Shannon here: David Mathews shares a romantic excerpt from his Teen/Young Adult Humorous Novel, Pig Sty High When Pigs Fly. Comment or answer the question in any post dated March 3rd – 17th to enter the drawing for 4 titles in my March Book Bundle#1. Deadline: March 21st, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s David:
I have enjoyed writing since I was old enough to correctly hold a #2 pencil, but my first book wasn’t published until I was 60 years young. I guess that makes me a bit of a procrastinator; however, in my own defense, I’ve made up for lost time since then! God has gifted me with a rather active imagination, and I desire to use that to encourage others and to glorify Him. My motivation comes from 1 Peter 4:10, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” My latest Christian fiction novel is Pig-Sty High: When Pigs Fly, a lighthearted, humorous, small-town tale with an uplifting spiritual message.
Excerpt from Pig Sty High When Pigs Fly by David Mathews:
When we got back to Miss Elvira’s, Emily invited me to sit on the porch with her for a while; and I wasted little time accepting her offer. Enjoying the company of Emily Davenport was rapidly becoming my favorite pastime. Did I mention that by now, I’d also come to the conclusion that I had some time for romance as well? It’s amazing how one’s perspective can change so quickly. We walked up the sidewalk to the veranda porch and sat down on the swing suspended from the ceiling.
“Thank you for inviting me to dinner,” she said pleasantly as we gently rocked back and forth. “I really enjoyed the meal. And our conversation.”
“Same here. And I enjoyed your company.” I paused to gather my thoughts. “Emily, I’ve been meaning to thank you for standing by me all this time. When I first came to Piggottsville and saw what I was up against, I felt pretty alone and helpless. I really needed your support in the beginning. Still do, obviously! Ever since we first met, you’ve provided a listening ear, encouraged me when I was down, challenged me when I was out of sorts, and helped me wherever possible. That means a lot to me.”
“You’re welcome, Jason. I’m glad I’ve been able to help. Besides, I believe in what you’re trying to do.” She smiled sweetly and placed a gentle hand on my arm, sending a zinger throughout my body. “And I want you to know that I believe in you.” She blushed self-consciously.
I felt myself returning her blush, but I’m sure it looked better on her than me. We moved on to less personal topics; and soon, we were laughing and joking like two giddy teenagers on a first date.
“I’ve got an English teacher joke for you,” she suddenly announced.
“An English teacher joke? Okay, let’s hear it.”
“What’s the difference between a literalist and a kleptomaniac?”
I thought for a minute and then shook my head. “I have no clue. Literally!”
She giggled. “A comma.”
I scowled playfully. “A comma?”
“Yes. A literalist takes everything literally. A kleptomaniac takes everything, literally!”
Our laughs mingled. “Good one!” I replied. “And may I say, I certainly appreciate your grasp of grammar and punctuation!”
Emily batted her eyes coquettishly. “Why, Mr. Wisniewski, thank you for that lovely compliment. I’m so glad you feel that way about my proficiency with the English language.”
A shot of boldness flowed through me. “Well, if you want my honest opinion, Miss Davenport, it’s really not English I’m feeling right now.”
“No?” She tilted her head to one side, swishing her blonde hair out of the way in the process. “Then what subject are you feeling?”
I made sure our eyes locked before answering. “I’m feeling . . . Chemistry!”
She fought hard to keep a straight face. “Is that so? And would you say that feeling is based on scientific fact or mathematical probability?”
Reader Question: If retired, what has become your favorite pastime? If not retired yet, what do you
look forward to doing when you get there?
March Book Bundle #1
Hill Country Redemption by Shannon Taylor Vannatter, Contemporary Romance, print
A Worthy Love, Novella Collection includes Aubrey Reiss Taylor’s Schneewittchen, Historical Romance print
Shetland Sunset by Linda Shenton Matchett, World War II Romance, digital
Second Chances and Second Cups by Donna Schlachter, Short Story Collection, digital
About David: David Mathews was born in the small midwestern town of Friend, Nebraska, a community of 1100 people once listed in Ripley’s Believe It or Not for having the world’s smallest police station—a tiny tool shed previously used by highway construction crews. He grew up in small towns in Kansas and Indiana before settling in Indianapolis after college.
Now living in Xenia, Ohio, David and his wife, Donna, have six children between them, along with a son-in-law, three daughters-in-law, six grandchildren, and a dog named Barney. He enjoys home remodeling, woodworking, bicycling, camping, and writing. He also serves in their local church, loves being a grandfather, and never grows tired of watching Andy Griffith reruns. Learn more & connect:
David’s Website David’s Facebook
David’s e-mail davidmathews.author@yahoo.com
About the book – Pig Sty High When Pigs Fly:
When Jason Wisniewski moves to Piggottsville, Arkansas, to start his teaching career, he never expected to find a town so much in need of a pick-me-up. Taking on the role of history teacher and football coach, Jason quickly realizes that he may have bitten off more than he can chew. Even the people in the community see the high school as a joke, and their attitude is rubbing off on the misfit students of Piggottsville High.
But sometimes, it takes just one person to believe that a pig can fly before it will. Determined to turn things around for his new hometown, Jason decides to take on the impossible—with the help of the God of the impossible. As he sets about on changing things for the better, Jason will have to face his own fears and deal with an unlikely lot of football players, who may not be winners but can certainly tell you a thing or two about pigs!
In a world focused on negative things, Pig-Sty High brings humor into some serious topics and helps the reader to lighten up a little bit when things get tough.
Want a copy of David’s book? Interested in his other titles? Need extra copies for gifts?
Get your copy/copies now!
Pig Sty High When Pigs Fly David’s books
Come back March 7th for Shannon’s Book Bargains Roundup!
David’s book sounds like a great read! Humor always goes along with romance. Thanx for the giveaway!!!!
I’m from Arkansas & I will be reading David’s Pig-Sty High.
When my husband retired in 2008 I retired too. Even though I was a homemaker. Don’t get me wrong….I still do all my homemaker stuff but I also do what I want pretty much when I want. 😂😂
I spend the majority of my time quilting . My husband built me a room of my own off the back of the house and that is where I spend 90% of my time. Making beautiful quilts for my family.
Happy Retirement to all!
I live in AR too Karen. You sound like a very happy retiree. I love quilts but very little patience with sewing.
Humor is so important.
Yes. See my response to Jennifer. He’s lost his hair but still has the good looks and humor.
Hey Jennifer, the first thing I noticed about my husband was his hair and good looks. Second was his humor.