UFOs May be Earthly After All

In my book, Beyond Visual Range, a rogue military group, in an effort to stop impeachment of the President, has taken control of a top secrete space plane, the X-37B. From their perch in outer space, they use laser technology to create visions of images (orbs) to confuse and frighten their targets. It turns out, that the ability to create UFO type images may not be entirely fiction. On May 29, 2021, Jeffery Scott Shapiro, writing in the Wall Street Journal, reported that the military has a pending patent application for a method to create laser holographic images (UFOs) as a decoy to detract enemy fighter pilots, incoming missiles, or other threats.

Shapiro points out that the patent is only pending, and the U.S. technology may or may not be operational. But he points out that a foreign adversary may already be using something similar. He notes that in 2017, Russia claimed it had achieved “next generation” laser plasma weaponry.

Beyond Visual Range is a Mark Rollins adventure mystery. In the story two women drone pilots from the Nashville area find themselves in the middle of a military attempted coup. One is a former fighter pilot who, after a crash, now flies from a wheelchair. This dynamic female drone crew has to defend the country from the X-37B, now under control of a rogue military crew with the ability to strike the earth with weapons of nuclear like destructive power.

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For signed copies of books by Tom Collins, go to TomCollinsAuthor.com. Unsigned print, eBook and audio editions are available from Amazon. Most online bookstores carry one or all of the various editions (print, eBook and audio) including Barnes & Noble, Google Play/books, Apple iTunes’ iBookstore, and Smashwords.com.

Cleopatra’s moment in the sun

It is that time of the year when many are working on their suntan. So it is that we caught Cleopatra during a moment in the sun. We call her Cleo for short, and she is one of the two French Bull dog mascots of the Applewood Manor bed and breakfast Inn in Asheville North Carolina.

It is not that unusual for Asheville estates or manors to have their own official canines. George Vanderbilt often had Cedric, a St. Bernard, by his side. And Cedric and his descendants had the run of the mansion’s first floor. Asheville is just a dog lover’s town. There is even an official Dog Welcome Center, Dog City, USA, across the street from the arcade. It is a place where your dog can get a fresh drink of cooling water from its doggie drinking fountains, pick up a free dog goody bag and, of course, take advantage of its public restrooms and potty areas.

Seeing her sister enjoying the sun, Pearl (mascot #2) decided to join her—but only after picking a cooler spot. You can read more about Cleo and Pearl by going to https://www.applewoodmanor.com/stories/cleo-and-pearl.

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For signed copies of books by Tom Collins, go to TomCollinsAuthor.com. Unsigned print and eBook editions are available on Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other online bookstores. Audio editions are available on Amazon, iTunes and directly from Audible.com. Check out the latest book by Tom Collins, Stories from Applewood Manor, that explores Asheville, North Carolina’s History, Mysteries, Ghosts, and Tall Tales.  
Published by I-65 North, Inc.

Elvis's Odd Visit

I grew up in Memphis and just as I became a teenager my family moved to the Graceland subdivision in the Whitehaven area of the city. Having spent my teenage years in the shadow of Graceland, Elvis stories often catch my eye. And in my book, Stories from Applewood Manor, I wrote about Elvis’s 1975 performance in Asheville. The events surrounding that performance were strange to say the least, so I wasn’t surprised to read the following question from a reader just printed in Asheville’s Citizen Times.

“Why won’t the state put up a historical marker honoring Elvis Presley and the motel in Asheville where he shot out a TV in 1975? Or at least honor his visit here that year. I was 8 years old, living in Black Mountain and was a huge Elvis fan in 1975. I was so upset my parents wouldn't take me to the show at the Asheville Civic Center. Somehow we found out where he was staying, the old Rodeway Inn on U.S. 70 that is now the Veterans Restoration Quarters housing place. I remember after Elvis left, the motel took his bedsheets and cut them into small squares and sold them to admirers. There's also news reports Elvis was acting odd that show. He gave away an expensive ring and a guitar to random fans in the audience. I find it odd that the state doesn't consider one of biggest cultural icons of the 20th century, committing an act — shooting a TV — that would become part of his legendary personality, to be of statewide significance.”

