Continue reading from Love at War. Chapter 7 & 8

 

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Genre: Christian Military Romance

Suggested age range 16+

Topics: Infidelity, abduction, rape, abuse, adventure, reproductive rights,

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Excerpts from Lynelle Clark’s books.

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Title: A Pirate’s Wife. Free in Kindle on all platforms.

Genre: Historical Romance

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Paperback is R100 excluding courier.

A Pirate's Wife (authorlynelleclark.blogspot.com) 

Blurb: 

Rosa Lee Almaida lived a sheltered and carefree life as a child. That changed when she and her mother experienced a horrific ordeal on the seas. Shipwrecked, survival in the heart of Africa became paramount. The only joy came after she met her adoptive father, a man honored by all sailors on sea and land for his bravery and unconditional love. He became her hero, the role model of her own husband to be. Now, twenty years later, forced to return to the seas that took the life of her birth father and so many others, she must learn to survive once more.

Abducted from her parent’s castle in Portugal, Rosa Lee Almaida becomes part of a ransom to The Falcon, a brutal Pirate King on the Island of Madagascar, in exchange for her younger brother Pedro’s life.

She comes face to face with The Falcon’s son, Roberto de Ville, a man as fierce as his illustrious father but who has his own hidden agenda. During the voyage, she learns to admire Roberto for his leadership and skill, but can she overlook his pirate exterior to see the man for who he is?

Through the inscriptions her parents left in their diaries, she learns about love and survival while trusting for a good outcome. In an unexpected turn of events, she learns she must trust Roberto unconditionally, hoping they will spare her life. She gives herself over to the love and intimacy of the man she now craves.

Taking Rosa Lee from Portugal, Roberto brings her to the Falcon on the Isle of St Mary. Enchanted by the stories told to him by her brother, he knows that Rosa Lee is destined to be his. Listening to her and seeing her bravery, he knows this is the woman he has waited for all his life. He will give up the dangerous life of a pirate, but first he must set an intricate plan into motion that will change his life forever. He, along with Pierre, his second in command, rush against time to bring the plan to fruition.

In the end, Rosa Lee discovers a valuable lesson that startles her: NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER.  

Excerpt:

Title: Bella’s Choice. 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

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Bella's Choice (authorlynelleclark.blogspot.com)

To add to your TBR list on Goodreads. 

Blurb: 

Two roads. One choice. 

Anabella Anthony found she was alone in the world at eighteen. Early on, she made a choice; to live an ordinary life away from the lifestyle her parents preferred. However, they had plans for her; they wanted her to become a part of their choices. 

All she wanted was a regular household, with normal day to day issues like her peers, parents she could respect, and who above anything else would accept her for the person she is. Torn between dreams that filled her mind with alluring effects and uncomfortable events which tried to sway her, she had to come to a resolution: find peace and stay true to her convictions. 

Through it all, she excelled in her sport; a dedicated student who falls in love with a much older man. Will she give in to her body's desires, or will she remain steadfast in her own choices? Can she find the courage to stand amidst the turmoil wanting to drag her down? And most importantly, will she ever forgive those who meant to harm her? 

Aldrich Hagin, a lawyer, is ready to settle down. After a tragic loss he experienced right after university he is now, more than ever, ready to move on and start a family. And then he meets a young, energetic, lively woman who turns his life and heart around. Will he be willing to sacrifice his own desires and wait? Can he help her and be the anchor she so desperately needs? Confronted with his own decisions, the choice is his as to whether he’ll stay or leave. What will he decide? 

A love story filled with decisions both have to make; to stand against all odds and remain true to oneself. Will they make the right decisions?  

Excerpt

Titel: Juweel van die Oosgrens. 

Genre – Geskiedkundige roman  

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Sagteband R 130, koerierkostes uitgesluit. 

