Fran O'Brien's (now just called O'Brien's), one of the locations in my novel. Annapolis, Maryland.
Dear Readers,
Well, it’s been two weeks today since I let it go out into the world. So now what are people saying about my debut novel entitled “Beneath the Mimosa Tree?”
I thought I’d let these lovely comments do all the talking, but before I do, I wanted to share an excerpt from the novel just to stir your interest if it hasn’t already been stirred. Then, enjoy reading what people are saying.
We independent authors can use all the support we can get to spread the word about our work. For those of you who have liked the book, thanks for your kind recommendations to others. I can’t tell you how much that means to me.
***
A Short Excerpt from “Beneath the Mimosa Tree,” Part II. The story is told in alternating voices. Here’s Annabelle’s voice…
ANNABELLE
When we made our way off the boat and up to the house, empty picnic basket in hand, Michael helped me hobble back to my front door. We stood there for a moment, a little uneasy, not sure as to how to say goodbye. He touched the side of my arm and looked at me in the eyes.
“So that was okay, right? All good?” he said, wanting and needing me to confirm that we hadn’t lost anything, but rather gained something during the day together.
“No,” I said, feeling unusually flirtatious. “It was better than okay.”
He looked surprised for a second, then his smile took over his face. I’ll remember that look for as long as I live.
“I’m glad,” he said, and his hand moved from my upper arm, down past my elbow to my hand, which he took in his own and brought to his lips. He kissed the top of it. I liked the way his warm, wet lips felt on my skin.
“Should we do this again?” he asked. I nodded.
“Okay, then, we’ll figure out another time,” he said.
He turned toward his house, his shoulder square and his posture perfect, and walked away from me. I let him take about twenty steps.
“Michael—” I found myself shouting, and then, doing the best run-shuffle I could manage, ignoring the throbbing in my ankle, ran to him. He turned, and it was I—I who reached for him and kissed him for the very first time. I felt a sensation in my legs I hadn’t yet felt in my seventeen years; they went weak and wobbly, and Michael, his mouth pressed against mine, seemed to catch me. His hands were holding my face, and I don’t know if I breathed at all in the time we stood there, melding into each other. However, I was certain of one thing: the presence of an aching pain from my foot was absent, and I felt only heat and tasted the warmth of love for the first time on that September day.
***
And now for the reviews…
Pusser's at the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront Hotel. It used to be called the Afterdeck, and Michael visits it in the book.
***
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While traveling through the lives of Annabelle and Michael, Verni takes you on a journey through beautiful Annapolis, MD with stops in New York and London. Verni’s characters immediately come to life on the pages and I found myself not wanting it to end. I believe everyone will identify with this touching story of family, friends, love, loss….and life lessons learned as we grow up.
–Stacey Janes
Just finished your novel and loved it! You are such a talented writer. I loved the character development. I want to know more about Annabelle and Michael.
–Linda Lynch
If you are looking for a good read for Spring Break, I highly recommend “Beneath the Mimosa Tree” by Stephanie Verni. I bought it for my Nook yesterday afternoon, and couldn’t put it down! Check out her blog too… stephsscribe.com.
–Julie Heleba
I loved the book—everything about it. I even had a tear or two at the end. It gives many hope that time heals all wounds. Congratulations to you. Need a sequel!!!
–Kimberly Keith
Stephanie Verni has created a wonderful story of love, life decisions, friendship, and forgiveness with her beautifully written book “Beneath the Mimosa Tree.” This is a story we can all relate to in some way and I feel Stephanie did a tremendous job of creating two characters that were real and vulnerable. I also loved the bonds of friendship with the supporting characters and how they each supported their friend through life no matter what. I was captivated from page one!
–Tammy Rossbach
Simply wonderful. You can tell the author has put her heart into the novel. Well written and the style flows well. A read for a sunny day on a lounger.
–Mrs. N. Ormerod
This is me holding my draft copy of the novel. See how I'm in absolute disbelief that I finally finished the thing?
I found this novel captivating from beginning to end. Stephanie Verni creatively portrays a beautiful story of two young people’s love and its evolution in “Beneath the Mimosa Tree”. The story is written through the eyes of the two main characters, Michael and Annabelle. Verni imaginatively flips from one character to the other, leaving the reader always wanting more. She also paints the backdrop, predominantly Annapolis, Maryland; but also London and New York vividly. I almost felt as if I was with the characters as the story unfolded. All in all, it was a great feel good book, perfect read for a vacation.
–Darlene Norton
Just wanted to let you know that I broke my rule and read your book over the weekend, even though I am half way through another book. I was just too tempted by your pretty cover I guess. I enjoyed the story very much! What a sweet story. I loved Michael and Annabelle and their quest for forgiveness and a happy future! Enjoy your success and then get busy on the second novel.
–Mary Best
