Welcome to RRBC'S WRITERS' CONFERENCE & BOOK EXPO!

 Join me at RRBC's 8th Annual Writers' Conference & Book Expo!

Win books & prizes!

Meet the friendliest authors online!

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MEET ME IN MAINE – Sneak A Peek

CHAPTER 8

Were Elizabeth and Scarlett ready to buy an inn and settle in Maine? Scarlett wasn’t so sure of the answer.

Scarlett’s car bumped along the winding road, farmhouses peeking at us from behind thick clusters of trees and bushes, the afternoon sun warming the inside of the vehicle with its hazy glow.

“Are you sure you know the way?” I asked. “I thought the inn was in Blue Harbor.”

“It is.” Scarlett squinted at me. “Not everyone lives near the main harbor.”

Ten minutes later, she said, “We’re here.”

A red-bricked building appeared between two thick groves of maple trees. A lush green lawn and white picket fence fronted the house. Four wide steps led to the wrap-around porch, dotted with white wicker chairs and tables. A chubby, middle-aged woman stood on the top step between two white pillars supporting the steep overhang.

“That’s Lucy Green.” Scarlett parked on the graveled driveway to the right of the house.

Lucy descended the steps, wiping her hands on the yellow frilled apron tied around her waist. “I’m happy you could meet with me today, considering the recent excitement.” Her short, brown curls fluttered in the cool breeze as she crossed the blue paving stones to the driveway.

“We were at the ice cream parlor when the guy ran inside bleeding.” Scarlett halted in front of her. “The customers ran from the place screaming and yelling.”

“How awful.” Lucy wrung her hands. “I hope you’re still interested in my inn.”

I drew alongside Scarlett. “We’re rethinking our move to Blue Harbor.” I ignored Scarlett’s sidelong glare. If Lucy believed we were reconsidering, she might lower the price. I grew up in New York City and couldn’t help my big city frame of mind.

Lucy pursed her lips. “Chief Lively will clean the riffraff from Blue Harbor, he’s done it before, and our town will be peaceful again.” She motioned for us to follow her into the house. The warm glow from the Victorian lamps, sitting on small end tables, lit the spacious room dotted with comfortable-looking couches and chairs. We followed her through an open archway to the right. Leather couches and chairs faced a red-bricked fireplace. Across the room, a set of glass doors overlooked a side garden bursting with red and yellow rose bushes. When she swung open the doors, a rose-scented breeze drifted toward us.

“Lovely,” I said.

She gave a sweet smile before shutting the glass doors. We trailed her from the den and the front room to the dining room, where glasses and silverware sparkled on the five tables set with white linen. The doorway on the back wall led us to an industrial-sized kitchen with a white marble island dead-center, surrounded by yellow stools. The view from the picture window took my breath away. Rose bushes lined the pebbled path through the green landscape to a lake filled with floating Canada geese.

“Nice,” Scarlett said.

“Thank you.” Lucy hovered behind us. “Are you ready to see the guest rooms?”

“Sure,” Scarlett replied.

A narrow door in the kitchen, wedged between the double wall ovens and built-in refrigerator, led back to the front room. We climbed the carpeted stairs between the curving wood banisters as Lucy regaled us with tales of the house’s vibrant history. On the second floor, doors stood open on either side of the hallway, revealing canopied beds and flat-screen TVs. At the end of the hall, we stepped into the owner’s apartment. The two bedrooms, eat-in kitchen, and sitting room offered impressive views of the lawn and sparkling blue lake.

“Iced tea and pastries in the sunroom?” Lucy asked as we descended the staircase.

“Sounds good. I’m thirsty,” Scarlett replied.

Lucy led us through the den to the bookshelves spanning the left wall, where she tilted a group of books forward. The bookcase shifted, and a hidden door creaked open.

“Neat,” Scarlett said as the door of bookshelves shut behind us.

I asked, “Does the house have hidden passageways?”

“There might be.” Shirley’s round face wrinkled into an eager grin. “This is an old house. A hundred years old next year.”

The sun shone through the picture window on the far wall, throwing bright squares of light across the mint-green couches and chairs. A pitcher of iced tea and a tray of pastries waited on the glass coffee table. We took seats as Lucy poured the tea into tall glasses.

“Are you still interested in purchasing the inn?” Lucy asked, handing a glass to Scarlett.

“We are.” Scarlett glanced at me. “But I’m confused.”

Lucy’s chocolate brown eyes widened.

Scarlett continued, “You have tables set in the dining room, but I didn’t see any preparations in the kitchen. Where are your guests and staff?”

