But how could this be? She is a poor peasant girl with humble dreams of being a lace maker like her Aunt Sadie. Yet when she explains the vision to her aunt, Annalise learns of a dark and powerful Venetian Soothsayer who was rumoured throughout Europe to be immortal, a godless soul, lost to roam the earth without love or hope. His name: Medardo de Vale.
The name alone unlocks her inner passion, produces memories of a past life that are not her own, and a love so profound its echo has survived the centuries. Annalise has no other choice but to find him and warn of an impending evil that draws ever closer, an evil that will stop at nothing to procure the secret elixir of Immortality. Will he believe what she says even though it makes no sense to her? And what perilous path might he take her if he does believe? It is a chance she must take.
Medardo de Vale is The Tarot Prince, and the love of a simple peasant girl is his only hope for survival.
Visit Ellen Ashe's web site
An excerpt from The Tarot Prince
About Ellen Ashe
"You have an energy," the Clairvoyant told me. "People are attracted to you because of it." She paused. "Both living and dead."
This revelation was shared with me not so long ago. Looking back on forty some years I could see how this simple statement could explain much. Strangers who feel comfortable telling me their problems, children who smile and take my hand, even stray animals- unapproachable- yet they respond to the sound of my voice. But most of all it has been that sense that I am never alone. A voice when no one is there, footsteps following me, my name called out in an empty house, a weight sitting on my bed in the dead of night…
"You are an old soul," she smiled. "It comes through in your creativity."
I write because my mind has always been a tumultuous rush of noise- voices- continually chattering. One by one these ‘people’ have come forward to tell me ‘their’ stories. I listen and I type. I wonder sometimes just how thin the line is between reality and madness. Yet I believe in what is unseen. I believe that shadows move. Each voice has a story, and I am pleased that they have faith in me to tell those stories.
I believe in them because they believe in me.
Backlist:
Misery Loves Company- Total-e-Bound
The Seagrass Whore- Forbidden Publications
No Ordinary Affair- Forbidden Publications
http://www.ellenashe.net/books.php
An Interview with Ellen Ashe
By Holly Hewson for The Romance StudioHH: Ellen, thank you for talking with us at TRS. Please tell us about your featured work, The Tarot Prince. EA: This is a paranormal romance with enticing human elements- envy, jealousy, greed, uncontrolled passions, murder, lust- but not without hope, conquest, courage, and of course enduring love. In these pages you will find many characters with mystical abilities- magic that is used for both the greater good and wicked intent. A word of warning- if you want a simple story with one dimensional characters- this isn't the book for you!
HH: Yours is a beautiful tale of a dark, shadowy figure and the peasant girl who alone can save him. Where did you get the idea for this mesmerizing story? EA: I have had a Tarot Deck every since I was young- what a fascinating history and allure. The pictures are beautifully mystical and always wondered how fexciting it might be to actually be capable of moving freely within the pictures, to come into contact with the various characters. Then Dardi "appeared" to me- a strikingly dark and handsome man dressed in a nobleman's garb, his long hair cascading over trembling broad shoulders- and he pleaded for my help to find a love he had lost centuries ago. How could I do this? The answer was simple- write his story, as he presented it to me. So I began without any conscious knowledge of how it would proceed or end. But it started with his ability to move freely within the Tarot. And one Queen honored him with the title of Prince.
HH: What sort of research brought this story so beautifully to life? EA: Mostly the history of the Tarot itself. Venice of the sixteenth century and Britain of the nineteenth century. The story takes the characters to an estate close to the ancient city of York, England. I lived in York for five years! And I study history. Next to the paranormal it is my favorite subject. Combine the two and I am deliriously happy! Throw in a couple characters who epitomize abnormal psychology and... well, you'll understand as you turn the pages!
HH: What did you like best about Annalise? EA: Her unquestioning loyalty. She hears the quiet voice that urges her path in life and she sets out to accomplish it in blind faith despite the logic of rational thought.
HH: What did you enjoy most about writing this story? EA: Dardi. Despite his frailties he is a powerfully passionate man. I am honored he chose me to tell his incredible story.
HH: What else do you have in store for lucky readers? EA: Coming to Total-E-Bound this Halloween a dark sensual tale called The Bordello Dolls. I find vampires so alluringly sexy. Nicolai is no exception. He spread his arms and I was hooked. Work in progress - Adriano, a gifted playboy medium who is called to solve and pacify the most incredulous hauntings, each one taped for a successful TV program, making him a famous celebrity. One haunting however, brings him face to face with a past secret, threatens to ruin his career and takes him to the brink of insanity. I can't wait to find out what happens!
HH: What is your writing life like these days? EA: Sporadic. I hate it when reality closes in around me because my characters' voices are suddenly silenced when I get so busy.
HH: How have things changed in your life since you first published? AE: A move across Canada last year. A job. I can't dedicate myself fully to writing like I used to but I try to find those precious moments of solitude when voices can punch through.
HH: What goals do you have for yourself? AE: Write daily. Sounds simple, doesn't it? Unfortunately this can be a struggle. But it's important. I am the conduit for the spirits in my world and I take my promise to spend time writing their tales very seriously.
HH: What's your favorite way to network with readers? AE: Opportunities like this. Characters who talk to me do so in a gentle voice. I work hard to create their (sometimes frightening but always romantic) stories. I coax readers to read these stories with what I hope is that same gentle voice. www.ellenashe.net.
HH: Thank you!
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