Cathedrals Of St.Petersburg, Russia

Posted by R. Ann Siracusa

My July release, All For Spilled Blood, fourth book in the Tour Director Extraordinaire romantic suspense series, is set in St. Petersburg. I visited there in 2004 and found it to be a fascinating and beautiful city with canals like Venice, earning it the nickname Venice of the North.

St. Petersburg, second largest city in Russia, was built by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703. Although the Tsar set out to make his capital city as European as possible, it still has the unique Russian flare for design, and the most magnificent buildings are the cathedrals.

In spite of the confiscation of churches by the government after the October Revolution of 1917 and the destruction and looting of religious sanctuaries in the 1920’s, many of these marvelous cathedrals have been restored. While many artifacts and works of art were lost, the restorations have captured some of the prior splendor. But don’t look for pews or seats in the churches still used for Russian Orthodox services. There aren’t any. It is customary to stand during the service.

A few of the many examples follow. The Church On Spilled Blood is my favorite, and figures prominently in the title of my upcoming release, so let’s start our tour there.

CHURCH OF THE SAVIOR ON SPILLED BLOOD

This Russian Revival-style church, built between 1883 and 1907, is known as Resurrection of Christ Church or The Church of Our Savior On The Spilled Blood, but it is generally called The Church On Spilled Blood.

It marks the exact spot where, in 1881, Emperor Alexander II was assassinated by a group of revolutionaries who threw a bomb into his royal carriage. His heir and younger brother, Alexander III, insisted on building the church on the exact spot of the assassination. 

Photos: ◄https://www.afar.com Marc Perrotta 
www.ellecroft.com/blog/2014 - Elle Croft ►

CATHEDRAL OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL - Valsilyevsky Island

Designed in the Baroque style, SS Peter and Paul was built between 1712 and 1733, and is the oldest landmark in St. Petersburg. This was the first wooden church to be erected at SS Peter and Paul Fort on Valsilyevsky Island after St. Petersburg was officially founded. It is the burial site for nearly all the rulers of Russia since Peter the Great through Alexander III. The bell tower makes it unusual among Russian Churches.
◄Photo:https://tournavigator.pro/

The cathedral closed in 1919 and became a museum in 1924. It is still a museum, but services have been held there regularly since 2000.

According to Wikipedia, “When renovators were cleaning the angel on the spire in 1997, they found a note in a bottle left in one of the folds of the angel’s gown. In the note, renovators from 1953 apologized for what they felt was rushed and shoddy work.” It is rumored another note was found also in the same renovation, but the message has never been revealed to the public.

SMOLNY CATHEDRAL

This cathedral, built between 1748 and 1761, was part of a complex planned by Empress Elizabeth to include a nunnery and a school for girls.

The cathedral was completed, but when Elizabeth died, the work on the monastery came to a halt. By the early 1830s, much of the cathedral had fallen into disrepair until it was restored in 1832 by Nicholas I.    Photo: Wikipedia  ►             

ANNUNCIATION OF THE MOTHER OF GOD - Valsilyevsky Island

Of the ten churches in the city named the Annunciation of the Mother of God, this is one of the only two surviving structures. Some sources named this as the first wooden church built there in the earliest years of St. Petersburg.

At that time, Vasilevskiy was planned as the center of the city. In 1750, by which time Vasilevsky was predominantly a merchant quarter, construction began on a stone church, funded by wealthy members of the congregation, and principally the Chirkiniy family of brewers.

TRINITY IZMAILOVSKY CATHEDRAL

Sometimes called the Troitsky Cathedral, this building is an example of the Empire style, built between 1828 and 1835. According to the Russian tradition, each regiment of the imperial guards had its own cathedral. The Trinity Cathedral was the regimental church of the Izmailovsky Regiment of Imperial guards, which moved to Saint Petersburg when the city was established as the Russian capital under Empress Anna Ioannovna (1693-1740).

Photos from http://www.angelfire.com

Constructed during the reign of Emperor Nicholas I to replace a wooden church built in 1754-56 (damaged during a flood in 1824) began in May 1828, and the cathedral was consecrated in May 1835.