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Oorsig  

Die mengsel van tale het ʼn groot rol gespeel in die skepping van die taal wat ons vandag ken. Afrikaans is gevorm in die warm kombuise en wye vlaktes van ons mooi land en het vir vele interessante oomblikke gesorg.  

1815 is gekenmerk deur aanpassings, afstande en onluste. In die midde hiervan het Celeste Reyneke geleef. Op haar agtiende verjaarsdag verander haar lewe dramaties en eindig op in ‘n gerieflikheidshuwelik. Twee jaar later moet sy die wêreld weer alleen in die gesig staar en beland op die Oosgrens. Die tweejaar-lange huwelik was alles behalwe maanskyn en rose en eindig traumaties. Ontnugterd volg sy die pad die binneland in.  

Celeste het grootgeword in die Kaap van Storms met ʼn oop gemoed en lus vir die lewe. Sy kon lees en skryf en het ʼn ‘beroep’ gehad. Vir haar het dit natuurlik gekom om die tyd en reëls te verander soos wat die geleentheid hom voorgedoen het. Haar unieke talente kom dadelik op die voorgrond en gou besef mense sy is ʼn aanwins vir die gemeenskap. Maar sy het ook die koppe laat draai. Met die tekort aan vroue en haar natuurlike skoonheid trek sy die aandag.  

Barend Olivier, die toonbeeld van manlikheid en dapperheid, is op soek na ʼn vrou wat sal aanpas by sy lewe aan die Oosgrens. Tydens ʼn tweeweke-lange patrollie leer die twee mekaar ken. Maar die pad is lank, warm en rof en ʼn man kan net so lank van ʼn aantreklike vrou af wegbly voor die fisiese begeertes oorneem. Sal hulle betyds ʼn prediker kan vind?  

Die belangrikste vraag is: Sal Celeste hom toelaat om haar lief te hê?  

Ek nooi jou om saam met my op hierdie reis te gaan en nie net die spanning van hierdie tydperk te ervaar nie, maar ook die romanse te vind in die grasvlaktes van ons mooi land.  

Uittreksel

Title: Love at War. 

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Paperback R280 excluding courier

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Blurb

Their enemies tried to outsmart them. Obedience their only defence.

Whisked to picturesque Valletta, a lonely nurse met her soul connection. It set the bar in a stirring plot of spiritual and physical survival as a determined warlord in Africa and a cunning wife in America trapped them. The healing sands of Iraq, their only hope.

Passionate about her work, war-torn South Sudan offered Sonia Main peace. When a man from her past confronted her, she had a choice to make. A choice that would influence her life.

Could Sonia let go of the past? Would her dreams continue to haunt her? Or would the warm sun of Africa burn away her fears?

Curt McGee was a man bound by honour and duty. It took him away from home for long periods of time.

Caught in infidelity, Curt's wife left him stunned. His children prey to an unthinkable enemy.

Would he get beyond his wife's betrayal?

Could he save his children?

Co-workers booked a flight for each to enjoy a weekend in Malta. It offered tranquillity and peace to weary souls.

Two worlds connect, and the result would change them both for eternity.

Love confronted them, not to be denied. But time played a trick and demanded a price. A price that would strip them of everything before they could experience the joy of a future.

Obedience was better than sacrifice, revealed the Holy Book. Would they yield or follow their own way?

They couldn’t run or hide from the onslaught. Their enemies' attacks growing in intensity. Crafty tricks added to the confusion, their fears real. It stripped them of their hopes and dreams. They could only go one way.

When Tau Gbadamosi met Sonia, he had a tough time understanding his feelings. War ravished his country. The enormous plight for help too great for one man or one fight. Faced with loyalty, he had to decide. Would he fail the test?

Africa's hopes and dreams burned brightly in the harsh sun. Poverty and lack the driving force for many ‘do-gooders’. But when a warlord sets his sight on the Red Cross nurse, all hell broke loose. No one could stand in his way.

