I am so pleased to be hosting a fellow Story Empire author today. Staci is here to talk about the book she and Mae Clair have collaborated on that I’m sure you will enjoy. I’m certain of this because Staci and Mae are two of the most talented writers around. So Staci welcome to Fiction Favorites.
Ciao, amici! John, thanks for hosting me today. I’m so happy to be here and so excited to tell you and your readers about The Haunting of Chatham Hollow, a dual-timeline novel I co-wrote with talented author, Story Empire colleague, and long-time friend Mae Clair. This was the first either of us attempted a collaboration, and I have to say, it went beautifully. So well, in fact, I think both of us would be up for a second project sometime in the future.
But now isn’t the time to look forward. It’s time to look into the past. More specifically, 1793 and 1888, the historical periods in the novel. And to the present, where the rest of the mystery unfolds. This story encompasses ghosts, curses, missing treasure, arson, and murder, with a cast of characters whose descendants cross paths continuously throughout the ages. Our short tour will introduce you to a few of the major players via a discussion between one of them and a medium.
Today’s post takes place in the present. The psychic is Julia Hale, a resident of Chatham Hollow and a descendant of famous spiritualist Victor Rowe. The character she’ll be speaking with is Rebekah Fetzinger, founder of the RebelZ fashion label, owner of The Chic Boutique, and head of Chatham Hollow’s Chamber of Commerce.
Without further ado…
- •◊♦◊•·
- •◊♦◊•·
Julia: (knocking on office door) Hello? Ms. Fetzinger? Your assistant said you were expecting me.
Rebekah: Ten minutes ago. Come in. Close the door behind you.
Julia: (approaching the desk) I was surprised you wanted to meet. And a little put out that you couldn’t come to my house.
Rebekah: I’m a busy woman, Julia.
Julia: As am I.
Rebekah: (scowling) Maybe this was a bad idea.
Julia: (dropping into a chair across from Rebekah) I’m here now. What can I do for you?
Rebekah: What can you tell me about the upcoming séance reenactment?
Julia: Nothing more than I’ve already told the town council. You were there.
Rebekah: (drumming her nails on her desk) Yes, I know I was there, and I know what you said. What I want to know is what you didn’t say.
Julia: Is there something specific you’re fishing for? I believe my comments to the council were thorough.
Rebekah: Are you really able to make contact with Ward Chatham?
Julia: (pauses, considers, sighs) There will be a lot of power in the circle that night. I believe we have a better than average chance of breaching the Veil.
Rebekah: You choose your words carefully. Why?
Julia: You ask a lot of questions. Why?
Rebekah: (sighs) And now you’re being evasive. Very well. I can respect both tactics. Tell me, will we learn where the treasure is?
Julia: I couldn’t begin to guess. I can’t even guarantee we’ll reach Ward Chatham. Or any other spirit.
Rebekah: So, we might connect with someone else?
Julia: It’s possible.
Rebekah: Would… thinking about someone bring them forth?
Julia: Spirit circles aren’t to be trifled with, Ms. Fetzinger. I must ask you to follow my instructions to the letter at the séance. If there’s someone else you’d like to reach, I’ll conduct a private sitting with you.
Rebekah: (stops drumming her nails; leans across desk) So, Aiden has been digging into my past. What has he told you?
Julia: About what?
Rebekah: Why are you being so difficult, Julia?
Julia: Me?
Rebekah: (points at the door while looking at her desk) I have work to do. Just go.
Julia: Do you want me to ask Aiden about—
Rebekah: No! Get out!
Julia: (rises; walks toward door) With pleasure.
- •◊♦◊•·
Blurb:
One founding father.
One deathbed curse.
A town haunted for generations.
Ward Chatham, founder of Chatham Hollow, is infamous for two things—hidden treasure and a curse upon anyone bold enough to seek it. Since his passing in 1793, no one has discovered his riches, though his legend has only grown stronger.
In 1888, charlatan Benedict Fletcher holds a séance to determine the location of Chatham’s fortune. It’s all a hoax so he can search for the gold, but he doesn’t count on two things—Victor Rowe, a true spiritualist who sees through his ruse, and Chatham’s ghost wreaking havoc on the town.
More than a century later, the citizens of the Hollow gather for the annual Founder’s Day celebration. A paranormal research team intends to film a special at Chatham Manor, where the original séance will be reenacted. Reporter and skeptic Aiden Hale resents being assigned the story, but even he can’t deny the sudden outbreak of strange happenings. When he sets out to discover who or what is threatening the Hollow—supernatural or not— his investigation uncovers decades-old conflicts, bitter rivalries, and ruthless murders.
