Read Chapter One
Read Chapter Two
Read Chapter Three
Read Chapter Four
Don’t forget to leave a comment on each chapter for a chance at the big giveaway!
Chapter Five
Leroy Gaskins, a man Celia recognized as the sot fired by William’s
father, emerged from the woods. “I don’t think I’d sign that,
ya’ll.”
father, emerged from the woods. “I don’t think I’d sign that,
ya’ll.”
Turner dropped his hand from Celia’s mouth.
After Gaskins wiped his greasy face with a red handkerchief, he
tucked the rag into his torn pants-pocket. “Seems I got here just
in time.”
tucked the rag into his torn pants-pocket. “Seems I got here just
in time.”
Turner’s hand wrapped protectively around Celia’s arm as Gaskins
gestured with his gun for William and Mabel to back up closer to
Reverend Bachman. “Unlike your gun, Mr. Owens, mine are loaded.
Might as well toss yours aside. That was a darned fool idea ya’ll
concocted. Makes me wonder what young people get taught these days at
university.”
gestured with his gun for William and Mabel to back up closer to
Reverend Bachman. “Unlike your gun, Mr. Owens, mine are loaded.
Might as well toss yours aside. That was a darned fool idea ya’ll
concocted. Makes me wonder what young people get taught these days at
university.”
What did he mean? Celia shivered against Turner and he squeezed her
arm, reassuring her.
arm, reassuring her.
Gaskins’ cheroot glowed as he inhaled on the cigar. “And
careless, waggin’ your tongues in an establishment like Poogins.
Any waterman on the Ashley or the Cooper rivers could repeat your
little plan. Anyone ends up dead here today, they’ll be lookin’
for at least one of your sorry selves—Owens or Cane. Shoulda been
called Cane and Abel. Amazin’ to me that your pappy hated your
grandpappy Owens so much that he wouldn’t even claim his name, Mr.
Cane.”
careless, waggin’ your tongues in an establishment like Poogins.
Any waterman on the Ashley or the Cooper rivers could repeat your
little plan. Anyone ends up dead here today, they’ll be lookin’
for at least one of your sorry selves—Owens or Cane. Shoulda been
called Cane and Abel. Amazin’ to me that your pappy hated your
grandpappy Owens so much that he wouldn’t even claim his name, Mr.
Cane.”
Celia looked up into Turner’s face, a muscle in his jaw jerking as
though in agreement with the filthy man’s words.
though in agreement with the filthy man’s words.
Gaskins scratched his scraggly brown beard. Swamp oaks and cypress
trees rustled overhead, Spanish moss casting eerie shadows from the
torches now planted in the soft swamp earth. Behind them, the freed
men shifted weight, seeming to consider their options.
trees rustled overhead, Spanish moss casting eerie shadows from the
torches now planted in the soft swamp earth. Behind them, the freed
men shifted weight, seeming to consider their options.
“Once yer daddy got that ring back, me and my Maggie set our plan
a’goin’. Invited our niece, Mabel, to Charleston.”
a’goin’. Invited our niece, Mabel, to Charleston.”
Insects buzzed around them, and tree frogs began their song.
Mabel Holloway backed away, even closer to the minister, bumping into
him. The two fell down into the pluff mud, spattering their clothes,
and stirring up the sulfurous odor of decomposing saltmarsh.
him. The two fell down into the pluff mud, spattering their clothes,
and stirring up the sulfurous odor of decomposing saltmarsh.
“Oh! Look what you did. I detest this nasty swamp dirt’s smell.”
Her friend’s voice, absent the Southern accent, revealed her Yankee
roots. “I never agreed to anything, you horrid man. And I am not
your niece!”
Her friend’s voice, absent the Southern accent, revealed her Yankee
roots. “I never agreed to anything, you horrid man. And I am not
your niece!”
Mr. Gaskins tilted his head sideways. “Oh, it’s true all right.
‘Best-looking and most gentlemanly man’ ya’d ever met, were
your exact words when I introduced you to William at the store.”
‘Best-looking and most gentlemanly man’ ya’d ever met, were
your exact words when I introduced you to William at the store.”
