Wednesday, October 18, 2017
I’m so excited to get reviews! So I hope you’ll forgive me for crowing. Today author and “fairy whisperer” Colleen Chesebro* posted a review of my debut novel, Atonement, Tennessee. What a delight it was to read her mindful review with my morning coffee! I’m thrilled. Since Colleen is “the fairy whisperer“ I think she related to my supernatural elements.
(Colleen challenged me to write a faery story — resulting in the Thistledown — Midsummer Bedlam serial. The serial is now on hiatus until December. It will be back!
In honor of Colleen’s review, I’ve priced the Kindle version of my debut novel Atonement, Tennessee at just $1.00.
On Monday I couldn’t resist reblogging a review author Christoph Fischer* did of Murder at the Bijou — Three Ingredients I.
I hope you’ll visit both Christoph and Colleen. They both have brilliant blogs and books of their own.
Now back to the Jazz Age…
When I got reviews for these two books within days of each other, I started wondering what Atonement, TN was like during the Roaring Twenties. However, the characters from two very different novels were all in my head at once… and this is what happened… (I don’t think of it as a spoiler, but there’s a teeny bit of one regarding Murder at the Bijou. If you’re especially sensitive to spoilers, then skip the story.)
Roaring Twenties Halloween in Atonement Tennessee
The ghost’s eyes glowed bright green as he stared out of the Mirror of Truth and Justice Most Poetic.
“Green like little peas,” the blond murmured.
She blinked as she gazed at the apparition inside the mirror. Her bobbed tresses were so pale, one might have thought the ghost had scared her into fright-white hair.
She felt the presence of her nearly identical sister behind her and turned.
“How odd,” the raven-haired sister calmly stated, the fringe of her flapper gown swaying as she moved closer to the mirror. “While I wouldn’t put it past that mischievous mirror to trap someone, this spirit seems to have pos-i-lutely gotten there on his own.”
The platinum blond walked forward and took her sister’s hand. They each touched a corner of the strange mirror.
“Won’t you join us?” together they invited the apparition.
The ghost shrugged uncomfortably as he stepped from the mirror and into the Metatron house. Years of experience led him to quickly take-in his surroundings. He noticed two paintings. The first was an outdoor scene that appeared to be from the late 1700s. It showed a grand estate house with women getting out of a carriage. Nearby two girls sat under a tree. One had pale hair while the other was dark.
He glanced at his two hostesses, comparing them to the painting. Then his eyes quickly traveled to the other canvas. It showed two girls in flapper attire. The raven-haired one sported a headband with a yin and yang symbol. It was a portrait of the two young women who stood before him. Green eyes darting rapidly, he looked from one painting to the other, and back to the girls that stood with him. Could they all be the same? He knew the sisters were by no means ordinary flappers.
The blond reached out and touched the holes in his coat and hat.
“Applesauce! You are a policeman,” she stated. “A G-man. That is how you came to the Mirror of Truth and Justice.”
Bullet holes, he remembered as she inspected the damage. Then the echo of the pain wracked him. He staggered.
“Marshal Moses Myrick,” he muttered, trying to make his tongue work to introduce himself as civility required.
Each young woman took one of his elbows and had him sit down on a horsehair covered sofa.
“So, you have come to atone?” asked the dark-haired girl.
“But not for whatever caused you to be shot… many times,” the light-haired girl said in a puzzled voice.
“The wrongs I’ve done were part of my job. Keeping the law and justice,” he said on a gasp. “I don’t apologize for what I’ve done in the line of duty.”
“Then what?” the women asked as one.
“I couldn’t make Phanny love me. She married my friend when we were young. It would have been wrong to interfere. And now,” he gasped and paused. “Now he’s long dead, and she’ll know the pain of loss again, because I couldn’t resist keeping her in my life, but I couldn’t give up the law either.”
“You know she loves you,” the raven-haired one commented. “At least you know it while you’re in this state. Are you so ready to leave her?”
“How could she ever love a man like me? What kind of life could I give her when this kind of violence is part of it?” Moses asked, putting a hand to where one of his bullet wounds would have been.
