"Winter Road" by Kristina Rienzi

INTERVIEW and GIVEAWAY

Winter Road

by Kristina Rienzi

Winter Road by Kristina Rienzi is currently on tour with Kate Tilton's Book Bloggers. The tour stops here today for my review, an interview with the author, and a giveaway.

Description

HOLIDAY ROAD

On the heels of a bad breakup, Amelia Montgomery heads home for the holidays. Her hometown is a far cry from the metropolis where she lives now, but not nearly far enough away from Jake Grayson.

TERROR ROAD

Amelia's family festivities turn terrifying when a distraught Jake shows up uninvited on the Montgomery's doorstep. Jake will not stop until he possesses Amelia; one way or another, she will be his.

DEADLY ROAD

In a chilling nightmare, one man's obsession is so evil, it's deadly. Amelia must fight for her life, and the lives of those she loves most, in the only place she's ever called home ... WINTER ROAD.

Excerpt

Click below to read an excerpt.

Praise for the Book

"Well this was quite an action packed little gem! You know a book is good when immediately upon finishing it - you head over to Amazon and add every other book the author has written to your wish list! This story puts you on the edge of your seat every page of the way with its excellent character development and very suspenseful, exciting plot. A quick, easy read, but well worth it. Trust me, if you are a mystery or suspense fan, you don't want to miss this one!" ~ Wall-to-Wall Books - Wendy

"WOW! What a great quick read! Kristina Rienzi will keep you on suspense, the pages kept turning to see what was going to happen next!" ~ Jennifer

"Wow! What an exciting book! Following Amelia to her family home for the holidays, the reader is pulled into the story and the frightening plans her ex, Jake has in store for her and her family. Very quick and thrilling read!" ~ Andrea

My Review

By Lynda Dickson

On Christmas Eve, Amelia Montgomery returns to her childhood home on Winter Road, Shady Knolls, New Jersey. Everyone in the Montgomery family has their own troubles, but Amelia seems to have the perfect life, with her handsome and wealthy fiancé and her career as a successful real estate broker. But Amelia is hiding her own troubles, and it has something to do with her oh-so-perfect fiancé, Jake. This Christmas Eve, an unexpected visitor or two will make this a family reunion they will never forget.

The author has some lovely turns of phrase, especially at the beginning of the book, but the version I read contains numerous editing errors. Alternating chapters are told from Amelia's and Jake's points-of-view, allowing us to see how Jake's plans for this Christmas get-together are wildly different from those of the Montgomerys. Some later chapters are told from Billy's point-of-view, which disrupts the structure of the story; this might have worked better if Billy's contributions were there from the beginning. Amelia goes by three different names (Amelia, Mel, and Amy) and - even though this illustrates how she is seen differently by Jake, her family, and Billy - it feels like an unnecessary gimmick in such a short book. These issues aside, the author skillfully creates a tense atmosphere, making us feel shut in and isolated, much like the Montgomerys. Again, like the family, you never know what's going to happen next.

This is a suspenseful story that you are sure to want to read in one sitting.

Interview With the Author

Kristina Rienzi joins me today to discuss her new novella, Winter Road.

For what age group do you recommend your book?

An adult audience is most suitable for Winter Road, as it deals with a complex and destructive romantic relationship.

What sparked the idea for this book?

Winter Road came out of nowhere, literally. I was driving one day and its title popped into my head. I visualized a conflicted woman driving down a snowy, rural road. I knew her name was Amelia and that she was running away from her life and toward to the only place she’s ever called home. The image of her was imprinted in my mind and I knew she had a story to tell us.

So, which comes first? The character's story or the idea for the novel?

The main character usually emerges to the forefront of my mind first. Then through a series of questions about who this person is and what’s going on in his or her life, I flesh out the story idea.

What was the hardest part to write in this book?

