Laura McNeill's Blog, page 21
February 6, 2013
Setting for Stardust Summer
in Upstate New York
The setting for my new release, Stardust Summer, is a place very near and dear to my heart. Since I’m releasing the book (fingers crossed xx!), I wanted to share what is special and fun about the region. As a child, I spent two weeks every summer at various cottages along Keuka Lake, the first of which is pictured below. I have fond memories of campfires, picking raspberries, learning how to water ski, and catching fish with my brothers.
Keuka is one of many Glacier-carved lakes and provides clear, cool water for swimming, boating, and fishing all summer long. The photo below is of me and my mom on the Esperanza Rose, which provides a lovely dinner boat cruise along the shoreline.
Garrett Chapel is also featured in my novel and is a real place on Bluff Point. The chapel was built almost one hundred years ago to honor the memory of Paul Garrett, who died of tuberculosis in 1929. You can find out more about the history of the Garrett family and their contributions to the area’s thriving wine industry by visiting http://www.garrettchapel.org.
After nearly thirty years of vacationing on Keuka Lake, I am happy to report that my parents FINALLY bought a second home in Penn Yan—location of our annual family reunion and a favorite place for my own children to visit. It is, hands-down, my favorite vacation spot on the planet and the place that brings me the most happiness and peace.
I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!
xx, Lauren
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January 30, 2013
Stardust Summer Details & Excerpt
Release Date, Details, & Excerpt
Happy Wednesday! I am so pleased to share that my manuscript, Stardust Summer, has been safely delivered for formatting to Shannon and Toni at Duolit.
Plans are to release the ebook version of the novel Thursday, February 14th, with my month-long blog tour with ABG Reads Book Tours (thank you Colette Chmiel) running from February 20th – March 20th! The paperback will follow, with a targeted release of late March or early April.
Of course, there will be fun prizes! In honor of the Mardi Gras season, I’ll be giving away four baskets of goodies: beads, masks, decorations, and yummy sweets!
I’ll be posting more details in the coming two weeks, but for now, please enjoy this excerpt! If you’d like to host a stop on the blog tour (and get a free ebook copy of Stardust Summer and virtual hugs from me, please contact Colette at abgreadsbooktours@gmail.com)
Chapter 1
In the rush to escape the scorching rays of the swollen Mississippi sun, the plain brown package could have been missed all together.
As she fumbled with her keys, Grace wished for the faintest hint of a breeze. It was ninety-five in the shade, she noted, as a bead of sweat tickled the back of her neck. Nearby, her son kicked a loose stone on the concrete, his face flushed the color of his canvas backpack.
Grace jiggled the lock one more time, and the door finally swung open, releasing a welcome blast of chilled air. Evan slipped by, and she heard the bump of his bag as he dropped it on the wooden floor; the thud-thud as he kicked off his tennis shoes.
It was then she noticed the small package, tucked in the corner of their white wooden porch swing. Adrenaline pumped through her veins as Grace knelt down and reached for the delivery.
“Mom? Did you hear me?” Evan called out.
Startled, Grace looked up. “No. I’m sorry, honey. What is it?”
Her son stuck his head out the door, brow furrowed. “Can I go over to Adam’s?”
Attempting a wide smile, Grace nodded. “Sure, sweetie. But, before you go, I think Papa sent you a surprise.” She tossed the box to her son.
With a whoop of joy, Evan caught the package in both hands and ran back inside. Grace followed close behind, holding her breath. After peeling off rows of tape, Evan pulled out a small card with several bills tucked inside. Below that, beneath layers of tissue paper, his grandfather had also included a pair of swimming goggles.
Evan unfolded the note and scanned the lines. “Papa wants us to come to the lake,” he said, grinning and examining his new treasure. “Can we, Mom, this time, please? School’s almost over.”
Grace stiffened. She would call her father with regrets tomorrow between classes. Grace earned a tiny salary—barely enough for the two of them to live on—but working as a teacher’s aide allowed her to stay close to her son.
“We’ll see,” she said, trying for a casual response.
