Friday, February 21, 2014

Book Tour: The Riddle of Prague by Laura DeBruce Interview & Giveaway


BLURB:
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. 

Website with blog and trailer:  http://theriddleofprague.com/




GIVEAWAY: 
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: 

11 comments:

  1. Thanks for hosting The Riddle of Prague today!

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  2. I like this part of the story where Hana first meets David.

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  3. I think the book has a lovely cover and a title w/a hook. Great excerpt.

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  4. I like the interview. Your dream home sounds great.

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  5. That was silly, Taking a drink from a stranger. Duh.

    p.winmill@hotmail.com

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    1. Good point, Petula. I worried about that aspect of this scene on the plane... Thanks for reading!

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  6. I've always been curious about Prague!

    vitajex(at)Aol(dot)com

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  7. This story sounds absolutely fascinating.

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  8. That's a nice thing to do

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  9. I like the sound of your dream home. I'd want it fully staffed as well.

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