Sharing Links and Wisdom: Summer Star NBtM

Blurb:

Loner and history buff Troy Hart gets more than he bargained for when his psychic connection to the past leads him to the mountains of Colorado. The legend of buried treasure is nothing new, but falling in love is—and that’s the last thing Troy wants.

Troy’s visions of the old west are all fun and games, until the ghost of an outlaw forces Troy to fulfill his dying wish. To save his own life, and the life of the woman he loves, Troy must follow the trail of greed, betrayal and revenge on a treasure hunt for lost Civil War gold.

Now the fun is over and the game is survival as Troy battles the elements, a dead man, and his own heart deep in the remote high country.

Excerpt:

As the last light crept out of the sky Troy asked the truck for a little more. It skidded over rocks, jolted over roots. He rammed it through the creek and parked in front of the cabin. The hissing radiator and antifreeze pouring on the ground confirmed it. They’d be hoofing it from here on out.

Troy sprinted to the cabin. He threw his canteen, a few bottles of water, beef jerky, and candy bars into his pack. He added two flashlights, batteries, and Eric’s hardhat. He rushed to the tipi for a denim jacket and the map. The piece of oiled canvas, made to be laced over a sleeping bag in bad weather, caught his eye. He pushed it down on top of everything else.

He shined the light into the trees, hoping beyond hope to see Eric’s tent. It was gone, all that remained was a smooth spot on the ground. Troy put a hand on Dean’s shoulder. “Wait here.”

“Screw that. I love her, too.” Dean put his own hand on Troy’s shoulder and squeezed it hard. “Let’s go get her, bro.”

Troy gave Dean the second flashlight and set off at a grueling pace. It wasn’t long before he could no longer hear Dean behind him or see Dean’s light bobbing in the dark timber. His jaw hurt and a stitch nagged in his ribs. His bear-bit hip joined the chorus. He thought of Summer in crazy Charlotte’s jealous clutches and pushed himself harder. Troy Hart ran for her life.

D.J., thanks so much for stopping by. So, tell us a little about yourself.

Thank you for having me. I live in the mountains of Colorado and this rugged landscape is in my blood. It’s also the setting for my stories. My favorite thing is hiking with my husband and our dogs. My hobby is landscape and wildlife photography, so my camera always goes along for the ride.

How did you get started writing?

I dabbled, writing a few articles about cattle that were published. When I was forty, my cousin (who is a wonderful writer) challenged me to take part in NaNoWriMo—National Novel Writing Month. That first book was a mess, but the next one was better. The third one (Courageous Cain) was even better, and was published by Champagne Books in September, 2015. That moment, my first published novel, was a definite highlight of my life.

What was the inspiration for your book?

The inspiration for Summer Star came from the numerous times I’ve come across some old item, such as a broken dish or rusted out tobacco can, while hiking in the back country. I often wonder how it came to be there, who it belonged to, what happened to them. I wish I could touch them and see their past. My main character, Troy Hart, is a direct result of that desire. Troy can do just that and it gets him into a lot of trouble.

What’s the one genre you haven’t written in yet that you’d like to?

I’d like to write a good mystery. The twists and turns, clues, red herrings, and foreshadowing are things I’m working on.

Are there any genres you won’t read or write in? Why?

I haven’t written any erotica. I have nothing against it, but for me, some things are better left alluded to.

What are you up to right now? Do you have any releases planned, or are you still writing?

I am currently editing a paranormal western which I hope to submit to my publisher this year. I’m also a third of the way through the first draft of a romantic suspense.

Alright, now for some totally random, fun questions. Favorite color?

The deep, rich green of pine needles.

Favorite movie?
There are many, but if I have to pick just one it would be The Lord of the Rings trilogy (there, I tried and still couldn’t pick just one!).

Book that inspired you to become an author?
Remember that cousin I mentioned? Her as yet unpublished novel which she graciously let me read. It was wonderful and I remember thinking if she can do it, so can I. She has been there for me every step of the way. Girl, you know who you are and thanks.

You have one superpower. What is it?
Actually, I kind of do. I have very sensitive hearing. My husband often says, “You hear everything!” Watch what you say if you don’t want me to hear, because I just might.

You can have dinner with any 3 people, dead, alive, fictitious, etc. Who are they?
John Wayne, Jeff Dunham, and Gandalf. Cowboy up, learn to laugh at yourself, and don’t forget there’s magic in this life.

Last question: Which of your characters are you most like and how/why?

Josie Shepherd from my novel Courageous Cain. I was a veterinary assistant for many years, have been around shelters, and have seen some of the horrors associated with animal rescue. Josie works in a kennel and befriends a vicious, abused dog named Cain. Josie’s psychic connection with Cain helps her stop a killer, save her friend, and find her true love.

That’s all from me, thanks so much for taking the time to stop by!

Thank you for hosting me. It was a pleasure to be here.

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Author Bio and Links:

DJ Davis is a Colorado native and the rugged high country sets the scene for her stories. When she's not writing, she can be found hiking with her dogs, photographing the wildlife, or camping with her husband. A Great Dane runs her life.

A portion of each sale of her novel "Courageous Cain" will be donated to Big Bones Canine Rescue in Windsor, Colorado. Help us help big dogs in need.

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