Join
Kate Christenson as she battles a past that was never meant to be hers!
Linked Through
Time (Solstice Publishing)
Fifteen
year old Kate Christenson is pretty sure she’s about to experience the worst
possible summer at her grandparent’s farm in rural Baudette, Minnesota. Without
cable, cell phones, or computers, Kate is headed for total isolation and six
tedious weeks of boredom. Until the storm.
A freak lightning accident has Kate
waking up in 1960. But she is not herself. She is the aunt she never met, but
has eerily resembled her entire life. Thrust into living a dirt poor, rural
farm life, Kate struggles to make sense of her situation - a boyfriend with a
dark side, a “townie” who steals her heart, and the knowledge that 1960 is the
very summer her aunt drowns in the local river.
Even with every precaution, Kate
cannot stop fate, and an unexpected twist adds to her dilemma. To her horror,
Kate finds out firsthand her aunt’s death was not an accident or a suicide, but
something much, much worse.
Lost Through
Time (Solstice publishing)
“There
never was a body, you know.”
Such is the bizarre statement from Gran only weeks after Kate has returned from an accidental time traveling incident, surviving certain death…twice. Capturing Sarah’s killer seemed to be the reason for Kate’s disappearance, but Gran believes otherwise.
Learning of Kate’s power to time travel loosens memories and desires Gran has long since buried. Gran is set on finding Sarah, who she believes never died the night Dave Slater threw her in the river, but instead, went back in time through the Rapid River portal. With rudimentary research and analysis, Gran thinks she has unlocked the secrets to controlling the time traveling link that she and Kate share with their ancestors and she plans to use Kate to bring Sarah back.
When
Kate agrees, she is shocked to find out that in the more aggressive form of
time travel, she doesn’t become Sarah, but trades places with her, sending Kate
to Baudette, Minnesota in the year of 1910, and Sarah ahead to the year 2000.
Baudette’s catastrophic 1910 fire and typhoid epidemic are the least of Kate’s worries once she discovers what has happened. Her chances of a return trip are thwarted with the struggle just to survive, and Sarah, reliving her lost childhood in the ease of current day life, decides to never return to the past, leaving Kate to suffer the life she has left behind.
Gran is torn - get rid of the
daughter she has dreamed of finding for four decades, or rescue the precious
granddaughter who risked everything for her selfish dream? And to what lengths
will Sarah go to destroy any chances of Kate coming back? Will Sarah succeed in
severing the link?
Excerpt from LINKED
THROUGH TIME
Steering
carefully into the gravel drive of the Rapid River parking lot, I swore under
my breath as the bike’s rear wheel slid on loose gravel. Trying to right the
bike too quickly, I ended up swerving sharply to the left and crashing into the
brush at the side of the gravel lot. Flying over the handlebars, I landed in a
patch of overgrown weeds, my knee striking a rock hidden in the ground. Pain
radiated from my knee, paralyzing me for a moment. I lay sprawled face first in
the grass, breathing in the smell of earth and dry grass, cursing myself and
everything on the planet.
Emotions
overwhelmed my frazzled, fragile mind and I let loose with a string of
profanities that would have definitely earned me a whipping. Rubbing my
throbbing knee, I groaned.
Lightning
flashed and the breeze picked up as if on cue, sending the cattails above my
head into an agitated dance.
With
great effort, I stood and flexed my leg. I could feel the slightest trickle of blood
dripping a warm path down my shin. Perfect, I grimaced. Can anything else
possibly go wrong tonight?
My
vision had adjusted slightly to the moonless night, but I still had to partly
feel my way to the place Travis and I spent the evening. Pushing through the
brush, I couldn’t help but sense that uneasy, creepy feeling that comes from
wandering in the dark, as though eyes watched you and monster hands waited to
grab at your feet. My heart pounded loudly in my ears, the tingling creep of
fear working its way from my head down through my limbs. I forced myself to
keep my eyes forward, ignoring the nagging feeling that someone or something
watched me from the shadows of the rocky shore.
