Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Exploring #Bourne Farm for Inspiration #amwriting #Ghosts #CapeCod #Falmouth #Travel

Bourne Farm, or Crowell-Bourne Farm, circa 1775
You wouldn't think a ghost mystery would require much research--part of the fun of writing paranormal elements is using your imagination.  But I've had to do research for every one of my books...some more than others.  Haunted Souls, in particular, took a huge amount of research.  The initial inspiration for that story came from a visit to the Old Jail here on Cape Cod--the oldest wooden jailhouse in the country, built circa 1690 and reputedly haunted.  For this particular plot, historical research was necessary, and also a great deal of research into the military background of one of the characters, who was an EOD tech (Explosive Ordinance Disposal).  You can read more details about the Old Jail in Barnstable Village and researching EOD in this post.

For my recent ghost mystery/romance, The Haunting of Hillwood Farm, I needed more information on historic farms located on Cape Cod.  The farm in my novel has been in the Turner family for generations, and Luke Turner is determined to save the property from development, despite financial struggles.  So I visited a few farms in person in addition to doing online research.


Crocker Pond on Bourne Farm
Crowell-Bourne Farm (in West Falmouth on Cape Cod in MA) probably served as the biggest inspiration, at least in terms of my vision for the landscape of Hillwood Farm.  The house was built in 1775 by Joseph Crowell, as you can see from the plaque on the building in the top photo.  Although there is no documentation to prove it, local lore says the structure on Bourne Farm was one of the first seven houses in West Falmouth.  This property is now owned by a private land trust, and consists of 49 acres of fields and woodlands.  It's listed on the National Registration of Historic Places, and visitors enjoy walking the miles of trails through the woods and appreciating the views.  We picked some apples from the orchards during our walk, and I'm sharing a few more pics below.


The cattle run...this used to be a passage for the
cattle to cross beneath the railroad tracks.  The
tracks above are now a bike path.


My hubby walking the trails (Otis the dog
must be further up ahead)


Otis posing in the cattle run
    

One other farm we visited was Taylor-Bray Farm in Yarmouth Port.  This farm was originally settled in 1639 when the area was still part of the Plymouth Colony.  I used some of the history of this farm as inspiration--specifically, Taylor-Bray was a working farm until 1941, harvesting hay and selling fruit.  The existing farm house there now was built in the late 1800s, and visitors are allowed to walk through when it's open.  The decor has been preserved, but in my mind's eye, my fictional farm house has had quite a lot of renovations throughout the years.


Sheep at Taylor-Bray Farm.  My fictional farm has horses.

While these two farms are now historic landmarks open to the public, there are a number of working farms on the Cape that still house families.  Those I researched online, or visited their produce stands to enjoy the fresh fruits and veggies!

All in all, this research was a fascinating look at some Cape Cod history, as well as inspiration for the setting.  But then my imagination took over.  Who is haunting Hillwood Farm?  And why?  You'll have to read the book to find out!  It's available on Kindle and paperback on Amazon, just follow the link below to read the blurb.  



Winner of Best Romantic Suspense 
at N.N. Light's Book Heaven Reviews!

And for more posts on historic sites on Cape Cod, check out a few of my other posts:  Historic Falmouth, Exploring Washburn Island (abandoned military base from WWII), Haunted Barnstable Village (deserted prisons anyone?), and Visiting Cuttyhunk Island (which is literally like time-traveling to a different decade!).  Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Last Days on #NetGalley! Ghost Mystery + Romance ~ #books #bookreview

Short and sweet post:  The Haunting of Hillwood Farm is now available on NetGalley!  If you're a reviewer and you enjoy paranormal suspense, ghost mysteries, and romance, please request a copy!  From NetGalley reviewer M.H.: "Romance, supernatural, and danger elements are all present in a champion plot."  And I loved this admission from reviewer P.K.: "I almost missed an appointment because I did not want to put this book down."  Made my day!

Links, blurb, and excerpts below - Happy Haunted Reading!

After tragedy strikes, Callie Sinclair is left with a gift she never wanted—the ability to communicate with ghosts.  But when a desperate widow begs for her help, she reluctantly agrees to investigate the strange occurrences at Hillwood Farm.  She quickly realizes she’s dealing with a dangerous presence beyond anything she’s ever experienced, and something else becomes equally clear—the only other living person in the house, Mrs. Turner’s handsome grandson, thinks she’s a scam artist.  While she’d prefer to just ignore him, her heart beats a little faster every time he’s nearby.

