Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Carmen Stefanescu and her wonderful story Shadows of the Past stop by Penny's Tales




   Shadows of the Past



 Carmen Stefanescu

Publisher: Wild Child Publishing
Genre: paranormal/light romance/light historical/light horror.
Blurb
Anne's relationship with her boyfriend Neil has disintegrated. After a two-year separation, they pack for a week vacation in hopes of reconciling. But fate has other plans for them.
The discovery of a bejeweled cross and ancient human bones opens a door to a new and frightening world--one where the ghost of a medieval nun named Genevieve will not let Anne rest. This new world threatens not only to ruin Anne and Neil's vacation but to end all hopes of reconciliation as Anne feels compelled to help free Genevieve's soul from its torment.
Can Anne save her relationship and help Genevieve find her eternal rest?
A touching, compelling story of tragedy, loss and the power of endless love and good magic.
The twists and turns in this paranormal tale keep the reader guessing up to the end and weave themselves together into a quest to rekindle love.






                           Excerpt

"Come, we should leave at once," she said and glanced nervously over her shoulder. "Something terrible happened after you left for town. I think the Abbess found out about us. Our meeting in Uncle Ryan's cabin is no longer a secret. We have been overheard. For all I know someone spies on us even as we speak. I think the Abbess, or one of her 'friends,' is hovering somewhere nearby and listening to every word."
Andrew pulled Genevieve to his chest. "Do you regret you've come with me?"
Passion smothered Genevieve's doubt and guilt. "Never," she answered, aware of her body's response to his touch, and she succumbed to his embrace.
With her eyes closed and their bodies touching she became, for the very first time, simply a woman. She melted in his embrace in spite of the invisible vicious threat breathing around them. Aware they might never be alone again, she fought hard to silence the voice of conscience berating her.
"Oh, God. Please forgive me," Andrew muttered under his breath when he bowed his head to kiss her. Their lips met in a passionate first kiss.
Genevieve's spirits fell and her heart skipped a beat when, a couple of seconds later, she opened her eyes and her gaze fell on a knot strangers.
                             … . . .

            Tears welled in Anne's eyes, blurring her vision. She couldn’t explain them, or the sudden sadness seeping into her heart. This should’ve been a moment of happiness or, at least, contentment. She was with Neil again, and the outcome of their trip together should, very likely, bring their reconciliation. Why then did she seem detached from where she stood?
Anne shivered. Why the deep feeling of having seen this place, this forest before? And why the eerie sensation of being present here only in the body, while her mind was far away?
Away from the forest.
Away from Neil, the man who'd betrayed her trust and her love.
            An onrush of sensations unfamiliar to her followed. Dizziness and a malevolent feeling of unreality suffocated her.
Anne edged cautiously closer to the rim of the bare cliff. Her foot tapped the edge. It seemed solid. She stared into the darkness of the abyss at her feet. It echoed the shadows in her heart.  An unusual curiosity took hold of her. Should she step ahead? What was down there? Other human bones? Another mystery? The presence of evil, creeping up and enveloping her, became almost palpable. The vines of fog folded around her, dragging her to the depth. Her throat turned dry, and she gasped for air.
Megan's face contorted, the voice no longer pleasant. A hoarse gurgle, spluttering distorted words, "Yes, come... I'm waiting... I've been waiting for you for such a long time..." 



Buy Link: Barnes & Noble

Trailer




Author bio:
Carmen Stefanescu resides in Romania, the native country of the infamous vampire Count Dracula, but where, for about 50 years of communist dictatorship, just speaking about God, faith, reincarnation or paranormal phenomena could have led someone to great trouble - the psychiatric hospital if not to prison.

Teacher of English and German in her native country and mother of two daughters, Carmen Stefanescu survived the grim years of oppression, by escaping in a parallel world, that of the books. 

She has dreamed all her life to become a writer, but many of the things she wrote during those years remained just drawer projects. The fall of the Ceausescu’s regime in 1989, and the opening of the country to the world meant a new beginning for her. She started publishing. Poems first, and then prose. Both in English.



Author’s Links
Carmen Stefanescu's Site:

 

16 comments:

  1. Good morning, Carmen. What a great excerpt! Thanks for being my guest today!

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    1. I thank you for hosting my Shadows of the Past today, Penny!

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  2. A not to be missed book. And what a wonderful post. Congrats.

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    1. Thank you, Sophie! I really appreciate your words.

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    2. Hi Sophie - thanks for stopping by!

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  3. I am such a fan of stories with re-incarnation and Carmen uses the theme beautifully...
    What a cool blog you have, love the Dragon.

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    1. Thank you, Catalina!
      I'm sure the books will satisfy the fans of paranormal, ghosts stories.

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    2. thanks so much Maria and for taking a few minutes to stop by!

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  4. SHADOWS OF THE PAST is a wonderful tale that deftly weaves past and present lives. So great to see it showcased here!!

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    1. Thank you for checking the post, Mae, and for your lovely words! I am glad you enjoyed the story.

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    2. There are some kind words. Thanks Mae

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  5. This is one of my favorite books. First, the theme of eternal love and reincarnation is close to my heart. Second, the characters are deep and emotional, and the story mysterious and with such evocative flavor. Thanks for highlighting Shadows of the Past.

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    1. Thank you, Flossie!
      Your words are music to my ears and balm to my ego, indeed

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  6. I can highly recommend this book. Your readers will love it!

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    1. Wow, Flossie and Susan - there is some high praise. Thanks for stopping by Penny's Tales!

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    2. I really appreciate your comment, Susan! Thanks for checking the post!

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