Sheila's Books Read

Sheila's bookshelf: read

The Best Intentions
Scotland's Melody
The Secret Society of Salzburg
Secret of the Sonnets
20-40-60-Minute Dinners: Meals to Match the Time You Have
Through the Wilderness: My Journey of Redemption and Healing in the American Wild
Secret Santa Claus Club: A Tool to Help Parents Unwrap the Secret of Santa
Mr. Pudgins
Revenge Never Rests
The Best Mistake
Meriden Park
More Inspirational Stories for Young Women
The Great Tree: A Christmas Fable
To Capture His Heart
The Call of the Sea
Esperance
Livvy and the Enchanted Woodland
Come, Gentle Night
The Bad Boy Theory
Guide To Smart Wedding Planning: What You want to know and everything you haven't thought of yet.


Sheila's favorite books »

2024 Goodreads Reading Challenge

2024 Reading Challenge

2024 Reading Challenge
Sheila has read 4 books toward her goal of 100 books.
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Thursday, November 30, 2017

More Trouble in Loveland {A Timeless Romance Single} By Jennifer Peel-Review






{Product Details}

  • Title: More Trouble In Loveland
  • Author: Jennifer Peel
  • Series: Timeless Romance Single
  • Paperback: 152 pages
  • Publisher: Mirror Press (November 17, 2017)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1947152165
  • FTC FYI: I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

{Book Synopsis}
Another Timeless Single Romance! Join Jennifer Peel for MORE TROUBLE IN LOVELAND, a companion story to the beloved romance TROUBLE IN LOVELAND. 

Charlee Jensen-Carter has been looking forward to her first Christmas with her new husband, Ryan, and her adorable stepson for weeks. Not only is her dad tying the knot, but she's looking forward to two weeks of no exes, no drama, and especially no trouble. At least that's what she thinks. 

First, she gets talked into wearing red hooker heels again. Next, she finds herself trying to save her dad's wedding. And if that isn't bad enough, more than one ex shows up, and she's suddenly in the middle of more trouble than she ever bargained for. 

Will she ever find the right moment to give Ryan the best Christmas present ever? Or will her Christmas hopes and dreams die a fiery death in this comical holiday tale?

{My Review}
More Trouble in Loveland was a fun, quick read. I thought I had read the first book in this series but I realized I hadn't and truly it didn't ruin the story for me at all. It does make me want to go back and read the first book though.

Charlee is a great character who is feisty and sticks up for things that are right and stands up for those in need of protection. She is very humorous and the dialogue had me laughing a lot. She and her husband, Ryan, are newlyweds in this short romance and planning for their first Christmas together as a married couple. The sad and funny thing both is everything that happens because of their family and friends that turns Christmas into a great fiasco. It reminded me of my life and how if something strange is going to happen, let me paraphrase...just expect strange things to happen and they will! It was one thing after another that leaves you laughing and shaking your head. I guess that's why I loved Charlee so much. She handled things well and took charge. I also loved Ryan and Charlee's relationship. They are so cute together. I must warn those looking for a squeaky clean novel, you will find mentions of bedroom activities without going into details, but these are newlyweds we're reading about. 

The beautiful thing about this short book is that even though it's a romance, there is so much healing among family members, friends, and ex's  and it leaves you with a great feeling. Ryan, Charlee, and Ryan's ex, Victoria, have had a hard time getting along but work well together for the welfare of Josh, Ryan and Victoria's son. Josh is a cutie that brought innocence and sunshine to the novella.

It was nice to pick this book up and read it in one sitting. As I said before, the author gives enough background on characters that I didn't feel lost and felt like everything weaved together well. This is a nice romance, plenty of scenes to make you laugh, and also parts that will bring about a "happy" cry. I will definitely be reading more from this author.