Undeterred, Evan hummed to himself and stuffed the cash into his pocket. After setting the goggles on the table, he headed for the door. “There’s something else in the box for you. Later, Mom.”
The door closed tight with a bang.
Grace stared after her eight-year-old son and blinked. Later, Mom? When had Evan become such a little man? So grown up?
So much like her own father.
Evan possessed Henry Mason’s easy smile, his throaty laugh, and smart sense of humor. Her son had the same head of thick, dark hair, identical bright, inquisitive eyes, and an even jawline that matched her father’s.
For two people separated by fifty years in age, a dozen states, and one time zone, the similarities were remarkable.
They barely knew each other, though her father called every week and mailed gifts once a month without fail. Henry had moved from Mississippi shortly after Hurricane Katrina; he’d taken a new job on a Wednesday in August and moved the following Friday, assuming the role of Vice President of Keuka College easily. To Henry Mason, the change was no more complicated than shrugging on a new sport coat and tie.
Grace squeezed her eyes shut. He’d invited them to visit a dozen times. It didn’t matter. Henry Mason could send round-trip, first-class plane tickets, a million dollars, and Santa Claus with his sleigh and reindeer. She still wasn’t coming. And Evan wasn’t either.
Which was why Grace rid the house of reminders, anything extra her father mailed. In fact, she’d do it right now. With a shaking hand, she reached for the cardboard package and tissue paper.
As Grace tilted the box to one side, an embossed invitation, a letter, and photograph spilled out. She stared, willpower evaporating, and unfolded the loose, white page. At the mention of Kathleen’s name, her spine stiffened.
Grace, I officially retired yesterday—for good this time—can you believe it? I’ll be staying busy with my boat and the house, and, of course, driving Kathleen crazy.
Hope you’ll make it to the Mason Library dedication…it’s your name on the building, too.
I found this photo the other day. Doesn’t this beautiful girl look happy? Give Evan a hug.
Love, Dad
Gingerly, Grace picked up the picture. It was faded, the edges yellowed. In the image, she was about as old as Evan, with dark pigtails, hair curling up at the ends, and a huge smile that showed gaps in her teeth.
Thick rows of Mississippi sugarcane, jointed and dense, filled the background. Grace caught her breath. She could almost smell the sweet, earthy fragrance, and she imagined the green fronds waving in the breeze, like an army of soldiers marching home.
Grace pressed the photograph to her chest, hoping Evan wouldn’t burst through the door. He didn’t need to see his mother sobbing over a silly memory.
What was her father doing? Trying to convince her that they were still a family? That she should come to New York for a big reunion?
Grace wiped her cheeks. Henry Mason charmed everyone, even total strangers. He was always the life of the party—and would be at the Mason Library Dedication—with his jokes and fantastical stories. By the end of the night, he’d sing a line or two from ‘Stardust.’
Just like when she was little. He’d convince her that everything would be fine.
This time, not a chance.
Henry Mason made his choice. She’d made hers.
Mississippi was home. Nothing would change that.
Story Summary:
Single mom Grace Mason doesn’t believe in miracles, magic, or love at first sight. She likes the quiet life, complete with her eight-year-old son, their tiny house, and her teaching job. For Grace, happiness means that nothing much ever changes in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
Then, one thousand miles away, tragedy strikes. A massive heart attack leaves Grace’s estranged father comatose in an Upstate New York hospital. While a team of doctors fight to keep Henry Mason alive, Grace and Evan rush to his bedside to say their final goodbyes.
Henry’s passing brings little closure for Grace, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to her new surroundings. What begins as a short trip results in an entire summer spent with Henry’s second wife, Katherine, and her next-door neighbor, Ryan Gordon, the town doctor. When a series of unlikely events lead to Evan’s disappearance, Grace must face her worst fears to find her son and bring him back home.
Stardust Summer explores the complexities of forgiveness, what it means to be a family, and the fabulous possibility of falling in love—again.
Enjoy your week!
xx, Lauren
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January 16, 2013
Spotlight on New Author Laura Howard
The Forgotten Ones
Please welcome my dear friend and debut author, Laura Howard, to LaurenClarkBooks.com. Please check out the lovely new cover for The Forgotten Ones, add her book on GoodReads, and enter to win $50 in her Rafflecopter giveaway!
