Come visit lancaster house and the middle aisle with Prism Book Tours

On tour with Prism Book Tours


 

One of the secret doors of the Stift Admont library, Austria.

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*If you missed
yesterday’s post about how American Idol inspired Lancaster House, sneak
through this hidden passage to I Am a Reader, Not a Writer. . . but, watch out for ghosts along the way . .

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Lancaster HouseLancaster House
by Taylor Dean
Paperback, 304 pages
Published June 7th 2012 by Createspace

Premise: 

Zoe Grayson needs a change. So, she moves to another state, purchases an old, dilapidated 1920s Victorian Mansion, and sets out to restore it to its former glory. As she begins the restoration, she finds herself falling in love with the old house . . . not to mention its illustrious builder, Mr. Lancaster. Zoe becomes obsessed with the house as she discovers its secrets; hidden rooms, secret passageways . . . and a mysterious man who seems to think the house is his. Who is he? More importantly, how does he live in her home unseen and unheard?

The unexpected answers leave her reeling—and questioning everything she’s ever known. To her dismay, Zoe’s actions land her in the local psychiatric hospital, scheming for ways to return to Lancaster House . . . and the love of her life.

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The Middle Aisle (Lancaster House)The Middle Aisle
by Taylor Dean
Paperback, 356 pages
Published November 26th 2012 by Create SpacePremise:

Zoe Grayson is back in Lancaster House, ordered to bed rest for the duration of her unexpected pregnancy. Doctor Wade Channing, her overzealous psychiatrist, is living in Lancaster House, taking care of her, waiting on her, and tending to her every need. It seems to be the perfect arrangement.

There’s just one catch.

She has to tell him her story—everything that has happened in her life since the moment she escaped from Serenity Hills. It’s been quite an adventure to include renovating another home and a walk down the middle aisle.

But, that’s all over now. Nothing is real. It never was.

How did she end up in this miserable situation?

GUEST POST

Lancaster House contains many secret passageways and hidden rooms. It’s definitely part of its charm. The house itself is a main character in the book without me intentionally writing it that way. But Lancaster House isn’t the only one keeping secrets. I couldn’t resist adding a couple of secrets of my own into the writing of this book.

First I need to explain. I vividly remember sitting in my California Lit class in high school, listening to my teacher explain the hidden meanings John Steinbeck placed in the Grapes of Wrath—the types of things that are in Cliff Notes. I was mesmerized. I was impressed. Like the preacher’s name was Jim Casy. Initials: J.C. By no mistake did Mr. Steinbeck choose those initials—he chose the name Jim Casy to mimic the initials Jesus Christ. At least this is what my teacher taught me. Did Mr. Steinbeck confirm this? I have no idea. I’ve always wondered if these types of things are made up by people who study classic literature or if the author really intended it that way! Still, the concept fascinated me. Next I learned about East of Eden. The father’s name is Adam, and his son’s names are Caleb and Aron. (Father Adam=C for Cain and A for Abel) At any rate, you get the whole initial idea thing. To a young student of literature, this was intriguing and I never forgot it. (I grew up living only an hour away from John Steinbeck’s infamous Cannery Row, hence the obsession with Steinbeck.)

With the above thoughts in mind, I set out to name my hero. Since the visual of Adam Lambert was the image that inspired my main character, I decided to stick with A.L. as the initials. Andre Lancaster. Yes, I’ll put secrets in my book just like John Steinbeck, I thought. Brilliant.

Okay, so it’s not that amazing. But it felt amazing. The kind of thing that made me smile to myself whenever I thought about it.

There is one other similarity to Adam Lambert and American Idol placed in Lancaster House.  During the American Idol season, Adam Lambert would show up on stage dressed in his casual attire, with his hair flopping over one eye, looking like an anime rocker. In the next performance he’d show up with his hair slicked back, dressed in a classy suit, singing “Tracks of my Tears.”

To view Adam’s performance of “Tracks of my Tears,” click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc2lXKuXUD8

A total transformation. I couldn’t resist having my main character do the same.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Taylor Dean .
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Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you’ll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up.
Find & Follow:
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Lancaster House & The Middle Aisle, available in print or eCopy from Smashwords or for Amazon, click on the cover below:

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TOUR-WIDE GIVEAWAY

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5 WINNERS will receive….

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Open only to those who can legally enter. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced on Rafflecopter and Grand Finale posts as well as emailed and the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Burgandy Ice @ Colorimetry and Prism Book Tours and sponsored by Taylor Dean. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Bay window with leaded stained glass windows in a Victorian home. What a lovely spot for a writing desk.

*To learn of another American Idol performance that inspired a certain scene in Lancaster House,come back tomorrow and visit my study at Proud Book Nerd. . . you won’t bedisappointed . . .

