Love, Lies, and Treasonous Spies by Anne Shaw (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT ADULT title

 

Love, Lies, and Treasonous Spies

ADULT title

by

Anne Shaw

 

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GENRE: Regency romance

 

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BLURB:

 

Follow the gentlemen of the Tenet Club—an elusive group of noblemen that investigates crimes committed by the nobility—on a rousing journey of romance, suspense, and a guaranteed happily ever-after.

 

Sir Jack Sterling is on the trail of a treasonous spy. He follows a lead to a masquerade, where a moonlight garden—plus an inebriated heiress—equals trouble to more than his investigation.

 

Miss Rachel Farnsworth has vowed never to wed, preferring her freedom to an oppressive marriage. While at a masquerade, she steals a kiss from a masked stranger that awakes something deep inside her — a thrilling desire for genuine passion.

 

Sir Jack has no room in his volatile life for romance, yet he can’t stop thinking about Rachel. The spy threatens her life, and he is forced to take her into his confidence.

 

Following a trail of deception and lies, the pair struggle against the desire growing between them.

 

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EXCERPT

His warm chuckle cloaked her as he turned her out and then moved to face her, bowing to her curtsy. Their faces were close, near enough for her to see the bluish bruise butterflying the bridge of his nose and under his eyes.

 

“You broke your nose.” She started to reach up and skim a finger along the crooked bone but dropped her hand. An unmarried lady did not touch a gentleman in such a manner.

 

Nor kiss them on a dark terrace at a scandalous event.

 

Jack cocked his head, mischievousness playing about his mouth. “Is it too hideous then?”

 

She worried her lip and pretended to study it for a moment as if weighing her answer, before she met his vivid green eyes. The spark in them dared her to utter the truth. There was no way she would admit the injury added to his rakish charm. “No, not quite.”

 

“At least not enough to frighten small children?” He released a grin of pure devilment.

 

“I see you have not changed too much.”

 

“Indeed, I have. Thanks to my time spent in the North Country, I am even more the provincial than I once was.”

 

She bristled at the blatant untruth. His alleged trip from London to Edinburgh for estate business was a lie. Through shameless eavesdropping, she’d learned of his travels to Germany on the trail of a dangerous spy. Oh, how she wished she could question him outright about his adventures! As a Guardian, he would never answer a single query. She was not above trying, however. “Is that when you broke your nose? In Scotland? You must tell me every single detail of your trip.”

 

 Buy Links:

Amazon 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Anne Shaw is the author of both contemporary and historical romances. She lives in western Washington with her four-legged friend Larry, a quirky cat who stares at her for hours on end while she loses herself in a world where a sexy hero, and bold heroine face unsurmountable odds to reach the ultimate goal, a happily-ever-after. If you like rom-dramedies, then visit www.Anne-Shaw.com.

Twitter: @author_shaw

Email: Anne.Shaw.Author@gmail.com

 

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GIVEAWAY

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The tour dates can be found here

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My review:

Love, Lies, and Treasonous Spies by Anne Shaw is part of the ‘Tenet Gentlemen’s Club Romance’ series. It features Sir Jack Sterling, who already has his hands full, trying to identify the potential traitor among his fellow Tenet members. He is drawn to the defiant Rachel Farnsworth, who is determined to circumvent her father’s plan to force her to marry.

 

This adult historical romance has elements of danger and passion, as a young woman fights for the right to choose her life path and a beleagured gentleman struggles to honor his obligations to his mentor and resist the charms of a stubborn but alluring temptress. The hints of danger both with respect to the espionage that Jack faces and the risky path that Rachel treads to get control of her own destiny keep one interested in the story. I was occasionally frustrated by her heedlessness and by the tangled web woven by Jack and Rachel, but also by Rachel’s father, who takes both professional and personal goals very seriously. The story has nice twists and turns and is an entertaining and spicy light read.