The cathedral rises to a height of more than 80 meters, and dominates the skyline of the surrounding area. After the revolution, most of the cathedral’s icons and valuables were stolen and the building was closed in 1938. At one point it was a warehouse of the Ministry of Telecommunications. It was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church in 1990. It is functioning but most bare inside.

CHESME CHURCH

This Gothic-Revival style church was built  between 1777 and 1780 at the direction of Catherine the Great. It was the house church for the Chesme Palace, a stopover estate between St. Petersburg and the summer palace of the royal family in Tsarskoe Selo. It is now within the city of St. Petersburg. This striking red-and-white structure commemorates Alexsei Orlov’s victory over Turkish forces in 1770 at the Bay of Chesme.   

Fortunately, the unique piece of architecture has survived almost intact during the period of repressions and abandonment of religious monuments under the Soviet government. The land surrounding the church has been used for burial of war heroes of the Siege of Leningrad. Church services are held here regularly. Photos: http://www.saint-petersburg.com/

CHURCH OF THE HOLY APOSTLES SST. PETER AND PAUL

Peterhof

Designed by Civil Engineer Nikolay Sultanov in typical Russian Orthodox (Kievan Russian style), the Cathedral at Peterhof Palace aimed at providing a larger church for local residents who weren’t allowed into palace churches.

Construction started in the mid-eighteen-nineties and was finally completed under Nicholas II in 1905. In 1935 the church was shut down. During World War II it was seriously damaged as the whole Peterhof. It was used by German military forces as artillery headquarter, to spy on Soviet ships and then it became a warehouse. Eventually after long restoration works, the first church service was celebrated on January, 19, 1990.

CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR SAVIOR - Kizhi IslandTwo of the most remarkable churches I saw in Russia are located side by side on Kizhi Island. a small island of the Kizhi Archipelago in Lake Onega, about 300 miles northeast of St. Petersburg.

Both the Church of the Transfiguration of our Savior, with twenty-two domes, and the adjacent Intercession Church, with nine domes, are constructed of spruce and pine log frameworks covered by birch bark overlaid by 30,000 hand cut, hand carved, and interlocking aspen shingles. Typical of construction in that area, there are no nails or other metals involved in either structure.  However, in certain light, the domes seem to gleam like silver metal.

The Church of the Transfiguration, the larger structure built in 1714, stands 121 feet. It is not heated and used only for summer services. Intercession Church is the “winter” church.

The structures were almost lost to deterioration, but in 1990 the entire island was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As such, smoking is prohibited except in certain identified areas due to the nature of the wooden structures. Also, no one lives on the island and staying there overnight is prohibited.Photos:  http://naturalhomes.org/kizhi-island.htm

ALL FOR SPILLED BLOOD

Release Date in July 2018

Book Four Tour Director Extraordinaire Series

Desert Breeze Publishing

MEET HARRIET RUBY, TOUR DIRECTOR EXTRAORDINAIRE
She’s young, intelligent, fun, and determined to be the best tour director ever. When she meets Europol spy Will Talbot on her first solo tour in Morocco, her ordinary and predictable life turns upside down and will never be the same again.  Little did she know that smuggling a dead body out of Morocco was only the beginning.

MEET WILL TALBOT, MYSTERIOUS SPY
Tall, dark and to-die-for gorgeous, this spy has a troubled past, huge issues with trust and guilt, and a calling to rescue innocent victims. But nothing in his action-filled, dangerous existence could have prepared him for Harriet Ruby.

WATER AND FIRE

Harriet and Will’s intense magnetic attraction to each other creates a volatile combination.  Together, they experience hilarious misadventures, great sex, and life-threatening journeys in pursuit of murderers, smugglers, terrorists, and a once-in-a-lifetime love.

BLURB

Harriet Ruby, tour director extraordinaire, and her fiancé and favorite spy, Will Talbot, travel to St. Petersburg, Russia, undercover as tour directors for the US delegation to an international youth conference.  Harriet tackles her first covert assignment for the Department of Homeland Security to investigate smuggled artwork while Will’s mission is to locate and destroy a group of terrorists recruiting young computer experts.

