Vietnam Diary

Hey! I have an incredible treat for you!

So, my dad has been retired for a while, and with all his free time he decided to jot down personal memories about his experiences serving a tour in the Vietnam War. He was drafted into the U.S. Army, along with about 650,000 other men at the time. It certainly was not what he or his parents or his fiancee anticipated. 

My dad finished his story and then, to our surprise, he handed out copies to my mom, my siblings, and me. I read his story from beginning to end, engrossed the entire time. Oh man! It was like watching a war movie on the big screen, only this was real! This was my father's actual, true life experiences! I learned a lot, and felt a lot, reading this personal diary.

Reporting back to my father, I told him that he seriously needed to take these pages and make them into a book. After a little coaxing, he agreed to let me edit the writing, add a few photos from his tour in Vietnam, and have the entirety printed off in paperback form. BUT, it was only to be handed out to close family and friends. 

"Oh come on, Dad. This story would benefit so many people. You really should publish it."

                                     "I don't know."

"Seriously, Dad, it's an eye-opening account. Tons of people would love to read it."

                                     "Well...I'll think about it."

So he thought about it.  And guess what! After handling the final product and browsing through it again, my dad actually agreed to publish his book! This is exciting news! Believe me, you're going to want to read it. Here's the synopsis from the back cover:

"Greetings from the President."
I had just been drafted into the U.S. Army. It was the last thing I expected, and it was certainly not what my parents or fiancee wanted to hear. Enclosed in these pages are my personal experiences from a tour served in Vietnam during the war. This book is written in my own words, a diary for my family and posterity. I hope this recounting will help them comprehend the great sacrifices made by brave soldiers in wartime, sacrifices that protect freedoms we tend to take for granted. This is my true story."

You can get a copy of my dad's book on Amazon.com or Lulu.com in either paperback or e-book form. Don't miss out on this! If you are curious at all about what it was like fighting in the Vietnam war, or if you wonder about the incredible sacrifices made by brave soldiers in defense of our freedoms, or if you like memoirs and reality stories--get this book. Yes, that's my dad on the cover. Sergeant Starr.

Buy now at

Amazon.com

Cover Reveal for the FINAL BOOK in my NEW Saga

I  had an itch to do things differently with this final book in the Harrowbethian Saga and decided to work backwards by completing the cover before editing the story. I know, I know, it means you still have to wait a few months before the actual book is released, but hey—now you have a visual to help your imagination run wild guessing how Queen Eena's adventures will come to an end! That's half the fun about reading a series, isn't it?

Creating this cover was somewhat bittersweet since all the while I knew it was the last one I would illustrate for my very first HUGE writing accomplishment. Who ever thought I would actually write an entire original saga? Not me! However, now that I've scaled that mountain, I'm psyched to try again.

After weeks of contemplating the crazy events that take place in this culminating book, I eventually envisioned the cover I wanted. I chose to showcase Queen Eena elegantly dressed alongside her immortal watch dog, the impish Edgarmetheus. Both characters are dynamic individuals who play vital roles in this book. The background scene is a representation of a new planet you have yet to discover. 

I'm sorry that I can't give a release date for book six entitled, Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon's Soul, but it will be worth the wait! I can tell you that the paperback copy of book five—Eena the Tempter's Snare—contains the very first chapter of book six. You might want to check it out!

NOW...

Without further ado... 

The Final Cover!

Paperback Version Cover

Quote from the book:

“Compassion only plagues those with hearts, much like a field of thorns only troubles those who bleed.”

~ Naradite

E-book Cover

Copyright 2018 Richelle E. Goodrich

Meet Kahm Derian, Captain of the Kemeniroc

Kahm Derian (Captain Derian) is head of Harrowbeth's national security and commander of a galactic battleship known as the Kemeniroc. He was born into his important position, having taken over as commander some years after his father's death.

