Nothing disturbs the silence, except for the soft clip-clop of a mule as it makes its way along the floor of Chaco Canyon. The woman who rides it sits straight and tall in the saddle. From time to time she glances up at the Fajada Butte as if expecting to see someone, or something at its summit, watching...waiting.
Somewhere far off a wolf hows, its mournful cry, disturbing the silence. At once the rider halts, listening. Is that really a wolf - or the spirit of Nukpana, the evil one? Tonight is known throughout the Western world as 'Halloween' - All Hallows eve. A night of great significance to all who practice the dark forces. The rider has important work to do - to alert the world to the words of a 1000 year old prophesy, as told in her new book 'Flames On The Sky'. She urges the mule forward and at last reaches the large pueblo, known as 'Una Vida'. She dismounts and looks around nervously. The witch who owned it has not been near her house for many centuries - but will she appear if she senses intruders?
A shadow materializes out of the darkness of the house before her. She sees the dark form of Oliver, dressed as a shaman, a skull headed staff in one hand. He inclines his head slightly, the moon, now fully risen, revealing a wicked gleam in his eyes, which immediately glaze over with slave-like devotion as the moon scuds from behind a cloud to reveal her face. "So, Ms LaRoque, you are here, as promised. Come, my mistress and her companion await you."
Taking her hand, he leads her inside the dimly lighted pueblo, where Lyn and Sharon are waiting to greet her. As Oliver, with undisguised admiration, hands her a guava marguerita, Lyn bids Linda join them on the woven mat, where they both sit cross legged.
"Welcome Linda, I see the spirits let you pass in safety. As you see, Oliver has prepared sustenance for you after your journey." She waves a hand toward the plates of cornbread, fresh made tortillas, salsa dips, enchiladas dripping with melted cheeses, frigoles, Tameles, Poc Chuc, Pollo Pibel, stuffed picante Palbano Chilies, Guacamole dip, ceviche, and Chilies Renellos.
Nearby are flans, Sopapilla Cheesecake, Tres Leches, Churros and Mexican Wedding cookies
Linda is a retired teacher who loves Texas, its flora and fauna, and its people. Her stories paint pictures of life, love, and learning set against the raw landscape of ranches and rural communities in Texas and the Southwest. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, her local Heart of Texas RWA where she serves as president and Davis Mountain Trail Writers. She makes her home in Central Texas with her husband their dog Molly. They have two grown children and one grandson. You can read more about Linda’s work on her website at www.lindalaroque.com/
Purchase your copy of Flames On The Sky HERE:
Blurb:
The Anasazi whispered of this evil and of the woman who could defeat it.
Fire, sky, and stone must unite to fulfill an ancient prophecy.
Madison Evans inherits a turquoise locket, travels to New Mexico, and discovers the stone dates back to the Chacoan Anasazi. When she's attacked, parks ranger Lonan Stone, of Chacoan ancestry, fears Madison's turquoise is a missing twin of the revered Fallen Skystone, an egg size piece of turquoise on display in Albuquerque. The mystical stone is missing two slivers – one’s in Madison’s necklace, the others whereabouts unknown, but if united by evil they can destroy.
Madison and Lonan are part of a 1000 year old prophecy to save Chaco Canyon. Thrust back in time, they meet a witch, solve a murder, fall in love, and imprison a 1000 year old evil spirit. Their mission complete, can these two people from different cultures blend their lives as the prophecy predicted?
Excerpt:
Madison felt as if she’d traveled to the Twilight Zone. Lilly’s claims were preposterous, but, she couldn’t deny what she’d seen on the cliff face or the dreams.
“Yes, you need to tell me about the dreams. They started at the time you received the necklace, right?”
Madison nodded. “How did you know?”
“I assumed the ancient Elders would haunt you, but when Lonan called yesterday, I knew so for a fact.” Her smile was sympathetic. “Tell me about them.”
Lilly’s eyes lit with excitement as Madison talked. When she finished, the older woman leaned back and closed her eyes.
Lonan’s brow was furrowed, his mouth pinched. “What did you mean when you said, ‘You are the one’?
She pierced him with an intent look. “Did not Madison say you were the very image of the warrior in her dream? The prophecy requires that someone from the past, which is you, son, be chosen to be Madison’s protector.”
Lilly turned to Madison. "Oh, no. I don’t think I want to hear this." She held up her hands and shook her head.
“No—”
“Yes, Madison, with hair of fire, whether you like it or not, the gods chose you, someone from the future, to find the third stone and reunite the twins with the mother stone. Together, you two will find a way to consign the evil one to the pit below Mother Earth, where he belongs.”
