EXCERPT | SKYLAR ROBBINS: THE MYSTERY OF THE HIDDEN JEWELS

TITLE: Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of the Hidden Jewels

PUBLISHER:Teen Mystery Press

PUBLICATION DATE: December 6, 2014

GENRE: Teen Mystery

My mom obviously hadn’t noticed Ms. Knight’s strange reaction, because when she looked at my dad, she smiled. She was an American history professor at UCLA and loved anything “with a history”. My dad loved anything classic, antique, or just plain old. He’s a chemist and an inventor, but with his short, light brown hair and his wire-rimmed glasses my dad looked like he could be a college professor himself.

No one would suspect the laboratory he worked in looked like a mad scientist’s and that he’d almost blown off his eyebrows when I was in first grade. Faint pink scars still speckle his forehead from when one of his concoctions exploded. If he hadn’t been wearing his goggles he could have ended up blind. Whenever I want permission to do something my mom thinks is dangerous she brings up my dad’s accident and asks me if I want to “follow in the risk-taker’s footsteps,” or “think it through more carefully first,” like she would.

I usually end up taking the risks.

After finishing my detective notes I looked out the window trying to catch my mom’s eye, hoping they’d hurry up and get in the car so we could get this over with. I didn’t want to move in the first place.

The house I grew up in is in Santa Monica, real close to the beach. I’ve investigated every square inch of our neighborhood, and I know its woodsy streets by heart. My best friend Alexa O’Reilly lives right around the corner. We’ve been BFFs since second grade when she moved here from Texas. She still has a tiny bit of a Southern accent. Like she calls cement, “SEA-ment.” Then I’ll say, “Sea-ment?” and Alexa’s green eyes look surprised. Then her freckled cheeks will bunch up and she’ll laugh at herself.

I’ve never had a friend as good as Alexa. Her excitement always makes everything fun and she cracks me up. This summer I got stuck at my cousin Gwendolyn’s house in Malibu for eight weeks while my parents toured Europe. That’s when I realized the meaning of true friendship. I went to summer school in Shadow Hills, and met a girl in art class named Kat who claimed to be a witch. She passed me notes in backward writing and thought up all these cool art projects we could do together. After casting dangerous spells with Kat in an abandoned garden and getting to know her better, I wondered if she just liked to trick everyone for her own benefit. Hanging out with Kat made me realize what a good friend Alexa really was. What real friends would do for each other, and wouldn’t do to each other.

When my parents got back from Europe they had huge news. My dad finally sold the formula for a non-alcoholic cough syrup he’d invented, and while they were in Paris a major drug company paid him a huge fee. Suddenly we were in the market for a much bigger house, and my mom couldn’t wait to move out of our small one. I didn’t care that we suddenly had more money than we used to have. The only thing that mattered to me was that my family was about to move. If my parents buy a home very far away, Alexa and I won’t be able to go to the same middle school, and we’ve been looking forward to going to Pacific together forever.

My mom climbed into the backseat beside me and I quietly closed the cover on my iPad. Ms. Knight turned around and gave us a big smile. “I’m excited about the next house.” She sounded like she was acting. “I can’t wait to see how you like it,” she told my dad. He was sitting next to her in front because he was too tall for the back seat. We drove for a couple of blocks and I watched the ocean while we waited for the light to turn green so we could turn onto Pacific Coast Highway.

The white water rushing toward the sand churned messily, like each swirling bit couldn’t decide in which direction to go. The dark blue water near the horizon looked calm, but between the deep water and the shore there was a threatening, shifting movement. It made me nervous. Like something was welling up and heading toward us. Something dangerous that couldn’t be stopped. One wave after another loomed slowly in the distance, rising higher and building power before rolling steadily forward. Then each one crashed down onto the sand, exploding into bubbly white froth.

We’d lived a few minutes away from the Santa Monica pier since I was born, so I know its roller coaster and game booths like I know my backyard. Looking out the window, I imagined the smell of buttered popcorn and corndogs as we drove up the coast with the windows rolled up. I remembered how good it felt to ride the Ferris wheel, like I was soaring over the sea. My favorite car was the pink one. I didn’t mind its rusty sides or the cracked leather seat. When you rode that Ferris wheel up into the sky and looked out over the sparkling ocean it felt like you were on top of the world.