Winter Road flew onto the page, which almost never happens to me, so I can’t think of a particular scene or chapter that was difficult for me to write. But in general, I’d say the middle of the story is usually the most stressful. It’s a delicate balance between doing what’s right for the story and keeping my readers interested so the climax is as powerful as I intend it to be.

How do you hope this book affects its readers?

As with all of my suspense thrillers, I want my reader on the edge of their seat, feeling the thrill of the story and turning the pages furiously to see what happens next. I want them to experience the intense emotions I felt while writing Winter Road. 

How long did it take you to write this book?

Winter Road took all of three weeks for me to write. Even though it’s a novella, comparable to my novel-length work, Winter Road was still one of the fastest books I’ve ever written.

What is your writing routine?

When I’m working on a project, I write daily, usually in the early morning before my internal editor is awake. I also write on the weekends, all day on both days if I’m up against a deadline.

How did you get your book published?

Although I have a publisher contracted for my paranormal suspense series, I chose to self-publish Winter Road under my company, Indigo Hawk Group. I used a few trusted freelance professionals to do Winter Road’s editing, cover art and the additional administrative tasks required to publish the digital and paperback copies. No matter what road one takes to publication, it’s a lot of work.

What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?

Whether you choose to self-publish your work or to pitch it to an agent or publishing house, make sure you’ve written your best story. The road to publishing a successful book isn’t easy, but it’s worth the effort. 

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I’m a workaholic so I’m always working on something, but in my downtime, I most enjoy sharing a glass of wine with good company.

What does your family think of your writing?

My family has shown tremendous support for my work. They often mention how they feel like they’re reading someone else’s book because I create believable fiction outside of my real life experience. I take that as a huge compliment! I’ve also heard, quite often, how they’re surprised such dark stories emerge from me, a person who’s known for focusing on the optimistic side of life. My response is a mischievous grin, followed by telling them I’m much darker than they think! 

Please tell us a bit about your childhood.

As an only child, my younger years were full of more love, support and encouragement than most. I spent a lot of time alone or in the company of adults, which opened my mind to real-life struggles and triumphs at a young age. I’m truly grateful for the tremendous love I was given, and credit my parents for all of my success.

Did you like reading when you were a child?

My mom read to me every day as a child, so I fell in love with storytelling at a very young age. In turn, I began reading early and developed an appreciation for language. Books were my go-to hobby, one I’ve carried with me all of my life. 

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

It’s funny, because I remember the day like it happened yesterday, but it was so long ago. I was in the fifth grade and I entered a short story contest. Even back then my mind was in a dark place! My entry, "The Medallion", told the tale of a cursed necklace that brought bad luck to anyone who possessed it. It sounds like a horror story to me even when I recall it all these years later. Needless to say, it won the contest! I honestly don’t even know if any of the kids would’ve been allowed to read it, but I was so proud of my work. That evening, I pledged to my parents that I was going to be an author when I grew up. And, here we are!  

Did your childhood experiences influence your writing?

Interesting question, one I hadn’t considered before, but yes, I believe so. I’ve been obsessed with scary stories for as long as I can remember, from the silliness of Casper to the horror of Freddy Krueger. I love the rush of adrenaline suspense and fear (whether in print or on the screen) evoke, and it’s the same thrill I hope to pass on to my readers.

Which writers have influenced you the most?

Oh, my goodness, there are too many to list! But, if I had to pick, I’d say Stephen King and Jodi Picoult. Stephen King, because he’s a masterful storyteller who has done it all, and done it all well. Whether he’s opening my mind to a new idea, or terrifying me, I can’t put down his work. Jodi Picoult is another brilliant writer. From her voice to the issues her stories tackle, her books force me to contemplate life in a way that’s decisive and true to my beliefs. I learn more about myself each time I read one of Picoult’s novels and I can’t get enough. 

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I don’t get a ton of reader mail, but when I do, it stops me in my tracks. Usually, it’s a private message or email about how they couldn’t put my book down and are shocked by how different my writing is from my gentle persona. Then I tell them the same thing I tell my family!