The motel referred to by the reader is now run by Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministries. It is a 250-bed facility that helps veterans with a place to stay while they get job training and other life skills. The bed sheet and TV shoot out stories are entranced local lore, and, given Elvis popularity and his apparent state of mind during the Asheville visit, they could certainly be true. For the story of his odd performance in 1975 go to https://www.applewoodmanor.com/stories/elvis.

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For signed copies of books by Tom Collins, go to TomCollinsAuthor.com. Unsigned print and eBook editions are available on Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other online bookstores. Audio editions are available on Amazon, iTunes and directly from Audible.com. Check out the latest book by Tom Collins, Stories from Applewood Manor, that explores Asheville, North Carolina’s History, Mysteries, Ghosts, and Tall Tales.  
Published by I-65 North, Inc.

Visiting Applewood Manor

My wife and I along with grandson, Ben, made a quick trip to Asheville to visit the family and check out the remodeling progress at Applewood Manor. The stately bed and breakfast is a hundred and nine years old. Her years have given her class, and she is looking pretty darn good. The guest rooms and common areas have all been upgraded and renovated while retaining the estate’s historic character. New furnishings and rugs are period appropriate. The art, much of it original, is quite impressive. To accommodate the culinary talent of the Collins’s (especially Robin’s), the existing kitchen has been completely rebuilt as a commercial quality facility. This week, workers will put the finishing touches on the restored porches (my favorite feature) and balconies. When that is done, rocking chairs and other weather appropriate furniture will be returned. Owners Stephen and Robin, have great plans for improving the outdoor space as soon as the porch work wraps up.

Unfortunately, the Manor was fully booked so we stayed at the DoubleTree Hotel on the corner of Montford and Haywood Street. Until recently it was known as the Hyatt Place prior to being purchased by DoubleTree. Its restaurant, called Montford on Top, was featured in my story about Asheville’s roof top bars and restaurants. To read the story go to: https://www.applewoodmanor.com/stories/our-rooftop-views.

The watercolor by Tom Trebing of the Applewood Manor pictured in this post was used for the cover of my book, Stories from Applewood Manor.

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For signed copies of books by Tom Collins, go to TomCollinsAuthor.com. Unsigned print and eBook editions are available on Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other online bookstores. Audio editions are available on Amazon, iTunes and directly from Audible.com. Check out the latest book by Tom Collins, Stories from Applewood Manor, that explores Asheville, North Carolina’s History, Mysteries, Ghosts, and Tall Tales.  
Published by I-65 North, Inc.

Eight Books

Since retiring from the commercial world, I have published eight books. Six are mysteries—the Mark Rollins Adventures series. One, my latest, is a series of short stories, Stories from Applewood Manor, that explore the unique city Asheville North Carolina and its 100 year old bed and breakfast inn, the Applewood Manor. And another is the management guidebook, The Language of Excellence filled with practical, easy to understand advice for creating a team in pursuit of excellence—a team that understands that excellence must be earned through the eyes of those they serve and can only be maintained through constant innovation.

Recently, Katherine Davis posted about the guidebook on LinkedIn and told the story of the mirrors I issued to all members of the Juris, Inc. team:

“While in Seattle Washington at Pike Place Market, I stopped at a kiosk of a woodworker who made mirrors on a wooden stand. That is when I arranged to purchase the mirrors--one for every employee including new hires with instructions to position the mirror so that you could see yourself talking on the phone and the message that people can hear your smile over the phone. The unspoken message was that they could tell when you were not smiling."

Juris, Inc. no longer exist. It was purchased by LexisNexis® in 2007. What was remarkable is how many former Juris, Inc. team members, who have moved on to other companies, responded that they still have their mirror and still have it on their desk next to the phone.