Derian is a wise, capable, and cunning leader with a naturally assertive and intimidating personality. He is an expert pilot and a master swordsman. He heads a mallawum team know as the Dragon Slayers that are often favored to win each season of play. It was at a very young age that he learned to wield a sword in order to play the game.

The captain runs a tight ship, expecting nothing but the best from his men and himself. He has earned the loyalty of the soldiers under his command throughout years of service on the Kemeniroc. During an unprecedented civil war that lasted over fourteen long years, he saved their lives in battle numerous times.

Derian fights to protect Harrowbeth and his queen, Sha Eena, although the pair have an uncanny habit of squabbling, voicing contradictory opinions on nearly every subject. Despite being smitten with her, the captain finds himself frequently aggravated by the young queen's impetuous decisions that are often the fault of her inexperienced and tender heart.

You can read more about Kahm Derian and his friends in the Harrowbethian Saga, an epic fantasy/scifi/romance series by American author, Richelle E. Goodrich.

10 Things to Know About Book V

     The fifth book in the Harrowbethian Saga is out now for your reading pleasure! Eena, The Tempter's Snare is available for purchase at most online book-retailers in e-book and paperback form. Get ready to continue Eena's adventures with the following ten things you want to know about the book:

1. Eena is turning 18.

2. The world will celebrate with an extravagant birthday party.

3. Harrowbeth expects their queen to marry within the year.

4. Despite her stubborn nature, Eena has learned to think ahead before acting impetuously. To some extent, anyway.

5. She discovers secrets about the initiation process into an intriguing Mishmorat organization.

6. The dragon, Ascultone, is still determined to end her life.

7. Eena revisits childhood moments spent with Derian, Ian, and Angelle.

8. Edgarmetheus has not disappeared for good.

9. Neither have his wicked sisters.

10. Boundaries blur, making choices harder for everyone.

What are you waiting for?
Read the first 4 books in the Harrowbethian Saga:

Book 1

Book 2

Book 3

Book 4

Book V is Out!

Just in case you haven't heard...

                                            ...book 5 in the Harrowbethian Saga is now available on Amazon, Smashwords, iTunes, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and many other online book retailers. Purchase this fun fantasy-romance―Eena, The Tempter's Snare―in e-book or paperback. 

Bonus: chapter one from book six (the final book in the Harrowbethian Saga) is included in the paperback version!

Following is the first early review posted on Goodreads:

Jackie rated it 5 stars 

"It was amazing!

This 5th book in the Harrowbethian Saga was very compelling to me. It may be my favorite in the series so far. I am a big fan of the Mishmorat, Kira, and she is an important character in this book, as she shares the cover with Eena this time. As always, the book ends with a cliff hanger, leaving you wanting more. I am eager to read the final book, to see what happens in the end...but I am also worried, too. I guess maybe I am not ready for the series to end yet."

Want to know more about the Harrowbethian Saga? Here are summaries for books one thru five.

Book I - Eena, The Dawn and Rescue: Sevenah Williams lives a quiet farm life until she stumbles upon a mysterious past and learns she is heir to the throne of Harrowbeth. She is the last living of royal blood able to don a peculiar and enchanted heirloom necklace. Given the new name, Eena, she sets off for a new home—a world plagued by civil war—only to discover that her enemies and allies are near impossible to distinguish.

Book II - Eena, The Return of a Queen: An enemy at their heels, a dragon stone portending the queen's demise, and an armada prepared to battle against all odds in hopes of altering the future.

Book III - Eena, The Curse of Wanyaka Cave: Deep within Lacsar Forest inside the black walls of Wanyaka Cave, a childhood ghost story becomes reality. Two evil sisters and their brother, along with a dragon forced to do their bidding, combine efforts to manipulate Queen Eena into freeing them from their eternal prison. And it seems she hasn't the power to resist.

Book IV - Eena, The Two Sisters: Queen Eena sees her world crumbling, chiefly the lives of those she loves most. She must thwart the evil plans of two devious immortal sisters either by defeating them or doing the inconceivable and joining them.