“Well, you won’t know if you stay here,” the brunette smirked in a self-satisfied way. “You might have some stiff competition, but you just might make Phanny love you yet. After all, you are a bit of a sheik,” she added playfully.
“I know your pain will be horrible,” the blond began gently. “But it’s not your time yet.”
The young women helped the shade of Marshal Moses Myrick stand and walked him back to the mirror. The room filled with intense cold. The sisters turned toward each other and shared a smile. When they looked at the mirror, the marshal was once again inside it. He tipped his fedora as he smiled and disappeared.
***
The End
Those who have read Murder at the Bijou will recognize Marshal Moses Myrick.
If you’ve read Atonement, Tennessee you’ll be wondering if the sisters are the same Metatron family as Annie from that novel. Yet, the timeline would not be right… Although, you never know what might be possible in Atonement, TN. Nope, I’m not telling! There is a bit of mystery surrounding Annie and Adelle Metatron that comes up in Atonement in Bloom. It will remain unexplained… at least for now.
Here is a link to a short story I did in 2015, which is about Annie and Adelle. (Click here.)
Here are links to the 1920s novels.
Murder at the Bijou — Three Ingredients I
The Three Things Serial Story: A Little 1920s Story Kindle
Thanks so very much for visiting. You’re the cat’s pajamas!
Copyright © 2017 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
Great job of merging, Teagan! Congrats on the Reviews! ♥
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Thank you, Billy Ray. 😀 And I’m still excited about the reviews. I appreciate you taking time to read and comment. Hugs!
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Congrautaltions on the reviews! You are a wonderful writer.
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You are so kind, Lynn. That is music to my ears! You’re the berries!
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Xoxo
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Congrats on the reviews…well deserved and as I keep saying….love your writing…have a great week!
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You’re so kind to catch up, Kirt. I appreciate all the visits. I’m delighted you enjoyed this story. Hugs.
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Sounds like Colleen liked Lilith as much as I did – congrats on the reviews, Teagan!
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Thanks so much, Teri. I still shake my head over Lilith’s popularity. And to think she was very nearly a mouse or a spider (or something else) rather than a cat… 🐱 Happy hump day!
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Such interesting, great combination on the reviews Teagan.
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Thank you kindly, Mirhan. I was thrilled with both reviews. Thanks for visiting. Hugs.
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Poor Marshal Moses Myrick. I wish he makes up his mind and stays in the world of living. Hugs.
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I came to like the marshal, while writing Murder at the Bijou. So I wouldn’t worry too much, Inese. 😉 I really appreciate you reading and commenting. You’re the cat’s pajamas!
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It was a great story 🙂
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Reblogged this on Today, You Will Write and commented:
Hey gang, as you know Thistledown – Midsummer Bedlam is on a hiatus this weekend as Teagan prepares herself for NaNoWriMo, so for your reading pleasure I present one of her pieces from this week, a review and a story…for all the jazz lovers…do enjoy!
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Thanks so very much for reblogging, Melissa. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs.
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Congratulations on the reviews Teagan. And what an intriguing story with links to the others, all the worlds coming together a little 🙂
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😀 Thank you, Andrea. I guess the odd way my brain is wired has some junction points where things meet. LOL. But for a minute I was afraid I gave myself the wrong challenge!
Heartfelt thanks for visiting. Hugs.
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You’re such a tease at the end there as to whether the characters are the same or not 😉 Another great installment, Teagan! And congratulations on the two reviews ❤
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Thanks so much, Christy!
Sometimes a little unresolved mystery is good for the soul. I debate on whether I should ever fully explain the nature of the Metatron sisters.
Heartfelt thanks for commenting. Hugs!
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Another wonderful review Teagan. Congratulations! The 20s were an unusual time, with many changes afoot. I loved the crossover story with the mirror!
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I’m delighted you enjoyed it Lavinia. I floundered for a moment, then my inner Rod Serling got loose. 😀 Huge hugs.
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May you always be connected with the Inner Rod! 🙂
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Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
A jazz-age story by Teagan Geneviene.
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Reblogged this on firefly465.
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Kind thanks for reblogging, Adele. Have a thriving Thursday!
