Haunted Echoes
Author ~ Julie Ann Howell
Publisher ~ The Peppertree Press
Publication date ~ January 7, 2010
In Haunted Echoes, Howell introduces protagonist Sarah Reddington. Fresh on the heels of her first book release, Sarah, a Chicago-based novelist, should be having the time of her life, having just signed a contract for two more books. But Sarah hits a brick wall when struck with a paralyzing bout of writer’s block. On her publisher’s suggestion that a change of scenery might do Sarah good, Sarah and her faithful canine companion, Dickens, leave the Windy City to travel to the Cape Elizabeth, Maine, a quiet town on the Atlantic’s craggy shore. Leaving her bustling Windy City home for a slow, sleepy New England town is certainly a novel concept for finishing her novel, but this journey could prove stranger than fiction.
As the only registered guest at the quaint but elegant Otter Cove Inn, Sarah is sure that this trip will be just the ticket to breaking free of the writer’s block to which she’d become a prisoner. But Sarah is about to become a prisoner to something far greater—and much more sinister.
To her dismay and horror, Sarah soon realizes that she may be the only registered guest at this enchanting inn, but she is anything but alone—and escaping writer’s block is about to become the least of Sarah’s worries.
From strange voices in the night, to haunting cries, to the eerie spirits that inhabit this haunted hotel, the Otter Cove Inn is full to capacity with bizarre forces intent on getting Sarah’s attention. Unable to differentiate between fact and fiction, Sarah is thrust into extraordinary circumstances when she discovers a key that could unlock a centuries-old secret. As the story unfolds, Sarah is propelled into a pulse-quickening quest to solve a mesmerizing 200-year-old mystery. Can Sarah piece together the clues before it’s too late? Or is this novelist about to be written off for good?
Alternately charming and chilling, spooky and spellbinding, Haunted Echoes is a suspenseful—and supremely spirited—tale. An inventive and wildly entertaining ghost story, Haunted Echoes will keep readers riveted until the very last page.
About the author ~
Having written her first “book” at age 10, author and independent publisher, Julie Ann Howell, has nurtured a lifelong passion for seeing her words in print. This enduring trait has helped her relate to hundreds of other authors whom she has facilitated publishing their own works.
The mother of three, Julie Ann birthed her first paid article shortly before delivering her second son, receiving a $25 check for “Don’t Play Beat the Clock: Get Organized,” which appeared in a California parenting magazine.
So thrilled that she did not even cash the check, Julie Ann went on to write a book called, “Mommy Talk,” about successful parenting. Spurred on by the need to care for her own young children and still foster her entrepreneurial spirit, she started a successful child daycare center and crafts business right in the comfort of her own home. And, of course, she continued to write, dreaming of the day when she would become a recognized author.
To realize yet another dream, at age 36, she went back to school to earn her teaching degree in early childhood education. While aspiring to this far-flung goal, she helped out at her parents’ store on St. Armand’s Circle in Sarasota and was inspired to write an imaginative children’s tale, “The Little Shoppe on Filmore Street.” Subsequently, she created a charming collection of children’s stories entitled, “It’s Rhyming Peas and Carrots”, which later became “Mrs. Owl’s Nest of Rhymes.” This latter publication included the story, “The Pepper Tree, How the Seeds Were Planted”, which later provided the name for her soon to be born literary magazine and publishing house.
In 2003, Julie Ann and her family began discussing starting a family business. Intrigued at the idea, she did her research and founded a fledgling literary magazine, which did stir her passion. In September 2004, Julie Ann launched the first issue of “The Pepper Tree, A Literary Magazine in Sarasota, while still teaching pre-school.
Working with authors to produce that first issue helped her resolve to use her own publishing experience as an author of her own books to help other writers. She placed an ad in “The Pepper Tree Magazine” announcing the opening of The Peppertree Press in 2006. “I was meeting and greeting people at southern Florida bookstore coffee shops and working out of the trunk of my car,” Julie Ann said. “After publishing seven authors I came to the realization that my career path had shifted toward becoming a successful publisher, so she retired from teaching and dove straight into the publishing industry.
Her decision has enhanced our local Sarasota literary scene, as well as brought national recognition for her efforts. She has published books of every genre for hundreds of authors.
To date her publishing company has published 300 titles thanks to an amazing, hard working and dedicated team. Teri Franco, Editorial Director started working at the Peppertree Press in the summer of 2006 and together they have planted seeds all over the globe. Becky Barbier, Graphic Designer came on board with the Peppertree Press in 2007 and has designed over 200 books with her creative expertise. Liz Peters, Graphic Designer has also created book covers/interiors and promotional materials for the company. The Peppertree Press has taken root and is branching out worldwide.
