"Family Secrets" by Donna M. Zadunajsky

EXCERPT

Family Secrets
(Secrets and Second Chances Book 1)

by Donna M. Zadunajsky

Family Secrets is currently on tour with Reading Addiction Book Tours. The tour stops here today for an excerpt. Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well.

Description

Alexis has had big dreams all her life, and she’s worked hard to make them happen! After college she married and had a beautiful baby boy, living her dream as "Mommy" until Colton was safely entrenched in grade school. She lands her dream job at NASA, and her supportive husband, Jay, takes the lead on raising their son. The perfect family, right?

Twelve years later with no warning and no reason, Jay commits suicide. Colton goes into denial and blames his mother; Alexis buries herself in her work.

Seven months later, Alexis’s biggest dream comes true. She’s going to be on the next space shuttle! Her victory is short-lived when she finds out she has breast cancer. As her health declines, Colton delves into the dangerous circumstances of his father’s death.

Family secrets crept into Alexis’s life when she wasn’t paying attention. Will she and her son ever find out the truth? Or is it too late?

Excerpt

Alexis drove out of the parking lot and headed towards the Martin Andersen Beachline Express. When she arrived at Cape Canaveral, she drove to Canaveral City Park. There she sat and stared at the Atlantis Space Shuttle in the far distance. Imagining the day she would climb inside one just like it and soar through the sky towards the unknown; to a whole new universe where she didn’t have to think about her life and everything that had gone wrong.

Now, it would take years before she received another chance. IF - and it was a very big “IF” - she ever received another chance. That is, IF she could beat breast cancer. This opportunity was something she wasn’t sure she could pass up. Her health was important to her, but so was her job, and if her boss found out, there would be no flying into outer space.

Reclining her seat back, she closed her eyes and rubbed her temples, trying to calm down enough to ease the tension headache. Her thoughts involuntarily went to her late husband, and she wished Jay could be with her. Jay would’ve known what to do. He could always comfort her in a way no man had ever done before or since. He was thoughtful and kind, always putting her needs above his own. God, how she wished he was here with her now!

There was never a day she didn’t think of him and miss him. She asked herself as she did all the time, “Why did he have to die?” Then, she wondered how she had been able to cope with his death. Of course, she had continued to mourn, but she really couldn’t remember how she’d got through the loss and pain of losing someone so close to her.

After the funeral seven months ago, she’d concentrated on raising their seventeen-year-old son, Colton, but she’d jumped straight back into her work. She wasn’t thankful Jay had died when he did. She’d been glad at the time that Colton was almost old enough to take care of himself, but she wasn’t sure if he grieved the way she did. So many nights of lying in bed crying herself to sleep; then one day she climbed out of bed and moved on with her life as if nothing had ever happened

Praise for the Book

"In Family Secrets Donna M. Zadunajsky has again weaved a plot so full of twists and turns, loss and triumph, suspense, romance, and the deep emotions of a family in denial that it keeps you highly intrigued and guessing up until the final sentence. Much as she did in her previous novel, Not Forgotten. Donna is a true storyteller who is masterful in creating the element of surprise and achieving superb realism. The best news yet, however, is that Family Secrets is the first in Zadunajsky's new Second Chances series. When an author captures the imagination of the reader in so many heartfelt ways, 'Second Chances' are never far away, if you can survive the upheavals in your life!" ~ Deborah A. Bowman Stevens, author and Editor-in-Chief for Clasid Consultants Publishing, Inc.

"If I could, I'd give this book at least an 8 Star!!! This book has kept my interest and kept me spell bound right from the beginning!! I must admit, I didn't want to put this book down!! It deals with broken relationships between a mother and her son. The mother is a workaholic as she follows her lifelong dreams. The son is angry at his mother for not being at home while he was growing up and after his father commits suicide. This book keeps you thinking you have everything figured out and then the author gives it another twist. This is the first book I have read from this author but it sure won't be the last one!!! I can hardly wait for Book 2 to come out. I'll be right in line to be one of the first to read it! You've done an outstanding job on this book Donna and I look forward to reading more books from you. I do believe I've found a great new author to add to my list of favorites." ~ Judith Fritz

About the Author

Donna M. Zadunajsky was born and raised in Bristolville, Ohio, and resides in Homer Glen, Illinois. She has written seven children’s books that are about her daughter and all the adventures she has done in her young life.

