Synopses & Reviews
Iris is ready for another hot, routine summer in her small Louisiana town, hanging around the Red Stripe grocery with her best friend, Collette, and traipsing through the cemetery telling each other spooky stories and pretending to cast spells. Except this summer, Iris doesnt have to make up a story. This summer, one falls right in her lap.
Years ago, before Iris was born, a local boy named Elijah Landry disappeared. All that remained of him were whispers and hushed gossip in the church pews. Until this summer. A ghost begins to haunt Iris, and shes certain its the ghost of Elijah. What really happened to him? And why, of all people, has he chosen Iris to come back to?
Synopsis
Years ago, before Iris was born, a local boy named Elijah disappeared. Now, a ghost begins to haunt Iris, and she's certain it's the ghost of Elijah. What really happened to him? And why, of all people, has he chosen Iris to haunt?
About the Author
Its the summer of 1889, and Amelia van den Broek is new to Baltimore and eager to take in all the pleasures the city has to offer. But her gaiety is interrupted by disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunsetvisions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies. However, a forbidden romance with Nathaniel, an artist, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his ownstill, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him. When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelias world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if shes not the seer of dark portents, but the cause.
"Mitchell depicts Victorian middle-class society with real flair. Her descriptions of the girls ring vibrantly true."Kirkus Reviews
"This historical paranormal romance, taking place in 1889 Baltimore, is equal parts vivid period detail, gothic melodrama, and foreboding premonitions coming true. . . . An absorbing tale."Booklist
"Written in a passionate, inviting voice, THE VESPERTINE is a rich, historical novel of otherworldly power, forbidden romance, and questionable motives. From the very first line, readers will be swept up in Amelia's plight to discover her own powers and find the courage to face her fears, her blossoming love, and even accusations of murder."Aprilynne Pike, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author ofWingsandSpells
"I savored every word of THE VESPERTINE; I knew it was an amazing book from the first page and I was entranced until the very last. Saundra Mitchell's descriptions are almost truer than truthyou feel them rather than know them."Carrie Ryan, New York Times Bestselling Author of the critically-acclaimedThe Forest of Hands and TeethandThe Dead-Tossed Waves
"Dark and luxurious with rich, compelling characters and a perfect blend of the mysterious and the fantastic, Saundra Mitchell's THE VESPERTINE is Victorian gothic at its finestat once evoking the lyricism of Bronte, the heart-pounding of Poe and a vivid, enticing voice that is entirely her own."Sarah MacLean, Author ofThe Seasonand9 Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake "Equal parts vivid period detail, gothic melodrama, and foreboding premonitions coming true . . . an absorbing tale of a headstrong and passionate (but not anachronistically so) woman seeking her future."
Booklist
Saundra Mitchell is a screenwriter and author. As executive producer and head writer for the Fresh Films and Girls in the Director's Chair short film series, she mentors young screenwriters from first page to production of their films. Her own feature film,Revenge Ends,debuted on the festival circuit in 2008. She has published short fiction in theEdgar Literary MagazineandSmokeLong Quarterly,and her short story "Ready to Wear" was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Her debut novel,Shadowed Summer,is a 2010 Edgar Award Nominee, a Junior Library Guild selection, and an ALAN Pick. Saundra enjoys studying history, papermaking, and spending time with her husband and her two children. She lives in Indianapolis and welcomes you to visit her on the web at www.saundramitchell.com.