The inspiration behind Lancaster House

Below is a link to the American Idol performance that inspired me to write Lancaster House. Can you believe it? One amazing performance and my creative juices went wild. Not exactly sure how that happened, but this performance spurred my imagination and made me create Lancaster House! That was all it took!

This link is a very poor video of the performance. I couldn't find another one and I'm surprised that there are not more links to it. I own a perfect copy of it that I purchased through iTunes. I watched it umpteen times as I wrote Lancaster House.

This is the perfect visual of Andre. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEQyz0acKNo

Lancaster House: THE MOVIE!?

My book blog tour for Lancaster House has been going well.
I've received two more wonderful reviews at Andi's Book Reviews and at Literature Lovers' Labyrinth.
You can visit their sites or read the reviews below:

Literature Lovers' Labyrinth: 

Zoe wants to put out the old and bring in the new, starting with her move to a new state. After purchasing a dying edifice to reside in, she quickly busies herself with renovation. . .as well as with falling in love. The house’s secrets keep her on her heels- and so does the posessive and mysterious man she can’t see or hear. Her personal philosophies are in shambles as unbelieveable answers set her on a tailspin. Unfortunately she ends up hospitalized, but forever plotting her way back to her home- and her love. Will she make it? This book is stunningly written with astounding imagery that played like a movie in my mind. The characters are hauntingly delicious and delicately crafted, backed by an exhilarating plot that holds you firmly from cover to cover. I give this most endearing book 5 stars, a must read for lovers of the paranormal and of thrilling suspense tales.

Andi's Book Reviews:

Zoe is a very confused and emotionally raw woman. Her doctors have dubbed her as being schizophrenic. While reading the interactions between her and her doctor, you are inclined to agree with them. But as you read her story as she is telling it to her doctor, you start to wonder if she is really telling the truth. All the way through, it is hard to tell what is fact and what is a figment of her imagination.The story is so unbelievable and impossible, yet for her sake you almost want it to be true.

I also loved the descriptions of the Lancaster House. I love the idea of old houses with secret rooms and secret passageways. I would love to visit this house and explore it, ghosts be damned. It's a great setting, again, even if many aspects are just a figment of Zoe's imagination. Somehow, though, I don't think that they are.

To me, this wasn't necessarily a scary read. It was more of a mind-bending tale of intrigue. Reading this reminded me a bit of Girl, Interrupted with the interactions between patient and doctor, and the patient trying to prove that she wasn't crazy. I could see every scene play out like it was on the big screen. I really enjoyed it. There is a sequel to the story, an excerpt of which was at the end of my review copy. I am aching to read it, to figure out some more pieces of Zoe's puzzle.

One of the things I love about these two reviews is that they both mention  that they were able to picture the plot as if it were a movie in their head:

This book is stunningly written with astounding imagery that played like a movie in my mind. 

 I could see every scene play out like it was on the big screen.

I would LOVE to see Lancaster House made into a movie! It would make a fantastic film.

Leave a comment if you agree!

I think I would cast Julianne Hough as Zoe. Andre, however, has been a hot debate in our household. 

Tell me who you would cast as Andre! I'm open to suggestions!

Lancaster House Book Blog Tour

The Lancaster House Book Blog Tour is still going strong.
A BIG thank you to these blogs for featuring Lancaster House this past week!
Go  check them out and enter the giveaways. You could win an ebook of Lancaster House.

 My Reading Addiction (Giveaway)
Lizzy's Dark Fiction (Giveaway)
Hardcover Feedback (Giveaway)
Whoopeeyoo! (Giveaway)
The Bunny's Review
Dive Under the Cover

Sorry!

To feature and follow visitors, I apologize! I found the feature and follow on Parajunkee's site and immediately signed up without reading the fine details . . . like you're supposed to be a book blogger in order to participate. I'm an author, not a book blogger. I've emailed Parajunkee and asked her to remove my name from the Linky list.

I apologize for my mistake!

Reviews are scary!

But not this one!

This review left me crying and utterly speechless!! (in a good way)

Thank you to Mandy of 'The Thoughts of a Girl' for an absolutely amazing and wonderful review of Lancaster House. To read her review, click here.

Or just read it below:

The Cover - This is such an unusual, interesting book cover! It definitely has a vintage vibe about it, which fits perfectly with the story itself. I'm really liking the mix of blues and yellows that have been used, and doesn't that tagline just grab your attention straight away?! Love it.

