Hey, everyone. It’s always a pleasure to host friend and fellow author Mae Clair. She has a brand-new release, the third and final of her Hode’s Hill Series. I’ve read all three books and had decided this one is my favorite. Let’s welcome Mae!
Joan, many thanks for hosting me on your blog. It’s a pleasure to be here today as I share my new release Eventide, the final book in my Hode’s Hill series. One aspect of writing the series I’ve really enjoyed is getting to play with dual timelines. Each book features a mystery in the past, along with one in the present. Both mysteries eventually collide as the characters in the present unravel clues from the past.
In the case of Eventide, I chose early spring of 1878 for my setting in the past. Hollande Moore has been hired by twin brothers Nathaniel and Tristan Stewart to look after their mother, Sylvia, who has become difficult and reclusive, following the death of her husband. But Hollande senses something more sinister at play. Something unspoken between the brothers and their mother who seems determined to get rid of her.
In this excerpt, Hollande tries to learn what she can from the Stewart family cook, Annabelle.
“Annabelle, are you aware of any disagreement this morning?”
“Disagreement?” Head lowered, Annabelle worked at shaping biscuits.
“Between Nathaniel and Sylvia. I thought I heard them arguing in the drawing room before Nathaniel left.”
“I wouldn’t know, miss.” Annabelle’s back stiffened slightly. “Surely if I did, I wouldn’t linger. You know how the missus can be.”
Sadly, Hollande did. Sylvia would have accused the girl of eavesdropping. “I just don’t know what to do.” She sipped her tea but had no true taste for it. “I’ve been useless at helping Sylvia. I fear she may dismiss me.”
“Mr. Nathaniel would never allow that.”
Heat rose to Hollande’s face. Had Annabelle sensed the growing closeness between them? “What about Tristan?”
“I couldn’t say. I’ve never met Mr. Tristan.”
Hollande stared. “Never?”
“He doesn’t come until evening, does he, being away at the quarry all day? I leave well before that.”
“But there must have been times when he delayed in the morning? Stayed for breakfast.”
“He’s gone before I arrive. Usually grabs a meat pie or such to take with him.” Annabelle fell silent and still as if internally debating a matter. Finally, she faced Hollande. “If you ask me, miss, there’s something wrong between the brothers. I don’t wish to speak out of turn, but I sense no great love between them.”
Hollande’s fingers tightened on her teacup, a sliver of cold knifing through her. Apparently, she wasn’t the only one who’d noted Nathaniel’s disregard for his brother. Yet only last night he’d spoken so fondly of their younger years. What could have happened to drive them apart?
“I think they intentionally avoid each other,” Annabelle continued. “Make certain their paths don’t cross. I only have sisters, but that’s no way for siblings to behave.”
It certainly wasn’t.
Hollande’s stomach knotted. Could their brotherly animosity have anything to do with the way Sylvia doted on Tristan? She’d only been a resident of Stewart Manor for a short time, but even to her it was obvious Sylvia preferred one twin over the other. No wonder Nathaniel had been so sullen when she arrived. His brother spent his days in Curtisville, leaving Nathaniel the bulk of responsibility for their mother, yet she often snubbed him.
What a wretched circumstance.
Hollande enjoyed Tristan’s company, but on the whole, spent far less time with him than Nathaniel. A few hours in the evening while he entertained his mother. In the morning, he was usually gone before she awoke. Only once, she’d caught him coming down the steps and managed a few snippets of small talk before he dashed off for another day at the quarry.
There’s something wrong between the brothers.
Hollande met Annabelle’s gaze, the cook’s words ringing in her head. “How long have you been here?”
“Oh, not long.” Annabelle turned back to the counter and began tidying up her mess. “Just a few months, but I’m determined.”
“What do you mean?”
“There were several girls before me, but she drives them all away.”
“Sylvia?”
Annabelle nodded. “If you ask me, she doesn’t want another woman in the house.”
To learn how these characters from the past impact the lives of Madison Hewitt, her sister, and their friends in the present, I hope you’ll consider purchasing Eventide, which is now available from all major booksellers. You’ll make this author very happy. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and many thanks to Joan for hosting me today!
