Write Christmas, by Thommy Hutson

 

Well, we're back with another blog post.  We are very excited about Thommy Hutson's new release, Write Christmas and can't wait to read it.

We were supposed to post a review today.  Something happened in the internet cosmos that has kept us from doing a review - but we promise we will get this done.  After reading the synopsis and all the reviews from others, we can't wait!

The plot on this novel is amazing.  It's a cross between A Christmas Carol and It's A Wonderful Life.  We love this concept.  It's refreshing to see something new with a traditional twist.

We love this cover too.  It was designed by Mister Sam Shearon. To see more of his work from his website, The Dark Arts of Mister Sam Shearon, please visit https://mistersamshearon.bigcartel.com

Here's a quick synopsis:

Abby Nicholson used to love Christmas.  Until she didn't.

After leaving Winter Glen, the small town famous for its Christmas celebration and her family's greeting card company, Abby is forced to return to the home she left behind when the unexpected passing of her father thrusts the business into her hands.

Turning her back on the magic of the holiday beloved by her father and the town, she decides to sell the business.  Signing the paperwork with the very pen her father used to create it, she is shocked to discover her hometown has become a whole new world.

One where Christmas has vanished!

Now stuck in a place devoid of hope, joy and the spirit of the season, Abby sees family and friends altered in the most terrible of ways.

Determined to set things right, though unsure how, Abby takes out her father's pend and begins to draw.  When she realizes her art is coming to life, she sets out to recreate the holiday and bring back the most wonderful time of the year.

But some are determined to keep and iron grip on the town and will do anything in their power to stop her.

Wow!  Take a breath now!!!

Now, about the author:  Thommy Hutson is a bestselling, award-winning author, screenwriter, producer and director.

A graduate of UCLA, he bagan his career co-writing the story for the Warner Bros. animated hit SCOOBY-DOO IN WHERE'S MY MUMMY? He followed that with co-writing the concept and additional material for CHILL OUT, SCOOBY-DOO!

As an author, Thommy crafted a limited-edition coffee table book detailing the making and legacy of horror icon Wes Craven's 1984 classic A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET.  A trade version followed from Permuted Press/Simon & Schuster.  His novel, the teen thriller, Jinxed, (Vesuvian Books) is the first in a trilogy that has been called "A must-read for classic horror fans ... Hutson could easily take on hte mantle as the next Lois Duncan"  Hutson was named on the 7 Essential LGBTQ Horror Authors for Your Summer Reading Lists.

Thommy wrote the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries original film, A CHRISTMAS FOR THE BOOKS, which was the highest-rated scripted program the night it premiered.  He co-scripted the teen thriller, INSTAFAME (Lifetime), wrote a screenplay for an audio holiday project, and is in development on a family feature film.  In addition, Thommy produced the critically-acclaimed feature, THE TROUBLE WITH THE TRUTH, an insightful relationship drama starring Lea Thompson and John Shea.  He also produced DREAMWORLD, a quirky, romantic dramedy.  He has also worked as a staff writer on a Hulu web series. 

A member of the Producers Guild of America, a Saturn and Home Media Magazine award-winner, and an aficionado of holiday films as well as teen movies from the 80s and 90s, Thommy continues to develop unique, compelling and provocative projects across multiple genres for film, television, publishing and home entertainment.

To see more about Thommy, please visit:

WEBSITEGOODREADSTWITTER

To purchase Write Christmas, please see:

Order Amazon

 

Order B&N

 

Order Indiebound

 

Order BAM!

 

Order Ebook - All Applicable Retailers

Sometimes Angels Come in Human Form - When the Wind Chimes, by Mary Ting

Hi everybody!  It's good to be back after our long hiatus.  We hope that everyone is well and safe.  We could think of nothing better to do that wear PJs, sip hot tea and cocoa and READ during these long months of sheltering in place.  We've read some really great books too, and couldn't wait another moment without letting you all know about this latest offering from Mary Ting, When the Wind Chimes.  We really loved this novel, and wouldn't be surprised one bit if we saw it as a featured Hallmark movie.

When the Wind Chimes
Mary Ting
(Rosewind Books)
Publication date: November 17th 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

SOMETIMES ANGELS COME IN HUMAN FORM.

Kaitlyn Summers is heartbroken.

When she receives an invitation to spend Christmas with her family on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, she feels it may be the perfect medicine.