 

 

A copy of this title was provided for review

Avocado Toast by Nancy Fraser (VBB, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

Avocado Toast

The Orchard Brides series, Book 1

by

Nancy Fraser

>

The last place Andrew (Drew) Morgan wants to be is back on the family avocado farm in Plentiful. If he had his way, he’d still be active military and deployed someplace far, far away. Unfortunately, he rarely gets what he wants. And, being back in the orchard is just the latest in a long list of disappointments.

Single mother, Chloe Taylor has relocated from Fresno to the rural area of Plentiful, California to build her marketing business beginning with the local agriculture co-op. It’s her job to convince the local farms to invest in a major overhaul of the co-op’s publicity campaign. A mixture of modern operations, and older, family-owned farms, only adds to her frustration.

At the moment, her biggest challenge is bringing the owner of Plenty Good Farms in line with the others. The fact that the old curmudgeon of an owner, Samuel Morgan, has brought his nephew in to run things gives her hope. Surely, the younger Morgan will be more amenable to her progressive ideas.

When Chloe first presents her plan the Morgan men, it’s Drew who throws a monkey wrench into his uncle’s agreement to sign the necessary contract. What she doesn’t realize is that Drew’s reluctance has more to do with his uncle’s health issues, and the possibility that he won’t be able to talk the man who raised him into retiring.

When Drew is forced by the military medical team into choosing between a desk job or retirement, he shares his frustrations with Chloe and she helps him find a new purpose outside of being a full-time farmer. It also helps that their attraction is growing. Drew has definitely fallen for the independent woman, and her adorable daughter.

Will Chloe’s faith and determination help her lead Drew through his difficult decisions and bring them what they both need... a love that transcends their everyday challenges.

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Excerpt

Drew Morgan pulled his muddy four-wheeler to a stop on the side of the road just short of the driveway leading to Plenty Good Farms. The last place he wanted to be, but where he was needed most. After nearly twelve years of active military service, he understood duty. Responsibility.

It wasn’t like the military was giving him an assignment any time soon. If ever.

He killed the engine, slid from behind the wheel, and walked around for a few minutes, working the kinks out of his bum leg and stretching his back. It wouldn’t do to arrive on his uncle’s porch with a limp.

The stubborn old coot would likely brand him injured and useless, and continue to insist he could manage on his own.

Drew knew better. Thanks to a letter from Doc Taylor, he’d been apprised of Sam’s failing health. As badly as Drew wanted to stay close to Fort Hood in hopes of haranguing them into letting him go back to work, he couldn’t very well desert the man who’d raised him from the age of ten.

C’mon, Andrew, grow a pair!

His uncle’s familiar admonishment echoed in Drew’s ears. Samuel Morgan was—if nothing else—an opinionated and cranky curmudgeon who liked nothing better than to goad people into doing what he wanted them to do.

Still, Drew loved the set-in-his-ways old man with all his heart. So much so, he’d accepted his mandatory three-month medical leave without so much as an argument. Then, he’d set out on the eighteen-hour drive from the base to the farming town of Plentiful, California in order to check on Sam for himself.

No sense putting off the inevitable any longer. Drew hopped back into the car and turned up the long, winding driveway. Parking at the rear of the century-old farmhouse, Drew took the steps two at a time, the reward for his exuberance a shooting pain that ran from behind his knee cap, up the back of his thigh, and ended in his hip. With the pain came the flash of memory he couldn’t quite escape, the loud explosion of an IED, flames shooting into the air, jagged shards of shrapnel flying everywhere.

He stopped at the door and sucked in a breath before turning the knob and stepping into the warm and welcoming kitchen.

“About time you got here, Andrew,” Sam groused from his seat at the table. He cradled an all-too-familiar cup of coffee in his sun-tanned grasp.

The first thing Drew noticed was the way Sam’s hands trembled where he held the ceramic mug. “The road was wet,” Drew countered. “I couldn’t go top speed all the way.”

