Release Date: January 15 , 2014
Genre: FICTION / Romance / General / Suspense
Summary:
Guest Post: New Orleans
Rue Toulouse takes place in one of my favorite cities, New Orleans. My husband and I first visited the city in 1989 and have been back many many times since. New Orleans, in particular the French Quarter, is one of those cities that visitors either love or hate. Yes, the buildings are old and in need of repair, and some neighborhoods are still recovering from the storms. Yes, the sidewalks are uneven and can be a challenge at times. Yes, some of the aroma's wafting through the air aren't always pleasant. And yes, on some streets the window displays aren't suitable for children, and the music inside might be too loud. But, this is what makes New Orleans New Orleans.
The buildings might be in need of repair, but the wrought iron balconies with their colorful hanging plants are delightful. As you walk along you'll see everything from vintage clothing to t-shirt shops; sexy underwear to vampire clothing; exquisite jewelry to Mardi Gras beads; French perfume to patchouli; Wiccan and Voodoo shops to beautiful old churches; haunted historic hotels to intimate B & B's; spooky cemeteries with their above ground tombs to swamp boat rides.
Every kind of restaurant from sizzling steak and gourmet Creole to Cajun gumbo, red beans and rice, hot chickery coffee and beignets, and crawfish etoufee; shrimp po boys and mufaletta to hand thrown pizza.
You'll be entertained by street musicians playing funky blues, old rock, modern jazz, country, or classical.
You'll see people carrying red go cups and hear others calling, “who dat” and “where y’at?” And the streets are full of people from every walk of life.
It was a few years ago, while David and I were visiting the city and I was sitting on our hotel balcony, or gallery as they are called there, that the idea for Rue Toulouse came to me.
There’s a saying, “only in New Orleans.” And this is so true. As I sat on my balcony overlooking Toulouse Street, I could see a musician setting up on the corner. Soon the clear sounds of his saxophone filled the night. The smell of spicy gumbo from the restaurant across from me wafted through the air. The clip clop from a horse drawn carriage passed beneath me, its driver thrilling his passengers with tales of the ghosts that haunt the city. A man painted all in silver strolled along juggling oranges while a bicycle cab pedaled by. A group of laughing tourists carrying red go cups went into a bar, and the long low whistle of a boat on the Mississippi could be heard in the distance.
As I sat there, taking it all in, I thought what a wonderful city to set a story in. From its diverse people to its incredible food. I sipped my glass of wine and nibbled Voodoo chips and the characters in Rue Toulouse began to take form in my mind. In one scene, I have Remi look down on Rue Toulouse from the gallery of his apartment and he thinks he sees Caterine driving by. Hopefully I’ve brought a little of this wonderful city to life for you while you read about Caterine and Remi as they learn to love and trust one another -- down in the heart of the Big Easy.
Excerpt:
Review:
I won't lie to you. What originally drew me into this book was the mask on the cover, and the promise of a masquerade. Then, I found out it was set in New Orleans, and I was sold. I was blown away by this romantic suspense novel and it will definitely be one that I read again.
What stands out for me the most in this book is the setting. I used to spend a lot of time in New Orleans when my dad lived down there, and I became smitten with the city. I miss it every single day that I'm not there. Grahl made me both more and less home sick for the place. It was written so vividly and with the expert eye of someone who's been there and seen it, and that makes all the difference. I could smell the cafe au lait, hear the jazz, and damn near taste the hurricanes. It brought back a lot of fond memories for me and it made me zone-out into the book completely, because the writing made me relive it all over again. So genuinely, thanks for that Ms. Grahl.
I also really loved the characters. Caterine is relatable and right from the first few chapters I ached with her and was completely on her side. She's strong, Southern, and sassy (and not to mention absolutely fabulous) from cover to cover, and I really wanted all the best for her over the course of the novel.
And then there's Remi. Oh lord, Remi. He gets a paragraph all to himself. Every girl (or guy, for that matter) has their dream specimen. I'm not saying Remi is it necessary, but he comes alarmingly close. He's protective and serious and handsome and has a lovable Bayou accent and at some point is dressed like a pirate and I would like to know wear I may order a Remi Michaud for myself, please. (To my girlfriend that's eventually going to be reading this: love youuuuuuu.)
The book was well written and well-paced. I was drawn in slowly in the beginning by the instant connection to characters and the familiar, well-loved setting of New Orleans, and was kept hostage by a series of twists and turns and delicious romance. This book had so many aspects of things that I look for in a book, plus a little something extra. This was my first time reading the work of Debby Grahl and I sincerely hope it will not be the last. I also hope that Remi will join the other men enslaved by means of my bookshelves soon.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves romance, Southern ex-cops, a good ole fashion murder attempt, or the one and only New Orleans. Thank you so much to The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House for my copy in exchange for my honest review.
About the Author:
