This week, Susie Black’s Saturday Author Spotlight shines on award-winning, multi-genre author Annette Miller.
About the author: Originally from Maryland, Annette Miller married an Air Force man a year out of high school, getting the chance to see Germany and most of the United States. Always a fan of science fiction, fantasy, and horror novels, she didn’t discover romance until her oldest son was two. Then, she couldn’t get enough. After reading so much paranormal and seeing all the hero movies, she decided romance and superheroes went together. Annette has been a member of the Romance Writers of America and the New Jersey Romance Writers since 2001. She is a current member of Writing in The Bluff, a romance writing group in Memphis, TN. She is also a member of Malice in Memphis, a mystery writers’ group.
The House on Darkling Street (Garland Falls) is an entertaining foray into the paranormal romance/mystery genre.
Here is a blurb to whet your appetite:
When Holly Stevens arrives in Garland Falls, MN, to clean a house, she doesn’t realize it was a giant manor house. When she meets Ray Burnett, she accepts his offer to help. Why does a mysterious set of keys continuously fall with no one near them? Her cat always looks like he knows the answers but won’t share. Ray Burnett has a mixed heritage of Dark Lands and Light Side that makes him unwelcome by both sides. Even his town of Garland Falls seems to have no use for him. Maybe the time has come to move on until he meets Holly Stevens. She could be the one to help him find acceptance.
Here is what readers have to say about The House on Darkling Street:
Kindle Customer: “I couldn’t put it down! If you enjoy a paranormal story with an intriguing mystery and a magical romance, you are in for a delightful reading experience! My life was put “on hold” for a day because I could not stop reading! The plot is well developed, and the characters are not only believable, but the main characters are also endearing. This is a lovely story for those who enjoy mystical and enchanting tales.”
Nastaran Masoomi: “The House on Darkling Street is a perfect read for when the autumn wind starts to blow, and you’re in the mood for a story that is more eerie than outright terrifying. This book masterfully builds an atmosphere thick with mystery and a lingering sense of dread, making it a compelling and spooky page-turner. The strength of this novel lies in its setting. The house itself is a character—a creaking, whispering entity with secrets buried in its very foundations. Miller’s descriptive prose vividly paints the shadowy corners and unsettling history of Darkling Street, making you feel the chill along with the characters. Our protagonist’s journey to uncover the truth is engaging, and the pacing keeps you guessing. While some of the supporting characters could have been fleshed out a bit more, the central mystery and the protagonist’s personal connection to the house are more than enough to drive the narrative forward. The resolution was satisfying and felt true to the story’s gothic, melancholic tone. If you enjoy ghost stories that focus on atmosphere, tragic pasts, and a slow-burn mystery, this book is for you. It’s a wonderfully haunting escape that will leave you looking over your shoulder at every little noise.”
Mercy Presh: “The House on Darkling Street shines because of its pure heart and unique, magical atmosphere. Instead of relying on typical, stressful miscommunications or toxic villain tropes to drive the plot, Miller focuses on how these two gentle souls build a genuine connection, helping each other heal, solve the manor’s lighthearted mystery, and find a true sense of belonging. From a structural and pacing standpoint, the book serves as a perfect evening escape. Miller excels at creating an incredibly comforting environment; the romantic progression feels entirely organic, and the lack of an agonizing, third-act breakup is a breath of fresh air for the genre. The House on Darkling Street is a delightfully charming, feel-good read that values emotional warmth over intense action. The book perfectly hits its target as a cozy, magical comfort read. It stands out because its main characters are genuinely good, kind-hearted people whom you instantly want to root for. If you are looking for a gentle, magical romance that wraps you up like a warm blanket on a rainy night, this short novel is absolutely worth your time.”
Marianne Potter: “Couldn’t put it down! If you enjoy a paranormal story with an intriguing mystery and a magical romance, you are in for a delightful reading experience! My life was put “on hold” for a day because I could not stop reading! The plot is well developed. The characters are not only believable, but the main characters are also endearing. This is a lovely story for those who enjoy mystical and enchanting tales.”
Annette Teepe: “The House on Darkling Street is a delightful read! The characters are interesting (some are quirky), the cat may not be quite what he seems, and the house has a mind of its own. Throw in some magic, ghosts, and romance, and you are off to the races. I hope there will be a sequel, and we find out what happens next. The town is a great setting, and the townspeople have more stories to tell!”
https://www.amazon.com/House-Darkling-Street-Garland-Falls-ebook/dp/B0DJC1NSCM/ref=sr_1_1