Only God could stop him.

abduction, rape, abuse, military, adventure, love story, reproductive rights

Not for sensitive readers. Suggested age range 16+  

Writer's Journal for Beginners R150 excluding courier fee.

The hard copy is an A4 book, spiral binding and has 86 pages.

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Continue reading: Love at War. The Past Remains in the Past Only when We Deal with It Now.

 

Love at War by Lynelle Clark: Chapter 3: Lines upon lines of need.

 

Order your signed paperback today at lynelleclark@gmail.com 

The area of Bentiu, South Sudan, Africa. April 2019.

Sonia Main watched the human line intensely.

It often included women and children. Even early in the day sweat coated them with a glossy sheen. No one bothered to swat the persistent flies away - silence their only resolution. The ragged tent was not adequate, and a lengthy line trailed listlessly outside the tent.

It was the last day at this camp. Tomorrow they would continue to another line much bigger than this one, the war-torn country in desperate need of help.

In partnership with David Sulliman, her interpreter, they examined the patients. He was of average build, his constant smile exhibited pearly whites against the darker skin. Based in South Sudan for two years, they had developed a good working relationship. He genuinely cared about his fellow countrymen.

"David, she needs to see the doctor." Sonia pulled an older woman from the line-up. Her concealed face was feverish at the touch.

"As-Salam Alaykum, awewe," he greeted the woman and showed her where to go. With slow steps she met Alice inside the tent.

"It will be another long day," Sonia said.

"Yes, it will," came the answer.

Armed with the vaccine she followed him, the clipboard present while he spoke to each person. Scanning the crowd, she shifted her attention to the landscape. The deserted area gave no hope of rain. Each breath laboured, the patients a mirrored image of the countryside, as barren as the parched earth.

"They reported another case of diarrhoea." David broke the silence during a break.

"Head Office promised to look at the quality of water." Sonia redirected her attention back to her work. "They sure can send more tents. Food and medicine are much-needed."

"The critical needs are dire," David said.

"And personnel. We need more help," Sonia said.

"You know they struggle with trained personnel." Medical personnel were difficult to find. The hours, heat and minimal luxuries held no appeal for many.

"The war doesn't help," she stated.

A sudden outcry interrupted them and both scanned the people. A woman wailed as she gripped her abdomen. The next moment she fell. Wisps of dust swirled upwards before they spread over her. Impassive bodies stood aside.

"I got this." David motioned and went closer. Sonia administered the child's drops while monitoring David. By the time she reached them, the woman was comatose. Her black skin strained over a thin frame; dull eyes stared upwards.

"She is unresponsive," David said with trepidation as Sonia knelt next to them.

"Stretcher!" Sonia called when she detected a faint pulse. The heartbeat was cumbersome.

"What do you think?" On closer examination, she replied: "She is losing the baby," and stood aside as the two soldiers approached.

"Be careful with her." In her delirious state the woman slumped around on the stretcher and Sonia calmed her with a warm touch on the arm and reached the tent with no incident.

"Here." Sonia directed them towards a bed in the corner. People pushed against them before they stepped aside. With only cardboard on the worn springs, she pulled a sheet from an empty gurney.

"Lay her down." The acrid stink of rotting flesh and sickness made breathing difficult.

"Doctor … "

"What's wrong?"

Soft weepy sounds immersed from the patient's lips.

"The baby will not make it," the doctor whispered. A lonely tear trickled down the woman's frightened face.

"Doctor Wek will help you," Sonia said with a calmed tone. Her own heart rate already galloping.

"I struggle to find her pulse, Doctor," Sonia informed him.

The woman cried. A sudden spasm pushed blood-water from her legs. Sonia glanced at Doctor Wek knowingly, her own heart in pain.

The doctor's face was a blank canvas as he explained to the woman what had happened. More water stained the white sheet and with it came the foetus. In sync with her baby, the woman's last breath slipped from her parted lips.

