Eventide ~ New Release by @MaeClair1 #TuesdayBookShare

Published on by Joan Hall

Hey, everyone. It’s always a pleasure to host friend and fellow author Mae Clair. She has a brand-new release, the third and final of her Hode’s Hill Series. I’ve read all three books and had decided this one is my favorite. Let’s welcome Mae!

Joan, many thanks for hosting me on your blog. It’s a pleasure to be here today as I share my new release Eventide, the final book in my Hode’s Hill series. One aspect of writing the series I’ve really enjoyed is getting to play with dual timelines. Each book features a mystery in the past, along with one in the present. Both mysteries eventually collide as the characters in the present unravel clues from the past.

In the case of Eventide, I chose early spring of 1878 for my setting in the past. Hollande Moore has been hired by twin brothers Nathaniel and Tristan Stewart to look after their mother, Sylvia, who has become difficult and reclusive, following the death of her husband. But Hollande senses something more sinister at play. Something unspoken between the brothers and their mother who seems determined to get rid of her.

In this excerpt, Hollande tries to learn what she can from the Stewart family cook, Annabelle.

“Annabelle, are you aware of any disagreement this morning?”

“Disagreement?” Head lowered, Annabelle worked at shaping biscuits.

“Between Nathaniel and Sylvia. I thought I heard them arguing in the drawing room before Nathaniel left.”

“I wouldn’t know, miss.” Annabelle’s back stiffened slightly. “Surely if I did, I wouldn’t linger. You know how the missus can be.”

Sadly, Hollande did. Sylvia would have accused the girl of eavesdropping. “I just don’t know what to do.” She sipped her tea but had no true taste for it. “I’ve been useless at helping Sylvia. I fear she may dismiss me.”

“Mr. Nathaniel would never allow that.”

 Heat rose to Hollande’s face. Had Annabelle sensed the growing closeness between them? “What about Tristan?”

“I couldn’t say. I’ve never met Mr. Tristan.”

Hollande stared. “Never?”

“He doesn’t come until evening, does he, being away at the quarry all day? I leave well before that.”

“But there must have been times when he delayed in the morning? Stayed for breakfast.”

“He’s gone before I arrive. Usually grabs a meat pie or such to take with him.” Annabelle fell silent and still as if internally debating a matter. Finally, she faced Hollande. “If you ask me, miss, there’s something wrong between the brothers. I don’t wish to speak out of turn, but I sense no great love between them.”

Hollande’s fingers tightened on her teacup, a sliver of cold knifing through her. Apparently, she wasn’t the only one who’d noted Nathaniel’s disregard for his brother. Yet only last night he’d spoken so fondly of their younger years. What could have happened to drive them apart?

“I think they intentionally avoid each other,” Annabelle continued. “Make certain their paths don’t cross. I only have sisters, but that’s no way for siblings to behave.”

It certainly wasn’t.

Hollande’s stomach knotted. Could their brotherly animosity have anything to do with the way Sylvia doted on Tristan? She’d only been a resident of Stewart Manor for a short time, but even to her it was obvious Sylvia preferred one twin over the other. No wonder Nathaniel had been so sullen when she arrived. His brother spent his days in Curtisville, leaving Nathaniel the bulk of responsibility for their mother, yet she often snubbed him.

What a wretched circumstance.

Hollande enjoyed Tristan’s company, but on the whole, spent far less time with him than Nathaniel. A few hours in the evening while he entertained his mother. In the morning, he was usually gone before she awoke. Only once, she’d caught him coming down the steps and managed a few snippets of small talk before he dashed off for another day at the quarry.

There’s something wrong between the brothers.

Hollande met Annabelle’s gaze, the cook’s words ringing in her head. “How long have you been here?”

“Oh, not long.” Annabelle turned back to the counter and began tidying up her mess. “Just a few months, but I’m determined.”

“What do you mean?”

“There were several girls before me, but she drives them all away.”

“Sylvia?”

Annabelle nodded. “If you ask me, she doesn’t want another woman in the house.”

To learn how these characters from the past impact the lives of Madison Hewitt, her sister, and their friends in the present, I hope you’ll consider purchasing Eventide, which is now available from all major booksellers. You’ll make this author very happy. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and many thanks to Joan for hosting me today!