Genre: NA Paranormal Fantasy Romance
Expected release date: May 15, 2013
Age Group: New Adult
Cover Designer: Stephanie Mooney
Book Description:
Allison O’Malley just graduated from college. Her life’s plan is to get a job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She doesn’t have room for friends or even Ethan, who clearly wants more.
When Allison’s long-lost father shows up, he claims he can bring her mother back from the dark place her mind has sent her. He reveals legends of a race of people long forgotten, the Tuatha de Danaan, along with the truth about why he abandoned her mother.
Laura Howard | Facebook | Twitter
Share on Facebook and/or Twitter and you could win a $50 Amazon (or B&N) Gift card!
Enter here:
Rafflecopter giveaway
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January 9, 2013
Stardust Summer February Release
Okay, everyone, my BIG announcement is already two days later, which should tell you something…but the news is that I’ve decided to release one of my backlist titles, Stardust Summer. I’m working with my dynamic team —Damonza, my fabulous cover designer, publicist Laura Pepper Wu (editor extraordinaire), and Toni and Shannon of DuoLit fame—for a mid-February release on Kindle, iTunes, Nook, and Kobo.
Here’s a sneak peek at the cover—I’d love to know what you think! A brief summary of the storyline is below.
Stardust Summer
Single mom Grace Mason doesn’t believe in miracles, magic, or love at first sight. She likes the quiet life, complete with her eight-year-old son, their tiny house, and her teaching job. For Grace, happiness means that nothing much ever changes in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
Then, one thousand miles away, tragedy strikes. A massive heart attack leaves Grace’s estranged father comatose in an Upstate New York hospital. While a team of doctors fight to keep Henry Mason alive, Grace and Evan rush to his bedside to say their final goodbyes.
Henry’s passing brings little closure for Grace, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to her new surroundings. What begins as a short trip results in an entire summer spent with Henry’s second wife, Katherine, and her next-door neighbor, Ryan Gordon, the town doctor. When a series of unlikely events lead to Evan’s disappearance, Grace must face her worst fears to find her son and bring him back home.
Stardust Summer explores the complexities of forgiveness, what it means to be a family, and the fabulous possibility of falling in love—again.
Thanks for taking a moment to preview this new title. Stardust Summer begins in Mississippi, but for the most part, takes place in the town where I spent all of my summers as a girl. The Finger Lakes are a beautiful region in Upstate New York, graced with glacier-carved lakes. Keuka Lake, where my parents have a year-round cottage, is the place I take my own children every summer.
While I’m working on this ebook release, I’ll also be writing Pie Girls, as well as participating in speaking events, traveling, and getting ready for my first author event at the annual Eufaula Pilgrimage (yay!).
Please share any comments, suggestions, or thoughts!!! Hope you have a wonderful day …..
xx, Lauren
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January 4, 2013
Happy New Year Giveaway!
Happy New Year to All! I wanted to take a moment and share how blessed I feel with new friendships I’ve made throughout this past year. It’s been an amazing experience to talk with readers from all over the world, share ideas with my fellow authors, and actually meet some of my new friends in person (Hello Lorelei in Orlando!).
Last night, I was honored to be the featured speaker for the Mobile Writers Guild. What a great group of talented and diverse writers representing all genres from YA to Geek Romance! It was a fun night and we had a fantastic turnout for the talk with more than twenty members in attendance.
President Carrie Cox, me, and VP Angela Quarles
Mobile Writers Guild Meeting January 3, 2013
I can report that no one fell asleep during my talk about my experience with publishing—pursuing traditional publishing with an agent and also managing my own publishing company, Camellia Press. I was thrilled that so many members asked interesting questions. We chatted a lot about ebook options, pricing decisions, cover design, and my new venture into audiobooks with both Dancing Naked in Dixie and Stay Tuned. It’s been a great year for both books, as combined sales topped 7,500.
