Secrets in Oak Creek
by B.K. Stubblefield
Genre: Mystery, Romance
A small town with a dark secret. A new arrival in grave danger. Can she solve the mystery before she ends up the next victim?
The best part of Emily's childhood may have been the time she spent with her quirky aunt. So when her favorite relative passes away, she drops everything to attend the funeral in the small town of Oak Creek. But she never expected to inherit her aunt's entire estate, including her massive black dog Bentley. Just as she starts to get the hang of small-town life, an unknown driver runs her off the road and sends her to the hospital.
As doctors tend to her and she makes a connection with a charming Oak Creek resident named Ryan, Emily racks her brain to figure out who would want her dead. When sparks start to fly between her and the Good Samaritan that sat by her bedside, they team up to solve the mystery. Digging into the crime starts to reveal a dark side to Oak Creek and long-held secrets nobody wants revealed. Emily and Ryan must uncover the truth before her assailant comes back to finish the job.
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The best part of Emily's childhood may have been the time she spent with her quirky aunt. So when her favorite relative passes away, she drops everything to attend the funeral in the small town of Oak Creek. But she never expected to inherit her aunt's entire estate, including her massive black dog Bentley. Just as she starts to get the hang of small-town life, an unknown driver runs her off the road and sends her to the hospital.
As doctors tend to her and she makes a connection with a charming Oak Creek resident named Ryan, Emily racks her brain to figure out who would want her dead. When sparks start to fly between her and the Good Samaritan that sat by her bedside, they team up to solve the mystery. Digging into the crime starts to reveal a dark side to Oak Creek and long-held secrets nobody wants revealed. Emily and Ryan must uncover the truth before her assailant comes back to finish the job.
**Only .99 cents!!**
Add to Goodreads
Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo
On impulse, she turns the car around and follows the now familiar lane, curious to take another look.
As she slows down, Emily surveys the farmlands on either side of the small country road. She deeply inhales the smell of corn bouncing weightlessly on the warm breeze. A childhood memory floats into awareness, taking her back to when she loved running through endless rows of corn. She remembers when she would stop running and then stand quietly between the rows—not moving, just listening. On some days, the warm wind would whisper her name, beckoning her mind to float to enchanted places in far-away, mystical lands.
She recalls the tingling of her spine when the wind rustles the stalks around her, telling a different story. With her heart hammering fast, she can barely catch her breath. Her feet are rooted to the ground, imagining the rows parting for a faceless shadow that is coming for her. When the spell finally breaks, and fear releases its icy grip, she runs, pumping her legs until she emerges unscathed from the field of corn, feeling safe once again.
Emily smiles at the memory of her childish games as her gaze sweeps the seemingly endless stretching cornfield that is adjoining the property she sees.
She slowly pulls her car to the shoulder and stops where she can view the home between the massive trees in front. Turning off the engine, she sits and watches the home for a few minutes.
You would have been a beauty once, she thinks along with a twinge of nostalgia.
Today, she can clearly see how it may have looked before, her gloomy feelings from just a few days ago replaced with visions of happier times. Windows now boarded up would have gleamed in the early afternoon sun, white wicker furniture on the front porch inviting visitors to sit a while. Lush green Boston ferns in ornate urns would flank the solid oak front door while children played a game of chase with a cute black and white dog. Yes, definitely a dog, she decides.
As if pulled by unseen strings, Emily opens her door and steps out onto the road. Just a quick look, a little bit closer. She hesitantly walks toward the overgrown gravel drive.
She tentatively steps on the drive, and the house comes into view from its side angle. A couple of steps lead up to what appears to be a service entrance. She heads to the front yard where the front porch is badly sagging, barely held up by the once stately Doric columns. A whiff of musty, stale air assaults her nostrils.
Disgusted, she turns away from the crumbling facade. Abandoned, apparently a long time ago—what a pity!
As she turns away, Emily is keenly aware of the eerie stillness around her. Just as the wind in the cornfield softly sighed such a long time ago, the old house seems to reach out, whispering an invitation to explore its long-forgotten interior.
