“Stopped?” Ryan went past them and into his daughter’s room. He stepped back as the nurses rolled the crash cart out of the room. “Doc?” He approached the man who was listening to Shayna’s little chest. A nurse was injecting a liquid from a syringe into the plastic tubing leading into his child.
“She’s weak, Mr. Hunter. I can’t make any promises.”
Deanna turned to her mother in fright. “Araignée du matin - chagrin. I saw a spider on the windowsill when I woke. I woke when Shayna was gurgling.”
Grace Blair stroked her daughter’s hair and reassured her. “Araignée du soir - espoir. That was still night time.”
“It was after midnight. Oh momma...”
Ryan looked confused. Grace looked at him and explained. “A spider seen in the morning is a sign of grief; a spider seen at noon, of joy; a spider seen in the evening, of hope. Deanna saw a spider, but even though it was after midnight, it was still the evening.”
Caleb Blair shook his head. “That’s just old Cajun superstition woman. It’s just rahdoht.” He was standing behind Ryan and put his hand on his shoulder to help steady him. “It’s just nonsense.” He turned towards his wife. “Mother, you take Deanna to the chapel. I think we can use a bit of prayer.”
(from Hostage Heart)
Superstitions… omens… curses - Are they nonsense, or are they real? People live their lives letting superstitions and omens make their decisions. Knock on wood, our superstitions help to guide us along the right path. If we are careful to never step on a crack, if we always remember to throw a pinch of spilled salt over our shoulder to hit the devil in his eye, we stop an empty rocking chair from rocking, and we don’t open umbrellas in the house, maybe we can avoid misfortune and tears. Will all of our good living be for naught if someone sticks a pin into a likeness of us? Does a voodoo doll really transfer pain and suffering to its victim, or is it just the knowing that does us in? How willing are you to risk it?
What of the number 13? How much evil can a mere number carry with it? Jack the Ripper, Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer, Theodore Bundy and Albert De Salvo all have 13 letters in their names – pure evil or coincidence? More than 80% of high rise buildings do not include a 13th floor, most airports won’t use 13 as a gate number, 13 people at a table are considered unlucky. Have you ever woken from a dream shuddering and wondering if it was premonition or just bad food the night before? How often have you labeled an unexpected occurrence an omen and changed your plans because of it? Do you believe in Karma?
There are many people who will cross their fingers for luck and yet deny that they are superstitious. What is superstition? Beliefs. People believe that some habit or happening will make a difference to their fate. Chain letters get passed on because readers are warned of dire consequences if they “break the chain”. For as much as we want to believe that we are in control – we really don’t know; and we really don’t want to chance it.
Louisiana Voodoo is a spiritual belief in one deity and many less powerful spirits, spirits that can be channeled to cast spells. Professional spell casters are called bon couer’s. “The main focus of Louisiana Voodoo today is to serve others and influence the outcome of life events through the connection with nature, spirits, and ancestors.” (Wikipedia) Deanna Blair, the heroine of Hostage Heart, grew up in Louisiana among Cajun beliefs. Ryan Hunter is a wee bit skeptical, but even he begins to wonder about her premonitions and superstitions.
If you are worried that you might befall some harm or a voodoo curse has been placed upon you, here’s a simple preventative remedy to keep you safe: “To stop a Voodoo spell being placed upon you, acquire some bristles from a pig cooked at a Voodoo ritual, tie the bristles into a bundle and carry them on you at all times.”
See, nothing to it.
Showing posts with label Hostage Heart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hostage Heart. Show all posts
Monday, 26 October 2009
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Travel through books
I always loved the “journey” a good book took me on – if the author’s words grabbed me just right, I was able to believe that I was anywhere in the world the story took me even if it involved time or intergalactic travel. I felt like I was able to see a foreign city that I had never visited or lived in a time long before I was even born. My library card was always my passport.
Just like the common quip we so often toss out when we hear of someone else’s vacation plans – “pack me in your bags” – opening a good book gives me many of the advantages without being cramped in a suitcase!
I am by nature a “homebody” and feel quite comfortable in my own setting. I’ve had some delightful travel adventures, more than some and less than others. With the advantages of modern technology and the internet, I have also virtually visited many other interesting locales. Some of these other locations seem to become so familiar to me that I have been able to use them quite successfully in my own writings.
