Welcome to RELEASE DAY and to the Strangely Beautiful Haunted London Blog Tour! Thank you RNTV for hosting me on this very, very special day. I appreciate all you do for our industry, Maria, Marisa, the reviewers and readers, it’s such an honor to be here.
For those of you just joining us, the purpose of this Haunted tour is to celebrate the release of my Gothic Victorian Fantasy Romance debut, The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, first in the Strangely Beautiful series. This Tour will introduce you to some of the real, documented London haunts who “ghost-star” in my book. When Professor Alexi Rychman and his Guard of spectral police make their rounds, it is to any number of London phantasms. Since these characters are familiar to The Guard, I don’t get to tell their full story in the book. But here I can give them their due and show how they’ve inspired parts of the book. Leave a comment and you’ll be entered to win a signed copy!
Today’s Haunt:
The ghostly couple of St. Mary the Virgin – Overton Drive, Wanstead E11
There’s a very poignant scene here in this small, old graveyard, full of character and steeped in history. In the graveyard of St. Mary’s Church in Wanstead, a lovely space of 18th century vintage, two curious figures appear in the hist. First, a white skeleton is seen wheeling a cart. The cart bears a coffin. The skeleton approaches a particular tomb and in response, a shrouded white spectre is said to arise, beckoned. The two wraiths embrace. Supposedly they were a married couple who were for some reason buried in separate plots, drawn together again in an eternal reunion. Even death is no barrier for true love.
This ghost story gave me an idea that became one of my favourite moments from The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker as Miss Percy struggles with her strange life, love-sick heart and sense of impending fate…:
–
For the second time that day, Constance startled Percy by bursting through the wall. “Forgive my intrusion, Miss Percy, but you simply must come to the Apollo lot!” The ghost’s transparent eyes were sparkling. “If you don’t, you surely will regret—”
Percy motioned the spectre to silence. She wasn’t sure how Marianna would feel about Constance and had not yet brought up any of her abilities regarding the dead. She had no idea how to begin.
“Percy?” the German girl said, seeing her friend’s shifted focus.
“Marianna, my dear,” Percy replied, deciding to take a chance. “Would you like a little adventure?”
“Always.”
“Come on then.” Gesturing for the ghost to lead the way, Percy dragged Marianna to her feet and out the door.
“What are we—?”
“The night is beautiful,” Percy explained. Then, “Out for a bit of fresh air, Miss Jennings!” she called as they rushed past the front desk.
“You won’t get beyond the courtyard!” the woman shrieked.
“Don’t worry, we’re not trying!”
“Where are we going?” Marianna breathed.
“There.” Percy pointed.
“The little graveyard behind Apollo Hall? Why? Are we allowed? Is there a guard?”
“Don’t worry,” Percy promised. “We’re still within school grounds.”
“Who lies buried there?” Marianna asked.
“I was told it’s for students and professors who have no other family. Oh! I suppose I might be buried here someday …”
Constance hovered nearby. “Once a year, Miss Percy, near my headstone, the ghosts of two professors celebrate their wedding anniversary. I thought you might appreciate it.”
Through an open arch in the courtyard, behind Apollo Hall, the two living girls and one specter approached a heavy, spiked gate bordered by a rough stone wall. Marianna remained at the entrance, shaking her head.
Respecting the limits of her friend’s comfort but unwilling to turn back, Percy opened the hefty gate enough to wedge herself through. Gliding up a stone path that led to an inlaid circle, she took in the sight before her: two transparent figures in midcentury clothes, a man and a woman, waltzing. Their weightless feet spun gracefully above the ground, and their featherlight forms held each other with confidence and care.
“Oh, to dance … To merely be touched,” Percy whispered, dropping to her knees. Constance hovered silently nearby.
“What is it you see?” Marianna called.
Percy gave an aching sigh, which was caught by the breeze. “A waltz.”
My research owes so much to Richard Jones (www.haunted-britain.com ) founder of the fabulous Discovery Walks of London (www.haunted-london.com ) and author of the fantastic compendium “Haunted London” and “Walking Haunted London” published by Barnes & Noble Books. Plus he’s a really nice guy, thanks Richard!!
