My name is Macy and I’m a nurse with a pretty unique job. I live on an island in the St. Lawrence River, among the Thousand Islands in upstate New York. I have only one patient: her name is Alexandria Hallstead.
I know it may seem strange for a young New Yorker to look for a job that takes her away from her friends and her social life, but I took the job for a special reason. My parents were killed in a car crash recently and right after that my boyfriend dumped me because he couldn’t handle my “emotional fragility.” Good riddance to him.
So here I am. Ms. Hallstead, or Alex, is almost eighty years old, but she still runs her family’s oil company and is a very busy lady. She hates that her hip surgery has slowed her down, so it’s my job to help her get her life back to where it was. It’s fulfilling work, but it also gives me the down time I need to heal my personal wounds.
I’m an early riser, so I like to go for a walk before Alex gets up. Walking around the island early in the morning is a peaceful way to start the day, but it also allows me to avoid some of the other people who share the island with me, several of whom obviously don’t want me there for reasons that remain a mystery.
The rest of my day is spent helping Alex with exercises, taking her for short walks outdoors, painting, and exploring. It might sound like it’s all fun and games, but it’s not. I’ve been target of vicious threats and even violence, and I’m scared. I’m thinking about leaving, but Alex needs my help. She is no stranger to tragedy and sorrow, and something from her past has reared its head to jeopardize her safety and peace of mind.
I want to help, but I’m afraid I just may not survive long enough to help Alex.
You can read more about Macy in Secrets of Hallstead House, published by Kensington.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on December 19 for the chance to win a Kindle copy of SECRETS OF HALLSTEAD HOUSE. The giveaway is open to everyone.
About the author
Amy M. Reade grew up in an area not far from the Thousand Islands in upstate New York and spent her summers on the 
St. Lawrence River. After graduating from college and law school, she practiced law in New York City before moving to southern New Jersey, where she lives now with her husband, three children, dog, and two cats. She writes full-time and is also the author of The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor, which will be released by Kensington Publishing in April, 2015. She is currently working on her third novel. She loves reading, cooking, and traveling.
It sounds interesting. I am eager to read this book.
I was really drawn in by this excerpt…
What a great sounding book. I like the suspense part. Thank you for having this giveaway. I am looking forward to reading your book.
Thank you for the giveaway of a kindle version. I look forward to reading your mystery!
This sounds creepy good and I would love a copy. Thanks for the offer.
Hmm, sounds interesting, intriguing; hope to get a chance to read it 🙂
Sounds good to this retired nurse…we do investigate stuff, so should make a good detective.
Sounds like a great read—thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
Hmm sounds intriguing!
This sounds like a mystery book I would enjoy reading! There’s nothing more enjoyable than snuggling up in your comfort zone with a good cozy mystery book. Thank you for this giveaway!
Thank you for the chance to win this great sounding book
Thank you so much for hosting Macy today and for all your very kind comments! Good luck to all of you!
I’m always looking for a new series to read , and I really appreciate the e book form, my eyesight isn’t good enough for paperbacks anymore !
I worked as a nurse, so I am especially intrigued by this story. I always wondered what went on in the lives of my private duty patients. And I love the setting. It’s a beautiful area of the country. Thank you, Dru, and Amy M. Reade for this amazing giveaway. I’m sitting on the edge of my chair waiting to find out what really is going on at Hallstead House.
Sounds like a great read.
I would love to read this!!
Thank you for the giveaway!!!
This sounds like a really great book. Would love to get the chance to read it!
Sounds like an old-fashioned story with the setting. I would like to read it – now on my TBR.
Sound very interesting, can’t wait to read
sounds like an interesting story. thanks for the chance to win it.
This sounds so interesting! I haven’t heard of this book yet, would love a chance to read a new to me author!
Doesn’t this sound intriguing? I want to know more, all.
Wow, sounds intriguing, thanks for the chance to win.
Sounds like a great read! Would love to win a copy!
Another cozy. Sounds like the style of Mary Roberts Reinhart.
Great sounding plot..please enter me.
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
Hi sounds like a good one. Thanks for the chance to win.
I’m intrigued.
A private duty nurse on an island—sounds great!! Thanks for the contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I sure hope I win because this sounds like a really good book.
Sounds great!!
I love being exposed to new authors through your blog. Thanks for this service.
Love to read this
This sounds like a wonderful story! I had goosebumps just reading the review.
Oil is certainly in the news as usual. I suspect plenty of intrigue and bad guys in Amy’s second novel.
This books sounds great. Hope to win it. Thank you
Forgot my email. Lol.
Candace7399@aol.com. thank you
I would love to read your book. I’m looking for new authors to read. Thank you
As a nurse and as a former vacationer to this region, I am so fascinated by the setting and the intriguing topic.
This book sounds very intriging and I would love to win a copy and read it. I am glad to hear that she has two more coming.
Looks like a great read. Thanks for chance.
Looks great
Wow, this sounds like a great book. Would love to read. Thanks for the chance to win.
really suspenseful blurb!
This would be a new author and new series for me. I like the sound of the setting.
Would love to read this, love finding new authors!
Being a nurse myself I cannot wait to start this book!
Upstate NY! A favorite vacation spot. On my to read list!
contest is closed.