After five days without power in the Gulf of Mexico, the more than 4,200 people aboard the Carnival Triumph returned home to the U.S., with many of them telling their horror stories for the first time.
Passengers began to disembark the damaged ship around 10:15 p.m. CT Thursday in Mobile, Ala. The last passenger disembarked the ship at 1 a.m. local time, according to Carnival’s Twitter handle.
Passenger Brandi Dorsett was thankful to be home, especially for her mother, who was with her on the ship. Dorsett said she wasn’t pleased with the doctor on staff.
“My mother is a diabetic, and they would not even come to the room because she cannot walk the stairs to help her with insulin. She hasn’t had insulin in three days,” Dorsett said.
The Carnival Triumph departed Galveston, Texas, last Thursday and lost power Sunday after a fire in the engine room disabled the vessel’s propulsion system and knocked out most of its power.
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Zoe Grayson needs a change. So, she moves to another state, purchases an old, dilapidated 1920s Victorian Mansion, and sets out to restore it to its former glory. As she begins the restoration, she finds herself falling in love with the old house . . . not to mention its illustrious builder, Mr. Lancaster. Zoe becomes obsessed with the house as she discovers its secrets; hidden rooms, secret passageways . . . and a mysterious man who seems to think the house is his. Who is he? More importantly, how does he live in her home unseen and unheard?
The unexpected answers leave her reeling—and questioning everything she’s ever known. To her dismay, Zoe’s actions land her in the local psychiatric hospital, scheming for ways to return to Lancaster House . . . and the love of her life.
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The Middle Aisle by Taylor Dean
Paperback, 356 pages
Published November 26th 2012 by Create SpacePremise:
Zoe Grayson is back in Lancaster House, ordered to bed rest for the duration of her unexpected pregnancy. Doctor Wade Channing, her overzealous psychiatrist, is living in Lancaster House, taking care of her, waiting on her, and tending to her every need. It seems to be the perfect arrangement.
There’s just one catch.
She has to tell him her story—everything that has happened in her life since the moment she escaped from Serenity Hills. It’s been quite an adventure to include renovating another home and a walk down the middle aisle.
But, that’s all over now. Nothing is real. It never was.
How did she end up in this miserable situation?
GUEST POST
Lancaster House contains many secret passageways and hidden rooms. It’s definitely part of its charm. The house itself is a main character in the book without me intentionally writing it that way. But Lancaster House isn’t the only one keeping secrets. I couldn’t resist adding a couple of secrets of my own into the writing of this book.
First I need to explain. I vividly remember sitting in my California Lit class in high school, listening to my teacher explain the hidden meanings John Steinbeck placed in the Grapes of Wrath—the types of things that are in Cliff Notes. I was mesmerized. I was impressed. Like the preacher’s name was Jim Casy. Initials: J.C. By no mistake did Mr. Steinbeck choose those initials—he chose the name Jim Casy to mimic the initials Jesus Christ. At least this is what my teacher taught me. Did Mr. Steinbeck confirm this? I have no idea. I’ve always wondered if these types of things are made up by people who study classic literature or if the author really intended it that way! Still, the concept fascinated me. Next I learned about East of Eden. The father’s name is Adam, and his son’s names are Caleb and Aron. (Father Adam=C for Cain and A for Abel) At any rate, you get the whole initial idea thing. To a young student of literature, this was intriguing and I never forgot it. (I grew up living only an hour away from John Steinbeck’s infamous Cannery Row, hence the obsession with Steinbeck.)
With the above thoughts in mind, I set out to name my hero. Since the visual of Adam Lambert was the image that inspired my main character, I decided to stick with A.L. as the initials. Andre Lancaster. Yes, I’ll put secrets in my book just like John Steinbeck, I thought. Brilliant.
Okay, so it’s not that amazing. But it felt amazing. The kind of thing that made me smile to myself whenever I thought about it.
There is one other similarity to Adam Lambert and American Idol placed in Lancaster House. During the American Idol season, Adam Lambert would show up on stage dressed in his casual attire, with his hair flopping over one eye, looking like an anime rocker. In the next performance he’d show up with his hair slicked back, dressed in a classy suit, singing “Tracks of my Tears.”
A total transformation. I couldn’t resist having my main character do the same.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you’ll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up.
