It’s my pleasure to welcome good friend and Story Empire colleague, Joan Hall, to my blog today. Joan is here to share her new release House of Sorrow, the introduction to her Legends of Madeira series. You can find my five star review for this fantastic novella that blends history and suspense HERE.
As someone who has an extensive set of books about Robert F. Kennedy, I’m particularly fond the post she’s sharing today. Take it away, Joan!
House of Sorrow: June 1968 & Bobby Kennedy
Mae, thank you for hosting me today. It’s a pleasure to visit today. I’m excited to tell your readers about my newest release.
House of Sorrow is a short-story prequel to my upcoming novel Cold Dark Night, book one of my Legends of Madeira series. It’s the story of Ruth Hazelton, a reclusive older woman who lives in a two-story Victorian house in the fictional town of Madeira, New Mexico. Ruth reflects on her life, particularly when she and her husband Lee first moved to town.
I included some historical events in the book, as well as some personal memories. Most of the scenes occur in the late 1960s. One event is the assassination of Senator Robert Kennedy.
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“Senator Kennedy has been shot.”
I still recall waking up to my mother’s words. Mom often had “premonitions” something bad was about to happen. It happened the day of JFK’s assassination and again with Bobby. She’d been unable to sleep that June night, so she turned on the television to hear the sad news.
In the days following Bobby’s death, I saw his funeral train on television and remember how crowds lined the tracks between New York City and Washington, DC. I was only ten, but it made a profound impact on me.
Only two months earlier, I had been the one to first learn of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. I hurried into the other room to tell my parents. It’s safe to say 1968 was a volatile year in America.
A few years ago, my husband and I visited DC and Arlington National Cemetery. Seeing the simple marker and single white cross on Bobby’s grave touched me more than the eternal flame at JFK’s.
Some may think this is weird, but when I looked at the surrounding hillside, the last line of the song, “Abraham, Martin, and John” came to mind. I could almost picture the four men strolling together on the hill, and it brought tears to my eyes.
In this passage, Ruth has just moved to Madeira and met her neighbor, Sam. It’s only a few days after RFK died.
Excerpt:
Sam sat in silence for a few minutes. “Damn shame about Bobby Kennedy.”
“Yes, it was. I watched the funeral on television. So sad for Ethel, especially with her being pregnant. That poor child will never know his or her father.”
“Guess it wasn’t surprising at the number of people who lined the tracks as the train made its way to Washington. Not to mention those at the funeral. President and Mrs. Johnson. Even Nixon was there.”
“Coretta Scott King. You know it had to be hard on her, having lost her husband only two months ago. And Jackie, of course.” Ruth had long been an admirer of the former first lady. She’d watched JFK’s funeral on television and was impressed with Jackie’s poise and elegance in such difficult times. She managed to look classy in her black mourning clothes, her brother-in-law at her side.
“First Jack, now his brother. Not to mention Joe Jr. and their sister. I believe that family is cursed. What do you think?”
“I really don’t believe in curses.”
Sam scoffed. “Curses are real.”
“You think so?”
“I do.” He made a sweeping motion with his hand. “Take some of the people who have lived in this—” Sam shook his head. “Never mind.”
“Lived where? Madeira?”
“It’s not important. Besides, I take it you’re not superstitious.”
“I’m not. This may sound callous, but both President Kennedy and Bobby were politicians and public figures. They were bound to have enemies.”
“That’s true, but what about the other Kennedy children?”
“The oldest brother was killed during World War II. Kathleen’s death was simply a tragic accident.”
“You may be right. On the other hand, Jack’s and Bobby’s assassinations could be part of a conspiracy. They got rid of both brothers. Murdered Martin Luther King. With that war over there, this world is a mess.”
Blurb:
Dream home or damned home?
Ruth Hazelton is over the moon when her husband Lee agrees the nineteenth-century Victorian in Madeira, New Mexico, is the perfect home for them. While he starts his new job as police chief, she sets about unpacking and decorating.
But it’s not long before Ruth needs more. She becomes a fixture in the community, making time for everyone, volunteering, hosting events—she’s every bit the social butterfly her husband is not. Through her friendships, she learns several former residents of her home met with untimely deaths. If she were superstitious, she might fear a curse, but such nonsense doesn’t faze her.
