Michelle L. Levigne's Blog, page 22
February 6, 2024
Upcoming release sample: INQUEST
Ye Olde Dragon Books
Releasing March 1
“We have a … development,” M’kar reported,stepping onto the bridge less than half an hour after the Defendersettled into orbit around Le’anka. She gestured at the forward viewscreen, whereAnwesta slowly rotated in orbit, growing larger as the ship approached.
“Don’t tell me.” Genys looked around the bridge.“Granny got on board, despite the newest update to the drac-proof fence?”
“Exact opposite. Ask Axe where all the teacherdracs are.”
Battleaxe chirped and twisted her head, lookingaround the bridge. Genys would have liked to have laughed at her little blackdrac’s confusion, but that sort of worried her.
“She can’t find them.”
“On the ship,” M’kar said. “I can’t feel themanywhere on the ship. I sent out the call and got …” She shrugged. “Not exactlyechoes, but this definite feeling I was shouting into an empty room.”
“They have to be on the station already. Probablyteleported over as soon as we were close enough.” Decker stepped up to jointhem. Spitfire crooned and rubbed his cheek with her muzzle, then chirped inwhat certainly struck Genys as a relieved tone. “Did you get that?” His eyesnarrowed and he twisted his head to look at his drac.
“An impression they’re gone and not coming back?”M’kar leaned on the arm of the command chair. “I reached out to the dracs onthe station, and I get a strong impression of a cold shoulder, but with a lotof regret.” She snorted. “Granny is behind the effort to ignore us. Sourgrapes, I say.”
“Please, Enlo …” Genys stopped herself there. Shehad the awful feeling that despite her best efforts, a wide grin was about tosplit her face.
“Well, I did get—” M’kar paused, her head cockedto one side, eyes narrowing, in what was clearly a listening pose. “Dulit’scontacting me through our dracs …” After a few seconds, she nodded. “It’sofficial. The kids are old enough to be on their own. No more overseers.”
“No more spies for Granny,” Decker added.
February 4, 2024
New release sample: BRIGHTEN YOUR CORNER
Mt. Zion Ridge PressListen to the Books on the Ridge podcast for a discount code to get $1 off ebook, audiobook or print from Mt. Zion Ridge Press!
“What in the world …” Cilla sat forward, restingher hands on the dashboard, as Melba navigated the corner onto their street, preparingto pull into the driveway of their duplex.
“What? Who’s—is that Heinrich?” Melba tapped thebrake, but Heinrich and the young man he stomped after, up the driveway, steppedonto the sidewalk before she pulled in. Not that she would ever willingly hit Heinrich,or even tap him with the bumper, but she thought some honest fear might be goodfor the old curmudgeon. She swore he had been impossible to live with ever sinceCilla turned him down in eleventh grade and went to the prom with Eddie McGillicutty.
“Is that David?”
Melba didn’t turn her head to look. She pulledinto her usual parking spot in front of the garage, put the car into park, and turnedoff the ignition first. By the time she got the door open, Cilla was sliding outof the passenger seat. David walked down the driveway to meet them, alone. Heinrichwasn’t visible, out in front of the house, but Melba thought she heard his stomping,slapping footsteps and his grumbling voice as he headed back to his house threedriveways down the street.
“Gee, I come over here enough times, you’d thinkthe neighborhood watchdog would recognize me by now,” David greeted them, and grinned.
“He’s just being a good neighbor,” Cilla said.“You were walking around the house, weren’t you? Checking the doors and windows,like you always do?”
“Well, yeah. Gotta look out for you, y’know?”He shrugged. “I’d feel a lot better about you both if you’d let me install thathome security system my company designed. Especially with all the weird stuff that’sbeen going on in town lately. Who’d ever have thought sleepy little Cadburn wouldhave murders?”
“We appreciate your concern, but we’re fine.”She patted his hand. “Now, I’ll just bet you’re here to follow up on that messageyou left before. Not to worry. We got our investigator friend working on the problem.She says we’re well protected against Charlotte’s schemes, thanks to all the preparationwe’ve been doing for our business.”
February 2, 2024
Update: Time to Look Ahead -- Pre-Orders, Anyone?
WHEW!
I just finished narrating the last chapter of INQUEST, the next AFV Defender novel.
The book releases March 1, so there's no time to waste, getting the audio files edited and polished and uploaded. The ebook version has been uploaded and should be available for pre-order in the next few days from your favorite online store. I hope to have the print book uploaded, and also available for pre-orders, within the next week!
I'm also working on a guidebook to the AFV Defender universe. This will include a timeline, so you know where you are between the books and the short stories, wherever you happen to be reading. I'll also have some nifty character art that I've been working with a wonderful Fiverr artist on producing, slowly but surely. And, if you've ever wondered what some of the Nisandrian and Gatesh and other phrases mean, that the crew of the Defender throw around from time to time ... that will be in there too!
Speaking of pre-orders, THE BEASTLY BEAUTY, the next novel in the Enchanted Castle Archives series, is available for pre-order in paper and ebook. PLUS, it's the current story being told, two chapters every week, on the Ye Olde Dragon's Library storytelling podcast.
