This week, Susie Black’s Saturday Author Spotlight shines on vintage clothing fashionista and mystery author Sandra L. Young.
About the author: Sandra L. Young’s love of vintage fashion inspired her to write her debut novel, Divine Vintage, followed by Divinely Dramatic and The Ghostly Diva. She’s gathered an impressive vintage collection spanning the late 1800s to 1990s, wearing pieces onstage through years of performing in community theater. She also sports it out on the town for special occasions. To round out her love of the arts, Sandra sings with a trio, a praise band, and at karaoke nights. She draws from these experiences in her writing, as well as her work focus on communications and nonprofit management.
Divine Vintage, Sandy’s debut title, married her love affair with vintage clothing to a rip-snorter of a mystery. Here is a blurb to whet your appetite:
Tess Burton is always up for an adventure. She’s risked her inheritance to open Divine Vintage, a clothing boutique. While modeling an elegant gown from an Edwardian era trousseau, her mind is opened to a century-old murder. Visions—seen through the eyes of the murdered bride—dispute local lore that claims the bridegroom committed the crime.
Trey Dunmore doesn’t share Tess’s enthusiasm for mind-blowing visions, yet the appeal to clear his family’s tainted legacy compels him to join her in exploring the past. Aided by the dead woman’s clothing and diary, Tess and Trey discover that pursuing love in 1913 was just as thorny as in the modern day. As the list of murder suspects grows, the couple fears past emotions are influencing, and may ultimately derail, their own blossoming intimacy.
Here is what readers have to say about Divine Vintage:
Nancy Brashear: “I was drawn to the enticing storyline and believable characters in this entertaining and informative historical paranormal time-slip romance and can’t wait to read more by this skillful author.”
Sarah: Love Turned Deadly: “Sandra’s storytelling has a magical way of painting vivid scenes that transport readers right into the heart of the tale. From the intricate details of clothing to the rich descriptions of architecture, every aspect comes alive on the page. The plot weaves together suspense and a slow-burning romance, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The fact that the story is set in my hometown adds an extra layer of excitement, making the familiar setting even more enchanting. And who can resist the ghostly touch that adds a thrilling element to the narrative?”
Stephanie Cozzolino: A Great Read: “This book was such fun to read. It has a little of everything: mystery, suspense, paranormal, romance. The transitions between the current world and the memories were very well done. The tension between Tess and Trey will keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see what happens next. This is a great read from a new author, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.”
R. Bertoia: A story that spans a century: “The novel captures the rigid social structure of the past and mixes it with a modern woman running a vintage store, facing modern social issues such as homelessness. There is romance, trips to Paris, beautiful descriptions of vintage clothing, and more than one handsome stranger. A great read.”
Lee Bukowski: “Sandy Young’s Divine Vintage is pure fun from start to finish. Young marries her love of vintage clothing with a charming story of a century-old murder mystery. Elegant descriptions of Edwardian-era clothing and a budding modern-day romance with paranormal influences make Divine Vintage a delightful whodunnit!”
Kindle Reader: Vintage at its Best: “Young has written an accomplished debut--the setting was intriguing, as were the alternating narratives between the past and the present. What grabbed me, though, was the wonderful balance between mystery and romance, and the fact that things seemed to be happening on each page--it hooked me from get-go and kept me reading. A wonderful tale, perfect for a summer afternoon with scones and tea.”
Whether you’re a vintage clothing fan or appreciate a clever mystery woven with a romance, this well-written book is for you.
https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Vintage-Sandra-L-Young-ebook/dp/B09NGP2W9R/ref=sr_1_1?
Love this, especially coming from such a talented sister mystery writer! We share a fashion flare, as well!