“I said no such thing you addled-brained—!” Mabel kicked her
feet from beneath her skirt and blew a tendril of dark red hair out
of her eyes.
feet from beneath her skirt and blew a tendril of dark red hair out
of her eyes.
William assisted Mabel to her feet and brushed some of the mud from
her gown. He acted entirely too familiar. Celia would never have
allowed her former beau such liberty.
her gown. He acted entirely too familiar. Celia would never have
allowed her former beau such liberty.
Disappointment coursed through her, sticking in her chest. Her friend
had deceived her. “You’re not from Richmond, then, are you? Nor a
graduate of Miss Witherspoons’ Academy?”
had deceived her. “You’re not from Richmond, then, are you? Nor a
graduate of Miss Witherspoons’ Academy?”
Mabel laughed but a tic commenced by her right eye. “New York, I’m
afraid, but we moved south when Father died. Mother was a maid at
Witherspoons’ and I heard a lot. When Aunt Maggie brought us here .
. .”
afraid, but we moved south when Father died. Mother was a maid at
Witherspoons’ and I heard a lot. When Aunt Maggie brought us here .
. .”
Dizziness threatened to spill Celia into the dank swamp mud, too. So
her friend really was this foul man’s relation. Mercy!
her friend really was this foul man’s relation. Mercy!
Turner released Celia’s arm and gently pressed his fingers against
her wrist, his touch as natural as breathing.
her wrist, his touch as natural as breathing.
Mabel’s eyes bored into William’s, their down-tipped corners
pleading forgiveness. “I thought I’d use enough information from
those spoiled girls as entree into the right circles when we came to
Charleston. But I never asked him to kill anyone. I cannot believe my
aunt married this ruffian.”
pleading forgiveness. “I thought I’d use enough information from
those spoiled girls as entree into the right circles when we came to
Charleston. But I never asked him to kill anyone. I cannot believe my
aunt married this ruffian.”
Nor could Celia.
One corner of Gaskin’s mouth tugged upward. “Seems Miss Mabel
didn’t understand another person would inherit part of Mr. Gregory
Owens, Jr.’s property. ’Parently neither did Mr. William here,
till that ring got returned. His grandpappy set up some
stipulations.”
didn’t understand another person would inherit part of Mr. Gregory
Owens, Jr.’s property. ’Parently neither did Mr. William here,
till that ring got returned. His grandpappy set up some
stipulations.”
“Is that a Southern tradition?” Mabel held out a fair, ungloved
hand toward Celia. “Your cousin told me your own grandfather set up
his inheritance so he will inherit all the Sheldon property.” She
gestured around and Celia’s breath caught at the movement amongst
the swamp oaks’ branches.
hand toward Celia. “Your cousin told me your own grandfather set up
his inheritance so he will inherit all the Sheldon property.” She
gestured around and Celia’s breath caught at the movement amongst
the swamp oaks’ branches.
Gaskins continued his harping. “Amazin’ how much Owens loved his
son. William this and William that. Gets tiresome hearin’ all that
prattle ‘bout a spoiled soft-handed man what ain’t done a lick of
work in his life.” Wobbling, he raised his gun overhead.
son. William this and William that. Gets tiresome hearin’ all that
prattle ‘bout a spoiled soft-handed man what ain’t done a lick of
work in his life.” Wobbling, he raised his gun overhead.
Slithering movement above – must be a snake. Celia shuddered into
Turner, his hand circling her wrist—staying her.
Turner, his hand circling her wrist—staying her.
William moved a half-step forward. “Seems to me you’ve been
imbibin’ a tad too much liquor tonight Mr. Gaskins. Which is why
Father released you from your job at our establishment.”
imbibin’ a tad too much liquor tonight Mr. Gaskins. Which is why
Father released you from your job at our establishment.”
“T’weren’t from my infernal alcohol habit, no sir. T’was from
my uncooperative niece.” Gaskins gestured with his pistol toward
Mabel.
my uncooperative niece.” Gaskins gestured with his pistol toward
Mabel.
Celia gasped—as angry as she was with Mabel, she didn’t wish her
harm. Turner released his grip.
harm. Turner released his grip.