Fellow author Joyce Sterling Scarbrough and MWG member Sam stayed after to chat about their work, along with Candice Conner (not pictured below) who hails from Geneva, Alabama (near Eufaula where Dixie is set). I guarantee that Sam was saying something to make me laugh in this photo!!
me, Joyce Sterling Scarbrough, and Sam
Mobile Writers Guild Meeting January 2013
Again, a big thank you to Mobile Writers Guild for hosting me! And huge hugs to all of my friends and readers….I hope that 2013 brings good health, great memories and much happiness to you and your families.
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear your New Year’s dream or resolution. I’ll send the first five people who comment a signed paperback copy of Dancing Naked in Dixie with a bookmark! (P.S. If you already own a copy of Dixie, you know that I love you….and I will send your copy to a friend or family member of your choosing!)
Please leave your EMAIL below so that I can contact you fabulous folks!
xx, Lauren
P.P.S. Stay Tuned for more news on Monday …. I’ll be releasing one of my backlist titles in February (fingers crossed)! I’ll tell you all about it January 7th!
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December 7, 2012
Silken Sands Star Contest
2013 Silken Sands Self-Published Star Contest
The 2013 Contest is open! All entries must be received and in paid status no later than January 5, 2013.
The fee is $25 per entry. Please submit your payment first, via PayPal to info@gccrwa.com.
After you have paid, forward a copy of your PayPal receipt to GCCStarContest@gmail.com, and send your submission using the “Enter Contest” link to your left.
Categories:
Contemporary (Single Title)
Romantic Suspense (Single Title)
Inspirational (Single Title)
Paranormal (Single Title)
Historical (Single Title)
Young Adult
Erotica
Novella (20,000 – 40,000 Words)
Short Story (5,000-19,999 Words)
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In addition, Author Kelly Stone (member of GCCRWA, sponsor of the Star Contest) is offering the following classes in January and March. Check them out!
NO MATTER HOW BUSY YOU ARE, YOU CAN FIND TIME TO WRITE
January 2013
Please email Kelly if you are interested at kelly@authorkellylstone.com
FREE YOUR CREATIVE MIND
March 2013
Register here: http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/showevent.php?eventid=1738
www.AuthorKellyLStone.com
xx, Lauren
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December 5, 2012
LCB Spotlight: Kathy Lynn Harris
Imagine if Maeve Binchy grew up in Texas and wrote an old-school Larry McMurtry novel. Think Hope Floats meets High Fidelity.
That’s how critics are describing A Good Kind of Knowing—a new novel from Kathy Lynn Harris—author of the highly acclaimed and number-one Amazon bestseller, Blue Straggler.
A Good Kind of Knowing is a novel about the power of music and friendship, the relationship two-steps that go on in old Texas dance halls, and the secret to finding just a little bit of common ground in a world full of distrust.
Story Summary
Sera Taylor’s store is the one place in Lakeville, Texas, where individuals from all walks of life share a universal love for music and a respect for the gypsy-like woman behind the antique glass counter. Readers get a taste of the unorthodox connection between Sera and Mack, a young local cowboy and musician, and Sera’s previously untested devotion to her husband Bill. They learn of her relationship with Ruby D., the vibrant but misguided mother of five; with Louie, the shy high school band director; with Beverly, the religious, upper-class socialite; with Antonio, a local bar owner striving to make a life for himself; with Tommy Lee, a rich and directionless gigolo; and with Wes, the only out-of-the closet gay man for miles. As Sera battles a serious illness, the characters must overcome long-held stereotypes to save Sera’s store, and in the end, large parts of themselves.
Praise:
“Engaging, emotionally accurate, visual and funny.
“My head is full of your story. It took me only two and a half days to read the book cover to cover, which means I was doing it every spare minute.”
“You pulled me right in.”
“I feel like I’m right there—I can feel the Texas heat and see the small town and the people who populate it.”
“The characters are diverse and interesting, and each has a unique personality that adds to the entire canvas of the story.”
“I know these people. What’s more, I like them, even despite their faults.”
“The pace is comfortable, the characters rich and colorful. The events are anything but predictable; I was always wondering what’s going to happen next.”