Of all my books, I still consider The Language of Excellence to be the most important. The Language of Excellence is a powerful training tool—one that makes doing and saying the right things, making the right decisions and avoiding the wrong ones, a habit.

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For signed copies of books by Tom Collins, go to TomCollinsAuthor.com. Unsigned print and eBook editions are available on Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other online bookstores. Audio editions are available on Amazon, iTunes and directly from Audible.com. Check out the latest book by Tom Collins, Stories from Applewood Manor, that explores Asheville, North Carolina’s History, Mysteries, Ghosts, and Tall Tales.  
Published by I-65 North, Inc.

Reading from "Stories from Applewood Manor"

There is more to do and see in Asheville than one can accomplish in a lifetime! Now those attractions and the many secrets, mysteries, and legends surrounding the city and the 1912 bed and breakfast Inn, Applewood Manor, are told in a new 266 page book, Stories from Applewood Manor.

The new book captures Western North Carolina’s spirit and personality in its five sections:

1. Stories About the Historic Inn

2. Moments in the History of the City

3. Things to Do and See in Asheville

4. Mysteries and Ghost Stories

5. Tall Tales from the Rocking Chair Porch

Stories from Applewood Manor is available on Amazon and other online bookstores and at Applewood Manor. Signed copies can be ordered from the author, Tom Collins, by going to tomcollinsauthor.com.

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For signed copies of books by Tom Collins, go to TomCollinsAuthor.com. Unsigned print and eBook editions are available on Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other online bookstores. Audio editions are available on Amazon, iTunes and directly from Audible.com. Check out the latest book by Tom Collins, Stories from Applewood Manor, that explores Asheville, North Carolina’s History, Mysteries, Ghosts, and Tall Tales.  
Published by I-65 North, Inc.

More Stories

Even after publishing the book, Stories from Applewood Manor, I have continued to write and post new stories in the series. You can read them on Applewood Manor’s website. Two recent stories exposed more of the supernatural side of Western North Carolina. One is about the long unsolved Brown Mountain Mystery, and the second is a late night encounter at the cemetery in the Valley of the Cross. If you like the tall tales from Applewood’s Rocking Chair Porch, you will enjoy reading Ruinous Wish. And there are several new stories about things to do in Asheville while staying at Applewood Manor.

If you enjoy the stories let me know.

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For signed copies of books by Tom Collins, go to TomCollinsAuthor.com. Unsigned print and eBook editions are available on Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other online bookstores. Audio editions are available on Amazon, iTunes and directly from Audible.com. Check out the latest book by Tom Collins, Stories from Applewood Manor, that explores Asheville, North Carolina’s History, Mysteries, Ghosts, and Tall Tales.  
Published by I-65 North, Inc.

Wounds of War

A June 5 Wall Street Journal article titled The Physic Toll of Killing with Drones documents the mental and emotional wounds suffered by crews of Remotely Piloted Aircraft, RPA. Like other warriors some suffer gravely from PTSD experiencing flashbacks, recurrent memories and difficulty sleeping. It a subject covered in my recent book, Beyond Visual Range.

Beyond Visual Range uses the pending impeachment of the President as a backdrop, and its main character is Major Samantha Miller (aka Sam or “Sparks”). Major Miller earned the nickname Sparks as an F-35 fighter pilot before a terrible crash put her in a wheelchair, forcing her to leave airborne work to become a pilot of a MQ-9 Reaper drone or what the Air Force now calls a Remotely Piloted Aircraft or RPA.

Here is an excerpt where Major Miller is explaining what it is like to hunt and kill a high value target.

