Kay LaLone's Blog, page 9
March 10, 2016
Blog Tour Weave A Murderous Web
AUTHORS: Anne Rothman-Hicks & Ken Hicks
GENRE: Mystery
PUBLISHER: Melange Books
No good deed goes unpunished. Mark Samuels, a somewhat seedy matrimonial lawyer, is dead from an overdose of suspiciously pure cocaine. Jane Larson, a hotshot litigator for a large law firm in New York City, is sucked into the world of divorce and child support when her friend Francine asks her to help out one of Mark’s clients. Jane quickly learns that the case is a complete loser and that her new client, Gail, is a demanding and unscrupulous prima donna. However, through some skillful legal work and a tip-off from a mysterious informant, Jane uncovers a safe deposit box where the deadbeat husband has been hiding a large chunk of cash. She also attracts the attention of a fellow lawyer (Bryan) who is handsome and successful and an excellent protector from the threats to her life that suddenly start popping up with alarming frequency, along with murders of people related to the case—among them the deadbeat dad and an undercover cop. It soon becomes apparent that Jane's discovery of the cash has only started to unravel a web of lies, drugs, and criminal activity. Ultimately, she is involved in a race to recover a suitcase of money that Jane hopes will help police catch the murderer before she becomes the next victim.
The judge mounted the steps to the bench and sat down quickly as though he had been attending to some urgent business, but couldn’t wait to get out here and sweat with the rest of us. He said hello to the assemblage, received back a muffled chorus of “Good afternoon, Your Honor,” made a joke that nobody heard and everyone laughed at, and shuffled some papers.
He was ready to embark on the business of the day when his face suddenly turned sour and his forehead flushed. He pointed one long bony finger toward the rear.
“Get them out of my courtroom,” he ordered.
One hundred and thirty lawyers’ gazes, including mine, followed his outstretched arm, although my colleagues did not gasp in horror the way I did. Many, no doubt, enjoyed it. There was Gail again, with Courtney in tow, turning this way and that to squeeze through the courtroom door in those cardboard barrel costumes.
The court officer started briskly across the room, unable not to smile at the prospect of confronting my client, whose body strained against the spandex with a fit that was wonderful to behold, especially after she had climbed the stairs and perspiration had made select parts of her costume particularly clingy.
It occurred to me I had not yet entered a formal appearance for this woman and could simply melt into the crowd and make an unobtrusive exit. Ridge would have definitely appreciated the move. Lord knows I would have saved myself an astounding amount of trouble. Even Martha would agree with me on that.
However, having told Francine I was ‘in,’ I would sooner have faced a squad of pit bulls than informed her I was out. So, like a well-trained policeman who runs toward the sound of gunfire, I hopped to my feet and hurried toward the judge.
“May I be heard, Your Honor,” I shouted above the din.
AMAZON
Anne Rothman-Hicks and Kenneth Hicks first started writing books together while Anne was a student at Bryn Mawr College and Ken was a student at Haverford College— a long time ago, when, as their children like to say, dinosaurs roamed the earth.
In 1973, they came to New York City while Ken attended law school at Columbia University and Anne worked as an editor in publishing. They have lived here ever since and do not intend to leave voluntarily.
They wrote their first novel together in 1976, hoping that it would be a success and Ken would not have to even start working as a lawyer. Alas, that book is still in on the upper shelf of their closet, but they kept at the writing business. In 1984, they published Theft of the Shroud, a novel, through Banbury books, distributed by Putnam. That same year they also published a series of 10 books based on the most popular names for boys and girls, as well as a book about the stars for children. Following these successes, Ken quit law for two years as he and Anne devoted themselves fulltime to writing and their children. However, children need to eat and be clothed and go to school, and these things all cost money, so Ken resumed the practice of law. Still, they continued to write, and rewrite, and rewrite some more.
Prior to the publication of Weave A Murderous Web, Ken and Anne wrote Praise Her, Praise Diana, (Adult thriller) Melange Books LLC, 2014, Kate and the Kid, (Adult mainstream) Wings ePress 2013, and Things Are Not What They Seem (Tween fantasy) MuseItUp Publishing 2014. Anne and Ken have also self-published two small-format photography books, which are available on the Apple iBookstore – Hearts (no flowers) Signs of Love in the Gritty City and Picture Stones.
Facebook ✯ Website ✯ Twitter ✯ Goodreads ✯ Anne's Amazon Page ✯ Ken's Amazon Page
a Rafflecopter giveaway
BLOGGER PARTICIPATION LIST FOR THIS TOUR
February 26, 2016
My Review Of Steal It All Donovan Thief For Hire By Chuck Bowie
The third story in the series Donovan: Thief For Hire, begins with a brutal daylight murder of an English citizen in the Canadian embassy in London, England. The ambassador calls upon a combination of Scotland Yard and the RCMP .
Then there’s the ace up his sleeve. Sean Donovan, a thief for hire who doubles as a security consultant.
But Donovan isn’t nearby. He’s in Canada, learning about the business of winemaking and thinking about his new girl, and contemplating his recent exit from the business of theft.
Even as he inches away from a life of crime, an art collector he owes a favor to, approaches him: is he willing to do the tiniest of thefts? Would Donovan track down a missing piece of art? Can the collector, Gaia, be trusted? Of course not. Can Donovan resist? Of course not. Is there easy money to be made? Oh, yes.
Nothing is ever easy for him.
Donovan may be betting his life on this gig.
My Review: Strong, believable characters. Sean Donovan is a thief for hire who doubles as a security consultant. What better way to solve a crime than to hire a thief. Good gripping mystery that kept me turning the pages. Touch of romance left me wanting to read more.
February 24, 2016
My Review Of Search For The Red Ghost By Sherry Alexander
Thirteen-year-old Jake Thrasher’s mother is dead, and the only clues left by the beast that killed her are a few strands of red hair and a set of plate-sized tracks.
When his Army Scout father refuses to hunt it down, Jake takes matters into his own hands. Leaving the safety of his small ranch, Jake follows a sparse trail through an inhospitable desert filled with snakes, wolves, grizzlies, renegade Apache, and the ever-present threat of death. Will he find his Red Ghost? Or, will he succumb to the inherent dangers?
My Review: Great western, cowboy and Indian type story. Jake goes on this dangerous adventure to search for red ghost which killed his ma. Red ghost is a beast bigger than any animal Jake had hunted before. Heart warming ending. Thanks, Sherry, good read. I received this book free for an honest review.