It was amusing when a reader of my second novel, Forgotten, commented how well she remembered some of the sights I described in Las Vegas, When I told her I had never been there myself she was quite surprised. I’ve had similar experiences with my novel Hostage Heart and my settings in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Little Rock, Arkansas. Between listening to my husband’s tales about parts of Louisiana after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and virtual visits to both cities mentioned, I felt quite comfortable setting my stories there. It was an actual online real estate listing that gave me the information needed for the Little Rock home that the hero bought.
Of course there are the places where I have been, all flesh and blood of me. Even then I find that re-visiting the spot via the net is helpful. LOL, I grew up in New York City and I remember the first time I went to visit the famous tourist attraction Empire State Building, I was already a teen-ager. Just like the beautiful parkland near where I presently live, most people seem to take “their own backyard” for granted, I had many friends who had NEVER been to visit the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty or many of the fantastic museums throughout the city. So a virtual visit helps to refresh the memories and sometimes even introduce new sights.
Traveling though books should be more than just describing a setting or listing the buildings that the place may be known for. Each town is an experience with colloquialisms, food, climate, manners and more. My research includes more than a few local pictures and tourist listings. I also research local restaurants especially where I can see a menu, I check local real estate listings so that I could understand what the homes are built like, I check the weather and the schools. It’s especially interesting to get a look at online newspapers for the area when they are available.
By the time I am done with all of my research, I feel like I’m ready to move in!
From Hostage Heart:
Ryan ate Veal Grillades over rice with a side of hush puppies. He watched the people around him and was fascinated by the variety of cultures that made up Louisiana’s Creole population. All day he had heard a variety of French words, smelled fragrant Cajun cooking, saw lots of Carribean-influenced architecture and enjoyed Zydeco, Blues and Cajun music coming from every tavern. Combined with traditional southern hospitality, he figured it must have been an interesting place to grow up. He had done his share of traveling, especially since he joined the agency, but he was a New York boy through and through.
He wondered where he and Deanna would settle and raise their family. He decided he definitely wanted more children although he was sure she’d like to wait a bit for the next one. Of course that was all assuming she would say yes. He was nervous. The ring box was in his pants pocket, he wanted to keep it close to him until he could slip it on her finger. Then he would just keep her close. He didn’t want to wait long to get married, he had lost too much time already. Maybe they should just go to the local Justice of the Peace. If Deanna had dreamt of a big wedding, they could always do that after the baby was born.
He checked his watch again. It was still several hours before she would be at work. Ryan realized he was going to drive himself crazy until he got to see her, until he got to propose. He had cafe-au-lait, coffee with cream, and another beignet for dessert. After the meal, which he realized he ate more out of nervousness than desire, he decided to take a walk in the area. As he walked down the street he passed a tavern with soft blues being played. The name on the tavern was ‘Laisez les Bons Temps Rouler’, Let the Good Times Roll. He was tempted to stop in but he didn’t want to propose with bourbon on his breath. He felt tongue-tied as it was.
Ryan walked. He walked past the university and he headed towards the Mississippi River beyond it. An old–fashioned paddle boat was slowly making its way up the river. Nerves were driving him and the later the hour got, the more nervous he became. Finally he headed back to the hotel. It was dark and his feet were hurting him. The lobby was getting emptier and it was still too early for Deanna to be on duty. He went up to his room, took off his shoes, turned on the television and set his alarm for one-o’clock just in case he dozed off. This way he wouldn’t pounce on her as soon as she came in, he’d give her a chance to settle first.
Just like the common quip we so often toss out when we hear of someone else’s vacation plans – “pack me in your bags” – opening a good book gives me many of the advantages without being cramped in a suitcase!
I am by nature a “homebody” and feel quite comfortable in my own setting. I’ve had some delightful travel adventures, more than some and less than others. With the advantages of modern technology and the internet, I have also virtually visited many other interesting locales. Some of these other locations seem to become so familiar to me that I have been able to use them quite successfully in my own writings.
It was amusing when a reader of my second novel, Forgotten, commented how well she remembered some of the sights I described in Las Vegas, When I told her I had never been there myself she was quite surprised. I’ve had similar experiences with my novel Hostage Heart and my settings in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Little Rock, Arkansas. Between listening to my husband’s tales about parts of Louisiana after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and virtual visits to both cities mentioned, I felt quite comfortable setting my stories there. It was an actual online real estate listing that gave me the information needed for the Little Rock home that the hero bought.