Lancaster House & The Middle Aisle, available in print or eCopy from Smashwords or for Amazon, click on the cover below:
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TOUR-WIDE GIVEAWAY
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5 WINNERS will receive….
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Open only to those who can legally enter. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced on Rafflecopter and Grand Finale posts as well as emailed and the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Burgandy Ice @ Colorimetry and Prism Book Tours and sponsored by Taylor Dean. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
*To learn of another American Idol performance that inspired a certain scene in Lancaster House,come back tomorrow and visit my study at Proud Book Nerd. . . you won’t bedisappointed . . .
To join in, copy and paste these rules and the above banner into your Fanged Mania post and add your link to this week’s Fanged Mania post at Elisabeth Wheatley’s Blog. Fanged Mania is a Friday meme counting down to the release of Fanged Princess and displaying all things vampire and awesome. Fanged Mania posts can be a review of a vampire book, a quote from the latest Vampire Diaries episode, a showcase of a cool vampire book’s cover, or whatever you like so long as it is vampire related. Don’t forget, participants will be entered in the drawing to win a fanged-abulous prize pack!
The prize pack I mentioned includes Vampire Diaries and Breaking Dawn posters as well as a paperback copy of Erica Steven’s Captured (my review here) and the complete collection of The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter stories by Jennifer Malone Wright, in paperback, too! =D
Oh, and the contest is international. And the more Fanged Mania posts you have, the more entries you get! So what are you waiting for? Hop on the bandwagon!
Review of the middle aisle by taylor dean
“Riveting conclusion” is so appropriate. I know sometimes the second book can be a letdown, but this knocked my socks off. I was racing through the pages, unable to put it down. Incredibly written. Psychologically and emotionally draining.
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Zoe had moved into the Victorian House determined to renovate it and sell it. What she found instead, was a love so strong, that even the supernatural barriers in front of her and Andre could not keep her from his arms.
To see the Review for lancaster house, Book I, go HERE.
Dr. Channing woke Zoe with a full tray of breakfast. Since being pregnant, she ate more than ever. She hated being bedridden, but loved her little package.
She admitted to Dr. Channing that Andre had been a figment of her imagination.
Dr. Channing wanted her to tell her story from the time she had escaped from the hospital. She told the doctor that she knew Andre would be waiting for her. She told him, that as she raced toward the closed front door of the house, it opened by itself. She jumped into Andre’s arms and poof – she vanished into thin air.
The house had been rented, while Zoe spent six months in Serenity Hills Psychiatric Hospital. The renters corroborated her story.
As Andre held her, they watched Dr. Channing walk through the house. Andre swore he would never leave her again. When the Dr. left, he wished them happiness. Why would he do that, if he believed Andre wasn’t real?
As they kissed, Zoe tried to crawl inside Andre’s skin. There was still a barrier between them. She desperately wanted to be one with him.
Dr. Channing asked the neighbors if he could put up a camera, aimed at Zoe’s house. He wanted to prove to Zoe there was no Andre. He felt she was playing him. And what about Dr. Channing? Wasn’t something wrong with him? Was he overly obsessed with Zoe?
Andre said he wanted to take her down the middle aisle – get married. He was changing because of her love, his curse was lifting. Zoe was so in love with Andre, she didn’t want to live without him. Was he really turning human? Would they be able to connect and lift the barrier between them?
Does she really believe the baby is Andre’s?
5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)
Was he a ghost? A vampire? Was he even real? The story will have you so engrossed, that it won’t matter what Andre really is. He will win you over.
I felt it was such a tragic love story, that I wanted to cry with Zoe, as she strived to create a real life with Andre. Their love was so great, I could only hope that it would break all the barriers that the supernatural had imposed on them. I loved the characters, and even Dr. Channing won me over in the end.
The psychological thrill ride had me questioning everything. The plot was so unique and unforeseen, that I was constantly surprised.
The ending left me stunned, I smiled as the tears ran down my face. It was one of the best endings of any book I have read and left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling that lingered long after I had finished the book.
I received this book in return for an unbiased and honest review.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you’ll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up.
