by Bobbie Candas
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GENRE: historical fiction
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BLURB:
Both heart-warming and gut-wrenching, the merging stories of Mariah and Nanette reveal their grit and determination as they attempt to carve out a better life for themselves during one the twentieth century’s most arduous decades.
Growing up in the rural village of Green Tree, Nanette is convinced she’s meant for a bigger life, perhaps in the spotlight of Hollywood. But selling popcorn in a Minnesota movie theater is a far cry from the glamor she dreams of; nevertheless, Nanette is undaunted by challenges.
Mariah, living just outside of Green Tree, yearns to move off the family farm and take on a modern job in a bustling city, but she’s sidetracked by love. By eighteen, she finds herself married to her high school sweetheart, giving birth to twin daughters, and living only a few miles from the home she grew up in.
As the economy worsens during the Great Depression, Nanette’s and Mariah’s lofty goals are forced to change as early tragedies confront both women. Brought together by a mutual friend, Nanette extends a generous offer to Mariah, but in time she exacts a frightening price.
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EXCERPT
Nanette:
“Best be quick,Nanette. No praying… no breakfast.”
That got me motivated. I raced to the bathroom, urinating and then vomiting. I would not miss another meal. I yanked the first dress I found from one of my suitcases and threw it over my head, as I slipped my feet into heels, and rather scandalously, didn’t bother with stockings. I finger combed my permed bob, folded yesterday’s newspaper into my pocket, then raced downstairs. I hustled into the large dining area that held two long tables of twelve chairs each. There was one chair left to be filled. It appeared I was the last to arrive.
The priss and prim house mistress and reader of rules, was standing at the far end of the room and stared at me as I plopped into my chair.
“Now that we are all here, let us bow our heads and pray.” I closed my eyes, pressed my hands together, and got busy. I prayed to find an apartment…very soon. I prayed not to be pregnant. I prayed to find another job, in addition to my part-time position, and then remembered to pray that I be discovered by a Hollywood agent that might be passing through Mankato, hoping he would whisk me away to California and all my problems would disappear. Were these prayers, dreams, or wishful thinking? Did it matter?
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
I'm a Texas girl: grew up in San Antonio, went to school at UT in Austin where I earned my degree in journalism, and settled in Dallas where I raised a husband, two kids and a few cats. My husband, Mehmet, and the cats will probably disagree on who raised who, but I'm a sucker for a robust discussion.
For years I was involved in retail management, but have more recently focused on my writing, taking deep dives into the lives of my characters. When you can pry my fingers off the keyboard, I enjoy entertaining, sharing food and drink with friends and family. I enjoy shopping, usually on the hunt for apparel, with a special weakness for shoes, and will frequently jump at the opportunity of an unexpected trip to a far-away place.
And I always make time for reading. I keep a stack of novels ready and waiting on my night stand, with a few tapping their toe in my Kindle. I bounce around genres, and I’m always ready for a good recommendation.
Novels by Bobbie Candas:
The Lost and Found of Green Tree
Imperfect Timing
Luck, Love and a Lifeline
Follow Bobbie on:
Facebook: Author Bobbie Candas: https://www.facebook.com/bobbiecandasauthor
Good Reads author link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8292457.Bobbie.Candas
Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Bobbie-Candas/s?3A283155%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ABobbie+Candas
Instagram: Author Bobbie Candas
For author updates add your email at: bobbiecandas@gmail.com
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION
Bobbie Candas will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Good morning Elaine, thanks for helping introduce my new novel to readers. I'll check back later to answer any questions or comments. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds very interesting
ReplyDeleteI like the cover and I enjoyed reading the excerpt, The Lost and Found of Green Tree sounds like an excellent book to read!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing it with me and have a sunshiny day!