Though this year has brought me sadness with the
death of my mother in April, I am so thankful that God has allowed me to enjoy
the material things that I possess. He's kept me strong and in sound mind, and
I have only a few health problems. My siblings are all alive and well and I
have a loving husband and a fun job.
My biggest achievement that I am thankful for is
finding Class Act Books and ending my search for a publisher. My first
novel was released on August 15th and I'm working on part two of this three-book
series.
BLURB:
Never stare at a green-eyed shirtless hunk. Gabrielle Madsen
is drawn in by such a pair of eyes that captures her soul and leaves her a
prisoner of an addictive kind of love—not that she's complaining. Her
educational trip turns out to be more than just a fun-filled summer escapade.
She’s faced with a life-changing decision that could affect the world around her. Her discovery of an ancient, legend-come-to-life proves to be deadly, but her heart can’t break away. She and Josh Van Ness fall in love and must battle the forces that want to keep them apart.
She’s faced with a life-changing decision that could affect the world around her. Her discovery of an ancient, legend-come-to-life proves to be deadly, but her heart can’t break away. She and Josh Van Ness fall in love and must battle the forces that want to keep them apart.
EXCERPT:
Away
from the open menagerie was a path surrounded by dense trees. It was across a
narrow decorative bridge built into the landscape. The thick greenery provided
a shady side to the open garden. A spotlight created by the sun beckoned to me
from inside and I walked away from the others. My eyes were fixed on the pink
and red groundcover that glimmered with a hypnotic seduction. I ventured toward
the fragrant breeze, unaware of how far I had strayed.
After
only a few yards inside the cover of the trees, my body was seized again by a
rumble and a frightening snarl. A chill blanketed me and I couldn’t move. I
didn’t dare look around, for the back of my blouse had already been saturated
by the heated moisture from the breath of the beast. My first instinct was to
scream, but fear had stolen my voice. So I took a deep breath and held it. The
scent of horror filled my lungs. It was familiar. Was I being stalked by the
animal that lurked outside my hotel grounds?
Help me please, rang inside my head. My eyes squeezed
shut as its sharp fangs pinched my shoulder. Tears filled my eyes and my hands
formed a fist. I waited to feel my bones snap when suddenly, it let go. The
leaves crunched. The sound grew fainter by the second, then nothing. My eyes
remained closed as I trembled and listened.
“Miss?”
A woman’s voice severed my nightmare. “I saw you come out here. We’re getting
ready to go to another area. You don’t want to be left behind.”
Without
hesitation I ran past her, clutching my throat and sobbing. The other tourists
were boarding the van and I made my way to the back. The woman I believed saved
me from certain death, came and sat beside me.
“Hi.
My name is Kara. Are you okay?” She placed her hand on my shoulder.
“Did
you see anything?” I searched her eyes for a confirmation. “An animal? It was
behind me.”
“I’m
sorry, I didn’t see anything,” she said and smiled.
“Was
it a spider?” the little lady with the blinding yellow blouse asked.
“No.
Never mind, Kara. I guess I’m just tired. Thank you for checking on me.”
“You’re
welcome, you take care.” She quickly returned to her seat.
My
body trembled as the bus came to stop. I ran from the tourist center to the
hotel. Once inside the bathroom, I stripped and examined my shoulder. A painful
bruise was both in front and in back. I cried out loud, shook convulsively, and
then laughed hysterically. Was I going mad?
BUY LINKS:
Publisher’s website:
Amazon:
Smashwords:
About the Author:
Juanita Aydlette is from Shreveport, Louisiana, and now lives in Texas. She’s the only girl in a family of four brothers. She love music, planting flowers and is a dog lover…that’s why she works at an animal clinic.
Find
out more about Juanita at:
Twitter: @Juanita Aydlette
??? According to the toolbar this ""Thanks Page" has been 'live' since Sunday Nov 6 @ midnight GMT, but the note only registered in my Inbox a few minutes ago (Monday Nov 7 @ midday GMT???)
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the CA Authors listed here, fro a 'noob' living in Liverpool ( = "Cultural Centre of the Known Universe"). I have just signed Contracts and will see TWO of my novels published by Class Act during 2017 :)
So sorry for the pain this year has brought you. Yet the wheel turns and brings you forward into new possibilities. Your mother would be proud!
ReplyDeleteExciting excerpt. Good luck with sales and promotion.
ReplyDeleteJuanita's novel is an imaginative bit of writing set in Africa, among other places. Good setting, good story.
ReplyDeleteOh...and welcome to Class Act Books to you, too, Paul. :)
Your book sounds fascinating, Juanita, and your thank you heartfelt. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Juanita. All the best with your new book. Sounds fascinating!
ReplyDeleteJuanita, great post. And thank you for sharing a piece of your life.
ReplyDeleteFrom one author to another, writing takes a lot of time, but it is a pure joy. I can see yours from this post.
Many blessing and best of luck in all you do.
Sorry, I didn't mean to be unknown. I'm not the best at all this computer stuff, unfortunately. :)
DeleteGood luck with your book, Juanita. It sounds very interesting. I'm sorry you had such a tough year, but I'm sure your mother would be proud of your accomplishments.
ReplyDeleteYour excerpt is exciting. Good luck with your debut! Extending my Deepest sympathy to you on the death of your mother.
ReplyDelete