Sharon Ledwith's Blog, page 10
March 21, 2024
Book Tour: The Pheeworker's Oath by Adam Gaylord...
Welcome to the -Week Virtual Book Tour Schedule for The Pheeworker’s Oath by Adam Gaylord - SciFi, Speculative Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery March 17-22, 2024)
About The Pheeworker’s Oath:
Humans don’t belong on this world. The refugees who crash-landed on the Atipok homeworld can’t see or touch phee, the elemental power which flows through rock and stone like living rivers of light. From the moment of his hatching, healer Takey has manipulated phee to heal, bending strands to his will to mend muscle and bone for both human and Atipok alike.
But when the Atipok queen is murdered and her death blamed on an orphaned human child capable of pheework, the first of her kind, a rift is torn between the two races that could spell the end of humanity. Anti-human factions seize power and the Atipok army is on the march. Can Takey survive long enough to unravel the strands of conspiracy, protect the child, and broker a peace to avoid genocide without betraying his own people or himself?
Genres:
SciFi, Speculative Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery
Book Tour Schedule:
https://saphsbookpromotions.blogspot.com/2024/03/book-tour-schedule-for-pheeworkers-oath.html
Praise:
From Aimee Ogden, Nebula Finalist:
A compellingly alien protagonist, who alsohas the deeply-held and familiar belief that a better world is possible.
In THE PHEEWORKER'S OATH, neithercompassion nor cruelty are traits limited to humankind. There are no easyanswers to the complexities of human refugees building a new home forthemselves on a different world--but it is easy to care about the compellinglyalien Takey, and about his deeply-held and familiar belief that a better worldis possible.
From Rachael Jones, WFA Finalist &Tiptree Award honoree:
The Pheeworker's Oath is a timely sciencefiction tale about a stranded human colony dependent upon the Atipok, alienswith near-mystical abilities that allow them to control their environment andtheir very bodies. It is a fascinating examination of how manipulative leadersharness fear of the other to gain power, and how the only way to break thatpower is to find kinship with the very beings you've been told to fear. Thisadventure story showcases timeless themes and intriguing worldbuilding. Come forthe cool alien powers, stay for the lizardlike Atipok--but don't you dare callthem Lizards!
Purchase Links:MIRROR WORLD PUBLISHING:
Paperback: https://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com/product/the-pheeworker-s-oath-by-adam-gaylord-paperback-/109
Ebook: hhttps://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com/product/the-pheeworker-s-oath-by-adam-gaylord-e-book-/110
AMAZON:
https://amzn.to/3IBPqLw
Meet the Author:
Adam Gaylord (he/him) lives in Colorado with awife that is smarter than him, their two monster children, and a very handsomedog. When not at work as an ecologist, he’s usually writing, baking, drawingcomics, or some combination thereof. Look him up on GoodReads or find him onTwitter/BlueSky @AuthorGaylord.
Connect with Adam Gaylord :
Twitter:https://twitter.com/AuthorGaylordAmazon US: https://amzn.to/4acJJPB
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8011638.Adam_Gaylord
Publisher Website: http://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com/
March 17, 2024
Author in the Kitchen: A Quick and Easy Easter Dinner Served by Cozy Mystery Author Emma Lane...
My goal is to serve food with aslittle fuss as possible while still producing an attractive, delicious, andhealthy meal for my family and guests. Hopefully this plan will give me moretime to enjoy everyone. I encourage youto add your own favorites.
MENUBaked HamRaisin SauceCandied CarrotsAmbrosiaDinner RollsPeaches al la Mode
Ham
Hams are already cooked you merely want to warm it through. Followthe package directions so as not to dry out the meat.
Raisin Sauce1 ½ cups water¾ cup raisins⅓ cup packed brown sugar1 pinch salt1 tsp. cornstarchBring water to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in raisins,then boil until raisins are very tender, 5 minutes.
Whisk in brown sugar and salt, then gradually whiskin cornstarch to avoid lumps forming. Simmer over low heat until glaze hasthickened, 10 minutes.
Serve in a gravy boat for your family and friends to spoononto their ham.
Candied Carrots
Are always afavorite. This recipe works great in your microwave.5 – 8 baby or mini carrots per person2 tbsp. butter2 tbsp. brown sugarDash of maple syrup ¼ cup waterParsley for garnish, optional
Cut carrots in half or thirds into long pieces.
Mix remaining ingredients in a microwave safe bowl. Stir incarrots. Nuke until carrots are fork tender. Careful not to overcook. Spoon sauceover carrots before serving.
Ambrosia
I have mentioned before I amoriginally from the south of the U.S. Orangesand coconut mixed together is Ambrosia in South Georgia. Use a prettyglass bowl if you have one. I use my mother’s cranberry bowl and love thecontrast of the bright orange colors. This is a messy recipe to prep as youmust remove the orange membrane. Do prepare the dish the day before andrefrigerate to really blend the flavors.
