Cave Creek, Nevada-Where the Unexpected Meets the Real WorldIn present day Cave Creek, a powerful and dangerous current flows beneath the town's peaceful and prosperous surface. Strange, unexplained events long chased residents out of this former mining town nestled in a hidden canyon north of Las Vegas from the very beginning. The first anthology in this series, Bitter Mountain Moonlight, illustrated that. But now, portals to other timelines appear and disappear in the desert and rocks around town. Sometimes the portals open only for seconds, other times long enough to threaten lives. The stories in Open Ended Threat recount the stories of those who slip through from the future or the past and explain how the residents keep the town's secrets. Includes:"Anniversary" by E. R. Paskey"An Impossible Desert Flower" by Kari Kilgore"Art of the Steal" by J. A. Bouma"My Moment of Weird" by Robert J. McCarter"Deep Cleaning" by Edward J. Knight"Abandoned Mine"by Karen Fonville"Moneyline Secrets" by R. W. Wallace"Silver Mirage" by Kathryn Kaleigh"The Run of her Life" by David H. Hendrickson

Open Ended Threat: A Cave Creek Anthology - Cave Creek, #3

When Dreams Find WingsMranes loves life along the Wrynath Sea. Scarlet sand and warm water, hard work surrounded by family. But her heart and imagination yearn for the sky and adventure. And a glorious airhorse to take her there. What will she learn about herself and the life ahead of her, on one special night when magic and desire collide? Also available in the collection Fantastic Side Trips: Side Characters Take Center Stage. An excerpt from Wings of the Heart:The Launch of All of Her Dreams"Will they get upset if I go now, Father? I don't want to make anyone feel bad.""The younger ones won't likely notice. And the older ones will know exactly why you enjoy extra time this evening. Your birthday is tomorrow, remember? Your fourteenth."Mranes expected a fine meal this evening, and gifts. Hopefully books with tales of faraway lands, or maybe one of her father's fine tunics made especially for her. She preferred those to gowns, much to her grandmother's disappointment."I don't think I've ever forgotten my birthday, not since I was old enough to understand what it was.""What you don't yet know is this one is special. Tonight your mother and I will help you recall your sleeping lifetime in a different way than we have before."Mranes shivered as the breeze cooled her legs, startling after so long in the warm water. And not a little bit from the idea of having one of her sleeping lifetimes recalled.

Wings of the Heart - Misfortune and Magic

Return to the Shelter of Home A month after returning to Lightning Gap, Virginia, Kim Mullins finally feels at home. Relaxed. Ready to recover from years of hectic city life and too many broken hearts. Steph Holfield needs the shelter of her family to heal. A dose of peace and routine. The abrupt end of her marriage left her reeling and shattered. Unsure of her own heart and mind. Seeing each other sends Kim and Steph into a whirlwind of memories, and the enchanting prospect of rediscovering their spark. But more than the chance of renewing youthful romance swirls around them. Bringing unseen forces human and supernatural into play. Will Kim and Steph find the strength they need to survive in each other? An excerpt from Protecting Her Own:A Shared HomecomingKim almost pushed the swing back too hard after all. Steph was here, right here in Lightning Gap?"I thought Steph got married?" Kim said. "Moved away with her new husband not long after I went to college in Atlanta?"Auntie Venus took a drink of coffee, peering at Kim over the edge of her world mug. The kind of knowing gaze that would either discover everything or get you to say it out loud for her. Kim fought revealing anything as hard as she could."She did get married, " Auntie Venus said, tilting her face up and to the left like she always did when she was trying to remember something. "Went to school down in Texas, but she ended up with a local boy. From over in Laurel Gap if I recall. They went up to Louisville for a while. But she's been back here for several months now. Started teaching at the start of the school year.""That is an interesting bit of luck. Both of us back here now after years away. Might be nice enough to catch up with Steph, see how life's been treating her. Just out of curiosity, did she bring the husband back with her?"Auntie Venus shook her head. "She sure didn't. Seems to me she got all of that out of her system before she got too old. Some might say that's a smart move. In her case, I have to agree."

Protecting Her Own

Escaping Her Own PastThe new Baroness Dyna Bacalan faces constant change and adjustment. Learning her role and home of Profant. Enjoying married life with her beloved husband. But a mysterious voice from the past haunts her mind and threatens her happiness. Will asking for help set Dyna free, or send her deeper into madness? Also available in the collection Fantastic Side Trips: Side Characters Take Center Stage An excerpt from Lines of Strength and Grace:Taking the hardest step: asking for helpAt moments like this, Dyna wished for a bit less understanding and freedom, and more of the clear knowledge of what was expected of her that she'd had growing up. Yes, she'd chafed under all the rules, especially after she met Hildar. But she'd had fairly easy choices then as well. Do what she should, or accept the consequences of refusing. Which generally resulted in her doing what she should have in the first place. All the while, she got precious little practice in deciding for herself without considering whether rebellion or even protest was worth it."Since you brought me here, " she said, "you must trust this woman's abilities. So I shall at least hear what she has to say."Berga lowered her head in the closest thing to a bow she'd offered as they walked."As you like. I'll accompany you for introductions, then follow your wishes about whether you'd prefer me to stay or go."Berga took several steps before Dyna got her own feet moving.