She throws herself into helping her sister’s struggling art gallery, even taking a temporary job for extra money by looking after a little girl from her nephew’s school. She also begins to paint again, something she’s been unable to do since her breakup. It’s tempting to stay on Kauai, but she has obligations back in Los Angeles.

Life gets more complicated when circumstances keep putting her close to Leonardo Medici. Not only is he drop-dead gorgeous, he’s a local celebrity. But Kaitlyn can’t shake the feeling he’s hiding something.

Should she believe the rumors that he’s romancing half the island’s single women?

Or is the random sound of wind chimes when he’s close-by a sign that an angel is near and the secret to her happily ever after?

Here's an excerpt from the book - it's one of our favorite parts (it's okay, we got permission): 

I pressed on “Beast of Burden” by the Rolling Stones and began to sing. This time I stamped my paint-coated hands on the canvas to the rhythm of the beat. Then I added blue and yellow and smeared it all over.

My gooey hands moved in circles while colors mixed. I didn’t care that it looked like someone had vomited on it. Art was art. I sang and swayed my hips from side to side, paint splattering on the sheet, having the time of my life. I hadn’t sung and laughed so hard in a while.

Then …

I thought I heard a door slam. No one should be back here unless Stella needed something. I turned and smacked into something hard. Not something, but someone.

My hands smeared with multicolored paint, had splatted flat against on a pristine, white button-up dress shirt, right over a set of nice, hard pecs. I peered up into familiar chestnut colored eyes growing wider and angrier, as the scent of cedar and pine enveloped me.

Crap!

How long had he been standing there? Mortified, I flushed with heat and released a soft whimper.

When the Wind Chimes goes live next Tuesday, so be sure to click the links below to order or pre-order your copy today.  Also, don't forget to enter the drawing for a $10 Amazon Gift Card - Who doesn't like winning, right?

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Bio:

International Bestselling, Award-Winning Author Mary Ting writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers all over the world. Her books run a wide range of genres: science fiction, fantasy, and swoon worthy stories. Her storytelling talents have won her a devoted legion of fans and garnered critical praise.

Mary was born in Seoul Korea and resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two dogs—Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Becoming an author was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, she retired from teaching after twenty years.

Website / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / Newsletter

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What if every time you told the truth evil followed? Speak No Evil by Liana Gardner

 

Speak No Evil

by Liana Gardner

on Tour October 1 - November 30, 2019

Synopsis:

What if every time you told the truth, evil followed?

My name is Melody Fisher. My daddy was a snake handler in Appalachia until Mama died. Though years have passed, I can still hear the rattle before the strike that took her from me.

And it’s all my fault.

Since then, I’ve been passed around from foster home to foster home. I didn’t think anything could be as bad as losing Mama.

I was wrong.

But I will not speak of things people have done to me. Every time I do, worse evil follows. Now, the only thing I trust is what saved me years ago.

Back when I would sing the snakes calm …

Book Details:

Genre: YA Mystery
Published by: Vesuvian Books
Publication Date: October 1st 2019
Number of Pages: 285
ISBN: 1944109366 (ISBN13: 9781944109363)
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

Uncle Harlan slammed my bedroom door open. “You’re going to learn to show the Lord respect, girl.” He grabbed my neck and forced me to walk in front of him.
My neck hurt where he dug his fingers in.
He took me outside and shoved me toward the shed. He slipped the key in the lock and removed it from the hasp. The door creaked as it opened and then he thrust me through.
“I’m not going to allow you to follow your mother’s footsteps. You’ll learn to make peace with snakes and not show them any fear. Or else.”
He grabbed a snake case from the shelf, put it on the ground, and opened it. He stepped backward out of the shed and swung the door shut. The latch clicked. Uncle Harlan on one side of the door, and the snake and me locked inside.
“I’ll come get you in time for school in the morning.”
His footsteps receded.
Light filtered through the cracks in the shed slats. In the dim light, the snake coiled in the corner, its tongue flicking out periodically. I slowly lowered to the ground and hugged Raksha Waya tight.
The inside of the shed was slightly warmer than outside. Staying warm might be a bigger problem than keeping the snake calm. It ignored me and remained coiled, but the cold seeped into my bones. I scanned the shelves. There had to be something in here I could use to help keep warm.
A tarp sat on a shelf on the opposite side of the shed from the snake. But I might not be tall enough to pull it down. Standing on tiptoes, I grabbed a corner and tugged. My fingers slipped. I set Rakkie on a lower shelf, then reached with both hands and tugged.
The weight of the tarp almost knocked me over as I caught it.
Making sure to keep my movements small so I didn’t threaten the snake, I unfolded the tarp and spread it out. Then I grabbed Rakkie and carefully crawled under a corner. Once settled with Rakkie on my lap, I pulled it over us and tucked it under my chin.
The hours passed as the light changed and moved through the shed. My tailbone ached and my back hurt from sitting still for so long. Twilight came. Surely Uncle Harlan didn’t really mean to leave me here with the snake all night.
When the darkness was complete and I could no longer see my hand in front of my face, I faced the hard truth—Uncle Harlan meant it. I’d spend the night locked in a small space with a pit viper.
While my toes still felt frozen, the rest of me was warmer with the tarp. My eyes drooped and closed. Then I heard it.
Hiss. Rattle. The whisper of something dragging across the floorboards.
The snake was on the move. The slight rattle as it slithered through the shed made my heart pound. I froze.
***
Excerpt from Speak No Evil by Liana Gardner. Copyright © 2019 by Liana Gardner. Reproduced with permission from Liana Gardner. All rights reserved.

