Books by Gracie C. McKeever

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© 2003 Gracie C. McKeever

In This Issue:

The Pen Is Mightier
PNR Reviews
Read an E-Book Week
March is Small Press Month
EPPIE Winners 2003
Awe-Struck E-Books' New Spice Is Nice Page
NOVELBOOKS, INC. ANNOUNCES PRICE ROLLBACKS
This Issue's Spotlight Site
This Issue's Author in the Spotlight
W.I.P. – Work-in-Progress
What I'm Reading/Recommended Reads
Fun Site
Poetry Corner
This Issue's Novel Teaser – "The Obsidian Quest"
Quick Tease
This Issue's Newsletter Contest
Giveaways/Good Deals/Shameless Promotions
Odds and Ends

Another niece arrived this past February 4th and we're all tickled…why pink of course.

Clobbered by fourth worse blizzard in history February 16-17th and buried in two feet of snow. This only reaffirms my deep…dislike of any white flakes that aren't paper or fashioned by my own two hands and a pair of scissors. But I guess without the existence of the real live wet ones, I wouldn't have any reason or inspiration to make the paper ones other than to entertain and impressed the kiddies with my artistic prowess.

Of course, as I polish this off before final transmission, the temps have been in the high 50's – low 60's…Ah Mother Nature, what a tease she is.

Enough with the light stuff…Hope you're all faring well during these difficult times and that you join me in sending out prayers and good thoughts to our brave troops in Iraq. Whether we're for Bush's war or against it, we have to support our troops for stepping up to the plate to defend our way of life when not many of us would, or could, do the same.

Okay, putting away the soapbox now…Hope you're all well as you dig into this issue's offerings!

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THE PEN IS MIGHTIER:
http://members.aol.com/RitrsPulse/Pen.html
Has been on hiatus due to uncontrollable circumstances, but look for its return and new postings in the future! In the meantime, take this opportunity to catch up on reviews and short stories that you might have previously missed. Check out my review of Elaine Hopper's "Secrets" under COLUMNS. But don't stop here. There are other book reviews, movie reviews, short stories, novel excerpts, poetry and much more from the other talented authors and staff members at The Pen!

PNR REVIEWS:
Next issue, be on the lookout for ParaNormal Romance Reviews, from yours truly. Have contributed several in the last few weeks – some reprints, some new, all of books I've loved and recommend.

READ AN E-BOOK WEEK:
March 9th, 2003 began the actual week, but it's still not too late to celebrate, and never too late for you to pick up and read an E-Book. For you adventurous, curious, daring, and open-minded souls, and if you haven't yet checked out any of the e-publishers and titles I've mentioned in previous newsletters, this is your chance to plug in and enjoy! For the tactile, just-have-to-feel-and-smell-that-new-book-ink-scent people, there's something for you too. Many e-book publishers now release their books in both e- and p-versions – the best of both worlds. New to the newsletter? Check out past issues here http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewnewsletter.asp?AuthorID=623 to see the titles and publishers I've mentioned. And read an E-Book today!

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NEW LIFE INCOGNITA by Gracie C. McKeever — ISBN (disk) 1-55316-061-4 (Rocket) 1-55316-939-5 — New Age Paranormal Urban Romance available and can be purchased from LTDBooks http://www.ltdbooks.com in download and diskette: Palmpilot, Rocket eBook, Gemstar REB 1100 and 1200 and Franklin eBookman. Price: $5.00 (download) $6.00 (disk). Also Available from Amazon and distributed internationally through other major online booksellers.
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MARCH IS SMALL PRESS MONTH:
Let Every Voice Be Heard! Support America's Independent Small Publishers -- Read more about it at BookFlash http://www.bookflash.com/releases/100716.html

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AD: Meet the authors that make Awe-Struck tick, read the interviews, the articles, the inspirational stories behind the books, and find out what Awe-Struck Awe-thors are up to. But most of all, sign up for the Awe-Struck Flash, Official Newsletter of Awe-Struck E-Books http://www.awe-struck.net, and get Awed! If you'd like to become a subscriber (and since it only comes out every other month, why not?), send a blank message to awestruckflash-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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NOVELBOOKS, INC. ANNOUNCES PRICE ROLLBACKS:
DOUGLAS, MASSACHUSETTS
Contact: Anthony Hernandez marketing@novelbooksinc.com

NovelBooks, Inc. (NBI) is pleased to announce an across-the-board Retail Price reduction of $2.00 USD per copy for its trade paperback titles. This permanent reduction will be effective April 1st, 2003.

“Pricing is a key factor, especially in today’s challenging economic environment,” said Penny Hussey, President & CEO of NBI. “Reducing our prices will make our many excellent titles more accessible to our readers and increase both corporate and author profitability.”

