I’m pleased to introduce you to Micqui Miller, a fellow author at Cerridwen Press who is here to tease us with her upcoming release of Morning Star – and does it ever sound good!Micqui Miller wrote her first novel at the age of 12, and earned her first byline as a sports writer for a local Detroit newspaper at 15. Since that time, she has published more than 100 articles and short stories and three novels.
Micqui won the prestigious Golden Heart from Romance Writers of America for her first “grown up” novel, and “the silver” in 2003 as Best New Author for her novel Morning Star. In 2004, Micqui’s novel, Holly in the Morning, was named an EPPIE Finalist, the award known as the “Oscars” of electronic and small press publishing.
Blurb:
Liz O’Hara, upstanding citizen, widow of a loving husband and mother of two great teenagers, has spent her adult life looking over her shoulder. She fears her past catching up with her — the lost seven months she lived on the run in another time and place. But in her worst nightmares Liz never dreamed she’d have to choose one child over another while a psychopath lurked in the shadows, waiting to strike.
Josh Wilder, disillusioned news anchor, finds his career back on the fast track when he goes out on a limb to help someone close to him. But in order to cash in on his new celebrity, he must risk destroying the woman he hasn’t been able to forget for twenty-seven years, the homeless young hippie known only as Morning Star.
Together, Liz and Josh face the greatest challenge of their lives — racing against the clock to save a dying young woman while trying to stop a madman with murder on his mind.
The phone rang in his hand. The caller ID said UNKNOWN.
“Josh Wilder.”
Silence. Except for the sound of quick breathing coming from the other end of the line.
He didn’t bother to hide his annoyance. “This is Wilder. Who’s this?”
And then it happened. Suddenly his mind and heart, like a carnival ride, spun out of control. In faltering words, the most beautiful voice he’d ever heard whispered from the other end of the line. “My name is…this is Star. We have to talk.”
Too stunned to respond, Josh sucked in a breath. The real Morning Star held the phone at the other end of the connection. She didn’t have to say another word to prove it.
Her voice still held the rhythmic, lyrical quality which had enchanted him so many years ago and at times like now, rendered him speechless. No woman before or since had ever had that effect on him.
Josh’s heart pounded so hard he wondered if she heard it through the line. “Is it really you?” A stupid question under any circumstances and even more so coming from a professional journalist who’d spent his life prying information from people who didn’t want to give.
“Josh, I—” He heard sadness and indecision. So similar to the last time they’d talked. She’d sat on the edge of a hospital bed, listening to all of the reasons why she ought to trust him and talk to the police.
“It’s okay, Star, it’s—”
“No, I shouldn’t have called. I can’t do this.”
“Where are you?”
“You don’t understand.”
“Tell me where you are. I’ll come to you.” He couldn’t let her go now. His fingers tightened around the phone.
“This is a mistake.”
“Please don’t go, Star.” Mustering all he’d learned in his many years as a broadcaster, Josh lowered his voice, both the volume and timbre. He had to take charge or he’d lose her. “Star, do not hang up!”
The connection broke.
Hi, everyone, thanks for stopping by Jenyfer’s blog. I’m Micqui Miller, and would love to answer any of your questions about Morning Star, my other books, or writing in general.
I live in Central Texas where the biggest controversy in our city these days is whether to erect a 30-foot statue of a Texas ranger, complete with shotgun at his side, on the edge of a major interstate highway. That ought to be a real traffic stopper!
I’ll stop by from time to time today to answer any questions. My thanks to you and to Jenyfer.
Micqui
by Micqui Miller December 21st, 2007 at 2:50 pmMicqui,
by Morgan Mandel December 21st, 2007 at 4:35 pmLove your cover.
The book sounds great.
Good luck!
Morgan Mandel
Thanks, Morgan. I’d like to give away a download for today’s visitors. Right now, I’d say you’re definitely in the running.
By the way, Morgan’s books are FANTASTIC! Check ‘em out at http://www.hardshell.com.
Micqui
by Micqui Miller December 21st, 2007 at 5:44 pmHi Micqui, Great excerpt! I read fast cuz I’m still at work, but I enjoyed it very much. Have a great holiday.
by Ciara Gold December 21st, 2007 at 6:30 pmThanks for coming by Micqui! Your books sounds great and I’m looking forward to reading it myself
by Jenyfer Matthews December 21st, 2007 at 8:10 pmMicqui,
I loved the excerpt. Morning Star sounds as if it’s going to be a read full of suspense! My favorite kind.
by Shelley Munro December 21st, 2007 at 9:41 pmThanks, Shelley, Ciara and Jenyfer. Nice of you to stop by when I know how busy you are writing wonderful novels to keep us on the edge of our seats.
Happy holidays.
Micqui
by Micqui Miller December 21st, 2007 at 10:53 pmGreat blurb and premise. And the Cerridwen cover is great as usual.
About the statue…that would be a great thing. I live in Houston and travel to Huntsville occasionally. There’s a giant statue of Sam Houston on the side of I-45 that’s a real attention grabber.
by Teri Thackston December 22nd, 2007 at 4:06 pmMy gosh what a way to end an excerpt! I liked what I read – the fast pace, the sense of urgency, and then desperation surfacing. Very nicely written. Wishing you all the best with the book
Nancy
by Nancy December 22nd, 2007 at 10:44 pm