BLURB:
The darkness is coming . . .
The old house near Hode’s Hill, Pennsylvania is a place for Madison Hewitt to start over—to put the trauma of her husband’s murder, and her subsequent breakdown, behind her. She isn’t bothered by a burial plot on the property or the mysterious, sealed cistern in the basement. Not at first. Even the presence of cold spots and strange odors could be fabrications of her still troubled mind. But how to explain her slashed tires, or the ominous messages that grow ever more threatening?
Convinced the answer lies in the past, Madison delves into the history of the home’s original owners, only to discover the origin of a powerful evil. An entity that may be connected to a series of gruesome attacks that have left police baffled. No matter where she turns—past or present—terror lingers just a step away, spurred on by a twisted obsession that can only be satisfied through death…
Order Eventide HERE
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69 Responses
Oh I can’t wait to read this and see how the Hode’s series all ties up ☺️
Congratulations Mae on releasing the book!
This is a fantastic wrap-up for the series. I’m confident you’ll love it!
Thanks Joan!
That has me smiling, Jess 🙂
I’m so glad you’re looking forward to it. Many thanks for the congrats and I hope you enjoy the story!
I’m sure I will 😉
Lovely excerpt, Mae. Really sets the tone and gets the mind working!
She does that so well in all her works. Thanks for the visit today!
That is so good to hear! I love creating “atmosphere” in my scenes. I’m glad this appeals to you. Many thanks for reading and commenting!
I loved the whole series, but Eventide was my favourite. Great excerpt, Mae 🙂
Lovely to see Mae here today, Joan 🙂
I’m with you Harmony. The entire series was great but Eventide was by far my fav. A perfect way to wrap up the series.
Thanks for sharing those thoughts here, Harmony. I always do a Snoopy Dance when I know I’ve written something that appeals to others. I think Eventide might be my favorite of the three as well. It was definitely a fun book to write, despite those moments of spookiness!
I’ve read Eventide and enjoyed it. Actually, I enjoyed the whole series!
It was a great series! I look forward to what Mae has for us next!
Thanks so much, Priscilla. I value all your support! It’s such a plus to know when something you’ve written is appreciated by others. I couldn’t be happier you enjoyed Eventide and the whole series! 🙂
What a wonderful excerpt. I can’t wait to read the book ❤️
Oh, that’s fabulous to hear, Tessa. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. There are several scenes in this one I’m really fond of–characters, too. But then I guess that’s the case with every author!
You’ll love it, Tessa!
Great excerpt for a great book! I read the entire series, and like several of you, Eventide is my favorite. Truly scary or creepy or spooky or whatever adjective gives you the most goosebumps. I highly recommend this one! Super post, Mae and Joan! 🙂
Aww, thanks so much, Marcia. A lot of readers seem to like this one best, and I have to admit, I probably do, too. I’m glad you found it worthy of goose-bumps. 🙂
Many thanks for sharing your thoughts here today. I truly appreciate the support!
I loved all the books, but yes this one was my favorite.
Ooooooh – this is intriguing, Mae. All kinds of things going on in this sneak peek.
As in the book, LOL. I can never seem to write a single plot, but have to thread in many.
Thanks for reading, Teri. I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt!
The dual plot is amazing and will keep you turning the pages. Thanks for visiting, Teri!
Another great excerpt.
Thanks, Craig. I thought it was time I shared one from the past!
Yeah, this is a good one!
I loved this book, too, but then I loved the entire series. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your support, Judi. I really appreciate it, and am so glad you enjoyed visiting my fictional town of Hode’s Hill with its many oddities 🙂
It’s a great series. Thanks for visiting today, Judi!
I really enjoyed this series. The dual timelines–not an easy thing to accomplish (at least for me).
It’s odd–when I first started writing dual timelines, I found it hard to manage. It still is, but now I feel odd when I don’t include them, LOL.
Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed the books, Jacqui!
Mae seemed to do it effortlessly. I also would find it difficult.
You’re too kind! 🙂
A great extract, Joan. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for visiting and reading, Robbie!
