Saturday, December 22, 2012

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

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

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) 

Monday, October 22, 2012

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.

Monday, October 8, 2012

THE ABBOTT SAGA - Box Set of Two. Yes, 2!

The Abbott Saga combines two lengthy historical romance novels now under one title. Romance, fantasy, paranormal...they are all there. The reader will receive approximately 200,000 words in e-book form for leisurely evenings or whenever time is found for reading. Adult content. Regional dialect.

Shadows o'er Killarney, set in 1789 Ireland on the heels of the Irish Revolution, begins when a recent young widow travels from the stark Irish coast to live with her aunt and uncle in the lavish garden spot of Killarney. However, trouble soon finds its way to the area. Jenny's fears of the future are quieted when a small creature is discovered in the forest near the lough. His tiny star burst eyes are full of promise as he tells her a treasure is coming by water to endure forever. Gold? Treasures are not always found in chests, Goliath tells her. Jonathan and a close friend are dispatched by England's king to Ireland to do the king's business by asking the Irish to join England's cause and have a voice in parliament. When Jonathan steps onto the Emerald Isle, he is in no way prepared for the chaos from a fiery tempered red head who holds on to her cultural values when he tries to invoke his on her. However, this is a romance, and romance does develop between the two. But an accident threatens the happily ever after when Jonathan thinks he will never again be a complete man. It is up to Jenny to convince him she knows everything will turn into rainbows...of course. Goliath told her so.

The companion novel to Shadows is Pipes in the Mist. Without giving away everything in the first novel, the Abbotts move to England and have a daughter they name Heather. She is special in that she evidently inherited her mother's gift of intuition and sight. An example is seeing swirls of mist whirl around a young man from Scotland and the "voice" assures her 'this is the one.' But her dream shatters and becomes a nightmare. Her world is suddenly turned upside down because of Stirling's problems with his laird father and the clan. It's complicated!
Romance. Fantasy. Paranormal. All with backdrops of  beautiful emerald Ireland, roaming hills of England, and the stark mountain peaks of Scotland. Available on Amazon and Smashwords. Soon on Noon, Apple, Sony, Kobo, and others. Two for one. What a deal for $5.99!
http://www.amazon.com/The-Abbott-Saga-ebook/dp/B009LSMH58


Friday, September 28, 2012

CHRISTMAS REQUIEM

Scheduled to be available in print by the middle of October.

Often a book is read and the wish to be gifted is not always possible if it is an e-Book. Christmas Requiem is be the perfect holiday gift to wrap and put under the tree. Modestly priced for a paperback ($4.99), the storyline is about those who have little to give but have given so much. Watch for the printed version on Amazon and CreateSpace.

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


Saturday, September 22, 2012

TIME LOST Paranormal Mystery Short Story

What a wonderful way to begin Fall. A new short story for an entertaining quick read.


The phone call tilts Jennifer’s world. Her father is dead. Possible homicide. She has not seen him for ten years and is appalled at the deplorable changes in his lifestyle. But murdered? For what? Her constant indivisible companion urges her to proceed with care. The young detective continues to find evidence to prove all is not as it seems, while Jennifer yearns to regain years of time lost with her father.

A tender story, there are some sensitive scenes during the crime investigation, although nothing explicitly graphic. The story takes place near Chicago. A short read--about 12,860 words. Enjoy!

http://www.amazon.com/Time-Lost-ebook/dp/B009F7T25S
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/238457

Saturday, September 15, 2012

ROMANCES? Love 'em!

Contemporary, historical, time travel, mystery fantasy, paranormal. A variety of e-book romance short stories, novellas, and full length novels are listed on my website, http://sherryboardman.com. Also, seasonal and children's items are available. Best sellers Portal to Loch Doon and The Other Side of Midnight. Links are provided on the site to take you straight to the books' pages on Amazon, Smashwords, or search for them on Barnes & Noble, Sony, Apple, and other noted e-book stores. Check out my new time travel historical romance, The Mistress of the Keep. I think it's another winner. 

The seasons are changing. Get ready for some indoor entertainment!

Saturday, September 8, 2012

E-Books vs. Traditional


My whole life I have read. The numbers of bookshelves filled with mostly historical romance paperbacks are almost embarrassing. I must begin boxing them up to donate to nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living...anywhere they might entertain others who have little to do. However, each one of them seems to be an award for taking the time to sit and enjoy myself when the moments came. Reread? Hardly ever. I remember every storyline.

