Author & Editor Cynthia Hilston

Category: excerpt

  • Excerpt from Hannah’s Rainbow

    “I would like it very much if you were all here with me,” Hannah said, wheezing.  She coughed several times. “Mom!” Abbi exclaimed, rushing to her side. The coughing spell subsided, and Hannah shook her head, holding up a placating hand.  “No, no, it’s nothing.  Please don’t make a fuss.  There’s nothing to be done. …

  • Excerpt from Hannah’s Rainbow

    R Rain hit Haley’s bedroom window, tracking down the glass like the tears on her face.  Her geometry homework sat unfinished in front of her as she lifted blurry eyes from the numbers and turned toward the wall separating her room from the bedroom next door.  She heard Pastor Rife’s muffled voice reciting the familiar…

  • Excerpt from Hannah’s Rainbow

    “It’s strange to be in such a quiet house,” said Hannah that evening.  “I can’t tell you how many times I wished for silence when the kids were driving me up a wall.  Now, it’s just us.  Don’t get me wrong.  I love that we can finally enjoy the peace and quiet as empty nesters,…

  • Excerpt from Hannah’s Rainbow

    “Well, it’s done.  I gave away my oldest.  No one told me it was this emotional.  I guess I know how your father must’ve felt now.” Hannah smiled fondly.  “Yeah, Pa was glassy-eyed, that old softie.  I was thinking about them last night.” Edward wrapped an arm around Hannah.  “If you need to cry, let…

  • Excerpt from Murder: It’s All in Your Head (WIP)

    Matilda stared back for a while. The clock on the wall to their right ticked away the seconds. The murmur of the few other customers who occupied the teahouse faded into the background. Finally, Matilda giggled, withdrawing her gaze. “I’m sorry. It’s so odd, but it feels like I know you better than could be…

  • Excerpt from Murder: It’s All in Your Head (WIP)

    On a late summer day, Helen walked through downtown Hurston. She sent a telegram to her aunt and uncle in Pennsylvania, updating them on her mother’s health. Her mother hadn’t been well even since coming down with a severe case of pneumonia back in the winter. She spent most of her time lying down these…

  • Excerpt from Murder: It’s All in Your Head (WIP)

    Her mother was outside feeding the chickens and collecting eggs. She came in with a handful and set them on the table. “Good, you’re up.” “Good morning, Mother.” How did you sleep? Did you hear it last night? How can you sleep knowing that? She glared at her mother’s back, willing her to understand or express…

  • Excerpt from Murder: It’s All in Your Head (WIP)

    Helen rested her elbows on the surface of the desk and cradled her face in her hands as she returned her gaze to the window. Her eyelids grew heavy, and she drifted to sleep. She was walking through the unused field on Mr. Bender’s farm just outside of town. Wildflowers grew as high as her…

  • Excerpt from Murder: It’s All in Your Head (WIP)

    “What are they?” Helen stared at the strange cookies in front of her on the table. “I found them when I went into town to get some groceries. They’re called animal crackers.” Helen’s mother kissed her daughter’s cheek and took the bag of groceries to the table next to the sink. Helen picked up the…

  • Excerpt from Murder: It’s All in Your Head (WIP)

    Cassie walked up her street to the familiar sounds of kids playing. She gazed down at her hands and smiled. They were her hands, not some strange man’s. She was herself again. All those imaginings of being trapped in someone else’s body were just a nightmare. This was real. She skipped with renewed vigor, then…