Thanks for stopping by, Robbie. I really enjoyed this book.
Awesome, Mae! I’m really looking forward to diving in. Cheers to you. 🙂
Many thanks for sharing the love, Joan, as always.
That’s wonderful to hear, Natalie. There are a few scenes in this one I’m particularly fond of. I think it’s my favorite of the series. I hope you will find an entertaining read!
It’s a fantastic book, Natalie!
Joan, many thanks for hosting me today. I’m delighted to visit and share with your readers. Thanks for rolling out the red carpet and for your awesome support of Eventide and Hode’s Hill. You rock, my friend!
I’m so happy to have you! You’re always welcome here!
I just started Eventide last night so I’m going to stop reading the excerpts. Need surprises. Thanks, Joan for hosting Mae.
Yay! Thank you, John. I am so thrilled and honored you’e reading Eventide. I’m doing a Snoopy Dance. I hope you enjoy the story!
You wrote it so I know I’ll enjoy it.
🙂
You’ll love the book, John! Thanks for stopping by. It’s always a pleasure to host Mae.
Happy to see Mae and Eventide on your blog, Joan. This book deserves recognition!
So true, Jacquie! I loved this book!
Hi, Jacquie! Thank you so much for saying that. I’m beyond thrilled you enjoyed it! 🙂
This was my favorite of the series. I loved the story with the brothers:)
Me too, Denise!
The brothers were so intriguing to write, Denise. I’m so glad you enjoyed Eventide, and especially that particular plot line. I do believe Eventide is my favorite of the three as well. Thanks for visiting with me today!
I just purchased a copy of Even Tide, I love a great supernatural ride! At the moment, I’m just diving into Macabre Sanctuary!
I’m confident you’ll love Eventide. Thanks for reading Macabre Sanctuary. I enjoyed having a part of that collection.
I am sure I will. I’m just starting your book Joan. II’m enjoying the reading trip! I wasn’t able read it yesterday because of a long work shift. I’ll post a review on my blogsite when I’m done. Amazon no longer allows me to post on their site, sorry about that.
Thanks, Mark. Hope you enjoy it. I’ve put yours on my TBR list. I’m a slow reader. Well, actually I read fast. It’s just finding the time. And I understand about Amazon. I’ve started posting reviews on BookBub.
I’ve enjoyed it so far Joan! I’m the same way about reading. Yes, Amazon is frustrating, and despite my emails as to the reason why, they go unanaswered. I’m going to start posting on BookBub as well. Thanks for the idea.
Amazon is beyond ridiculous about who they allow to post these days. Grr!
Mark, if you add an author page to BookBub, let us know. I wanted to add a recommendation for Vanished there, but was unable to because it wasn’t listed. BB is a great site. I think you’ll really like it!
Yes, I will create a page there and I’ll let you know. Thanks!
Thank you so much for ordering, Mark! And there are so many great tales in Macabre Sanctuary. I was delighted to be included in that anthology. I wish you happy reading!
I must order your book. I have always enjoyed your writing and the excerpt from above assures me I won’t be disappointed.
Karen, this is a fantastic read. I think you’ll like it.
HI, Karen, Wow, you made my day with that comment! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the excerpt and will be ordering the book. Thank you so much! And it reads fine as a standalone. 🙂
It’s so great to have you visit with me and Joan. All the best to you!!
Thank you for hosting, Joan! I have Even Tide on my Kindle patiently waiting for me! Best wishes, Mae!
I think you’ll definitely enjoy it, Jan!
Thanks, Jan! I’m glad to hear it’s in your reading queue. I hope you enjoy the story!
Wow, I knew I was behind, but holy cow, I didn’t know I was that far behind! Loved the book! And the whole story of the brothers was great 😀
Julie, you sound like me! I’m so far behind I’m not sure if I’ll ever catch up. Thanks for stopping by. I also loved Eventide!
LOL! I feel like I’m treading water trying to keep up with things too, Julie.
So glad you enjoyed the book. I loved your review.
Nathaniel and Tristan were so much fun to write!