Tirza Schaefer's Blog, page 5
September 28, 2023
Potions, Poisons & Peril by Shéa MacLeod
POTIONS, POISONS & PERIL is Book 1 in the DEEPWOOD WITCH MYSTERIES series by Shéa MacLeod. It is a witchy cosy mystery and the series should be read in sequence as the story is ongoing, even though they always have new crimes to solve.
Welcome to Deepwood, home of many witches and other paranormal creatures. It’s the first book I read by this author, but let me tell you, it won’t be the last!
This is a witchy cosy mystery that's different to those I've read so far, and I really loved it. The story is well written, the plot exciting and the characters are absolutely adorable. There is also some (clean) romance between the FMC Emory Chastain and her love interest Noah Laveux, cousin of Veronique who is one of Emory’s two best friends and coven sisters. The other in the divine triad is Lene (Leh-nuh, not Lenny). These three are three of the few surviving portal witches.
Emory owns a herbal tea shop and loves crystals, Lene owns a bookstore and Veri (short for Veronique) owns a lingerie shop that caters especially for plus size women. Together, they make a formidable team. Add to this their human witch friend Edwina, former military, who has some uncanny abilities in letting bodies disappear and getting information, and you’ve just scraped the tip of the iceberg.
I loved so many things about this book. The writing style, the fact that I learned a few new things which greatly appealed to my witchy-nerdy side and the Pink Lady muffin shop, to name but a few. The world building is superb. I was right in it from the very start, all the way to the end. In fact, coming back to mundane reality felt unreal.
I’ve practically devoured this book and I can't wait to read the next in the series! – And then some! If you like witchy cosy mysteries with a unique twist, this book is definitely one you shouldn’t miss.
Books by Shéa MacLeodDEEPWOOD WITCHES MYSTERIES SERIES
Potions, Poisons & Peril (Book 1)
Wisteria, Witchery & Woe (Book 2)
Magic, Moonlight & Murder (Book 3)
Dreams, Divination & Danger (Book 4)
Alchemy, Arsenic & Alibis (Book 5)
Crystals, Cauldrons & Crimes (Book 6)
Follow Shéa MacLeod on Social Media
Shéa MacLeod is the author of cozy mysteries and paranormal women’s fiction. She has dreamed of writing novels since before she could hold a crayon. She totally blames her mother.
She resides in the leafy green hills outside Portland, Oregon where she indulges in her fondness for strong coffee, vintage cocktails, afternoon tea, and dragons.
Because everything's better with dragons.
Shéa is the author of the popular Lady Rample Mysteries (set in 1930s London) as well as the post-WW2 Sugar Martin Vintage Cozy Mysteries. She's also written a contemporary cozy series, Viola Roberts Cozy Mysteries and a paranormal cozy series Deepwood Witches. She is currently working on her paranormal women’s fiction series, Season of the Witch, as well as The Dream Factory, a magical realism series co-written with Linda Mercury.
June 15, 2023
The Light of Darkness Boxset 2 (books 4-6) by Catrin Russell
THE LIGHT OF DARKNESS BOXSET 2 is the second and final book in the completed THE LIGHT OF DARKNESS SAGA by Catrin Russell. (There are also two prequels – and I’ve read them all!)
The Light of Darkness Series is one of my all-time favourite epic fantasy reads ever. It has it all: action and adventure, court intrigue, battles, magic, romance (on page everything), amazing characters and great worldbuilding that shows you how much research went into the author's book, from medieval ways of daily life, weapons, to name but the most obvious. And the magic system is well-thought out, logical and isn't the Mary Sue type where you can do everything anytime, no matter the challenges or circumstances. It has its limits and the author doesn't deviate from it, either, which you sometimes find in other works.
I am in love not only with Anaya and Samael, but all the characters, who practically leap off the page and make it all happen before your inner eye. You feel with them, ugly-cry, laugh, throw a fit of rage on behalf of your most beloved ones. These books take you through the entire range of emotion and it only gets better with each book.
Russell's development as an author started on a high level that made me instantly fall in love with Book 1, but there was no stagnation and the prose is just to die for in the best sense. I've read and re-read sentences and passages for the sheer beauty of the language. I fanned myself at some hot scenes between my favourite characters Keadin and Lillith and I wanted to hug young Lee and tell him everything is alright.
These last three books of the series take you on a wild adventure that leaves you with a major book hangover of the best kind. (I might have even acted out a few battle scenes, scaring the cat out of her wits.