1 orange per person if small, ½ if large1 cup shredded sweetened coconut¼ cup orange juice1 small can crushed pineappleStir all ingredients together then scoop into a serving bowl.
Canned biscuits or CrescentRolls
Follow the recipe on the package.
Peaches a la Mode1 can sliced peaches in light syrupVanilla ice creamGranola, optionalMaraschino cherriesCherry juiceSpoon 3 – 5 peach slices in individual dessert dishes. Add agenerous double scoop of vanilla ice cream. Top with a maraschino cherry and asprinkling of granola. Drizzle sparingly with cherry juice.
Other fruits are also tasty prepared this way.
Here is a brief intro to the cozy mystery series Emma writes.
MURDER in the JUNKYARD sees the demise of a man no one likes, a romance, and plans for a wedding as Detective Fowler and his friends keep their small-town America free from danger.
Detective Kevin Fowler is furious that low life has targeted his town where people live in blissful safety. Brenda Bryant is out junkn’ for good things when she stumbles over the grotesque body of a man beloved by no one. Suspense heats up when large sums of money are found in two different places. Drug money is suspected and Brenda targeted by someone who wants the money returned. Detective Fowler faces surprise after surprise as he peels back the surface of Hubbard, New York and deals with its shocking underbelly. Meanwhile romance infiltrates the group of friends with a wedding in the making.
Emma Lane is a gifted author who writes cozy mysteries as Janis Lane, Regency as Emma, and spice as Sunny Lane. She lives in Western New York where winter is snowy, spring arrives with rave reviews, summer days are long and velvet, and fall leaves are riotous in color. At long last she enjoys the perfect bow window for her desk where she is treated to a year-round panoramic view of nature. Her computer opens up a fourth fascinating window to the world. Her patient husband is always available to help with a plot twist and encourage Emma to never quit. Her day job is working with flowers at Herbtique and Plant Nursery, the nursery she and her son own.
Look for information about writing and plants on Emma's new website. Leave a comment or a gardening question and put a smile on Emma's face.
Stay connected to Emma on Facebook and Twitter . Be sure to check out the things that make Emma smile on Pinterest .
March 10, 2024
Celebrate Your Name! Even If You Change It by Sweet Romance Author Catherine Castle...
March 7-13 was Celebrate Your Name week. Established in 1997 by American onomatology hobbyist Jerry Hill, Celebrate Your Name Week (CYNW) is a week for embracing and celebrating your name.
Before you say, “Why would I want to celebrate my name?” think about this--your name identifies you. It is the one thing that will be in your life now and forever. It can define your ethnicity, your heritage, how you look at yourself, and sometimes how others look at you. If you hate your name you can change it, but the original moniker will still be on your birth certificate. Your name will be used throughout your life to identify you in a myriad of ways: on your driver’s license, bank accounts, health accounts, mortgage deeds, insurance policies, social media accounts, professionally, and friends and family will say your name hundreds of thousands, or even millions of times, over the course of your life.
Think about your name or names if you have a middle one. Do you know what they mean? Do you know how you got them? Do you know how long it took your parents to decide on what to name you? How important was your name to those who named you? Have you ever wanted to change your name, and if so why? How did that change work out for you?
I know the answers to a few of those questions. My birth names mean pure and peace. I was named after both of my grandmothers, whose names at the time of my birth were very old-fashioned. My aunt Ella, on my father’s side, always addressed me by my first and my middle names. I suppose she didn’t want me to forget my paternal grandmother, whom I never met. I can still recall my aunt’s voice addressing me. She was the only one who ever called me by both names and somehow it became extra special to me.
I don’t know how long it took my parents to decide on my name or whether they had chosen it before I was born or after. Back then you had to have male and female options, since the gender was a surprise until the baby arrived.
I do know that it was very important to my mother that people called me Catherine, not Cathy. While in high school I shortened my name to Cathy and introduced myself that way at school. Catherine was too long to write on homework papers and very old-fashioned at the time. I wanted to be hipper back then. At church, and in front of my mother, I was always Catherine.
That dichotomy caused me a lot of problems. Although I cautioned any boy to whom I gave my home phone number to ask for Catherine—not Cathy, they invariably forgot. When Mom got to the phone before I did, which was often since she had a phone beside her easy chair, I’d hear, “Sorry, there’s no one here by that name.” Then she’d hang up the phone and glare at me. I lost a lot of potential boyfriends and dates that way. One icy answer from my mother and they never called back. I think they thought I’d given them the run-around with a wrong number. As the years went by, I grew out of my Cathy phase and now I have to correct people when they shorten my name. I still answer to Cathy at my high school reunions. Mom’s not around anymore to glare at me in disapproval and it’s just easier for those few hours to answer to the nickname.
