A Mother's Love and Memories

I wanted to take a moment to relate to all of my friends and readers how very much I have appreciated the loving thoughts and prayers since losing my daughter on January 17. We still do not have a final decision on the cause of death, but it was quite sudden and unexpected at that particular time. I had talked with her the night before (thankfully), and she sounded cheerful and excited she had finally conquered her bout with the flu. However, through the last four years, one illness had led to another. I truly believe God thought her body and mind were tired and had run the course and called her home.

The grief of losing anyone is beyond explanation unless you have experienced it.  Through the years, I have said my goodbyes to grandparents, a mother, father, sister, and husband, but the most difficult has been to survive the death of my own child. Even at 41, she was still a child at heart, and we visited by phone several times a day. Our times together were spent shopping, decorating, and just talking and laughing about numerous things. To have her taken so quickly has all but destroyed my desire to carry on. But she would want me to. I still have a son, and she would encourage me to stand by him as I did for her for so many years.

In 2011, I published a non-fiction on her struggles of excepting a bipolar diagnosis in 2005, The Other Side of Midnight (Sher Lane). Evidently, many had their own personal concerns because it was a best seller for almost a year. She never read it. She could remember all too well the nightmares she suffered without understanding why until the diagnosis was made. That in itself is the cure. Because of the years of not prescribed the proper medication, it was doubled up to get her mind as close to normal as possible...whatever normal is. One medication became ten, then more added. COPD became an issue, then diabetes. At the end, neuropathy was rearing its ugly head, and I truly believe her body could not endure more. Although I grieve daily, I would not wish for her to suffer any more than she did, and I feel more was to follow. Her quality of life failed quickly during the last two years, and I was destroyed when I received the call, but not totally surprised.

All of my thoughts are not being poured out for sympathy, but to stress the importance of showing your love while you have the opportunity. There are many shoulda, woulda, coulda thoughts continually running through my head. However, nothing will change the final outcome. At the moment, my thoughts of writing are nil. I had one chapter to complete for my new historical romance, The Mercenary and The Archer, when she passed away. It had to be a happy ending, but my heart was anything but. She was always my encouragement to start the next novel because she enjoyed relating to others I was a 'paid' author. Finally, one day I gritted my teeth, finished it, and hit the publish button. The desire to start another just isn't there at the moment. Hopefully, it will return because I enjoy it so much.

In conclusion, I offer much love to all of those who follow and support my work. Love yourself and pass that love to others! Moments are precious. Share them. Live your life to the fullest while you can. Cherish others, because fond memories will live with you until you, one day, become one for others to remember. God bless you each moment.♥

Sherry
http://sherryboardman.com

The Heroine Has An Attitude!!

The Mercenary and The Archer, new release. Historical Romance. Scottish mercenaries roamed Scotland's borders in the the middle of the 17th century to protect Charles II, the future king of the northern country, from England's armies. Ronan Carlisle is a seasoned fighter and favored by the future king. However, when new recruits are sent to replace those lost, he soon learns all the battles are not always fought on the field. One new mercenary is a skilled warrior whose aim always proves true. However, there are some issues. First, the archer is a woman fighting in a man's war. Second, she has an attitude! Although Ronan trusts her instincts when they ride into skirmishes, off the field all thoughts of glorious victories are pushed to the back of his mind when Alana simply opens her mouth and sarcasm just automatically spews forth. Her beauty is a admired; however, one word can destroy all thoughts of what might could be. Approximately 53,000 words. Available on Amazon, Smashwords, and other e-book publishers.

Smashwords Books Discounted until 3/9

Several of my books have been added to the list of Smashwords' Read an e-book month. Coupons will be added at checkout. Books listed in this event are: The Abbott Saga (two set bundle), Castles on the Sand, Pipes in the Mist (paranormal), and Shadows o'er Killarney. Visit my website page for additional works available for your reading enjoyment.

Time Travel Historical Romances

Each year we look forward to and celebrate time moving on for our lives to improve in various ways. However, many might enjoy visiting the distant past. Time travel has always been an interesting topic. Is there really such a thing...except in our minds? Many enjoy reading about those who, by some unknown force, return to the past as if to relive a segment missed in a past life. With the numbers who read time travel historical romances, it is definitely something upon which to ponder. Perhaps it is just the romantic in us. The time period is never perfect, but characters tend to place themselves in situations to make it more so and solve a problem that should have been taken on long ago. Never read one? Many are available to whisk you away from today's negativism to become acquainted with the past and the adventures offered. Was I ever a part of the 1600s or 1700s? Hmm. Most likely.

Happy New Year to all of my fans.

http://sherryboardman.com

WISH LIST?

We all have them, but not always written down. What is on your list this gift giving season? I hope you will check out my website to see if there is anything you might enjoy reading on a cold, wintry night while enjoying a cozy fire. Romance, historical romance, time travel historical romance, children' selections, non-fiction. 'Tis the time to give yourself a treat. Visit my site to read some of the previews available on various ebook sites or in print at http://sherryboardman.com

♫ ♪ ♫ The merriest of holidays to all and best wishes for the happiest of new years. ♪ ♫ ♪

Sherry

CHRISTMAS REQUIEM (Excerpt)

"She pulled her purse out of the satchel rescued from the trash dumpster. The vinyl was scratched and torn, and the zipper had disappeared long before she claimed it. But it was large enough for her purse and a change of clothes and shoes for her evening's part time job. She dug for the thin billfold buried under several bills marked past due. From one of the slots, she found the purpose of the search. Tears threatened when she punched in the phone number on the card to verify the amount of food stamps available. Not much. But perhaps enough for a decent Christmas dinner. She had tried to prepare her children for a lean holiday this year after her job ended. However, even with the extra work and food stamps, other obligations would cancel a nice juicy turkey and all the trimmings. Boiled chicken legs and stovetop stuffing would be the main course. A can of sweet potatoes were in the cupboard, but there would be no marshmallows or pecans. And pumpkin pie? That was only a picture in a magazine."

Requiem = Sad songs. Little hope. Depression. Misery. Many are feeling the effects of the economy this year. We remind ourselves to be thankful for what we have and pray for better times. However, our thoughts return to the present circumstances hovering to dim the most beautiful of holidays. We wonder if there are yet such things as miracles to save us from more despair?

Christmas Requiem, a holiday short story now on ebook sites with a printed version on CreateSpace. 

http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Requiem-ebook/dp/B006D5OHIC

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Requiem-ebook/dp/B006D5OHIC     

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/107975

https://www.createspace.com/4006776

(Or check catalogues on Nook, Sony, Apple, Kobo, and others) 

MISTRESS OF THE KEEP Time Travel Historical Romance

Just released on Amazon.

Has a friend ever disappeared without advising others of a planned trip never be heard from again? It is recorded that past lives is a possibility. Deja vu is a term often used to describe a feeling of being in a certain place in another time, while destiny is said to be the final calling to resolve past life issues and put the matters to rest. Is it probable that time travel is the answer? Mistress of the Keep is a time travel historical romance with characters whose basic needs are the same as others. Should centuries separating them be an issue? Not in this instance. Adult content. Approximately 45,000 words. Please Like my book's page so I will know I have had visitors.♥
http://www.amazon.com/Mistress-of-the-Keep-ebook/dp/B009TWUIV6

Presently, I am working on another historical romance, The Mercenary and the Archer (who has a real attitude). This one has been fun because the heroine is someone the hero must learn to tame or at least convince her to keep her mouth shut. Watch for a December release.

Happy Autumn to All! Really pleasant temperatures in Texas.