“These price drops represent over 10 percent off our previous retail pricing, making our titles significantly more affordable,” added Anthony Hernandez, Director of Marketing and IT for NBI. “Our decision makes NBI an even stronger competitor in our market space and will help drive future growth. NBI continues to examine ways of reducing our retail pricing and will have some very exciting announcements in the near future.”

EPPIES 2003:
EPIC, the Electronically Published Internet Connection, is proud to announce the fourth annual EPPIE winners, honoring the best e-books of the year. The awards were presented Saturday, March 8th, at a gala banquet as part of EPICon 2003 in Tampa, Florida.

Awards were given out in twenty e-book categories. In addition, EPIC presented the annual Florence Moyer Service Award, which is nominated and voted upon by the membership, to Patricia White for her outstanding contributions to the organization and to electronic publishing.

Another special award, now in its second year, was the "Friend of E-Publishing Award," presented to an individual outside of the organization for his or her dedication to electronic publishing. This year the award went to Piers Anthony, who was also the EPICon 2003 keynote speaker.

The Quasar award for cover art, determined by a membership vote, was given to Christine Poe and Jim Warren for their cover for WHISPER OF A TRYST.

The complete list of EPPIE winners and finalists, along with links to the appropriate publishers, is available at http://www.epic-conference.com. Questions about the awards may be directed to Betty Kasischke, chair of the EPPIES committee, at annekas@aol.com.

The list of EPPIE winners, which were determined by volunteer judges from the EPIC membership, are:

ACTION/ADVENTURE:
THE JOURNEY By James Bailey

ANTHOLOGY:
SHIFTERS By Jane Toombs, Myra Nour, Jennifer Dunne & Robin Bayne

CHILDRENS:
HYPER HARRY By Patricia Aust

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE:
LAST RESORT By Cheryl Norman

FANTASY/PARANORMAL/SCIENCE FICTION ROMANCE:
FINDERS KEEPERS By Linnea Sinclair

FANTASY:
SHADOW PRINCE By Jennifer Dunne

HISTORICAL:
GENESEE By Juliet Waldron

HISTORICAL ROMANCE:
SALLY SWEET'S SISTER By Sarah Winn

HORROR:
WOODLINE By Lawrence Crossett

INSPIRATIONAL:
NECKLACE OF WARM SNOW by Brenda Hall Townsend

MYSTERY:
THE PRIDE OF PEACOCK By Josh Hardin

NON-FICTION-HOW-TO:
BECOMING YOUR OWN CRITIQUE PARTNER by Jane Toombs & Janet Lane Walters

NON-FICTION-PHILOSOPHY:
RE: VIEWING, THINKING, TURNING by Alan Wittbecker

POETRY:
AMERICAN LYRICON by Joel L. Young

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE:
PICTURE OF GUILT By Helen Haddad

SCIENCE FICTION:
FALLEN CITY By Greg Austin & Rick Sellers

SINGLE TITLE/MAINSTREAM:
THE BLUE MOSAIC VASE By Christy Shary

THRILLER:
DEADLY VISITS by Janet Brown

WESTERN:
LISTEN TO THE MOCKINGBIRD by Penny Rudolph

YOUNG ADULT:
Tie SPIRIT SINGER By Edward Willett
PAINTED WITH SHADOWS By Becca De La Rosa

AWE-STRUCK E-BOOKS' NEW SPICE IS NICE ROMANCES
http://www.awe-struck.net/SPICE/spice_titles.html – Are you ready for a bit of harmless "SIN"? Try Awe-Struck's (S)pice (I)s (N)ice titles. Here you'll find links that will take you directly to the description and preview pages. These are great romances...And the authors added a bit of spice in the bedroom, on the beach, or any other place you might make love. The page features those romances that have VERY descriptive bedroom scenes. It doesn't matter if the romance is contemporary or historical or sci fi. What's important is that the love scenes are...well...spicy! FLAMES PAST is there. Check out the page to see what other of your favorite Awe-Struck titles are there.

"As a recent fan and lover of romantica and erotica fiction, I speak from experience when I say I want the steamier side of love scenes between my heroes and heroines – every little silky, smooth, hard, rough, muscular, satiny, gentle, round, curvy, voluptuous, rich vanilla piquant musk evocative detail spelled out for me…" Read the entire article "Keep The Bedroom Door Open, Please", by Gracie C. McKeever, at Spice is Nice http://www.awe-struck.net/SPICE/spice_titles.html