Of course there are the places where I have been, all flesh and blood of me. Even then I find that re-visiting the spot via the net is helpful. LOL, I grew up in New York City and I remember the first time I went to visit the famous tourist attraction Empire State Building, I was already a teen-ager. Just like the beautiful parkland near where I presently live, most people seem to take “their own backyard” for granted, I had many friends who had NEVER been to visit the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty or many of the fantastic museums throughout the city. So a virtual visit helps to refresh the memories and sometimes even introduce new sights.
Traveling though books should be more than just describing a setting or listing the buildings that the place may be known for. Each town is an experience with colloquialisms, food, climate, manners and more. My research includes more than a few local pictures and tourist listings. I also research local restaurants especially where I can see a menu, I check local real estate listings so that I could understand what the homes are built like, I check the weather and the schools. It’s especially interesting to get a look at online newspapers for the area when they are available.
By the time I am done with all of my research, I feel like I’m ready to move in!
From Hostage Heart:
Ryan ate Veal Grillades over rice with a side of hush puppies. He watched the people around him and was fascinated by the variety of cultures that made up Louisiana’s Creole population. All day he had heard a variety of French words, smelled fragrant Cajun cooking, saw lots of Carribean-influenced architecture and enjoyed Zydeco, Blues and Cajun music coming from every tavern. Combined with traditional southern hospitality, he figured it must have been an interesting place to grow up. He had done his share of traveling, especially since he joined the agency, but he was a New York boy through and through.
He wondered where he and Deanna would settle and raise their family. He decided he definitely wanted more children although he was sure she’d like to wait a bit for the next one. Of course that was all assuming she would say yes. He was nervous. The ring box was in his pants pocket, he wanted to keep it close to him until he could slip it on her finger. Then he would just keep her close. He didn’t want to wait long to get married, he had lost too much time already. Maybe they should just go to the local Justice of the Peace. If Deanna had dreamt of a big wedding, they could always do that after the baby was born.
He checked his watch again. It was still several hours before she would be at work. Ryan realized he was going to drive himself crazy until he got to see her, until he got to propose. He had cafe-au-lait, coffee with cream, and another beignet for dessert. After the meal, which he realized he ate more out of nervousness than desire, he decided to take a walk in the area. As he walked down the street he passed a tavern with soft blues being played. The name on the tavern was ‘Laisez les Bons Temps Rouler’, Let the Good Times Roll. He was tempted to stop in but he didn’t want to propose with bourbon on his breath. He felt tongue-tied as it was.
Ryan walked. He walked past the university and he headed towards the Mississippi River beyond it. An old–fashioned paddle boat was slowly making its way up the river. Nerves were driving him and the later the hour got, the more nervous he became. Finally he headed back to the hotel. It was dark and his feet were hurting him. The lobby was getting emptier and it was still too early for Deanna to be on duty. He went up to his room, took off his shoes, turned on the television and set his alarm for one-o’clock just in case he dozed off. This way he wouldn’t pounce on her as soon as she came in, he’d give her a chance to settle first.
Monday, 17 August 2009
The Women-in-Charge in Chelle's novels
A woman can do anything - that was how my parents raised me. They also believed that a woman could be feminine and still not be weak. Society, though, through the years hasn't always agreed.
I try to write my heroines to reflect both my parents' progressive attitude as well as reality in our world.
None of my heroines actually needed a man in their lives - oh of course the passion is a terrific incentive, but each of my gals could make it on their own.
In Bartlett's Rule Paige Andrews was raised in a misogynistic and violent household. Her upbringing caused her to make several wrong decisions, the first being needing a man named Hal to take her away from her parents' abusive home. She traveled a road of self-destruction and hit bottom, that was when she decided to take control of her life and began taking care of herself. When she met Lon Bartlett she tried not to get taken in by his seeming chauvinism, but he proved to be much more understanding than she expected.