Mabel wiped back tears then shook her finger at Celia. “Some of
this is your fault. If not for your soft Christian heart, befriending
me when no one else would, and bringing me around into Charleston
society, I’d never have been accepted. All those names and
relations I worked so diligently to recall availed little till you
took me under your wing, Celia. Except with William. He loved my
stories – was so kind to me.”
this is your fault. If not for your soft Christian heart, befriending
me when no one else would, and bringing me around into Charleston
society, I’d never have been accepted. All those names and
relations I worked so diligently to recall availed little till you
took me under your wing, Celia. Except with William. He loved my
stories – was so kind to me.”
Celia couldn’t believe William’s broad, affectionate smile for
the woman who had deceived them all. “Mabel, darlin’, I don’t
mean any disrespect, but I knew all along you weren’t kin to half
the people you claimed.”
the woman who had deceived them all. “Mabel, darlin’, I don’t
mean any disrespect, but I knew all along you weren’t kin to half
the people you claimed.”
Her friend tried to step away from him but his hands secured her.
“Why not?”
“Why not?”
Blue eyes twinkled as he gazed at Celia’s now-former friend.
“Because they’re my kinfolk, you silly girl.”
“Because they’re my kinfolk, you silly girl.”
“I am not a girl.”
Celia gave Mabel a hard appraisal. How old was she truly? Behind
Turner, something rustled in the undergrowth.
Turner, something rustled in the undergrowth.
Lord, please, don’t let it be a gator. Those creatures
terrified her. She spied some of the greens the slaves’ root doctor
liked to gather. Why, she’d never be out in this swamp unless she
was with Mama Teensy, looking for special vegetation for healing. Her
hands shook and she clasped them together.
terrified her. She spied some of the greens the slaves’ root doctor
liked to gather. Why, she’d never be out in this swamp unless she
was with Mama Teensy, looking for special vegetation for healing. Her
hands shook and she clasped them together.
“You have to believe me.”
Gaskins rubbed his head, eyes closed tight, face pained. If only
someone could knock him aside. He opened his watery eyes and glared
at Celia.
someone could knock him aside. He opened his watery eyes and glared
at Celia.
Please Lord, send us help!
“I thought it’d be so easy. Mabel’s a true beauty. It had to
have been your piety and your fortune, Miss Sheldon, ‘less he
prefers those pale washwater looks of your’n.”
have been your piety and your fortune, Miss Sheldon, ‘less he
prefers those pale washwater looks of your’n.”
Turner bent and whispered in her ear. “The drunken man isn’t able
to see well, my beauty.”
to see well, my beauty.”
“Where’s that ring of your grandpappy’s?” Gaskins lurched
forward, toward William. “One wedding means one cousin inherits.
I want to be sure it’s the right couple.”
forward, toward William. “One wedding means one cousin inherits.
I want to be sure it’s the right couple.”
Celia covered her mouth, sure she was going to start screaming any
moment now. She swatted at a mosquito. No, she must be calm.
moment now. She swatted at a mosquito. No, she must be calm.
Mabel Holloway’s features hardened. “You could have had any young
man in Charleston, Celia Sheldon. But you had to flirt with the one
man I fell in love with, didn’t you? How many times had I shared my
feelings with you about William?”
man in Charleston, Celia Sheldon. But you had to flirt with the one
man I fell in love with, didn’t you? How many times had I shared my
feelings with you about William?”
Turner squeezed Celia’s hand, his dark hair falling across his
forehead as he leaned toward her. “All will be well,” he
whispered. “Have faith.”
forehead as he leaned toward her. “All will be well,” he
whispered. “Have faith.”
Mabel’s eyes flashed at Celia. “I hoped you would go after my
latest beau. William and I talked about everything. He believed if I
accepted Miles’ engagement offer, you were so contrary you’d
pursue the one man I had.”
latest beau. William and I talked about everything. He believed if I
accepted Miles’ engagement offer, you were so contrary you’d
pursue the one man I had.”
Under no condition would Celia have chased after Miss Holloway’s
beau. Heat rose up her neck.
beau. Heat rose up her neck.
Crossing her arms over her ample chest, Mabel fixed her gaze on
William. “Why did you tell me that, then, Mr. Owens, if you
intended to marry Miss Sheldon?”