The Review - Wow. Where to start? Lancaster House was one of the most exhilarating, amazing books I've read all year. Maybe even ever. There is an undercurrent of menace and a totally creepy vibe running through the first half of the novel, one which kept me turning the pages and had my heart beating that little bit faster. From the opening pages, you're sucked right into the action, wondering what is going on and what will happen next.

The house itself is as much of a main character as Zoe. A gorgeously dilapidated 1920 Victorian mansion, Lancaster House is to me, a dream come true! I am desperate to renovate a gem from the past myself, and I love the idea of bringing an old house back to life just like Zoe, so this aspect of the story really appealed to me. I also loved the little connection to the Winchester Mystery House, and the role that this played in the book!

I absolutely adored Zoe and Andre. Without giving too much away, their relationship was so lovely, and both were interesting, unique characters. I enjoyed witnessing the development of their relationship, and I really felt the intensity of their emotions and their feelings for one another. The juxtaposition in Zoe's mannerisms, and the way she could quickly go from being a mature woman who renovates houses for a living, to a young twenty-something racing around a house on piggyback was great! I could relate to her a lot, and throughout the novel I could feel what she was feeling, and this brought me so much deeper into the story. And oh my gosh, Andre! What a dreamboat! He was seriously the perfect man! Well, nearly... He did love throwing guys out of windows a little bit too much for my liking!

I was spellbound by Lancaster House. Ms Dean has really outdone herself with this book. The story was utterly entrancing and completely absorbing. It was also very smart; it kept me thinking and questioning what was going on the entire time, and even after reading it, I'm still not entirely sure what was real and what wasn't. I love a book that keeps me thinking about it well after I'm done reading it.

Lancaster House is definitely one of the best books I've read all year, and I cannot wait for the sequel! So please, write it quickly Ms Dean! In the last few pages I found myself nearly in tears, and I was racing to get to the end. This book has left me reeling, and I can't wait to see what will happen next. 

Oh my! See what I mean?

Now after all that happiness and excitement comes the worry.

*Crash down to earth*

I can't possibly live up to Lancaster House in the sequel. I feel like everyone will be disappointed! How can I possibly make the second book as good as the first? The sequel is an entirely different animal.

The challenge is before me . . .

Join me on my Book Tour!

Here's where you can find me on my Virtual Book Tour for Lancaster House!!!

Virtual Book Tour August 13 - August 27

August 13 - My Cozie Corner - Review/Giveaway

August 14 - The Solitary Bookworm - Review/Interview

August 15 - The Thoughts of a Girl - Review/Giveaway

August 16 - My Reading Addiction - Interview/Giveaway/Excerpt/PROMO

August 17 - Lizzy's Dark Fiction - Review/Giveaway/Excerpt

August 18 - Hardcover Feedback - Giveaway/Excerpt/PROMO

August 18 - Woopeeyoo! - Giveaway/Excerpt/PROMO

August 19 - Bunny's Review- Interview/Giveaway/Excerpt/PROMO

August 20 - Dive Under the Cover - PROMO

August 21 - Andi's Book Review - Review/Giveaway/Excerpt

August 22 - Literature Lovers' Labyrinth - Review/Excerpt

August 22 - Known to Read - PROMO

August 23 - Midtown Underground - Review/Excerpt

August 25 - Books, Books, the Magical Fruit - Interview/Giveaway/Excerpt/PROMO

August 26 - Two Fantasy Floozies - Review/Interview

August 27- Taking it One Page at a Time - Review/Interview/Giveaway

August 28 - Auggie Talk - Interview/Giveaway/Excerpt/PROMO

August 28 - The Book Faery Reviews - Excerpt/PROMO

Virtual Book Tour

My virtual book tour started today for Lancaster House!

Today I visited My Cozie Corner. To see my five star review, click here.

Or read it below:

"Lancaster House" is not your normal paranormal romance, but a novel with with a well written, interesting plot that is loaded with twists and turns. This is one of those books that you just can not put down until you finish, and I can't wait for the sequel! Highly recommended for all paranormal romance readers.

I give "Lancaster House" a 5 star rating.

Tomorrow I'll be visiting The Solitary Bookworm. Her review is already posted and the author interview will be posted tomorrow afternoon. To see the review click here.

Or read it below: WARNING: HUGE SPOILER ALERT!

Lancaster House – wow this novel blew me away. Ha! I initially though Lancaster House was a ghost story – wrong. I had a love and hate relationship with Lancaster House. There were a few things that I didn’t quite well understand BUT there are definitely good things about this novel. Let’s discuss first what I didn’t like -

Andre as a vampire – it wasn’t believable to me. I get why Dean wrote it as it was but I really can’t see Andre as a vampire. But the revelation from my initial though of ghost to vampire was left me speechless. I wasn’t expecting that turn of events.