And now for the secret question, answer this and one lucky commentator will receive a copy of Linda's 'Flames On The Sky'. "What do you think is Oliver's worst Halloween nightmare?"
Good morning, Lynn, Mary, and Sharon and readers. Thank you for inviting me to be roasted today (I think). I didn't realize I had to ride into Chaco Canyon at night, and on a donkey no less. My butt is sore from the bumpy ride and climbing that hill. Mmmm, yummy guava margarita, Oliver.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to your roast, Linda! Can't say I've ever ridden a donkey either, but it sounds painful. Ouch! Have a few of Oliver's Margaritas and you'll feel no pain. Grin.
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon,
ReplyDeleteSlurping them down as we speak. The pain is beginning to lessen. That weird noise coming from up the canyon is creeping me out, though.
I agree....Oh Oliver...more Margaritas, please!!
ReplyDeleteFrom those commenting today I'll chose a winner to receive an ecopy of book one of The Turquoise Legacy, My Heart Will Find Yours. Flames On The Sky is book two.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, hi Sharon
ReplyDeleteWelcome to your roast, Linda. I'm sorry I'm late, I believe Nukpana got into my computer, I've not been able to do a thing with it all day, until now.
Oh Oliver, can I have one of those Margaritas please, and how about some soft cusions for LInda. Sorry Linda, I didn't think you'get saddle sore. That mule is no donkey, he's a relative of Cuddles and very intelligent, he and Junior thought he'd be the best transport to keep you safe - There are strange things going on in this canyon...
Howdy, Lyn. Wondered what was keeping you. Oliver, more Margaritas here! And yes, some food. You know why these strange things are happening, don't you? Why it's Trick or Treat, the eve of anyway. So Linda, do you get a lot of trick or treaters?
ReplyDeleteThat darn Nukpana. He's a vicious fella, Lyn.
ReplyDeleteLol! I knew a mule wasn't a donkey, just a slip of the tongue. The thing is, if you're not used to riding, it's tough on us old folks.
Can you hear the sound of the foot drums in the distance?
No, we don't get many trick or treaters. Usually the kids go to one of the church activities. However, we have more children on the blog this year.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda
ReplyDeleteWell, Donkey or Mule, they both have long ears! LOL! Cuddles says his name is Chiquito and he's very good at warding off evil spirits! Let's hope so. I don't know what Nukpana did to my pc, but he certainly didn't do it any good! I've had to do a 'system restore' to wayback when, it seems to have fixed it - for now anyway"
We don't do much in the way of Halloween here in the UK, which is a bit of a shame really, I think it's a lot of fun - well, I used to, unstil those drums started way off down the canyon - is it my imaginatin, or are they coming closer?
Yikes! They are. We'd better make a run for it...wait...Could it be our heads after all those Margaritas? LOL
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds cool! Congratulations on your roast.
ReplyDeleteHi Katie, nice to see you here. Stop a while and have something to eat - and one of Oliver's special guava margaritas. Er... did you hear the drums?
ReplyDeleteLinda that is one gorgeous cover and great story line. Are those ork or Indian drums?
ReplyDeleteI think the sound is traveling on the wind making it sound closer, Lyn. Or coyete could be playing his tricks!
ReplyDeleteLol! Sharon, I guess our heads could be pounding from the alcohol. I think we better dig into all that food Oliver has prepared.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Katie. Check out this review http://www.finalcutediting.viviti.com/
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
Hi Beth, they are Indian drumbs of the ancient Anasazi. Their spirits continue to live in Chaco Canyon.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great cover, isn't it? Kim Mendoza is the artist.
Did you grab a margarita?
Linda, great to see you, and that cover is amazing!
ReplyDeleteHi Helen, It's good to see you too. Thank you on the cover. I love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
Kim did a fabulous job. This book is on my tbr. I love the idea/theme.
ReplyDeleteI'll grab that drink and relax now that I'm not looking over my shoulder for orks.
Welcome, Katie, Beth and Helen! And here comes Oliver with Margaritas galore and would you look at that buffet? Go dig in! Linda, you are creating quite a stir with your awesome cover!
ReplyDeleteHi Helen and Beth. If Oliver can take his eyes of Linda for a moment, I'm sure he'll pass you over some of that gorgeous food! ]
ReplyDeleteOh Linda, what a wonderful reiew, I'm really keen to read this book, it sound fantastic!
LOL! Beth, maybe you better tell us what an ork is.
ReplyDeleteI should have mentioned, the ebook is on sale at The Wild Rose Press right now.