 Pssst… to see my real study, hop over to Letters to the Cosmos and Sarah’s review!
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THE TOUR:

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2/11 – Unputdownable Books – Guest Post
2/12 – I Am A Reader, Not a Writer – Guest Post
2/13 – Fundinmental Guest Post
–          Letters to the Cosmos – Review
2/14 – Oh, The Books You’ll Read – Review
–          Proud Book Nerd – Guest Post
2/15 – LDS & Lovin’ It – Review
2/17 – Phantasmic Reads – Review
–          Lavender & Camomile Press Guest Post
2/18 – The Reading Diaries – Guest Post
2/19 –  Living a Goddess Life – Review
–          Beck Valley Books – Guest Post
2/20 – Living the Goddess Life –  Recipe
–          Colorimetry
2/21 – Passion and Life – Guest Post
–          Books Mystify – Goodreads Review
2/22 – Christy’s Cozy Corner – Review
2/24 – Christy’s Cozy Corner – Review
–          A Buckeye Girl Reads – Guest Post
2/25 – Living a Goddess Life – Review
–          Icultgen – Guest Post
2/26 – Who’s Thanny?  (Byzinha) – Review
–          Letters to the Cosmos – Review
2/27 – Living a Goddess Life – Recipe
–          Tressa – Goodreads Reviewer

2/28 – A Buckeye Girl Reads – Review
3/1 – Grand Finale TBA…
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Fanged Mania #7 – Review of the middle aisle by taylor dean

To join in, copy and paste these rules and the above banner into your Fanged Mania post and add your link to this week’s Fanged Mania post at Elisabeth Wheatley’s Blog. Fanged Mania is a Friday meme counting down to the release of Fanged Princess and displaying all things vampire and awesome. Fanged Mania posts can be a review of a vampire book, a quote from the latest Vampire Diaries episode, a showcase of a cool vampire book’s cover, or whatever you like so long as it is vampire related. Don’t forget, participants will be entered in the drawing to win a fanged-abulous prize pack!

The prize pack I mentioned includes Vampire Diaries and Breaking Dawn posters as well as a paperback copy of Erica Steven’s Captured (my review here) and the complete collection of The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter stories by Jennifer Malone Wright, in paperback, too! =D

Oh, and the contest is international. And the more Fanged Mania posts you have, the more entries you get! So what are you waiting for? Hop on the bandwagon!

Review of the middle aisle by taylor dean

“Riveting conclusion” is so appropriate. I know sometimes the second book can be a letdown, but this knocked my socks off. I was racing through the pages, unable to put it down. Incredibly written. Psychologically and emotionally draining.

.The Middle Aisle (Lancaster House)

Zoe had moved into the Victorian House determined to renovate it and sell it. What she found instead, was a love so strong, that even the supernatural barriers in front of her and Andre could not keep her from his arms.

Spoiler Alert: This is the conclusion of the lancaster house series.

To see the Review for lancaster house, Book I, go HERE.

Dr. Channing woke Zoe with a full tray of breakfast. Since being pregnant, she ate more than ever. She hated being bedridden, but loved her little package.

She admitted to Dr. Channing that Andre had been a figment of her imagination.

Dr. Channing wanted her to tell her story from the time she had escaped from the hospital. She told the doctor that she knew Andre would be waiting for her. She told him, that as she raced toward the closed front door of the house, it opened by itself. She jumped into Andre’s arms and poof – she vanished into thin air.

The house had been rented, while Zoe spent six months in Serenity Hills Psychiatric Hospital. The renters corroborated her story.

As Andre held her, they watched Dr. Channing walk through the house. Andre swore he would never leave her again. When the Dr. left, he wished them happiness. Why would he do that, if he believed Andre wasn’t real?

As they kissed, Zoe tried to crawl inside Andre’s skin. There was still a barrier between them. She desperately wanted to be one with him.

Dr. Channing asked the neighbors if he could put up a camera, aimed at Zoe’s house. He wanted to prove to Zoe there was no Andre. He felt she was playing him.  And what about Dr. Channing? Wasn’t something wrong with him? Was he overly obsessed with Zoe?

Andre said he wanted to take her down the middle aisle – get married. He was changing because of her love, his curse was lifting. Zoe was so in love with Andre, she didn’t want to live without him. Was he really turning human? Would they be able to connect and lift the barrier between them?

Does she really believe the baby is Andre’s?

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos    5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

Was he a ghost? A vampire? Was he even real? The story will have you so engrossed, that it won’t matter what Andre really is. He will win you over.

