Excerpt from Farlanders’ Law, The Rose Shield: Book III
The baby reminded her of Gussy on the day Zadie delivered her into the world of the stead. Such memories raised tears for a lost lifetime, a wistful dream that evaporated upon her waking to a harsher, crueler morn. Those days had marked the most sacred of her life, a few years of recaptured innocence when they called her Rose for lack of another name. Zadie had chosen the name because of her eye, and Wenna had given her the choice of calling it her own. The tender mothers of her youth had seen the ugly mark bruising her face and named it something lovely, called her a thing of beauty when she was a scrawny cast off lacking a voice of her own.
This little one possessed no flaws, no strange blemish or discoloration or unexplained power, nothing to hurl her life into heartbreak and ruin. So, Catling chose the name again, and in that instant, all her misgivings, all her dreaded anger and doubts and regrets about the baby resting on her body vanished. Every indignity inflicted upon her, every threat and injury and act of destruction faded into the murky distance. For years, those with unfettered authority had wielded her as a tool. Now, the power of the infant’s face, the gray eyes and soft hair, the little bowed lips, the helplessness of this new life eclipsed them all. Suddenly, only this life mattered, her child’s life, and she drifted instantly and deeply into love.
***
One more book to go and then I promise I’ll stop! Lol.
Now available on Amazon
Myths of the Mirror 
Beautiful writing!
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Thank you, Ed. I was just browsing on your site. Lovely photos and flowers. Thanks for reading my little snippet here. The last of the books are finally out – a taste of the last one tomorrow, and then on to the next project. Have a great day. 🙂
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Happy to hear all’s well with your book projects. Creativity is such a wonderful state. Thanks again for your kind words about the site!
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So excited for you! Another one (with those stunning covers) is out. Book love. 📚❤️ Awesome excerpt, as always.
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One more, Sarah, on Friday. Phew. It’s going to be nice to move on to something else! Thanks for stopping by. Have a peaceful, relaxing week!!!!
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Agreed totally, the covers are out of this world.
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Thanks, my friend. I want to write more books just so I can get more covers! Ha ha. 😀
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Poignant and beautiful, Diana. I can visualize holding this child and understand the profound connection.
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Thanks, Lana. It’s a sweet peaceful moment before all the death and destruction starts up again. Lol. So glad you enjoyed the little excerpt. Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Writing 🙂
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No need to stop showing us your books. 🙂 This is a powerful excerpt, Diana. Congratulations on #3. Don’t forget to breathe. *wink*
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Thanks, Mary. One more, then these books are all out! I’m taking deep breaths – read 2 books this week and I haven’t done that in a long time! We’re still waiting for spring, but soon I’ll be outside, too. Have a great weekend and Happy Writing!
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I’m waiting for spring here too. It comes for a few days but then disappears. Happy Writing/Reading to you!
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The power of an infant – told in stories throughout the ages. I have a feeling this story of yours will be worthy of them all….
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Thanks, Pam. Yeah, those infants have amazing power, don’t they? It’s otherworldly, like a magic spell. I think many mothers experience that first love and I’m glad I captured it. Thanks so much for the lovely comment. Have a great weekend and Happy Writing!
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My goodness, you’re publishing much faster than I can read them. But perhaps I’ll catch up eventually. I find Catling’s Bane taking over my reading time of the other book I’m reading simultaneously…And it’s very good as well! Your characters and world stay with me and I don’t want to leave them for long.
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Thanks so much, Sheri. What a great compliment. All four are out now, as of yesterday! One more excerpt next week and that will be it for a while. Phew. They’ve been in the works for 2 years, but I like putting them out close together since that’s how I tend to read series – I wait until they’re done before I start them. (The old memory can’t deal with the big gaps). I’m thrilled that you’re enjoying it. Have a great weekend. 😀
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The ‘experts’ at the conference I just attended suggested having a series released at a book every 30 days. So I hope it gives you a good boost to visibility on Amazon. I’m happy for you that the flurry is past. I know how fun it is to release books and how wonderful it feels to catch a breath afterwards. Enjoy the glow!…and the weekend. 🙂
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That’s good to know, Sheri. I spaced them every two weeks and could have gone longer easily. Putting the last 3 on preorder helped a lot too as I had a number of sign-ups, especially as the first was read. 🙂
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I have done my series a little differently in that I released the first and will release the next each October. Not sure it was the best plan. But my intention is to boost promotion when book III comes out, so hopefully the visibility will happen post-release of the others? Hard to say if that will work, but it’s done now. Nice to know the pre-orders worked for you.