Limbs
of the interlocking pines poked and prodded my bare arms as I threaded my way
through the trees. The pounding of the rapids had increased with the coming of
the storm; the wind tossed the water upon the rocks, sending spray high into
the air.
When
I broke through the tree line, I stood mesmerized by the awesome power of the
roaring water. It looked as if the rapids were fighting to break free of their
rocky channel, its watery fingers washing over the rocks, reaching far down the
wall, only to withdraw and try again.
Above
the churning waters, a simple two-lane bridge hung defiantly in the air, its
thick concrete arches planted firmly around the dangerous rocks. Suddenly, a
semi loaded with logs thundered across the bridge overhead; its headlights
lighting up the darkness for a matter of seconds. I used the momentary help to
break my gaze from the water and search the outer banks for my sweater.
A
flicker of movement amidst the trees caught my line of sight, and I focused in
on a ring of pines to my right; the very place Travis and I had been a few
hours earlier.
“Travis?” I called out hopefully, thinking he had remembered to retrieve my sweater.
Excerpt from LOST
THROUGH TIME
I
felt the exact moment my heart stopped beating in my chest.
“Where’s
Mary?” I said, trying to keep the alarm from rising in my voice. The group
looked around, stunned.
Vivie
handed Gracie to James. “She was just here. I swear it.”
Frantic,
we strained to see across the wagon bridge into Spooner. The brilliant blond
tresses of Mary’s head were nowhere to be seen.
Ruth
spoke up. “That man took her to the depot.”
I
stared hard at Ruth, trying to process the words, but not understanding. “What
man?” I said, confused. There were dozens of people crossing the bridge rushing
in all directions. Like ants on a collapsing anthill, the twin towns were alive
with chaos, the people coming and going with what looked like little purpose.
“What man?” I said again, the panic seizing my voice and pushing it another
octave higher. I grasped Ruth’s arms in a painful, panicked grip.
Ruth
shrank away, afraid I might lash out. “I don’t know. I was watching John. Aunt
Vivie told me to watch John.” Her eyes welled with tears. “I had John,” she
insisted again, afraid of taking the blame.
“What
did the man look like? What was he doing?” I demanded.
“He
was that man from the backyard. The big man who touched Mary’s hair. I heard
him say he could help her run faster. For her to take his hand.”
Sickness
heaved inside and I clenched my jaw.
“You
were getting sick over the bridge,” Ruth accused. “You weren’t helping at all!
Mary couldn’t keep up and she was crying!”
Vivie
reached out and gripped my shoulders. Without saying a word, we stared hard
into each other’s eyes, the truth of the situation passing between us as though
we were speaking aloud. McGraw had bided his time, watched us from afar and
waited for a weak moment. He couldn’t possibly know the danger he faced. Was it
a ploy? Would he really take Mary? Or was he just trying to get me alone to
give chase and play his twisted game of revenge?
“I’ll
go,” Vivie said, the sacrifice evident in the firm line of her mouth. “You
can’t fall for his trap, Kate. He won’t do anything to me.”
“No,”
I argued. “Too dangerous. If something happens to you, then Gran will never be
born, and then, neither will I.”
Q&A
with Jessica
1.
The question that is always asked—what
inspired you to write your two time travel books?
I
grew up with a large family. Dad was one of eleven children, so I have endless
tales of cousins and extended family. Dad’s stories always stuck with me
because he grew up with nothing. Absolutely nothing! He did not have indoor
plumbing until high school - in Northern Minnesota! I admire him and wanted to
keep his stories alive. A lot of what happens to Kate in “Linked” were true
events from my dad’s childhood. Lost Through Time mentions a disaster that
actually occurred in my home town in 1910. I guess I just really like to keep
the stories of our ancestors from dying out. They were true, hard core
Americans fighting just to make a living.
2.
Your take on time travel is unique did
you do any research to help you form the idea?
I
love the idea of using something that had to do with the region. Of course,
northern lights are not often seen as brilliantly as in Alaska or Canada, but
they are amazing and kind of mysterious, so I thought they could be a
believable reason!
3.
What challenges have you overcome in
having such a take on time travel?