Oh, Lord, no! Not again. Please!

Blocking her line of thought, Sonia turned back with a sheet. Dr Wek stood aside as she swathed her. Afterwards she notarised the death.

Another death in a senseless war no one cared about.

"Let's go people. We must be at home before dark," David called. Sonia closed the van's backdoor. David hitched the trailer as she took her seat, the sliding door the last act of the day.

Children ran alongside them, their energy appreciated as they waved at them. Amidst the poverty they still beamed with joy.

Behind them the sombre landscape displayed tints of orange and deep yellows from the last sun rays. It softened the harshness and tedious state.

As they sped away, a boy waved at them in his run. Up ahead his donkey's gait a two-step as the cans jiggled from side to side.

Each trip to the refugee camps met her with humbleness, the children's toothy grins a personal highlight. What she valued most was their carefree attitude. They cherished life in every moment. With only the bare minimum, they seemed unworried about the future.

For the medical staff it was crucial to venture out to lift the tremendous burden. The influx of exiles gave them no rest while they suffered. She could leave, but the South Sudanese people had no choice. To help them, remained the closest she could come to excellence.

At the hospital they filed out - a tired but satisfied group. Sonia unpacked the van like a robot.

"We will help you."

"Thanks, Alice."

"They shot a doctor today," David informed them when he returned.

"Where?" The weight of their predicament oppressive.

"Khartoum - trapped with protesters inside a house in Buri. They shot him without reason," David said.

"I don't understand this wave of murders. We are here to help them," Sonia said.

"These people have no consciousness," Alice replied.

"We have to be watchful," David agreed.

Reluctant and uneasy Sonia removed the bags with filthy linen. "Take this and I will take those bags inside."

"Thanks, Alice." Sonia placed the clean linen inside the marked crate and closed the lid.

"Good night, Sonia."

"Goodnight, Alice. See you tomorrow."

In the compact kitchen Sonia drank a supplement she always had at hand, showered and went straight to bed. Lathered with enough Tabard, she added a flimsy sheet as a shield against unwanted night crawlers.

It was well after eleven when she flicked off the light. A thick blanket of darkness wrapped around her. A miserable sense which devoured you if you were not careful. Restless she stared out the small window, her thoughts far away. The moment she fell asleep, the woman's face intertwined with her own. It haunted her till she woke. Drenched in sweat she reached for the water. Once her thirst was quenched, she laid back.

The soft mattress's peaceful embrace drew her back, but sleep evaded her.

When the orange globe tinted the sky, she prayed. A solitary commodity that kept her sane. The constant battle for self-control became worse in the last couple of days.

Sticky after the night's heat, she made her way to the showers for a refreshing spray of cool water. By 6h00 she left.

Copyright Lynelle Clark

Interview with Sonai Main

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Newsletter, gifts and book news.

  

“I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.”

Albert Einstein

 

Dear friend,

This is my last email for the year 2022.

This will be a very short email with the essentials I want to point out.

There are many wins I am very grateful for.

Wins includes:

1.      Two stories was included into books by Myra Lochner from Kreativ SA; 

2.      Another story was included in a charity project run by Ns. Skrywershuis. The owner, Nico Schamrel has done extraordinary things here and I am extremely proud to be included. ‘n Gebed vir 'n Boer is now available in paperback; 

3.      Another story is included in a book by Ink in Afrikaans; 

4.      A novella was read over Die Waarheid online radio;

5.      Two devotional books were published and compiled by Driekie Grobler;

6.      And, I began The KreativPreneurs Club Facebook group.

7.      Currently, I am busy to get things ready for the creative online course and workshops for next year. But more about that next year.

Interview with Sonia Main, Love at War. A Love Story.

 

 

Sonia is the main character in Lynelle Clark’s latest book, Love at War.

Since the world is still in lockdown, I interviewed Sonia via Skype one afternoon.