She spends her time writing short stories as well as novels. She published her first novel, Broken Promises, in June 2012 and has currently finished her second novel, Not Forgotten. Besides writing, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and husband, their dog, and two cats. She enjoys reading and working on crafts and scrapbooking. She graduated from The Institute of Children’s Literature in spring 2011.

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"Scribbler Tales (Volume One)" by Mary Ann Bernal

AUDIOBOOK RELEASE

Scribbler Tales
(Volume One)

by Mary Ann Bernal

Today we feature Scribbler Tales (Volume One), which has recently been released as an audiobook. Also available: Volume Two and Volume Three (Kindle or paperback only).

This is the third in our special feature on Mary Ann Bernal's audiobook series. For more audiobooks by this author, check out my blog post on The Briton and the Dane and my blog post on The Briton and the Dane: Timeline.

Description

Narrated by Roberto Scarlato
Length: 1 hr and 30 mins
Unabridged Audiobook

Scribbler Tales is a unique mix of genres in one anthology rich with tension, humanity, and genuine emotion. Unconventional settings and unexpected twists are bound to leave you pondering long after you close this book.

In "Desperate Measures", Audrey learns of Paul's duplicity when human cloning experiments go awry.

"Forbidden Lore" beckons Arianna and Ethan into a haunted cemetery where they are confronted by a gathering of witches with evil intent.

Adrian must challenge his father to marry Rina or suffer the fate of star-crossed lovers in "Forever Lost".

Aaron reflects upon his childhood as a military brat in "Sail with Me".

In "The Hourglass", Flair makes a covenant with the Devil to keep Brice alive.

Book Video

Excerpts

"Desperate Measures"

Audrey stood on the ledge of the roof overlooking the flower beds as a gentle breeze carried the pleasant fragrances across the well-kept lawn. She should have seen through the deception, but then, hindsight is an excellent teacher. His betrayal had stung, affecting her very soul because she had believed him, refusing to recognize his faults, and there were many. Paul had seduced her, even though she had been a willing participant, believing his every word.

“Paul is too selfish with an ego the size of Texas! Whatever were you thinking?  Father was right ... I am book smart, but not streetwise,” Audrey thought. “How could I have been so blind? Yet isn’t love blind ... and deaf ... and dumb?”

"Forbidden Lore"

Night was setting upon crumbling headstones. The centuries old cemetery was forgotten by most people, except for the High-priestess whose ethereal presence heightened the fear of those who dared walk the burial ground in the darkness.

Arianna was becoming concerned as shades of twilight enveloped the countryside. They had been warned the graveyard entrance was locked at dusk. If they did not return to the car now, right at that moment, they would be trapped. How would they survive until morning? There had been stories, but maybe that was what they were ... just stories. Yet walking through the knee-high grass in a clearing surrounded by willow trees and ancient oaks was unsettling. She sensed a malevolent spirit lurking within the shadows, awaiting release at sunset.

"Forever Lost"

Massive waves broke upon the deserted beach, the pounding surf crashing against the jagged rocks beneath the massive cliff that dominated the landscape. Soft silver moonlight illuminated the darkened night, and a gentle sea breeze moved inland, cooling the stagnant air.

Rina stood at the water’s edge, devoid of emotion as she stared at faint flashes of lightning on the horizon while glimmering frothy waves caressed her bare feet, and a sea mist sprayed her face, its salty taste lingering on her lips. A strong wind whipped her tattered clothing around her slender body, her shoulder-length hair lashing her tear-stained cheeks while droplets of blood fell from her fingers upon the wet sand.

"Sail with Me"

Standing before the World War II Memorial, I was humbled by this monument to the American spirit from a grateful nation. I reflected on the names, imagining their existence before the throes of warfare shattered their world. I pondered on their childhood, wondering about their parents; were they civilians or members of the Armed Forces? And did they survive their upbringing unscathed only to give their lives for the greater good? 