Luke Turner doesn’t believe in spirits.  He’s moved back to restore the family farm, but living on the property serves a dual purpose—he can watch out for his grandmother.  He’s not happy about the sudden appearance of a self-described psychic, or his inexplicable attraction to her.  His initial suspicions crumble as evidence points to an actual haunting, but he’s still determined not to fall for Callie—the past has taught him it’s best to avoid relationships.

As Callie is drawn deeper into the mystery, she becomes the target of a vengeful spirit, and Luke can no longer fight his feelings for her.  Unable to resist their desire, passion ignites…even as the paranormal activity escalates to a final deadly confrontation.  

-->  The Haunting of Hillwood Farm on NetGalley

If you're not a NetGalley member but would like to purchase a copy, you can find it on Amazon...and reviews there are *very* much appreciated!

-->  The Haunting of Hillwood Farm on Amazon

"I clung to my tablet..." ~ N.N. Light's Book Heaven Reviews on
The Haunting of Hillwood Farm  (5+ stars, chosen as Best Romantic Suspense)

Want a little excerpt or two?  One peek at a scary scene, one peek at a sexy scene below!

With a sharp pop, the light went out, plunging the room into darkness.  Callie stilled, her heartbeat filling her ears.  Something rustled behind her, and the hairs on her bare arms prickled.  She was suddenly very sure she was not alone.  A soft moan floated through the blackness.  Panic gripped her, fierce and primal, clawing at her lungs.  Did she have a weapon?  Would it even work against whatever was here? 
She struggled for air, a rancid odor filling her nostrils as she slowly inhaled.  Death.  Decay.  Shadows shifted to her left, and her gaze jerked toward the movement.  Behind the solid mass of her reflection in the mirror, the gauzy outline of a face peered over her shoulder.  Empty eye sockets stared out from gray, filmy features, the hollow black holes somehow filled with menace.
A sob gathered in her chest, clogging her throat.  Please, God.  Let me wake up from this nightmare.  Something cold and wet brushed against her upper back, and she screamed.

* * *

When she turned around, Luke was standing in the doorway.  Her pulse jumped.  She’d forgotten to close the door.  One of the hazards of living alone for so long.
The corner of his mouth slid up.  “Sorry.  I didn’t mean to sneak up on you.”
She let out a breathy laugh.  “No worries.  I’m just glad it’s you.”
His brows lifted.  “Yeah?  Were you expecting someone else?” 
“Well, you never know in this house, right?”  She shrugged, and the twist in her towel loosened.  Clutching it to her chest, she managed a weak smile as she fumbled to secure it.  She could feel the weight of his stare even as she bent her head to check the new knot, and warmth pooled in her belly.  She glanced up, and their gazes locked.  The air crackled as the moment stretched out, and she recognized something in the depths of his eyes.  Hunger.  Could he see the same thing reflected back in hers?
Her breath caught, and she took an involuntary step toward him, as if drawn by a magnetic force.  Every nerve in her body tingled with desire.        
His gaze raked over her, slow and deliberate.  “Well, I just wanted to check in on you.  To see if you need anything.” 
She swallowed.  “Do you?”
He cocked his head, his brows pulling together.  “What?” 
“Um.  Need anything?”
He dragged a hand over his mouth, the muscles in his arm bunching with the movement.  “That’s a dangerous question to ask when you’re standing there in a towel.”

So thrilled that The Haunting of Hillwood Farm has been the #1 Most
Requested title from Backlit PR's NetGalley titles!

Friday, January 25, 2019

Reunion Romance + Ghost #Mystery~ Final #sale days! #99c #FridayReads #1 #Kindle Bestseller

Final days! My debut novel, SILVER LAKE, is currently on sale for 99 cents, and this sale ends on Jan. 28.  Part reunion romance, part ghost story, Silver Lake is a second-chance romance between two friends who never acted on their feelings in high school...will they get a second chance at first love?  It's also a mystery revolving around the disappearance of another of their friends, Brandy, who may be haunting the lake house where the group reunites in a last ditch effort to discover what happened to her during their senior year.  Brandy's ghost has a message to share...


A #1 Kindle Besteller ~ on SALE for 99 pennies!

And there's *more*! This novel is part of a Limited Time Amazon Promotion...purchase three of their selected titles at 99 cents by 1/28/2019, get a $3.00 credit for a purchase of another Kindle Exclusive Title.  There are over 550 titles available to choose from in this promo, with all sorts of genres represented, so take advantage of the sale prices and the future credit while the deal is still available!