February 22, 2016
Cover Reveal Forgiving Nancy by Muriel Garcia
Book - Forgiving Nancy, book five in the last hangman MC SeriesAuthor - Muriel Garcia
Photographer - Eric Battershell
Model - Robert SimmonsCover Reveal - 22nd FebruaryRelease Date - March 22Hosted by Hooked on books & Cherry0Blossom Promotions
One man.One woman.A past full of lies.***
That girl, that special girl. The clichéd ‘One Who Got Away’ except she didn’t get away. She was stolen from me.We started off as neighbours but quickly turned into something more. In what felt like a blink of an eye, I found myself in love and then boom. She was gone.After that, my life went down a dark and lonely trail. I joined the club my parents ran from and kept my heart shut off from everyone, never entertaining the thought of a relationship. If I couldn’t have her, I didn’t want anyone.
I’ve been in love and have been loved but all too soon it was stolen from me. More accurately, I was stolen from it and my life hasn’t been the same since.To an outsider, I had it all: money, nice house, friends, anything a seventeen-year-old could want, but inside I was dying. I hated my life with my parents until him and I hate the life I’m forced to live now but I just can’t bring myself to end it. Not if there is a possibility that he is out there and that one day I might have the chance to see him again.
What happens when Nancy and Bennett are reunited once again?Will Nancy’s past ruin the still present chemistry between them or is it already too late?Will Bennett be able to see past her secret and find a way to forgive Nancy?
The Last Hangman MC Series
Saving Ayden (Last Hangman MC #1)
Ayden and Anthony have been best friends forever. They did everything together and grew up around The Last Hangman MC. They've stuck together through the good and the bad, realizing that what they feel for each other is so much more than friendship. They confess their feelings and start dating but their happiness is short lived.
Ayden's life is changed in an instant...One minute she thinks everything is perfect, that she found her happily ever after and the next minute her whole world comes crashing down, forcing her to leave New Orleans.
She starts a new life in New York but realize it's not enough. She needs to go back to her roots, even if it means going back where the MC is.
Anthony let Ayden leave six years ago.
He's always regretted it and seeing her again confirms how much he wants her and needs her in his life. He'll do all he can to have Ayden back and get the truth about why she took off years ago.
What happens when her past catches up with her and starts messing with her life again?
Will she give into the fear of what took place that night might occur again? Or will she trust Anthony and let him help her get through it?
What happens when she finds out who is behind all the bad things she went through in the past? Will she be strong enough to handle the truth? Or will it destroy her beyond repair?
***This book contains adult material intended for mature readers only***
(New price 99$/£)
Teaching Aleck (Last Hangman MC #2)
Aleck Sanford had everything growing up, absolutely everything, except for the one thing he and his sister desired the most: the love of their parents. After many years of emotional neglect, Aleck only understood the love between siblings, his parents certainly didn’t love them or even each other.
How do you pick yourself up when everything around you falls apart? When the only person to love you has to leave?
&l
February 17, 2016
Why You Shouldn't Listen To Your English Teacher
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T LISTEN TO YOUR ENGLISH TEACHERBy Sara Jayne Townsend
I used to love English in school. It was always my favourite subject, especially when the assignment involved writing a story. When I left school and started sending my stories out to publishers, though, one of the first things I had to do was unlearn everything I’d ever learned in school about writing stories. On the whole, secondary school English teachers are not teaching a generation of creative writers. They are teaching teenagers how to have a better grasp of the English language. I’ve been submitting stories to publishers for nearly thirty years now, and in that time I’ve learned that quite a few things I was told by my English teacher completely contradicts what I need to know to improve my writing. I’m listing here a few examples:
English Lesson #1: Never use the word ‘said’. There are far more interesting words to use instead. Make use of the thesaurus. Publishers’ Rule: You can never over-use the word ‘said’.
This is one I remember quite clearly, when we had to write a story in Grade 8 English class and read them to the class. One person read their story and managed to completely avoid the use of the word ‘said’, using an alternative in every case, and was praised for doing so.
‘Said’ might be a boring word, but it’s functional and doesn’t draw attention to itself. If you pepper your story with characters who shout, snarl, grumble, scream or (God forbid) ejaculate their dialogue, it does come across as being amateurish. Occasionally, the narrative calls for characters to shout or snarl their words, but if you’re stuck on what to use, there’s nothing wrong with the word ‘said’.
English lesson #2: If you must use the word ‘said’, enhance it with a nice adverb or two. Publishers’ Rule: Never over-use adverbs..
This is related to rule #1, in the fact that your English teacher will want you to expand your vocabulary. For example: “Stop that,” she said loudly. “I won’t,” he said angrily.
I struggle sometimes with this myself. You want the reader to know that your character is angry, but there are far better ways to show your character is angry by describing what he does in the text. For instance, the sentence below is a better way of describing that the character is angry: “I won’t,” he said and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
English lesson #3: Never start a sentence with a preposition. Publishers’ rule: If your writing is good enough, you can break the rules with confidence.
To be a good writer, it’s important to master the rules of your language. If you follow Lesson #3, you would never start a sentence with the word ‘but’. But sometimes effective writing means breaking the rules with confidence! Writing is a skill that improves the more you do it, but it’s also a skill you never stop learning. Just try and forget what you learned about writing from your English teacher when you embark on your writing career.
THE WHISPERING DEATH BLURB
When a group of live action role-players perform a ritual as part of a game, they unwittingly unleash an ancient evil that tears their world apart. The reanimated corpse of a long-dead magic user, corrupted by powerful dark magic, offers a promise of unlimited power, but at a terrible price. Having helped open this Pandora’s box, Mark and Elizabeth must race against time to close it again – before it’s too late.
Sara Jayne Townsend is a UK-based writer of crime and horror, and someone tends to die a horrible death in all of her stories. She was born in Cheshire in 1969, but spent most of the 1980s living in Canada after her family emigrated there. She now lives in Surrey with two cats and her guitarist husband Chris. She co-founded the T Party Writers’ Group in 1994, and remains Chair Person.
She decided she was going to be a published novelist when she was 10 years old and finished her first novel a year later. It took 30 years of submitting, however, to fulfil that dream.
Learn more about Sara and her writing at her website (http://sarajaynetownsend.weebly.com) and her blog (http://sayssara.wordpress.com). You can also follow her on Twitter (https://twitter.com/sarajtownsend) and Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3500282.Sara_Jayne_Townsend), and buy her books from Amazon (UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B003QROE8Sand US: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003QROE8S).
I used to love English in school. It was always my favourite subject, especially when the assignment involved writing a story. When I left school and started sending my stories out to publishers, though, one of the first things I had to do was unlearn everything I’d ever learned in school about writing stories. On the whole, secondary school English teachers are not teaching a generation of creative writers. They are teaching teenagers how to have a better grasp of the English language. I’ve been submitting stories to publishers for nearly thirty years now, and in that time I’ve learned that quite a few things I was told by my English teacher completely contradicts what I need to know to improve my writing. I’m listing here a few examples:
English Lesson #1: Never use the word ‘said’. There are far more interesting words to use instead. Make use of the thesaurus. Publishers’ Rule: You can never over-use the word ‘said’.
