Happy June 1st! I’m absolutely thrilled to share the cover of my new novel, Beneath Beauford Grove! I just finished the last draft and am ready to put it into the hands of beta readers before sending it to my editor, Robin Fuller, for her editorial magic. After several revisions with my graphic artist, we finally captured that perfect Southern gothic atmosphere I’d been envisioning. I couldn’t be more pleased with how it turned out—I hope you love it as much as I do!
THE CURE FLOWS THROUGH HER VEINS, BUT SO DOES THE COVENANT.
Beneath Beauford Grove is a Southern gothic novel with magical realism and supernatural horror.
Summary
For fans of the generational magic of Anne Rice’s ‘The Witching Hour’ and the scientific protagonist confronting supernatural horrors in Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s ‘Mexican Gothic,’ comes a Southern Gothic tale where blood science meets ancient covenants.
As one of Boston’s leading hematologists, Dr. Evangeline Beauford has dedicated her career to studying the mysteries of blood—never suspecting how deeply personal that pursuit would become. Eighteen years after being sent away from her family’s olive plantation, a posthumous letter from her estranged sister draws her back to Beauford Grove, where Mediterranean trees inexplicably thrive in Alabama soil, and whispers of old magic linger in the humid air.
Her scientific mind cannot explain the anomalies in her family’s blood work, just as her wounded heart cannot reconcile her mother’s abandonment. But as Evangeline uncovers centuries-old diaries and deciphers symbols carved into ancient trees, she learns a staggering truth: her mother’s decision to send her away wasn’t rejection—it was protection.
The plantation’s unnatural prosperity was built on a sinister pact between French colonists and enslaved practitioners of powerful African and Haitian traditions, binding both bloodlines to the land through rituals paid in blood. Now, with her medical expertise and inherited gifts converging, Evangeline must confront her family’s dark past and her own dormant power.
Beauford Manor pulses with ancient energy. The grove weeps crimson sap. And the very blood in her veins carries codes waiting to be unlocked. As the land reclaims its due, Evangeline discovers some bonds—whether forged by love or blood magic—can never truly be broken and that breaking the cycle may demand the ultimate sacrifice.
BETA READERS
I’m looking for 5-8 committed beta readers to help me strengthen this story before it heads to my editor. If you love atmospheric Southern fiction with a supernatural twist and have time to read a full manuscript (93,473 words/384 pages), I’d be honored to have your feedback.
What I’m looking for:
- Big-picture thoughts on plot, character development, and pacing
- Honest reactions to the story’s emotional impact
- Notes on what worked and what didn’t land for you
Timeline: I’ll send manuscripts on June 1st, with feedback needed by June 25th to meet my July 1st editorial deadline.
My Thank You: A free copy of the finished ebook, plus early recognition in the acknowledgments as one of my valued beta readers.
If this sounds like a project you’d enjoy being part of, email me and I’ll send you the link to the manuscript along with a simple feedback guide to help focus your thoughts.
Email me at edenisebillups2@gmail.com
Happy June!!
Discover more from E. Denise Billups
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
