A Retelling of Jane Eyre

I’m delighted to welcome author Patricia Park to Thoughts in Progress to talk about RE JANE, which releases in paperback today. This contemporary retelling of Jane Eyre is timed to coincide with the 200^th anniversary of Charlotte Bronte’s birth on April 21^st.

RE JANE: A Novel (Penguin Books; $16; ISBN: 978014310794) is a fresh, modern-day retelling of Jane Eyre and a poignant Korean-American debut novel that takes its heroine Jane Re on a journey from Queens to Brooklyn to Seoul—and back.

Here’s a brief description …...

For Jane, a half-Korean, half-American orphan, Flushing, Queens, is the place she’s been trying to escape from her whole life. Sardonic yet vulnerable, she toils, unappreciated, in her strict uncle’s grocery store and politely observes the traditional principle of nunchi (a combination of good manners, hierarchy, and obligation). Desperate for a new life, she’s thrilled to become the au pair for the Mazer-Farleys, two Brooklyn English professors and their adopted Chinese daughter. Inducted into the world of organic food co-ops, and nineteenth-century novels, Jane is the recipient of Beth Mazer’s feminist lectures and Ed Farley’s very male attention. But when a family death interrupts Jane and Ed’s blossoming affair, she flies off to Seoul, leaving New York far behind.

Reconnecting with family, and struggling to learn the ways of modern-day Korea, Jane begins to wonder if Ed Farley is really the man for her. Jane returns to Queens, where she must find a balance between two cultures and accept who she really is.

Perfect for readers of Ruth Ozeki, Chang-rae Lee, Allegra Goodman, and—of course—Charlotte Brontë, RE JANE is a bright, comic story of falling in love, finding strength, and living not just out of obligation to others, but for one’s self.

In celebration of the paperback release, I have a conversation with the author provided by the publishing company. Please join me as we learn more about this fascinating book.

What was the genesis of RE JANE? What inspired you to put a Korean-American immigrant spin on Jane Eyre?

Patricia:

Whenever I misbehaved as a child, my mother would say in her limited English, “You act like orphan!” This always puzzled me—how can you act like an orphan? But for mother, who grew up during the Korean War, to be an orphan meant to act in a mischievous way that shamed your family. It meant you never received “a good family education.” She was simply reflecting the beliefs at the time.

I first read Jane Eyre when I was twelve, and was struck by the many epithets thrown at Jane: she was wicked, mischievous, friendless. Later, in grad school, I learned those epithets reflected the Victorian constructions of orphans. They were shameful, the Other—of questionable lineage, morals, manners. My mind drew the link between the Victorian construction of the orphan and the Korean post-war one, and RE JANE was born.

How much did you draw from your own experiences in writing RE JANE?

Patricia:
Like Jane, I also grew up in the Korean community in Flushing, Queens. I, too, used to ride the 7 train, staring out at the Midtown skyline. Unlike Jane, I’m not half-Korean; I’m “full.” In Jane, I chose one of the most disenfranchised figures in Korean society—a mixed-race, illegitimate orphan. In some ways, I might also represent the eyes of Flushing, looking critically at Jane for not being “one of us.”

You received a Fulbright grant in order to research RE JANE in South Korea. As a Korean-American woman yourself, were there particular aspects of Korean culture that surprised you or that you found unexpected in some way?

Patricia:
I was hopelessly naive when I arrived in South Korea. Like many Korean-Americans I thought the country was the same backwards, poverty-stricken land of our parents’ stories. Turns out: the country had advanced exponentially in the interim. The Koreans (unhyphenated) found me rather amusing. I sounded like a 65-year-old fuddy-duddy with a southern twang.

Nor was I expecting the extreme aesthetic expectations put on women. Every ad in the subway is for a plastic surgery clinic. There’s a makeup shop or three on almost every block. I went out wearing jeans, sneakers, and no makeup, and I got a bit of flak for that. Teachers making “polite” suggestions, shopkeepers turning their noses, that sort of thing.