William. “Why did you tell me that, then, Mr. Owens, if you
intended to marry Miss Sheldon?”
Turner Cane Owens placed a protective arm around Celia. She leaned
into his side. The scent of leather, starch, and lemon verbena and
the warmth of his hand at her waist, soothed her.
into his side. The scent of leather, starch, and lemon verbena and
the warmth of his hand at her waist, soothed her.
Tears poured down Mabel’s cheeks. “If you had just let things be,
Celia. If you’d only ignored him every time we stopped by the
shops. If you’d married Jonathan.”
Celia. If you’d only ignored him every time we stopped by the
shops. If you’d married Jonathan.”
How did she manage to look so pretty even with mud all over her
dress, her auburn hair tumbled down, and red splotching her ivory
face?
dress, her auburn hair tumbled down, and red splotching her ivory
face?
William brought Mabel into his arms and Turner looked down at Celia,
his eyebrows raised. The serpent moved lower, closer to its target.
his eyebrows raised. The serpent moved lower, closer to its target.
The scent of brackish water strengthened, the tides must be coming
in. Soon this area would be ankle deep in water. Celia finally
possessed her bearings. The quarters for the outside servants weren’t
far from here and they should be coming back from the fields soon.
Dear Lord, how could we get there, to protection? She should
have been home by now. Surely Daddy would have sent someone looking.
Wouldn’t he?
“Well, at least now you’ll cease mangling our Carolina accent,
Miss Holloway. Made me wince sometimes.” William laughed then cried
out as Mabel brought her foot down hard on his.
Miss Holloway. Made me wince sometimes.” William laughed then cried
out as Mabel brought her foot down hard on his.
Slithering movement resumed in the trees ahead of Celia. Brown
variegated pattern against the tan limb suggested a cottonmouth. From
behind, whispers soft as a breeze rustled through the cyprus. From
the corner of her eye, Celia noted something moving from behind the
massive swamp oak.
variegated pattern against the tan limb suggested a cottonmouth. From
behind, whispers soft as a breeze rustled through the cyprus. From
the corner of her eye, Celia noted something moving from behind the
massive swamp oak.
Turner glanced over her shoulder, eyes widening, before he nodded
almost imperceptibly.
almost imperceptibly.
Warm wood slid over and forward on her shoulder and rested heavily
there. Had Turner not held her, she’d have jerked away. Moving only
her eyes to look, first the muzzle then rifle barrel appeared. She
took a deep breath inhaling the scent of fatback, lye soap, and
coconut oil that only one man she knew rubbed into his dark skin. She
exhaled in relief – her prayers had been answered.
there. Had Turner not held her, she’d have jerked away. Moving only
her eyes to look, first the muzzle then rifle barrel appeared. She
took a deep breath inhaling the scent of fatback, lye soap, and
coconut oil that only one man she knew rubbed into his dark skin. She
exhaled in relief – her prayers had been answered.
Oblivious to the water moccasin dangling above him, Gaskins pulled
the cork out of his liquor bottle and took a swig. The freedmen’s
eyes grew wide as they stared in Celia’s direction.
the cork out of his liquor bottle and took a swig. The freedmen’s
eyes grew wide as they stared in Celia’s direction.
“Its ‘Lijah, Missy—don’t you be movin’. You realize you be
on your cousins’ land here?” The man’s deep voice was one she’d
known all her life.
on your cousins’ land here?” The man’s deep voice was one she’d
known all her life.
Celia exhaled in relief.
“This be her swamp, Miss Celia. I got permission to hunt back
here. Can shoot nuisance varmints if’n I see ‘em. Sure do see one
now—maybe two. Leroy Gaskin be a nuisance and a varmint so I reckon
that make him just what I say. But his kin…” The gun lifted from
her shoulder. “Cover your ears, Miss Celia, and close your eyes.”
here. Can shoot nuisance varmints if’n I see ‘em. Sure do see one
now—maybe two. Leroy Gaskin be a nuisance and a varmint so I reckon
that make him just what I say. But his kin…” The gun lifted from
her shoulder. “Cover your ears, Miss Celia, and close your eyes.”
