Babs Hightower's Blog, page 81
November 19, 2015
November 18, 2015
The Curse at Pirate’s Cove by Rita Monette – Middle Grade Adventure/Mystery Blog Tour
“When one man’s treasure is another man’s curse”
Book Information:
Title: The Curse at Pirate’s Cove
Series: Nikki Landry Swamp Legends, Book 2
Author Name: Rita Monette
Genre(s): Middle Grade, Adventure, Mystery
Tags: Middle Grade, Adventure, Pirates, Bayou, Louisiana
Length: Approx. 208 pages
E-book: 978-1-987976-02-1
Paperback: 978-1-987976-01-4
Re-Release Date: Nov.17, 2015
Publisher: Mirror World Publishing
About the Book:
Nikki Landry is turning eleven years old, and is looking forward to riding her bike to school. That is until it falls apart. Papa can’t afford a new one. Is she doomed to ride the smelly old school bus from now on?
Hearing of an old pirate ship, and a legend about long-ago pirates burying treasure on a nearby swamp island, Nikki sees a way out. But when she makes a birthday wish for the pirate’s gold, things go terribly wrong. Did her wish trigger an ancient curse?
Join Nikki and her friends as they find themselves sailing away aboard a haunted schooner with ghostly pirates into the Gulf of Mexico … and into the year eighteen fourteen.
How will they ever find their way back home?
Follow the Tour:
http://saphsbookblog.blogspot.com/2015/11/book-tour-schedule-curse-at-pirates.html
Purchase Links:
Amazon:
http://amzn.to/1HG1d39
Mirror World Publishing:
http://mirror-world-publishing.myshopify.com/collections/adventure/products/the-curse-at-pirates-cove
Barnes and Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-curse-at-pirates-cove-rita-monette/1120806662?ean=9781987976021
Meet the Author:
Rita Monette was born and raised in Southwest Louisiana. She loves to write stories set in the beautiful, yet mysterious, bayous and swamps of her home state.
Her middle grade series, The Nikki Landry Swamp Legends, is based on tales told by her father—who made his living in those bayous—of reasons to stay out of the swamp.
She currently lives with her husband, four lap dogs, and one lap cat, in the mountains of Tennessee. Besides writing and illustrating, she loves watching the many birds that make their habitat on the Cumberland Plateau, working in the garden, and frequenting waterfalls.
Social Media Links:
Website http://ritamonette.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/RitaMonette
The post The Curse at Pirate’s Cove by Rita Monette – Middle Grade Adventure/Mystery Blog Tour appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
November 17, 2015
HIS MOST WANTED by Sandra Jones Release Blast & Giveaway
Enter to Win a
$15.00 eGift Card to Choice Book Seller
HIS MOST WANTED
The River Rogues #2
Sandra Jones
Releasing Nov 17th, 2015
Samhain
It’ll take more than a badge to get
her to confess her secrets.Kit Wainwright only meant to stop the thief making off with his beloved uncle’s
ashes. He wants to hang up his gun, become a law-abiding citizen and leave his
violent past behind. But the mayor takes notice of his sharpshooting skills,
slaps a badge on his chest and puts him in charge of cleaning up this lawless
town. Starting with tracking down the notorious Velvet Grace.Bordello owner Cora Reilly never meant to become a crusader. But after shooting
the last corrupt sheriff in self-defense, she’s spent the last few months
turning her hastily donned disguise into a local legend to defend the girls in
her town from riff-raff.
There’s no way Cora can trust the handsome new sheriff. Yet Kit’s kisses leave
her wanting to open her arms—and her bedroom—to soothe his grief. Even if it
brings him too close to the truth that could send her to the gallows.
Warning: Contains a reluctant sheriff with a keen eye for a moving target,
and a take-no-crap madam who isn’t about to let him get close. Okay, maybe just
a little bit closer. Just this once…
BUY NOW
Amazon | B
& N | Google
Play | iTunes | Kobo
Sandra Jones is a multi-published author of historical romances. A
former bookseller and librarian, she’s always had her nose in a book.
When not researching or writing her next novel, she enjoys being
with family, reading, cooking for her husband, and watching British TV. At home
in the South, her house overlooks a river and a farm, where most days you can
find her working to the sounds of wildlife and cattle.
