Sweet Saturday Samples - October 13, 2012

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Samples. This week I'm doing something different. With the book launch for Spinster's Folly only about a month away, I'm revealing the cover here.

This is the ebook version, with a very generous endorsement from L. J. Martin, a prolific writer of western novels. Deirdra A. Eden of Eden Literary is the cover designer, using a photo image by olly, from Shutterstock.com.

Remember last week that I said the sample I gave you was a favorite of mine? I wrote it especially to fit the cover image. Now that you have it before you, I'm going to repeat the sample so you can savor the juxtaposition. I hope you enjoy it.
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The next morning, preparations for the journey home were a misery to Marie. She had no desire to talk to Rulon or anyone else, but went through the motions of making breakfast in the half light before sunrise. After she packed up the remains of the meal, she went to arrange herself for the day. She looked for the hair clasp Mrs. Bates had given her so she could twist up her hair. Failing to locate it in the time she had available, she threw together one long braid to keep her hair in order, and then saddled Bess for the long ride.

For reasons known only to himself, Pa went back to the Bates homestead and stood in the barnyard to chat with Mr. Bates. Realizing that the farmer’s kind wife would immediately sense her despair if she came out to talk, Marie forestalled an encounter with Mrs. Bates by fleeing into the wheat field behind the barn. She stood for a long time gazing toward the north. Although she had said her home felt like a prison, she acknowledged that it actually represented her sanctuary after their dreadful trek from Shenandoah County. Melancholy descended upon her like a heavy cloak as she thought of departing that home after the harvest. She scarcely moved until the sun climbed into the sky and Pa called that it was time to leave.

During their brief noon pause for dinner, Marie maintained her silence, spooning out beans and distributing the last of the corn bread, and then packing away the pot and utensils until their arrival home. Even when her younger brothers sought to tease her into joining them in splashing in the creek, she resisted their rambunctious delight.
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