This is one I remember quite clearly, when we had to write a story in Grade 8 English class and read them to the class. One person read their story and managed to completely avoid the use of the word ‘said’, using an alternative in every case, and was praised for doing so.
‘Said’ might be a boring word, but it’s functional and doesn’t draw attention to itself. If you pepper your story with characters who shout, snarl, grumble, scream or (God forbid) ejaculate their dialogue, it does come across as being amateurish. Occasionally, the narrative calls for characters to shout or snarl their words, but if you’re stuck on what to use, there’s nothing wrong with the word ‘said’.
English lesson #2: If you must use the word ‘said’, enhance it with a nice adverb or two. Publishers’ Rule: Never over-use adverbs..
This is related to rule #1, in the fact that your English teacher will want you to expand your vocabulary. For example: “Stop that,” she said loudly. “I won’t,” he said angrily.
I struggle sometimes with this myself. You want the reader to know that your character is angry, but there are far better ways to show your character is angry by describing what he does in the text. For instance, the sentence below is a better way of describing that the character is angry: “I won’t,” he said and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
English lesson #3: Never start a sentence with a preposition. Publishers’ rule: If your writing is good enough, you can break the rules with confidence.
To be a good writer, it’s important to master the rules of your language. If you follow Lesson #3, you would never start a sentence with the word ‘but’. But sometimes effective writing means breaking the rules with confidence! Writing is a skill that improves the more you do it, but it’s also a skill you never stop learning. Just try and forget what you learned about writing from your English teacher when you embark on your writing career.
THE WHISPERING DEATH BLURBWhen a group of live action role-players perform a ritual as part of a game, they unwittingly unleash an ancient evil that tears their world apart. The reanimated corpse of a long-dead magic user, corrupted by powerful dark magic, offers a promise of unlimited power, but at a terrible price. Having helped open this Pandora’s box, Mark and Elizabeth must race against time to close it again – before it’s too late.
Sara Jayne Townsend is a UK-based writer of crime and horror, and someone tends to die a horrible death in all of her stories. She was born in Cheshire in 1969, but spent most of the 1980s living in Canada after her family emigrated there. She now lives in Surrey with two cats and her guitarist husband Chris. She co-founded the T Party Writers’ Group in 1994, and remains Chair Person.
She decided she was going to be a published novelist when she was 10 years old and finished her first novel a year later. It took 30 years of submitting, however, to fulfil that dream.
Learn more about Sara and her writing at her website (http://sarajaynetownsend.weebly.com) and her blog (http://sayssara.wordpress.com). You can also follow her on Twitter (https://twitter.com/sarajtownsend) and Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3500282.Sara_Jayne_Townsend), and buy her books from Amazon (UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B003QROE8Sand US: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003QROE8S).
February 14, 2016
Last Vacation By Sarah Elle Emm Release Day Blitz
About the Book:
Seven days have passed since Naples real estate agent Megan MacKenna has heard from her twin sister, Madeline, who was vacationing on the beautiful, Caribbean island of St. Croix. Though authorities are not convinced there is a case to solve, Megan knows with all of her heart something happened to Maddy. When Megan receives a direct warning to leave the island or end up like her sister, she turns to the only person who has taken her seriously since she arrived, Gabe, a breakfast cook at a local diner.
Undercover DEA agent, Gabriel Walker has been building his cover for months, waiting for the opportunity to work his way into the infamous Torrez crime ring. When Megan shows up asking questions and Gabe realizes her twin’s disappearance might be linked to the Torrez men, he has to convince her to go back to Florida before she becomes their next victim.
The closer Megan gets to the truth, the more Gabe begins to suspect he is missing a huge piece of the puzzle. And someone is closing in on Megan…
Buy Links: Amazon USA I Amazon UK I Amazon Canada I Amazon India I Kobo I Smashwords
Fun Fact:
I grew up visiting the island of St. Croix with my family. As an adult, I lived in the U.S. Virgin Islands, on both St. Croix and St. Thomas. I always wanted to write a fiction story that took place there, but I never took the time to write it until recently.
Excerpt:
Megan peered out at the vast expanse of ocean gleaming in the bright morning sunshine before her. The turquoise waters seemed to go on forever. From the Caribbean Airways in flight map, she had noted theislands of Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and St. John were in the far off distance. She had been told a faint view of the densely populated St. Thomas could sometimes be seen on a perfectly clear day, but no matter how she strained her eyes, she couldn’t quite see it today .
Had Maddy hopped on a sailboat and continued her travels to another island as the police officer had suggested? It wasn’t like Maddy not to check in. Her cell phone had been going straight to voice mail since the last photo Maddy had sent, and according to the cell company, the cell phone was out of service range. Something had happened to her sibling. The last communication with Maddy had been an unexplained picture of an iguana. No message, no text, nothing. Just an enormous, slimy, dragon-resembling lizard. Megan sunk her head to her chest. Where in the world was her sister?
“Everything okay, Miss?”
Startled from her hopeless thoughts, Megan sat upright at the sound of the low voice. Her eyes scanned the length of the man standing before her, and she pursed her lips together. She guessed he was probably about six-foot-two.
As she sat silently, observing him, the man repeated his question, “Are you okay?” His tone bordered on cautious, but concerned.
“Everything’s fine,” she finally managed with a tight voice.
With a smile, his concern faded away, and he reached behind his back to untie a grease-spotted apron. He folded the apron up, pulled out a chair at the table right next to Megan’s, about a foot and a half from her, and sat down.
An internal alarm went off, making Megan feel extremely uncomfortable with his proximity, and she fidgeted with her hands as he stared at her, finally forcing them into her lap. How could a voice so soothing go with a gruff-looking character like him? And what in the world was he doing sitting down so close to her?
About the Author:
Sarah Elle Emm is the author of the HARMONY RUN SERIES, a young-adult fantasy and dystopian series, released in May 2012 by Winter Goose Publishing. (PRISMATIC, May 2012, OPALESCENT, February 2013, CHATOYANT, September 2014, NACREOUS, August 2015) Her debut fiction novel, MARRYING MISSY, was published by Bird Brain Publishing in October 2011. Sarah is a graduate of The University of Evansville, she has lived and worked in Mexico, Germany, England, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and has traveled extensively beyond. Sarah lives in Naples, Florida with her family. When she’s not walking the plank of her daughters’ imaginary pirate ship or snapping photos of Southwest Florida scenery, she is writing.