This time, solving the mystery isn’t about meeting his deadline. It’s about not ending up dead.
- •◊♦◊•·
Thanks again, John, for hosting me today. I hope this little exchange gives you and your followers a bit more insight into Rebekah Fetzinger, successful business owner with a… let’s call it a colorful reputation. I hope you’ll all consider reading the story to uncover her secrets. The answer to her mystery, and many more, can be found in The Haunting of Chatham Hollow. Mae and I truly appreciate your support. Grazie!
- •◊♦◊•·
Connect with Staci:
Website | Blog | Social Media | Newsletter
Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads
Connect with Mae:
Amazon| BookBub| Newsletter Sign-Up
Website | Blog| Twitter| Goodreads| All Social Media
Fiction Favorites 
[…] Guest – Staci Troilo Discusses The Haunting of Chatham Hollow #newbook […]
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Thank you, Charles.
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Much appreciated, Charles.
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😊
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Thanks for hosting Staci today, John. It was such a pleasure to write The Haunting of Chatham Hollow with her. It’s great to see her here along with Rebekah Fetzinger, who is nothing if not, erm… a little rough around the edges. 😉
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You two are getting a lot of action. Good to see. Thanks. 😁
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The pleasure was mine, Mae. As for Rebekah? She’s definitely something. I had a blast writing her.
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I could tell, LOL!
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I’m always in awe of authors who collaborate on projects. Congratulations to Mae and Stacie! Thanks for hosting these two amazing writers today, John.
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Thank you for your support, Jill. 😊
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Mae made collaborating easy, Jill. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner. Thanks for stopping by!
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That was a kind of frosty interview. Can’t wait to read this one.
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It does sound like a good one. Thanks, Craig.
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Thanks, Craig. Rebekah is… let’s say she’s strong. lol
I hope you enjoy the story when it hits the top of your TBR list.
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I’m certain I will. It’s already on top. I just need time to enjoy it.
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That’s often the hardest part.
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thank you for sharing,Michael. 😁
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Thanks so much, Michael!
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A great introduction with the fictive interview, John! Thanks for this, and to the new authors collective. 🙂 Best wishes, Michael
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I agree, Michael. Thanks for your support of Mae and Staci.
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Much appreciated, Michael.
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This book reads fascinating! A collaboration between Staci and Mae is a great idea. Congrats to them! Thanks for hosting, John!
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Thank you for the lovely words, Vashti. 😁
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You’re welcome❣️
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😊
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Thanks so much, Vashti! Our collaboration was nearly effortless. I hope it shows in our work.
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This sounds right up my alley, John!
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I think Mae and Staci are two of the best. Thanks, GP 😁
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I’m glad to hear that, GP. Thank you.
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My pleasure, Staci.
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Wow – these two really don’t get along. This one’s coming up soon in my TBR pile!
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I does sound delicious doesn’t it? Thanks, Teri.
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It won’t take you long to realize Rebekah doesn’t get along with many people… particularly not women. lol
Thanks, Teri.
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I loved Julia! She certainly has a way of putting Rebekah in her place.
Thanks for hosting today, John.
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She’s so feisty. I adore her. Thanks so much, Joan.
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She is something. Thanks, Joan
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John, I’m so grateful to you for opening your blog to me today, and for the wonderful introduction. Thank you so much.
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Always a pleasure.
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I forgot to say thank you for your lovely tour announcement. Thank you. 😁
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You’re doing me a huge favor. It’s a small way to pay you back.
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😊
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That’s terrific – congratulations to Staci and Mae!
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Thanks so much!
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Thank you, Barbara.
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Julia is such a great character and a woman to reckon with. A great read and perfect for the season.
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Thank you, Michele. 😁
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I keep trying to leave this comment, but I can’t get it to post. Fingers crossed this one goes through.
Thanks, Michele. I’m sure you recognize parts of our grandmother’s personality in Julia. That was one of the reasons I enjoyed writing her so much.
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I did indeed. One of the reasons I liked her as well.
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Another fantastic character interview. I loved the aggressive interplay between these two. A wonderful post for a wonderful read. I enjoyed this book immensely and it’s one of my top reads this year. Congratulations to Mae and Staci and wishing them all the best. Thanks for hosting, John. Hugs 💕🙂
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Wow, Harmony. I need to move it up the TBR ladder I think. Thanks for the support of Mae and Staci.