RE JANE discusses reverse immigration—what happens when “hyphenated” Americans go back to the “motherland” and expect to be welcomed, only to find that they don’t belong. What about the issues facing Korean-American and Asian-American communities in regards to immigration, reverse immigration, and community-building do you hope that readers will understand after reading RE JANE?

Patricia:
Hyphenated Americans like me are often asked, “Where are you really from?” It’s a dangerous question because (1) it implies you don’t really belong here, and (2) it sets you up for the false expectation that you’ll be met with open arms “back home.” Re Jane is a quest for Jane to answer—as well as reject—that question, as she travels from Flushing to Carroll Gardens to Seoul and back. The novel is about finding a community that feels like the right fit—regardless of what or where we “come from.”

Your novel is partly about academics and academic life, which seems like a natural fit given Jane Eyre’s ubiquity in English literature programs. Why do you think that these stories are so appealing, and why did you choose to write about academics yourself?

Patricia:
When I arrived at Swarthmore, I felt the same culture shock Jane feels on arriving at the Mazer-Farleys’, which I can only describe as: WTF? Everyone walked and talked in a way that felt very foreign to me. I guess I write about academia because it’s the antithesis of the world I grew up in, and I find fish out of water stories fascinating.

In RE JANE, you deal with issues of blue-collar work versus academic work. Could you talk a bit about the tensions between these two forms of work and how they challenge how Americans think about what it means to be successful?

Patricia:
I come from a blue-collar background, and when I was part of “the academy” I found the two worlds have very, very different notions of success. In America, the more respectful (read: white-collar) your job, the more “successful” you are deemed to be. I saw this when I was both a university professor and a cashier. Ultimately, I think we should rethink the stigmas we attach to certain kinds of work.

RE JANE is an explicitly feminist retelling of Jane Eyre. What were some of the challenges that you faced in “translating” Victorian literature for a 21^st-century audience?

Patricia:
In Nice Work, David Lodge famously satirizes the four fates for Victorian heroines: marriage, inheritance, emigration, and/or death. Joking aside, the unfortunate reality is that women of the era were not afforded the same options as their modern-day counterparts. In early drafts of RE JANE, Jane came off as very passive and old-fashioned—not at all like Jane Eyre, who was fiercely independent despite her times (yet still—very much a product of). I realized I had to abandon some traditional frameworks of Jane Eyre in order to create a contemporary heroine who takes action yet still has room to grow. I kept true to the spirit of the original Jane…even if that meant a revision of Brontë’s iconic line, “Reader, I married him.”

Transformative retellings of classic literature from a variety of perspectives and degrees of seriousness—from Longbourn to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies—are growing in popularity. Why do you think that this is the case, and what about retellings appeals to you?

Patricia:
What’s the saying—all stories boil down to seven basic plots? It’s risky business to take a classic work that is so ingrained in the hearts and minds of the public and put your own spin on it. For me, I wanted to pay homage to one of my favorite novels, and translate it into the times we live in now. Retellings certainly seem to be in the zeitgeist. Not just in literature, but TV and movies as well—Sherlock, Transformers, 21 Jump Street. I think all but the purest of purists want a new and fresh way to experience something that is beloved to them.

What do you love most about RE JANE, and what do you hope that readers will love about it?

Patricia:
I love the humor of RE JANE and hope readers will, too. The book tackles some weighty issues, but the comic moments cut through that weightiness. I also hope to speak to anyone who feels disenfranchised from the communities they’re “supposed” to belong to.

What are you working on now?

Patricia:
I’m working on my second novel, which features a minor character of RE JANE (guess who) and takes place in the Korean “ghetto” in Buenos Aires, Argentina—where my family used to live before immigrating to the States. It’s also set in western Queens and the campus of Swarthmore College.

Now for those of you (like me) who aren’t familiar with the author, here’s a bit of background on her.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author Patricia Park photo credit Allana Taranto

PATRICIA PARK was born and raised in Queens and is a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science. She earned her BA in English from Swarthmore College and an MFA in Fiction from Boston University. A former Fulbright Scholar and Emerging Writer Fellow at the Center for Fiction, she has published essays in The New York Times, Slice, and the Guardian. 