BUY A Good Kind of Knowing:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009V3G93O
More about Kathy Lynn Harris:
blog – http://www.kathylynnharris.com/blog
twitter - http://twitter.com/KathyLynnHarris
facebook - http://www.facebook.com/BlueStragglerFiction
BIO:
I grew up in rural South Texas and come from people who work hard, love the land and know how to have a good time on a Saturday night.
As a writer, I’m lucky to have been surrounded by exceptional characters throughout my life, many of whom have lived their lives exactly the way they wanted. The rest of the world could take `em or leave `em! I only hope that I have one ounce of the gumption they had.
In 2001, I made the move from Texas to the Colorado Rockies to focus on my writing and soak up All Things Mountain.
By day, I work for a healthcare analytics firm as a senior creative writer and project manager. By night, after 11 years living at the top of a mountain, I now make my home in a 1920s log cabin in the mountain-foothills west of Denver, with my husband and son, plus two fairly untrainable golden retriever mixes.
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December 3, 2012
Christmas Tour in Eufaula
I was invited to spend my Saturday in lovely Eufaula, Alabama for the annual Christmas Tour.
What an amazing, fabulous day! Hundreds of people descended on Shorter Mansion to purchase tickets for the home tour, chat with local historians, and enjoy a delicious lunch in the warm Alabama sunshine.
The Eufaula Heritage Association set up a little table for me near the front door, and I had a great time talking to and signing books for folks from all over the United States and Canada. I met a couple from Ottawa, Ontario, a group of ladies from Arkansas, and a small busload of tourists from Florida. I was also thrilled to see my friend, Linda Hicks, who lives in Eufaula. She stopped at Shorter Mansion to say a quick hello before the big Alabama-Georgia game!
My favorite moments of the day were spent with my new friend and fellow writer Sydni (who lives in Eufaula and was generously volunteering her time for the Christmas Tour). She just returned from six months in Hong Kong and was recently accepted to the Savannah School of Art and Design. Sydni and I had a great time talking about writing, books, and her bright future as an author, artist, and photographer.
This was the scene as I drove into Eufaula Saturday morning. The lake was so peaceful and pretty that I had to stop and snap a photo!
A special thank you goes out to the Eufaula Heritage Association for having me to the event, and specifically: Pam Snead, Jane, Tara Bennett, and the many other ladies who graciously talked to visitors and friends about Dancing Naked in Dixie.
Happy Holidays Everyone. Peace and Love to you this season.
xx, Lauren
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November 28, 2012
LCB Author Spotlight: Janet Nodar
Today, Lauren Clark Books welcomes Alabama author Janet Nodar. I’ve asked Janet to interview her main character from Trumpet Field and Other Stories. I hope that you enjoy Janet’s fun and fascinating interview with Kristal Gibson Jaramillo.
Please, read on, and check out the photo below to find out why I think Janet is fearless and fabulous!
Take it away, Janet……
My new collection, Trumpet Field and Other Stories, is now available through Kindle, Nook and Smashwords. Several of these stories have been published before, in magazines ranging from GSU Review to Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, and a few have been anthologized. Of course, once they were published they kind of disappeared into the ether. Putting them together in an e-book collection seemed like a nice way to bring them back to life. I wrote a new story for a recurring character, Kristal Gibson Jaramillo, when local publisher Mod Mobilian decided to print a physical book.
8 Questions for Kristal Starlene Gibson Jaramillo
Here’s a little background on Kristal: She is in her early thirties. She was born and raised in Bitter Tree, Alabama, a small Gulf Coast town south of Mobile. She finished high school and left home for several years, traveling and working, ending up in New Mexico, where she met her husband, Francisco Jaramillo. An investigative reporter, he was murdered after they’d been married a little more than two years. Kristal and her small son, Saul, moved back home to Bitter Tree, where she lives with her parents. Kristal was an officer with the Bitter Tree police department for several years. She now works as a private detective, helps her father on the family farm and works with her sister at her restaurant, the Bitter Tree Lounge.
JN: What did you want to be when you grew up?