My Review of Speak No Evil:

Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting up with Liana Gardner, along with her pub-mate, Mary Ting (ISAN, HELIX, GENES) at their book signing at Barnes & Noble in Huntington Beach, and we spoke about all things books.  I am a fairly new writer, so I love hearing stories from successful and established authors.  I've read many of the reviews from others, and I must say that they are all a tough act to follow.

The thing that impressed me the most about Speak No Evil was the way that it was written.  For me, there were a few triggers because I am no stranger to abuse.  But the story Liana conveys has been done so responsibly, and I'm sure that survivors of abuse can relate to this work.  Truthfully, sometimes when we speak of something that happens, it just causes more problems.  My silence lasted almost 14 years, so for me, Speak No Evil was believable.

It takes a great love for what you do to write the way Liana does.  The story is dark in places, but conveys the power of the human spirit in overcoming adversity. 

Author Bio:

Liana Gardner is the multi-award-winning author of 7th Grade Revolution (most recently the recipient of a 2018 Nautilus Book Award) and The Journal of Angela Ashby. The daughter of a rocket scientist and an artist, Liana combines the traits of both into a quirky yet pragmatic writer and in everything sees the story lurking beneath the surface.
Liana volunteers with high school students through EXP (expfuture.org). EXP unites business people and educators to prepare students for a meaningful place in the world of tomorrow. Working in partnership with industry and educators, EXP helps young people EXPerience, EXPand, and EXPlore.
Engaged in a battle against leukemia and lymphoma, Liana spends much of her time at home, but her imagination takes her wherever she wants to go.
Liana is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

Catch Up With Liana Gardner On:
lianagardner.com, Goodreads, BookBub, Twitter, & Facebook!

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways!

Enter To Win!:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Vesuvian Books and Liana Gardner. There will be 1 winner of one (1) Amazon.com Gift Card and 2 winners of a signed print copy of Speak No Evil by Liana Gardner. The giveaway begins on October 1, 2019 and runs through December 2, 2019. Open to U.S. addresses only. Void where prohibited.

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Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours

 

Cover Reveal - Genes, by Mary Ting

Format: Paperback | 376 pages
Publication date: 21 April 2020
Publisher: Vesuvian Books
Language: English

"Addictive and impossible to put it down!" —Addison Moore, New York Times Bestselling Author

“Captivating from the very beginning, this sci-fi novel explores issues of autonomy and survival in a world where there are few remaining citizens after meteors crashed into Earth … this thrilling dystopian drama has a splash of romance and tons of action. The fast-paced chapters will engage reluctant readers and fans of postapocalyptic scenarios.” —School Library Journal

"ISAN will leave readers breathless with anticipation as they race through each exciting page." —Tiffany King, USA Today Bestselling Author

I am so excited to be able to participate in the Cover Reveal for Genes!  I have read the first two books, and let me tell you; HELIX LEFT ME HANGING!  I can't wait for the release of the third book in the ISAN series.

AWARDS
2019 WINNER BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AWARDS IN SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY
2018 WINNER AMERICAN FICTION AWARDS IN SCIENCE FICTION: POST-APOCALYPTIC
2018 WINNER INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS IN SCIENCE FICTION
2018 WINNER READERS' FAVORITE AWARDS IN YOUNG ADULT ACTION

Allegiances will be tested. Identities will be revealed. No one is safe.