Sharon, the first cover for this book was horrible. It looked like a young adult. Fortunately, the powers that be agreed and had it redone. Whew!
ReplyDeleteLyn, I hope you do read it. I'd love to know what you think. The research was so much fun.
ReplyDeleteDid Kim do the first one too? The horrid one? Thank God they had it redone. Nothing worse than a bad cover. They really draw the reader in. Fab review, BTW. Another book for the TBR list. Glad Christmas is a comin'!
ReplyDeleteOh Linda, I have such a long list of tbrs but I will get round to it, although it may be a while since I was mad enough to put myself down for Nano next month. Oh, it sounds just my sort of book and I agree with everyone else, it's a lovely cover. I also agree about the researh, it's surprising what one learns and where it can take you!
ReplyDeleteOrc? They're nasty, troll like creatures in Tolkein's Lord Of The Rings. The Anasazi are ifinitely preferable, I promise.
You know, I can still hear the drums - but what are those flickering lights. Is there something out there in the darkness - or is it something to do with that special margerita concoction of Olivers?
And why are Cuddles and Junior so quiet, curled up together in that corner?
Sharon, I'm not sure who did the first cover. It wasn't an ugly cover, just not appropriate for my story. Thanks on the review.
ReplyDeleteHey, if Lyn and I arrived on the mules, how did you arrive, Sharon? Please don't tell me you arrived in some modern type conveyance.
ReplyDeleteLyn, I wanted to sign up but decided I better not. Good luck with NANO.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I saw Lord of the Rings. Those orks are creepy dudes.
Those flickering lights are torches the Anasasi carry as they traverse the steps up Fajada Butte. You'll have to read the story to discover what's going on up there.
I bet spirits cast a calming spell on Cuddles and Junior.
Linda, how did I arrive, you ask? Why, on Cuddles, the magical unicorn, but of course. He flew me threw cyberspace and has been hiding ever since! Oh Oliver, another round of those fine Margaritas, please...
ReplyDeleteOh that explains it Linda.Junior and Cuddles are normally so full of mischief it's a bit worrying to see them so quiet! Come to think of it, even Oliver seems on his best behaviour!
ReplyDeleteI thought I arrived on Cuddles.
ReplyDeleteOoops! Those Margaritas are getting to me. LOL Come to think of it, I don't recall how I arrived! Hmmm...but I'm not so drunk or far gone I don't know those drums are getting closer. No wonder Oliver and Junior and Cuddles have run for cover. Where can we hide?
ReplyDeleteNo, Cuddles is my mischievous little unicorn. It was his distant cousin, Chiquito, the enchanted mule who brought you here. He's standing outside now, warding off the evil spirits! He's very brave as well as very clever!
ReplyDeleteWell that still doesn't explain how I got here! Or Oliver for that matter! Holy moly! Maybe we were dropped off by the drummer and he's coming to get us!
ReplyDeleteGreat blurb and excerpt! Linda, sounds like you have another winner here. :-D
ReplyDeleteUm... Oliver's worst Halloween nightmare? Based on the amount of margaritas sloshing back and forth, I'd have to guess, running out of salt?
*grin*
--Chiron O'Keefe
The Write Soul: www.chironokeefe.blogspot.com
Haha, maybe we're not really there but just think we are.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Chiron. Glad you stopped by.
ReplyDeleteOops, I forgot to tell Oliver no salt on my margaritas. I'll be puffed up like a balloon. I've been drinking more than my share to cool off my mouth from all the spicy food.
Welcome to the roast, Chiron. Here comes Oliver with a Margarita and a platter of tortillas and salsa. No worries about the salt, Linda. Cuddles gave it the blessing with his magical horn. No calories, no swelling, just good flavor and tons of merriment! Have another drink. Hark? Is the drum roll fading off?
ReplyDeleteNo way, would I do Nano, shudder. Just trying to get on with my WIP. Orks, as anyone knows, are big and ugly and infest Middle Earth, or did.
ReplyDeleteDrums, drums in the dark. Ooooh, scary. Linda, I'm gonna go and get this book right now, but don't expect any immediate reports back.
I can't resist having it on hand.
BTW, I just downloaded this lovely digital book to my pc and the cover is even more breathtaking in the big size. So, everyone go and get your copy! On sale now at The Wild Rose.
ReplyDeleteNo wonder I'm so drunk, Sharon. I love the magical horn.
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you for buying it, Beth. I hope you enjoy it and understand about not hearing back soon. Whenever will be great!
ReplyDeleteNo salt for me, please!