A last word of warning: These books have dark elements, on-page sex and you should definitely read the trigger warnings. The storyline is complex, varied and the way the author introduces new characters or interweaves new events, strand by strand, bringing things together and combining it into a complex whole is masterful but definitely not for you if you don't have the bandwidth for complex thought processes. No judgement, just helping you making an informed choice of whether this is for you or not. The series is an ongoing one, so should be read in sequence and I would also advice to read the prequels.
If you can say yes to all of the above and are not afraid to think along and feel an entire range of strong emotions, then this is possibly the best story you ever picked up!
Books by Catrin RussellThe Power of Conviction (Book 1)
The Path of Salvation (Book 2)
The Resurgence of Light (Book 3)
The Thousand Year Divide (Book 6)
The Light of Darkness Books 1-3 Boxset 1
The Light of Darkness Books 4-6 Boxset 2
A KINGDOM SCARRED SERIES
DARKNESS DIVIDED SERIES
Deathfall Wraith (Prequel 1)
Follow Catrin Russell on Social MediaWebsite & Newsletter
Follow Subtle Touch Creations on Social Media
Catrin Russell is a Fantasy and Romance author from northern Sweden. Her books are all written in English and are mainly part of the Epic and High Fantasy Genre. However, she does use influences from Dark Fantasy, and a touch of Fantasy Romance.
Growing up outside a small town, basically in the middle of nowhere, Catrin eventually moved to Stockholm, where she studied computer game development and design. Meeting her soon-to-become husband online, she lived outside of London for the best parts of a year, before finally settling down in Piteå, back in Sweden. Since then, three children and two dogs have joined the family.
With a background in design and holding a degree as a registered nurse, she writes novels in medieval settings, with plenty of action and romance. She often brings moral struggles, or highlights issues in society, into her writing. Another subject that is often highlighted is mental health.
Catrin also creates concept art, bringing her characters to life on the screen, and her own cover designs, much of which can be seen on her social media pages. She has also now made it a business and takes commissions for covers, character art and more, AI free! Her Subtle Touch Creations can be found on her website.
April 20, 2023
The Thousand Year Divide by Catrin Russell
THE THOUSAND YEAR DIVIDE is the sixth and final book in the completed THE LIGHT OF DARKNESS SERIES by Catrin Russell. There are also two prequels – and I’ve read them all!
I was in love with this series from the start but the last book is a real climax to the entire series. We learn more about the court intrigue, and although I was expecting some twists and turns, let me tell you, it was way beyond of what I expected. And the emotions! I wasn’t in even 40% and I had ugly-cried three times already. My poor heart really went through the wringer! From being so deeply moved to edge-on-the-seat thrill to absolute rage and heart palpitations from anxiety, it was all there. And yes, that’s also a definite must read again in the future! It was THAT good!
Towards the end, when finally everything comes together – or unravels – as the case may be, (I’m still feeling a little unravelled inside from the reading experience), we finally get to calm down and the whole story is brought to a beautiful conclusion, gently washing over you in little waves that slowly take you to a more peaceful state of being. I’m absolutely sure, the author did all that on purpose because she knew what effect the book would have. I am laughing here but seriously, that was one intense ride and at some point or other, I was sure, all my favourite characters were going to meet with an untimely demise.
So if you think, this book is merely bringing all the loose ends together, be warned, you’re in for a surprise. Or several. A lot, frankly. So much happened that I never expected, finding myself cursing under my breath, not sure if I was going to like where this was going, but spellbound enough to not being able to put the book down. It was like watching a car crash in slow motion and being incapable of doing anything to prevent it. And I mean that in the best possible way. Unless you have a weak heart. In that case, you may do well to proceed with caution.
Without wanting to give anything away for those who are still to read this book or even the entire series, I’d like to still mention a few characters that have been more of supporting roles but that have really grown on me. There is Anaya’s manservant Lee and he was involved in one of my early ugly cries. (And I didn’t stop at 40% with that, either.) He is such a sweet young man that your heart goes out to him. The more you get to know him, the more you fall in love with his sweet nature and root for him.
Next, there is Kaedin, whom I’d totally challenge a certain powerful lady for because damn, the guy is hot! And Gus, a close second, with a writing style that made me laugh out loud. And there were quite a few scenes where I had to laugh out loud, not only with Gus. The mix of dark and dangerous with loving and sweet and also hilariously funny, witty humour, has certainly become a trademark of Russell’s and I love how her style develops over the course of the series and she gains more confidence in letting her humour play out, too. She is an amazing author and definitely on my 1-click-buy list, no questions asked. If it’s got her name on it, it’s going to have a place of honour on my shelf.
