Snark & Sensibility

Pleased to have Jennifer Slattery as My Guest for Flash Fiction Friday.

THIS BOOK IS FREE UNTIL OCT 10.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CSH8F97

ABOUT JENNIFER

 Jennifer Slattery is a writer and international speaker who’s addressed women’s groups, church groups, Bible studies, and other writers across the nation. She’s the author of six contemporary novels maintains a devotional blog found at http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com. She has a passion for helping women discover, embrace, and live out who they are in Christ. As the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries, (http://whollyloved.com) she and her team partner with churches to facilitate events designed to help women rest in their true worth and live with maximum impact. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves going on mall dates with her adult daughter and coffee dates with her hilariously fun husband. Connect with her on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/JenSlatte) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/).

ABOUT DANCING IN THE RAIN

On the verge of college graduation, Loni Parker seeks employment as a music teacher, but no one will hire her since she’s blind. Or so she thinks. To take her mind off her troubles, her roommate invites her to spring retreat at Camp Hope in the gorgeous North Carolina mountains.

Unbeknownst to Loni, Michael Ackerman, the director, is an ex-con responsible for the accident that caused her blindness. When Loni warms up to camp and wants to return as a summer counselor, Michael opposes the idea, which only makes Loni want to prove herself all the more. Though she doesn’t expect to fall for the guy. Still, her need for independence and dream of teaching win out, taking her far away from her beloved Camp Hope . . . and a certain director.

Camp director Michael Ackerman recognizes Lonie instantly and wants to avoid her at all costs. Yet, despite the guilt pushing him from her, a growing attraction draws him to the determined woman. She sees more with her heart than the average person does with his eyes. But her presence also dredges up a long-buried anger toward his alcoholic father that he’d just as soon keep hidden. When circumstances spin out of control, Michael is forced to face a past that may destroy his present.

Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CSH8F97

EXCERTP FROM BOOK

The office dimmed as the sun gave way to a crescent moon poking from behind the clouds. Michael’s cell chimed. He glanced at the screen. Ronnie.

“Hey, man, how you doin’? Still spreading grace through the old penal system?”

“Trying to. What about you, Manning, my man? Still working for that Christian camp you told me about?”

“Ackerman.”

“Right. I keep forgetting about the name change deal. Still don’t get it, though. Not like it’ll help you steer clear of your old man any.”

“Might help me forget about him.”

“With how you worry about your mom, not likely. So tell me about this office gig. What’ve they got you doing? Because I can’t picture you shuffling papers.”

“A little mind-numbing does a fella’ good every once in a while.” A new email message pulled up on his computer screen. Looked like the finance meeting had been postponed. Good. That’d give Kai time to find more supporters. “Would you believe someone actually trusted me enough to give me the keys to this place?”

“For floor mopping? Yeah, I can see that. Suits you.”

Smiling, Michael shook his head. Ronnie. Always quick with the comebacks. Back in the day when Michael spent his time among foul-mouthed felons, that in-your-face humor had been a real attraction. To his mentor and the Lord.

“Seriously, though, that’s great, man. I always said you’d light the world on fire.”

“And I told you, I was a drunk, not an arsonist.” Michael fiddled with a paper clip on his desk. “So, what can I do for you? Or were you calling to check up on me? Make sure this Christianity thing stuck.”

“Nah. Knew that as soon as you registered for Bible college. Actually, the reason I’m reaching out . . . Your camp still offer scholarships?”

“Sure. Why do you ask? Know someone who wants to come?”

“Well . . . wants might be a bit strong. But yeah, I know someone. Her uncle’s in my Prison Fellowship group.”

Michael tensed, instantly thinking of his mom—not only of the abuse she suffered daily at the hands of his dad, but the mess of a childhood she’d grown up in.

“I’ll send you a form.” Using his computer mouse, Michael clicked on a file and pulled up the document. “Where should I send it?”

Ronnie recited his email address. “Thanks, man. I really appreciate it. This kid . . . ” He let out a low whistle. “She’s got a lot against her. Built up a real barrier, as I’m sure you can imagine. She’ll probably come with a pretty big chip on her shoulder, but if anyone can break through to her, I know you can.”

“Not me, but Christ.”

“Exactly.”

With his free hand, he chicken-pecked Ronnie’s email address, attached the document, and hit send. “Get the form filled out and back to me as soon as possible, okay? She’ll have a better chance that way.”

“Will do. Thanks, man.”

Michael paused. “Hey, Ronnie?”

“Yeah?”

“Remind me again of that phrase you used to say when I was in prison. The one about grace being a giant eraser?”

“Better than Mr. Clean’s magic sponge. Why? Everything okay?”

Michael raked a hand through his hair. “Hope so. Just worried my past might come out to bite me. Ruin everything I’ve worked for here at Camp Hope.”

Ronnie didn’t respond right away. “I imagine the people that hired you did a thorough background check, right? They knew what they were getting into.”

“Yeah, but things change. If things get ugly, you know as well as I how quickly promises can be broken.”

“God’s got this, bro. Always has. Always will. You know that.”

“Right.” So why did he feel so exposed?