Candles and Honey Cookies #CharitySunday

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Hello Everyone. Welcome. Moving and getting my daughter off to college has taken a toll on me, but I wanted to end the year with giving, so I’ll participate in this very worthwhile Charity Sunday event organized by Lisabet Sarai In November and December. Last time, the American Civil Liberties Union or ACLU, which protects civil rights and civil liberties for all Americans. Today I am supporting an organization that is dear to my heart – Arts on the Block or AOB in Silver Spring, Md. AOB supports creative youth and emerging artists to make public art, contribute to their communities, join the creative workforce and design the future. It is the only hands-on public art apprenticeship in the DC region, and has a host of other arts-centered programs . I must admit that I am on the Board of Directors, but this seemed like a good way to share my love for the organization. Because I’m committed, I will $5.00 for every comment.

I am sharing a short excerpt from my new holiday story, Candles and Honey Cookies: A Tale of Hannukah, part of The Wild Rose Press’s Christmas Cookie Series for the Winter Holidays. The story fictionalizes the Hannukah story and adds a romance, of course. This is also perfect timing. Tonight is the first night of Hannukah!

Here’s the Blurb

Tamara is trapped. Her father betrothed her to a man she does not like, let alone love. And she can’t forget the brazen shepherd who dared to look in her eyes.

Natan fell in love with Tamara the first moment he saw her. But the daughter of the high priest cannot marry a shepherd.

When Natan is arrested for practicing their religion, forbidden by the new king, he escapes and asks Tamara to hide him. After stealing a night with him, she helps him escape to join the brewing rebellion fighting for their freedom to worship. Tamara leaves a candle in her window to light his way home and sneaks honey cookies to him to sweeten his burden, her own small rebellion to her arranged marriage.

Only a miracle can save the rag-tag rebels from the conquering army and change a culture to allow Natan and Tamara to be together.

Here’s a short excerpt (since its a short story!).

After leaving the cleaning items in the hallway, Tamara glided back to the bed and sat down next to Natan, who still stared at the wall. As if her hands had a mind of their own, she stroked along his ravaged back. His skin was warm to her touch, the muscles hard. “Why do you stay turned away from me? I like the way you look at me,” she said.

“The same reason you continue to touch me, although you have finished caring for the wounds.”

She jerked her hands away as if burnt by fire. “I don’t understand.”

“Yes, you do. You fear the reason. As do I.” He spoke gently but still did not turn toward her.

“My heart beats faster around you, my belly churns, and my body tightens,” she said to his back.

“You have a similar effect on me. To sleep in the same room with such feelings is dangerous. I would never do anything to put you in harm’s way.”

She knew that. The respect he showed her was one reason she struggled for breath when he was near. Only around him, did she feel light and free and seen.

“Why do you allow me to look in your eyes? No other man would permit such a thing.”

“No other man you know.” He shifted on the bed. His leg brushed her thigh sending sparks through her blood. “I like it when a woman looks at me, challenges me, desires me as I desire her.” His voice dipped at the end.

“My wish is to know such men.”

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Thanks for dropping by.