So happy to welcome Mae Clair to The Write Stuff today with news of the release of her latest novel, Eventide. I’ve already got this one on my Kindle and after enjoying Books 1 and 2 so much, I can’t wait to read it. And just look at this fabulous cover!
So without further ado, let’s get right to it. Take it away, Mae!
~~~~~~
Hi, Marcia. Many thanks for having me as a guest today! I’m delighted to be here today promoting my upcoming release, Eventide, the final book in my Hode’s Hill series of novels. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, Eventide is an archaic way of saying “evening” or “twilight.” All three books in the series play off this theme:
Cusp of Night
End of Day
Eventide
Each refers to that moment when daylight fades and twilight encroaches. I’ve always considered these “betwixt times,” never fully anchored in one period, but gradually transitioning into the next. From the time I was a child, I was fascinated by the idea. I’ve also always loved the word eventide, but when it came to choosing titles for my Hode’s Hill series, I initially headed down a different path.
The original title for Cusp of Night was The Blue Lady of Hode’s Hill after one of the characters in the book. I had planned to use color in all three titles, but my publisher wanted something short and mysterious. I must have gone through three dozen suggestions before I came up with Cusp of Night. It was the last on a long list I sent to my publisher—tossed on as an afterthought—but the one they ended up choosing. After that, the two successive titles were easy, and the theme was born.
I think it works well for books that are part mystery and part supernatural suspense. There’s even a little bit of cozy in each given the sleuthing my female characters undertake.
In this short excerpt Madison Hewitt is digging for information about an old home she purchased. She talking to a co-worker, Karen, who seems to know something about the home’s previous owner.
~~~~~
Madison sighed. “The house is really old, and I’m trying to find out whatever I can about the place. If you know something—”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know.” After several unusual experiences, she needed Karen to be forthcoming. “It’s just…an odd place. You mentioned rumors. Said there were things that happened there.”
“Yeah.” Karen’s hands stilled. She stared at the letters in front of her as if debating something. After a moment, she closed her eyes, drew a breath, then shifted her attention to Madison.“You remember I told you I had a cleaning business? Vera Halsey was one of my clients.”
“The woman who owned the house?” Madison had never made direct contact with her during the sale. “I understand she passed away in a nursing home.”
“That’s what I heard, too. But she stopped my services months before she got sick. She was only in her early sixties, but something happened, and she started wasting away.”
Madison had always assumed she was up in years, eighty or more. “That’s horrible.”
“Strange is how I see it.” Karen smoothed an envelope between her fingers. “Everything about her was odd. The house, too.”
“What do you mean?”
“I wish I could explain it better. I had two people working for me. Both said they’d quit before going back again. I was the one who ended up cleaning for Vera. After a while, I got used to”—she looked away—“things.”
Madison’s pulse ticked higher. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t want to scare you.”
Madison held her gaze.
“Okay.” Karen leaned forward and lowered her voice as if sharing a secret. “It was just a sense of something always there…like being watched. The girls I had working for me said they heard people arguing when no one was around.”
Madison’s fingers tightened on her coffee cup. “Did you?”
“Once. Maybe twice. There were other things, too. Doors that shut on their own, cold spots, rancid odors. Sometimes I’d see someone from the corner of my eye and turn, but no one was there. Occasionally, some of my supplies would go missing only to show up in another room. The last week I was there, I swear someone tried to shove me down the steps.”
~~~~~
Sound a little creepy? There’s much more to the history of this house. You can discover the complete story by reading Eventide and discovering the secrets that lie within. Thank you in advance for your consideration! 🙂
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
I absolutely loved this series and can’t wait to read more from Mae. Thanks for showcasing this great author and her books today, Marcia 🙂 Best of luck with everything, Mae 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed the post, Harmony, and I agree with everything you said. It’s up next on my Kindle, and I’m really looking forward to reading it. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
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I’m jazzed it’s next on your kindle, Marcia! I can’t wait to hear what you think of it.
Many thanks for hosting me today. It’s always a pleasure to visit with you and your readers! 🙂
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You are always welcome here, Mae! So excited about your new release, and I really can’t wait to read it. MUCH success with this one, my PenderPal! 🙂 ❤
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Thanks so much! 🙂
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Thanks so much Harmony! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the series. And it’s such a pleasure to be here on Marcia’s blog today!