My grandmother was called Cat by her brothers. I used to think that was a horrible nickname and cringed whenever I heard her addressed that way. When my nieces and nephews came along, Cat was easier to say than Catherine, so I adopted Grandma’s nickname. It shocked the heck out of my family when I gave those babies the okay to call me Cat. Now I’m Aunt Cat to all of them. I now eschew the high school nickname I gave myself and love the birth name I once hated. Ain’t life funny?
When I began my fiction-writing career, I changed my name again. I kept my first name, because I like it a lot now. I’ve grown into it. I also thought keeping my first name would be less confusing at writing conferences. If someone called me Nancy, I might think they were talking to another person and unintentionally ignore them. That would be bad. I did, however, choose a different last name—one that would fit easier on a book cover and had a nice alliteration to my first name. My pen name is Catherine Castle. With that name change I became an author of sweet and inspiration romance.
I still remember the first time a stranger in a bookstore asked, “Are you Catherine Castle?”
Startled, I looked at her and said, “Yes, I am.” No one had ever recognized my author persona before and I wondered how she knew me.
She must have seen the question in my gaze because she said, “I recognize you from your picture on your website.”
I left the bookstore with a big grin on my face that lasted for several hours. A complete stranger knew who Catherine Castle, the author, was!
Shakespeare wrote, in Romeo and Juliet, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet…" This popular quote is often used to imply that it didn’t matter that Romeo’s name was associated with the house of Juliet’s family’s sworn enemy.
I suggest that your name does matter and that your name affects who you are. A boy named Sue will have a very different life than one named Chauncy. So if you love your name, or are just indifferent to it, embrace it. Take a few minutes this week to celebrate your name. Find out everything you can about your name. Dig into its history. You might be surprised as to why you are named what you are and how your name has made you who you are.
If you need to change your name for some reason, choose wisely. In the Bible, when a name change happened it often reflected some new aspect of one’s life, a thing that changed them and defined their new life paths. Your name can define you, too. So make your new name a good one.
Celebrate name week—Celebrate!
Catherine Castle is very picky about how she chooses the character names for her books. She once wrote an entire book inserting the name Mother 2 into the pages because she couldn’t think of the right name for that antagonist character. Her critique partners thought it was a real hoot, but when she finally came up with Mother 2’s name—Tiberia—they all agreed it fit her perfectly.
In her book A Groom for Mama, she named one of the characters in honor of a dear friend who battled cancer. Here’s a peek at the blurb.
Beverly Walters is dying, and before she goes, she has one wish—to find a groom for her daughter. To get the deed done, Mama enlists the dating service of Jack Somerset, Allison’s former boyfriend.
The last thing corporate-climbing Allison wants is a husband. Furious with Mama’s meddling, and a bit more interested in Jack than she wants to admit, Allison agrees to the scheme as long as Mama promises to search for a cure for her terminal illness.
A cross-country trip from Nevada to Ohio ensues, with a string of disastrous dates along the way, as the trio hunts for treatment and A Groom For Mama.
Multi-award-winning author Catherine Castle loves writing. Before beginning her career as a romance writer, she worked part-time as a freelance writer. She has over 600 articles and photographs to her credit, under her real name, in the Christian and secular market. She also lays claim to over 300 internet articles written on a variety of subjects and several hundred poems. In addition to writing, she loves reading, traveling, singing, theatre, quilting and gardening. She’s a passionate gardener whose garden won a “Best Hillside Garden” award from the local gardening club. She writes sweet and inspirational romances. You can find her award-winning Soul Mate books The Nun and the Narc and A Groom for Mama, on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
March 3, 2024
A Recipe and Read: Piping Hot and Wonderful Minestrone Soup and a Romantic Suspense by Vonnie Hughes...
This soup tastes great and is sure to be a crowd pleaser. It's a must in our house whenever the weather turns cold.
MINESTRONE SOUP
1 tbsp. butter4 slices bacon, chopped or ½ lb. gravy beef, minced/ground
1 onion, chopped
½ lb. fresh tomatoes or 1 jar/can, chopped
1 carrot, scraped and chopped
1 potato, peeled and chopped
2 sticks celery or other seasonal vegetable, chopped
½ cup haricot beans that have been soaked overnight, green beans work too
3 tbsp. macaroni
3 tbsp. rice
3 tbsp. spaghetti
½ tsp. salt
Pepper to taste
Melt butter in a frying pan. Add bacon or meat and fry until crisp. Stir in onion and tomatoes.
Carefully pour mixture into a slow cooker or pressure cooker. Fill pot halfway with water. Stir in remaining ingredients.
Cook 2 hours in slow cooker or 15 minutes in pressure cooker.
Here's a little from my latest romantic suspense. I hope you enjoy it.
Who can you trust if you can’t trust your own mother? Through the clammy fog, Celie Francis hears the chilling message. “I know who you are, Celie. I know where you live.” And in the terrifying aftermath she reconnects with her dysfunctional family in ways she had never imagined.BLURB:
Abused and abandoned as a child, Célie Francis knows better than to trust anyone. But after she witnesses a murder, she's placed in the Unit "New Zealand's witness protection program" where she's expected to trust strangers with her life.