“Finally, I have him alone and in the open. There is a nearby alternate safe target if for any reason at the last minute I need to abort the kill. I fire my missile. Seconds before the missile will strike home, a little girl runs out of the house and wraps her arms around his legs. I prepare to send the missile to the safe site only to discover that it has now become a soccer field full of little boys. There is nothing I can do. I watch the horror on my victim’s face. I see it in his eyes as he looks up in the direction of a faint whining noise that he hears for the first time. Then nothing. After a few minutes, I look down on the spot where he and the little girl had stood. There is only a smoking hole—a crater in the ground. Then I see his wife running from the house, her arms flailing over her head, and she’s screaming. Of course, there is no audio, but I hear her screams anyway—even if just in my head.”

Beyond Visual Range is available in print, digital and audio formats from amazon and other online retail outlets.

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For signed copies of books by Tom Collins, go to TomCollinsAuthor.com. Unsigned print and eBook editions are available on Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other online bookstores. Audio editions are available on Amazon, iTunes and directly from Audible.com. Check out the latest book by Tom Collins, Stories from Applewood Manor, that explores Asheville, North Carolina’s History, Mysteries, Ghosts, and Tall Tales.  
Published by I-65 North, Inc.

All About Asheville

Western North Carolina and particularly the city of Asheville is one of our most popular tourist destinations. And AFAR, a leading travel media brand, recommended Applewood Manor as one of the best choices for visitors explaining that the bed and breakfast inn manages to capture Asheville’s essence.

There is feel about the historic Applewood Manor that is unique. It touches the past and shares the remarkable character and culture of Asheville—a romantic city that has been called many things: weirdest, happiest, quirkiest, most haunted place in America, Santa Fe of the East, New Age Capital of the World, Paris of the South, Beer City USA, and Land of the Sky.

There is more to do and see in Asheville than one can accomplish in a lifetime! Now those attractions and the many secrets, mysteries, and legends surrounding the city and the 1912 Applewood Manor are told in a new 266 page book, Stories from Applewood Manor.

The new book captures Western North Carolina’s spirit and personality in its five sections:

1. Stories About the Historic Inn

2. Moments in the History of the City

3. Things to Do and See in Asheville

4. Mysteries and Ghost Stories

5. Tall Tales from the Rocking Chair Porch

Stories from Applewood Manor is available on Amazon and other online bookstores and at Applewood Manor. Signed copies can be ordered from the author, Tom Collins, by going to tomcollinsauthor.com.

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For signed copies of books by Tom Collins, go to TomCollinsAuthor.com. Unsigned print and eBook editions are available on Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other online bookstores. Audio editions are available on Amazon, iTunes and directly from Audible.com. Check out the latest book by Tom Collins, Stories from Applewood Manor, that explores Asheville, North Carolina’s History, Mysteries, Ghosts, and Tall Tales.  
Published by I-65 North, Inc.

Applewood Manor Makes News

The hospitality Industry magazine, Hospitality Design, reporting on Applewood Manor wrote, “A $1.5 million restoration revitalizes the historic B&B property with a worldly sensibility.” The article by Will Speros included the above picture of Applewood’s parlor or music room and continued as follows:

The historic Applewood Manor in Asheville, North Carolina has reopened following the completion of the first phase in its $1.5 million restoration. Recent upgrades to the 6,000-square-foot B&B include six refurbished accommodations and a slew of upgraded amenities.

“Having lived and worked in more than 20 different countries, I was inspired by boutique hotels such as Soho House, and we aim to bring that level of sophistication, engagement, curation, and service to reinvent the dusty bed and breakfast experience,” says Applewood owner and operator Stephen Collins, who also oversaw renovations with his wife, Robin. “For Robin and me, it’s highly personal, and we are looking forward to forming meaningful relationships and building traditions with our guests.”

The couple drew inspiration from luxury boutique properties across the globe, including a retreat in the South of France which is channeled within Applewood’s “secret” seventh room. The eclectic visual identity of the Applewood Manor comprises curated artwork and furnishings that range from Persian rugs to antique focal points like a Chickering upright piano and 110-year-old butler’s pantry. Contemporary pieces inject a juxtaposition of old and new into the property as well as an international flair.

