I’m thrilled to have Jan Sikes here today to share her new release, “Ghostly Interference!”
RUNES
Ghostly Interference is book one in The White Rune Series. I am often asked the question, “What are runes?”
Here’s the simple answer. In the academic sense, the runes are known as the characters in a group of alphabets used to write in various languages spoken by the Germanic peoples of Europe, during a period starting roughly in the first century B.C. and ending several hundred years later. Over time, the runes were gradually replaced by the letters we know today as the Latin alphabet.
However, unlike our modern letters, runic symbols had been in use for magical purposes long before they were fashioned into a writing system. The runes carried deep meanings for the people who used them, and for this reason, they never disappeared completely, even though once they were outlawed by the Christian church.
Today, it is quite common to see runes in New Age metaphysical shops and, much like the Tarot cards, are used for divination.
In Ghostly Interference, a white rune stone with the Wunjo symbol inscribed on it came into Rena Jett’s hands through a soldier who had served in Afghanistan with her brother, Sam.
Excerpt:
Rena stood. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing Sam’s letter to me.”
Vann got to his feet with a groan. “You are most welcome. Like I said, I’m one of the lucky ones.” Pride still showed in his face. He wasn’t going to let anyone pity him.
They walked toward their vehicles. Before he climbed into the Jeep, she softly kissed his cheek. “Take care, Vann Noble, and I’ll be in touch if I find a cabin for you.”
“Thanks, Rena. I’ll drop by the diner tomorrow for a meal and to check on you.”
He got inside and slammed the door, then turned over the engine and backed out.
Rena stood until he was out of sight. She glanced at the letter she clutched in her hand and held it up to her pounding heart.
Somehow, she couldn’t force herself to go home. She sat with her back against the tree, beside Candy Kicker, and carefully opened the envelope with trembling hands.
A white, oval-shaped, polished stone that bore an odd symbol, a straight line with a triangle attached the top, tumbled out. She quickly picked it up and turned it over. An unusual warmth filled her hand and radiated up her arm.
She wiped her eyes and read the letter.
Hey, Lil’ Bit,
If you’re reading this, then I didn’t make it home
from this damned war. Writing last letters is something
all my buddies have started doing. We made promises
to each other to deliver or mail them to wives,
girlfriends, mothers, or whoever if we don’t make it. So,
after seeing lots of men go down, I decided I owed you
some last words.
I’m sure you’re wondering about the stone
enclosed. Now, don’t go thinking this is some weird
religion shit. It is a talisman. A guy I met over here
from California gave it to me, and now I want you to
have it. It’s called a “Rune”. Go to the library and look
them up. They’re from an ancient alphabet and were
used by the Norsemen hundreds of years ago. The
symbol on this white rune is called Wunjo and is the
“happily-ever-after” symbol. Sis, that’s what I want for
you. It’s what you deserve.
We had so many dreams when we were kids. I still
- I’ve never stopped wanting to go to college and
help kids like us that are stuck in a broken foster care
system.
But, to do that, I would have to survive. Seems like
that’s what life’s been for you and me from the start,
but we now have the choice to make it better…
Throughout the rest of the story, Rena begins to understand and embrace the magic of the rune that her brother sent.
Have you ever heard of the Runes, or had any experience with them? I’d love to hear about it.
This is a photo of a set of Runes I own and a single photo of the ‘Wunjo’ symbol.
BLURB:
Jag Peters has one goal in his quiet comfortable life—to keep his karma slate wiped clean. A near-miss crash with a candy apple red Harley threatens to upend his safe world. He tracks down the rider to apologize properly. Slipping into a seedy biker bar, he discovers the rider isn’t a “he”, it’s a “she”, a dark-haired beauty.
Rena Jett is a troubled soul, who lives in a rough world. She wants no part of Jag’s apology, but even while she pushes him away, she is attracted to him. When he claims to see a ghost—her brother—can she trust him? And could her brother’s final gift, a magical rune stone with the symbol for “happily ever after” have the power to heal her wounds and allow opposites to find common ground—perhaps even love?