She has taught writing at Boston University, CUNY Queens College, and Ewha Womans University in Seoul. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. What are your thoughts on an up-dated version of JANE EYRE? Are you a fan of JANE EYRE?

Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply {+ Giveaway}

I’m excited to be participating in the ALPHA WOLF NEED NOT APPLY spotlight tour for author Terry Spear.

Terry joins us to talk about the research she did for ALPHA WOLF NEED NOT APPLY, the sixth installment in her Silver Town Wolf Series. She’ll also be discussing the different wolf reserves she visited while writing this book. In addition, she’s sharing an excerpt from the book.

In celebration of the release, there’s a tour wide giveaway for one complete set of the Silver Town Wolf series. The giveaway runs until May 29^th. Please see the end of the post for more giveaway details.

Title: ALPHA WOLF NEED NOT APPLY

Author: Terry Spear

Series: Silver Town Wolf, #6

Pub date: May 3, 2016

ISBN: 9781492621867 

An alpha werewolf meets his match in this sizzling paranormal romance from USA Today bestselling author Terry Spear. Here’s a brief description of the book:

THERE’S A NEW WOLF PACK IN SILVER TERRITORY

            Wolf shifter and park ranger Eric Silver is committed to his job policing spectacular San Isabel National Forest, and he’s hot on the scent of some mysterious wolves who are up to no good. When Eric’s investigation leads him to cross paths with forester Pepper Grayling, he’s fascinated to learn this she-wolf is her pack’s leader—strong, independent, and definitely not looking for a mate.

AND THIS TIME THE LEADER’S A SHE…

            With unknown dangers on the prowl, Pepper is tempted to give in to her attraction to Eric and align her pack with his. But Pepper’s been pursued by many an alpha male out to take over her pack and gain her hard-won territory—and Eric is a born leader. How does Eric earn the trust of a she-wolf who’s been betrayed so often in the past?

ALPHA WOLF NEED NOT APPLY is available at the following sites:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1V55dVd

Apple: http://apple.co/1S4AocM

BAM: http://bit.ly/1Vrkgrn

B&N: http://bit.ly/1N5jNEr

Chapters: http://bit.ly/23bEoQL

Indiebound: http://bit.ly/23bEuI7

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1TwZsP6

Now please join me in giving a warm welcome to Terry as she talks about her research. Welcome, Terry.

During the writing of ALPHA WOLF NEED NOT APPLY, I made trips to several wolf reserves. As soon as I saw the sign for Mexican gray wolves near Albuquerque, I wanted to drive there and see them. So before we made our return trip home, we did.

To take care of Mexican gray wolves, a facility has to have special permission. They’re much rarer, but they’re much like their cousins in the north. I have to admit I loved seeing all the animals, but I was anxious to see the Mexican gray wolves at play. In my stories, I always include some kind of play time for my wolves, because it’s a way for them to show hierarchy, and a way for them to do what they do in the wild, train to take down their prey. In captivity, it’s somewhat different. When they heard a truck coming, that instantly meant food to them. No one came with food, but the wolves started to race around the fence and play with each other, and that made it fun for us.

Another wolf was isolated in her own fenced-in area. Why? Oftentimes, wolves like to be with a pack. They’re pack animals. But sometimes they grow too old and can’t manage the younger wolves who are in charge, maybe once having been in charge themselves. In one wildlife center in Minnesota, that was the case with one of their wolves. He had been retired. No showing off to visitors to the zoo. No mixing with the wolf pack that consisted of two brothers, the one male being the alpha, and a sister and brother, the female being the alpha by default. Though as feisty as she was, I was certain that if another wolf was introduced, she’d still be the alpha.

In a case in Texas, all the wolf dogs or wolves had “mates.” They don’t actually breed the wolves, only offer them a companion. But one wouldn’t accept a mate. She was a real beta with humans, full Arctic wolf, but put another wolf or wolfdog in with her and she was a terror.

