I am so delighted to welcome D. L. Finn to Fiction Favorites. She is an accomplished author and has a new release this week. So without any delay, the post is yours, Denise.
Thank you, John, for inviting me to be on your blog to help celebrate this week’s release of The Button!
Blurb:
Lynn Hill left a difficult childhood behind when she turned eighteen. The 1980s were going to be the beginning of a great life. Then what started as an ordinary evening out with her best friend, Stacy, turns into a nightmare. Lynn hears warnings: “Go!” “Leave!” Believing she is hearing things after partying too much, she goes back for one more drink before going home. That decision sets off a chain of events that nothing could have prepared her for. While humans and not-so-human beings are attempting to either help or harm her, Lynn risks everything to find the only person she trusts, Stacy. Who can help her? The stepbrother who shows up right when she needs him or the attractive, helpful bartender who gives her his phone number? Lynn must learn to trust again. Her survival depends on it in this paranormal thriller.
Excerpt:
CHAPTER 1
Castro Valley, California, 1983
…In high school, Lynn Hill had a black button with white writing that said: “F*** Off and Die.” It was pinned to her worn, flower-embroidered denim purse. Lynn relocated her button to the inside of her purse when she graduated, so only she could see it. It wasn’t that Lynn had suddenly changed her attitude upon accepting her diploma with 451 other people representing the first class of the new decade, either. As far as she could tell, 1980 was no different than 1979. What prompted the removal of her audacious public expression was the acquisition of a job and an apartment, or basically becoming a responsible adult. Lynn was mindful that appearing to be an upstanding citizen was necessary, an opinion confirmed by her old history teacher.
“Young women who are successful do not have swear words pinned to the outside of their purse,” the teacher, who reminded Lynn of a shriveled apple doll, had informed her while handing back her essay in the final month of high school.
Lynn was fully aware that the teacher didn’t like her, but she didn’t care. Most teachers didn’t like her, but she always got A’s and didn’t cause problems, so they usually left her alone. No one had ever tried to take the button away, but Lynn did get some looks, which she shrugged off.
She was convinced that more than one teacher had the same sentiment, but they had to pretend to be responsible adults, like she was doing now. Lynn only hid the button from her parents, who would have shown their displeasure in ways both physically and emotionally painful. She escaped that house the day she turned eighteen, moving into an apartment with her best friend, Stacy.
Lynn’s fingers brushed across that button on the inside of her purse as she searched for her strawberry lip gloss. It wasn’t that she hated everyone and wanted them to die, as her button stated; she simply didn’t trust most people. Why should she? They only managed to disappoint or hurt her, but she wished for their absence, not their actual demise. Although there were a few people she felt the world would be better off without. They seemed to have no reason to exist other than to cause others pain.
Lynn applied her lip gloss, slipped it back into her purse, and pasted on a fake smile. It was her final touch before entering the rundown bar with Stacy. A blonde and a brunette together got the attention of guys at the bars, Stacy insisted. Lynn didn’t bother pointing out that it was Stacy’s large bust and fashion-model looks that got all that interest. She knew Stacy was aware of her effect on the opposite sex.
The young women flashed their fake IDs to the guy at the door. It was obvious that the old biker didn’t care about the age of the females who entered the bar as long as they were somewhat pretty, boosted alcohol sales, and had a card, legal or not, that showed they were old enough. Lynn was immediately greeted by loud music, a local band whose name she had already forgotten. They were playing a current hit from the radio. No big deal, just some wannabes, Lynn thought. There wasn’t even a cover to see them. How good could they be?
Stacy and Lynn squeezed between the red vinyl barstools to order their drinks. “I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream…” Why was the song from Sleeping Beauty in her head? She hadn’t thought of it in years. It had been one of her favorite songs when she was a young girl. She used to listen to the record while following along in the book. She would sing the song loudly if no one was around and pretend she was dancing with her prince through the forest.
In those days she believed she would find her prince someday. Did she still believe in love and happily ever after? Not really. She sighed right as the bartender caught her glance. He had wavy brown hair and the most beautiful brown eyes she’d ever seen. She gulped and started to sweat. She needed a drink, and fortunately, Stacy was already ordering them.
Random Finn facts:
- I believe in angels.
- “A Christmas Carol” is the fictional book I’ve re-read the most.