As
with any book, I had to keep going back and forth to remember my rules and
events to make things happen. Since I change the rules in the second book, I
had to really sketch out why and how Kate could travel differently than other
characters.
4.
You create a very realistic picture of
farm life in the 1960s—did you do research? If not, how did you create such a
realistic picture without research?
I
actually lived on the farm I describe. For a few short months, I had to live
with my grandparents in the very house my dad grew up in. They were still doing
the same chores and living the same kind of lifestyle - except with indoor
plumbing of course! The chores were endless and I absolutely hate haying!
5.
Who is your favorite character and why?
I
love Kate. She reminds me of myself. I was the snotty city girl that was taken
out of the city and moved to a small northern MN town when I was fifteen. I
thought my life was over! I learned a lot about myself as a person and learned
how to work outside. I appreciate my dad more, and am so glad to have been
raised closer to his family. I love Kate’s growth and life lessons about boys.
There are good boyfriends out there and bad… definitely something we have to
learn!
6.
In Book One you create sympathy for the
character of Sarah, but in book two she’s quite evil. Was it hard, making a
character that was originally likeable into a bad character?
Yes.
It was actually my husband’s idea to create a villain. He basically said that
the story will go nowhere without a villain, so we decided Sarah had the most
to be angry and vengeful about! Once I started, it was really fun to write the
villain part because I never get to act that way. It was a peek into the dark
side!
7.
Kate matures a lot through Book One. Did
you always plan this, or did she mature as you wrote the novel?
Kate
was really a mirror of me. I think I wanted to show that from day one - how she
can go from a judgmental teenager focusing on her own needs, to learning about
serving others. I think everyone makes this same transition at some point in
their lives; it’s just a question of when.
8.
In Linked Through Time, keeping track of
so many brothers and sisters was hard for Sarah, how did you do it as an
author?
I
literally took my dad’s family and just changed the names! He had 6 brothers
and 5 sisters, and I just kept picturing them in my mind.
9.
In Linked Through Time who was your
favourite brother or sister?
Probably
a tie between Dean and Rodney. I identify with both of their personalities. Dad
had a little of each, so I brought out his tough military side in Rodney and
his protective side in Dean.
10.
How did you evolve the story of Linked
Through Time into Lost Through Time?
I
didn’t want Kate’s story to be over. I knew I wanted to write about Baudette’s
historic fire, so once I decided to bring Sarah back into the picture, it all
fell into place. I love history and am trying to decide how to connect with the
final chapter in Kate’s and Sarah’s life in Book Three.
11.
We saw a very little bit of Travis’
son—will we see more of him?
T.J.
will make an appearance in Book Three. I think we will see a bit more develop
with him. I want Kate’s story to have something good in it for her. Though it
is a little Jerry Springer, I think Kate deserves a good man and some closure
in all the chaos she lives in.
12.
What is the title of the next book in the
trilogy?
As
of right now, Destroyed In Time, recommended to me by another Solstice author,
Michael Thal. I am still in the early stages of defining the book. I have to be
really careful how I end this book.
13.
When did you start writing?
I
didn’t really start writing books until a few years ago, but I have always
loved writing and reading. They go hand in hand, I think.
14.
As an author, what is your biggest
challenge and how do you overcome it?
Finding
time to write. I have three kids and it is a constant tornado in the house. I
try to take some time once a week to nail down some outline ideas.
15.
You are with an independent publisher,
Solstice Publishing, how did you find them?
I
submitted my work based on a newsletter I received called Children’s Writer.
They give contact names and emails and it just happened to work out that Nik
Morton liked the manuscript. [Nik is no longer EIC of Solstice].
16.
What do you like best about being with a
smaller press?
I
like the camaraderie with the other authors. We have a daily interaction
online. Mostly we use it for questions or support, but it’s nice to have others
in the same boat as yourself.
17.
What is the biggest challenge of being
with a smaller press?
Marketing.
There just isn’t enough time or money to get the word out. It has to be done
over time, mostly doing your own. But Solstice is trying hard to work with
everyone and do what they can with their resources. I was recently voted
Solstice’s Author of the Year, so that was very exciting and proof that I do
have fans out there that love the books.