Sandra loves to hear from her readers. Visit her website at www.SandraJonesRomance.com
Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
Don’t Miss the first in the River Rogues Series
HER WICKED CAPTAIN
AMAZON | B&N | KOBO | ITUNES
The post HIS MOST WANTED by Sandra Jones Release Blast & Giveaway appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
Teaser Tuesday: I’LL BE THERE by Samantha Chase
I’LL BE THERE
Montgomery Brother’s #6
Samantha Chase
Releasing Dec 1st, 2015
Sourcebooks Casablanca
Book #6 in New York Times and USA
Today bestselling author Samantha Chase’s popular Montgomery series
This
Montgomery Has a Head for Business
Working for Zach Montgomery is
challenging on many levels-coming from a wealthy and powerful family, he lives
by his own rules and doesn’t answer to anyone. But Gabriella Martine has no
intention of backing down. She’s used to handling stubborn men, and it doesn’t
hurt that Zach is smart, charismatic…and gorgeous.
And a Heart for Adventure
Zach’s perfect world is turned
upside down when a climbing accident leaves him broken, angry, and maddeningly
dependent. In his slow quest for recovery, Gabriella is always there to
help…but as Zach comes to see his beautiful assistant in a new light, he is
forced to re-evaluate what it really means to be a man worthy of Gabriella’s
love.
Pre-Order Today
Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes
Shock.
Then
more shock.
And
then…aah…Gabriella melted into Zach. After all they had been through
together, after everything they had talked about tonight, this was so not the
way she envisioned their time together ending.
But she
was completely on board with it.
For
years she had dreamed about what it would be like for Zach Montgomery to kiss
her and now that he was, she needed to stop talking to herself and start
enjoying it!
Zach
must have realized she was on board because his second crutch fell to the floor
as his arms banded around her waist. Everything inside Gabriella melted at the
heated contact. He was hard where she was soft and they just…fit. Her hands
tentatively stroked their way up his muscular arms and then paused on his
shoulders. It felt…naughty…to be touching her boss like this.
Wait…not
her boss. Zach. She was touching Zach. Get your head out of the office,
girl!
A low
hum emanated from Zach and she let her hands slowly glide up the strong column
of his throat—and stopped and lingered on his now clean-shaven jaw—and up into
his hair. It was longer than he’d ever worn it but it was thick and silky and
her fingers just sort of gently grasped and tugged to hold him to her.
If
possible, Zach moved in even closer and Gabriella was thoroughly pressed from
head to toe between him and the wall. His lips were devouring her but his arms
stayed as they were—tightly banded and holding her close as if he was afraid
she’d get away.
Not
likely.
Right
now, there wasn’t another place on the planet she wanted to be. Which was a bit
ironic considering that less than a minute ago she wanted to be anyplace but
here! Funny how fast things could change.
She
struggled between needing to take a breath and never letting Zach’s lips leave
hers again. As if reading her mind, he began to trail kisses along her cheek
and her jaw. He nipped at her earlobe and then stopped to simply inhale her.
“Do you
have any idea how long I’ve wanted to do this?” he growled lowly against her
ear.
“Hopefully
as long as I’ve wanted you to,” she openly admitted as she rubbed herself
against him.
He
chuckled softly. “The first time you walked through my door, I wanted to touch
you. Kiss you.” His tongue lightly traveled down the side of her neck to her
collarbone. “Make love to you.”
Gabriella
trembled at his words. How was it possible she didn’t notice that? How had he
kept it a secret for so long? And why? It was on the tip of her tongue to ask
him, but he raised his head and gave her a very sexy grin before reclaiming her
lips. There was no shock this time, just anticipation. Zach’s admission had
pretty much done it all for her, she was putty in his hands.
She
wanted to move, to get to a place where her back wasn’t pressed against a wall.
But again, she didn’t want to stop what Zach was doing long enough to even say
anything. Her nails raked his scalp and she felt the growl vibrate through him.
She pushed her breasts more firmly against him, and felt his erection nudge her
belly.
The wall
was just fine.
The post Teaser Tuesday: I’LL BE THERE by Samantha Chase appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
November 16, 2015
Craving For Cozies Challenge 2016/ Review list
Craving For Cozies Challenge 2016
Cozy mysteries, also referred to simply as “cozies”, are a sub-genre of crime fiction mysteries in which sex and violence are downplayed or treated humorously, and the crime and detection take place in a small, socially intimate community. The crime solver is an amateur sleuth, usually but not always a woman, who is thrust into the aftermath of the murder. The protagonist frequently has an occupation or hobby that brings appealing information to the reader.