Then there is young Jason that makes you want to pinch his cheeks and facepalm yourself alternately or, at times, even simultaneously. If you’re a parent and have (been through) teenage children, you’ll know what I’m talking about.
And then there is the Queen of Thieves and her children who will all affect you in one way or the other. And so many more. Speaking of which, Adena, thus far, the serious priestess, shows quite a surprising new side to her character. And even the main players, like Anaya and Samael, are never static. There is more to them, their personal development and how they adapt to and face changes and challenges, that keep you invested throughout the entire series, to the very end. And over the course of six big books, that is quite a feat to pull off. But the author manages superbly.
The one thing which I have to complain about quite seriously is my lack of sleep. I’m a slow reader, this book is quite thick and because it was just so unputdownable, I have some serious catching up to do now where my sleep is concerned. But, yeah, it was sooooo worth it!
Books by Catrin RussellThe Power of Conviction (Book 1)
The Path of Salvation (Book 2)
The Resurgence of Light (Book 3)
The Thousand Year Divide (Book 6)
The Light of Darkness Books 1-3 Boxset
A KINGDOM SCARRED SERIES
DARKNESS DIVIDED SERIES
Deathfall Wraith (Prequel 1)
Follow Catrin Russell on Social MediaCatrin Russell is a Fantasy and Romance author from northern Sweden. Her books are all written in English and are mainly part of the Epic and High Fantasy Genre. However, she does use influences from Dark Fantasy, and a touch of Fantasy Romance.
Growing up outside a small town, basically in the middle of nowhere, Catrin eventually moved to Stockholm, where she studied computer game development and design. Meeting her soon-to-become husband online, she lived outside of London for the best parts of a year, before finally settling down in Piteå, back in Sweden. Since then, three children and two dogs have joined the family.
With a background in design and holding a degree as a registered nurse, she writes novels in medieval settings, with plenty of action and romance. She often brings moral struggles, or highlights issues in society, into her writing. Another subject that is often highlighted is mental health.
Catrin also creates concept art, bringing her characters to life on the screen, and her own cover designs, much of which can be seen on her social media pages.
April 5, 2023
My Favourite Tarot Card
Recently, I was asked by my friend Asa Nilsson who is also in my tarot group (run by the most awesome teacher Sinead Fine, owner of Tarot for Women) and is host to an amazing podcast called More Moss to the People, what my favourite Tarot card is and why.
I didn't have to think long. My reply was quite immediate and before I tell you, let me warn you, don't be grossed out, scared or creeped off your socks. You'll understand when you read the explanation. Here is my reply:
My favourite is the Death card (number 13 or Roman XIII of the Major Arcana in the Tarot). Being a Scorpio, that's probably not surprising. And as a snake lover. I love growing, which means, you have to leave old shit behind and make a fresh start. It's like a cleansing and a stage marker, telling me, look how far you've come. Be proud of yourself. You're next level - quite literally.
It's like, the old you is dead and the new you emerges like a snake shedding its skin. Obviously, mostly that is attributed to butterflies, going through the stages of caterpillar, cocoon and wings spreading, but I prefer snakes for two reasons:
They have more power for me. They are formidable and you'd think long and hard before messing with them. Especially my favourite, cobra (see my article Cobra as Power Animal ). They don't just transform once and die. They do it over and over again. Butterflies are final. Snakes keep gaining power, recreating themselves and growing.
The people I resent the most (judgy, I know, and what you judge harshly in others you usually don't like about yourself but it's there...) are those who are so fixated, clinging to everything that's familiar and routine because they're too scared to explore new ideas and concepts, to dare to have their worldview challenged and who are afraid to recreate themselves, or at least, try to.
No one's perfect, of course. But people who lack that willingness to look beyond the rim of their plate or beyond their garden fence, as two German sayings go, creep me out. It's actually a major trigger point because in my personal history, I have been clashing big time with such people in my life since I was old enough to question shit. And me questioning shit triggers them big time because they do their utmost to avoid scratching the surface. So that's been a theme in my life.
It's been a steep curve of learning to make my peace with this, and finally accept you'll never get certain people to look at things from a different perspective, let alone ever gain their approval, and I'm now feeling - finally - I don't need it. In fact, if certain people aren't the ones you'd turn to for advice or explore ideas with, why would I need their approval at all? I know my worth! Only took me 50 years to get there. But better late than never.