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON

ABOUT CARRIE CROSS

WEBSITE | TWITTER

Carrie Cross is an avid reader who fell in love with books as a little girl after reading Goodnight Moon. She wrote her first “book” at age four: Blackie the Little Black Dog and the Flying Washing Machine. Carrie discovered her love of mysteries reading Nancy Drew books and The Happy Hollisters series, and after writing THE MYSTERY OF SHADOW HILLS, she continues to look for clues in unexpected places to this day.

Carrie’s influences include Judy Blume, Deb Caletti, Sarah Dessen, and Lee Child. In addition to writing Skylar Robbins mysteries and reading, Carrie loves to cook, hike at the beach, go boating, and travel.

CARRIE CROSS GIVEAWAY

Carrie Cross has generously provided (1) e-book copy of Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills. This giveaway will run until March 14th.

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

• $25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
• (1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
• (1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
• (1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
• (1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith
• (1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

• $10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
• (1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith

(1) Prize Winner

• $5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
• (1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith

(1) Prize Winner

• $5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Carrie Cross week continues tomorrow with an author interview.

EXCERPT | SKYLAR ROBBINS: THE MYSTERY OF SHADOW HILLS

TITLE: Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills

PUBLISHER: Teen Mystery Press

PUBLICATION DATE: January 17, 2014

GENRE: Teen Mystery

Kat headed toward the ocean and I followed, relieved when she stopped at the dark wet sand. The white water rushed toward us and we ran backward before it wet our shoes. Kat pulled a big shell out of her pocket and set what looked like a sunflower seed in the center. The clouds shifted and the moon appeared, lighting the sand around us. Standing behind Kat, I watched her kneel down and place the shell on the sand. She drew a triangle around it with her finger.

“What’s that?” I asked.

“A symbol of our desire,” she murmured, so softly it sounded like she was talking to herself. “So that the sea powers will receive the spell.” I had to strain to hear her over the roaring of the waves. She looked up at me over her shoulder. “So we find the gem seeds?”

I nodded. To let her know I got it.

Then she pulled the pearls, white pebbles, and flower petals out of her pocket and set them down in a circle around the shell with the seed on it. “The tide has to bring the waves across the shell,” she said, as the white water sizzled forward, but not close enough. “And now the words of enchantment.” Kat cleared her throat and began to speak slowly as the sea welled up in the distance.

“Goddesses of Moon, Earth, and Sea, my wish in thy names must come to be.
Powers and forces which tides do make, I summon your waves, my spell to take.” She stood up and we backed up into thick, dry sand just in time. A powerful wave broke, sending white water splashing across the wet sand and over the shell and back, carrying the seed and her other offerings out into the dark ocean.

Kat brushed sand off her hands. “OK, we’re done here. Now, to the caves. We’re looking for the third one.”

I tried to keep my voice from shaking. “The third cave?” Another huge wave slammed the shore and I felt it vibrate beneath my feet. The water hissed and rumbled as it moved down the beach like a train escaping down a track.

“Yes,” she called over her shoulder. “The map shows a series of caves, and we need to look inside the third one for the gem seeds. We just have to be careful that the tide doesn’t come in while we’re inside a cave. Or we’ll get trapped.”

She walked faster. I followed with my heart pounding, imagining cold water flooding into a cave and drowning us. I wished that I had brought my pepper spray—or a life jacket. Something that would protect me. From what, I wasn’t sure. Looking back the way we’d come, I hoped to spot Kat’s house up on its stilts so I knew how to get back. But the coastline had curved and I couldn’t even see the staircase any longer.

“Sky,” Kat cried suddenly, pointing across the black sand. “Look. There they are.” I was more concerned about the rising tide, and looked out over the dark rumbling ocean. White spray flew up in the air as another huge wave crashed nearby. So loud it sounded like a refrigerator fell off a tall building and landed right next to us. I hurried after Kat as the water rushed forward. “This is it. Three caves.” Moonlight cast shadows behind the boulders that guarded the entrance. We darted around them and climbed under the rock arch.

