There is a lot of research that goes into a story, especially a story that takes place in the past. For The Kiss of a Rose I researched a lot of Idaho history. I like placing my stories in the state where I live, this allows me to visit all the places I write about. Being able to walk the streets of a town helps me to tell a story with more authenticity.
My book starts out with Stephen Winship walking through Morris Hill Cemetery. The cemetery actually exists. It was created in January of 1882 and people are still being buried there today.
The political part of my story is fictional, but based in fact. Idaho does charge a six percent sales tax on all food purchases. There was a movement several years ago to have the tax removed by one percent per year over six years so the state could slowly compensate for the loss of income. The governor at that time opposed the idea because of the large loss of revenue it would have caused. Due to the governor’s opposition the proposal never made it out of the interim committee. Oddly enough, the idea has come up again and there are members in the current legislature seriously considering a bill to remove the sales tax from food to help the state’s taxpayers during these tough economic times.
I tried to make the political debates and procedures as accurate as possible in the story. I was fortunate enough several years ago to substitute in the legislature for my state representative and actually got to present a bill in committee. I have also debated bills on the House floor and seen them pass. This experience helped me to create a realistic feel to the political parts of my story.
I am currently working on a sequel to the book, which picks up the story of all the characters roughly eight months after the end of the first book. The Thorn of a Rose will be released later this year.
Title: The Kiss of a Rose by Augustina Van Hoven
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Synopsis
A DISTANT PAST
In 1882, Rose Van Buren loved the wrong man and paid for it with her life. Now, more than a century later, the angel Gabriel has granted her another shot at living. In exchange, she must convince a smart, handsome, up-and-coming lawyer to set aside his lofty ambitions.
A FUTURE PRESENT
Stephen Winship is headed straight for the governor’s chair. He has a brilliant career, solid allies, and a seemingly perfect girlfriend. But night after night he finds himself dreaming of a heavenly beauty, a luminous but long-dead girl. Like some altered Ghost of Christmas Past, she shows him her own tragic tale in order to “save him.” And he’s beginning to see Rose is risking her heart as much as baring her soul. Yet falling for her will cost him everything—and open him up to a happiness he never imagined.
Click to read an excerpt.
Purchase The Kiss of a Rose
About the Author
Augustina Van Hoven resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two dogs and three cats. She is an avid reader of romance, science fiction and fantasy. When she’s not writing she likes to work in her garden or in the winter months crochet and knit on her knitting machines.
Contact the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook
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