Sandra L. Young
An author sharing her passion for the performing arts and vintage clothing
The “Charmed” Series is Here!
On May 1, the final book in the DIVINE VINTAGE SERIES released. The stand-alone tales comp to Charmed, The Ghost Whisperer, and Not Dead Yet with three fabulous friends getting their turns in the limelight, sharing themes of romance, historical mystery, and a little supernatural sizzle. In THE GHOSTLY DIVA, Assistant Museum Director Justine Saunders is enticed by the opportunity to sift through vintage treasures from a recently deceased actress. When a snowstorm strands her with the woman’s surly son and the much-too-real ghost, she’s drawn into their unresolved emotional tug-of-war.
Screenwriter Jackson Maddox is eager to wrap up his mother’s affairs and escape the one-horse town where she grew up. Unloading old clothes takes an unwanted turn when the appealing historian discovers a path to identify the “famous” father his mom protected to her death.
With Justine’s beloved museum position in jeopardy, she can’t afford the distractions of a rude / broken / fascinating man or his meddling, ghostly mother. Yet she can’t resist solving the mystery of his paternity, even as a big city job beckons her to shake up her life.
DIVA joins DIVINELY DRAMATIC in the world! Vintage fashionista Marcy Alexander reluctantly agrees to costume a community theater play and ends up with more drama than one girl can handle. While revitalizing her squelched artistic desires, she must harness her aura-reading ability to untangle a ghostly mystery from 1966. Dogged by a persistent ghost, and an ailing mom who urges her to finally pursue her dream career, Marcy needs to solve the mystery from the past before she can figure out the riddles of her own heart.
Meanwhile, DIVINE VINTAGE – the first in the series – also is available through numerous online retailers. Just click the links below to purchase the books. I love to stay in touch to share updates with all readers and vintage lovers. If you’re new here, please subscribe at the bottom of the page to receive occasional newsletters, including a sweet vintage short story via the link that will appear on the page after you submit. And of course, book reviews are always appreciated. Thank you!!
Praise for Divine Vintage and Divinely Dramatic
“In Divine Vintage, Sandra Young walks us back into time to a murder/suicide mystery in 1913 that will keep the reader as spellbound as the lovely vintage clothing the author so adroitly describes. Well-written and woven with enough sensual tension to strum any romantic’s heartstrings, I give Divine Vintage FIVE STARS.”
“The word that best describes everything Divine Vintage is elegant. The story telling voice is elegant, the weaving of time periods is presented with divine elegance, the description of lovely vintage clothing is texturally elegant, and the slow burn romance lends the elegance of lacy heat to the lovers’ journey. To top it off the story moves at a wonderful clip through the mystery of a time-bending who-done-it.”
“Ms. Young has penned a wonderfully romantic mystery featuring a sleuth with the ability to see into the past using vintage clothing. The characters are delightful, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!”
“What a great book! From the first page, I was totally engaged, enthralled, captivated…historical mystery, paranormal visions, and romance made for a wonderful combination that I couldn’t put down. Looking forward to reading more by this author!”
“I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book! From the Vintage clothing to the story between Tess and Trey to the dual timelines, it was the most fascinating book I’ve read in a long time. I love historical books that go from back in the day to present day because it gives me the feeling of being there and as if I’m watching a movie or a TV show come to life.”
…readers will find this story of a 1913 puzzle that draws a contemporary woman into the past to be thoroughly absorbing and hard to put down…Sandra L. Young crafts a divine story of contrasts in time, place, and purposes. Readers who enjoy engaging mystery spiced with sultry romantic overtones will especially appreciate the powerful presence of both in a story designed to simultaneously titillate and intrigue.
“In Divinely Dramatic, Young immerses us in the chaos and camaraderie of community theater, complete with a resident ghost, weaves in a romance, and ties it all up in a mystery that can only be solved when Marcy taps into a power she’s long tried to conceal. A heart-warming romance with a touch of magic.”
“Cuddle into your favorite cozy chair with this clever, entertaining ghostly novel with a bit of spice and heat. Sandra L Young does it so well.”
“Sandra L. Young does a great job of weaving romantic threads and a strong dose of the paranormal into this book. Marcy sees auras around certain characters, and her role as a “cosmic messenger” makes for an intriguing read in this new, lively work.”
Devoted Vintage Enthusiast!
I fell head over heels for vintage clothing while acting in dozens of community theater productions. Through the years, I had a blast growing my own sizable collection. I wear many of these delectable items for special occasions and onstage. My finds span from balloon-sleeved Victorian blouses to fringed flapper dresses to 1990’s funk. As the history and fashion spoke to me, they also drew out the seeds of three novels. I’m beyond thrilled that DIVINE VINTAGE, DIVINELY DRAMATIC, and THE GHOSTLY DIVA have published to rave reviews! Each book stands alone, so they can be read in any order. But if you prefer chronological, start with Diva as the prequel story then proceed to Divine Vintage. As for fashion, my debut, Divine Vintage, features gorgeous gowns from the 1913 timeline. Divinely Dramatic highlights 1895 balloon sleeves through the play being performed, along with the groovy ’60s for the costume-room mystery. And The Ghostly Diva zeros in on the 1970’s-80s. Next, I’m transitioning to true historical fiction. Stay tuned!
I also continue to pursue my passions of singing, acting, and volunteering in the lakeside communities of Northwest Indiana, while reading novels by talented fellow writers. I hope you’ll join me on this exciting journey to pay tribute to the wonders of books and vintage clothing!
EVENTS
Presentations / Signings:
Sept. 3 Christian Women’s Club meeting
Sept. 11 Sheridan Beach Book Club
Sept. 25 Bookish Road Trip online Book Club
Oct.27 Divine Vintage Story Walk Pilot
Oct. 22 New Carlisle Library, Vintage Clothing Presentation
Oct. 26 Westville High School Craft Fair
Podcasts:
Nov. 22 Instagram LIVE with Jillian Forsberg, THE RHINO KEEPER
Charlotte Readers with Landis Wade (CLICK HERE TO LISTEN!)
Authors Over 50 with Julia Daily (CLICK HERE TO LISTEN!)
Fashions from the pages of Divine Vintage
When Tess arrives at Carver House to model for the style show, she’s greeted by Trey’s mother in 1960s brocade. Clarice’s sparkling personality and poise outshine this gorgeous number, which I picked up at our church treasure sale!
Beaded sweaters are mentioned several times in the novel. They’re popular items at the store, leading Tess to buy a few when she visits an exotic city’s flea market. (Guess where?!) I particularly love the pale aqua sweater above, which I bought years ago at an antique store.
Tess’ loyal assistant, Marcy, has bold, quirky fashion sense to mirror her artistic nature. She pairs this ’60s mini with leggings and orange high-top sneakers. Actually, the polyester dress is knee-length and I put in a temporary hem to shorten it to max the cool factor. Readers will see more of Marcy’s fashion in the Divine Vintage sequel.
Bookings: Vintage Presentations, Book Clubs, & Signings
Learn about the fascinating history of fashion since the Civil War Era. Clubs, organizations, church groups and museums have enjoyed this interactive program. I’m willing to travel within an hour to present in Northwest Indiana / Southwest Michigan – or to Zoom worldwide! I’d also love to visit with your Book Club or attend signing events. Please contact me at
SLYoung@sandrayoungauthor.com
Share your email to receive a short story inspired by one of my vintage garments, for occasional author updates, and notice of giveaways. The first two-page story features the lovely ’60s number in the photo! To read it, click on the link that pops up after you submit.