SUMMER SPECIALS

Prices have been lowered on most of my works for the summer on both Amazon and Smashwords. Stock up to get ready for vacation reading. Just go to either and search Sherry Boardman or visit my website http://sherryboardman.com. Prices are not listed on web page, but rather previews of those now online. Happy summer to all!

ALZHEIMER'S CAREGIVER'S RIBBON

Caregiver's Ribbon

The Alzheimer's Caregiver's Ribbon was created as a tribute to all who put others first and  have deferred their personal dreams to care for those who can no longer find their own way.

Handcrafted with lavender ribbon to complement Alzheimer's purple hue, each has a personal collectible silver charm. (Some may vary.) The looped ribbon is approximately 3" x 1 1/2" and presented on glossy photo paper as pictured.

A perfect gift, this keepsake will  show your appreciation to those who care for Alzheimer's patients day by day, month to month...year by year. It was designed after writing the novel Deferred Dreams, now available on all e-book publishing sites.

Link to http://sherryboardman.com, Caregiver's Ribbon. PayPal (or credit card) is available for this $5.00 gift plus $2.00 shipping. Please use the Contact page for a mailing address if you prefer to pay with a cashier's check or money order. Orders will be mailed within 2-4 business days. Give to those to who have given so much of themselves.

DEFERRED DREAMS - A Tribute to Caregivers

Newly published (4/14/14) this novel is a story of a daughter who puts her life on hold to care for her mother whose Alzheimer's is progressing. Jennifer Adams has lost several loved ones in the past few years and now faces the realization the last link to her family will be gone. A new doctor can't offer hope for a cure because the illness is ultimately terminal, but he does help her travel the road on this last journey.

A caregiver’s job has to be the most unrewarding there is. After giving, giving, and giving more, a caregiver still feels enough hasn’t been done. As of this writing, two members of my family are providing care for their loved ones. I, too, was a caregiver on and off many years before my daughter’s passing due to a different debilitating illness and yet wonder if I could have done more. So this book is close to my heart. Regardless of the nature of the illness or time required, a caregiver must be available when needed with little consideration of a personal life.

What occurs when days or weeks stretch into as long as ten years? Burnout. Compassion fatigue. Psychological distress. One becomes numb, drained of emotion, lethargic, and avoids interaction with others. Little respite time is available. No formal training is offered for the dedicated who quietly tend to loved ones. They do whatever is necessary and learn along the way.

Take time to say thank you to a caregiver. Give thought that tomorrow, without warning or choice, the duty could possibly become yours. Would you be up to the task?

Presently available on Amazon, Deferred Dreams will soon be available with other e-book publishers. View my other works at http://sherryboardman.com.

CHRISTMAS REQUIEM

Sad songs. Depressing thoughts. Miserable life. Continuous grief. Mary Simmons is experiencing all of these emotions and more. Gone is an irresponsible husband, upper class home, luxury car, and a promising career when the bank's doors closed for good. Christmas is only a few days away, and even with two jobs, it isn't certain there will be enough extra money to pay for her children's few gifts on layaway. Is there still such a thing as Christmas joy?  A tender story to tug at the heart during a joyous season.

Christmas Requiem (5-star reviews) is now available on Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Sony, Kobo, and other ebook publishers. In print is available on Amazon and CreateSpace. A beautifully created cover with only a festive bow is all that is needed to display a special holiday treat. $1.99/$4.75. 

For additional selections, please visit my web site.

Happy Holidays! 

http://sherryboardman.com

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

BACK IN TIME, New Release Excerpt

Catherine stared at the blood dripping from the dagger in her hand tinting the ruffled sunny yellow organza evening dress as it dropped to the elaborate scrolls on the woolen carpet. Raising her head, she grimaced at the body slumped over the massive desk with the older man’s life’s juices oozing onto the papers beneath his head. She willed her trembling legs to move away from the hideous scene, and her back bumped against the floor to ceiling shelves crammed with books written by sages of the past. Her hand reached behind her for support and touched a notched area on the frame. With a whoosh, a section of the shelves opened. Swirling around, she peered into the darkness beyond. Voices in the hall outside the closed door offered no other choice but to enter the black void before her. Once inside, she turned and frantically began feeling the rough casing around the unique door. Her fingers brushed over a latch, and a hysterical giggle almost escaped when she pulled and the slat closed. Inky gloom encircled her small frame. Without thinking, she lifted her other hand to brush away hair that had fallen into her face. The knife. It was still dangling from her fingers. Shuddering, she slung it outward and heard the blade’s clang against the stoned walls.

     Perspiration beaded her upper lip as she struggled with the bed coverings to be free of their bond. Finally shoving them all in a lump onto the floor, she sat up, eased her legs over the edge of the mattress and leaned forward on her arms for support. What had all of that been about? 

    Dreams can often be a key to a past. Catherine Henderson is about to embark on a journey back in time to learn the answers about confusing events occurring in the present. Now available on Amazon, Smashwords, Nook, Apple, Sony, Kobo, and other e-book publishers. Preview on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F2OGPNU or visit website http://sherryboardman.com. It's different!

BACK IN TIME, a Past Life Regression Romance

Just published on Amazon and Smashwords and should be available at B&N, Sony, Kobo, Apple, and other ebook publishers soon. The novel is approximately 52,000 words.

This was quite a different theme for me. It is ingrained in most of us that when we take our last breath, eternity awaits and that is it. The more I delved into the topic, I can't say I was swayed differently, but it certainly dented my beliefs somewhat.

When two people meet and each believe they have met before, but have no recollection of where, the story almost writes itself. When Catherine Henderson, a journalist, interviews Seth Adams, owner of one of the last hand loom woolen mills in present day Boston, coincidences cannot be ignored. Catherine's unexplained nightmares plague her to the point of seeking help from a well known therapist who takes her patient back to her past life in the 18th century. Seth throws off any idea he has had a past life until positive proof comes forward that he, too, was at the same place at the same time. Events occurring outside of their growing relationship provide more credence to the couple's saga.

For more indepth information on my latest, visit Amazon or Smashwords and read the full descriptions. The novel is an entertaining read for those with an open mind or even the skeptics, as I was. As always, a list of my other works can be found on my author's page on these sites or my website http://www. sherryboardman.com. I would consider this work for adults only due to the possible controversial subject matter.

Hope you all have had a wonderful summer, but aren't we thrilled to know Fall will soon be gracing us with cooler weather. God bless.

Sherry

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 accepting 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 being prescribed the proper medication, it was doubled 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.

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

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

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

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!

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.

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.

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