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Stories With Respect and Admiration
Saint Augustine Sisterhood follows a time traveler on a dual mission to preserve the spirit of St. Augustine as she continues the search for her husband whom she lost two centuries ago at Stonehenge. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
After being introduced to the Pirate and Gypsy community in Saint Augustine I started following their activities. These are groups of people that enjoy the historical and artistic social events that they are members of. They are not the traditional gypsies that often connote negative images. I wanted to tell their stories with respect and admiration for the love and happiness that they generate. It took me nearly two years to achieve my goals.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
Whenever I start writing a new novel I always begin with a title, a cover, and a conclusion. In this case, the tone was set by the Gypsy Dancers that I followed allowing me to also add the idea of time travelers which is a perfect fit in the ancient city of Saint Augustine with all of its ghost stories and mysterious tales.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
In all seven novels that I have written, there is always a personal connection to people I have known, places that I visit, and experiences that I have had. In Sisterhood there are also layers of fantasy, historical fiction, and spirituality. I also paid tribute to my beloved fifteen-year-old Weimaraner, Enya, who unfortunately passed away during the writing of this novel. Lancelot, who was also another Weimaraner that I owned, was my way of honoring Enya’s lifetime of friendship.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Currently, I am working on a stage play that is adapting Sisterhood into a musical interpretation, including the traveling Gypsies who find themselves in the St. Augustine Enchanted Grove. Also, I am writing a sequel to Sisterhood titled Saint Augustine Sisterhood in the Garden of Good and Evil. This will take the time-traveling gypsies to New Orleans, and Savannah where they will be confronted by a group of evil counterparts. I am hoping to have that novel released early next year.
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When Mandana arrives to settle the estate of her estranged Aunt Caroline, she has no intention in remaining in Florida. That is until the Sisterhood of Gypsy dancers captivates her imagination, an Irish artist enchants her with his mysterious charm, and a Weimaraner named Lancelot becomes her knight in shining armor.
Mandana soon discovers that this ancient city known for harboring ghostly spirits is also a haven for time travelers that seek refuge at the Extended Life Institute. What she doesn’t understand is her role in this mysterious story that is layered with supernatural intrigue.
Saint Augustine Sisterhood
Saint Augustine Sisterhood, written by Eleanor Tremayne, is a masterful blend of history, fiction, and the supernatural. The novel follows Emerald, a time traveler who becomes separated from her husband Liam at Stonehenge during their trip to America’s oldest city, Saint Augustine. As Emerald searches for Liam, she also seeks out five strong-willed women destined to preserve the spirit of Saint Augustine’s gypsy sisterhood.
The story takes an intriguing turn with the introduction of Mandana Morrison, an unexpected character who complicates the narrative. Despite her initial plans to leave the city, Mandana finds herself drawn to the idea of the sisterhood and captivated by the charm of an Irish artist. Her curiosity leads her to uncover the secrets of the time travelers, though she remains unaware of her own crucial role in this supernatural saga.
Tremayne’s Saint Augustine Sisterhood is a paragon of the supernatural genre. She deftly intertwines historical and fictional elements, crafting a captivating tale that highlights the significance of gypsy and pirate groups while delving into their historical roots. Her descriptive prose draws readers into a vividly imagined world, showcasing her exceptional storytelling skills. The novel features a dynamic and engaging cast of characters, with both Emerald and Mandana playing pivotal roles. Their character development is particularly noteworthy, adding depth and dimension to the narrative. The plot is rich with unexpected twists and turns, maintaining suspense and keeping readers hooked from beginning to end. The infusion of supernatural elements and subtle humor further enhances the novel’s appeal.
Saint Augustine Sisterhood is a perfect blend of suspense, fiction, and history. With its rich characters and enthralling storyline, this epic read is sure to astonish and inspire readers. Tremayne has crafted a compelling narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making this book a must-read for fans of the genre.
Pages: 312 | ASIN : B0CW1N27PQ
Inspired By A Trip
The Agape Journey follows an journalist on a globe trotting race to find the a powerful historical artifact. What excited you about this story and motivated you to continue writing?
All of my female protagonists are strong women that are challenged to pursue various paths in their lives that ultimately establishes their credibility. Imani Lewis has always been surrounded by impressive role models. Both her mother and grandmother gave her the inner confidence. Nevertheless it is her father’s letters, perhaps ironically and unexpectedly that guides Imani to accepting her calling in life. As I was creating the Imani character I was able to include many of my own personal experiences as well as others who have learned how to move beyond their own limitations.
Imani is a unique character that felt authentic. What were some character traits of hers that you most relate to?
Imani is determined to face any obstacle that she meets as long as it does not require her to become emotionally involved. Her relationship with Phoenix is her Achilles Heel, and she realizes this while at Santander. I believe many strong women have this same apprehension and must learn how to move forward.
I enjoyed the history and culture in this story. What research did you undertake for this novel to get it right?
I have been very fortunate to travel the world using personal experiences in many of my novels. Thesituation that Imani has at the Cairo Marriot was inspired by a trip that my daughter Alexandra and I took in 1994, where we stayed in that hotel for one week.
Many of the spiritual lessons alluded to in the novel were learned during Bible lessons and sermons by the two pastors that I dedicated tis book to.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
There are two projects on my schedule. The first is an adaptation of my novel, High Tea with Ophelia, to a play script. I have always thought this novel would make an entertaining play and several theatre actors agree. My next novel is, The Saint Augustine Sisterhood. It will be a story of five ladies from very diverse backgrounds containing DNA from powerful historical women. Together these ladies dedicate themselves to making significant cultural improvements in the ancient city of Saint Augustine. There will be supernatural events blended with new medical research to offer readers some fascinating answers to immortality. This novel is scheduled to be released late 2022.