Sam’s faded gray gaze narrowed in his direction. “No doubt you’ve lost all the driving skills I taught you as a teenager.”

“After maneuvering caravans of military vehicles for a dozen years, handling a lightweight four-wheel drive takes a bit of practice.”

“Yeah, well, you’re home now. You’ll catch on once you’re back on the tractor and pulling a wagon load of fresh-picked ‘cados.”

BUY LINK

Amazon

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About the Author:

Nancy Fraser is a best-selling and award-winning author who happily jumps across multiple romance genres with gleeful abandon.

She's also the granddaughter of a Methodist minister known for his fire-and-brimstone approach to his faith. Nancy has brought some of his spirit into her Christian romances. And, her own off-beat sense of humor to her clean & wholesome books.

When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five wonderful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.







Website
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Also available:

Treats From the Orchard: A Companion Cookbook to The Orchard Brides Series

Just 99 cents (please check price before purchase) or Kindle Unlimited. All proceeds to benefit the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).


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GIVEAWAY

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The tour dates can be found here

 

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My review:

3.5 stars

Avocado Toast by Nancy Fraser is the first book in the ‘Orchard Brides’ series, and centers around wounded military man Andrew (Drew) Morgan, who has reluctantly returned to his uncle’s beloved avocado farm to convalesce. He never expects that his future will be completely changed by single-mother Chloe Taylor and her enchanting young daughter, even though Chloe’s modern marketing techniques threaten to disrupt the lives of the stubbornly traditional orchard owners, such as Drew’s uncle.

 

This sweet Christian romance evokes the challenging yet rewarding life of a commercial farmer, including a sobering glimpse of the challenges of balancing climate, the market, and survival. The relationships between Drew, his uncle, Chloe, and her daughter Jessi are nicely portrayed, and I was invested in their journey together. For me, the pacing is a little uneven, and there’s a mystic element that doesn’t seem to go with the rest of the story, but this is still an entertaining light read that reminds one of the importance of faith, trust, and family

 

A copy of this title was provided for review.

 

A copy of this title was provided for review.

Inked Caffeine: Melrose and Vine by Monique Duclos (VET, excerpt, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

 

Inked Caffeine: Melrose and Vine

Book 1 in the Inked Caffeine Series

by

Monique Duclos

 

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GENRE: LGBT Romantic Suspense

 

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BLURB:

 

I was just your typical Starbucks barista without an interesting bone in my body. I liked to keep my head down and do my best to cruise through life uninterrupted, although my bright red hair made it almost impossible. Things took an interesting turn when I met Jimmy, an artist from the tattoo parlour down the street. Living and working in Hollywood, California, I met a lot of intriguing characters, but no one as intriguing as him. He brought a new light to my life that I didn't know I had, let alone one that I needed.

 

My past wasn't a great one, but I got out and made a new life for myself. And now, it felt like my future was looking better with Jimmy in it. I felt like life was finally worth living, until... everywhere you looked, something was on fire. The screaming was enough to make you go deaf and the scent of blood made you gag. My body was screaming in pain and I couldn't stop choking on all the smoke in the air. My lungs felt tight, and when I looked up, I couldn't decide if it was snowing or raining ashes. People were firing guns chaotically and I had never run so fast in my entire life. Jimmy jumped up to the roof of a parked car and I was quick to follow, bending over to catch my breath.

 

"Now where?" I panted.

 

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Exclusive Excerpt

 

Every day was kind of the same at Starbucks. We had a lot of the same recurring customers and the odd random that came in, but overall, it was just the same boring, fake smiling shit. I made fresh food every morning for the display up front and brewed almost five fresh pots of coffee, all before opening. I turned on all the machines so they could warm up, and then Angela walked in the back door, yawning.

 

“Morning!” I called out from up front.

 

“Yup . . .” she mumbled, dropping her purse and walking out to meet me. “How was your night?” she asked, leaning against the counter and rubbing her tired eyes.

