Silver Dagger Book Tours
  • Welcome!
  • Current Tours
    • Book Tours
  • Book a Tour
  • Open Sign Ups
  • Contact
  • About
  • Welcome!
  • Current Tours
    • Book Tours
  • Book a Tour
  • Open Sign Ups
  • Contact
  • About
Silver Dagger Book Tours

 

Behind the Mask - Book Tour and Giveaway

7/22/2019

44 Comments

 
Picture
Picture

Behind the Mask
by Marianne Petit
Genre: Historical Romance 

Picture
Author Marianne Petit mixes true life experiences with fiction to create a suspenseful tale of intrigue and romance set in the early days of war-torn France. 

In 1940's Paris, both rich and poor are thrust together, a mixed society struggling to survive. American born Yvette Matikunas, one of the privileged few, goes underground with a deathbed promise to her grandfather that has her roaming the streets of France with a dangerous message. She quickly learns that no one is who they seem to be and trust is a thing of the past.

Injured in battle while trying to save the life of one of his men, Colonial André Rinaldo is disillusioned by a shell-shocked country and a weak government. Persuaded to go underground and unite his fellow compatriots by forming resistance groups, he meets a beautiful blonde, whose determination to free France from foreign dictatorship is as strong as his.

In the middle of espionage and clandestine rendezvous, they form a partnership that deepens under the ever-present threat of arrest. But with America’s interest in the war building in the background all Americans are ordered to leave.

Will Yvette return to the States, or will André persuade her to stay and fight for love?



Goodreads * Amazon

​

Picture
​ The train slowed as it approached the station. On the platform, German soldiers stood at attention. As they boarded the train, people shuffled through their belongings for their documents. A hush settled over the compartment in anticipation.
Yvette’s proof of citizenship shook in her fingers. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves and dropped her hand in her lap.
Pierre, her canary, was quiet; thank the dear lord, for her nerves were taut enough without his high-pitched chirping. The last thing she needed was for him to draw attention. The last thing she needed was to have someone find Grandpère’s message hidden in the bottom of the cage. The words, written with a shaky hand, made no sense. The grapes are rotting on the vine. It’s time to bring them in. The wine is ripe. But her grandpère’s warning was embedded in her brain. Trust no one. Whatever cryptic message lay hidden under the paper, put her in danger.
The compartment door slid open and Yvette’s heart skipped a beat.
Two soldiers stood in the corridor. One man, decorated with metals that would way down a rock, appeared to be the superior. He had a wide pronounced brow. His chin melted into his neck and his short-cropped silver hair seemed plastered to his head. A long gray mustache turned slightly down over a frown.
Yvette’s gaze slid past the elderly man to the light-haired soldier who studied her with intense blue eyes. Broad-shouldered, about six two, lean and muscular, he dominated the small doorway. His countenance rigid, like one accustomed to enduring the routine of war, he stood at attention, his eyes assessing everyone and everything.
His superior entered the compartment with an air of bitter disgust. The routine common place everyone held out their traveling papers. Her heart pounding, Yvette waited and hoped her American papers would be of no interest to them.The interrogation began in German and she didn’t respond, which brought a heated tone to the superior’s voice. He snapped something to the soldier who stood silently at the door. The younger man stepped forward, his gait like one of the wooden soldiers from the Laurel and Hardy movie Babes in Toyland.
“My commandant wants to know what kind of name Matikunas is,” he said in French.
Her father’s name was Lithuanian, a country annexed by Nazi Germany and placed under German civil administration. The Poles, especially the elite, became subject to mass murder. Was he fishing to see if she was Polish?
“I am an American,” Yvette insisted without further commentary.
Her remark brought a scowl to the commander’s face. He pointed to her birdcage and Yvette’s pulse leapt. When he ripped off the cloth cover, the startled bird darted back and forth in the cage. Pierre’s loud chirp filled the compartment. The German opened the door and stuck his hand inside.
“How dare you,” Yvette spat, in English, knowing he could not understand her. She did not care. “I hope he bites you.” He turned a sinister look upon her, and her body tightened.
The nervous bird hopped from one perch to the other.
The German began to peel up the newspaper lining the bottom of the cage.
Color drained from Yvette’s face. If he finds the note…dear Lord…what will he do? Her teeth cut into her lip. She had heard horror stories of people brutalized, thrown in prison for far less. Grandpère’s death flashed before her eyes. Thinking about the possibilities brought a cold sweat to her brow. Calm down, she told herself. Breathe. Breathe. The German’s fingers were inches away from discovering the hidden message.
Yvette held her breath…
…and Pierre pooped on his hand.
The scene played out in a comic rush. Red-faced, swearing, or so she guessed, the German pulled out his hand and snatched a handkerchief from the breast pocket of the gentleman sitting opposite her, who, in French, called him a German pig.
Yvette suppressed a grin.
Pierre broke out in song.
The commander spun on his heel. He said something to the handsome soldier in the corridor, stomped outside, then slammed open the next compartment.
The train whistle blew and the clanking of wheels, picking up speed vibrated throughout the compartment.
The soldier, who had stood at attention, strode in.
A jolt of fear attacked Yvette’s chest, yet she was struck by the strong sensual lines of his face. A muscle clenched in his narrow jaw. Eyes, like chips of glacial ice, hard and sharp, stared at her. This man seemed far more dangerous than his superior on so many levels.
He stepped up to her seat and bent before her, his face inches from hers. “You are either one brave or lucky woman,” he whispered in English.
He’d understood her! She froze.
Despite the dangerous situation, she was keenly aware of his vitality, of the waves in his sandy hair and his wide forehead. Her senses leapt to life by the warm breath near her ear and the clean scent of freshly washed hair. She felt as though they were the only two people in the small room. As though they shared, a private moment meant for lovers. Her hands trembled.
Before she could respond, he continued. “Lucky for you that bird did not bite him.” The threat had an odd lilt, its tone almost amused. He straightened and stood over her. Whatever compassion she thought she sensed disappeared behind a mask of indifference. “My commander is not happy,” he said in French. “He has instructed me to find out why an unchaperoned woman of your age, I surmise you are about nineteen, is traveling alone. He believes you pose a threat. Would you care to explain?” His voice took on an air of superiority.
“I am quite adept at taking care of myself and I’m twenty-one.”
“Get up,” he ordered. “Gather your things.”
Her heart fluttered wildly in her chest. Her legs refused to move.
He grabbed her arm. “Now.” He yanked her from her seat.
No one in the compartment made a move to help and she understood their fear.