Sonia is everything I thought she will be. Well dressed and sophisticated, she gave nothing away of her experiences. Her confidence was visible in every gesture.

Her curly hair falling from the lose bun and the green eyes sparkled with wisdom and joy. One, cannot help but respect her. Strength resonated from her.

The story made many changes before it finally settled into the plotline it is. Even your name had undergone a few changes until Sonia stuck. What is your take about all the changes your character underwent?

Sonia smiled, her eyes squinting before she replied. "Lynelle underwent a painful time when she had written the first draft back in 2012. Her mindset far removed from the person she is. My character walked with her each painful step until we both found our feet. I am happy with the story and how my life turned out. In the beginning, I never thought it would." A far-off look appeared, and she looked at the cars passing by. I cannot help but wonder what is really going on in her mind.

There are many topics covered within the book but the main ones that really stand out is abuse against women. I don’t think we will ever really cover all bases of this subject. Even now, in 2020, we still need to address it.

"That is true." Her attention returns towards me. "Unless we do not talk about it, we will not. It is important to note that every time a woman talks about her ordeal the more the gravity will shine forth, and the culprit will not get away. As long as there are free will, people will use it as they see fit. Women needs to know that there are people willing to listen, who can and wants to help."

It seems this is especially important to you.

"Yes, I feel passionate about it. My time on the streets and in Africa taught me that not enough are done for women and children. They are the most vulnerable to life’s turnings. When you add war into the mix it becomes harder for them. We all need to survive. One is not more privilege than the other. All women want to feel safe, know they are cared for and have the opportunity to grow. No matter race or skin colour. We are so much more than the colour of our skin or our past. That does not define us. Our willingness to be the best sets us apart. But if a woman does not know that, she will remain in her situation without hope."

What does hope means to you?

"The Bible says, 'Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.' When our faith is obscured by the worries of the world, we lose hope in everything around us. Then you become an unbalanced person with no steering wheel and no direction. I was like that long before my story began in Love at War. When Lynelle changed the name of the book it changed everything in my story as well. Gone was the lost girl that had no anchor. Lynelle made it possible for me to find my legs again. She helped me to grow, I just did not always did it the way she did it, but I trusted her."

Do you think Lynelle’s experienced something similar?

"No, not exactly like me. Her story differs from mine, but she and Phillip Burger’s life stories are strikingly comparable. The reason she created Phillip’s character. He is the anchor within the story with wisdom that blows my mind at times."

What do you mean?

 "Phillip’s experiences grounded me and Curt in so many ways. Other than the Father, he became our go-to guy when life presented us with curveballs. No one can be like that if they did not underwent their own turmoil. Only when we have overcome can we give."

What does your faith mean to you, now?

"in the beginning my faith was meaningless. But God had a way of getting my attention. Once he had it, I learned to depend on him more. The six-month-plotline were an eye-opener. It cleansed me, healed me, and taught me valuable lessons I would not have learned any other way. My faith is my secret weapon and I go no where if God is not with me."

Once we find our feet and tap into the bigger part of us then we become more focused, I have learned.

"That is true. Once we tap into the Lord and who He is we cannot go wrong. We must have a childlike faith otherwise we will lose the fight.

You and Lynelle comes a long way – from 2012, I believe. That is when the first draft was written. What have you learned about her?

"Lynelle is a passionate woman that feels deeply, loves deeply and gives unconditionally. Her faith was tested severely, and she had lost everything. She was not the same person as on the day she began the first draft. She had lost her confidence and faith. Once her trust was broken, she fell back. I sensed that during all the changes Curt and I had to go through. When she struggled with her marriage it was visible in the story. When she struggled with pornography it was seen in the book, she fell hard. That too, can be seen in the story. She had to find her feet in a dark street in Pretoria, to continue with the story."

It seems Pretoria is significant for both of you.

