Showing posts with label Tina Pinson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tina Pinson. Show all posts
Saturday, 1 December 2012
Author Spotlight - Excerpt from "Shadowed Dreams"
We hope you've enjoyed Tina's week in the spotlight. Leave a comment today, Saturday, Sunday along with your email address and we'll pick one winner to receive a PDF copy of one of Tina's books.
Enjoy the Excerpt!
Smiles
Moderator Steph
Caroline finally made it out of the store after wrestling herself free, and all but slammed the door behind her. She tugged her dress into place with a 'humph'. "Doesn't anyone know how to fix anything here?"
Her diatribe of complaints continued outside as she nearly tripped on a loose slat, and maneuvered around a couple of men who forced her to the outer edge of the walk. She continued toward the hotel, hugging the outer posts when she could. "I see manners are lacking here as well."
She was so busy mumbling complaints to herself she didn't notice anyone else on the walk. It was too late by the time she did. She ran into a man. It felt like she hit a brick wall.
Unbalanced, she teetered, grasping for air, and fell off the walk. She found herself deposited face down in the muddy street. She righted herself quickly, and sat there stunned and fuming. Her hat was down on her forehead. She pushed it back, and with clawed fingers dragged the mud from her eyes, then wiped the mud from her face, which only added more mud.
An open hand slipped into her limited field of vision. "Let me help you." There were some gentlemen here, evidently. She started to accept until he added, "Sorry about this. Didn’t mean to knock you off the walk."
She snatched her hand back. This man, the one with whom she collided, was trying to offer her assistance. "How dare you? You weren't watching where you were going!"
Caroline renewed the attack at the mud on her face with the backs of her hands.
"Ma'am, honest, I'm really sorry but..."
It was a good thing he stopped talking, because it sounded like he was going to blame the entire situation on her.
"There are no buts about it. You ought to be sorry! Just look what you've done! Do you realize how much this dress cost?" Muddy tears filled her eyes. Caroline lifted her arms from the mud. The sleeves, weighted and wet, hung heavily, like muddy flags in the air. She flapped them. "Look at this mess you've made!"
"Can't comment much on the dress, ma'am. But it was you who ran into me. I'd be happy to help you." He stepped behind her, reaching down for her, and caught her under the arms and began to lift.
Caroline craned her head back to look at the stranger. He had soft and strangely familiar blue eyes. He was even somewhat handsome.
But he was dirty.
The buckskin britches and the shirt he wore were filthy and sweat-stained. He looked like he hadn't seen water in weeks.
Caroline continued her rant as she flapped her arms. "How dare you touch me? Remove your filthy hands from me this instant!"
"I daresay my hands are a heck of a lot cleaner than you are right now, ma'am." He smiled. She noted he had nice white teeth, and a little dimple playing just to left of his lips. "Besides, I doubt you want me to let you go right now."
"I do." Caroline stiffened her legs, and used her dead weight against him. Tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Ma'am, you're in a precarious position."
"Only because you're touching me." Nice eyes, bright smile, and dimple aside. "I don't want your foul hands on me! Now let me go!"
"Whatever you say." The stranger shook his head. "Tsk, tsk, as you wish." He let go of her. She flopped back into the mud, making a sploshing sound when she landed.
"How dare you! How dare you!" She kicked her legs and screamed, like a two-year-old having a tantrum.
******
Tina Pinson resides in Mesa, Arizona with her husband of thirty plus years, Danny. They are blessed to have three sons, and six grandchildren with another on the way.
Tina started her writing in elementary school. Her love of writing has caused her to seek creative outlets be it writing poetry, songs, or stories. Her WWII story Trail of the Sandpiper won third place in the Genesis in 2003. In the Manor of the Ghost and Touched By Mercy and When Shadows Fall Book 1 in the Shadows Series are available through Desert Breeze Publishers.
To Catch a Shadow the next installment of the Shadow Series about the civil war and the Oregon Trail, will be available, June 2013. To Carry her Cross will be available January 2013 and Then There was Grace a Sept 9/11 type story will be available Sept. 2013 and Christmas in Shades of Gray an offbeat Dickens type tale releases December 2013.
Blurb:
Matthew has braved the war and near death with one thought in mind… Rebekah. He won her hand in marriage, and now he has a few short months to make her see how much he loves her. How much he needs her. Given the wall she's put up between them, he prays he'll have enough time.
After fleeing the war, Rebekah is determined to go west to Oregon, only to be turned down when she tries to join the train. Matthew's proposal of marriage, in name only to help her west, becomes the miracle she needs. Loving him as she does, she dreads the idea of letting him go once they reach Oregon, but how can she ask him to stay with her, to love her? How could he love her once he's found out her secret? She must guard her heart and his.
My website -- http://www.tinapinson.com/
Twitter:@Tina_Pinson
Facebook-- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754617103
Purchase my books at:
Desert Breeze Bookstore.
When Shadows Fall
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
Shadowed Dreams
Amazon:
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams
Barnes & Noble
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams
Christian Books Distributors
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Tina E. Pinson--
Touched By Mercy, In the Manor of the Ghost, When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams Twitter @Tina_Pinson My Website, My Blog
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD... " Jer. 29:11
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Author Spotlight - 1863 in History
Here is a list of some of the things that happened during the time Matthew and Rebekah's took their trip to Oregon.
Remember the Civil War was still being fought and there were several battles during this times as well.
I didn’t list them all.
May 1st - Battle of Chancellorsville, VA (29,000 injured or died)
May 1st - Confederate congress passed resolution to kill black soldiers
May 2nd - Stonewall Jackson attacks Chancellorsville, wounded by his own men
May 5th - Joe Coburn KOs Mike McCoole for US boxing title in 63rd round
May 8th - Confederación Granadina becomes Estados Unidos de Colombia
May 16th - Battle of Champion's Hill, MS-bloodiest action of Vicksburg Campaign
May 19th - Siege of Vicksburg, investment of city complete
Jun 2nd - Harriet Tubman leads Union guerrillas into Maryland, freeing slaves
Jun 5th - CSS "Alabama" captures "Tailsman" in Mid Atlantic
Jun 7th - Mexico City captured by French troops
Jun 10th - Battle of Brice's Crossroads, Miss; Nathan Bedford Forrest w/3500 defeats 8000 Feds
Jun 13th - Samuel Butler publishes 1st part of "Erewhon," Christchurch, NZ
Jun 17th - Travelers Insurance Co of Hartford chartered (1st accident insurer)
Jun 20th - 1st bank chartered in US (National Bank of Davenport Iowa)
Jun 20th - West Virginia admitted as 35th US state
Jun 25th - US General George Meade replaces General Hooker to be more aggressive
Jun 29th - George A Custer (23) appointed Union Brig-general
Jun 29th - Lee orders his forces to concentrate near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Jun 29th - Very 1st First National Bank opens in Davenport, Iowa
Jun 30th - Dutch colony Suriname counts population of 33,000 slaves
Jul 1st - Battle of Gettysburg, Pa; Lee's northward advance halted
Jul 1st - Free city delivery of mail begins in 49 US cities; postage 3 cents per oz
Jul 1st - Slavery abolished in Suriname & Netherlands Antilles
Jul 3rd - Battle of Gettysburg Pa ends, major victory for North
Jul 4th - Boise, Idaho founded (now capital of Idaho)
Jul 4th - General Lee's army withdraws from Gettysburg
Jul 6th - Northern Territory passes from New South Wales to South Australia
Jul 7th - 1st military draft by US (exemptions cost $100)
Jul 7th - Orders barring Jews from serving under US Grant are revoked
Jul 11th - Japanese battle cruiser shoots at Dutch warship Medusa, kills 4
Jul 13th - Anti-draft mobs lynch blacks in NYC; about 1,000 die
Jul 14th - Jews of Holstein Germany granted equality
Jul 15th - Pres Davis orders service duty for confederate army
Jul 16th - Utrecht-Swells railway opens
Jul 17th - Battle of Honey Springs - largest battle in Indian Territory
Jul 30th - Pres Lincoln issues "eye-for-eye" order to shoot a rebel prisoner for every black prisoner shot
Jul 30th - Indian Wars: Chief Pocatello of the Shoshone tribe signs the Treaty of Box Elder, promising to stop harassing the emigrant trails in southern Idaho and northern Utah
Aug 3rd - Governor Seymour asks Lincoln to suspend draft in NY
Aug 3rd - Saratoga Racetrack (NY) opens
Aug 8th - American Civil War: Tennessee's "military" Governor Andrew Johnson frees his personal slaves. During the early 20th century, the day was celebrated by blacks in Tennessee as a holiday.
Aug 11th - Cambodia becomes French protectorate
Aug 12th - 1st cargo of lumber leaves Burrard Inlet (Vancouver, BC area)
Aug 15th - Submarine "HL Hunley" arrives in Charleston on railroad cars
Aug 15th - The Anglo-Satsuma War begins between the Satsuma Domain of Japan and the United Kingdom (Traditional Japanese date: July 2, 1863).
Aug 16th - Emancipation Proclamation signed
Sep 1st - RR & ferry connection between SF & Oakland inaugurated
Sep 5th - Bread revolt in Mobile Alabama
Sep 10th - George Bizets opera "Les Pêcheurs de Perles," premieres in Paris
Oct 3rd - Lincoln designates last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day
Oct 5th - Confederate sub David damages Union ship Ironsides.
Oct 6th - Dr Charles H Sheppard opens 1st public bath, in Brooklyn
Oct 15th - Cliff House opens in SF (1st of many on site)
Oct 16th - Grant is given command of Union forces in West VA
Oct 26th - Soccer rules standardized; rugby starts as a separate game
Oct 26th - Worldwide Red Cross organized in Geneva
Oct 26th - Football Association forms in England, standardizing soccer
Oct 27th - Dutch railway to Harlingen opens
Oct 29th - Intl Comm of Red Cross forms (Nobel 1917, 1944, 1963)
Oct 31st - The Maori Wars resumed as British forces in New Zealand led by General Duncan Cameron began their Invasion of the
Nov 17th - Lincoln begins 1st draft of his Gettysburg Address
Nov 19th - Lincoln delivers his address in Gettysburg; "4 score & 7 years..."
Nov 23rd - Patent granted for a process of making color photographs
Dec 4th - Storm flood ravages Nethe coastal provinces
Dec 8th - 2,500 reported killed as result of fire at Jesuit Church of La Compana Santiago Chile
Dec 8th - Abraham Lincoln's Amnesty Proclamation and plan for Reconstruction of South
Dec 15th - Romania is using for the first time a mountain railway (from Anina to Oravita)
******
Tina Pinson resides in Mesa, Arizona with her husband of thirty plus years, Danny. They are blessed to have three sons, and six grandchildren with another on the way.
Tina started her writing in elementary school. Her love of writing has caused her to seek creative outlets be it writing poetry, songs, or stories. Her WWII story Trail of the Sandpiper won third place in the Genesis in 2003. In the Manor of the Ghost and Touched By Mercy and When Shadows Fall Book 1 in the Shadows Series are available through Desert Breeze Publishers.