Picture
Picture
Marianne Petit is a past President of the Long Island Chapter of the Romance Writers Of America. Her love of writing stems back to high school. She spent hours reading Nancy Drew, Alfred Hitchcock and poetry. At the age of fifteen she wrote a short story for children, as well as numerous works of poetry. Her love of history stems from her father, Roger, a Frenchman, whose love of American history greatly influenced her writing interests .

She is a past President of the Melville Lions club, a service organization that raises money for the less fortunate - especially the sight and hearing impaired. 

Newsday and several local newspapers have written articles on Ms. Petit and she was recently interviewed on TV for her time travel.

Marianne loves to ski, white water raft, horseback ride, and enjoys the theater. She lives on Long Island is happily married for over 30 years.



Website * Facebook * Twitter * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads ​

​
Picture
Follow the tour HERE for exclusive content and a giveaway!

July 22
kickoff at Silver Dagger Book Tours
Rita's reading room
The Book Dragon

July 23
The Sexy Nerd 'Revue'
Readeropolis
Twisted Book Ramblings

July 24
SSLY
Romance Novel Giveaways
The Bookshelf Fairy

July 25
Antrim Cycle
What Is That Book About
Yearwood La Novela

July 26
Paulette's Papers
Literary Gold

July 27
A Wonderful World of Words
The Magic Of Wor(l)ds

July 28
Valerie Ullmer | Romance Author
nanasbookreviews

July 29
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too!
A Pinch of Bookdust

July 30
All the Ups and Downs
Authors from Everywhere
Triquetra Reviews

July 31
Always Love Me Some Books Blog
Reviews and Promos by Nyx

Aug 1
Bedazzled By Books
Book Corner News and Reviews

Aug 2
IS HISTORY THE AGREED UPON LIE? Historical Fact & Historical Fiction.
Books a Plenty Book Reviews

Aug 3
I'm Into Books
Books all things paranormal and romance

Aug 4
Book-Lover
books are love

Aug 5
Authors & Readers Book Corner
Craving Lovely Books

Aug 6
Tome Tender
Books, Authors, Blogs

Aug 7
Breanna Hayse Romance
Dragon's Den

Aug 8
Chapters through life
JB's Bookworms with Brandy Mulder

Aug 9
4covert2overt ☼ A Place In The Spotlight ☼
Drako's Den

Aug 10
ⒾⓃⓉⓇⓄⓈⓅⒺⒸⓉⒾⓋⒺ ⓅⓇⒺⓈⓈ
Educated Book Freak

Aug 11
Jazzy Book Reviews
Girl with Pen

Aug 12
eBook Addicts
Inside the Insanity

Aug 13
❧Defining Ways❧
Luv Saving Money

Aug 14
Maiden of the Pages
Midnight Book Reader

Aug 15
Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
Paranormal Palace of Pleasures