While searching for the HelixB88 anti-serum on the black market, Ava uncovers valuable intel that may help the rebels in their fight to bring down ISAN—the location of a hidden facility. But first, the insurgents must find the female citizens unexpectedly displaying powers without use of the Helix serum before ISAN captures them. As the rebels join forces with other sectors, ISAN plans their destruction by using someone they don’t suspect at the rebel home base: a traitor within.

 

You can purchase Genes at the following Retailers:

 

PHOTO CREDIT: MICHELLE ENGLAND DELAVARA

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Ting is an international bestselling, award-winning author. She writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers around the world. Her books span a wide range of genres, and her storytelling talents have earned a devoted legion of fans, as well as garnered critical praise.

Becoming an author happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she had in high school. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, Mary retired from teaching after twenty years. She also had the privilege of touring with the Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book: No Bullies Allowed.

Mary resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two little dogs, Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Being a huge Twilight fan, Mary was inspired to make book-themed jewelry and occasionally gives it away as prizes to her fans.

WEBSITE: http://www.tangledtalesofting.com/
TWITTER: @MaryTing
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4388953.Mary_Ting
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMaryTing
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/authormaryting 

--Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

- Winner will receive an ISAN Storytellers BOX.

- Winner will receive a $25 Dollar PayPal/Amazon Gift Card.

DIRECT LINK TO GIVEAWAY:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e849f7751725/

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ENDS: DECEMBER 9, 2019

SPEAK NO EVIL - Showcase, Excerpt and Giveaway!

 

SPEAK NO EVIL

by Liana Gardner

on Tour October 1 - November 30, 2019

Gardner writes on a topic that hits home with me in every way imaginable. In the past, it was a subject that nobody talked about, but it hung in the air like stale smoke in a musty pub.  Try as you may to ignore it, the topic festers as an unattended wound, until the survivor can find their voice, and thus be empowered - for some people (like me), it has taken decades.

My review will follow at the end of the tour.

Synopsis:

What if every time you told the truth, evil followed?

My name is Melody Fisher. My daddy was a snake handler in Appalachia until Mama died. Though years have passed, I can still hear the rattle before the strike that took her from me.

And it’s all my fault.

Since then, I’ve been passed around from foster home to foster home. I didn’t think anything could be as bad as losing Mama.

I was wrong.

But I will not speak of things people have done to me. Every time I do, worse evil follows. Now, the only thing I trust is what saved me years ago.

Back when I would sing the snakes calm …

Book Details:

Genre: YA Mystery
Published by: Vesuvian Books
Publication Date: October 1st 2019
Number of Pages: 285
ISBN: 1944109366 (ISBN13: 9781944109363)
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

Uncle Harlan slammed my bedroom door open. “You’re going to learn to show the Lord respect, girl.” He grabbed my neck and forced me to walk in front of him.
My neck hurt where he dug his fingers in.
He took me outside and shoved me toward the shed. He slipped the key in the lock and removed it from the hasp. The door creaked as it opened and then he thrust me through.
“I’m not going to allow you to follow your mother’s footsteps. You’ll learn to make peace with snakes and not show them any fear. Or else.”
He grabbed a snake case from the shelf, put it on the ground, and opened it. He stepped backward out of the shed and swung the door shut. The latch clicked. Uncle Harlan on one side of the door, and the snake and me locked inside.
“I’ll come get you in time for school in the morning.”
His footsteps receded.
Light filtered through the cracks in the shed slats. In the dim light, the snake coiled in the corner, its tongue flicking out periodically. I slowly lowered to the ground and hugged Raksha Waya tight.
The inside of the shed was slightly warmer than outside. Staying warm might be a bigger problem than keeping the snake calm. It ignored me and remained coiled, but the cold seeped into my bones. I scanned the shelves. There had to be something in here I could use to help keep warm.
A tarp sat on a shelf on the opposite side of the shed from the snake. But I might not be tall enough to pull it down. Standing on tiptoes, I grabbed a corner and tugged. My fingers slipped. I set Rakkie on a lower shelf, then reached with both hands and tugged.
The weight of the tarp almost knocked me over as I caught it.
Making sure to keep my movements small so I didn’t threaten the snake, I unfolded the tarp and spread it out. Then I grabbed Rakkie and carefully crawled under a corner. Once settled with Rakkie on my lap, I pulled it over us and tucked it under my chin.
The hours passed as the light changed and moved through the shed. My tailbone ached and my back hurt from sitting still for so long. Twilight came. Surely Uncle Harlan didn’t really mean to leave me here with the snake all night.
When the darkness was complete and I could no longer see my hand in front of my face, I faced the hard truth—Uncle Harlan meant it. I’d spend the night locked in a small space with a pit viper.
While my toes still felt frozen, the rest of me was warmer with the tarp. My eyes drooped and closed. Then I heard it.
Hiss. Rattle. The whisper of something dragging across the floorboards.
The snake was on the move. The slight rattle as it slithered through the shed made my heart pound. I froze.
***
Excerpt from Speak No Evil by Liana Gardner. Copyright © 2019 by Liana Gardner. Reproduced with permission from Liana Gardner. All rights reserved.