What can we look forward to from you in the future?

More novellas are coming from me, for sure! I love writing a short, fast-paced story. In this world of everyone being pulled in twenty different directions, it seems to work well for my busy readers. I’m also plotting a series of mainstream thriller novels, which I hope will appeal to a wider audience. Then there’s always my need to feed my love for paranormal and horror. I expect I’ll be releasing stories in those genres as well. Like the proverbial they say, anything is possible!

Thank you for taking the time to stop by today, Kristina. Best of luck with your future projects.

About the Author

Born and raised in New Jersey, Kristina Rienzi writes suspense thriller fiction set on the East Coast. She is currently working on her fourth novel.

Kristina received her bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology/anthropology from West Virginia University, as well as her master's degree in psychological counseling from Monmouth University. When she's not writing, Kristina loves reading, painting, relaxing at the beach, watching terrifying television, rooting for her West Virginia Mountaineers or spending time with her loved ones, wine in hand.

Kristina lives at the Jersey Shore with her husband, two dogs and a cat.

Giveaway

Enter our exclusive giveaway for a chance to win an ebook copy of Winter Road by Kristina Rienzi.

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"A Perpetual Mimicry" by K. P. Ambroziak

ON SALE for $0.99

A Perpetual Mimicry

by K. P. Ambroziak

A Perpetual Mimicry is currently ON SALE for only $0.99. This is one for the literary connoisseur. Not to be missed! Read my review and some of my favorite lines below.

Description

Almega throws Ani to earth to rot and die in the body of a man. Simon finds him first, and shows him how to exchange his decrepit body for a new one. Ani thinks he is the best guide an exiled angel can have. But Simon is shrewd and wants Ani to help him get back the thing Almega has taken from him: his wings.

When Ani falls in love with Sarah, he does not know she is the key to a banished one's survival and the reason he forfeited his wings in the first place. Ani has to resist Sarah in ways he cannot, and somehow save her from the one creature who wants to use her up: Simon.

Excerpt

Simon was the only being I had heard speak until that moment and I thought I was imagining the voice. But this was no fabrication. As I scanned the horizon, I saw a man coming towards me from across the field.

“Ani!” he called a third time.

He was just a man. There was nothing luminescent about him.

Feeling unprepared for my first meeting with a genuine mortal, I contemplated running away. But as I shuffled my feet, I felt the binding of the ragged leather around them. The two black boots I was wearing gave me the courage to stay, reminding me my true identity was concealed beneath a costume of flesh. I headed in the man’s direction.

Deep lines marked his face and the corners of his eyes were drawn downwards. His countenance was unpleasant and his bottom lip puffed out a little as though his mouth were full. He spat off to the side every now and again as he chewed his bottom lip. Luckily his sour eyes and thick brows gave his face another point of reference. I kept my focus on his stern brow.

“Ya fly home now boy,” he said. “Yer father’s almos’ gone.”

He spat a wad of cud to punctuate his speech. I held my breath.

“Well, what’re ya waitin’ fer?” he said. He gave me a mean stare then spat several more times before looking up at the sky. “Ain’t no rain comin’. I’ll keep an eye on ‘em sheep.”

He pointed a thick thumb at his chest as he spoke and then spat again. I coaxed a nod in an attempt to convince him I understood.

“Better hurry,” he said. “Sarah’s waitin’.”

Sarah? The masquerade suddenly got more complicated. I considered making an exit once again, but Simon’s words ran through my mind: let his instincts guide you. I tried tuning myself into my body’s desires, letting the boy’s intuition guide me. My attempt proved successful when something inside me, an emotion really, made me want to abide by the man’s request. I had a desire to go to Sarah.

