Marlene Bateman Sullivan Writes Again!

What happened to Irene?

When Anna Coughlin, a modern 1920’s woman, travels to the secluded hills of Virginia to work for wealthy Lawrence Richardson, she discovers that the previous secretary, Irene, mysteriously disappeared a few weeks before.  Upon arriving at the castle-like mansion to begin working, Anna finds that Lawrence’s handsome, but antagonistic son, Tyler, wants nothing more than to have her gone. And he isn’t the only one—

After Anna sets out to find the truth behind Irene’s disappearance, a series of frightening incidents ensnare her in a maze of intrigue. Anna is helped—and often hindered—by the temperamental Tyler Richardson, who—despite her best intentions—begins to steal her heart.

But even as Anna begins to uncover dark secrets in a troubled household, she must continue to hide a significant one of her own. When her life is threatened, Anna is left to wonder if she’ll be able to unravel the mystery before she disappears as mysteriously as the unfortunate Irene—

EXCERPT FROM "Searching for Irene"

The tallest parts of the mansion—fanciful turrets and a circular tower—were visible only in glimpses Anna caught between lofty oaks and towering pines as her cab wound through the knolls and hills of eastern Virginia.

When the cab turned up the long driveway lined with dogwood trees in full bloom, Anna Coughlin reached for her handbag, gripping it with a tension that had knotted her muscles ever since getting on the train.

The vast estate stood on a hilltop, like a castle—and she craned her neck to better view the starkly impressive gray-stone mansion of Ashton Hall—where she hoped to be hired. With its arched, leaded windows and slate roof with numerous chimneys, the house rivaled pictures she’d seen of castles in Europe.

Instructing the driver to wait, she climbed out, patted her hat in case it was askew, then smoothed her gray suit with gloved hands in hopes of presenting a professional appearance. Anna had no confidence she was clever enough or bold enough to pull this off, but she had to try.

Her eye was drawn by a tall man—more than six feet—who came from the side of the house. Since the man was striding toward her so purposefully, Anna stopped and waited. As he drew near, Anna noted his deep-set eyes were as black as his hair. His skin was tanned, his thin, long-fingered hands brown and strong.

“Miss Coughlin?” He stretched out a hand and shook hers, but there was no warmth for her in his eyes. “I’m Tyler Richardson. Unfortunately, your services are not needed after all.” A touch of arrogance marked his manner, as though he was long accustomed to command those around him.

“Your father called only last week to have someone come out,” Anna blurted in dismay. “May I ask what caused him to change his mind?”

A fleeting glimpse of discomfiture crossed Mr. Richardson’s face. “I wasn’t consulted about his hiring another secretary to replace the one who left so suddenly. My father isn’t in good health, and the last thing we need is someone coming in and upsetting him by making a muddle of things.”

His words kindled a fire that glinted in Anna’s eyes. How dare he make such an assumption? It was difficult to hang on to her temper, but there was too much at stake to let his boorishness sidetrack her. “Since I’m here, I’m sure you won’t mind if I keep my appointment. After all, your father is the one who requested my services. I’m sure he’s expecting me.”

Her words hit home.It took a few bitter seconds, but he finally acquiesced. “Come in, then,” he muttered ungraciously before leading the way up the steps and opening the door.

Following his rigid back down the narrow hall, Anna’s brows furrowed as doubts crept in. How wise had she been to come to this remote place? Especially when the previous secretary had disappeared so mysteriously? Even her employer thought it odd that no one in this mansion seemed to know where Irene had gone or where she was now. It was as if Irene had vanished into thin air.

OUR FAVORITE LINKS!

Amazon: https://goo.gl/zAQVFd

Goodreads; https://goo.gl/avXj2E

Marlene’s website: www.marlenebateman.info

Stressed by a difficult year, McKenzie Forsberg quits her high-powered job to move back to her hometown. Desperate and determined to rebuild her life, Kenzie seeks to buy the home she grew up in. The only problem is that a handsome widower, Jared Rawlins, also wants the house. As a battle of wits ensue, sparks of attraction grow into something more. Then, Kenzie makes a stunning discovery about her past that changes everything. Will the power of love be enough to allow Jared and Kenzie to find their happily ever after?

