TWINS Re&United

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Synopsis

A fascination with identical twins has been the story of my life. Don’t ask me why because I couldn’t tell you. Even though I had more than a half-dozen babies of my own, almost every single time I was hoping, even praying that I would be carrying twins. No luck. When I read about the remarkable, yea, even amazing traits and experiences separated twins share a spark kindled and I was on my way to exploring an area of pathos, heartache, joy and intrigue when a teenage mother has to give up her babies, or at least thinks she must relinquish one of them during the time a war is going on and her husband, who she hadn’t known very well has questionable ethics.

                Throw in the fact that she has to leave to a foreign country without her parents'

support and approval and has no idea why her soldier-husband isn’t getting in contact with her. Although she allows her best friend to care for one of the babies until “it’s safe to have them together again,” it is an agonizing decision.

                ALTHOUGH THIS BOOK USED TO BE CALLED TWO MOTHER’S TWIN DAUGHTERS. I IMPROVED AND EXPANDED IT SO MUCH THAT IT IS NOW DIVIDED INTO TWO BOOKS.  THE SEQUEL IS MORE THE TWINS STORY; HOW THEY COPE WITH THE JOY AND TURMOIL OF GETTING REACQUAINTED AFTER BEING SEPARATED SO LONG AND THE FIRST BOOK IS MAINLY ABOUT THE MOTHERS.

    Here's my bio: 😼 How do you get a shy, dreamy-eyed girl's gift for writing to burst into flames? Just ask my sixth-grade teacher. She told me I had a 'flare for writing' and after that, there was no stopping me. To say I enjoy writing would be the understatement of the year. I get lost in it. Once while in my teens I was so involved in the book I was working on that the characters became more real than the people around me who seemed like cardboard creations. No, I haven't changed much.

    But I do have other loves including my precious husband of forty-plus years, our ten grandchildren, their parents, the dogs, especially Cuddles, and I thrive on gardening as well as running our bed and breakfast.  Having guests over and sharing food and conversation is the spice of life. But get me back to writing as soon as possible. 

    Oh, in case you haven't noticed: I love life!

Marilyn Friesen

www.marilynshistoricalnovels.com

A Walk Back in Time

Pleasant Memories are hovering near! We spent the most beautiful mini vacation in a medieval style village of Rye. But the delightful charms didn't begin when we disembarked from the train. Oh, no. The journey through bucolic landscapes was so intriguing. I had never dreamed there were so many 'meadows' with fluffy white sheep in what I had assumed was the crowded British Isles!  There were high embankments on either side of the railway tracks which didn't give for the greatest view all the time, but I did note how massive some of the trees were. (They don't grow deciduous trees like that here in northern Alberta.)

Rye here we come! Ever since I researched for my book Two Mothers, Twin Daughters, I fell in love with the coastal villages of England so you can be sure I was thrilled when the opportunity to explore one actually came my way!

If you ever plan to visit England, do stop in at Rye, It is most delightful. There is a towering---massive--which is the right word? stone gate over one of the roads. The pavements (sidewalks) are incredibly narrow in places, and the streets do not allow any room for passing! Don't forget you are in England, now, so do remember to drive on the left-hand side of the road.  What else can I say? Oh, yes, there are such lovely courtyards, and the roses were blooming most abundantly. The houses and many other buildings were very tall and antique looking, with moss covering them here and there.

Did I say this is a seacoast village?  Well, that is not quite accurate, 'cuz I never did see the sea from there. Way back before your time, or mine, either for that matter "Good Queen Bess" called it Royal Rye, but it did have a reputation. Ahem. Apparently, it was notorious for being a smugglers cove, although it sure seemed safe enough while we were there! Actually, in those days, it had been an island, but we couldn't tell.

I wanted to show you a picture of the Rye Lodge we stayed at but couldn't find one! Sorry!

If you are planning to put this on your bucket list, do take time to climb up to the steeple of that ancient church on the hill. You'll be so glad that you did! Be warned! It's quite a climb though! Starting off it looks innocent enough, but soon you'll be clambering up long ladders, and around narrow curves that are either banked with stone or wooden walls some so narrow you'll wonder if you'll be able to squeeze through all of them if they get any narrower!

Well, I was just informed that "Dad" wants to go, so better tie this up and HOPEFULLY find some compelling pictures to post with it. 

Do You Have Stick-With-It-Ness

Dangerous Decisions

In this true story based on a happening in 1549, yes you read that right, Heidi is left to fend for herself when her husband flees the city. In a rash moment, he had spoken against the political and religious leaders of the day and that was not smart. Although she finds comfort with the people of God, it is very dangerous to be seen with them.

               Heidi went over to the one small window in the hut and peered out. It was dark, very dark out tonight. She opened the door softly and glanced back. Neither child stirred.

               Every step of the way Heidi was sure that someone was following her.

At Least I Take Care of my Bills

When is Daddy Coming Home?

Part three of the story of Jason and Heidi which is based on a true happening from the 1500’s.

The curtain falls on Jason fleeing the city. I imagine him making his getaway after dark but his wife wasn’t too keen on the idea, let alone hiking along with him. After all she did have the children to care for, and who wants to be on the road going to who-knows-where?

               “Mama, when’s Papa coming home?” Heidi looked down at the little girl tugging at her skirt.

Did You Protest Out Loud?

Jason is supposed to play the drum while his friend is being executed, and is none too happy about it. Part two.-------------------------------------------------

Oh, Jason, surely you didn’t object!” his wife wailed.

“I knew better than to protest vehemently, but I'm sure they know how I feel."

He got up and reached for a bottle of homemade brew in a cupboard by the door. Maybe if I let myself get just a little bit intoxicated it won’t bother me so much.