Book V - Eena, The Tempter's Snare: It is the queen's eighteenth birthday, and all of Moccobatra is eagerly prepared to participate in a world-wide celebration. Within the year, the young queen of Harrowbeth will be married as tradition dictates, but not everyone is happy with her choice of a suitor. Pressures mount and are added upon by disturbing dreams that could possibly change the future of Harrowbeth.

Meet Gavin, Keykeeper of Dreamland

Gavin is a trustworthy young man with a big responsibility. He is the keykeeper of Dreamland, which means he holds the one and only physical key that opens the gates to his homeland. He is a loyal and busy keykeeper, but like most boys, he is also curious, mischievous, and very interested in fun—especially when it involves sword fighting with notorious pirates or bowling with giant ogres or being swallowed whole by big bad wolves.

Gavin loves his home; he loves his parents, despite their wide and watchful eyes that seem to constantly monitor his performance as keykeeper. But his imagination, which works harder then most, keeps him one step ahead of those who try to cross under, through, or over the gates into his world. He is a clever boy with whom it is a genuine pleasure to dream. 

Read more about Gavin in the following books written by Richelle E. Goodrich:


        

Find these stories on Amazon, Smashwords, iTunes, Kobo, Barnes&Noble

Meet Kira the Mishmorat

Kira has spotted skin on nearly every area of her body excluding the face. This is because she is a Mishmorat. Her small spots closely resemble the pattern you see on cheetahs.  Mishmorats are recognized by them scattered over naturally bronzed skin. They are also known for jet-black hair that falls in lengths as smooth and glossy as cream.

Kira is athletic and exceptionally strong like most of her people. And, like most female Mishmorats, her graceful mannerisms and sexy sway are hard to ignore. These unique women are known all over the world of Moccobatra as exotic beauties.

Kira has a bold, fiery personality. She looks out for herself, her family, and her initiated sisters who belong to the Mishmorat Sisterhood. She is a friend to young Queen Eena who often refers to the Mishmorat as both frustrating and annoying. Kira is not above employing aggressive or questionable tactics if she believes it will turn the tide her way.

Despite her surly exterior, Kira has a big heart. She wants to fall in love and be loved in return. Nonetheless, do not even think about double-crossing this woman because it may be the last thing you do.

Read more about Kira the Mishmorat and her friends in the Harrowbethian Saga, an epic fantasy/scifi/romance series by American author, Richelle E. Goodrich.

Cover Reveal! Eena, The Tempter's Snare

One of my favorite things about completing a book is the cover reveal. I am an extremely visual person, hence my love for art and performance. To sell me on a book, you simply have to attract my eye with the cover. 

Today I am posting my newest cover for my book—Eena, The Tempter's Snare. The cover shows Kira the Mishmorat and her Harrowbethian friend, the young Queen Eena, inside a secret cave that exists beyond the borders of Harrowbeth. This scene is from book V in the Harrowbethian Saga. It is scheduled to be released next month on April 26th, 2018. 

Front Cover

Back Cover

Meet Miss Annabelle Fancher

             

Annabelle Fancher is the kindest, sweetest child you will ever meet—that is if you can tolerate her smell. 

      An only child, Anna lives in unpleasant circumstances that do not allow for many soapy baths. She is a pretty girl, but poor. Her homelife is such that she frequently goes without what others take for granted.

The sunlight in her life comes in the form of fairy tales. Anna is a ferocious reader who falls in love with every narrated character she meets. You will be hard-pressed to find a child possessing more vivid imagining skills or more humble personal attributes. Delve into Annabelle's fantasy world, meet her beloved fairy tale friends, and empathize with her real-life struggles in the dramatic novel, Dandelions: The Disappearance of Annabelle Fancher.  Find it on Amazon.

Year Six of The Tarishe Curse

       It's getting close to that spooky time of year, All Hallows Eve.  You know what happens about this time, I add on another few pages to my ongoing Halloween tale starring the queen of werefolk.  If you haven't read the previous portions of this cursed story, now is the time to do so!

       Are you wondering how this tradition began?  I'll tell you.

Six years back, I decided to write a short story for a friend who could easily be crowned Queen of Halloween (she is that obsessed with the holiday.)  After reading the story, she asked me an unexpected question.

       "What happens next?" 

       Uh. . . well. . . nothing.  It was supposed to be a simple Halloween short story. 

       But she got me thinking.  What might happen next if I were to continue the tale?  That started an annual writing tradition that continues today.  Every Halloween, I add to an ongoing adventure that includes werewolves, a powerful and vengeful witch, devious vampires, treacherous gargoyles, and other frightful creatures of the night.  It is a spooky delight!

       So prepare yourselves!  

       Read the beginning chapter of The Tarishe Curse and either enjoy it for the first time or refresh your memory of Duvalla and Kresh.  By request from my friend, Cathie, (to whom this story is dedicated) I am posting the next portion of The Tarishe Curse on October 27^th, 2017.  Get ready!

10 Things You Want to Know About the Book

The fourth book in the Harrowbethian Saga has been released! Eena, The Two Sisters is now available for purchase at most online book-retailers. Feed your curiosity with the following ten things you want to know about the book:


1. The book stars 17-year-old Queen Eena of Harrowbeth.

2. Two unscrupulous immortal sisters seek to gain their freedom at any cost.

3. Killer dragons are involved.

4. This book brings readers to the two-thirds mark in the Harrowbethian Saga.

5. The story was inspired by the author's fantastical youthful daydreams.

6. A love triangle builds and intensifies. Or is it a love quadri-angle?

7. Global maps of Eena's planet, Moccobatra, are included in this book.

8. A crazy and unexpected proposal is made. Make that two.

9. A traditional Harrowbethian birthday game is explained.

10. Learn to speak a few lines in the Bethan language.

Early Reviews of Eena, The Two Sisters

     In one week, I will be releasing Eena, The Two Sisters. It is the fourth of six books in the Harrowbethian Saga. For some of you, it has been a long wait, I know. Just let me say, it will be worth it! In the meantime, I thought you might enjoy some reviews from my beta readers. Yes, I have amazing beta readers who help me mold my works in progress. Hopefully, their comments will get you pumped and ready to read this book for yourself!

"This is the 4th of the Harrowbethian Saga. It is a a science fiction, love novel about a young queen who is confronted by enemies who appear unbeatable and who pose a deadly threat to her and her people. She, her fiance, and her protector battle against enormous odds and what appears to be a hopeless struggle. This is probably one of my favorites of the four. It is packed with adventure, romance, mystery, and delivers quite an emotional punch towards the end. It about breaks your heart, lots of sniffles; however, this book is not the end of the saga."~ Arlene

"Eena continues her struggle against two immortal sisters bent on freeing themselves of their prison on Eena's planet. In order to further his own agenda of getting Eena to forfeit her responsibilities as queen and join him, Edgar constantly splits up Eena and Derian and throws her across the globe with Ian. It certainly makes for an interesting love triangle (quadri-angle?). All hope of not freeing the witches and/or escaping alive seems lost." ~ LeiAnn


"A lot of interesting things happen in this book, and I am honestly torn on what I think of them. This book is the hardest to review, because if I say anything, it might spoil it for others reading the book. I can say I really like this cover. It has beautiful colors and a nice perspective. There are some definite surprises in this book. I am certainly curious where it might lead next. My mind is full of question marks." ~ Jackie

The 5th Annual Posting of THE TARISHE CURSE for Halloween

It is hard to believe this is my 5th annual posting in my ongoing Hallows Eve story, The Tarishe Curse. For those new to my Hallows Eve tradition, allow me to fill you in...

