*** I’m posting my weekly Elvis blog on Thursday instead of Friday this week ***
As everyone in the free world and beyond knows, today would have been Elvis Presley’s 80th birthday. He was born January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. He’s been gone for 38 years, but his legacy is thriving. Never has another entertainer had such a profound and lasting impact on the world. I often wonder, what would Elvis be like today had he lived? His hairdresser, friend, and mentor, Larry Geller, stated that, in the months preceding his death, Elvis spoke of turning his life around. He wanted to get healthy, he wanted to rid his life of some of the people around him who weren’t good for him, and among other things, he wanted to focus on making serious movies. I fervently wish he’d had that opportunity. While I would not have wanted him to stop touring (and I don’t believe he could have done so completely, he loved it too much), I would have loved to see what kind of new chapter he could have begun.
I have loved Elvis my entire life. He’s as much a part of me as breathing. I saw him in concert three times, I own all of his movies on DVD, my car stereo permanently remains on Sirius XM Elvis Radio, I named my son Presley, and my first ever romance, which I wrote at age eleven, was titled ‘Just Pretend,’ and my hero, who looked like Elvis, was named Lonnie Beal (after Elvis’ character in Tickle Me :)).
Today, in honor of Elvis’ 80th birthday, I am pleased to announce the release of ‘End of Lonely Street’, a Vintage Romance Short Story set in 1957, in the era when Elvis first burst on the scene. I have over twenty published titles, and I mention Elvis in almost every one of them, but this story is even more Elvis-oriented. It was so much fun to write it, and I hope it’s as much fun to read.
Who can tell me where the title of my story comes from? 🙂
Check out End of Lonely Street and enter to win GREAT prizes…
GIVEAWAY: – Entries accepted from January 8, 2015 through noon on January 22, 2015
Three prizes –
- Elvis Gift Basket including DVD, CD, plus more
- $25 Amazon Gift Card
- $10 Amazon Gift Card
First place winner has first choice, second place winner has second choice, third place winner receives remaining prize.
Click here to enter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
*** 10% of all of Alicia Dean’s net royalties for End of Lonely Street will go to
The Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation http://www.graceland.com/epcf/ ***
Blurb:
Can she let go of the past, before it destroys her future?
All Toby Lawson wanted was to go to college to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher and to be free of her alcoholic mother and the painful memories of finding her and the guy Toby loved kissing. But when her mother nearly burns the house down, Toby must put her dreams on hold and return home to care for her. The only time she isn’t lonely and miserable is when she’s listening to her heartthrob, Elvis Presley. His music takes her away, helps her escape from everything wrong in her life.
Noah Rivers has always loved Toby, but no matter what he says, and even though she knows her mother initiated the kiss, and that he didn’t kiss her back, she can‘t seem to get past what happened. He soon realizes that the true problem lies in Toby’s belief that she’s not good enough for him and in her fear that she will be just like her mother.
What will it take to prove to her that she deserves to be happy, and that he would give anything to be the man to make her dreams come true?
Excerpt:
After work that night, Toby wasn’t ready to go home, so she sat in her car in the parking lot of Winstead’s, listening to the radio. “Love Me” by Elvis came on, and she cranked the volume.
Nothing else calmed her and lightened her heart like listening to him. She could escape into his music and all the bad just…faded away. When Elvis sang, there was no drunken mother, no failed dreams, no dying Miss Murdock. Toby didn’t only listen to his music, she felt it. It seemed to vibrate through her blood.
Although she was embarrassed to admit it, sometimes listening to him, watching him on television, made her all squirmy and hot—just like Noah made her feel. Especially that one night, when they had almost gone all the way.
Toby had been a senior in high school, and he’d graduated the year before. He picked her up and they drove out to the bluff, known as Make Out Row, overlooking downtown Mapleton.
The town was shrouded in darkness, but scattered lights shone, as though a starry sky were laid out below them. There were other cars around, but closed up in their cocoon, it was as though they were the only two people on Earth. Noah had kissed her, deep and long, whispering love words, telling her she was special, beautiful. She’d fallen in love with him at that very moment—wanted to be with him forever. He’d been the one to halt their make out session. She would have willingly gone all the way that night. She was helplessly under his spell…the feel of his lips on hers, his hand covering her breast through her thin blouse…
A tapping sound on the window made her jump. She looked through the glass to find Noah standing outside the car. Was he real, or just part of the fantasy world she’d drifted to? When another tap came, she blinked away the memories. He was definitely real.
