Coming from a music-loving culture like Trinidad & Tobago, music is as important to me as bake and shark – another Trini favorite. As I published in another post some time ago, the only musical invention of the twentieth century – the steelband – originated in Trinidad and Tobago and, like Carnival, has spread to other countries even as far away as Japan.
It’s only natural then that I should include music in my novels. Since the Egypt series is set in the 80s, the songs are those that were popular around that time period, as well as a few classical Christmas songs. So, here is my playlist from book 1, Coming Out of Egypt and a few lines about how it appears in the novel.
“Endless Love” by Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross
David took the napkin from her, and wiped off the ring. Then he placed a cassette into his tape deck and “Endless Love” filled the car. While the song played, he slipped the ring on her finger. “This, my dear, is my clumsy way of asking you to marry me. I love you, Cicely Stewart. I want you to be my wife.”
Memories of last night returned, along with the words of the song, “You will always be, my endless love.”
His rendition of “Endless Love,” accompanied by the orchestra would have moved her to tears if she didn’t glance at Miss Stewart’s face from time to time.
“Carry Your Candle” by Chris Rice
When Rose got to the chorus, Cicely joined in, “Carry your candle, Run to the darkness—”
Applause broke out, then faded as the children came up the aisle, each carrying a lantern and singing, “Carry your candle, run to the darkness …”
“Help me make it through the night” by Lord Baron
From her perfectly-styled hair down to her high-heeled sandals and everything in-between, she was gorgeous. The words of the song, “Help me make it through the night,” beautifully sung by a local calypsonian, popped into his mind.
“Midnight Blue” by Wendy Alleyne
The words of “Midnight Blue” spilled out softly. Marva’s hand trembled as she followed Jason’s action and pushed the knife into the cake. As the song reached the high note, “And I think we can make it,” Jason’s lips met hers in a brief, tender kiss.
“O Holy Night”
While Sheila complimented Cicely on her new curtains and decorations, her father and Fred went to the stereo, and soon the strains of O Holy Night filled the air.
Today I am writing about something that is a little bit different from the stuff I usually post to this blog. However, in case you didn’t know it, I am a therapist and have worked in behavioral health for many years, therefore, mental or behavioral health is important to me. If you have read any of my books, you will see that. So, what am I getting at? In addition to encouraging you to read more, I would also like to introduce you to another form of relaxation – coloring. And what better way to do so than with mandalas?
Mandalas are said to have originated in India for religious purposes. Some religions still use mandalas for meditation and in their rituals. In recent times, coloring mandalas has become very popular as a therapeutic activity. It is believed that the repetitive movements of coloring the geometrical shapes cause the mind to focus on the activity and get rid of anxiety.
I have found this to be true when I did this with my patients, and while they colored, I frequently engaged myself in coloring as well. At the end of the session I felt relaxed, energized and refreshed, and my patients reported similar feelings. So, coloring is not for children or adults with mental illness, but for everyone. It’s a good stress buster, relaxer and helps bring out your creative side. So why not give your body and your brain a boost by coloring these mandalas?
Access your mandala book by clicking on the link below and enjoy hours of fun and relaxation.
The Clan of the Wolf, Book 2
Historical Romance, Native American Romance
Date Published: June 2018
Publisher: PK&J Publishing
Amazon: http://a.co/d/75gcUSO
He saved her life, then stole her heart….
To escape an arranged marriage, Mia Carlson, daughter of a U.S. senator, instead elopes with the man she loves. As they are escaping from her Virginia home, heading west, their wagon train is brutally attacked, leaving Mia alone and in grave danger. Rescue comes from a most unlikely source, a passing Lakota scouting party, led by the darkly handsome Indian, Brave Wolf.
Although Brave Wolf has consented to guide Mia to the nearest trading post, he holds himself apart from her, for his commitments lie elsewhere. But long days on the trail lead to a deep connection with the red-haired beauty. Yet, he can’t stop wondering why death and danger stalk this beautiful woman, forcing him to rescue her time and again. Who is doing this, and why?
One thing is clear, however: Amid the flurry of dodging assassin bullets, Brave Wolf and Mia come into possession of a powerful love. But is it all for naught? Will Brave Wolf’s obligations and Mia’s secret enemy from the past finally succeed in the sinister plot to destroy their love forever?
Warning: Sensuous romance and cameo appearances of Tahiska and Kristina from the book, Lakota Surrender, might cause a happily-ever-after to warm your heart.
When I began writing Coming Out of Egypt sixteen years ago, I never dreamed that sexual assault, the book’s subject matter, would be so much in the news today. But it is, and women from all walks of life are coming forward to tell their stories and they are inspiring others to do so. Does that mean that sexual assault will go away completely? I don’t thinks so, but it may deter some would-be perpetrators from carrying out these vicious acts.
Coming Out of Egypt is set in the 1980s, a time when such things were only whispered about. The protagonist is seventeen-year-old Marva who, along with her younger sister June, was sexually abused by their father. As with most sexual assault victims, the girls were too ashamed to tell anyone what they were being subjected to. One night, unable to take it anymore, Marva killed her father. This is where the story begins.
I am still amazed at the timeliness of this story and I think you will be too. Also, the psychological traits displayed by sexual abuse victims are well portrayed in these characters. But despite the disturbing subject matter, there is much light-hearted content to balance those agonizing moments:
June and her penchant for attracting boys; the passionate romance between Cicely and David; the vivid descriptions of the exotic setting and most of all, the redemptive message that unfolds as a flower (according to one reviewer) throughout the book.
Here is what some reviewers are saying about Coming Out of Egypt:
Solid book. Well written. Important topic. Engaging characters – CM
Coming Out of Egypt is a story of survival that grips your attention from beginning to end.- Eunice Matchett
The story of abuse in any form is hard to read, but more, when it is incest by a trusted parent. Who do you turn to when there is no one to turn to when a relationship goes wrong? God! This story shows what it looks like when the trust in a relationship is gone and there is no one to whom you can turn. Through many different relationships and through many different eyes we see how this walk looks and possibly feels. We are never alone or forsaken. – Titagee
If you would like to judge for yourself if what these readers said is true, why don’t you get a copy for yourself? Just click on the image below.
Coming from a music-loving culture like Trinidad & Tobago, music is as important to me as bake and shark – another Trini favorite. As I published in another post some time ago, the only musical invention of the twentieth century – the steelband – originated in Trinidad and Tobago and, like Carnival, has spread to other countries even as far away as Japan. 
