Hello, and “WELCOME” to Rave Reviews Book Club Back-To-School Book and Blog Party!
Coming to you from McKinney, Texas
Here’s what I am giving away today
TWO $5.00 AMAZON GIFT CARDS
TWO eBooks of FLOWERS AND STONE (Book 1 of the series)
NUMBER OF WINNERS FOR THIS STOP: 4
You must “Like” and “Comment” on this post to enter drawing
I’d like to introduce you to my books and am honored that you stopped by to check them out! First and foremost, my books are true stories (a series of four books) about a veteran Texas Musician, a young girl who loved him and the many twists and turns his/her life took including fifteen years of incarceration in Leavenworth prison.
Today, famed TV personality, Ike The Interviewer, will be conducting an interview with the main character in the books, Luke Stone. Ike is tall and balding with kind eyes. He is dressed in a casual open front white shirt and slacks.. Luke Stone has silver gray hair, piercing blue eyes and wearing blue jeans, western shirt, boots and hat.
Ike: Well, Mr. Stone, we finally get a chance to ask you some personal questions. Thank you for allowing me to interview me.
Luke: It’s my pleasure.
Ike: The first question I have for you is this: How do you feel about Jan Sikes telling your story to the world?
Luke chuckles: That little gal has more grit and determination than anyone I’ve ever known. When she sinks her teeth into something, she sees it through to the end. As far as how I feel about it, I think she did a great job. I have to confess though, I think she made me look better on paper than I was in real life.
Ike: So everything in these four books really happened?
Luke: Yep. It all happened and a whole lot more that she didn’t tell about.
Ike: Did you fall in love with Darlina Flowers, or did she fall in love with you?
Luke takes a sip from his water glass: You know I’ve asked myself that same question before and I guess truthfully, it was a mutual falling. She was young and a breath of fresh air to me. I’d been hanging around those ol’ Texas honky-tonks all of my adult life and as you well know, the women who hang around those joints are a different breed. One thing, though, that I’ll never understand is what in the hell she ever saw in me.
Ike: What do you mean?
Luke: I was tough back then. I had a reputation for kicking ass and taking names and I got arrogant. I had also grown tired of the merry-go-round I was on, but couldn’t find any way to jump off. I was married and had a house full of kids with a woman I didn’t love and couldn’t stand to be around. I had a band that depended on me to feed them and their families and everyone looked to me to keep the party going. So, I got to a point that I just didn’t care anymore. At least I thought I didn’t care.
Ike: So, how did Darlina change that?
Luke: She saw something in me that I could no longer see in myself. She believed in me and my talent as a songwriter and performer. It had been a very long time since anyone gave a damn about me as a person.
Ike: And, can you tell us why you didn’t divorce your wife and marry her?
Luke: Damn, how I wanted to. I wanted that more than anything, but I had already gotten too deep into some shit that she didn’t need to be a part of.
Ike: Oh? Can you tell us about that?
Luke: Well, if you’ve read Jan Sikes’ books, you already know that I got mixed up with some guys that were robbing banks. I can tell you in all honesty that I never went in a bank with a gun and robbed it. But, my reputation had already set the stage for what was about to happen and I was too big and dumb to do anything but barrel into it believing that you couldn’t be convicted of a crime you hadn’t committed. Boy, was I wrong.
Luke becomes pensive: If only I had met Darlina a couple of years earlier. It would have changed everything.
Ike: What happened next?
Luke: I stood trial and was railroaded. Because I wouldn’t tell the Texas Rangers and FBI what I knew about the robberies, they threw the book at me. I wound up with 75 years to serve in prison for two separate bank robberies. Luke turns to face the nearest camera. I can honestly say that I never went in a bank with a gun and robbed it.
Ike: Whew! That’s a long time.
Luke: You’re telling me. I thought my life was over. I was angry and bitter and rebellious and I hit prison determined to show them that I couldn’t be caged.
Ike: What happened to Darlina then?
Luke: That little gal kept on loving me. Damned if I knew why, but she did. I would write letters to her and tell her that she needed to get on with a life and forget about me. She deserved to find somebody that would take care of her and give her a home and children. Oh, she eventually got married, but it didn’t last long. She was what kept me going in prison. I lived for her letters. I could smell her sweet scent on them. She inspired me to become a better person and damned if I didn’t do it.