After bearing witness to these truths, of their courage and commitment to fight against tyranny, did I have the right to complain about my early years? Yes, our soldiers have fought and died so I may speak my thoughts freely, without fear of reprisal. I am a captain in the U.S. Navy who also happens to be a military brat. My name is Aaron, and this is my story.

"The Hourglass"

Flair opened her eyes and glanced upon the sand sifting through the hourglass as her life ebbed away. She was grateful for the moonbeams that filtered through the solitary window as she pondered her fate in the darkened chamber while watching the crystalline particles trickling ever so slowly through the slender neck into the lower chamber. Her breathing was raspy, her body racked with pain as the contagion spread throughout the mortal vessel that held her soul. She knew in her heart there would be no escape, and Death would claim her for himself, yet she had no reservations about honoring the terms of her covenant with the feared reaper because Death had kept his word and Brice thrived.

Praise for the Book

"One of the best short story compilations I have come across. I loved this book on Kindle and hearing it in audio is just as good too." ~ Amazon customer on Audible

"I think that this collection really showcases her talent and diversity as a writer. Anyone can make a decent story when they have hundreds of pages to play with, but to create short stories that blow your mind in the few minutes it takes to read them is a true challenge. A challenge that Mary Ann Bernal completes with ease. I am eagerly awaiting the next volume of the Scribbler Tales." ~ Jenn Booksessed on Amazon

"Great reading - Mary Ann knows how to keep her audience wanting more." ~ Stephanie Pasquel on Amazon

About the Author

Mary Ann Bernal, author of The Briton and the Dane novels, is an avid history buff whose area of interest focuses on Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain during the Viking Age. While pursuing a degree in business administration, she managed to fit creative writing classes and workshops into her busy schedule to learn the craft, but it would take decades before her "Erik the Viking" novel was ultimately published.

Mary Ann is also a passionate supporter of the United States military, having been involved with letter writing campaigns and other support programs since Operation Desert Storm. She has appeared on The Morning Blend television show hosted by KMTV, the CBS television affiliate in Omaha, and was interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald for her volunteer work. She has also been a featured author on Triangle Variety Radio, The Phil Naessens Show, and The Writers Showcase, and has been interviewed extensively by American and European bloggers.

Mary Ann currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska.

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"The Briton and the Dane: Timeline" by Mary Ann Bernal

AUDIOBOOK RELEASE

The Briton and the Dane: Timeline
(The Briton and the Dane Book 5)

by Mary Ann Bernal

Today we feature The Briton and the Dane: Timeline, which has recently been released as an audiobook. This is the second in our special feature on Mary Ann Bernal's audiobook series. Please check out my earlier blog post on The Briton and the Dane. Keep an eye out for another book next month.

  

Description

Narrated by Michele Lukovich
Length: 5 hrs and 14 mins
Unabridged Audiobook

Dr. Gwyneth Franger is a renowned expert in early medieval England who is set upon learning the truth about the death of Lord Erik, the last descendant of the powerful House of Wareham. Her quest becomes an obsession, a condition that began with the discovery of a portrait of the tall and valiant warrior with which she forms an extraordinary and inexplicable bond.

Digesting troves of mildewed scrolls and source documentation only enhances her belief that Lord Erik was brutally assassinated by a cabal of traitors in the pay of William the Bastard, shortly before the onslaught of the Norman Invasion.

On an archeological dig in Southern England, her team unearths an Anglo-Saxon fortress, a vast citadel built during the reign of Alfred the Great, which she believes was Lord Erik's stronghold. In the midst of her excitement, she is awakened one night from her slumbers by a disconcerting anomaly emerging from the site.

Dr. Franger finds herself transported back to the Dark Ages and at the side of the noble Lord Erik who commands an army of elite Saxon warriors, a swift and mobile force able to deploy quickly throughout the kingdom to ward off invaders.

Witnessing the unrest firsthand, Gwyneth senses that her instincts had been right all along, and she is determined to learn the identities of the treacherous blackguards hiding in the shadows, villains who may well be posing as Lord Erik's friends and counselors.

Will Gwyneth stop the assassins? Is she strong enough to walk away and watch her beloved Erik die? Or will she intervene, change the course of history and wipe out an entire timeline to save the man she loves with all her heart?