Marlene Bateman Sullivan grew up in Utah, and graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor's degree in English. She is married to Kelly R. Sullivan and they live in North Salt Lake, Utah with their two dogs and four cats. Marlene has been published extensively in magazines and newspapers and wrote the best-selling romance/suspense novel, Light on Fire Island. She has written three other cozy mysteries; Motive for Murder, A Death in the Family, and Crooked House, as well as the romance, For Sale by Owner.

Marlene has also written a number of non-fiction, LDS books:  Latter-day Saint Heroes and Heroines, And There Were Angels Among Them, Visit’s from Beyond the Veil, By the Ministering of Angels, Brigham’s Boys, Heroes of Faith, Gaze into Heaven; Near-death Experiences in Early Church History, and The Magnificent World of Spirits; Eyewitness Accounts of Where We Go When We Die.

Amazon: https://goo.gl/zAQVFd

Goodreads; https://goo.gl/avXj2E

Marlene’s website: www.marlenebateman.info

The Magnificent World of Spirits; Eyewitness Accounts of Where We Go When We Die

Life. Death. Life.

Not everyone who visits the spirit world stays there. The Magnificent World of Spirits: Eyewitness accounts of where we go when we die, is a detailed book about the spirit world. It  gives fascinating glimpses of life beyond the veil by people who visited the spirit world during the early years of the LDS Church.

Filled with stories of insight and inspiration, The Magnificent Spirit World is a stirring book that combines fascinating personal experiences with scripture, perceptive commentary, and quotes from latter-day prophets and other leaders. This book will bring you peace as you come to understand what awaits us on the other side of the veil. After reading this book, you will never think of life—or death—in the same way.

Gaze Into Heaven; Near-death experiences in early church history, is the first volume of near death stories by Sullivan, a carefully compiled collection of more than 50 near-death experiences that occurred during the early years of the Church. These documented accounts give fascinating glimpses into the Spirit World by those who have actually been there. Most of us have wondered exactly what will happen when we die. What does the Spirit World look like? Will we see departed family members and friends? What do people do there? Do spirits there know what is happening on earth? All of these questions and many more are answered in Gaze Into Heaven.

Available at bookstores, including Deseret Book and Seagull, as well as online at:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

You can even click here to see "The Magnificent World of Spirits" on Good Reads 

VISIT THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE: MARLENE SULLIVAN

(See you on the other side!)

Interview for "Heroes of Faith"

What is a hero? (No, I'm not talking about the sandwich.)

Synopsis

          Our fast-paced society loves adventure and it loves a hero—but what about Latter-day Saint heroes?  Are there any?  There are plenty!

         Heroes of Faith, True Stories of Faith and Courage, is a collection of twenty-four riveting stories about people who rose above difficulties and impossible odds to emerge triumphant. You’ll read about stalwart men and women who stood firm and valiant in the gospel in spite of dangerous mobs, flying bullets, physical handicaps, extreme hardships, and dictatorial regimes.

          It's fascinating to read about the exploits of real heroes and when that hero is acting in accordance with the principles of the gospel, the adventure is not only thrilling, but inspiring as well. In these days of increasing trials and tribulation, we can all use some worthy role models, especially those that strengthen our faith and increase our testimonies.

Author Interview 

Shirley: When I read a description of your new book, “Heroes of Faith, True Stories of Courage and Strength,” I had to wonder if you’ve ever been bullied, or known anyone who has.

 Marlene: Fortunately, I was never bullied. And except for one time at camp, I hadn’t known anyone who was bullied.  I’m amazed at how the people in Heroes of Faith were bullied and persecuted, yet did not respond in kind. The section on missionary heroes was especially interesting—I can’t believe how their lives were threatened so many times and yet they did not back down from sharing the gospel.  I love the other sections as well—it’s so inspiring to read about these amazing people who had such incredible spiritual and moral strength that enabled them to stand up for what they believed in despite heavy persecution. And the section on disabled heroes is awesome—to see how blind, deaf or physically disabled people were able to accomplish so much makes me want to try harder to do better.

 Shirley: I got teased in junior high school for being so tall. If I could grab hold of the guy who was teasing me, I’d swing him into the lockers. I don’t suppose that’s the way the people in your stories handled their tormentors.

 Marlene:  Ha ha! People sometimes teased me for being short, but I wasn’t able to fling them into lockers.  Perhaps this is why it’s so good to have role models—so we can see the way we should act,  but don’t always!

 Shirley: Where did you find your stories? How did you decide which ones to use?

