I am happy to share an upcoming new book release from a fellow author, Brenda Whiteside! I’ll let her tell you about it, but isn’t this a gorgeous cover?
Thank you, Jan, for hosting me on your blog today, so I can talk about my new upcoming release! Much appreciated!
The 1960s and 70s left an indelible mark on my soul. The age of experimentation of the mind and body embraced all things the universe had to offer, whether we could explain it or not, such as aura reading, empathic revelations, crystals, and out-of-body experiences, to name a few.
In my series, The MacKenzie Chronicles, I wrote the next generation—the siblings who were raised by parents of the sixties living in Joshua, Arizona—an 1800s mining community-turned-ghost-town, reborn hippie haven, and now tourist town clinging to the side of Spirit Mountain—hiding treacherous secrets only the MacKenzie’s can reveal.
The fictitious town of Joshua is modeled after Jerome, Arizona, a real-life tourist destination. If you ever visit Arizona, it’s a must-stop on your tour. The town had died down to just over one hundred residents when the hippies discovered it in the sixties. Now, it’s a thriving art community with wine tasting and haunted hotels. I take a day trip to Joshua, er, Jerome every chance I get.
Although the theme of my stories isn’t paranormal, some of that sixties mentality is an important thread. After all, I’ve seen orbs, experienced déjà vu, and met a few people I’ve known in some other place and time. Oh, and we all know Moms have eyes in the backs of their heads…or is it some other unexplainable talent they possess?
I’ll leave you with one example. Many years ago, when my son played hockey, we hosted an international tournament for boys aged 12-15. Our team was designated to house the Austrian boys. Waiting for our assigned boy, I looked across the room. A cutie with big blue eyes was staring at me. When I gazed into those eyes, I felt like I knew him. I silently hoped he would be assigned to stay the week with us. Well, yeah, you guessed it. He was. And we hit it off immediately. He’s been my good friend ever since…even if from afar. He’s visited us several times over the years, and we’ve visited him once in Austria. So, not a universe-shaking experience, but those little occurrences in life, if you’ll allow your mind to accept them, are awesome, unexplained adventures.
Have you had any similar experiences?
Blurb:
Secrets can protect what the truth will destroy.
Elidor MacKenzie has a gift she can’t return—the ability to absorb the joy, pain, and suffering of others. She’s spent her life running from what she considers her curse. Now, her best friend is dead, and she alone holds the key to an archaeological discovery that could destroy a culture. With newfound inner peace, Elidor has returned home to make amends and guard the secret revelation. But greed-driven scavengers have followed her. Once again, the energies of Joshua will stir the hurricane, with her at the deadly center.
Jules never got over Elidor. Twenty years and a famous journalism career later, he’s back in Joshua—and so is his first love. If his heart can stand the torture, he’ll risk reviving their relationship. But saving Elidor from herself and the secret she won’t give up may be the death of them both.
With Jules by her side, Elidor is determined to outrun the scavengers, guard the secret, and renew their love. But fate is coming after her, and there’s nowhere the couple can hide.
Purchase Link (preorder sale price until 9/5): https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B663MY1D
Review copies are available until 9/5 (be certain you can leave a review on Amazon, GoodReads, and BookBub before you download, it’s a commitment)
https://storyoriginapp.com/reviewcopies/c6432934-0842-11ed-abd0-239675f1672d
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/z6nqom3s4y
Excerpt:
He frowned. “That’s a heavy secret.”
“Yeah. Boyd found out, or at least suspected. He was there when Cam died. The cave isn’t impossible to find, but the wealth in the cave lies at the end of several twisty paths which we stored the coordinates for on Cam’s phone. I’m sure someday, someone will discover it. If we did, others can too. But we didn’t want to be the ones to endanger a centuries-old sacred site and disrupt a culture. Cam’s last words to me were to guard the phone and don’t trust anyone. Boyd must have figured out what Cam meant. Boyd’s the one who trashed the apartment, and when he didn’t find the phone, came back to… I’m guessing…make me give it to him.”
Julien’s arms and legs tensed. “Now Marty is here to pick up where Boyd left off?”
“Marty possibly has skeletons in his closet.” She hesitated. She didn’t want her empathic ways to come between her and Julien again, but… Hell. It’s who I am—I embrace it, you embrace it. “He does. I can read that much about him. I have no doubt he isn’t an honest person, but I can’t believe he had anything to do with Boyd’s actions. His heart isn’t black.”
“But?”
“I don’t know. He thinks someone who works for him has information on how to find the Mescalero Myth. I think he came here fishing to see if I might be the source. Since I left so abruptly, he suspects me. I guess.”