{Other Timeless Romance Singles}
From Cairo, With Love by Nancy Campbell Allen
Sophia’s Leap-Year Courtship by Kristin Holt
Starting Over at Steeple Ridge by Liz Isaacson
The Matchmaking Game by Donna Hatch
The Heart Only Grows by Michele Paige Holmes


{Meet Author: Jennifer Peel} 
Jennifer Peel is the award-winning bestselling author of the Dating by Design and Women of Merryton series, as well as several other contemporary romances. Though she lives and breathes writing, her first love is her family. She is the mother of three amazing kiddos and has recently added the title of mother-in-law, with the addition of two terrific sons-in-law. She’s been married to her best friend and partner in crime for a lot longer than seems possible. Some of her favorite things are late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and Southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.

{Find out more about Jennifer and her books at these sites:}

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Artesans of Albia Trilogy By Cas Peace -Cover Reveal and Giveaway





Cas lives in the lovely county of Hampshire, southern UK, where she was born. On leaving school she trained for two years before qualifying as horse-riding instructor. During this time she also learned to carriage-drive. She spent thirteen years in the British Civil Service before moving to Rome, Italy, where she and her husband, Dave, lived for three years. They enjoy returning whenever they can. Cas supports many animal charities and owns two rescue dogs. She has a large collection of cacti and loves gardening. She is also a folk singer/songwriter and is currently writing and recording nine folk-style songs to accompany each of her fantasy books. You can listen to and download all the songs from her website: www.caspeace.com

See the video of her performing live at the King’s Envoy book launch here:


Find out more at her website: www.caspeace.com


Connect with the Author here: 

Author Facebook ~ Facebook ~ Website ~

 ~ Blog ~ Amazon ~ Reverbnation ~




Taran Elijah’s quest for knowledge uncovers a plot that threatens the world...

Desperate to learn how to control his innate Artesan powers, Taran embarks on a foolhardy plan to acquire the teaching he craves. The military backlash his action unleashes forces Albia’s High King to send Major Sullyan as an envoy to the Fifth Realm. But a dark and treacherous power is moving through the realms and all will feel its influence.

Captured and tortured by the power-hungry Lord Rykan, Sullyan is trapped in Andaryon. Aided by the unlikeliest sources, the major formulates a plan to defeat Rykan and end his quest for the throne. But Sullyan’s strength is fading fast and time is running out. The only thing that can save her is Rykan’s mysterious Staff, which lies buried in the ruins of Taran’s cellar.

Sullyan’s lover, Robin Tamsen, sets out to recover the artefact, but the enemy is two steps ahead of him. If Robin fails to secure the Staff, Sullyan’s life, the Artesan craft, and the very existence of their world is under threat.



First lets take a look inside the book

“Gods, but I’m a fool,” Taran groaned. Cal snorted and Taran glanced at him. “I wish I’d taken your advice. I never should have gone.”

Cal frowned and Taran paused before adding, “Cal, I killed someone.”

Cal’s dark eyes widened and he slumped to the bed, staring in disbelief. “How the hell did that happen?”


And now for the Cover

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~ Amazon ~ Amazon UK



For more content, reviews and Author 

interviews, join the Tour

 for this Trilogy here:



To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 



Friday, November 24, 2017

Lies Jane Austen Told Me-A Proper Romance By Julie Wright-Book Review




{Product Details}

  • Title:Lies Jane Austen Told Me
  • Author: Julie Wright
  • Series: Proper Romance
  • Paperback: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Shadow Mountain (November 7, 2017)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1629723428
  • FTC, FYI: I received a review paperback copy in exchange for an honest review.

{Book Syopsis}
Ever since Emma read Pride and Prejudice, she's been in love with Mr. Darcy and has regarded Jane Austen as the expert on all things romantic. So naturally when Emma falls for Blake Hampton and he invites her home to meet his parents, she is positive an engagement is in her future. After all, Blake is a single man in possession of a good fortune, and thus must be in want of a wife.
But when it turns out that what Blake actually wants is more of a hook-up than a honeymoon, Emma is hurt, betrayed, and furious. She throws herself deeper into her work as CMO of Kinetics, the fastest growing gym franchise in the nation. She loves her work, and she's good at it, which is why she bristles when her boss brings in a consultant to help her spearhead the new facilities on the East Coast. Her frustration turns to shock when that consultant turns out to be Blake's younger brother, Lucas.
Emma is determined not to fall for Lucas, but as she gets to know him, she realizes that Lucas is nothing like his brother. He is kind and attentive and spends his time and money caring for the less fortunate.
What she can't understand is why Lucas continues to try to push her back into Blake's arms when he so clearly has fallen as hard for her as she has fallen for him.
Realizing that her love life is as complicated as anything Jane Austen could have dreamed up, Emma must find a way to let Blake know that it's time for him to let her go and to let Lucas know it's time for him to love her back.