Their marriage plans hit a snag when Will locates a long-lost cousin with startling news about his heritage.  When the artwork being smuggled has particular significance to one of the terrorist sympathizers, their missions entangle and begin to unravel, leaving Will at the mercy of terrorist kidnappers and Harriet holding the bag.

EXCERPT

As we kissed, he lifted my sweater and ran his hand up my rib cage. “You came prepared.”

“No point in wasting time. First one naked gets to be on top.”

As we kissed, he lifted my sweater and ran his hand up my rib cage. “You came prepared.”

He let me go, but kept his hands on my arms. “Not so fast. I have to secure the door.” Still holding one of my wrists, he clicked all his spy locks into place. “Besides, we’re not in a hurry.”

“We’re not? What’s changed?” Usually we couldn’t keep our hands off each other.

“Nothing, except this could be our last uninterrupted time together for a while. I want to take it slow.” I hadn’t seen that coming, but he gave me a kiss that sent me reeling. I knew he meant business, no matter how long it took. “Besides, I have something for you.”

He detached himself and went into the bathroom. I had something for him, too. I’d stripped down to my thong when he returned carrying a small container like a miniscule ice chest.

I hesitated, scrutinizing it with a frown. “What’s that? It looks like one of those sterile containers for transporting medical supplies.”

“You’re close. It’s the refrigerated version for transporting donor organs.” He set it on the table. With great ceremony he went about unlocking it and popped open the lid. “Take a look.”

Donor organs? Oh boy. I hesitated and did a nose wrinkle. I hoped it didn’t contain body parts.  Ice cream would be good, though. I gathered my courage and peered inside.

“Bubble wrap?” I’d expected to see ice. At least a frozen cooler pack.

“Open it.”

While I had no desire to do that, I didn’t want to appear ungrateful. I lifted out the wrapped objects and unwound them from the plastic. My eyes widened.

“Reddi-wip and chocolate syrup? Yum. My favorites.” I licked my lips. “Where did these come from?”

He had already kicked off his shoes and unzipped his slacks. “For me to know and for you to enjoy.”

He moved so slowly, I began to fumble with the buttons on his shirt, just to hurry things along.  “C’mon, tell me.”

“Don’t you want to know what I’m going to do with it?”

“I already have a pretty good idea what.” I shoved off his shirt and ran my fingers through the fine hairs on his chest, then ran my tongue around one of his nipples. His muscles bunched under my touch and he shuddered. “I also know you can’t buy aerosol cans of whipped cream in Russia, and you didn’t bring it with you last night. How did you get it?”

He grinned and kicked off the pants from around his ankles. His undershorts followed. “I severely abused my authority, I’m afraid.”

Trepidation skittered through me, and my heart skipped a beat. “You’re not going to get in trouble, are you?”

“No, at least not before we use them.” He picked up the can, squirted me on the chest, then scooped me into his arms and licked the whipped cream off my breast. “This may get messy.”

My wiggling out of his arms smeared both of us with whipped cream. “You only get one taste until you tell me.”

He pulled me into his embrace. “The Air Force transported it in. Before I left, I flashed my credentials, gave them a story about an organ exchange as part of my top secret mission, and here it is. Just in time for the operation.” He let me go, grabbed up the can, and squirted me again, lower this time. “I know how much you like it.”

I stood there, dripping whipped cream onto the carpet, and gaped at him. “You did that for me? Are you sweet, or what?”

“Not as sweet as I’m going to be. Ready?”