A few years back I thought it would be fun to write a short Halloween story for my friend, Cathie, who happens to be the holiday's biggest fan. I posted the story on my blog—a grim tale about the cursed Queen of Werefolk—and then let Cathie know to read it.

So she did. And then she asked, "What's the rest of the story?"

"Whoa, wait… what? The rest of the story? You mean, you want to know what happens next? Well, I don't know; I meant for it to end there."

"Oh, I think you should consider extending the story for next Halloween."

The idea appealed to me, so I wrote more about the werewolves, their enemies, their challenges, and I posted it the following Halloween. On that day, a tradition was born.

If you have yet to read The Tarishe Curse from the beginning, click here. Then sit back and enjoy what happens next...


Dedicated to my friend, Cathie Duvall,
the true Queen of All Hallows Eve.

Copyright 2016 Richelle E. Goodrich

I Slay Dragons at Night

I slay dragons at night while you sleep.
I see by the way your face contorts how they exist in your dreams.
Willing a magic sword, I plunge into your deepest nightmares and swing at the beasts with all my might, dodging flames exhaled by monsters that would eat me alive to go on torturing the fair one I love. I see your face relax, eyes still drowsily closed, when the mighty dragon is slain.
It may be that my fingers rub soft circles on your forehead as I imagine my brave fight as a knight reclaiming your dreams. You smile under the spell of my touch, and I am rewarded.

And so, my love, as I await the dawn, I stand ready to slay dragons while you sleep.

― Richelle E. Goodrich, Slaying Dragons
 Copyright 2016 Richelle E. Goodrich

Here's Your All Hallows Eve Treat

Having received more than one request for the newest chapters in The Tarishe Curse to be posted a day early because... 

"Halloween is too filled with festivities; there's no time to read."  

"I'm torn between wanting to curl up on the sofa and read vs getting into costume to go out with friends"  

"I hate trying to speed read so I can be done before trick-or-treating starts."

I've sucumbed to these valid arguments. So, this chilly autumn day preceding All Hallow's Eve, I give you the next installment of the Queen of Werefolk's harrowing story.

But first, for those new to our holiday tradition, allow me to fill you in...

A few years back I thought it would be fun to write a short Halloween story for my friend, Cathie, who happens to be the holiday's biggest fan. I posted my completed work on my blog—a grim tale about the cursed Queen of Werefolk—and let Cathie know to read it.

She did.

And then she asked, "So, what's the rest of the story?"

Uh….what? The rest? You mean, you want to know what happens next? Well, I don't know; I meant for it to end.

"You should extend the story for next Halloween."

The idea appealed to me. So I wrote more about the werewolves, their enemies and challenges, and posted the result the following Halloween. That day a tradition was born. Ta-dah! Read from the beginning by clicking here.

Now, sit back and enjoy what happens next...

Dedicated to my friend, Cathie Duvall,

the true Queen of All Hallows Eve.

Copyright 2015 Richelle E. Goodrich

Countdown to Halloween—Newly Posted Chapters of The Tarishe Curse!

Is your skin crawling with notions of what's in store for the queen of werefolk? 

Oh the horror!  

Uh―waiting, that is.  

The newest chapters of 
The Tarishe Curse 
will be posted in a few days!  A sneak peek, you say?  I love sneak peeks!  How about a tempting taste of what's to come?  Enjoy these excerpts:

“It isn’t always true that a critical end justifies desperate means.”

"The werewolves’ howling increased in unison, mixed with vicious yapping and the sound of splintering wood echoing from various points outside the gates. I continued screaming out in pain when Baron released my hand—bloody and mangled. He swiped my sword and stepped aside, once again dropping to a knee like a trained monkey.

'I will deal with you next,' the witch warned me in a hiss."