{My Review}
I love Jane Austen books so I knew that this book would be a winner for me. I also adore this author's writing. Julie Wright knows how to write such wonderful characters that I get swept away into the character's world from the beginning.

This story is about Emma Pierce who has loved Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice for a long time and believes that she'll find love just like the characters from a Jane Austen novel. I loved the humor in this novel mixed in with the hard realities of life. There is so much to relate to with Emma that you can't help but love her and want her to succeed in her quest of finding true love. 

I also loved Lucas Hampton. Even though Emma dated Lucas's brother Blake first, it was evident who she truly belonged with. I did want to shake Lucas a few times when he put his brother's needs before his own even though his heart was telling him something else. I also thought Lucas and Blake's parents were great characters in how they loved and supported both of their sons and showed kindness and love to others despite their great wealth and prestige.

This book is fun and had me laughing out loud so many times. It also has so many sigh worthy moments as the main characters grow to realize their feelings growing for each other. This clean romance is one that I will read again just because I so loved the characters and how the story unfolded. 

This Proper Romance is one that should be a must read for all romance lovers and Jane Austen fans. It's a true five star winner in my book! 

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Love & Loss At Whitmore Manor By Anita Stansfield-Blog Tour Review and Giveaway-$25 Gift Card and Free Book!


{Product Details}

  • Title: Love & Loss at Whitmore Manor
  • Author: Anita Stansfield
  • Genre: Romance/Religious
  • Paperback: 240 pages
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc. (November 1, 2017)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1524403709
  • FTC, FYI: I received a review paperback copy in exchange for an honest review.

{Book Synopsis}
For nearly three years, British Officer Tristan Whitmore fought bravely for King and Crown in America. But his loyalty came at a price, and after slowly recovering from battlefield injuries, it is finally time to return to his beloved England and his wife, Muriel. But there is to be no tender reunion at Whitmore Manor—instead, Tristan is stunned to learn of his wife’s deceit in his absence and her unexpected death. And to add to the shocking blow, this devastating news is delivered by the last woman Tristan ever hoped to see again. 

Olivia Halstead lost everything after the death of her father but found refuge with her cousin Muriel while Muriel’s husband was at war. Now, with the loss of her cousin, Olivia feels she has trespassed too long on the hospitality of the family. But before she can depart, Muriel’s husband returns, and Olivia’s own thorny history with the man comes rushing in: years ago, theirs was a tender courtship—followed too soon by a bitter parting of ways. 

Now two people divided by past betrayal find an unforeseen chance for reconciliation. But when Tristan and Olivia find themselves on opposite sides of a revolution, will their clashing allegiances tear them apart forever?

{My Review}
It's interesting when a romance book with a little mystery has the best character end up being someone not part of "The Couple". My favorite character in this novel was Tristan's father, Walter. I liked how he treated everyone, Olivia, his son Tristan, and all of the servants/help. I felt like he was so genuine and his character jumped out of the pages and into your heart. His ideas and his ideals made him a favorite from the start.

The main characters of Tristan and Olivia are a nice couple. It may appear they come together quickly, but you realize from back story that they were a couple many years before the story even began. There seemed to be a lot of dialogue with Tristan and Olivia making amends over their prior breakup and I felt liked it dragged at times. It was nice though to see how with the gift of forgiveness they were able to come together again. 

Another part of the story I really liked had to do with Dr. Jack Barburry, Tristan's friend from the war in the colonies and he was very likable. The mystery part of the book revolved around treason and I'm not going to say any more without giving away too much. I find that giving away secrets in a book that spoils the end are infuriating. Just know it's interesting and exciting. 