To Catch a Shadow the next installment of the Shadow Series about the civil war and the Oregon Trail, will be available, June 2013. To Carry her Cross will be available January 2013 and Then There was Grace a Sept 9/11 type story will be available Sept. 2013 and Christmas in Shades of Gray an offbeat Dickens type tale releases December 2013.
Blurb:
Matthew has braved the war and near death with one thought in mind… Rebekah. He won her hand in marriage, and now he has a few short months to make her see how much he loves her. How much he needs her. Given the wall she's put up between them, he prays he'll have enough time.
After fleeing the war, Rebekah is determined to go west to Oregon, only to be turned down when she tries to join the train. Matthew's proposal of marriage, in name only to help her west, becomes the miracle she needs. Loving him as she does, she dreads the idea of letting him go once they reach Oregon, but how can she ask him to stay with her, to love her? How could he love her once he's found out her secret? She must guard her heart and his.
My website -- http://www.tinapinson.com/
Twitter:@Tina_Pinson
Facebook-- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754617103
Purchase my books at:
Desert Breeze Bookstore.
When Shadows Fall
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
Shadowed Dreams
Amazon:
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams
Barnes & Noble
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams
Christian Books Distributors
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Tina E. Pinson--
Touched By Mercy, In the Manor of the Ghost, When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams Twitter @Tina_Pinson My Website, My Blog
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD... " Jer. 29:11
Remember the Civil War was still being fought and there were several battles during this times as well.
I didn’t list them all.
May 1st - Battle of Chancellorsville, VA (29,000 injured or died)
May 1st - Confederate congress passed resolution to kill black soldiers
May 2nd - Stonewall Jackson attacks Chancellorsville, wounded by his own men
May 5th - Joe Coburn KOs Mike McCoole for US boxing title in 63rd round
May 8th - Confederación Granadina becomes Estados Unidos de Colombia
May 16th - Battle of Champion's Hill, MS-bloodiest action of Vicksburg Campaign
May 19th - Siege of Vicksburg, investment of city complete
Jun 2nd - Harriet Tubman leads Union guerrillas into Maryland, freeing slaves
Jun 5th - CSS "Alabama" captures "Tailsman" in Mid Atlantic
Jun 7th - Mexico City captured by French troops
Jun 10th - Battle of Brice's Crossroads, Miss; Nathan Bedford Forrest w/3500 defeats 8000 Feds
Jun 13th - Samuel Butler publishes 1st part of "Erewhon," Christchurch, NZ
Jun 17th - Travelers Insurance Co of Hartford chartered (1st accident insurer)
Jun 20th - 1st bank chartered in US (National Bank of Davenport Iowa)
Jun 20th - West Virginia admitted as 35th US state
Jun 25th - US General George Meade replaces General Hooker to be more aggressive
Jun 29th - George A Custer (23) appointed Union Brig-general
Jun 29th - Lee orders his forces to concentrate near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Jun 29th - Very 1st First National Bank opens in Davenport, Iowa
Jun 30th - Dutch colony Suriname counts population of 33,000 slaves
Jul 1st - Battle of Gettysburg, Pa; Lee's northward advance halted
Jul 1st - Free city delivery of mail begins in 49 US cities; postage 3 cents per oz
Jul 1st - Slavery abolished in Suriname & Netherlands Antilles
Jul 3rd - Battle of Gettysburg Pa ends, major victory for North
Jul 4th - Boise, Idaho founded (now capital of Idaho)
Jul 4th - General Lee's army withdraws from Gettysburg
Jul 6th - Northern Territory passes from New South Wales to South Australia
Jul 7th - 1st military draft by US (exemptions cost $100)
Jul 7th - Orders barring Jews from serving under US Grant are revoked
Jul 11th - Japanese battle cruiser shoots at Dutch warship Medusa, kills 4
Jul 13th - Anti-draft mobs lynch blacks in NYC; about 1,000 die
Jul 14th - Jews of Holstein Germany granted equality
Jul 15th - Pres Davis orders service duty for confederate army
Jul 16th - Utrecht-Swells railway opens
Jul 17th - Battle of Honey Springs - largest battle in Indian Territory
Jul 30th - Pres Lincoln issues "eye-for-eye" order to shoot a rebel prisoner for every black prisoner shot
Jul 30th - Indian Wars: Chief Pocatello of the Shoshone tribe signs the Treaty of Box Elder, promising to stop harassing the emigrant trails in southern Idaho and northern Utah
Aug 3rd - Governor Seymour asks Lincoln to suspend draft in NY
Aug 3rd - Saratoga Racetrack (NY) opens
Aug 8th - American Civil War: Tennessee's "military" Governor Andrew Johnson frees his personal slaves. During the early 20th century, the day was celebrated by blacks in Tennessee as a holiday.
Aug 11th - Cambodia becomes French protectorate
Aug 12th - 1st cargo of lumber leaves Burrard Inlet (Vancouver, BC area)
Aug 15th - Submarine "HL Hunley" arrives in Charleston on railroad cars
Aug 15th - The Anglo-Satsuma War begins between the Satsuma Domain of Japan and the United Kingdom (Traditional Japanese date: July 2, 1863).
Aug 16th - Emancipation Proclamation signed
Sep 1st - RR & ferry connection between SF & Oakland inaugurated
Sep 5th - Bread revolt in Mobile Alabama
Sep 10th - George Bizets opera "Les Pêcheurs de Perles," premieres in Paris
Oct 3rd - Lincoln designates last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day
Oct 5th - Confederate sub David damages Union ship Ironsides.
Oct 6th - Dr Charles H Sheppard opens 1st public bath, in Brooklyn
Oct 15th - Cliff House opens in SF (1st of many on site)
Oct 16th - Grant is given command of Union forces in West VA
Oct 26th - Soccer rules standardized; rugby starts as a separate game
Oct 26th - Worldwide Red Cross organized in Geneva
Oct 26th - Football Association forms in England, standardizing soccer
Oct 27th - Dutch railway to Harlingen opens
Oct 29th - Intl Comm of Red Cross forms (Nobel 1917, 1944, 1963)
Oct 31st - The Maori Wars resumed as British forces in New Zealand led by General Duncan Cameron began their Invasion of the
Nov 17th - Lincoln begins 1st draft of his Gettysburg Address
Nov 19th - Lincoln delivers his address in Gettysburg; "4 score & 7 years..."
Nov 23rd - Patent granted for a process of making color photographs
Dec 4th - Storm flood ravages Nethe coastal provinces
Dec 8th - 2,500 reported killed as result of fire at Jesuit Church of La Compana Santiago Chile
Dec 8th - Abraham Lincoln's Amnesty Proclamation and plan for Reconstruction of South
Dec 15th - Romania is using for the first time a mountain railway (from Anina to Oravita)
******
Tina Pinson resides in Mesa, Arizona with her husband of thirty plus years, Danny. They are blessed to have three sons, and six grandchildren with another on the way.
Tina started her writing in elementary school. Her love of writing has caused her to seek creative outlets be it writing poetry, songs, or stories. Her WWII story Trail of the Sandpiper won third place in the Genesis in 2003. In the Manor of the Ghost and Touched By Mercy and When Shadows Fall Book 1 in the Shadows Series are available through Desert Breeze Publishers.
To Catch a Shadow the next installment of the Shadow Series about the civil war and the Oregon Trail, will be available, June 2013. To Carry her Cross will be available January 2013 and Then There was Grace a Sept 9/11 type story will be available Sept. 2013 and Christmas in Shades of Gray an offbeat Dickens type tale releases December 2013.
Blurb:
Matthew has braved the war and near death with one thought in mind… Rebekah. He won her hand in marriage, and now he has a few short months to make her see how much he loves her. How much he needs her. Given the wall she's put up between them, he prays he'll have enough time.
After fleeing the war, Rebekah is determined to go west to Oregon, only to be turned down when she tries to join the train. Matthew's proposal of marriage, in name only to help her west, becomes the miracle she needs. Loving him as she does, she dreads the idea of letting him go once they reach Oregon, but how can she ask him to stay with her, to love her? How could he love her once he's found out her secret? She must guard her heart and his.
My website -- http://www.tinapinson.com/
Twitter:@Tina_Pinson
Facebook-- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754617103
Purchase my books at:
Desert Breeze Bookstore.
When Shadows Fall
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
Shadowed Dreams
Amazon:
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams
Barnes & Noble
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams
Christian Books Distributors
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Tina E. Pinson--
Touched By Mercy, In the Manor of the Ghost, When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams Twitter @Tina_Pinson My Website, My Blog
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD... " Jer. 29:11
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Author Spotlight - Food on the Oregon Trail
Now that we've dined on Thanksgiving dinner and started the hunt for Christmas gifts by hitting all the after Thanksgiving sales, I thought we might take a look at where those on the Oregon Trail might do their shopping.
Of course many of them hoped to over the mountains and into Oregon before the snows came, so they wouldn't be out looking for Christmas gifts, but they did have to stop at some of the towns and Forts along the way to replenish supplies.
As you know, those traveling on the trail loaded their wagons with many of their supplies for the trip. Early guidebooks advocated teach emigrant carry 200 pounds of flour, 150 pounds of bacon, 10 pounds of coffee, 20 pounds of sugar, and 10 pounds of salt. Basic kitchenware was a cooking kettle, fry pan, coffee pot, tin plates, cups, knives, and forks.
A daily menu might consist of the following: for breakfast, coffee, bacon, dry or pilot bread; for dinner, coffee, cold beans, bacon or buffalo meat; for supper, tea, boiled rice, and dried beef or codfish'. Because of the inability to carry fresh fruits and vegetables, scurvy became a big problem on the trail.
Dairy was usually gathered from the family cow or goat that traveled with the wagon.
Early on those who traveled the trail didn't have as many places to stop. They relied on the good graces of the Indians, and mountain men who passed. They caught fresh meat to add to their stores of grains and dried vegetables.
By the time Matthew and Rebekah joined the wagon train in 1863, they still had to make sure they loaded their wagons with many of the staples they might need and they might trade with Indians, trappers and mountain men along the way. But a few towns and Forts had sprung up along the trail where they could stop and replenish their stores if necessary.
Sometimes, due to high pricing, it was better not to stop at some of the stores and continue on to the next town or Fort. At the forts, like Kearney and Laramie, they not only found a place to rest with some protection, they were able to trade with several traders and tribes that came to the fort to sell their wares as well.
If the travelers had the chance to restock, they certainly tried because it could be weeks for before they reached another place with the necessities they might need.
It was most important how they stored their food and how they used it. They lived by the adage 'waste not, want not'.
We on the other hand, load up our refrigerators and freezers, we stock our pantries with dried good and canned goods, and when we run out of something, we get in our car, and drive a couple mile in any direction and run into a grocery store.