BOOK PURCHASE LINKS:
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Ghostly-Interference-White-Rune-Sikes-ebook/dp/B08KW1KFMW/
BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ghostly-interference-jan-sikes/1137871003?
JAN SIKES
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
https://www.twitter.com/jansikes3
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJanSikesBooks
http://www.pinterest.com/jks0851/
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00CS9K8DK (Author Page)
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7095856.Jan_Sikes
Congratulations, Jan! I’m looking forward to reading Ghostly Interference. Wonderful excerpt and wonderful presentation. Thank you, Denise, for showcasing Jan’s book. 💗
Thank you, dear Gwen, for your beautiful comment. I appreciate your loving and kind support! I hope you enjoy the story!
I happy to have Jan here and can’t wait to read her book too!
Ooh, I’ve been waiting for this one! Huge congrats to Jan and best of luck with the new book!
Denise, thanks for sharing this with us today.
Have a wonderful week 🙂
Thank you, Harmony! Your excitement made my heart race a little. 🙂 I appreciate your support and hope you enjoy the story!
I’m looking forward to this read too, Harmony, and excited to have Jan here!
Congrats on the new release, Jan! My copy arrived on my Kindle this morning. Looking forward to some holiday reading. Thanks for hosting, Denise.
Whoohoo, Joan!! I truly hope you enjoy the story! Thanks for stopping by and sharing.
This sounds like the perfect Holiday read, Joan 🙂 I’m excited to have Jan here to share her new release!
I love the “message from beyond” concept. I don’t think I ever saw it from a rune before. Well done. Wishing you all the best with this one, Jan.
Thanks for hosting, Denise.
Thank you, Staci! I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt and the glimpse of how the rune gets introduced in the story. I appreciate your support!
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with a rune theme, Staci, either. Looking forward to this story and happy to share the release:)
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Denise, for being the first stop on my book launch tour! I appreciate your amazing support and generosity in sharing your blog space!
I’m so happy you’re here today, Jan:) Your cover has my attention with my love of riding. The blurb and except captures my imagination and I can’t wait to read it! It’s up next on my TBR list. I wish you endless success with your release. Xo
Thank you, Denise! I can’t wait for your feedback!
Fascinating information about the runes. Good luck with your book!
Thank you, Jennifer, for stopping by and leaving a comment!
Thank you for dropping by, Jennifer, and supporting Jan 🙂
Congratulations Jan, cheers! Wishing you great success with this book too. Thanks for explaining “runes,” I had no idea about this term. Thanks to Denise for being an awesome supporter.
I’m honored to support such amazing writers! Thanks, Balroop:)
Thank you, Balroop! I’m so glad you enjoyed my explanation about runes!
Wow! How can I possibly resist this one? I’ve long been fascinated by Runes, and that excerpt grabbed me hook line and sinker. Huge congratulations, Jan! Thanks so much for sharing Jan’s exciting news with us, Denise.
I was thrilled to be a part of spreading the news, Soooz:) This is one I’m looking forward to reading.
Ditto, my friend. This excerpt certainly captured my attention. 😊
Thank you, Soooz! Your enthusiastic comment made my day! I hope you enjoy the story!
I can’t wait to get started on it. Congratulations again, my friend.❤
Congrats to Jan. This sounds like a fascinating read.
Thank you, Sandra! I hope you enjoy it, should you decide to give it a go!
It does, Sandra. I can’t wait to read it;)
Congrats on your new release, Jan, I love the cover! I’ve only heard of runes in association with Celtic times. This sounds really good!
I’m a fan of the cover, too, Jacquie:) I don’t know a lot about runes and can’t wait to learn about them when I read this book.
Thank you, Jacquie. I’m happy you stopped by!
All the best to Jan. Thanks for hosting Jan today, Denise.