Stalk the Author:
Website I Facebook I Twitter I Goodreads I Amazon Author Page
');
Seven days have passed since Naples real estate agent Megan MacKenna has heard from her twin sister, Madeline, who was vacationing on the beautiful, Caribbean island of St. Croix. Though authorities are not convinced there is a case to solve, Megan knows with all of her heart something happened to Maddy. When Megan receives a direct warning to leave the island or end up like her sister, she turns to the only person who has taken her seriously since she arrived, Gabe, a breakfast cook at a local diner. Undercover DEA agent, Gabriel Walker has been building his cover for months, waiting for the opportunity to work his way into the infamous Torrez crime ring. When Megan shows up asking questions and Gabe realizes her twin’s disappearance might be linked to the Torrez men, he has to convince her to go back to Florida before she becomes their next victim.
The closer Megan gets to the truth, the more Gabe begins to suspect he is missing a huge piece of the puzzle. And someone is closing in on Megan…
Buy Links: Amazon USA I Amazon UK I Amazon Canada I Amazon India I Kobo I Smashwords
Fun Fact:
I grew up visiting the island of St. Croix with my family. As an adult, I lived in the U.S. Virgin Islands, on both St. Croix and St. Thomas. I always wanted to write a fiction story that took place there, but I never took the time to write it until recently.
Excerpt:
Megan peered out at the vast expanse of ocean gleaming in the bright morning sunshine before her. The turquoise waters seemed to go on forever. From the Caribbean Airways in flight map, she had noted theislands of Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and St. John were in the far off distance. She had been told a faint view of the densely populated St. Thomas could sometimes be seen on a perfectly clear day, but no matter how she strained her eyes, she couldn’t quite see it today .
Had Maddy hopped on a sailboat and continued her travels to another island as the police officer had suggested? It wasn’t like Maddy not to check in. Her cell phone had been going straight to voice mail since the last photo Maddy had sent, and according to the cell company, the cell phone was out of service range. Something had happened to her sibling. The last communication with Maddy had been an unexplained picture of an iguana. No message, no text, nothing. Just an enormous, slimy, dragon-resembling lizard. Megan sunk her head to her chest. Where in the world was her sister?
“Everything okay, Miss?”
Startled from her hopeless thoughts, Megan sat upright at the sound of the low voice. Her eyes scanned the length of the man standing before her, and she pursed her lips together. She guessed he was probably about six-foot-two.
As she sat silently, observing him, the man repeated his question, “Are you okay?” His tone bordered on cautious, but concerned.
“Everything’s fine,” she finally managed with a tight voice.
With a smile, his concern faded away, and he reached behind his back to untie a grease-spotted apron. He folded the apron up, pulled out a chair at the table right next to Megan’s, about a foot and a half from her, and sat down.
An internal alarm went off, making Megan feel extremely uncomfortable with his proximity, and she fidgeted with her hands as he stared at her, finally forcing them into her lap. How could a voice so soothing go with a gruff-looking character like him? And what in the world was he doing sitting down so close to her?
About the Author:
Sarah Elle Emm is the author of the HARMONY RUN SERIES, a young-adult fantasy and dystopian series, released in May 2012 by Winter Goose Publishing. (PRISMATIC, May 2012, OPALESCENT, February 2013, CHATOYANT, September 2014, NACREOUS, August 2015) Her debut fiction novel, MARRYING MISSY, was published by Bird Brain Publishing in October 2011. Sarah is a graduate of The University of Evansville, she has lived and worked in Mexico, Germany, England, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and has traveled extensively beyond. Sarah lives in Naples, Florida with her family. When she’s not walking the plank of her daughters’ imaginary pirate ship or snapping photos of Southwest Florida scenery, she is writing.
Stalk the Author:
Website I Facebook I Twitter I Goodreads I Amazon Author Page
');
February 9, 2016
Cover Reveal For Beautifully Broken By Laura Lee
Author - Laura LeeBook - Beautifully Broken Release Date - 7/6/16 Hosted by Hooked on book's & Cherry0Blossom's Promotions
I KNEW HE WOULD RUIN ME FROM THE MOMENT WE MET. Everything about the man screamed confidence. Sensuality. Intelligence. Worldliness. But it was how he saved me that ruined me most. Through him, I learned to end my path of self-destruction. I no longer needed to numb the pain with mindless one-night-stands and drunken blackouts. He made me feel worthy. Treasured. Optimistic about my future.
Here I stand four years later, in a coffee shop a world away, still broken…but beautifully so. My scars no longer hold me back. Instead, they give me strength and enrich my appreciation for the good things in life. I have hopes and dreams…faith that anything is possible. I am no longer the lost little girl fighting for survival. I have direction. I have courage. I am not without possibility.
I’ll always have Gavin to thank for that—Mr. Cooper, I remind myself. That’s who he is to me now: just a former teacher. I know what you’re thinking, but don’t worry. I was eighteen when we first met. Legally, we did nothing wrong. Morally? Well, I guess that depends on how flexible your morals are
My name is Kat and this is my story.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
After working a 9-to-5 gig for many years, she happily traded it for a rewarding career as a self-published author. Laura is the author of the bestselling Karli Lane and Dealing With Love series. She is a proud member of the Romance Writers of America focusing on contemporary, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance.Laura's passion has always been storytelling. She spent most of her life with her nose in a book thinking of alternate endings or continuations to the story. She won her first writing contest at the ripe old age of nine, earning a trip to the state capital to showcase her manuscript. Thankfully for her, those early works will never see the light of day again!
Laura lives in the Pacific Northwest with her wonderful husband, two beautiful children, and three of the most poorly behaved cats in existence. She likes her fruit smoothies filled with rum, her cupboards stocked with Cadbury's chocolate, and her music turned up loud. When she's not writing or watching HGTV, she's reading anything she can get her hands on. She's a sucker for spicy romances, especially those involving vampires or cowboys!
CHECK OUT HER AMAZON AUTHOR PAGEFOR MORE INFO!
STALKER LINKS
Facebook <3 Twitter <3 Website <3 Blog Instagram <3 Goodreads
auraleebooks@gmail.com
February 2, 2016
My Review Of Letters To Daniel By Amy Leigh McCorkle
My Review Of Letters to Daniel: This book is Amy's memoir in a series of letters to her favorite actor Daniel Craig. This book was creatively done. Letter writing is a lost art. It was interesting to read about Amy's life through letters to Daniel. A wide range of emotions went through me as I read each letter. Thank you, Amy, for sharing part of your life with me.I received this book free for a honest review.
