the constructivive critique, week after week. Thanks again, my friends.

Last week Amanda, Jimmy Chandler’s young daughter revealed overhearing her mother telling someone she never wanted children. All she wanted was her husband’s money. Jimmy calls his lawyer.

At eleven thirty, Mandy’s lunch time, they picked her up from school. Lunch became a picnic once their girl shared a bite of peanut butter and jelly with her new best pal. Amanda’s face licked clean with help from little Doc, the family crowded into the elevator, a new experience for all of them. As predicted, Katherine Chandler had dressed like a sophisticated nun, all in black. At the sight of her mother, Mandy trembled. She held tight to her Daddy and new Mommy, Anna.

excerpt in eight:
The lawyer sat them in comfortable chairs across the wide table; again Mandy shivered.and whispered to Anna, “The table’s so big like a lake, she can’t swim across and grab me, can she?”
“No, honey. We’ll take care of you today and always so be tough and brave the way you were when the bulldozer came last year and you were just six.”
“And who is she?” the shrill voice of Katherine Chandler screeched as she pointed a long curved painted blue fingernail at Anna.
“She’s my new Mommy.” and small hands reached up to pull Anna’s face close where the seven year old girl planted a kiss on Anna’s cheek.
Like the big bad wolf who expected to blow the house down, Katherine demanded to see legal papers and flustered, the high priced lawyer she’d engaged to represent her,

requested the documents,

“This is ridiculous,” Katherine pointed to the date, yesterday, “He wants my baby girl, come to Mommy.”
“What kind of a Mommy are you ’cause you left me alone all the time  with no Mommy to say hi with a kiss after school.”
The Chandler’s lawyer Ralph Merritt rose to say, “This proves Katherine Chandler to be unfit as a mother; she has damaged her daughter and we have proof she never wanted her and the child, Amanda Chandler, wishes to be separated from Katherine Chandler forever.  She may be seven years old but she knows what you’ve done.”

for more snippets from talented writers:

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                                                       https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/bridging-the-gap/id983732636
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-bridgingthegap-1781107-149.html
http://www.amazon.com/Bridging-Gap-Rivers-Romantic-Suspense-ebook/dp/B00W1TUDSC
SMASHWORDS for All EReader Devices
including PC and Mac
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/533733
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bridging-the-gap-charmaine-gordon/1121714852
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/bridging-the-gap-23

Next week I begin sharing Spreading Her Wings with you.

4/5/15 WEWRIWA

What a glorious day. Love to all of my friends in celebration.

Last week The therapy beagle came to hopefully help James feel better. Brad Cohen’s instinct is paying off. He’s left Anna and James alone to give the pup a trial run.

excerpt in eight:

“How do you feel, honey?”
“Mm, in one word, peaceful, the smart pooch has that effect on me. ” He stroked her head all the way to her tail over and over again. “We want her, right? to have and to hold from this day forward?”
“Are you proposing to both of us?”
“Well, yeah so let’s play name our pup.”
Anna sat on the floor next to her guy and they laughed with all the silly ideas that came to mind. “How about ‘Doc’,” to honor Brad, our new best friend?”
The man who’d risen to success with hard work and smart ideas, nodded, “Yeah, as in “what’s up, Doc.”

for more snippets from talented writers:

http://www.wewriwa.com

Bridging the Gap to be released this month                    The beagle will be on the cover. I’m so excited! Next week I’ll post one last snippet with links so please support me and order a copy. I’d so appreciate your show of affection.

3/29/15 WEWRIWA

Hi gang, a good week despite the rain. Some raking to be done but I can’t do anything strenuous until I see the ENT doc. I can write though so here we go with a delightful Sunday and our weekend writing warriors. Yes we are.

Last week I surprised everyone, including myself, with the Beagle therapy dog and the super nice doctor we’ve all come to love.

“She’s up for adoption.” Brad petted the the pup, “because my wife wanted a Beagle; Jerry Fields at the shelter called us.We couldn’t resist the brother and sister so we brought them both home from the shelter.since they were abandoned, an envelope tied to each collar. Inside were certification papers and a note saying the owner was ill and couldn’t take care of them. When Anna called, the light bulb clicked in my weary head and I thought  she might be the answer to your exhaustion and slow recovery so keep her and see how it works for both of you. I brought a bag of kibbles and stuff because I just know in my heart, and this isn’t something I learned in med school, this trained dog is the best medicine. Now I have to work. but call me; I want to know what’s happening.”
Anna walked him to the door, “ It’s scary to see him in a heap instead of the strong man rushing from meeting to building every day and ask the doorman to bring up the dog supplies; I love her already.” She twisted her hair into a thick braid. and said,  “Thanks, Brad, I’m not frightened anymore..”

for more snippets from talented writers:

http://www.wewriwa.com

The story is Bridging the Gap. Thanks for your comments.