It's psychologist Brand Turner's job to ease witnesses into their new identities, not to protect them, but Célie stirs feelings in him that are far from professional. When it appears someone is leaking critical information that could endanger Célie, Brand will do anything to protect her. But first he has to convince her to trust him.
Adrift in a frightening world, Célie would like to believe the handsome psychologist is everything he seems, but as witnesses are murdered and danger swirls around them, Célie must decide "can she trust Brand with her life?
BUY LINKS AMAZON
The Wild Rose Press e-book - The Wild Rose Press Paperback Walmart
Vonnie Hughes is a multi-published author in both Regency books and contemporary suspense. She loves the intricacies of the social rules of the Regency period and the far-ranging consequences of the Napoleonic Code. And with suspense she has free rein to explore forensic matters and the strong convolutions of the human mind. Like many writers, some days she hates the whole process, but somehow she just cannot let it go.Vonnie was born in New Zealand, but she and her husband now live happily in Australia. If you visit Hamilton Gardens in New Zealand be sure to stroll through the Japanese Garden. These is a bronze plaque engraved with a haiku describing the peacefulness of that environment. The poem was written by Vonnie.
All of Vonnie’s books are available on The Wild Rose Press and Amazon .
Learn more about Vonnie Hughes on her website and blog . Stay connected on Facebook and Goodreads . a>.
February 25, 2024
Authors: Do you Know your Top Strengths…
Have you ever heard ofthe VIA Institute on Character? If you go to their website, they ask if you want to do a free survey tofind out what your top strengths are, and how you can apply them in your life.Character Strengths are the positive parts of your personality that impact howyou think, feel, and behave. So, me being the consummate learner, I decided totake the survey. You have to create an account just to take the survey, thenyou can unsubscribe if you wish. Of course, if you want more information aboutyour strengths, you can pay for the certain packages, but I declined. I was morecurious on what this survey—which takes about ten minutes to complete—wouldreveal. They give you three categories: your tops strengths, middle strengths,and lesser strengths. For the purpose of this article, I’m going to share mytop strengths with you.
Drum roll please. Mynumber top strengths are…
Honesty (flagged under Courage): Speaking the truth but more broadlypresenting oneself in a genuine way and acting in a sincere way; being withoutpretense; taking responsibility for one’s feelings and actions.
Kindness (flagged under Humanity): Doing favors and good deeds forothers; helping them; taking care of them.
Humor (flagged under Transcendence): Liking to laugh and tease;bringing smiles to other people; seeing the light side; making (not necessarilytelling) jokes.
Spirituality (flagged under Transcendence): Having coherent beliefs aboutthe higher purpose and meaning of the universe; knowing where one fits withinthe larger scope of life.
Gratitude (flagged under Transcendence): Being aware of and thankful forthe good things that happen; taking time to express thanks.
Wow. I was impressed!Especially with all those transcendence flags. I actually checked in the mirrorto see if I had wings. LOL! Having no expectations, it was a fun survey to do,and I’d have to admit quite eye-opening. So, how can I put these strengths togood use in my author life, I wondered? Since our characters stem from ourimagination, and are part of our psyche, it would make sense to pass along oneor a few of these strengths along to your characters. I noticed that I’ve donethis in the past with most of my characters. Guess you really write what youknow! I’ve done this through showing, rather than telling. A gesture. An act. Adialogue with another character. Bringing out your character’s strengths canhelp you connect to your audience all the more. It’s like part of yourauthentic self is tucked into your character’s pocket or up a sleeve.
This technique canwork well with animals too, if you choose to include them in your book like Ididwith Lost and Found . Each shelteranimal had their own personality and strengths to add into the story mix, andmade them so relatable. If you’re thinking about doing this survey, then alsoinclude your middle or lesser strengths to make your characters all the morebelievable and yes, even flawed. Funny, my last lesser strength (there’s atotal of 24 altogether) was Leadership (flagged under Justice). Makes sensesince I’m a writer, and used to working alone.
Ready to take the survey?Have I piqued your interest? Give it a go if you dare. You just might learnsomething about you, and the characters you create. Comment and let me know ifyou’ve taken or would like to take the VIA survey. Would love to read yourcomments. Cheers and thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I appreciateyou!
February 21, 2024
Book Spotlight: Peter Little Wing by Canadian Children's Author Regan W. H. Macaulay...
I recently released myfirst ever middle-grade novel. I’m so incredibly excited and proud...it wasabout 20 years in the making.