Now, a transition has arrived. Millions of books are online internationally. Mine among them. I am proud to be called an indie (independent writer/publisher). Why the popularity? Convenience is one reason. Browsing is accomplished at one’s own pace. Often, the blurb (synopsis) is more detailed, and, almost always, a portion of the book is available for preview. Plus, the prices are an enticement for readers. I picked up a paperback at our local super-center the other day and was amazed to see it was almost $7.00 for less than 300 pages (maybe 75,000 words). Most of that size sells for $3.99 or less online. The Kindle Fire has set Amazon’s reading audience ablaze. Other vendors who offer e-books now have competitive brands of e-readers available. Most have the capacity of loading up to 500 books with online libraries to store them until no longer wanted. Why should anyone again purchase a traditional paperback?

Many of us are just old fashioned, I suppose. I still enjoy holding a book in my hands, trying to keep the spine creased open enough to read the words on the inside margin, and locating a misplaced bookmark to save my place. But more and more, I’ve looked into the Kindle and other readers. They are becoming more affordable. I’m certainly making the royalties to gift myself. As age and arthritis set in, it might the direction to go. One thing is for certain...I will continue to enjoy reading in one form or the other. However, my writing presently takes precedence while hoping others will choose one of my works to download and read at their leisure. Perhaps you have an enticing story to tell. If so, check out Amazon or Smashwords (or others) for self-publication at no cost to the author.

For my present offerings, including my new time travel historical romance The Lairds of Callaghan, visit http://sherryboardman.com.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Bridge to Long Ago (time travel historical romance) moving up

Readers have finally found my latest time travel, Bridge to Long Ago. Those who read it might think twice before crossing an old mossy bridge. It just might take you to a time where your ancestry began making their mark in the woolen or some other important industry. Would you want to return? Our hero Jason Taylor of Taylor Made, Inc., has doubts. You will, too.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Portal to Loch Doon Exerpt

Several have inquired why an except of my best selling book has not been offered on here. I believe I have found one that will give a feeling of the before and, perhaps, what is to come. It follows Marcella's unexpected journey back in time to Loch Doon, Scotland, and she encounters a tall, handsome Scotsman on the banks of the loch. Enjoy.

The distant low thunder spurred him into action. Leaning down, he checked to be certain she was still breathing. Slow and steady breaths were a good sign. She would be all right until he retrieved the boat and returned. He removed his plaid and covered the length of her. After a few strides in his boat's direction, he glanced back over his shoulder to be certain there had been no change.
Within a short time, everything and everyone was loaded, and Robert strained against the oars to gain the far shore across from the castle ruins. He kept a wary eye on the sky. Mist traveling toward them was now visible and would reach the area in a short time. He remembered a deserted hut not far from the bank and directed the small transport toward the area. That would be more sensible than trying to reach Doon Brae since it was still a short trek over the hill. He guided the boat up onto the low bank and jumped out to tether it. Then, he turned to his next duty of unloading.
He was about to strike the flint to light the rush candle in the diminutive room when he heard a moan. He finished his task and turned to the one on the undersized straw cot. An unstable chair was pulled to its side, and he carefully positioned himself in the event it went crashing to the floor. Looking down at his uninvited visitor, curious blue eyes met his.
"Welcome back, lass," he said.
Marcella reached up and pulled the cloth from her head. She tried to rise, but failed in the effort and dropped back down to the hard mattress.
"Wait a bit before ye try tae move around," he advised.
There were no words coming to mind for her to question anything. It was all a muddle of thoughts. The stomach growl caused a frown.
Robert heard the signs of hunger. "Ah hae th' fish tae cook, but it will tak' a bit ay time."
Her throat was like cotton. The discarded cloth was located and she wiped it across her mouth.
Seeing her distress, he rose and went to get the skin of water. Returning, he made an effort to smile and again raised her head for her to take a few sips. She pushed it away when she had enough.
"Thank you," she croaked. "Do I still have my bag?"
He nodded. The glassy eyed stare hinted she still wasn't entirely conscious.
"There is a candy bar in it."
"A candy bar?" he asked. He had never heard of candy being on a bar. But he shrugged and reached for the bag. Peering in, he saw an assortment of articles. Most were unfamiliar to him. Everything he pulled out and held up to her was regarded and when she shook her head, he would return the item and dig for the next. "Close tae bottomless," he muttered.
"Blue wrapping paper," she said. "Soft insides."
Frowning, he kept searching. Finally, his fingers wrapped around an unusual object and he squeezed the soft insides. Grunting, he held it up and was rewarded with a hint of a smile.
Marcella reached for it and tore at the wrapper with what strength she possessed. The bed was far less adequate than her soft queen sized mattress in her apartment, wherever that was at the moment. "Would you help me to sit up, sir?" Her brows furrowed. "I'm sorry," she said. "I don't believe we had a chance to be formally introduced."
Robert finally relaxed and chuckled. "Nae, I believe no," he said. "MacKerra. Robert MacKerra of Clan Fergusson."
It was an effort, but Marcella propped up on her elbows and looked at him. A flush crept up her throat to her face. "Clan?" She looked down at the length of material still covering her. Not just an attractive piece of textile. It was an identification plaid of clan colors. Bands of forest green and dark blue were crisscrossed with red and white stripes. She fingered the lightweight, obviously hand-loomed wool. Her eyes flashed back at him. "Clan?" she repeated.
"Och aye. A sept o' the Fergusson clan." It was simple to him. What was so difficult for her to comprehend?
The petite form collapsed back to the bed. Quickly vacating the chair, he drew closer to the cot to be certain she had not left him again. Her eyes were searching the ceiling. The candy bar hadn't been eaten, and he picked it up and offered it to her. She definitely needed something hardier, but he dared not leave her to begin cleaning the fish. Her head turned to him and tears had filled her eyes. Without a thought, he smoothed the hair back from her face. "Lass, perhaps ye should eat this wee sweet tae provide some strength while Ah cook us a bite."
Nodding, she took the bar and pulled back the paper. She studied him while nibbling the rich candy.
"We will visit when I get supper afire," he said. "Thaur be mony questions we baith hae." He turned to begin his task.
There was one question in the forefront of her mind she had to know. "I would like to ask one now, if you please?"
He turned back to her, giving her his full attention. "Aye. Which would 'at be?"
"What year is this?"
After hesitating because he didn't know if she really needed to know the answer at this precise moment, he knew he had to. "'Tis 1698."
The remains of the candy bar dropped to the mattress as she held his stare. "It cannot be!" she finally responded through stiff lips. "It is the 21st century. I live in an upscale apartment in Henderson, Florida. I am a high school teacher and have just completed the school year. And I will wake up from this nightmare any minute."

