The Belle of the Ball

Belle is two months old. Our little Christmas donkey is growing up so fast. Yesterday, she told me she wanted a little brother or sister. I told her if that happened she wouldn't be the baby anymore. She has since changed her mind.

Hee Haw!

Lunch Break Shorts



$2.99
*Free to Prime Members

Now available on Kindle!

Lunch Break Shorts—A collection of six short stories, including one alternate ending, for your lunch break reading pleasure. Approximately 27,000 words. A quick read. 

*Encounter—A late night call sends Lila on a dangerous journey.

*No More—An abusive husband and a road trip turns deadly for Denise.

*A Gray Area—Lonnie faces the aftermath of his wife’s murder. Will he get revenge?

*A Gray Area 2 (alternate ending)

*Instincts—Sarah’s blind date goes horribly wrong.

*Bittersweet—Evidence of a cheating husband causes a wife to panic.

*The Irony of It All—Lois plans the murder of her husband.

I love writing mysteries with quirky, intriguing characters. Not only do I want to pique your interest with a suspenseful tale, but I also want to make you smile at unexpected times. I hope you enjoy my style of writing.

Note: Lunch Break Shorts will be FREE on Kindle—Monday, Feb. 25th. 

Two Good Reads

Messages From Henry

by Rebecca Scarberry 5 Stars

Title: Terrific!

http://www.amazon.com/Messages-From-Henry-ebook/dp/B008CJ1R5S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360275202&sr=1-1&keywords=rebecca+scarberry

Evelyn has been kidnapped and her homing pigeon Henry is out to save her. His devotion, loyalty, and determination are heart-warming. Messages from Henry is a terrific, fast-paced read that will leave you wanting more from Rebecca Scarberry. Filled with twists and turns around every corner, this short story was a joy to read. Excellent!

Rat Bastards and Teapots

By Jill Edmondson 5 Stars

Title: Loved it!

http://www.amazon.com/Rat-Bastards-and-Teapots-ebook/dp/B0095NK9O0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1361363504&sr=1-1&keywords=rat+bastards+and+teapots

I must admit that I bought this book because the title grabbed me right from the beginning. Rat Bastards and Teapots—loved the title. The short stories were very interesting and well written, making it a great read. I also liked how Jill Edmondson included some very good poems as a little extra. This was a quick read that will linger on in your mind for a while. Very good!

Snow and Donkeys

It's snowing here in beautiful Stanardsville, Virginia.

(Click on picture to see larger version)

Tom and Belle sharing a moment.

 

View from my front porch.



Ditto.

Snow falling on the corral.

Donkeys don't like the wet stuff.

See where they're taking cover.



Yum, yum. Time for breakfast.



Belle and Sable sharing a moment, too.

Tom with the girls.

Donkey ignores me sometimes.

Donkey eating breakfast and keeping warm(er).

Hew-Haw!

Coming To Kindle Soon

Lunch Break Shorts

A few short stories for your lunch break reading pleasure

Available on Kindle soon. Free to Prime Members.

Reviews of My Reads

I've been working on a new book of short stories and have been behind on posting reviews of books I've read. For this, I apologize to the hard working writers I've neglected. So... here they are. Take them as you wish. It's just my opinion. Happy reading, and don't forget to post reviews!

The Gathering Storm

by Barbara Warren

4 stars

Title: Interesting read!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Gathering-Storm-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0064FJVTG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1357911001&sr=1-1&keywords=the+gathering+storm+barbara+warren

I was glued to this book, but was somewhat disappointed with the spiritual ending. That being said, I liked everything else and would highly recommend it. It was a pleasure to read. Well written and kept me guessing until the very end. Way to go, Barbara Warren! 

Take the Monkeys and Run

by Karen Cantwell

5 stars

Title: Amazing!

http://www.amazon.com/Monkeys-Barbara-Murder-Mystery-ebook/dp/B003SE7O40/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1357908684&sr=1-1&keywords=take+the+monkeys+and+run

I can’t say enough good things about this book. I especially liked the explosive ending (pun intended). The main character Barbara Marr has a lot going on in her life. Her husband has left her for reasons unknown, and then she stumbles onto a severed head next door. And… she has monkeys in her trees. What next? Read it and find out. You won’t be disappointed. Thank you, Karen Cantwell for an enjoyable read.

  

Without Any Warning

by Peggy A. Edelheit

5 stars

Title: Loved this book!

http://www.amazon.com/Without-Warning-Samantha-Jamison-ebook/dp/B004NIFOHE/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I read Peggy Edelheit’s first book The Puzzle and loved it, so I was expecting her next one to be just as good. Glad to say, I wasn’t let down. Without Any Warning kept me on the edge of my seat with every knock on Sam’s door. Well written, intriguing mystery that held me captivated until the very end. Looking forward to reading the next in the series. Would I recommend this book? You bet!