**** Bonus Giveaway
I will draw one name from those who comment, and the winner will receive…
- A free ebook of End of Lonely Street
- Their choice of any other Alicia Dean title in their choice of any available format
- A $10 Amazon Gift Card
(Winner will be drawn on Sunday, January 11th. My books can be found on this page: http://atomic-temporary-24849064.wpcomstaging.com/books/ – Only residents of the U.S. are eligible to receive print books. Non U.S. residents must choose an ebook format)
Purchase End of Lonely Street Ebook for only $1.99
(If you do not have a Kindle, you can download a FREE Kindle App for your PC or other devices. Click Here: Kindle App)
Author Alicia Dean 
As a devote fan of the time period, I look forward to reading End of Lonely Street. The blurb and excerpt were perfect for piquing my interest. Best of luck.
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Thank you, Nancy…I hope you enjoy!
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He was a great entertainer for so many years. Can’t wait to read your homage to him.
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Yes, he was, Margo. 🙂 Thanks a bunch!
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Elvis was someone important in my life growing up. I grew up with my mom as a big fan, so we had all the albums and I remember watching the Elvis TV specials. He was such an interesting character…I would have loved to seen him perform. It seemed a passion of his.
The book looks great and I love the cover!
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He was so important to me growing up too. I’m honored that I got to see him live. Yes, definitely a passion. You could literally feel the electricity, the power of his presence. Thanks so much! I’m very pleased with the cover.
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I also have fond memories of watching Elvis as a kid with my mom. He was an amazing entertainer!
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Awww, those memories are special, aren’t they? Thanks for stopping by, hon.
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The book sounds like a fantastic story. I still remember where I was and what I was doing when I heard Elvis had died. Some of my most favorite songs are by him.
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Thank you! I sincerely hope readers enjoy it. Yes, I remember that day so clearly. It was a memorable day for sure. Almost everyone who was at least 5 years old at the time remembers what they were doing when they heard the news. Even if they weren’t an Elvis fan. Thanks for stopping by!
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I’ve never seen Elvis in concert but I enjoy his music. It would be interesting to see what he would have been like today.
Marilyn Baron
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Yes, very interesting. I’m so curious about what he would be like. Thanks for stopping by!
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The title would be from Heartbreak Hotel!! Giant hugs to help with your sadness over missing your idol and someone who has had such an impact on your life.
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You are correct! 🙂 Awww, thanks so much.
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Is it from Elvis’s hit song… HEARTBREAK HOTEL
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You got it! LOL.
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The story brought back so many memories of growing up in the 50s. You really captured the flavor of the time. Wishing you much success.
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I’m so thrilled that you think so, Diane. It means a lot. Thanks a ton for your support!
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To have such a devoted following 38 years after his death is amazing. What a terribly sad end to a promising life. Love your cover, blurb, and excerpt. Wishing you many sales!
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So true, Marissa. Very sad. Thank you!
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I remember watching Elvis perform on Television when I was a teenager. He died before his time in my opinion and I agree it would be great to see what he would have done had he lived a longer life. I believe he will always be missed and that he will never be forgotten!
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Yes, way before his time. I agree. I think he’ll be remembered long after we’re all gone. Thanks for stopping by!
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Heartbreak Hotel-at the end of lonely street. 🙂 It’s so sad we lost Elvis so soon. I remember I was watching tv when it was announced, I was 14 and cried as I called my sister to see if she’d heard. She was the big fan in our family. Se hadn’t heard and we cried together. I need to read this book now. 🙂
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Yes, that’s right! 🙂 I was 16. I was at work when I heard. I had to leave. 😦 If you read it, I hope you enjoy! Thanks for the support.
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Oh, I’ll read it, I just got my copy from WRP’s site. $1 people. ONE DOLLAR and this little story can be yours!!!! 🙂 And as much as I don’t like Rafflecopter, I did that too. LOL
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80 Years old today.. He celebrates his Birthday with my Mother who is also 80 years old..
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Oh wow, that’s very, very special! I share the exact same day of birth as Princess Di, but your mother’s birthday is much more special. Thanks for stopping by!
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Happy 80th Birthday. He celebrates with my Mother who is also 80 today..
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Wow, what an amazing tribute to an unforgettable American icon. The book cover is fabulous. The title is from Heartbreak Hotel. I am so nostalgic about the 50’s. This looks great.
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Thank you, Beth!!! I’m also nostalgic about the fifties. If you read it, I hope you enjoy.
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