A Life Through Books: Release Blitz: Foliage

Book Title: Foliage (An International Banking Spy Thriller)

Author: Lorraine Evanoff

Genre: Thriller

Release Date: October 19, 2015

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

A deft mix of spy thriller and romance set against a backdrop of real events, namely the 1991 collapse of the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI), the first of the recent wave of big financial scandals. Evanoff's protagonist, Louise Moscow, is a sexy, smart, likable heroine who finds herself enmeshed in the shadowy world of high finance and international espionage. Set in New York and Paris, Ms. Evanoff weaves in historical details with her fast paced thriller making this a riveting and educating read.”

Code word: FOLIAGE!

The sounds of Christmas music and laughter woke her. It was dark, making it more difficult for her to wake up fully. She breathed into the pillow, soaking in the comfort. Who would really miss her if she stayed in bed? After all, these weren’t her friends. They were neighbors who all had completely different lives from hers. They were very nice people, but they simply had nothing in common. They would all ask her where she lived, and when she would answer “Paris,” they would ask “Paris, France?” Then she would give her assessment how it is living in Paris.

Louise disliked talking about herself. She enjoyed talking about financial markets and business. But when it came essentially to giving an interview for the sole purpose of dispensing knowledge about her personal life, she was against it on principle. Partly, it was because she was protective by nature but more because her training taught her never to give out any more information than necessary. She was taught never to engage in conversations with a taxi driver or other strangers. Never ask someone a personal question because that invites questions in return. These were security tricks that Michael had taught her years ago. “You never know to whom you’re speaking,” he told her. That always got her thinking when she entered a cab or when a stranger began asking her questions.

There was a knock at the door and George opened, “Are you okay, honey?”

“Hi, Dad. Yes, I’m just tired. I guess the jetlag hit me.”

“Well, stay in bed if you’re not up to it.”

“No, I’ll come down. But I don’t really feel very sociable.”

“Don’t worry; it’s just light conversation. No busy-bodies.”

“Okay, be down in a minute.”

George was right. The guests were mellow, down-to-earth local friends who enjoyed each other’s company. The conversation never went beyond Christmas gift ideas, recipes, knitting, or sports. The fire crackled, and Louise sipped homemade hot apple cider with rum. The laughter subsided and the guests left. As Louise headed upstairs, Mary set cookies and milk out for Santa Claus.

Chicago native Lorraine Evanoff has worked over 20 years in the film industry on both sides of the camera in Los Angeles and Paris and has multiple film credits to her name. She also worked in Silicon Valley doing corporate finance during the dot.com era. Foliage is her debut novel inspired by events that occurred when she was living in France. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, where she is writing her second novel and developing scripts.