Author Guest Post with KaSonndra Leigh: Hacienda Moon

Tandie Harrison is a police medium struggling to pick up the pieces of her life after a devastating divorce that left her without her precious daughter and her psychic visions.

Welcome to the March 15th stop on the blog tour for Hacienda Moon by KaSonndra Leigh with Goddess Fish Promotions. Be sure to follow the rest of the tour for spotlights, reviews, more author guest posts, and a giveaway! More on that at the end of this post.

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Author Guest Post

A short moment in the life of young Alice Chelby, the teenage protagonist in Hacienda Moon by KaSonndra Leigh

Alice Chelby walked around the large estate known as Chelby Rose, taking in the beauty of the sprawling property. She had grown up surrounded with the privilege of her family’s wealth, and she could never tire of the sight of her home. Her mother, Rose, had done her best to make the plantation a place of warmth and love and Alice had fond memories of her childhood spent living in Chelby Rose.

Alice was currently approaching sixteen years old, and she had grown more and more curious about the outside world as the years passed by. She had very few opportunities to go out and explore, as her mother was adamant that she stay safe at home. On the few occasions Alice managed to sneak out, she would return with stories of adventure that filled the home with an impish sense of fun.

Alice and Rose were exceptionally close, and Alice had a deep-seated respect for her mother that extended far beyond the usual motherly love. Despite her age, Alice felt like Rose understood her better than anyone. Alice had confided in her mother about wanting to break free and experience the world outside of Chelby Rose.

“But you already have all the world can offer. Right here at Chelby Rose,” her mother argued. “I have already experienced all of the wonders this so-called life offers. There’s nothing else out there to do?”

Alice sighed, frustrated with the lack of understanding from her mother. “It’s not about what else is out there, it’s about understanding life and how it works,” she answered. “I want to learn more about the world and who I am in it.”

Rose shook her head, her face sad. “Well, if you’re determined to explore, then I cannot stop you. But please take care of yourself. I don’t want you to experience the same heartbreak that I have,” she said sternly.

Alice nodded, relieved that her mother finally understood her need to explore but still unsure of what the future held for her. Nevertheless, she was determined to make the most of her life and use this opportunity to learn more about the world—even if it meant leaving her beloved home of Chelby Rose behind.

About the Book

Hacienda Moon
Path Seekers Book One
by KaSonndra Leigh

Published 19 February 2023
TriGate Realm Press

Genre: Paranormal Gothic Romance
Page Count: 334
Add it to your Goodreads TBR!

Tandie Harrison is a police medium struggling to pick up the pieces of her life after a devastating divorce that left her without her precious daughter and her psychic visions. With a heavy heart, she escapes the hustle and bustle of New York City and moves into the alluring plantation house, Chelby Rose. Here, she meets Eric, the home’s charismatic caretaker. Despite the ghostly warnings, Tandie finds herself drawn to him, and as their affair intensifies, so does the centuries-old curse haunting them both.

Suddenly, Tandie finds herself at the center of a dark and dangerous web full of deceit and intrigue. As fear begins to consume her, she must find the courage to face the demons of her past if she is to have any chance at a future. Hacienda Moon is a captivating story full of suspense and romance that will ensnare you from start to finish.

Note to readers and bookclubs:

This is the expanded and revamped edition of the Hacienda Moon that was originally published in 2012. Please be sure to add this version to your to-read list as this edition contains more gothic suspense, intrigue, and of course romance.

Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK

Excerpt

Eric got the call around midnight. Tandie said Chelby Rose’s plumbing system had failed, and the faucets had gone nuts. She was headed downstairs to fix it but would need his help. She didn’t sound like herself. Her high-pitched voice sounded as though she were someone else.

Adding to the mysterious water problem, which he knew had been fixed weeks ago was Tandie’s distress. She’d somehow gotten locked in the basement while attempting the repair. It took some fancy metal work to break through the lock. Eric strained with all his might, jimmying the ancient contraption until the clasp gave way.

“What the fuck?” Eric studied the situation. Water dripped from the basement ceiling as though someone had turned on a sprinkler system. There was only one problem, though. The plumbing running along the ceiling didn’t have faucets. Right away, Eric knew a greater force was at play.

Tandie stood in an area at the far-right side of the basement. She was wearing a thin light-colored nightgown that had somehow gotten soaked up to the waistline. Eric made his way over her, trudging through ankle deep water. For a moment, her image faded in and out. Eric shook his head, cleared his eyes and made his way over to where she stood. A faraway expression clouded her eyes as though she were looking at him and through him simultaneously.

“She’s down there. In the water. We have to get her out!” she yelled as Eric came closer.

“Tandie—what? Who’s down there?” Eric’s studied the water. There was nothing but cement flooring.

“Eliza! She’s in the water.” Tandie shook her head and frowned. “I saw her. I’m not crazy.”

“Course not.” Eric put his arms around her, and she shoved him away. Eric stumbled back a bit, feeling startled by her strength. 

“Look at me, Tandie. Look at me!” he demanded, grasping her head between his palms. She obeyed and focused on his face. That same heated sensation he’d felt the day he visited Abby at the Aeneid, that time when some invisible force had reacted to his anger surged through his body.

Her breathing evened out as she stared into his eyes. “There is nothing down there. It’s all in your mind. Do you understand me?”

Slowly she nodded. And then he kissed her. The passion he released had been held back for too long. He no longer cared about any Broken Heart Curse, and tasting Tandie’s luscious lips gave him all the resolve he needed. Her hands wound through his hair, pulling gently. The kiss lingered and Eric lost himself inside her touch, the taste, and the smell of her. And she gave off an intoxicating scent. With great hesitation, he pulled back and stared in her eyes, losing himself as each second ticked away. “Wow. I could never get tired of doing that, mi mujer bonita.”

Tandie smiled. “How did you do that?”

“Do what?”

“You pulled me back from a nightmare. I felt you. Heard your voice.”

“I’ve no idea,” Eric said. Not a complete lie but not the total truth either.

About the Author

Meet your word sculptress…

Author of the #1 Amazon International bestselling novels, the Prelude and the Lost Immortals Saga, KaSonndra is also a mother, designer, reader, gardener, home renovator, and a slayer of undead Egyptian mummies in Tomb Raider. She believes in karma, coffee, and seriously wishes that the producers of Xena would bring her favorite show back.

KaSonndra was born in the race-car city of Charlotte, NC, and now lives in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, NC, when she’s not hanging out in Bardonia (Lost Immortals Saga setting). Most of her characters are based on people that she has met throughout her travels and adventures.

People tend to stop and start conversations with KaSonndra as if she has known them her entire life. Does this freak her out? Not really. Her mom says that one day she’ll get kidnapped by one of these folks. KaSonndra’s response? She told her mom that if it weren’t for these lovely people, then she wouldn’t be able to create such fabulously romantic stories!

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Giveaway Alert!

KaSonndra Leigh will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B&N gift card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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