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Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Have You Ever Sent Someone Off to War?

Have you ever sent a loved one off to war?

Memorial day in the States is Monday. What is Memorial Day? The day we celebrate soldiers, but especially fallen soldiers. It has become a day to honor the men and women who serve in the military. I think about this frequently--what it would be like to pray every day for a father/mother, a husband/wife, a son/daughter, a brother/sister who has gone to fight for the freedoms I cherish. The fear they will not return, the struggle to keep a relationship strong over long distance, the stress of being a single parent while a spouse is deployed... I am left in awe of those who sacrifice so graciously--not just those who leave, but those who let them go.

To all who have made that sacrifice, a HUGE, heartfelt thank you. You are a true hero.


Quick heads up: I'm sharing words of inspiration plus a personal turning point on Diane Wolf's blog. Check it out HERE.


This month I'm highlighting fellow authors from:

(Because waiting until later would just be silly.)

Last week we met the talented Cherie Reich and had an opportunity win her fantasy novel, REBORN. Everyone who guessed her Truth or Lie game correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook.

The Game:



1. From a span of one August to another, Cherie performed in seven theatrical productions.

2. Cherie changed her major four times while in college.


3. Cherie has studied six languages. Unfortunately, she’s only proficient in one.

The lie: #2. Cherie only changed her major three times (general studies to vocal performance to classics). If she had a chance to do it all over again, she would have majored in something else. Maybe anthology (linguistics) or something to do with computers (graphic design or websites) or history.

Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...


Congrats, Tiana!

And now meet a story from the author of RAINERS in the Parallels anthology: 

Some teens go to the Caribbean on spring break. Piper goes to save the world. 

Piper Dunn isn’t who you would call a normal teenager. For one thing, she doesn’t want anyone to know she was born with a blowhole. Even stranger, she has two love interests. Joel, a fellow dolphin-human hybrid, and Tyler, a human. 

It’s hard to choose when a mad scientist is hot on Piper’s trail. Worse, she’s trapped in the Bermuda Triangle. And . . . wait for it . . . Angel, her test-tube daughter, is apparently a real-deal reincarnation. It all adds up to an impossible situation, with happy endings all but lost at sea. Unless, of course, a voodoo high priestess casts a spell or two . . .

Get your copy HERE.

Ready to meet the author?

Multi-published author Sandra Cox writes YA Fantasy, Romance, and Metaphysical Nonfiction. She lives in sunny North Carolina with her husband, a brood of critters and an occasional foster cat. Although shopping is high on the list, her greatest pleasure is sitting on her screened in porch, listening to the birds, sipping coffee or a latte, and enjoying a good book. She's a vegetarian and a Muay Thai enthusiast.

You might run across Sandra munching on pepper-jack sticks.

Find her on Facebook (likes appreciated) or her Blog.

Sandra gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win LOVE, LATTES and MUTANTS in eBook. (The first book in the series.)

You have until Tuesday, May 31 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on June 1, 8 a.m EDT.
TRUTH OR LIE

1. I was the third generation in my family to be married on Christmas Eve.

2. My husband was born in IL, I was born in KY, my daughter was born in OH and my son in WI.

3. English is my second language.

So sleuths, which is the lie? Do you know any military families who deserve a salute? Ever heard of metaphysical nonfiction? Have you met Sandra?

54 comments:

  1. Sandra, you picked some tough ones. I'd say the third one is the lie.
    My father was in the Vietnam War, so yes, I have sent a loved one to war.

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  2. My cousin was fur months from retiring from the reserves when they sent him to Iraq. It was a scary time, but he and all his men came back intact.

    My guess is #1.

    Glad I could feature you this week.

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  3. Thanks for hosting me, fellow Parallel anthology author:)
    Congrats to Tiana for winning a wonderful read.
    Alex and Diane....good guesses. I'm thankful your loved ones made it back safely.

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  4. Yay! I'm excited! I'm guessing number three.

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  5. Well since I'm still in America for Memorial Day, I will pay my respects! :)

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  6. Luckily, I haven't had to send anyone off to war. My late granddad was in WWII as a medic and I used to enjoy listening to his stories. He visited Normandy every year until he died. It was only after he died (in his early 90s) that the family found out that he'd contributed to a book about WWII and he was a published author! Such a humble man. We miss him dearly.