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I have no idea which way is better, Sheri. There is an element of luck to all this too, so who knows. I’ll be curious to hear how it goes. 🙂
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This shows a warmer, softer womanly Catling. I feel sad she had to become so fierce to protect herself from mean taunters and people who couldn’t see beyond her birthmark.
May she proceed forward, happily and protective of her new Rose. 🌹 ❤
I have my purple Catling book, this first one is nice and heavy. Beautiful cover! 🙂 I cannot wait to proceed into reading. The ones on my pile go in order of arrival but so excited to have your first one! I will gather others as I go along. . . Taken on my journey with your amazing characters. xo
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How exciting, Robin. Thanks so much for the lovely support of my writing journery. Catling’s life isn’t an easy one, but the excerpt shows a moment of peace. I so hope you enjoy the book after reading a bazillion excerpts! Ha ha. Hopefully I didn’t give too much away. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend. 😀
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beautifully written and I enjoyed the short paragraph of it. A must buy that I will go for it! Have a beautiful Spring weekend! Juli
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Thanks for reading, Juli, and for the kind comment. It’s the third book in the series and finally they are all out and available. Phew. Just on time for spring (when it gets here). Have a great weekend among the flowers. 🙂
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There are beautiful, poetic sentences and the amazin picture really brings home the importance of the child.
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Thank you. I’m delighted that a poet finds my work poetic! I create these images on Word and have a great time doing it. Thanks again for the visit and happy writing 🙂
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Really good, Diana. I love the cover, too.
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Thanks, Jennie. So glad you enjoyed the little snippet from this one. The last book in the series comes out today, so one more next week. Have a great day and wonderful weekend. 🙂
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You are welcome, Diana. Best to you! 🙂
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Magnificent extract, Diana! Wish I could read faster..I’m getting a charge out of the Bone Wall, coincidentally
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Thanks so much for the wonderful comment. You put a giant grin on my face this morning. The last of this series came out this morning. I’ll do a little excerpt next week – then give it a rest for a while. Have a lovely day and happy reading!
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I’m so far behind on my reading. I have so much catching up to do. I really enjoyed this excerpt. Reading through the comments, I get an appreciation for how exhausting your writing process has been.
You’re almost at the finish line! 🙂
Love the new cover photo on your page. I smell spring 🙂
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It’s hard to keep up with blogging, Joanne. And the numbers keep going up! It’s a constant process of adjusting our time and priorities. Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Spring hasn’t show up here yet, but soon (I hope!).
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It is hard to keep up … especially when I have to step away from the computer for a day or two. Gah! It’s overwhelming.
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I know. I think most bloggers understand that we can’t be everywhere all the time. 🙂 There are times when it’s best to just start fresh rather than try to catch up.
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I’m reaching that point!
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Captivating Diana. I’m not sure I can read as fast as you can write, lol. But I’m sharing around! 🙂
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Thanks, Debby. Ha ha. I’m slowing way down for the summer. Already read two books this week! Thanks for sharing 😀
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So jealous! Lol 🙂
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Dammit, Diana — spoiler alert! I’m only halfway through Book I! 🙂
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Ack! It’s not that much of a spoiler, Sean! You’ll see. I hid most of the important details. Sorry, though. You know that she survives to book III and becomes a mother. That’s it. 🙂 Who, where, how, why, and what next? All a mystery.
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No, I know — I was only kidding! I love what a rich hero’s journey you’ve created for Catling, taking us through such a large swath of her life. She is truly an epic heroine!
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Yay. Thanks for the wonderful encouragement. 🙂
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Wonderful excerpt, Diana! Wish I could read faster 🙂 I’m enjoying the Bone Wall, by the way 🙂
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Thanks so much for the great comment, Julie. I’m glad you’re enjoying the book. It’s the grittiest by far of all my offerings. I’ve started reading more since backing off on my writing hours and it’s so fun to read a book in a few days versus a few months! Ha ha. Happy Writing!
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Captivating excerpt, Diana. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks for the visit, Suzanne. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a great day, my friend. 🙂
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Beautiful writing, Diana. I love the compassion and love and hope you bestow this child. Sincere and deeply felt. 🙂
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Thanks, Steven. That one little part of this is autobiographical. When my daughter was born I fell instantly and deeply in love. I’m glad that came across. 🙂
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It definitely showed, and beautifully. 🙂
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Gives a shout out to and congrats another book and a touching extract from it, Diana!..
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Thanks so much for the lovely comment. I’m sorry for the delay in responding. I just found you in my spam folder. Have a lovely day. 🙂
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Hearty congrats on this book, Diana. Having read most of the first, I am so happy to see Farlanders return.