Aug 16
Paranormal Romance Trance
raeblake.com

Aug 17
Scrupulous Dreams
Sylv.net

Aug 18
2 chicks and a book
Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'

Aug 19
Sapphyria's Book Reviews
SnoopyDoo's Book Reviews

Aug 20
My Devotional Thoughts
Lisa Book Blog

Aug 21
A Writer's Life
Better Read Than Undead

Aug 22
Anna del C. Dye official page
Teatime and Books – REVIEW

Aug 23
Stacking My Book Shelves!
T's Stuff

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Picture
44 Comments
Bea LaRocca
7/22/2019 03:50:31 am

I like the book cover and excerpt. This sounds like an interesting read. Thank you for sharing the info.

Reply
Kelly D
7/22/2019 07:17:44 am

I like the cover. It makes me want to know more about the character.

Reply
Kristen
7/22/2019 09:10:53 am

The cover make me think right away that it's a period piece.

Reply
Rita Wray
7/22/2019 09:35:42 am

I liked the excerpt. Sounds like a good book.

Reply
lynn clayton
7/22/2019 12:07:51 pm

love the cover looks like a great read

Reply
Calvin
7/22/2019 12:55:39 pm

Nice and fancy book. Cheers

Reply
SHERRY
7/22/2019 01:40:47 pm

The book sounds really good.

Reply
wendy hutton
7/22/2019 01:43:00 pm

sounds like a great book thanks

Reply
heather
7/22/2019 03:06:52 pm

This sounds like a great book and I love the cover too.

Reply
Debbie P
7/22/2019 05:26:05 pm

This book sounds like a fascinating read.

Reply
Dale Wilken
7/22/2019 07:22:52 pm

The book sounds really great.

Reply
Ellen Thompson
7/22/2019 07:24:55 pm

The book sounds good and the cover makes me think of a vintage travel photo.

Reply
Victoria
7/22/2019 09:08:17 pm

Beautiful cover!

Reply
marianne Petit link
7/23/2019 08:13:08 am

Thank you all for the wondedrful comments. I hope you stop by my website and sign up for the free prequel to my latested book, soon to be released. Timeless River. For those of you who buy the print version on Behind The Mask, email me and I'll send you a signed insert.
And please, I'd love to hear your comments when you are finished reading Behind The Mask. Since it's based on my family, it's a special book to me. Have a wonderful Day.....Marianne

Reply
Emmaline
7/23/2019 10:59:47 pm

I like all the details that went into the cover, including the Venetian mask. Also, I can't believe you've been married for over 30 years... you still look like you're in your 40s... :o

Reply
Janet W.
7/24/2019 07:25:20 am

I'd love to read this romance! Great cover!

Reply
marianne link
7/31/2019 11:25:00 am

Janet, I hope you do read it and when you do let me know what you think. If you'd like a e-copy of the prequel to my soon to be released time-travel drop by my website and sign up for my newsletter.
I'll send you a copy of The Beginning.

Reply
stephanie jones
7/24/2019 04:36:22 pm

pretty cover!

Reply
Terri Quick
7/25/2019 10:39:27 pm

I love the cover

Reply
Mary Cloud
7/25/2019 11:25:27 pm

No questions - the cover is nice

Reply
Beyond Comps
7/26/2019 04:02:54 am

Nice cover!

Reply
Kelly Nicholson
7/26/2019 09:37:14 pm

What do you think of the book or the cover?

love the paris cover...

Reply
Marcy Meyer
7/27/2019 01:17:21 pm

The cover is really pretty, and it sounds like a great historical romance.

Reply
marianne link
7/31/2019 11:22:40 am

Thanks Marcy
If you'd like a copy of the prequel to my soon to be released time-travel stop by my website and sign up for my newsletter.
I'll send you an e-copy of The Beginning.

Reply
Mood Reader
7/29/2019 05:33:14 pm

Looks great! :)

Reply
Kayla Harmon
7/30/2019 09:30:14 pm

love the cover

Reply
marianne link
7/31/2019 11:30:43 am

Hi. Thanks so much for all you comments and for joining this tour.
As a special thank you BEHIND THE MASK will be on SALE for all of you from 8/2-8/9 The cost for the E-book is only $1.99 so grab your copy... and let me know what you think. you can email me at riteromance@aol.com
Marianne

Reply
Tracie Cooper
8/2/2019 06:32:56 pm

I love the cover especially the Eiffel Tower!