Was I ever! Chocolate and whipped cream are my best colors.□

     Travel to Foreign Lands for Romance and Intrigue with a Novel by      AUTHOR R. ANN SIRACUSAFacebook    Twitter  GooglePlus  Website   Amazon Link

http://www.saint-petersburg.com/cathedrals/church-resurrection-jesus-christ/ http://russiatrek.org/blog/architecture/the-church-of-the-savior-on-spilled-blood-in-st-petersburg/ https://www.afar.com/places/church-of-our-savior-on-the-spilled-blood-saint-petersburg-2 http://russiatrek.org/blog/travel/kronstadt-naval-cathedral-in-st-petersburg/ http://russiatrek.org/blog/art/amazing-interior-of-the-naval-cathedral-in-kronstadt/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kronstadt_Naval_Cathedral https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g2394587-d2618634-Reviews-The_Naval_Cathedral_of_Saint_Nicholas_in_Kronstadt-Kronshtadt_Kronshtadtsky_Dist.html     https://www.rbth.com/travel/2013/08/09/the_kronstadt_cathedral_byzantine_monument_to_russias_navy_28797.html https://www.rbth.com/travel/327369-things-foreigner-should-never-do-in-russia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazan_Cathedral,_Saint_Petersburg http://www.visit-petersburg.ru/en/showplace/195646/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesme_Church https://www.bluffton.edu/homepages/facstaff/sullivanm/russia/stpeter/chesme/chesme.html https://travel.sygic.com/en/poi/chesme-church-poi:5187795 https://theculturetrip.com/europe/russia/articles/the-most-beautiful-churches-in-st-petersburg/

http://www.angelfire.com/pa/ImperialRussian/blog/index.blog?start=1366517699&topic_id=1070238

http://orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/whystand.aspx http://www.slate.com/blogs/atlas_obscura/2014/04/28/the_intricate_wooden_churches_of_kizhi_island.html http://naturalhomes.org/kizhi-island.htm https://www.rbth.com/articles/2011/01/28/the_churches_of_kizhi_russias_sacred_island_12318.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saints_Peter_and_Paul_Cathedral,_Saint_Petersburg https://www.tripsavvy.com/kizhi-island-1502253 http://tripconnoisseurs.com/product/russian-waterways2/ https://holeinthedonut.smugmug.com/DailyPhotos/HITD-Daily-Photos/i-87xn52Q http://www.visit-petersburg.ru/en/showplace/195646/ http://www.designsponge.com/2009/09/past-and-present-log-cabin-cast-iron-skillet-project.html https://tournavigator.pro/Saint-Petersburg/достопримечательности/Peter_and_Paul_Fortress https://www.123rf.com/photo_80822971_onion-domes-of-the-smolny-cathedral-built-17461835-st-petersburg-russia-.html
http://www.takeusanywhere.com/2016/07/03/8-must-see-saint-petersburg-churches/   

Wild Deadwood Author Event #booksigning #RB4U @melissa_keir

Wild Deadwood Author Event

Good day and welcome to another installment of author chats where I share interesting tidbits about writing, life, and the world around me. Today, I'm in the wonderful state of South Dakota for a book signing event.

If you haven't been to a book signing, you really should (both as an author and as a reader). It's a chance for you to purchase signed books from your favorite authors or maybe find a new favorite. A large room in a hotel or other venue has tables set up around the room. Books fill the tables as authors wait to speak with you about their stories and their muses. 

Many of the larger events also feature fun sightseeing excursions or activities for both reader and authors. This event has a bus tour to a winery and visit to the Crazy Horse Monument. They also have a behind the chutes event where you can meet and visit with Professional Bull Riders and sit up close during the event.

Other events feature author speed-dating, ice cream socials, workshops and costume parties in addition to the book signing. Throw in some sexy cover models and free swag and you have a great time!

As an author, there's a lot to consider. First, you need to see if the price of the event is worth the cost to you. Most book signings are not ones where you make money, or break even. Usually, you end up in the red but it's a great opportunity to meet readers face to face and get your books and name out there. 

Another thing to consider is if this event is for fun or networking. Some of my best events are ones where I met with other authors and brainstormed, talked marketing and just commiserated with someone who understands the day to day life of a writer. You can't put a price on that!

What do you bring? In addition to my books, I always bring candy and my business card to give away. The candy is a nice draw to your table. I have two banners which I bring as long as I'm driving as well as shelves and display items. It's harder when you are flying to bring everything but you can still have a wonderful display without bringing a ton of items. Finally, I bring money for change since some people will pay in cash.

