My very first sampling of gothic romance came in the form of “Another Stab at Life” by Houston’s own, Anita Higman. Anita visited The Woodlands Chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers last month to speak on writing gothic Christian romance. I never really thought about what gothic romance was all about until this meeting. Apparently the gothic romance genre is one which combines elements of both romance and horror. Gothic Christian romance combines these two elements, but the story is of course told from a Christian worldview.
“Another Stab at Life” is the first book in the Volstead Manor Series from Heartsong Presents Mysteries. Here’s the back cover copy:
Bailey Walker has just lost everything—her family, her job, and her home. She has nowhere to go except the dilapidated mansion she’s just inherited from her granny Minna. Unfortunately, Bailey discovers that the house has a history as shadowy as its hidden passages and finds the neighborhood overflowing with some rather quirky folks—as well as one particularly appealing bachelor. Bailey feels like she’s trapped inside the pages of a gothic novel but with a comedic twist. In order to honor her grandmother’s wishes and stay at Volstead Manor, Bailey must unravel a string of mysteries and secrets, which all seem determined to stay happily ever buried!
Ohh how titillating! The book is a real page turner and really keeps you guessing who or what is behind the treachery going on inside Volstead Manor. On the other hand, I still had some questions after the book ended. Perhaps those questions will be answered in book two, “Another Hour To Kill.”
The book was very interesting to me since it took place in Houston, Texas where I grew up. It also intrigued me that the book is loosely based on the Volstead Act of 1920. The Act, also known as “National Prohibition Act,” prohibited the sale or manufacture of alcoholic beverages.
I would highly recommend that you run out and pick up a copy of “Another Stab at Life.” I guarantee you will fall in love with the main character, Bailey Walker. By the way, that Anita Higman really has a talent for describing a woman’s inner…innermost…desires? There’s a steamy kissing scene in the chapter titled ‘Ten Cats Thrown into a Doghouse” that caused me to take a really deep breath after I read it!
If you would like to learn more about Anita Higman you can check out her website http://www.anitahigman.com/. I'm sure she would love for you to stop by.
“Another Stab at Life” is the first book in the Volstead Manor Series from Heartsong Presents Mysteries. Here’s the back cover copy:
Bailey Walker has just lost everything—her family, her job, and her home. She has nowhere to go except the dilapidated mansion she’s just inherited from her granny Minna. Unfortunately, Bailey discovers that the house has a history as shadowy as its hidden passages and finds the neighborhood overflowing with some rather quirky folks—as well as one particularly appealing bachelor. Bailey feels like she’s trapped inside the pages of a gothic novel but with a comedic twist. In order to honor her grandmother’s wishes and stay at Volstead Manor, Bailey must unravel a string of mysteries and secrets, which all seem determined to stay happily ever buried!
Ohh how titillating! The book is a real page turner and really keeps you guessing who or what is behind the treachery going on inside Volstead Manor. On the other hand, I still had some questions after the book ended. Perhaps those questions will be answered in book two, “Another Hour To Kill.”
The book was very interesting to me since it took place in Houston, Texas where I grew up. It also intrigued me that the book is loosely based on the Volstead Act of 1920. The Act, also known as “National Prohibition Act,” prohibited the sale or manufacture of alcoholic beverages.
I would highly recommend that you run out and pick up a copy of “Another Stab at Life.” I guarantee you will fall in love with the main character, Bailey Walker. By the way, that Anita Higman really has a talent for describing a woman’s inner…innermost…desires? There’s a steamy kissing scene in the chapter titled ‘Ten Cats Thrown into a Doghouse” that caused me to take a really deep breath after I read it!
If you would like to learn more about Anita Higman you can check out her website http://www.anitahigman.com/. I'm sure she would love for you to stop by.