The dark cave stunk of washed-up kelp, dank and rotten. I shuffled forward on the damp sand with my hands out in front of me like a sleepwalker, hoping I wouldn’t stumble over a rock or bash into a wall. I pulled out my flashlight and turned it on. As soon as its beam lit up the cave, heavy flies woke up, buzzing around the seaweed and bonking into my face. I ducked, swatting them away. Kat hurried past me and rushed toward the back of the cave, peering at the ground. Suddenly she cried, “Skylar—here they are. I found the gem seeds!” Hidden between the boulders, disguised as wet pebbles, shining gem seeds winked up at us.

Bending down with my hands shaking and the flashlight beam bobbing, I picked up seedpods as fast as I could while the icy water crept closer and closer. I had a handful of pods when it became too late to stay another minute. A huge wave exploded on the beach and cold air poured into the cave. Seconds later seawater soaked through my tennis shoes, freezing my feet.

The tide was coming in. “Kat—we have to leave. Now!”

She looked outside the cave and the shock showed on her face. White water covered the rocks and sand that separated us from the ocean. “You’re right. If we stay here any longer we’ll get trapped.” Kat rushed past me and I hurried behind her out into the freezing air. I dropped a gem seed but I didn’t care. Kat tore across the sand so fast I could barely keep up. If she lost me and another huge wave broke, I was dead. My feet churned through the wet sand and my calf muscles started to ache but I kept on running. It was so dark I wasn’t sure we were even heading toward her house. I just followed the sound of her feet crunching the sand, gulping air as I ran, afraid I would suddenly feel someone’s hand on the back of my neck or a freezing wave breaking over my head. It was so dark I couldn’t tell if I was getting closer to Kat’s house or if I was about to stumble into the sea.

Then I saw it. In the distance a tiny light flashed on and off, like it was trying to guide us home. My heart sped up. Kat and I ran toward it and it got brighter. I turned my flashlight on and off, signaling back. Strong waves smashed the shore as we plowed across the sand. It felt like we ran for blocks before finally reaching the back staircase. Devon stood at the bottom. The flashlight was so heavy it was straining his fragile wrist. He clicked it off for the last time.

“We made it,” Kat said triumphantly, like it was her accomplishment. She shoved past her brother, heading up the wooden steps.

“Glad you did,” he said, looking me in the eye as he dropped the heavy flashlight to his side.

“Thank you,” I said, panting. “How did you know?”

“She always sneaks out at night,” Devon whispered. “I figured she wouldn’t wait for you and you might get lost.” He held out a small fist to bump my knuckles and I grabbed him in a hug instead. Then I staggered up the creaky stairs behind Kat, holding the gem seeds tightly in my fist.

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON

ABOUT CARRIE CROSS

WEBSITE | TWITTER

Carrie Cross is an avid reader who fell in love with books as a little girl after reading Goodnight Moon. She wrote her first “book” at age four: Blackie the Little Black Dog and the Flying Washing Machine. Carrie discovered her love of mysteries reading Nancy Drew books and The Happy Hollisters series, and after writing THE MYSTERY OF SHADOW HILLS, she continues to look for clues in unexpected places to this day.

Carrie’s influences include Judy Blume, Deb Caletti, Sarah Dessen, and Lee Child. In addition to writing Skylar Robbins mysteries and reading, Carrie loves to cook, hike at the beach, go boating, and travel.

CARRIE CROSS GIVEAWAY

Carrie Cross has generously provided (1) e-book copy of Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills. This giveaway will run until March 14th.

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

• $25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
• (1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
• (1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
• (1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
• (1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith
• (1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

• $10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
• (1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith

(1) Prize Winner

• $5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
• (1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith

(1) Prize Winner

• $5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Carrie Cross week continues tomorrow with an excerpt of Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Hidden Jewels.

This week I’m featuring another Women’s National Book Association – Los Angeles Chapter member, Carrie Cross.  Carrie Cross is the late Sylvia Cross’s daughter. Sylvia was the past national president of WNBA.