Zoe was very depended – as in she eventually stopped “living” her life because she was obsessed with Andre. I apologized for using the word obsessed but that’s how Zoe really was resulting to her taking her life because she can’t be without Andre.

Abrupt ending – when it ended I was like “What the heck? What happened?” in a good way. I was so taken by the story that I was taken back by the sudden ending of the story. It left me craving for the next book right there and then.

Well basically these are minor details and it doesn’t really hinder a reader from enjoying the book so it doesn’t really matter. So what’s good about Lancaster House?

The house. There’s really no explanation there since the whole story in my opinion revolves around the house. Andre and Zoe are just secondary compared to how Dean described and highlighted the house in this story. This is also one thing I love about Lancaster House – it was very detailed. I can really picture the house.

Uniqueness. Without giving away much detail I can say that “Lancaster House is not what you perceive it to be. Prepare to be amazed at how different Lancaster House is to your usual reads.

How the story was told. It was like looking into Zoe’s mind since it is based on Zoe’s POV and I thoroughly enjoyed her session with the doctor in charge of her care. It was actually like reading her diary or more like watching a replay of events as it happened. Wade (her doctor) was caring and gentle with Zoe and you can really see his doubt through the sessions. The ending didn’t give any hint if we’ll see the doctor again or not but lets see.

Don’t be fooled by my abrupt ending above since the story was tightly wrapped in the end. You’ll just have this urge to grab a copy to know what happened next. It was a healthy mix of excitement and frustration. Lancaster House is a recommended read. If you haven’t got a copy, grab one now.

The Solitary Bookworm gave Lancaster House four stars, which is still pretty darn amazing considering I'm a brand new, self-published author. I still can't believe people actually LIKE something I wrote. It's entirely surreal!

To see my response to the surprising paranormal element in Lancaster House, click here.

Thanks again to My Cozie Corner and The Solitary Bookworm for featuring me on their blogs!

Watch for even more reviews coming soon!!

Author Interview

See my author interview at Mrs. Southern Bride. 
A special thank you to Heather for reading and reviewing both Lancaster House and Sierra!

Her reviews:

In Lancaster house, you will follow the story of Zoe. With a broken heart and troubling past she hopes to find a clean start with the purchase of her dream home.

As she begins the process of restoration, quirky things start happening around the home. The more she searches for answers the more danger she seems to find around each corner.

Is there more to the house than what meats the eye? Or is she losing her mind?

An engaging tale of love, suspense and mystery.


My Rating: ♥♥♥♥

Alyssa Fontaine is blissfully happy. On vacation with her husband and young son she has little knowledge of the horror that awaits.

A kidnapping, a murder, a dangerous journey...will she ever find happiness again?

A story of heartbreak, triumph and finding hope amidst trials. A thrilling read filled with romance, suspense and mystery.


My rating: ♥♥♥♥

Author Interview and Giveaway!

I had the privilege of making an appearance at Colorimetry this week.
To see my author interview, click here. I'm also offering a giveaway of a Lancaster House ebook.
A special thank you goes out to Laura for featuring me on her blog!

I also had the opportunity to do a giveaway on Clean Romance Reviews.
I'm offering one signed paperback of Sierra and one signed paperback of Lancaster House.
A special thank you goes out to Jennifer for her kind hospitality!

Both Colorimetry and Clean Romance Reviews will be reviewing Lancaster House a little later in the year.

It's a new day. Technology has made it possible to market your books from the comfort of your home office.  No traveling. No book tours. Just me sitting at my desktop. Good thing too. I'm not a good traveler. I get horribly motion sick, hence working from home suits me.

It has been a pleasure to work with Book Blog Reviewers. They provide a great service to authors by helping us to advertise our books. And oddly enough, I feel as though I've made some new friends!!

Location, location, location!

See my review of Lancaster House at Nette's Bookshelf Reviews! (or read below)
Thanks, Nette, for the great review!!

When I was asked to review this book I was sooo excited! Why? Because the setting of the story is based in my hometown in CALI! Based off the Winchester Mystery House (which is literally blocks from me, and sadly I've never been there. Hmmm, I'm not sure why though. Anyways...) I couldn't resist! Taylor Dean is putting the South Bay on the literary map baby! So without further delay here is my review of Lancaster House.

The book begins with Zoe Grayson telling her story of how she ended up in the "loony bin" as she calls it. From a failed engagement and the devastating loss of her father, Zoe is ready to start fresh. Falling in love with an old Victorian home she decides this is exactly what she needs for a new beginning.