Lines of Strength and Grace - Misfortune and Magic

Where the Dark Web Meets Its MatchDana Sanderson left her youthful adventures in hacking behind. Settling for a calm and orderly career as a code-cruncher. But life in the Atlanta cubicle farms brings its own special kind of stress and nonsense. Then Dana's old skills bring her a chance at a new life. And a chance to bring her fabulous best friend Andre along for the ride. Join storyteller Kari Kilgore for five hits of clever digital mystery. Includes five near-future short mysteries: The Sound of Murder, The Fabulous Feats of Billy, Glory Lane and The Humid Holiday, Melting Point, and Three Computer Geeks Gruff The Sound of MurderWhen Self-improvement Turns DeadlyInsurance agency programmer Dana Sanderson only wants peace and quiet at work. Then the investigation of a rash of suspicious natural death claims lands on Dana's laptop. The Fabulous Feats of BillyThe Successful Launch of a DisasterBilly's new tech start-up sits on the verge of greatness. A fantastic reward for leaving his rotten old job in the dust. Until a miscalculation lands Billy in a nightmare. Unfortunately Billy's way out puts him squarely in cybercrime expert Dana Sanderson's sights. Glory Lane and the Humid HolidayA Strange Case in a Strange PlaceA chance to recapture past glory days gone awry. A cybercrime expert forced to endure warm, sunny weather in December. A South Florida holiday with two stressed-out techies  in the wrong place at the right time. Melting PointAn Invisible Countdown to DeathA cookie-cutter suburban house. A strange aroma. A dead body. A suspect refusing to talk. Sometimes a stumped investigation needs a non-standard mind. Three Computer Geeks GruffWhen the Cat Drags in a MysteryA cold IT dungeon, full of noisy servers and grumpy  workers. Not exactly a natural fit for a cat. Until you consider the blinking lights and all those places to hide. But this cat finds toys more disturbing than cute.

Hacking Cybercime: Dana Sanderson Short Mysteries - Dana Sanderson Short Mysteries

Facing fear of your own dreams coming true. Longing to hold on to a beloved best friend. Wishing to repair a life gone off the tracks. A lifelong feeling that you never belong. The secret life of a gorgeous black cat. Functioning as signposts along the rich and often twisted road of Kari Kilgore's imagination, each story in this collection explores a different area of fantasy fiction. Ranging from Appalachia to Atlanta, from love to loss, they all touch on emotions or experiences readers recognize. The (mostly) women in Fantastic Shorts: Volume 1 may start out in familiar territory. But in the hands of this talented storyteller, readers quickly learn to always expect the strange. Included in this collection:IntentionsAngela Garcia builds websites to help make other people's dreams come true. Now one of her childhood dreams waits, ready to come to life. Sometimes your intentions make all the difference. ReflectionsA beloved family home, abandoned and broken. A so-called adult life, not much better off. Jessica's hopes of finding her joy fade as soon as she steps through the door. Can facing her fears, and her memories, make Jessica's life right at last?The Seeds of LoveVirginia Evans and her best friend Maggie grew up together. From shy girl and wriggly puppy to confident woman and gentle old soul. A touching tale of woman's best friend. TerminaliaWhen you live a double life, you never take anything for granted. Kelly Webb finally feels safe. Until nighttime, when all but Kelly's name changes. An enchanting tale of the crossroads between science and magic. Wicked BonePashmina knows which humans to trust. She shows her trust like all cats. With offerings from her hunts. And like all cats, Pashmina keeps her secrets to herself. Find out what happens when Katie learns Pashmina's favorite secret.

Fantastic Shorts: Volume 1: A Fantasy Short Story Collection

A Sweet Escape to the Beginning Keith and Josh, new in town and to each other. Dirk and Barbara, striving for new beginnings. April and Michele, digging through lost treasures. Trisha and Bill, adjusting to strange new realities. Craig and Sohpie, in a time of healing and change. Diana and Katie, stranded in snowstorm limbo. Thom and Julie, on the edge of finding their own way. Amy and Tony, enjoying the rewards of hard work. Eight couples finding their way to that first thrilling spark, the joy of discovering a kindred spirit. A heart that beats in time with their own. Join husband and wife team Jason A. Adams and Kari Kilgore on a journey to the promise and joy of discovery. And the beginning of happily ever after. Includes The Sweetest Trouble, Dirk Knight and The Case of the Rustled Ranch, The Real Treasure in Cairo, For the Love of Snarla Jane, The Heart Is the Strongest, Canine Cupid, Happily Ever in KrampusLand, and First Kiss Ah, romance! We all love falling in love. We all enjoy watching those two friends who everyone knows belong together finally get it over with and start dating. Partners in Romance features tales of new friends-with-potential, people thrown together by circumstance, neighbors with spark, and much, much more. Just like in real life, dogs fan romantic sparks into a flame. Mature lovebirds want happiness for the younger generation. Humor plays a vital role, especially when it comes to love's secret recipe.  With people starting out in life or making long-desired changes, hearts recognize each other. Of course, all romance features dream chasing, and a good Happily Ever After. Come along for the adventure as eight couples discover each other, and the promise of the beginning!

Partners in Romance

Even Superheroes Hate RenovationsJenna accepts a job that takes confidentiality to the extreme: a major remodel on a minor superhero's lair. The only real secret? How Earth Worm can afford to buy everyone's silence, plus labor, materials, and lodging. Trouble builds on the horizon before the job gets started. Will a minor villain trying to break into the big time undermine them all? An excerpt from Jenna and the Lightning Beast:Staying Grounded in a Strange Situation  Kevin laughed. "Nothing usual about being whisked away to a secret location on a secret project, is there? Everyone in the city knows more about what's going on than we do."The others gathered and introduced themselves, adding a Georgia highway department engineer, a plumber, and a home security expert to go with the inspector and insurance agent. And between the eight of them, still no real idea what they were there for."I know we're not supposed to know, " Kim said, "but I'm pretty sure this particular homeowner has to get the whole thing started. I don't see a doorbell we can ring."Jenna leaned forward, trying to peek inside the tinted passenger window of the van that hadn't moved since the motor stopped."Unless she drove us up here."Everyone jumped at a rich, sultry voice from behind them."She didn't drive you. Nobody did."

Jenna and the Lightning Beast: A Minor Superhero Adventure

When Holidays Turn Out Anything But OrdinaryNot all holidays start out standard-issue. Some celebrate different days or traditions. Others take a hit of the unexpected. Sometimes the cast of characters defies all expectations, but turns out better than anyone imagined in the end. These holiday stories from Jason A. Adams and Kari Kilgore throw away the usual blueprint. From righting wrongs to finding recovery, from redefining family to discovering the place you belong. Take a break from typical holiday fare and enjoy a new perspective on winter celebrations. Includes Ballerinas and SuperCats, Pungent Justice, The Twelve Steps of Christmas, Finding Sanctuary, A True Family Holiday, Virginia's Last Old Christmas Eve, A Convenience Store Christmas, and The Magic Cat of the Hidden Springs Inn and Spa A Wintertime Journey with a Different Kind of Holiday Boxing Day at Wentworth Manor brings joy and celebration. But a cruel crime threatens to ruin the partyA heartless theft nearly breaks the spirit of Jennifer's family. So she and her best friend set out to make things right. The Christmas season hits hard for some people. Yet it sometimes also brings hope for recovery and renewal. June and Ryan share a ritual of grief and letting go. Will their instant spark light the way to new possibilities?Carrie faces Christmas in a new city. Then she finds a true family to join for the celebration. Virginia lived a long, joyful life. Full of family and love. But her most cherished story remains untold. Stuart's Stop 'N Shop, always open, even for Christmas. Then the holiday spirit surprises Stuart, Bobby, and Pete. Henry and Steve get caught by a Christmas Eve blizzard. Will they grab their chance for happily ever after?

Uncommon Holidays: A Different Side of the Season

A Lightning Gap StoryKay's Café specializes in comfort. From the greetings to the decor, and especially the food. Kay prides herself on knowing exactly what everybody needs. But some folks need comforting in a different way. One Kay struggles to recreate. Can she figure out how to bring the taste of love itself back to life? Also available in the collection Stepping Out of Reality An excerpt from A Taste Just Like a Hug:That Taste You Never Quite Forget Venus wrapped both hands around the mug and took in a deep breath, and her smile wasn't quite as sad as before."You'll understand this probably better than anyone else I know, " she said, "with the way you specialize in comfort food and how much it matters and all. It's just so sad when someone passes, and they loved making something special that you know you'll never get again."Kay nodded slowly, remembering all the things she'd been lucky enough to learn from her parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles, and a bunch of people she'd met along the way. Not everyone got that chance to learn, or even if they did, the results never were quite right. Some mysterious touch of magic-of love made so real you could touch and smell and taste it-passed away from the world.