Reply
DeGeorgetown
8/4/2019 07:43:48 pm

I like the cover, the colors draw the eye.

Reply
Maria
8/5/2019 04:59:37 pm

WOW this looks amazing, love the cover and the title.

Reply
Marianne link
8/7/2019 08:25:22 pm

Thanks. I'm happy you think my book looks interesting.
It's on sale for all of you until August 9th. only 1.99 at amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Mask-Marianne-Petit-ebook/dp/B00RSJP1J6/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Behind+the+mask+petit&qid=1565227451&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Reply
Dave Gibb
8/5/2019 08:20:30 pm

wow so cool.

Reply
Leah
8/7/2019 02:43:20 am

I like the cover! Interesting blurb, too. :)

Reply
Marianne link
8/7/2019 08:39:16 pm

Thanks for taking the time to comment and for all your wonderful comments.

Until 8/9 the Behind The Mask is on sale for 1.99 as a special thank you!

https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Mask-Marianne-Petit-ebook/dp/B00RSJP1J6/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Behind+the+mask+petit&qid=1565227451&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Reply
Robin Abrams
8/9/2019 10:57:14 pm

The cover looks real good

Reply
Serge B
8/13/2019 08:16:19 pm

Loved the cover--I am a sucker for the Eiffel tower!

Reply
Daniel M
8/15/2019 07:31:13 pm

like the cover

Reply
Constance Carpenter
8/17/2019 10:09:03 am

THE COVER IS BEAUTIFUL - THIS SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT BOOK

Reply
linda gawthrop
8/19/2019 08:08:32 pm

I love Paris!

Reply
Laura Unger
8/20/2019 11:01:42 am

It's a great cover! I especially love the colors that were used!

Reply
Francine Anchondo
8/20/2019 11:26:08 am

I like the cover

Reply
Heather Mahley
8/21/2019 05:34:36 pm

Aweome cover

Reply
Mya Murphy
8/21/2019 07:59:12 pm

What a gorgeous cover!! Makes me want to visit! 💛

Reply
Jerry Marquardt
8/22/2019 11:08:14 pm

I would like to give thanks for all your really great writings, including Behind the Mask, and wishing the best in keeping up the good work in the future.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Action
    Activity Book
    Adventure
    African American
    Alt History
    Anthology
    Apocalyptic
    Audiobook
    Australian
    Bdsm
    Billionaire Romance
    Biography
    Chick Lit
    Childrens
    Christian
    Coloring Book
    Comedy
    Coming Of Age
    Contemporary Fiction
    Contemporaryromance
    Contemporary Romance
    Cookbook
    Cozymystery
    Cozy Mystery
    Crime
    Cyberpunk
    Dark
    Dark Romance
    Drama
    Dystopian
    Educational
    Eroticromance
    Erotic Romance
    Fairytale
    Fantasy
    Financial
    Giveaway-hop
    Gothic
    Health-and-wellness
    Historical
    Historicalromance
    Historical-romance
    Holiday
    Horror
    Humorous
    Inspirational
    Legal-thriller
    Lgbtq
    Literaryfiction
    Mafiaromance
    Mafia-romance
    Magicrealism
    Magic-realism
    Mcromance
    Mc-romance
    Memoir
    Menage
    Middlegrade
    Middle-grade
    Military
    Mystery
    Newadult
    New Adult
    Nonfiction
    Paranormal
    Paranormalromance
    Paranormal Romance
    Parenting
    Pets
    Poetry
    Postapocalyptic
    Pulp-fiction
    Reverseharemromance
    Reverse-harem-romance
    Rockstarromance
    Rockstar-romance
    Romance
    Romanticcomedy
    Romantic Comedy
    Romanticsuspense
    Romantic Suspense
    Satirical
    Sciencefiction
    Science Fiction
    Scifi
    Scifiromance
    Scifi Romance
    Selfhelp
    Shortstories
    Short-stories
    Speculativefiction
    Speculative Fiction
    Sportsromance
    Steampunk
    Supernatural
    Suspense
    Sweetromance
    Thriller
    Timetravel
    Time-travel
    Urban
    Urbanfantasy
    Urban Fantasy
    Western
    Womensfiction
    Womens Fiction
    Ya
    Youngadult
    Young-adult
    Youngadultya
    Young Adult Ya

    Picture

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016

© 2021 Silver Dagger Book Tours