Introducing Judy Audevard, the woman who never says it can’t be done. . .

It’s not what you think, my friends so elevate your minds to a higher level and read on. Judy and I met under a tent some years back. I had one book title to sell at this Apple festival in Warwick, she had Kizzy the wonder Bichon Frise a therapy dog. She also had at her side, the best supportive husband I’ve ever met, Bob. Judy also had a book about Kizzy on display. Friendship at first sight.

This is her story. Judy’s determination and willingness to follow a dream has just rewarded her with a medal. Yes, a medal from the United States Army for excellence as a Civilian Volunteer, one of the highest medals , a treasure for my friend , the director of Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause.

It all began with an email. A woman who had just returned from the Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. and witnessed the therapy dogs comforting and bringing happiness to the wounded soldiers wondered why in the world didn’t such an organization be helping up at West Point where the wounded warriors were being housed. She dug in, did the Google search and found Judy through Therapy Dogs, Inc.

“It was a rough start.” said Judy. There were many rules at the Point why it never could happen but Judy and her stalwart pals did the impossible. No pets inside. Okay. They visited with the returned vets on the porch but this is New York, upstate where the weather gets a bit chilly. They had to find an inside venue to continue. Slowly, step by step, with Judy at the helm, she was able to connect with the Red Cross and doors opened little by little.

The program has grown to huge proportions. Every week, special needs kids as part of the curiculum,and the therapy dogs get together for reading. The dogs encourage the kids to read by listening and showing their canine love. Almost every day of the week, the team of Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause take time to visit various homes for the aged, Meals on Wheels, and so much more. Picture them loading up their cars with their magnificent trained and certified dogs to bring joy to people all over in Rockland County, Orange County, and Connecticut.

While we’re snug in our homes during snow, rain and all kinds of bad weather, I just had to tell you about this fine group of volunteers. If you ever think of giving  a donation to some cause, consider Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause and the wonderful work they accomplish every week.

Kizzy                        He’s also one of the main characters in this book.

3/22/15 WEWRIWA

Yes, it snowed big time and now it’s melting on the first day of spring. Way cool. This has not been my best week, folks. A bout of Vertigo set me back a few days leaving me weak. Geez! When does it end? One step at a time and I’ll be fit again. Nothing stops this woman, right?

I continue with my WIP–Bridging the Gap. Last week James planned to buy his Anna white silk panties on the way home from the hospital and had a fainting episode right there on Main Street in front of the lingerie shop. Anna and Roscoe, their driver,hauled him back in the limousine and she called their friend, Dr. Cohen. He arrived at the same time  they did and up they went to the penthouse where James made it over to a leather couch and melted into it.

excerpt in eight:

Out came the stethoscope, penlight and all the other accoutrement the good doctor brought in his magic bag.

“This black bag is an antique handed down from my gramps to my dad and now me,” he patted the worn leather with worship in his blue eyes.
“Verdict?”

” Blood pressure’s a bit high but not to worry, I may have the solution.” Brad Cohen opened the other bag that had started to wiggle; like a magician, he pulled out a puppy. “She’s a therapy dog, a Beagle like Snoopy in the Charlie Brown cartoons only she’s a year and a half old and certified like a college degree for dogs because a lot of hard work and training goes into certification.”
The three humans watched the pooch sniff all around and suddenly climb up on Jimmy’s lap to lay her paws and head against his chest right under his chin. The CEO ‘s rough palms reached up to stroke the smooth coat of multi colors, white, brown, and a touch of black.

Anna ‘s eyes glistened with tears ready to fall; she held them in control.
for more snippets from talented writers:

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3/15/15 WEWRIWA

Snow melts against the house and what do I see? Crocus pushing through the dirt, leaves to be raked  and the possibility of SPRING. There are walks to be taken, exercise to accomplish but first I write. So I lost my precious voice. Sad but it’s not the worst. My brain is percolating and I feel strong. Best to all who visit and join WEWRIWA. You’re missing a wonderful treat if you don’t stop by today.

