Astraea Press’ Valentine’s Day Short Story Anthology

Astraea Press Valentine’s Day Short Story Anthology

A challenge was made: write a short story of around 5000 words that incorporates love and diamonds. Using their varied talents and creativity, fifteen Astraea Press authors were up for the task.

These are their stories…

Sherry Gloag “Queen of Diamonds”

Will Sybil’s future be determined by diamonds?

Sherry Gloag writes to The Heart of Romance http://sherrygloagtheheartofromance.blogspot.co.uk/

Patricia Kiyono “Operation Rhombus”

Can a forgetful math teacher find the right formula for love?

Patty is a retired elementary teacher who likes to write about the places she’s visited. http://patriciakiyono.com

Heather Gray “Even When It Hurts”

Will he help her…even when it hurts?

Heather loves coffee, her family, God, and writing – not necessarily in that order. http://www.heathergraywriting.com

Kathy Bosman “The Engagement Ring”

Could the object of Rosalee’s pain bring hope and healing?

Kathy writes tender romance in Africa. http://www.kathybosman.com

Jennifer Rae Gravely “Love and Diamonds”

He struck out the first time.

Jennifer writes sweet Southern romance and coaches volleyball, her teams having won 5 state titles in South Carolina. www.facebook.com/JenniferRaeGravely

J. L. Salter “No Love, No Diamonds: The Story I Couldn’t Write”

Is that muscular man digging a mysterious hole next door just a distraction from Susan’s romantic story submission deadline, or could handsome Randy be her story?

Novelist; poet; retired librarian; veteran; former photo-journalist; husband; father; grandfather http://www.amazon.com/J.L.-Salter/e/B00D4F1YTE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1390835362&sr=1-1

Amy Mullen “The Flood”

Sparks fly as the water rises.

Amy Mullen dreams of castles, knights, and interesting ladies – and the writes stories about them. www.authoramymullen.com

Vivian Roycroft “Treasure Hunt”

Men don’t do romance worth a hoot. Women don’t do adventure…, that is, not until challenged.

Vivian Roycroft is a pseudonym for historical fiction and adventure writer J. Gunnar Grey. And if she’s not careful, her pseudonymous pseudonym will have its own pseudonym soon, too. http://taketwoonromance.weebly.com/vivians-blog.html

Liz Botts “Delusions of Love”

Love can make you crazy.

Liz writes YA and adult contemporary romance while homeschooling her three kids in Northern Illinois. www.lizbotts.com

Zanna Mackenzie “One Of These Days”

Is losing something precious about to turn Megan’s world upside down?

Zanna writes contemporary, escapist romance, designed to make you smile. www.zannamackenzie.blogspot.co.uk

E.A. West “The Heart of Africa”

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend… unless they’re bloody.

E.A. West is an author providing journeys of hope, one story at a time. http://eawest.mcphitty.com

Brenda Maxfield “Meet Me in the Copy Room”

Beware when your ex returns to charm you!

Brenda Maxfield writes smart and sassy teen reads. http://www.brendamaxfield.com

Kelly Martin “The Best Catch”

One man. His Boat. And the woman of his dreams.

Kelly Martin writes dark inspirational YA fiction. https://www.facebook.com/KellyMartinAuthor

Kristine Cheney “Facets of the Heart”

A Jewel Heist had Never Gone So…Right

Kristine Cheney is a best-selling author of contemporary & inspirational romance www.kristinecheney.com

Nicole Zoltack “All for Love”

Can revenge ever bring back your love?

Nicole Zoltack writes speculative romances for young adults to adults. http://www.facebook.com/AuthorNicoleZoltack

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00I9MR450

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-and-diamonds-astraea-press-authors/1118588769?ean=2940148209317

Astraea Press: http://astraeapress.com/#!/~/product/category=662245&id=33538033

Valentine Day Ramblings

Hello Everyone! I hope all is well with you! Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s that day when you do something special for the ones you love.  As I write this post, I think back on all the Valentine’s Days in my past. I remember in High School we used to buy roses from the student council and give them to that special someone.  It was something we looked forward to on a cold, snowy day.

Now, I enjoy getting a card from my hubby and I enjoy giving him one. But the real joy I feel is when I go to my kids’ Valentine’s parties. They are so excited!  And I remember the feeling I got when I was a youngster and I would go to my school party. Beforehand, I carefully selected the perfect Valentine for each friend and signed my name on the back. I carried them to school with an air of anticipation, excited to give as well as receive.

As I think about all of this, memories of my childhood parade through my brain. I remember playing kick the can with the neighborhood kids until it was too dark to see. I grew up in a small town and there was no fear of abductions or strangers walking in the dark. Everyone knew everyone else.

I smile as I think about where my “kick the can” friends are now.  Some still live in the same small town and others have scattered to the four corners of the Earth. I wonder what they’re doing now. And I hope their lives are everything they hoped they would be.

As I dwell on these thoughts, I wish for those simpler times when we didn’t have to lock our doors at night. Now, I won’t let my kids run around the neighborhood in the dark without me or my hubby being there.

I loved growing up in a small town until my teens when I found the familiarity all too oppressive. Everyone knew everyone else’s business. I felt suffocated and had the itch to leave.  I did leave and moved to a bigger city and I’m glad I did. I’ve experienced more things and accomplished more things than I would have if I had stayed.

I look at my kids and I hope that I’m creating happy memories for them. I want them to look back on their lives with joy and contentment. I know they’ll have struggles like we all do, but I hope they’re few and far between. 🙂 I hope they have a lot of good “kick the can” memories like I do.

Who would’ve thought that Valentine’s Day would’ve sparked a trip down memory lane? Thanks for stopping by and if you’d like to share some of your own “kick the can” moments, feel free to do so! I’d love to hear from you!