Universal Purchase Link

BLURB:

The darkness is coming . . .

The old house near Hode’s Hill, Pennsylvania is a place for Madison Hewitt to start over—to put the trauma of her husband’s murder, and her subsequent breakdown, behind her. She isn’t bothered by a burial plot on the property or the mysterious, sealed cistern in the basement. Not at first. Even the presence of cold spots and strange odors could be fabrications of her still troubled mind. But how to explain her slashed tires, or the ominous messages that grow ever more threatening?

Convinced the answer lies in the past, Madison delves into the history of the home’s original owners, only to discover the origin of a powerful evil. An entity that may be connected to a series of gruesome attacks that have left police baffled. No matter where she turns—past or present—terror lingers just a step away, spurred on by a twisted obsession that can only be satisfied through death…

Order Eventide HERE

Connect with Mae Clair at BOOKBUB and the following haunts:

Amazon| BookBub| Newsletter Sign-Up
Website | Blog| Twitter| Goodreads| All Social Media

69 thoughts on “Eventide ~ New Release by @MaeClair1 #TuesdayBookShare”

    2. HI, Karen, Wow, you made my day with that comment! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the excerpt and will be ordering the book. Thank you so much! And it reads fine as a standalone. 🙂

      It’s so great to have you visit with me and Joan. All the best to you!!

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      1. I am sure I will. I’m just starting your book Joan. II’m enjoying the reading trip! I wasn’t able read it yesterday because of a long work shift. I’ll post a review on my blogsite when I’m done. Amazon no longer allows me to post on their site, sorry about that.

        Liked by 2 people

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        1. Thanks, Mark. Hope you enjoy it. I’ve put yours on my TBR list. I’m a slow reader. Well, actually I read fast. It’s just finding the time. And I understand about Amazon. I’ve started posting reviews on BookBub.

          Liked by 2 people

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          1. I’ve enjoyed it so far Joan! I’m the same way about reading. Yes, Amazon is frustrating, and despite my emails as to the reason why, they go unanaswered. I’m going to start posting on BookBub as well. Thanks for the idea.

            Liked by 2 people

        2. Amazon is beyond ridiculous about who they allow to post these days. Grr!
          Mark, if you add an author page to BookBub, let us know. I wanted to add a recommendation for Vanished there, but was unable to because it wasn’t listed. BB is a great site. I think you’ll really like it!

          Liked by 1 person

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    2. The brothers were so intriguing to write, Denise. I’m so glad you enjoyed Eventide, and especially that particular plot line. I do believe Eventide is my favorite of the three as well. Thanks for visiting with me today!

      Liked by 1 person

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  8. Joan, many thanks for hosting me today. I’m delighted to visit and share with your readers. Thanks for rolling out the red carpet and for your awesome support of Eventide and Hode’s Hill. You rock, my friend!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. That’s wonderful to hear, Natalie. There are a few scenes in this one I’m particularly fond of. I think it’s my favorite of the series. I hope you will find an entertaining read!

      Liked by 2 people

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    1. It’s odd–when I first started writing dual timelines, I found it hard to manage. It still is, but now I feel odd when I don’t include them, LOL.

      Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed the books, Jacqui!

      Liked by 1 person

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  15. Great excerpt for a great book! I read the entire series, and like several of you, Eventide is my favorite. Truly scary or creepy or spooky or whatever adjective gives you the most goosebumps. I highly recommend this one! Super post, Mae and Joan! 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Aww, thanks so much, Marcia. A lot of readers seem to like this one best, and I have to admit, I probably do, too. I’m glad you found it worthy of goose-bumps. 🙂
      Many thanks for sharing your thoughts here today. I truly appreciate the support!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. Oh, that’s fabulous to hear, Tessa. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. There are several scenes in this one I’m really fond of–characters, too. But then I guess that’s the case with every author!

      Liked by 2 people

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    2. Thanks so much, Priscilla. I value all your support! It’s such a plus to know when something you’ve written is appreciated by others. I couldn’t be happier you enjoyed Eventide and the whole series! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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    2. Thanks for sharing those thoughts here, Harmony. I always do a Snoopy Dance when I know I’ve written something that appeals to others. I think Eventide might be my favorite of the three as well. It was definitely a fun book to write, despite those moments of spookiness!

      Liked by 1 person

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