KJ: Oh, so many things. One day I’d want to be a firefighter, the next a mom with sixteen kids. I did want to be an explorer for a long time. I read a lot, you know. It kind of polluted my mind.
JN: Jock or princess in high school? If you liked sports, which did you play?
KJ: My older sister was the princess, and my younger sister was the jock. I was the rebel, the middle girl. Trouble. Drove my poor parents crazy. I always loved playing softball, basketball, any kind of pickup game when I was little, but I was way too cool for organized sports when I was in middle and high school.
JN: Which is worse? A hangover or a really bad sunburn?
KJ: A sunburn, no doubt. You can see I’m about the color of milk. I’ve never had a real tan in my life.
JN: Favorite food?
KJ: I do have a serious sweet tooth. Chocolate pecan pie, I reckon. Or anything my Mama makes. Greens, cornbread, catfish. I love southern food. I missed it a lot when I was living in New Mexico, although I did acquire a taste for green chile and all that. I’m kind of an equal-opportunity eater, for all that I’m so skinny.
JN: Dream vacation?
KJ: I’ve never been to Europe. I’d love to go to London and Paris, see all the places I’ve read about.
JN: Best advice you’ve ever received?
KJ: That’s kind of a hard one for me. After my husband was killed, my mother-in-law told me that it was not disloyal of me to still be alive, to still want… I don’t know how to explain this, exactly. I kind of felt like I had died, too, but then one day I wanted to keep on going. She made me see that it was okay for me to feel that way. And of course I had my son to take care of.
JN: Worst advice?
KJ: “Just one more kamikaze. What can it hurt?”
JN: For your wedding, share something old, something new, something borrowed, & something blue.
KJ: Haha! I had a shotgun wedding, girlfriend. Well, not literally, but Francisco asked me to marry him when he realized I was pregnant — I thought I just had the flu, but he knew better. Held my hair back while I was throwing up and then asked me if I felt like going over to the courthouse to get married. I brushed my teeth first, of course. And we stopped off at the drugstore to get a pregnancy test. So maybe the baby was the something new!
MORE on Author JANET NODAR
The photo of me was taken Oct 31. My husband had been invited to go skydiving at the navy base in Pensacola. I drove over with him just to keep him company, and ended up being invited to jump, too. (Tandem jumping, of course!) I watched an earlier round of novice jumpers go through the experience and saw how exhilarated they were and decided I’d go for it, despite the 8-page legal release I had to sign. We jumped at 13,500 feet. It really was shockingly non-frightening, no doubt because I had complete faith in the guy I was jumping with. The picture was taken during freefall.
Official Bio
Janet Shirley Nodar writes, edits and plans programs for Breakbulk Magazine and Events, an events company and trade publication dedicated to a niche of the global shipping industry. She travels extensively for work. Before Breakbulk, she was a freelance writer and an English teacher. She has been a writer, and an obsessive reader, all of her life.
Janet was born on Guam, grew up in Washington State and New Mexico, and now lives in Mobile, Alabama. She is married and has two adult children.
Where to find Janet & Trumpet Field and Other Stories:
twitter: Janet_Nodar
email: jcnodar@gmail.com
blog: janetnodar.wordpress.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Trumpet-Field-Other-Stories-Janet/dp/0984890912
Smashwords: www.smashwords.com/books/view/116308
nook: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trumpet-field-and-other-stories-janet-nodar/1108035596
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November 26, 2012
LCB Author Spotlight: Jillian Chantal
I met fellow author Jillian Chantal at a recent meeting of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Romance Writers of America a few weeks back. Jillian, who has penned a dozen novels and short story collections, specializes in romantic adventures with an international flair. Today, Jillian interviews the main character in one of her latest works. Take it away, Jillian…
Thanks to Lauren for inviting me over today to interview Amina McDonough, the protagonist in The Tainted Keitre.
The story takes place in one of my favorite cities, New Orleans, and involves murder, mystery, and romantic suspense.
8 Questions for Amina McDonough
Jillian: What did you want to be when you grew up?
Amina: I wanted to be a cop but when the guy I’ve had a crush on forever became one, I decided to steer clear since I didn’t want to see him at work flirting with everyone but me.