    My guess for Sandra's true or lie: #1 I was going to say number 3 but then thought...hmm...too obvious?

    Wish you all a lovely week.

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  7. I haven't sent anyone to war, thankfully. Enjoyed your words of wisdom on Diane's blog.

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  8. Thank you for the excellent reminder, Crystal. Memorial Day really is about more than barbecues and a day off work.

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  9. I had an older cousin get deployed once - like he was in his 50s. That was pretty scary, but it made it back in one piece, thank goodness. I went to high school with a guy who returned alive, but he lost some limbs. :(

    A dolphin hybrid! Never seen that before. :) I'm going with #1 for the lie. It would be really interesting if she grew up in KY and English wasn't her first language. But I have heard of metaphysical nonfiction!

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  10. I've never sent someone off to war. I couldn't imagine how heartbreaking it is, or how frightened I'd be every day thinking about their safety.

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  11. Hi Crystal - nice to meet you. I haven't ever had any connections to anyone going to war, so don't feel qualified to comment. I've never heard of metaphysical nonfiction either!

    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

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  12. Hi Crystal - nice to meet you. I haven't ever had any connections to anyone going to war, so don't feel qualified to comment. I've never heard of metaphysical nonfiction either!

    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

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  13. With a brother in the air force, I worry regularly that conflict will escalate somewhere in the world. I definitely think more of the fat old white men in the gov't should have their kids in the military to experience this kind of concern.

    Guessing #2, Sandra!

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  14. My best friend has her only son in harm's way as she fights cancer. We do not know the price of freedom until we are called upon to pay it.

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  15. Congrats to Tania for winning an ebook of Reborn! Thank you so much for having me on your blog last week, Crystal! Congrats to Sandra! I'm going to guess #3 as the lie.

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  16. I've had a couple of cousins sent off. But no one super close to me.

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  17. My brother was in the Navy, but not during a time of war. Still, he ended up sailing around the world and we didn't get to see him much, so having him home was always a nice thing.

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  18. Touching video. I'm so grateful for all our soldiers in service and who are retired!

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  19. I did survive a number of wars as a kid and teenager and also American bombs falling over our heads for three months without stopping. Those soldiers are not heroes but coldblooded ebil butchers and destroyers. The good thing is that they all die one day with guilty conscience and end up in hell.

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  20. Memorial Day is definitely an important day...I used to put flags out by the veteran's cemetery where I have family buried. The holiday originated as Decoration Day after the American Civil War. Great post:)

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  21. Loved the video. I am thankful for those that gave their all.

    Have a fabulous day. ☺

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  22. English is definitely her second (or third) language. Behind cat lover and author which struggle for top billing.
    And I am going to have to get into my copy of Parallels. Ths weekend. Hopefully.

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  23. I know that my grandfather was in the navy but did not realize until his funeral when he was buried with the flag and saluted. I had not experiences this ever and gave me a new respect for those who have served. Truly enjoyed reading the words of inspiration and points from various writers. I think 12 was a magical age for me as well for turning events. Have an awesome weekend! (Lie is #3)

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  24. I say 2 is the lie! nope never seen anyone off to war but I love the men and women who serve :) This was my favorite time to work at Conan, because he had an entire audience filled with navy for fleet week. It was so fun getting to put on shows for those amazing men and women!!

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  25. I'm tempted to pick number two only because it's not getting many votes. Lol

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  26. I can't say I sent a loved one off to war. I was only a couple months old when my father was sent to Vietnam. I don't remember the time he was gone at all.

    For the lie, I'll guess #1.

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  27. Yes, both my husband and brother served in Vietnam. There was no question about "letting them go." We just did what we had to do.

    I have the world's worst record for picking the lie, but I'll give number one a shot this time.

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  28. They are all heroes indeed. Never sent one off though.

    Go with #1 at my sea.

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  29. Hopefully, we will all pause for a moment to remember those who have served. It is a hard life especially when family are left behind.