Tell us about your book and how the story came to be. Well actually it all sprang from a 2012 conversation I had with MuseItUp Owner and Publisher Lea Schizas where she planted the seed for a blog with multiple bipolar authors. I filed the idea away and it gestitated. What started out as an open letter to my favorite actor Daniel Craig quickly became a way for me to share my memoirs in a safe and uninhibited manner.
What three words best describe your main character? It’s a memoir so all I can say is check out the blurbs on the back of the book. I’m terrible at describing myself lol.
Do you have a method for creating your characters, their names and what do you think makes them believable? What makes the character or in this case people and situations I relate is the raw and frank manner I share my emotions about them with.
Do your characters follow your plot path or do they take on a life of their own? Do you keep them in check? The story is about my road to recovery from a bipolar breakdown 16 and a half years ago, my letters at times seemed to write themselves at to whatever emotion I was feeling.
Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? If so, how did you over come it? No writer’s block is not an issue for me. At times I suffer from anxiety. For that I either drink coffee or herbal tea.
What types of books do you like to read? Books have influenced me greatly over the years. Movies too. Often film will inform my writing almost more so than books.
What do you like to do when you aren’t writing? Watching films, hanging out with friends, reading and listening to music. God I love to listen music and make films too.
What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story? I’m actually working on a screenplay I plan on filming in March. I have local 9 store tour set up for Letters to Daniel. And I’m lucky be hosting my first Manhattan bookstore signing at Bluestockings Books. I’m also hard at work on another screenplay No Ordinary Love, the second book in the Cooke and Cooke series and a non-fiction marketing book.
What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve received? Three parts. 1) You gotta reject rejection. 2) Seat of the pants to the seat of the chair. 3) Don’t get it right. Get it Written.
Amy McCorkle is an award winning and bestselling author, blogger, screenwriter and filmmaker with 10 Amazon Bestselling titles including the #1 Bella Morte: Beginnings. A 2015 Epic Finalist with a small collection of letters from the blog. This landed her an agent and she went on to collect all the letters one large volume and receive a blurb from bestselling author and producer Joel Eisenberg. Her documentary based on the letters has gone on to screen at 5 film festivals and win awards at 3 of them.
Where can readers find you and your books? At http://letters-todaniel.blogspot.com http://twitter.com/letterstodanielhttps://www.facebook.com/amy.l.mccorkle.5http://instagram/letterstodanielhttps://www.facebook.com/letterstodaniel/
Buy links:
http://www.amazon.com/Letters-Daniel-Amy-Leigh-McCorkle-ebook/dp/B01A1V35IQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1453256095&sr=1-1&keywords=letters+to+daniel+amy
Available on Amazon in Print as well.
January 28, 2016
My Review Of Chase Tinker And The House Of Mist
In Chase Tinker's world, magic, lies and secrets can be a lethal combination… Everything is on the line for Chase Tinker: his family, his friends, his house, his magic…his life. Will destiny be on his side at last? Will the Marlowes finally be defeated—and at what cost?
The Final Showdown.
Who survives?
My Review Of Chase Tinker And The House Of Mist: I loved this book. I had the privilege to read all four books. Chase and the rest of the characters are such great, fun characters. I have enjoyed reading how Chase discovered magic and how he has grown through each book. In this book I was sad when Chase's grandfather died, but Chase became the keeper of the Tinker house which gave him more magical powers. Would that magical power be enough to defeat the Marlowes and find the Tinker's magical house? Magic. Adventure. Danger. I can't say enough good things about this series. Thanks, Malia, for an awesome read. I really enjoyed this series. I received this book free for an honest review.
In Chase Tinker's world, magic, lies and secrets can be a lethal combination... Thirteen-year-old Chase Tinker can't understand why he has the power to move things with his mind. Besides that, his dad has been missing for over a year, causing his mom to be too upset to pay much attention to her sons, so now he's been busted for shoplifting. As if this isn't enough to worry about, his younger brother Andy suddenly has a weird magical ability too. Can things get any crazier? Chase thinks.
Then, a grandfather they thought to be long dead arrives at their door. He wants Chase and Andy to come visit him so they can learn about their supernatural heritage, and why they have magical powers in the first place.
The boys soon find out that Grandfather, along with their cousin Janie, lives on a remote island in the middle of Puget Sound in an out-of-this-world house where fantastic magic can be found in practically every room, stairway and corridor. Chase can't believe their dad has been keeping so much from them.
It's an even bigger shock when Chase learns that all their magic is controlled by a powerful and mysterious Relic in the attic, and if anything happens to this Relic, every bit of Tinker magic will be lost forever. He's even more disturbed when he learns his family has a dark and powerful enemy that is determined to steal all their magic, their house and their Relic.
Now Chase must find a way to stop these evil beings, while at the same time figuring out what has happened to his dad, unraveling even more Tinker lies and secrets and not letting on that he has a huge crush on the housekeeper's daughter.
In Chase Tinker's world, magic, lies and secrets can be a lethal combination...After spending the summer at his grandfather's gigantic, incredibly magical house, thirteen-year-old Chase Tinker thought things couldn't get any more bizarre, or that the secrets and lies couldn't get any worse, but he was wrong.
As summer turns into Autumn, join Chase and his family for even more magical craziness in this exciting sequel to "Chase Tinker and the House of Magic." Craziness that will include: the sneezing of strange powers, the reappearance of the evil Marlowe family, another frightening kidnapping, the discovery of a mysterious, magical Japanese-American girl, a dangerous rescue mission, and a secret so mind-boggling, it will lead to a shocking climatic finish that will turn Chase's world completely upside down and leave him feeling like one of the worst people on the planet
In Chase Tinker's world, magic, lies and secrets can be a lethal combination… For eight agonizing months Chase Tinker's guilt over the despicable act he committed on Halloween night has been eating away at his heart and mind. Chase's life gets even more complicated when secrets about the mysterious Relic in the attic are revealed, right before an unwelcome caller arrives on the day of Chase's fourteenth birthday!
Despite his problems, his biggest concern is that his family's Dark Enemy, the Marlowe Family, is becoming more powerful with each passing day, fueled by the energy they continue to pillage from the many magical beings of the world. If Chase and his family are ever going to win, they will need a whole lot of magical help; they must destroy the most evil threat the world has ever known!