If you pre-order from Ye Olde Dragon Books, you'll get a new, free short story that won't be released until BEASTLY BEAUTY releases. It's called ASH, BREAD AND THE BOY, and follows our heroine, Ash, as she has an odd little adventure during her first courier run. This is a story that takes place "between the pages" in the first few chapters of BEASTLY BEAUTY.
If you're interested in pre-ordering either of these books, keep checking back here, on my website, or Ye Olde Dragon Books for the announcement and the link to the pre-order page.
February 1, 2024
It's RELEASE DAY!
It's a BOOK BIRTHDAY!
Newly released today!
BRIGHTEN YOUR CORNER
Book & Mug Mysteries #3
Ready for another search for clues in Cadburn Township?
Ready for another visit to your favorite coffee shop and bookstore, Book & Mug?
BRIGHTEN YOUR CORNER
When the Tweed cousins, Melba and Cilla, set out to open their candleshop, Brighten Your Corner, obstacles pop out of the woodwork. And from out ofthe walls and under the floor. Starting with an overbearing cousin who wants totake over, insisting the shop was her idea, a nasty former tenant with shadybusiness associates, who insists the shop they now lease still belongs to him,and a family mystery tangled with rumors of a treasure hunt.
The cousins at Book & Mug consider the Tweeds family. Eden, Kaiand Troy, with the help of Saundra and Rufus are determined to help themthrough the threats and contradictions and increasingly odd and frighteningincidents that just don't make sense. The situation gets serious enough thateven the help of mysterious, cynical Nick West, with his powerful connections,is more than welcome.
Check it out today -- buy it today from Mt. Zion Ridge Press, or anywhere you prefer to shop online. It's waiting!
January 17, 2024
King Sumo Giveaway -- So Many New Worlds Event!!!
Check out the authors in the KingSumo Giveaway event before everything gets rolling.
(Thanks to Pam Halter, who put the list together for easycopying ….)
J.L. Burrows
Tabitha Corvin
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089857391351
Michelle Levigne
Michelle Levigne, Authorand Editor
Ben Avery
https://benavery.com/maillist/
https://www.facebook.com/BenAveryStoryteller/
Trista Shaye
https://substack.com/@tristashaye?utm_source=profile-page
https://www.facebook.com/TristaShaye
Candice Pedraza Yamnitz
https://subscribepage.io/k5YZRE
https://www.facebook.com/candiceyamnitz
Amelie Lynn
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/k2a9n1
https://www.facebook.com/walshmountainpublishing
Erin R. Howard
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z6w4q4
https://www.facebook.com/E.R.H.Fiction/
And the website to sign up for PamHalter’s newsletter!
January 16, 2024
#SOMANYNEWWORLDS24
This giveaway is about visiting as many book worlds as you can in this new year2024! So join us as we celebrate writing alongside you, our awesome readers!Win books, swag, and MONEY!
I'mgoing to introduce you to some amazing authors! Take a moment to check themout! Sign up for their newsletters, and always like, follow, and comment onthis post to get the conversation started.
WHO'S EXCITED FOR...
A NewYear's Party of New Worlds!
Wewill have:
a KingSumo giveaway (8 days long) with three incredible prizesDuringthe 8 days, you can follow the virtual tour through each author's Facebookgroup page (January 20-27)
Ascavenger hunt for along the tour (Each participant will post {hide} somethingin their group page for hunters to find, and pin awelcome/next-stop-on-the-scavenger-hunt post)
Bethere LIVE for the Saturday, January 27th announcement where we will Giveaway with the announcement ofthe winners of the three separate prizes. 1.Book-Themed Swag Bundle Giveaway 2. Book Giveaway AND 3. A Grand Prize AmazonGift Card
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booknerd #readers#bookaddict #bookish #authorlife #JLBURROWSAUTHOR#bookworm#books #writing #writer#booklover #book #SOMANYNEWWORLDS24#reading
@jlburrowsauthor@steampunk_tales @tristashaye @candiceyamnitz @amylynn_walsh @erinrhoward@benaverystoryteller @michellelevigne
OnFacebook:authorpamhalter
January 15, 2024
NOW Available: MUSIC IN THE NIGHT
MUSIC IN THE NIGHT, the final book in theGuardians of the Time Stream series (steampunk/gas lamp/fantasy) is nowavailable in paper, ebook and audio.
Join my newsletter and get the prequel thatlaunched the series, ODESSA FREMONT, in ebook.
This offer ends January 31.
Click this link to sign up and claim your book.
You can unsubscribe at any time, but keep in mindthat my newsletter subscribers get a chance to claim free ebooks before they'rereleased, and get advance notice of when new books are coming out, plus achance to ask questions or make suggestions for upcoming books, and win prizesduring the year.
Why not join the fun?
Celebrate the release of MUSIC IN THE NIGHT now!