The man saluted me as he made his way back out into the sea of sheep. I watched him go and then turned to follow the path from where he came. As I walked into the woods on the border of the pasture, a distinct smell blew through the trees. Smoke. But unlike burnt flesh, this aroma was pleasing. There was a fire burning somewhere deep inside the forest and I could smell the crisp wood as though it were right at my feet. This was not the first time I noticed the intensity of my earthly senses. Ever since I nabbed the shepherd’s body, I had known an increased potency of my faculties.

I followed the scent knowing it would lead me to where I needed to go. I walked through the woods a while before arriving at the origin of the smell. When I found a quaint cottage amidst a clearing of trees, I knew I had arrived. It was the only marker I had seen in the forest and sure enough charcoal puffs of smoke were curling their way out of the roof’s chimney. The modest hut appeared to be fashioned from the trees that surrounded it. It was familiar, for I held a picture of it in my mind. I recognized the little red curtains drawn across the two windows on either side of the door, and I couldn’t help but recall the rows of golden-rays growing along the sidewalls. I quickly realized these recollections were the remnants of the boy’s memory.

I stood for a moment listening to a woodpecker puncture its way into a treetop far above me. Two doves made love with their requited coos, while sparrows chirped incessantly beneath the branches. The symphony echoed up through the tops of the trees, evoking my envy as I stood wingless on the ground. I led myself up the pathway to the cottage. As I got closer, the avian orchestra soon faded into the background and all I could hear was the soft hum of a girl inside. The sound was flawless and delicate, no match for the birds.

I listened, as remembrances flooded my memory. I envisioned what lay waiting inside as I stood outside the cottage. A girl’s face materialized in my mind, a memory of aesthetic perfection. I knew I had gazed on this face before. The oval visage was framed with long unruly tendrils, light brown and soft. I recalled their touch as I imagined them into reality. Her big green eyes were like olives floating in almond casings, and her aquiline nose marked the exact center point of her face. Her perfect top lip was slightly thinner than its bottom counterpart, and her mouth drew downward into a delicate pout. The lips made the shape of a heart when her mouth was closed. I knew this perfect face awaited me on the other side of the door, and just as I reached out to push it ajar, it swung open.

“Ani!” her voice peaked. 

My Favorite Lines

"Two doves made love with their requited coos, while sparrows chirped incessantly beneath the branches. The symphony echoed up through the tops of the trees, evoking my envy as I stood wingless on the ground."

"Water rushed over pebbles, as a palette of colorful wild flowers painted the water's edge."

"I longed to wrap myself around this girl and engulf her soul with mine."

"He was furiously splattering his brush across the canvas as though invoking a spell with his color wand."

"It was as though gazing upon her brought relief to anguish I didn't know I suffered."

"I wanted to tattoo the image of her living face upon the skin of my mind."

My Review

By Lynda Dickson

A fire angel is stripped of his wings, banished from his star, and forced to roam the Earth as penance. He plummets to Earth, landing in the desert where he encounters Simon, another banished one. Simon promises to help him regain his star. Wandering through place and time, our angel occupies a number of bodies and experiences a number of human emotions. First, he takes over the body of a shepherd, Ani, and comes to be known by this name. As Ani, he meets Sarah and discovers that there are worse fates than losing your wings and being banished from your home.

The writer has a fabulous vocabulary; the dictionary feature of the Kindle app certainly came in handy. I even learned a few new words, including: pinions, virescence, pulchritude, Lethean, sidereal, plumule, empyrean, and egregious. We may wonder what all the disparate story lines have to do with each other, but it all becomes clear in the end. A Perpetual Mimicry can be described as an angelic Groundhog Day.

This is one of the best-written and well-edited works I have read. A Perpetual Mimicry is the definition of beautiful writing; it is poetic and lyrical, profoundly moving, and will haunt you for a long time to come. I look forward to reading more by this author.