Thinking of your all the foodstuffs in your house. If you had to take a trip across country without a cooler, without the stores to stop at, and could only take 2500 pounds on your wagon, what would carry?
******
Tina Pinson resides in Mesa, Arizona with her husband of thirty plus years, Danny. They are blessed to have three sons, and six grandchildren with another on the way.
Tina started her writing in elementary school. Her love of writing has caused her to seek creative outlets be it writing poetry, songs, or stories. Her WWII story Trail of the Sandpiper won third place in the Genesis in 2003. In the Manor of the Ghost and Touched By Mercy and When Shadows Fall Book 1 in the Shadows Series are available through Desert Breeze Publishers.
To Catch a Shadow the next installment of the Shadow Series about the civil war and the Oregon Trail, will be available, June 2013. To Carry her Cross will be available January 2013 and Then There was Grace a Sept 9/11 type story will be available Sept. 2013 and Christmas in Shades of Gray an offbeat Dickens type tale releases December 2013.
Blurb:
Matthew has braved the war and near death with one thought in mind… Rebekah. He won her hand in marriage, and now he has a few short months to make her see how much he loves her. How much he needs her. Given the wall she's put up between them, he prays he'll have enough time.
After fleeing the war, Rebekah is determined to go west to Oregon, only to be turned down when she tries to join the train. Matthew's proposal of marriage, in name only to help her west, becomes the miracle she needs. Loving him as she does, she dreads the idea of letting him go once they reach Oregon, but how can she ask him to stay with her, to love her? How could he love her once he's found out her secret? She must guard her heart and his.
My website -- http://www.tinapinson.com/
Twitter:@Tina_Pinson
Facebook-- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754617103
Purchase my books at:
Desert Breeze Bookstore.
When Shadows Fall
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
Shadowed Dreams
Amazon:
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams
Barnes & Noble
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams
Christian Books Distributors
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Tina E. Pinson--
Touched By Mercy, In the Manor of the Ghost, When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams Twitter @Tina_Pinson My Website, My Blog
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD... " Jer. 29:11
Of course many of them hoped to over the mountains and into Oregon before the snows came, so they wouldn't be out looking for Christmas gifts, but they did have to stop at some of the towns and Forts along the way to replenish supplies.
As you know, those traveling on the trail loaded their wagons with many of their supplies for the trip. Early guidebooks advocated teach emigrant carry 200 pounds of flour, 150 pounds of bacon, 10 pounds of coffee, 20 pounds of sugar, and 10 pounds of salt. Basic kitchenware was a cooking kettle, fry pan, coffee pot, tin plates, cups, knives, and forks.
A daily menu might consist of the following: for breakfast, coffee, bacon, dry or pilot bread; for dinner, coffee, cold beans, bacon or buffalo meat; for supper, tea, boiled rice, and dried beef or codfish'. Because of the inability to carry fresh fruits and vegetables, scurvy became a big problem on the trail.
Dairy was usually gathered from the family cow or goat that traveled with the wagon.
Early on those who traveled the trail didn't have as many places to stop. They relied on the good graces of the Indians, and mountain men who passed. They caught fresh meat to add to their stores of grains and dried vegetables.
By the time Matthew and Rebekah joined the wagon train in 1863, they still had to make sure they loaded their wagons with many of the staples they might need and they might trade with Indians, trappers and mountain men along the way. But a few towns and Forts had sprung up along the trail where they could stop and replenish their stores if necessary.
Sometimes, due to high pricing, it was better not to stop at some of the stores and continue on to the next town or Fort. At the forts, like Kearney and Laramie, they not only found a place to rest with some protection, they were able to trade with several traders and tribes that came to the fort to sell their wares as well.
If the travelers had the chance to restock, they certainly tried because it could be weeks for before they reached another place with the necessities they might need.
It was most important how they stored their food and how they used it. They lived by the adage 'waste not, want not'.
We on the other hand, load up our refrigerators and freezers, we stock our pantries with dried good and canned goods, and when we run out of something, we get in our car, and drive a couple mile in any direction and run into a grocery store.
Thinking of your all the foodstuffs in your house. If you had to take a trip across country without a cooler, without the stores to stop at, and could only take 2500 pounds on your wagon, what would carry?
******
Tina Pinson resides in Mesa, Arizona with her husband of thirty plus years, Danny. They are blessed to have three sons, and six grandchildren with another on the way.
Tina started her writing in elementary school. Her love of writing has caused her to seek creative outlets be it writing poetry, songs, or stories. Her WWII story Trail of the Sandpiper won third place in the Genesis in 2003. In the Manor of the Ghost and Touched By Mercy and When Shadows Fall Book 1 in the Shadows Series are available through Desert Breeze Publishers.
To Catch a Shadow the next installment of the Shadow Series about the civil war and the Oregon Trail, will be available, June 2013. To Carry her Cross will be available January 2013 and Then There was Grace a Sept 9/11 type story will be available Sept. 2013 and Christmas in Shades of Gray an offbeat Dickens type tale releases December 2013.
Blurb:
Matthew has braved the war and near death with one thought in mind… Rebekah. He won her hand in marriage, and now he has a few short months to make her see how much he loves her. How much he needs her. Given the wall she's put up between them, he prays he'll have enough time.
After fleeing the war, Rebekah is determined to go west to Oregon, only to be turned down when she tries to join the train. Matthew's proposal of marriage, in name only to help her west, becomes the miracle she needs. Loving him as she does, she dreads the idea of letting him go once they reach Oregon, but how can she ask him to stay with her, to love her? How could he love her once he's found out her secret? She must guard her heart and his.
My website -- http://www.tinapinson.com/
Twitter:@Tina_Pinson
Facebook-- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754617103
Purchase my books at:
Desert Breeze Bookstore.
When Shadows Fall
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
Shadowed Dreams
Amazon:
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams
Barnes & Noble
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams
Christian Books Distributors
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Tina E. Pinson--
Touched By Mercy, In the Manor of the Ghost, When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams Twitter @Tina_Pinson My Website, My Blog
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD... " Jer. 29:11
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
Author Spotlight - Character Interview with "Caroline" from Shadowed Dreams
"Today I thought we'd talk to Miss Caroline St. James."
"Hello, is anyone out there? You who?" Shuffling of feet. The turning of a page "Oh I see you now. I had to come out of my book before I could though." Muttering, "If only someone would take me out--"
"What was that?"
"Oh nothing. So are we starting this interview? How many people will see me?"
"Yes we're starting and no, no one will really see you. You're a figment of--"
"You mean I got all dressed up for nothing?"
"Well, no… ah." Clearing of the throat. "Miss St, James--"
"Please call me Caroline."
"Alright, Caroline. How has your trip been going so far? Well, I hope."
"Well? Hmm. I wonder some days what possessed me to say yes to this venture."
"That bad?"
"It's certainly no Sunday picnic. There are bugs and dust, and snakes, and Indians, and bugs. The mosquitoes are ferocious. And there are these little prairie dogs that bark. Although, when they wave they're kind of cute. But did I mention bugs?"
"Yes, I believe you did."
"Mercy, they're everywhere; in my bed, in my food, in my hair, in my clothes, even in my knickers. And there is no place for privacy on this trail. Which makes traveling horrendous. Especially when you're pregnant."
"That must be awful. I couldn't even imagine, having to travel across country in a rickety wagon without air conditioning, let alone have to do with out a bathroom.
"Yes, well, that gives you a bit an idea of what I'm having to deal with. But the worst thing… thing…"
"What is it, it must be awful?"
"It's horrible, dreadfully horrible. Matthew, hired a man, Clay Colter, to help run one of the teams, and, well, I think I like him."
"Even though he dumped you in the mud?"
"Yes, even then. He's actually kind of nice and easy on the eyes. But I can't tell him."
"Why not?"
"Because I'm still married to Anthony?"
Hope you enjoyed this little look at Caroline and her journey. The cast and crew of Shadowed Dreams are the same as for When Shadows Fall. The first in the Shadow Series. You are welcome to take a look at them @
Characters for Shadowed Dreams.
******
Tina Pinson resides in Mesa, Arizona with her husband of thirty plus years, Danny. They are blessed to have three sons, and six grandchildren with another on the way.
Tina started her writing in elementary school. Her love of writing has caused her to seek creative outlets be it writing poetry, songs, or stories. Her WWII story Trail of the Sandpiper won third place in the Genesis in 2003. In the Manor of the Ghost and Touched By Mercy and When Shadows Fall Book 1 in the Shadows Series are available through Desert Breeze Publishers.
To Catch a Shadow the next installment of the Shadow Series about the civil war and the Oregon Trail, will be available, June 2013. To Carry her Cross will be available January 2013 and Then There was Grace a Sept 9/11 type story will be available Sept. 2013 and Christmas in Shades of Gray an offbeat Dickens type tale releases December 2013.
Blurb:
Matthew has braved the war and near death with one thought in mind… Rebekah. He won her hand in marriage, and now he has a few short months to make her see how much he loves her. How much he needs her. Given the wall she's put up between them, he prays he'll have enough time.
After fleeing the war, Rebekah is determined to go west to Oregon, only to be turned down when she tries to join the train. Matthew's proposal of marriage, in name only to help her west, becomes the miracle she needs. Loving him as she does, she dreads the idea of letting him go once they reach Oregon, but how can she ask him to stay with her, to love her? How could he love her once he's found out her secret? She must guard her heart and his.
My website -- http://www.tinapinson.com/
Twitter:@Tina_Pinson
Facebook-- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754617103
Purchase my books at:
Desert Breeze Bookstore.
When Shadows Fall
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
Shadowed Dreams
Amazon:
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams
Barnes & Noble
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams
Christian Books Distributors
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Tina E. Pinson--
Touched By Mercy, In the Manor of the Ghost, When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams Twitter @Tina_Pinson My Website, My Blog
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD... " Jer. 29:11
"Hello, is anyone out there? You who?" Shuffling of feet. The turning of a page "Oh I see you now. I had to come out of my book before I could though." Muttering, "If only someone would take me out--"
"What was that?"
"Oh nothing. So are we starting this interview? How many people will see me?"
"Yes we're starting and no, no one will really see you. You're a figment of--"
"You mean I got all dressed up for nothing?"
"Well, no… ah." Clearing of the throat. "Miss St, James--"
"Please call me Caroline."
"Alright, Caroline. How has your trip been going so far? Well, I hope."
"Well? Hmm. I wonder some days what possessed me to say yes to this venture."
"That bad?"
"It's certainly no Sunday picnic. There are bugs and dust, and snakes, and Indians, and bugs. The mosquitoes are ferocious. And there are these little prairie dogs that bark. Although, when they wave they're kind of cute. But did I mention bugs?"
"Yes, I believe you did."
"Mercy, they're everywhere; in my bed, in my food, in my hair, in my clothes, even in my knickers. And there is no place for privacy on this trail. Which makes traveling horrendous. Especially when you're pregnant."
"That must be awful. I couldn't even imagine, having to travel across country in a rickety wagon without air conditioning, let alone have to do with out a bathroom.