Contributed by Carrie Fancett Pagels, http://CarrieFancettPagels.com
Chapter Six will be hosted by Gina Welborn on www.inkwellinspirations.com,
written by Patty Smith Hall.
And the prizes! Don’t forget the prizes!
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. 
JORIE, you won a pack of note cards from CQ, congrats!!! Will email you to get your address. Blessings!
VERA, that is the tricky thing about writing a group serial story–I have a really strong voice! I hope you enjoyed the chapter!
I thought I replied to the comments, but I don't see them, so I want to say THANK YOU, MAXIE, for your kind comments! I think Gaskins would have tasted too bad for the alligator to eat, MAXIE!!
SANDY, Well that was the point!!! haha! I hope you enjoyed the entire story! Blessings!
Another great chapter!!
mochawithlinda at gmail dot com
Oh the suspense! 🙂
mandyerog(at)hotmail(dot)com
Oh my word…just when i think it can't get more suspenseful….it does. i love it. Thanks for inviting me!
mitziUNDERSCOREwanhamATyahooDOTcom
That came from left field:-) Great twist!
Please enter me in the giveaway!
aizess@christianbookreviewblog.com
That really threw me off —had to re-read the chapter. =) Haha, the plot thickens!
jafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu
I am really enjoying this except for the snake, really don't like them.
This has been so good so far and can't wait to read more.
wilmamet6(at)gmail(dot)com
I can't wait!!!! This story is getting better and better and I hope it continues long after seven chapters!
Callie
genuinegagirl(AT)gmail(DOT)com
A webiste to get Firefox 3 to stop logging me out everytime I close
the browser?
My page – http://paginasamarillas-atl.com/file-a-transvaginal-mesh-lawsuit-to-have-compensation
Yes! An ebook would be great. & be sure & let everyone know… I wld like to reread them all w/out having to wait a day in between!
Wow, this is getting better and better!
Jasmine A.
montanamade(at)gmail(dot)com
I forgot to put CQ on my previous comments!
dsks88(at)gmail(dot)com
I am enjoying this too much. I can't wait till tomorrows chapter 6. What a twisted web is woven into this story…
Surprise, surprise!
bonnieroof60[at]yahoo.com
Good grief! I didn't see that coming!
sarpenner(at)gmail(dot)com
Gets better and better!!! Blessings! Darlene
spangldlady[at]gmail[dot]com
Sense a different voice writing this chapter or is it the character shift of Mable and the intrusion of this vile man? Anyway, who is going to inflict harm first? The man with the rifle, the snake (cottonmouth), or the vile man who has just come on the scene, or one of the cousins?
godleyv [at] yahoo(dot)com
Loving this thank you!! So creative & imaginative.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This chapter got complicated!! Lol. So many stories to keep straight… can't wait to see what happens next!
This has been so much fun! I hope you are all having as much fun writing this, as we are reading it.
Vicki
vmarney(at)hotmail(dot)com
Snakes, ew! Who else, or what else, will show up next? (mylab1122) at (gmail) dot (com)
Oh! Snakes! Ah!
I love this chapter! This is soooo good. 🙂
This gets more complicated and more exciting. Am looking forward to tomorrow. rttl@mosquitonet.com
It is hard having to wait a day for the next chapter when you want so badly to just keep reading!
michums14[at]gmail.com
Oh my! How exciting! I love it. Carrie, you brought up a level. I think the snake will get Gaskin and Lijah will get that big bad snake! I also remember the series on CQ. You girls are too good. LOL Love to you all. And, not an ebook, but a Novella. Everyone can read it then, unlike a ebook. How many thought a big ole Alligator was going to get Gaskin? I know one thing. This all will be over before I want it to be, 🙁 But, sure enjoying it now. Enjoyed every chapter. hard to wait for the ext one. Also, I am a follower of CQ Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
CARRIE all I can say is…sleep deprivation. 🙂
Carrie, Carrie, Carrie – how could you scare us all to death like this? You didn't just leave us hanging, you kept that poor snake dangling as well. Looking forward to the next installment.
dsks88(at)gmail(dot)com
And what will happen next…
may_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com
BETZ, I am sorry u had to search for this, but so glad u found us! Blessings!