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You’re welcome, Teagan. Hugs to you and Crystal. xx
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Absolutely wonderful, Teagan. I absolutely loved it and congratulations on the two reviews.
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Thank you Robbie. Sometimes I “channel” Rod Serling and get a little Twilight Zone-ish. 😉 I’m happy you liked it. Have a thriving Thursday!
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Congratulations on the review. Coleen did a super job. Loved today’s episode. The Marshall is a likable guy. As you say we see more of him in Murder at the Bijou
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John, it’s great feedback that you have a sense of the G-man. I wasn’t sure how well I brought him out in Bijou. Thanks so much. I appreciate you taking time to read and comment. You’re the cat’s pajamas!
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Hugs.
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You’re a master storyteller, my friend. Colleen’s review of Atonement is fabulous! Downloaded and on my Kindle 🙂 💕
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You are so kind, Tina. Heartfelt thanks. And thank you for taking time to visit. Huge hugs.
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❤❤
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Well deserved, Teagan. xx
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Thank you kindly, Judith. I appreciate you visiting. Hugs!
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Wednesdays are all about the Jazz and 1920s over on Teagan Geneviene’s blog and today there is a Halloween vibe with a few minutes caught between life and death that are literally life changing. You never know who you are going to meet while passing through portals… head over and find out.. #recommended
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Sally, you are a treasure — besides being the cat’s meow! Thanks for reblogging and for this wonderful intro. Hugs!
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I’m so happy you are getting the reviews, Teagan! I enjoyed your little short, spoilers and all! xoxo
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I’m delighted, Kathryn. Thanks so much. I got in a Twilight Zone-ish mood! 😀 Hugs.
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Congrats on the awesome reviews, Teagan. They certainly lift us up! Your writing is as unique and wonderful as you 🙂
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What a kind and beautiful thing to say, Jacquie. Thank you so very much. And yes indeed re reviews. “We rise by lifting others…” said Robert Ingersoll, and reviews like these certainly life me up. Hugs.
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Good job, Teagan. Well done and well deserved too. Enjoy!
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It’s lovely to see you, Evelyne! Thank you so very much. I hope all is well in your corner of the world. Aren’t you on the Pacific coast? Huge hugs.
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Those were both great reviews, Teagan, and well-deserved. I didn’t mind the spoiler – couldn’t resist the read. Wonderful writing as always. 🙂
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It didn’t really seem like a spoiler to me, Diana… but some times people can be sensitive, hence the warning. I’m happy you enjoyed the short. I appreciate your support. You’re the berries!
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Oh, my goodness! This was superb! Pure inspiration provided by those that believe in you! Wow. Keep it up, Teagan. You are on fire!! ❤
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Applesauce! Wow, thank you Colleen. You’ve made my day with this comment. You already made my month with your review. Oops… back to work. More later.
False alarm — I can finish my lunch break. Thank goodness…
But my train of thought is broken now. Anyway I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you. You’re the bee’s knees. Hugs on the wing!
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Hugs on the wing! ❤
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I’ve just read Colleen’s review. I always thought Atonement, Tennessee would be right up her alley. Fabulous episode. I remembered the teapot story but the connection is very intriguing…Thanks, Teagan
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Olga you are a treasure to visit both blogs. I really appreciate it.
While I wrote this story the voice of Rod Serling (Twilight Zone) got into my head. So I just rolled with the element of unresolved mystery. You never know what’s going to happen with that mirror. 😀 Hugs.
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
A tale to reflect on 😎
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I love a good pun, Chris. Huge thanks for reblogging, and with this intro! Hugs.
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Welcome, Teagan – MFH❤️Gs 😃
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Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Thanks so very much for reblogging, Michael. Have a wonderful Wednesday. Hugs.
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Thank you very much, Teagan! Wish you also wonderful days this week. ,-) Michael
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Oh I do love those roaring twenties…..and am so thrilled to see you receiving such well deserved reviews. Sending hummingbird hugs….Janet 🙂 xx
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Dear Janet, thank you so much for all your support. Hummingbird hugs right back. You’re the cat’s pajamas!
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And you are the cat’s meeeeow 🙂 xxx
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