Author Bio:

Liana Gardner is the multi-award-winning author of 7th Grade Revolution (most recently the recipient of a 2018 Nautilus Book Award) and The Journal of Angela Ashby. The daughter of a rocket scientist and an artist, Liana combines the traits of both into a quirky yet pragmatic writer and in everything sees the story lurking beneath the surface.
Liana volunteers with high school students through EXP (expfuture.org). EXP unites business people and educators to prepare students for a meaningful place in the world of tomorrow. Working in partnership with industry and educators, EXP helps young people EXPerience, EXPand, and EXPlore.
Engaged in a battle against leukemia and lymphoma, Liana spends much of her time at home, but her imagination takes her wherever she wants to go.
Liana is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

Catch Up With Liana Gardner On:
lianagardner.com, Goodreads, BookBub, Twitter, & Facebook!

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways!

Enter To Win!:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Vesuvian Books and Liana Gardner. There will be 1 winner of one (1) Amazon.com Gift Card and 2 winners of a signed print copy of Speak No Evil by Liana Gardner. The giveaway begins on October 1, 2019 and runs through December 2, 2019. Open to U.S. addresses only. Void where prohibited.

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REMEMBER, YOU CAN'T WIN IF YOU DON'T ENTER!!!

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours

 

Helix by Mary Ting -- Review, Blog Tour and Giveaway!

Helix
Mary Ting

(International Sensory Assassin Network #2)
Published by: Vesuvian Books
Publication date: September 10th 2019
Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Alliances are forming. The resistance is growing. Everything is about to change. 

With her memory still fragmented, Ava returns to the International Sensory Assassin Network (ISAN) to find the twin sister she never knew she had. 

But as Ava hunts for information, she finds herself tangled in a web of yet more lies and conspiracy. The Helix serum may not be required to access her superpowers, and the number of male assassins—previously considered too volatile to tolerate Helix—is growing in every territory. 

The more Ava uncovers, the more of a threat she becomes to ISAN. Her only salvation may be to join the rebels—if she isn’t killed first.

Add to Goodreads / Purchase

Review

Get ready for the ride of your life!  This is, without a doubt, Mary Ting's best work yet.  The second book literally drops you where you left off with the first novel, ISAN; it drops you right into the action.  So many plot twists, which I am a sucker for.  I am wanting more now, and I hope the third book comes out soon, because I just can't wait to see how the story progresses.  Ava and Rhett.  Two people caught up in against seemingly insurmountable odds. But Rhett will stop at nothing to have Ava back in his arms where she belongs.

Author Bio:

International Bestselling, Award-Winning Author Mary Ting writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers all over the world. Her books run a wide range of genres and her storytelling talents have won her a devoted legion of fans and garnered critical praise.

Becoming an author happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she had in high school. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, Mary retired from teaching after twenty years. She also had the privilege of touring with the Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children's chapter book: No Bullies Allowed.

Mary resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two little dogs, Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub

GIVEAWAY!  Click the link below to enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!!  Deadline to enter is September 25, 2019 - Don't get shut out, enter today!

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Realm by Alexandrea Weis - History tells his story ... This is hers.

Realm
Alexandrea Weis
Published by: Vesuvian Books
Publication date: May 14th 2019
Genres: Historical, Young Adult

This is a testament to such a strong, courageous woman that we all strive to be.

Reading this story brought me to tears and I could feel the love and dedication of Ms. Weis' literary achievement, committing her life to study Roxana and all she accomplished.  This is quite possibly Ms. Weis' greatest work.  If you can only read one book this year, read this one.

Based on a true story. 

When her homeland is conquered by the mighty Alexander the Great, Roxana—the daughter of a mere chieftain—is torn from her simple life and thrown into a world of war and intrigue.