TITLE: Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills

PUBLISHER: Teen Mystery Press

PUBLICATION DATE: January 17, 2014

GENRE: Teen Mystery

“Thirteen-year-old sleuth Skylar Robbins is horrified to learn that she’ll be stuck at her bullying cousin Gwendolyn’s creepy mansion for the summer. She has no idea how much excitement and danger awaits her in Malibu’s Shadow Hills. As soon as Skylar arrives at the estate, unexplainable events begin to happen. She discovers a hidden garden in the huge back yard, and her new friend Kat pronounces it the perfect place to perform spells. Practical Skylar is skeptical, until the magic appears to start working.

Is Kat a real middle school witch and a true friend, or is she just interested in the cute stable boy? Did she use magic to control Skylar’s body, or was it all part of a complicated hoax? Who or what is making those terrifying noises up in Shadow Hills at night?

Rumors are flying and the locals are afraid. Kat challenges Skylar to take increasingly dangerous risks while she tries to solve the mystery. Armed with her detective tools, brains, and a huge dose of courage, Skylar will face her deepest fears to find the truth.”

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON

TITLE: Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of the Hidden Jewels

PUBLISHER:Teen Mystery Press

PUBLICATION DATE: December 6, 2014

GENRE: Teen Mystery

“A deserted mansion perches on a steep hillside, overlooking a rocky canyon. Tattered curtains hang behind broken windows, and a turret stretches toward the sky. Three years ago the wealthy owner disappeared suddenly, leaving behind a house full of secrets: A mysterious note, tantalizing clues, a hidden floor, one piece of a treasure map, and a missing fortune in diamonds.

Thirteen-year-old sleuth Skylar Robbins moves into the mansion with her parents and embarks on a new and dangerous mission. Armed with her detective kit, and with the support of her BFF Alexa and a team of secret agents, Skylar sets out to decipher the clues and find the diamonds. Can she outwit a gang of aggressive bikers and find the hidden jewels before they do? Or will the perils of middle school–like battling ruthless bully Emelyn Peters for the attention of class hottie Dustin Coles–get in her way?”

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON

ABOUT CARRIE CROSS

WEBSITE | TWITTER

Carrie Cross is an avid reader who fell in love with books as a little girl after reading Goodnight Moon. She wrote her first “book” at age four: Blackie the Little Black Dog and the Flying Washing Machine. Carrie discovered her love of mysteries reading Nancy Drew books and The Happy Hollisters series, and after writing THE MYSTERY OF SHADOW HILLS, she continues to look for clues in unexpected places to this day.

Carrie’s influences include Judy Blume, Deb Caletti, Sarah Dessen, and Lee Child. In addition to writing Skylar Robbins mysteries and reading, Carrie loves to cook, hike at the beach, go boating, and travel.

CARRIE CROSS GIVEAWAY

Carrie Cross has generously provided (1) e-book copy of Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills. This giveaway will run until March 14th.

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

• $25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
• (1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
• (1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
• (1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
• (1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

• $10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
• (1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich

(1) Prize Winner

• $5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book

(1) Prize Winner

• $5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Carrie Cross week continues tomorrow with an excerpt of Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills.

Today, I’m featuring a fellow Women’s National Book Association – Los Angeles Chapter member, Alva Sachs.  While I don’t read Children’s books at this time, I know that some of my followers do have children and might appreciate a little change of pace.  That’s why I decided to share Alva’s four children’s books during my Blogiversary Celebration.

TITLE: Dear Master Dragon

PUBLISHER: Three Wishes Publishing Company

PUBLICATION DATE: September 19, 2013

GENRE: Children’s Books

“Danny Dragon decides to write a letter to the Master Dragon for help. Why would Danny need help?

Will The Master Dragon write him back, or will he have to solve his problems by himself?

Join Danny on his adventure as he discovers what it is like to be REAL dragon.”

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON | B&N

TITLE: I’m 5

PUBLISHER: Three Wishes Publishing Company

PUBLICATION DATE: June 6, 2011

GENRE: Children’s Books

“Julie is turning “5” and celebrating with delicious cake, colorful balloons, best friends, and fun games.

The party is over and Julie is ready for school, but school is NOT ready for her!

How could this happen?  How can this be?

Join Julie on her adventure as she waits for the BIG day to arrive.  Hurry, you don’t want to miss the big yellow bus!”

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON | B&N

TITLE: On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!