I wrote PeterLittle Wing (book one of an upcoming series of four novels for readers8 and up) shortly after my first visit to Aotearoa New Zealand. I went there asa pre-wedding honeymoon with my then fiancé, now husband, Kevin. To say thisplace was inspiring—the gorgeous landscape that one can only attempt to capturein photographs and video, the wildly fascinating creatures (mostly birds!), andwarm, friendly people (who often call themselves kiwi—after their nationalicon, the kiwi bird)—it had my imagination bursting with possibilities. Thecharacters came first, and their locations: the New Zealand National Aquariumin Napier, Hawke’s Bay’s art deco town, and the facility next door calledMarineland (which I called Marine Rescue in the book). These were to becritters from captivity, but their quest would see them stranded in thewilderness, that much I knew.
I crafted a story ofadventure—a quest to save the grandfather of a kiwi named Peter, but I alsoinfused the book with truths about a real place. And the characters were allreal and very unique animals, often endemic to New Zealand. I want readers tofind out about this wonderful place and the creatures who inhabit it, whilethey’re whisked away on a journey that these uncommon and endangered creaturestake—an adventure not dissimilar to the one Kevin and I embarked on all the wayback in November of 2003.
And so, it came to bethat a story about Peter, a captiveSouthern Fiordland tokoeka kiwi, and his friends from the National Aquarium andMarine Rescue—Onion, a little blue penguin with an inner-ear imbalance; Tim, atuatara with Generalized Anxiety Disorder; and Rangi, a kea with clippedwings—and their quest through the unfamiliar wilderness of New Zealand insearch of three ingredients needed to create an elixir to cure Peter’s ailinggrandfather, Nandy Enzo, flowed out onto my laptop screen. After years of rewrites,submissions, notes from editors, publishers, and beta readers, more revisions,and lots more rejections, I found a home for Peter Little Wing, andthe book is out in the wild!
Together, thisunusually diverse group of friends traverse the length of the South Island ofAotearoa, all the way across the Cook Strait and back home to the North Island.They learn what they are all capable of in the wild of the wop wops, and whatthe world beyond the "Walls of Shadows" of Peter’s habitat is all about.And I finally had the opportunity to learn the ins and outs—the digressions,and the main but multiple paths—of taking a book from inspiration through topublication, and now beyond.
Allow me to share a bitof the story with you now…specifically, the second half of Chapter 1. It shouldgive you an idea of where the story goes fromthere.
An excerpt from the second half of Chapter 1:
"Wecan't expect much help from the humans. They just don't know what's wrong—"Nandy Enzo sneezed and a shiver like ice ran along Peter's spine. Nandy'sbrown, wilting feathers swelled, then fell again as he heaved a sigh.
Peterswayed on the spot. He opened his beak as he searched his mind for words.Nothing came out.
"I'mjust a bit knackered is all, don't fret. Come back later and we will sing somestories..." And his grandfather was asleep.
Peterturned and climbed out of the burrow, his cheeks burning and his insideschurning. As he breached the den hole,
Peter wasmet by the rest of his kiwi family. They circled around and watched himclosely. He explored the expressions on their faces—their collective gaze washeavy.
Peteropened his beak. "I...I didn't know what to say to him."
Bessrushed up and put her neck around his in an embrace. "You didn't have tosay anything." Her voice shook.
Peterpulled away. "I should have said something while he was still awake."
"It'sall right, Peter." Uncle Lloyd took a step towards him. Peter did not findhis uncle's hesitant tone reassuring.
"Ithought I could be braver than all our kiwi ancestors from Nandy'sstories." Worry ate at the edges of Peter's skin. "When it reallymattered, I couldn't say anything." Shame drizzled from the top of hishead to the tips of his toes like an electric sweat.
"Hmph!"Ms. Elsa sniffed, interrupting whatever reply Bess might have given. "Idoubt the humans' foul medicines jammed into the side of his beak or injectedinto his thigh, or anything fancy like that will cure Enzo. No, no! It didn'twork for Louis, so it won't work miracles now."
Peterbristled upon Ms. Elsa's mention of his father. "But there must besomething we can do." Peter held back a glare as an anxious pick stabbedat his heart.
"Us?A heap of captive kiwi? I suppose a young upstart like you will succeed whereeven our human caretakers have failed. Ha!" Ms. Elsa snorted, dislodging abit of dirt from her nostril, sending it through the air towards the burrow. Itlanded neatly along the top rim of the entranceway.
Petercouldn't help but peek at it with a sideways glance. Normally, he would have tostifle a chortle, but this time the mood felt too somber. "But you justsaid their human medicines aren't going to work!" Heat inflamed Peter'sface. He struggled to keep his voice even.
"Theboy's right, on that count." Ms. Elsa was apparently oblivious to herdirt-booger projectile. "The humans are ignorant. We're going to have tofigure out a way to tell them what Nandy Enzo requires."
"Howin the name of Nature are you going to do that?" Lloyd's voice rose withevery word he spoke. "You going to walk up to a human when they come in todo maintenance and just natter at them? Think they'll know what you're onabout?"
"Whatdo you suggest?" Ms. Elsa puffed out her aging feathers. They vibratedwith hostility.
