Friday, October 24, 2014

Book Tour: Review & Giveaway - The Shed by Dianne Hartsock

 

The Shed

by Dianne Hartsock
 

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BLURB: 

As a Certified Mental Health Therapist, Scott Reid has his share of interesting experiences, though nothing compares with the time he spends with the psychic, Alex Elson. Plagued by terrifying images and dreams, Alex turns to Doctor Reid in the hopes of learning to control his visions. Instead, Scott is pulled into Alex’s world, where dreams and reality mix and nightmares are real. 

Two young men, brothers, have been abducted from the lake outside of Oakton without a trace of who took them. That is, until Alex receives a silver pocket watch in the mail belonging to the elder brother, a taunt from the kidnapper for Alex to come find them. Alex’s visions turn at once into nightmares. Images flash in his mind of an abandoned well and a terrified, lonely boy slowly dying at the bottom. The shed looms close by, holding a horrifying secret, a dark place Alex’s frightened mind refuses to go. 

With the help of Scott Reid, Alex endeavors to control his visions and find the brutalized victims before death claims them. But the watch is ticking away and time’s running out.
 

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EXCERPT:
 
“Hey Alex…” Justin’s voice trailed off, and he put the coffee pot on the warmer and went over to him when the man didn’t respond. Scott joined them, leaving his computer on the table as he passed. Alex’s eyes were wide, unfocused as he stared out the window. His breath came quickly and sweat beaded his forehead. 

“What do you see?” Scott asked, voice mild, placid. 

“It’s hot here. Grass is dry.” Alex’s whispered words sent a shiver through Scott. He sounded…detached. “The forest is dark across the way. Crows circle above the trees.” 

“Alex, where are you right now?” Scott made the question a demand. 

A shudder ran Alex’s lean frame. “I’m in your office, Dr. Reid. I see the garden through the window. But I’m also here, in this empty field. Talk to me! I want to come away from here.” 

Scott touched his hand. “Come home, Alex.” 

“It’s hard. Something’s drawing me to the forest. God! I don’t want to go in there.” 

“Jane would want you to come home,” Scott said firmly, using the ace up his sleeve. For a second he didn’t think even the deep love Alex had for his wife could draw him back, but then he blinked his eyes into focus, and gave Scott a slight smile. 

“Thank you. That’s a terrible place.” 

“Is it a real place, do you think?” 

Alex’s expression turned bleak. “Yes,” he whispered.
 

 

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My Review:
 
This was an engaging and suspenseful read.  Scott is a therapist who is intent on helping his patients.  Scott is an interesting man with a horrible past that he has a hard time dealing with memories of it. Alex is a physic who has trouble controlling his visions and is hoping Scott can help him.  He also had a terrible past and he is just learning to not let it rob him of his future.  Alex has recently been getting visions of a boy trapped and turns to Scott for guidance in finding him.  This book captured my attention from the beginning and it took me on a roller coaster ride.  The author blended suspense, action and drama to create an interesting and fascinating tale.  I recommend this book to lovers of well written suspense thrillers with romantic elements. ~Booklover Sue
 
 
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AUTHOR Bio and Links: 
Dianne grew up in one of the older houses in the middle of Los Angeles, a place of hardwood floors and secret closets and back staircases. It’s where her love of the mysterious and wonderful came from. Dianne now lives in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon with her incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours she spends hunched over the keyboard letting her characters play. 
She says Oregon’s raindrops are the perfect setting in which to write. There’s something about being cooped up in the house while it pours rain outside, a fire crackles on the hearth inside, and a cup of hot coffee warms her hands which kindles her imagination. 
Currently, Dianne works as a floral designer in a locally-owned gift shop. Which is the perfect job for her. When not writing, she can express herself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.
 
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Buy Links:
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Giveaway:

Dianne will be awarding a $25 Gift Card from Amazon plus an e-copy of ALEX, the first book in the series to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.  Follow the tour HERE


21 comments:

  1. I really loved this excerpt. Also this was a great review.

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    1. I liked the review too, Jane! Thanks for coming by. :)

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  2. This has been such a fun tour! I'm sad it has to end! So what's next for you??

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    1. I've really enjoyed this tour too, Andra! Lots of new faces. What's next? I've signed a contract for my Christmas story, Nicolas, but that won't come out until next year. My current WIP is a fantasy novel. Hoping to have it done and sent out to seek its fortune by the first of the year. Keeping busy!

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    1. It's a great review! Happy dance. So glad you came by, Rita. :)

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  4. Thank you so much, Sue, for hosting me and for this very nice review! :)

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  5. I enjoying reading the excerpt and it was great to read the review to. Adding the book to my wish list.

    ShirleyAnn(at)speakman40(dot)freeserve(dot)co(dot)uk

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    1. Hi again ShirleyAnn! So happy you like my story. It's been great to see you on the tour. Hugs. :)

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  6. Great review and excerpt. Sounds like an amazing read!

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    1. Thanks Julie! I really enjoyed working with these characters. So glad you stopped by. :)

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  7. Loved the excerpt and your review.. I'm excited to read this...thanks for sharing!!

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    1. Hi Victoria! So glad you liked the excerpt and isn't this a great review! Thanks for stopping by. :)

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  8. Great excerpt! It really sounds like a good read!

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  9. It sounds like a fantastic story!

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