Blurb:
Melina Rowe never thought her quiet, simple life could change to
one full of fear and confusion just by accidentally bumping into someone. But
after she collides with an elderly man named Walter, she starts to hear
people’s thoughts and have unsettling visions.
Walter reveals himself as a guiding angel and explains to Melina
that she’s a rare type of human who can absorb angel powers. But her special
ability is more of a problem for her than a gift.
The powers are too strong for humans and will eventually kill Melina unless she can successfully use them to help a select individual who’s in need of guidance. Her chances are slim, though, seeing that the handful of other humans this has happened to before didn't survive.
Scared for her life, Melina desperately tries to help a young man
named Lee, but his continual resistance and her struggle with the powers make
it almost impossible. Her situation only grows worse when a trio of
soul-snatching demons is sent by an unknown entity to take her soul and kill
her.
As a determined Walter sets out to discover who sent the demons and why, Melina must defend herself from their relentless attacks all while trying to use powers she doesn’t fully understand to help someone who doesn’t want to be helped. If she can’t figure out how to break through to Lee, the powers will ultimately destroy her. But if the powers don’t kill her first, the demons will.
As a determined Walter sets out to discover who sent the demons and why, Melina must defend herself from their relentless attacks all while trying to use powers she doesn’t fully understand to help someone who doesn’t want to be helped. If she can’t figure out how to break through to Lee, the powers will ultimately destroy her. But if the powers don’t kill her first, the demons will.
Absorbing angel powers that could possibly kill you is bad, but being
hunted by ruthless demons who want your soul might be worse.
Excerpt:
Chapter One
Melina Rowe
peered out of her bedroom window and wrinkled her nose. It was late October, so
she knew it was cold outside, but it also appeared to be windy. These weather
conditions weren’t her favorite, but she was determined to continue with her
morning runs until snow prevented her from doing otherwise. She pulled her long
brown hair up into a ponytail, slid a fleece headband on over her ears, and
zipped up her coat before heading out her apartment door and down the stairwell
to her bookstore below. The store didn’t open for another hour, so she had
plenty of time. She took a quick look around and then turned to exit through
the back.
Starting off in
a slight jog, she followed her normal path toward the park, taking in the city
in its early morning state as she went. Traffic was light, and there was only a
handful of people out and about. The sky was a dull gray, and brown, dried up
leaves swirled and danced around her, giving the city an even gloomier feeling.
She hoped the blustery wind didn’t mean rain was on its way.
After only a
few short blocks, the wrought iron gates that surrounded the park appeared
alongside her. She picked up her pace and rounded a corner to her right, making
her way toward the entrance, when she came upon an elderly man walking from the
opposite direction. They met each other so suddenly that neither of them had a
chance to move out of the way. Melina collided with the man, and it was in that
moment that it happened.
As soon as
their bodies made contact, she felt a powerful surge of energy pass through her
and then a bright white light exploded between them, knocking them both away
from each other. Melina, who had been knocked to the ground, pushed herself up
to her feet, wondering what had just happened. The sensation that went through
her body was like nothing she had ever felt before. It was very sharp and
intense, like an electric shock, but at the same time it was soothing and warm.
The feeling still lingered in her body as she finally looked over at the man.
After catching
his balance, he looked over at her, and she noticed his expression of confusion
and shock. His mouth opened as if to say something, but nothing came out. He
stared at her for a moment and then finally he spoke to her.
“You,” he
muttered.
“Excuse me?”
she asked, returning his confused look.
“You’re one of
them.”
About the Author, Ashley Stambaugh:
Ashley Stambaugh grew up in a small town in Illinois where she and
her two siblings created some of the best memories playing on their family’s
farm. She stayed in the southern region of the state to attend college where
she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and also met her husband.
Now, she and her husband live in central Illinois and spend their
time creating new memories with their two rambunctious boys and their comical
black Pug. She also enjoys reading, taking long walks, and finding great
bargains. When her sons are a little bit older, she has a great desire to
travel with her family. Oh, and she also has a slight obsession with chocolate.
When she’s not busy chasing after her two young children or losing
herself in a good book, you can find her curled up on her couch with her
laptop, writing.
Learn more about the Author and her books on:
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Great feature! Thank you so much for spotlighting my book!
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