While I quickly ran though things, I'm happy to discuss with anyone in more detail the different things I do and bring to my events. Have you been to a book signing? What was your favorite part?Drop me a note on anything I missed.

And thanks for stopping by! Now, I have to get back to Deadwood and today's book signing. Who knows??? Maybe I'll see you there!

Until Next Month....

Melissa Keir

www.melissakeir.com

#Guestauthor #newrelease Claiming the Highlander: a Medieval Highlander #Romance by @MageelaTroche #RB4U #authorinterview

Welcome to Romance Books 4 Us, a place for all romance and all genres. We’re very happy to have you here with us today. 

First, tell us a little bit about yourself…

I’m an Air Force used to moving about and who now finds herself in New York City. When I first arrived, I hate this place but I learned to love living here in the Big Apple. I spend most of my days either writing or reading and caring for my very demanding lovebird Boobula. He doesn’t like when I’m sitting at my computer.

What or who initially inspired you to become a writer?

I have always concocted stories in my head and wanted to be a writer but I was too scared to chase that dream when I went to college. But then I had a tragedy in my life and the plans I made for it ended so I decided to chase my dream no matter what. 

What kind of research do you do for a novel and how extensive do you get?

I love research. And since I write historical romance, I really get to indulge in that. I must say that I do extensive research though most of it doesn’t end up in the novels. I like to get an understand and feel for the time period—Medieval Scotland right now.

When do you write?  Early morning? During the day sometime or all day?  After the kids go to bed?

I write all day long. I take breaks and do other stuff such as play Candy Crush Saga or fool around Pinterest (my favorite social media) or spend time with my 4-years-old nephews and the only man in my life.

Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing?  If so, what is it?

I would like to do mystery but I’m always pulled back to romance. One day perhaps…

Do you ever see yourself as the heroine/hero or find yourself relating to them when you write a story?

Oh yes, I always put a little bit of myself in them usually their fears or flaws. My writing has helped me deal with a few issues. 

Do you have a special place you like to do your writing? Such as an office, a spare room, the dining room table, your couch?

I have my desk in the corner of my cramped apartment. That is good place for me when I have to buckle down. But I usually write in bed propped up with pillows and surrounded by my notes and research.

As a reader, what types of genres do you enjoy? And do you think they influence the genre/genres you write in?

I love my historical of course but in truth, I love to read all different romance novels. I especially love a book that has me laughing and emotionally fulfilled. I think all the genres influence me. They always help me get my ideas stirring. 

Where can our readers find you?  

Email: mt@MageelaTroche.com

Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/MageelaTroche

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/AuthorMageelaTroche

Website/blog: http://www.MageelaTroche.com

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Mageela-Troche/e/B00CHTIRFW/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7054733.Mageela_Troche

Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to

 share with us today and where can we find it? 

My new release is :

Claiming the Highlander. A Medieval Highlander Romance novel.

First came marriage...will love come next? 

As children, stoic Caelan MacKenzie married feisty Brenna Grant for a parcel of land and an Earldom. Then the child bride and groom went their separation ways.

Years later, Caelan is the feared Viking Highlander, a great warrior. His father lies on his death bed and now Caelan must return home to take his place as the Chief of Clan MacKenzie. Time has come for him to face his past and the secret he has carried. Some believe him unworthy to lead.

All but his wife—Brenna knows the true man that he is from the letters they had been exchanging since childhood. Now at Castle MacKenzie  anticipates her husband's return.  Brenna must use her influence to protect the Grant clan or have her life destroy. And that she refuses to happen.

From the Scottish Highland shores to the rugged glens, the alpha male and his brave heroine must battle against outside forces to save their wedded life even as they succumb to their sensual desire.

Can they save all they hold dear including their growing love? Or will they be defeat and betrayed?