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FLAMES PAST by Gracie C. McKeever — ISBN (e) 1-58749-121-4 (p) 1-58749-257-7 — Contemporary Paranormal Romance available and can be purchased from Awe-Struck E-Books, Inc. http://www.awe-struck.net in download and diskette: html, pdf, Palmpilot, REB 1100, Softbook, Hiebook, eBookman, Distributed internationally through online booksellers…Now Available in Trade Paperback! Visit Earthling Press http://www.earthling-press.com Awe-Struck's print subsidiary for titles in PRINT. Price: $4.50 Usual, non-sale price (download) $8.75 (disk, price includes S&H), $13.95 (trade paperback) – RT 2002 Award Nominee – Best Small Press Paranormal
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THIS ISSUE'S SPOTLIGHT SITE:
http://www.mind-like-water.com – Mind enhancing ebooks/directory… Dive into Non-fiction eBooks, Fiction eBooks and Kids eBooks. "…one of the Web's best destinations for ebooks." Subscribe to Mind Like Water's newsletter now and join the ebook community. Each issue contains useful information related to the ebook industry, as well as interviews with ebook authors and publishers. Whether you're a reader, author, publisher or just interested, all we need is your name and email address. All of your information is kept confidential and not sold to others.

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"Death is only the beginning when a psychotherapist is reincarnated as a client's estranged and murdered husband…ETERNAL DESIGNS is the result" by Gracie C. McKeever
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AD: There's always a sale or a special going on at Awe-Struck. For all your gift-giving needs, Awe-Struck brings you gift certificates! Order a 3-book gift certificate for $12, a 5-book certificate for $18, or (a super bargain) an 8-book gift certificate for $28. The recipient can choose from all of Awe-Struck's 90-plus titles, in any download format. And you get an attractive gift certificate to print out and present to the recipient. And don't forget the ever-popular Pik-a-Paks -- http://www.awe-struck.net
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THIS ISSUE'S AUTHOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
http://www.jeffstrand.com The ridiculous site of Jeff Strand, literary comedian, and award winning author of such memorable and outlandish Dark Comedy/Horror/Action/Thriller and more fare as GRAVEROBBERS WANTED (NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY), HOW TO RESCUE A DEAD PRINCESS, and MANDIBLES. If you haven't visited Mr. Strand's Seriously Whacked Home, well then, you're just seriously whacked, and you don't know what you're missing! Beginning March 15th, MANDIBLES "Defeat The Ants!" Contest – Visit Jeff's site to find out more or to enter for your chance to win.

W.I.P – WORK-IN-PROGRESS: "A man who wants to save the world one child at a time…a young teen looking for acceptance and a savior wherever he can find them…and a woman who wants only to save them both. Somewhere between darkness and daylight they will all find and save each other." BETWEEN DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT by Gracie C. McKeever

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DANCING IN THE DARK by Gracie C. McKeever — ISBN –1-928670-76-8 — Contemporary Romance available from Awe-Struck's Ennoble Line and can be purchased from http://www.awe-struck.net in download and diskette: html, pdf, Palmpilot, REB 1100, Softbook, Hiebook, eBookman, Distributed internationally through online booksellers. Price: $4.50 Usual, non-sale price (download) $8.75 (disk, price includes S&H)
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WHAT I'M READING/RECOMMENDED READS:
Another gallimaufry of titles for your reading pleasure this issue (and an interesting vocabulary word for all you thesaurus-heads like me). Have horror/comedy, mystery/suspense romance, vampire romance and a non-fiction/fiction hybrid. Hope you enjoy as I did each and every one:

GRAVEROBBERS WANTED (NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY) by Jeff Strand: I'd been holding onto my e-version for a couple of years, after ordering it from the now-defunct Wordbeams upon its initial release. Glad I picked it up – in any version. Sick, sick, sick. Funny, funny, funny. Strand handles gross-out horror and laugh-out-loud humor with equal dexterity as he takes his hero, Andrew Mayhem (who lives up to his last name in spades, don't pardon the pun) through hell and back in this edge of your seat, horror/comedy/suspense/thriller. Check it out at its current publisher http://www.hardshell.com

KISS OF DECEIT by Pat Rasey: Another book I ran out and bought in its initial release, from a different publisher (who shall remain nameless). Finally got to it, and it was worth the wait. Mark "Snake" Gallego and Leanne McVeigh are evenly matched in every way. Snake is a wounded bad-boy with a dark past, Leanne is the level-headed and skilled sheriff's deputy charged with bringing him to justice for his wife's murder. Great h/h chemistry, tightly woven plot, edge of your seat suspense. Although the climactic revelation of the villain was not a complete surprise, I did not see the resultant lead-in to this title's sequel (EYES OF BETRAYAL) coming. Satisfying ending, nice cliffhanger, and I'm patiently waiting to order my copy of EOB due out in April 2003 from Amber Quill Press http://www.amberquill.com

A GIFT OF BLOOD: Yet another great read from JennaKay Frances! This one is a unique and creative vampire romance that throws together Jaeger, a half-human half-Vector and Rhiannon, a Bleeder and a witch. Jaeger's and his virginal (both in the sexual and bloodshedding sense) existence is shattered when he gets his first taste of human blood from a pompous young Lord's son abusing his horse and blaming the innocent animal for his fall and injuries. Jaeger does not kill the youth (this deed is left to an elder and pure-breed Vector who will turn out to be Jaeger's mortal enemy). His sexual virginity is relinquished to Rhiannon, who convinces Jaeger that theirs is the perfect partnership, one of mutual need. Thus begin the vampire's and Bleeder's adventures and alliance. Once again, engaging and sympathetic characters peopling a tight, fast-paced story. This too is an offering from Amber Quill Press.