"Yes, well, that gives you a bit an idea of what I'm having to deal with. But the worst thing… thing…"
"What is it, it must be awful?"
"It's horrible, dreadfully horrible. Matthew, hired a man, Clay Colter, to help run one of the teams, and, well, I think I like him."
"Even though he dumped you in the mud?"
"Yes, even then. He's actually kind of nice and easy on the eyes. But I can't tell him."
"Why not?"
"Because I'm still married to Anthony?"
Hope you enjoyed this little look at Caroline and her journey. The cast and crew of Shadowed Dreams are the same as for When Shadows Fall. The first in the Shadow Series. You are welcome to take a look at them @
Characters for Shadowed Dreams.
******
Tina Pinson resides in Mesa, Arizona with her husband of thirty plus years, Danny. They are blessed to have three sons, and six grandchildren with another on the way.
Tina started her writing in elementary school. Her love of writing has caused her to seek creative outlets be it writing poetry, songs, or stories. Her WWII story Trail of the Sandpiper won third place in the Genesis in 2003. In the Manor of the Ghost and Touched By Mercy and When Shadows Fall Book 1 in the Shadows Series are available through Desert Breeze Publishers.
To Catch a Shadow the next installment of the Shadow Series about the civil war and the Oregon Trail, will be available, June 2013. To Carry her Cross will be available January 2013 and Then There was Grace a Sept 9/11 type story will be available Sept. 2013 and Christmas in Shades of Gray an offbeat Dickens type tale releases December 2013.
Blurb:
Matthew has braved the war and near death with one thought in mind… Rebekah. He won her hand in marriage, and now he has a few short months to make her see how much he loves her. How much he needs her. Given the wall she's put up between them, he prays he'll have enough time.
After fleeing the war, Rebekah is determined to go west to Oregon, only to be turned down when she tries to join the train. Matthew's proposal of marriage, in name only to help her west, becomes the miracle she needs. Loving him as she does, she dreads the idea of letting him go once they reach Oregon, but how can she ask him to stay with her, to love her? How could he love her once he's found out her secret? She must guard her heart and his.
My website -- http://www.tinapinson.com/
Twitter:@Tina_Pinson
Facebook-- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754617103
Purchase my books at:
Desert Breeze Bookstore.
When Shadows Fall
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
Shadowed Dreams
Amazon:
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams
Barnes & Noble
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams
Christian Books Distributors
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Tina E. Pinson--
Touched By Mercy, In the Manor of the Ghost, When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams Twitter @Tina_Pinson My Website, My Blog
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD... " Jer. 29:11
Monday, 26 November 2012
Author Spotlight - Q&A with Tina Pinson
STEPH: I don't know much about "Shadowed Dreams." What's it about?
TINA: Shadowed Dreams is the second in my Shadow Series. It is the continuing story of Matthew and Rebekah Cavanaugh. Book 1 When Shadows Fall, followed them through the battle and loss of the war, and on to Missouri where Rebekah planned to take the train west to Oregon. In book 2, Matthew has convinced Rebekah to marry him, under a contract of convenience, so he can help her west, with the understanding that they can call it quits once they reach Oregon. But Matthew doesn’t want to let Rebekah go ever, he hopes she'll become his wife in more than name. He hopes to win her heart. And he has six months on the trail to do so.
The Shadow Series is written much like Hunger Games, Harry Potter, The Dreamhouse Kings, and Divergent, now that its dystopian or fantasy but the story continues to follow the main Characters and an ensemble cast through out.
STEPH:How long did it take you to write?
TINA: It took me a little over six months to write the whole 900 page story that Shadowed Dreams is part of. Because the story was so long, I couldn't get it accepted, so I split it into smaller sections.
STEPH: How much research did you have to do?
TINA: Shadowed Dreams and the whole series, took a bit of research for the Civil War and the Oregon Trail, more for the trail because the story spends a lot more of it's time there. Had to look up routes and forts and Indians. Did a bit of research on the wagons and what they carried. One wonders if you ever do enough though.
STEPH: How does the cover represent the story within?
TINA: The cover and title are integral to this part of the story and the dreams of the past that are haunting Rebekah. Those dreams keep her opening herself up to Matthew and love. Because, like I said earlier, she feels unworthy of him. The tree is a continuation from When Shadows Fall, it's barren still and the woman is looking out into the distant of her dreams.
STEPH: Rebekah is the heroine. What are her strengths? Weaknesses?
TINA: Rebekah is the Heroine, her strengths lie in the fact that she is willing to forgive and love. And she is pretty strong. She's also honest and kind. And has a gentle way about her. But like I said prior, she is afraid to open up and share her secret and let Matthew help her carry it. So while she's ready to forgive and help others, she's doesn't offer the same grace to herself.
STEPH: What does Matthew find appealing about her?
TINA: Matthew has loved her since she was young. Because of all the qualities mentioned above. Rebekah came from a harder background, so he's always wanted to care for her and protect her. He finds the woman inside, beautiful. Oh and she's pretty on the outside too.
STEPH: What's the theme of the novel?
TINA: The theme of the series would probably be facing the Shadows of life, whether good or bad. In this one, Rebekah has to face the shadow of her past. Of loss and sorrow. And Matthew tries to help her while he faces the trail and his own fears that he won't get through to his wife, and might lose her on the trail since it's so hard.
STEPH: As a writer, where do you draw inspiration from?
TINA: I draw inspiration from life and a lot of things: stories I might hear, dreams I have, things I see. My biggest inspiration comes from God. I believe he gave me this desire to write and my imagination.
STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one.
TINA: I have a Kindle. An older edition, about three years old now.
STEPH: Do you have any holiday traditions you'd like to share? Do you put up a real tree or an artifical one? When do you put the tree up?
TINA: We like to gather round the tree, turn of the house lights and light candles and turn on the tree lights and read the bible story. Usually we have hot chocolate and maybe a birthday cake for Jesus. We used to go caroling, but haven't been in years. We also go to the candlelight service at church.
I have a fake tree. Started using one after we purchased two trees in the same year and they both lost their needles. We used get a permit and cut down our own, but it can be kind of tough finding a well-shaped tree. We would tromp around for hours in the snow. See tree that looked like a likely prospect, with full boughs and somewhat tall in height. only to get to it and find it was three trees. So hello fake tree.
******
Tina Pinson resides in Mesa, Arizona with her husband of thirty plus years, Danny. They are blessed to have three sons, and six grandchildren with another on the way.
Tina started her writing in elementary school. Her love of writing has caused her to seek creative outlets be it writing poetry, songs, or stories. Her WWII story Trail of the Sandpiper won third place in the Genesis in 2003. In the Manor of the Ghost and Touched By Mercy and When Shadows Fall Book 1 in the Shadows Series are available through Desert Breeze Publishers.
To Catch a Shadow the next installment of the Shadow Series about the civil war and the Oregon Trail, will be available, June 2013. To Carry her Cross will be available January 2013 and Then There was Grace a Sept 9/11 type story will be available Sept. 2013 and Christmas in Shades of Gray an offbeat Dickens type tale releases December 2013.
Blurb:
Matthew has braved the war and near death with one thought in mind… Rebekah. He won her hand in marriage, and now he has a few short months to make her see how much he loves her. How much he needs her. Given the wall she's put up between them, he prays he'll have enough time.
After fleeing the war, Rebekah is determined to go west to Oregon, only to be turned down when she tries to join the train. Matthew's proposal of marriage, in name only to help her west, becomes the miracle she needs. Loving him as she does, she dreads the idea of letting him go once they reach Oregon, but how can she ask him to stay with her, to love her? How could he love her once he's found out her secret? She must guard her heart and his.
My website -- http://www.tinapinson.com/
Twitter:@Tina_Pinson
Facebook-- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754617103
Purchase my books at:
Desert Breeze Bookstore.
When Shadows Fall
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
Shadowed Dreams
Amazon:
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams
Barnes & Noble
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams
Christian Books Distributors
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Tina E. Pinson--
Touched By Mercy, In the Manor of the Ghost, When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams Twitter @Tina_Pinson My Website, My Blog
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD... " Jer. 29:11
TINA: Shadowed Dreams is the second in my Shadow Series. It is the continuing story of Matthew and Rebekah Cavanaugh. Book 1 When Shadows Fall, followed them through the battle and loss of the war, and on to Missouri where Rebekah planned to take the train west to Oregon. In book 2, Matthew has convinced Rebekah to marry him, under a contract of convenience, so he can help her west, with the understanding that they can call it quits once they reach Oregon. But Matthew doesn’t want to let Rebekah go ever, he hopes she'll become his wife in more than name. He hopes to win her heart. And he has six months on the trail to do so.
The Shadow Series is written much like Hunger Games, Harry Potter, The Dreamhouse Kings, and Divergent, now that its dystopian or fantasy but the story continues to follow the main Characters and an ensemble cast through out.
STEPH:How long did it take you to write?
TINA: It took me a little over six months to write the whole 900 page story that Shadowed Dreams is part of. Because the story was so long, I couldn't get it accepted, so I split it into smaller sections.
STEPH: How much research did you have to do?
TINA: Shadowed Dreams and the whole series, took a bit of research for the Civil War and the Oregon Trail, more for the trail because the story spends a lot more of it's time there. Had to look up routes and forts and Indians. Did a bit of research on the wagons and what they carried. One wonders if you ever do enough though.
STEPH: How does the cover represent the story within?
TINA: The cover and title are integral to this part of the story and the dreams of the past that are haunting Rebekah. Those dreams keep her opening herself up to Matthew and love. Because, like I said earlier, she feels unworthy of him. The tree is a continuation from When Shadows Fall, it's barren still and the woman is looking out into the distant of her dreams.
STEPH: Rebekah is the heroine. What are her strengths? Weaknesses?
TINA: Rebekah is the Heroine, her strengths lie in the fact that she is willing to forgive and love. And she is pretty strong. She's also honest and kind. And has a gentle way about her. But like I said prior, she is afraid to open up and share her secret and let Matthew help her carry it. So while she's ready to forgive and help others, she's doesn't offer the same grace to herself.
STEPH: What does Matthew find appealing about her?
TINA: Matthew has loved her since she was young. Because of all the qualities mentioned above. Rebekah came from a harder background, so he's always wanted to care for her and protect her. He finds the woman inside, beautiful. Oh and she's pretty on the outside too.
STEPH: What's the theme of the novel?
TINA: The theme of the series would probably be facing the Shadows of life, whether good or bad. In this one, Rebekah has to face the shadow of her past. Of loss and sorrow. And Matthew tries to help her while he faces the trail and his own fears that he won't get through to his wife, and might lose her on the trail since it's so hard.
STEPH: As a writer, where do you draw inspiration from?
TINA: I draw inspiration from life and a lot of things: stories I might hear, dreams I have, things I see. My biggest inspiration comes from God. I believe he gave me this desire to write and my imagination.
STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one.