In another case, this one in Nebraska, a wolf was being confined until he was more used to the environment. Once he was, he was allowed into the enclosure with the rest of the wolves and he became the alpha. When we were there, they said they had fifteen pups, seven yearlings and eight younger pups, but everyone was hiding, it was summer, so it was hot, which made it hard to see any of them.

And that’s the thing of doing research on wolves. You can’t always expect to go once and see the wolves out playing just for you. We spent all day at the one in Ely, Minnesota, recording and watching and asking questions of the staff. The wolves would disappear and sleep for long periods, then finally return and play or sleep where we could see them.

In a Wisconsin zoo, the two wolves never made an appearance. One of the personnel said that the wolves only came out early to play and would come out at night. They were around twelve years old, so tired old wolves. Which is totally understandable.

When we were at a different wolf reserve in Minnesota, they had said that they would have to separate wolves out if they had trouble between wolves. The one pack had a total of twelve wolves in it, the largest pack we saw in captivity that remained together.

The Mexican gray wolf that was isolated from the others has her own story to tell. I like to think she just needed her space, or she is waiting to find her perfect mate. What do you think?

Terry, thanks for joining us. It’s always fascinating to learn about wolves when you visit. They are such beautiful creatures.

Now for those of you who aren’t familiar with Terry, here’s a bit of background on her.

Author Terry Spear

USA Today bestselling author Terry Spear has written over fifty paranormal and medieval Highland historical romances. In 2008 HEART OF THE WOLF was named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year.

A retired officer of the U.S. Army Reserves, Terry also creates award-winning teddy bears that have found homes all over the world and is raising two Havanese puppies. She lives in Crawford, Texas.

For more on Terry and her writing, visit her website for more sizzling werewolf romance!

Now here’s an excerpt for your reading pleasure.

      Pepper Grayling couldn’t believe it when she heard two wolves fighting in the woods. She’d caught a glimpse of both male wolves, the snarling, big tan and gray that bit at Waldron Mason, and Waldron himself, a beige wolf with a white front and a smattering of gray hairs. The mystery wolf had snapped at Waldron before he raced off. The way he didn’t tuck tail meant he wasn’t cowed by the aggressor. And that had intrigued her. 
      She was furious that Waldron was pulling her away from her own pack to deal with him when she wanted to ensure Susan was properly cared for. As quickly as she was able, she stripped off her clothes, shifted, and ran like the devil to chase Waldron down. Whoever the other wolf had been, he had posed no threat to them. When she ran after the two wolves, she smelled their scents. The mystery wolf was indeed Eric Silver. No way would she want Waldron to hurt Eric after he’d helped Susan! 
      She was so angry, she could have killed Waldron for his unwarranted actions. 
      When she spied Waldron still chasing after Eric, she tore into him, growling and snapping to let him know just how angry he’d made her. He whipped around as if to attack, then recognized her and realized that by attacking, he’d lose any chance of courting and mating her—not that he had any—so he backed off. From his narrow-eyed, harsh gaze, she could tell he was irritated to the max with her. If he could have, he would have continued to hunt the other wolf down and finished him off. She worried about Eric—she smelled his blood on Waldron. How badly had Waldron hurt him? 
      But she knew Eric had been injured even before this because she’d smelled both an antiseptic and blood on him when she first met him. 
      She listened but didn’t hear any sign of Eric. Growling at Waldron again, she turned and ran off. She continued to pay attention to the sounds around her, making sure he wasn’t following her back to their campsite. She didn’t want to have to say a word to him about any of this when she reached camp. All she wanted to do was see that her cousin Susan was taken care of. 
      When she didn’t hear Waldron following her, she wondered if he had gone back after Eric. 
      As for Eric, she already had trouble with one alpha male wanting to court her. She sure didn’t need a second one bugging her, if Eric had any such notion. Still, she felt bad that Waldron had attacked him, and she really hoped he wasn’t hurt too seriously.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This giveaway is for one complete set of the Silver Town Wolf series. The giveaway runs until May 29^th.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient.