Recommended Read: FINDING THE PATH: A NOVEL FOR PARENTS OF TEENAGERS by Jeffrey Kaplan, Ph.D and Abby Lederman: When Ms. Lederman, one of the co-authors of this novel, first approached me with an eye toward its review, I have to admit I was initially skeptical. Especially since I come from the spare-the-rod-spoil-the-child, do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do schools of child rearing (bearing in mind I don't have any children of my own, unlike Ms. Lederman). But in the end I took her accurate self-description of her and Dr. Kaplan's efforts -- "unusual book that defies category…half fiction/half-non-fiction mongrel" -- as more of a challenge to my progressiveness than off-putting. I'm glad I took up the dare.

This was a unique book in a couple of ways, but especially in its successful melding of fiction and non-fiction storytelling. In the hands of Dr. Kaplan and Ms. Lederman, this contemporary tale has all the elements of a classic fable with the added bonus of footnotes sprinkled throughout that serve more towards a pleasant learning experience rather than dry sermonizing.

Though FINDING THE PATH: A NOVEL FOR PARENTS OF TEENAGERS is centered around the theme of how to be a better parent, I'd highly recommend this excellent collaborative effort to anyone looking for an informative and absorbing read, or who wants to become a content and loving human being.
This book is available at Xlibris http://www.xlibris.com. Also available at all on-line bookstores, brick-and-mortar bookstores through special order, and at Dr. Kaplan's website http://www.manageteens.com at a significant discount. Read my full review at Barnes & Noble.com and check out this novel.

More interesting titles for you next issue!

FUN SITE:
http://www.jumptheshark.com Chronicling the Moments of When TV Shows Go Downhill
Shark Sightings – Current Shows, Classic Shows… Check out the site and find out what "jumping the shark" is all about. I've only scratched the surface of this site myself. Be warned, you can lose yourself in hours of nostalgia here. Oh, and it's also a book! "When Good Things Go Bad".

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POETRY CORNER:
Hero of Times Past
by Valerie Hardin

Why I am I lost in kind fantasy
For love never again to be
You were my hero of times past I'm your rag doll
Torn apart
Stitches unraveled, insides missing, a broken velvet heart
I was your monster's bride
For you were my hero of a forgotten time
I am your princess cast aside
For you were my hero times past
Do you not notice that ache that I feel?
You could never comprehend how to make any of love's dreams
Into solid form, love's true deal.
For you were my hero, you were my hero.
You my hero of times past
You cannot believe in love or anything
You my hero of times past

BIO: Valerie is a children's fiction writer, gothic poet, artist, young adult writer, and genre writer. She is half the writing team that makes up YA writer JV Harlee. It's Like MiracleGrow for Your Kid's Brain My Grandmother's Wedding by Valerie Hardin Eppie Finalist 2003 http://www.store.yahoo.com/streetsaint/ Star Babies: A Story of Adoption http://www.writers-exchange.com/epublishing/ Gargoyle's Tears by JV Harlee http://www.tarbuttonpress.com/synopsis%20gargoyle.html

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MILES TO GO by Gracie C. McKeever — ISBN 1-58749-025-0 — a Byte^Me teen novel available from Awe-Struck E-Books, Inc. http://www.awe-struck.net in download and diskette: html, pdf, Palmpilot, REB 1100, Softbook, Hiebook, eBookman, Distributed internationally through online booksellers. Price: $4.50 Usual, non-sale price (download) $8.75 (disk, price includes S&H)
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THIS ISSUE'S NOVEL TEASER: "THE OBSIDIAN QUEST" by Laraine Anne Barker
Chapter I
Terror in the Bush

Peter sighed in frustration, peering at the blurred photograph of a young woman holding a baby of a few weeks old.

The woman was Peter's mother Marian, killed in a car accident when he was five. What a disappointment it was finding that Aunt Angela shared only her twin's fair hair and the gray eyes Peter himself had inherited. Also, Aunt Angela's face was longish and fashionably thin, whereas the face of the woman in the photo was small and youthfully round.

Peter jumped as he realized his aunt had entered the bedroom where he was unpacking and was looking over his shoulder at the photograph. The expression on her face startled--almost frightened--him. Her pretty mouth had gone hard and there was a faint flush on her prominent cheekbones.

For a few moments it was as though the air crackled with tension and he thought his aunt was angry. The feeling washed over him with unbelievable force.