Caitlyn Smythe in Forgotten was orphaned at an early age and even though she was raised in a relative's loving home, she thought that the only one she really could depend on was herself. When Brandon Price tries to protect her with secretiveness, she balks. Even totally angry with him when they are both held against their will, it's Caitlyn's calm head that eventually rescues them. Through the ensuing perils they face Brandon comes to realize how much he can depend on her.
Alli Davis is a lawyer in Within the Law and she takes her job seriously. Tom Hughes was her white knight on a dark city street and Alli is drawn to him, but not enough to compromise her responsibility even when she realizes that the man she is defending stole Tom's future from him. When the playing field changes and her client is murdered Alli steps in to defend Tom.
Young Davida Prescott is working her way through college when she meets playboy Adam Sherman in Courage of the Heart. Adam has a past that makes him question his own abilities and it is Davie's inner strength that restores his confidence. Her belief in him gives him the strength to get him past a threat and huge challenge from his former life.
In Final Sin Julie Jennings is a caring and competent paramedic. She meets Deputy Sheriff Jake Carlson at a horrific crime scene and it doesn't take long for the two of them to close the door on the ugliness of their careers and begin a torrid love affair. Julie comes close to the edge when she is stalked by a maniac who invades her privacy, but she refuses to give up on her job and putting herself out there to help others. More than once she finds an inner strength to keep herself going as well as encouraging Jake when his worries and self-doubts as a dad seem insurmountable.
Of all of my heroines so far, I think that Deanna Blair is the strongest in Hostage Heart. After losing a beloved family member to the floods of Katrina and then seeing her parents' home and livelihood destroyed in more hurricanes just a few years later, she takes it upon herself to find a way to help them rebuild. With a fresh high school diploma in hand she leaves her comfort zone where she has lived all of her life to come to New York City and find a job. Deanna meets Ryan Hunter during a bank hold-up and when he gets himself into hot water defending her honor she tries to reciprocate and winds up becoming a victim.
I try to write my heroines to reflect both my parents' progressive attitude as well as reality in our world.
None of my heroines actually needed a man in their lives - oh of course the passion is a terrific incentive, but each of my gals could make it on their own.
In Bartlett's Rule Paige Andrews was raised in a misogynistic and violent household. Her upbringing caused her to make several wrong decisions, the first being needing a man named Hal to take her away from her parents' abusive home. She traveled a road of self-destruction and hit bottom, that was when she decided to take control of her life and began taking care of herself. When she met Lon Bartlett she tried not to get taken in by his seeming chauvinism, but he proved to be much more understanding than she expected.Caitlyn Smythe in Forgotten was orphaned at an early age and even though she was raised in a relative's loving home, she thought that the only one she really could depend on was herself. When Brandon Price tries to protect her with secretiveness, she balks. Even totally angry with him when they are both held against their will, it's Caitlyn's calm head that eventually rescues them. Through the ensuing perils they face Brandon comes to realize how much he can depend on her.
Alli Davis is a lawyer in Within the Law and she takes her job seriously. Tom Hughes was her white knight on a dark city street and Alli is drawn to him, but not enough to compromise her responsibility even when she realizes that the man she is defending stole Tom's future from him. When the playing field changes and her client is murdered Alli steps in to defend Tom.
Young Davida Prescott is working her way through college when she meets playboy Adam Sherman in Courage of the Heart. Adam has a past that makes him question his own abilities and it is Davie's inner strength that restores his confidence. Her belief in him gives him the strength to get him past a threat and huge challenge from his former life.
In Final Sin Julie Jennings is a caring and competent paramedic. She meets Deputy Sheriff Jake Carlson at a horrific crime scene and it doesn't take long for the two of them to close the door on the ugliness of their careers and begin a torrid love affair. Julie comes close to the edge when she is stalked by a maniac who invades her privacy, but she refuses to give up on her job and putting herself out there to help others. More than once she finds an inner strength to keep herself going as well as encouraging Jake when his worries and self-doubts as a dad seem insurmountable.
Of all of my heroines so far, I think that Deanna Blair is the strongest in Hostage Heart. After losing a beloved family member to the floods of Katrina and then seeing her parents' home and livelihood destroyed in more hurricanes just a few years later, she takes it upon herself to find a way to help them rebuild. With a fresh high school diploma in hand she leaves her comfort zone where she has lived all of her life to come to New York City and find a job. Deanna meets Ryan Hunter during a bank hold-up and when he gets himself into hot water defending her honor she tries to reciprocate and winds up becoming a victim.