PUBLISHER: Three Wishes Publishing Company

PUBLICATION DATE: October 28, 2009

GENRE: Children’s Books

“Justin, Mario, and Marcus are
best friends.

Saturday is their favorite day!

They wait all week to hang out together, but this Saturday is different.

What happened? It takes all three of them and their dads to make this Saturday the
best ever!”

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON | B&N

TITLE: Circus Fever

PUBLISHER: Three Wishes Publishing Company

PUBLICATION DATE: April 28, 2008

GENRE: Children’s Books

“Jessica has a BIG imagination, and an even bigger love for clowns. The circus is coming to her town, and she can’t wait to go.

There are lots of surprises waiting for her and YOU!

What happens to Jessica under the big top is an adventure she will never forget!”

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON | B&N

ABOUT ALVA

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | LINKEDIN

My life has been one “serendipity” after another!

I was born and raised in the “Windy City,” Chicago. I moved around quite a bit with my family over the years when I was younger. I always loved going to school, making friends, doing homework, and reading Archie comic books with my sister, Bonny. I landed back in the Chicago area and graduated from the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, however I never intentionally wanted to be a teacher! I say, “Serendipity!”

It was the most exciting and rewarding “accident” that I had ever had. After teaching for 16 years and continuing on with my education, I received a Master of Education degree from Northern Illinois University and kept enjoying all the children who entered my classroom over the years.

Meeting my husband, Paul, and having my three children are all part of my serendipity experiences. I am such a lucky girl!

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

• $25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
• (1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
• (1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
• (1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
• (1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

• $10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
• (1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich

(1) Prize Winner

• $5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book

(1) Prize Winner

• $5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

EXCERPT | BETWEEN WORLDS

TITLE: Between Worlds (Cemetery Tours Sequel)

PUBLISHER: Wind Trail Publishing

PUBLICATION DATE: June 29, 2014

GENRE: Paranormal Thriller

Up in his apartment, Michael told Kate and Luke to make themselves at home while he fetched them something to drink. As always, Brink felt compelled to express his flat out astonishment that Michael was actually having guests over; even more so that he was having Luke Rainer over.

“What’s he doing here, anyway? Isn’t he supposed be off filming graveyards or something?” Brink asked.

“He said he was in town and decided to stop by,” Michael muttered softly.

“And here he is on your date. Nice,” Brink smirked. Michael glared at him. It was like talking to a skinny, teenaged Luke.

Michael could feel Brink trailing him as he made his way back into the living room, where Luke was filling Kate in on all of the team’s latest adventures. After handing them their drinks, Michael took a seat on the couch next to Kate. She took a sip of her soda and casually snuggled up next to him while Luke continued to talk. Michael was honestly beginning to think that he really had just dropped in to catch up when Luke asked, “So, have either of you ever heard of the Stanton Hall Manor?”

“No,” Michael answered.

“Maybe,” Kate replied. “I think it was featured on a documentary I saw about historic mansions in New England.”

“It probably was. It’s one of the most extravagant manors in Maine. Hell, it’s one of the most extravagant manors in the nation. It also happens to be one of the most haunted.”

Oh no… Michael already knew where this was going.

“Cool,” Kate grinned. “Are you guys going to investigate it?”

“Well, that’s the plan. However, there are some… conditions.”

“What kind of conditions?” Michael asked.

“The person who owns it now is a woman named Carolyn Drake. She inherited it from her uncle after he died. I’ve been trying to get her to let us investigate ever since the show premiered, but she’s always turned me down. She’s hoping to convert it into some kind of luxury bed and breakfast and she’s always thought that if we tell the world that it’s haunted, no one would want to stay there.”

“That’s strange. I’d think being on Cemetery Tours would make more people want to visit. I mean, look at the Stanley Hotel. That place is so haunted that it inspired Stephen King to write The Shining and now everyone wants to stay there,” Kate said.

“Well, her problem is that she doesn’t actually believe that it’s haunted. If she doesn’t believe it’s haunted, then she doesn’t have a whole lot of incentive for us to come investigate, and so on and so forth. But then, just as we’re in the midst of shooting for this season, I get an email from her. She said that she would agree to let the team film,” he paused and looked Michael in the eye. “But only if you come with us, Mikey.”