"Pretoria has no good memories for both of us. But we had to stand up again. So, it was much like a sweet and sour time in our lives. It left its mark on us. Life continues no matter where you are. The secret is to connect with God again. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

What did you learn about yourself during this time?

She giggled, fell silent and then blush. "It is so easy to judge a person when you don’t know the full story. I think Lynelle really touched it very well by showing the effects of every character’s choices. At times we are forced to do things, even when it goes against the norm, but we achieve the result and not only survive. No sorry, not survive but walk in victory. That is the main message of the story. No matter where you are, what you face or how bad it gets, there is always hope. Love at the end is a war you first need to conquer within yourself before you can really win. It is an apt name for the book.

The book is divided into four main parts. Love in conflict, Love’s decisions, Love’s betrayal, and Love’s Victory. The four stages seemed like seasons in a person’s life. Love can be our anchor, but it can also deceive us. Only when we grow in ourselves do we understand love.

Time plays a big role as well. Love and time a unique combination that not only tells of a deadline but what can happen in a short amount of time."

At times we think we do have all the time in the world till time becomes a definite schedule.

"Everything resolves around time. From the moment we are born our life is measured in time. Right in the beginning of the book Lynelle had written, 'Measured in seconds, time's algorithm captures infinity within each movement. Worlds changes and fragments becomes relics. Fashioning a new set of rules to profit from your only choice.' I thought about those rules she referred to. It is only through a higher source that we can find a new set of rules. As a child we learn a set of rules from our parents, school and church and add our own because of experiences. But once life confronts us then we need to tap into the higher source, receive a new set of rules and begin to live. The time has a different meaning and it becomes wiser in its application."

In closing, without giving away any spoilers, what can you share with us about the book?

She started to laugh, an easy laugh of one that is at ease with her life. "Love at war is a love story with many layers. It promises adventure, tension, turmoil, pain, and some lighter moments as you move from South Sudan to Iraq to America in different stages of the story. It is a global story and any reader can relate to the story. Abuse, rape, fear, pain, divorce, and the search for more in life a universal connection that binds us all. 

 

 

 

 

 

Love at War, a Love story by Lynelle Clark

 

 

Synopsis

Their enemies tried to outsmart them. Obedience their only defence.

Whisked to picturesque Valletta, a lonely nurse met her soul connection. It set the bar in a stirring plot of spiritual and physical survival as a determined warlord in Africa and a cunning wife in America trapped them. The healing sands of Iraq, their only hope.

Passionate about her work, war-torn South Sudan offered Sonia Main peace. When a man from her past confronted her, she had a choice to make. A choice that would influence her life.

Could Sonia let go of the past? Would her dreams continue to haunt her? Or would the warm sun of Africa burn away her fears?

Curt McGee was a man bound by honour and duty. It took him away from home for long periods of time.

Caught in infidelity, Curt's wife left him stunned. His children prey to an unthinkable enemy.

Would he get beyond his wife's betrayal?

Could he save his children?

Co-workers booked a flight for each to enjoy a weekend in Malta. It offered tranquillity and peace to weary souls.

Two worlds connect, and the result would change them both for eternity.

Love confronted them, not to be denied. But time played a trick and demanded a price. A price that would strip them of everything before they could experience the joy of a future.

Obedience was better than sacrifice, revealed the Holy Book. Would they yield or follow their own way?

They couldn’t run or hide from the onslaught. Their enemies' attacks growing in intensity. Crafty tricks added to the confusion, their fears real. It stripped them of their hopes and dreams. They could only go one way.

When Tau Gbadamosi met Sonia, he had a tough time understanding his feelings. War ravished his country. The enormous plight for help too great for one man or one fight. Faced with loyalty, he had to decide. Would he fail the test?

Africa's hopes and dreams burned brightly in the harsh sun. Poverty and lack the driving force for many ‘do-gooders’. But when a warlord sets his sight on the Red Cross nurse, all hell broke loose. No one could stand in his way.

Only God could stop him.