~~~
Monday, 3 August 2009
Chelle’s Heroes – They aren’t angels.
So far my heroes have been a player, a recluse, had a quick temper, hid a questionable past, been overly cynical and judgmental, and now were duplicitous and even seduced a woman using a false identity.
Wow…
Isn’t that just like life though? We shared stories with our girlfriends about what our ideal guy would be like and it rarely worked out that way. That certainly doesn’t mean we didn’t find love; several of us were fortunate. These guys were rarely the ones we concocted in our minds. Of course while the exploration and learning has been inevitably fun, it often was challenging. In my own experience though, it is “taming” the real man that has truly sent my pulses racing.
In Bartlett’s Rule, it is Lon’s contention that his playboy image was all a matter of hype for the sake of business. He is, after all, an icon among men who enjoys much more than his share of the “fairer sex”. His columns help the average-Joe to live vicariously and it isn’t just men who applaud him, scores of women want to be, and have been, his partner for an evening or two. Lon Bartlett had to re-evaluate the façade he lived behind after meeting Paige and surprises even himself with a newfound compassion and patience.
Brandon Price grew up with two parents in a wealthy home in Forgotten, but it took meeting up with Caitlyn, who had been orphaned at a young age, to learn about the importance of family. His determination to make it on his own without his father’s money gives him near-myopic vision when it comes to living life. Like an insecure child, he also has to learn how to share and interact with others. When he is forced back into the lifestyle he ran away from, Caitlyn stays by his side and it’s definitely not for the money.
Caitlyn’s cousin Tom Hughes finds his own way to live on after losing the love of his life to a senseless act of violence in Within the Law. He also finds a career in law enforcement which he allows to encompass most of his life. It’s Alli though who teaches him to do more than simply exist. Tom’s anger comes to a head when he confronts his fiancé’s murderer; this gets him into really hot water and it’s up to Alli to save the day.
In Courage of the Heart, Adam Sherman has a past he is ashamed of and can’t share with anyone else. He lives behind a mask and goes “above and beyond” to earn a reputation as a playboy. When Davie comes into his life he finally learns to let down his guard. Then his past makes a rude intrusion into their lives and Adam thinks the only thing he can do is give Davie up. He soon learns though that is the worst possible thing he could do.
Jake Carlson is jaded by not only the things he has seen in crime scene investigations, but also by a bitter divorce and vindictive ex-wife in Final Sin. He worries that he is a failure as a father to his teen-age son as well. Julie is too young for him, or so he believes, but he can’t resist enjoying her sexual favors. When he finds that a one night dalliance with her is videotaped, he quickly jumps to the wrong conclusion and rashly accuses Julie of “setting” him up.
In the just released Hostage Heart, Ryan Hunter may have a good reason to pretend he is someone he isn’t, but the deception is nearly unforgivable when he seduces Deanna and gets her pregnant. Thinking that her baby’s father is dead, Deanna has to face the world as a young mother-to-be on her own with no money or resources. He can’t understand why Deanna doesn’t trust him when he comes back into her life.
Each of my heroines has inner strength, intelligence and resourcefulness – and they love and stand by their men despite their faults. My heroes come from all walks of life – a writer, a computer programmer, a NYS Trooper, an information technology expert, a deputy sheriff and an FBI operative. Their backgrounds range from broken homes and poverty to rich-as-sin and rebellious. And each of my gorgeous hunks can make his woman feel as if she is the only woman in the world.
Sigh…
And if I were casting director for movies made from my books, these are the actors I would want to play my hunks, er, heroes:
excerpt (from Hostage Heart):
He pulled his T-shirt off. “Touch me Deanna. Make me as much yours as I want you to be mine.”
She timidly, inquisitively touched his broad shoulders. Her fingers trailed
down his chest and she lightly stroked a male nipple. Ryan drew in a breath as she began her exploration.
He stood and unzipped his jeans letting them fall to the floor. She traced the thin dusting of hair that disappeared under the waistband of his boxers. “I want you to see me. Touch me. Is that okay?”
She nodded. He removed his boxers and stood naked before her. He was fully aroused and thrusting. Hesitantly, Deanna took the length of him in her hand.