Thanks so much for stopping by today during Terry’s visit. Have you ever been to a wolf reserve? What are your thoughts on wolves?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hound’s Bite Pre-Order Party {+ Giveaway}

HOUND'S BITE, the highly anticipated fifth full-length novel in author E.J. Stevens’ award-winning Ivy Granger series, is now available for pre-order on Amazon and iTunes! 

To celebrate, the author is giving away some amazing Ivy Granger swag prizes. Keep reading for details on how to win.

Pre-OrderHound's Bite

Hound's Bite

(Ivy Granger, Psychic Detective #5)

By E.J. Stevens.

Ivy Granger thought she left the worst of Mab's creations behind when she escaped Faerie. She thought wrong.

In a cruel twist of fate, Ivy has unleashed a powerful horde of Unseelie beasts upon her city, turning her homecoming into a potential slaughter of innocents. Now Ivy must gather her allies to fight a reputedly unstoppable force—The Wild Hunt.

Will the training Ivy received in her father's court be enough to save her city, or will Harborsmouth be forced to kneel before the Lord of the Hunt? She is willing risk her own life, but some sacrifices come at a cost worse than death. When an ally is bitten by one of The Wild Hunt's hounds, Ivy must face the possibility that winning this battle may mean killing the one person she has come to love most.

Release Date: July 12, 2016

Pre-Order Date: April 13, 2016

Genre: Paranormal, Supernatural Suspense, Urban Fantasy

Add to Goodreads.

HOUND'S BITE Pre-Order Party Giveaway

In celebration of the pre-order, the author is giving away an Ivy Granger swag pack, including *signed* postcards for each book in the series, an Ivy Granger sticker, and a *signed* Hound's Bite mini poster.

To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is open to US/UK/CA. Giveaway ends April 28, 2016 midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway  
Ivy Granger Series

The Ivy Granger series has won numerous awards, including the BTS Red Carpet Award for Best Novel, the PRG Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Paranormal Fantasy Novel, Best Urban Fantasy Novel, and finalist for Best Urban Fantasy Series.

• Shadow Sight #1
• Blood and Mistletoe #1.5
• Ghost Light #2
• Club Nexus #2.5
• Burning Bright #3
• Birthright #4
• Hound's Bite #5

*Limited time deals: Shadow Sight is FREE on Kindle and iTunes, and Ghost Light is $0.99 on Kindle and iTunes until May 1, 2016.  This is a great time to begin reading the Ivy Granger series!*

Thanks for stopping by today and HAPPY READING!

Laid Out is On Sale for a Limited Time!!

Who doesn't LOVE it when a title goes on sale for only 99 cents ...... right? Well, today I’m participating in a Sale Blast for a fabulous Loveswept release, LAID OUT by Sidney Halston, that’s on sale.

I’m delighted to not only let you know about the sale, but also be able to share an excerpt from the book with you! First, here’s a synopsis of LAID OUT:

Perfect for fans of Monica Murphy and Cecy Robson, Sidney Halston’s scorching new MMA romance proves there are no holds barred when it comes to seduction.

Growing up an Army brat, Violet Channing could never meet her dad’s high expectations. But in the eyes of her best friend, she could do no wrong. He even insisted that he should be her first kiss. Now Cain Sorensen is all grown up, hardened by years in special ops and always looking for a good fight. Tall, with striking blue eyes and impossibly blond hair, he’s a modern-day Viking warrior. Of course, Violet’s all grown up, too, and she’s ready to surrender to his every command.

Cain knows he’s bad for Violet. His work is dangerous, and his hobbies are downright deadly. As a private mercenary and a mixed martial arts fighter, he could never let such an innocent soul into his world. And yet his most grueling combat training is no match for Violet’s killer curves, hot touch, and suggestive glances. Now all of Cain’s most explosive fantasies are coming true—but once they cross the line between friends and lovers, there’s no turning back.