How, he asked himself, could she let him know so clearly how she felt without saying a word? Then, as their eyes met, he saw it was anguish that Angela Merrilyn grappled with. So after eight years she still hadn't recovered from her twin's death. Maybe that was why he and his stepfather hadn't seen her since. His heart warmed to her even more than at their first meeting a bare half-hour before on his arrival from Wellington to stay with her while his stepfather was in Australia on business.

"Would you rather I kept it hidden?" he offered, referring to the photograph.

Aunt Angela looked surprised. She gave him a crooked grin and patted his shoulder. "Bless you for being so thoughtful." She glanced at the photograph with a puzzled frown. "Perhaps it might be best." With a yearning expression she watched him put the photograph into an empty drawer.

For a few moments, the puzzled frown returning, her gaze remained glued there even after Peter closed the drawer. Abruptly she seemed to remember what she had come downstairs for. "When you've finished unpacking come up and have some lunch--you must be famished. Your Uncle Paul will be home any minute." As she spoke the front door opened. They had been so engrossed they hadn't heard the car.
Several long strides brought Peter's uncle to the bedroom door.

Peter found himself looking up into twinkling dark eyes that had the capacity to make one feel their owner could read one's thoughts. The eyes were set deeply under bushy brows in a craggy face topped by a mop of unruly dark curls.

"So this is young Peter FitzArthur, the nephew you've kept me in ignorance of all those years," the newcomer chided his wife, who made no reply.

Peter received the impression that the teasing remark annoyed her. He had jumped to his feet on his uncle's entry--Paul Merrilyn was the type of man who commanded such respect--and his hand was now clasped in the tall man's warm grip.

"Glad to meet you, Peter." Uncle Paul's voice was rich and deep.

Peter found his uncle's scrutiny so embarrassing he hastily drew the man's attention to the dog his Aunt Angela had reluctantly said he could bring with him--a magnificent male German shepherd who had been watching with head on paws, but who instantly sat up, ears alert, at Uncle Paul's entrance. "This is Dreyfus." With deliberation Dreyfus raised his right paw.

Uncle Paul dropped Peter's hand and took the paw, subjecting the dog to the same intense scrutiny he had given Peter. Dreyfus held his gaze for a long moment before looking away. Uncle Paul released the paw and turned back to Peter with a boyish grin.

Peter received the strange impression that his uncle was relieved--as though he had feared both boy and dog might be lacking in some way Peter couldn't understand. "Yes, you'll do. You'll do very well, both of you," was his odd comment before turning to lead the way upstairs.

As she served the lunch of homemade pizza and scones, Aunt Angela kept her husband up-to-date with the latest news. "The two boys who disappeared after school haven't been found. There's still two weeks to the end of the year and the police are warning children not to talk to strangers and to go straight home. They must suspect foul play."

To Peter's surprise, Uncle Paul looked at his wife in open-mouthed dismay. "What children? I didn't know there were any children missing." For a moment he looked white and strained. Then it was as though a mask dropped over his face, wiping away all expression. It was Aunt Angela's turn to look surprised.

"It's been on the news more than once. The police have no leads. No one saw the boys with anyone who looked suspicious, or with any stranger at all. They just vanished--two boys about Peter's age: Jamie and John Evans. They live in the bay, too. I keep getting a feeling I should know them, but I'm sure I haven't even met them." She sat frowning for some time as though trying to remember something.

Uncle Paul, too, looked thoughtful.

Neither seemed interested in eating.

Suddenly Aunt Angela, putting her hand to her forehead, stumbled to her feet, nearly upsetting her chair. "I'm sorry. I've been getting the most dreadful headaches lately and another one's come on. I'll have to lie down."

In silence Uncle Paul watched her leave. Then, abruptly, he rose and started clearing away the half-eaten lunch. Within minutes he was driving back to work, having hardly said another word to Peter, who felt too much in awe of his uncle to break the heavy silence that had settled between them.

As the car disappeared up the drive Peter looked at Dreyfus. "Aunt Angela won't want us inside making a noise so we might as well explore." Boy and dog ran down the path at the side of the house. With Dreyfus in front, Peter pelted across the grass to the edge of the bush.

After the cramped conditions of townhouse living in Wellington, it was good to have all this room so near home to play and exercise Dreyfus. To Peter's delight he found the start of an overgrown path at the bottom of the lawn. Dreyfus instantly set off along it.

About to follow, Peter received the uncanny idea that someone was watching. If there was anybody on the path ahead, he reasoned, Dreyfus would be kicking up a fuss. All the same, despite the dog's silence, the uneasy feeling of being watched persisted.

He swung round and looked back up the lawn. His gaze was drawn to the two huge picture windows at the back of the house. He laughed in relief. For there at the living room window stood Aunt Angela. He waved to her. She raised her own hand before disappearing.