"It'sjust silly is all. I don't have any idea what we should do."
AuntMyrtle joined in, a hint of sarcasm tainting her voice. "That's veryuseful." She then turned her attention to the fussing and grooming ofUncle Lloyd's feathers, despite his protests.
Petersighed loudly. "Do you know what he needs?" There was a significantpause while Peter waited. "What would you tell the humans to do, if youcould?"
Ms. Elsacocked her head. She scratched at the ground with two of her toes, makingcircular patterns in the earth, while Peter's patience grew thinner. Then shehummed a tune. Peter thought he might have recognized it. Had he heard thistune while inside his egg? Did Nandy Enzo used to sing him to sleep this way?Ms. Elsa snapped her head back up, and her beak wagged. "It's a matter ofingredients."
"Whatingredients?" Peter took a quick step forward.
"That'sthe difficult part. The song is from the time of our ancestors from the wopwops. It's been goinground and round in my head for days, now. It must havethe answers we need! But none of you have ever seen or smelled the itemsmentioned in this song. You were all born in captivity. I haven't likely,either. So, I do not know the names for these ingredients, boy."
Peter'sgizzard rose at Ms. Elsa's mention of never having smelled or seen items fromthe wild. Peter's secret surfaced in his mind, but his heart sank. "Whatgood is that to us, then?"
"Now,now, boy, try to be patient! Patience is a virtue every winged creature on theislands should have in abundance. Patience and caution. Caution and precaution.Precaution and prudence and vigilance. Constant vigilance!"
Peterfelt his eyes roll and quickly stared back at the ground. He lifted his face toMs. Elsa again. "Is there anything you can tell us about the ingredients?Any clues?"
"Yes,yes, of course, boy! Now, let me see...it's a rhyme in three verses. We've allheard it. Haven't the foggiest what it means, but I'm sure it'simportant:"
Rememberkiwi, when under the weather,
Take this mixture in perfect measure:
Meal from the dust of the oily wood tree, Gold-banded stabber-folk make remedy
Bid farewell to the germs on your insides,
Say goodbye to the bugs on your outsides.
Peter was dumbfounded by the sing-song lullaby.
Suddenly,Bess chimed in. "Yes, I've heard this! You used to sing it to me,Mum." She nuzzled against Aunt Myrtle's side and proceeded to sing thesecond verse.
Add themuscle of this animal chest,
With colours bright as sunset in the west. Grind its stone armour and extractyou'll find, And salt from the ocean for gizzard to grind. With vitamins,you'll be rejuvenated,
From lethargy, you'll be liberated.
Aunt Myrtle picked up the tune:
Gather the petals of the crimson bloom, Collect its dust 'fore thestabber-folk consume. Petals like star bursts stem the bleeding,
Fine powderdust gives pain no feeling. Stir and warm each item overnight,
And thenyou will find that all is put right. "And that's all."
"That'smore like a riddle than a nursery rhyme," Peter muttered. Might aswell just retell old history tales to Nandy and see if that does him any good."How is anyone supposed to figure that out?"
"Don'tbe a hard case, boy. You've far too much bitterroot in your blood for such ayoung one." Ms. Elsa snorted.
"Butthe humans won't recognize these ingredients." Bess glanced at Peter witha glint in her eye that told him arguing would do no good. "Humans aren'tin touch with The Deep Understanding. They've drifted away from it."
"Oh,she's right," said Uncle Lloyd after a prolonged but not unusual absencefrom the conversation. "They never see what's right in front ofthem."
"I'mnot sure we'd do better. How would we recognize anything outside of ourhabitat?" When Bess glanced at Peter again, he thought of his adventuresshe was helping him keep secret. A song he often heard playing throughout theAquarium during the nights of his escapes jumped to mind.
Hit thetrail, down an old dirt road.
"That'sjust fine. I've always said it's too dangerous out there, anyway. Best to stayin here where we belong." Ms. Elsa's eyes flashed over Peter. He felt asting in her stare. Did she know about his nighttime escapes?
"Looknow, how does any of this help my Da? We can't just let him cark it..."Lloyd's voice trailed off.
The restof the family continued to squawk on about the terrors of the world outside andall the fearful things they'd find if they were out among the non-captivecreatures of the wop wops— the ingredients Nandy Enzo required surelybeing just as dangerous in some unknown way.
Peterstalked off, allowing the dilemma to sink in without the pressure of thefamily. He knew that there was no way to communicate these needs to the staffat the Aquarium. Even if they could, the humans wouldn't make any sense out ofthese clues. They were only human beings, after all. An idea gnawed at him,returning him to his memories as a chick.
***
"Ishould like to go outside on a real adventure to the wop wops—out into themiddle of nowhere." Young Peter quickly suppressed a yawn.
