Kat Henry Doran/Veronica Lynch: Covet thy Neighbor by Denise Carbo

Single mom of twin boys, Olivia Banner, has her hands full juggling life’s demands. She doesn’t have time for her mysterious new neighbor or all the questions his presence conjures up, even if he is a handsome devil. Toss in a complicated relationship with her ex-husband, meddlesome family members, and going back to school to provide a stable financial future for her and her boys, and Olivia turns to her gal pals for guidance.

Sometimes playing it safe is the right choice, and other times leaping into the unknown can lead to all the dreams you never knew you had coming true.

Wild Women Authors welcomes Denise Carbo as she celebrates the recent release of Covet thy Neighbor, the latest in her Granite Cove series. With Denise is Olivia Banner who, as usual, will go first.

Good morning, Olivia, thanks for visiting our blog. Tell us a bit about yourself, starting with where you’re from. Granite Cove, New Hampshire.

Tell us a bit about Covet thy Neighbor. It’s the story about how Luke [Hollister] and I found each other and ourselves, I think. As a relatively young single mother, I didn’t have much time to figure out who I was or what I wanted to be. Luke didn’t fit into any of my plans, but I think sometimes we have no idea what’s really best for us.

What did you think the first time you saw Luke? I thought he was rude and antisocial.

Having read the book, we agree completely. So, what was your second thought? I might have noticed he’s rather handsome, too.

But was it love at first sight? Not a chance. I was convinced he was a serial killer.

What do you like most about Luke? His innate kindness

Again, we agree on that point. How would you describe him? Once you get past the handsome face and standoffish first impression, you find an intelligent, thoughtful, caring man.

How would Luke describe you? Probably a bit paranoid bordering on crazy. I’d like to think he’d add that most of that has to do with being a protective mother. I think he might also say I care deeply about those I love.

What made you choose working at a bakery for a career? It pretty much chose me. Of course, my friendship with Franny had a lot to do with it. It’s her bakery after all, and if she wasn’t so great I probably wouldn’t be working there.

What is your biggest fear? Anything harming my kids. They are my life.

How do you relax? I run or if that’s not possible, I’ve been known to have a glass or two of wine.

Who is your favorite fictional character? Wonder woman. I did mention I have twin boys, right? Superheroes are pretty much our go to in movie selection. Besides, who doesn’t want to be a strong woman who can handle any situation thrown at her?

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? My friend Franny told me not to make any hasty decisions. Emotions can cloud your judgement so it’s important to take a step back.

Great advice. Thanks for sharing that and for spending time with us, Now we’d like to chat with Denise beginning with:

What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? I’m a huge Nora Roberts fan, as I imagine many romance authors are. I’ve always read a great deal and enjoy finding new authors and their stories too. Movie nights are common in our household.

What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? I’m a mother of three boys so my personal experiences have certainly influenced that aspect of Olivia’s interactions with her sons. During my childhood, I spent many summers and holidays in the lakes region of New Hampshire visiting relatives. My Granite Cove series is based on those memories.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? Susan Mallery’s Happily This Christmas is next up on my tablet.

Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? I’m working on Rebecca’s story for the next installment in the Granite Cove series. I hope it will be out this year.

Denise brought along an excerpt from Covet thy Neighbor:

“My neighbor is a serial killer.”

“Umm…is that fact or supposition?” Lucinda’s blonde eyebrows arch halfway up her forehead as she leans against the marble counter nibbling on a piece of muffin.

The aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies wafts across the kitchen after Franny opens the ovens. She puts the trays of cookies on the rolling rack in front of the ovens and props her hands on her hips. “You didn’t go back there without me, did you? I told you I would go.”

I shake my head and lift myself onto the counter next to the sink. “No—well, not intentionally. I was sitting on my back deck this morning enjoying my second cup of coffee while contemplating my life and what the hell I want to do with it when I heard a crash next door. So, of course, I went over to ensure no one was dying or anything.”

“You went over there thinking you lived next door to a serial killer? Why didn’t you call the police?” Lucinda drops the rest of her muffin into the garbage and brushes the crumbs off her fingers. “Have you called the police?” She glances at Franny. “She’s not serious, is she?”

Franny holds up a finger to her sister. “Hold on, Luce. Olivia, what happened?”

“My neighbor was on his patio, lying on his back, just staring at the sky. There was a ladder on its side near him. To be honest, for a second, I thought he might be dead. Then he jumped up and yelled at me for trespassing. I was ready to give him hell right back, but when I noticed the large assortment of weapons littering his kitchen table, I left.”

Franny frowns and glances at her sister. “This guy moved in next door to Olivia and was rude when she welcomed him to the neighborhood. She did a search for him on the internet and came up with nothing. She has her twin boys to worry about, so she’s cautious. I told her I would go with her next time because there’s plenty of reasons the guy might be unfriendly, but obviously her instincts were right in the first place. There’s something fishy going on.”

“I know I’m paranoid, but being a mother makes me worry about all sorts of things. So, when someone new moves into the neighborhood or comes into their lives, I do a quick search online and not only the predator lists, but a general hunt to make sure there are no red flags. Luke Hollister has no online presence whatsoever. No social media, nothing. That’s weird, right? Now, coupled with his behavior and the weapon stash—I’m not crazy to worry, am I?”

Lucinda shakes her head. “Not at all, I can only imagine what you have to worry over as a parent. And, although there is nothing criminal about being rude or unfriendly, I admit the multitude of weapons is questionable.” She raises her hand. “However, he could simply be a collector. Perhaps we shouldn’t jump to conclusions just yet.”

“Spoken like the lawyer you are.” Franny smirks.

“A collector of weapons? I admit I didn’t think of that. My mind went straight to murderous intent.” I swing my feet and stare at the black and white squares of tile on the floor. All right, my paranoia for my kids’ safety might be getting out of control.

“I’m simply throwing out other options. My firm in Connecticut had a private investigator on retainer. Would you like me to call him and ask for a referral for someone here in New Hampshire? Or we could ask our father to check with his former firm and see if they recommend anyone in the area.”

“You think Granite Cove is big enough to have a private investigator?” Franny leans on the counter with folded arms. “I’d like to see Mother’s face when you ask Dad for the name of a private investigator though.”

“Ha ha.”

“Thanks guys, but hiring an investigator isn’t exactly in my budget.” I cross my ankles and sigh. “I guess I’ll just have to keep a close eye out and make sure my two devils don’t go wandering out of our yard.”

“Well, don’t go back over there, no matter what you hear.”

I nod at Franny. “I have no intention of setting foot on his property again. Maybe it’s time I replaced the fence between our properties. There used to be a split rail fence, but it rotted in places so the former owner tore the whole thing out before listing it for sale. I could put in a tall solid fence with barbed wire at the top.”

“That would certainly send a message.” Franny grins.

To purchase Covet they Neighbor, go to:

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940163025411

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NWDR2BP

iTunes: http://apple.co/3p8u7Wl

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/covet-thy-neighbor-7

Google: http://bit.ly/2NtCM85

To learn more about Denise Carbo and the stories she creates, go to:

Website: https://www.DeniseCarbo.com

Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/DeniseCarboauthor

Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/DeniseCarbo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DeniseCarbo