Until the unthinkable happens.
Now, as the end of Ruth’s life draws near, she must find a way to convey her message and stop the cycle to prevent anyone else from suffering in the house of sorrow.
Purchase Link:
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I was six when Bobby Kennedy died. I only have a grainy memory of a newscast. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I became fascinated with him, devouring books on his life, and collecting DVDs—both documentaries and TV movies. One of the things I loved best about House of Sorrow is how Joan spins back the clock to bring so many events of the 1960s and early 1970s to life in her story. It’s an entertaining novella which acts as lead in for what promises to be a most excellent series. I recommend heading to Amazon to ONE CLICK and snatch up your copy today!
I was nine years old when King and Kennedy were assassinated. I didn’t understand the significance at the time. It was hard for a nine-year-old (even today as an adult) to understand how there could be such hate in the world.
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I agree with you, Pete. How can people hate so much? The deaths made a significant impact on me as well.
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I completely agree with you, Pete. I look back on the sixties now as an adult, and realize so much I didn’t as a child. It was such a turbulent time with both love and hate front and center.
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Thank you for hosting, Mae. I loved House of Sorrow and look forward to reading the whole series. Excellent excerpt and testimony, Joan. I, too, remember Bobby’s and MLK’s murders. I can only imagine how powerful it must have been to visit Bobby’s grave. 🌹
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It was a touching experience, Gwen. There’s so much history in DC, and I’m so glad we were able to make that trip.
I’m glad you enjoyed reading House of Sorrow, and I appreciate your support.
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I’m glad you enjoyed House of Sorrow too, Gwen.
I remember reading that when MLK was assassinated, Bobby was due to give an inner city speech attended mostly by African Americans. While riots were breaking out elsewhere at the news, Bobby delivered it to that group in a manner that kept it peaceful, respectful, and honoring MLK without violence of any kind.
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What news to wake up to. In my lifetime it seems comparable to waking up while camping and winding up the radio and hearing about Princess Diana’s death.
I loved House of Sorrow and look forward to the next book in the series. Best of luck, Joan 🙂
Mae, thanks for hosting Joan today 🙂
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I’m sure DIana’s death made a profound impact on you. We learned of it in the middle of the night. My niece woke us to tell us the news.
I’m so glad you liked the book. Cold Dark Night is coming soon!
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I remember waking up and hearing the news about Princess Diana’s death. It didn’t seem real.
So glad you enjoyed House of Sorrow, Harmony. I can’t wait for book one in the series!
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I’ve had a chance to read House of Sorrow. It’s a good read and a nice introduction of Hall’s upcoming series!
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Thank you, Priscilla.
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Fantastic, Priscilla. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing here!
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I just missed the 60s, so I can’t relate to those specific events. But I remember Reagan getting shot. And the Pope. The space shuttles exploding. 9/11, of course. Some things alter history and you never forget them.
I love how you used history in your story, Joan. Heck, I love the story, period. Best wishes with it. Thanks for hosting, Mae.
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I remember those things as well. Why doesn’t it surprise me that we both love the sixties?
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For all the tragedies, it was also a beautiful time.
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It was.
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I remember those events too, Staci. Events can really shape an era.
Like you I loved House of Sorrow. I’m so excited for Joan with this release and her coming series. Thanks for visiting to cheer her on!
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Thank you for hosting me, Mae. I knew the post about Bobby would be perfect for you. Thanks for your support.
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Yep. You know me and my fascination with Bobby.
Thanks, Joan. And I’m delighted to have you visit today with House of Sorrow!
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I don’t read much nonfiction, but I read a biography of the Kennedys several years ago and remember telling my husband it seemed as if the family was cursed. They’ve experienced so many tragedies.
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It seems that way, Teri. It continued with their children, JFK Jr., etc. Sad.
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Sadly, they have. They even call it “the Kennedy curse.”
Like Camelot . . .
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This is such a great short story! I enjoyed every word of it; the characters, the events, the historical accuracy, and descriptions. Joan did such a great job and I look forward to more in this series. Thank you for hosting today, Mae! Best wishes, Joan!