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From Cairo, to Machu Picchu, to a small city in the Midwest the race to find the Agape continues.
The Agape Journey
The Agape Journey by Eleanor Tremayne is one finely researched and executed work that can be read as a postmodern female bildungsroman. The narration by protagonist Imani creates a gripping story from the very beginning which remains till the last words.
From the very beginning readers are made aware that this is not a simple story of an American girl, rather this is going to be a roller coaster ride with a redheaded American journalist with an Arabic name. The amalgamation of Imani’s personal quest for identity along with the central mystery of the Agape carpet provides multiple layers to this engrossing and emotional historical fiction novel. This riveting thriller maintains an excellent balance between authentic representations and well-round characters with intriguing backstories.
The detailed description of places, from New York or Cairo, and the chronology with which the readers get to know about Imani’s past and introduction of every character is done with a finesse that ensures readers are invested in the character’s while taking them along on an exotic, beautiful and spiritual journey that is sprinkled with magical realism.
Each chapter begins with a beautiful quote whose significance can be traced in the chapters. Readers will root for Imani, and their heart will go out to all the brilliantly written characters in this suspenseful story, like her mother Sarah.
The Agape Journey by Eleanor Tremayne is an educational and thought-provoking experience. Tremayne seamlessly blends fact with the fiction in this spellbinding historical thriller. Readers who have never had an opportunity to visit South Africa will get to experience the rich culture through Tremayne’s extraordinary storytelling style. This book takes readers on an enthralling adventure to the brilliant wonders of the world, through thrilling mysteries, and on a spiritual journey that will have them thinking of this novel long after they have read the last page.
Pages: 371 | ASIN : B09KNRK94X
The Agape Journey
If Anne Frank had the Agape Carpet would she be still alive today? How many lives did the Agape save from its conception in 200AD? Phoenix Baldwin has been hired by the Firm, a group of wealthy investors who are anxious to discover Agape’s powers. But, will Imani Lewis, the determined independent journalist, from New York be the one to discover Agape?
From Cairo, to Machu Picchu, to a small city in the Midwest the race to find the Agape continues.
Explore All Literature
High Tea with Ophelia is a contemporary fiction novel that explores romance and relationships through an interaction with literary characters. What inspired you to write a novel on this subject?
What inspired me to write High Tea with Ophelia is my dedication, and love of literature. As a retired high school, and college English teacher I know how important literature is to expanding our points of view on all issues in life. If I can continue to spark interest with my readers to explore all literature, I feel that I have contributed to making our world a better place to live.
I enjoyed the blending of novels within this story, especially your own works. Will readers see more of this integration in your future books?
Including my novel, Destiny Revisited, was at first a risky consideration. I was implying that my work is worthy of study, as much as the other novels, and play that I chose. Some may regard this as being arrogant., However, I hope that I was able to establish that contemporary writers are also a work in progress. What I mean by this, is that many indie writers someday may share the same bookshelves with great literature and even be taught in the classroom. I hope that my novels will be among those selected.
I felt like this novel did a good job of exploring a variety of social issues. Was this intentional or incidental to telling the story you wanted to tell?
High Tea with Ophelia was a delightful novel to write. I recently moved to St. Augustine, Florida in 2019 , the oldest city in the United States. Being able to research this amazing town, and using many actual sites in the novel, I hope will encourage people to enjoy this city while reading the novel. Although sequels are not my favorite writing project, I did write Destiny Revealed when many of my readers wanted to learn more about Gabriella Girard. My next novel, Journey of the Agape, wii include more references to St. Augustine, and definitely literary characters, but with a different slant. I hope to have that novel completed by next summer.
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High Tea with Ophelia
![High Tea with Ophelia by [Eleanor Tremayne]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/519zuwhbnfL.jpg)
Eleanor Tremayne’s High Tea with Ophelia is a magnificent work of art. Not only does the author use beautiful poetic language but the plot is compelling. The book follows the story of an orphan, Sabriel Shelley as she overcomes fears and trials, especially in her love life. While the first chapter starts with some background into her childhood, the last chapter ends with a climactic resolution of her struggle with identity and the pursuit of love.
Mostly written from Sabriel’s perspective, this book is as intimate as it is detailed. Since you are privy to her innermost thoughts, it is commonplace to feel like you are Sabriel’s confidant. From page to page, you experience her great loves, greatest grief, and most humorous moments.
You even get extensive insight into the type of literature she loves and how it has shaped her identity. In fact, literature seems to be the focal point of this book, with characters going to great lengths to explain how their favorite literary pieces have shaped them. It seems to be the one thing that binds them all.
Even when the author temporarily switches to the perspectives of the other characters, this is the one thing that remains. Interestingly, there is a specific focus on famous female literary characters like Ophelia and Scarlet O’Hara. Through them, the author extensively explores the theme of feminism, especially its place in romance and relationships.
As such, subjects like the sexual objectification of women and oppressive societal norms come up often. But those are not the only themes that are covered in this book. There are also a lot of discussions on the supernatural and occult. All things considered, this book offers a perfect blend of romance, mysticism, intellectualism, and art.
I particularly like that the author includes a part on Sabriel reading one of the authors previous books (Destiny Revisited), further blurring the line between real life and fiction. It can be a little disorienting when the author jumps from Sabriel’s perspective to that of the other characters but it does help that she indicates whose perspective is about to be explored at the beginning of every chapter. With only a few grammatical issues, the novel was is still enchanting.
High Tea with Ophelia is a highly intelligent novel that deftly explores various issues while consistently entertaining the reader. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys classic literature or is looking for a thought-provoking contemporary fantasy novel.
Pages: 248 | ASIN: B08MV6Z5VQ
LITERARY TITAN 