Last week, James Chandler bonded with his Anna when she cozied up to him in the narrow hospital bed while he recovered from a nasty concussion. They also connected with Brad Cohen, a kind young doctor in the Emergency Room. From wheelchair to limousine, James and Anna settle in with Roscoe, the driver and friend. “Home, Roscoe.”
“You okay, chief?” “Not bad. Ms. Anna saved my life.”

excerpt in eight
At the first red light, Roscoe, an ex con with his best skill behind the wheel, turned his head, “Chief, she owns you now.”
Anna scoffed; “That’s a superstition because in the tribe, if you save a life, the one you’ve saved is indebted to you for life.” A ripple of pleasure ran through her as the light turned green; the ‘Benz rolled on and Anna nestled close to feel her lover’s heat she said, “You owe me white silk panties and don’t forget it.”
They passed a lingerie shop on the way to his condo James called, “Roscoe, please stop here and wait.”

 Pale and a bit shaky, James Chandler emerged into the brilliant sunshine of a spring day with Anna beside him, he inhaled the fresh air and let his lungs expand.
“Jimmy, I didn’t mean right now, I have enough panties and you’re not ready to enter a shop.”
Roscoe steadied his boss, helped him to a bench right there on Main Street and suddenly James’ eyes drooped and shut, again he’d fallen asleep.
“Shovel him back in the car, please, let’s get the big guy home,” and a frightened Anna called Dr. Brad Cohen.

for more snippets from talented authors:

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Bridging the Gap, a work in progress

I’ve met the most interesting authors on the Internet. . .

By chance, as it seems to happen most often, I met Jane Leopold Quinn a few weeks ago. She’s a Savvy author who invited me to be a guest on her blog. I asked for her questions and she she laughed. “No questions. Just jump right in and tell me about yourself, your latest book and yourself. ” Cool, I thought and did as Jane suggested. I always write by the seat of my pants and when I finished and sent my words to Jane, I said for her to feel free to change, delete and make it work for her. To my pleasant surprise, today I checked it out and there was every word as I’d written so thank you , Jane. You’re a sweetheart to let me express myself. http://janeleopoldquinn.blogspot.com/2015/01/where-does-story-come-from-essay-by.html

Check out this essay plus promo about Help Wanted, a delicious bit of a long short story, part of the River’s Edge Series. Included is one chapter about the Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause headed up by director Judy Audevard with the best Therapy dogs ever as they brighten the afternoon of the wounded veterans at River’s Edge Hospital.     

BLURB:

Steve and Sally Atwood have some big adjustments to make when they move to River’s Edge. Steve has lost his career in the corporate world and finds work painting houses. Sally flings off her apron and pursues her lifelong dream to be a reporter in the small town with a big heart, where the motto is ‘Kindness to Strangers’.

Afraid he is losing Sally to a more exciting world, Steve panics, but despite Sally’s lecherous new boss, together they rediscover all the love of their thirty-five years together and the excitement that brings.

EXCERPT:

Sally has just signed a big contract with her boss Lance.

They’re having lunch to celebrate.

A rainbow of sails on the river billowed with the wind as a race began, each sailboat displayed different colors; cheers from the east side echoed across the always cold water.

Strictly business, Sally reminded herself, and pheromones be damned, she concentrated on the menu and avoided eye contact with Lance on this gorgeous day outside under an awning on the wrap- around deck.

She ordered pancakes and they arrived right away;  his smoldering gaze heated the syrup as she poured more than enough to drown the large perfect pancake on her plate.

“Sally, ever since we met I can’t get you out of my mind; I’m not sleeping or eating.”

“Lance, I’m just a middle aged woman at the beginning of a new phase in my life and that doesn’t mean I’ll make the mistake of pushing someone away who has loved me for thirty five years.”

“All right, you’re mine, Sally, in business because I don’t want anyone else to grab your talent before we have a chance to work together.”

Relieved brunch ended, Sally rose, bumped into Lance on the way up and found herself wrapped in his powerful arms, their lips together. She didn’t break away until his tongue, like a heat seeking missile, plunged into her mouth and then she pushed him away with “No.”