Book Video

Excerpt

Prologue

It was a crisp autumn day in the year of our Lord 2066.  The sun was obscured by swollen storm clouds as wind gusts scattered leaves across the empty courtyard, scraping tree branches against office windows.

Inside the stone building, oblivious to the impending storm, students went about their daily tasks like automatons, cataloging fragile remnants of antiquated history.  Their enthusiasm had been lost over time, vanquished by archaic rules and lack of funding, drowning in an apathetic sea.

The door opened just as heavy rain began to pummel the earth.  Lightning flashed perilously close to the portico, the building shaken by crackling rolls of thunder.  Dr. Malcolm Knýtlinga, department head, scoured the room, nodding to his worker drones as he headed towards the stairwell.  He ran down the stairs, deeper into the bowels of the ancient edifice, slowing his gait once he reached the basement.  Malcolm peered into the open doorways where artifacts were stored, priceless relics forgotten by a society no longer curious about the past.

The lights flickered briefly as the tempest enveloped the city.  He walked the length of the corridor and stopped once he reached the last office, knocking on the doorframe before entering.

“One minute,” Gwyneth said, her eyes upon the monitor, her nimble fingers flying across the outdated keyboard.

While Dr. Franger had mastered every aspect of computer technology available at the present time, she preferred typing her words rather than speaking them aloud.  She even had a typewriter that still worked,  which was proudly displayed in her office at home. She was considered eccentric by her peers, but the student body praised her for her defiance, and her classes were always filled to capacity.

Malcolm shook his head as he sat in his favorite chair, his eyes transfixed on the portrait hanging above his protégé’s desk.  An alleged likeness of Lord Erik, the last descendant of Gwyneth and Erik of Wareham, and painted years after his death by an unknown medieval artist.  Legend described him as a mighty warrior, proficient not only with the sword but with the pen, a man of letters who had served his king well.  Songs attesting to Lord Erik’s prowess on the battlefield had even been sung by the troubadours, only to be lost with the passage of time.  Yet time simply enhanced the mystique of this Saxon of Danish descent whose untimely death was suspect, implying treachery and betrayal in a violent age.

Malcolm tolerated Gwyneth’s obsession with a man who had died centuries ago, but he was not sure why.  Gwyneth and Erik started the dynasty, and maybe Dr. Gwyneth Franger was the reincarnation of the first Gwyneth if one believed in the transmigration of souls.

“You are doing it again,” Malcolm thought.  “Why not just admit you love the woman and be done with it?”

Glancing about the room, Malcolm counted the numerous awards Dr. Gwyneth Franger had received over the past two years.  He was proud of her accomplishments, her diligence, her commitment to the truth, even though the forces driving her were not rational.  Science demanded validity, not emotional conjecture, but Gwyneth concealed her motives well, at least to everyone but himself.  He had seen through the charade but remained silent.  Yes, he was patronizing, but subtly.  She was caught up in the premise, too closely attached to a dream, a forsaken love never to be realized.

“How could a person be in love with someone who lived hundreds of years ago?  Especially someone whose intellect surpasses most of the tenured professors at the University,” Malcolm thought, shaking his head.  “If it were anyone else, you would have had her seen by a psychiatrist; it is not normal, and if you did not know any better, you would swear she was possessed.”

Malcolm’s stoicism did not betray his thoughts as the sound of deft fingers hitting the keyboard brought him out of his reverie.  He glanced at his wristwatch as he shifted in the chair, his patience wearing thin.  Gwyneth failed to notice his impatience as she ended her communication and gazed in Malcolm’s direction.

“It’s done, I leave for Wareham at the end of the week.  Another reenactment, Alfred the Great and the Danish Vikings, when Lord Richard commanded the citadel!” Gwyneth exclaimed.

“I didn’t think there were any of those reenactment groups left.”

“There are a few, but finding these reenactors was quite by accident.  I still can’t believe it’s happening.”

“How long will you be away?” Malcolm asked, calendar in hand.

“Just the weekend; I’ll be back early Sunday afternoon. I haven’t forgotten about the reception and convincing Viscount Beaumont to fund another year excavating the ruins; that is, unless you could speak to him?”