 

“It was fine. Nothing special,” I mumbled.

 

“Jason had another detention yesterday . . .” she said in a very monotone voice. “The principal is talking about enrolling him in summer school,” she sighed.

 

I frowned, walking around her to the front door and flicking on the neon open sign.

 

“What’s up with him? What’s he doing?” I asked, walking back and sitting down in the kitchen.

 

She followed. “He’s being bullied by a bunch of other kids, so he gets physical. He punched this other kid in the stomach . . .” she explained, opening the fire exit door and lighting a cigarette. “I dunno. I don’t know what I’m going to do with him,” she added.

 

Just then, we both got distracted by the bell going off at the front door and we both exchanged looks.

 

“Wow. Someone’s early,” I said, laughing a bit, then standing to go greet them.

 

We’d only been open for a minute or two.

 

He looked my age, maybe a bit older, and had black messy hair. His shirt was black, his pants were black with holes in them, and he was wearing black and white converse. Both of his arms were covered in tattoos, as well as his hands and even one side of his neck. He also had a nose ring on the right side, and his left eyebrow was pierced. I was never one to judge a book by its cover because I’ve been judged my whole life because of my hair, but I was still intimidated. I arched a brow, staring at his tattooed body up and down, then made eye contact and forced a smile.

 

 

Get a copy of Inked Caffeine             

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

 

Monique lives in Southern Ontario with her high school sweetheart and her two lop eared rabbits. When she’s not writing, she’s getting tattoos, dyeing her hair, or travelling. She is an avid concert-goer and has way too many houseplants.

 

Connect with Monique Duclos

 

WEBSITE 

INSTAGRAM 

TWITTER 

GOODREADS

 

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GIVEAWAYS

The author is running a Goodreads giveaway during the blog tour. Anyone in the U.S. with a Goodreads account can sign up to win a free e-copy of Inked Caffeine: Melrose and Vine. Here's the link

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Bookworms...feed your addiction!

 

There's a special giveaway...TODAY ONLY!

Multiple genres, multiple platforms!

Available at this link

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The Raven and the Pig by Lou Kemp (NBtM, guest post, excerpt, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

 

It is my pleasure to share a guest post by author Lou Kemp, who explains...

Which authors have influenced me and why

by

Lou Kemp

 

               Long ago, when I first started writing, I read voraciously exclusively in the mystery genre.  Then in horror.  I loved Elizabeth Peters' Egyptian series because it was hilarious.  The point wasn’t the plot, it was the relationship between the characters and their world.  The historical elements painted the story with so much realism, I could feel the warm sand between my toes.  To balance that, I became a fan of Jonathan Kellerman’s psychological thrillers, and to this day I favor him over others because of his plots.  Both authors contributed to finding what I liked in books, which became what I would write about. 

               In horror, Nancy Holder had the subtle smooth flair that kept the story a story, not a gore fest, and she only used blood where necessary for the plot--- not as the plot.

               Fast forward to the 1990s.  I do not know her name, but while at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference, where we read our stories aloud, I found something that changed my direction entirely.  I do not know her name, but the author read a story that was part real, part fantasy, but it couldn’t be proved it didn’t happen.  From then on, I wanted that in my stories and the next year won the award there for Fantasy and Horror with my story The Black and the Ivory.  It was in a small press at the time, and might be available.  One day I’ll put all my short stories into a volume.

               Zippppppppppp.  Now it is 2016, and I used all of my fascination with fantasy and mystery to enter the story In Memory of the Sibylline in the Mystery Writers of America’s anthology Crimes by Moonlight, edited by Charlane Harris.  It was the first appearance of Celwyn.  It became the catalyst to explore his world and learn from him as we go.  I’m working on book 6 of the series now.

               I believe in unpredictability.  It makes the story interesting and strong.  I’ve found great feedback and help from authors Anita Dickason, Benjamin X. Wretlind, and James Backstrom.  Each sees things I don’t and are not afraid to tell me about them.