So yeah, that's my death card. Kill that shit, burn it down and create fertile soil to build new and better. Transformation as many as you want and allow. It takes work and it isn't easy to face certain things, most of all your own bullshit, because you've got to do the inner work and stop projecting outside to bypass self-development, but it's so worth it. And with every step, you grow bigger, brighter and stronger within yourself and that's a wonderful feeling that provides a little more self-empowerment, security, and inner peace each time. Who wouldn't want that?
I hope, my little excursion into the death card gave you some laughs, new perspectives and food for thought. I'd love to hear about your thoughts on this and what your favourite Tarot card is and why. Let me know in the comments or shoot me a mail at info@tirzaschaefer.com. Thank you!
For your personal reading, visit my services page and choose your preferred option.
March 31, 2023
Wake of Sins by Catrin Russell
WAKE OF SINS is the fifth book in the completed THE LIGHT OF DARKNESS SERIES by Catrin Russell. It is the one before last in the series and, as always, how do you give details without spoilers? I’ll try to keep close to the edge but if there’s a little TMI in here, forgive me, but I’m so in love with the story and all its characters.
It begins with a court intrigue, moves on to the happy main couple, Anaya, a light wielding High Priestess, and former arch enemy, now doting husband, Panther Prime and powerful patriarch, Samael. And their son is just so cute! But there’s also teenager Lee who doesn’t know who his father is but is trained by Samael for the Obsidian Trials, sweet as pie, not only Anaya's servant but also her son Aaron’s favourite ride. And I suspect he’s got a crush on a certain tailor-cum-spy.
The Unn are no more, except innocent Nia, her lover Gus and young Jason. Nia agrees to a special mission in order to save the man she loves and he and Jason, in turn, try to help Edric put together the puzzle pieces of his past. (You can read Edric's tragic, dark backstory in The Redeemed.)
And there are my personal favourite characters, Lilith, the headstrong former matriarch, now retired, but still keeping a tab on everything. She is Samael's mother and dotes on her grandson. I love empowered mature women in fiction and this panther peeress is definitely a prime example of it. You’ve just got to love her!
The second is an older male character but somewhat younger still than Lilith and that is Kaedin, a high priest who loves horses, is a former knight whom the king wants desperately back in his service but stays in the priesthood, and he’s just the perfect mix of power, intelligence, strength, wisdom and experience, and hmm-hmmm! Sexy!!! Yes, Kaedin is totally the kind of warrior that makes me go weak at the knees. I’m not the only one but read it for yourself.
There is lots more going on, more people joining the plot, more adventure, intrigue, battle and cunning. But I don’t want to put in any spoilers. Just a word of warning: If you can’t follow a complex plot with complex and varied characters, this is NOT for you. It’s okay. Not everyone has the same mental capacities and can read and discern subtext. It’s sub-tle, after all. So be warned.
The author writes in beautiful style that is different to but can totally hold its own beside the big names of high and epic fantasy. And her storytelling has the added bonus that there’s lots of romance to go with it, all woven perfectly into the storyline. (For the puritans, beware, there are on-page love scenes.)
I’m not ashamed to proclaim that this author has grown on me so much over the course of this absolutely fantastic series that she is now my favourite fantasy author ever!
And even though there isn’t a cliffhanger as such, there are enough open strands that make me wring my hands with impatience to lay my hands on the final installment of this series, The Thousand Year Divide, so I’ll finally be able to piece all these puzzle parts together. Good thing, I only have to walk up to my bookshelf where it’s already waiting for me.
A last piece of advice I’d like to provide you with is a list of items to keep handy:
a bottle of something strong tissues – lots of them – a play sword painkillers and free hands to hold your belly or massage your jaw. a healthy smoothie to combat an extended book hangover may come in useful as wellThis book has made me laugh out loud, shed tears, hold my breath, relax, shoot to the edge of my seat... You want an emotion, no matter which, the author delivers! And you’ll love every moment of that ride. I did. And now I’m looking forward to reading Book 6, The Thousand Year Divide next!
Books by Catrin RussellThe Power of Conviction (Book 1)
The Path of Salvation (Book 2)
The Resurgence of Light (Book 3)
The Thousand Year Divide (Book 6)
The Light of Darkness Books 1-3 Boxset
A KINGDOM SCARRED SERIES
DARKNESS DIVIDED SERIES
Deathfall Wraith (Prequel 1)
Follow Catrin Russell on Social MediaCatrin Russell is a Fantasy and Romance author from northern Sweden. Her books are all written in English and are mainly part of the Epic and High Fantasy Genre. However, she does use influences from Dark Fantasy, and a touch of Fantasy Romance.