“And there it is. The catch,” Brink commented. Michael was still trying to register what Luke had just said.

“Wait, what?” he asked.

“I don’t know. She didn’t explain it to me. All she said was that she’d agree to let us come and investigate, but only if we brought you with us.”

“That just doesn’t make sense,” Michael said.

“Maybe she wants you to come along because she wants to show folks that it isn’t haunted,” Kate said. “Maybe if you get there and you don’t see anything, then that will prove once and for all that there are no ghosts there.”

“Oh, come on. Everyone knows that place is haunted. Mrs. Drake is just a crazy old fruit loop,” Luke crossed his arms and slumped back against his chair. “Don’t tell her I said that.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Michael said.

“So, what do you think?” Luke asked. “Will you come with us?”

Michael didn’t know how to respond. For the first time, Luke was asking him to be part of the show at the request of somebody else. Not just a request. Michael had to go or the episode wasn’t happening. That was a lot of pressure.

“Luke,” he began. “I know this means a lot to you, but I can’t just drop everything and go.”

“Why not?” Luke asked. “You’re already ‘out,’ so it’s not like you can use that as an excuse anymore. You don’t have a job to worry about – ”

“Actually, I do,” Michael corrected him. “I got an offer this afternoon, and I’m going to take it. I have to take it.”

“Why? Are you the new Captain of the Enterprise? Because if the job is for anything less cool than that, you still have no excuse to turn this down.”

“It’s for an insurance company. I’d be – ”

“Are you kidding me?” Luke interrupted him, exasperated. “I am here, offering you a gig on the most popular paranormal show on television, just like I have a thousand times in the past, and you’re turning it down to sell insurance?”

Okay, yeah, when he put it like that, of course it sounded lame. But what Luke didn’t understand was that the gig on Cemetery Tours was a one-time thing. Michael would still need a permanent job after it was over, and he didn’t know if he’d be lucky enough to find another company willing to take on a creepy ghost-talker.

“I’m sorry, Mikey, but this time, I really don’t understand you,” Luke continued. “You are so hell-bent on being normal and doing what you think everyone wants you to do that you’d pass up an opportunity that anybody else would jump at. Don’t you think so, Kate?”

“I want to go,” she agreed.

“You’re invited,” Luke told her. “But of course if Mikey doesn’t go, then no one gets to.”

Oh, great. Michael knew exactly what Luke was doing, and Luke knew it too. It had been one thing when him not going meant that Luke couldn’t go. But now, knowing that it also meant Kate couldn’t go was a whole different scenario. Michael had no problem saying no to Luke. But saying no to Kate? Impossible. That was how Luke had conned him into going to that stupid graveyard. He’d tricked Kate into asking Michael, knowing that Michael wouldn’t be able to turn her down.

Sure enough, as soon as the words were out of Luke’s mouth, Kate turned wide, pleading eyes up at Michael.

Luke just smiled. He had Michael exactly where he wanted him.
Meanwhile, Brink snickered from the sidelines. “Well, it looks like you’re going to Maine.”

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON | B&N

ABOUT JACQUELINE

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | BLOG | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Jacqueline E. Smith was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She attended the University of Texas at Dallas, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Art and Performance in 2010. Two years later, she earned her Master’s Degree in Humanities.

Along with writing and publishing, Jacqueline loves photography, traveling, and nature.  (Photo Credit: Kaylynn Krieg)

 

JACQUELINE SMITH GIVEAWAY

Jacqueline has generously provided (3) e-book copies of Cemetery Tours and (3) e-book copies of it’s sequel, Between Worlds.  There will be (3) Winners who will receive one copy of each book.  This giveaway will run until March 7th.

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

• $25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
• (1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
• (1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
• (1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
• (1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

• $10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
• (1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich

(1) Prize Winner

• $5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book

(1) Prize Winner

• $5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jacqueline Smith week continues tomorrow with an author interview.

EXCERPT | CEMETERY TOURS

TITLE: Cemetery Tours

PUBLISHER: Wind Trail Publishing

PUBLICATION DATE: September 17, 2013

GENRE: Paranormal Thriller

He’d seen them for as long as he could remember.

