Done with Crazy: Welcome to BonHaven - Softcover

Brusaschetti, D. K.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0996481907 ISBN 13: 9780996481908

Publisher: Donna Brusaschetti, 2016

Synopsis

In the Deep South we don't hide our Crazy; we parade it on the front porch with a cocktail in hand. Our only question being "Which side of the family?" No one knows this better than me, Alma Sue Babineaux; but call me Al.
As if being a female police officer in the deep south isn't enough stress, here at BonHaven, my family home, I have to constantly deal with our resident ghosts and Aunt Merle's other worldly guests. It's tough enough just doing my job. Now I find out that I may be the one who has to save the world. Really? Good Lord.

"Done with Crazy is a Southern Gothic Harry Potter where Hermione is the hero with a Southern drawl and lots of attitude"

Alma Sue, better known as Al to her fellow officers in Blakely Alabama, deals with Crazy on a daily basis. In all honesty, the fun really began when her Aunt Merle brought "something" back from her nightly time travels. We all hoped it was a one shot deal, but six years later we still have our fingers crossed every morning. I truly think it was Thurman's arrival that made us give up and just greet each day with curiosity, gritted teeth and the promise of lots of Moon Pies to get us through!

Here at the infamous aging BonHaven Plantation, Crazy is just a way of life. Between dealing with Thurman's mischief making antics and interfering resident ghost Wallace, Al's personal and professional life always go sideways before getting the job done; and that job just became more important...save the world important.

In "Done with Crazy", Thurman and Wallace love to torment our heroine daily. Al also deals with the rest of her gentile extended family residing at Bon Haven, located on Bon Secours Bay in Blakely Alabama, just south of Mobile. Besides time traveling Aunt Merle and mysterious Aunt Leila Mae, there is her younger sister Lyci, who at sixteen is beloved by all and happens to be extremely psychic.
Then there is Momma; the only family member since Daddy went missing two years back who appears semi-normal. But that could be just for appearance sake. Al is in an ongoing struggle to deter her neighbor's redneck style ghost hunting interest in a haunted tree named Bastian. With her best friend Sugar and her partner Bobby Glen at her side, Al navigates her current case involving a victim found with voodoo symbols tied to Bastian with her unique style.

Throw in a love interest named Carlyle who is hiding an awful lot of secrets including the fact he is a Merman and let the fun begin!

About this title

From the Author

 
Writing a novel is everything it is described to be; exciting, rewarding, difficult, stressful, nerve wracking, soul searching, narcissistic, and ultimately fulfilling.  It also alienates you from your family for days at a stretch and can drive you to drink. During this process, I came to understand why many writers become alcoholics.  Luckily, my drink of choice is usually Diet Pepsi.  Writing is also extremely hard on your ego and self esteem, due to rejection letters that begin with "While your story is extremely well written and your characters are very unique, I am not sure where your novel would fit....or "I love your distinct Southern voice and the blending of genres in your storyline but I'm not sure where your novel would fit..."  See, tough on the old self esteem.  Again, luckily I am a pretty tough cookie. 
So, here we are. 
If you are reading this right now, it means either you have been courageous enough to risk your hard earned money and take a chance on my first book, or someone has passed along their copy with their recommendation that it's a good way to spend a couple hours.  I thank you for whatever route you have taken, as you are here.  I love nothing more than to lose myself in a great story of any kind.  As long as I get transported into that world, I'm good. Especially if at the end of the book, your first question is "What's next" and frantically hit the internet to see if the author's next book is in the works.  Hopefully that is how you will feel when you get to the end of what is in your hands or on your device.  Thank you for taking this journey with me and I hope you tag along for more.
Since the moment I woke up in the middle of the night with these characters creating their world in my head and the storyline a runaway freight train, I knew I had to get this series written.  I liberally borrowed names from my eccentric southern family and off we went.The characters constantly talk amongst themselves in my head making for some interesting conversation at our family dinner table.  As long as they are talking you will hear about it; the characters, not my family.
I would like to take this time to thank several people.

 
When I first decided to actually write this book, I discussed it over lunch with my best friend since high school.  I was a little nervous thinking she would say I finally lost it.  I have had a lot of crazy ideas over our friendship timeline.  Singing in a rock band, running a business, wacky inventions and a short stint in politics, I was afraid this might be the idea that finally makes her say "Just stop.  Please, for the Love of God, just stop."
Nope.
Her response?  She picked up her wine glass, gave a brief salute and said "Why Not?" Although, I must confess, that line has gotten us into more than one or two sticky situations over the years.
But, with that, I was off.  So, thank you, Lori Balog.

I also would like to thank those who were my Beta Readers extraordinariarre.
Gloria Blanco, who gave me that first and very difficult to hear but life changing helpful critique, and yes, Damn It, you were right.  Natacha Costa, Jeana Nishihara and of course my Mom, Mom in Law and my daughters who all had to endure a million emails with one or two word revisions and the inevitable question; better one or better two, or maybe.....
My sister Jennifer Kirby who never once insinuated I might need professional help when I discussed my characters dialogue as if they are real and my sister in law Jennifer Bell; thank you for all of your wonderful advice!

Mom and Dad, I can't thank you enough for always encouraging me to pursue my dreams, whatever they might be.  I hope I can pass on the enthusiasm you have for life and compassion for everyone around you. You touch lives and make the world a better place.
My daughters, Ashley and Alyssa; I cannot express how proud I am of the young women you have become and the impact you are making in the world.  Levi and Marcos, my daughters have chosen well.
And last but never least, my husband of forever, Paul.  Thank you for being understanding of all my pursuits, however silly and insane you thought they were, especially all the time spent in my office and having my "me time."

 I love you and THANK YOU all for indulging my crazy.
 
 
 
 

From the Back Cover

"Done with Crazy is a Southern Gothic Harry Potter where Hermione is the hero with a Southern drawl and lots of attitude."

Edition details

• Publisher: Donna Brusaschetti
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0996481907
• ISBN 13: 9780996481908
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 318