“Mon dieu, Ellie, you’re in danger! Where’s the phone?”
“I don’t have it. I took out the SIM card and threw the phone away. Marty wants to find the burial grounds, but I don’t think he’s the type to do much more than he has—come here and pump me for info. If I didn’t convince him that I know nothing, I at least put doubt in his mind. He had to leave today and get back to the dig.”
He cupped her face in his hands. “Ellie, you have me worried.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brenda Whiteside is the award-winning author of romantic suspense and romance. She’s penned a couple of historicals and straight romances, but she’s found villains and danger make a good story that much better. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have settled in Central Arizona. They admit to being gypsies at heart, so won’t discount the possibility of another move. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW fishes, Brenda writes.
Visit Brenda: https://www.brendawhiteside.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrendaWhitesideAuthor
Twitter:
She blogs and has guests:
https://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Brenda-Whiteside/e/B003V15WF8/
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3972045.Brenda_Whiteside
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/brenda-whiteside
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendawhitesideauthor/
Thanks for introducing us to Brenda and her book, Jan. I did visit Jerome last time hubby and went to Arizona for the winter 6 years ago. There are definitely some scary stories told about that little town. 🙂
It is a most interesting little town. I was fascinated by the kaleidoscope store. Thanks for visiting, Debby!
I loved the old brothels converted into memorabilia stores 🙂
How fun you’ve been to Jerome! I commented earlier and it didn’t take I guess. I doubt it’s changed much in 6 years. The residents there want the town to keep it’s character. Thanks for stopping in.
It was such a fun visit – mining town, ghost lore, brothels and the haunted hotel. 🙂
Me too, on the brothels. I played that up in Mystery on Spirit Mountain. One of the young ladies from back in the day kept a journal that I share in pieces within the modern day story. What a life they must have lived.
Wow, that must have been a fun read. Now of course I have bookmarked your series. 🙂
Congratulations, Brenda! All the best with the new release. The cover looks great! Thanks for the introduction to Brenda, Jan.
Thank you, Mark. I appreciate your interest.
Thank you, Mark. I appreciate you stopping by to support this author!
Great excerpt! It does sound like Ellie has something to worry about!
Thanks, Priscilla…she sure does!
Thanks, Priscilla! I’m glad you stopped by. I look forward to reading this story!
That IS a great cover! The story sounds like a winner. 🙂
Thanks, John! I agree. The cover is gorgeous.
Thank you, John. I kind of like it myself!
Fascinating era to model your story after. It sounds great.
I agree, Jacqui. I look forward to reading it! Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Jacqui. I’ve wanted to write a series about the 60s but haven’t been able to get it right in my head to get it on paper. Sprinkling it in has been great fun.
What a great share, Jan! Thank you for showcasing Brenda. I do have to agree that the cover is beautiful!
My pleasure, Mar. Thank you for stopping by to support Brenda!
Hi Mar. My cover seems to be a hit. Thanks!
Thank you, Jan, for introducing Brenda Whiteside and her new release, “Curse of Wolf Falls.” Any paranormal story about a curse always intrigues me. As a baby boom, I can relate to the period of the 1960s and 1970s.
Thank you, Linnea. I agree with you about the premise of the story, as well as the time period. I appreciate you stopping by to support Brenda!
Linnea, baby boomers unite. LOL Thanks for dropping in.
I am intrigued by the title… how could such beauty be accompanied by a curse! Thanks for sharing this Jan. Wishing Brenda great success.
Thanks for stopping by. I had a lot of fun writing a curse! And it’s a Native American curse too.
That’s a compelling thought, Balroop. Thank you for stopping by!
Jan, thank you for having me today. Your presentation is lovely!
It’s truly my pleasure, Brenda, and I look forward to reading this one!
It is a gorgeous cover! It sounds like an intriguing read with subjects I enjoy. Thanks for hosting, Jan 🙂
Thank you, D.L. My cover artist is great to work with, and I’m glad you find it a tempting read.
My pleasure, Denise. Thank you for stopping by to support Brenda!
Sounds intriguing, Brenda! Love the cover! Wishing you all the best. 🙂
Thank you, Mary!
Hi Mary. Thanks for dropping by.
I love those (positive) moments when you get that gut feeling that turns out to be true.
Best wishes on your release, Brenda. Jan, thanks for hosting.
I agree, Staci. I love those moments, too. Thank you for stopping by to help support Brenda!
So true, Staci. You just have to be open to the possibilities.
Wow! That cover is stunning. Congratulations to Brenda! Thanks for sharing, Jan!
I agree, Jill. I love the cover! Thank you for stopping by to support Brenda!
Jill, that is what I thought when my cover artist presented it. Thanks so much.