ReplyDeleteHmmm... Now that I think about it, perhaps it's time for a few shooters. *heh-heh*
Yeee haaaa!! Bring 'em on! Name your poison, Chiron. Hey, Linda! We gotta block out that blasted drum roll one way or another! Are you game for a few shooters?
ReplyDeleteHi Chiron - hello again Beth. Linda, how's the butt now? I hope those cusions Oliver arranged are OK for you. Cuddles' horn has healing powers ... well perhaps not!LOL!
ReplyDeleteCuddles and Junior bravely trot outside, only to coe back several minutes later carrying a large cardboard box between them.~~
The put it down and the floor and Cuddles pushes it toward Linda with his horn.
Oh look what Chiquito was carrying in his saddlebags - a huge box of fireworks. That should block out the drums. Now who's going to go outside to let them off?
Girls, if I have a few shooters I'll be out until morning. I don't hold my liquor very well. I'll watch you guys. I'd rather hear the drums than have them in my head.
ReplyDeleteLyn, my butt is considerably better, feeling no pain. The pillows have helped, as well as the alcohol.
ReplyDeleteOh, Chiquito, you sweet mule you, thank you for the fireworks.
I'll brave the ancient Anasazi spirits and set off the fireworks. Though I don't have hair of flame, they may believe I'm part of the prophecy and worship me for my power to light up the sky.
Hi Linda. Happy Roasting Day! The cover of your book is beautiful and the excerpt is great. Congrats on some wonderful reviews as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm also waving hi to the roast-masters and Oliver - of course. His worst nightmare? I have no idea, but being made up as Bozo the Clown was a total shocker!! Poor, baby. Such abuse...
Take care ladies and Linda. Once again, congratulations.
Mickey
Linda - you are so brave! I'm sure Oliver will be even more your devoted slave when he observes your courage! I'm sure we're really here and not just imagining it - thos margaritas have just too much of a kick to be imaginary! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Mickey! I agree with you about Oliver, we haven't got over the shock of seeing him like that either! LOL!
Hi, Mickey, and thank you.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm sure Oliver didn't enjoy being Bozo. He's hot as a Shaman, though. Few men can look good in feathers!
Thanks for stopping by.
Me brave, Lyn? No, just a tad tipsy! I need all the devotion I can get.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the feathers do sort of set off Oliver's good looks don't they!
ReplyDeleteAnd we all think you're brave, we would fancy going out there in the darkness! Dewvoation? Oh Oliver will give you that in buckets! LOL
Go for it, Linda! Hi Mickey! Have a drink or three and Oliver will look better!
ReplyDeleteWhoohoo! Isn't the sky georgous? Bursts of colors lightening up the canyon. The sounds have set the wolves to howling and I think I hear the yip, yip, yip of trickster coyotee adding to their call.
ReplyDeleteNow I am tired and must recline on those pillows Oliver laid out by my pallet on the earth floor.
ReplyDeleteYawn, alcohol makes me sleepy. I must close my eyes for a while but will check on the party when I awake. Be sure to save me some food as I will be hungry.
Oh that's so pretty Linda, just look at the sky - it's on fire!
ReplyDeleteI thought the fireworks would have frightened the wolves and coyotes, but they seem to be enjoying it!
Linda, Love your work. Good to see everyone here and a Guava Margarita is just the ticket this evening! So much fun here!
ReplyDeleteVal
Hi Val, great to see you! Sit down over here where you can see the fireworks through the doorway, and let Oliver get your Guava Margarita and some nice goodies to eat.
ReplyDeleteHi Val, you bet you can have a Margarita, Oliver's been making loads of them all day! And try some food. Linda, you did a marvelous job with those fireworks and whew...finally...the drums are out of my head!
ReplyDeleteHi Linda. Chaco Canyon, the whole bit, you are right next door to me here in northern NM. Thankx for introducing me to your book.
ReplyDeleteLyn, I guess the animals are under a spell too.
ReplyDeleteHi, Val. Thank you. I love those guava margaritas too. First time I tried one was in Santa Fe. Glad you stopped by.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the fireworks, Sharon. My head has quit pounding too.
ReplyDeleteHi Angie,
ReplyDeleteI love New Mexico, almost as much as Texas (where I live). We've visit there every chance we get. If you read Flames, please let me know what you think.
Hi Aggie
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us and leaving a comment, I hope Oliver gave you some refreshments and that you enjoyed the fireworks.
You're right Linda, I think the animals are 'spellbound'. The fireworks certainly seem to have scared the bad spirits away!
I'd love to visit New Mexico, I'm fascinated by that part of the world.