Sally must find another woman to pawn off on her infatuated boss. She finds a beautiful doctor at the Veteran’s Hospital in River’s Edge when she brings Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause to entertain the wounded vets. Chapter eleven in the book is one of my faves. You’ll cry and laugh at this totally true part of the story. My friend, Judy Audevard, is the director of this fine organization that, with their Therapy dogs,  does so much good to heal returning veterans at West Point and other venues.

Bio:

I kissed my acting career goodbye, leaving on a high note with the lead in an Off Broadway play, “The Fourth Commandment” by author Rich Knipe.  “It was great fun and time to move on since my voice was gone, kaput, bye, bye,” Before that, I had a full schedule working on movies like “Working Girl”, “Road to Wellsville” and having the pleasure of Anthony Hopkins’ company at lunch.  I worked with Mike Nichols in “Regarding Henry” and sang outside with Harrison Ford during “Working Girl”, cried with Gene Wilder over loss on another set, and sang ‘It Had to be You’ with the whole cast of  “When Harry Met Sally”.  There were lots of fond memories; “Especially my first job as a stand-in leg model for Geraldine Ferraro in a Diet Pepsi commercial with Secret Service men guarding Ms. Ferraro and her daughters.  Eleven years on One Life to Live, a few years on All My Children, Another World kept my calendar full.”

http://authorCharmaineGordon.wordpress.com
@CharJGordon
FaceBook authorCharmaineGordon
Buy links for Help Wanted
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/help-wanted/id933546940
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-helpwanted-1658298-149.html
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OWHOGYS

SMASHWORDS for All EReader Devices
including PC and Mac
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/487447
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Charmaine-Gordon

And also Help Wanted is available in a trio Volume one of the River’s Edge Stories.

River’s Edge Trio, Volume 1
Three Stories from the small town with a big heart!
by Charmaine Gordon

Now in Print and All Ebook Editions!
Three stories in the Charmaine Gordon series River’s Edge,  combined in one volume. She Didn’t Say No, Book 1; Housebroken, Book 2; and Help Wanted, Book 3. These Charmaine Gordon stories of love, passion, and suspense set in River’s Edge, the small town with the big heart, are also available as singles in all ebook editions.

She Didn’t Say No

Grace didn’t say no to the Big Man On Campus, Scott Dwyer. And then her life changed… Years later, a too-close encounter of an unpleasant kind with a skunk and Scott’s German Shepherd reunites the former lovers. What happens in between are their stories of beginnings and endings and love lost, then found.Housebroken

Sally and Steve Atwood must make a big adjustment – a fair number of them, actually – when after thirty-five years, three grown children, and a lifetime of memories, they are alone, together, at last… And, then they found River’s Edge, a small town with big heart, stories to tell that will warm your heart, make you smile, and turn a dreary day into a day of hope for the Kindness of Strangers.Help Wanted

Steve and Sally Atwood have made some big adjustments when they moved to River’s Edge. Afraid he is losing Sally to a more exciting world, Steve panics, but despite Sally’s lecherous new boss, together they rediscover all the love of their thirty-five years together and all the… excitement… that brings to their lives.

Also Available as Singles for all Ebook reading devices!http://www.amazon.com/Rivers-Edge-Trio-Volume-1/dp/0692331719
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-river039sedgetrio-1680246-149.html
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PKLWGEC
SMASHWORDS for ALL Ereading Devices
including Nook, iPad, and More!
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/492517

Thanks, Jane. It’s been a pleasure visiting with you this week.
Best,
Charmaine

Posted by Jane Leopold Quinn at 12:30 AM

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11/9/14 WEWRIWA

Baby, it’s cold outside but are we worried? Not a bit. I’m delighted with sales rising for my latest book, Help Wanted. Readers want to move right into River’s Edge where the motto is Kindness to Strangers. Just like the good old days where neighbors took care of friends in need and children played outside without fear.

Today I continue with Sally Atwood returning to the cable company thinking she’d knock Jerald Adams socks off with the Grace Trumbull interview with the sad Saluki and give her the promised job.

Excerpt in eight:

The same receptionist checked the appointment book and with a sour look meant to pierce a heart, glowered at Sally; “You don’t have an appointment.”
Using her new authoritarian voice, Sally said, “Mr. Adams requested that I come in as soon as possible since I have fulfilled his assignment to obtain the in-depth interview with Ms. Grace Trumbull; I have it right here.”
“Oh. Just a minute. ” Out and in, she returned, a smug look on her face to say, “Mr. Adams said he’s not interested in such an interview and thanks you for your time.”
The words from the movie Dirty Dancing popped into Sally’s mind, “Nobody puts baby in the corner.”