LAID OUT

Worth the Fight #4

Sidney Halston

Released August 18th, 2015

Loveswept

ONLY $0.99

Amazon | B& N | iTunes | Kobo

Here’s an excerpt from LAID OUT for your reading pleasure:

      Violet put her hands up in surrender. “Tom really did chew strange!” She stopped and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Or was it Tim? Whatever. The point is that the way a guy chews is a legitimate flaw. I can’t marry a man who talks and chews at the same time, spitting little chunks of steak in my face. Ew! What if one of those little pieces lands in my eye? I could go blind.” 
      “The thought you’ve put into that exaggeration is really impressive, if not disturbing.” Her friend threw the scarf back at Violet. “Come on. Finish getting dressed already.” 
      Minutes later, Violet was sitting cross-legged in the middle of her bed applying makeup when JL walked in again, fully dressed to bartend at the Pier. “I was thinking . . .” “Oh, no. Are you okay?” 
      JL playfully smacked Violet’s shoulder before sitting down on her bed and fussing with Violet’s hair. “Maybe the issue is Cain. Have you heard from him?” That was not something Violet wanted to talk about, and her friend knew it, which was why she’d brought it up. “What the hell is going on with you and Cain? And before you say nothing, remember we’ve been friends for a long time. I know you. We live together. That man has you in knots, and since he left four months ago, you’ve been a Debbie Downer. It’s depressing. You’re depressing.” 
      “One hundred and ten days. Not that I’m counting. I have absolutely no idea where he’s at. He just vanished. But even when he was here, there was never anything going on with us. You saw how he treated me when he bothered to speak to me. I don’t know what I did to make him hate me. We were best friends, and then we weren’t. Plain and simple. My issues have got nothin’ to do with him.” 
      “He doesn’t say a word to anyone. I’ve been living in Tarpon Springs for years now, and since he moved here I think I’ve heard him say ten words. So the talking thing, it’s a nonissue. It’s got nothin’ to do with you. The jerk thing—yeah, all you, babe. Not sure what’s up with that. He’s not exactly Mr. Friendly, but he’s not flat-out rude to anyone except you.” 
      “Except me,” she agreed. 
      “Why’s that?” 
      “No clue.” Violet lay back, sucked in her gut, and closed the top button of her jeans. “He’s so surly nowadays,” she said breathlessly. “When we were growing up he was always the quiet and introspective one, but he wasn’t the Cain I’ve met here in town. This Cain’s a—” 
      “A dick,” JL interrupted. 
      “Dick! Dick!” Bird cawed. 
      JL barked out a loud laugh. “I love that bird.” 
      Violet rolled her eyes and ignored the parrot. “Yep. He’s not very friendly. Cain, not Bird. Actually, both. Or neither.” Violet shook her head. “Ugh! What I mean to say is both Cain and Bird are not friendly.” Violet let out her breath and put her arms out to JL, who grabbed them and pulled her up. “But I’m so freakin’ worried about him. Mad or not, I hope he’s okay.” Violet stretched her legs and walked over to the mirror behind her door to look at herself. Normal to large boobs, average waist, biggish butt, and short legs. She was on the voluptuous side of the spectrum. But she liked the way she looked, and so long as she was healthy, she never dieted and never looked at the scale. It had taken her a lot of years of self-loathing, but now, at twenty-eight, she loved her curvy body and wore it proudly—her father’s opinion, God rest his soul, be damned. 
      She turned halfway, looked at her backside, and smiled to herself. She had long ago come to terms with the fact that she would never be the same size as JL—but neither were most women. The mean girls in high school who had tormented her and mooed at her when she walked down the hall were now cordially invited to kiss her big behind, because she was happy with her tush just as it was and she seriously enjoyed her cookie dough ice cream addiction. 
      “Looking good, sister,” JL said. “I swear I’m going to burn your scrubs.” 
      “You think John will like it?” 
      JL walked up to Violet and playfully eyed her cleavage. “Only if he’s a guy.” Violet swatted her away and adjusted her top so that she wasn’t spilling out of it. “Come on. You’re going to be late for your date, and I’m going to be late for work.” 
      Violet took a deep breath, grabbed her purse, and followed JL out of the house. A glass of wine would loosen her up. That’s what she needed in order to get rid of the butterflies in her stomach. She wasn’t so good with dates, and blind dates were the worst.

