Several years ago, inspired
by my love of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John
Berendt, and my general love of all things southern, we planned a short trip to
Savannah, Ga.
Although, it was only two
days, Savannah stayed with me, becoming the inspired setting of my first novel,
Deepest Midnight. We managed to see quite a bit in those two days; I'm famous
for squeezing every bit of action I can into our vacations.
Here is a list of what we
managed to see. Everything we saw was a hit, and quickly became a "must
do" for the next visit.
- The Mercer
Williams House is
a must for fans of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Tours
are offered and there is a wonderful little gift shop on site. The house
is currently owned and occupied by the sister of Jim Williams, Dr. Dorothy
Kingery.
- River
Street is
a beautiful, historic area. It is a lovely place, bustling with activity.
The buildings here were once warehouses for cotton and have since been
converted into restaurants, hotels, and gift shops. Savannah’s Candy
Kitchen was a favorite with my son.
- Forsyth
Park is
a large, 30-acre city park. Here, you will find the famous Forsyth Park
Fountain. There are many walking paths, a play area, and even a cafe.
Forsyth Park makes for a wonderful afternoon stroll, and figures
prominently into my novel.
- Savannah's
Historic Squares There
are 22 squares in historic Savannah, lined with stunning historic homes,
and businesses. The squares are lush with greenery. There are places to
sit and relax, taking in the beauty around you. The below picture was
taken in Lafayette Square.
- Hearse Ghost Ride Hubs and I went on a haunted tour of historic Savannah. I can't emphasize enough how fun this was. The tour took place inside an actual hearse, with a customized open top. Yes, it was super touristy and cheesy, but oh so fun. The stories were fantastic, and there was even an opportunity to go inside one of the buildings on the tour; The Olde Pink House.
- The Book Lady Bookstore Obviously, as a writer and avid book nerd, I always take the time to find a local bookstore to peruse. The Book Lady is a charming store that specializes in used, rare, and out of print books. You will find new books, as well.
- The Pirate's House This restaurant was a win-win for dinner. My son loved the pirate theme and the adults loved the history. This restaurant has been in operation since 1753, beginning as a meeting place for sailors and pirates! It is also supposedly haunted, which adds to the fun.
There is so much more to do
in Savannah. I hope to return, someday soon, and add to this list. The
Bonaventure Cemetery was a big miss, we just simply did not have the time. I
did, although, pick up my Bird Girl Statuette, which is always displayed in a
prominent location. Where is your favorite vacation spot?
***
Deepest Midnight
The Immortal Kindred Series
Book One
Clara Winter
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Inkspell Publishing
Date of Publication: June 25, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-945910-64-7
Number of pages: 162
Word Count: 48,903
Tagline: True love never dies
Book Description:
True love never dies. At least it doesn’t for Millicent, a once French noblewoman turned immortal vampire. Her big problem is that the love of her life was murdered before she was granted immortality. Forever is a long time to live in despair. 240 years later, she happens upon an English actor named Jack, who happens to look exactly like her dead lover.
Trying to figure out Jack’s true soul identity becomes complicated by her own uncertainty, Jack’s mortality, and the other man in Millicent’s life. Alexandre, her maker and companion, isn’t going to make it too easy for her. Millicent must decide if she’s going to continue to be led by others or take the reins and drive the outcome of her life.
Deepest Midnight is set in modern day Savannah, Ga with occasional glimpses back to 18th century France.
Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/hitN-DZvZts
Excerpt:
“Go be miserable
somewhere else, Millicent,” grumbles Alexandre.
It’s going to be
one of those nights. Alexandre pulls me up and hands me my black leather
clutch. He steers me toward the darkly stained front door of our antebellum
Savannah home. Before opening the door, he bends down to put shoes on my feet,
like I’m a child. If he wants me to brood elsewhere, I will. Alexandre
appreciates people who are bright and cheery. His reason for tolerating my
presence for so long is one of life’s many mysteries.
“We have all
lost people we love, Mills. We go on. If you can’t ever learn to do the same, what’s
the point?”
“Good question,
what is the point?”
“You can choose
to be happy again. I’m not sure how much longer I can stand to have you around
like this. For tonight, go find something to distract your mind.”
I can’t blame
Alexandre for wanting me to disappear this evening. The life of the party tires
of the buzz kill. Thankfully, one of the many wonderful things about Savannah
is the abundance of mysterious spots, all perfect for sulking. Secluded
squares, thick with foliage dripping in Spanish moss, decaying alleyways lined
with ancient cobblestone, and hidden stone staircases topped with wrought iron
railings, all provide perfect places to hide away. My stormy mood, has long
felt at home in this haunted city.
About the Author:
Clara Winter grew up reading Anne of Green Gables, The Secret Garden, and Alice in Wonderland, while watching Buck Rogers, Star Trek, and Doctor Who. Writing her own stories naturally ensued. She is a wife, mother, and former school counselor, with a Master’s Degree in Counseling. Amy is from Colorado Springs, Co and currently resides in Mission Viejo, Ca.
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