"I could not put this book down...Romance, drama, renewal of friendships,
and ghosts...something for everyone." ~ A Novel Review, 5 Stars

You can read the blurb and grab your copy here:  SILVER LAKE on Amazon

And you can view the details of the Jan. Amazon Promotion and view ALL the titles that have been selected here:  Buy 3 for 99 c, Get $3 toward Select Kindle Exclusive Titles

Hurry!  Offer ends Jan. 28!

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Amazon #Kindle Promo! Buy 3 at #99c get a $3 credit! #amreading #books #KindleDeals

A #1 Kindle Bestseller on sale for 99c!
I was so excited to learn that my debut novel, Silver Lake, was selected for one of the titles in this offer!  Right now, Amazon is offering a $3.00 credit toward a future Kindle selection purchase if you buy three titles from their list now--and there are over 550 books on the list, ALL on sale for 99 cents!





If you're expecting snow today like me (or have already been hit!), take a moment to peruse the list and pick some new reads to curl up with!  I have some recommendations below as well.  And if you enjoy a mix of spooky suspense and second-chance romance, give Silver Lake a try while it's on sale for 99 pennies!  The sale is valid until 1/28, so even if you don't choose three promoted titles, you get a great deal since this book is normally $3.99.

Silver Lake has been a #1 Kindle Bestseller multiple times over, and it's part reunion romance, part ghost story...a genre probably best described as "Paranormal Romantic Suspense".  It's a second chance romance between two friends who never acted on their feelings in high school...but it's also a mystery revolving around the disappearance of another of their friends, Brandy, who may be haunting the lake house where the group reunites in a last ditch effort to discover what happened to her during their senior year.


A haunting, an old flame, and secrets from the past...

If you're looking to grab a few more at 99 cents and get your promo credit, one of the books in the offer was on my 2016 Favorite Reads list-- Highland Surrender, so if you like Historical Romance, I recommend that story highly!  

My latest title, The Haunting of Hillwood Farm, was part of the USA TODAY Bestselling Box Set Love Under Fire.  One of my author friends from the set also had some of her books picked up for this promo:  In the Dark and Dark Harvest by Chris Patchell are suspense thrillers.

Here's the wording from their site:


Limited Time Offer


Purchase any three $0.99 eBooks from the selection below and receive $3 toward your next purchase of select Kindle Exclusive books. How it works:

1. Purchase three titles at $0.99 from the selection below by 11:59 p.m. (PDT) on January 28, 2019.
2. You will receive an email when the $3 credit has been applied to your account.
3. Use your credit on an eligible purchase of select Kindle Exclusive Books by 11:59 p.m. (PDT) on January 31, 2019. 

The entire list and offer details can be found here...offer ends by 1/28 so hurry!  Happy Shopping!






Wednesday, January 16, 2019

The Haunting of Hillwood Farm is on #NetGalley! #Ghost #Mystery + #Romance #amreading #books #paranormal

Short and sweet post:  The Haunting of Hillwood Farm is now available on NetGalley!  If you're a reviewer and you enjoy paranormal suspense, ghost mysteries, and romance, please request a copy!  

Links,blurb, and excerpts below - Happy Haunted Reading!

After tragedy strikes, Callie Sinclair is left with a gift she never wanted—the ability to communicate with ghosts.  But when a desperate widow begs for her help, she reluctantly agrees to investigate the strange occurrences at Hillwood Farm.  She quickly realizes she’s dealing with a dangerous presence beyond anything she’s ever experienced, and something else becomes equally clear—the only other living person in the house, Mrs. Turner’s handsome grandson, thinks she’s a scam artist.  While she’d prefer to just ignore him, her heart beats a little faster every time he’s nearby.

Luke Turner doesn’t believe in spirits.  He’s moved back to restore the family farm, but living on the property serves a dual purpose—he can watch out for his grandmother.  He’s not happy about the sudden appearance of a self-described psychic, or his inexplicable attraction to her.  His initial suspicions crumble as evidence points to an actual haunting, but he’s still determined not to fall for Callie—the past has taught him it’s best to avoid relationships.

As Callie is drawn deeper into the mystery, she becomes the target of a vengeful spirit, and Luke can no longer fight his feelings for her.  Unable to resist their desire, passion ignites…even as the paranormal activity escalates to a final deadly confrontation.  