January 26, 2016
Work In Progress Mysterious Visions
Hi, Thanks for stopping by my blog. Today I thought I would share the first chapter of a work in progress, Mysterious Visions. Remember as you read chapter 1, that this is a work in progress. There will be mistakes. This chapter will go through more revisions. Thanks,
Chapter 1 I slid the amethyst angel charm back and forth on the chain around my neck as Allison and I walked down the school hallway. I had a nagging feeling something was going to happen today to change my life. “Nicole, are you asking Will to the party?" Allison asked.“You know I can’t date him." "Why not? You've been crushing on him since we were thirteen." Allison peered over her rose-tinted sunglasses. "I see the way he looks at you. He thinks you're hot, especially when you pull your hair back in a French braid with those little wisps framing your face. He must go for that sultry brunette look.” I lean closer to her and lower my voice so no one else could hear our conversation. “What if I get a vision while we’re kissing or something?” "You've kept it a secret this long. And I'm sure if he finds out, he won't freak or something." “You freaked out.” I elbowed her side. “Just a little. But what did you expect, we were only nine, and I never met anyone like you before. But things are different now. People are more accepting of these things.” “Maybe on the mainland, but not here. Here, people want normal, not different. Look at the way the islanders treat Moonbeam and her mother just because they practice Wicca. And when I first arrived on the island Mrs. Evan and her cronies watched me like a hawk because they thought I was like my mother. I hate to see what they would do if they knew I was. I don’t control this gift. I don’t even know how it happens. I just get this feeling, a psychic vibe, and I see things.”We stopped in front of Allison’s locker. She opened it and shoved her books inside and slammed it closed. “I still think you should ask him out. It’s our senior year. We’re supposed to have fun. And guys are fun.” “I know. But I don’t think he likes me.” I slipped my arm around Allison’s as we walked down the hall. “He hardly talks to me and he’s never asked me to a party.” “Nicole, give the guy a break. You ask him.”“I…I can’t.” I fingered my necklace. I’m not a flirt and I don’t like to make the first move. “Sure you can. It’s easy. Watch.” She untangled her arm from mine and fluffed up her curly blonde hair. Placing her sunglasses on top of her head, she pointed to Sam, leaning against the lockers. Easy target. Even a plain-Jane like me could make nerdy Sam forget his own name. He dressed like any other guy on the island t-shirts and surfer shorts, but he looked so nerdy in his thick, black rimmed glasses and he always carried an armful of books. Allison swung her hips as she approached him. “Hey, Sam.” He dropped his books. I cupped my hand over my mouth to hide my laugh. Allison caressed his arm. “You going to the beach party?” she cooed. He managed to nod, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. She leaned in to him like she was going to kiss him, but instead, she whispered in his ear. Poor guy. I felt bad for him, but he was a guy and probably enjoyed Allison’s flirting. “See you there,” she said with a flirtatious smile. Sam didn't take his eyes off her tight-jean ass as she strolled back over to me. “And that, Nicole, is how it’s done.” Allison slipped her sunglasses back over her eyes.“Yeah, but you have no intention of dating him.” “So. I made his day. And I’ll spend some time with him at the party until some cute guy catches my eye.”We walked down the hall and rounded a corner. I bumped right into Will. “Sor _”A whirlwind of pictures flashed in my mind. A wave washes to shore tickling our toes. Will leans in and warms my lips with a kiss. His arms wrap around me, pulling me closer to him. "Are you okay?" Will’s voice drew me out of my vision, but I kept staring at him like a fool. I wanted to reach out and kiss him.He waved his hand in front of my face. "Hey, Nicole Kendall. Are you in some kind of trance or something?”"Dude, you got a gross booger hanging from your nose," Allison said.Will brushed at his nose. "Okay, you're good," Allison said. "But if I were you, I'd go blow your nose." She wrapped her arm around mine and turned me away from Will. We walked down the hallway. "Thanks," I mumbled as we surged out into the dreary gray day.“That was close,” Allison said. “For a moment I didn’t even know you were having a vision.” “I didn't even feel it coming. There was no warning. No psychic vibe. It was like bam and I was inside this vision.” “So what did you see?” “He was kissing me,” I breathed out. “Girl, you've got to ask him out.” Allison pulled the hood of her jacket over her head. “Should’ve grabbed my umbrella. Looks like it might rain before we get to your place.” She took off her sunglasses, and shoved them into her jacket pocket. “Maybe it’ll clear up.” A salty breeze sent a chill up my spine and I zipped my jacket up. We walked down the cobbled streets to Fisherman’s Wharf and turned on Main Street, we stopped in front of Grams’ Antiques. A brick building with two store front windows. Painted in red on one of the widows was Gram’s Antiques. In the other window was a Christmas display, an old silver tree with red, blue, and gold bulbs. Under the tree a toy train chugged along on a track. It’s not Christmas but grandpa doesn't want to chance it. The scene gives the shop a homey feel. Sweet smells from the candy shop next door drifted out to the street and my mouth watered. I live above the shop in an apartment. I glanced through the storefront window at Arnold’s Discount Store on the other side of Gram’s. The female clerk rang up a customer. A few weeks ago I touched her and in a vision she stole a gallon of milk to take home to her kids. I wondered if she ever went through with it. We entered the antique shop and the little brass bell above the door jangled. Grams stood behind the counter talking to Mrs. Evan.“Oh, great,” Allison whispered. “Mrs. Evan. Probably trying to ferret out gossip to spread all over town.” “Hey, Grams.” I rushed behind the counter and kissed her rosy cheek. “Allison and I are hanging out in my room.” Grams wrapped me in a hug. “Okay. There’s a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies upstairs.” “Ooh that sounds good, Mrs. Andrews. Your cookies are better than the fudge next door.” Allison took a step or two toward the stairs. “And less fattening.” Grams laughed. “Thanks. Could I please get you girls to help me with a few boxes first?” She looked at me. “Your grandfather picked up a lot of glassware this morning and I’d like to go through it and see about getting some of it on the shelves. They are looking a little bare these days.” “Where’s Grandpa?” “He’s gone to another auction on the mainland. He’ll be back by Monday.” Grams tucked a strand of her graying hair behind her ear. “Allison, how’s your mother doing?” Mrs. Evan pushed her wire-framed glasses up, but they slid back down her pointy nose. “I hear she’s been sick.” “She’s fine now, thanks,” Allison said politely. “Come on, Al, help me with the boxes.” I tossed my worn book bag on the stairs. Allison’s pink bag landed next to mine. “Martha, did you hear about the Parkers?” Mrs. Evan asked. “They’re having financial troubles and might …” We entered the backroom. “Sheesh, there she goes again. I swear she makes this stuff up just to hear herself talk.” Allison laughed. “I’m sure she does most of the time.” Allison and I went back and forth, carrying boxes into the store until I set the last one on a table. “That’s it, Grams.”