Ike: I want to delve into your music career when we come back from commercial break, Luke. But first, we have to pay some bills.
Luke: Sounds good, podnah.
Ike: Don’t go away. We’ll be right back with another segment of the Life of Luke Stone!
Jan Sikes has told this story in a series of four books. It begins with Flowers and Stone when Luke and Darlina meet. Buy it on Amazon for 0.99!
The story continues with The Convict and the Rose.How does a man deal with a prison sentence for a crime he didn’t commit? After many struggles, he picks himself up, dusts himself off and learns how to be and do positive, in a very negative place. Darlina, in a prison of her own, agonizes over her loss. This book won Best in Biography Fiction 2015 from the Texas Association of Authors! Buy on Amazon.
When Luke is finally released from prison after almost fifteen years, he heads back to Texas, Darlina and HOME with a heart full of dreams and empty pockets. The trials ahead are severe but they face them together. This book won TWO awards – one for Best General Fiction from the 2016 North Texas Book Festival and one for Best Biography Fiction from the Texas Association of Authors! Buy on Amazon
As the sand in Luke’s hourglass begins to run thin, he and Darlina grab for every moment, wringing the most out of each one. Buy on Amazon
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Reblogged this on Kim's Author Support Blog.
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You’re the best, Kim!! Thank you!
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Love the interview concept. Great post.
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Thanks for stopping in, Brent!
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Hi Jan! Nice job on those awards! Hope you are enjoying the party today!
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I had a blast at my party today. I even served Jan Hawke a margarita. 🙂 Thanks for stopping and a million thanks for the re-blog!
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My pleasure, glad you enjoyed the day!
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Reblogged this on Archer's Aim and commented:
One of today’s stops on the RRBC Block Party!
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Wow, I could really hear the character. Maybe it’s because I’ve done a couple like him. Pulled me in for sure! =)
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Thank you, Janelle. Luke’s dialogue comes easy to me because I hear him in my head just like he talked in real life. So glad you stopped in!
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Jan, that was an excellent post, and I had to reblog it. You have a beautiful site, and I’m so glad I stopped by. I hope you have a wonderful tour day, and I’m crossing my fingers that I win one of the e-books. Lol
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Oh, thank you, Rhani! You are such a supportive author and I appreciate the comment and re-blog!
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Reblogged this on Rhani DChae and commented:
I haven’t read these books yet, but I sure plan to. It sounds like an absolutely fascinating story.
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A truly fascinating post, Jan. I love the interview aspect. Best wishes to you!
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Thanks for stopping by, Beem.
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Great interview with Luke, Jan. It was fascinating, and you staged it so well. Such a big story I didn’t realize it was four books in the telling. Good for you.
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Thank you for stopping by for the come and go party. I won’t tell anyone, but I served Jan Hawke a margarita while she was here. 🙂 I appreciate your comment!
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I used to serve margaritas until a couple of folks (names withheld) kept dropping them on my Boxer.
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🙂
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🙂
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Interesting reading here. Both with your books and the interview. Certainly raised my eyebrows. Keep writing!
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I love raising eyebrows! Thanks for stopping by!
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I really enjoyed the character interview. What a great way to introduce us to one of your characters. Good luck with your tour stop today!
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Jan, after reading Flowers and Stone, this interview is such a treat. I’m so intrigued by your story and all three remaining books are on my TBR list. Thanks for sharing this with us. I admire your courage and grace to share your personal journey with the world.
Congratulations on your numerous awards and achievements! Well deserved for sure! 🙂
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Hi, Natalie! Thanks so much for stopping by to party with us today. I am honored that you have my remaining books on your TBR list. It means so much. I love your beautiful poetry. My next book release is poetry and art book of Rick’s and am so excited about it.
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Fab post – I like the interview style 🙂
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Thank you, Dawn. I appreciate you stopping by. The Spirit of the Book is sitting on my Kindle waiting its turn patiently. 🙂
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Wow, talk about a mid-life crisis! Poor guy. I did enjoy the interview, and I’m so glad I stopped by.
