I Can Still Hear You
by Nicole Black
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GENRE: action/adventure, women’s fiction with romantic elements
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BLURB:
I Can Still Hear You is a powerful and deeply moving story which grapples with the universal pain of grief and the loss of a loved one. When Scarlett O’Connor loses her father at the age of 30, she’s forced to face the shambles that her life has become. With no money and no savings, the only thing that waits for her is a cryptic map and a mysterious letter. With nothing left to lose, she embarks on a trip to Maui for her father’s final adventure, to begin a treasure hunt which will force her to look deep inside herself and come to terms with her pain and grief.
Accompanied by her less-than-supportive fiancé, a close childhood friend, and an enigmatic man who was her father’s old acquaintance, Scarlett must decode the mystery and find the hidden treasure. But she knows she must face her fears alone, and calling upon the spirit of her father for guidance, she struggles to reconcile her emotions and uncover the treasure before her time in Maui comes to an end.
Perfect for fans of contemporary and women’s fiction, I Can Still Hear You is a gripping tale which will resonate with anybody who has struggled with the death of someone close. This book is a testament to the fact that even though we may have lost them, our loved ones stay with us no matter what challenges we face.
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Excerpt Two: Chapter 2
Just as I was remembering the way my father had let me sleep on this porch swing the night my mother died, something red swooped into the periphery of my vision. I turned and saw a tiny red bird, sitting on the railing, regarding me.
I hadn’t seen many of those birds around here. Or any, actually. Santa Monica was all about seagulls and the occasional pigeon or two. I tilted my head at it and said, “Can I help you?”
It hopped along the railing for a moment, then flew off as a shiny red SUV pulled up at the curb. I straightened up to see it over the railing. It didn’t look familiar, so I was just about to go back to peeling off the remnants of my horrible manicure when the driver’s-side door opened, and a tall man poked his head up and waved. It’d been a while, and though it’d filled out, I’d never forget that face.
Mark Graham.
Warmth and happiness flooded me. I half waved at him as he climbed the steps, then buried my peeling fingernails under my backside as he came close, because, well, I had known Mark as the goofy kid—a bit overweight, with acne and a bad haircut. Only much later in life had he started becoming handsome, so handsome that this new version of him always startled me a little. I had to work a bit to see that goofy kid I once knew.
When he stooped to give me a hug, he was so tall and big that his body engulfed mine. I pulled my hands out from under my thighs and hugged him back.
Can you describe your dream home?
- My dream home would be close to the ocean in Hawaii. It would have floor to ceiling windows and views from every room of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. It would have all of the modern conveniences with a touch of old Hawaii.
If we were to come to your house for a meal, what would you give us to eat?
- Cooking has never been something that I have felt passionately about. That being said, I have my “go-to” recipe that I feel I have mastered. It is a cauliflower gratin and it’s delicious, cauliflower steamed to perfection and then bathed in a French white sauce of milk, flour and butter with lots of nutmeg. The top of the casserole is covered in Gruyere cheese and melted to a golden brown. I would serve it with a side salad and warm bread. For dessert, we would have chocolate cake!
Tell us about the absolute BEST fan letter you have received.
- The best fan letter I ever received was when someone wrote to me about their own story and told me that my sharing my story inspired them to do the same thing.
Say your publisher has offered to fly you anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go?
- Maui, Hawaii. Always Maui, unless New Zealand is available, then I would want them to fly me there.
Who designed the book cover for the book you are touring?
- I found my designer on 99 designs! His name is Andy Semitz and I knew he was going to be the winner because he was the first person who took time to ask me questions about what I really wanted. I think I had posted some pictures from New Zealand and he messaged me and asked if it was an area called Mount Manganui. I was impressed with his knowledge and when he unveiled his cover I knew it was the right one.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Nicole Black is an author, motivational speaker and entrepreneur with a passion for sharing unique stories and helping people grow. For over 20 years, she’s worked in the business world as a corporate trainer in employee productivity and effective growth, where she’s helped some of the biggest brands in hospitality and entertainment grow sustainably through inspiring their employees. She’s been featured on platforms including TEDxWilmington, Jack Canfield Show, Santa Barbara News Press, The George DiGianni show and the Tom Barnard Show.
Through her writing, Nicole hopes to empower her readers and impart valuable lessons about grief, loss, and emotional growth. In her free time, Nicole enjoys traveling, yoga, and spending time with her wonderful daughter in their home of Santa Barbara, California.
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/nicoleblack25
Instagram: @WriterNicoleB and @nicoleblackauthor
Twitter: @nicolebwriter
The Book is On Sale for $0.99 during the tour.
Link to buy on Amazon for print book:
Link to buy Kindle version:
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One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
This sounds like a very good book.
On my reading list. I am curious.
I love the cover. It evokes feelings of mystery and uncertainty.
Nicole Black is new to me, but I love meeting new authors. Thanks to this blog for the introduction.
Thank you for hosting today!
I liked the excerpt.