To find out what Taylor Dean is up to, follow the links below:
Zoe was in Serenity Hills because she had tried to kill herself. She was also accused of killing two men. Dr. Channing had taken over her care and was weaning her from the heavy medications she had been on since her admittance. When he told her there was no such thing as ghosts, she told him they had nothing to talk about. He asked her to tell him about Lancaster House. He didn’t think she would answer, but she slowly began to tell him how she fell in love with the house and why she was so desperate to return to it.
The realtor explained about the old Victorian home. It needed a lot of work. She tried to discourage Zoe from going in, let alone buying it, but Zoe could feel the house calling to her. For the second time she thought she saw someone in the window. She laughed with delight at the unexpected finds and oddities of the house. She was intrigued by its idiosyncrasies, the hidden rooms and secret passageways. She loved it. The real estate agent, Barbara, called the builder, Andre Lancaster, peculiar, but Zoe thought him amazing.
The neighbor lady, Mrs Pearson, had come in with them and, while Barbara was busy on the phone, she told Zoe the story of the house. The builder’s wife and a vagrant were found dead in the house. The husband was never found. Everyone thought the house was haunted. But that wasn’t going to stop Zoe.
After making the place livable, her first project was the banister. She worked late into the night, and even though she wanted to finish it, she quit with ten rails to go. In the morning she found it was done. She thought she must have been high from the fumes and turned her mind to the next project.
When she arose the next morning, the piece of wallpaper she had deliberately left unhung, was put up. Also, during the night a blanket had been placed over her. Did she have an uninvited quest living with her? As she thought about it, all the acts were helpful and caring towards her, so she wasn’t afraid, was she?
Still… She went to the courthouse and got the original blue prints. She found the builder had intentionally created an illusion on the outside of the house to hide the additional room. She tore through the wall and found the wife’s bedroom and knew she had been murdered there. But the room was covered in dust and no one could have been in there for a long time. So where was her elusive guest staying?
That night someone broke in and attacked her. Zoe was surprised when another man came to her rescue.
He was shocked that she could see him and speak to him. It wasn’t long before she was wanting more than his help with the house. She wanted him. She wanted to see him, speak to him, be held by him.
Where in the house did he Live? Why can’t he leave? He had told her his name was Andre, but she had never done her research on the house, so the name held no meaning for her.
She questioned if he really existed, but she felt his presence. He was physical, because she saw him, talked to him, touched him, loved him. She couldn’t be imagining him, could she?
4 – Would Highly Recommend To Others
This was definitely a different twist on a vampire (?), ghost (?) or madwoman (?) story. I got about halfway through and thought WT. Never saw that coming. Now I get it, or do I?
A psychological thriller that will keep you guessing. The minute you think you have the answer, you better think again.
The plot had me guessing if HE was real or not, but I’m a reader, not Zoe, so it is totally feasible to me. The book was well written and I liked that it took a twist here and there. Not your typical vampire or ghost story. Or even that of a locked up mad woman. As soon as I thought I had it figured out, something else would happen and I would be wondering, what now? Definitely messed with my mind, had my head spinning. And still does.
What would you do if you had an uninvited guest in your house? Would you believe it was supernatural or would you think your mind was playing tricks on you? Even though you felt him, touched him, kissed him, would you be able to hold to your belief while everyone is telling you that you are wrong? That is Zoe’s situation.
Zoe was confident in her knowledge of Andre, no matter what anyone else tried to tell her. All she cared about was being with Andre. He tried to make her see they couldn’t have a relationship, that they lived in different worlds – his was supernatural and she couldn’t join him there, or could she?
I felt the doctor was arrogant and controlling, and I really didn’t like him. He became obsessed with Zoe and lost his perspective. Maybe he’s the one who needs help. lol
Shortly into the book, I thought, this will be a three. It quickly turned into a four, for the simple reason I began to read faster and faster. I had to know what was going to happen next. The writing was captivating and took me deeper into the story as it built to its suspenseful ending.
The end will take you away. Just hope you don’t end up in Serenity Hills with Zoe.
I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Book II: the middle aisle has just been released. To get your copy of either book, scroll down and click on the cover.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you’ll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up.
To find out what Taylor Dean is up to, follow the links below:
I believe that Annette Dobson, The SIDS Killer, is not dead, even though the state says they executed her, filed a death certificate and closed the case. Her husband does not believe it either. She had been convicted of killing six of her children before they could reach a year old. She was pregnant at the time of her incarceration and plead for an abortion, so she wouldn’t take the baby to hell with her. She is only one of the seven I think they have brought to Uphir.
