Finally, I’m just about finished with edits of my new book, Disappearance at Sycamore Grove: A Journey of Courage, Acceptance, and Forgiveness. I think it’s an entertaining book with some twists, a mystery, a bit of romance, and even a touch of humor—all in a beautiful setting. If you like cozy mysteries mixed with clean contemporary fiction, here is a sample scene to pique your curiosity:
Nina entered the trail she usually took when she went for a bike ride. She wanted to have a look at the farm buildings she had seen there. She also wanted to speak with Mr. Bean if she happened to see him. As she rode along, she missed Harry’s company. He was always excited about the smells and scurrying animals along the way. Nina loved the country smells and the occasional scent of wild honeysuckle bushes.
She passed a couple of small buildings, stopping to see if she might notice anything indicating Clay had been there, including telltale protein bar wrappers. She saw nothing that looked like anything had been disturbed.
She finally came to the largest building along the trail, where she had previously seen the four-wheelers and the two men. The vehicles were there, and she decided she would ask if the men had seen Clay or knew of any other buildings where someone might camp out. The large door was closed. She knocked and heard low voices. She was about to knock again when an angry, gruff voice sounded behind her. “What do you want?!” the large man with the yellow-brown ponytail demanded, as he encroached so closely on her physical space, she could see the scales of the reptile tattoos encircling his beefy arms.
Nina was so startled because she hadn’t heard him approach; she was speechless for a moment. She felt drained and faint until, taking a breath, she croaked, “I’m looking for my friend. He’s 15, tall, blonde, and muscular. Have you seen him? Or do you know of other buildings where he might be camping?”
“No! This is private property. No one’s allowed here! Get lost.” He stalked away around to the back of the building.
Nina was so shaken, she got on her bike and started back toward campus, not remembering at the time that the property, to her understanding, was owned by Sycamore Grove Academy and farmed by tenant farmers.
Disappearance at Sycamore Grove will be published within the month and I’ll be sure to let you know when the ebook will be a free offer on Amazon for a few days. It you like it I would certainly appreciate your review.
Beginning a writing career after retiring has been a challenge and a delight. I enjoy learning and practicing new technique and attempting to absorb the advice and wisdom of generous authors who are willing to share their journeys. My challenge is to stop myself from comparing my work with authors who have been writing professionally for decades. I suppose that’s just another challenge.
The very best part of my work is the support I receive from my husband and son, and, of course, my furry Calliope Jane, who always comes to help me when I’m writing, carrying her rubber frog toy, which is her constant companion and friend.
Be well my friends,
Suanne