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Upcoming book . . . Soul Tie: A Tale of Romantic Turmoil . . . a family drama romantic suspense novel . . .
Soul Tie: A Tale of Romantic Turmoil is my soon-to-be-published literary fiction novel that delves into the complex difficulty of an impetuous marriage choice and its subsequent effect on family life. The themes in this book include loss of identity through relational aggression, second chances, and the mystery of those sweet intangibles that keep us alive. Tamara Castellan’s life is in ruins. A year after rushing into marriage with imposing, handsome federal judge Blaine Castellan, Tamara wants out. Struggling to connect with her surly teenage stepson and traumatized adopted daughter, she is completely overwhelmed. Even worse, Tamara soon realizes Blaine still harbors a macabre fixation with his deceased first wife, Betty, a vivacious, beautiful socialite unparalleled in all she did. In addition to her troubled stepchildren and critical husband, Tamara works to complete graduate school and worries her older brother, physician Michael Laurier, will succumb to an undiagnosed medical condition. As her life slowly crumbles, Tamara seeks solace in the kind and caring attention of her coworker and friend, therapist Gil Payne. But as Tamara resolves to pick up the pieces of a shattered life, she must first reclaim her lost identity and face deeply rooted fears before her disastrous marriage to Blaine spirals completely out of control. Book Quote from chapter one: Gil Payne, a true kindred spirit, is chatting with his co-worker, Tamara Castellan. He squinted and glanced away, deep in thought. “I’ve always considered November the most quixotic of months,” he confided, “despite all the overcast, rainy days.” I turned to him in curiosity. “How so?” He shrugged his broad shoulders with a pensive smile. “Oh, you know, the way the sun, low on the horizon, emerges from behind the dark clouds and casts an almost ethereal light across the bare branches and fallen leaves, and you feel the year’s passage with such acuity.” He turned to study me. “The poignancy always makes me wonder what awaits us ahead.” “Uh-huh.” I knew more misery awaited me, but Gil couldn’t know. I’d never revealed that truth to him or anyone else, even Michael. My life had become a dark secret. “Do you have a favorite time of the year?” he asked offhand, his expression attentive. I thought for a moment. The past year’s slow retreat behind a wall of pleasantries had taken its toll on me—the ever-increasing, massive load of denied pain had left me as blank as an empty room. I sat in frozen silence. He sensed something amiss and grew visibly concerned. “Are you all right?” The question, extended with genuine interest, threatened to collapse me entirely. My banished tears rose from some secret place as I struggled with every ounce of strength I could muster not to lose my composure. A memory of a beautiful early spring day from childhood emerged to save me. “I love the time of year when winter and spring exist, just for a moment, side by side,” I managed, desperately hoping my tears would stay put. He was silent a moment, studying my expression. “I know what you mean,” he replied. “It’s a wonderful interval. I suppose that’s why I enjoy November—the contiguity of abundance, the beginning of silence, and eventual rebirth.” I sipped my coffee again and breathed a prayer of thanks that I had not broken down like a child. Over a single year, Gil had enough people to care for and direct to last a lifetime. My role at the Center was to make his job more manageable. |