A Taste Just Like a Hug - Lightning Gap

When Clues Point to Impossible, Deb Takes the CaseDeb Powers probes an odd case of disappearing tools. Opening her eyes to all the strange goings on around her. Deb returns to an old haunt that now lives up to the name. A case too eerie and weird to ignore right under her feet. Strange nights at a new B&B threaten the owner's sanity. What Deb discovers makes her doubt her own mind. Eerie incidents at the local trail threaten the town's plans. A hidden mystery stirring up fear and trouble for everyone. Renovation at the old train depot uncovers bizarre clues. Deb calls in help to solve the puzzle before work derails. Deb Powers leaves life as a big city private investigator behind. Trying to ignore all the weird at the heart of her new hometown. But Deb's sheriff cousin needs help with so many unusual cases in Estonoa, Virginia. And wants a talented PI back on the job. Will Deb's ornery curiosity draw her into her old line of work with a new paranormal twist?Join Kari Kilgore on a delightful trip into the unexpected corners of her home, and imagination. With five original tales: Making a Change for the Stranger, A Cave of Whispering Secrets, The Strange Critter at the Old Johnston Place, An Eddy of the Unexplained, and Finding the Tracks to the Past

Investigations Beyond Belief: The Intitial Adventures of Deb Powers: Otherworldly PI - Deb Powers: Otherworldly PI

Uncovering Hidden WorldsJamie knows buying real estate brings plenty of headaches, especially for a new business. Endless inspections, unexpected problems, challenges large and small. But Natasha knows the biggest trouble sometimes hides just out of sight. Will her discoveries crush Jamie's dreams, or help them come true?Part of Mystical Maps, an Uncollected AnthologyAn excerpt from Charting the Unseen:Unsuspected Influences All Around Any other Mapper would struggle for accuracy with Natasha's papyrus, and she'd have the same problem with someone else's. The preparation bound the sheets to the Mapper so no other hand would succeed without an unreasonable amount of effort. That didn't mean she'd succeed, of course. Only that others would likely fail. She pulled the eyeshade into place and took a deep breath, drawing in the woodsy, sweet sandalwood. On her exhale, the distractions of the day faded out of her mind. Natasha no longer sat on the floor of an empty warehouse level, with a flourishing neighborhood outside on a cold November day. Her curiosity about Jamie's potential as a Mapper and her vague annoyance at his pushy realtor drifted away. With another breath and exhalation, her consciousness balanced in the connection point where all facets of reality met, seen and unseen. A magical junction she'd suspected as a child, so strongly she was sure she could touch it. And as an adult, she'd learned to do not only that, but to venture forth from that nexus and explore the worlds around her.

Charting the Unseen - Uncollected Anthology: Mystical Maps

The unseen world beneath our ordinary lives. An doctor facing a cry far beyond medicine. A young nurse in World War II Hungary. A writer fighting a dilemma as old as time. A modern life on hold, chasing shadowy reality. Kari Kilgore's third short fantasy collection explores women facing change. Long-sought dreams coming true. Long-held secrets coming to light. Surprises welcome and frightening. Ranging from near-future Chicago to war-torn Budapest, from high tech Atlanta to a snowy Maine beach, join this trip through the strange lands of Kari's imagination. Includes The Tech Empath, Sensing the Storm, Kati and the Witches in the Hill, An Adventure Well Begun, and A Linchpin Life.

Fantastic Shorts: Volume 3

December, 1944. Kati arrives in the great city of Budapest. Thrilled to train as a nurse. Never suspecting vicious struggle on the horizon. Never expecting forces seen and unseen to sweep her into their grasp. And into a choice reaching far beyond her tiny Hospital in the Rock. Faced with life or death, will Kati choose with her mind or her heart? An Excerpt from Kati and the Witches in the Hill: A Trial of Mind, Body, and Soul  Kati turned her back to the wind, deciding not to walk to the broad stone promenade along the edge of the Danube. Aimless wandering in the streets was hardly encouraged for anyone nowadays, much less a lonely young country girl. She'd have time enough to make friends with her new home when this awful weather eased up, and hopefully make human friends as well. Kati glanced at the dingy window of a shop, trying her best not to see her reflection in a round mirror hanging in a dark wooden frame carved with flowers and vines. She must look a horrible fright, with her pale skin wind-burned and her hair knotted beyond repair. She froze before she could take another step, grabbing at the pitted stone wall to keep her balance on the ice. That mirror hadn't moved as she did.

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