TINA: I have a Kindle. An older edition, about three years old now.
STEPH: Do you have any holiday traditions you'd like to share? Do you put up a real tree or an artifical one? When do you put the tree up?
TINA: We like to gather round the tree, turn of the house lights and light candles and turn on the tree lights and read the bible story. Usually we have hot chocolate and maybe a birthday cake for Jesus. We used to go caroling, but haven't been in years. We also go to the candlelight service at church.
I have a fake tree. Started using one after we purchased two trees in the same year and they both lost their needles. We used get a permit and cut down our own, but it can be kind of tough finding a well-shaped tree. We would tromp around for hours in the snow. See tree that looked like a likely prospect, with full boughs and somewhat tall in height. only to get to it and find it was three trees. So hello fake tree.
******
Tina Pinson resides in Mesa, Arizona with her husband of thirty plus years, Danny. They are blessed to have three sons, and six grandchildren with another on the way.
Tina started her writing in elementary school. Her love of writing has caused her to seek creative outlets be it writing poetry, songs, or stories. Her WWII story Trail of the Sandpiper won third place in the Genesis in 2003. In the Manor of the Ghost and Touched By Mercy and When Shadows Fall Book 1 in the Shadows Series are available through Desert Breeze Publishers.
To Catch a Shadow the next installment of the Shadow Series about the civil war and the Oregon Trail, will be available, June 2013. To Carry her Cross will be available January 2013 and Then There was Grace a Sept 9/11 type story will be available Sept. 2013 and Christmas in Shades of Gray an offbeat Dickens type tale releases December 2013.
Blurb:
Matthew has braved the war and near death with one thought in mind… Rebekah. He won her hand in marriage, and now he has a few short months to make her see how much he loves her. How much he needs her. Given the wall she's put up between them, he prays he'll have enough time.
After fleeing the war, Rebekah is determined to go west to Oregon, only to be turned down when she tries to join the train. Matthew's proposal of marriage, in name only to help her west, becomes the miracle she needs. Loving him as she does, she dreads the idea of letting him go once they reach Oregon, but how can she ask him to stay with her, to love her? How could he love her once he's found out her secret? She must guard her heart and his.
My website -- http://www.tinapinson.com/
Twitter:@Tina_Pinson
Facebook-- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754617103
Purchase my books at:
Desert Breeze Bookstore.
When Shadows Fall
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
Shadowed Dreams
Amazon:
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams
Barnes & Noble
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams
Christian Books Distributors
Touched By Mercy
In the Manor of the Ghost
When Shadows Fall
Tina E. Pinson--
Touched By Mercy, In the Manor of the Ghost, When Shadows Fall
Shadowed Dreams Twitter @Tina_Pinson My Website, My Blog
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD... " Jer. 29:11
Friday, 1 June 2012
Author Spotlight - Excerpt from "When Shadows Falls"
Thank you so much for supporting Tina during her spotlight week. Leave a comment on today's post today, Saturday and Sunday along with your email so we can get ahold of you, and we'll pick a winner on Monday to receive a free copy of Tina's novel, "When Shadows Fall." Enjoy the excerpt!
Smiles
Moderator Steph
***********
Matthew drew up his legs, rested his arms on his knees, and tucked his head on his arms. The sapling straightened in relief. The sweat beaded and ran a line down his back; he was too busy visiting with Rebekah to care.
Where was she now? How was she? Nathan promised to keep him informed, but so far, no word had arrived. It worried him. If he had the time -- if he hadn't joined up -- he'd look into things himself, but he wouldn't have leave 'til November. He was beginning to doubt he'd make it till then.
"Mr. Cavanaugh." Hearing his name, Matthew stood up, brushing his backside. "Mr. Cavanaugh." A young private scanned the area, searching for him.
"Here." Matthew waved and headed toward the messenger.
"Mr. Cavanaugh." The private studied Matthew's attire, then saluted and tried to catch his breath. "Captain St. James would like to see you in his quarters, sir."
"Will that be all, Private?" Sweat beaded on the young man's forehead. It dislodged and rolled with his nod. Matthew swiped his own brow. "If you've nothing further to do, maybe you should head down to the stream. I think I see an empty spot."
"Yes, sir." The private started to run then stopped and saluted.
The private headed for the stream and crammed himself in the small space. Matthew went in search of Nathan.
"Nathan." He stopped outside the tent.
"Come in." From behind his desk, over a stack of papers, Nathan looked up at his friend. "Glad you could come by. We don't see enough of each other."
"Probably has something to do with this war," Matthew said lightheartedly. Nathan's face devoid of emotion, he nodded. "You just get back?" Matthew nodded and plucked at his shirt. "Haven't cleaned up.
I'm surprised you can get this close without gagging." Matthew smiled... Nathan didn't. Something was wrong. Matthew took a seat on Nathan's cot, and studied his friend.
Nathan looked healthy enough. A little tired. Weren't they all? Nathan's double-breasted coat with blue velvet cuffs and collar, was slightly worn, but he dressed impeccably in spite of it. From his regulation haircut, right down to the shine on his black Wellingtons, he looked like a true career soldier. What was amiss?
"I know you haven't given your report, but I wanted your assessment of the situation." Nathan looked up long enough for Matthew to glimpse the pain in Nathan's brown eyes.
"It doesn't look good. But you know that. We aren't going to hold Harper's Ferry, and Lee knows it. He's determined to make a stand here." Matthew sighed. "It was nothing short of a miracle to find Lee's orders in Frederick and it's to our benefit Lee has his army divided with us sitting right between 'em.
Let's hope, McClellan will use that advantageously. But this won't be a minor skirmish and it can't be stopped. Over a hundred thousand men are in those fields -- itching to fight."
"So, when it does come -- and it will. Soon. -- It will be nothing short of hell on earth. I just pray we hold the line. Pray we hold Maryland." Matthew barely nodded. "That's about all I can say."
The table wobbled as Nathan moved from behind it. His stack of papers shifted as if caught by a breeze -- a ghost breeze the whole camp was looking for. Nodding solemnly, he took a seat on the cot. It creaked and bowed under the weight of both men.
"I wouldn't tell this to another soul, but I'm afraid. I'm afraid I'm not going to make it through this next battle. I feel it, Matt. I can't even tell Sara."
Matthew understood the feeling. It tormented him too, tormented them all. "It's nothing to be ashamed of. Only a fool would say he wasn't afraid. You'll make it home."
Tears formed in Nathan's eyes. "This feeling is awful strong. And how long will home be there?
"Don't talk like that, Nate. We'll hold the line." Matthew fought to hold his tears. "You won't die. You can't." I won't let you.
Nathan met Matthew's eyes directly. "But if I did. I couldn't without you knowing how much you mean to me. You're like a brother. I count it a privilege to call you friend."
"And I you," Matthew choked the words, tried to swallow the pit in the back of his throat. It felt as if his heart lodged there. The two men hugged and cried like mere babes. Somewhere amid the pain, they both found a smile. They pulled apart slapping each other's arms softly.
"About that bath," Nathan teased and covered a snigger with his hand. He dusted Matthew's shirt before he grew serious again. "Matt, I know I've hounded you about the Lord and your eternal soul, but I couldn't bear to have you go into this next battle without telling you again of God's love. I've been praying for you. Praying you'd accept the gift of God's grace. Praying you'll be okay. I want to know if I do die, I'll be able to see you again."
Nathan's sincerity touched Matthew. True, he'd told him all this before, but knowing at this moment in time Nathan prayed for him, humbled him. "I know," Matthew's voice broke. "I know I've always told you, I'll think about. And I do. It's on my mind more than ever. I'm glad you pray for me. Don't stop."
"Ah, Matt. I call you brother now because you're dear to me. One day I hope to call you so 'cause you know the Lord. I won't stop praying." Nathan squeezed Matthew's shoulder.
"I'm glad." Matthew smiled. "I should let you clean up before you give your report, but I'll see you there." "Until this afternoon then." Matthew turned to leave and Nathan stopped him. "Wait, this might interest you." Nathan pulled an envelope from his pocket. He handed it to Matthew with a wink. "It came while you were gone. Don't worry about getting it back to me. You keep it."
Matthew stepped out of the tent and turned the envelope in his hands. After a month, word had finally come from Rebekah. Matthew stuck the letter in his pocket; he'd read it once he'd cleaned.
Changed and shaved, he settled back on his cot half an hour later and opened Rebekah's letter. It didn't matter it wasn't addressed to him, all that mattered was knowing she was okay.
When Shadows Fall http://tinyurl.com/d93p77a
In the Manor of the Ghost http://ning.it/dB0zAj,
Touched By Mercy http://ning.it/9OJZ5r
BLOG http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/
Website http://www.tinapinson.com Twitter @Tina_Pinson
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD... " Jer. 29:11
Thursday, 31 May 2012
Author Spotlight - Tina Pinson discusses the setting of "When Shadows Fall"
The setting of When Shadows Fall starts in Maryland and the Capital in 1862. During the Civil War.
Maryland was with the Union, but there is fear they could attacked at any time.
Rebekah's family lives out in the country in nice homes and continue on with life pretty much unscathed by the war, while Rebekah's home is in West Virginia where the battles rage.
She lives in a little log cabin with a rustic barn and dilapidated out buildings. The land seems to have taken on the temperament of war itself, battling her as she tries to find food and keep her land.
Then we head to Missouri on a wagon that travels through enemy lines and connects with a train that will hopefully reach its destination without incident.
Independence Missouri is filled with people trying to leave the war, and people with sentiments drawn on both sides. Blacks are traveling on the trail, but they have to be careful.
Once the train finally leaves Independence, there are miles to go along a vast prairie filled with bugs and Indians and buffalo and all kinds of pestilence. They travel in grueling heat, their bodies practically drinking dust.
They pray for cool breezes and shadows. They pray for rain but only the mists, otherwise the rain pushes their wheels into the muck. They stop to bury those who died. Dropping of household goods because the wagon is too heavy and the oxen are tired. And the land is sloping upward. There are long stretches of trash from other trains. And crosses line the way.
Then comes the mountains, which they hope to reach before winter so they get across. They are both a blessing and a curse when one thinks of using pulleys and ropes to pull the wagon over the passes, considering blistered hands and sore backs. But they signify the trail is coming to an end.
Then finally about 6 months later, they pull into Oregon. The land is green and lush. There is no war that they can see or hear. They have found the new Eden and home.
Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Author Spotlight - Tina Pinson talks about researching "When Shadows Falls"
To research When Shadows Fall, I spent a lot of time at the library going through old books. The old and mustier, the better. Why? Because I find the older the book, the more history.
Then we took a trip to Washington State and stopped at all the Oregon Trail centers along the way. My children were ecstatic. But hubby was a trooper.
We also took a trip to Georgia. And we stopped at the forts and visited different sites along the trail. Also visited Andersonville and an old naval museum in Charleston, SC, but those are for another story.
