I’m usually weary of stories based on the author’s life because, well, few lives are interesting enough to become an entire book. Mine sure wouldn’t be. Inspiration for a story? Okay. A scene that happened to the author in real life? Sure, if it fits the story. But a book… a book is a long way, man. This story feels different, though. The author is not narrating her extraordinary adventures. She’s telling an emotional journey into adoption with the double target of quieting her spirit and maybe, just maybe, helping someone else.
The story is Little Dove (The Redenzione Series Book 1) by Perryen Livingston, a Romantic Suspense.
An emotionally gripping story about love, family secrets, and self-discovery.
A single test was all it took to turn my world on its axis. The life that I had and the life that I knew nothing about, would soon collide. Love and hate, truth and lies, bitterness and rejection, redemption and clarity- would I find my truth? I am Talyn Rose Easton-Galiano and this is my story of who I was, who I became, and ultimately who I am. They say that life is stranger than fiction… but they don’t have my life.
Excerpt
I’m lying in bed, half paying attention to something on Netflix, when Gracen comes into our bedroom. I know he’s there, I feel his presence. I just can’t turn over and acknowledge him.
“You’ve given up. You aren’t the Taly I know and love. Have you even noticed that I haven’t gone away on any jobs lately? I can’t leave you alone.”
“I’m not suicidal, Gracen. I’m sad.”
“I didn’t say you were suicidal but you have cut yourself off from people in your life who love you. You hang out in your PJs all day.”
“I shower!”
“Yeah, you shower but you take off one set of PJs and put on another pair.”
That does it! How dare he minimize my pain. The crying starts and I really hate crying. I cried enough during my teen years that the well had all but dried up. I’m not a crier by nature but I do happy cry and sappy cry at those Hallmark movies that are so cheesy but good. I don’t have to stay here and listen to this shit. I’m off the bed in a flash and in my bathroom—away from him. I strip out of my aforementioned PJs, turn the shower to scalding and step in. I stand under the rainfall shower head until my legs give out and I sink to the floor—back against the shower wall, knees to my chest, head in my hands. I’m sobbing so hard that it’s hard to breathe.
“I’m coming in.” Why can’t he let me cry in peace without an audience? Go away, Gracen.
“Fight, Talyn. Fucking fight. This is not who you are, dammit! Fight!”
“Don’t you think I know that, Gracen? I fucking hate this. I hate who I’ve become. I’m not some weak fucking person who cries on the bathroom floor. I don’t fucking lie down and die. I hate that I took that fucking test. I fucking hate it. Fuck!Fuck! Fuck!”
“Finally. Fucking finally, there is my wife. I love you, Talyn Rose Easton-Galiano. The good, the bad… remember? This will not break you. You cannot let this destroy who you are.”
“I’m so, so sorry, Gracen. It might get worse before it gets better but I’m going to fight like hell to find my way back.”
“Good. Get dressed in real clothes. We need to be somewhere.”
Chatting with the Author
Perryen Livingston is a Southern-raised, Sicilian born, self-proclaimed rebel Belle. She is a lover of espresso, great books, all things Chanel, and Great Danes.
Perryen spent two decades traveling the world with her Air Force husband and two sons. In 2016, she finally was able to put down roots in Central Florida— the land of sunshine, beaches, and Disney.
Always one who needed to be creative to thrive, whether it be ballet or fashion design— Perryen knew her next adventure lay between the pages of a novel, her novel.
When she’s not writing, Perryen lives the domestic life wifein’ and momin’: lint-rolling dog hair off her signature-style black leggings, walking around barefoot, and spending time relentlessly loving on her family.
Little Dove is her first book in The Redenzione Series and will have two more books to follow. You can stay up to date on what’s happening next by following her on social media.
I have the pleasure to chat with Perryen, and here’s how it went.
Hi Perryen and thank you for being here.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Sassy. Full-throttle. Introvert/Extrovert. Wife. Mother.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I first considered myself a writer when my mama told me that my mouth always got me into trouble and that I should write down what I wanted to say instead of talking.
Do you have a favorite movie?
I have a few favorite movies: Love Actually, The Godfather 1 and 2.
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
My novel, Little Dove, I can see made into a movie. If someone can find a younger Sandra Bullock to play the lead, I’ll send you my contact information.
What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?
Wow, okay. I’d have to say that traveling home to where it all began was a bittersweet, painful, and cathartic pilgrimage that I went on.
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
My spirit animal would be a dove. I’m part Native American and it’s fitting in the essence that I wasreleased when I was a baby, but I flew back.
What inspired you to write this book?
My life inspired me to write Little Dove. I was adopted and at forty years old, I took an AncestryDNA test. Little Dove chronicles what I went through on my journey to self-discovery.
What can we expect from you in the future?
The future for Perryen Livingston is to write more books, books I’m passionate about writing.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Little Dove?
All of the characters in Little Dove are people that I know on a personal level. They are all responsible in who I am today.
How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?
I wanted to write a book that touched on a topic that was very personal to me. It was important for me to show the other side of adoption, the perspective from an adopted child. The emotions that adoptees feel and the struggles they go through, is very real. Little Dove follows Talyn’s journey from taking a DNA test to actually finding and meeting her biological family.
Where did you come up with the names in the story?
The names of the characters are all variations of their real-life counterparts.
Find Perryann here:
Facebook * FB Group * Twitter * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads
Giveaway
- Paperback + Swag, ebook of Little Dove – 1 winner each
Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!
MacKade ~ V.V. Strange 