Walker

by Steven Ramirez

5 stars

Title: Good short story!

http://www.amazon.com/Walker-ebook/dp/B009RBW2AO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1357908829&sr=1-1&keywords=walker+steven+ramirez

I bought this short story by accident (I thought it was free), but that’s okay, because it turned out to be an enjoyable, yet scary kind of read. My sister was a sleepwalker and I’m just glad she didn’t fall victim to the evil side like the character(s) in the story. Good work, Steven Ramirez. I’ll be looking for more tales from you.

Lust, Money & Murder

by Mike Wells

5 stars

Title: I want more!

http://www.amazon.com/Lust-Money-Murder-Book-ebook/dp/B005638LWK/ref=sr_1_10?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1357910795&sr=1-10&keywords=mike+wells+kindle+books

Geez, I really liked this book until I reached the end. Nobody told me it didn’t have one. At first, I was angry (and disappointed), but once I calmed down, I just had to find out what happened to Elaine and Nick. Would I recommend this book? No. What I would recommend is that you buy the complete 3-book set. That’s what I’m going to do. Get it now. You won’t be sorry! Excellent, Mike Wells.

Here's the link to Mike's 3-book set:
http://www.amazon.com/Lust-Money-Murder-Books-ebook/dp/B004QTOJ0I/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1357909832&sr=1-1&keywords=mike+wells+kindle+books

Hearts on Fire

By Regina Puckett

5 stars

Title: Heartwarming YA!

http://www.amazon.com/Hearts-on-Fire-ebook/dp/B009R42AF8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1357910288&sr=1-1&keywords=hearts+on+fire+regina+puckett

Short, sweet & inspirational story of young love for young adults. Jordan & Samuel meet, fall in love, face struggles, and then live happily ever after. Isn’t that the way a good love story is supposed to go? Very good, Regina Puckett. Can’t wait to read more of your stories.

                                          *******

Note: My reviews have been posted on Amazon.

Thanks for checking out my blog. I hope your visit was a pleasant one. Be sure to have a look at my chocolate cake. See me laughing.

My Secret is Out

Yep, my secret is out. For those of you who know me, you know the secret already, but for those of you who don't know me that well... here's my secret. I'm a really bad cook. I try, but I just can't get it right. Most of my meals are called the Ann Mullen Surprise by my family, because they never know what they're going to get. It's always a surprise.

Anyway, last night I made another attempt at baking a cake. I followed the instructions on the box as best as I could, but this is how it turned out.

Look closely at the pic and you can see that it fell apart on me, and I had to piece it back together. It looks awful, but it tastes so good. I'll just eat it with a spoon. BTW, the icing is homemade. I had a little problem with it at first, and couldn't figure out why it wasn't getting smooth and creamy. Then I realized I forgot to add the milk.

Just another day in the life of....

Anyone want a piece of cake? I have spoons.

Nothing Like a Happy Reader

Danielle was given the complete set of my books by her family for Christmas. What a nice surprise as you can tell from the smile on her face.




And to put the finishing touches on her surprise, I called her Christmas day to wish her a Merry Christmas.

It's the little things that count.

An Early Christmas Gift

A week before Christmas, Sable gave us a precious gift. Belle was born in the middle of the night on the 17th of December. What a wondrful blessing. Nothing like a baby for Christmas!

Donkey is looking a little lonely. He needs extra attention now that Belle is here. Sable keeps kicking him out of the stable. That's okay, because we give him plenty of love and attention. Luv my donkeys.

Hew Haw!

Our Baby Has Arrived

Monday morning while it was still dark outside, Tom and I went out to feed the donkeys. I panicked when I didn't see Sable, so we took our flashlight and started searching the corral. There among the trees stood Sable and her baby! I was beside myself. It was all I could do to keep from crying. Never thought I'd be so excited. Tom and I just stood there and gushed over the little one. Of course, Sable wouldn't let us get near her baby, so all we could do was stare.

By the time the sun came up, Tom and I were standing by the corral fence still staring at the little donkette. And then, Sable did the most amazing thing. She nudged her baby over to us as if to introduce the little one, and then led her away. How cool is that?

Now, every time we see Sable, she has her shadow right beside her.

We don't have a name for the baby yet, because we don't know if it's a boy or a girl, but we'll find out soon... as soon as Sable lets us. Hew Haw!

My Poor Eye

Many years ago, I kept getting an ad in the mail about a publisher who wanted to publish my poem in a book (that I could later buy for $50). Did I have a poem to submit? I mean, if you get something publlished, you'd want to see it in print, wouldn't you?