"Perhapssomeday you shall, Peter Little Wing," replied Nandy Enzo. "Butremember this—captivity is not a bad place. Inside can be good in some ways andbad in others, but so can the wop wops. Whether you are captive or wild, alwayslisten to the voice inside you with an unfettered heart. It will tell you whatyou need to know with a clarity that Ms. Elsa's tall tales never will!"
Peterwatched his Nandy Enzo chortle and sigh between drooping eyelids. Nandy pushedin more warm feathers and twigs around him, then he whispered to Peter one lasttime before sleep sped him away to the land of dreams.
"Ah,little one. If only your parents had lived to see what a brave and intelligentkiwi you are growing up to be."
***
...Shoved off, the song continued to play in Peter's mind…on myown.
l have tounriddle the riddles. l'll go into the wop wops and
find theingredients. But l won't go alone.
Get your copy of PeterLittle Wing directly from my website (especially if you want a signedcopy!): https://www.reganwhmacaulay.com/peter-little-wing.html
…from PandamoniumPublishing House: https://pandamoniumpublishing.com/product/peter-little-wing-pre-order-for-february-6-2023/
…and anywhere online,including Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Peter-Little-Wing-Regan-Macaulay/dp/1989506658/ref=sr_1_1?crid=380CJPPZKLGM5&keywords=Peter+Little+Wing+by+Regan+W.+H.+Macaulay&qid=1674148126&sprefix=peter+little+wing+by+regan+w.+h.+macaulay%2Caps%2C76&sr=8-1
Regan W. H. Macaulay is a multi-award-winning author of novels,short stories, children's literature, and scripts.
Writingis her passion, but she's also a producer and director of theatre, film, andtelevision (Triple Take Productions). She is an animal enthusiast as well, whichled her to become a Certified Canine and Feline Massage Therapist (Kuri K9Massage).
As anauthor, Regan spins fun-filled tales with whimsical characters that charm anddelight readers. Her carefully crafted narratives, filled with enchanting characters,offer new vocabulary and gentle wisdom.
Eachadventure portrays unique animal characters and weaves in teachable moments.
Reganhails from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where she lives with her husband, Kevin,Chihuahua Raxl, Siamese cat Jacobi (Jack), and an assortment of amphibians andfish.
Her award-winningpicture books include Mixter Twizzle’s Breakfast, BeverleeBeaz the Brown Burmese (and Beverlee la chatte de Birmanie), Sloththe Lazy Dragon, and Libby the Lobivia Jajoiana (all fromMirror World Publishing), Merry Myrrh the Christmas Bat, TamaraTurtle’s Life So Far, and Chloe the Unfeathered Parrot (PandamoniumPublishing House), and Dog Band (Iguana Books).
She also writes booksand short stories for adult readers, including her Trilogy of HorrificallyHalf-baked Ham: Space Zombies! (based on the featurefilm Space Zombies: 13 Months of Brain-Spinning Mayhem! availableon DVD and Amazon Prime), They Suck, and Horror at TerrorCreek.
Find Regan:
Website: https://www.reganwhmacaulay.com/
Don’t forget tosubscribe to my monthly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/686921778797/freeflashfiction
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February 18, 2024
Author in the Kitchen: A Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe and Romantic Read by Cozy Mystery Author Janis Lane...
This is an easycasserole that may be prepared the day before and warmed up on a busy day whendinner should be quick and easy. A box of rice tucked in the pantry is always agreat idea. Changing the flavor makes it your own personal recipe. I’ve made itwith a can of stewed tomatoes and a bit of garlic. You’ll find your ownfavorites to add. Summer sausage gives this dish a Southern flavor. Don’tforget to call out at least two y’alls before the first forkful.
Sausage and RiceCasserole1 box Wild Rice2 onions,chopped¼ cup green peppers,chopped1 lb. bulk groundsausage1 small can slicedmushrooms2 cans cream chickensoup1 can mushroom soup1 cup water1 small can waterchestnuts, drained Slivered almonds, toasted and drained
Preheat oven 350° F.
Cook rice asdirected on package, set aside.
Sauté onion, peppersand sausage until meat is browned. Drain. Stir remaining ingredients, except almonds, withsausage mixture; turn into 9 X 13 baking dish.
Bake 30 – 40minutes. Sprinkle with almond slivers then serve.
Suggested Additional SidesFresh Green beansseasoned with ham bitsLima beansStewed tomatoesFresh rye bread andbutterDessertFruit cup with sliceof pound cake and cheeseIced Tea or coffeeGlass of wine
Here is an intro to Janis's romantic cozy mystery for your reading pleasure.
Snapshot Suspicions is an adventure with Abby, beautiful, vagabond wildlife photographer, and Adam, ruggedly handsome, millionaire protector of the environment.
A dangerous wildlife mystery requires the close attention of Adam and the local sheriff as Abby deals with two hired goons stalking her with a grudge. Basking in the rosy contentment of their love, Abby and Adam must trust each other as they encounter the first rift in their relationship. An engaging puppy presents a conundrum and a terrifying incident.