From the Author

I live in Brooklyn with my favorite person and just received a doctorate in Comparative Literature from the City University of New York. I'm happy (if not lucky) to spend most of my time writing while also teaching part-time. I want you to know that I appreciate the hours you spend reading my words and believe there's no greater gift than your time. Last but not least, I like basset hounds because they're funny looking, I'm bad at twitter, and I binge watch my favorite TV series - I'm talking about you, Sherlock, Vikings, et al.

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"The In-Ko-Pah Spirit" by Wally Runnels

REVIEW and GIVEAWAY

The In-Ko-Pah Spirit
(A Rocky Novella)

by Wally Runnels

Author Wally Runnels stops by today to share an excerpt from his first release, The In-Ko-Pah Spirit, now available for only $0.99. You can also read my review and enter our exclusive giveaway for a chance to win one of five Kindle copies.

The In-Ko-Pah Spirit is part of a series of five novellas and short stories in which the same characters are interwoven, but which have no plot connection. Also available (for only $0.99): Tupho’s Pink DeVille, Heavenly Pain, Death Karma, and Mother's Nature (read my blog post).

Description

This robust novella, the first in Wally Runnels' ongoing Rocky series, brings us to the eerie In-Ko-Pah Mountains, where mysterious forces confound even the best laid plans of the Mexicali drug cartel.

Rocky, a mercenary and expert hitman, is paid to track down a rebellious member of a Mexicali drug cartel. The search leads to the In-Ko-Pah Mountains, an isolated region on the Mexican-American border, where Rocky must confront his darkest memories and desires if he is to survive the supernatural challenges that arise as he hunts down his latest target, a hunter much like himself. Both the hunter and the hunted soon confront the ominous presence that inhabits the In-Ko-Pahs.

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Excerpt

Chapter Eighteen

The Stuff of Bad Dreams

Rocky woke to shift a numbed muscle and saw a flicker of light on the canyon wall behind his camp.  He knew it was still night. The air was thick with moisture, lacking the crisp resin flavor of dawn.

He rolled on his side and looked over the lip of the bluff.  A fire burned on the spot where he had met Dionisio.  Everything was still except the blaze lighting the sheep skulls that flared and dimmed against the unsteady flames.  Rocky’s eyes adjusted to the shaking light and began to make out details.

A figure shifted between substance and shadow moved around the flickering radiance.  It looked like Dionisio but without clothes.  A bony frail figure, human, it turned and gyrated in a shuddering animated dance.  Rocky watched its grotesque shadow dance on the canyon wall.

There was a moon, its reflected cyclopean eye looked back at itself from the spring.  Rocky felt a chill run up his body.  Not bothering to dress, he quietly moved to the edge of the bluff, trying not to breathe for fear of being heard.

Adding wood to the flames, the naked figure was washed in a red glaze.  Rocky knew this was Dionisio.  It could be no one else.  From a basket, the figure drew what looked like wet clay, mud, and slathered it over his face and body, which twisted, transforming into a succession of organic shapes. 

Wet smears and a headdress of water grass swirled around his head, changing his features.  He pulled the long grass stems of grass into horn shapes that curled upwards and back, mimicking a bighorn’s rack. 

Out of this twisted diadem grew curls of roots, hanging over his face like horns.  From the creature came a low incantation that rose and built to a rumble like distant thunder. 

Rocky watched as the phantom’s skeletal right hand threw blue powder into the fire.  Flame flashed upwards, producing puffs of animal and mythic shapes that climbed in the air.  From his left hand he threw a white powder, which popped and twisted the flames, raising the smell of decayed flesh.

Slowly his shape degenerated into a demonic form; its head became horned and swung to a rhythmic chant, clapping its hands producing blooming blue light that filled the canyon.

Rocky knelt and rocked to the rhythm of the mantra. A peyote vision, except this was real, a few yards away.

