A Rose for Sergei - A Story That Will "Stay With You"

Ereader News Today is one of the leading eBook promotion sites – they help authors reach millions of new readers.  I was thrilled when I found out that A Rose for Sergei was selected to be featured on ENT on December 18.  Over the weekend many new readers discovered my heartfelt story about Sergei Kourdakov.  On Saturday, A Rose for Sergei climbed to the Amazon US #4 ranking in: Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Historical > Europe > Russia.  Of course those numbers change hourly, and in the blink of eye they’re gone…replaced by the next book making its way into readers’ homes.  For this self-published author, seeing that ranking on Amazon was truly an unexpected and wonderful holiday surprise.  I thank all of you who purchased my book, and I hope you enjoy reading A Rose for Sergei.  Sharing my story with someone, and/or writing a review is the best compliment I can receive.

* * *

Thank you, Cookie, for this wonderful “Five-Star” review you posted on Amazon:

“I LOVED this book and read it in two days.  It is a remarkable story about two young people who were in love and how miracles and fate played a part in each of their lives.  Have some kleenex ready at the end.  This story will definitely "stay with you" after you read it.  It's a wonderful story and well-worth reading - I highly recommend it.  I'll be reading Sergei's book, "The Persecutor" next.  Thank you for writing this story, K. Kidd!”

—Cookie

A Rose for Sergei - Holiday eBook Special

A Rose for Sergei

K. Kidd

Sergei Kourdakov, a Russian KGB defector, and a young American woman - a captivating true story that imagination could not invent.

Holiday eBook Special

Only $1.00 on December 18 - 20, 2015

Paperback:  $9.99

Order Now from Amazon! 

* * *

Excerpt from A Rose for Sergei:

I was up late since I couldn’t fall asleep, and I was still awake when the telephone rang.

“K, sorry it is late, this is Sergei.  Did you get the roses?”

“Hi Sergei, I know it’s you.  I can tell by your accent,” I teased him back.  “Yes, I did get the roses and they are beautiful.  I love them. Thank you for giving them to me.”

“I miss you already.  That is why I wanted to give you roses,” Sergei explained.

  

“I miss you, too.”  My heart was beating fast.  I was surprised to hear what he was telling me, but I knew from the weekend that he said exactly what he thought at all times.

 * * *

Take advantage of this holiday eBook special!  Don’t forget – you can “Gift” an eBook to someone if you know their email address!  Just click on the “Give as a Gift” icon when you checkout on Amazon.

Happy Holidays!

Great Holiday Gifts!

Looking for a great holiday gift?  Books are still one of the top gifts to give and receive.  Some of the best book deals and finds are written by independently published authors, aka Indie Authors.  In fact, for the first time ever, a self-published book appeared on one of The Washington Post’s best-of-the-year lists.  “It was bound to happen sooner or later,” wrote Ron Charles, Editor of The Washington Post’s Book World, in the November 26, 2015 article.

My book wasn’t on that list…but one can only dream.  Nevertheless, I was thrilled that A Rose for Sergei was featured in the December 2015 Support Indie Authors newsletter.  A Rose for Sergei is a beautiful love story—that just happens to be true.  Even though my book is in the Non-Fiction category, everyone suggests it should also be listed under “Romance.”

Following is an excerpt from the Indie newsletter.

Support Indie Authors - December Style

“TOTAL WORLD DOMINATION - Err, scratch that.  I'm told it's not PC.  But the truth of the matter is that Indie Authors are quickly becoming the majority in the industry.  If we stand together and maintain our beliefs, values, and KIND HEARTEDNESS towards writers of all types, we can begin to change the world's viewpoint on us.”

— Ann Livi Andrews

Miss Andrews is the author of the entertaining Rehab for Superheroes series.  (Genre:  Comics & Graphic Novels, Super Heroes)

Check out Indie Book Reviews for your next great read!

 * * *

Do I still support and read traditionally published authors?  Absolutely!  I wholeheartedly recommend Spies & Heroes.  This selection of short stories has something for everyone.  You will not be disappointed.  

Excerpt from Amazon:

 “Spies and heroes spring from the most unlikely sources, as shown by these original stories from around the globe.  Spies, as well as heroes, range from serious professionals to nosey neighbors or accidentally recruited civilians.”

A Rose for Sergei – A First Reading

I’ve always liked the idea of having a first reading to celebrate the publication of a book.  Whether it be a traditionally published book, or self-published book, the emotions are the same.  There is a tremendous feeling of accomplishment and completion.

I never actually had the opportunity to read A Rose for Sergei in front of a group of people.  A celebration was planned a year ago, lists were made, and books were ordered.  No one counted on Mother Nature’s wintery blast striking our area earlier than usual that month.  Think freezing rain, power outages, icy sidewalks and broken limbs…on trees and pedestrians.  My dear friend and hostess of my scheduled “first reading” party slipped and broke her arm.  Event cancelled.  I was just glad her up-close-and-personal meeting with the ice wasn’t worse.

Fast forward a year.  A few weeks ago I received a phone call informing me that my former boss, Mr. Logie, was nearing the end of his life.  He was ninety-five years old.  If I wanted to visit him, I needed to do it very soon.  Yes, I informed his son, I would like to say goodbye.

If you’ve read my book or followed my blog you’ll know that Mr. Logie was the former boss who introduced me to Sergei Kourdakov when I was twenty-one.  He was the one that pushed past dignitaries at the grave site in Washington DC as he guided Mrs. Logie and me to stand beside Sergei’s lifeless body in the casket.

When I arrived at the care facility I was directed to Mr. Logie’s room, where I found him alone and resting.  He sensed I was there beside him, opened his eyes, and called me by name.  He thanked me for coming, and asked how I was doing.  “I have a paperback copy of A Rose for Sergei for you,” I said as I held the book up for him.  “Oh, it’s nice, it’s really nice.  I like the cover.”  He then leaned back to rest.

In the quiet of that room I began reading.  I chose a few chapters in the book that included him.  In a clear, strong voice I read my book out loud for the first time ever.  My audience of one nodded and smiled as the memories of all those years came to life once again.  It was the most wonderful first reading any writer could have ever wished for.  It was the last time I would ever see Mr. Logie.

* * *

Mr. Kirk H. Logie, Sr.

Rest in Peace