It is a pleasure to welcome author Nicole Souza here today to talk about her latest release, SINS OF OUR MOTHERS.
◊ Genre: Dystopian Novel
◊ Publisher: WiDo Publishing (August 25, 2020)
◊ Print & eBooks
◊ Paperback: 338 pages
◊ ISBN-10: 1947966391
◊ ISBN-13: 978-1947966390
It has been fifteen hundred years since the solar flare devastation of the Global Catastrophe. Due to the radioactivity in the harvesting fields, society dismisses its defective children as nothing more than flawed products of the malfunctioned seeds in the field.
But Lyratelle, a hyper-observant musical prodigy, believes these “defects” are intelligent, particularly her own sibling, the youngest child of her impervious mother. Abandoning her dream career, Lyratelle climbs the bureaucratic ladder to run the Defect Research Center, where she can safeguard the child.
With an underground team of women who share her uncertainties, Lyratelle unearths the Old History truth that womankind’s survival actually hinges on the existence of these defects.
When General Sarah Love, the city’s most powerful advocate against the defects, detects Lyratelle’s sympathy toward the creatures, she threatens the life of Lyratelle’s sibling.
Now Lyratelle’s desperate attempt to save this child endangers everyone she loves—her team, her family, even the existence of the defects themselves.
SINS OF OUR MOTHERS is available at AMAZON * Barnes & Noble * WiDo Publishing. Also, be sure to add it to your TBR List on Goodreads.
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EXCERPT
Chapter 4
Juley 23, 1513 P.C.
10:00 a.m.
“Incoming call from the Governor’s office.”
Lyratelle stared at her ring. She wasn’t expecting a call from Governor Sky. She stepped away from the window where she observed the morning’s extractions and stood with her back to the wall. “Accept call.”
Governor Sky’s face emerged. Her silver hair was tied back in a bun, her jawline more prominent than usual.
“Governor Sky, to what do I owe this honor?”
“I’m afraid it’s unpleasant. You’re aware, of course, Valiance Serenity is ill.”
Lyratelle breathed carefully, conscious of her heartrate and the speed and tone of her voice. “Yes. You relocated one of my best doctors to care for her.”
“Even in Doctor Rain’s care, she’s worsened. This morning, Valiance conceded she’s unfit to run the Settlement and is being checked into Lilac Hospital.”
Lyratelle couldn’t stop herself from reacting but managed to play it off as surprise rather than joy. “I’m sorry to hear that.” She was accustomed to the taste of a righteous lie.
“There’s no telling when she’ll recover. As you know, when a Chief Director retires, passes away, or is otherwise unable to run the Settlement, the DRC President is promoted to replace her. Which means, effective immediately, you’re Chief Director of Settlement eleven-sixty-three. You’ll receive intensive training this week and relocate to the Settlement on Monday.”
It took every bit of training, mirror rehearsal, and natural ability for Lyratelle to mask the surreal elation washing over her. “Monday, wow.”
“I realize it’s sudden, probably shocking, but you’ll have plenty of flexibility to visit your family in Lilac.”
“Sudden, yes, but not shocking. I’m prepared for whatever the job requires. May I ask who will replace me here at the DRC?”
“I’m hoping you’ll guide me. Losing you is quite a blow. Doctor Rain is the obvious choice, but to limit her to an administrative position seems unwise, especially under the circumstances.”
“Agreed.”
“Who do you trust to take on the load?”
Lyratelle pretended to consider the options. “I have an unconventional idea.”
“Tell me.”
“We recently hired Reproductive Specialist Emily River. She’s brilliant, trained in record time. Because she’s new, her routine isn’t concrete. The other doctors run the place like a well-oiled machine. It would really be a shame to interrupt that. I recommend assigning Doctor River the administrative role.”
“A brand-new doctor? Maybe if you could stay to train her, but you begin your own training Wednesday morning.”
“You know my assistant, Grace Angels. She’s my anchor. She knows the program inside and out and has a great relationship with the doctors. She’ll help Doctor River find her footing.”
“You really think . . . ?”
“I wouldn’t suggest it if I didn’t know it will work.”
Sky nodded. “I trust you, Faith. Let’s move forward.”
“Great. I’ll speak with them immediately.”
“Then that just leaves your meeting with Valiance.”
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Meet the Author
As the third of eight siblings, Nicole has always been surrounded by people. Among her immediate family are spoken seven languages. Her favorite thing is hearing her nieces and nephews speak French, Tongan, or Mandarin. It’s no surprise she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Languages, as language is one of her greatest passions, topped only by music and Beat Saber.
Nicole minored in Women Studies and continues to take a particular interest in both women’s history and their individual stories. She’s grateful for her ancestors and other women who paved the way for her to pursue her dream of publishing stories and strives to create new avenues for the coming generations to pursue their dreams.
Though she’s lived-in various states in the U.S. and Brazil, Nicole considers Utah “home base” and continuously finds herself returning, even when previous moves were intended to be permanent. She attributes her love of Utah to the beauty of the Wasatch Mountains and the incredible people who make it feel like home, even when she’s been away for long periods of time. Recently, however, after visiting her sister’s family overseas, she’s been dreaming of a quiet beach house in Taiwan.
Connect with Nicole on her website nicolesouzabooks.com
Facebook @nicolesouzabooks
Instagram @nicolesouzabooks
Be sure to enter the tour wide giveaway for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card by clicking HERE.
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Do you enjoy books where the main protagonist is a female?
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