-->  The Haunting of Hillwood Farm on NetGalley

If you're not a NetGalley member but would like to purchase a copy, you can find it on Amazon...and reviews there are very much appreciated!

-->  The Haunting of Hillwood Farm on Amazon

"I clung to my tablet..." ~ N.N. Light's Book Heaven Reviews on
The Haunting of Hillwood Farm  (5+ stars, chosen as Best Romantic Suspense)

Want a little excerpt or two?  One peek at a scary scene, one peek at a sexy scene below!

With a sharp pop, the light went out, plunging the room into darkness.  Callie stilled, her heartbeat filling her ears.  Something rustled behind her, and the hairs on her bare arms prickled.  She was suddenly very sure she was not alone.  A soft moan floated through the blackness.  Panic gripped her, fierce and primal, clawing at her lungs.  Did she have a weapon?  Would it even work against whatever was here? 
She struggled for air, a rancid odor filling her nostrils as she slowly inhaled.  Death.  Decay.  Shadows shifted to her left, and her gaze jerked toward the movement.  Behind the solid mass of her reflection in the mirror, the gauzy outline of a face peered over her shoulder.  Empty eye sockets stared out from gray, filmy features, the hollow black holes somehow filled with menace.
A sob gathered in her chest, clogging her throat.  Please, God.  Let me wake up from this nightmare.  Something cold and wet brushed against her upper back, and she screamed.

* * *

When she turned around, Luke was standing in the doorway.  Her pulse jumped.  She’d forgotten to close the door.  One of the hazards of living alone for so long.
The corner of his mouth slid up.  “Sorry.  I didn’t mean to sneak up on you.”
She let out a breathy laugh.  “No worries.  I’m just glad it’s you.”
His brows lifted.  “Yeah?  Were you expecting someone else?” 
“Well, you never know in this house, right?”  She shrugged, and the twist in her towel loosened.  Clutching it to her chest, she managed a weak smile as she fumbled to secure it.  She could feel the weight of his stare even as she bent her head to check the new knot, and warmth pooled in her belly.  She glanced up, and their gazes locked.  The air crackled as the moment stretched out, and she recognized something in the depths of his eyes.  Hunger.  Could he see the same thing reflected back in hers?
Her breath caught, and she took an involuntary step toward him, as if drawn by a magnetic force.  Every nerve in her body tingled with desire.        
His gaze raked over her, slow and deliberate.  “Well, I just wanted to check in on you.  To see if you need anything.” 
She swallowed.  “Do you?”
He cocked his head, his brows pulling together.  “What?” 
“Um.  Need anything?”
He dragged a hand over his mouth, the muscles in his arm bunching with the movement.  “That’s a dangerous question to ask when you’re standing there in a towel.”


Tuesday, January 15, 2019

A Haunting, An Old Flame, + Secrets...#99c #SALE! #ghosts #romance #Kindle #KU

My debut novel, SILVER LAKE, is currently on sale for 99 cents, *and* it's part of a Limited Time Amazon Promotion...purchase three of their selected titles at 99 cents by 1/28/2019, get a $3.00 credit for a purchase of another Kindle Exclusive Title.  There are over 550 titles available to choose from in this promo, with all sorts of genres represented, so take advantage of the sale prices and the future credit while the deal is still available!

A #1 Kindle Besteller ~ on SALE for 99 pennies!

Silver Lake is my debut novel, a mix of a reunion romance and a ghost mystery, and a #1 Amazon Bestseller several times over.  It's usually priced at $3.99, so this is a great sale...and if you grab two more of the selected titles, you'll get that money back in the form of a credit!  I noticed one of my 2016 Favorite Reads on the list, Highland Surrender, so if you like Historical Romance, I recommend that story highly!  

As I mentioned, Silver Lake is part reunion romance, part ghost story...a genre probably best described as "Paranormal Romantic Suspense".  It's a second chance romance between two friends who never acted on their feelings in high school...but it's also a mystery revolving around the disappearance of another of their friends, Brandy, who may be haunting the lake house where the group reunites in a last ditch effort to discover what happened to her during their senior year.

"I could not put this book down...Romance, drama, renewal of friendships,
and ghosts...something for everyone." ~ A Novel Review, 5 Stars


You can read the blurb and grab your copy here:  SILVER LAKE on Amazon

And you can view the details of the Jan. Amazon Promotion and view ALL the titles that have been selected here:  Buy 3 for 99 c, Get $3 toward Select Kindle Exclusive Titles

Hurry!  Offer ends Jan. 28!


