EXCERPT
Seven Sisters
(Seven Sisters Book 1)
(Seven Sisters Book 1)
by M.
L. Bullock
Seven Sisters is the first book in M. L. Bullock's series of the same name. The author stops by today to share
an excerpt. Also available: Moonlight Falls on Seven Sisters. The final book is coming very soon: Shadows Stir at Seven Sisters.
Description
Carrie Jo has a secret - she dreams about the past. The handsome and
wealthy Ashland Stuart has hired her to uncover the history and the secrets of
Seven Sisters, an aging antebellum mansion in sultry downtown Mobile, Alabama.
A series of dreams, an untimely death and the betrayal of someone she loves
lead her back in time to uncover the truth about a missing young heiress and a
web of secrets.
Will Carrie Jo slip into the shadows of Seven Sisters, following in the
ghostly footsteps of the lost young woman, or can she solve this tragic mystery
and find her own happiness?
Excerpt
Chapter One
I climbed onto the leather seat of my blue Honda, slipped the car into
neutral and slid silently down the driveway. I hated saying goodbye to the
comfortable garage apartment that smelled like fresh paint and new wood but an
unknown adventure beckoned to me and for once, I had the courage to go. That
zen-like, "I'm starting over" spell comforted me on this unusually
cool morning as I slid the last box of my belongings into the backseat of the
car. The rest, a collection of CDs, memorabilia from a recent trip to the
Bahamas and most anything that did not fall under the jeans and t-shirt
category, I left behind in a small storage space about a mile away. I paid for
six months in advance but was already putting off the idea of coming back to
Charleston.
I did feel a twinge of guilt as I cranked the car and put it into gear. I
had not even bothered to wake the man sleeping in the chair near my bed,
William. At some time during the night, he must have got up to strum on the
guitar that his sleeping hand held now. Thinking of his shoulder length dark
hair tempted me but only slightly - I had a hardy resolve, at least when it
came to men. He was kind and good and understanding. Even his dreams were kind
and good and understanding. But, it felt right that our first night together
would be the last. Perversely, I liked leaving on a high note, without the
nightmares and all the screaming. It felt like a personal triumph. I was being
selfish but I was okay with that, at least for the moment.
"Once I make up my mind, the die is cast, as they say," I said
to no one in particular.
Sourly I thought, "Well, if I am stubborn I have had to be." I
already loathed myself for traveling down this predictable, mental highway but
what else could I do for the next few hours but drive and think? I hadn't
"went there" in a while, so perhaps a quick review would be healthy.
I rolled my eyes at myself in the rear view mirror. I sounded just like my last
shrink. "How can I help you if you won't share with me Carrie Jo? Why won't
you let someone in?" Feeling a softness that I rarely experienced, I had
pulled back the cover and let the light hit my secret for the first time in a
long time.
"I'm not trying to be difficult but without a large quantity of
personal discipline, I would have gone nuts - like my mother, a long time
ago." Encouraged by the petite, smiling psychologist, perched in her
overlarge, leather chair, I continued on, "You see, Dr. O’Neal, I have a
problem - I dream about the past. I am kind of like a human DVR; my dream life
is not my own, usually. It belongs to whatever movie plays the loudest in
whatever bed or location I sleep in."
Dr. O’Neal looked at me blankly, unshaken by my confession.
"Okay, the young, pretty doctor has earned ten points for the poker
face she's wearing," I thought wryly. Her focused attention encouraged me
to ramble on.
"That's why I love my garage apartment so much. It is brand,
spanking new, with no movies, no memories. I sleep and I dream my own dreams.
My "problem" gets even more complicated when I sleep with someone
else. I can see the dreams of the people I sleep with too."
"Luckily, there had not been too many of them," I thought to
myself but I didn't feel the need to share my lack of a love life with the
dainty Dr. O'Neal, new bride and smart career woman. Dr. O'Neal's fingers flew
across her notebook, her manicured hands busy writing her undoubtedly smart
thoughts out to form a brilliant pre-diagnosis. I turned my focus on the
doctor's wedding photo perched on her mahogany desk. It didn't take a degree to
see she was proud of her new groom.
I hated the silent moments of this confession, so I blathered on, in a
hurry to make my point and come to the reason for my visit. That was me, "Give
it to me in black or white and I'll do the same for you."
"You see, Dr. O'Neal, I have this great job offer - it's a once in a
lifetime gig really, but I hate giving up my apartment. I just don't know what
to expect. That's why my friend, Mia suggested I come see you, well, here I
am."
To her credit, the shrink hadn't zeroed in on my "problem" but
took a sidestep that I hadn't anticipated. "What about your current
relationships? Didn't you say you were seeing someone?" Consulting her
notebook she pointed, "Yes, he's a 'fantastic' guy. Don't you find it odd
that you worried about leaving your safe apartment but not this 'fantastic'
guy?"
Praise for the Book
"I love historical fictions and this book fits the bill. I am
excited to read the sequel. M. L. Bullock's book has me wondering where Carrie
Joe's adventure will take her. ~ Karena
Broadhead
"Five Stars! Loved this book! Definite page turner! Mystery, love,
scandal! Can't wait for more!" ~ Amber
A. Busby
"Enjoyed this book. A fun read that will leave you wondering. Can't
wait for sequel!" ~ Jacqueline
McNeal
"Awesome! Creative and interesting characters with intrigue and
romantic setting. First book that has held my interest in years. The depth of
character development, descriptive setting and flow from past to present
stories kept my attention to the end. Looking forward to the next installment."
~ Karen L
"Great read! I loved this book. I'm from Mobile and the historical
points were as entertaining as the mystery. Can't wait for the next book!!"
~ Glorimae
About the Author
Author M. L. Bullock enjoys the laid-back atmosphere and the spooky vibe
of the Gulf Coast, especially the region's historic districts and sites. When
she isn't visiting her favorite haunts in New Orleans or Old Mobile, you can
find her flipping through old photographs or newspaper clippings in search of
new inspiration.
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