Buy Link

https://www.amazon.com/Claiming-Highlander-Medieval-Scottish-Romance-ebook/dp/B079SD7D8X/

New! From NYT Bestselling Author Kat Martin

BEYOND CONTROL

Victoria Bradford and her four-year old daughter are on the run from Tory’s abusive ex-fiancé.  Seventy miles north of Dallas, the Iron River Ranch is pretty much nowhere, exactly what Josh Cain wanted when he came back from Afghanistan.  Big skies, quiet nights, no trouble.

When Tory shows up with her adorable little girl, Josh realizes he is in for trouble of the most personal kind. But Josh has seen trouble before, and he doesn't scare easy. Not when “accidents” start happening around the ranch. Not when Tory’s best friend is abducted.  Not even when he realizes their troubles are only the tip of the iceberg.

EXCERPT 

Iron River Ranch

Iron Springs, Texas

Victoria Bradford drove the old blue Chevy Malibu along the two lane road.  Up ahead, a sign hung above a narrow dirt track running off to the west, IRON RIVER RANCH.

“Are we there yet, Mama?” Ivy, her four year old daughter, had asked at a dozen times since they’d left the Walmart parking lot in Iron Springs. The ten mile drive didn’t take long, but to a four year old who’d been in the car for days, they couldn’t reach their destination soon enough.  

“We’re very close, sweetheart. This is the turn, right here.” Tory checked the gas gauge as the wheels left the pavement and started rumbling over the bumpy dirt road.  Less than an eighth of a tank.  She hoped the ranch wasn’t much farther.

More than that, she prayed the job hadn’t already been filled.  

She sighed as the aging Malibu rolled along.  She was basically in bumfrick Egypt, ten miles north of Nowhere Springs, almost out of gas, with twenty three dollars and thirty three cents in her wallet.  

Last night, without enough money for a motel room and afraid to use her credit cards for fear Damon would somehow track her, they’d slept in the car in the Walmart parking lot.  As soon as the McDonald’s opened, she had pulled into the drive-thru and bought Sausage McMuffins, then driven out to the ranch to somehow convince the owner to hire a woman with a daughter and no actual ranching experience.

She thought of the ad in the paper she had spotted last night on the counter in the Iron Springs Café. If she somehow managed to get the job, it would be perfect.  Besides a steady paycheck and the ranch being way off the grid, the position included the use of a double-wide trailer.  

After being on the road for the past three weeks, living out of motel rooms and suitcases, the trailer sounded like a palace.

“Look, Mama, there it is!” Ivy pointed toward the cluster of buildings up ahead, a couple of barns, several fenced training arenas, and a two-story home with dormer windows and a covered porch running the length out in front. A double-wide sat fifty yards away. 

Vast stretches of open green pastureland surrounded the complex where horses and cattle grazed, and there were ponds and woodlands in the distance, and dense copses of trees. 

The Chevy bumped over the last patch of road, pulled up in front of the house, and Tory quickly turned off the engine.  No use wasting what little gas she had left.  

“Mama, there’s a man over there by the barn.”

Her gaze swung in that direction.  There was, indeed, a man.  The noisy buzz of a saw covered the sound of their arrival, giving her time to assess him. 

Shirtless, he was working with his back to them, broad, tanned, and muscled above a narrow waist that disappeared into a pair of faded jeans.  The jeans hugged a round behind and long, powerful legs.  

  He was tall, she saw when he straightened away from his work and walked into the barn, with medium brown hair cut short.  She got her first look at his face when he walked back out, handsome, with a solid jaw and masculine features, at least three days’ growth of whiskers.  

The front of him was just as impressive as the back, a broad chest with solid pecs, muscular biceps, and six pack abs.

Unease filtered through her. This was a strong, powerful male. She knew first hand what a man like that could do to a woman.  

Tory forced down the notion. Not all men were like Damon. Before she’d met him, she had been married to a good and decent man, the father of her child.  Jamie Bradford, her high school sweetheart, was one of the gentlest people she’d ever known.  Her father was a good man, before he’d fallen in love with his secretary and divorced her mother, leaving the two of them alone.

Tory took a courage-building breath.  “Stay here, sweetheart.”  Cracking open the car door, she slid out from behind the wheel.  “Don’t worry, sweetie.  Everything’s going to be okay.”

She hoped.

Ivy sank down in her booster seat, trying to make herself invisible.  Tory had survived the fights, arguments, and finally the brutal beating Damon had given her that had put her in the hospital.  Though he had never hurt Ivy, the little girl had seen the results of his mistreatment, leaving her with an unnatural fear of men.    

Tory glanced at the big, thick-chested male striding toward her, shrugging into a blue denim shirt. Ivy would be terrified of him.  If there was any other way, she would climb back in the car and just drive away.  

There wasn’t.  Tory started walking, meeting the man half way. She glanced around but didn’t see a soul besides the big man in front of her.  Her uneasiness returned but she forced it away.  

“May I help you?” he asked, and she thought that at least he was polite.  

“My name is Tory Ford. I’m looking for Joshua Cain.  Is that you?”  He had blue eyes and a cleft in his chin.  From a purely physical standpoint, the man was flat out hot.    

“I’m Josh Cain.  What can I do for you?”

“I saw your ad in the Iron Springs Gazette.  You’re looking for a stable hand.  I’m here to apply for the job.”

He just shook his head. “I’m afraid it’s a man’s job, Ms. Ford. Mucking out stalls and cleaning tack, feeding the livestock.  It isn’t something you’d want to do.”

“Work isn’t supposed to be fun, Mr. Cain.  That’s why they call it work.  I can muck out stalls, clean tack, and feed stock as well as anyone else.”

“Sorry.  I’m looking for a man.  I appreciate you’re coming out, but--“

“There are laws, Mr. Cain. Equal rights for women.  Have you never heard of that?  Lawsuits against discrimination?”

His jaw hardened.  His eyebrows came down in a frown.  “Are you kidding me?  You’re going to sue me because I won’t hire you to shovel horseshit out of the barn?”

She could feel the heat creeping into her cheeks.  With her fair skin, and fiery red hair, there was no way to hide her embarrassment.  

She looked him straight in the face.  “I need this job, Mr. Cain.  I need the house that comes with it.”  She forced herself to smile.  “Why don’t we compromise?  You give me three days to prove I’m up to the job.  If I’m not, I won’t give you anymore trouble.  Three days.  If you don’t think I can handle the work, I’ll leave.  I won’t argue, I’ll just go.”

A muscle jerked in his cheek. He didn’t like being pressured. He looked at her hard, then those condemning blue eyes traveled over her shoulder to something behind her.  

“Who is that?”

She didn’t have to turn to know Ivy had climbed out of the car.  Like Tory, she was small for her age, but her hair was blond instead of red, and her eyes were blue instead of green.

“That’s my daughter. She’s only four.”  Desperate now, she could feel her heart throbbing softly inside her ribs.  “We need a place, Mr. Cain.  I’ll work hard.  I’ll do whatever you need done.  Just give me a chance.”

He swore the f-word under his breath, not loud enough for Ivy to hear.  Damon wouldn’t have cared.  She clung to the hope that represented.

“What do you plan to do with your daughter while you’re working?  You can’t leave her in the house alone.”

Tory glanced wildly around. She had known this would be a problem. Before, she’d had money enough to hire a sitter or there was day care for employees’ kids.

 She looked at the fenced yard off to the side in front of the trailer. The grass was sparse and in need of a trim.  Maybe he’d had a dog or something, but it was clean and empty now.  The weather was still good and there was a little gazebo with a table and benches in the middle.  She’d be able to keep an eye on Ivy while she was working.  

“She could play in the yard. She likes to color and she already reads kids’ books.  She wouldn’t be any trouble.  If this works out, I’ll have money to pay for a sitter.”

Cain looked at Ivy, paced away then back.  “Dammit.”

“It’s just three days.  If I do a good job, you won’t have to search for someone else.”

He ran a hand over his short brown hair, paced away, then walked back.  “Did you sleep in your car last night?”

She refused to answer. She didn’t want charity from Cain for anyone else. 