The 1912 historic bed and breakfast inn has another unique feature. It has its own story book, Stories from Applewood Manor,—a collection of short stories that explores Asheville, North Carolina’s history, attractions, mysteries, ghost stories, and tall tales from the perspective of the historic bed and breakfast inn. There is a feeling about Applewood Manor that is unique. It touches the past yet shares the remarkable character and culture of Asheville—a city that has been called many things: weirdest, happiest, quirkiest, most haunted place in America, Santa Fe of the East, New Age Capital of the World, Paris of the South, Beer City USA, and Land of the Sky. The Manor and its city have many secrets, mysteries, and legends—some factual, some alleged, some exaggerated and some hard to believe at all.

Stories from Applewood Manor is available on Amazon.com and other online bookstores and is available for purchase at the Manor. Signed copies can be ordered from the author, Tom Collins, by going to tomcollinsauthor.com.

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For signed copies of books by Tom Collins, go to TomCollinsAuthor.com. Unsigned print and eBook editions are available on Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other online bookstores. Audio editions are available on Amazon, iTunes and directly from Audible.com. Check out the latest book by Tom Collins, Stories from Applewood Manor, that explores Asheville, North Carolina’s History, Mysteries, Ghosts, and Tall Tales.  
Published by I-65 North, Inc.

Time to Sharpen Skills

Now that we are putting COVID behind us and getting back to business. It is time to sharpen those business skills. One way to do that is with my book, The Language of Excellence. The talented author and distinguished business leader Gary Slaughter call it “a must-read for achievers.” He went on to write in the literary magazine, 2nd & Church:

In my judgment, The Language of Excellence by Tom Collins is among the best five books I have ever read on this subject. The Language of Excellence just may be the only guide book to personal and business excellence you will ever need to read.

The book makes a great gift for aspiring graduates entering the workplace. Many of them missed out on the normal transition from college to job due to COVID. This guidebook for business success can give them a valuable helping hand up the corporate career ladder.

Seasoned businessmen and women are also facing new challenges including successfully managing the change from a COVID remote workplace back to in-office operations. This management guide handbook illustrates both the right and wrong way to manage change. Change management is just one of the topics covered in The Language of Excellence. The management guide is available on Amazon in hardcover, paperback and for the Kendal and you can download to your iPhone or iPad from Apple iBooks.

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For signed copies of books by Tom Collins, go to TomCollinsAuthor.com. Unsigned print and eBook editions are available on Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other online bookstores. Audio editions are available on Amazon, iTunes and directly from Audible.com. Check out the latest book by Tom Collins, Stories from Applewood Manor, that explores Asheville, North Carolina’s History, Mysteries, Ghosts, and Tall Tales.  
Published by I-65 North, Inc. 

Old Blue

Today I thought I would read from my new book, Stories from Applewood Manor. Old Blue is from the section of the book called tall tales. If you enjoy the story, you can purchase the book from Amazon and Barnes & Noble for $19.95. For some reason, Amazon is also offering the book from third parties at a higher price but select the Amazon option for the $19.95 price. Of course, you can also purchase a signed copy from www.tomcollinsauthor.com.

Birthday Gift

May is my birthday month and I share it with several friends and family members. So rather than have separate birthday parties, we have one consolidated party for the month. I received an interesting gift from those in attendance, a copy of my latest book, Stories from Applewood Manor, signed by all—a very clever idea.

New Book Released

Stories from Applewood Manor, has been released and is available on Amazon and other online bookstores. That beats the targeted release date of June 10th by a full month!

So your favorite stories from Applewood Manor are now available in a 266 page paperback book. The stories are a testament to the rich history of the 1912 home turned bed and breakfast inn and the remarkable city, Asheville, North Carolina. There is more to do and see there than one can accomplish in a lifetime!