I also purchased the Oregon Trail Game and played it to see where my characters were going, what they might deal with. I bought my stores, and feed for my oxen and headed out. I think I sank my wagon and lost it all on the first river fording. It's a good thing we don't have to worry about wagons and water. Unless of course we're speaking station wagons and bottled water from a gas station.
It is also amazing to me, how the trip took several months. And today we can cross that distance in a couple of days driving. Now we have restaurants and gas stations and rest areas.
During the time Rebekah is on the trail, she makes mention of the amenities they have in 1863. Which was an eye opener to me. I would find her trip hard. And she was thankful that the trail was easier.
How would I have fared on the Oregon Trail with the bugs and sickness? Would I have gone stark raving mad? I'd like to think I wouldn't… but who knows?
When Shadows Fall http://tinyurl.com/d93p77a
In the Manor of the Ghost http://ning.it/dB0zAj,
Touched By Mercy http://ning.it/9OJZ5r
BLOG http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/
Website http://www.tinapinson.com Twitter @Tina_Pinson
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD... " Jer. 29:11
Tuesday, 29 May 2012
Author Spotlight - Character Interview with Rebekah from When Shadows Fall
Tina-- Rebekah, do you mind if we talk about When Shadows Fall?
Rebekah -- Oh it's you… my creator. Perhaps you should tell the story.
Tina-- It would be better coming from you.
Rebekah -- I'll have to hurry. The steward is taking me to my godfather, President Lincoln.
Tina -- It must be wonderful meeting with him?
Rebekah -- It will be lovely. But… We are in the midst of a Civil War and I've come to ask for his help to get my husband, Robert Montgomery, out of a Yankee Prison.
Tina -- I'm sorry.
Rebekah -- "Why are you sorry? You wrote it that way.
Tina-- Oh yeah.
Rebekah -- It's dreadfully hot in here? And someone dressed me in wool.
Tina-- I'm sorry about that too. But we writers have to give our characters conflict.
Rebekah -- My concern is how much conflict. Will things work out?"
Tina -- I believe so. You're strong and smart.
Rebekah -- Will Abraham help me with Robert?
Tina -- I believe… Hey, I'm the one asking the questions.
Rebekah -- I'm sorry. I just wished I could be on my way. There's a man staring at me.
Tina -- A man is staring at you?
Rebekah -- yes, he acts like he's not but…
Tina --- maybe you should tell the steward.
Rebekah -- (stealing glances) He's looking at me in an odd manner. Almost as if he knows me… Oh my… I… It can't be.
TP-- What?
Rebekah -- (Fighting to get her hat on) Him?
Tina -- Him?
Rebekah -- Oh… I don't know. And the steward has led me into the hall and now I can't see to make sure. It sure looked like him. You know, can't you tell me?
Tina (with a woeful sigh)-- I can't. We writers aren't supposed to inject ourselves into the story with omniscient comments. Who do you think it is?
Rebekah (sighing) Someone I thought I'd never see again. Matthew. My first love.
If you'd like to see my cast… http://tinapinson.blogspot.com?
When Shadows Fall http://tinyurl.com/d93p77a
In the Manor of the Ghost http://ning.it/dB0zAj,
Touched By Mercy http://ning.it/9OJZ5r
BLOG http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/
Website http://www.tinapinson.com Twitter @Tina_Pinson
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD... " Jer. 29:11
Monday, 28 May 2012
Author Spotlight - Q&A with Tina Pinson
STEPH: I don't know much about "When Shadows Fall." What's it about?
TINA: When Shadows Fall is what I call my Oregon With the Wind novel. Because it takes place in 1862, during the Civil War and then on the Oregon trail.
It is the story of Rebekah St. James-Montgomery and her plight to find her husband and keep her sanity through the turmoil and loss of war. When she finds Robert he is barely alive and has lost both his legs. She fights to save him, but loses the battle. And nearly forfeits her sanity in the process. Seeing an old friend, and love, Matthew Cavanaugh, has her dreaming of things she believes could never be hers. When she learns that Robert wanted to go west, Rebekah decides to stop dreaming and wallowing in what might have been. She makes plans to head west to the Oregon, the new Eden, in the hopes of finding life again.
Matthew learns of her plans and her loss and decides he is going to be the one who helps her west, whether she wants him to or not. Because his dream isn't the west, his dream is to have Rebekah for his own.
STEPH: How long did it take you to write?
TINA: It took a year and some 900 pages. I wrote the story twenty years ago and found it was too long and no one wanted it. So I cut it into a serial and sent it to Desert Breeze and Gail took a chance on me.
STEPH: How much research did you have to do?
TINA: I did a lot of research about the trail and some on the Civil War. I really wanted people to get a taste for the lives of those during that time. That was my main reason for story in the first place. I was tired of reading stories where the people went on the Oregon Trail or the Santa Fe Trail and within a chapter had already reached their destination.
STEPH: How does the cover reflect the story within?
TINA: The cover encapsulates a scene in the story where Rebekah stands over two crosses under a weather-bared tree with her son, Andrew. The gray and black signifies her life and the life of the country. The touch of light is a reminder that even in the darkest days there is hope.
STEPH: Rebekah is the heroine. What are her strengths? Weakness?
TINA: Her strength is her ability to fight for those she loves and keep pressing ahead. Her ability to forgive. Her weakness is that it takes so long for her to forgive herself and trust in someone's love when she didn't anything wrong. And maybe her strength is sometimes her weakness, because in some aspects it makes her mule headed to make things right.
STEPH: What does Matthew find appealing about her?
TINA: He's loved her since she was a child. And he loves her strength and her tenderness.
STEPH: What is the theme of the novel?
TINA: I've considered the theme in detail, and I suppose it would be that through the toughest times, through pain and sorrow, through Shadows there is someone to walk with you.
I have a little poem in the beginning of the story that Rebekah wrote and it talks about the Shadows of life. How some are good, like the shadow that cools off the day, or the shadow of man cast across the land. And some are bad, that the shadow of loss or longing, or the shadow that fills your mind and torments you.
That says a lot about the story and why I gave it the name I did.
STEPH: As a writer, where do you draw inspiration from?
TINA: I draw inspiration from the world around me. From things that seem of little consequence. The mundane. I draw inspiration from my life. Rebekah is one character that has been cast after me and how I see myself. I believe God gives me inspiration, and hope that my stories will inspire others.
STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one?
TINA: I have a second edition Kindle. I like it. Although I have tempted to get something newer. Maybe an IPAD. Someday.
STEPH: Fun question: What are your plans for Memorial Day?
TINA: We plan to head to Colorado and clean out our trailer and move some things in our shed. Now, don't everyone get all envious and want to go along. Sounds like we'll have too much fun. Or not much at all. But we will get to see family while were there and I'm looking forward to that.
When Shadows Fall http://tinyurl.com/d93p77a
In the Manor of the Ghost http://ning.it/dB0zAj,
Touched By Mercy http://ning.it/9OJZ5r
BLOG http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/
Website http://www.tinapinson.com Twitter @Tina_Pinson
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD... " Jer. 29:11
Friday, 17 December 2010
Author Spotlight week - Excerpt from Touched by Mercy

Preston led his boys in evening study and prayer then tucked them in. They weren't babies anymore, but he enjoyed the few moments before bed with them. He enjoyed mussing their hair, hugging them, and telling them he loved them. As fast as the years moved, it wouldn't be long before they'd be grown, tucking in children of their own. He recalled the way their mama used to kiss their cheeks and whisper her love as she pushed the blankets around them. He remembered with an ache.
Would he ever stop missing her? Would the boys ever have another mother? Would he ever take another wife?
He lay back on his pillow and asked the Lord those very things. He believed he'd have them someday. Maybe soon. The ache he once bore had eased with time, and the conviction that he'd never love another was being tested. It'd been tested that very afternoon when he found himself looking into Miss Northam's deep green eyes with longing. It surprised him. Her, too, judging from her reaction.
He remembered something the Lord had told him three years before, about a year after his wife had died. He lay in bed, asking the same questions. Figuring the Lord agreed, he'd told the Lord a firm no to every one of them. No new wife, no marriage, no... He loved his dear Sarah too much. How could the Lord want him to marry, or love another?
The Lord surprised him.
Preston, my beloved son, the ache will ebb, and a time will arise when you'll take another wife.
Preston had chuckled. "This can't be. I've loved Sarah for too long. I couldn't love another. I couldn't bear it." Besides there weren't many woman in the territory at the time.
You will. The voice in his heart had been adamant.
"I don't know any women. Not any that I want to marry."
I've chosen one for you, beloved.
Preston nearly gasped. But he didn't scoff at God. "All right, let's say you have. How will I know her? Does she have a name? Who is she, Lord? Where is she?"
When the time comes, you'll find her at the Chicken Ranch.
Preston had sat up with yelp and argued no man of God could find a woman to be his wife at the Chicken Ranch. A woman from a brothel? A woman like Lil? What did the Lord want him to be… another Hosea? Surely not.
The Lord had been adamant. I know whom I have for you. She'll be at the Chicken Ranch.
Petrified he'd find her sitting in her long underwear on the front porch, Preston took long detours home, skirting the ranch so he wouldn't find the wife the Lord had for him.
My website -- http://www.tinapinson.com/
Twitter:@Tina_Pinson
Facebook-- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754617103
Purchase my books at:
Desert Breeze Bookstore.
Touched By Mercy http://tiny.cc/0rgkm
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/we4ul
Amazon:
Touched By Mercy http://tiny.cc/k5tgw
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/doc8w
Barnes & Noble
Touched By Mercy—available soon
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/oh767
Christian Books Distributors
Touched By Mercy – available soon
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/4u5h9
In honor of the release of Touched By Mercy I am running a contest, Win a Nook… Touch Mercy for the month of Dec. 2010. Check out my blog under the Touched BY Mercy Contest page for the particulars.
http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/
Thursday, 16 December 2010
Author Spotlight Week - Tina Pinson shares her favorite authors

I like Ted Dekker, Dean Koontz, John Saul, Frank Paretti, and I like to read Julie Lessman and Mary Connealy. Okay, so I like thrillers and comedy and touch of romance. I'll pretty much read anything, if the writer holds my interest. I used to love Carolyn Keene, of Nancy Drew fame. Still read them sometimes, like to play the games, but I digress. Since I'm able to download free books on my Kindle from some of the great authors, I have been reading some of those stories as well. When I find the time. One author that stuck with me over the years, was E. L. Konigsburg. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is this quirky little novel about two kids, Claudia and her brother, Jamie, who run away from home and camp out in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Claudia leaves home because she believes her parents don't appreciate her, and gets Jamie to join her, because he saves his money, and everyone knows you need money to live on when you run away. They set up shop in the Museum, sleeping in the displays, taking baths in the fountain, (where they find extra money) and hiding out from the guards. Then they stumble on a mystery concerning the newest exhibit, an angel supposedly carved by Michelangelo. To research the statues authenticity, they seek out the donor of the piece, Mrs Frankweiler. Going through her files they learn the truth about the angel. I read this story in elementary school, and again later. Why this little story resonates with me, who knows? I liked the whole concept of staying in the museum. And then the little mystery of the angel. It's a cute story.
