New Zealand

Happy Book Birthday to A MADNESS OF SUNSHINE by Nalini Singh

Nephele Tempest

Wishing a very happy book birthday to Nalini Singh for her debut thriller, A MADNESS OF SUNSHINE, out today. When you write successfully in a genre and have several long-running series, it can be difficult to try something new. Writing more of the same–what your fans love–seems sensible. But you only grow as a writer by challenging yourself.

With this book, Nalini pushed herself out of her comfort zone and tackled a new genre. The result is a moody, atmospheric, creepy thriller that had me holding my breath more than once. I’m so excited this book is now out in the world where you all can enjoy it.

Cover for A MADNESS OF SUNSHINE by Nalini Singh

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh welcomes you to a remote town on the edge of the world where even the blinding brightness of the sun can’t mask the darkness that lies deep within a killer.…

On the rugged West Coast of New Zealand, Golden Cove is more than just a town where people live. The adults are more than neighbors; the children, more than schoolmates. 

That is until one fateful summer—and several vanished bodies—shatters the trust holding Golden Cove together. All that’s left are whispers behind closed doors, broken friendships, and a silent agreement to not look back. But they can’t run from the past forever. 

Eight years later, a beautiful young woman disappears without a trace, and the residents of Golden Cove wonder if their home shelters something far more dangerous than an unforgiving landscape.  

It’s not long before the dark past collides with the haunting present and deadly secrets come to light.

 

The Return of Friday Links

Nephele Tempest

Happy Friday, everyone! I’ve been back from New Zealand for a few days, but reentry was a bit bumpy — missing luggage, loads of work waiting for me, confusion regarding time and day — so blogging hasn’t been high on my priority list. But Friday Links seemed like a great way to get back to it, so here I am.

This week’s list of links is a combination of my usual books/writing/inspirational type sites and a smattering of fun New Zealand links that I felt the need to share. It was a terrific trip — more on that later — and I had a wonderful time at the RWNZ conference, as well. Thanks to all the lovely ladies there, who made my trip so much fun and who shared their stories with me, written or otherwise.

So, without further ado, I give you this week’s links. Wishing you all a lovely weekend, and — here in the U.S. — a great Labor Day holiday. Enjoy!

China Mieville: The Future of the Novel – From his speech at this year’s Edinburgh World Writers’ Conference.

First Read: Michael Chabon’s ‘Telegraph Avenue’ – A peek at the opening pages.

Just Write – A look at photographs of people writing all over the world, courtesy of Steve McCurry’s blog.

Is My Book Too Quiet? – A few thoughts on what this means from literary agent Carly Watters.

8 Ways Reading Makes You a Better Dater – Just for fun.

And from New Zealand…

Auckland Museum – I spent an entire morning here, and particularly loved the photography exhibition.

Waitomo Caves – They take you through the dark caves by boat so you can see the glow worms that coat the ceilings. Spooky and beautiful.

Hobbiton Tours – The farm where they shot the Hobbiton scenes, both for The Lord of the Rings films and the upcoming Hobbit films.

Whakarewarewa: The Living Thermal Village – In Rotorua, New Zealand. This village sits on a geo thermal site where the hot steam seeps up through cracks in the earth and heats their bath water and homes, and cooks their food. Fascinating way of life.