Well, we all know what that's all about. Many of you out there have probably gotten the same type of invitation in the mail at one time or another. It's a bait and switch ploy to get you to buy the book. They don't care what kind of trash you write. They just want your money.

So... I sat down and wrote the worst poem I could—which wasn't hard. It was so bad even I didn't want to read it. For your laughing pleasure, here it is:

~My Poor Eye~

Oh, me, oh my

I hurt my eye

I'm going to cry

because I hurt my eye.

I'm going to die

because I hurt my eye

Watch me cry

because I hurt my eye.

Oh, me, oh my.

Ha... now that's a bad poem. But guess what? They said they loved it and wanted to publish it. Would I please fill out the form (signature required) and send in my poem. Oh, and the money for the book. Yeah... right. I'll jump right on it.

I hope I made you smile.

Waiting for Christmas Baby

Tom and I just put up Christmas wreaths on the stable and coop so the donkeys and chickens could have a little Christmas cheer.

  

As you can see, Donkey is too busy relaxing to care. Just don't get between him and his food, or you'll see how quickly he can move.

And Sable (due to give birth any minute) is too busy eating for two to pay much attention. Poor thing, she looks as if she's going to explode. I'm sure she'll be glad to have her baby soon, too. I'm still trying to figure out how her little legs can carry all that weight. *Donkeys are pregnant 12 to 14 months. See ladies, we have it easy compared to them. Aren't you glad you're not a pregnant donkey?





Big, beautiful Sable

***Big, beautiful Sable stepped on Tom's foot the other day while he was putting out feed. His small toe is still bruised and looks right rough. I keep telling him not to go into their stalls when they're in there—they don't like it. They'll step on your feet...

I bet Sable weighs 600 pounds. Don't know for sure because I don't have scales to weigh her... but I'm staying away from her feet.



Donkey is normally slim, but with his winter coat coming in, he looks much bigger than he really is. He's a mighty handsome guy, don't you think? Warning: Don't stand behind him either. Donkeys have a tendency to kick, and you haven't lived until you've been kicked by one. But that's another story.

So... the Mullen household is ready. We're just waiting for our Christmas baby. Is it going to be a donkette or a donker?

Got any suggestions for a name? We'd love to hear them. Seriously. Leave your comment or email me at aftonridge@aol.com 

But please hurry. Sable could have her baby any minute. Hee-Haw.

~Oblivious~

He revels in his catch

feeling elated

 tossed over the bank to the asphalt

a beer can clinks

the drink his reward

for his hard work

the breeze cool against his face

he is a sot

The old road winding

 with hidden views

danger abounds

unknowns

a beer can clinks

This day a tired driver

sleepy and hurried

rounds the final curve

The crunch of metal

as it slams against the tree

catches his attention for a moment

but not long enough

to be of interest

to him

He goes about his casting

not looking or caring that she lay

motionless on the ground

her breathing labored

tossed from the steel jaws

a beer can clinks by her head

Overcome by the darkness

It was too late for him to

notice or care

she is gone.

The darkness

Oh, the darkness takes her away.

Review of The Dead Love Longer

The Dead Love Longer
by Scott Nicholson
5 Stars

This was my first Scott Nicholson book, recommended to me by a friend, and I wasn't disappointed. It was well-written and kept me glued to each page waiting to see what was going to happen in the end. I could almost visualize the smile on Steele's face as he lay... oops, don't want to be a spoiler. Never a dull moment in this one.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Dead-Love-Longer-ebook/product-reviews/B004LROVS0/ref=cm_cr_pr_top_recent?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

Hamming It Up

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know I sure did. I ate so much food I felt as big as Spot. See: Ask Aunt Alice. Aunt Alice can tell you all about Spot and his size. He's a wide load coming through... just like I felt after dinner. But it's a new day, and I'm off to spend my husband's money on some great Black Friday sales. Where's my coat and purse? Warm up the car, I'm heading to the crazy land of shoppers. See you there!

Black Friday Freebies on Kindle

With Black Friday just a couple of days away, dodging shoppers looking for that great buy is something we'll all face. In our quest for the perfect gifts for those on our Christmas list, we'll be pushed, shoved, and we'll be waiting in lines for a good little while. But that's okay. That's part of the fun, isn't it? (Not the pushing and shoving, but the great deals you can find.)

So, once you get home and relax, why not shop for yourself? Kindle is offering a long list of FREE ebooks for that day, including the first book in my Jesse Watson Mystery series, What You See. If you like a little romance and humor with your murder mystery, please check it out. Read the free sample chapters to see if my book is one you might like to read. It's free, so what have you got to lose?

And when you're finished reading book #1, there are six more books in the series for your reading pleasure: South River Incident, A Crying Shame, Middle River Murders, Greene County Killer, Death on the Bella Constance, and All About the Money. All of my books are priced at $2.99 each. What a great deal!