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The Raven and the Pig

by

Lou Kemp

 

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GENRE:   Magical realism

 

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Synopsis of The Raven and the Pig   Book 2

As the music dies, the magician Celwyn is mortally wounded.  His darker, immortal brother Pelaez brings him back, barely, with his magic. The party of protagonists travel on the Nautilus to the Cape Verde Islands and the healer of immortals.  During the journey, Professor Kang and Bartholomew can not tell if Pelaez will keep his brother alive.  Captain Nemo is ready to evict Pelaez forcibly, and keeping Celwyn alive is the only thing that restrains him.

 

After Celwyn is saved, the healer requests payment for his services. This sends the adventurers to the catacombs in Capuchin where their experience is one they will not forget. Before it is over, several of the protagonists question why it seems everyone from warlocks and vampires to witches, seem to be congregating in their world. Before it is over, some of them become surprising allies, and a few of their allies turn against them.

 

In part II, work on the new flying machine begins in earnest bringing attention from the Mafioso and a cherub-like warlock called Duncan.  After a final battle with Duncan, the flying machine is destroyed and everyone at their compound is murdered by one of their own. 

 

 

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EXCERPT

Captain Nemo had joined them, watching the undersea scene as they passed by dozens more buildings.  The glow of the Nautilus’ lamps illuminated the ruins, then dissipated and the inky water enveloped everything.  They slowed in front of a procession of grand marble stairs leading upward and a mirroring set of steps led downward to an abyss below.

 

“The main temple,” Captain Nemo told them as an enormous ivory building materialized out of the dark water.  “I’m not sure what that is.”

 

Kang tried his best to see further into the water, but failed.  “I would love to use your diving apparatus to explore this, Captain.”

 

From beside him, Verne licked his lips and said, “What is all of this?”

 

Nemo hesitated and looked at the author as though deciding if he should tell him. 

 

Pelaez had joined them, without using the door or walking across the room.  He just appeared.  After enjoying Bartholomew’s gasp, he had no reservations in describing the scene.  “It has to be Atlantis.  Nothing else would be this big, or advanced.”  He leaned toward the glass.  “My, my.  Just as I imagined it.”  He examined the landscape another moment.  “Though, I do not see a great deal of destruction, considering.”

 

The Professor stared.  He didn’t see any bones from human corpses, just from animals.  How odd.  Pelaez had referred to the sudden disappearance of Atlantis, one minute a thriving metropolis of culture and wonderment, the next, gone, as if it never existed.  Where were the people? 

 

Thousands of bubbles erupted from under the ship as they passed over another underground steam vent, this one much larger than the others.  As the shadow of the submarine covered the vent, Bartholomew stared into the roiling water and said, “No destruction at all.  Do you know what happened here, Captain?”

 

Nemo’s glance at the author probably included a wish that Celwyn was healthy enough to put a block on what Verne saw and heard.  Pelaez might be able to do something similar, but he couldn’t be trusted.

           

With a shrug, Nemo said, “There are many theories.  Plato wrote a great deal about Atlantis, as did Mikonisis.”

 

“Yet, this looks like neither one,” Bartholomew speculated.  “There are differences in what we see here compared to the long-standing descriptions from Plato and others.”  He pointed to the building in front of them. “Such as the sculptures depicted on the buildings.  I wonder …. that last steam vent was huge.  As wide as this ship.  I … I think we’re passing over an active volcanic cap ….”

 

“Perhaps.  The field of ruins here is enormous.  Doesn’t it seem like this city just sank beneath the waves?”  the Professor asked.  “However, I see no volcanic ash or sludge on the buildings.  Why?  The lava would have hardened when it met the water.”

 

As they talked, the Nautilus had gradually ascended as the seafloor rose, and the reflection from streaks of brighter water painted their faces.  Bartholomew pointed to the buildings.  “Is it simple? That the sea levels rose, and covered everything?”