The challenge runs from January 1, 2016 and ends December 31, 2016
Rules
1. Choose the level you wish to participate:
Levels
Famished – 1 – 10 Cozy Mysteries
Starving – 11 – 20 Cozy Mysteries
Satisfied – 21 – 40 Cozy Mysteries
Almost Full – 41 – 60 Cozy Mysteries
Completely Stuffed – 61 or more
2. You can Feed Your Need To Read with print, digital or audio books.
3. You do not have to post a review but the authors would appreciate it if you did. If you need help just let me know.
4. You do not need to have a blog to participate.
Just keep track any way you wish and enter a link below if available or sign up in the comment section. You can even set up a special shelf on Goodreads.com to help you keep track! Your can also participate via Facebook. You can find the Event here.
5. If you do have a blog, take the button above, put it on your blog and post about the challenge. Then add your name to Mr. Linky below. Please use the link of your challenge post, not the link to your home page.
6. Follow Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book as there may be special announcements made about the challenge.
7. Please share with us the books you are reading all year long by leaving comments on this page or on the Event page on Facebook.
8. I haven’t decided on prizes yet for this challenge but when you complete this challenge please FILL OUT THIS FORM no later than January 15.
Review list:
The post Craving For Cozies Challenge 2016/ Review list appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore blog tour
Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore
by Rose Pressey
Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore
(A Haunted Vintage Mystery)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Kensington (October 27, 2015)
ISBN-13: 978-1617732539
ASIN: B00TE7O8GM
Synopsis
This looks like a job for the fashion police!
A hot-ticket charity fashion show is the perfect chance for Cookie Chanel, proud owner of It’s Vintage Y’All, to show off her stylistic savvy for a good cause. But when a famous fashionista is fatally flattened, and the ghost of a former private investigator asks for Cookie’s help, she has to scurry to sew up a solution. With clever clues from Wind Song, her psychic cat, and sassy suggestions from Charlotte, her ghost-in-residence, Cookie must unravel the sinister stitches of a deadly design–before she becomes the next fashion victim…
Don’t miss Cookie Chanel’s Fashion Tips
My thoughts:
What can go wrong with Ghosts and romance? Well Cookie has two wonderful men wanting for her attention -Detective Dylan Valentine and lawyer Ken Harrison. The woman who was running the fashion show is dead and Cookie has to find out what is going on. Her ghosts friends Heather and Dylan are there to help.
The author did a wonderful job with the story and the outcome. The romance was not overpowering and the mystery was great.
I received a copy of Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
About The Author –Rose Pressey is a USA Today bestselling author. Her books Forever Charmed, Rock ‘n’ Roll is Undead, No Shoes, No Shirt, No Spells, How to Date a Werewolf, and Me and My Ghoulfriends have won her a wide following. Rose lives near Louisville, Kentucky.
Author Links
https://www.facebook.com/authorrosepressey
itsvintageyall.blogspot.com
Purchase Links
Tour Participants
November 16 – Babs Book Bistro – Review
November 17 – Mallory Heart Reviews – Review
November 18 – Community Bookstop – Review
November 19 – fuonlyknew – Review
November 20 – Back Porchervations – Review
November 21 – Melina’s Book Blog – Review
November 22 – deal sharing aunt – Interview
November 23 – readalot – Review
November 24 – Girl with Book Lungs – Spotlight
November 25 – Brooke Blogs – Interview
November 26 – U.S. Thanksgiving
November 27 – LibriAmoriMiei – Review
November 28 – Shelley’s Book Case –Review
Rafflecopter Giveaway
The post Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore blog tour appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
November 14, 2015
GRATITUDE GIVEAWAY hop
Thank you for all my followers for sticking with me for almost 6 years. Hard to believe it has been so long. To thank you, I would like to offer a $10 Amazon e-gift card. I have one way to enter. Just use the rafflecopter below. You can follow anyway you like.
Be sure to check out the other blogs below to enter.
The post GRATITUDE GIVEAWAY hop appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
November 13, 2015
The Courtship of Utopia Miner by Linda Gilman review
Marriage is the last thing she wants…
Utopia Miner is tired of hunting gold and caring for her three adopted fathers. Living in a Rocky Mountain mining camp is holding up her dream of becoming a saloon girl. If only she could learn the essential skills of singing, dancing and kissing, she’d be on her way to a glamorous life. When Utopia discovers she’s the prize in her three fathers’ marrying scheme, she sees benefits in going along with the courting contest. She now has a kissing teacher. And wow, what a teacher. One starter kiss from Lance and her body’s sweating in places it never had before.
All he wants is to write his story…
Lancelot Jones wants to turn in his marshal’s badge for a much safer job as a reporter, but the newspaper wants articles as proof of his qualifications. When his editor sends him to a mining camp to get the scoop on a courtship contest, Lance discovers the privilege of covering the story hinges upon chaperoning the bride-to-be. He soon finds himself ensconced in Utopia’s innocent charms and demanding saloon girl lessons. In short order, chaperoning the bride-to-be becomes risky business.
