Note from Laura: Just as she did before the Chronicles of the One, Nora’s written a letter to explain the direction of her next trilogy: The Lost Bride Trilogy. I think you’re going to love this next adventure
Dear Readers,
When I think of hauntings, I first think of my maternal grandmother. I suppose this is because it was my earliest (that I remember) experience. Sweetheart, as we called her, lived with us for a number of years. I’m going to add sweet because I adored her—though it is NOT the first word that comes to mind when I think of her.
Tough, opinionated, funny, fey, acerbic, quick Irish temper all rank before I get to sweet. She had flaming red hair, and was quite the dish in her day. She was married five times (before I was born). Yes, I said five, and she didn’t keep any of them.
She had her own apartment in our house—bedroom, bath, living room with a fireplace, kitchenette. She read palms and loved watching the Roller Derby.
In the house where I grew up, we had a huge backyard, tons of fruit trees, a veg garden we worked in every summer. A good-sized front yard with a pussy willow tree sort of centered between the front and side walkways.
My father hated that tree. I have no idea why. My grandmother loved that tree. Also no idea. He would, periodically threaten to cut it down, and she’d bring the axe down on my father. The tree stayed.
One evening a week or two after Sweetheart passed, my father thought of that tree. I remember him saying: “Well, Eps is gone, (Eps was his nickname for her—something from a comic or cartoon), and I’m cutting that damn tree down tomorrow morning.”
And that night, it was hit by lightning, split cleanly in two and taken to the ground.
She just wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.
She stayed in the house for some time, winding her cuckoo clock, closing doors, probably watching the Roller Derby or kibbitzing at the Friday night pinochle game at our dining room table. I know my mother felt her often, and it brought comfort—and amusement.
Since that first experience, I’ve had others. But then I live on a Civil War battlefield, so—to me—it would be odd if I hadn’t. Hearing battle drums in the middle of the night while walking a fretful baby, or some strange knocking when no one’s there. A child’s voice—and I admit this one creeped me—downstairs while I worked upstairs, alone in the house, calling for Mama. I did get my guts up to go down and look for her, but I wasn’t Mama, so she didn’t show herself to me.
And as it happens, I own a haunted inn. Now, some of you will say: Oh, please, Nora, the others were coincidence or imaginings. But I know what I know. So does the staff at Inn BoonsBoro, who often have to turn off showers in locked, empty rooms, or put some item back from where it mysteriously moved. Doors opening, doors closing, footsteps on the stairs. Many guests have had encounters while staying there. Our ghosts are, fortunately, benign. Playful, but benign. We even have a ghost cat who visits guests in their rooms often.
His name is Johnson.
Once a year, along with several girl pals, I spend a week at The Greenbrier in West Virginia. We book a house that’s attached to the hotel. The very first time I walked in, I thought: Oh, okay. We’re not alone here. All of my pals, plus my grandson Griffin, who goes with us, have had encounters. Oh, I could tell you stories. So I decided to.
When I thought about the theme of my next trilogy, I thought of old houses with history and spirit occupants.
Personally, I love haunted houses, (and, so far, I’ve been comfortable with those who walk there), so why not write about one?
My fictional one stands on the coast of Maine, a house—or manor as it’s called—the main character inherits from an uncle she didn’t know she had. I don’t want to get into the reasons why and spoil it, but the reasons worked for me.
This manor‘s not only haunted, but carries a two-hundred-year-old curse. As it’s in the Prologue, I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say a woman was killed on her wedding day by an evil, jealous, crazy witch—who cursed the house, and subsequent brides.
A haunted house, a curse, doomed brides through the ages. Well, that checked a lot of boxes for me. Add a mystery to solve to break that curse, some romance, the not-at-all benign witch who haunts the place, and a bevy of other spirits, and more boxes checked.
I liked the idea of having my very rational-minded main character find herself in a completely irrational situation, and discovering her heritage, her family history, while she takes the risk f rebuilding her career. With bonus points for learning to trust her heart.
I had such fun writing Inheritance, the first book in The Lost Bride Trilogy.
I hope you’ll enjoy it, and all the things that go bump in the night.
Nora
Me again! You can preorder Inheritance from your favorite retailers. Please note that you access Kindle pre-orders through Amazon. ~Laura
Turn the Page: https://bit.ly/InheritanceTTP
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KGVeoY
BN: https://bit.ly/3IDPoCc
BAM: https://bit.ly/3xU5T8r
Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3xVFmrd
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3KHVLqJ
Kobo: https://bit.ly/41sCUWK
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3SCWD26
I just love your imagination and word magic! How special to have so many spirit experiences and visits. Thank you for sharing. 🌻
Now I can hardly wait!!