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Thanks for stopping in for the party!
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Loved the Interview with Luke Stone, Jan! He was very candid about tough times. I think a lot of performers and actors do get on a merry-go-round and want off. It’s a hard life and rough on marriages. Great blog!
Wishing you tons of success as you continue your writing journey. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Love you, sister!
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Thank you so much, sister. I enjoyed the interview and may carry it forward a little. We’ll see. So glad you stopped by! Hugs!!
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Getting the books and music now… That’s a great ‘character’ interview Jan – your personal journey in writing your true story is a wonderful achievement, and testimony yours and Rick’s enduring love. It’s going right to the top of my TBR mountain! 😀
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Oh my Gosh, Jan! Did you get into the pitcher of margaritas when you arrived at the party? Whatever the reason, Thank You from the bottom of my heart!!!
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Can’t even TRY to resist lovely salty margaritas, Jan! 😉
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🙂
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Intriguing interview! Super way to introduce your books. Wishing you great success!
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Hey, your post showed up, Susan! I don’t know what you did different, but I see it! Yay!! I can only hope the same for my invisible posts this week. 🙂
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Enjoyed learning more about you Jan….Have a great day!
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Love the interview, Jan. I already have Home At Last and just picked up Flowers and Stone. These books sound so good. Have a great party!!!
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Oh, thank you! You make my heart happy, Kim! So glad you stopped by and enjoyed the interview.
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Great interview, Jan. Sounds like a wonderful series. Best wishes to you on it.
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Thanks, Staci, and a huge thank you for sharing the post!
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Wowser Jan! What an interview! What a story! I’m glad you were able to write these books. Thank you for the blog stop!
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Thanks, Mary. So glad you stopped in for the party and enjoyed the interview!
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Love the interview with Luke, Jan. Your book covers are beautiful. I have The Convict and the Rose, and Home at Last sitting on my kindle. I hope you get lots of book sales today!
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Thanks a million, Michelle! It makes me almost tear up when I read posts that tell me my books are sitting on their Kindle. I appreciate the support more than anyone can know!
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Hi Jan! Great interview – such an interesting life and really a perfect subject for a biographical series. Your blog site is terrific and here’s hoping you get lots of exposure from the RRBC Blog Block Party and your recent BOM selection!
Best regards – MikeL
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Hi, Micheal. Thanks for stopping in for this part of the blog party. I appreciate your support!
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What an interview! Anxious to read your books, Jan.
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Awwwwwww, thank you, Karen.
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Loved the interview idea. It’s a fantastic way to find out more about the characters of a book.
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Thank you, Jo. I appreciate you stopping in for the party.
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My past Southern accent was totally in my head when Luke was speaking. Lol! There is no doubt that your series is filled with frustration and grief but also inspiration and love. Great blog! 🙂
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Lol! Yes, Yvette, when I write dialogue for Luke, it comes so natural and easy, because I hear him talking in my head and write it the way he would say it. 🙂 Thanks for stopping in!
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What an interesting interview and powerful story of love and resilience. Congratulations on the awards! You definitely caught my interest and I look forward to reading your books.
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Thanks so much, Tara! I appreciate you stopping in for the party.
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Love the interview. Fun idea for your tour stop. Enjoy your day and I hope you get a bunch of traffic.
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Good morning Jan! interviewing Luke Stone as an introduction to your story was just right! I have to read the series, as you have generated the interest you knew you would. You RRBC Authors are so creative! LOL! Have a great tour today!
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Interesting interview – and no doubt an interesting book,
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Thanks for coming to my party, Cassidy.
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Hi Jan! I enjoyed the interview; it’s always heartwarming to read about true love that marches on despite any and all obstacle. Thank you for sharing! Take care, enjoy your day, and have a wonderful weekend! 🙂 ~Stephanie
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Hi, Stephanie. Welcome to the party and thanks for stopping by. I have your Angels Wings book sitting on my Kindle and looking forward to reading it.
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I really liked the way the interview flowed and how Luke’s voice came through. All of these are on my read list, Jan. I’ve started by purchasing and downloading book one today. What a remarkable saga. I look forward to reading them all!