Can they come to an understanding or will love be lost to their dreams…??
My thoughts:
What a fun book to read. Utopia wants to be a saloon girl like her mom. But her three fathers want her to get married and settle down. A man comes to the house and wants to see her father. Lancelot Jones covers the story for his newspaper if he agrees to be the contest chaperone. Lance has no clue what he has gotten himself into. He learns real quick just how sheltered Utopia has been.
The author does a wonderful job with comedy and heart warming romance. The laugh out loud moments are wonderful and your sides will hurt from laughing so much.
You really need to grab you a copy.
Available now: Amazon
About Linda Gilman:
Linda Gilman is known for writing humorous western romance novels. Her stories are centered on independent, strong-willed women, and courageous heroes who always protect the innocent without violating their personal code of conduct. It’s the cowboy west readers are so enamored with and a twist of zany plot. From first page to last, her books are loaded with pain-in-your-side laughable moments.
She has a deep love of the American gold rush era and often uses this as an excuse to do book research and travel to ghost towns in the western states.
Born into a city girl life, her parents raised her in St. Louis County. However, Linda has always felt her country girl roots calling her to move west young woman. She currently lives in rural Missouri with her hubby and the oldest of her three sons.
Connect with Linda: Website | Facebook | Twitter
The post The Courtship of Utopia Miner by Linda Gilman review appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
Heartwarming November TOUR Giveaway- The Marriage Gift by Tara Taylor Quinn
On tour with†Prism Book Tours.
We’ll be highlighting 13 FREE short stories by beloved Harlequin Heartwarming authors that will be available from Harlequin during November.† All Heartwarming titles are 30% OFF during November from Harlequin as well! Use code HEART1115.
TODAY’S FREE SHORT STORY:
The Marriage Gift by Tara Taylor Quinn
They were so in love on their wedding day the world seemed to stop just for them. Then they grew apart. So far apart theyíre going through the worldís friendliest divorce. Is this really their happy ending?
Read it HERE!
The author of more than 70 original novels, in twenty languages, Tara Taylor Quinn is a USA Today bestseller with over six million copies sold. A 2015 RITA finalist Tara appears frequently on bestseller lists, including #1 placement on Amazon lists, and multiple showings on the Publisherís Weekly Bestseller list. She has appeared on national and local TV across the country, including CBS Sunday Morning.
Tara is a supporter of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. If you or someone you know might be a victim of domestic violence in the United States, please contact 1-800-799-7233.
Website – Goodreads†- Facebook – Twitter – Pinterest – Instagram
Guest Post on The Marriage Gift
I’ve written seventy-five novels. I’ve written half a dozen novellas. I’ve never written a short story. I wasn’t sure my particular talent would lend itself to the art form and was nervous as I set out to tackle the challenge. And I loved the result! The Marriage Gift is a lot shorter than any of my other work, but it’s classic ttq. Emotionally compelling. A little dark. And ultimately joyful.
I’m particularly excited because The Marriage Gift is a prequel to a brand new Heartwarming Series I’m doing, starting with three books, that will debut this next year. The series revolves around a cooking show called Family Secrets. It’s a reality TV show and contestants compete with the secret family recipes. Every book in the series revolves around family secrets, too. In the prequel, short story, a hero keeps a family secret and it effects his entire life. Check out The Marriage Gift! It’s completely free! A Heartwarming Thanksgiving gift from Harlequin and me.
Other Heartwarming Titles by this Author
Once Upon a Friendship
(The Historic Arapahoe†#1)
Adult Contemporary Romance
July 1st 2015 by Harlequin Heartwarming
Theyíre a team…not a couple!
Falling for Liam was unthinkable. He and Gabi had been best friends since college, nothing more. And crucially, now Liam was her client and needed her to be focused on his case. Gabi could never risk their friendship ó or Liamís freedom ó over these feelings. They could never be a couple, anyway. He was Liam Connelly, the handsome and privileged son of a billionaire. She was Gabrielle Miller, the girl whoíd fought her way out of poverty and put herself through law school. They were unlikely friends to begin with. Anything more was impossible.
