Consequences is Out Today!

All decisions have consequences. Some are deadly. Others never let you go.

  • What would you do if your current living situation put you in mortal peril but you had no one to turn to?
  • How would you feel if someone you trusted betrayed you to someone with ill intent?
  • What would you do if someone came to you seeking help but you said no?
  • How would you feel if you never found out what happened to that person?

These are the questions at the heart of Consequences, my first historical novella, which is out today. This 35-page story is based on an actual event in the life of Catherine McAuley, a 19th century lay woman (later turned nun) who founded the Sisters of Mercy.

I first heard the story of the domestic servant whom Catherine turned away more than 15 years ago. That act was so in contradiction with who Catherine was and what she stood for that it stayed with me all this time. (It’s said it haunted Catherine as well.) I finally decided a few years ago to tell a fictional account of that servant’s story, to try to better understand what may have happened. Here’s the back cover copy:

Famous for her hospitality, Venerable Catherine McAuley only ever turned away one woman who came to her for help, and that decision haunted her for the rest of her life.

This is that servant’s story.

Dublin – 1824. When a fellow maid is forced to temporarily vacate her position under scandalous circumstances, Margaret finds herself in an elevated position under the watchful eye of their master, the infamous Lord Montague. He believes in total obedience from those in his employ and when she dares to fight back, Margaret is left with no choice but to flee or face his wrath. Desperate, she seeks out a pious spinster named Catherine McAuley who is known for her charity to the poor. The decisions both women make upon meeting will irrevocably change the course of both their lives, as well as everyone in their orbit.

Based on a true story, this heart-pounding historical tale will leave you wondering just how much has really changed in the last two hundred years.

The story is only available in ebook because it is too short to justify the cost of printing a hard copy. It is only available on Amazon (at least for now) and is free to Kindle Unlimited members and $2.99 to everyone else.

Don’t have a Kindle? Don’t worry! Just download the Kindle app to any smart phone, tablet or other device and you’ll be able to read it.

Over the next few weeks I’ll be posting about the historical people and places behind Consequences to give those who have read it more context and hopefully entice those of you who are on the fence to buy it.

Special note for book clubs: If you are in a book club, I encourage you to make this one of your selections. It’s short (should take only about 60 mins to read), cheaper than a physical book and as long as everyone has a way to read it electronically, it would be a great one for discussion. Here are some questions to foster discussion. (Warning: they contain spoilers!) I also have ideas for themed food and music to go along with your discussion.

I’m more than happy to meet via Zoom, Facetime, whatever to talk with your group! Email me at nicole (dot) evelina (at) att (dot) net if you are interested.

Daughter of Destiny Audio Book Out Now + Netgalley

Daughter of Destiny AudiobookFinally, after a month of wrangling with SAG, the audio book of Daughter of Destiny is out! Here are the links for Amazon and Audible. I don’t think it’s up on iTunes yet, but it should be soon. Because of my deal with ACX, those are the only three places you’ll be able to find it. If you join Audible and buy my book first (free trial doesn’t count), I get $50, so that’s the method I selfishly recommend, but please use whatever method is best for you.

The book is narrated by Hollywood actress Serena Scott Thomas. If her name sounds familiar, it’s because she is actress Kristin Scott Thomas’ sister. Or you may have seen her in the Bond flick The World is Not Enough, the Oscar-nominated Inherent ViceNash Bridges, Nip/Tuck, or Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  She’s a native of England, so her accent is not only perfect, it’s authentic! I hope you enjoy her performance as much as I did. She’s got all the characters down just like they sound in my head!

Serena has already signed on for the other two books in the trilogy and we’re in the early stages of production for the audio of Camelot’s Queen. More to come as that unfolds.

Netgalley
Those of you who want a free look at Daughter of Destiny (in exchange for an honest review) should check out Netgalley this month. It’s available for download all month. Please, please, if you take this option, leave a review if you liked the book. That’s the whole point of making the book available there.

Web site Updates
Between coughing fits, I’ve been updating the site to include things of interest to those who have already read Daughter of Destiny. You can now read deleted scenes and help me cast the book over on Iflist. I’ve filled in who I picture for the characters, so I can’t wait to see how you see them!

Book Clubs
A reminder that if you’re in a book club, I’m happy to visit with you in person or via Skype. Here’s the link to all the resources for book clubs.

There’s been so much going on that I’m afraid I’ll miss something. But I think that’s everything for now. Once book stuff slows down, I will go back to blogging about history, I promise. There’s plenty I haven’t told you about Victoria Woodhull…