Patiently he stood still while she touched and investigated his body.
“May I undress you?” Ryan surprised even himself with the amount of control he was managing.
Deanna lifted her arms and allowed him to remove the T-shirt. He knelt
before her and used his tongue to tease her nipples. He kissed the fullness of her breasts and held her in his arms.
She enjoyed the feel of his tongue. “That feels so good.” Sensations were
beginning to erupt from the pit of her belly.
He smiled against her chest. “Please stand up.” When she stood, he gently pulled down the shorts she wore. Still kneeling in front of her, he kissed the triangle of curls and stroked her with his hands.
“Oh Ryan...” Her knees felt weak from his kisses. She put her hands on his
shoulders and allowed herself to give way to his ministrations. He felt her shudder as she clutched at his shoulders. Lowering her to the bed, Ryan kissed his way back up her body. He paused to drink deeply from her rosy nipples.
Deanna was panting as she tried to regain control. This was nothing like
before. Before she had wanted him for curiosity. This time, she was beginning to feel an ache between her legs that only he could soothe. He continued to kiss and stroke her until she was nearly ready to beg.
Ryan knew this time she was so much more ready for him than before. He was
still gentle as he entered her, holding back as much as he could. There was no pain, he was sure of that, only her wide-eyed response as she wrapped herself around his fullness.
When Ryan began to move, so did Deanna. He was able to wait until he felt
her tighten around him and saw the fire in her eyes before he allowed his own release. He held her close to him and felt their hearts pounding.
“Better?” He whispered gently.
“Oh yes.” She was still breathless.
Ryan waited as long as he could until he no longer had a choice before he withdrew. He held her to his side. “That’s how making love is supposed to be. I’m sorry this wasn’t your first time.” He swallowed. “That’s how I wish I had done it the first time.”
She was quiet as she lay next to him. Her fingers toyed with his muscled chest.
“Come back with me, Ryan. Turn yourself in. It’s got to be easier than always running and hiding. You’re better than this.” She waited through his silence. “Please Ryan. Please do the right thing... for you.”
He squeezed his eyes and exhaled slowly. “No Deanna, this is me. This is my life.”
“If the police capture you, they are going to put you in jail for a long time.”
“They won’t capture me.”
She sat up next to him. “Ryan, if you come back with me and turn yourself in, I’ll tell them that you didn’t kidnap me. I’ll tell them you protected me and saved me. I’ll help you as much as I can. Even if you have some jail time, they’ll go much easier on you.”
“No.” He felt a hole in his heart. “I know that you are trying to help me, but don’t. I am going to get you out of here. And then I am never going to see you again.”
“No Ryan, you could if you wanted. Not because of what we just did. I know there was no commitment. You could choose someone else... or I could. But I can feel there is so much good in you. You’re a good man.”
He wished he had the time to see where things could go. He wanted to get to know her better, maybe even to build a relationship with her. “Deanna, trust me, I am not getting out...”
“You could.”
“No. Deanna, I expect to die here.”
for more information about my novels
go to http://chellecordero.com
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email me at ChelleCordero@gmail.com
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Tuesday, 21 July 2009
The Inspiration Behind Hostage Heart
In 2005 my hubby spent six weeks in Louisiana as part of a Federal medical team giving aid to thousands of injured and displaced victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. When he came back home, he spoke of all the wonderful folks he had met and related some of the horror stories of what they had endured. And after six weeks down there, he picked up, and brought home with him, many of the colloquialisms of the area.
Listening to his stories I envisioned more than what the TV news had been reporting. I heard about people who had lost homes, possessions and in some cases loved ones. And I learned what it meant to have an indomitable spirit to “pick yourself up” and rebuild. Despite all of the suffering and loss, there were amazing stories of generosity and kindness; people who had lost their homes cooked kettles over campfires as a thank you to the rescue workers and so much more.
To this day the TV news images of the flood waters and people on rooftops seem unreal. I certainly don’t mean to trivialize what had happened, but those scenes seemed more appropriate in some horrifying disaster movie than one of our American cities. Tragedies happened all over and not just from the failed levees in New Orleans. Tornadoes, high winds and torrential downpours wreaked havoc on property and the economy throughout the region.