Love & Loss at Whitmore Manor is a deep thinking story of love, forgiveness and intrigue. This novel has a little of everything that will attract readers of many genres.
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Friday, November 17, 2017

Professor Ladybug Teaches Alphabet Animals: Animal Themed Exercise Workbook for Children (Volume 4)


{Product Details}

Title:Professor Ladybug Teaches Alphabet Animals: Animal Themed Exercise Workbook for Children
  • Series: Professor Ladybug
  • Paperback: 254 pages
  • Publisher: Chessmore Publishing (October 8, 2017)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1947805061
  • FTC,FYI: I recieved a review paperback copy in exchange for honest review.

{Book Details}
Practicing the alphabet is fun when your child can do it learning about animals! This workbook contains over two hundred practice pages, easy-to-follow instructions, and lots of bonus games and activities. Educational exercises include: 
  • Alphabet practice 
  • Uppercase and lowercase letter recognition and practice 
  • Simple drawing exercises that improve understanding 
  • Essential writing practice 
  • Practice writing rudimentary sentences 
  • Matching exercises 
  • Basic word puzzles 
  • And much, much more! 
This workbook also encourages numerous life skills that are essential for your child, including word recognition, memory recall and creative thinking. These books allow your children to learn in a way that is both fun and highly effective! Parents with younger children can read along and explore these fun animals together! Professor Ladybug workbooks are packed with simple learning exercises that your children will be happy to complete. This workbook is designed primarily for children aged 3-6.

{My Review}
This is a fun book. It's written for use to help preschoolers, kids in Kindergarten, 1st graders and some 2nd graders. I've been teaching for many years and I know how much kids love animals. This book will appeal to all kids with the various animals found in the book. I really liked how there was an animal to go with each letter of the alphabet. There is a paragraph that teaches about the animal, the child traces and writes the animal's name, then a sentences and then they draw a picture of the animal. Then there is a fun dot-to-dot puzzle of the animal and an Alphabet letter hunt for the featured letter. The book shows more animals that start with that letter and they have short paragraphs written about the animals. The child then can trace the animal names and color pictures of them.

This book could be used in a school setting by a teacher, a parent wanting to help their child have extra letter recognition practice, and by Home Schooling parents. I can see that this book will truly make learning fun. I recommend it to parents and teachers alike. 

There are also more learning books that you will find at this website:  www.professorladybug.com

Evidence is Lacking. Yet I Still Hope-By Joan Enders:Book Tour and Giveaway





Joshua Henry Bates, a young teacher of a country school, wonders if there will be more to his life. Yes, there are summers away from the farm, attending the University of Utah, dancing at Saltair, watching pictures shows, and eating ice cream on bone dry days. In his journal he questions his future. He finds a young woman to love, but she is an ever-mutating mystery. His job seems to be a dead-end. His parents need his help more all the time. Josh tries to change his life: cooling the relationship with his girlfriend, teaching in a new school, and registering for service in the American Expeditionary Forces. Still, Joshua is filled with self-doubt. Will Josh marry the girl? Will he find a dazzling life mission? Will he be victorious in war? Each chapter contains one to thirty primary sources from the life of this young man drafted as a doughboy in the Meuse-Argonne Campaign.
 Praise for the book:
If you have ever searched for your own history, or a way to bring
history to life, this book is a masterpiece.”
Kelly Milner Halls, author of Saving the Baghdad Zoo



Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ 



Joan Enders lives in Washington State with her husband Jerry, and loves the Pacific Northwest! For 28 years she taught literature and research skills in school libraries to middle and high school students, and advocated for full-time school librarians in every school. She was a recipient of the American Library Association's Frances Henne Award for library leadership. 

She loved her jobs, often to distraction. Once Joan stayed so late at the school library that the custodians waxed the floors, unaware that she was still upstairs. She crept out the least sticky exit. Joan now teaches librarians on webinars. When not teaching she administers the local Family History Center for FamilySearch International. She enjoys peeling back the research onion for students and adults. That was the motivation for her first book, which replicates her most popular inquiry lesson for U.S. History students and teachers. Joan speaks in her community, for professional organizations and at genealogy conferences.