Jillian: Jock or princess in high school? If you liked sports, which did you play?
Amina: I was totally a jock. I played lacrosse.
Jillian: Which is worse? A hangover or a really bad sunburn?
Amina: Sunburn for sure. A hangover can be slept off. A bad sunburn is there for a while and my skin feels tight and painful, to say nothing of the ugliness of peeling later. Ugh.
Jillian: Favorite food?
Amina: Jambalaya. I couldn’t be a New Orleans native without loving it.
Jillian: Dream vacation?
Amina: Ahh, somewhere cool. It’s so hot in New Orleans for most of the year, I love to get out to the mountains and enjoy some cold weather.
Jillian: Best advice you’ve ever received?
Amina: Play a little hard to get even if it’s difficult and you want to grab the guy with both hands and never let go.
Jillian: Worst advice?
Amina: Be nice to everyone even if you think they’re creepy. It’s a southern thing and I’m sometimes not very good at it. I tend to speak my mind but you know, it often pays to be wary instead of kind. My mamma would swat me for that statement. Please don’t tell her.
Jillian: For your wedding, share something old, something new, something borrowed, & something blue.
Amina: For my something old, I’d wear the friendship bracelet Anton gave me when I was twelve. It made me think he liked me even though that wasn’t true- but I kept it anyway. Something new would be the lacy camisole Anton liked in the store window. Something borrowed would be my friend, Miriam’s fleur de lis gold earrings and as for the something blue, I’d tuck a few cornflowers in the back of my chignon since I like to wear my hair up to stay cool in the New Orleans heat.
EXCERPT:
Amina headed straight to the big cooler where the beer was iced down and the wines were arrayed on a sideboard. She grabbed a glass and pulled a bottle of pinot grigio off the table. She poured herself some and moved over to stand to the side and check out who was in the crowd.
In a moment, she felt something cold on her back and let out a little scream. She turned around. “Ah, you bum, that was cold. Ice cold, even.”
Anton Benoit bowed. “Sorry, you looked hot.” He held up his dark brown bottle of beer, “I thought there was no better way to cool off than with a cold brew.”
“I think it’s meant to be taken internally, not rubbed up and down someone’s spine.” She grinned, “Although, now that you mention it, that did feel pretty good.”
“Turn around.” He twirled his finger and she faced away from him.
As soon as her back was to him, he ran the bottle over her bare shoulders and down her back again. She shuddered; not from the coolness of the beer, but from the nearness of him. Her nipples taut, she forced herself not to lean back into him since he had rejected her before. She said in a light tone, “Where is Titsy this evening?”
“Totsy. Her name is Totsy and you know it.”
“Yeah. It’s Totsy, but you have to admit, she is titsy.” Amina turned to face Anton. “Of course, that’s a requirement for you, isn’t it?”
“No. It’s not. It just happened to work out that way.” He grinned and ran his index finger down the side of Amina’s arm.
Ignoring his comment since he did always date women with large breasts, she asked, “Where is she?”
“She couldn’t make it. She had somewhere else she needed to be tonight.”
So that’s why he came over to stand with me. No date, let’s hang with my sister’s best friend. Amina looked up into Anton’s dark grey eyes and tried to concentrate. Dang. Why did he have to be some handsome? And so unavailable. She stiffened her spine. “I can’t play nursemaid since Titsy couldn’t make it. I find myself suddenly in need of some boiled shrimp. I’ll see you later.”
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Bio: Jillian Chantal is from the Gulf Coast of Florida where she loves to read and when she can’t find the right story to read, to write it herself. She is an active member of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Romance Writers of America where she currently serves as treasurer and chairman of the 2012 Silken Sands Conference. She is also a member of Sisters in Crime. Jillian loves to hear from readers.
You can find her website here: www.jillianchantal.com.
Contact Jillian:
Twitter: Jillianchantal
FaceBook: Jillian Chantal
NOTE: The Winners of the Black Friday Swag Gift Packs from LCB are: Lisa Rayns and The Book Queen!
Congratulations!
xx, Lauren
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