Category: Romance Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Type: Fiction
Pages: 36
Copyright: January 16, 2008
Contemporary Paranormal novella
History aficionado Melanie Sparks takes a walking tour of the cemetery in her new Colorado town and learns more about one of the past residents than she ever could've imagined. The story behind Andrew Lindeman's tragic death during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush in 1859 triggers dreams in which she relives his last moments. She’s drawn closer to the handsome ghost while she resolves to clear his tarnished name. A passionate kiss sets his spirit free, but will Melanie lose her heart for good?
Excerpt
Chapter Two
A handsome man, his dark horse, gunshots and a raging river plagued Melanie’s dreams that night. She woke Saturday morning completely exhausted, yet an energy she couldn’t explain pulsed through her. After cleaning her house and washing a few loads of laundry, she tried weeding her two small flower gardens in the backyard.
Nothing took her mind off Andrew Lindeman, or more accurately, nothing could erase the memory of that shadow figure next to his tombstone.
She gave up trying to review the current case she was working on and put on her tennis shoes. A long walk along the South Platte River only led her back to the cemetery. She paused outside the gate, staring intently at that one specific shaded gravesite.
Everything looked normal. Most likely she’d imagined things yesterday. Her imagination had been in overdrive after all the wonderful history she’d learned.
She entered the grounds and followed the path John had led the group along the day before. Every so often she snuck a glance toward the black granite, until at the end, she stood in front of it. Deep breath. Squatting down, she reached to touch the old, worn stone sunk in the earth.
Cold. As it should be.
Her gaze rose to the other one. She didn’t want to touch it, but had to make sure. Her hand trembled slightly as she extended her arm. Cool. Smooth. Relief flooded through her. With one finger, she traced the A in Andrew, then flattened her palm over the name.
In a single instant, the granite warmed, almost to the point of burning her flesh. She yanked her hand back, then nearly jumped out of her skin as a figure materialized right before her eyes.
His dark, glittering eyes locked on her. She couldn’t breathe. If she stayed still, would he go away? She needed oxygen or she’d faint. Rising slowly, she drew in a lungful of air, then concentrated on repeating the process. All the while, her mind registered details.
The man of her dreams. Tall. Dark, wavy hair, worn long enough to hang over his forehead and brush his collar. Eyes that at first glance appeared black but now she saw were a sexy slate gray. His thick eyebrows shadowed them, making them seem darker. A hint of a five o’clock shadow lent a sinister air, yet she wasn’t truly afraid.
“You can see me.” The husky accusation washed over her.
Professional Reviews
Romance Junkies - 4 Stars
by Amanda Haffery
Melanie has just moved to town. Deciding to take a cemetery tour to get to know her new city's history better, Melanie has no idea how spooky things are about to get. When the tour guide stops at a gravestone, Melanie discovers she can speak with the dead. Well, maybe not all the dead, but a particular gorgeous dead hunk certainly seems to have caught her attention.
Andrew Lindeman was once a man to be honored in town. He struck gold during the gold rush, started the newspaper that is still running today and was set to marry the most beautiful woman in the town in the 1800's. All those plans went right down the tube however, when Andrew was shot during a bank robbery. Did Andrew have something to do with it or was he an innocent bystander that was framed for the theft? He's turned to Melanie for help. However, Andrew's starting to feel more for this sweet and compassionate woman than he ever imagined.
IF TOMBSTONES COULD TALK is sweet, sensual and one of the most romantic stories I've ever read. Ms. Netzel has such a way with her words, I felt completely drawn into both the present story and the retelling of Andrew's past. I could see myself standing in the dusty town and drowning in a river of ice cold water. At the same time, I could feel the burning passion between Andrew and Melanie. This story had an incredible storyline that kept me intrigued until the very end. The ending brought tears to my eyes, which doesn't happen very often. Stacy Joy Netzel just garnered a raving new fan. I cannot wait to read another book from her very soon!
Dark Angel Reviews - 5 Stars
by Becky Gaede
Melanie Sparks life is about to change. She loves everything about history and her latest historical walk through the town cemetery is about to turn her life upside down. There she meets Andrew Lindeman, a ghost who died a wrongful death. You see, he was tossed in the middle of a bank robbery in 1859 and died trying to save an innocent girl. Now Melanie is the only one who can hear him and prove he was innocent all those years ago.
IF TOMSTONES COULD TALK by Stacey Joy Netzel is a sweet and romantic read. Normally, when I reach for a paranormal read, I like something more erotic with vampires and other things, but this book was a wonderful escape for the afternoon. I was very impressed with the feel of the characters. Melanie grabbed a hold of my heart on the first page of the story and held on. I absolutely found Andrew sexy, even for a ghost. Every time he spoke in the story, I had goose bumps. I love how everyone was connected in a roundabout way.
The plot was brilliant and well played out. I enjoyed every aspect of the story; I only wish it were longer. The ended left me smiling and happy. Congratulations, Ms. Netzel, on a lovely tale. I hope to read more from you in the future.
Multi-published author - Donna Marie Rogers
Very few stories suck me in from the very first line and hold my interest until the last, but If Tombstones Could Talk did exactly that. Such a unique premise, haunting yet romantic. I swear I could practically feel the heat of the marble as Melanie placed her hand on it. Excellent imagery, so vivid...great job, Stacey!