I believe in spirits, ghosts etc. my mom passed away when I was 18 and when I was still living at home, whenever I was troubled over something , she would make her presence known. It was reassuring to me. I know my siblings have also experienced her spirit as well. I can not wait to read the new trilogy and now I am even more curious about the story. XO
Hi Nora. Would love to read it. I believe in these visits from departed loved ones as my late husband have often visited me.
I’m not going to lie but I’ve sensed something ‘there’ in different situations and places and like you say Nora as long as they are benign and chill I’m good. I do think animals are good at sensing ‘activity ‘ and children.
I’m aware that my sister had a mini encounter with this subject when she went to visit Ragley Hall and walked into a room that sent chills through her and a friend and it was explained that it had a not so very friendly spirit in the room! Could share for hour’s but so buying the book!.xx
I love your books and agree that spirits remain with us sometimes. I moved into a condo – very 1st time living alone and discovered I have a lovely one I call her Jessie; she has remained with me through two moves. I think she follows me, because I acknowledged her existence right away. At first things would go missing or be moved from where I left them – I lived alone. When I would ask her nicely if she knew where something was, it would reappear somewhere I had already looked.
me too, but mine I think was a man who died in the house many years ago. He was a pill (never ugly or mean) and messed with me all the time. I moved into that house with absolutely no opinions one way or the other, never gave ghosts a real thought, and had my world turned upside down within days of moving in. Yes, they do exist!!
What a treasure you had with Sweetheart. I have pieces of a Sweetheart in various people in my family and I treasure them all. Can’t wait to dive into Inheritance.
When my maternal grandmother passed my youngest was so sad. About a week after the services were over, my then 2 year old daughter could often be found fully engaged in conversation, alone. I asked her who she was talking with. She said “great nanny is here in a beeeuuutiful blue dress with big big buttons”… She described the dress that was purchased for the burial.. so.. yup.. I’m a believer. Great nanny guided her to hang certain ornaments in certain spots, on the christmas tree that year. She sang songs and played peekaboo with her. None of the rest of ever saw her, but the baby let us know if Nanny didn’t like something. She stayed for 2 years and then, one day, i heard my daughter say “goodbye, i love you” and she was gone.
I always love waking from a dream and thinking thanks for the visit.
Bring it on!!! This will be such a fabulous read!!!
I still see my Mom or my Dad whenever I need to…I find their spirits to be so comforting.
I don’t live that far from where the Battle of Bosworth field was fought (1485) & I have a friend who lives near the battlefield. She does say that on a clear night you can sometimes hear voices crying for help & at other times sounds of battle.
Most of your books add an element of the “other” and supernatural. Love them all. Had one or two odd experiences myself, but I am mostly closed off to the unexplainable, not much paranormal interaction for me. Looking forward to this next book.
Nora,
I am excited to read this new book.
I’ve had several experiences, living in a 1933 bungalow, and other experiences in other locations, including whom I believe was a priest, during a weekend training I attended at an old seminary. He was not nice, waking me up in the middle of the night, laughing.
Anyway, stories abound, and I am always entranced.
I got chills, can’t wait to read this new story!!!!!!!!!
As a previous guest with my sister at Inn Boonsboro, I can attest the “benign” occupants there. 🙂 We heard footsteps on the stairs, while standing on the landing – nope no one else but us. We loved our visit and plan to come again sometime soon.
While there we visited Antietam, after the docent lecture about the battle, we then walked around the grounds. When we arrived at “The Ditch” area, I felt a sudden overwhelming weight on my chest and indescribably sadness and fear. I know I was walking with the soldiers from that horrible, tragic day.
Can’t wait until this fall and the new trilogy to start!
I automatically buy or pre-order every one of your books as soon as I hear about them. The paranormal/magikal ones are my favorites – Three Sisters Island, Sign of Seven, The Key, etc…..
Can’t wait to read this newest one! Had my own paranormal experience when my grandmother passed away.
I’ve already pre-ordered thru Turn Tge Page bookstore! Can’t wait for this one! I’m reading Identity now, would have finished it by now but some eye surgery has slowed me down 😉❤️
Love, love, love it!!! ❤️
I am SO looking forward to reading this!!! I live on the coast of Maine and, although I’ve not had a ghostly experience, there are many stories in my area. Thank you for your creativity and sharing your stories with us!!!
oh this is one i’ll def buy when it comes out in paperback, this sounds so good.. I love your stories like this it lets our minds flow and fly away from the norm.. Ghost’s do exist, My grandmother used to sit on the end of my bed
I am ready for another trilogy! Thank you.