 

Pelaez had watched the last of the buildings and houses go by with a special kind of light behind his disturbing eyes.  He asked a question intended to make things even more puzzling.

 

“Gentlemen, what if they built the city under water in the first place?”

 

 Amazon link

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Early work was horror and suspense, later work morphed into a combination of magical realism, mystery and adventure painted with a horrific element as needed.

I’m one of those writers who doesn’t plan ahead, no outlines, no clue, and I sometimes write myself into a corner. Atmospheric music in the background helps. Black by Pearl Jam especially.

More information is available at LouKemp.com. I'd love to hear from you and what you think of Celwyn, Bartholomew, and Professor Xiau Kang.

Milestones:

2009 The anthology story Sherlock’s Opera appeared in Seattle Noir, edited by Curt Colbert, Akashic Books. Available through Amazon or Barnes and Noble online. Booklist published a favorable review of my contribution to the anthology.

2010 My story, In Memory of the Sibylline, was accepted into the best-selling MWA anthology Crimes by Moonlight, edited by Charlaine Harris. The immortal magician Celwyn makes his first appearance in print.

2018 The story, The Violins Played before Junstan is published in the MWA anthology Odd Partners, edited by Anne Perry. The Celwyn series begins.

Present The full length prequel, The Violins Played before Junstan, to the Celwyn book series is published on Kindle. The companion book, Farm Hall is also published where Pelaez, another immortal magician and Celwyn's brother, makes his first appearance. The remaining books in the series: Music Shall Untune the Sky, The Raven and the Pig, The Pirate Danced and the Automat Died, will be available beginning in August 2021.

 

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GIVEAWAY

The tour dates can be found here:

 

The Woods of Hitchcock by Ann W. Jarvie (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

The Woods of Hitchcock

The Henrietta series

by

Ann W. Jarvie

GENRE: Thriller, Psychological Suspense

 

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BLURB:

 

The Woods of Hitchcock by award-winning author Ann W. Jarvie is a thriller about a psychically gifted Chicago copywriter and victim of violence who returns to South Carolina's equestrian country to solve a riddle involving murder, the metaphysical and the secrets of her eccentric family.

 

Suzanne Clayborn is a psychically gifted southerner working in her dream job in Chicago, which also conveniently takes her away from the ghosts of her past. But when she's nearly killed, she realizes all she wants is to return home to her eccentric family, her horse and the one place she feels safe: Hitchcock Woods, an enchanting equestrian forest in South Carolina.

 

But instead of finding solace, Suzanne becomes entangled in a murder spree, while stumbling upon an old manuscript, written by her sage grandmother. As she explores it, Suzanne uncovers a tome of long-buried family haunts and ancient metaphysical secrets offering healing and inspiration. She also begins to understand her unwanted psychic abilities, especially after meeting a mysterious stranger in the Woods whose ominous riddle suggests others close to her will die within the week...

 

Brimming with raw emotion and a trail of psychological twists, a story of hope and transformation begins to unfold. Yet with the riddle's deadline looming, Suzanne's present must ultimately collide with a violent past. Will she be able to solve her life's riddle and fulfill her destiny? Or will she die along with those she loves?

 

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EXCERPT

“Don’t take this the wrong way, Gran, but do you think Joe Loco could be a ghost?” Suzanne asked, recognizing some physical similarities to JB, although they did not look exactly the same.

 

“My heavens, no,” Henrietta said and paused as though trying to sense the truth of it. After a few moments, she looked straight into Suzanne’s eyes. “No,” she repeated. “He is most assuredly not an earth-bound ghost.”

 

Suzanne let out a breath of relief. “Good!”