Portal to Loch Doon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0058KS2NO
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/69907

Friday, June 29, 2012

Portal to Loch Doon in U.K.'s Top 100

Portal to Loch Doon remained in the Top 100 best sellers in the U.S. Amazon historical romance time travel category for nine months. Now the U.K. is picking up where it left off in the U.S. I am so pleased so many readers have found this whimsical romance enjoyable. It certainly makes the author wish for another personal journey to the unique country.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

CHILDREN'S QUIET TIME by Sherry Boardman

Children's Quiet Time, a collection of four short stories, has been published on Amazon for children ages 6 and up. They can be read aloud to those who can't yet read, or more experienced readers can read to themselves. A variety of stories are included:

Bump in the Night - five girls at a slumber party have an uninvited guest. (a little spooky)

The Whirlybird - a young boy is ecstatic when a helicopter has to land on his roof.

One Is A Lonely Number - a little lady has trouble finding a playmate

How Are You, Mr. Ryan? - a young boy must decide how he can protect his treasures, one being an autographed baseball glove, when flood water threatens his home. (This is a title previously published as a single.)

Children's Quiet Time can be found on Amazon, http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Quiet-Time-ebook/dp/B008F27RY2, and will soon be listed on my website, http:sherryboardman.com.

Hope everyone is staying cool!!

Monday, June 11, 2012

Shadows o'er Killarney

Just pushed CreateSpace's Publish button. Shadows o'er Killarney will soon be available in print. Editing took some time for the longer novel since the author must use a specific trim size and the manuscript must be reformatted, then edited over and again.This historical romance-fantasy will be 6x9, 313 pages. I'm excited to have my third one is print following Portal to Loch Doon and The Other Side of Midnight. An autograph party is definitely in the near future since I now have something to sign. Feels good.

To view all of my work, you can visit my Website and click on the links to take you directly to a selected book site. http://sherryboardman.com

It's getting hot here is Texas. However, it is summer. After a lifetime here, why would I expect any different?  If you have special vacation plans, be safe, but have a great time!

Sunday, May 27, 2012

The Other Side of Midnight in Amazon's top 100

The Other Side of Midnight (pub Mar 2011) has quietly moved up in Amazon's ratings and sits in the top 100 in two categories, Family Relationships and Grief. The non-fiction work discusses how one (as well as those around him/her) deals with the illness after being diagnosed with bipolar. This is a personal account of my adult daughter's struggle after learning her years of various ailments came under one large umbrella. Treatable, but not curable, the stigma one attaches to self becomes a daily mountain of mixed emotions about life's upside-down world. Through faith, love of others, and knowledge of the illness, a person can live with bipolar. There are certainly worse illnesses. Many go on in life to become even more successful once their world has been set on the right track. I am so pleased that others have found my offering worthwhile and have often stated if only one person finds relief from their emotional turmoil through my words of encouragement, then I have accomplished what I was led to do. Any readers who have experienced this malady personally or know of others who have are welcome to share their words from within.