I felt it was such a tragic love story, that I wanted to cry with Zoe, as she strived to create a real life with Andre. Their love was so great, I could only hope that it would break all the barriers that the supernatural had imposed on them. I loved the characters, and even Dr. Channing won me over in the end.

teary eyes Pictures, Images and PhotosThe psychological thrill ride had me questioning everything. The plot was so unique and unforeseen, that I was constantly surprised.

The ending left me stunned, I smiled as the tears ran down my face.  It was one of the best endings of any book I have read and left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling that lingered long after I had finished the book.

I received this book in return for an unbiased and honest review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Taylor Dean

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Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you’ll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up.

To find out what Taylor Dean is up to, follow the links below:

Website

Goodreads

To order any of the books below, simply click on the cover.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.
To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

To keep updated on the latest happenings here on fundinmental, follow by email.

Taylor Dean – The Middle Aisle – EXTREME Promo Blitz

Taylor Dean – The Middle Aisle – EXTREME Promo Blitz

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Date Published: 6/7/12
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Synopsis: 

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Zoe Grayson needs a change. So, she moves to another state, purchases an old, dilapidated 1920s Victorian Mansion, and sets out to restore it to its former glory. As she begins the restoration, she finds herself falling in love with the old house . . . not to mention its illustrious builder, Mr. Lancaster. Zoe becomes obsessed with the house as she discovers its secrets; hidden rooms, secret passageways . . . and a mysterious man who seems to think the house is his. Who is he? More importantly, how does he live in her home unseen and unheard?

The unexpected answers leave her reeling—and questioning everything she’s ever known. To her dismay, Zoe’s actions land her in the local psychiatric hospital, scheming for ways to return to Lancaster House . . . and the love of her life.



Date Published: December 1, 2012


The sequel to Lancaster House

Zoe Grayson is back in Lancaster House, ordered to bed rest for the duration of her unexpected pregnancy. Doctor Wade Channing, her overzealous psychiatrist, is living in Lancaster House, taking care of her, waiting on her, and tending to her every need. It seems to be the perfect arrangement.
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There’s just one catch.
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 She has to tell him her story—everything that has happened in her life since the moment she escaped from Serenity Hills. It’s been quite an adventure to include renovating another home and a walk down the middle aisle.
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But, that’s all over now. Nothing is real. It never was.
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How did she end up in this miserable situation?
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PROMO Blitz December 17th! 
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Taylor Dean

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Author Bio

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Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up. 

Website 

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Facebook

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Links to Buy
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LANCASTER HOUSE

Amazon

Smashwords


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THE MIDDLE AISLE
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Praise for Lancaster House:
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Wow. Where to start? Lancaster House was one of the most exhilarating, amazing books I’ve read all year. Maybe even ever. There is an undercurrent of menace and a totally creepy vibe running through the first half of the novel, one which kept me turning the pages and had my heart beating that little bit faster. From the opening pages, you’re sucked right into the action, wondering what is going on and what will happen next.

Wow! What an intense and refreshing book! It pulled me in form the very first page!It has everything from suspense to mystery and yes, of course, romance! This book kept me on edge by keeping me guessing to the very end! Lancaster House is not your same ole paranormal romance that we all have come to know and expect! Oh no! There was no way I could have guessed all the twists and turns that are held in this book! It left me surprised and very satisfied with the the whole story! I guarantee you have never read any other book that is remotely like this one (well at least I sure haven’t and I have read a lot of books!) 
-Jess of Book Liaison

Andre and Zoe just give me chills at how beautiful they are together. Not to mention this story has every wow factor to it you can imagine. Twists and turns like you wouldn’t believe. It was a great adventure and a job well done for Taylor Dean. I absolutely loved it and would recommend it to everyone. A true masterpiece.
-Chasity of Batty for Books

Reading this book, I was not prepared for the strength of voice and the very real grit author Taylor Dean projects in her amazing story. Give me a great ghost story any day of the week. Fill it with kick butt heroines and a spicy romance and you have me at the word go. 

Lancaster House is amazingly written and such an original story. I was Zoe and Andre’s number one fan from the beginning, they are an amazing couple, and Taylor easily conveys their love in this story.
-Brandy of Book Worm Brandy

Can I just say WOW! This is really a gripping read and one I recommend highly! Taylor Dean is on my list of must read authors now.

I have never read a book quite like this one. I can’t begin to describe to you how good it was.
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Is he a ghost? A vampire? Is he even real or just a figment of her imagination?

Giveaway and Review

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lancaster house by taylor dean

Lancaster House

Zoe was in Serenity Hills because she had tried to kill herself. She was also accused of killing two men. Dr. Channing had taken over her care and was weaning her from the heavy medications she had been on since her admittance.  When he told her there was  no such thing as ghosts, she told him they had nothing to talk about. He asked her to tell him about Lancaster House. He didn’t think she would answer, but she slowly began to tell him how she fell in love with the house and why she was so desperate to return to it.