Praise for the Book

"This book is a must-read for fans of action-adventure, horror and magical realism. Runnels masterfully combines old and new, myth and reality in this page-turner. The characters are layered and mysterious and everyone has something to hide. I loved the setting and the way it played a role in this book. Can't wait to read more from this author." ~ Alison

"Wally Runnels has written a thriller/horror novella that is nothing short of a great read that will keep you glued until the last page. With a knack for lush descriptions Runnel beckons his readers into the spirit world of the In-Ko-Pah mountains [...] Runnels character development is point on. Glimpses of the inner workings of the protagonist's mind and the history that has made him the man he is, enables the reader to connect on many levels. The sub-plots both stand alone and become part of the story in a whole each giving credence to the outcome. All in all, I recommend The In-Ko-Pah Spirit to the suspense/thriller/horror aficionado. You definitely won't be disappointed." ~ Jodi Chapters

"The In-ko-pah Spirit is a spellbinding page turner that combines characters of a remarkable depth in a fantastic tale of crime, drugs, and magical realism. Runnels crafts characters that are both gut-wrenchingly inhuman and yet incredibly sympathetic at the same time, somehow maintaining a remarkable balance. The book reads like a drug-fueled journey where all roads lead to everywhere and everything unexpected that happens seemingly needs to have occurred. This story is more than just the grit on the surface, it contains both heart and spirit that will keep you going straight through and wondering how it could have ever ended. I'm looking forward to reading even more!" ~ Andrew

"The In-Ko-Pah Spirit by Wally Runnels is a fast-paced novella that I finished in one sitting. Also, it was different because it was a very realistic story, but had shades of magical realism." ~ Mark Williams

"I liked Mr. Runnels writing style. I thought the characters were the most interesting part. This is a more literary read. An interesting read that will appeal to fans of suspense, literary fiction, and surrealism." ~ Samantha Ryan

My Review

By Lynda Dickson

Rocky is an ex-Marine and a one-armed hired killer, or as Wally Runnels himself describes him, "As a mercenary, he worked for anyone who'd pay him." Rocky's current boss is drug dealer Roberto Cruz, who works out of the Tuna Club in Mexicali, and his current mission is to kill one the cartel members who has been making a nuisance of himself. Rocky is led to the In-Ko-Pah mountains, where a strange presence in lurking. Who will make it out alive?

In this first book in an ongoing series, we find out about Rocky's past - about the mysterious Bo Kwan, how Rocky lost his arm, and how Rocky began his bizarre ritual of tasting the blood of his victims. We are also introduced to a cast of interesting characters: Rocky's friend Hector, Gabriel the Elvis look-alike, Modesta the prostitute, Dwayne the hunter, Chili the curandero, and Nature's protector Dionisio. None of these are likeable characters, but the author nevertheless manages to make us care about what happens to them. Rocky himself is redeemed at the end of the book, compounding our interest in his future adventures.

The story itself deals with similar themes to Mother's Nature (the latest book in the series but the first one read by me): spiritual forces, Indian beliefs, and the power of Nature as an entity. There are a few editing errors, especially the inconsistency of name spellings, but overall this is an entertaining and captivating read.

Warnings: horror, graphic violence, coarse language, sex scenes.

Message from the Author

I've been to all the places where this story takes place, except the inside of the mountain where Rocky and Dionisio met the great sheep. The Tuna Club exists, but under a different name. And the print shop is closed.

About the Author

The Border – the Mexican/American edge - a territory filled with bizarre characters wrapped in myth and legend. Ancient beings. Shape-shifters. Impossible? Think again.

Wally Runnels was born in San Diego, California, raised at his family’s ranch on the border (whose original deed was recorded in 1870), and has traveled extensively through Mexico and Latin America. Hanging out on the border between two countries, he’s met a lot of unusual people: Hollywood types, Border Patrol Officers, professional trackers, smugglers, and people he won’t mention by name. He’ll remind you that no matter how weird a story can get, it’ll contain some grain of truth.

Giveaway

Enter our exclusive giveaway for a chance to win one of five Kindle copies of The In-Ko-Pah Spirit by Wally Runnels.

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