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Thank you, Jan. Writing and remembering the history was as much fun as the other parts.
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Yay! Wonderful to hear, Jan. I agree with everything you said about House of Sorrow. Like you, I can’t wait for the next in the series!
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Another wonderful tour stop. I like tales that weave a bit of history into them. Well done, Joan.
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I enjoyed writing that aspect. Thanks, Craig.
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Me, too, Craig. I devour books like that!
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What a horrible time in American history. It’s good to remind readers of those days. The story sounds awesome.
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It was, Jacqui. There were good things about those days as well.
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It’s was such a sad day when RFK lost his life. So much went on in the 60s. Joan did an excellent job of weaving those events into this wonderful tale.
Thanks for visiting, Jacqui!
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We’re in turbulent times again, and sometimes it’s good to remember we’ve been there before and emerged stronger and better…eventually, until the next wave. Change is rarely easy.
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Good point, Judi. We’ve overcome before, with perseverance we can do it again.
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So true, Judi. Let’s hope we come out of these times stronger!
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I’m catching up, yay! Joan, another great excerpt, but a very painful memory. Three days before JFK was assassinated, he visited Tampa, Florida, and at the end of the parade, drove down the narrow street where I worked. Everyone in the office was standing on the curb, single file, as he passed by, smiling at each of us. He looked me right in the eyes from a distance of about 10 feet and waved at me. I was 19 years old and went home floating on a cloud! The President of the United States had WAVED at me!
There are no words to describe the shock and horror of what followed mere days later. Your story truly is bringing back memories, both good and bad, of my younger life. I cannot WAIT to read this!!
Thanks for hosting Joan today, Mae, and Joan–I hope this one and the book to follow each sell at least a MILLION copies for you!!! 🤗❤
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What a special memory, Marcia! One I know you treasure. Thanks for the good wishes on the book. A million copies? I could go for that.
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It was a day I can still see in perfect clarity, nearly 58 years later, Joan! You don’t forget something like that, especially after the events that followed.
Yep. A million copies. Why not aim high? 😀
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That is such an amazing memory, Marcia. I also can’t imagine the high you went from to the wretched low three days later when JFK was assassinated. It had to be mind boggling to wrap your head around his death given you had just seen him.
I know you will love House of Sorrow. It’s a fantastic story and a great set-up for Joan’s upcoming series. I wish you happy reading!
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Thanks, Mae. I know I’m going to love House of Sorrow, both the good memories and the bad. It is definitely touching on my past! I’m looking forward to it, and hope to be ready to review by the first of the week. 🙂
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That’s awesome, Marcia. I look forward to your review!
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The Kennedy assassination happened before I was born, and I was just a toddler when MLK was assassinated, but I’ve always been fascinated by this turbulent time in history, so I’ll definitely be picking this up.
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Thank you so much!
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That’s fantastic, Kim. Joan did a great job weaving in the historical events of the time. I wish you happy reading!
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A touching description of your visit to Bobby’s grave. I am always overcome when I visit Arlington. My grandfather is buried there and I always have a feeling of loss. Not just for him but for those that surround him as well. To his left is a young man who died in Vietnam which seems even more tragic given the span of years between the wars that separate them. I can’t wait to get to the book, Joan, and look forward to hosting you as well.
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A visit to Arlington is emotional. So many good men and women buried there.
I look forward to visiting you next week, John.
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Please tell me you haven’t sent the material yet. I can’t find it anywhere. 😳
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Not until after you wrote this. 😀
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Whew. 😁
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What a heartfelt comment, John. I have not been to Arlington since I was very young, but I know it has to be such a somber experience.
You’re going to love Joan’s book. She really delivered a remarkable story with House of Sorrow!
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I may have to jump a few. (Don’t tell anyone)
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Woohoo!
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Oh. I almost forgot. Thank you, Mae, for hosting Joan today.
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Aww, you’re sweet. 🙂
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😁
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I can imagine how powerful it was to stand at that grave, Joan. There was a lot of loss in a small amount of time and you brought that well into a great story.
Thanks, for hosting, Mae:)
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Thank you, Denise. It was a powerful and emotional experience.