- I love to watch the sun set, but I’ve rarely seen it rise.
D.L. Finn is an independent California local, who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to the Sierra foothills in Nevada City, CA. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, being surrounded by towering pines, oaks and cedars, her creativity was cradled until it bloomed. Her creations vary from children’s books, young adult fantasy, adult paranormal romance to an autobiography with poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to her readers to join her.
D.L. Finn’s social media:
Links to purchase:
Fiction Favorites 
Thanks for having me on your blog John–and all your support!
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My pleasure, Denise. Best wishes.
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I’m with you on the sunset rather than the sunrise, lol. I’m definitely not an early bird unless I’m forced! 🙂 Best of luck with the book launch. I love a good paranormal thriller 🙂
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Thanks, Harmony.
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Thanks Harmony! I’ve seen a couple sunrises because I was still up or had a crying baby lol. Otherwise…I love the night;)
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I try to welcome the sunrise each morning, especially in these early days of Spring here Down Under. Congratulations on your exciting new release, Denise. Thanks so much for hosting Denise on your great blog, John.😊
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Thanks for the visit, Soooz.
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I bet you have beautiful sunrises to watch Soooz. I’d love to get some morning photos of a new morning but I always stay up so late. But sunsets and the says end always have my attention. Thank you Soooz:)
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I’m a night owl, too. Morning alarm bells always come too soon. Best wishes with your new release and thanks to John for hosting.
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Thank you for the visit, Wendy.
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There is just something about the quiet of the night that calls to me. The best ideas come to me then too. Yes, not a fan of morning alarms…lol. Thanks Wendy!
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Congratulations on your newest release, Denise! I’m definitely an early bird…typically up by 3:45 a.m. I know…I should have been a farmer! Thanks for hosting, John.
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Thanks for the visit and comment, Jill
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Thanks Jill! My husband is an early bird, too. Yes it would be great to run a farm but also I can see getting a lot accomplished early too.
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Congratulations, Denise. I’m so happy for you. I’ve begun reading it and WOW, I love it. Thanks so much for hosting, John. 🙂
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Thank you for the visit and comment, Gwen.
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Thanks Gwen! So happy to hear! It’s always so hard to release your new baby out into.the world:) Thank you for all your support!
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Excited for you, Denise. I see sunrises every day. I love them because I know I have another day to enjoy and fulfill my dreams.
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Thank you, Karen
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Thanks Karen. What a beautiful way to look at a sunrise! I will think of that next time I see one. I think I look at a sunset as appreciation for a day lived and the beauty it ends with before the stars come out.
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I watched the sun come up this morning. I’m not a good sleeper, so I’m usually awake for it. Sunrises seem to offer such promise.
I continue to enjoy your “three things” at the end of your posts. You’re having a great tour. All the best, Denise.
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Thank you for the visit, Staci.
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I’m not a good sleeper either Staci. There are those times when I’m still awake as the sun rises, too. I used to live in a house where I could see the sun rise over the valley when I would be up with a baby years ago. Here in the forest I only see its light. A new day does offer a promise with it. Glad you are enjoying the Finn Facts 🙂 Thanks Staci.
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Reblogged this on DSM Publications and commented:
Check out this new release, The Button, by D.L. Finn, as featured in this post from the Fiction Favorites blog.
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Thank you for the reblog, Don
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You’re welcome
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Thank you for reblogging Don:)
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You’re welcome
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I do both sunrises and sunsets depending on what’s going on at the time.Both are so beautiful to experience. I’m happy to see the attention The Button is getting, Denise. I plan to start reading it this weekend!
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Both are beautiful events Mae, I agree:) But sunsets usually give me pause to stop and watch no matter where I am. On any beach is my favorite place to watch:) Nature offers so much beauty. Thanks Mae…can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
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Sunset has a better chance with me seeing it! Nice job! ♥
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Ha haha.
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Yes, that is my truth, too! Plus, all the colors draws me in. Thanks Billy.
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Getting my copy! Sounds so good! ♥
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It is good.
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Thank you! Your short is coming up on my list in a couple weeks…been looking forward to that.
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Another fantastic post! I love all the fun facts you are sharing, Denise! 🙂
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Thank you, Jan
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Thanks Jan:) I’ve been having fun with all these facts!
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