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I’m giddy hearing your enthusiasm for this work. Thanks so much, Harmony.
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😊
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Loved the conversation between these two powerful, no-nonsense women. In the book, I loved how both of them interacted with Aiden. Those relationships were highly entertaining. He held his own – most of the time. 😀 Congrats on the wonderful read, Mae and Staci. Thanks for hosting, John.
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Thanks for your endorsement, Diana. Gives me a bout of FOMO cause I haven’t read it yet.
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Those conversations were a lot of fun to write, Diana. I’m glad to know you appreciated them. Thanks for the kind words.
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🙂
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Hmm, I’m sensing some tension between these two characters.
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I think so, Liz. 😁
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Maybe a smidge. lol
Thanks for stopping by, Liz.
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You’re welcome, Staci. 😀
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Whew, I would not like to get on Rebekah’s bad side! Great interview.:-)
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I agree, Priscilla. Thanks for the support.
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You really wouldn’t, Priscilla. She doesn’t pull her punches. Thanks for visiting!
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Great job on this book. Any future collaborations?
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Thanks Jacqui. I’ll let Staci answer but for me I hoe so.
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That’s been a popular question, Jacqui. It’s flattering to know so many people are rooting for another team-up. We’ll have to see how our calendars sync and if we find the right project, but I know we’d both be interested if all the stars align. It was truly a joy to work together.
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Better check with Jan Sykes about the stars aligning!
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Fun blurb! It shows both women’s personalities really well. I just loved this book!
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Thank you for the endorsement, Judi.
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These exchanges were as much fun to write as the book was. I’m glad you enjoyed this one. (And the book!) Thanks, Judi.
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Hi John, it is great to see Staci and Mae featured here. Rebekah doesn’t sound like an easy person to get along with, does she?
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She isn’t. I’m glad I got to write her rather than having to actually deal with her.
Thanks, Robbie.
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Thank you so much for the visit, Robbie
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Thanks for supporting these two talented women, John. I have begun reading this book, so I’m skipping anything parts of these posts that might contain spoilers.
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Don’t blame you.
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We didn’t write any spoilers in our posts, but I understand your caution. Thanks for taking a chance on our book. I hope you enjoy it, Dan. So glad you dropped by today.
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I hope it does well. I will review it at my place when I finish.
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I really appreciate that, Dan. Thank you!
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It’s lovely to see Mae & Staci on your site, John! Thank you for sharing with us! Each post I read about your book, ladies, the more I want to move it up my TBR list. It sounds like such a fantastic read, and I love that you two collaborated for it.
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It warms my heart to hear you say that, Mar. It’ll be there when you’re ready, and I look forward to your thoughts once you’ve finished it. I hope you enjoy it!
As for the collaboration, it was a blast! I hope that comes through in the work.
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It does sound like something special, Mar. Thanks. 😁
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Great tension-filled dialogue between Julia and Rebekah! This book sounds like a wonderful collaboration and one I’d enjoy. Congrats to Staci and Mae, and thanks for hosting, John.
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Thanks, Lauren
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Thanks so much, Lauren. These characters were fun to write, and Mae was a joy to write with.
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Oh boy, that was intriguing! Thanks for hosting, John. Staci and Mae, WTG and wishing you mega success.
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Thank you so much for the visit and support of Stacie and Mae, Flossie. 😁
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Thanks so much, Flossie!
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Another great interview! Thanks for hosting, Jihn 🙂
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Thanks so much, Denise.
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Thank you, Denise.
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[…] antagonist Benedict Fletcher9/21 John Howell, where Staci introduces (modern timeline) antagonist Rebekah Fetzinger 9/22 D.L. Finn, where Mae introduces (historical timeline) protagonist Victor Rowe9/24 Sally Cronin […]
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Thank you for the link, Staci
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Thank you for the link, Staci.
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[…] these links will get you to your destination:Joan HallJan SikesHarmony KentGwen PlanoCraig BoyackJohn Howell Denise FinnSally CroninThank you also to everyone who visited and commented. We hope you enjoyed […]
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Thank you for the link, Mae
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Wonderful share John. Congrats to Staci and Mae on what looks a great collaboration 🙂
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Thank you, Debby.
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Thank you, Debby.
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😊
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Most welcome 🙂
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