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Author Spotlight Week - Tina Pinson shares her favorite movies

Like most people, I have a few movies that I can watch over and over again, just ask my husband. Although, he has a few, too. But I would have to say Calamity Jane with Doris Day would have to right up there at the top of my list. (with Emma, Pride and Prejudice the newer version and so on). I mentioned before that I wanted to be the next Doris Day. (Of course, that didn't happen.) I like to watch her movies. And Calamity Jane is fun to watch. Indian Scout Calamity Jane (Doris Day) is a whip-cracking, stagecoach driving, buckskin wearing Tomboy. She wants to be tough but she has a bit of a soft spot for Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin, played by Phillip Carey. Actually she's kind of hard up to get his love and she's gonna get him whether he likes it or not. When the saloon doesn't get the act, Adelaid Adams, they hoped for, Calamity heads east to kidnap Adelaid Adams and bring her back to Deadwood. She inadvertently brings back, Katie Brown, Adelaid Adams assistant and the wrong woman. And ends up having to fight harder for the affections of Lt. Gilmartin who has eyes for the new singer who's come town. Calamity get jealous because the Lt. likes Katie when he's never liked her, and decides to send Katie packing. She almost succeeds, but through a series of comical misunderstandings Calamity realizes she's in love with Wild Bill Hickok played by Howard Keel. I liked him better anyway.
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Author Spotlight Week - Tina Pinson shares her passion for Inspirationals

I write inspirational, because I thoroughly believe my love of words and imagination are a gift from God. I realize that may sound hokey to a lot of people. But that's what I was taught. I believe we are all endowed with gifts and talents to use for him. I believe I am here for this time and moment because of God's plan for my life. I believe God created art and music, and stories in the first place for our pleasure and for us to use for his. I may not be a painter with oils or paints like the great artists Renoir or Monet (although I could probably do a Picasso, LOL) but I'm certain my words paint a picture. I just hope they paint a picture that touches people's lives. I want my stories to instill hope. I realize that I only write stories, but stories stem from real life many a time. Touched By Mercy certainly does. Maybe reading it will help someone walk through their pain to life again. Just as it helped me to write it. And I hope my words and the stories I tell, direct people to God and leave an imprint of him on their hearts long after my story has been forgotten.
Monday, 13 December 2010
Author Spotlight week - Q&A with Tina Pinson

Tina's latest Desert Breeze release is "Touched by Mercy." We've got Tina here today (and the rest of the week!) to share her thoughts on her latest and writing. Welcome, Tina?
STEPH: I don't know much about Touched by Mercy. What's it about?
TINA: Touched by Mercy tells the story of one woman's journey to grace. Samantha Northam comes from a background of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, having been molested as a child, I identify with Samantha.
The story was pretty much my rite of passage. Coming to a point where I believed God could find me lovely. I made it a bit harder on Samantha than myself, but I wanted to show the beauty of God's grace on us, his arms around the brokenhearted. Samantha hadn't done anything wrong, as far as the molestation went, but she spent years believing she had, and spent long years hating and being afraid to love. When her daughter, Angelina, is taken from her, she believes that it happened because she's not good enough. She sets out to find Angelina, which leads her to the Orphanages of New York. She doesn't find Angelina, but she is introduced to several needy children and some Nuns who begin to teach her about God's love. Because of her wounds, Samantha doesn't quite believe the Nuns, she still thinks she has to prove her worth to God. So Samantha sets out to ease the pain that the children of the orphanage suffer. When word comes that Angelina might have been found in Kansas, Samantha heads west, with plans to get her daughter and open a boardinghouse for stops on the Orphan Train. The west seems to hold all the answers to her dreams, but time and circumstances cause her to wonder if it has taken her far enough away from her past and her nightmares.
And if she'll ever be good enough in God's eyes to become his child.
Touched By Mercy is a story about God's plan for our lives, and how he can use and loves us even though we feel inadequate. It also tells shows how God places people in our lives to Touch us with his Mercy.
STEPH: Where did you find the inspiration for the story?
TINA: Some of the inspiration comes from my own journey through trying to find acceptance. And through writing down some of the journey, (which I made the abuse and conflict harder for Samantha) I hope to give others who might find themselves in that place of despair, hope.
STEPH: What attracts to writing Historicals?
TINA: Okay, so don't laugh, but truthfully, I like historical because I've wondered what it would have been like to live during some of those times. And doing the research and writing the story allows me a glimpse, if only a little one, into the world as it was back when. I can see myself riding across the range, with my six-gun on my hip, and so on goes the dream, then I return to reality. It's all good. Unless, of course, I throw in some conflict, then it could get a bit dicey.
STEPH: Are you a plotter or a panster?
TINA: I write whatever comes to mind, by the seat of my pants, but I sometimes jot down outlines once I get going. So, maybe I'm a bit of both.
STEPH: How long did it take you to write Touched by Mercy?
TINA: I would say it took me about seven months to write Touched By Mercy and many years to edit. You may wonder why it took years to edit. Because they went and changed some of the writing rules on me and I had to change the layout to meet those rules. UGH.

STEPH: Do you cast the characters? If so, who are the leads?
TINA: Some of the leads for Touched By Mercy, well as close as I can get them to the vision in my mind's eye, are Paul Walker for Allan Pratt. Rachel Nichols for Samantha, and Josh Turner for Reverend Preston Trent.
STEPH: Can you tell us a little about the state you live in?
TINA: I live in Western Colorado in Grand Junction, in a area called the Grand Valley. Colorado is well-known for its mountains, Denver the Mile High and skiing, of course. The world's biggest flattop, Grand Mesa, rises from the valley floor to our East. Mount Garfield and the Bookcliffs set as sentinels to our north. Colorado National Monument cuts the skyline to our West and another smaller line of wee mountains anchors the south. Because we live in a valley, we can stay warmer through the winter. We have world-renown wineries, peaches, lots of orchard with fruits and vegetables. Grand Junction is a good-sized city.
STEPH: What was the last book you read?
TINA: I read two books pretty much around the same time. Under a Viking Moon, by Tami Dee and Doctor in Petticoats, by Mary Connealy. I read a few others; In All Things and Orphaned Hearts by Shawna Williams and Behind the Scenes, by Michelle Levigne because I was doing some light editing on them.
STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one
TINA: I have a Kindle. Which is nice for taking on trips so I don't have to carry a lot of books. And it's close to the size of a book. I just wished it had a backlight for reading in the dark. But I have a clip on light so it works. I took it camping and was able to download a book while at the campsite.
STEPH: FUN QUESTION: Renoir, Monet, or Picasso?
TINA: Picasso's art is a wee bit disjointed for me. Although he does have a few that are okay. But picking between Monet and Renoir would be hard. I like the scenery paintings form Monet, but I also like the paintings of people from Renoir. Maybe I could say I like Renoir just a tad more, but…
You can find Tina at:
My website -- http://www.tinapinson.com/
Twitter:@Tina_Pinson
Facebook-- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754617103
Purchase my books at:
Desert Breeze Bookstore.
Touched By Mercy http://tiny.cc/0rgkm
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/we4ul
Amazon:
Touched By Mercy http://tiny.cc/k5tgw
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/doc8w
Barnes & Noble
Touched By Mercy—available soon
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/oh767
Christian Books Distributors
Touched By Mercy – available soon
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/4u5h9
In honor of the release of Touched By Mercy I am running a contest, Win a Nook… Touch Mercy for the month of Dec. 2010. Check out my blog under the Touched BY Mercy Contest page for the particulars.
http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/
Friday, 3 December 2010
Featured December 2010 Release - Touched by Mercy by Tina Pinson

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Angelina!
She wasn’t Samantha’s daughter, but she should have been. Sam mothered her with love like she was her own. The child became heaven in her world.
Now the child was gone. Samantha felt her world slipping away. She had to find Angelina. She prayed. But doubted God would hear her. How could he when she was so dirty? And how could she trust a God who she believed abandoned her? Hopefully this God wouldn’t abandon Angelina.
God uses the gentle hands of another carpenter to strip back the layers of abuse that have tarnished her faith and worth to teach Sam there is mercy instead of shame, and love. And though it seems out of reach, she always had freedom in Christ.
EXCERPT:
"What did you think of the sermon, Samantha?"
Sam thought she'd choke on her cherry pie right there. And practically did.
"Here now." The reverend laughed as he patted her back. "Did we find a pit or was the sermon that bad?"
Visiting with a reverend was bad enough, but a reverend with humor. Sam started to choke all over again. She waved her hand in front of her face to circulate the air and gulped a deep breath. Then if her teary eyes and choking weren't enough, she had to go and snort on her exhale. Not some delicate little snort either -- no, it was a full-bodied thing. She sounded like her stepfather's grand sow. Her skin warmed. Soon she would even be as pink as the pig.
It was a disaster, unavoidable, but a disaster nonetheless. She'd never get another invite. Groaning softly, Sam put her head in her hands until she could breathe again. It'd be easier if the good reverend would quit patting her back, disrupting her heartbeat. But how did one tell a reverend to stop?
"Are you all right?" Ruth asked.
"Yes, yes." Sam surfaced, her face on fire. Reverend Trent's hand lifted from her back. "It went down the wrong pipe," she replied meekly.
"Are you sure you're all right?" the reverend asked. He handed her his napkin. Sam used it as a shield to compose behind. "It hurts something fierce when it does that," he added sympathetically.
Sam dabbed her watery eyes so she wouldn't have to look at him. 'Cause the preacher man's smile was soft, beguiling.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tina Pinson resides in Grand Junction, Colorado with her husband of twenty-nine years, Danny. They've ran their own business, Omega Avionics, since 2004. The Pinsons have three grown sons, two lovely daughter-in-laws and four grand children.
Tina began her first novel in elementary school. Her love of writing has caused her to seek creative outlets be it writing poetry, songs, or stories. She had four years of journalism, a half a year of college, took a fourteen-month correspondence course through The Writer's Institute. Tina has been involved with American Christian Fiction Writers for seven year.
Tina has completed eleven novels. She was a third finalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest in 2003 for her story Trail of the Sandpiper-Rescued.
Beyond writing, Tina enjoys building, gardening, singing, speaking and some biking. She and her husband hope to get out more into God's country and do some camping.
She continues to work on other stories, and hopes that one or more of her stories will be published soon.
****
Touched by Mercy is avail for the Kindle, Nook, Sony Ereader, and Kobo. Desert Breeze Congratulates Tina on her December release.
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
The Reviews are in!! Recent Desert Breeze Reviews

BEYOND SUMMER
By: Carie Lawson
A thank you goes to the author for providing me with this complimentary review copy! Great Job Carie!!! Can't wait for Beyond Ever After!"
Love 2 Read Novels Blog
Rating = 4.5 Tickets
I highly recommend this and also the first in the series, “Beyond Africa”. You won’t be disappointed."