Goodreads – Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Harlequin
Once Upon a†Marriage
(The Historic Arapahoe†#2)
Adult Contemporary Romance
October 1st 2015 by Harlequin Heartwarming
Anyone could be hiding a secret…
Marie Bustamante does not trust or love easily. Growing up with a philandering father and an overprotective mother, she comes by her reservations honestly. So after only three months, how can she be falling for her best friend’s bodyguard? This isn’t like her at all. But Elliott Tanner is strong, gorgeous and…trustworthy. Honest. At least he seems to be. Of course, some things about him remain a mystery. Protecting the privacy of his clients is Elliott’s job. That doesn’t mean he’s hiding anything from her. Does it?
Goodreads – Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Harlequin
TOUR SCHEDULE
Don’t miss any of these FREE novellas or the extra tour content! Stop by each of the tour stops each day:
11/2: Snow Day Baby by Amy Vastine
Singing Librarian Books, The Power of Words, & Katie’s Clean Book Collection
11/4: Wedding at Turkey Run by Liz Flaherty
My Love for Reading Keeps Growing, Babs Book Bistro, & Heidi Reads…
11/6: Her Thanksgiving Soldier by Leigh Riker
Letters from Annie (Douglass) Lima, Mel’s Shelves, & Brooke Blogs
11/9: Mr. Right All Along by Jen Snow
Katie’s Clean Book Collection,†Min Reads and Reviews, & Love thy Shelf
11/11: Falling for the Cowboy by Sophia Sasson
Kindle and Me, The Power of Words, & Colorimetry
11/13: The Marriage Gift by Tara Taylor Quinn
deal sharing aunt, Babs Book Bistro, & Brooke Blogs
11/16: Heart of a Hero by Pamela Tracy
Writing Pearls, Wishful Endings, & Waiting For Wentworth
11/18: Thankful for You by Karen Rock
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, Getting Your Read On, & Love, Laughter, Friendship
11/20: Autumn at Jasper Lake by Carol Ross
Reading Is My SuperPower, I Am A Reader, & Colorimetry
11/23: The Firefighterís Promise by Kate James
Canadian Book Addict, Mel’s Shelves, & Beck Valley Books
11/24: Wedding of His Dreams by Cari Lynn Webb
Bookworm Lisa, Kindle and Me,†& Zerina Blossom’s Books
11/25: The Sweetheart Tree by Rula Sinara
The Written Adventure, Reading Is My SuperPower, & Writing Pearl
11/26: Married by Thanksgiving by Melinda Curtis
Heidi Reads…, Love, Laughter, Friendship, & Singing Librarian Books†
11/29: Grand Finale
11/30: Facebook Party
GIVEAWAYS
Goodreads Giveaway
13 Harlequin Heartwarming Books
Enter on Goodreads HERE.
Pinterest Giveaway
†
Pin one or both of these images to spread the word and enter to win this adorably festive Thanksgiving Table Set:
Pinterest Prize includes:†four reversible, quilted placemats, four matching napkins, hand-painted matching napkin rings, matching table runner, matching quilted hot pad/trivet, floral centerpiece in pot, and hand-crafted pilgrim pair.
– Enter via the Rafflecopter below
– Open to US only
– Ends December 4th
Tour Giveaway
Grand Prize:†Harlequin Heartwarming Year Subscription†(Provided by Harlequin and to US/CAN only)
$40 VISA card†(US only)
13-Book Heartwarming Prize Pack:†The Best Laid Plans, Back to McGuffy’s, If I Loved You, Love, Lies & Mistletoe, First Comes Marriage, Once Upon A Marriage, Small Town Secrets, Winter Wedding Bells, If Not For A Bee, When The Right One Comes Along, Wedding of His Dreams, After The Silence, and A Memory Away†(print copies if US, ebooks if international)
9-Book Prize Pack:†The Best Laid Plans, If I Loved You, Love, Lies & Mistletoe, First Comes Marriage, Once Upon A Marriage, When The Right One Comes Along, Winter Wedding Bells, If Not For A Bee, and After The Silence†(print copies if US, ebooks if international)
Ends December 4th
The post Heartwarming November TOUR Giveaway- The Marriage Gift by Tara Taylor Quinn appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
November 12, 2015
Dark Turns by Cate Holahan Blog Tour
Advance Praise for Cate Holahan
“Journalist Holahan’s debut will appeal to fans of precocious teen conspiracies like Sara Shepard’s Pretty Little Liars series, as well as to fans of grown-up, plucky-heroine-must-fight-for-herself thrillers.” – Booklist
“In this twisting danse macabre of jealousy, obsession, vanity, and revenge, Cate Holahan gives more than a superb debut performance. Dark Turns provides a master class in murder.”
Jan Coffey USA Today bestselling author of Trust Me Once.
“Cate Holahan’s debut novel, Dark Turns, reads like a mash-up of Black Swan and a particularly juicy episode of Gossip Girl.”