Come visit me at www.leannareneehieber.com to find out more about The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker and follow along on the rest of the Haunted London Blog Tour! I hope you’ll pick up a copy of the book and I hope you’ll love it as much as I loved writing it! Be sure to leave a comment to be entered to win a signed copy!
Blessings!
Leanna Renee Hieber
www.leannareneehieber.com
www.twitter.com/leannarenee
See more of Leanna’s video interview on our video page.
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Pam P
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 12:57 am:
Hi Leanne, congrats on your debut release. How can one resist a story combo of all types of stories I like to read. Victorian is one my favorite periods for historical and I read just about every gothic as a teen, love anything to do with fantasy. I like gothic with the edgier, darker tone.
Ghost-starring – now that’s a new phrase, lol.
Donna
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 4:05 am:
I bet you are so excited about this being your release date!!! Hope your books sells out!! It sounds like something I would like to try…
Donna
Laurie G
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 6:47 am:
Lover ghosts reunited in a graveyard !! Two professors reunited, waltzing in a schoolyard!! Haunted London!
Excellent plot for your book!! Love to read it!
Marijo
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 7:23 am:
Ah, so romantic! Congrats, my dear, you’ve finally made it!
Much love and blessings emanating through the brain cell from you to me today:D
Linda
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 7:47 am:
Leann, Marijo has this office in a frinzy waiting for this book to come out. Can’t wait to read it.
Marijo
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 7:50 am:
Hee…hee….I meant to say from me to you with the happy thoughts…..proof positive why one should not write before coffee;)
Faye
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 8:23 am:
Leanne
Sound like a great book to read, Congratulation on this great accomplishment in your life. Hope it sell out for you. Can’t wait to read it.
Kati
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 8:33 am:
Congrats on the release Leanne! I’m on chapter five of Percy Parker right now.
I must say that I’ve been struck by how lyrical and gorgeous your prose is! Here’s hoping the book is a MASSIVE success!
Geri
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 9:28 am:
Leanna,
Loved your interview. Can’t wait to read your novel. Congratulations on your success. Keep on writing!
Stacy ~
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 9:44 am:
This one’s up next on my tbr pile – cannot wait to get started. Sounds amazing
Good luck with the releas!
LaTessa
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 10:00 am:
Thanks for the except and the bit of ghost history.
I’ve been enjoying your virtual Haunted trip through London.
Congrats and much success on the release today!!
I Heart Book Gossip
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 10:26 am:
I love the review for this book. Count me in.
cindyc725 at gmail dot com
Maria Lokken
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 10:29 am:
When we interviewed Leanna for the video – she was a real trouper. We made her schleep all the way out to NJ, because we had this idea that it would great to shoot her outdoors. Well two things went wrong, first it was raining on and off, and second the camera man felt that her ’style’ of dress belonged indoors… so we went inside.
We actually happened to be at a friends home shooting, and she has dogs and cats and doves and gardeners, and all manner of things going on . Leanna waited patiently for the gardener to stop mowing, then she waited patiently for him to stop blowing leaves, only to be stopped by the dove cooing in the background, and not to be out done, the dog came by curious because of all the commotion was.
Despite the weather and the menagerie- we had a wonderful time!
Leanna, we wish you great success with Miss Percy Parker, I thought the book was fabulous and I recommend it to all.
HODGEPODGESPV
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 10:50 am:
his, ms leanna…heard you last night on radio. how’s it going. is it all as exciting as you thought? are lots of people lined up to get your autograph on their new books? don’t forget to eat lunch!
HODGEPODGESPV
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 10:50 am:
hi, ms leanna…heard you last night on radio. how’s it going. is it all as exciting as you thought? are lots of people lined up to get your autograph on their new books? don’t forget to eat lunch!
Leanna Renee Hieber
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 11:07 am:
Hello friends! Thanks for stopping by and helping me celebrate this momentous day! It truly is one of the most exciting times I’ve ever had the joy of living! I loved writing this book SO much and cannot wait to share it with you!
I’m glad so many of you enjoy the same elements as I do, I’ve wrapped up so many loves into one book!