For more information about my books, check outMlevigne.com or YeOldeDragonBooks.com
#freebook
#newrelease
#steampunk
#gaslamp
#newslettersignup
#fantasybooks
#ebooks
January 10, 2024
MUSIC IN THE NIGHT -- Excerpt
Whenher father fell from grace and his colleagues and superiors chose to believethe vicious rumors that shredded his reputation, peace of mind, and his health,Carmen had thought at first Boniface had been behind those false stories; especiallywhen some of the ugly, unbelievable stories and accusations focused on her.Then he had showed up like an avenging angel, fighting to defend her father,mocking those who chose to believe the lies. Even with the taint of disgraceclinging to Carmen and Reverend Mackenzie, he had still wanted to marry her andtake both of them away to a quiet life in a small congregation waiting for him.His anger had been tempered with sorrow when Carmen refused him again.
Now...
Carmenfound she could breathe again when Boniface's blue-gray gaze slid off of hersand he turned to study the other side of the street.
"Nothing,"he said, his voice colder than the rain.
"Areyou sure you heard it?" the driver asked. In a moment, the steam-cartcarried them both out of sight.
"Youdon't hear it, idiot. You feel it. In your bones."
"Mybones are frozen."
WhateverBoniface said in response was hidden in the drumming rain, the splashing of thecart's wheels and the rumble-hiss of its engine as they continued down thestreet.
Carmenbrought her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs, hidingher face in her knees as she shuddered. For just a moment, even as memories andhurt tumbled through her mind, she had been about to open her mouth and shoutfor him. What made her think that he could possibly be willing to rescue her?
"Youare a fool, Carmen Mackenzie," she whispered. "Just as much a fool ascoming here to this great, cruel city in the first place. What ever made youthink your answers would be here?"
Sheknew the answer to that readily enough. When her mother was alive, Chicago hadbeen an adventure. A place of wonders to explore, grand edifices to gawk at,and stores and concert halls and libraries. There was always time for somethingfascinating after the missionary society business had been attended to. Carmenhad felt so sure that when she arrived in Chicago, her memories would guide herto friends of her mother, to people who could help her.
Carmen remembered her mother going on errands in thecity, always by herself, and once had asked her father who her mother hadvisited, what she had done. Reverend Mackenzie had responded that he didn'tknow. Anna had painful secrets in her past, and he trusted her when she askedhim to never ask, because knowing could be dangerous.
January 9, 2024
Ready to be COZY?
COMING!The new Book & Mug Mysteries adventure.
When the Tweed cousins, Melba and Cilla, set out to open their candleshop, Brighten Your Corner, obstacles pop out of the woodwork. And from out ofthe walls and under the floor. Starting with an overbearing cousin who wants totake over, insisting the shop was her idea, a nasty former tenant with shadybusiness associates, who insists the shop they now lease still belongs to him,and a family mystery tangled with rumors of a treasure hunt.
COMING FEBRUARY 1 from Mt Zion Ridge Press.
In paper, ebook, and audiobook.
January 7, 2024
MUSIC IN THE NIGHT -- excerpt
Beforeshe could brace herself to clutch the cross and rose again, the vibrationsstopped and the warmth faded. The wooden sidewalk rippled like waves under herfeet. A more deeply recessed doorway, offering better shelter, was only a dozensteps further down the side street. She needed to sit down, out of the rain,just for a few moments. Hunching her shoulders, Carmen staggered down thesidewalk, aiming for the darkness of the recessed doorway, praying it was dryand deep enough that she could hide from sight while she regained her balance.
Asteam-cart trundled down the street from behind her, just as she stepped intothe doorway. A whimper of gratitude escaped her clenched teeth. It was deep andwide enough she could have laid down in it, and kept her feet dry. Shegratefully sank down into the corner on the right, well out of traffic, ifanyone needed to come out of the door. Tugging her skirts down around herankles, she raised her hand to press against the cross.
Thesteam-cart came into view, framed in the doorway. It was an open steam-cart, anewer model but without any kind of roof or covering on it. Carmen snorted herdisdain for anyone who thought an open vehicle made any sense in Chicago, withits wind and seemingly constant rain. The man who drove it hunched hisshoulders, and his eyes were lost in goggles gone white with steam orcondensation. The other man in the cart stood up in the passenger sectionbehind him, one hand braced on the seat back, the other on the man's shoulder,and turned his head, surveying the street.
Carmenpaused with her hand just above the cross. She couldn't breathe. Just for aheartbeat, the man's gaze seemed to lock with hers. Despite the rain streamingfrom the flat planes of his chiseled features and darkening his golden hair,slicking it to his head, she recognized him. That flat, hard line of his mouth,she knew very well. It was the last expression she saw on his face before hewalked out of her life. Those lips had been as hard as his voice when he castigatedher for the choices she had made.
Just afew days before those angry words, he had smiled and spoke only sweet words.Why did she remember his displeasure more clearly?
Richard Boniface. He had wanted to marry her, and whenher father said no, he had insisted she should run away with him. Carmencouldn't break her father's heart, even if she had wanted Boniface more thanlife itself. Her father had raised her to consider every question and choicecarefully. Carmen had trusted her father's ability to read people more than herown heart. If he didn't trust Richard as her husband, then neither could she. Richard’sfury only confirmed her father’s wisdom in saying no. How could she trust herheart to such a changeable man?
