Marie Laveau – Voodoo Queen
Few
facts are actually known about the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. When I was doing
my research fact often blurred with legend. Marie Laveau was born free in the
French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana in 1801.
Folklore
claims she had a snake named Zombi (after an African god), combined voodoo with
Catholicism, and at one time worked as a hairdresser, but there is little
evidence to support that. She had a daughter by the same name who also followed
in her footsteps as a Voodoo priestess.
Both
Marie Laveau and her daughter had a large following. They performed lavish
ceremonies that drew a crowd of people from all walks of life white, mulatto,
and black. Some attended because of mere curiosity as my heroine Violet does,
and others truly believed in her power.
While
she is minor character in my story it was fun bringing Marie Laveau to life.
Since little is known about her I could create her how I wanted!
Blurb:
With
her reputation in tatters, debutante Violet Creed is forced to exchange her
life of luxury for one of uncertainty. Mark Afton wants nothing more than to
take his rightful place as the leader of the Bayou Pack, but he needs a mate.
Is Violet Mark’s destined mate, or is their attraction merely Voodoo magic?
Haley Whitehall is pleased to present Alpha’s Voodoo, Book 1 of her hot, new,
paranormal romance series, Bayou Pack.
Are
curses real or merely imagined?
Violet
Creed is a colored New Orleans debutante. She was brought up with servants and
a strict set of rules regarding propriety, and her papa never approved of her
interest in Voodoo. One night she sneaks out of the house and attends one of
Marie Laveau’s gatherings—where she loses her virginity and her reputation.
Turned out by her papa, Violet is destined for a life on the streets until
Madam Dawn saves her.
Cursed
to live as a wolf shifter, Mark Afton is a wealthy lawyer and heir to the Bayou
Pack. Unfortunately, he can’t take over leadership from his uncle without a
mate. Wanting to escape his mother’s endless matchmaking attempts, he accepts
Madam Dawn’s invitation to sail on the maiden voyage of the Southern Rose and
enjoy the pleasurable company of her ladies.
One
of Madam Dawn’s recent hires catches his attention. He is drawn to Violet immediately.
Could she be his mate or is their attraction merely Voodoo?
Buy Links:
Excerpt:
New Orleans, Louisiana
1858
Violet
struggled to straighten her dress as she ran. Her hair was a tangled mess of
sloppy braids, twisted around her head like Medusa’s snakes. She wished she
could stop and look at herself in the mirror to properly put her attire to
rights, but at this late hour she couldn’t even see her reflection in a store
window.
She
knew it was dangerous to be out this late unaccompanied. Her pulse roared in
her ears, and her shoes clipped on the sidewalk as she strode swiftly home.
When she got closer to the Creed estate she slowed her steps, lest she make
herself known. She slipped through the gate and hurried up the walk.
The
soreness between her legs remained and she feared she looked as wanton as she
felt. The night had not gone as she had planned. Well, all except for the
sneaking out unnoticed part. The crowd that had gathered to listen to Marie
Laveau speak stretched on as far as she could see. Yet, she did not get lost
among the many white, brown and black faces. Somehow the Voodoo Queen’s magic
had found her.
She
swallowed hard, unable to get the picture of the man’s face out of her mind.
The white man had seemed drawn to her. He’d kissed her and then as if by magic
they couldn’t keep their hands off each other. Her conscience kept telling her
it was wrong, but she couldn’t control herself.
Shaking
her head, she forced that image to fall away, and continued toward the house.
When she saw the lamp burning in the window her heart forgot how to beat.
Where to Find Haley Whitehall
About the Author
Haley
Whitehall lives in Washington State where she enjoys all four seasons and the
surrounding wildlife. She writes historical romance set in the 19th century
U.S. When she is not researching or writing, she plays with her cats, watches
the Western and History Channels, and goes antiquing. She is hoping to build a
time machine so she can go in search of her prince charming. A good book, a cup
of coffee, and a view of the mountains make her happy.
Previous Books:
Midnight
Caller – Moonlight Romance Book 1
Midnight
Heat – Moonlight Romance Book 2
Midnight
Kiss – Moonlight Romance Book 3
Soldier
in Her Lap
Wild
and Tender Care
Civil
War Valentine
I always enjoy a bit of magic with my romance. I enjoyed reading your post.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shiloh and thanks for hosting me, Layne! :)
ReplyDelete