– Charles Dubow, bestselling IndieBound author of Indiscretion
DARK TURNS
By Cate Holahan
Nia Washington fought her way up from the streets and was nearing the pinnacle of her profession when an injury and a broken heart derailed her career. Taking a temporary job as a dance instructor at an elite boarding school was supposed to give her time to nurse both body and soul. It was supposed to be a safe place to launch a triumphant comeback. It is anything but.
Not long after she arrives at the beautiful lakeside campus, she discovers the body of a murdered student, and her life takes a truly dark turn. Suddenly, she is drawn into a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with a ruthless killer. And Nia isn’t the only target. She must use all of her street smarts to protect her dancers, save a wrongfully accused student, and rescue the man she loves.
A stunning and suspenseful tale of passion and betrayal, Cate Holahan’s Dark Turns will take readers deep into the mind of a murderer and the woman who must put an end to the killing.
Excerpt:
Fondu [fawn-DEW]
Sinking down. A term used to describe a lowering of the body made by bending the knee of the support- ing leg. The lawn glittered in the late summer sun, a shining emerald slate as uniform as Astroturf. The grass smelled real, though. Realer than real. Each inhale filled Nia’s nose with a spritz of green, more pungent than mall per- fume and far sweeter than the oniony weeds back home. The lawn smelled like money. Nia stared at the clock on the tower at the far end of the courtyard. Its short hand pointed to the Roman numeral seven. The long hand crept toward the X. He would arrive soon.
A cramp pulled at the meat between her metatarsals. She steadied herself on her good leg and folded in half to grab the throbbing joint that had spurred the contraction. Her thumbs slid beneath the clinging hem of her spandex capris. She pressed into her heel until it grew hot. The pain’s drumming slowed. Only a doctor could silence it. Until she got some real medical attention, she’d keep having bearable days and bad ones.
Today was a bad day. She blamed herself. The tendon- itis always flared when she didn’t stretch. She should have risen earlier to warm up. What if the director asked to see pointe work? Could he rescind the offer if he didn’t like her performance?
An iron bench sat just to the right of the registration building. She limped to it. The metal was cool on her palms. She placed her feet in a line, heels together, toes pointed in opposite directions. She dipped into a demi-plié. Tightness trickled from her thighs. The familiarity of the move did as much good as the stretch. It was her morning coffee, a ritual that woke her body and prepared her for the day.
A breeze stirred the lawn, reassuring visitors that a school of Wallace Academy’s caliber would not accept any- thing as gauche as faux grass. Nia didn’t see any visitors to impress. School offices were closed. The academic buildings that flanked the courtyard remained locked. Classes didn’t start until tomorrow.
The students had arrived, though. Parents had flooded onto campus over the weekend, pouring from imported SUVs with trunks and suitcases, filling the dorms with preppy debris while their teenagers flowed between build- ings in search of lost friends. She’d watched the move-in from the bay window of her new studio, which overlooked the entire courtyard. Such views were rare, reserved for so-called resident advisors, a college title intended to trick high school students into befriending the teaching assistant down the hall. But she was more of a spy than a schoolmate. The dean had been clear: she existed to keep boys out and report anyone attempting to sneak in the opposite sex dur- ing the week. She was also expected to sniff around for pot and cigarettes.
She didn’t know why the dean worried. So far, the dorm had gone quiet by eleven o’clock each night. These students weren’t nymphos or druggies. How could they be and sneak past the admissions officer? Wallace prided itself on an acceptance rate that rivaled the Ivy League schools to which it funneled graduates.
Birds trilled somewhere above her. Nia listened to their music and dropped into a grand plié, thighs and calves apart, spine straight. Her back released more tension. The throbbing in her heel subsided. She arched her arms over her head. Endorphins chased the nerves from her system. She felt loose. Confident. She rose to her toes.
Pain crackled through her leg like a string of firecrack- ers. Her ankle wobbled with each small explosion. Her heel crashed to the floor. A smile parted her lips. Dancers didn’t show discomfort. Fifteen years of training let her beam through cramps like the Virgin Mary in labor.
She shook her right leg. Stretching alone couldn’t soothe this pain. She needed the shot. Once the health insurance took effect, she would head straight to the orthopedist.
Footsteps tapped somewhere to her right. A svelte man, clad in black, glided toward her. The bright morning high- lighted a shock of silver in his black hair. The streak was Ted Battle’s trademark and the single sign of his forty years.
An embarrassed flush heated Nia’s neck. The dance director had seen her stumble. Nerves pinched the edges of her false smile. She forced a brighter grin.