Marlene: I did a lot of research at numerous libraries. I started at Utah State University. Their Institute also has a great library. (I went to BYU, which has a lot of great collections). Finally, I did a lot of research at the Church History Library in Salt Lake City.  Their archives have a lot of tremendous records.  I went through old newspapers and magazines, such as the Times and Seasons, the Elder’s Journal, The Contributor, and the Young Women’s Journal, as well as going through personal journals and records. As for deciding which stories to use, if the experiences made my jaw drop and gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling, I picked it.  There were so many stories, though, that I put them into two books.  One book has already been published, it’s called; Latter-day Saint Heroes and Heroines. You can get it on Amazon, or order it through Seagull Book.

 Shirley: What’s your own personal description of a hero?

Marlene: I think a hero is someone who stands up for their belief knowing it’s gonna cost them—big time.  You’re a hero if you do what needs to be done, forgetting about what consequences you’re going to face afterward. You’re a hero if, despite the risks and danger, you go ahead and act true to your beliefs. A hero is someone whose has strong convictions and act anyway in a way that shows their beliefs because they know deep inside that the end result is worth any and all discomfort, pain, and trials they have to go through.

Shirley: Perhaps I ought to change my ways and quit grabbing door-to-door salesmen and flinging them into lockers. Where can I get a copy of this book so I can mend my ways?

Marlene:  I would definitely advise you to read this book and repent, although the word on the street is to avoid your house. That’s why you see salesmen glance fearfully at your door and slink on past. You can get Heroes of Faith at Seagull Book and other LDS bookstores. Online, you can get Heroes at:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Faith-Stories-Courage-Strength/dp/1462111289/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375911655&sr=1-1&keywords=heroes+of+faith+by+marlene+bateman+sullivan

Barnes and Noble:   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heroes-of-faith-marlene-bateman-sullivan/1114333313?ean=9781462111282

Books & Things:  http://booksandthings.com/heroes-of-faith-true-stories-of-courage-and-strength.html#.UgLJn20hXAw

Deseret Book:   http://deseretbook.com/Heroes-Faith-Marlene-Bateman-Sullivan/i/5114556

MARLENE BATEMAN'S WEBSITE: www.marlenebateman.info

"Motive for Murder" by Marlene Bateman

Praise from Traci Abramson and Betsy Brannon Green: 

Motive for Murder is fresh, captivating, and cleverly written. The colorful cast of characters will enthrall readers as they try to navigate the clever twists and turns of this captivating mystery. Intriguing, memorable characters, and a skillfully written mystery make Motive for Murder Marlene Bateman's finest work yet—a must read!  Traci Abramson

With a fresh, crisp writing style, Marlene Bateman introduces readers to a fascinating cast of characters and skillfully unravels an intricate plot full of twists and surprises!  I loved Motive for Murder and you will too!  Betsy Brannon Green

 Shirley: Ooo, Marlene, why did you drag me down this alley? This is a creepy shortcut, and so dark, I’m tripping over garbage. Did you even think to bring a flashlight?

 Marlene:  What do you think that beam of light I’m shining ahead of us is? If you’d stay a little closer, you’d miss the garbage . . .

Shirley: Ah, so that smell isn't you. Now I'm your shadow. Are you super organized, like Erica Coleman in your book “Motive for Murder?” How did you come up with the idea to make her OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) if you don’t have that trait yourself? (And will you please stop lining up the mustard, ketchup, relish, and mayonnaise alphabetically?)

 Marlene: I’m very organized—and proud of it. Think what the world would be like if we lived in a world of slobs—like those who don’t line condiments alphabetically. Organized, neat-freak types perform a great service for humanity. I came up with the idea of making Erica OCD because I thought it would be fun for a private detective to have a trait that could help her solve mysteries while annoying others!

 Shirley:  Whatever we are, something feels really weird around here, like… maybe we’re going to trip over a body or something. But that would never happen, would it?

 Marlene: It’s only happened once, but dead bodies have a way of popping up whenever Erica is around.  Just wait for her next book—you’ll see.

 Shirley: Really? Where do you come up with ideas for such intense suspense? Did you have a secret desire as a child to be a detective when you grew up?

 Marlene: Every year I had to figure out where my brother’s hid their Halloween candy—and I got quite good at it. J I’ve never had a desire to be a detective (although I am nosy) but I do read a lot of mysteries. I find Agatha Christie fascinating. And I’m in love with Hercule Poirot.  Now, there’s a man who knows how to use his little gray cells! Alas, I was born too late. . .

