The Heart of Chenoa
The Black Dove Legacy, #1
by Creole Noir
Date of Publication: June 2nd 2023
Cover Artist: Creole Noir
Genre: Magical Realism, YA, Coming of Age
ISBN: 979-8396415935
ASIN: B0C6VYSPF1
Number of pages: 275 pages
Word Count: 44,953
Tagline: Everyone knew she was the belle of the ball, and it was hard to imagine anyone ever taking her crown away from her.
BLURB
The Heart of Chenoa is a heartwarming tale about a young woman's courage to leave her abusive boyfriend and start a new life in a new town. Along the way, she finds a group of misfit friends who become like family to her, including the inseparable siblings Brooke and Jerald, and the popular but conflicted JC, who harbors a secret love for Jerald. As they navigate high school drama and personal trauma, they come together to seek revenge against a conniving classmate, and ultimately learn to embrace their unique gifts and find strength in their bond.
The story explores themes of love, friendship, betrayal, and redemption as the characters navigate their way through the ups and downs of life. Brooke's premonitions and Lucille's powers add a touch of magic to the story, while Jerald learns to control his trauma-induced alter ego. Ultimately, they discover that they have grown and evolved in unexpected ways and that their bond is stronger than anything life can throw at them.
Excerpt:
Amidst the sprawling fields of Chenoa, a small town nestled in the heart of the Texas, a tale of resilience and friendship unfolds. At its core lies the story of a young woman named Indigo, whose journey from darkness to light weaves a tapestry of courage, love, and the transformative power of friendship.
Indigo had known no other reality than the one she shared with her abusive boyfriend, Troy. The shackles of fear bound her tightly, choking the life out of her dreams. But one fateful night, fueled by a flicker of courage ignited deep within her heart, she made the decision to break free.
With nothing but a few belongings and a trembling resolve, Indigo set out on a journey to start anew in a town where nobody knew her name. Chenoa welcomed her with open arms, offering sanctuary from the storm that had raged within her for far too long.
As Indigo tentatively navigated the unfamiliar school of her new home, she stumbled upon a group of misfits whose warmth and acceptance enveloped her like a comforting embrace. Among them were Brooke and Jerald, inseparable siblings whose laughter echoed through the halls of Chenoa High School, and JC, whose inner turmoil simmered beneath his charming exterior.
Together, they formed an unlikely family, bound not by blood but by the unbreakable ties of friendship and shared experiences. Each member of their motley crew bore scars of their own, but together, they found solace in the company of kindred spirits.
As high school dramas unfolded and personal traumas resurfaced, Indigo and her newfound companions stood united against the tide of adversity. They rallied together to seek justice against a conniving classmate, their bonds growing stronger with each shared victory.
But beneath the surface of their idyllic friendship lay secrets waiting to be unearthed. JC harbored a love for Jerald that dared not speak its name, while Brooke's premonitions whispered of futures yet to unfold. And in the shadows, Jerald battled with the demons of his past, struggling to tame the beast within.
Yet through it all, they clung to each other, their hearts intertwined in a tapestry of love and loyalty. As they confronted their deepest fears and embraced their unique gifts, they discovered that strength lies not in solitude but in the unbreakable bonds of friendship.
In The Heart of Chenoa, amidst the Spanish moss trees and the whispering winds, Indigo and her friends learned that the greatest battles are fought not with fists but with hearts open wide. And as they embraced the magic woven into the fabric of their lives, they found redemption in the unlikeliest of places: within themselves, and within the hearts of those they held dear.
Author Info
Creole Noir is an author who has a passion for writing stories that not only bring suspense, but also delve into deeper themes of social justice and class disparities. His debut novel Cry of the Black Dove follows London and her friends as they embark on a mission to get revenge after being wronged by those in power. Creole hopes his work will help readers think about these issues and the marginalization that often follows. Outside of writing, he enjoys hosting a podcast with Kinky Boots. Creole currently lives in Tyler, Texas where he obtained an Associates degree in General Studies from Tyler Junior College before engaging in healthcare labor such as caregiving and teaching life skills. He now writes full-time.
Keep in touch with Creole Noir's work by following him on Instagram or checking out his podcast. He loves hearing from readers about their favorite stories and characters. With Creole Noir’s vivid imagination and captivating voice, each of his novels will keep you hooked until the very end.
The Book Junkie Reads . . . Interview with . . . Creole Noir . . .
How would you describe your style of writing to someone that has never read your work?