It is beautiful, Lyn. We traveled the west end of route 66 in 2007. Started in Amarillo, TX. Saw the painted desert, the petrified forest, Chaco Canyon. They were having forest fires near Winslow, AZ so we turned around and came home. We intend to travel the east end one of these days.
ReplyDeleteMary finally rides into the picture.
ReplyDeleteI have been posting all day and none of my posts have shown up! I had not idea! I am so sad I got lost in teckkie hell and am late, really late, to Linda's party. I never checked to see if they posted and none of them did.
Mary's eyes fill with tears. She has had some rotten luck lately. My email all disappeared today again, and my Carmen Miranda costume. Which I planned to enter dressed in. Only came with a bit of fruit.
Hmmmmmm
Hi Mary, I'm so sorry for your distress. I've had days like that. Have a couple of margaritis and maybe you'll feel better.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I have a pair of earrings that would fit Carmen to a T.
I had a great day.
I'm late for the party... Your book sounds wonderful, Linda.
ReplyDeleteHi Catherine, there's still margaritas in the fridge! We did have a good time.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment about my book. I so enjoyed writing it and the research was fun.
Welcome to the roast, Aggie and Catherine. Of course you're parched after your long journey down the haunted canyon. And here comes Oliver with Margaritas and there's still plenty of food on the buffet. Mary, you poor thing. Don't cry. Internet glitches can be a real pain. Have a drink and sit down here and tell me all about your costume. There you go.
ReplyDeleteLinda, thank you for being a delightful guest. We so enjoyed your day with us. I must buy this book after all this excitement. You know I've been to Texas once, Dallas/Ft. Worth for a wedding in the summer. It was hot but I loved the spirit of adventure. And the authentic Mexican food could not compare to the chain food places. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteHi Mary
ReplyDeleteWe missed you but not to worry - there's still plenty of food and margaritas left, you know what Oliver's like! And that fruit looks lovely, it goes so well with your colouring, and the Linda's earrings set it off a treat!
The spirits seem to be having a great time messing up the internet, I had my own problems so can sympathise.
Hi Catherine, so pleased to see you.
ReplyDeletesit over there by Linda and Mary. Oh look. Cuddles and Junior have gone to sleep with their heads on Linda's lap, how sweet!
I see Oliver making his way toward you with a tray piled full of food and margaritas. Enjoy!
Oh Linda, I'd love to see the Painted Desert, I've always been intrigued by its name, it sounds just like something out of a romantic novel doesn't it! And the petrified forest and Chaco Canyon...wonderful. Do you know we also have a petrified forest in Wales, near where I used to live? When the tide goes out the beach is covered in petrified tree stumps from an ancient forest, before it was swallowed by the sea!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, it's been great having you here, and learning more about Chaco Canyon and the Anasazi, I'm definitely going to get hold of your books, you have me hooked! Thank you so much for being our guest here.
Thank you for having me on the Author Roast, Sharon and Lyn. I had a wonderful time and am truly impressed with the story that led into my blurb and excerpt. Plus, all the party preparations and Oliver's attention were the best. And who can say they've actually had a couple of mules's heads in their laps. I'm honored!
ReplyDeleteSharon, I hope next time you're in Texas you can visit some other areas besides Dallas. The method for preparing Mexican food varies all over the state. Plus, it's amazing the difference in the terrain from one area to the other.
Lyn, how awesome that wales has a petrified forest. I would love to visit your country. Larry and I want to visit Ireland and Scotland. Hopefully next year. We're thinking about going the farm house B&B route. I think I have some pictures of the painted desert on my website.
Ladies,
ReplyDeleteI will be posting a winner here shortly.
We'll post the winner on the main page as soon as you do, Linda. Thanks. I went to your site and saw a picture of the Painted Desert, it looks so beautiful! You ought to try and visit North and Mid Wales if you're going to be in Scotland, the countryside is wild and rugged and steeped in legend. The petrified forest is between the seaside towns of Borth and Ynyslas and there is also a sunken town beneath the waves a few miles along the coast, called
ReplyDeleteCantre're Gwaelod. They say you can still hear the Church bells ring to foretell disaster.
Katie Hines is the winner of an ecopy of My Heart Will Find Yours. Congratulations, Katie! Email me at linda@lindalaroque.com and I'll send your copy.
ReplyDeleteThanks to all those who stopped by yesterday to share in the festivities. Didn't we have a good time?
Linda
Hi Linda, what a terrific blurb and concept. I read a book on Chaco Canyon and the Anasazi in the way old Silhouette Shadows line and have never forgotten it.
ReplyDeleteoxoxoxoxox
Hi Tanya, thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Katie, and thanks again Linda.