On Tour with ABG Reads Book Tours...
Sierra
by Taylor Dean
Paperback, 342 pages
Published June 13th 2012 by create space
Premise:
Alyssa Fontaine's life, loved ones--everything familiar and dear--are brutally taken from her. Taken captive by two men, she endures a horrific nightmare. A new life is forced upon her and even a new name. Just when it appears that no hope is in sight, she is saved by an unlikely twist of fate. Trapped in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains, life will open its arms to her again and she will embrace it. She will find love such as she never knew existed.
Sierra is a heart-wrenching story of the power of the human spirit to survive amidst impossible circumstances and severe losses. It is a story of survival . . . and hope.
I am excited to host an Excerpt for the final stop of the Sierra Tour with ABG Reads. PLUS... I've really enjoyed working with Taylor Dean in the past... when I interviewed her for Lancaster House. I had to email her to see what I could offer Colorimetry readers and she has kindly offered to stop by for another visit!! PLUS... since I won myself a copy of her book over at Clean Romance Reviews, I, um... read the book.
So... (drum roll please!) this is part I of III - Excerpt will be followed by Review & Interview!! With so much excitement we had to offer two books to win, including a signed print copy. WOOP!!
This scene for the Tour Excerpt is so great... Alex & Alyssa have just met, a most significant moment in both of their lives. Alyssa is a mess. She's had a rough time in the book so far. And Alex has this incredible home in the mountains. I'll be dreaming of this home for a long, long time...
“Please sit,” he whispered. Her eyes were drawing him in. She didn’t seem to be scared of him, she seemed to know he wanted to help her. First, he filled a glass with water and held it to her lips. She drank thirstily, but then shook her head negatively when he wanted her to finish all of it. At the sink, he filled a small plastic tub with warm water, grabbed shampoo, and went back to Alyssa. The kitchen sink doubled as his bathroom sink. He had all he needed to clean her up, including a small first aid kit. He knelt in front of her. Once again, he gently touched her chin and lifted her face to his. Her eyes were bright with unshed tears. She had the biggest brown eyes he’d ever seen.
“Just relax and let me take care of you, Alyssa,” he whispered softly.
She responded with a slight nod. Sitting in the kitchen chair, he had her slowly lean her head back till it was resting just above the tub. He gently began to wash her hair, first getting it wet and then massaging the shampoo into her scalp. She winced when he touched the spot where dried blood matted her hair, so he was extra gentle there. Her long hair was tangled and filled with dirt and bits of dried leaves. It took some time to get it clean and several refills of warm water in the tub as he rinsed. Alyssa closed her eyes and relaxed for probably the first time in days. He worked conditioner into the long locks and then had her sit up as he gently combed through it, removing all of the snarls. He then parted the hair where the wound on the scalp was located and took a look at the gash. It was angry and red, and it needed stitches, but would have to wait till he could retrieve his medical supplies from the supply room. He disinfected it with alcohol and moved on.
He again knelt in front of Alyssa. Her eyes opened and stared deeply into his, desperately trying to communicate without words. A lone tear fell, drizzling down her cheek. He brushed it away with his fingertips. This was harder than he thought. He knew this was the first gentle touch she’d felt in days. The abuse she had suffered was obvious to him as he noticed her many bruises. He grabbed his kitchen stool and sat before her. Using a washcloth, he began to wipe her face clean. As he worked, their eyes met and held. Ever so gently he wiped the dirt and grime away from days spent outdoors. And with it he wiped away tears and pain.
“Please help me,” Alyssa whispered.
Alex stole a glance at Pa and Adam. Pa’s eyes were closed and a soft snore emanated from him. Adam was wide awake, his shotgun pointed at Alex, but he stared into the fire sullenly. Alex leaned forward to grab the tube of anti-biotic ointment on the table. With his lips to her ear as he brushed past, he whispered, “Everything’s going to be all right, Alyssa. I won’t let them take you, I promise.”
Alex then applied the salve to the small cuts on her face and lips. Each and every one of his ministrations clearly brought relief to her. Every time Alex looked her in the eyes, she met him with eyes that spoke volumes. He refilled the tub and washed her arms and hands and then took his time cleaning her fingernails, occasionally massaging her hand as he looked into her eyes. He also applied cortisone cream to her numerous mosquito bites. Next, he decided to tend to her neck and wrists. He cringed inside at the raw, bloody skin underneath the ropes. The first thing he’d wanted to do was cut the ropes, but he didn’t want to push his luck. However, now it was time. He went to the kitchen counter and unsheathed a kitchen knife. The sound of the knife being unsheathed brought Adam to his feet immediately.
Shotgun aimed at Alex, he yelled, “Put it down, Doc.”
Alex faced him without flinching. “I’m cutting the ropes. They’ve rubbed her skin raw and it’s going to get infected,” he said with steel in his voice. “You can have the knife when I’m done.”
Pa awoke from his snooze in the commotion. “Sit down, Adam. Doc’s right. Let ‘em fix her up,” he growled.
Adam continued to stand, anxiously waiting while Alex cut the rope on her neck and freed Alyssa from her leash. He then cut the other ropes and freed her wrists. She closed her eyes and Alex could see the relief on her face. He wondered just how long she had been bound. He handed the knife to Adam roughly and stared him in the face. “Satisfied?”
“Won’t do any good, I’ll just be puttin’ the ropes back on ya know,” Adam taunted.
Not if I have anything to say about it, thought Alex.
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Catch the whole Tour!!
Sept 24 For The Love of Films & Books Review/ExcerptSept 25 Mary Ellen Quigley Guest Post/Excerpt
Sept 26 Whoopeeyoo! :D Excerpt/Guest Post
Sept 27 Amy's Booket List Review
Sept 28 Kindle & Me Excerpt
Sept 30 Amy's Booket List Guest Post
Oct 1 Batty For Books Review
Oct 2 Fictional Candy Guest Post/Excerpt
Oct 3 My Devotional Thoughts Review
Oct 4 My Cozy Corner Review
Oct 6 Mrs. Mommy Book Nerd Author Interview
Oct 7 My Devotional Thoughts Guest Post
Oct 8 Colorimetry Excerpt
Giveaway:
Enter to WIN... 1 signed print copy of Sierra & 1 eCopy. Must be 13 to enter. See all my rules under the About tab. This is an international giveaway.
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