Growing up outside a small town, basically in the middle of nowhere, Catrin eventually moved to Stockholm, where she studied computer game development and design. Meeting her soon-to-become husband online, she lived outside of London for the best parts of a year, before finally settling down in Piteå, back in Sweden. Since then, three children and two dogs have joined the family.
With a background in design and holding a degree as a registered nurse, she writes novels in medieval settings, with plenty of action and romance. She often brings moral struggles, or highlights issues in society, into her writing. Another subject that is often highlighted is mental health.
Catrin also creates concept art, bringing her characters to life on the screen, and her own cover designs, much of which can be seen on her social media pages.
February 19, 2023
Unwrapping Card Decks: Crystal Visions Tarot
WELCOME TO UNWRAPPING CARD DECKS! Let me introduce you to one of my card decks, tarot and oracle cards, in a video, showing each individual card of a deck with my commentary. Enjoy!
Tirza xxx
This week, we look at the Crystal Visions Tarot by ,Jennifer Galasso:
https://youtu.be/AFgzPBq-oxAPlease don't forget to like the video and subscribe to my channel!
For your personal reading, visit my services page and choose your preferred option.
February 13, 2023
Unwrapping Card Decks: Egyptian Tarot - 22 Grand Trumps
WELCOME TO UNWRAPPING CARD DECKS! Let me introduce you to one of my card decks, tarot and oracle cards, in a video, showing each individual card of a deck with my commentary. Enjoy!
Tirza xxx
This week, we look at Egyptian Tarot - 22 Trumps by ,Lo Scarabeo:
https://youtu.be/eYYlsCTUpx8Please don't forget to like the video and subscribe to my channel!
For your personal reading, visit my services page and choose your preferred option.
February 5, 2023
Unwrapping Card Decks: The Ancient Egyptian Tarot
WELCOME TO UNWRAPPING CARD DECKS! Let me introduce you to one of my card decks, tarot and oracle cards, in a video, showing each individual card of a deck with my commentary. Enjoy!
Tirza xxx
This week, we look at ,The Ancient Egyptian Tarot by ,Clive Barrett:
https://youtu.be/CR9ThnLuo7cPlease don't forget to like the video and subscribe to my channel!
For your personal reading, visit my services page and choose your preferred option.
January 30, 2023
Heels for the Holidays by Lady Jaguar / Jayne Lockwood
HEELS FOR THE HOLIDAYS is a standalone Christmas romance novel in the Going Down/Switchblade series by Lady Jaguar, a.k.a. Jayne Lockwood.
Super sexy winter-warmer!
This super sexy winter-warmer plays out over two Christmas holidays and features my two favourite characters by this author, Tino and Richard. Tino is a small gay man with lots of charm, sass and glamour but mostly, he has a very big heart with lots of love for pansexual Richard, the sometimes downright insanely acting CEO with a criminal past. Richard is a tough nut to crack but Tino has brought him down to his knees and married him.
In the first part of the book, the two aren’t married yet and still in the early stages of their acquaintance and relationship. In the second part, they celebrate their first Christmas together as a married couple. I won’t go into many details as not to spoil anything but some things need to be mentioned.
The heels: Tino totally aces high heels and Richard goes insane with lust and desire when he sees Tino strut and dance in them. The Lamborghini: Richard’s toy and Tino’s death trap. The pole: Tino is the sexiest pole dancer Richard has ever seen.
The banter: The banter between these two lovable characters has made me scream with laughter so often, tears running down my cheeks and hiccups wrecking my body. Not just in this or other books featuring them but also on the author’s Instagram posts. If you follow her for a while already, you know what I’m talking about.
The Boudoir: A photographer and a Christmas surprise. SIZZLING hot! We’re talking volcanic eruption here! The love scenes: Off the charts tender, wild, loving, steamy, you name it, it’s in there. If you blush easily, do not read this book in public! You might also want to fan yourself repeatedly. Unless you read it outside in the cold, then the snow might just melt around you.
Follow Jayne Lockwood on Social MediaJanuary 29, 2023
Unwrapping Card Decks: The Muse Tarot
WELCOME TO UNWRAPPING CARD DECKS! Let me introduce you to one of my card decks, tarot and oracle cards, in a video, showing each individual card of a deck with my commentary. Enjoy!
Tirza xxx
This week, we look at ,The Muse Tarot by ,Chris-Anne:
https://youtu.be/japMTbpH4EgPlease don't forget to like the video and subscribe to my channel!
For your personal reading, visit my services page and choose your preferred option.
