I'm excited to bring you the blog tour of The Duchess of the Shallows, by Neil McGarry and Daniel Ravipinto. This tour is hosted by ABG Reads Book Tours - thank you!
Initially, I was going to review this book, but life gets busier than I'd expected and I couldn't finish it on time (yes, it's that special event again) :( What a shame, the book has been so enjoyable as far as I've read!
But thanks to Colette from ABG Reads Book Tours (who has been as helpful as can be!), I've got an excerpt here for you today!
But thanks to Colette from ABG Reads Book Tours (who has been as helpful as can be!), I've got an excerpt here for you today!
Minette sat at a small table, a pattern of white and black tiles shimmering in the lamplight before her. Although Duchess was no expert at tiles, she played well enough to see why Minette was in a good mood: from the pile of coins before her she'd handily beaten her last opponent. Minette's office was decorated in more soothing shades than the front parlor: there was a lavender settee, its pillows upholstered in cream, and thick rugs of purple and light blue. Duchess knew from long experience to slip off her shoes before setting foot on those rugs. The walls were whitewashed, and the lintel, baseboards and rafters were cedar, giving the room a comfortable feel and an aromatic scent. The desk that dominated the opposite wall, currently unoccupied, was real walnut.
Minette was running one red-gloved finger over her winnings when she lifted her eyes, and without smiling gestured imperiously for Duchess to approach. Duchess slipped across the room to Minette's side to kiss a powdered cheek. ”Don't smear my makeup, dear,” Minette murmured. “Can't have the riff-raff think I'm dabbling with dirty-faced urchins.” She tweaked Duchess on the cheek and began clearing the tiles.
