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Albert Camus

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Guest Post, Excerpt and Giveaway Lingering Echoes by Erica Kiefer


Published October 30th, 2013

Description:

She's broken with guilt. 
He harbors a chilling past. 
It's safer if they keep their distance... 
But, the echoes that linger connect them. 

Returning to Hidden Pines is the last thing Allie Collins wants to do during her final summer before college. For her, the family cabin she spent her youthful summers in, now holds a dark memory that has haunted her every day for the last year. 

While struggling to forget her past, Allie runs into Damien, a local rebel with secrets of his own. He's dark, dangerous and he keeps showing up when Allie least expects him to. She has every reason not to trust him. So why does she find herself opening up to him in a way she hasn't been able to with anyone? 

As pieces of Damien’s identity emerge, answers to a rumored mystery begin to unfold. By the time Allie unearths the secrets of Damien’s past, she realizes just how intricately they are connected. Now she is caught in a dangerous battle that threatens her life and those she loves.

GUEST POST
To trust when you have no reason to do it!

Trust is a concept that takes time to build, yet can be broken in moments. So why trust someone when you have no reason? In Lingering Echoes, 17-year-old Allie finds herself in a situation where she is drawn to the alluring and mysterious Damien. Nevertheless, rumors and judgment from friends may dissuade her from her attraction. Still, Allie consciously presses forward, accepting the risks and trusting in Damien—not because she is naïve, but because logic and reasoning must not always control.

In our own lives, we all encounter relationships in which a judgment call will be required. It is difficult to know whether to simply follow our heart and trust or instead, to form a hypothesis of skepticism, hoping it will later be discredited. There is certainly a fine line between being naïve and trusting. And, every situation is unique, so it is impossible to provide a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, I often find myself, like Allie, allowing the “benefit of the doubt”—even when a person has made their fair share of mistakes. In Allie’s words, “having a bad past doesn’t make you a bad person, does it?”

I, too, like to remember that mistakes should not ultimately define a person, but instead, the manner in which one triumphs over past gaffes should be the bar. To me, if a person is willing to acknowledge their mistakes and take responsibility for their actions, while allowing humility to take hold in their heart, a window of change and hope often emerges like a fresh blossom from the soul. In fact, this simple willingness to try is usually enough to tip the scales toward trust. As imperfect souls, I think we all truly yearn to extend a much needed second chance to those who seek them. However, we still require a witness of something more than a hollow promise of remorse and change.

In the end, trust is a gamble. To trust is to expose yourself—leaving your life, heart, and emotions in the hands of another. What the “trusted” do with your faith is ultimately up to them. Extending that trust, whether as an emotional impulse or based on a calculated risk, is up to us.

EXCERPT:




TOUR SCHEDULE

With a gentle push, he encouraged me to take a step. 

“I can walk without your help.” I released myself from his grip and stooped in quiet pain to retrieve my flip-flops from the ground. Taking a tentative step, I silenced a groan, feeling my body resist. Fortunate for me, stubbornness runs in my family and I leaned on it to carry me forward, my right leg limping in protest. I managed a few quick, short steps, trying my best to walk with dignity, when I heard a low chuckle behind me. 

Apparently, I was failing in my efforts.

No sooner had I turned my head around, ready to battle him on his sense of humor, when I was swept up into the air by two strong arms.

“Hey! Put me down!” 

With a full smile, he exposed his white teeth lined up next to each other, as his dimples teased me again. “With the pace you were making, you’ll never make it back before sunrise.”

Resisting the idea of being carried, I tried another tactic.

“You’re not supposed to move someone who’s fallen, you know. Everybody knows that. I could have a broken back or a broken neck—”

He cut me off. “Well, there’s obviously nothing wrong with your mouth.”

I fumed in resigned humiliation, though not before cursing at him under my breath.

*******

A gunshot echoed through the cabin.

“No!” I screamed. I threw my hands over my mouth, but it was too late. I could hear footsteps hurrying to the stairwell door.

I bolted across the room, stepping inside a small bedroom. Cardboard boxes were scattered throughout the room, disheveled and disorganized.

There was nowhere to go. I tripped my way to the corner of the room, stubbing my toe and ignoring the throbbing pain.

I could hear the heavy footsteps descending the stairs. Falling against the corner wall, I buried my head behind a large, unopened box. I crouched low, too afraid to even peek around the corner.

A set of footsteps entered the room, pausing by the entryway.

My hand clamped back over my mouth, muffling my breaths and the scream that threatened to escape. I wished I could quiet the pounding in my chest that was sure to give me away.

“We know you’re here. Come on out now, and maybe we won’t kill you.”

I didn’t move an inch, despite the painful cramping in my thighs. I closed my eyes, leaning my sweaty forehead against the cardboard.

A swift click flooded the room with light.

“There you are!”

I tumbled backwards, jumping against the wall as a very large man stalked towards me. At the sight of me, he lowered his gun, smiling in amusement.

“Stay away from me!” I managed to squeeze out from my dry throat. My voice sounded weak and small. I barricaded myself in the corner, my eyes jumping from side to side, searching in vain for an exit.



There was nowhere to go. (p. 214)


About the author:
Erica Kiefer was born on Christmas Eve in Southern California to an American father whose ancestors arrived from Europe during colonial times and a Thai mother who moved to the US during high school. Adding to her rich and varied heritage, Erica grew up living abroad in Asia, including Taiwan, Fiji, Thailand and Indonesia. She gained a great respect for the beautiful mosaic of cultures found in various parts of the world. After graduating from International School Bangkok, she attended Brigham Young University in Utah, where she earned a degree in Recreation Therapy. Her career as a Recreation Therapist has allowed her to work with at-risk youth since 2007.

Erica made the best decision of her life by marrying her husband in 2005 and is currently a mother of three, one of whom awaits her in heaven. Erica also loves singing, reading, writing, and satisfying her sweet-tooth with chocolate-chip cookies. Playing collegiate rugby was one of the most memorable experiences of her life, thus far.

Erica’s first book, Lingering Echoes, was signed by Clean Teen Publishing and is scheduled to release in early November 2013.
Publisher's INT Giveaway
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11 comments:

Praf de stele said...

Imi plac foarte mult descrierea si coperta! <3

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the giveaway! :)

Bianca said...

Although this book ins't for me, I must say: the cover is simply serafic.

Catalina Mihaela said...

Imi place mult coperta.Subiectul l-am mai intalnit si in alte carti dar pare genul de carte care merita o sansa.

Ann said...

Enjoyed reading your post! ;)

Erica and Dan Kiefer said...

Thank you, Mythical Books, for hosting "Lingering Echoes!" I enjoyed the opportunity to explore the topic of trust, as I did when writing about trust in my book. I appreciate your time!

cassady said...

mi-as dori s-o citesc pare interesanta

Unknown said...

I'm really into the concept of trust as well!! This looks like an interesting premise - I'm intrigued!

Unknown said...

Loved the excerpt, sounds great!!

Eli Yanti said...

nice blurb and thank for the giveaway

Unknown said...

exceptional thanks for sharing!