Wednesday, January 9, 2019

My Favorite Reads of 2018! #amreading #books #Kindle

Time for my annual round-up of my favorite reads of 2018!  As the term "annual" suggests, I do this every year, or at least I have for as long as I've been blogging.  I tend to get most of my book recommendations from suggestions, whether it's from a friend, social media, or a list, so I like to share my own list each January.

I had two new releases this year--a first for me, two in one year, so my reading time was a little more limited.  Writing and editing takes a lot of time, but I'm thrilled that one of my 2018 titles made its way onto a different 2018 list, at a prolific review site...The Haunting of Hillwood Farm was chosen as Best Romantic Suspense of 2018 at N.N. Light's Book Heaven!  Even with the hours spent writing, I did manage to get plenty of reading in, especially because I now listen to books with Audible.  Whenever I'm driving, folding laundry, putting away dishes, etc., I'm listening to a book!  

For this post, I usually pick four or five and separate them out by genres, and link prior years as well at the bottom.  I should note that while I read many genres, I'm primarily drawn to Gothic, dark, and atmospheric stories.  Not particularly surprising since I write eerie ghost mysteries, but in my novels, I like to balance out the spooky with romance...which by definition, to be published as a romance, must have a "Happily Ever After" for the two main characters.  But since I have lots of books on this list that are not romance, I'll point out that HEAs are not guaranteed for the other genre listings! 


So I'll start with romance...I read A LOT of romance this year, as I contributed a book to a USA TODAY Bestselling Romantic Suspense Box Set and enjoyed many stories from the collection (and I'm still reading some).  However, my policy on these annual posts is that I cannot know the author of a book I choose, or have any relationship other than being a fan of his or her work...I don't want to pick amongst friends or have any bias for this blog series.  Okay, here we go:  

Romance:  On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves


I found this via a recommendation on Twitter...have to love social media sometimes!  The premise of this novel involves a plane crash among the remote islands in the Indian Ocean, and the relationship between the survivors as they deal with isolation, dehydration, disease, and the elements over the years they are stranded.  It's really a mix of several genres and themes, which I love...suspense, survival, danger, coming-of-age, and an unconventional romance with struggles that will pull at your heart strings.

Psychological Suspense:

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

*and*

The Other Woman by Sandi Jones

I read a lot of this genre, and I completely understand that to enjoy the story, I almost always have to suspend disbelief in several areas, including certain things characters do or don't do, and the acceptance of an often unlikely big twist at the end.  I can do that, because I read for entertainment, and the ride is worth it!  So I have two that are tied for my favorites this year.  It seems this year, for me, is the year for books with the word "woman" in it, much like Gone Girl and Girl on the Train found similar audiences and drew comparisons in prior years.  If you liked either of those, you may enjoy the two titles listed above.


Mystery/Thriller:  Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Speaking of Gone Girl, this book is by the same author.  I admit, I watched the HBO series first.  I was hooked by episode one, which is unusual for me, as I tend to get impatient with a lot of television shows.  So I knew I needed more of this twisty, chilling tale, and I purchased the audio version.  I have to say the narrator was excellent, and I felt like I was right back in the series, but with deeper insight into the characters and town.  A slow-burning, suspenseful mystery involving the killing of two young girls, with dark family secrets and seriously flawed characters.  

Horror :  Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage

This is somewhere between psychological suspense and horror, and it's certainly not for everyone.  But I listened on Audible and carried my phone around because I had to know what was coming next.  It's one of the creepiest books that does not contain any supernatural elements that I've ever read.  A desperate mother fends off both emotional and physical attacks from her young daughter on a daily basis, and struggles with her fears, insecurities, and her sanity as she tries to come to terms with the possibility her child is a manipulative psychopath...and the effects on her marriage as a husband and father tries to figure out whose story to believe.


Nonfiction:  The Sound of Gravel: A Memoir by Ruth Wariner

This is the true story of one girl's coming-of-age in a polygamist cult.  Compelling, gut-wrenching, beautiful, and tragic.  I'm not usually much of a memoir reader, but someone listed this on social media as one of the best books they'd read in a while.  When I saw it on sale on Audible, I snapped up a copy.  At first, I was unsure about the actual author of the story reading her own memoir, but I was quickly convinced it was the right choice.  After a few chapters, I was sucked in.  There are scenes that are very, very difficult to read/listen to, times you want to cheer, and times that make you want to cry and/or pull your hair out.  Overall, a fascinating and brutally honest look into a lifestyle most of us will never know. 