They’d never scared him, really.  When he was younger, he hadn’t known that there was anything different about them.  By the time he was old enough to figure out that no one else could see them, he was also old enough to realize that being dead didn’t turn people into monsters.  It just meant that most of them were lonely.

            This guy scared him.

He was tall, almost as tall as Michael, who towered above most people at 6’2, and muscular, something that Michael couldn’t boast.  His dark hair was buzzed short, like an army crew cut, and he wore dark navy jeans, a gray T-shirt, and an old black jacket.  As intimidating has his physical appearance seemed, however, nothing compared to the fury and repulsion with which he stared at Gavin Avery.

“Michael?” Kate’s voice snapped Michael out of his stupor.  “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, fine.”  He wasn’t fine though.  His voice had gone hoarse, the same way it always did whenever he tried to choke out a lie.  He cleared his throat and assisted Kate and Gavin setting the mattress against the wall.  No matter how he tried to convince himself otherwise, he could feel the stranger’s eyes boring into the back of his neck.  Although he didn’t think the ghost had noticed him staring, he didn’t want to draw any sort of attention to himself.

This was the reason he never complained about the strange noises or feelings of discontent that plagued the other residents of Building 17.  He’d always been a terrible liar, and anyone observing him too carefully would realize that when he said he had no explanation for the weird things that happened, he wasn’t telling the truth.

Once ghosts figured out he could see them, they followed him home.  Over the years, he’d gotten better at ignoring them, tuning them out, but there was always the occasional slip-up.  He’d respond to an otherwise unheard voice, or accidentally make eye contact with someone who’d grown accustomed to being invisible.  That was when the trouble started.

Michael had learned the hard way that nothing good came from interfering in the affairs of the afterlife.  He’d always been careful not to let anyone know what he could see, but everyone, from his classmates to his own mother knew there was something wrong with him.  Their suspicions were somewhat confirmed after he was arrested as a suspect in a murder investigation at the beginning of his senior year of high school.  The charges were quickly dropped, but still, the damage had been done.

Now, whenever spirits followed him home, he ignored them.  This was frustrating for all parties involved, but especially for the ghosts.  They knew he could see them, but when he didn’t acknowledge them again, they grew agitated.  Some of them went crazy, throwing pots and pans around or heaving books off of shelves, in desperate attempts to get his attention.  They usually gave up and moved out after a week or so of being ignored.  But some of them, the more annoying ones, tended to linger.  Some acted out of spite, some out of boredom.  Some flat out refused to move on for reasons that Michael could never figure out.  Maybe they were waiting for someone, or maybe they were scared of crossing over.  Michael could accept that.  Still, he would have preferred they not make his apartment building their halfway house.

Thinking back to everything Kate had told him about Gavin, his mysterious ailment, even the break-in, Michael knew he should have realized that those were the products of a haunting.  He’d experienced the same symptoms of dizziness and exhaustion on multiple occasions.  Spirits thrived on energy.  It was how they moved heavy objects, or manifested themselves to those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to see them.  They took this energy from any source they could find; electricity, radio waves, even the living.  Especially the living.  Michael had always been particularly susceptible to their attacks.  He had a theory that since his mind was already so open to the spirits, it made it easier for them to drain his energy.

He wasn’t sure if that was what was happening or if all the physical exertion was finally catching up with him, but all of a sudden, he felt dizzy and lightheaded.  He broke into a cold sweat and without warning, the ground begin to tilt.

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON | B&N

ABOUT JACQUELINE

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | BLOG | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Jacqueline E. Smith was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She attended the University of Texas at Dallas, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Art and Performance in 2010. Two years later, she earned her Master’s Degree in Humanities.

Along with writing and publishing, Jacqueline loves photography, traveling, and nature.  (Photo Credit: Kaylynn Krieg)

 

JACQUELINE SMITH GIVEAWAY

Jacqueline has generously provided (3) e-book copies of Cemetery Tours and (3) e-book copies of it’s sequel, Between Worlds.  There will be (3) Winners who will receive one copy of each book.  This giveaway will run until March 7th.