I'd describe my writing style as a mix of Southern Gothic, weird, eerie, and mysterious elements. I like to dive into topics that might be seen as taboo, especially focusing on black culture. Southern Gothic influences my work, bringing in themes of decay, redemption, and the strange. But I also love adding layers of mystery and suspense with the weird and eerie stuff. I'm all about exploring the darker side of life and human nature, pushing boundaries to create stories that make you think.
The Black Dove series is inspired by the writing style of the alternative goth community. It captures the vibe of the gothic subculture, embracing darkness, deep thinking, and going against the norm. Just like gothic fashion mixes dark elegance with rebellion, the series mixes mystery, darkness, and supernatural elements. Characters go on journeys through mysterious worlds, digging into their feelings and finding hidden truths. Like the alternative goth community, the series challenges rules, talks about topics others might avoid, and celebrates being unique. It's a journey into a world where light and darkness blend, perfect for anyone who loves something a little different.
Have you found yourself bonding with any particular character(s)? If so, which one(s)?
One character from "The Heart of Chenoa" that I really connect with is Brooke. She's the kind of friend who lifts everyone's spirits with her positivity and support. Brooke has this amazing ability to brighten up the darkest of days. She's always there for her friends, offering a listening ear or a helping hand whenever they need it. Even when she's dealing with her own struggles, she puts others first.
What I love most about Brooke is how she handles the chaos in her life while also dealing with her developing powers. As she discovers her supernatural abilities, she faces fear and uncertainty. But instead of letting it overwhelm her, she faces it head-on with courage.
I find myself bonding with Brooke because she feels so real and relatable. Her strength and resilience inspire me, and her kindness reminds me of the importance of supporting those around me. So yes, Brooke is definitely one of my favorite characters in the book. She's someone I can't help but root for as she navigates the challenges of her journey.
Do you have a character that you have been working on that you can't wait to put to paper?
In one of the stories from the anthology book "Series of the Bizarre," there's a character named Moses who embarks on a journey of self-discovery that leads him to uncover his connection to the Nommo-sapiens. Moses, a young man grappling with feelings of alienation and otherness, finds himself drawn to the mysterious history of the Nommo people. As he delves deeper into their lore, he begins to uncover startling similarities between their experiences and his own.
The Nommo people, according to legend, are a race of beings who descended from the stars to impart wisdom and knowledge to humanity. However, their teachings were met with fear and rejection, leading to their eventual exile and isolation from human society. Similarly, Moses has always felt like an outcast, never quite fitting in with those around him. His journey to uncover his connection to the Nommo people becomes a quest for identity and belonging, as he seeks to understand the significance of his heritage and the role he plays in the larger tapestry of existence.
As Moses delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Nommo people, he begins to unlock latent abilities and insights that set him apart from those around him.
Can you share your next creative project(s)? If yes, can you give a few details?
I'm in the process of creating a horror anthology called "Series of the Bizarre," deeply rooted in African American culture and ancestral lore. Each story draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of African American folklore, traditions, and myths, weaving together tales that reflect the essence of our heritage. Through this anthology, I seek to explore the depths of our cultural roots while delving into the eerie and mysterious. These tales dive into our rich traditions and myths, exploring our ancestral roots in a spooky way.
If you could go ANYWhere, money is not a concern, and spend one full year. Where would you go and what would you do with this time?
If I had the chance to go anywhere for a whole year, money no concern, I'd pick Charleston, South Carolina. It's got everything I love: amazing food, rich culture, and that eerie, Southern Gothic vibe.
First off, the food scene in Charleston is unbeatable. I'd spend my days trying out all the classic Southern dishes like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, rice stuffed fish, fried shark steak, and garlic crab. Every meal would be a new adventure!
Then, there's the Geechee culture, deeply rooted in the Lowcountry. I'd soak up as much as I could, attending events, visiting historical sites, and connecting with locals to learn about their traditions and history. It's a side of Charleston that's so unique and important.
And of course, Charleston's Southern Gothic atmosphere would be the perfect backdrop for my adventures. I'd wander through moss-covered trees, enjoy the scent of magnolia blossoms and saltwater from the nearby coast, visit the quiet corners of hidden gardens and secret courtyards and soak in the mysterious ambiance of the city. It's the kind of place that sparks creativity and imagination.
Overall, a year in Charleston would be an incredible journey of discovery and inspiration. It's a city that's steeped in history, culture, and delicious food, and I'd make the most of every moment.
Thank you Creole Noir for joining and giving a little insight to you and your process. Your work is appreciated. I may have to stop in Charleston this summer on my road trip through the South.
Keep in touch with Creole Noir via the web:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creole.noir
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Thank you for the opportunity. I really enjoyed the interview ☺️
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