Pam,
Glad you caught my ‘ghost-star’ pun, I was sort of too pleased with myself on that.
Kati,
Wow, thank you!!
Linda,
LOL I love you Marijo! My best friend, everyone, I think she’s as excited as I am. She’s the best best friend anyone could ever have. And she’s a really talented writer too.
Stacey,
Hope you enjoy it!
LaTessa,
Thank you so much for following along!
Maria,
Oh, what an adventure! I had such a great time with you ladies, you’re such pros. You really helped make me feel at ease and in good hands.
I am so very, very grateful for your support of my work and I’m just SO thrilled you enjoyed the book!
Leanna Renee Hieber
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 11:09 am:
Hodgepodges,
Oh, I’m having such a blast! Thanks for being a part of it!!
Oh, but I have forgotten to eat this morning so maybe I should do that.
Becke Davis (Becke Martin)
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 11:09 am:
I used to live in London (my husband was born there) and I’m long overdue for a visit.
I was intrigued by the cover the first time I saw this book, and I’ve heard a lot of great things about it. Coincidentally, I ordered it yesterday.
pjpuppymom
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 11:19 am:
Congratulations on your release, Leanna! I’ve been hearing lots of buzz about this book. Can’t wait to pick up a copy and read it!
Leanna Renee Hieber
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 11:58 am:
Becke,
thank you for doing so! I can never seem to spend ENOUGH time in London when I’m there.
Pj,
Thank you, I hope you enjoy!
Now my friends I’m off to sign stock around NYC and prepare for my signing at Barnes and Noble Lincoln Center tonight, but I’ll be checking back in if anyone has questions they want to ask.
I very much appreciate you being here with me today!
Raelena
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 2:23 pm:
Congrats on the release! Sounds like a great read
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
chey
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 3:59 pm:
Congrats on the release Leanne! It sounds like a book I’d enjoy!
Jody F.
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 4:07 pm:
Been hearing such great things about your book! Congrats on your release and I can’t wait to read more from you!
Twitter Trackbacks for The Strangely Beautiful Haunted London Blog Tour Day 3! RELEASE DAY! | Romance Novel TV [romancenovel.tv] on Topsy.com
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 9:54 pm:
[...] The Strangely Beautiful Haunted London Blog Tour Day 3! RELEASE DAY! | Romance Novel TV http://www.romancenovel.tv/2009/08/25/the-strangely-beautiful-haunted-london-blog-tour-day-3-release-day – view page – cached Today is the release day for The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker. Watch the video interview with author Leanna Renee Hieber and post for a chance to win the book. — From the page [...]
Little Lamb Lost
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 10:30 pm:
What a beautiful ghost story to include in your book. Love beyond the grave…makes me sigh, too.
Jazz
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 11:06 pm:
A very sweet ghost story. I laughed over Percy not knowing how Marianna will react to ghosts. I’m sure Marianna can handle it, German girls are TOUGH.
Edie
on Aug 25th, 2009
@ 11:12 pm:
Terrific interview and excerpt! I enjoyed the story about the reunited ghostly couple.
Donna S
on Aug 26th, 2009
@ 1:04 am:
Congrats on the release. I have been enjoying these side bits about the ghost stories behind the stories in the book and cant wait to get the chance to read it all together.
Kimberly B.
on Aug 26th, 2009
@ 1:12 am:
I hope I’m not late to the party! The more I read these ghost stories of yours, the more excited I get about the book! My favorite kind of ghost story is the romantic one, and this story and your fictional version of it are really lovely!
Leanna Renee Hieber
on Aug 26th, 2009
@ 2:40 am:
Thanks for stopping by! I just had an incredible reading tonight at Barnes & Noble Lincoln Centre it was such a thrilling moment. And I suppose being sold out at your first book signing isn’t a bad thing, eh?
Well that’s why I’m late to the responses,
but I just wanted to say thank you for the kind words, that I truly hope you’ll enjoy the book and I’m thrilled the ghost stories are as fun for you as they are for me!
This ghost story in particular really called to my heart – I’m so glad it was evocative to you too!
I hope you’ll keep following the tour!
Blessings!