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My pleasure, Denise. I’m so glad you dropped by to add your thoughts about House of Sorrow and Joan’s post. I love when an author weaves history into a story. I’m so looking forward to the continuation of this series!
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Thanks for this! House of Sorrow is in my Kindle. Sounds like a great read….
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Pam, my response to you ended up in another thread, but thanks for purchasing and I hope you enjoy the story.
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That’s awesome, Pam. It’s an awesome read and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Thanks so much for supporting Joan!
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Thank you, Pam. I hope you enjoy it.
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Thank you for hosting, Mae. I enjoyed reading House of Sorrow and Joan’s personal memories of Arlington National Cemetery. Having grown up in the suburbs of Washington, I attended many funerals there. It’s a beautiful resting place for our veterans.
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I haven’t visited since I was a child, Jill. I would love to return as an adult when I can so appreciate the sacrifice more.
I’m so glad you dropped by to share your thoughts on this post and Joan’s wonderful book, House of Sorrow. Thank you!
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It is, Jill. We have relatives in Stafford, Virginia, so we had a personal tour guide of DC. And I’m glad you enjoyed the book.
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I love historical stuff. Sounds intriguing!
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Hi, Betsy! I’m like you with the historical stuff. Joan did an excellent job weaving events throughout House of Sorrow. For a short novella, she packed in a lot!
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Great job to Joan! 🙂
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Thank you!
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Hi, Betsy. I had a lot of fun including those historical events. Thanks for stopping by.
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I was nine in 1968, but I do remember the terrible things that happened that year.
I enjoyed House of Sorrow and can’t wait until the rest of the series comes out. I’m currently reading Unclear Purposes because I had read the first two in this series, and Mae’s review on House of Sorrow and my purchase of that reminded me of this series.
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Thank you, Catherine. Glad you liked House of Sorrow. Since you’re reading Unclear Purposes, you’ll be familiar with a couple of characters that will be in the first Legends novel.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed House of Sorrow. And how perfect that you’re reading Unclear Purposes. I’ve heard rumors some of those characters carry over into Joan’s first book in the Madeira series. I can’t wait! 🙂
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I started House of Sorrow yesterday and am enjoying it. So many memories from that era that are sad and tragic. I was 5 months pregnant with my first child when President Kennedy was assassinated and I thought the world was coming to an end.
I am anxious to finish the book and write a review. Congratulations, Joan.
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I’m so glad you’re enjoying the story. It’s a marvelous book. I was too young (only a year old) to remember anything about President Kennedy’s assassination, but I remember my mom talking about when I was older. Where she was and what she was doing–how that moment stayed with her forever.
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Karen, I was only five years old at that time, but I still remember my mother’s tears. Such an emotional time.
I’m glad you’re enjoying House of Sorrow. Thanks for the support.
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What a thought-provoking post. It brings up so many memories. I was four when JFK was shot and have only a brief memory of his funeral on our black and white television. I remember wanting to watch cartoons and being told “no.” In hindsight, those were tumultuous years for the country. Thanks to Joan for sharing her emotional visit to Arlington. And many congrats on the prequel! Thanks for sharing, Mae. 😀
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That’s an amazing memory, Diana. It’s interesting how those moments stick with us. I’m glad you dropped by to share and to support Joan.
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Thanks for stopping by, Diana. I barely remember JFK’s funeral, but I do remember my Dad telling me about it and my mom’s tears.
The visit to Arlington was special. It’s such a reverent place and I’m so glad we were able to see it (and pay tribute) to the many who’ve served our country.
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Thanks your for sharing this great post, Mae. Bobby’s simple cross is very like the ones that were used for the soldiers who died in France during WW1 and WW2. There are fields and fields of them. The extract is very intriguing.
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I remember an old song about those fields of white crosses from WW1 and WW2 in France, Robbie.
I’m glad you enjoyed Joan’s excerpt. House of Sorrow is an excellent story.
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I would love to see those white crosses. I’m sure it would be a very moving experience.
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Oh yes, Joan, very sad and overwhelming. We visited the Irene Concentration Camp Memorial in Pretoria (SA) yesterday. So many children’s graves – it was very sad.
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I saw some of your photos on IG. So sad. I didn’t know about that place.
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That had to be devastating 😦
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