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The sun is shining in a clear blue sky as the ferry boat docks at Port Lucia Island, and the hostesses hurry onto the set of the faith-based reality show, 1700s Life.
“What an exciting party this is going to be,” Lyn says. “I’ve never been on a reality television show. I can’t wait to meet the actors."
Debby pats her hair. “I wonder if they’ll need any extras?”
Mary rolls her eyes. “I don’t think they had hair like yours.”
The hostesses make their way around men with cameras and people dressed in all types of period clothing.
“They film the show as if they’re living in the seventeen hundreds,” Mac says. “Can you imagine having no modern conveniences?”
Lilly’s eyes open wide. “You mean no cell phones, computers, or television?”
“Or hair dryers or curling irons,” Debby says in horror.
“What about indoor bathrooms?” Laverne whispers. “You don’t suppose we have to use outhouses, do you?”
Mary laughs. “It’ll be fun. Just pretend you’ve stepped into a time machine.”
“Here comes Molly,” Lyn says. “And she’s with the stars of the show.”
“Hi, ladies. I’m so glad you’re here,” Molly says. “I’d like you to
meet Harmony Jones, David Hawkins and Elliot Banes.The hostesses smile and wave.
I’d love to try on one of your costumes,” Lilly says, striking a pose. “I can picture myself playing Betsy Ross.”
Laverne pokes her in the ribs. “How about Martha Washington?”
Molly smiles. “I’m sure we could find you a part.”
The hostesses move to where the buffet is set out.
“Everything looks wonderful,” Mary says. “There’s even filet mignon.
Molly nods. “Also baked potatoes, salad, and French bread.”
She grins. “But if you’d like to be bad, there’s chips and dip, loaded nachos, and cheese and crackers.
Plus don’t forget the dessert table with the chocolate pudding cake and death-by-chocolate brownies. Oh, and I almost forgot the chocolate fountain with fruit.”
Mac claps her hands. “You’ve just said my favorite word, chocolate.”
“What’s that Oliver is setting up?” Lyn asks.
“It’s a Soda Stream machine,” Molly replies. “You can make cherry or vanilla or many other kinds of soft drinks.”
“How fun,” Laverne exclaims. “Let’s all try one.”
The hostesses gather around the soft drinks machine and raise their glasses high.
Today's introductory skit was written by Debby Grahll
PURCHASE LINK |
Tired of hiding his
strong faith and convictions to get secular roles, David Hawkins jumps
at the chance to play the curate on 1700s Life. It's the perfect vehicle
to spread God’s word.
Elliot Banes’ career
needs an image makeover, so he accepts the naval hero role on 1700s
Life.
Getting away from his overbearing mother is an added bonus. His true hope is to learn to speak his mind instead of always fading into the background.
Getting away from his overbearing mother is an added bonus. His true hope is to learn to speak his mind instead of always fading into the background.
“Hey,
Patrick.” I pick up one of the pictures from the shrine. It’s a selfie
of us smooshed together making duck faces. “I know you probably planned
all this me living and you not stuff. Even if it was a split second
decision, you’re always putting me in front of you. Why would the day of
the accident be any different? I guess I should say thanks, but words
seem so hollow right now. You gave your life for mine. How can I ever
repay that? Mom’s going to say your death is all part of God’s plan, but
I never made a plan that didn’t have you in it. I don’t know how. Maybe
God can help me with that one.”
I set down the
picture, lace my fingers tightly together, and close my eyes. “Dear
God, hi, it’s me Harmony. I know you bring a lot of comfort to a lot of
people — Mom and me included — so I wanted to ask you, how do I get
through this? When does it get easier? When will I stop feeling like
half of me is gone? I don’t know how to live without Patrick. I wish I
didn’t have to start now. I wish this was all just some horrible
nightmare that I’ll wake up from and everything will be back to normal.
Me plus Patrick is normal. I don’t know any other way to be. Help me.
Help me find my way. Help me to know this is all part of some master
plan. I can’t accept Patrick died for nothing. I won’t accept it. Help
me. Please, help me.”
I keep my eyes shut and
my hands clasped together. I wait. I listen. I look deep inside my soul
and hope the answer is there. Memories are there, like the time Patrick
and I organized a water balloon war at Bible Summer Camp or when Mom
made sure she had every “Bible edition” of popular games so we could
still play them without compromising our core beliefs. As we got older,
Mom let us explore and question the meaning behind those core beliefs,
but we never strayed from them. Faith is a comfort, like a close friend
who never leaves you. That’s how I felt about Patrick, too. He was more
than a brother. He was my best friend. Sometimes I thought he knew me
better than I knew myself.
“How am I ever going to live without you?”
I
wait for a sign, but there’s no big revelation or clap of knowingness
where the sky opens up and angels sing. There’s no voice telling me
everything is going to be all right. There’s just emptiness. When I need
His comfort the most, God abandons me.
So I abandon Him.
AUTHOR BIO:
MOLLY
ZENK was born in Minnesota, grew up in Florida, lived briefly in
Tennessee and now lives in Colorado. She writes across many fiction
genres including young adult, new adult, historical, mystery, romance,
and Christian. She is married to a Mathematician who complains about
there not being enough “math” in her author bio. They live in Arvada, CO
with their three young daughters.
***GIVEAWAY***
Contest ends on Sunday and everyone who comments is eligible.
(We reserve the right to waive the prize in any week when there are not enough contestants for a draw to be deemed fair and unbiased)
Welcome to your Roast Molly - and thanks for all the chocolate! Great excerpt, sounds like a lovley read!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lyn! And thank you for all the hostesses (and Oliver!!) for putting on such a great Roast. I love it. I'm looking forward to partying with all the guests today.