Sally Atwood stormed through the door, eyes blazing.
The large imposing man sat, feet crossed at the ankles up on his desk, puffing on a cigar, king of a small kingdom, eyes widened at Sally’s unexpected intrusion.
“In good faith, I followed your assignment with a promise for a job and after I fulfilled my part I find I’ve wasted Grace Trumbull’s time and she’s an important member of River’s Edge Counsel.”  Sally spun on her heels and left Jerald Adam’s office.

for more snippets from talented writers:

http://www.wewriwa.com

Steve and Sally Atwood have some big adjustments to make when they move to River’s Edge. Steve has lost his career in the corporate world and finds work painting houses. Sally flings off her apron and pursues her lifelong dream to be a reporter in the small town with a big heart, where the motto is ‘Kindness to Strangers’. Afraid he is losing Sally to a more exciting world, Steve panics, but despite Sally’s lecherous new boss, together they rediscover all the love of their thirty-five years together and the excitement that brings.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/help-wanted/id933546940

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-helpwanted-1658298-149.html

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OWHOGYS

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/487447

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Charmaine-Gordon

Introducing the remarkable Judy Audevard and Kizzzy, a therapy dog

Judy and Kizzy

About five years ago at the famed Apple Fest in Warwick, NY on a gorgeous day in autumn, I unpacked my books in the publisher’s booth and looked right into the black eyes of a white curly haired dog. “He’s Kizzzy,” I heard someone say. That’s how Judy and I met and a friendship began. This was my first festival, crowded with vendors, music, craftsmen, and our author’s booth. A lot of firsts for me that day: first time author after years of acting, first time alone finding my way up to Warwick with heavy traffic, crazy directions and then to meet a therapy dog with a book written about him.

Judy and her husband Bob, a great team, drove up from Nyack, Kizzy in the back ready to perform his bag of tricks. What a charmer. We talked a lot between selling books, I sold sixteen. She explained what therapy dogs do, the arduous training involved, the tests and at last certification. Exchanging phone numbers, we agreed to meet again.

Friendship blossomed at the New City Diner on Rt. 304 where we met, had brunch and discussed another book about Kizzy from different viewpoints. She told me the story of how she and Bob found Kizzy. They wanted a rescue dog but there weren’t any available. Two days later, a call came in. A little male, shy and sad, maybe abused or kept tied up since he didn’t play with the other puppies. They drove over to check him out. There were five or six puppies running around. The white Bichon Frise sat in a corner. Judy reached out with her hand and called to him. He ran right into her heart.

Bob said, “It must have been Kismet.” So they named him Kizzy. Alert and bright as if he knew he was going home, he ran all over the house and yard claiming it for his own. Judy’s mom lived with them. She’d had a stroke and hadn’t spoken or used her right arm since then. Kizzy jumped up on Grandmother’s bed, snuggled up to her and she patted him with the hand that had lain still for too long. And then she found her voice. All this happened because a sad little dog with a special talent found a good home.

I never knew about therapy dogs. We needed to tell another story about this special pet. Meanwhile I wrote another book, To Be Continued, had a contract with a terrific publisher Vanilla Heart and Judy and I kept thinking about a Kizzy story. I would write it with her input.

Judy is a born leader, a coordinator of whatever needs to be accomplished. A request from West Point. They wanted a Warriors in Transition program and needed a coordinator. Judy offered to organize the complex West Point /Red Cross program. Post Traumatic Disorder returnees housed at West Point would benefit.  Special needs children of deployed soldiers are in an ongoing program. De-stress for Cadets is another program developed by thinking out of the box . During the stress of finals, cadets could benefit from therapy dogs. From the smiles on their faces in the pictures, it works. After observing the West Point Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause in action, the American Red Cross in New Jersey announced they will begin a similar program.

Is it any wonder I consider Judy Audevard to be remarkable? Thanks for joining me in a tribute to a good friend.

P.S. I’m writing a new story about mature love, lost and found with a therapy dog named Kizzy as a leading character. The title is Young at Heart.  It’s the second in a series. The first, Instant Grandpa, was just released this week and featured in USA Today in the Happy Ever After section.

 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DAHOMMC