“Fine,” he said.  “You’ve got three days.  But I’m not cutting you any slack.  You do a man’s job for a man’s pay.  If you can’t hack it, you’re out of here.”

And from the look on his face, he was clearly hoping she would fail.  Hell, maybe she would.

She managed to fake a smile. “Okay, it’s a deal.”  She stuck out her hand to seal the bargain, for a moment didn’t think he was going to shake.  Then he sighed and took hold of her hand, not too hard, just firm enough to let her know he was in charge.

“You start tomorrow morning. Six A.M. sharp.  There’s enough food in the trailer to last a few days. I’ll bring you a quart of milk. After that, board’s on you.  If you’re still here, you’ll need to make a trip into town for groceries.”

Relief filtered through her, so strong it made her head swim.  She had a place to stay where no one would look for her.  She had a job, which meant food and whatever necessities they needed. If he kept her on, she’d find a sitter to watch Ivy.  She’d have time to figure things out, make a new plan.  

She took a step back, set an arm around her little girl’s shoulders and drew her forward.  “This is my daughter, Ivy.  Ivy, this is Mr. Cain.”

“Hello, Ivy,” he said. He had an unusual voice, deep and resonate, but at the same time soft and oddly compelling.  

Ivy shrunk back.  

“Say hello, honey,” Tory said.

“I don’t want to stay.  I want to go.”  Clinging to Tory’s waist, she burrowed into her.

“She’s shy,” Tory said.  

“The trailer’s unlocked,” Cain said.  “It’s clean and ready to go.”

“Thank you.”  

He turned and started striding back to the barn.  She probably should be at least a little afraid of him.  Oddly, she wasn’t.

Then again, she hadn’t been afraid of Damon, either.

CHECK OUT THE GREAT REVIEWS

RTBOOK REVIEWS REVIEW

 “As the excitement in Iron Springs continues, two strangers with tragic pasts form an unbreakable bond. Beyond Controlis the last installment in the Texas Trilogy. It’s delightfully fast-paced, riveting, and amazingly compelling. Martin has outdone herself with unpredictable twists and suspense that will leave readers panting for more. Definitely a must read for readers who enjoy mystery, thrills, and romance to spice up their life.”– RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars, Top Pick

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW

BEYOND CONTROL by Kat Martin (Zebra MM/June 2018/978-1-4201-4319-5)

“[A] gripping tale…Martin has a consummate skill for developing the most loveable and the most despicable characters; readers will cheer when sadistic Damon meets his well-deserved end. Martin’s finely described Texas is a delight.” –Publishers Weekly  

BEYOND CONTROL by Kat Martin (Zebra MM/June 2018/978-1-4201-4319-5)
"Bestseller Martin brings her Texas Trilogy contemporary romantic suspense series (Beyond Danger, Beyond Reason) to a hair-raising finish with the gripping tale of a single mother on the run and the Marine veteran who offers her a second chance at happily-ever-after. With her four-year-old daughter, Ivy, in tow, Victoria “Tory” Bradford is trying to stay one step ahead of her abusive ex-fiancé, Damon Bridger. She bounces around the Southwest before landing at Iron River Ranch in Iron Springs, Tex. After returning stateside from tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, retired sniper Joshua Cain bought Iron River and planned for a more placid lifestyle. But when Tory shows up on his doorstep, desperate for a job that will allow her to support her daughter and stay off her rich ex’s radar, he’s plunged right back into danger. The dynamics of abusive relationships and obsession ring true throughout, as does the redemptive power of love. Martin has a consummate skill for developing the most lovable and the most despicable characters; readers will cheer when sadistic Damon meets his well-deserved end. Martin’s finely described Texas is a delight." –Publishers Weekly  

"Bestseller Martin brings her Texas Trilogy … to a hair-raising finish with the gripping tale of a single mother on the run and the Marine veteran who offers her a second chance at happily-ever-after. Martin has a consummate skill for developing the most loveable and the most despicable characters; readers will cheer when sadistic Damon meets his well-deserved end. Martin’s finely described Texas is a delight." – Publishers Weekly  

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