I don't like cliffhanger books but this will end up all wrapped up, PATTY! Blessings!
PAM, My brain locked up, trying to figure out something that would continue this story. Realize–this was not a brainstorming work it out project–each author was given the previous compendium and had to continue within a certain time frame. I think I had one week!!!
MADELYN, I really appreciate that you realize the amount of work an effort like this takes. And it is an effort of love for readers, so I am glad u r enjoying!!!
Thanks, MARY!!! Enjoy the remaining two!!!
yes!!!
Hope you'll enjoy it!
Keep reading! Thanks!
JORIE, I am afraid so, but this is what came out when I started writing! And you will be entered for the CQ giveaway. In fact, you might be the only one entered with CQ on there! Thanks for sharing your insights!!!
Yikes, me too!!!
Ohmygoodnessgracious–a real Southern Belle read this! Hugs!
Thanks, ML. Love that coming from the Queen of Awesomeness herself!Hugs!
Haha ELIZABETH I doubt any of the other authors did, either!!! Carrie has her own way of doing things, lol! Glad you enjoyed! Thanks so much!
Love it – I had to search for this today, but I am so glad I found it!! Can hardly wait to read the rest!
bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com
I was, too, cuz I sure hope the next person would work out what I had written in, lol! Blessings!
HAHA, AMBER! And boy is this one tangled story!!! I pray you will bear up till the very end!!! Blessings!
JANET, actually Gina is looking at writing an article about this. It really is a different experience trying to do one semi-cohesive story. Very tricky! Blessings!
Glad u r enjoying this MELODY!!! Best wishes on the contest!
I wasn't going to hurt any of our sweet gals or handsome guys, TRACY, but who knows what the next two authors in this series will do!!! Blessings!
LOL KATHLEEN! Great to see you here!!! This has been a wild ride, hasn't it, and I made it a little wilder!
not the last one tried–Jane Wenham was the last witch in England condemned to death.
I had totally forgotten about that, SUSAN! I bet there are many godly Gaskins, too, though! My bro said one of our family names, Wenham, is the surname of the last witch tried in England!
jstor.org/discover/10.2307/1257743?uid=3739936&uid=2&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101984231017
TERESA, I wonder if that is how I got that name!!! It just came to me–I bet that is why. Although I shouldn't say that because my character was purely fictional. I know your email btw, hahaha, I'm funny like that! Blessings to our OWG poetess!!!
Talk about a cliffhanger! Looking forward to the last few chapters…
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
JAMIE, I am so glad that you enjoyed your read! Just a couple more to go. Blessings!
I was thinking earlier about why on earth would Laurie Alice have agreed to take the end of this serial when that is the absolute hardest part of the entire thing? Especially since this was your idea to write this story, I thought. I can't wait to see how you wrapped it all up! This was a great exercise in writing–thanks for thinking of it!!!
I certainly didn't anticipate the betrayal by Mabel. You are really making things interesting! I look forward to the next chapter.
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Great story, each chapter is spellbinding, making me come back to read it a second time. The only problem is that the second time reading it still stops at the same place, not farther in the story.
Thanks to all for your work.
Madelyn Neher
That was a great chapter Carrie. Can't wait for the next chapter to see what the next twist to the story is. It keeps you hanging for the next chapter. I wish there was more than 2 chapters left.
Mary Duff
missniceguy[at]hotmail.com
And what shall happen next….
Can't wait for the next chapter! 🙂
Lisa
deiselbuffs[at]yahoo.ca
i agree not a fan of snakes….good story — need to read the rest!!
truckredford (at) gmail (dot) com
Haha Aussie Angel!!! Thanks!!!
Thanks Brenda!
{ps} I stopped by the CQ after I posted my comment,… noting that I was meant to mention the CQ, as I am a regular RSS follower of Colonial Quills! Not sure if this still counts, but I thought best to add it now! 🙂
I realise too, what confuses me,… this installment has more 'backstory', but the other installments were focusing more on 'what was happening in the moment',… so the point of view shifted at a sharp angle…
Thanks DL!!! U r always fun!!!
