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It's wonderful to connect with you again! Happy Independence Day! Summer is a fabulous time to catch up on some relaxation and it's my hope that you are getting that rest! I hope this newsletter finds you in good health and spirits. As always, thank you for your incredible support and for joining me on these reading adventures. Please share this newsletter with fellow readers to help spread the word!

I've been incredibly busy, working hard on advertising for my book, "Journey to the Past", part two of the "Times of Our Lives" series. Speaking of which, I have some exciting news: the premiere debut of my second novella, "Journey to the Past," has been released!!! To celebrate, I raffled off the first ten paperback copies! I hope you are all enjoying your copies!

This edition of T.O.O.L.: The Newsletter is packed with updates! We'll dive into quotes from "Times of Our Lives," (both parts one and two), some Behind the Curtain news, some special Shout-Outs, and more.

Please be advised: This newsletter contains spoilers for the "Times of Our Lives" series. If you haven't yet read Part One, you may wish to skip this issue and come back once you're caught up!

Keep reading for all the details and more!

Discover the shocking twists and turns of Part One and Part Two and dive into our highlights! But beware, spoilers lurk within! If you're waiting to begin the series, come back to this section after you've finished.

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⚫"His face is so close to me that I feel the warmth of his breath."

⚫Bernadette
⚫Book 1, Chapter 7

⭕" '...I guess what I am saying is that I am on your side, no matter what, Bernadette.' "

🔷" 'Thank you,' " is all I get as she grabs the moss out of my hand to finish the chore."

🔷Elias
🔷 Book 2, Chapter 3

🔺" 'Mother, I have missed you everyday. Today is the day that I resurrect you.' "

🔺Vanessa

🔺Book 2, Chapter 10

Purchase "The Lies Told in the Dark" and "Journey to the Past" NOW!

This month, we will be stepping into a mysterious and possibly profound direction with our local amnesiac. Today, we will be taking a seat across from none other than Charolette herself! So far through this series, Charolette showed us who she was by partnering up with Vanessa, the unbreakable duo... At least, until that huge explosion where she hit her head on the ground for the second time and lost her memory.

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Let's see what we can unravel in our "Journey to the Past" with Charolette...

💜THE AUTHOR: Charolette, thank you for joining us for this exclusive.

Your journey this far has been rough, certainly. With your mind

a blank slate, how does it feel to navigate Caldera with no past?

💛CHAROLETTE: (Her voice is tight, a defiant edge to it) Yes, thank you for

reminding me that I don't have a memory. Very nice of you to bring that

up first. My life has been littered with difficult experiences but that doesn't

make me an invalid because I can't remember the past 15 years. This is

supposed to be a special exclusive but it doesn't have to be if you continue

to belittle me with those degrading questions.

💜THE AUTHOR: No, Charolette you misunderstand. That question wasn't

meant to belittle you in the least. I'm just...

💛CHAROLETTE: (She cuts The Author off, a tremor of raw emotion in

her tone) No, I'm done. I knew I shouldn't have sat down with you. This

is absolutely ridiculous! I'm not stupid... I didn't misunderstand. You think

so little of me because I left home at 15. You think I am selfish and don't

know anything! But you're the one who doesn't know anything!

💜THE AUTHOR: Charolette, please... (Charolette stands up and

begins to leave) I'm so sorry that my questions came

across that way. Let me begin again. (Charolette pauses,

huffs out an annoyed sigh, turns back around and sits

back down) Thank you. (The Author leans forward, places

a hand on Charolette's shoulder but Charolette coldly backs

away) My fascination with your journey isn't that of disrespect

or sanctimonious self- righteousness. Your resilience is

something to be admired. The fact that you ventured from

Shangridia to Caldera shows determination. The loss of your

memory is devastating- not just because it's your memory,

but because that past defines so many other people.

💛CHAROLETTE: (A solitary tear rolls down her left cheek and she bites

down on her bottom lip showing an almost nervous reaction She nods

her head) Thank you for that explanation. Sometimes I get offended

without listening fully. The trip from Shangridia was not only a way to

grow but a way to leave somewhere that I grew out of... I didn't mean to

hurt my family... or maybe I did. I don't know. (She looks down to the right

and purses her lips out with a sigh) I've always loved my sister, Bernadette.

She was the only person who accepted me for... well, for me.

💜THE AUTHOR: I don't mean to cut you off, but on the topic of

Bernadette... Dita is what you call her, right? (Charolette

nods her head) Where is Dita?! She went missing after that

explosion in the city center. Is she safe and keeping low?

Is she hurt? Is she d... (The Author notices Charolette's

bleak expression. Her eyes are darting back and forth

looking for an answer.) Oh dear, you didn't know that

Bernadette was missing, did you?

💛CHAROLETTE: (Charolette begins to hyperventilate) I can't breathe... I...