“The guests aren’t arriving until Friday.” Lucy’s eyes twinkled. “And the staff have left for the day.”

I asked, “How large is your staff?”

“I have a maid, chef, and waitress.”

“Do they work every day?” Scarlett asked.

“The cook and waitress work when we have guests, and the maid cleans twice a week, even if we don’t have guests. This past year, we began offering dinner twice weekly, and the chef and waitress have increased their hours.”

“Once you sell the inn, will they be willing to continue working here?” I asked.

“They love the bed-and-breakfast. I have a contract ready to be signed.” Lucy huffed to her feet. “Relax and finish your tea and pastries.” She grinned before hurrying from the room.

“We have decisions to make.” Scarlett bit into a red velvet cupcake.

“I’m not ready to make them today.”

“Me neither.”

Lucy returned with a stack of papers. For the next hour, we discussed the price and conditions of the contract. We departed with a promise to call her in the next few days. Scarlett needed to show the paperwork to her lawyer, who will now be our lawyer. Even though the price was within our budget, we needed time to decide whether Blue Harbor was right for us.

THE HARBOR BURNS

As explosions rocked the harbor, the blackened sky mirrored the orange and yellow flames consuming the pier. People screeched as the panicked horde surged toward us.

Chapter 6

People strolled the sidewalks beneath the street lamps’ hazy yellow glow. Bright window displays beckoned to visitors as music wafted from the open doorways. Boats rode the soft swells on either side of the long dock, jutting into the dark water. I stood beside Scarlett at the curb, taking a deep breath of the crisp, salty air.

David and Logan exited the parlor, taking positions on either side of us. 

I glanced at Logan, feeling uncomfortable in his presence after the intense interrogation in the ice cream parlor. His haughty mien lifted as he caught my glance, and his gray eyes softened. He nodded to me before turning and heading back to the store.

The ground beneath my feet shook as flames shot to the sky from the moored vessels and ear-shattering explosions cut through the air. Time turned sluggish and unreal, like a movie reel playing in slow motion.

I stood frozen, transfixed by the orange flames sweeping across the wooden planks at the heels of the fleeing pedestrians. Scarlett grabbed my hand as the crowd headed our way, jostling us in their frenzied path. As an intense heat hit our faces, people screamed; sirens shrilled; fire engines pulled alongside the marina. Police cars swarmed the streets.

His face a blotched red, Lively strode from the parlor, puffing. “Take them home and then hurry back,” he shouted to David before rushing across the street with Logan to join the officers arriving at the dock.

“I’ll walk you home.” David snatched my hand, transporting me back to reality. 

I hurried to keep pace with him, the hazy fog clouding my vision cleared. Scarlett strode ahead while Bella hobbled beside us on a broken heel. I glanced back at the burning harbor. “I don’t understand; the advertisements depict Blue Harbor as a peaceful town.”

“It used to be.” David shrugged. “Things have changed.”

“What things?” I asked, but he refused to look at me. “David?”

He faced me. “Maybe you shouldn’t move here.”

“Do you want me to leave?”

“No, then I won’t see you again.” He halted as people rushed around us. “But the town hasn’t been safe for the past few months, and I don’t want you hurt.” David took my hand, and we continued walking.

“Do you believe I’m in danger?”

“I don’t know. I’ve been working with Logan and the chief, but we’ve made no headway.” He checked over his shoulder. “Where’s Bella?”

“I’m here.” Bella emerged from the crowd. “The broken heel is making it difficult to walk.” She removed her shoes and loped toward us barefoot. “That’s better.”

As explosions rocked the harbor, the blackened sky mirrored the orange and yellow flames consuming the pier. People screeched as the panicked horde surged toward us. 

David dropped my hand and looked at me. “I’m sorry. The police need my help; I must go back.” He pushed his way through the throng and headed back to the pier. “Remember to lock your doors,” he yelled over his shoulder before disappearing.

“What’s wrong with this town?” I eyed Bella.

“What isn’t wrong with it?” she replied before stumbling ahead to our building.

Scarlett stood on the front steps, gaze riveted to the burning harbor, her arms wrapped around her shivering body.

Bella unlocked the front door, and we trailed behind her into the dark hallway.

“Are you going to explain this creepy town to us?” Scarlett stepped in front of Bella.

Bella hit the light switch. “No, and don’t shut the hall lights. Tomorrow, I’ll explain the town’s strange history.” She rushed into her apartment, throwing the bolt on the door.

SNOWBOUND

Snowbound at the inn,

no one can get in,

besides the cursed one

who has already won,

by picking off bodies,

one by one.

