13 October 2012

Sweet Saturday Sample

For this week's Sweet Saturday Sample I'm revisiting my first published book, The Brat, which released two years ago this month, with The Wild Rose Press.
It is the opening of the first chapter.

From the shadow of the ancient yew tree, Benedict Kouvaris observed the two people standing at his mother’s graveside. The clergyman’s voice carried on the still air, as he intoned the funeral
rites for the woman who’d sent him to another country on his tenth birthday, two and a half decades ago.

He thrust his anger and confusion beneath the surface of his consciousness and focused his attention on the elegant Armani-suited woman, whose blonde hair contrasted with her black suit
and concealed her face from view. The wind sighed through the branches, and the man beside him shifted from one foot to the other.
“Who is she?” He raised an eyebrow in query.
“Miss Williams, sir.” His mother’s solicitor, Mr. Cranborne, cleared his throat. “She cared for your mother for the last five years.”
The clergyman bent to lift a small clutch of soil, which he threw into the open grave. His action was replicated by the woman. And who, Ben wondered, was Miss Williams?
“My mother never had two pennies to rub together in her life. For God’s sake, the woman was a whore. Why would a classy female like that,” he poked the air with one finger, “care for her? What’s she after? She’s wishing on rainbows if she thinks my mother has anything to leave her in a will. She spent all her money on drugs, drink and men. She never held onto it long enough to keep anything

valuable. If she did, she’d sell it for the next fix when the money ran out.”
Once more the lawyer cleared his throat. “Miss Williams drafted Mrs. Kouvaris’ will.” Mr Cranborne’s thoughtful gaze rested on the two
figures at the graveside.
“She did?” Shock shimmied down his spine.

I hope you enjoyed sharing this short trip down memory lane with me.  
You'll find plenty more great samples over at Sweet Saturday Sample 

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Interesting

Unknown said...

Intriguing opening, Sherry. Happy book anniversary.

Sandra Nachlinger said...

Great excerpt. You've done a really good job of creating the setting, introducing the characters, and giving just enough back story. I hope this book has been a success for you.

Jenna said...

Intriguing beginning. You've drawn me into your world in just a few well crafted paragraphs. Excellent job, Sherry!

Sherry Gloag said...

Thanks Anon

Sherry Gloag said...

:-) Thanks for your good wishes and kind words, Ute.

Sherry Gloag said...

Thanks Sandy. being my first published books these guys are kinda special to me :-)

Sherry Gloag said...

Your kind words mean a lot, thanks Jenna.

Patricia Kiyono said...

Fascinating opening. Makes me wonder if Benedict is a villain or a hero.

Elaine Cantrell said...

Guess he's surprised.

Sherry Gloag said...

Thanks patricia, no, he's a good guy but he has to jump through a few personal hoopsbefore he gets there.

Sherry Gloag said...

Very true, Elaine, thanks for coming by.