Haha Aussie Angel!!! Thanks!!!
Okay, now I feel like I missed a whole sequence, yet I've read them all straight through! 🙁 There are a lot of twists going on, and this piece is going differently than I originally thought it would have,… I'm a bit confused with the character who stepped out from the shadows, but what is good, is at least Celia recognised the voice! Keeping tuned to see how it all resolves,…
inkand-blogaways(at)usa.net
//Florida
I dislike snakes of any kind. Can't wait to see how the story continues!
Nancycooks4u[at]gmail.com
I can't wait until tomorrow!!!!
southernbelle75[at]hotmail.com
Awesome chapter, Carrie!!! How fun this is!!! Only 2 more chapters… I haven't read them yet so I have no idea what's going to happen. Can't wait!
I agree that these should be in an ebook!!!
Carrie WOW , I did not see this one coming . Great job. I don't care for any kind of snakes. I hope no one gets hurt. Well just have to wait another day..
Elizabeth
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
Oh, I really can't wait for the next chapter!
Oh what a tangled web we weave! I don't know if I can take any more revelations! 🙂 I can't wait for the next part.
amberthereader@juno.com
Wow, Carrie. Well done! I hope you all tell us how you all worked together to develop this tale.
That came out of nowhere! I've almost convinced myself that this story is enough of a prize but I've still got my fingers crossed!
Guess it would help if I left my email. 😀 avonmathews(at)yahoo(dot)com
Just when you think a marriage between two are sealed, someone has to go and disturb everything and now things get a lot more interesting. Reading about the snake moving around made me hold my breath as to what it first was, and then finding out what it really was made me hold my breath more. Will anyone get hurt? I can't wait to see what happens in the next chapter.
In Christ,
Tracy
poetics-of-life.blogspot.com/
CARRIE this is Mah-velous Dah-ling!! Yes, there was a Gaskins here that was a serial killer. Good choice for the name. Can't wait for the next chapter. 🙂
Oh, my goodness. Will they get out of this alive? What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.
Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
Oo-oo-oo. Good job, Carrie. Love the twists and turns. Cringing, waiting for the snake to make its move. Gaskins is a notorious name in South Carolina. Perfect name.
This is so fun to read! Can't wait to finish the rest!
booksandbeverages (at) gmail.com
Working with these ladies on this project, I was so surprised how each managed to add her own twist, keep the action going, and just keep the story going, while demonstrating some great writing.
I got to write the ending. It was really hard to follow these great acts.
Laurie Alice Eakes
Brenda, thanks for the compliment about this serial story being an actual book.
Still say … this should have been an actual book ! Truly, by the end of each chapter — I have NO idea of where this story will be turning next ! Keep it coming, ladies. Looking forward to Chapter 6 ….
Brenda (brennie7[at]hotmail.com)
Even though I've read what happens next, I still can't stop wondering what happens next.
Love it!
Deb, I love the idea of putting these together in an ebook!
Great chapter, Carrie! It was fun working with you on this.
One twist after another – keeping us on the edge of our seats Carrie! Wow, you sure can write angel momma! 😉
Glad you got a surprise!
Stirring the pot!
DEB, The first week or two that I had moved to SC, a classmate had a snake drop out of the trees and into his boat and bite him. ACK!!! He almost died.
MICHELLE, Thanks for reading my section! This was such a fun project but it was hard because of the need to leave the reading hanging plus the ante just kept getting upped with each chapter! Blessings!
Haha, you'll have to find out tomorrow, DEBBIE!!! Thanks so much for coming by!!!
Did not see that coming! Can't wait until tomorrow:)
My, my, my…the plot thickens. 🙂
So tell me… will you put these all together into an ebook one of these days?
Carrie – oh my! That was too intense. You had to introduce a snake (or two or three?)
And please continue to enter me in the drawings. You are all such amazing writers with new books out or on the way. I'm so glad you did this, ladies.
Oh my goodness! Each chapter leaves me hanging all the more!!!!! Can't wait for tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, Carrie, I did not see that coming! Great job! So, I am guessing he will shoot the water moccasin..but then again, you ladies have surprised me at every turn. 🙂