💜THE AUTHOR: (The Author stands up and yells) SHUT EVERYTHING

DOWN! SHUT IT ALL DOWN! (She runs towards Charolette) MEDIC!!!

Well, that interview was incredibly intense... As you can infer, Charolette's "Journey to the Past" is quickly catching up with her broken mind. Challenges and devastating revelations will impact her adventures along the way. Her missing memories may affect everyone... Will it be positively or negatively? Hopefully, we can get another exclusive with her soon!

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What really happened in that explosion that robbed Charolette of her memory and, seemingly, Bernadette?

The answers to these urgent questions, and the next steps in their epic adventure, lie within the pages of "Journey to the Past."

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Don't miss a single heart-stopping moment. Grab your copy of "Journey to the Past" today and continue the adventure!

STAY TUNED: Discover more in upcoming editions of Times of Our Lives: The Newsletter.

Welcome to GUESS THE QUOTE!!!

The Rules:

1. I will write a quote below...
2. You fill out the Google Form below (The button below) with who you think said it...
3. Wait until the next edition of TOOL: The Newsletter for the answer...
4. If you answered correctly, you will be mailed specialized "The Lies Told in the Dark" OR "Journey to the Past" bookmarks for you and your friends!

"...she kept her standards so high that I missed every single opportunity to make her happy. To justify that I AM worthy of anything that she can think of... That I AM worthy of everything I put my mind to. I release that bitterness with my exhale and continue."

The June Answer: It's obvious who asked for a hug, right? Was it Dita? Eli? Vi? No, the one to say that specific quote was... Vanessa! Did I get you on that one? I hope so! Those of you who answered correctly have been contacted already and should have received your specialized "The Lies Told in the Dark" book marks! We will have specialized bookmarks for you to earn on GUESS THE QUOTE depending on where the quote is located!!!

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Have fun and see you next month!

Calling all bookworms! 📢 Get ready for a Caldera Raffles Extravaganza! 🎉

Join me, Dina Galarza Mapes, Author, on Facebook for your chance to snag a HARDCOVER copy of "The Lies Told in the Dark" OR "Journey to the Past" for just $5! That's a steal! 🤑

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Here's the deets:

Date: Saturday July 19, 2025

Time: 2:00 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time) sharp! Don't be late! ⏰

Place: My Facebook Page: Dina Galarza Mapes, Author

How to Play: Visit my page on every third Saturday of the month at 2:00 PM EST, enter the contest by 2:15 PM EST, and BAM! We'll announce the lucky winner at 2:20 PM EST. Easy peasy! 😉

P.S. You can buy as many entries as you want! The more entries, the higher your chances of winning. 😉

✨ So, what are you waiting for? Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and get ready for a night of fun and fabulous bookish prizes! ✨

We always say that there is inspiration in everything! Through a conversation, a certain smell in the air, a small moment, anything! Here is a little inspiration to get you through the month.

In our last edition, you worked yourself through our Father's Day Jumble!

Enjoy this July Word Jumble!

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😎

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What did the ice cream say to the sun?

Uyo

Ekam

Ym

Atreh

Lmte!

🌭Here are the answers from our Father's Day Jumble🌭

Stbe Add | Best Dad

Lriglngi | Grilling

Ringsron | Snoring

Thafres Ayd | Father's Day

Carihmra | Armchair

Euqbabre | Barbeque

Morete | Remote

Traf | Fart

Nwla Rmwoe | Lawn Mower

Dad Joke | Dad Joke (This was provided by my husband and father to my children)

Tune in next time for the August Jumble in the next edition of TOOL: The Newsletter.

This section is to congratulate and display interesting people and groups who run their own businesses! I love showcasing small business owners! If you are interested in getting a shout out, please email me anytime or CLICK HERE!

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• Step into This Chapter, Port Jervis, NY's newest independent bookstore! Explore a fantastic selection of books and discover why their recent book-related events have been so popular. Interested in hosting your own event? Reach out to the owner today!

• Benny's Pizza and Deli, anyone? The delectable flavor of each piece of pizza will bring you to another world! Don't skip out on the best pizza in Huguenot! Make your takeout easy with their curbside pickup. The deals are to die for!

Keep up the fabulous work!

Love, Dina

P.S. I wouldn't be able to complete this newsletter without the help of Malerie Baker, Career Coach. I would not be able to edit "Times of Our Lives" without the help of Victoria Sheeley, Author

Don't forget to get your copy of "Journey to the Past"

Thank you for catching up with me through Times of Our Lives: The Newsletter. I love to share updates with you and hope they bring a smile to your face. Your kindness and reviews help me so much! Please feel free to CLICK HERE (or the button below) to leave a review or to spread some love to your favorite author! ;-).

If you have any news to share or just want to chat, please reach out—I’d love to hear from you! Stay well and take care, everyone. I can’t wait for the next edition of Times of Our Lives: The Newsletter!

With love,

Dina Galarza Mapes, Author

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