Fox Tale by Karen Hulene Bartell

Heights terrify Ava. When a stranger saves her from plunging down a mountain, he diverts her fears with tales of Japanese kitsune—shapeshifting foxes—and she begins a journey into the supernatural.

Welcome to the June 11th stop on the blog tour for Fox Tale by Karen Hulene Bartell with Goddess Fish Promotions. Be sure to follow the rest of the tour for spotlights, reviews, more guest posts & interviews, and a giveaway! More on that at the end of this post.

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Author Interview

What was the greatest thing you learned at school?
As a returning adult student, I was thrilled to discover what was “wrong” with me. It took until my thirties to learn that I was supposed to be an English Major.

Do you laugh at your own jokes?
Yes, I’m embarrassed to admit I do laugh at my own jokes.

Do you admire your own work?
After years of working as a technical writer and editor, I won’t say I became immune to criticism, but since it was part and parcel of the job, I learned to accept it. In fact, I welcomed corrections from subject matter experts (SMEs), as well as collaboration from other contributors. Criticism—as well as critiquing—is a daily part of a technical writer’s life.

Through trial by fire, I learned to use criticism to improve my writing—whether technical or creative. As a result, when I do release a document or submit my manuscript to a publisher, it’s been through multiple reviews and iterations.

As a result, I wouldn’t say I admire my work, but I’m confident that my writing is the best I can offer.

What are books for?
Books are for escape. They’re for armchair adventures or vicarious experiences. They’re for hours of imaginative pleasure.

Books are for learning millions of jobs or tasks. They not only teach us how to do things, but they inspire us to realize our goals.

Books are for teaching us empathy by allowing us to live many lives by proxy. They teach us life’s lessons about love, fear, hardships, and endurance.

Books are also for companionship. I ought to know. Born to rolling-stone parents who moved annually, my earliest playmates were fictional friends. Paperbacks were my portable pals.

Books are for taking readers anywhere in or out of this world. The question should be, What aren’t books for?

Are you fun to go on vacation with?
I think I’m fun, but if you ask my husband, he’d most likely say, “NO!”

Why? Because I love to squeeze as much as possible into every moment of vacations. I don’t believe in squandering time by haphazardly approaching trips without detailed itineraries.

First, I research an area thoroughly. (And I usually do double duty by combining vacations with research for my novels.) IMHO, planning is half the fun.

I find out what to do, then organize the sights geographically, so there’s no wasted time doubling back. I learn the local lore, history, and insights, so we delve more deeply into the area’s mystique.

I search out the best regional foods to taste, as well as the restaurants that serve them. I research the best souvenirs to bring back for friends. I explore local folklore about ghosts or cryptids. I learn what seasonal activities are available, such as picking berries or seeing dogwoods or azaleas in bloom. I check out local festivals or community theater.

Then I create an itinerary for every morning, afternoon, and evening, noting the local sights/events/activities we’ll cover. We thoroughly “do” each place we visit, so there’s no need to return. I want to ensure that we don’t miss anything, that we’ll have done and seen it all.

The only drawback is that when we return, my husband and I need a vacation to recuperate 😉

About the Book

Fox Tale
Sacred Emblems Book One
by Karen Hulene Bartell

Published 8 April 2024
The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Page Count: 280
Add it to your Goodreads TBR!

Heights terrify Ava. When a stranger saves her from plunging down a mountain, he diverts her fears with tales of Japanese kitsune—shapeshifting foxes—and she begins a journey into the supernatural.

She’s attracted to Chase, both physically and metaphysically, yet primal instincts urge caution when shadows suggest more than meets the eye.

She’s torn between Chase and Rafe, her ex, when a chance reunion reignites their passion, but she struggles to overcome two years of bitter resentment. Did Rafe jilt her, or were they pawns of a larger conspiracy? Are the ancient legends true of kitsunes twisting time and events?

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Excerpt

The kitten crawled on the pillow, purring in my ear as he kneaded my neck and shoulders with his silky paws.

“That actually feels good.” I chuckled at the irony, then exhausted, fell into a deep sleep. I found myself sitting on a shaded, grassy slope. A gentle breeze fluttered against my cheek.

No, not a breeze, Chase.

He caressed my cheek as he swept my hair behind my ear and whispered sweet nothings. His breath tickling, he nuzzled my neck.

Goosebumps slid down my spine.

Then he massaged my back. Ever so gradually, his fingers slid over my nipples, circling and gently pinching my areolas to erection. Then he lifted off my shirt while he tongued and suckled at my breast.

As latent yearnings awakened, I arched my back, enjoying the waves of sensation. With a shudder, I moaned, pulling him toward me in a deep kiss.

His growing erection pressing against my groin, his hands cupped my bottom as he rolled me on top.

Bbbrrringg, bbbrrringg, bbbrrringg.

As the alarm jolted me awake, the heat rose to my cheeks, and I scanned the surroundings to get my bearings. Mortified, I cringed beneath the sheets. What have I done? Then relieved to see only the kitten for a bed partner, I gave a nervous laugh. It was a dream–just a dream.

The kitten uncurled from between my legs, purring.

Embarrassed by the sensations it elicited, I scrambled to my feet. Did the kitten trigger those dreams?

About the Author

Author of the Trans-Pecos and Sacred Emblem series, Karen is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, wife, and all-around pilgrim of life, who writes multicultural, offbeat love stories. Born to rolling-stone parents who moved often, Bartell found her earliest playmates as fictional friends in books. Paperbacks became her portable pals. Ghost stories kept her up at night—reading feverishly. The paranormal was her passion. Novels offered an imaginative escape. An only child, she began writing her first novel at the age of nine, learning the joy of creating her own happy endings. Professor emeritus of the University of Texas at Austin, Karen resides in the Texas Piney Woods with her husband Peter and her “mews”—three rescued cats and a rescued *Cat*ahoula Leopard dog.

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