Peter turned back to the path, aware that he could no longer hear Dreyfus. He quickened his steps, calling the dog's name and expecting him to reappear on the path ahead at any second. But Dreyfus, normally obedient, didn't come. And he still didn't come when Peter, realizing the path was no longer overgrown, broke into a run, at the same time raising his voice to a shout.

As the echoes of his cry died to silence, Peter skidded to a halt, straining his ears for the slightest noise. But the bush was deadly quiet. There wasn't so much as a breeze rustling the leaves. All he could hear was his heart thumping. Should it be this quiet? he wondered. With so many pines, wattles and other exotics among the pittosporums and silver tree-ferns, there wouldn't, he knew, be much native wildlife--some tuis, gray warblers, fantails, and maybe the odd pukeko. But where were they? And the blackbirds, sparrows and other common birds? Surely there should be birdsong at this time of year?

In spite of the lack of wind, a chill swept over him. He realized in the same instant that the bush was unnaturally cool and dark despite the warmth of the early summer afternoon. There was something wrong--something terribly wrong. He could sense it in the air--a wrongness that was all but tangible. And the strange certainty of being watched had returned.

His eyes scanned the gloom in the rising ground on either side of the path. But there was no one there. Above the usual undergrowth he saw only trees, saplings, ferns and tree-ferns. Panic seized him by the throat. His next shout of Dreyfus's name came out in a strangled gasp and the gasp was cut off as a strong arm seized him from behind. At the same time a large hand clamped over his mouth; his head was dragged back against a brawny chest.

A voice hissed in his ear, "Shut up, you meddlesome young lout! You'll bring the whole neighborhood down."

Peter's first instinct was to bite the hand over his mouth. But he couldn't open his jaw wide enough--a huge thumb was pressed hard beneath his chin. He tried to struggle. But the arm clamped around him was unbelievably strong. It had both his own arms pinned down. In desperation he drove his heel into the man's shins. He had the satisfaction of hearing a hissing intake of breath. The man spat out a stream of foul language and threw Peter flat on his stomach.

His attacker's considerable weight on top of him drove the breath from his lungs. He managed to lift his head and open his mouth. But with all that pressure on his lungs he couldn't draw sufficient breath to yell.

A rag--dirty and smelly--was thrust into his open mouth. Pain jerked at his shoulders as his hands were yanked together and tied behind his back. Darkness fell as a sack was thrown over his head and he was bundled into it. The man slung the sack over his shoulders as though Peter weighed no more than a bag of potatoes.

Afterwards Peter realized his memory of the journey must have been faulty. Terror made it seem long--though he worked out it couldn't have been much more than five minutes. But he never forgot what a painfully bumpy--utterly terrifying--journey it was.

Towards the end they must have left the path, for Peter heard the rustle of the man pushing his way through the undergrowth. Without warning he was dumped on the ground. With ungentle hands the man pulled the sack off him and tied his legs together before retying his hands in front. With the same roughness he was picked up and dumped onto what felt like a wooden bench. Only then did Peter realize it was no longer dark. But the light--two flames hovering either side of his head--at first blinded him. Then he saw what the lights were: two thick black candles, so close he could feel their heat but couldn't see much beyond them.

He was aware of movement and a rustling sound behind one of the flames. Suddenly the man stood beside him, dressed in some type of dark flowing garment. He spoke quietly, gently--and for some reason this tone of voice was more menacing. "I think it's time to remove that gag. You won't scream now. My master wants to assess whether you're the One everyone's waiting for. The others aren't, but we know they're connected. If you are the One it'll be unfortunate for you because we'll have to detain you."

The significant pause made Peter's skin crawl with increasing terror.

A large hand hovered over his face. The gag was removed with such violence his head banged against the wood. He tried to scream but found he couldn't move, let alone open his mouth. The cave seemed to swim around him. The candles started to smoke. Their flames danced madly, growing larger and larger. The smoke wreathed itself around him like a mist. A stench like rotting meat filled his nostrils and with it his terror grew.

The man gave one loud cry: "Ready, Master!"

Peter then realized the reason for the stench. Paralyzed with fright, he saw a huge spider advancing towards him. He wasn't the type to be afraid of creepy-crawlies--as a small boy he had found them fascinating. But during a holiday in Australia he had been bitten by a spider and had nearly died. For years afterwards spiders had given him nightmares.

And this one stood higher than a man. One of its legs was at least equal in breadth to Peter's body. Its movements were slow--threateningly so--but not because it was too ponderous to move quickly. With terrible clarity, Peter was certain it could pounce faster than a flea could jump. The smoke from the candles entwined itself around the creature like a loving caress. Peter could only watch as the monster came closer and the odor grew stronger. As it stopped near him it seemed to Peter that something inside him snapped.