Oh boy!! Yes, I’m one of those who has experienced firsthand, not my family, but what I am sure was a previous owner of my lovely Victorian. Not mean, but ornery as the dickens! He messed with me, messed with my granddaughter, and I learned later from my ex-brother-in-law who had lived in the house before me, terrorized my niece and nephew. Yes, Yes!
I love the idea of the first book! I have been blessed with many encounters of passed love ones! I have been visited by my parents and grandparents, my brother and two coworkers. We are all connected and live on! I am looking forward to Inheritance and the new trilogy 🥰🥰🤩!
My old house had a kind spirit. One night I was reading in bed and heard my name called. Went downstairs and asked my husband what he wanted, he said I didn’t call you. When my father in law passed away, again I was in bed and someone was knocking on our front door, go down no one was there. I also would smell roses
I’ve been waiting for this one and am looking forward to it. I also believe and often wondered when the “medium contacting loved ones” shows were on why no one never just said “Hi Dad” or “Hi! Bill!” or “Hi Mom!” when the medium said that the spirit was there. Just seemed like the friendly thing to do.
I’ve only had two experiences, that I know of; one after my Dad passed and the other during the wake for my Mom. My Dad’s family goes back to Bavaria and he was definitely a believer and most likely had “it”, but I’m not aware of Bavarian sensitives or they’re just not talked about, but there may have been gypsies lurking around. Same with my Mom’s side in Italy. The Older folks in both families used to talk about gypsies all the time, so maybe?
What is it about Maine? You have put several stories there although not the most paranormal ones. Stephan King I understand as he grew up there but why Maine for you?
Long, rocky beaches, cliffs, lighthouses, deep woods, bays, islands. Pretty great canvas to paint stories on.
Can’t wait to get my hands on this one!
Looking forward to this. Love your metaphysical/ supernatural/ paranormal.
This is life and exists everywhere so enjoy reading all the stories. dragon Heart, chronicles of the One, three Sisters…….
How cool! I’m sure in your hands there’ll be great stories, can’t wait.
Looking forward to it! 😁
I cannot wait! I always love the spirits that you bring to your stories. And, with the Maine coast as a setting, it’s going to be magical!
When I was younger, we lived in a house where two sisters had died. The upstairs bathroom used to flush itself. I am so looking forward to the next trilogy.
I look forward to reading about your haunted house, a witch and the cursed brides. It will be fun to discover how to break the curse.
My house was build in 1885 as a boarding house for single miners. Then it was a duplex for many years (and now a single family home). We have a resident named Bob who died in the first floor duplex in the 1960s who was a volunteer fireman and who had a workshop in the basement. We know about Bob because my neighbor knew him and told us about the wonderful toys he used to make her children. He likes to turn the lights on. At least once a week I have to go down and turn them off. Sometimes I yell at him if it’s been more than once a week.
My grandmother hung aroundy mom’s house. My dad was in our house for a while. I believe spirits linger.
Looking forward to the next book!
I saw in the front notes above that there is also an explanation for why you wrote the amazing Chronicles of the One. Can you tell me where I can read that, please?
It’s a post from 2016: https://fallintothestory.com/new-directions/
Thanks so much!
I was very hesitant to read this series. Guess I didn’t think I’d like it much. But, boy was I wrong! I finally read it after it had been out a little while, and said “shame on me for doubting or second guessing Nora”. I love this series and re-reading it now. Also, my daughter and I are looking forward to our stay again in Inn Boonsboro in a couple months. 👍
Sandi, which series are you reading
The Inheritance isn’t out until November.
My husband was stationed in England three times. The first two times we had children with us, and quite a few supernatural “visits”. Since absolutely nothing happened during our last duty station there, I believe those experiences were possible because of the children.
I’m a believer, and I can’t wait for these books!
Thank you for the many hundreds of hours of escape and entertainment you have given me!
I can’t wait to read it. New England is full of old houses & I wouldn’t be surprised if they weren’t haunted. I know growing up my neighborhood had an alleged haunted house in Newton MA
Maine is a beautiful state , I would think some of the Salem witches crossed up to Maine since Maine decided to be its own state & not part of Massachusetts
I am #2 on the library list for this book. I got lucky
Just wanted to pop in and say thank you – Nora (or someone on her team) liked a post my daughter made about the Dark Witch trilogy on Instagram, and absolutely made her day! Definitely the best part of social media is that ability to interact.