“Great. Before you head upstairs can you set that box of books over by the bookcases and we’ll stock them later,” Grams said, before I could place my foot on the bottom step. With a sigh, I lifted the box and headed toward the bookcases. Someone stepped out of the aisle and a blur of green brushed by me. A tingle rushed through me and the room spun. The box slipped from my hands and plummeted to the floor. Pictures slammed into my mind like a freight train. A loud noise clangs in my ears. Mom and Dad scream, terrified looks on their faces. Metal crashes into metal. Blood. The taste of blood. The smell of blood. Sirens scream in the distance. Dad lies hunched over the steering wheel. Mom slumps in the passenger seat, a trickle of red dripping from a gash in her forehead and down her pale face. “Mom! Dad!” I fell to my knees. I closed my eyes and the image of their bloody faces swam in the darkness. Grams was at my side, enveloping me in a hug. “What’s wrong?” she whispered. “I saw them … Mom and Dad.” I opened my eyes, forcing the image away. My hands shook. My whole body trembled. “Their car accident. Their dead bodies. Who touched me?” “Nicole has visions!” Mrs. Evan exclaimed. “Just like her mother did!” I stared at her in disbelief. No. No. Not my secret. It would be all over the island. “It’ll be okay,” Grams said as if reading my mind. She helped me to my feet. “Did you see who it was?” “No.” “Some guy in a green hoodie just left,” Allison said. I rushed to the front door. Allison followed. I looked up and down the street, searching the crowds. “Do you see him?”“I didn’t get a good look at him.” Allison looked one way and then the other. “He put his hood up as he reached the front door.”No green hoodie stood out in the crowd. My heart sank, and a nauseous feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. I leaned against the store window and my head throbbed. “I think I’m going to be sick.” The front door opened. “Come inside,” Grams said. (it might be raining)“I don’t understand. Who could have caused such a…” Mrs. Evan stared at me with her beady, drink-it-all in eyes. “terrible thing? “Oh, honey.” Grams led me back inside. Mrs. Evans put her hand on my shoulder. “Oh, you poor thing. You should sit down. Allison, please go get Nicole a glass of water.” Allison glanced at me. I shook my head. “I’m going to puke.” Alison grabbed my arm and led me to the bathroom. “Marge,” Grams said to Mrs. Evans. “You need to leave and I don’t want my granddaughter being the talk of the island.” “The people have a right to know what she can do.” Their voices faded away as I puked my guts out. Once there was nothing left in my stomach, I sat on the cool linoleum and leaned against the wall. My head pounded like a surfboard had hit it. Allison handed me a glass of water. “Here. Rinse your mouth.” Through the open slit in the door, I saw Mrs. Evan turn on her heels and march out the front door. It slammed shut. “Well, so much for keeping your secret,” Allison said. “You know that witch will have it all over the island.” I lowered my head, covering my face with my hands. “I can’t believe it. I’ve been so careful keeping my secret and now this. Everyone will avoid me like I’ve got the plague.” Grams stepped into the bathroom. “I’m sorry, Nicole. There is just no talking to that woman. But what worries me is why you saw your parents’ accident. You weren’t involved in the accident and you were never at the scene.” “I know. It was so real, like I was right there. Do you think this green hoodie guy was the drunk driver, Anthony Reed?” “Can’t be,” Grams said. “He’s still in prison.”“But what if he escaped?”
“I’ll look into it.” Grams blue eyes swam with worry. “Why after all these years are you having a vision of the car accident? I fear it can only mean trouble.”
Chapter 1 I slid the amethyst angel charm back and forth on the chain around my neck as Allison and I walked down the school hallway. I had a nagging feeling something was going to happen today to change my life. “Nicole, are you asking Will to the party?" Allison asked.“You know I can’t date him." "Why not? You've been crushing on him since we were thirteen." Allison peered over her rose-tinted sunglasses. "I see the way he looks at you. He thinks you're hot, especially when you pull your hair back in a French braid with those little wisps framing your face. He must go for that sultry brunette look.” I lean closer to her and lower my voice so no one else could hear our conversation. “What if I get a vision while we’re kissing or something?” "You've kept it a secret this long. And I'm sure if he finds out, he won't freak or something." “You freaked out.” I elbowed her side. “Just a little. But what did you expect, we were only nine, and I never met anyone like you before. But things are different now. People are more accepting of these things.” “Maybe on the mainland, but not here. Here, people want normal, not different. Look at the way the islanders treat Moonbeam and her mother just because they practice Wicca. And when I first arrived on the island Mrs. Evan and her cronies watched me like a hawk because they thought I was like my mother. I hate to see what they would do if they knew I was. I don’t control this gift. I don’t even know how it happens. I just get this feeling, a psychic vibe, and I see things.”We stopped in front of Allison’s locker. She opened it and shoved her books inside and slammed it closed. “I still think you should ask him out. It’s our senior year. We’re supposed to have fun. And guys are fun.” “I know. But I don’t think he likes me.” I slipped my arm around Allison’s as we walked down the hall. “He hardly talks to me and he’s never asked me to a party.” “Nicole, give the guy a break. You ask him.”“I…I can’t.” I fingered my necklace. I’m not a flirt and I don’t like to make the first move. “Sure you can. It’s easy. Watch.” She untangled her arm from mine and fluffed up her curly blonde hair. Placing her sunglasses on top of her head, she pointed to Sam, leaning against the lockers. Easy target. Even a plain-Jane like me could make nerdy Sam forget his own name. He dressed like any other guy on the island t-shirts and surfer shorts, but he looked so nerdy in his thick, black rimmed glasses and he always carried an armful of books. Allison swung her hips as she approached him. “Hey, Sam.” He dropped his books. I cupped my hand over my mouth to hide my laugh. Allison caressed his arm. “You going to the beach party?” she cooed. He managed to nod, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. She leaned in to him like she was going to kiss him, but instead, she whispered in his ear. Poor guy. I felt bad for him, but he was a guy and probably enjoyed Allison’s flirting. “See you there,” she said with a flirtatious smile. Sam didn't take his eyes off her tight-jean ass as she strolled back over to me. “And that, Nicole, is how it’s done.” Allison slipped her sunglasses back over her eyes.