 

“Bears Repeating, whom we called Joe Loco, was not a confused soul, and he had no unfinished business,” Henrietta said. “He lived an extraordinary life of helping people recover from trauma and other soul-loss issues. He was the only truly enlightened person I’ve ever had the honor and privilege of knowing in this life. I’m sure he ascended into heaven when he passed from his physical body. That was more than ten years ago. But sometimes, I’ve felt his presence. I know when he visits me.”

 

“Do you see him?”

 

“No, I don’t have the gift of clairvoyance as you do. For me, I can empathically sense his good energy just swoop in and visit sometimes. It may sound funny, but I can also feel his deep sense of humor. He reminds me to laugh. And then I do.” She let go a stream of giggles and tears.

 

“I’m really glad to hear that,” Suzanne said, joining in with Gran’s laughter. “I was beginning to think JB, the guy I met in the Woods, might be your Joe Loco. You’ve no idea how relieved I am.”

 

Henrietta slowed her giggling and wiped her eyes. “I’m well aware that you believe Hitchcock Woods doesn’t allow ghosts.”

 

“Guess it’s just a coincidence that JB and Joe Loco have a lot in common.”

 

“What makes you say that?”

 

“JB speaks like a guru, although he has a strong southern accent. Like Joe Loco, he has light-brown skin, shiny black hair and wears colorful clothing. Except his clothes are not Elvis style, but rather, as I mentioned before, those of a southern frat boy.”

 

“I don’t believe in coincidences,” Henrietta said. “Perhaps he is your Joe Loco.”

Amazon link

Barnes and Noble

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Ann W. Jarvie has a B.A. in journalism and twenty-five years’ experience as a writer in advertising and public relations agencies, in Chicago and South Carolina. Although it stands completely on its own, The Woods of Hitchcock is an indirect sequel to Jarvie’s award-winning debut novel, The Soul Retrieval, which received four literary awards, the highest score by Writer’s Digest e-Book Awards’ judges (5 out of 5 on all points) as well as myriad positive reviews. Jarvie currently lives in Paradise Valley, Arizona with her husband, their boxer dog and boxer mix rescue.

 

Website and Social Media:

 

AnnWJarvie.com

facebook.com/annwjarvie

instagram.com/annwjarvie

twitter.com/annwjarvie

 

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GIVEAWAY

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My review:

 

3.5 out of 5 stars

 

“The Woods of Hitchcock” by Ann W. Jarvie follows successful copywriter Suzanne Clayborn on her journey as both her professional and personal life are thrown into chaos by another frightening near-death experience. She has to find a way to integrate the advice she’s receiving with the disturbing events that surround her and to connect with her abilities and reach her true potential before things turn fatal…possibly for her or someone close to her.

 

This metaphysical and paranormal suspense story starts with a chilling event that gives a glimpse of Suzanne’s powers. As the story unfolds, more details about how her life was changed are interspersed with hints about spiritual connections and her family’s ties to Native American mysticism. There are a lot of poignant twists and turns, and danger that mounts as Suzanne encounters more and more mysteries, and one gets a feel for a different way of life through the extensive descriptions of Hitchcock Woods and some of the events it hosts.

I would have liked to have more depth to the secondary characters because so many of them seemed to have pivotal roles but only a brief time in the spotlight, so it was difficult to establish an emotional connection to them. Suzanne’s powers to see and communicate with ghosts are only intermittently alluded to, and I was surprised at some of her actions as I would think she’d want all of the clues she could get.

Those who are concerned with such things should be advised that there are occasional limited forays into a secondary character’s point of view, as well as a few inconsistencies and stereotypes that are a bit frustrating.

I liked the guidance to self-knowledge that Suzanne receives from several sources, and I think the advice that we need to empower ourselves to heal the spiritual wounds we carry because, “A negative mindset and negative emotions about it all keep old wounds in place.” is very apropos to all of us. The wonderful connection between horses and those who work with them is nicely evoked, and I think those who enjoy a mystery thriller with a mystical twist should give this story a try.

 

A copy of this title was provided for review