Zoe knows she isn't crazy, but strange things keep happening in her home. Determined to find out whether she's imagining these things or if there's a permanent helpful intruder she searches every nook & crany and hidden room, and that's when she discovers she's not alone...

Lancaster House is an interesting book, it's definitely not your typical paranormal story. I liked that there was a twist in the plot, it kept me engaged in the story. I would have liked to have seen more background into the history of Mrs. Lancaster and what happened to her, I think that would have made the character of Andre more believable. That being said, the story held my interest. I found Lancaster House to be refreshing and interesting. I liked the idea of a new kind of paranormal. The romance between Andre and Zoe was sweet, he was a true gentleman and I enjoyed reading about their time together. The passion that Zoe feels for him is evident and undeniable. It's nice to read a romance novel that can portray passion and desire without revealing "what goes on in the bedroom" so to speak. Don't get me wrong, I like to read that too but this kind of sweet and soft romance was a perfect fit with the characters. The ending was left on a hinge and I WILL be reading the next book to continue on with Zoe and Andre's story.

If you enjoy romance with a touch of paranormal or paranormal with a touch of insanity...read this book.

Bookshelf Rating:

Nette lives in San Jose, California, where Lancaster House takes place. I grew up in San Jose, California and have many fond memories of my life there. I'll always miss it, but my hubby's job took us off to Texas.

My next book, I Have People, takes place in San Jose, California also. I like to write about the places I know, and I know the Silicon Valley, or at least I used to! It's changed so much since I was last there. Even my parents are no longer there. They retired and moved away. I still have relatives there though, so my ties are not completely broken.

My memories of San Jose have definitely creeped into my writing. It's a great place to live. The weather is NEVER an issue. It's darn near perfect when it comes to climate. Moving away was a bit of a shocker for me. (You mean I actually have to drive in snow???) The best part: the beach is only an hour away!

Texas creeped into my writing too. One of my soon-to-be-released novels, Joshua's Folly, takes place in Texas.

I'm a Texan now, and I love it--but the California Girl is still in my heart.

If you were to write a book, what location would you choose?

Sequel to Lancaster House: The Middle Aisle

People have been asking me about the sequel to Lancaster House. I've finally posted the cover and the 'Behind the Story' blurb. The Middle Aisle will be released in December of 2012, so you don't have long to wait for the sequel! It felt so good to write the sequel. Believe it or not, I'm one of those people who want to explain everything in the first paragraph. It took a great deal of restraint on my part to write Lancaster House and I learned a lot on how to present a story. I was continually hashing out the details with my ever-patient hubby. In The Middle Aisle, I finally got to add all of the things I really wanted to add to Lancaster House--but if I had, they would've ruined the story. Now the story feels COMPLETE and I am satisfied. I hope you will be too!

Behind the Story

I hadn't planned to write a sequel to Lancaster House. I had already moved on to my next book, I Have People. While most readers felt the ending of Lancaster House was perfect, that nothing more needed to be said, several requested a sequel. They felt I couldn't leave things hanging the way they were. While I love the ending, I knew there was an aching desire to know more.

I'd never written a sequel before, yet I knew what I wanted to have happen. I wanted to see that happily ever after come to fruition. I wanted everyone to share in that happiness, to experience it with Zoe and HIM. But, where was the excitement, the angst, the drama? The characters are already in love. What now? The last thing I wanted to do was write a disappointing sequel.

However, I knew exactly where I wanted the story to go. I've always known. It just didn't fit into the parameters of the first novel. After all, how exactly could Zoe and HIM marry? Is there a way?

(Sorry, the name of HIM is a bit of a spoiler, so we'll just keep that quiet for now!)

As always, the 1920s slang made the book fun to write and gave the book its title. You'll have to read it to find out what The Middle Aisle means.

And now that Zoe's story is complete, I can sleep at night.


About

Zoe Grayson is back in Lancaster House, ordered to bed rest for the duration of her unexpected pregnancy. Doctor Wade Channing, her overzealous psychiatrist, is living in Lancaster House, taking care of her, waiting on her, and tending to her every need. It seems to be the perfect arrangement.

There’s just one catch.

She has to tell him her story—everything that has happened in her life since the moment she escaped from Serenity Hills. It’s been quite an adventure to include renovating another home and a walk down the middle aisle.

But, that’s all over now. Nothing is real. It never was.

How did she end up in this miserable situation?



Any guesses as to what The Middle Aisle means? (1920s slang) Take a guess. If you just google it . . . NO FAIR!!!