Author Sidney Halston

Sidney Halston lives her life by one simple rule: “Just do it.” And that’s exactly what she did. At the age of thirty, having never written anything other than a legal brief, she picked up a pen for the first time to pursue her dream of becoming an author. That first stroke sealed the deal, and she fell in love with writing.

Sidney lives in South Florida with her husband and children.

For more on Sidney and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and GoodReads.

The Sixth and Final in the Worth the Fight Series

STACKED UP

Now available for Pre-Order

You can find it at the following sites:

Amazon | B& N | GooglePlay | iTunes | Kobo

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I’m always happy to let you know about new books, authors and events (especially if you can get books at a discount). I want to thank Lisa @Tastybooktours and the author @SidneyHalston for the information to make this announcement. Have you read any of the Worth the Fight Series yet?

Twisted Threads by Lea Wait, Read by Christina Delaine

A decade after she disappeared, the body of Angie Curtis’ mother is discovered drawing Angie back to her hometown of Harbor Haven, Maine, and to her grandmother, Charlotte, who raised her.

Author Lea Wait tugs at the heartstrings with TWISTED THREADS, the first installment in her Mainely Needlepoint Mystery Series.

Narrator Christina Delaine does a wonderful job giving distinct voices to the Mainers, as well as the outsiders in this story. Her cadence and accents add depth to this tantalizing murder mystery.

Angie returns home when her mother’s body is found in a storage shed freezer. The question now is was she killed by the local baker renting the shed (who passed away a short time ago) or someone else? Seems the good baker had some other secrets he was hiding too.

Meanwhile, Angie is reunited with her grandmother who has started a needlepoint business with several locals calling the enterprise Mainely Needlepointers. More trouble begins when a shady business associate of the group dies suddenly under suspicious circumstances. It appears Angie and Charlotte have the most to gain with the death so they become prime suspects.

Determined to clear their names and find out who really killed her mother, Angie starts to unravel the various threads of truth. The more she searches, the closer she gets to a killer with secrets that could change everything she’s ever though growing up.

The small costal town feel comes alive in the story through the author’s vivid descriptions and eye for details. The close knit community is emphasized as the search for a killer gets underway. The author also explores the pain and uncertainty those touched by unsolved cases may feel.

The story flows smoothly and at a rapid pace. The twists and turns of the story will hold your attention. The characters are well-developed, realistic and fun to follow.

TWISTED THREADS is filled with suspense, mystery, humor, friendship and family loyalty. This is a delightful start to an intriguing new mystery series. You don’t have to enjoy needlepoint to relish this entertaining story.

Twisted Threads by Lea Wait, A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery (Book #1), Narrated by Christina Delaine, Tantor Audio, @2015, ISBN: 978-1515951001, Unabridged, 7 CD Discs, Run Time: 8 Hours and 34 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – An audio copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope I’ve tempted you with this charming mystery. Do you do needlepoint? Do you have pieces of needlepoint in your home that have been passed down through the generations in your family?

Flawless by Heather Graham, Read by Saskia Maarleveld

Strange twists can sometimes lead to unknown pleasures and dangers as in the case of FLAWLESS by Heather Graham.

Narrator Saskia Maarleveld does a superb job making each character unique sounding. She captured the tone, attitude, and accents of the various characters with great ease. Her interruption enhances this romantic thriller.

Kieran Finnegan only wants to return an expensive diamond to the jeweler without being caught to keep her clueless brother and their best friend from getting into trouble. Seems Julie thought it was a good idea to borrow the diamond to get her soon-to-be ex-husband in trouble with his boss at the jewelry store. Wanting to help her, Danny saw no problem in taking the diamond for her since he was only ‘borrowing’ it and not planning on keeping it.