There is feel about the historic Applewood Manor that is unique. It touches the past and shares the remarkable character and culture of Asheville—a city that has been called many things: weirdest, happiest, quirkiest, most haunted place in America, Santa Fe of the East, New Age Capital of the World, Paris of the South, Beer City USA, and Land of the Sky. The Manor and its city have many secrets, mysteries, and legends—some factual, some alleged, some exaggerated and some hard to believe at all. The new book, Stories from Applewood Manor, captures their spirit and personality in is its five sections:

1. Stories About the Historic Inn

2. Moments in the History of the City

3. Things to Do and See in Asheville

4. Mysteries and Ghost Stories

5. Tall Tales from the Rocking Chair Porch

The new book is available on Amazon.com and other online bookstores and will be available for purchase at Applewood Manor. Signed copies can be ordered from the author, Tom Collins, by going to tomcollinsauthor.com.

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The historic Applewood Manor (Circa 1912)
is Asheville North Carolina’s premier luxury bed and breakfast style boutique hotel.

62 Cumberland Circle, Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 254-2244 contact@applewoodmanor.com

Coming Soon

My new book, Stories from Applewood Manor, is targeted for a June 10th release. It is a departure from my prior seven books. Applewood Manor is a bed and breakfast inn (Circa 1912) in Asheville North Carolina. The book is a series of stories that explore the history, mysteries, ghosts, and tall tales about the historic Inn and its unusual city, Asheville. You can order a signed copy now for the pre-release price of $15.00 with free shipping vs. $19.95 when released.

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For signed copies of books by Tom Collins, go to TomCollinsAuthor.com. Unsigned print and eBook editions are available on Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other online bookstores. Audio editions are available on Amazon, iTunes and directly from Audible.com. Collins is also the resident author for Stories from Applewood.  The Applewood Manor is the longest continuously operating bed and breakfast style hotel in Asheville, The untra short stories are about Asheville including its ghost, mysteries and tall tales. Check out the latest Tom Collins Novel, Beyond Visual Range, available in print, digital and audio.  
Published by I-65 North, Inc.

Jason Brennan Insightful Presentation and Answer to the Question Who is the Richest 1%.

Jason Brennan is a philosopher and business professor at George Town University and a noted author. If you missed his presentation Why It Ok to Want to Be Rich, you can still listen to the recording here.

Do not be confused by the title, Brennan deals with some of the fundamental issues we are faced with as a society and about government policy. What is the role of Corporations and Businesses? What is their responsibly to promote the economic and social wellbeing of the population? How can they best “Give Back?” What about the wealthy? How should they be taxed? What about the super-rich? Should they even be allowed to exist? Where do the Super rich keep their wealth? Who are the richest one percent in the world?

Brennan does a great job dealing with the sensitive but extremely important issues. And some of information is likely to surprise you!

To watch the recorded presentation click below or go to https://youtu.be/OYEaQnt2sNc .

Wanting to be Rich is Ok!

Register now for Jason Brennan’s free Zoom lecture, Why It’s OK to Want to Be Rich. The April 20th,2021 event is hosted by the Political Economy Research Institute of Middle Tennessee State University.

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 For signed copies of books by Tom Collins, go to TomCollinsAuthor.com. Unsigned print and eBook editions are available on Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other online bookstores. Audio editions are available on Amazon, iTunes and directly from Audible.com. Collins is also the resident author for Stories from Applewood.  The Applewood Manor is the longest continuously operating bed and breakfast style hotel in Asheville, The untra short stories are about Asheville including its ghost, mysteries and tall tales. Check out the latest Tom Collins Novel, Beyond Visual Range, available in print, digital and audio.  
Published by I-65 North, Inc.

Audio Books

With vacation time approaching consider adding my Mark Rollins Adventure series of mysteries to your Audio Book library. Nothing makes the miles fly by faster than a good book.