 Terrified, the sixteen-year-old girl of renowned beauty is brought before the greatest ruler the world has ever known. Her life is in his hands; her future his to decide.

Without formal education or noble blood, Roxana is chosen by the Greek conqueror to be his bride. Soon she comes to know profound happiness and unyielding desire in her warrior’s arms.

However, being the king’s consort comes at a heavy price. To survive her husband’s treacherous kingdom, she must endure continuous warfare, deadly plots, jealous rivals, victory-hungry generals, and the stigma of being a barbarian. Persian blood will keep her from claiming the grandest title of all—queen—but her reign will seal the fate of an empire.

Here's a teaser (cuz' I just love it so much):

“Yasmin, do you think these Greeks will like our dancing tonight?” Irania tugged at the snug blue belt around her waist.

Yasmin took Irania’s arm, urging her to keep up with her. “That’s why we have been practicing all week, little sister. So we can be perfect before the Greek king at the banquet.”

Roxana attempted to shove her braided hair under her gold shawl. “I’m not sure I can do this.”

Yasmin clucked with disapproval and stayed her hand.

“No, the Greeks must see your beautiful hair.” She smoothed the thick plait over her right shoulder.

“Atimexis will think I’m immodest.” Roxana bit her lower lip.

“Our father wasn’t concerned about modesty when he gave you this expensive cloth to wear.” Yasmin touched the sleeve of Roxana’s golden pleated dress. “You belong in the heavens.”

Roxana held her shaking hand against her stomach. “I feel like I’m going to throw up.”

Yasmin patted her shoulder. “You always say that when you’re nervous.”

At the entrance, Atimexis turned to the fidgeting girls, hissing last minute instructions.

Don’t look at the Greeks while dancing. You’re the daughters of a Persian governor now. Mind your manners.” She released a heavy sigh. “If the king invites you to dine, you must sit next to your brothers. Eat quietly and eat only small amounts. Please, no fighting with Histanes, Roxana. No burping, Irania. And none of you are to touch a drop of wine. You hear me?”

“It will be fine, Grandmother,” Yasmin interrupted. “Go on. Father and the boys are waiting.”

Atimexis checked the girls over one last time, and then fixed her attention firmly on Roxana. “Your father will be so proud.” She ducked into the tent.

Roxana almost stumbled forward. She’d never heard her grandmother give any hint of kindness or encouragement, but tonight when she had least expected it, the words had helped.

Yasmin blew out a loud breath. “Let’s get this over with.”

“Yeah,” Irania added, tugging at her blue costume. “I’m hungry.”

“What else is new?” Yasmin laughed and then turned to Roxana. “Are you ready?”

Roxana wanted to scream she wasn’t ready, but instead, nervously bobbed her head, unable to speak. She prayed to the gods for strength to keep from being sick all over the king.

Lutes, harps, and flutes came to life inside the tent.

Irania walked into the open tent flap first, her head held high, followed by Yasmin. Roxana brought up the rear.

Spiced meats and sweet smoke filtered through the air. Low dining tables circled the room with pillows as chairs. The girls rushed to their spot in the center of the open floor. The crowd grew quiet. The music’s tempo changed, and Roxana took her position, her gaze lowered to the mats covering the ground.

In time with the music, she twisted and twirled, concentrating on every movement, mindful of her duty to please the king. She arched her hands and arms gracefully, attempting to imitate the blowing of the breeze.

Her nerves settled as she lost herself in the strains of the pleasing tune. But then she became curious about the men in the room. Her grandmother’s warning repeating in her head, she peeked up until she saw the golden table reserved for their honored guest. She reached out to do a tricky bend, lifting her head ever so slightly, and a pair of intense gray eyes almost took her breath away.

She gasped and quickly dropped her head, never losing her place in the dance. Her fingers and toes tingled as if struck by lightning.

Who is that?

History tells his story. This is hers.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Apple Books / Kobo

Author Bio:
Alexandrea Weis, RN-CS, PhD, is a multi-award-winning author of over twenty-seven novels, a screenwriter, ICU Nurse, and historian who was born and raised in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Having grown up in the motion picture industry as the daughter of a director, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story moving and memorable. A member of the Horror Writers Association and International Thriller Writers Association, Weis writes mystery, suspense, thrillers, horror, crime fiction, and romance. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans where she is a permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries and rescues orphaned and injured animals.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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