Connect with the Author here: 




To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 



Thursday, November 16, 2017

For Castle and Crown: A Medieval Romance By Sian Ann Bessey-Blog Tour Review and $25 and copy of the book giveaway




For Castle and Crown



Product Details

Title: For Castle and Crown 
Author: Sian Ann Bessey
  • Paperback: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc. (November 1, 2017)
  • ISBN-10: 1524404357

Genre: Medieval Action/Romance

FTC, FYI: I received a review paperback copy in exchange for an honest review.

{Book Description}

 After years spent fighting alongside King Richard in the crusades, Lord Edmund of Hawksford is finally returning to his ancestral home. But far from a joyful reunion, what awaits him is devastation. His elder brother is dead, killed in a tragic fire at Hawksford Castle—and the title of duke now falls to Edmund.
When he strives to rebuild the fire-scarred castle, Edmund learns that his was not the only life the fire shattered: his childhood friend Lady Phillipa survived the flames that took Edmund’s brother, but badly burned, she has hidden herself away from those she loves. Yet as the pair renews their acquaintance, they find that their affection runs deep—perhaps even deeper than they’d ever realized.
As Edmund and Pippa begin to question whether the fire was truly an accident, they must discover the truth of the past before they can plan for their future. While coming perilously close to the answers they seek, Edmund and Pippa find themselves at the mercy of a dangerous foe who will stop at nothing to lay claim on Hawksford—and he will destroy any who stand in his way.

{My Review}
For Castle and Crown is a great story of knights battling, life in a castle, and of course sweet romance in the air. The two main characters Edmund and Pippa were both very strong and believable. You learn to care for them immediately as you learn of their past struggles and their present concerns. They have been through so much and both have confronted their trials in life so bravely. I loved how they grew up as the best of friends and now years later that friendship grew into love. 

There is plenty of action and intrigue in this novel which moves the plot forward at a quick pace. I felt like I couldn't read fast enough as the suspense kept creeping higher and higher. The villain is known right away and he lives up to his title. He commits so many heinous acts. 

The excitement in the novel lasts until the end. I truly loved the happy way this books ends. If you like stories from the Medieval period, lots of action, romance and beautiful descriptive writing, For Castle and Crown is a book for you. 




{Meet Author: Sian Ann Bessey} 

Sian was born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend Brigham Young University in Utah, where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English.

She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children's books.

Although Sian doesn't have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, she can still wrap her tongue around, "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch." She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she's home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.


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Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Rogue (Convergence #1) By S.A. Stephenson-Book Blitz and Excerpt

Rogue banner

This is my stop during the book blitz for Rogue by S.A. Stephenson. This book blitz is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 13 till 19 November. See the tour schedule here.

RogueRogue (Convergence #1)
By S.A. Stephenson
Genre: Science Fiction
Age category: Adult
Release Date: 19 September, 2017

Blurb:
As a rogue government official orders an alien attack on the Empire of America, two women must uncover the government's dark truth and unravel the weave of lives that have spanned decades. They'll learn why alien-human hybrids were created, and will need to master their own alien powers in order to survive.
--
Genetic testing on humans began during the Cold War, when ancient alien DNA was discovered in the artic. As super soldiers were created during the war, Americans soon began to create the first wave of alien-human-hybrids in preparation for the day when the aliens would strike.

Nearly a century on, the world has been broken by an extra-terrestrial war and Kit Valletta is a human-mutant trying to survive in one of the only free zones left in the Empire. But the President wants her dead and is going to stop at nothing until all the mutants Kit freed are back in her control.