“Just how long is this event?”

“Two weeks.”

Malcolm watched Gwyneth intently, but their eyes locked for a brief moment, when the truth of unspoken feelings was revealed, acknowledged, then veiled within the recesses of two souls.  Gwyneth averted his gaze as she stood up from her desk, the flickering lights creating eerie shadows.  The seconds were a welcome respite from facing the inevitable.

Gwyneth fumbled through the drawers, searching for a flashlight, her shaking hands barely discernible as she groped for the familiar torch.  She wrapped her fingers around the precious light source and was relieved when the ceiling lights finally stopped fluttering.

Malcolm was also unnerved, his vulnerability exposed for a split second.  He coughed, his eyes upon the floor while waiting for the moment to pass.  He concentrated on his work, his profession, and the reason for his visit.

“Take the two weeks,” Malcolm said.  “I’ll deal with Beaumont.”

“Oh, Malcolm, really?  Thank you.  I will make this up to you, I promise,” Gwyneth beamed, hugging him briefly before stepping back, somewhat embarrassed.  “I’m sorry, please forgive me.”

“Gwyneth, I don’t mind, really, but now that this matter is resolved, I would discuss the reason for my visit.  I am pleased to inform you that you are now officially tenured, and I will be putting your name forward as head of the department.”

“That is your job; are you leaving?”

“In a manner of speaking.”

“Malcolm, stop being so secretive.  Tell me, I cannot bear the suspense.”

“You are talking to the deputy vice chancellor, but you must not say a word until the appointment has been announced.”

In her excitement, Gwyneth embraced Malcolm, kissing him on his cheek, but this time he held her tightly, kissing her lips as the lights flickered unsteadily, plunging them into darkness.

Featured Review

By Brenda

Would you consider the audio edition of The Briton and the Dane: Timeline to be better than the print version?

Not better but different. Both offer great intriguing suspenseful fun. As much as I loved reading this story the audio version was a total escape. I could visualize every scene because of the great writing and wonderful narration.

What other book might you compare The Briton and the Dane: Timeline to and why?

I don't think it compares to any other story. This is an original and much better than some blockbuster films.

Have you listened to any of Michele Lukovich’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first performance by Michele Lukovich that I have listened to. I think she enhanced this already amazing story. She has a soothing and inviting voice.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did listen to this book in one sitting. I wasn't planning on it but time passed and before I knew it the story was over.

Any additional comments?

I love Mary Ann Bernal’s powerful stories and Michele Lukovich did a wonderful narration. Very easy to listen to and believable. This audio book is a great escape. Perfect story where you can just close your eyes and you are there. Would highly recommend.

Timeline is masterfully written, as I could visualize all the action going on around me and packed with ongoing suspense and captivating scenes that make it hard to put this book down. I was caught up in the emotional tale that was filled with romance, deception and intriguing encounters. This series is so delightfully entertaining that is makes you feel like you are a fly on the wall watching things that are not made for your eyes. Very clever the way the author tells such a unique tale that makes you want to know even more. Timeline is from another time (past and present) which was not quite like anything I have ever read. I enjoyed every second I spent reading this fascinating book.

About the Author

Mary Ann Bernal, author of The Briton and the Dane novels, is an avid history buff whose area of interest focuses on Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain during the Viking Age. While pursuing a degree in business administration, she managed to fit creative writing classes and workshops into her busy schedule to learn the craft, but it would take decades before her "Erik the Viking" novel was ultimately published.

Mary Ann is also a passionate supporter of the United States military, having been involved with letter writing campaigns and other support programs since Operation Desert Storm. She has appeared on The Morning Blend television show hosted by KMTV, the CBS television affiliate in Omaha, and was interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald for her volunteer work. She has also been a featured author on Triangle Variety Radio, The Phil Naessens Show, and The Writers Showcase, and has been interviewed extensively by American and European bloggers.

Mary Ann currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska.

Links

Add to Goodreads

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Audible

Barnes & Noble

iTunes

Amazon US author page

Amazon UK author page

Barnes & Noble author page

About.me

Blog

Facebook

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LinkedIn

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Twitter @BritonandDane

Website

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