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    1. ps - Your book covers are great! I am thinking of purchasing as I am looking for some summer books.

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  30. Thank you to everyone who has served (or is serving) our country. I haven't sent off anyone personally, but I know many people who have and who continue to serve.

    Awesome to learn which was Cherie's lie. I am guessing #2 for Sandra. :)
    ~Jess

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  31. I think #3 is the lie this time. As a teacher, I've worried and prayed over many of my former students who are and have served. The day always gives me sad feelings.

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  32. Several of my distant cousins served in the military. I always thought about their dedication to make that choice - knowing how hard it would be for them and their family to be apart. Thank heavens for everyone in our military and I am so grateful for their service.

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  33. I have no family in the military and can barely imagine what it must be like, waiting at home wondering what each day will bring. Just as hard on the ones going to war, too. My wife's grandfather served in the SAS in WW2 and was never able to talk about the horrors he'd seen.

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  34. I am incredibly grateful to the military who protects us... I feel incredibly blessed and thankful... I know how difficult it must be for the family of these people... I feel for them... I am thankful we continue to remember these people as we should never forget xox

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  35. My brother-in-law, who wrote the guest post on my blog this week, went to Afghanistan. We got him back with two broken elbows and felt grateful that he returned with such heal-able injuries.

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  36. My brother was in WWII, but I was a baby and didn't understand. I honor and respect the brave men and women that keep us safe. God bless.

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  37. Never sent anyone to war, but my Dad and .his 2 brothers fought in WWWII and my dad's youngest brother died in France. He was a gunner.
    I have seashell the youngest sent my grandmother from a beach in France. I guess that was one of the last things she received from him. Nice post.
    Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

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  38. I was raised a Quaker. We are anti-war and believe in trying every other method to get to understanding first. We are the ones who have draft counselors and conscientious objectors. That said, very occasionally there are wars, which do require fighting. It's a very sad moment, whenever that occurs.

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  39. Hi Crystal ... my mother lost her first husband and one of her brothers in WW2 ... but I've not sent anyone off to War - however I saw War in Zimbabwe ... I now see injured Servicemen returning to civilian life in this country and particularly via the para sports.

    Thanks for posting ready for this Memorial Weekend for American comrades ... Hilary

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  40. What a beautiful post! I wish someone in the gov't would whip the VA into shape. It's a disgrace. Congrats to Tiana!

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  41. At my son's class day assembly for seniors, the seniors headed to the military got standing ovations. I heard through the grapevine that the recruiter there to announce their service was shocked. That' sort of sad that it happens so rarely as to be shocking.

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  42. I'd choose #2. All the states seem too convenient.

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  43. I think 1 is the lie. Congrats to Tiana. Wonderful post on Memorial Day. We need to honor those brave soldiers who fight for our freedom.

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  44. I love videos of marines going home surprising families. :)
    Is #2 a lie?

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  45. Can't imagine what it must be like to serve in the military, or to be close to someone who does. Those people deserve our respect, for sure.

    And how exciting to see Sandra here! I'm going to guess #2 is the lie...

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  46. For a second I thought you were talking about characters in books... It's an odd thing to say but some of my favourite stories are those set around the time of WWI and WWII.

    I think #3 is the lie!

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  47. I like those videos of soldiers returning home. I especially like the ones where thrilled dogs greet their returning soldiers; even after months apart, the dogs also remember and love them, just like humans.

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  48. made me cry . . . sending love & gratitude . . .
    -g-

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  49. Hmmm I'm going to pick #1 as the lie... they were hard ones to select from.

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  50. I've never had to send someone off to war myself, but I've known a lot of people who have, and my grandpa fought in WWII, so I can only imagine what that was like for my grandma. >_< I do like to read the homecoming stories, though, especially the surprise ones.

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  51. Memorial Day is one of those days where you're happy to be off and then you take a few moments and feel incredibly sad and grateful. I think that feeling cycles throughout the day.

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  52. No sleuthing, just guessing, I pick number two. Wish me luck. :-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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  53. Hope you had a good one, Crystal. I raised a glass of champers to those who protected us. Lest we forget.

    I also had some very nice cheese. ;)

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Hit me with your cheese!