When Kit meets Evie Fox, one of the President's scientists, who's broken free of the wire, the two begin their fight for freedom and justice as the alien attack hits Empire soil. Together, both women will need to accept the secrets they've been trying to hide and decide if they're the ones who are powerful enough to save the Empire from the President's dictatorship regime and alien invasion.
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Kit Valletta was asleep when the world erupted into sirens and blaring red lights. Her eyes flew open and when she looked up and saw an empty bed above her. Gia Russo, her long-time partner in crime, had a knack of knowing how the Shard’s system worked. She knew what happened at each well-timed moment, the movement of guards and the few seconds that were exposed in their well governed lives. She had managed to avoid being caught as the rest of them had filed into the dorms, or she had been caught and was on the way to one of the camps in the Nevermore. Kit quickly dismissed that thought, Gia wasn’t someone who would let a guard capture her so easily and they had been preparing for tonight for too long for Gia to get herself caught now.
Kit needed to find her father, Edward and Gia had been preparing for this night for months, everything down to the last detail had been thought of and through a number of heated debates, they had managed to convince Kit to escape with them.
The alarms were deafening and Kit swung her legs round from the bed, reluctantly leaving the brief comfort her blanket provided. The smell of her mother lingered in the fabric, a sweet perfume of motherly love, Kit dwelled in the moment for a fraction longer than she should, wishing Erin were there with them but she shook the thought away as she filed out with the other residents and went to find her father. Erin had been killed, Kit knew that, but there was something in her subconscious that told her mother had to be alive. They hadn’t found a body, there had never been any proof.
The Shard Building was one of the hundreds of nondescript bunkers in Volt that housed soldiers and government workers, segregated by position and ability according to the great State of Volt's processing system. The men were located in the Z Quarter of the Shard, the women were located in the L Quarter and they had begun to file out of the building, undisturbed by the noise that deafened the air. Kit pushed her way against the crowd when she saw Gia ahead of her. 
'Gia!’ She called.
‘Kit, what's going on, is it time?' She asked.
'It's time,' Kit told her.
'They'll be heading to the Domain,' Gia said.
'We need to get to my father,' Kit told her. Gia agreed and they continued to in the opposite direction of the crowd. The women marched around them, their expressions blank as they fell into the well-trained response that they could not break free from.
Kit followed Gia down a flight of stairs as the sprinkler system kicked in. 'Great,' Gia said as they reached a door. She pushed against it and entered a back-passage way to the Z Quarter. The male quarter was filled with the male soldiers, like the women, they filed out of the bunker and Kit took a moment to survey the crowd. Her pupils widened as she tried to zoom in on the faces, looking for the one that was the most familiar. When she saw him, her heart rested. Edward was a well-built man, prime material for a soldier in Volt. His silver hair flickered against his dark grey fatigues. The wrinkles on his forehead had deepened in the previous months as concern had found a way into their conversations. The planning, the secret meetings, had all led to this moment. Edward had never been built for the walls that Galen's presidency had created, he had come here during the late days of the plague, when there was nowhere else left to go. Kit had grown up with him telling her stories of the world and how it used to be. He told her about New York, how it had fallen and become known as the Spire, how the great Plains of America had become wastelands, the Nevermore, and how the once free United States, had fallen to become the Empire of America. Kit wondered how the world had ever been so different, but she had believed in her father’s passion for the world that once was and was determined to try and find it again.
'Dad!' Kit called over the noise of the crowd, he heard her and began to make his way over to them. 
'Are you ready?' He asked.
'As I'll ever be,' she said.
'The wire is a good 15kms away,' Edward said. 'We need to be ready because they're not going to let a bunch of us mutants out so easily.'
'Then we'll show them what mutants can really do,' Gia said.
They headed out with the rest of the soldiers, and once they had made it to the courtyard Kit saw the extent of the evacuation. 
'Oz really did a job on the security system,' Gia commented.
'He's a good kid,' Edward said. 'This way,' he told them and began to break away from the crowd who were heading to the Domain. Kit could see Armistice Guards high up on the brick wall that surrounded the government quarters. Their rifles were aimed down at the soldiers below.
'It's almost cute that they think bullets kill mutants,' Gia said.
‘They’re designed to slow us down, not kill us,’ Edward said.
'Where's Logan?' Kit asked. ‘He was supposed to be here with-’
An explosion ripped through the wall, the Armistice Guards were flung from their positions and the wall crumpled as a large army truck drove through it. Kit smiled when she saw Logan James at the wheel.