He opened his mouth and screamed.

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BIO: Laraine Anne Barker's THE LITTLE DRAGON WITHOUT FIRE won a short story competition in 1997 and THE OBSIDIAN QUEST was a YA finalist in the Dream Realm Awards 2001. SILVRANJA OF THE SILVER FOREST (still unpublished) was short-listed for the Tom Fitzgibbon Award 1997/98, when a comedy won.
THE OBSIDIAN QUEST, coming soon: http://www.hardshell.com/detail.asp?product_ID=0-7599-0498-7 THE LITTLE DRAGON WITHOUT FIRE: http://www.diskuspublishing.com/littledragon.html
Visit Laraine Barker at http://lbarker.orcon.net.nz/
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AD: Would you like to know when the next book by your favorite author is coming out? Or when and where you might be able to meet that author? Would you like to know when LTDBooks has some exciting news, great reviews or new releases? Drop by http://www.ltdbooks.com, sign up for the official newsletter and they'll send you a copy of LTDB Notes. LTDBooks – "The New World of Re@ding".
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QUICK TEASE: "DESERT DREAMS" by Gracie C. McKeever
PROLOGUE
Bedouin Encampment
Arabian Peninsula, Rub al-Khali – 18th Century

"Allah has forsaken you, Kane."

He heard the husky declaration as if from a great distance, glared at the sensual orifice from which his death sentence had just been emitted, saw her executioner's grin. Beautiful red lips curved into a wicked smile.

How could such lips--full, moist and capable of giving him so many of his first and only carnal pleasures--deliver such a lethal sentence? His death sentence, or very near, unless she decided to change her mind and spare him.

Sahir shook her exquisitely-shaped head, jet-black curls dancing around her face. She arched her lush eyebrows as if she knew what thoughts he harbored.

"You are aware of your error, djinni?"

Slowly, he nodded, loath to admit defeat as he had never done so. But yes, he was aware. More than aware that she could never be trusted.

I will not beg.

"Perhaps had you been able to do thus..."

Again, she had read his thoughts. She was more than wicked. She was a liar and a charlatan. And she had trapped him.

"You realize your mistake too late, Kane."

She uttered the words with such smooth elegance, his name rolling from her lips with traitorous familiarity, that it was easy for him to believe he had been moved by the sound so many times in the past, warmed to distraction by its promise.

By Allah, he would die before entrusting his title again!

Kane felt the storm raging outside, desert wind blowing and piling loose sand. But it was nothing to match the tempest raging through his veins, pooling in his chest and bringing the most precious pain.

He took a deep breath, held on tight to the ache, reveled in it, storing it for future reference. He wanted to remember this moment, his last few breaths of freedom.

"It is my wish that you will serve your next mawla as well as you have served me."

Sand pelted fala'if, drowning her sentiments and reminding Kane of the desert's random fury. He welcomed the intrusion, swallowing hints of the cool night air seeping in through the opened ruag.

"This is how you repay me," he murmured. "I granted you everything you asked."

"Yes." Sahir nodded and pierced him with a strange and grievous look that said he had insulted her. "And I you. It is an even trade."

There could be nothing to requite the loss of his freedom. No amount of mental or worldly wisdom could make this trade "even."

"I know that you do not understand why I do this but perhaps in time..."

"There will never come a time when I will understand." Kane fingered the small platinum pendant at his neck—a horse and rider—feeling his first real pangs of vulnerability since she had dared him, remembering his old enemy. His other enemy.

I trusted her!

"These are your crosses, Kane, this pride and devotion. They will be your downfall."

"You are teaching me a lesson?"

Sahir nodded. "The most important." She cleared her throat as she pulled her eyes from his fist encircling the pendant and began her pronouncement.

Kane gritted his teeth, barely heard her sealing his verdict.

One year or until such time when his new master saw fit to liberate him before his service was done.

It might as well have been an eternity.

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DESERT DREAMS by Gracie C. McKeever — ISBN (e) 1-931696-10-1 (p) 1-931696-89-6 — Paranormal Djinni Romance available in download (pdf or html) and print (trade paperback), and can be purchased direct from NovelBooks, Inc. at http://www.novelbooksinc.com for $2 off the Retail Price at $15.95 (paperback); $5.50 (download). Also Available from Amazon, B&N (brick-and-mortar stores by "special order" through Bowkers, just give the ISBN), Books-A-Million, Walmart.com, and distributed internationally through other major online booksellers.
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THIS ISSUE'S NEWSLETTER CONTEST:
This issue I'm offering, mint condition trade paperback, Keri Arthur's "Chasing The Shadows", the sequel to "Dancing with the Devil" and "Hearts in Darkness" – all three books vampire romances available from ImaJinn Books http://www.imajinnbooks.com … "Four wealthy women kidnapped. Three ransoms demanded and paid. Two bodies returned, mutilated and drained of blood. One man determined to avenge the wrongs of his past…" You know the drill, but just in case you don't. To enter for your chance to win, just send an e-mail with your name, address and e-mail address to g_mac10@yahoo.com with "Chasing The Shadows Contest" in the subject line. Contest runs until April 20, 2003. One entry per e-mail address, and per person. Refer a friend, however, (who e-mails me with his/her request to subscribe and naming you as their referral) to the newsletter before the deadline, and you get an additional entry. The more friends you refer, the more times you're entered. (Referred friend will automatically be entered in the current newsletter contest). Winner will be notified by e-mail, and mailing address will be confirmed. In the event chosen contestant does not respond within seven (7) days, another name will be drawn. I reserve the right to publish winner's name on my webpage(s) and in my newsletter.