“Yeah, but you have no intention of dating him.” “So. I made his day. And I’ll spend some time with him at the party until some cute guy catches my eye.”We walked down the hall and rounded a corner. I bumped right into Will. “Sor _”A whirlwind of pictures flashed in my mind. A wave washes to shore tickling our toes. Will leans in and warms my lips with a kiss. His arms wrap around me, pulling me closer to him. "Are you okay?" Will’s voice drew me out of my vision, but I kept staring at him like a fool. I wanted to reach out and kiss him.He waved his hand in front of my face. "Hey, Nicole Kendall. Are you in some kind of trance or something?”"Dude, you got a gross booger hanging from your nose," Allison said.Will brushed at his nose. "Okay, you're good," Allison said. "But if I were you, I'd go blow your nose." She wrapped her arm around mine and turned me away from Will. We walked down the hallway. "Thanks," I mumbled as we surged out into the dreary gray day.“That was close,” Allison said. “For a moment I didn’t even know you were having a vision.” “I didn't even feel it coming. There was no warning. No psychic vibe. It was like bam and I was inside this vision.” “So what did you see?” “He was kissing me,” I breathed out. “Girl, you've got to ask him out.” Allison pulled the hood of her jacket over her head. “Should’ve grabbed my umbrella. Looks like it might rain before we get to your place.” She took off her sunglasses, and shoved them into her jacket pocket. “Maybe it’ll clear up.” A salty breeze sent a chill up my spine and I zipped my jacket up. We walked down the cobbled streets to Fisherman’s Wharf and turned on Main Street, we stopped in front of Grams’ Antiques. A brick building with two store front windows. Painted in red on one of the widows was Gram’s Antiques. In the other window was a Christmas display, an old silver tree with red, blue, and gold bulbs. Under the tree a toy train chugged along on a track. It’s not Christmas but grandpa doesn't want to chance it. The scene gives the shop a homey feel. Sweet smells from the candy shop next door drifted out to the street and my mouth watered. I live above the shop in an apartment. I glanced through the storefront window at Arnold’s Discount Store on the other side of Gram’s. The female clerk rang up a customer. A few weeks ago I touched her and in a vision she stole a gallon of milk to take home to her kids. I wondered if she ever went through with it. We entered the antique shop and the little brass bell above the door jangled. Grams stood behind the counter talking to Mrs. Evan.“Oh, great,” Allison whispered. “Mrs. Evan. Probably trying to ferret out gossip to spread all over town.” “Hey, Grams.” I rushed behind the counter and kissed her rosy cheek. “Allison and I are hanging out in my room.” Grams wrapped me in a hug. “Okay. There’s a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies upstairs.” “Ooh that sounds good, Mrs. Andrews. Your cookies are better than the fudge next door.” Allison took a step or two toward the stairs. “And less fattening.” Grams laughed. “Thanks. Could I please get you girls to help me with a few boxes first?” She looked at me. “Your grandfather picked up a lot of glassware this morning and I’d like to go through it and see about getting some of it on the shelves. They are looking a little bare these days.” “Where’s Grandpa?” “He’s gone to another auction on the mainland. He’ll be back by Monday.” Grams tucked a strand of her graying hair behind her ear. “Allison, how’s your mother doing?” Mrs. Evan pushed her wire-framed glasses up, but they slid back down her pointy nose. “I hear she’s been sick.” “She’s fine now, thanks,” Allison said politely. “Come on, Al, help me with the boxes.” I tossed my worn book bag on the stairs. Allison’s pink bag landed next to mine. “Martha, did you hear about the Parkers?” Mrs. Evan asked. “They’re having financial troubles and might …” We entered the backroom. “Sheesh, there she goes again. I swear she makes this stuff up just to hear herself talk.” Allison laughed. “I’m sure she does most of the time.” Allison and I went back and forth, carrying boxes into the store until I set the last one on a table. “That’s it, Grams.”“Great. Before you head upstairs can you set that box of books over by the bookcases and we’ll stock them later,” Grams said, before I could place my foot on the bottom step. With a sigh, I lifted the box and headed toward the bookcases. Someone stepped out of the aisle and a blur of green brushed by me. A tingle rushed through me and the room spun. The box slipped from my hands and plummeted to the floor. Pictures slammed into my mind like a freight train. A loud noise clangs in my ears. Mom and Dad scream, terrified looks on their faces. Metal crashes into metal. Blood. The taste of blood. The smell of blood. Sirens scream in the distance. Dad lies hunched over the steering wheel. Mom slumps in the passenger seat, a trickle of red dripping from a gash in her forehead and down her pale face. “Mom! Dad!” I fell to my knees. I closed my eyes and the image of their bloody faces swam in the darkness. Grams was at my side, enveloping me in a hug. “What’s wrong?” she whispered. “I saw them … Mom and Dad.” I opened my eyes, forcing the image away. My hands shook. My whole body trembled. “Their car accident. Their dead bodies. Who touched me?” “Nicole has visions!” Mrs. Evan exclaimed. “Just like her mother did!” I stared at her in disbelief. No. No. Not my secret. It would be all over the island. “It’ll be okay,” Grams said as if reading my mind. She helped me to my feet. “Did you see who it was?” “No.” “Some guy in a green hoodie just left,” Allison said. I rushed to the front door. Allison followed. I looked up and down the street, searching the crowds. “Do you see him?”“I didn’t get a good look at him.” Allison looked one way and then the other. “He put his hood up as he reached the front door.”No green hoodie stood out in the crowd. My heart sank, and a nauseous feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. I leaned against the store window and my head throbbed. “I think I’m going to be sick.” The front door opened. “Come inside,” Grams said. (it might be raining)“I don’t understand. Who could have caused such a…” Mrs. Evan stared at me with her beady, drink-it-all in eyes. “terrible thing? “Oh, honey.” Grams led me back inside. Mrs. Evans put her hand on my shoulder. “Oh, you poor thing. You should sit down. Allison, please go get Nicole a glass of water.” Allison glanced at me. I shook my head. “I’m going to puke.” Alison grabbed my arm and led me to the bathroom. “Marge,” Grams said to Mrs. Evans. “You need to leave and I don’t want my granddaughter being the talk of the island.” “The people have a right to know what she can do.” Their voices faded away as I puked my guts out. Once there was nothing left in my stomach, I sat on the cool linoleum and leaned against the wall. My head pounded like a surfboard had hit it. Allison handed me a glass of water. “Here. Rinse your mouth.” Through the open slit in the door, I saw Mrs. Evan turn on her heels and march out the front door. It slammed shut. “Well, so much for keeping your secret,” Allison said. “You know that witch will have it all over the island.” I lowered my head, covering my face with my hands. “I can’t believe it. I’ve been so careful keeping my secret and now this. Everyone will avoid me like I’ve got the plague.” Grams stepped into the bathroom. “I’m sorry, Nicole. There is just no talking to that woman. But what worries me is why you saw your parents’ accident. You weren’t involved in the accident and you were never at the scene.” “I know. It was so real, like I was right there. Do you think this green hoodie guy was the drunk driver, Anthony Reed?” “Can’t be,” Grams said. “He’s still in prison.”“But what if he escaped?”
“I’ll look into it.” Grams blue eyes swam with worry. “Why after all these years are you having a vision of the car accident? I fear it can only mean trouble.”