YA: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Judging from the reviews, this is a book people either love or hate.  A friend recommended this to me, with glowing enthusiasm, so I went in expecting to enjoy it, but also with no clue of what the story was about--except that it is set on Cape Cod, where I live.  The narrative drive was strong, and I was drawn in to waiting for the twists to unravel, then stunned when the answers began to surface.  Although this is not a book that is packed with action, nor is it a particularly happy story, I found it to be a compelling read full of dark secrets and family drama and dysfunction.  I can't say much more without spoilers!

There you have it, six titles I really enjoyed from five genres.  Now, I want to hear some of your favorite reads...feel free to comment below!  And check out the links to some prior years for more recommendations.  Thanks for stopping by and Happy Reading!











Friday, January 4, 2019

The Haunting of Hillwood Farm ~ #Book Bday! #NewRelease #FridayReads #paranormal #KU

"I clung to my tablet...Kathryn Knight
has mastered the art of paranormal
romantic suspense, and it's a must-read!"
~ N.N. Light's Book Heaven, 5+ stars
Chosen as Best Romantic Suspense
Not only is it Friday, it's both my son's birthday (17!  How is that possible?) and my latest book's birthday!  The Haunting of Hillwood Farm is now available on Kindle and in print!  This title initially released as part of the USA TODAY Bestselling Love Under Fire Box Set, which was a limited edition and is no longer available.  Now that the rights have reverted, The Haunting of Hillwood Farm is available on it's own...and for anyone who likes ghost mysteries, this should be a good fit!  In fact, the prolific review site N.N. Light's Book Heaven reviewed this title in November, giving it 5+ stars and ultimately choosing it as Best Romantic Suspense of 2018!  Check out the blurb below along with two short excerpts...one spooky, one a little steamy.  Now...I'm off to bake a cake (for the kid, not the book)...someone alert the fire dept., I write much better than I bake!

After tragedy strikes, Callie Sinclair is left with a gift she never wanted—the ability to communicate with ghosts.  But when a desperate widow begs for her help, she reluctantly agrees to investigate the strange occurrences at Hillwood Farm.  She quickly realizes she’s dealing with a dangerous presence beyond anything she’s ever experienced, and something else becomes equally clear—the only other living person in the house, Mrs. Turner’s handsome grandson, thinks she’s a scam artist.  While she’d prefer to just ignore him, her heart beats a little faster every time he’s nearby.

Luke Turner doesn’t believe in spirits.  He’s moved back to restore the family farm, but living on the property serves a dual purpose—he can watch out for his grandmother.  He’s not happy about the sudden appearance of a self-described psychic, or his inexplicable attraction to her.  His initial suspicions crumble as evidence points to an actual haunting, but he’s still determined not to fall for Callie—the past has taught him it’s best to avoid relationships.

As Callie is drawn deeper into the mystery, she becomes the target of a vengeful spirit, and Luke can no longer fight his feelings for her.  Unable to resist their desire, passion ignites…even as the paranormal activity escalates to a final deadly confrontation.  


Exclusive excerpts from The Haunting of Hillwood Farm:

With a sharp pop, the light went out, plunging the room into darkness.  Callie stilled, her heartbeat filling her ears.  Something rustled behind her, and the hairs on her bare arms prickled.  She was suddenly very sure she was not alone.  A soft moan floated through the blackness.  Panic gripped her, fierce and primal, clawing at her lungs.  Did she have a weapon?  Would it even work against whatever was here? 
She struggled for air, a rancid odor filling her nostrils as she slowly inhaled.  Death.  Decay.  Shadows shifted to her left, and her gaze jerked toward the movement.  Behind the solid mass of her reflection in the mirror, the gauzy outline of a face peered over her shoulder.  Empty eye sockets stared out from gray, filmy features, the hollow black holes somehow filled with menace.

A sob gathered in her chest, clogging her throat.  Please, God.  Let me wake up from this nightmare.  Something cold and wet brushed against her upper back, and she screamed.