Emily hesitantly steps up two concrete steps, halting on the small landing of the side entrance.
“Hello!” she calls out as she knocks on the door, cocking her head, listening closely. She doesn’t expect anyone to answer, but still. “Hello? Is anyone here?” she repeats. Ignoring her gut’s warnings that she has no business being here, she knocks a second time—and almost jumps as the door opens a small way, rusty hinges shrieking loudly, interrupting the quiet.
Her pulse races as she pushes her hand lightly against the door. She leans forward, glancing around the interior and is immediately assaulted by the same musty smell she had noticed earlier, only stronger.
As she slows down, Emily surveys the farmlands on either side of the small country road. She deeply inhales the smell of corn bouncing weightlessly on the warm breeze. A childhood memory floats into awareness, taking her back to when she loved running through endless rows of corn. She remembers when she would stop running and then stand quietly between the rows—not moving, just listening. On some days, the warm wind would whisper her name, beckoning her mind to float to enchanted places in far-away, mystical lands.
She recalls the tingling of her spine when the wind rustles the stalks around her, telling a different story. With her heart hammering fast, she can barely catch her breath. Her feet are rooted to the ground, imagining the rows parting for a faceless shadow that is coming for her. When the spell finally breaks, and fear releases its icy grip, she runs, pumping her legs until she emerges unscathed from the field of corn, feeling safe once again.
Emily smiles at the memory of her childish games as her gaze sweeps the seemingly endless stretching cornfield that is adjoining the property she sees.
She slowly pulls her car to the shoulder and stops where she can view the home between the massive trees in front. Turning off the engine, she sits and watches the home for a few minutes.
You would have been a beauty once, she thinks along with a twinge of nostalgia.
Today, she can clearly see how it may have looked before, her gloomy feelings from just a few days ago replaced with visions of happier times. Windows now boarded up would have gleamed in the early afternoon sun, white wicker furniture on the front porch inviting visitors to sit a while. Lush green Boston ferns in ornate urns would flank the solid oak front door while children played a game of chase with a cute black and white dog. Yes, definitely a dog, she decides.
As if pulled by unseen strings, Emily opens her door and steps out onto the road. Just a quick look, a little bit closer. She hesitantly walks toward the overgrown gravel drive.
She tentatively steps on the drive, and the house comes into view from its side angle. A couple of steps lead up to what appears to be a service entrance. She heads to the front yard where the front porch is badly sagging, barely held up by the once stately Doric columns. A whiff of musty, stale air assaults her nostrils.
Disgusted, she turns away from the crumbling facade. Abandoned, apparently a long time ago—what a pity!
As she turns away, Emily is keenly aware of the eerie stillness around her. Just as the wind in the cornfield softly sighed such a long time ago, the old house seems to reach out, whispering an invitation to explore its long-forgotten interior.
Emily hesitantly steps up two concrete steps, halting on the small landing of the side entrance.
“Hello!” she calls out as she knocks on the door, cocking her head, listening closely. She doesn’t expect anyone to answer, but still. “Hello? Is anyone here?” she repeats. Ignoring her gut’s warnings that she has no business being here, she knocks a second time—and almost jumps as the door opens a small way, rusty hinges shrieking loudly, interrupting the quiet.
Her pulse races as she pushes her hand lightly against the door. She leans forward, glancing around the interior and is immediately assaulted by the same musty smell she had noticed earlier, only stronger.
B.K. Stubblefield is a new writer with a passion for animal rescue. After adopting her new dog Harper, she was quickly overwhelmed with the challenges of raising a "puppy on steroids". Together with her close friend, Debra Wagner, she published 'Rescued: A Tale of Two Dogs', two nonfiction tales of love, patience and commitment.
In an effort to help bring awareness to animal neglect and abuse in our own neighborhoods, B.K. Stubblefield shares several short stories of animals brought out of the shadows and into the light of love in her second book "Rescued: Out of The Shadows."
Fictional short stories and memory books/journals continue to carry the theme of dog rescue.