MEET ME IN MAINE

http://amzn.to/3z0EcsQ

https://bit.ly/3gj85hz

https://bit.ly/3grfqL6

I FEEL HIM IN THE BREEZE

I feel him in the breeze.
He was born to please.
His laughter rings loud
as he rides on a cloud.
Please return to me.
The night will set us free.

THE DEAD AT HEART

RRBC’s 6th Annual Writers’ Conference & Book Expo

https://rrbcwritersconferencebookexpo21.wordpress.com/meet-author-susanne-leist-rrbc-wcbe21-susanneleist/comment-page-1/?unapproved=162&moderation-hash=87afaf481fe073c8fd21724a4ad8c9a3#comment-162

Join me at RRBC’s 6th Annual Writers’  Conference & Book Expo.

There will be games, prizes, surprises and other goodies. Be sure to visit each Author Booth, take a look around, and then leave a comment for your chance to win each Author Booth’s door prize.

 
There is a Scavenger Hunt Game to play, a 2 Truths & a Lie Game to play and more. In each Author Booth, you will find a clue. If you find the correct answer to all the clues and are the first to submit your answers, you could be the winner of an awesome prize.

  
If you’re into BINGO, purchase your BINGO cards and join us for a game or two.

And what we wait for every year – our RAFFLE– is back.  We raffle (7) $100 Amazon gift cards, and this is open to the public. Raffle tickets are only $5. Some of the cards include additional goodies like other gift certificates, ebooks, and more.  Enter for your chance to win one or more of these $100 Amazon gift card gift baskets.  The more tickets you buy, the greater your chances of winning.

This year for the first time ever, we’ve added our BEST BOOK COVER CONTEST. Share your comments with us and let us know which one you think is best. Meet Me In Maine is entered in the contest.

https://rrbcwritersconferencebookexpo21.wordpress.com/rrbc-wcbe21-book-cover-contest/

Click for a full ITINERARY OF EVENTS!  

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Thank you, Dawn, for the Author Spotlight!

Dawn’s Book Reviews

#SpotlightSunday THREAD – for authors who don’t get enough recognition

This week’s #SpotlightSunday features Susanne Leist (@SusanneLeist). Susanne is the author of “The Dead Game” series, which combines paranormal mystery, suspense, and a pinch or two of romance. There are currently 3 books in the series. You can read Susanne’s bio here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7336492.Susanne_Leist

So, let’s explore the books!

“The Dead Game” is the first book in the “The Dead Game” series. It was a fast and enjoyable read, with well-crafted characters. Susanne takes the haunted house theme to a whole new level, and has created a story that delivers far more than the blurb promises! Don’t take my word for it though – get your copy as soon as you can!

“Prey for the Dead” (book 2) and “The Dead at Heart” (book 3) are on my to-be-read list, and I’m hoping to get to them very soon. I have it on good authority that these 2 books are just as good (if not better) than the first. Book 2 centres around the main character from the first book (“Linda”), while book 3 makes “Shana” the main focus – and I’m very much looking forward to catching up with them!

Please do check out Susanne’s work – and don’t forget to leave a review!

Here are some links to get you started:

Website: https://www.susanneleist.com/

Amazon Author page  https://www.amazon.com/Susanne-Leist/e/B00F253FE6

Amazon (UK) author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/…/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1

Author Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7336492.Susanne_Leist

Twitter  https://twitter.com/SusanneLeist

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/susanne.leist.98

Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/susanne.leist/

Bookbub      https://www.bookbub.com/profile/susanne-leist

Linkedin     https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanne-leist-1000/

Pinterest   https://www.pinterest.com/susanneleist98/

SAIL WITH US

THE DEAD AT HEART
by Susanne Leist

Trapped on board a luxury yacht,
where the crew walks the night.
Who knew they can also walk
in the bright daylight?

https://amzn.to/32wnFyc

READY TO PLAY?

Darkness comes too soon beneath the full moon.

A battle brews in the city.

On William, should I take pity?

An original vampire who has lost his way.

Is he a demon getting ready to play?

THE DEAD AT HEART

https://amzn.to/3lrQ3KO

LOVE BITE

Death marks the spot.
You love me or not.
A vampire I might be,
I come on bended knee.

THE DEAD GAME SERIES
by Susanne Leist

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P8MS722?ref=series_rw_dp_labf

THE DARK MUSIC

Pick a partner
and sashay to the dark music.

PREY FOR THE DEAD

https://amzn.to/2F1IiI2
http://bit.ly/2XCDuD7