ReplyDeleteOh, I do love the period costumes. And although I love the outdoors, I want to check out a historic village. That would be so cool-- kind of like going to historic Williamsburg or taking the carriage tour of Fredericksburg, Virginia and checking out all that Revolutionary War history. Can you imagine living back then? No modern conveniences, but on the upside, being a Christian and espousing your faith wasn't as uncool back then as it seems to be now. Oooh. Check out that handsome young man. He looks a bit like Heath Ledger in The Patriot. Did y'all cry as much as I did when his character died?
ReplyDeleteI used to work at a living history museum -- The Spanish Quarter Museum in St Augustine, FL. That definitely inspired me with this story. Heath Ledger. Definitely gone too soon. *sniff*
ReplyDeleteHi, everyone. Sorry I'm late, I had a hard time getting the computer to let me sign on. Molly, everything looks great!! I have to tell you my husband and I met doing civil war reenacting. I loved dressing up in period clothing.
DeleteWhat a great way to meet! I'd love to do more re-enacting but it would be tough to take the kids along. I've seen people who make it a family affair but I don't think that would work for us.
DeleteHeath dird too soon in real life and the movie. :(
DeleteI love living history museums, it's almost like travelling back in time in a time machine!
ReplyDeleteWorking at one is really interesting too. I used to walk to work in costume and got so many people stopping me asking for pictures, etc.
ReplyDeleteWe were in DC once doing an event and there was a bus load of Japanese tourist who all wanted their picture with me. So I can say even though I've never visited Japan my picture is there, LOL!
ReplyDeleteOoh I'd love to work at a living history museum in costume! The nearest I've got to that is when I used to do Western historical re-enactments. I love the 'Old West' and changed from English to Westrn riding, and have all Western tack . It was great fun.
ReplyDeleteHi Debby, LOl, you're famous in Japan now!
I have a friend who does re-enactment from Civil War through Edwardian (Titanic) era. She makes her own costumes. Wish I could sew!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a cool premise, Molly. I was cracking up reading the skit because I'm in the mountains so I know all about doing without modern conveniences. :-) Major congrats on the release, sweetie. Now, where's that chocolate?
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mackenzie. I appreciate that. Where in the mountains are you? I'm in CO. Cell phone service is spotty at best the further west we drive.
ReplyDeleteSorry for being so late. I was stuffing myself with the food and fell asleep. Mary grins sheepishly. Lyn will never forget! Once stopped a rinky dink down and saw a panoramic thing that was vaguely about the local Indians. But I bet it was a hot thing way back in the 50's.
ReplyDeleteMolly, your book sounds filled with emotion and my kinda read!
Aww, thank you Mary. It was a lot of fun to write. I hope readers have as much fun reading it as I did writing it.
ReplyDeleteThey will I know it!!
DeleteI keep looking for a "like" button...Too much time on Facebook.
DeleteLOL Molly! Hi Mary. Mmmm I think I'll have another slice of tht yummy chocolate cake! Oh this sounds like a real love triangle (Molly#s book ( mean) I wonder who Harmony will choose?
ReplyDeleteThe funny thing with the love triangle, is it kept changing in different versions/revisions. David and Elliot kept stepping up their game in being 'heard' and who should get the girl. *I* have a favorite, but Harmony has a much harder time deciding.
ReplyDeleteIf I had to choose between two good looking men, I'd find it hard to choose. Think I'd have to go with the one who's the better kisser!
DeleteMe too Deb!
DeleteI'm partial to men who can write poetry but I'd settle for able to recite classic poems. (Literature nerd.)
DeleteI like a man whi can make me laugh, but like Debby daid, he's got to be a good kisser.
DeleteMy DH would not recognize a poem if he was read one. He only reads computer, and electronic stuff. Funny, he is a nerd, but never looked like one.
DeleteWell I've eaten too much chocolate at the party and my company have arrived. I'll have to say by for now. Molly, good luck with the book!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debby.
ReplyDeleteDown and out for the count. I agree about the kiss, but they have to look in your eyes, with that look. And you feel it too...sigh. Nite all
ReplyDeleteHave a great night, Mary. Thanks for coming to the roast!
ReplyDeleteMary I agree about the kiss, that look has to be so tender and full of love that you can't bear it and have to close your own eyes and melt into the kiss...... *sigh*
ReplyDeleteGoodnight Mary and have a great trip, Oh and 'bye Debby, sorry I was thirsty and had to head over to the chocolate fountain and didn't notice you going! (That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!)
Thank you for a lovely party, everyone, but I should also head out. It was a great day! XO -Molly
ReplyDeleteSo much respect for one who can write such as you. Enjoy your party.
ReplyDeleteDid someone say chocolate?
ReplyDeleteOUT OF CHARACTER, love the clever title, sounds fantastic.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Hi Katiedids and Mary, so glad you could come to Molly's party - and yes, there's plenty of chocolate!
ReplyDeleteChocolate, chocolate, chocolate. yum.
ReplyDeleteOUT OF CHARACTER is a direct reference to them being actors and trying to get to know everyone in and out of character. The sequel continues to play up on the theme. It's title is ROLE REVERSAL.
Your cover is great and so is the title. Wishing you every success!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to ask if I can fasten Oliver's shirt for him? It wouldn't take me longer than an hour or so.
ReplyDeleteLOL Maggie, I think you may have to join a rather long queue! :) Thanks for visiting and commenting!
ReplyDelete