When 18-year-old
Hana Silna travels to Prague to reclaim her family’s home, she discovers a
riddle that may lead to a long-last flask.
The contents of
that flask could change the fate of the world. When a ruthless enemy kidnaps
her family Hana has to find the flask to rescue them. On her quest she meets a
mysterious man with a penchant for poetry, a Gypsy girl with a haunting past,
and Alex, an all-American boy who’s trying to save his sister from a crippling
disease. It’s hard to trust anyone when
the stakes are this high — especially when surrounded by experts in deception.
There’s only one
flask, and Hana desperately needs to find it.
EXCERPT:
“Are
you from Prague?” I ask.
“I
s’pose you could say that.” There’s a playful look on his face.
“Would
you say that?”
Before
he answers, the plane swoops to the side, and I clench my fists. David glances
toward the seated flight attendants. He pulls a green bottle and two plastic
cups out of his bag. “D’you like Becherovka?”
“Is
it alcohol?” Immediately I regret the question. Of course it’s alcohol.
“It’s
medicinal,” he claims. “A unique Bohemian spirit. Czechs keep some in the
medicine cabinet and give it to their children for all sorts of reasons.”
“I
didn’t think we were allowed to bring alcohol on the plane.”
“We
are if no one sees us.” David tips the bottle to pour. “I take it you’re not
much of a rule breaker.”
“It
depends on the rule,” I reply curtly.
“I
take full responsibility if we get caught.” He hands over a cup filled with
thick, golden liquid. “Na zdravi!”
I
take a tentative sip. The Becherovka tastes like a mix of spices and juniper.
“It’s not bad.” I drink a little more.
“Glad
you like it.” David tops up my cup. “I’m sure Simona and Michal keep a bottle
at The Rockery, like all good Czechs. Peek in the medicine cabinet—you’ll see
I’m right.” He’s very friendly. A sudden yawn escapes me. “Hana? You all
right?”
“I’m
suddenly really tired.” I stretch a bit.
“Close
your eyes then,” David says soothingly. As I lean against the seatback, I
wonder: Did I mention Simona’s husband? How did David know his name? Before I
can ask, my eyelids drop, and I’m pulled into a deep and sudden sleep.
INTERVIEW:
What is the sweetest
thing someone has done for you?
My family and friends have been super-supportive during the
writing and publication and marketing of The Riddle of Prague. My son came home
from school one day and told me that the president of the school wanted to read
the book. I was so touched that my son had even mentioned that I had written a
book. I sent a copy in with him the next day and, sure enough, the school
president wrote me a very nice note and one of my first reviews.
What kind of music
you like?
I like all kinds of music.
U2 and The Police, Bonnie Raitt, Neil Young are old favorites. I like
certain country songs, some jazz, even some rap. I liked Amy Winehouse. Amos Lee is a new favorite.
Do you like to dance?
Yes, but I’m not a great dancer. That’s a dangerous combination….
My husband is the opposite.
He’s got the rhythm and the moves but he doesn’t like to dance.
Can you describe your
dream home?
My dream home would be a short walk through sand dunes to a
long stretch of beach with dolphins and manatees and pelicans in abundance. It
would have lots of bedrooms and bathtubs and sitting areas inside and out with
lazy fans and screens and heaters for the winter. It would come with a pool and
a hot tub and tennis court and a gourmet chef and bicycles. And a golf cart.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Laura DeBruce is a
documentary filmmaker and writer. She grew up traveling all over the world
thanks to her father’s work with the U.S. Embassy. She and her husband spent
twelve years living in Europe including Prague, Paris, Amsterdam and London
where she found inspiration to write The Quicksilver Legacy Series. In Prague
she worked as a lawyer for the first private nationwide television station in
the former Communist bloc. It was there
that she fell in love with the ancient city of Prague and its legends.
She lives in the Washington,
DC area with her husband and son and an unruly Golden Retriever.
GIVEAWAY:
Prizes for the tour are as follows:
Prizes for the tour are as follows:
• One randomly chosen commenter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com
gift card.
•
Two randomly chosen hosts will each receive a $25 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The
tour dates can be found here:
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting The Riddle of Prague today!
ReplyDeleteI like this part of the story where Hana first meets David.
ReplyDeleteI think the book has a lovely cover and a title w/a hook. Great excerpt.
ReplyDeleteI like the interview. Your dream home sounds great.
ReplyDeleteThat was silly, Taking a drink from a stranger. Duh.
ReplyDeletep.winmill@hotmail.com
Good point, Petula. I worried about that aspect of this scene on the plane... Thanks for reading!
DeleteI've always been curious about Prague!
ReplyDeletevitajex(at)Aol(dot)com
This story sounds absolutely fascinating.
ReplyDeleteThat's a nice thing to do
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of your dream home. I'd want it fully staffed as well.
ReplyDelete