Then again in 2008 Hurricanes Gustav and Ike struck the Gulf Coast. And hubby spent another five weeks down there; this time he was based in Texas. And again the folks down there were examples of humanity. This time hubby came home with tales of people who had been rebuilding their lives only to have waves, wind and rain tear apart their efforts. Some of the Texas victims had been relocated Louisiana survivors. Still, they were determined to rebuild.
The hurricanes of 2005 and 2008 were the inspiration for Deanna Blair and her family. In Hostage Heart Deanna’s “mamere”, the matriarch of her family, was lost when the levees overflowed. Her parents’ business was destroyed along with the home she grew up in. With her parents living in a FEMA trailer outside of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and no money to rebuild their once flourishing business, Deanna takes off for the call of New York City and the possibility of a salary to send back home. There wasn’t much, but she did what she could.
As for the inspiration for Ryan Hunter, well… suffice to say I used to date a guy (obviously long before hubby) who did undercover work in law enforcement. There was the evening I was visiting friends in an area of the city I normally didn’t frequent and I saw him. I was so surprised and excited – I had no idea he was working until that stranger ran out of the shadows…
It’s electric when Deanna and Ryan first get together. I hope that you enjoy their journey.
Life was hard after the hurricanes swept through, destroying her parents' home and livelihood...Deanna did the only thing she could do. She moved to New York City, found a job, worked hard, scrimped and saved to send what little she could manage back home to Louisiana to her parents.
An errand for her boss - a chance encounter with a crew of bank robbers - a kind man who tried to help her and deserved her courageous help in return...
But he wasn't the man she thought he was...no, he was so very much more!
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Listening to his stories I envisioned more than what the TV news had been reporting. I heard about people who had lost homes, possessions and in some cases loved ones. And I learned what it meant to have an indomitable spirit to “pick yourself up” and rebuild. Despite all of the suffering and loss, there were amazing stories of generosity and kindness; people who had lost their homes cooked kettles over campfires as a thank you to the rescue workers and so much more.
To this day the TV news images of the flood waters and people on rooftops seem unreal. I certainly don’t mean to trivialize what had happened, but those scenes seemed more appropriate in some horrifying disaster movie than one of our American cities. Tragedies happened all over and not just from the failed levees in New Orleans. Tornadoes, high winds and torrential downpours wreaked havoc on property and the economy throughout the region.
Then again in 2008 Hurricanes Gustav and Ike struck the Gulf Coast. And hubby spent another five weeks down there; this time he was based in Texas. And again the folks down there were examples of humanity. This time hubby came home with tales of people who had been rebuilding their lives only to have waves, wind and rain tear apart their efforts. Some of the Texas victims had been relocated Louisiana survivors. Still, they were determined to rebuild.
The hurricanes of 2005 and 2008 were the inspiration for Deanna Blair and her family. In Hostage Heart Deanna’s “mamere”, the matriarch of her family, was lost when the levees overflowed. Her parents’ business was destroyed along with the home she grew up in. With her parents living in a FEMA trailer outside of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and no money to rebuild their once flourishing business, Deanna takes off for the call of New York City and the possibility of a salary to send back home. There wasn’t much, but she did what she could.
As for the inspiration for Ryan Hunter, well… suffice to say I used to date a guy (obviously long before hubby) who did undercover work in law enforcement. There was the evening I was visiting friends in an area of the city I normally didn’t frequent and I saw him. I was so surprised and excited – I had no idea he was working until that stranger ran out of the shadows…
It’s electric when Deanna and Ryan first get together. I hope that you enjoy their journey.
Hostage Heart by Chelle Cordero
Life was hard after the hurricanes swept through, destroying her parents' home and livelihood...Deanna did the only thing she could do. She moved to New York City, found a job, worked hard, scrimped and saved to send what little she could manage back home to Louisiana to her parents.
An errand for her boss - a chance encounter with a crew of bank robbers - a kind man who tried to help her and deserved her courageous help in return...
But he wasn't the man she thought he was...no, he was so very much more!
Hi all - there has been a time change on the Blog Talk Radio Show on Sunday - it's at 8PM EST (NY time)
I hope everyone will join Kimberlee Williams and me this Sunday 7/26, at 8PM EST at http://tr.im/thJG
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Welcome to Lindsay's Romantics, where we post on all kinds of romance topics.
