One of the benefits of being part of the online reading and writing community is making connections with like-minded people. Through mutual friends on social media, I recently made contact with Australian author Alli Sinclair after we both commented on or liked the same posts. That connection was strengthened when we discovered a shared appreciation for US folk-punk band Violent Femmes. It has been close to 30 years since I last saw the Femmes in concert, so when I saw online that Alli would be going to a gig by this iconic band I couldn’t help expressing my envy, and a light-hearted online exchange about the merits of the band followed.

Fast-forward a few months, and I am delighted to be able to say that Alli will be a guest on my Shelf Awareness blog in July, to coincide with the release of her next novel, Beneath the Parisian Skies. I’m also delighted that Alli has asked me to be part of a cover reveal for the new novel today — and, as you can see, it immediately evokes the mystery and allure of the French capital.

Alli’s bio reveals that she is a multi award-winning author of books that combine travel, mystery, and romance. She’s an adventurer at heart, has climbed some of the world’s highest mountains and immersed herself in an array of exotic destinations, cultures, and languages. Alli’s stories capture the romance and thrill of exploring new destinations and cultures that also take readers on a journey of discovery.

Beyond her writing, Alli volunteers as an author role model with Books in Homes, promoting literacy and reading among young Australians.

You can expect to see a review of Beneath the Parisian Skies on my website closer to the release date. In the meantime, here’s the blurb, to whet your appetite:

A sweeping saga about love, truth, grief and passion–and what it takes to fulfil a dream.

Paris, 1917

Ballerina Viktoriya Budian narrowly escapes Russia with her life. She arrives in Paris, determined to start fresh with the famed Ballets Russes but her newfound success is threatened when her past returns to haunt her. Forced to choose between love and fame, Viktoriya’s life spirals out of control and the decision she makes seriously affects the lives of many for years to come. 

Paris, present day

Australian dancer Lily Johansson returns to Paris, the city that broke her heart and destroyed her ballet career, hoping to ease the guilt over her fiancé’s death and to make amends with her estranged sister Natalie, a ballerina with the Bohème Ballet.

Terrified of loving again, Lily nevertheless finds herself becoming entangled with talented composer Yves Rousseau. Lily has many reasons for keeping Yves at arm’s length but as he recounts the drama of the Ballets Russes in Paris, the magic of this Bohemian era ignites a spark within her.

Meanwhile, vying for the role honouring Ballets Russes dancer Viktoriya Budian, Lily’s sister Natalie develops an unhealthy obsession. Natalie’s behaviour becomes increasingly erratic, Lily fears for her sister’s safety and sanity. So when Natalie goes missing, she and Yves set out on a desperate quest across France to find her and, along the way, battle their own demons.

Could the search for her sister, lead Lily to realise that ballet—like love and life—should not be abandoned so easily?

Beneath the Parisian Skies will be released through Harlequin MIRA in July 2017.

You can find out more about Alli on her website.

BUY LINKS: Harlequin Booktopia Bookworld Dymocks iBooks Amazon.com Kindle Google Play