18.
For budding authors out there, how much
say do you think you have in the final product, from cover to the insides, to
the marketing?
Depending
on the publisher, you can have a lot of say in your product. I wouldn’t let someone
change my work completely, especially if it was something I didn’t believe in.
Stay true to your style and someone will come along that likes it!
19.
Other than writing, what are some things
that you love to do?
I
love volleyball and camping, and outdoor things in general. I love, love, love
to read! A good book on the beach is my heaven!
A selection of reviews:
5*-
Hannah- “As someone who grew up in Minnesota, I enjoyed the Midwestern nuances.
The story line has the perfect amount of complexity to allow for an easy read
with a plot that keeps you guessing. I will be referring my friends and family
to this book, and am excited to read more by this author in the future.”
5*-
Author Jennifer Comeaux-“ I haven't read many time travel stories, but I thoroughly
enjoyed this one. What I loved most about it were the rich details that put me
back in the 1960s rural setting and the relationship between Kate and her
father in the past. It was such a neat way to strengthen the bond between
father and daughter - a bond that was very shaky in present day. The story kept
me in suspense throughout as I wondered if Kate would be able to change the
past, and the ending was definitely a surprise! I'll be looking out for more
from Jessica Tornese in the future.”
5*-Author
Nancy Wood-“… There's no internet or cell service. No cable. And before Kate
even makes it into the farmhouse, she accidentally smashes her iPod: a clean
separation from the life she knew. Kate has issues with everyone, from her dad
to grandparents to her mother. Nothing is made easier by the fact that Kate's a
dead ringer for her Aunt Sarah, who committed suicide at age 15. But when Kate
is transported back to 1960, resurrected as Sarah, her once-burning issues
begin to seem trivial in light of what she's facing. Life is so different!
Every member of the family works long, hard hours on the farm. There's Sarah's
questionable relationship with intimidating boyfriend Dave Slator. There's a
new love interest, Travis Kochevar, a townie. There's Sarah's siblings, Kate's
dad, and other aunts and uncles. And there are the secrets Sarah keeps, secrets
that she doesn't even share with her closest sibling, Kate's dad. With Sarah's
death looming, Kate has to figure out why she's there. Kate grows up during her
stay in 1960… matured, much more compassionate, and much more aware of love,
loyalty, and family. This book drew me in and moved along flawlessly. There's
something for every reader: the paranormal, romance, suspense, and a mystery
with a twist. Jessica Tornese's deft writing will keep you turning the pages!”
5*-
Jboy- “Jessica definitely delivers on her sequel to Linked Through Time. It
takes a crazy twist at the beginning and it keeps your attention to the very
end. I'm hoping there will be a third book since I really enjoy Jessica's
writing style and storytelling.”
5*-MN
girl- “I think I liked this book even more than the first! I was surprised at
the development of Sarah's character, and felt the suspense building throughout
the book as well. Knowing what was supposed to happen, and waiting to see what would happen just made the story fly by.
The developments at the end of the book leave me feeling excited to see what
this author has in store for the third instalment of Kate's story!”
Author
Bio, Links, and Contact
Jessica
Tornese was inspired by her home town Baudette, MN. She graduated from high
school there and continued her education at Minnesota State University –
Moorhead where she earned a degree in education. She spent several years
coaching in the Junior Olympic volleyball program in Minnesota as well as the
junior varsity team for Lake of the Woods High School in 2010.
Her favourite hobbies include reading,
scrapbooking, playing volleyball, and extreme outdoor sports like caving,
ziplining, and white water rafting. Jessica is also active in her church and
has run several Vacation Bible School programs and Sunday school programs. She
enjoys working with kids of all ages. She hopes to finish her Linked trilogy
soon, and continue writing. Recently, she self-published her first juvenile
fiction book for kids online (see M&M Twins). Jessica is married and has
three children. Her family recently relocated to a small town in south Florida.
Links:
Facebook-
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Linked-Through-Time/392292227468460?fref=ts
Twitter-
@jltornese
Blog/Website-
http://www.jessicatornese.com
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