July Summer/Winter Sale at Smashwords

Smashwords is the publisher of the ebook version of the novel.  Many of their authors are participating in a July Summer/Winter Promotion.  

Do drop by to save 75% off the purchase price of "The Year of the Rabbit".  Drop by this page to get a FREE copy by July 1st. 

Do you like stories where the good and innocent overcome evil?  Do you like a little mystery?  How about a bit of romance mixed in?  

Get to know Father Gio Vinoletti, his daughter Sera Fletcher and her sexy Aunt Georgette. Learn how characters experience fate, family and forgiveness.  

There are many themes and symbols in this bittersweet story.  Some were intentional; some emerged from the author's subconscious as the novel progressed: 

• Apples
• The Church 
• Confession 
• Domestic Abuse 
• Family 
• Fate 
• Forgiveness 
• the Knife 
• Libraries 
• Nature 
• Seeds 
• Sexuality 
• Teen pregnancy 
• Trains 
• Trees 
• The cherry tree 
• Wine

Read a few excerpts.  See what others have offered after reading the book.  Follow Flo on Twitter.  

Thanks for dropping by.  Remember to +1, Like, Share or submit relevant comments. 

T

Refreshing reading from Georgian Bay

Come meet Gio, Sera and Aunt Georgette in The Year of the Rabbit, a novel about fate, family and forgiveness.  

Save a tree and read the Ebook. Save your money and get it for free - until July 1st. 

Write to Flo if you liked the book and follow her on Twitter.  Drop by the Facebook page and give a little love - or Like.  Thanks!


Free ebook copy:

Your coupon code: CG92S

Start here and follow the instructions:
The Year of the Rabbit
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160

Hop in before July 1, 2012.

Enjoy!

News overload and media cuts

This blog entry touches on the theme of "confession" in the novel.  It also provides a good opportunity to comment on the recent Sunday edition newspaper cuts at PostMedia. 

PostMedia cutting jobs, Sunday editions
Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Montreal papers affected
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/story/2012/05/28/postmedia-job-cuts.html

The novel's author has not read a Sunday paper in years.  That's right.  There has hardly been a print edition newspaper in this household for ages.  She obtains most of her news online from credible sources or from that old thing called "radio".  At times when the news is overwhelming, she shuts everything off and cocoons to read or write. 

Summer 1975 (correction) 1974. Gio has arrived after a couple of parishioners depart from visiting Father John O'Reilly at the hospital.  Father John is recovering from a stroke. 

- - -

The elder priest slumped in his chair, in a seemingly act of relief.

"Are you tired, John?" asked Gio quietly, leaning toward his mentor. 

"Oh... sort of," he responded, "Those two sure can talk."

"So can you, Father O'Reilly, " quipped Gio with a wink and smile.

"I suppose so..." He gazed around the room, out the window then smiled wistfully at Gio, "So, how are you holding out?  Have you heard from Toronto yet if you can get some help?"

"I'm doing well, Father.  Well and busy.  No, the Arch Diocese hasn't found anyone yet.  But hopefully, you will be back on your feet soon?"

"I sure hope so.  I just get tired easily and..." lowering his voice and leaning forward, "a little confused at times."

"That's just part of the recovery, as the doctors told us,” assured Gio.

Father O'Reilly smiled weakly and gazed out the window longingly, "I miss my work, Gio.  I miss saying mass, giving communion and being with the congregation."

Gio lowered his gaze to his hands, folded on the table.  "I understand, John."

They were approached by a candy-striper pushing the coffee and snack cart. 

"Hello, Fathers,” she greeted them with a perky tone, "Would you like some coffee, cookies or something to read?"

Gio recognized her as Janice Foley, the young girl with whom he had seen Daniel at the picnic a few years ago.  How she had grown.

"Oh, hello, Janice," said Gio, "Nothing for me thanks.  Father O'Reilly, would you like something from the cart?"

The old priest seemed awakened from a daydream.

"Huh?"

Janice leaned over to him with a cheery smile and spoke a little louder, "Would you like something from the cart, Father?"

"Jeez Louise! I'm not deaf, dear girl!"

"Sorry, Father, " her face flushed, this time speaking normally, "Would you like something from the cart?"

"Oh. Any newspapers?  Any recent newspapers?"

Janice bent to retrieve one from the lower shelves, "How about yesterday's Toronto Star?"

"That will have to do, I guess." his hand shook as he reached for it, "Thank you very much, my dear.  How much do I owe you?"

Janice darted her eyes to Gio who was smiling at the exchange between old and young.  She smiled, "There's no charge, Father."  Before she turned to wheel her cart to the next table, she chirped, "Have a nice afternoon, gentlemen."

"Nice girl," said Father O'Reilly as he slipped on his reading glasses and opened the paper.

"That was Janice Foley, John,” said Gio, "She goes to Saint Pete's.  You saw her through first communion to confirmation."

"Oh."  He looked over to the girl across the room, "Sure grown up now, eh?"

“They sure do.”

Gio sat quietly, nodding as the old priest leafed through the newspaper, making one-sentenced comments about the news, voicing his opinion from time to time and muttering away. 

“John,” Gio spoke to get the elder priest’s attention, “Father O’Reilly,” Gio said louder then leaning in with a whisper, “I would like to make a confession.”

- - -  
If you found this to be an intriguing blog post, taste a few other excerpts.  Explore a few clippings from the Seguin Sounder a fictitious newspaper that evolved after the novel was published.  We don't have a weekly crossword to offer yet could entice you with a word search puzzle.

Come support efforts to reduce paper waste, to save a tree or two by purchasing an Ebook version of The Year of the Rabbit.  Even better?  Get a free copy by May 31st.
Thanks for dropping by.

T

They seemed like a happy family...

Domestic Violence is an undercurrent in The Year of the Rabbit.  

Although Sera Fletcher, her mother or other family members were not victims of abuse, they experienced a ripple effect when the abuse next door presented a crossroad.  Sera's friend Victoria and her mother were spirited away to a safe location by the people who suspected a problem but did little to address the situation prior.  

Of all the people, young Sera is the most affected and sinks into a depression from missing her best friend.  At least near the end of the novel, readers encounter the theme of forgiveness and promise of a reunion. 

Perhaps it is a coincidence but I have noticed the subject of Domestic Violence showing up more often in the news lately.  Have you noticed it too?

99,000 Canadians reported family violence in 2010
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/story/2012/05/23/ottawa-family-violence-canada-statscan-report.html

What keeps me hopeful is the fact that people are talking about it, raising awareness and even making efforts to educate others through art.  

The Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada is bringing " Ghosts of Violence " to Halifax
http://www.cbc.ca/arts902/add-category/2012/05/02/the-atlantic-ballet-theatre-of-canada-is-bringing-ghosts-of-violence-to-halifax/

Topic of domestic violence makes for a powerful, poignant ballet
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/theatre/topic-of-domestic-violence-makes-for-a-powerful-poignant-ballet/article2443716/

As a survivor of domestic violence, I do as much as my anxieties will allow in raising awareness and educating.  I don't think I could bring myself to watch a ballet, play or movie on the subject though.  When I have tried, the imagery and sounds brought back bad memories. 

I invite you to read a bittersweet tale of Fate, Family and Forgiveness.  You can download a free copy of the Ebook before May 31st.  

Thanks for scrolling this far.  Feel free to submit relevant comments below and give feedback after reading The Year of the Rabbit.  

T