'Run!' Edward ordered and they sprinted for the truck. Kit leapt high into the air and landed in the back as Gia and Edward scrambled into the passenger seats. Logan quickly began reversing the truck as Armistice guards began shooting at them. Kit felt their energy pulsating through the air, determination emanating from them in a way she had never felt before, their intent was set to kill. She had become their prey, through all her training she had been taught to be the hunter, the one who would track down any enemy who entered the Empire’s boarders, now she would have to use those skills to survive the men who had operated alongside her for so long.
A group of mutants broke out and followed the truck, they’d got weapons and were firing any ammunition they had up at the Armistice Guards.
Kit looked back at the scene. 'How far to the wire?' She asked.
'7ks,' Logan called back to her as jets began to fly overhead. 'Hold tight,' he said.
He turned the truck quickly as a plane flew down low and began firing at them.  Kit dropped for cover as the bullets ricocheted off the bumper. She looked up at the plane and felt energy burn behind her eyes, their natural brown shone green and the plane quivered in the air before it came crashing down behind them. The impact caused the truck to rear up and Logan skidded it to a stop as the engine died.
'Great,' he said as he hit the wheel. 'They've cut the electric grid,' he said.
'Which is why we learnt to love running,' Gia said as she climbed out of the truck.
More jets were approaching them as Kit climbed down from the back. She was weak, struggled to stand after her last attack. 'You gonna be okay?' Gia asked her.
'Fine,' Kit said. 'Come on, we gotta bail.' She took Gia's hand, it's familiar warmth helped her feel strength and they ran after Edward and Logan.
  The land outside the buildings was rough, dead earth filled with landlines. Edward guided them, his sonic vision able to see through what was normal, to what was underneath. He guided them round a number of mines and Kit's eyes widened with hope when she saw the wire. She had heard so much about life beyond the tall electric wire, heard stories of people trying to escape, but being killed before they had even made it this far. Life beyond this tall, wired fence was as unknown. The concept of freedom, was something that had been talked about in hushed whispers, Kit and Gia had talked late into the night about what there could possibly be beyond the world that they were confined to. The world they were created in. Edward had inspired and encouraged these conversations, he wanted his daughter to experience freedom outside of a compound that a dictatorship government had created.
'Remember how we're going to get through?' Edward asked her as the truck slowed. Kit nodded.
Gia went over to the edge of the fence and could feel the electricity vibrating from it. She felt it shake in her fingers and smiled. Armistice Guards were close behind them. Their voices blurred into one over the sound of radios. 'We don't have time to hang around,' Edward said. 'Gia, time to shine.'
Gia smiled, her eyes golden, Kit leant against her father as dizziness swept over her, she could hear the guards getting closer. They were only minutes away.
Gia made a fist and punched the ground. Electric energy, that she had always called magic when they were growing up, shook throughout the soil, Kit heard the blood of the Armistice Guards boil and the bodies drop to the floor. The fence was dead, the electricity had been cut. Logan grabbed a knife from his boot and quickly cut through the chinks. He made his way through as Armistice Guards came out of the forest behind them. Gia hurried through the gap and turned back for Kit. Her nose was bleeding and she looked pale. Gia had seen this before and quickly grabbed for her. 'I got you,' she said. Kit pushed her way through the gap and turned back for her father to see him being held down by Armistice Guards.
'Run!' He yelled at her.
She paused as exhaustion began to take over her. She couldn't leave him. They had planned this for too long. Their new life in a free world, where they could be like the other humans, the ones who hadn't been trained to be super soldiers for the Empire of America's new army. Where he could take her to school, before he went to work in an office somewhere. Edward had been her constant support in this world of uncertainty, he raised her with her mother and after she had been taken away Kit had clung to him tighter, listened to him with more intent and believed in his ideology of how the world should be. He was born to be free, to set her free.

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'We gotta blaze,' Logan said and pulled Kit to her feet as another wave of Guards came after them. They ran through the forest on the other side of the wire, Kit's heart raced against her chest as tears streamed down her face. She could hear her father screaming in the distance. Being dragged back to the world he had wanted to destroy for so long as she ran for her freedom.
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S.A. StephensonAbout the Author:
S.A. Stephenson is a sci-fi author, blogger and editor. She writes LGBTQ+ stories about kickass women and can be found hanging out at writing events in Auckland. She's originally from the UK but now calls New Zealand home.

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