Today I welcome back guest host Lynn Spangler, whose new novel,
Conflicted Jewel, just released from our shared publisher, Astraea Press. Here's Lynn:
This story is the second in
the On Main Street series. This story features Sage Whitley and Zander
Havilland. I loved writing this story because it featured jewelry. I love
jewelry and used to sell it as a matter-of-fact. Diamonds are indeed a girl’s
best friend but so are rubies, emeralds, opals…well, you get the picture. The
mystery/suspense portion of the story came to me after picturing the crime in
my head. I took notes on what the ultimate crime would be, and then built the
story around the act. The steps leading to the nefarious act just came to me
once I had the ending in place. I worked in reverse you could say. I won’t say
more as I may give away the highlights of the story. You’ll need to read it
;-). I hope you enjoy my story!
Blurb:
Sometimes trusting your
heart is harder than diamonds…
Years separated Sage and
Zander. Will their reunion rekindle feelings they’ve long since kept to
themselves?
Sage Whitley’s life as owner
and jewelry designer for Whitley’s Jewelers was mundane and comfortable until
the return of Zander Havilland. Secretly, Sage has had feelings for the
handsome gemstone buyer for years and now he’s back in Jonerstown to stay.
Sage’s life is soon turned upside down and Zander is there to catch her.
Zander Havilland leaves his
high paying job in New York City to return to his hometown to stay with his
aging mother. An opportunity presents itself shortly after his return, putting
him on a collision course with the lovely, petite Sage Whitley. Soon emotions
long hidden for the beauty rush in and Zander is more than ready to accept the
inevitable.
Adversity draws them closer
together as they try to unravel a mystery involving a large diamond, a rash of
thefts, and murder. Can they solve the bizarre mystery before it’s too late and
explore the possibility of everlasting love?
Excerpt:
“You’re early,” she said when
she noticed Sage.
“Had a hard time sleeping last
night. Need the jolt sooner not later,” Sage professed. “Give me an espresso. I
need jet fuel instead of gasoline.”
Sherry laughed. “Sure thing.
What size? If you’re not used to drinking them, then I’d recommend going no
bigger than a medium.”
“Make it so.” It never ceased
to amaze Sage how efficient Sherry was at her job. Her steaming drink was
before her in no time. “You make preparing my orders look so easy,” she
declared, sipping the brew. “Wow, it’s strong.”
“You said jet fuel.” Sherry
said and then grinned.
“I guess I did. Thanks. I’ll
probably catch you later today. See you,” Sage said before turning to leave.
She stopped, rooted in place, when she saw who strolled in the door.
Zander stood in all his
gorgeous glory. He was wearing a tailored three-piece suit in a pleasant
charcoal color, which showcased his broad shoulders. A white dress shirt and a
cobalt blue tie completed his ensemble. His collar brushing, ink-black hair was
pulled back into a stubby tail. The corners of his mouth curled upward when his
eyes met hers.
His smile made her heart skip
a beat. Sage’s knees weakened and she leaned against the counter for support.
She knew she’d never see a more perfect male specimen than the man standing
before her.
He ambled over toward her and
stopped about a foot away.
Every one of Sage’s nerve
endings seemed to fire at once. Her pulse fluttered and the pit of her stomach
tingled.
“Good morning,” he said.
“Hi,” she managed and then
sipped her espresso. She frowned slightly. “This is stronger than I’m used to.”
Zander leaned down and sniffed
the brew through the opening. “You drinking the high octane stuff?”
“Huh…” Sage couldn’t seem to
form proper words. “Yeah,” she said when her synapses worked again. “I had
trouble sleeping last night.”
“You too?” He flashed a
brilliant smile again. “How is the espresso?”
Buy Links:
Author Bio:
I live in South Central
Pennsylvania with my wonderful, loving husband and my beautiful daughter. I
also have a son who is currently serving in the U.S. Navy. I have a cat named
Kolzig and a dog named Cede who allow us to live with them.
I love to write and read. I also make jewelry when the mood strikes. I'm a huge
sports fan. I love football, NASCAR, and hockey. I'm also a bit of a game show
freak. I love old game shows from the 70's and 80's like Match Game and $25,000
Pyramid. Television shows like Criminal Minds and Rizzoli and Isles are also
favorites of mine.
Find me: