A few weeks ago I completed a very fun commission from my friend and Oklahoma author Sonia Gensler to celebrate the publication of her second novel, The Dark Between, Sonia writes just the type of stories that I adore– old timey spooky tales set in beautiful old buildings with plenty of ghostly encounters and mystery.
Her first novel, The Revenant, was set close to home at a Cherokee girl’s seminary in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Her latest novel, however, crosses the Atlantic to the beautiful and historic city of Cambridge in England at the fictional Summerfield College for young women, where a group of unlikely friends come together to explore the academic side of spiritualism as well as investigate a series of strange murders.
Here’s a little taste of what the story is about:
At the turn of the twentieth century, Spiritualism and séances are all the rage—even in the scholarly town of Cambridge, England. While mediums dupe the grief-stricken, a group of local fringe scientists seeks to bridge the gap to the spirit world by investigating the dark corners of the human mind.
Each running from a shadowed past, Kate, Asher, and Elsie take refuge within the walls of Summerfield College. But their peace is soon shattered by the discovery of a dead body nearby. Is this the work of a flesh-and-blood villain, or is something otherworldly at play? This unlikely trio must illuminate what the scientists have not, and open a window to secrets taken to the grave—or risk joining the spirit world themselves.
In order to create the painting, I was excited to get an advanced copy of the book to curl up with and read late at night (the perfect time to read spooky stories, of course!) The above piece is the painting I came up with— showing the main characters Kate, Elsie and Asher scheming beneath a tree on the campus of Summerfield, with the ghostly faces of those who have haunted them in one way or another peeking through vines and bramble.
Sonia had a few beautiful journals made up with the image on it as promotional materials, and she has so sweetly agreed to give a free copy to two of my readers here on the blog! She also has an amazing giveaway going on right now on her own blog where you can win an advanced copy of the book (official publication isn’t until August!), the journal and some great bookmarks and a postcard featuring the painting. Be sure to visit her there as well for a chance to win!
And if you’d like to win one of these beautiful journals, all you have to do is leave a comment here, and the winners will be chosen Tuesday, June 11.
Thanks so much to Sonia for trusting me with such a special project and letting me get a sneak peek at your wonderfully spooky story! I look forward to all your other work to come!~
Happy Friday everyone!~
~H
Sleightholm Folk Art 
Sounds like an Amazing oppurtunity for people to see your work!
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A hauntingly beautiful piece. Congrats! 🙂
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A hauntingly beautiful piece. Congrats! 🙂
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The painting is awesome! And the book sounds fantastic, Heather! 🙂 Love the new blog banner. 🙂 I'm WAY behind on my visits, but will try to make that up soon. Thanks for sharing this cool new piece.
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What a great opportunity for you…bravo!! I would love to win that beautiful journal with your painting:)
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when did you have time to do this? before moving?
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Beautiful painting! You art is so intricate here I adore it. This book sounds intriguing too.
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I'm going to have to look up her last book at the library. Sounds like my kind of story! And who doesn't love cute journals? 😉 Count me in!
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Lovely journal cover and quote! The scene makes me want to get the book! Seriously!
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The book sounds great! Beautiful painting. I will check out her site!
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Oh , I love me a good spooky murder mystery!! This story sounds very intriguing in both the setting and the characters. Your painting is wonderful and gives that Erie and unsettled feeling! Plus I love the turn of the century focus . Such a cool way to launch a new book by having you paint a picture that then can be copied into some promotional materials!!
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I would have commented even without the giveaway- I LOVE this painting!! And I will definitely buy this book (though to win would be lovely too.) There is nothing better then a good spooky story. Nice job, Heather and thanks for the opportunity to win a really cool giveaway! 🙂
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Are you kidding me with these books?? Oh I MUST find them! I must read them! This sounds like me with a capital ME. 🙂 Also, I would be enchanted to throw my hat in the ring for this giveaway. As always, your art amazes me 🙂
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Sounds like a good read! I might have to check that one out. Love this painting.
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Beautiful painting! The book sounds interesting, too!
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How very cool Heather.
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The painting is great! I can't wait to read the book.
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The painting is great! I can't wait to read the book.
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Sounds amazing and your painting is beautiful!!
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How wonderful, really wonderful. and I love the painting. the book sounds also like something I would love to read. lots of love to ou and your family this summer..~Lycke
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