My books are also available on NOOK. Check out NOOK for the list of my books.
Note: Book #1 is not available on NOOK.

Isn't it nice to get something for free? Everyone loves a good deal. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as Jesse Watson and Billy Blackhawk solve cases in ways you won't see coming. #suspense #romance #humor *Please consider leaving a review of the book(s) you've read.

Ask Aunt Alice

For those of you who haven't had a good laugh lately, here's your chance. Check out Ask Aunt Alice. The Trouble With Spot. This one is for you, Danny Kemp. Hope you folks out there enjoy this blog as much as I did. Danny you're so funny!

My Take on R-Day by P.T. Mayes

R-Day by P.T. Mayes

5 stars *****

Unique

http://www.amazon.com/R-Day-ebook/dp/B009ZL4952/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1352126668&sr=1-1&keywords=R-Day

England declares one day a year as a killing day for its citizens. Get a license and it’s legal to kill the person you hate/dislike/mad at… whatever. You really don’t need a good reason (you can always lie). But beware—you too, can be a target.

Even thought the author dropped the F-bomb in the first sentence (foul language is something I can do without, along with explicit sex, and this book had both), I hung in there and was sucked in after a few pages. It didn’t take long for me to develop a love/hate feeling for the main character, which I’m sure was the intention of the writer. I became so involved in the storyline I just couldn’t put the book down. I read it in one day. The author told a tale that was so believable, it was scary. Thankfully, R-Day is fiction. I’d hate to imagine something like this happening in real life. 

Dark, gritty, and graphic, this book is a winner—the kind of which movies are made. A must read for those who like their books on the raw and edgy side. Congratulations P.T. Mayes. You hit this one out of the ballpark.

Reading and Surviving Sandy

We managed to survive Hurricane Sandy without much damage, but going through it was a nightmare. The extreme high winds and steady rain was scary. We lost power for three days (and I don't need to tell you how awful that was), so I couldn't wash clothes, clean house, or use my computer. Cooking (which I very much dislike) was not a problem. We have a gas stove, so at least we could eat. We stayed warm thanks to our wood stove. We were lucky. It could have been much worse.

But... what do you do for three days without power? I'll tell you what I did. I read. Reading was something I could do to take my mind off the storm, even if it was only for a little while. I read and read, until my eyes got so tired, I couldn't read anymore, and when I could, I was out of books. That taught me a lesson: keep my Kindle full of books I want to read. So... I loaded up my Kindle in preparation for the next storm—which I hear is coming soon. The weather forecasters say we have a Nor'easter coming in around Wednesday of next week. What? Another storm? Well... I'm prepared. I have lots of free books I just downloaded on my Kindle, and I can't wait to dig in. Don't like the idea of another storm coming through, but at least I'll have something to read. My Kindle is charged and ready to go. 

I started working on my next book, The Prey Bites Back, in February, but lost interest. I don't know why; it's not because I didn't have plenty of  ideas and a plot. I just didn't want to write. And until I get the desire back, I'll just read. While Sandy was pounding us, I read Take the Monkeys and Run, Janet Evanovich's Metro Girl, and Q is for Quarry by Sue Grafton.

I now have lots of books on my Kindle and will be searching for more. You should too, just in case. And to give you one more to add to your selection, the first book in my Jesse Watson Mystery series will be FREE Saturday, Nov. 3. So please download it, read it, and enjoy. And last, but not least, please consider posting a review on Kindle. A reader review can be the best gift you can give an author. Thanks, and stay safe! Ann

Click here for the link to my book on Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006WOBQOM#_

Ah... is that a snowflake I see out the window? Better get moving. Gotta go stoke the fire and grab my Kindle.

~~~~~~

P.S. My prayers are with the folks who have suffered so much devastation from Hurricane Sandy. My heart goes out to them and their families.

Fall in the Mountains

I love the colors of fall, and there's no better place to see it all than right here in Central Virginia. I tried to snap pictures of the scenery while driving across the mountain by Skyline Drive, but that didn't work out so well. So... after I got over the mountain, I pulled off the road into the parking lot of Elkton School, and got this great shot of the fantastic trees sitting out front. And this is just a wee bit of the color you'll see when you visit our area. The Shenandoah National Park is magnificent. There's so much color everywhere. For those of you who visit Massanutten Resort to see the changing of the leaves, this coming week is the week to be here. Colors will be at their peak. Also, because it's fall, there will be so many events going on you won't be able to take them all in. Plenty to do!

So, come visit Virginia and see why we love living here!

Oh, and I almost forgot to tell you about the wildflowers that pop up everywhere. This stretch is on Rt. 33 just before you get to Elkton, Virginia. Beautiful!