“Mr. Battle.”
He nodded in her direction but didn’t pick up pace. She pushed back her shoulders, pulled in her abs, and angled her right foot in front of her left, a relaxed fourth position stance. She hoped her posture obscured her injury.
Battle stood before her and extended his palm, as if ask- ing her to dance. He flashed a smile that illuminated his angular face.
She shook. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Battle.” “Glad we could talk before classes start.”
His voice sounded higher than she’d imagined. In lieu of a commanding baritone, a musical tenor emerged from the director’s lips. She detected a touch of femininity in the way his pitch climbed at the end of the sentence. Was he gay? About half of the male dancers she knew were homosexual, and Battle wasn’t married.
She admonished herself for the train of thought. Her boss’s sexual preference didn’t matter. As for herself, it had been so long that she might as well have been asexual.
Images from the last time fluttered into her mind. The seam between Dimitri’s pectorals. His shapely mouth, curled in a smile. She blinked to blur the memories. This job came with health care. She couldn’t let heartache dis- tract her.
“I regret that I didn’t interview you personally,” Battle said. “Our last assistant left so abruptly that we had to fill the position while I was still in Queensland.”
Nia regained her focus. “I understand she had a baby.” Battle rolled his eyes. The expression seemed to com-pare maternity leave to claiming the dog had eaten your homework.
“Yes. Took us all by surprise. She wasn’t married. Hid the pregnancy with baggy clothes and didn’t let anyone know she wouldn’t return until June.”
He patted the breast of his dark T-shirt, an odd gesture, as if he were feeling for glasses in a nonexistent pocket. His eyes rolled over Nia’s body, lingering for a fraction of a sec- ond on her flat stomach. The stare tempted her to blurt, Don’t worry about me. I haven’t had sex in a year since my ex and I broke up. She swallowed the overshare, aware it was motivated by awed attraction to her handsome, successful, and likely gay boss.
“I have of course seen your résumé,” Battle said. “I was impressed with your training. The School of American Bal- let since age ten. They don’t accept many girls, and, I expect, they take even fewer on financial aid.”
The comment stung. She knew he’d meant it as a compliment—evidence that she possessed a certain skill beyond her peers—but it reminded her of things she would rather forget: used toe shoes, slapping pickles on foot-long sandwiches to afford costumes, the dubious charity from anorexic rivals—“Here’s a leotard. I’m too small for it now.”
Battle’s light-brown eyes flitted from her waist to her face. “They feed many girls to major companies . . .”
He trailed off, providing an opportunity for Nia to explain herself. Why was a woman her age not with an esteemed company or attending college? If not pregnant, then what, exactly, was her flaw?
Where should she start? She didn’t have a classical danc- er’s ectomorph frame. Her hands could not circumvent her thighs. She possessed a stereotypical “black ass” that refused to disappear, even at a scant hundred and ten pounds. Puberty had somehow swelled her chest into a full C cup that appeared silicone enhanced on her petite frame, a prob- lem she hid with sports bras and unnecessary layers. But her biggest problem of late was literally her Achilles’ heel. Years of pointe work had strained the tendon. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories no longer relieved the pain. She needed a cortisone shot, a flexible doctor, and rest.
“I performed with the Andrea Brooks troupe in Brook- lyn for a couple years. They’re more contemporary. I don’t know if you would have heard of them.”
The director smiled. He hadn’t heard of them. A blush threatened to crawl from Nia’s neck to her cheeks.
“And then this past year, I traveled with the Janet Ruban Dance Ensemble. I hope that, after this opportunity, I can audition for a larger company.”
“Why not audition now?”
The director didn’t need to add while you’re young and employable. She couldn’t confess to the injury. He might think it would compromise her teaching ability.
“My mother lives in Queens. My father’s not around and
I needed to stay close.”
Battle’s mouth tightened in apparent sympathy for her family’s hardship. Nia thanked God that her nutmeg color- ing masked any guilty blush.
She pumped earnestness into her voice. “I plan to audi- tion next year.”
Battle’s thin smile relaxed. “Well, I hope you do. You’re young. Now is the time. And it is difficult to get a job above assistant teacher, even in a public high school, without a few years of choreography experience and an MFA.” He clasped his hands. “Okay. We’re happy to have you this year. Let me take you on the tour.”