January/February's 2003 Newsletter Contest Winner of one copy "Slow Hands": Debra Guyette of Connecticut.

Congrats, Debra, and hope you enjoy your prize!

GIVEAWAYS/GOOD DEALS/SHAMELESS PROMOTIONS:
"Read SHROUDED HEARTS by Cass Andre at no charge!
Bestselling, award-winning author, Cass Andre, has just released SHROUDED HEARTS, the sequel to VEILED HEARTS. If you thought Luke had woman troubles, wait until you see what Reed has put up with! Download SHROUDED HEARTS at www.booksbycass.com/shrouded.html
(formats available: doc, rtf, lit, html, kml, rb, pdf and a printable file)"

Do you like to read a chapter of a book before you buy it? Stop by Readers Read™ http://www.readersread.com/excerpts/ to read excerpts and first chapters from the newest books. Check back frequently.

Visit NovelBooks, Inc. Cyber Shops at http://www.cafepress.com/nbi where you'll find your favorite NBI cover (yes, Virginia, even Desert Dreams!) on a slew of different products—from tees and totes, to mousepads and mugs. You can also choose to purchase official NBI gear perfect for showing off to your friends or wearing out and about. Keep an eye out for new products and specials. And if you haven't so far been lucky enough to win one of the "Desert Dreams" prizes up for grabs in my previous contests, well then you might have to break down and BUY the gear. Did I mention, affordable gifts, just in time for…ANY time?

If you haven't checked it out yet, zip on over to Earthling Press http://www.earthling-press.com, your source of fine books in print. EP is an imprint of Awe-Struck E-Books, Inc. and brings to you the same great stories—and great giveaways and sales—from your favorite Awe-Struck Awe-thors…only in print! "Earthling Press—books from your home planet."

Stay informed about lots of your favorite writers in one monthly newsletter, and consider subscribing to Writerspace-News, where you'll be kept up-to-date on Janelle Denison, Jayne Ann Krentz, Elizabeth Lowell, Stella Cameron, Rachel Gibson, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Geralyn Dawson, Susan Wiggs, Diana Palmer, Marilyn Pappano and more. To subscribe, visit http://www.writerspace.com/news.html

Want to find out: What Science Fiction Romance is, anyway, and why does Science Fiction Romance deserve its own newsletter and website? Wellllll…you guessed it, another newsletter. But, if you're really into the genre and want to keep abreast of what's coming out and going on with your favorite sfr authors, then this newsletter IS a must (I know, that's what they all say).

The newsletter, which hosts the yearly SAPPHIRE AWARDS for the best works in the genre, has been in publication since 1993/1994 and has had an active website since 1996. They publish monthly in both email and paper formats. For subscriptions to the email newsletter, simply visit the site http://www.sfronline.com/
enter your email address where indicated. For subscriptions by mail, SASEs are required, so contact the editor, Jody Wallace, at editor@sfronline.com.

And along the same lines, try THE DREAM WEAVER – "For those who believe in the magic of dreams".
It's easier than ever to read the Dream Weaver online! www.earthlycharms.com/dreamweaver.htm
Or send a blank email: DreamWeaverNewsletter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com to subscribe and be automatically entered in the bi-monthly drawings.

ODDS AND ENDS:
Visit Gracie's Gallery http://hometown.aol.com/gwiz10/myhomepage/index.html and learn a little more about Gracie C. McKeever and her books. Peruse the links of interest for writers and readers. Enjoy the available articles, poems, short stories, novelettes and free book excerpts, and…Happy Reading!

Please feel free to share this newsletter (in its entirety and/or including the proper credits when/where necessary) with a friend or two...or a hundred! Encourage them to sign up. Or they can just drop me an e-mail expressing their wish to subscribe to the newsletter and I'll sign them up. Want to preview the newsletter and see if it's to your liking? Check out past issues of Gracie's Gazette at
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewnewsletter.asp?AuthorID=623

Thanks for subscribing and see you next issue!

GCM--
Two rules for life:
1) Don’t' tell people everything you know
2)