Just as Kieran is about to make the return, the jewelry store is robbed by three masked gunmen. Taken hostage, Kieran is soon able to escape with the help of FBI Agent Craig Frasier who was pursuing the robbers. The robbers, using fake guns, are captured, the jewels (including the one Kieran had) are returned, and all is well Kieran thinks.

Not so as Craig believes Kieran is hiding something and begins to dig deeper. Could it be she was in on the robbery or is her family’s bar somehow involved? Oh, and there’s another set of jewelry store robbers identical to these only the group still on the loose is killing people when they rob.

Through a series of twists and turns the author places Kieran and Craig together creating sparks, as well as doubts. The attraction between the two intensifies as the plot thickens. The characters are well-written and likable. The New York City setting, with an Irish pub backdrop, adds depth and dimension to the story.

The blossoming romance between Kieran and Craig doesn’t overshadow the suspense and intrigue involving the robbers and murders. While this story doesn’t contain the paranormal aspect the author is famous for, it features fascinating characters, a historical setting, and enough suspense and murder to keep you guessing until the very end.

Impeccably written and faultlessly narrated, FLAWLESS is an entertaining thriller that will provide hours of suspenseful delight. It’s also available in print and eBook format for those wishes to read this captivating story.

Flawless by Heather Graham, Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, Brilliance Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1491505274, Unabridged, MP3 CD, Run Time: 8 Hours and 40 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – An audio copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. FLAWLESS is one of those stories that shows an author can write in numerous genres with great ease. I hope you’ll check it out. What would you do if someone you knew ‘borrowed’ a diamond from a jeweler just to get someone else in trouble?

Rest in Peach {+ Giveaway}

If you love Southern charm blended with a good murder mystery, then you’re in for a treat when you read REST IN PEACH by Susan Furlong.

This charming story is the second installment in Furlong’s Georgia Peach Mystery Series, but can be read as a standalone.

A cotillion is a huge deal to a young Southern lady, but to Nola Mae Harper it means clearing her best friend, Ginny, as a prime murder suspect. Vivien Crenshaw, mother of the town’s spoiled-rotten Peach Queen, has been stabbed to death and she and Ginny had fought over a cotillion dress. The dispute had been about a one-of-a-kind dress each had claimed for her daughter.

Juggling the cotillion dinner and the grand opening of her own shop, Peachy Keen, Nola is determined to find the real killer. She’ll have to pick through a huge crop of suspects before getting to the core motive and the vicious killer.

Furlong’s down-home, small town, friendly atmosphere quickly draws you in. The many twists and turns will hold you captive as you work your way through the suspense. The story flows smoothly like a conversation among friends.

The characters are realistic, well-developed with a touch of quirkiness making them likable. Furlong blends humor, charm, loyalty, mystery and mayhem with a touch of romance for a well-balanced story.

Each chapter begins with a debutante rule and several delicious peach inspired recipes are included at the end. In addition, readers get a special preview of the next Georgia Peach Mystery, WAR AND PEACH, coming soon.

REST IN PEACH is a delightful cozy mystery just right for hours of entertainment with a Southern flare to make you smile.

Rest in Peach by Susan Furlong, A Georgia Peach Mystery (Book #2), Berkley Prime Crime, @2016, ISBN: 978-0425278567, Mass Market Paperback, 304 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Penguin/Random House, I have a print copy of REST IN PEACH by Susan Furlong to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Wednesday, April 20.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends to make sure the notification email doesn’t end up there. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decided for whatever reason you don’t want to win (which is fine), once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Hopefully I’ve enticed you to check out this delightful book. Are you familiar with cotillions? Do you like peaches, if so what’s your favorite way to enjoy them – in a cobbler, ice cream, fresh from the tree, etc.?

** Just had to add one debutante rule to give you an idea of the fun:

Debutante Rule #027: Debutantes may not know what they’re doing all the time. But rest assured, if you’re from a small town, someone else does.

a Rafflecopter giveaway