* * *

When she turned around, Luke was standing in the doorway.  Her pulse jumped.  She’d forgotten to close the door.  One of the hazards of living alone for so long.
The corner of his mouth slid up.  “Sorry.  I didn’t mean to sneak up on you.”
She let out a breathy laugh.  “No worries.  I’m just glad it’s you.”
His brows lifted.  “Yeah?  Were you expecting someone else?” 
“Well, you never know in this house, right?”  She shrugged, and the twist in her towel loosened.  Clutching it to her chest, she managed a weak smile as she fumbled to secure it.  She could feel the weight of his stare even as she bent her head to check the new knot, and warmth pooled in her belly.  She glanced up, and their gazes locked.  The air crackled as the moment stretched out, and she recognized something in the depths of his eyes.  Hunger.  Could he see the same thing reflected back in hers?
Her breath caught, and she took an involuntary step toward him, as if drawn by a magnetic force.  Every nerve in her body tingled with desire.        
His gaze raked over her, slow and deliberate.  “Well, I just wanted to check in on you.  To see if you need anything.” 
She swallowed.  “Do you?”
He cocked his head, his brows pulling together.  “What?” 
“Um.  Need anything?”
He dragged a hand over his mouth, the muscles in his arm bunching with the movement.  “That’s a dangerous question to ask when you’re standing there in a towel.”

(free with Kindle Unlimited membership!)
My favorite way to de-stress - treat yourself!



Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Happy New Year! ~ Why We Celebrate #NewYearsDay ~ #HappyNewYear2019


Happy New Year!  Although often bitterly cold on Cape Cod, where I live, I like January.  It’s my birthday month, and my son’s, and it can be a chance to relax and unwind after the frenetic pace of the holidays.  Plus, there’s the whole idea of a fresh start and making resolutions.

2018 had some wonderful moments in my writerly life...I became a USA Bestselling Author, and one of my books was named Best Romantic Suspense of 2018 at a prolific review site.  But 2019 will start off with the release of The Haunting of Hillwood Farm, and book birthdays are always exciting!

So, why do we celebrate the start of a new year?  Here's a few facts I found about New Year's Day and January in general.

A statue of Janus
New Year’s Day is the first day of January according to both the Julian calendar (introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC) and the Gregorian calendar (named for Pope Gregory XIII, who introduced it in 1582).  The difference in these two calendars is a .002% change in the length of the year.

The Julian calendar was based on the Roman calendar, and the name of the month of January is generally attributed to the Roman god Janus, the god of beginnings and endings, who is depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions: into the past as well as the future.

Since the Gregorian calendar is now used, at least in practice, by most countries, New Year’s Day is considered the world’s most celebrated public holiday.

The ancient belief that the beginning of an event impacted the whole led people to offer good health and well wishes on this first day of a new year, as the long, dark days of the Winter Solstice were being left behind.  A prosperous January 1st with plenty of food and drink would hopefully lead to the same for the entire month and year.

Of course, local traditions abound to mark this day, and one of the big ones in the United States is the making of resolutions.  If one of your goals is to reduce stress, you already probably know that reading has been proven to help with this!  What could be better after the hustle and bustle of the holidays than wrapping yourself up in a blanket, putting your feet up, and getting lost in a page-turning story?  My books are filled with steamy romance, haunting mysteries, dark secrets, and spine-tingling suspense.  Several are now available as audiobooks as well!  I hope you’ll check out my titles in the tabs below and treat yourself to a new read!  Thanks for stopping by and best wishes for a HAPPY, HEALTHY, AND FUN 2019!

Pre-orders are up for The Haunting of Hillwood Farm!  "I clung to my tablet"...5+ Stars at N.N. Light's Book Heaven, chosen Best Romantic Suspense of 2018

Gull Harbor...A dangerous ghost and an ex-boyfriend await psychic Claire Linden in Cape Cod's Gull Harbor.  A #1 Amazon / #1 B&N Bestseller, now on Audible too!

Silver Lake...A haunting, an old flame, and secrets from the past...reunion romance plus ghost mystery.  A #1 Amazon Bestseller

Dangerous Currents...One fateful night tore them apart, will they get a second chance before a killer strikes?  Steamy second-chance romance filled with secrets and suspense.

Dangerous Currents

Haunted Souls...A damaged solider, a secret baby, and a haunting mystery collide in Haunted Souls.  Voted one of the Top 3 Reads of 2016 at Read Free.ly.  Available on Audible!

Divine Fall...YA Paranormal Romance...Revenge, Romance, and a Rogue Fallen Angel.  Voted Best Young Adult Novel 2014 at The Romance Reviews.