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Thanks so much for the kind comment, Jacqui. I hope you’re enjoying it! The last one comes out on Thursday and then the series is done! Phew 🙂 Happy Writing!
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Cheers & congratulations on another book and a touching excerpt from it, Diana! 🙂
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Thank you, Bette. One more and then a break from snippets and excerpts! I’ll have to dig around for something else to post. Never a dull moment in Blogland 😀
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A very interesting extract.
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Thanks for stopping by, Robbie. It was hard to pick one out that didn’t need a lot of context from the previous books. Glad you found it interesing 🙂 Happy Writing!
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I’m loving how you share snippets of the series – but you’re such a tease doing it!! 😉
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Thanks, Christy. One more to go next week! I’m glad you’re enjoying the peeks. 😀
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Deeply moving
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Thanks, Lynn. I’m glad it spoke to you. ❤
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I’m so glad you are still getting your “me time” into each day. Great excerpt!
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Thanks, Kathryn. The pressure is all self-imposed, so the shift was only a matter of choice. I’m having fun reading and the sun just came out!! Woot woot. Have a great day, my friend. I’m making your shrimp recipe today. 🙂
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Oh yum, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it! The sun came out about an hour ago here, yay!
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Four books at once – I can’t even imagine it, Diana.
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It took two years of full time writing, Teri. I’m so glad it’s coming to a close, though. Thanks for stopping by to read. Happy Writing!
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Beautiful book cover. Congratulations on your book release. Sometimes I wonder if you even sleep and eat. 🙂
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I am kind of tired, Bridget. One more book to toss out there and then I’m done (for now). I’ve already started reading, and it looks like I’ll get some time outside today! Still writing, but limited to 3 hours a day instead of 10 – that frees up a lot of time and I’m lovin’ it! 🙂
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A wise woman, who happened to be my Grandmother, once told me to walk away the moment something fun would turn into a routine or worse -into a “must do.”
It worked for me. I semi-retired as a translator and interpreter and made my hobby my new living when I opened my workshop. Every time I feel that it becomes routine, or when I feel worn out, I close my workroom and walk away for a few days.
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Wise advice, Bridget. Your grandmother sounds like such an amazing woman. A break allows a little perspective, and I’m enjoying it. 🙂 ❤
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She was a smart cookie 🙂
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Congratulations on your latest book release, Diana!😀 A terrific title and cover and I love the extract and am happy Catling has a positive, uplifting experience in life!
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Oh, but her life will get so complicated! Ha ha. Our poor characters with all we put them through. To be honest, I’m feeling promoted out, but only one more to go. 😀 😀
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I thought I’d seen you about a bit…but that’s always a delight and I hope I haven’t missed too many guest appearances! Why, oh why am I NOT surprised that Catling is in for a rough ride! Isn’t it wonderful creating characters and worlds! 😀
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Congrats on getting another one out there!
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Thanks, Carrie. It feels like a lot of snippets and excerpts! Almost done. Phew! Have a great week. 😀
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You too!
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Never apologize for promotion. (Remind me I said this.)
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I know. We all have to do it, but it’s definitely the downside of releasing 4 books at once! It seems most authors are introverts and it goes against the grain to tout our accomplishment. I will remind you!
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Carefully chosen extract! Children always drown away our own sorrows as their face fills us with new energy and enthusiasm. Thanks for sharing. Hope you are basking in the glory of your new series this spring. Stay blessed!
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Thanks, Balroop. I had a hard time picking one for this book that made sense out of context. I remember that instant feeling of love when my daughter was born. The best moment of my life. 🙂 Have a lovely day, my friend.
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Algar.
GRRRRRR!
Comeuppance.
Enough said.
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Yes! I removed his name from this as there were already plenty of names. He will get his alright! But without him, there’d be no Rose. Life can be very confusing that way, and it’s part of coming to terms with the tragic parts of our lives.
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You can stop writing when you’ve had enough but not before.
xxx Hugs Galore xxx
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Aww. Thanks, David. Four books at once seems like a ton of snippets and excerpts. Ha ha. But almost done! Have a wonderful day. xxx Massive Hugs xxx
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Very good.
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Thanks, Richard. 😀
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My pleasure. I enjoyed it.
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Another great cover, Diane!
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Thanks for the visit, Wendy. The designers did a nice job with these. One more to go and I can take a breath. 🙂
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In the spirit of the Boston Marathon yesterday … KEEP GOING! You’re almost there! YAYYYYY!
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The fourth book comes out in two days. I’ll do my last announcement sometime next week. Then a little break before I reblog your “Influence” post. 🙂 Phew!
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