 Shirley: Wait...what’s that smell? No, it’s not garbage. We left all that behind when we came out onto this twisty street that has about as many turns as your plot. It’s kind of like… chocolate. Do you have chocolate in your pocket? Aren’t you going to share?

 Marlene: I always share. It’s kind of funny though, that somehow my piece always ends up a little bigger than whoever I’m sharing with. Weird, huh?  Oh, and any chocolate with pocket lint is yours.

 Shirley: You're too kind. Oh, look! I see lights up ahead. A diner! We’re safe. And oh, it smells good in here. Do you want to order the mystery meat surprise? Are you a good cook, Marlene? Is that why you put recipes in your murder mystery? (I hope there’s nothing wrong with that tomato sauce...I hope it really IS tomato sauce.)

 Marlene: Yes, we’re safe, and also safe from my cooking. I HATE to cook.  To me, it’s a chore that ranks right up there with cleaning toilets.  I decided to put recipes in because many years ago, I read a national, southern author who had recipes in her book. I thought that was a pretty cool idea—and copied it. Apparently a lot of other people also thought it was cool and did the same thing so you see a lot of it now. But two things that are special about Erica’s recipes is that they are easy to fix and taste great. Oh, and if you’re going to order the mystery meat surprise, use lots of ketchup—it looks much more like blood than tomato sauce.

 Shirley: Now tell readers where they can get this great mystery, while I dig into this mystery meat.

 Marlene:  According to my timetable of fast-acting poisons, I have about 2 minutes before your head falls into your mystery meat, so here are the links. And yes, it’s available on CD;

Seagull Book: http://www.seagullbook.com/lds-products-791144.html

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Motive-Murder-Marlene-Bateman-Sullivan/dp/1608612414/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372179431&sr=8-1&keywords=motive+for+murder

Deseret Book:  http://deseretbook.com/Motive-Murder-Marlene-Bateman-Sullivan/i/5110664

Synopsis of Motive for Murder

Meet Erica Coleman—a gifted and quirky private investigator with an OCD-like passion for neatness and symmetry, a penchant for cooking, (ten terrific recipes are included), and a weakness for chocolate.

Erica imagined that her trip to Florida would be a slice of heaven—a chance to get away from it all and catch up with her best friend, Wendy. But one day into her vacation, all hope of fun in the sun is dashed when she stumbles, literally, over a dead man on Wendy’s driveway. With police closing in on her friend as their main suspect, Erica must find the real killer before Wendy ends up behind bars.

With Erica’s skill, solving the mystery should be a piece of cake but then a second homicide-attempt hits close to home and generates a whole new list of suspects. There’s no way to sugarcoat it, a murderer is on the prowl, and no one is above suspicion.

As the plot thickens, it appears Erica may have bitten off more than she can chew, but she forges on, sifting through mounting evidence until she hones in on the killer who has a surprising motive for murder. With a dash of romance and some surprising twists, this thrilling mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

  

Excerpt

            “As she drove back to Wendy’s house, the headlights cleaved the darkness and shone through the rain, which was falling harder now. Erica parked across the street and was nearly to Wendy’s door when she stopped suddenly, catching herself as she nearly fell over something.

It was the still figure of a man lying face down on the driveway. He was strangely unmoving. The light from the porch illuminated a puddle alongside him, which was growing bigger by the second. A chill shivered down Erica’s spine as she noticed that the puddle was streaked by dark red threads that ran and merged with rivulets of rain.”

Biography

Marlene Bateman Sullivan was born in Salt Lake City, Utah.  She graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in English. She is married to Kelly R. Sullivan and they are the parents of seven children. 

Her hobbies are gardening, camping, and reading.  Marlene has been published extensively in magazines and newspapers and has written a number of non-fiction books, including:  Latter-day Saint Heroes and Heroines, And There Were Angels Among Them, Visit’s From Beyond the Veil, By the Ministering of Angels, and Brigham’s Boys. Marlene also wrote the best-selling novel, Light on Fire Island.

A busy writer, Marlene is set to have three books published this year. Gaze Into Heaven, a fascinating collection of over 50 documented near-death experiences in early church history, was published earlier this year. Next is Motive for Murder, the first in a mystery series featuring the quirky Erica Coleman. In July, Heroes of Faith, a collection of stories about people who risked their life for the gospel, will be released by Cedar Fort Inc.