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​ From the Desk of Darlene N. Böcek Faith-building Sci-fi Fantasy Stories

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Happy February Reader!

I had no idea what trouble I was getting myself into.

On my way driving to the physical therapist (for my broken-ankle recovery) yesterday, I decided to listen to the almost-complete manuscript of That Beautiful Shore: Monica’s Story (Book 3 of Return to Me trilogy)

My phone’s accessibility settings allow it to read ebooks to me. So I pressed play as I began my 20 minute drive to the doctor.

It wasn’t five minutes before I had teared up. I was pleasantly surprised. I mean, I know the story–why would I cry about what happened to Monica?

But then again, a bit more down the road, something else happened in the story that made me cry. Tears started dripping.

I shook my head. Both happy for the sensations this story was awakening, but also amazed at the emotional intensity Monica’s story lit my heart.

I got to the PT, and did my exercises and then the doctor worked on my foot. Toward the end of my appointment, I have a 20 min period where I’m left alone while my legs are worked on in compression boots.

I decided to pick up my book again–this time reading instead of listening to the audio. Soon, my face was filled with tears.

Suddenly, the door opens. The assistant comes from behind me, “How’s it going? Do you need anything?” My face is literally wet with tears and dripping. I don’t turn my head but smile and say cheerily, “Everything’s great! Thanks.”

Nonetheless, she walks around the PT table to check on the boots, glancing up at my face. She must have seen my tears–but maybe not because she didn’t ask if I was okay. I’m so glad she didn’t–How do you explain that a book you wrote is making you cry?

So anyway, my face dried before I left and “no one knew” I’d cried. Then on my way home I did it to myself again. Sigh.

I had no idea how emotionally resonant this story was. I wrote it a year ago in the fall when my mother was visiting us for six weeks. And every morning I’d read to her the next chapter I’d written. She’s my muse, I guess.

Anyway–as I mentioned last week, we are still 👀looking👀 for a handful of readers for the beta read for Monica’s story. If you’re interested in a preview and are a studious, helpful reader who is willing to comment on things you like or don’t like as you read (and possibly willing to cry your way through a story about a woman in a coma)–this is a call for you to apply!

The story pivots around the love a woman has for her family:

RETURN TO ME Trilogy Book 3–will be LIVE for beta read on February 21

Open Feb 21 to March 20.

If you are interested in participating in the beta read,

please apply at the link below. 5 readers accepted.

​BETA READING APPLICATION HERE​

On the StoryOrigin beta-read hosting site–you read a chapter, comment, and then get the next chapter. It keeps you organized and helps move you through the story in a way that enables me to make the book perfect for you.

Monica is the wife of Reuben Morales, the main character in The Last Noel.

Click above to find out more about the Book 3–

Thought-provoking words:

This quote reminds me of the short story: To Build a Fire by Jack London. (click picture for details about a free dramatized-audio of that)

May this thought and reminder remain with you this week: We need each other. Without each other, we are alone in this barren and cold world.

See you next time!

God bless you!

Darlene

🚌 beep beep 🚌