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Pingback: Going Visiting | From the Pen of Mae Clair
Good luck to the author. It sounds like another great mystery. 🙂
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I just know it’s going to be the best yet, in a VERY good series! Thanks for stopping by, Olga! 🙂
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Thanks for visiting to check it out, Olga!
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Oh my goodness! This is set to be a climactic ending to this series! Great excerpt! I can’t wait for a few spare minutes to dive into this book!
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I’m with you 100%, Jan. I’ve loved the Hode’s Hill series, and I know Eventide will not disappoint! Thanks for stopping by today. 🙂
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I’m so glad to hear that, Jan! I hope you enjoy the way everywhere wraps up. Thanks for all of your fabulous support, and I hope you enjoy the story! 🙂
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Lovely to see Mae here with her new book, Marcia.
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Thanks, Robbie! I was very happy to have Mae as my guest today! 🙂
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Thanks so much for dropping by, Robbie!
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I loved the first two books, had this one on my Kindle, and now I’m even more excited to read it after that excerpt!
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I feel exactly the same way, Teri. It’s next up, too! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by this morning. ❤
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That is great to know, Teri. I’m so glad my excerpt has you intrigued.
I hope you enjoy the story!
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I finally had to go to sleep last night, but boy it was hard. Dante had a flashlight and a butcher knife and was going to step out into the darkness. Eek! DON’T GO! Seriously, I’m loving this book. Great excerpt.
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LOL! That makes me smile, Judi.
I’m glad you’re enjoy the tale 🙂
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Man, I need to get started on this one tonight! 😀 Thanks for stopping by Judi! 🙂
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Hope you like it as much as I do. Leave a bright light on:)
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Wonderful tour post and excerpt.
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Thanks, Craig. Even as small as this tour is, it’s fun to visit and share excerpts. I’m glad you enjoyed this one!
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Hope you draw some real attention.
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So glad you stopped by, Craig. And I think that excerpt was smashing! If that doesn’t pull readers in, I don’t know what would! 🙂
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I’m over halfway through Eventide and loving it, Mae:) Thanks for hosting, Marcia!
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Woohoo! So good to hear, Denise. I can’t believe I finished another series. It’s so much fun to be out and about sharing the book online–especially with great comments like yours!
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You are very welcome, Denise. It was my pleasure to have Mae here, especially for the wrap up to a series I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
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I finished Eventide about 5 minutes ago. It was eerie, fun, and just all around wonderful!
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Yay! Those are wonderful words to hear, Priscilla. Thanks so much for your support. I’m thoroughly jazzed you enjoyed my little haunted house story 🙂
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Just my cup of tea! Can’t wait to read it for myself, Priscilla! Thanks for stopping by today! 🙂
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Reblogged this on Jacquie Biggar-USA Today Best-selling author and commented:
Marcia Meara hosts mystery/suspense #author Mae Clair with her #NewRelease Eventide! I’m reading this one now and it’s spooky good!
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Thanks so much for the reblog, Jacquie! It’s greatly appreciated, and I hope it helps get more and more eyes on Mae’s work. I’m so eager to start reading this, I can hardly sit here and work! 😀
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I’m Snoopy dancing my PenderPal 😀
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Jacquie, thank you so much for the reblog! I’m thoroughly jazzed you’re reading the story now. I can’t seem to “like” posts at the moment, but I’m so thrilled about your comment. I’m breaking into a Snoopy dance! 🙂
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Happy to share!
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Oh, my gosh, I’m reading this now and it’s seriously creeping me out- in a good way! Great way to end the series, Mae, though maybe you could add to it in the future? (Hint, hint :))
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Reading all these comments is killing me! I want to curl up in the Comfy Chair with this book RIGHT NOW. But I’ve still got work to do! *sigh* Lovely to know you are liking it, Jacquie, and I’m pretty darn sure I will, as well. 🙂
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I know what you mean. I’m on the deadline from hell right now- can’t wait to get rid of the stress!
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Heehee. I may have to consider that. There’s always novellas as follow up, LOL.
I am so glad you’re creeped out–in a good way! 🙂
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I can’t wait to read Eventide…
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Me, too, Jaye! I’m going to do my best to get started on it tonight, if work will cooperate.Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
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So wonderful to hear. Thank you!!! 🙂
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Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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And thanks for the reblog, as well! GREATLY appreciated! Hope your readers are intrigued enough to check this one out. The excerpt sure did the job for me! Wow! 🙂 ❤
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I know they will!
