Times of Our Lives: The Newsletter

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Happy October! It's time for apple cider, pumpkin spice, and maybe some spooktastic decor! It's wonderful to connect with you again! I hope you're doing well and staying healthy. 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 editing Parts Three and Four of T.O.O.L. I am grateful to all of you who have supported this newsletter for almost one year! Next month- the November edition- will be one whole year of the T.O.O.L. newsletter!

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 insights, 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 and Part Two, 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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⚫We just stare at each other for a moment, and then I speak, "Clarity."

⚫Charolette
⚫Book 2, Chapter 9

⭕ William, what are you doing here? I thought you had run away.

🔷Edgar, you will pay for this.

🔷Edmund
🔷 Book 2, Chapter 8

🔺That's the point, Vanessa.

🔺Calvin

🔺Book 2, Prologue

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

This month, I wanted to share an exclusive perspective on Calvin's death. I hope this brief glimpse into his mind as he faces the end leaves you with some closure... 😉.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on what's happening here! You can reach me at DinaGalarzaMapes.Author@gmail.com.

Vanessa asks me to tell her that I love her and only her, but I can’t because I love Jasmine. Instead, I forgive her for the years of manipulation, and I released my hate for her. She calls Elias over, hands him a dagger, and Bernadette begs him not to listen to Vanessa. Vanessa sweetly tells him to kill me, but Dita wouldn’t let him.

Bernadette screeches in a panic, "NOOO, DON'T DO IT, ELIAS, RESIST HER, DON'T DO IT!" She stands in front of him, but he’s stronger, she finally says, "Please, he's your friend, Elias, please no! He loves you. I LOVE YOU!" To my surprise, he stops, admits his feelings, and they kiss. I knew they were meant to be.

Vanessa hisses at him to kill me again, and Bernadette stands strongly to protect me. However, Vanessa orders him to push her out of the way. She falls and breaks her ankle; it’s so bad that you can see the bone. I don’t want to beg for my life, but I have to if I want a chance at absolution from my daughters.

Turning around to face her, I pleaded to Vanessa with my eyes. She notices me and whispers, “Elias, stop. Please stop.” I knew that what I was about to say was going to be the last opportunity to say it. The apologies are pouring out from me to each of my daughters, Elias, and even Vanessa.

This wasn’t enough for her. She was hurt because I couldn’t reciprocate my feelings for her after all these years. I’d always hold love for her in my heart, but I do not love her, and I won’t lie to her in this final moment. With fire in her tone, she says, "Elias, kill him... NOW!"

Gasping for air as the dagger reaches my chest, I expect something more. A more immediate pain, but it doesn’t come. It’s just a warm feeling in my chest. I thought I’d at least feel the dagger pierce me. Suddenly exhausted, I fall asleep quickly.

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!

This month's Guess the Quote will be tricky! It's from the upcoming novella, Into the Void.

Good luck, and "...may the odds be ever in your favor..."

"It's been six months for me, and you'll never believe what happened."

CHAROLETTE!

If you've already read Journey to the Past, there was no questioning who said that!

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, October 18, 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 unjumbled a punny answer! Way to go, guys!!!

Enjoy this October Word Jumble!

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Namuut

Ycdna

Tgsho

Pnuimkp

Hwtci

Roecbto

Wacrores

Cried

📚Here is the answer to our September Jumble!

Why did the scarecrow win an award this month?

He

Was

Outstanding

in

His

Field

Tune in next time for the September 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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• Feeling hungry, Morristown? You have to try T-Dogs! This local, family-run business serves up mouth-watering hot dogs with delicious homemade toppings. They are a mobile business that offers both food vending and catering, so whether you're looking for a quick bite or food for your next event, T-Dogs has you covered. The friendly service is just a bonus that you're sure to love!

• Southern Grace Studios has a trained and insured photographer with a studio specializing in capturing life’s most precious moments. From the glow of pregnancy and the delicate beauty of newborns to milestone moments of childhood, senior portraits, and timeless family sessions, they create images that will be cherished for generations. From professional headshots to spectacularly illustrated full-wedding photography to children and maternity clients, Southern Grace Studios has what you need to uniquely fit YOU! Whether in-studio or on location, they combine artistry, skill, and care to create portraits you’ll treasure forever.

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 "The Lies Told in the Dark" and "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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