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Thank you, Mae. I am thrilled that you’ve purchased Flowers and Stone and hope you enjoy!
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Awesome interview concept!
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Thanks, Neil, and glad you stopped by!
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Reblogged this on lincolncole.
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Great interview! Super cool discussion and the book covers look amazing! Thanks for having us and good luck with your books today!
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Hi, Lincoln! So glad you stopped by and thanks a million for reblogging!
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Jan ~ The idea of having an interview as your blog post is very cool. I am always rooting for the musician.
Thanks~
Richie Gerber
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Thanks for stopping by! Glad you enjoyed the interview.
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Thanks so much for the interview – awesome stuff – helping us to get to know Luke and Darlene. I love the feel about these stories and intend to read them all when I go on holiday. 🤓 I hope you have a fab party with lots of support today!
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Thank you for stopping by this segment of the party! I am thrilled that you are going to read the books and truly hope you enjoy them.
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I’m filling my iPad with a few good reads while I’m on holiday next week. It’s the only time I ever get to sit back and be a true bookworm again. I hope you had a very successful blog tour. 🤓📚📚📚📚📚🤓
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I’ve had the pleasure of reading the second book in the series, where Luke is in prison. So shocking the things that went on there. I highly recommend this book.
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Thank you, Rebecca. Glad you enjoyed The Convict and The Rose and hope you’ll explore some of the others as well.
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Reblogged this on Novels by Jennifer Hinsman.
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Enjoyed the interview Jan! Have fun with your blog party today!
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Thanks so much! And, thanks for the reblog.
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I enjoyed this interview, Jan – very enticing way to inspire reader to buy your books! I hope you have a super day on the Block Party!
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Thanks, John. I tried to think of something different than just “buy my books.” 🙂 I appreciate you stopping by!
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Hi Jan, I know I have your “Home At Last” on my Kindle waiting its turn to be read, :D. So many book to read! But I will get to them eventually. This party is so much fun. Please enjoy it.
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I totally relate to the reading dilemma. My Kindle is so full, I’m not sure I’ll ever live long enough to get them all read. Ah, the life of a reader/writer!
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Posted your page to LinkedIn and Twitter:)
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It’s so interesting to read true stories about people and this one sounds like it’s full of passion and drama! I enjoyed reading your interview between Ike and Luke. I hope you have a fabulous party today Jan. You are so supportive of other writers, it’s great to see everyone doing the same for you.
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Thanks you, Lizzie. You are super supportive of authors as well. I enjoy the feeling of promoting someone other than myself now and then. 🙂 And, thanks for posting to LinkedIn and Twitter for me!
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Jan, I LOVED the interview. The line, “She saw something in me that I could no longer see in myself,” is amazing . It perfectly captures the abiding love between you two. Enjoy your Blog Party today!
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So glad you stopped by, Gwen. It was true and he loved telling everyone that. I don’t know why Darlina could see beyond the exterior, but God knew! 🙂
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What a great interview, Jan! I love the book covers too 🙂 I hope you have a fantastic day on today’s RRBC Book and Blog Block Party! Best wishes with everything 🙂
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I am having a blast at this month-long party! Thanks for stopping in, Harmony. You are such a supportive member of #RRBC and glad you liked the book covers. They all have parts of Luke Stone’s art in them.
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love character interview… you did a great job on the post.. happy wordage
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So glad you stopped by, Tracey!
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I enjoy the interview. Of course now I need to know the whole story. It is interesting it is a real story. Thanks!
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Ah….then I succeeded, if I intrigued you to look closer at the books. Thanks for visiting this party!
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Gripping interview – Luke’s character as forceful in the blog as on the pages of these books.
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Thank you, Wendy. And thanks for reading and reviewing Home At Last. Hope you are enjoying your blog hopping!
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Wonderful post, and the love shines through and illuminates it oh so clearly. Soul mates can’t be kept apart, they always find their way back home to the heart that holds them dearest. I for one must read these books. Thanks for sharing.
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Welcome to the party! So glad you stopped in and thanks for the kind words.
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