Longing for More Time- And a Giveaway!

Jessie: In book jail on the coast of Maine.

I am pressing up hard against the deadline for Book 2 in my new Change of Fortune Mysteries series. The first book in the series, Whispers Beyond the Veil launches on September 6. I have one child to get off to a first year at college on Friday and another who starts high school the following Wednesday.

What this means is that the dishes are piling, the laundry is heaping and dinners are all about scrounging. It also means I am wishing I could time travel and get some things accomplished months ago. Since that isn’t possible, but I like the time travel notion, I thought I’d interview the protagonist of my soon to be released book, as well as my work-in-progress, Ruby Proulx, about herself and life in Old Orchard in 1898. Here goes:

Jessica: I understand you are a newcomer to Old Orchard. What is your impression of the town?

Ruby: I have only just arrived but I am completely smitten. The town pulses with enthusiasm for the new pleasure pier that is almost complete. Everywhere you look there are grand hotels, confectioners, photography studios and ballrooms. The trains and trolleys run constantly and there is never any shortage of amenities and amusements. On top of everything else there is the constant, awe-inspiring majesty of the ocean.

Jessica: Rumor has it that you are living and working at your aunt’s hotel. Care to put in a plug for the Hotel Belden?

Ruby: The Belden may not be the largest hotel on the beach but it is the most unique. My Aunt Honoria had the insprired idea to add a faculty of metaphysical practitioners to the hotel staff and to offer readings and lessons to our guests. Where else can you hold a seance, learn to dowse or have your natal chart cast all within a pebble’s toss of the sea? If you want to visit you should telegraph or write immediately. We are already booked for most of the season.

Jessica: I’ve heard that there is a pickpocketing problem in Old Orchard. Should potential visitiors be concerned for the security of their valuables?

Ruby: While sneak theives have been as enthusiastic about a seaside visit as anyone else, we are fortunate to have a dedicated and  skilled police force in town. Well, perhaps it would be more correct to say we are lucky to have Officer Warren Yancey looking to our best interests. He doesn’t let personal gain influence his service to the community no matter how much easier it would be for him to turn a blind eye to corruption and murder.

Jessica:Murder! Care to elaborate?

Ruby: If you want to know more about that sort of thing I suggest you read Whispers Beyond the Veil.

Readers, where would you go if you could time travel? Leave a comment and you’ll be entered to win one of two advanced reading copies of Whispers Beyond the Veil.