I will go to almost any lengths to get the story, that is why I am coming to the Uphir Behavioral Health Center in Uphir, Texas, and agreeing to being “treated” by Dr. Alan Hayworth, a clinical psychologist and the Reverend William H. Billings, a local minister.
When I was interviewed by Dr. Hayworth, he asked me what I really wanted. He also wanted to know how I found him.
While I sit in the diner in Dell City, Texas, where the song Farmer in the Dell came from, I wonder about what I am doing here. The only safety measure I have taken, is having my assistant and girlfriend, Melody Swann, receive and transcribe any diary notes and tapes that I will send to her on and off during my stay.
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The waitress at the diner seemed surprised to see me. I had been here a month ago to work out the details of my commitment to Uphir. She said she had never seen anyone that went up there, come back. She told me that everyone who lived out by the center had moved away or outright disappeared. They were afraid of the demons running wild.
We kept talking, and I told her I was there because of Renaldo, a reporter. He had contacted me about strange things going on at Uphir, and had never contacted me again. She knew his name was Ose. She said she heard him say it and that he was coming for Eddie, for me. I couldn’t figure out what she was talking about or why she would say that.
When I arrived, I stood and stared at the building. It felt alive, as if it was speaking to me. I entered and was greeted by a nurse. The Doctor came out and escorted me to his office, telling me the protocol. I could only record when I was given permission. I felt I was being watched and thought it was probably the Reverend, because he came in shortly after. He creeped me out.
He seems to be focused on demonic forces that can influence us all, but I didn’t really believe any of what he was saying. I thought there must be some kind of blocker, because even though I had recorded our meeting, the playback was intermittent. There were parts missing and I could hear odd voices and static. The recording seems to be trying to tell me something, like someone is trying to communicate with me outside normal channels. It speaks in a language I cannot understand.
They put me in the house from “Psycho”. Even though it is separate from the “hospital”, I have no food and only one window to look out. It looks right back at the institution. There is no cable, internet or phone service. There is a VCR. The tapes all have a theme, The Exorcist, Rosemary’s Baby, Jacob’s Ladder, Altered States, The Brood, In The Mouth of Madness. My thought is, they are trying to mess with my mind.
It’s 2:00am and I can’t sleep, so I look out the window. The moonlight has an eerie glow, like in the horror movies. I’m waiting for someone with a hockey mask or chainsaw to come busting in. I always feel as if I am being watched. The Reverend had left a Bible with passages marked. as if I’m supposed to read them and make me ponder the evil in me.
I’m thinking they brought Annette Dobson here for the sole purpose of studying the baby after it was born. Maybe they felt they could learn something from a baby that was born from a cold-blooded killer. Will it be an Angel or a Demon? If what I think is true, she should be due in a week or so.
I arrive for breakfast and run into Donald. He starts telling me about all my secrets. How could he possibly know? His voice sounds different, and as he keeps on, I can feel myself getting more and more angry. I am so mad, I can feel my body vibrate with tension. I have such a feeling of rage, hate, shame, guilt, pain and violation that I am furious beyond my control.
Melody becomes freaked out transcribing the tapes. She hears screaming and cries for help. As she types, she feels like someone is typing for her. Words come out that she didn’t put down. They are in a language she doesn’t know. It is talking to her, telling her things. Warning her? She feels any urgency to get the results to Eddie fast.
I met with the Reverend. He asked if I believed the bible was true. I asked him, what does it matter? He proceeds to tell me, I have entered a world where good and evil are at war. He wants to make sure I am safe from possession before he will let me meet with Annette Dobson.
Renaldo Gonzalez had brought a tape to me made by Timothy Nathan Tyler, another executed inmate, saying he was going to be resurrected. Then Renaldo just disappeared off the face of the earth. Tyler is sitting in front of my right now and looks as if he is dead. Annette is there too.
Melody becomes more afraid with the next transcription.She can hear Eddie speaking another language, ranting and raving like a madman. It seems like her laptop has a mind of its own. It won’t shut off. It’s as if someone is with her. She is terrified to move, so she keeps writing. A voice filled with evil is making her write and she cannot quit until she has written down what it wants. Melody doesn’t want to do this any more.