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

• $25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
• (1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
• (1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
• (1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
• (1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

• $10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
• (1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich

(1) Prize Winner

• $5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book

(1) Prize Winner

• $5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jacqueline Smith week continues tomorrow with an excerpt from Between Worlds, the sequel of Cemetery Tours.

To kick off the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Celebration, this week’s featured author is Jacqueline Smith.  Jacqueline has been so amazing to work with throughout this process and I’m excited to be sharing her work with my followers.  Today I want to share a bit about each of her books.  She will be participating in an author interview and will be sharing her experiences getting these books published later this week.

TITLE: Cemetery Tours

PUBLISHER: Wind Trail Publishing

PUBLICATION DATE: September 17, 2013

GENRE: Paranormal Thriller

“Some secrets are best kept laid to rest.

At least, that’s as far as Michael Sinclair is concerned. At twenty-seven, he has spent his entire life perfecting the art of pretending that the ghosts he encounters on a daily basis do not exist. Now, if only the dead would let him rest in peace.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem likely, especially after Kate Avery and her ailing brother, Gavin, move in next door. Kate and Gavin are haunted, and not by a dearly departed loved one. This spirit is aggressive, menacing, and harboring a dark resentment toward Gavin. In spite of every instinct advising him to walk away, Michael finds himself seeking to uncover the mysteries of Gavin’s past, and falling for the bright and lovely Kate. Yet competing for her affection is Luke Rainer, television’s hottest celebrity ghost hunter and the only (living) person to know Michael’s secret.

But the dead have secrets, too. Some will go to any length to withhold what should have gone with them to the grave, while others will risk everything to make their voices heard, even if that means putting another’s life at stake. Now, for the sake of friends and strangers alike, Michael must choose between preserving his cherished anonymity and lending his aid to those for whom all hope seems lost.”

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON | B&N

TITLE: Between Worlds (Cemetery Tours Sequel)

PUBLISHER: Wind Trail Publishing

PUBLICATION DATE: June 29, 2014

GENRE: Paranormal Thriller

“Someone always dies… Someone is always left behind…

Now that his secret is out, Michael Sinclair finally agrees to join paranormal superstar Luke Rainer and the Cemetery Tours crew on an investigation. Not just any investigation. The biggest investigation of their career.

Once home to the wealthy Sterling Hall and his beloved wife, Joanna, Stanton Hall Manor in Maine is famous for the love story that inspired it… and the ghosts who now inhabit it. For Luke and the crew, Stanton Hall is a dream come true. Unfortunately, some dreams turn out to be nightmares.”

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON | B&N

TITLE: Boy Band

PUBLISHER: Wind Trail Publishing

PUBLICATION DATE: April 21, 2015

GENRE: Young Adult

“Sam Morneau is Melissa Parker’s best friend. He’s also a member of The Kind of September, basically the hottest boy band on the planet.

After two and a half years, Mel is all too familiar with the day-to-day occurrences that come with being a member of the band’s inner circle, including hectic schedules, passionate fans, and gossip-mongering celebrity girlfriends.

Now, with the release of the group’s third album just weeks away, their lives have never been crazier and Mel is doing everything she can to keep up, all the while trying to cope with the ridiculous rumors that follow the band everywhere they go and pretending that she isn’t harboring a secret and hopeless crush on Sam.

It’s weird enough being in love with your best friend. It’s even weirder when the rest of the world is in love with him, too.”

ABOUT JACQUELINE

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | BLOG | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Jacqueline E. Smith was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She attended the University of Texas at Dallas, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Art and Performance in 2010. Two years later, she earned her Master’s Degree in Humanities.

Along with writing and publishing, Jacqueline loves photography, traveling, and nature.  (Photo Credit: Kaylynn Krieg)

 

JACQUELINE SMITH GIVEAWAY

Jacqueline has generously provided (3) e-book copies of Cemetery Tours and (3) e-book copies of it’s sequel, Between Worlds.  There will be (3) Winners who will receive one copy of each book.  This giveaway will run until March 7th.

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

• $25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
• (1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
• (1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
• (1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
• (1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

• $10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
• (1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
• (1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich

(1) Prize Winner

• $5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
• (1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
• (1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book

(1) Prize Winner

• $5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jacqueline Smith week continues tomorrow with an excerpt from Cemetery Tours.