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Thank you so much for reblogging! 🙂
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Congratulations, Mae! I just purchased a copy. High five, my friend, on another amazing achievement! 🙂 Wishing you continued success!
Many thanks for sharing the love, Marcia. Cheers to you both. 🙂
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It was my pleasure to share this today, Natalie. Good to know you grabbed a copy already. The excerpt really worked, didn’t it? I’m hoping to start reading this tonight! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
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Hi, Natalie! Happy New Year and Happy New Decade! Thank you so much for picking up a copy of Eventide. I am so grateful for all of your support, and I sincerely hope you enjoy the tale. I can’t believe another series is behind me, LOL.
Happy reading and happy 2020!
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It sounds like a winner, Mae. (And why not) Thanks, Marcia for hosting Mae, Today
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I was very pleased to have a chance to host this one, John. I’ve read the first two Hode’s Hill books and can’t wait to start on Eventide, myself, so helping Mae get the word out is a pleasure! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
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😀
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Thanks for checking out the post, John. Much appreciated!
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😁
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Hip, hip, hooray! You’ll never go wrong with books by Mae! Sharing and looking forward to another great story in this awesome series. 🙂
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Cheering right beside you, Bette! Love Hode’s Hill books! Can’t wait to read this one, too.
Thanks for stopping by today! 🙂 ❤
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Your comment has me breaking into a huge grin, Bette. Thank you so much for the share and the excitement about the book. I’m doing a Snoopy dance!
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Go Girl! ❤
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Reblogged this on Archer's Aim and commented:
Mae Clair:s lastest release gas arrived…
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Thanks for the reblog, P.H.!
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You’re always welcome.
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Thanks so much for the reblog, P. H. Oh, wait. Mae already said that. Well, it goes double from me! 😀 It’s greatly appreciated! 🙂
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My pleasure, Marcia.
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I think this was my favorite of all three books. Can’t wait to see what Mae has in store next!
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So glad to hear that, Joan. Thank you so much for all your wonderful support!
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After that excerpt, I wouldn’t be surprised if it turns out to be my favorite, too, Joan. I can’t wait to see. Thanks for stopping by today, too. 🙂 ❤
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I love the titles of the books in this series – mysterious and intriguing! Wishing you much success, Mae!!!❤️❤️❤️
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Thanks so much, Tessa. Happy to have you visit with me today!
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I agree, Tessa! And I’m absolutely sure this one will be just as mysterious as the first two were! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by today! 🙂
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Such terrific comments can’t be ignored! I’ve just bought Cusp of Night to get me started. I now need to put aside some indulgent reading time. 🙂
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I think you’ll enjoy this series, Trish. And yep. Finding the time to read sure isn’t what it used to be, way back B.W. (Before writing.) Nowadays, I read when I stop for lunch, but not one minute longer. And in bed, until my Kindle falls on my face. 😀 Thanks for stopping by and for picking up the first book in the Hode’s Hill series. Looking forward to seeing what you think.
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out the release of Eventide by Mae Clair as featured in this post on The Write Stuff blog.
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Thanks so much for sharing, Don. This book is calling to me, even as I type these words. I’m dying to get started on it. 🙂 Your reblog is VERY MUCH appreciated! 🙂
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You’re welcome.
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Pingback: #NewRelease – #Eventide by Mae Clair ~ Marcia Meara at The Write Stuff | Sue Vincent's Daily Echo
Just finished this one! Loved it! Great post, Mae! Marcia is a fabulous host 😀
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Thanks, Julie. I just finished this book a couple of days ago (still need to review it!) and I loved it. So shivery!! 🙂 I’m not surprised at all that you enjoyed it, too. I think any fans of spooky books, ghosts, and paranormal shenanigans would, as well. Thanks for stopping by and taking a minute to comment! 🙂 ❤
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Loved this one! I don’t think I can pick a favorite of that series. Still have a review on my to-do list…
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Me, too. I’m behind on everything, but reviews most of all. And I KNOW how important they are, too, but I’m having trouble getting everything done I need to. Even my emails. I get anywhere from 300 to 500 a day, and really have to be sharp at weeding out the junk. Then I grab the things that are priority and take care of those. But I always have WAY too many left over that fall through the cracks if I’m not diligent. It’s insane. But I’m trying to bump Reviews up higher. MUCH higher. They are so critical for us! I need to learn to type with my toes, simultaneously with my normal method. (Yes, that one DOES involve fingers! 😀 )
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