B.K. Stubblefield is also a contributing author to "Be Their Voice: An Anthology for Rescue, Volume I & II
Her debut novel, 'Secrets in Oak Creek', a mystery/romance, was published n November 2017.
Born and raised in Germany, the author has spent many years supporting her husband's military career. Moving between Europe and the United States, she now makes her home in the small rural town of Elizabethtown, Kentucky where she enjoys the slower pace of small town living. Early morning weekend walks with her dog Harper are among her favorite activities.
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads
In an effort to help bring awareness to animal neglect and abuse in our own neighborhoods, B.K. Stubblefield shares several short stories of animals brought out of the shadows and into the light of love in her second book "Rescued: Out of The Shadows."
Fictional short stories and memory books/journals continue to carry the theme of dog rescue.
B.K. Stubblefield is also a contributing author to "Be Their Voice: An Anthology for Rescue, Volume I & II
Her debut novel, 'Secrets in Oak Creek', a mystery/romance, was published n November 2017.
Born and raised in Germany, the author has spent many years supporting her husband's military career. Moving between Europe and the United States, she now makes her home in the small rural town of Elizabethtown, Kentucky where she enjoys the slower pace of small town living. Early morning weekend walks with her dog Harper are among her favorite activities.
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads
What is something unique/quirky about you?
Well, I’m not sure this qualifies as unique. Born and raised in Germany, I immigrated to the U.S.A. in 1983. Responsible for the decision to leave my home is the man I’ve been married to for over 35 years now. It had been an exciting time, moving to a new country, exploring new cultures - right up my alley. My English language skills were limited to what had been taught in school and to different self-study methods, but so what? I felt prepared to function in the real world. Oh, boy, was I in for a surprise! Plucking into southern accents sure threw me for a loop. Today, as I look back, I’m astonished that this fearless young woman had been me. Although I speak, dream, and write in my new language, the prospect of talking publicly about my writing passion propels me to run for the woods.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Mom, wife, dog enthusiast, friend
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Consider yourself are a writer! These were the words of my best friend. We had co-written and published “Rescued: A Tale of Two Dogs” through a small indie publisher. However, I felt that one published work just didn’t qualify me as a ‘writer.’ Roughly one year later I self-published my second non-fiction book “Rescued: Out of the Shadows.” The first time I thought of myself as a writer was when I received an invitation to submit a short story for an Anthology for Rescue. It was a pretty awesome revelation.
What inspired you to write this book?
After I adopted my rescue mutt Harper –he’s a beautiful Great Pyrenees/Yellow Lab mix – I began to assist our local none—profit animal shelter with the endless task of fundraising. I regularly visited the facility where I met the animals and an army of the most kindhearted and hardworking volunteers. I captured their stories in a monthly newsletter, and when I heard about the nasty business of dogfighting hidden within the county, naturally I wanted to know more. Although the accused never stood trial, I knew I wanted to tell a story of small-town secrets.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Secrets in Oak Creek?
Emily's a bit of an introvert, yet independent and, well, stubborn. Her childhood may have been the time she spent with her quirky aunt. So when her favorite relative passes away, Emily drops everything to attend the funeral in the small town of Oak Creek. But she never expected to inherit her aunt's entire estate, including her massive black dog Bentley. As she makes the decision to move back to Oak Creek, an unknown driver runs her off the road and sends her to the hospital.
Ryan is outgoing, charming, and a confirmed bachelor. He is a celebrity photographer, and on his way home after a week-long photo shoot. All he wants is to go home, chill, and shoot the breeze with a few friends. Fate has other plans. As he witnesses Emily’s car crash he’s convinced this was no accident and reports it as an assault. Naturally, sparks fly between Emily and her Good Samaritan, they team up to solve the mystery.
Pen or typewriter or computer?
Oh, definitely the computer. Often, I find myself jotting down a sentence, a scene, a name, place, etc. – anything I think I may use in a future story – into a notebook I carry in my purse. Restaurants, waiting rooms, and airports are great pickup places for snatches of conversation. But when it comes to sitting down and writing the story, my computer is my best friend. How quickly something can be erased, re-written, and corrected without scratch marks all over the page. Honestly, I couldn’t do it without a computer.
Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
I just had this conversation with another author who is only one chapter away from finishing her story. The character stands in the way of letting the story be told as intended, and I think that is unfortunate. I have not yet run into a situation like it. Typically, my characters have a voice in how the story develops, and sometimes they want to go into a direction I hadn’t intended. At that point, I have to make a decision if I want to follow their lead, or if I need to pull them back. Yeah, of course, they want to do their own thing, but they’re not allowed to hijack my story. My book, my rules.
Well, I’m not sure this qualifies as unique. Born and raised in Germany, I immigrated to the U.S.A. in 1983. Responsible for the decision to leave my home is the man I’ve been married to for over 35 years now. It had been an exciting time, moving to a new country, exploring new cultures - right up my alley. My English language skills were limited to what had been taught in school and to different self-study methods, but so what? I felt prepared to function in the real world. Oh, boy, was I in for a surprise! Plucking into southern accents sure threw me for a loop. Today, as I look back, I’m astonished that this fearless young woman had been me. Although I speak, dream, and write in my new language, the prospect of talking publicly about my writing passion propels me to run for the woods.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Mom, wife, dog enthusiast, friend
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Consider yourself are a writer! These were the words of my best friend. We had co-written and published “Rescued: A Tale of Two Dogs” through a small indie publisher. However, I felt that one published work just didn’t qualify me as a ‘writer.’ Roughly one year later I self-published my second non-fiction book “Rescued: Out of the Shadows.” The first time I thought of myself as a writer was when I received an invitation to submit a short story for an Anthology for Rescue. It was a pretty awesome revelation.
What inspired you to write this book?
After I adopted my rescue mutt Harper –he’s a beautiful Great Pyrenees/Yellow Lab mix – I began to assist our local none—profit animal shelter with the endless task of fundraising. I regularly visited the facility where I met the animals and an army of the most kindhearted and hardworking volunteers. I captured their stories in a monthly newsletter, and when I heard about the nasty business of dogfighting hidden within the county, naturally I wanted to know more. Although the accused never stood trial, I knew I wanted to tell a story of small-town secrets.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Secrets in Oak Creek?
Emily's a bit of an introvert, yet independent and, well, stubborn. Her childhood may have been the time she spent with her quirky aunt. So when her favorite relative passes away, Emily drops everything to attend the funeral in the small town of Oak Creek. But she never expected to inherit her aunt's entire estate, including her massive black dog Bentley. As she makes the decision to move back to Oak Creek, an unknown driver runs her off the road and sends her to the hospital.
Ryan is outgoing, charming, and a confirmed bachelor. He is a celebrity photographer, and on his way home after a week-long photo shoot. All he wants is to go home, chill, and shoot the breeze with a few friends. Fate has other plans. As he witnesses Emily’s car crash he’s convinced this was no accident and reports it as an assault. Naturally, sparks fly between Emily and her Good Samaritan, they team up to solve the mystery.
Pen or typewriter or computer?
Oh, definitely the computer. Often, I find myself jotting down a sentence, a scene, a name, place, etc. – anything I think I may use in a future story – into a notebook I carry in my purse. Restaurants, waiting rooms, and airports are great pickup places for snatches of conversation. But when it comes to sitting down and writing the story, my computer is my best friend. How quickly something can be erased, re-written, and corrected without scratch marks all over the page. Honestly, I couldn’t do it without a computer.
Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
I just had this conversation with another author who is only one chapter away from finishing her story. The character stands in the way of letting the story be told as intended, and I think that is unfortunate. I have not yet run into a situation like it. Typically, my characters have a voice in how the story develops, and sometimes they want to go into a direction I hadn’t intended. At that point, I have to make a decision if I want to follow their lead, or if I need to pull them back. Yeah, of course, they want to do their own thing, but they’re not allowed to hijack my story. My book, my rules.
Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!