I wouldn’t miss helping spread the word:)
😊
Thank you SO much, John!
😁
This sounds absolutely wonderful.
It does, doesn’t it Jacqui. Its next up on my TBR list.
Oh, thank you, Jacqui! I hope you are intrigued enough to pick it up!
Congratulations, Jan! What a fascinating post. Wishing you all the best with your new release. Thanks for hosting, Denise!💞
I found it fascinating learning more about Runes, Vashti. I have a lot of good reading ahead this month:)
Hi, Vashti! I’m glad you enjoyed the post about runes and how the rune shows up in my story. I appreciate you stopping by!
Congratulations, Jan. Wonderful post with great excerpt. Best wishes on your new release. Thanks for hosting, Denise. <3
I was happy to share Jan’s new book! I can’t wait to read it:)
It must be good. I remember Jan talking about writing a sex scene some time earlier.
Thank you, Mariam! I appreciate your support!
You’re welcome, Jan!
Hi D.L., Hi Jan,
Living in Germany and having been in concert in Northern Germany often, I think Rune Stones have not gone out of existing. Especially in cities and small village towns by the North Sea where one can catch a boat and cross the waters to the U.K.
Very interesting piece of information Jan. Thank you for sharing it. I didn’t know that the Stones originated from German.,
Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia
Hi, Pat! Thank you for popping in to leave a comment about runes! I love that they have not gone out of existence in your area! I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and share today!
Hi D.L., Hi Jan,
Living in Germany and having been in concert in Northern Germany often, I think Rune Stones have not gone out of existing. Especially in cities and small village towns by the North Sea where one can catch a boat and cross the waters to the U.K.
Very interesting piece of information Jan. Thank you for sharing it. I didn’t know that the Stones originated from German.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia
Hi Pat:) Sorry for the confusion with your post. It was waiting for me to approve when I woke up this morning.
I didn’t know the Runes were German either. I can’t wait to read this book. Thank you for stopping by and supporting Jan!
Mine is shipping soon. I know it will be amazing, Jan. This is such a nice site. Thanks for hosting.
Yay, Rox!! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it! Thank you for leaving a comment!
I’m thrilled to host, Rox. Happy reading:)
Congrats on the latest release, Jan. You’re a writing dynamo. Thanks for hosting, Denise!
Thank you, Diana! I appreciate the support!
Happy to share Jan’s good news, Diana:)
Another great excerpt, Jan! I love magic and mysticism. 🙂
Me too, Yvette:)
Thank you, Yvette! I appreciate you stopping by!
All the ingredients of a captivating story! Congratulations, Jan. Thank you, Denise, for spreading the word. 🙂
Happy to get the word out on Jan’s new book:)
Thanks so much, Mark! I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
I’m glad you shared information on runes. Fascinating. Again, the book sounds intriguing, Jan.
‘Lo, Denise:)
Hi Sandra:) Just got started in this book and can’t wait to see where the runes takes it.
Hi, Sandra. Thank you for stopping by and I’m glad you enjoyed the info on runes!
Congrats to Jan. Thanks for sharing, Denise. Hugs all around.
Always happy to promote new work here:) Hugs right back to you Teagan xo
Thank you, Teagan! I appreciate you stopping by and commenting!
This information about the runes is fascinating, Jan. I do recall runes being mentioned in The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. A lovely extract too.
I don’t remember that from The Hobbit, Robbie. I will have to go back and do a re-read and look for the runes. I keep thinking it would be associated with the elves.
Hi, Robbie. Yes, runes were mentioned in the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Now I’m wanting to go back and reread them to see what mystical powers the runes provided to them. Thanks for the reminder! And thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Congratulations, Jan! I can’t wait to dive into this book! D. L., it is great to see that you are promoting Jan’s book.
It’s a great read, Joy. I’m always happy to promote books here.
Thank you, Joy! I appreciate your support!