“My ears interpreted a mix of nearby voices as calm, friendly, ordinary chatter. With that as background noise, I enjoyed the silent attention of my mate. The way his hand brushed softly over every inch of my bare skin tempted my eyelids to close and my mind to wander, but I kept focused, not wanting to miss a moment of admiring this beautiful man and his seductive, wild look. I felt a flood of emotion set in, born from absolute, interminable love for him. I wished for the voices to cease, for time to halt, for the moment we were living to replay over and over and over again perpetually. The world could have its gain and glory, its vengeance and victories—all I wanted was the enduring love and attention of this man who most assuredly was my soulmate.”

“I drifted off after a while, staring at the only star visible through the thick covering of leaves. Hope seemed a futile wish, but I troubled the lonely star to grant it anyway.”

“Stop it!" I screamed, scrambling to my knees. “Stop your cruelty this instant! Leave them alone! Is vengeance all you know, you awful, haggard, old crone?”
My outburst proved successful at putting a halt to whatever evil had been in motion. The old woman turned her eyes full on me for the first time, looking genuinely shocked by my audacity. I continued to struggle with my bands, desperate to slip free.
“Such insolence, Catherine?”
“That is not my name, you barbarian!”

 Have I peaked your curiosity?  Good.  

See you on Halloween.  (Maybe the day before.)

The Tarishe Curse for your Hallows Eve Pleasure

It's so close to Halloween my head is spinning!  I'm writing like a madwoman, preparing the next installment of our traditional All Hallows Eve story.  A few short days and it will be time to post the next portion of this dark adventure.  Hey, that gives you just enough time to read the Queen of Werefolk's story from the beginning... bahahahaha!

THE  TARISHE  CURSE 

by American author, Richelle E. Goodrich

Dandelions—A Story of Youthful Courage

"Of all the books you've written, which is your favorite?"

This is a question I've been asked many times.  The answer is easily, Dandelions: The Disappearance of Annabelle Fancher.  Why?  Because the story is powerful.  It grips the reader emotionally from the very beginning when the main character, Annabelle, nuzzles in close to your heart.  From that point on, your humanity bleeds for her amidst laughter, tears, anger, and silently-offered prayers—all on behalf of children like Annabelle.  It is a fictional story, yes, but it is also a dark shadow of what sometimes proves real. 

Dandelions: The Disappearance of Annabelle Fancher 

is available in paperback and e-book formats.  Read it today.

in PAPERBACK or E-BOOK

KINDLE   NOOK   KOBO   iTUNES

Same Great Story―Second Release!

Prepare to return to the beginning...

Re-read the adventures of Queen Eena in this newly-released, second edition of 

Eena, The Dawn and Rescue

By

Richelle E. Goodrich

The second version has been revised and enhanced with new dialogue not included in the first!  See the cover upgrade below!

Experience adventure, peril, mystery, fun, new races, old legends and  budding romance in the first volume of The Harrowbethian Saga.  Read the introductory chapters here!  

Synopsis:

Sevenah Williams lives a quiet farm life with her parents and best friend, Ian. Life is good and predictable until the unexpected yanks her from the only reality she remembers. Forced from home, her tragic and forgotten past is pieced together revealing that Sevenah is in fact heir to the throne of Harrowbeth; she is the last living of royal blood able to don a peculiar heirloom necklace. Given the new name, Eena, she and Ian set off for a new home, dodging nightmarish enemies in the process. All the while great powers granted by the enchanted necklace slowly emerge and develop.

Eena is assisted by militia sent to retrieve their queen, commanded by the bossy and intimidating Captain Derian. Though Ian and Derian endeavor to protect her, Eena is abducted by a charming, silver-tongued man. She finds herself forced to choose sides in a civil war she hardly understands. Which rival has the power to convince her of his nobleness and gain her ultimate support?

“You can capture this body of mine, take away my freedom and enslave me. 

You may even have the power to capture my soul and sentence me to the realm of eternal darkness. 

But my dreams you cannot touch. They are my will―the very essence of who I am. 

In them I laugh.
In them I cry.
In them I love.
And in them…….I live.
My dreams are untouchable and unceasing.” 

― Richelle E. Goodrich