Janet's Treasures
****
IN THE MANOR OF THE GHOST
By: Tina Pinson
Ms. Pinson explores it deftly in this book... The answers lurk in the manor of the ghost -- waiting to be drawn out."
Naomi Musch Blog Book Reviews
This is a novel you will want to read again and again, so be sure to get a copy for yourself and let your friends know about it as well!"
Latawnia Kintz Reviews
*****
CHOSEN TARGET
By: Melanie Atkins
hosen Target is a pulse-pounding page turner."
Stephanie - Classic Romance Revival Reviews
Rating = 5 Wings
****
BEYOND A VIKING HORIZON
By: Tami Dee
"Beyond a Viking Horizon" is rich in love, hope, and family."
Stephanie Burkhart - Author of The Hungarian (Posted at Amazon)
Rating = 5 Stars
*****

By: Janice Zick
For all their quirkiness, the characters in this story are well-rounded, enjoyable to spend time with and have you yearning to ensure they all get what they deserve. This book is a keeper."
Fennel - Long and Short Reviews
Rating = 5 Books - Nominated for BOOK OF THE WEEK!
*****
END GAME
By: Gail R. Delaney
This is a gripping saga that any sci-fi fan is guaranteed to enjoy. My only complaint is that I didn’t know about this series sooner.
Kirra Pierce - Just Erotic Romance Reviews
Rating = 5 Stars
With rich characterization and great world building, END GAME is a highly recommended science fiction romance.
Marlene Breakfield -- ParaNormal Romance
Saturday, 26 June 2010
The Reviews are in for June Books!
Here are a couple of Reviews for June 2010 books:
In the Manor of the Ghost:
"In The Manor of the Ghost is a suspense filled story that kept me guessing until the end. Superstition, prejudice, hidden family secrets, all play into its intrigue, with plot twists throughout." - Shawna K. Williams, Author of "No Other."
Daughter of Ashes:
"Daughter of Ashes is a fantastic adventure about destiny and love. Esther Mitchell got everything right with this book. The setting is vivid, the characters three dimensional, the plot well thought out and complex." - Shawna K. Williams, Author of "No Other."
Love to hear your thoughts on any books you might have read recently
Smiles
Steph
In the Manor of the Ghost:
"In The Manor of the Ghost is a suspense filled story that kept me guessing until the end. Superstition, prejudice, hidden family secrets, all play into its intrigue, with plot twists throughout." - Shawna K. Williams, Author of "No Other."
Daughter of Ashes:
"Daughter of Ashes is a fantastic adventure about destiny and love. Esther Mitchell got everything right with this book. The setting is vivid, the characters three dimensional, the plot well thought out and complex." - Shawna K. Williams, Author of "No Other."
Love to hear your thoughts on any books you might have read recently
Smiles
Steph
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Featured Interview, Tina Pinson author of "In The Manor of the Ghost"

Welcome to the Desert Breeze Blog today, Tina. It's nice to have you.
STEPH: - Where did you find the inspiration for your latest release, "In The Manor of the Ghost?"
TINA: We had just taken trip to Minnesota, and I was pining for a black walnut tree to have in my own yard, and wanted to put that into the story, but most of it came from dreams and thoughts of things that were going on in my life.
Devlin, the hero of my tale, mirrors me and some of what I was dealing with in life at the time. As does my ghost. And I loved the movie the Ghost and Mrs. Muir.
STEPH: I loved that story, too! I don't know much about the book. Can you give us a feel of what to expect?
TINA: In the Manor of the Ghost has romance, mystery, suspense, a ghost, and a dark foreboding house, of course. I like to think it's a pretty good read. It is important to note that some fo the some of the houses we reside in aren't alway made of lumber or stone. They are fashioned from our fears and those fears are as thick around us as a wall might be. And some of the Ghosts we face are those fears. Real or perceived, they can haunt us.
Devlin is a lawyer, with a unique background. He was adopted by a loving, nurturing family. I find his torn spirit and need to fix him endearing. Although it does seem so, he has a quiet accepting spirit. The Manor Devlin lives in, was once a place of joy and safety. It was used as a safe house during the Indian Raids a decade earlier. After losing his wife and daughter, Clayborne Manor has become a dark, sad place with too many haunting memories. But the walls around Devlin's spirit seem to be almost as thick as the Manor's.

Kaitlin lost her husband and daughter in a fire, and went through years of Therapy for her burns. She hopes moving to Minnesota to live with her sister, Constance, will help heal her spirit.
Accepting a contract to marry Devlin, Kaitlin finds herself living in the Clayborne Manor. When she begins to uncover secrets and resurrect ghosts, she questions her choice. Does she have the strength to break down the walls that confine those who reside in the Manor? Does she have the faith to lead them to the one who sets the captive free? I find Kaitlin's resilience, gentle and loving spirit endearing.
And I must add that I think my ghost is pretty special too.
STEPH: It sounds really cool, Tina. Are you a ploter or a panster? Which technique did you use to write this book?
TINA: I am a panster. I write what comes and take day trips with my characters. I usually dream a story then write down some of the points floating through my head. But mind you, I don't alway adhere to that list, especially if a character decides to give me fits. Which is norm. Then my dream unfolds with this new aspect of the story, taking me to deeper depths, uncovering new nuances.
STEPH: - Do you cast your characters? Who do you see Kaitlin? Devlin?
TINA: I sometimes cast them, but more times than not, I just write them in away that the reader can decide for themselves the look. Besides, it's a bit aggravating to see them so clearing in your head and have to hunt down the face that fits. For this story however, Devlin was a given. He would have the brooding eyes and a bit of darkness to his face and character. Devlin resembles Adrian Paul in his Highlander days and Kaitlin is Zoey Deschanel.
STEPH: - Did you do a lot of research for the book?
TINA:I have done extensive research on other books but for this one, not mounds, as the story was more character and emotion than place driven. But I did do some research into my ghost, and the fires in Boston. Researched pirates a bit, certain ailments and the layout of Manors and some furniture. I'm of the firm belief that no matter how hard I try, someone will find a flaw in the research somewhere.
STEPH - What was the last movie you saw in the movie theatre?
TINA: Killers with Ashton K. and Katherine H. It was funny, but I'm of the mindset that there are just too many innuendos in movies that don't have to be there.
STEPH: Do you have any hobbies you'd like to share with us?
TINA: I like to sing and draw. Some of my doodles have been posted at my blog site. I like to garden, didn't say I was great at it, but I find it relaxing.
STEPH: - What was the last book you read?
TINA: Amanda Cabots, Scattered Pearls. It deals with a hard subject, but it was done well. I liked the story. It's the second in her Texas Dreams Series. The first, Paper Roses was pretty good too. Right now I'm bouncing between a couple of books when I find time, Shawna Williams, No Other and Maggie Brennan's, A Love of Her Own.
STEPH: - Where else can we find you on the Internet?
TINA: I am so well known, I'm at practically every site there is, except the dirty ones...
All kidding aside. The links below will help you track me down:
This link directs you to my website and will allow you to learn a bit more about me. By following the links Bits and Pieces and Touched By Mercy you can take a look at other books I'm working on.
http://www.tinapinson.com/blank.html
To purchase my books:
Desert Breeze Publishing-
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-92/Tina-Pinson-In-the/Detail.bok
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Manor-Ghost-ebook/dp/B003PDN7T0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1275796144&sr=1-1
My Blogsite— http://tinapinson.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to share my books and myself.
In honor of the release of In the Manor of the Ghost, I am running a contest for the entire month of June 2010. Giving away some pretty awesome gifts, if I must say so myself. Check out my blog for the particulars.
http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/
STEPH: Thanks for popping in today, Tina. It was nice having you.
Smiles
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
Featured June Release - In the Manor of the Ghost By Tina Pinson

THE BLURB:
It's the 1870's. The Civil War has long since been fought and laid to rest, settlers are still joining the wagon trains and heading west to the New Eden. The land is changing. But those who dwell in Clayborne Manor seem trapped in time.
Trapped amid the whispers of failure and sorrow, whispers of longing and defeat. Kaitlin hears them clearly at night. But who haunts Clayborne Manor? The ghost that restlessly walks the halls in the night? Or the ones that plague the minds and spirits of those residing there? Though not inclined to believe the dead can walk the night laden corridors, Kaitlin can see them clearly in the eyes of her husband Devlin, and hear them in the deafening silence of her son, Derrick.
Does she have the courage to search the past and face the ghosts? Does she have the faith to stay and direct all those who dwell In the Manor of the Ghost to the one who sets the captive free?
EXCERPT:
Kaitlin slipped past the barricades and pushed through the crowds. Heavy smoke made it hard to catch her breath. Nothing could stop her scream when she saw her apartment building engulfed in flames.
She scanned the lines of blackened faces. Her family wasn't there. Her gaze was drawn to the building, to the raging mingling of fire and life. Kaitlin prayed her family would come out. No one exited -- the agony of her thoughts cut her like a well-sharpened saber. Looking up, her thoughts became flesh.
Jean Marc stood in the upstairs window holding a bundle. Kaitlin knew, with another slice to her soul, the bundle was Simone. Jean Marc, so quiet, protective, so uneasily riled, yelled. Tormented wails for help rose along with tears of anguish and fear as angry flames licked out behind him.
The knife in Kaitlin's gut pushed through and slit her spine, filleting with cold precision. Pandemonium reigned around her where men held out their arms, coats, and blankets, and yelled for those Kaitlin loved to jump.
Across the space of the yard, over the din of bells, the cries of man and beast, over the conflagration -- eternity settling between them -- she caught her beloved's eyes. She couldn't read them. Perhaps she could, but couldn't bear to hear the message. Jump, she bade him. He remained at the third floor window, their daughter pressed to his chest. A sparkle of flame in his tear filled eyes, spoke of things to come and time froze. She closed her eyes for a brief moment to dam the tears and looked up to find him gone.
No one had jumped.
*****
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tina Pinson resides in Grand Junction, Colorado with her husband of twenty-nine years, Danny. They've ran their own business, Omega Avionics, since 2004. The Pinsons have three grown sons, two lovely daughter-in-laws and four grand children.
Tina began her first novel in elementary school. Her love of writing has caused her to seek creative outlets be it writing poetry, songs, or stories. She had four years of journalism, a half a year of college, took a fourteen-month correspondence course through The Writer's Institute. Tina has been involved with American Christian Fiction Writers for seven year.
Tina has completed eleven novels. She was a third finalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest in 2003 for her story Trail of the Sandpiper-Rescued.
Beyond writing, Tina enjoys building, gardening, singing, speaking and some biking. She and her husband hope to get out more into God's country and do some camping.
CONTEST: Visit Tina's blog for a FANTASTIC CONTEST she's having this month - she's giving away two Kindles and 10 copies of her book. You can find the details here at: http://tinapinson.blogspot.com
Desert Breeze congratulates Tina on her book!
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