To date her publishing company has published 300 titles thanks to an amazing, hard working and dedicated team. Teri Franco, Editorial Director started working at the Peppertree Press in the summer of 2006 and together they have planted seeds all over the globe. Becky Barbier, Graphic Designer came on board with the Peppertree Press in 2007 and has designed over 200 books with her creative expertise. Liz Peters, Graphic Designer has also created book covers/interiors and promotional materials for the company. The Peppertree Press has taken root and is branching out worldwide.
Julie Ann is not only the publisher and founder of her own literary magazine and book publishing company; she is also an avid speaker where she has the opportunity to travel to a variety of writers groups, schools and organizations. Her talk appropriately titled, “From Manuscript to Masterpiece” consists of the simple steps on how to become a published author from start to finish.
In 2009, Julie Ann finished yet another children's book dedicated to librarian’s everywhere, "Finnigan the Dragon."
In 2009, Julie Ann finished yet another children's book dedicated to librarian’s everywhere, "Finnigan the Dragon."
In 2010, Julie Ann published her first novel, “Haunted Echoes,” a paranormal tale of evil and courage set in picturesque Cape Elizabeth, Maine. At present she is working on her second novel, Irish Jewel coming out summer of 2011. To get a sneak preview, read the first chapter on her website: www.julieannhowell.com
authors whom she has facilitated publishing their own works.
The mother of three, Julie Ann birthed her first paid article shortly before delivering her second son, receiving a $25 check for “Don’t Play Beat the Clock: Get Organized,” which appeared in a California parenting magazine.
So thrilled that she did not even cash the check, Julie Ann went on to write a book called, “Mommy Talk,” about successful parenting. Spurred on by the need to care for her own young children and still foster her entrepreneurial spirit, she started a successful child daycare center and crafts business right in the comfort of her own home. And, of course, she continued to write, dreaming of the day when she would become a recognized author.
To realize yet another dream, at age 36, she went back to school to earn her teaching degree in early childhood education. While aspiring to this far-flung goal, she helped out at her parents’ store on St. Armand’s Circle in Sarasota and was inspired to write an imaginative children’s tale, “The Little Shoppe on Filmore Street.” Subsequently, she created a charming collection of children’s stories entitled, “It’s Rhyming Peas and Carrots”, which later became “Mrs. Owl’s Nest of Rhymes.” This latter publication included the story, “The Pepper Tree, How the Seeds Were Planted”, which later provided the name for her soon to be born literary magazine and publishing house.
In 2003, Julie Ann and her family began discussing starting a family business. Intrigued at the idea, she did her research and founded a fledgling literary magazine, which did stir her passion. In September 2004, Julie Ann launched the first issue of “The Pepper Tree, A Literary Magazine in Sarasota, while still teaching pre-school.
Working with authors to produce that first issue helped her resolve to use her own publishing experience as an author of her own books to help other writers. She placed an ad in “The Pepper Tree Magazine” announcing the opening of The Peppertree Press in 2006. “I was meeting and greeting people at southern Florida bookstore coffee shops and working out of the trunk of my car,” Julie Ann said. “After publishing seven authors I came to the realization that my career path had shifted toward becoming a successful publisher, so she retired from teaching and dove straight into the publishing industry.
Her decision has enhanced our local Sarasota literary scene, as well as brought national recognition for her efforts. She has published books of every genre for hundreds of authors.
To date her publishing company has published 300 titles thanks to an amazing, hard working and dedicated team. Teri Franco, Editorial Director started working at the Peppertree Press in the summer of 2006 and together they have planted seeds all over the globe. Becky Barbier, Graphic Designer came on board with the Peppertree Press in 2007 and has designed over 200 books with her creative expertise. Liz Peters, Graphic Designer has also created book covers/interiors and promotional materials for the company. The Peppertree Press has taken root and is branching out worldwide.
To date her publishing company has published 300 titles thanks to an amazing, hard working and dedicated team. Teri Franco, Editorial Director started working at the Peppertree Press in the summer of 2006 and together they have planted seeds all over the globe. Becky Barbier, Graphic Designer came on board with the Peppertree Press in 2007 and has designed over 200 books with her creative expertise. Liz Peters, Graphic Designer has also created book covers/interiors and promotional materials for the company. The Peppertree Press has taken root and is branching out worldwide.
Julie Ann is not only the publisher and founder of her own literary magazine and book publishing company; she is also an avid speaker where she has the opportunity to travel to a variety of writers groups, schools and organizations. Her talk appropriately titled, “From Manuscript to Masterpiece” consists of the simple steps on how to become a published author from start to finish.
In 2009, Julie Ann finished yet another children's book dedicated to librarian’s everywhere, "Finnigan the Dragon."
In 2009, Julie Ann finished yet another children's book dedicated to librarian’s everywhere, "Finnigan the Dragon."
In 2010, Julie Ann published her first novel, “Haunted Echoes,” a paranormal tale of evil and courage set in picturesque Cape Elizabeth, Maine. At present she is working on her second novel, Irish Jewel coming out summer of 2011. To get a sneak preview, read the first chapter on her website: www.julieannhowell.com.
Find Julie Ann here ~
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