Oct 19
kickoff at Silver Dagger Book Tours
Mythical Books
Oct 20
Romance Novel Giveaways
Oct 21
Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews
Oct 22
What Is That Book About
Readeropolis – GUEST POST
Oct 23
Susan Heim on Writing
Twisted Book Ramblings
Oct 24
2 chicks and a book
A Mama's Corner of the World
Oct 25
Book Review Virginia Lee
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too!
Oct 26
A Modern Day Fairy Tale
Bookish Reviews
Oct 27
A Pinch of Bookdust
Oct 28
Stormy Vixen's Book Reviews – GUEST POST
Oct 29
Midnight Book Reader
SnoopyDoo's Book Reviews
Oct 30
My Devotional Thoughts
Bedazzled By Books
Oct 31
books are love
Books a Plenty Book Reviews
Nov 1
Books all things paranormal and romance
Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
Nov 2
Bound 2 Escape
Scrupulous Dreams
Nov 3
Anna del C. Dye official page
Nov 4
Deal Sharing Aunt
Nov 5
Girl with Pen
Stacking My Book Shelves!
Nov 6
Inside the Insanity
Kerrific Online
Nov 7
Book-Lover
Maiden of the Pages– GUEST POST
Nov 8
the bookworm lodge
Luv Saving Money
Nov 9
Dragon's Den
Paranormal Palace of Pleasures
Nov 10
Rabid Readers Book Blog
Nov 11
All the Ups and Downs – GUEST POST
Viviana MacKade – GUEST POST
Nov 12
Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer
Tome Tender
Nov 13
SJ's book blog
Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'
Nov 14
T's Stuff
The Book Dragon
Nov 15
Badass Bloggettes - REVIEW
Teatime and Books
Nov 16
Jazzy Book Reviews
eBook Addicts
Nov 17
Declarations of a Fangirl
Sylv.net
Nov 18
JB's Bookworms with Brandy Mulder – GUEST POST
Bayou Book Junkie - REVIEW
Nov 19
My Reading Journeys - REVIEW
Cranky TBC - REVIEW
Oct 19
kickoff at Silver Dagger Book Tours
Mythical Books
Oct 20
Romance Novel Giveaways
Oct 21
Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews
Oct 22
What Is That Book About
Readeropolis – GUEST POST
Oct 23
Susan Heim on Writing
Twisted Book Ramblings
Oct 24
2 chicks and a book
A Mama's Corner of the World
Oct 25
Book Review Virginia Lee
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too!
Oct 26
A Modern Day Fairy Tale
Bookish Reviews
Oct 27
A Pinch of Bookdust
Oct 28
Stormy Vixen's Book Reviews – GUEST POST
Oct 29
Midnight Book Reader
SnoopyDoo's Book Reviews
Oct 30
My Devotional Thoughts
Bedazzled By Books
Oct 31
books are love
Books a Plenty Book Reviews
Nov 1
Books all things paranormal and romance
Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
Nov 2
Bound 2 Escape
Scrupulous Dreams
Nov 3
Anna del C. Dye official page
Nov 4
Deal Sharing Aunt
Nov 5
Girl with Pen
Stacking My Book Shelves!
Nov 6
Inside the Insanity
Kerrific Online
Nov 7
Book-Lover
Maiden of the Pages– GUEST POST
Nov 8
the bookworm lodge
Luv Saving Money
Nov 9
Dragon's Den
Paranormal Palace of Pleasures
Nov 10
Rabid Readers Book Blog
Nov 11
All the Ups and Downs – GUEST POST
Viviana MacKade – GUEST POST
Nov 12
Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer
Tome Tender
Nov 13
SJ's book blog
Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'
Nov 14
T's Stuff
The Book Dragon
Nov 15
Badass Bloggettes - REVIEW
Teatime and Books
Nov 16
Jazzy Book Reviews
eBook Addicts
Nov 17
Declarations of a Fangirl
Sylv.net
Nov 18
JB's Bookworms with Brandy Mulder – GUEST POST
Bayou Book Junkie - REVIEW
Nov 19
My Reading Journeys - REVIEW
Cranky TBC - REVIEW