I get my computer back and want to write about the visit with the others. It scares me shitless.They looked as if possessed and I am living inside the movies of Carrie or The Omen. I had completely lost it when Tyler had told me things that no one here could have known. He even used the same tone of voice and projected the same feelings onto me that my ex-wife had.
I seemed to be going down into a pit of desolation, so I started to sing happy songs. Songs like The Flintstones and Sesame Street. I think of my little girl and feel like I’m evil, cursed, should just up and die. I continue singing trying to fight off the sense of impending madness.
Because I had reacted so badly, they had put me in an isolation cell. I typed until my battery died, then lay listening to the screams and the metal clanging footsteps. Pitch blackness amplified everything I heard and felt.
As I sat in the Doctor’s office, ready to record, they said they had warned me of the supernatural. According to him and the Reverend, Tyler, Annette and the rest of the patients, were all possessed and they were trying to help them. They went on to say that one of the demons had come for me. He proceeded to tell me that I was really here to record my story. He quoted scriptures for me to read and sent me on my way.
Matthew Chapter 12 Verse 43-46
Luke Chapter 11 Verse 24-26
I read the scriptures and thought it odd that two different people, Matthew and Luke, said the same thing. It was written that seven times the evil had returned. What if the demons are real? I decided that the title of my story would be SEVEN-X.
3 STARS – Would Recommend To Others
I was gifted this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I gave it only three stars, because it didn’t quite get me to the point of being terrified. The suspense kept me reading, but I was left wanting something more. It was written as a diary, and that may be why I couldn’t seem to lose myself in the plot.
Awesome cover. Eyes always make me want to look deeper into them and see what’s there. The title made me curious and I did find out that it was an appropriate title.
The writing was very good and I can see how the story can be continued. The main character of Eddie Hanson is well developed and credible, with a need to solve the puzzle of the missing convicts. It would be his scoop. Put him on top. Can you imagine how a person, so sure of their convictions, would feel if he found them to be otherwise? His plan to solve the puzzle, simply creates another.
What if you couldn’t tell what was real? It wouldn’t be that difficult to become paranoid and believe they are messing with your head when you are isolated from the outside world. We all know how cults can brainwash people. Are there really demons? Are they out to have us do their bidding? Or is it just the evil inside us?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mike Wech is a writer, director and editor living in Los Angeles CA.
Originally from Buffalo, Mike began his career in New York as an actor with appearances on Liquid Television, America’s Most Wanted, One Life To Live and All My Children as well as numerous stage plays.
Moving behind the camera Mike began work as a writer crafting television commercials and shows like VH1’s Fairway to Heaven. Mike worked as a writer, producer, director, editor, camera operator and in various other capacities learning his craft as he moved into feature films.
His first feature, the post apocalyptic “The Moment After2, The Awakening, directed by Wes Llewellyn sold over a million dollars on DVD. More features and television shows followed including the critically acclaimed docu-drama “South Dakota” with Star Wars Producer Howard Kazanjian and Director Bruce Isacson, and the gritty crime drama, “The Exodus of Charlie Wright” starring Andy Garcia, Aidan Quinn, Gina Gershon and Luke Goss, directed by R. Ellis Frazier.
With an eye on producing his own material, Mike continued writing for his clients, while penning the Award Nominated screenplay, “Your Life The Movie.”
SEVEN-X is Mike’s debut novel and the first in the forthcoming SEVEN-X series of books. He is excited about the feature film adaptation of SEVEN-X to be shot in West Virginia at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Seven-X is the first film to be given permission to film on the grounds and it boasts being the second largest stone mason building in the world next to The Kremlin.
Horror fans get ready for a creepy, unsettling ride into your worst nightmare!
The Middle Aisle
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5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)
She tried to discourage Zoe from going in, let alone buying it, but Zoe could feel the house calling to her. For the second time she 
When she arose the next morning, the piece of wallpaper she had deliberately left unhung, was put up. Also, during the night a blanket had been placed over her. Did she have an uninvited quest living with her? As she thought about it, all the acts were helpful and caring towards her, so she wasn’t afraid, was she?
entered and was greeted by a nurse. The Doctor came out and escorted me to his office, telling me the protocol. I could only record when I was given permission. I felt I was being watched and thought it was probably the Reverend, because he came in shortly after. He creeped me out.
like 