He led the way down a red brick path. She followed a step behind, hiding the limp that would not disappear until she had soaked her leg. They passed a mix of gothic revival and neoclassical buildings, homages to the architecture associated with top universities. Battle pointed out those he found of interest—this is the library, that’s the foreign language department, there’s the English building—all the while dropping names of esteemed graduates. He stopped before a gothic specimen capped by a mas- sive dome. “This is the music hall. In addition to a recital auditorium, it houses practice spaces that are available to the students around the clock and an extensive music library.”
The structure recalled the U.S. Capitol. It featured the same rows of white columns leading to an ice cream scoop hat. Instead of vanilla, the building’s top shone pistachio.
“The verdigris really connects it to the landscape,” he said. Nia traced Battle’s gaze to confirm he referenced the mot-
tled green dome. She would have to Google verdigris later. “Richard French became Richard French here.”
Nia knew of the famous music professor. Dancers read his critiques to better understand the emotion of a piece. “I studied his writings on Idomeneo.”
“Yes. I assign our students the same critique. Glad you know it, Antonia.”
“My friends call me Nia.”
“Oh, Nia. Well, in front of the students, you will, of course, be Ms. Washington. We don’t want the kids becom- ing too comfortable, especially given your age.”
The formal title surprised her. Ms. Washington was her mother. It hadn’t occurred to her that the students would address her differently than anyone else.
Battle maintained eye contact. His lips pulled into a line. “You’re just a few years older than our seniors, and in all honesty, you could easily pass for a student. We can’t have them taking you for a peer. It might seem silly, but mistakes happen when distinctions become blurred.”
“Of course,” she blurted. “When I watched the parents moving the kids in, all I could think was that all the stu- dents were so young.”
Battle rolled his eyes. “Well, they certainly don’t think so.” He pointed down a gradual hill. A silent expanse of crystal blue stretched beyond it. “The lake is over there and, as you know, the dance facility is just above it.”
She followed Battle down the sloping path to the water. The lake was small, perhaps the size of four football fields. A dense forest surrounded two-thirds of it, obscuring the nar- row road that defined the shoreline to her right. The path led to a clearing where the trees had been removed to make room for a boathouse and beach. Long racing shells with the school logo—a monogrammed W—lay stacked upside down in a wooden structure. A couple of rowboats floated atop the water, tethered to posts.
Sunlight painted the lake a pale gold. Nia stepped to the water’s edge, careful to maintain her dancer’s posture despite her sore ankle. She loved the water.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Battle said. “The view always gets my creative juices flowing.”
“Yes. It’s so calming.” Healing, almost.
“It started as a small canal. Wallace’s founder, Gregory Andrew Wallace, had the idea to create the reservoir and the little beach you’re standing on.”
Battle continued the history lesson. Nia listened to the inflections in his voice, nodding at what sounded like the appropriate time. She didn’t care who carved the lake. She watched the breeze stir the ripples into meringues. Water lapped at her feet.
A strange darkness blurred the surface just beyond her toes. Brown, seaweed-like strands crawled toward the sand. Did lakes have seaweed? She crouched to get a better look.
It was hair.
Her mouth opened in a silent scream. Instinct pushed her feet backward. She stumbled during the retreat. Her butt hit the beach. Sand scraped against her leggings. Battle splashed into the shallows and pulled the figure onto the shore. Wet hair clung to the face like a tangled net. He peeled the mop back, exposing the mouth and nose, pre- paring for CPR.
Nia regained her composure. It was a girl, a teenager judging from the lithe figure and curved face. Her white skin had turned sallow and translucent. Blue veins puckered from her arms. A deep purple colored her lips. Battle posi- tioned his head above the girl’s mouth and pinched her nose. Before he exhaled, he released the face and sank back onto his calves. Nia followed his frozen stare to the girl’s neck. A pattern of interlocking purple bruises cut above the body’s clavicle like an ornate choker.
Nia’s hand dove into her sweatshirt pocket for her cell phone. She dialed the police.
“Nine-one-one. What’s your emergency?”
“Hi. I’m . . . I am at Wallace Academy. My boss just pulled a girl from the lake.”
“Is she breathing?” “No.”
“Do you know CPR?”
“There are marks around her neck.” “Do you know CPR?”
“It won’t help.” Nia’s voice trembled. “She’s dead.”
CATE HOLAHAN is an award-winning journalist and former television producer. Holahan’s articles have appeared in BusinessWeek, The Boston Globe, The Record and on web sites for CBS, MSN Money, NorthJersey.com, BusinessWeek.com, and CNBC. Her short fiction won first place in the 19th annual Calliope competition, a magazine published by the writer’s group of American Mensa.
DARK TURNS
By Cate Holahan
Crooked Lane Books; November 10, 2015
336 pages; $24.99
ISBN-978-1629531936
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