Available on Amazon (Sherry Lane), Smashwords, Nook, Apple, Sony, and other e-book sites. Also available in print through Amazon and CreateSpace. A trailer video can be viewed on You Tube. See my website for links. http://sherryboardman.com

Friday, May 11, 2012

Why Scottish Dialect?

A few queries have been received regarding the use of Scottish dialect in my time travel historical romance, Portal to Loch Doon, with possibly the same results for my upcoming time travel Mistress of the Keep. I say a few, meaning only five or six out of 1700 sales. When I began writing the book, it really was not my intention to use it. However, once the story began to unfold, how could I not? Even a visit today to some areas of Ireland, Wales, or Scotland, one strains to understand the language. Although I've endeavored to temper some of the words/terms, I have not strayed too far from the translator used. To most, it makes the story more believable when thinking of traveling several centuries back in time to another part of the world. Why would their language suddenly become American?  During my visit to England, I felt like a foreigner (and was). Even the English language spoken there was difficult to decipher at times. Alas, Americans have certainly butchered the king's English and continue to do so by writing less formally.

As authors continue to write to please their audiences, I do not believe we should completely abandon the art of authentic writing. Historical events are thoroughly scrutinized by readers. Why should they be so picky about a few phrases with thau, cood, Ah'll, hae, etc. After all, reading is not only for pleasure, but another avenue for learning. Put the shoe on the other foot. How do you think those who speak other languages feel when trying to read some of the material published in the U.S.? I love the flavor of the dialect written and find myself using some of the words in daily conversations when working on that type of writing. However, I will heed the pleadings of some and temper future dialogues...somewhat. If you would like to view examples of what I've discussed, see them in the sample offered on Amazon's Portal to Loch Doon, http://www.amazon.com/Portal-Travel-Historical-Romance-ebook/dp/B0058KS2NO. (I think it allows you to get that far into the book.) And have fun with it.

Cheers to all.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

A Book for Mother's Day

The perfect gift for Mom to escape her day-to-day hectic schedule is an e-Book delivered directly to her tablet or PC. Easy shopping for you, too. Wishing all you Moms a special Mother's Day. http://sherryboardman.com

Monday, April 2, 2012

sherryboardman.com

Finally, I found time to create a personal website with information on all my books. Any comments are welcomed. Use the contact page. This is exciting! I'm truly in the writing business as a real author. http://sherryboardman.com

Ping Pong Easter Eggs

Just published for the holiday. The bunnies have a problem. The bridge washed out during a storm and the trucks to deliver the eggs cannot get across to the countryside soon enough for the bunnies to get the eggs decorated and delivered before the children's hunts begin. However, Whitey has an idea. Will it work in time to save the day? Ping Pong Easter Eggs now available on Amazon this week, $1.99. Children ages 3 and above will enjoy this fun story.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007QUYFEE

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Portal to Loch Doon and The Other Side of Midnight now in print.

I am excited to announce, with the help of CreateSpace, two of my best sellers are now in book form. It wasn't as difficult as I thought. They are now available on createspace.com and soon on Amazon. How great it was to receive the final proofs and hold them and think, "I have truly written a book." Numbers continue to climb on Portal to Loch Doon sales. It is almost amazing to see how many readers enjoy time travel themes. Those who are curious about bipolar are drawn to The Other Side of Midnight. The latest addition to Amazon and Smashwords Bridge to Long Ago, my second time travel, is gaining speed. It is so rewarding to know that others enjoy my work.

Spring is upon us in Texas. Trees are budding and adding to the allergy season. And the weeds always need attention. Regardless, it is nice to enjoy the miracle of the changes around us. Cheers to you all. 

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Books soon in print

Portal to Loch Doon and The Other Side of Midnight will soon be available in book form rather than only e-Book formats. Both final drafts were submitted to CreateSpace this weekend and should be online by the middle of March. It will be exciting to hold an actual book instead of reading a monitor. Also, I'll finally get to autograph something! Both Amazon and CreateSpace will have them available for e-purchase.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

New Time Travel Historical Romance

Bridge to Long Ago, time travel historical romance, is now more than an idea. It went live today on Amazon and will soon be on Smashwords. (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007301YV4) Just the research for this story and then to understand the woolen trade took over a month. Could you shear a sheep? In two minutes? Placing the main character in 1850 at the beginning of The Industrial Revolution was another challenge. He was changing to adapt to the past, and the time period was reaching for the future. Hope all enjoy it. Authors always watch for kind reviews of their work. If you feel inclined, add a few. Thanks.