The realtor explained about the old Victorian home. It needed a lot of work. She tried to discourage Zoe from going in, let alone buying it, but Zoe could feel the house calling to her. For the second time she thought she saw someone in the window. She laughed with delight at the unexpected finds and oddities of the house. She was intrigued by its idiosyncrasies, the hidden rooms and secret passageways. She loved it. The real estate agent, Barbara, called the builder, Andre Lancaster, peculiar, but Zoe thought him amazing.

The neighbor lady, Mrs Pearson, had come in with them and, while Barbara was busy on the phone, she told Zoe the story of the house. The builder’s wife and a vagrant were found dead in the house. The husband was never found. Everyone thought the house was haunted. But that wasn’t going to stop Zoe.

After making the place livable, her first project was the banister. She worked late into the night, and even though she wanted to finish it, she quit with ten rails to go. In the morning she found it was done. She thought she must have been high from the fumes and turned her mind to the next project.

Halloween Small GhostWhen she arose the next morning, the piece of wallpaper she had deliberately left unhung, was put up. Also, during the night a blanket had been placed over her. Did she have an uninvited quest living with her? As she thought about it, all the acts were helpful and caring towards her, so she wasn’t afraid, was she?

Still… She went to the courthouse and got the original blue prints. She found the builder had intentionally created an illusion on the outside of the house to hide the additional room. She tore through the wall and found the wife’s bedroom and knew she had been murdered  there. But the room was covered in dust and no one could have been in there for a long time. So where was her elusive guest staying?

That night someone broke in and attacked her. Zoe was surprised when another man came to her rescue.

He was shocked that she could see him and speak to him. It wasn’t long before she was wanting more than his help with the house. She wanted him. She wanted to see him, speak to him, be held by him.

Where in the house did he Live? Why can’t he leave? He had told her his name was Andre, but she had never done her research on the house, so the name held no meaning for her.

She questioned if he really existed, but she felt his presence. He was physical, because she saw him, talked to him, touched him, loved him. She couldn’t be imagining him, could she?

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos     4 – Would Highly Recommend To Others

This was definitely a different twist on a vampire (?), ghost (?) or madwoman (?) story. I got about halfway through and thought WT. Never saw that coming. Now I get it, or do I?

A psychological thriller that will keep you guessing. The minute you think you have the answer, you better think again.

The plot had me guessing if HE was real or not, but I’m a reader, not Zoe, so it is totally feasible to me. The book was well written and I liked that it took a twist here and there. Not your typical vampire or ghost story. Or even that of a locked up mad woman. As soon as  I thought I had it figured out, something else would happen and I would be wondering, what now? Definitely messed with my mind, had my head spinning. And still does.

What would you do if you had an uninvited guest in your house? Would you believe it was supernatural or would you think your mind was playing tricks on you? Even though you felt him, touched him, kissed him, would you be able to hold to your belief while everyone is telling you that you are wrong? That is Zoe’s situation.

Zoe was confident in her knowledge of Andre, no matter what anyone else tried to tell her. All she cared about was being with Andre. He tried to make her see they couldn’t have a relationship, that they lived in different worlds – his was supernatural and she couldn’t join him there, or could she?

I felt the doctor was arrogant and controlling, and I really didn’t like him. He became obsessed with Zoe and lost his perspective. Maybe he’s the one who needs help. lol

Shortly into the book, I thought, this will be a three. It quickly turned into a four, for the simple reason I began to read faster and faster. I had to know what was going to happen next. The writing was captivating and took me deeper into the story as it built to its suspenseful ending.

The end will take you away. Just hope you don’t end up in Serenity Hills with Zoe.

I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.

Book II: the middle aisle has just been released. To get your copy of either book, scroll down and click on the cover.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Taylor Dean

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Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you’ll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up.

To find out what Taylor Dean is up to, follow the links below:

Website

Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos   Taylor Dean is offering up this wonderful giveaway:

A signed set of lancaster house and the middle aisle to one lucky winner. There will be only one winner chosen, either US or International.

If the winner is from the US, they will receive their choice of signed paperbacks or ebooks.

If the winner is international, they will receive a set of ebooks.

Entry is easy, as always. Simply leave your email and answer the question – Do you believe in ghosts ? Have you ever had a supernatural experience?

CLOSED. WINNERS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED AND CONFIRMED.

Giveaway runs from 12/6/12 – 12/2/0/12.

Be sure to tweet it out to your friends, family and followers, not required.

Always appreciated if you follow my blog, not required.

To order any book, simply click on the cover.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.
To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

To keep updated on the latest happenings here on fundinmental, follow by email.