All six of my mystery novels are available in audio editions as well as in digital and print formats on Amazon.com. This includes:

1. Mark Rollins’ New Career & the Women’s Health Club

2. Mark Rollins and the Rainmaker

3. Mark Rollins and the Puppeteer

4. The Claret Murders, a Mark Rollins Adventure

5. Diversion, a Mark Rollins Adventure

6. Beyond Visual Range, a Mark Rollins Adventure

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 For signed copies of books by Tom Collins, go to TomCollinsAuthor.com. Unsigned print and eBook editions are available on Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other online bookstores. Audio editions are available on Amazon, iTunes and directly from Audible.com. Collins is also the resident author for Stories from Applewood.  The Applewood Manor is the longest continuously operating bed and breakfast style hotel in Asheville, The untra short stories are about Asheville including its ghost, mysteries and tall tales. Check out the latest Tom Collins Novel, Beyond Visual Range, available in print, digital and audio.  
Published by I-65 North, Inc.

Applewood Manor Named One of Asheville's Best

As the resident author for Stories from Applewood, I was pleased to learn that AFAR just recommended Applewood Manor as one of the best choices for visitors to Asheville, North Carolina. AFAR, a leading travel media brand explained, “When planning a visit, know that the best hotels are those that manage to capture Asheville’s essence and turn it outward so guests can experience what makes this city distinctive.” That is why the Applewood Manor luxury bed and breakfast hotel was an AFAR pick. Here is what else they had to say.

“Fresh off the first phase of a $1.5 million renovation, this six-room bed-and-breakfast occupies the circa 1912 former home of a Navy captain, surrounded by nature but just a short walk from downtown Asheville. Owner Stephen Collins is a cycling enthusiast and a fleet of 3T Cycling bikes is available for guests to use; also on offer are guided rides, cycling camps, and coaching with national road race champion Jonny Brown.

Stephen’s wife, Robin, is a passionate baker and chef and uses locally sourced ingredients like meats from Hickory Nut Gap Farm, dairy from Mills River Creamery, and produce from Encompass Farm in all her breakfasts. She also leads baking classes and hosts occasional chef events for guests.

Decor here draws inspiration from the couple’s home in France, with meticulously sourced antiques and artwork among modern furnishings, including plush Duxiana beds. Several rooms feature gas fireplaces, balconies, and deep-soaking tubs; one room is a stand-alone cottage.”

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 For signed copies of books by Tom Collins, go to TomCollinsAuthor.com. Unsigned print and eBook editions are available on Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other online bookstores. Audio editions are available on Amazon, iTunes and directly from Audible.com. Collins is also the resident author for Stories from Applewood.  The Applewood Manor is the longest continuously operating bed and breakfast style hotel in Asheville, The untra short stories are about Asheville including its ghost, mysteries and tall tales. Check out the latest Tom Collins Novel, Beyond Visual Range, available in print, digital and audio.  
Published by I-65 North, Inc.

Deja Vu

It feels like déjà vu all over again!  Do you remember the great 2010 flood? That was the backdrop for my book The Claret Murders. The book is available as an audio book, digitally for the Kindle and other devices and, of course, in paperback and hard cover editions.

It's Nashville ... with a devastating flood, a beautiful lawyer, a deadly secret, and wine to kill for.

An old man finished a glass of wine--his favorite claret--went to bed and died. Now more than fifty years later, a Nashville attorney, Ann Sims, prepares to auction off his estate--a derelict old mansion with its forgotten secret. Sims is living with a secret of her own, a secret that could cost her the fortune she is to inherit and end her career. Afraid, for good reason, of the possessive and greedy men in her life, she turns to Mark Rollins for protection.

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 For signed copies of books by Tom Collins, go to TomCollinsAuthor.com. Unsigned print and eBook editions are available on Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other online bookstores. Audio editions are available on Amazon, iTunes and directly from Audible.com. Collins is also the resident author for Stories from Applewood.  The Applewood Manor is the longest continuously operating bed and breakfast style hotel in Asheville, The untra short stories are about Asheville including its ghost, mysteries and tall tales. Check out the latest Tom Collins Novel, Beyond Visual Range, available in print, digital and audio.  
Published by I-65 North, Inc.