Abby discovers she can enjoy photographing subjects (AKC) other than wildlife and delights in setting up her own office, while Adam breathes a sign of relief when Abby makes a permanent commitment. Could she finally be thinking of a life time pledge to him?
EXCERPT
As she entered the room, a long arm snaked out and pulled her swiftly toward a broad chest. Her face was again covered with kisses that trailed down her face, sidetracked to explore a curled ear with a sip on a tiny lobe, and continued a path of kisses until it landed against her lips, which were blossoming into a reluctant smile.
“Adam.”
The sandy-haired giant lifted his head from the places he had been attending and settled his piercing blue eyes on her green ones with a satisfied sigh.
“Eve?”
He sat down in a kitchen chair and pulled her onto his lap, wrapping her in a warm embrace and tucking her head on his shoulder. She snuggled contentedly against him. What a wonderful way to greet the day, she thought. Everyone should have a handsome blond giant to cuddle with . . . She could feel herself drifting off.
“Good morning, Abby, my tree sprite. Did you sleep well? I thought you might stay snuggled in bed this morning after such a late night.”
“Adam.” She took a deep breath inhaling the familiar fragrance that she loved. It was all Adam who was so dear to her. She rubbed her face into his shoulder and allowed him to cuddle her for a minute more. Her body relaxed against him, her hand half encircled his rock hard forearm, but her mind struggled with her problem. She knew she had to nip this in the bud if she were ever to have peace. This was exactly what she had feared when she resisted moving in with him, even though she knew she loved him.
“Adam.” She turned her head to stare into his intensely blue eyes, and then shut hers. There was always the danger of falling into those loving pools of blue if a girl were not careful. She knew from experience how mesmerizing they could be.
“You’ve got to control that dog. I know he’s young and means no harm, but you promised to train him. I can’t keep buying new sneakers every single day.” She felt Adam’s deep chuckle before she heard it. His chest erupted in those sounds that brought a smile to her face in spite of her annoyance with the situation.
Amazon Buy Link
Janis Lane is the pen-name for gifted author Emma Lane who writes cozy mysteries as Janis, Regency as Emma, and spice as Sunny Lane. She lives in Western New York where winter is snowy, spring arrives with rave reviews, summer days are long and velvet, and fall leaves are riotous in color. At long last she enjoys the perfect bow window for her desk where she is treated to a year-round panoramic view of nature. Her computer opens up a fourth fascinating window to the world. Her patient husband is always available to help with a plot twist and encourage Emma to never quit. Her day job is working with flowers at Herbtique and Plant Nursery, the nursery she and her son own.
Look for information about writing and plants on Emma's new website . Leave a comment or a gardening question and put a smile on Emma's face.
Stay connected to Emma on Facebook and Twitter . Be sure to check out the things that make Emma smile on Pinterest .
February 11, 2024
Ready for Valentine's? Paranormal Romance Author C.D. Hersh Can Help You Make Any Special Day Count...
This is for all the guys out there who have to figure out what to get the wife for that “special” day. Of course, you have to remember that “special” day first with enough advance notice to be able to even worry about the gift. If you only remember the day as you are coming home from work then stopping at the flower shop is the only recourse, with possibly a box of candy. Candy only if she is not trying to lose weight so you need to pay attention, but that’s best to do all the time. Remembering the “special” day has become much easier since we all carry smart phones. Just load the list of “special” days in with a reminder of that day a week in advance. That should give you plenty of time to start paying attention to get that special gift. Of course, just paying attention you also have to understand what the hints are, or you could end up like the guy in the old joke that said:
“I don’t know what to buy my wife anymore. First, she wanted a mink, so I got her one. Then she wanted a silver fox, so I got her one. She still isn’t happy, and now the house if full of animals.”
Yes, you had better understand what the hints are saying.When writing a story, you can always insert a little fun between the hero and heroine with him forgetting a “special” day, especially when he doesn’t even think of those type of things like the one week, one month anniversary of whatever is special to the heroine. This type of faux pas can give a little levity to some of your conflict between the hero and heroine without it always having to be about life and death. Mixing a little humor into a story can make the characters seem real to the reader.While not about forgetting a “special” day this excerpt from book one in our Turning Stone Chronicles series has a little fun between the hero and heroine.No one knew what Rhys Temple liked better than Alexi Jordan. That’s what made them such good partners. That same intimacy would also make them great lovers, a thought that had crossed her mind many times.
Alexi retrieved Rhys’ birthday cake from the back seat of her car. The privilege of baking this momentous-occasion pastry had almost brought her to blows with the rest of the females in the precinct office. She scooped up his birthday gift and then dropped it as the cake box slid down her arm. A quick slap on the clear plastic lid stopped the perilous drop but squished the yellow roses she’d so carefully crafted onto the German Chocolate cake.
She examined the decorations. Rhys’ name, age, and birthday salutation were intact. She sighed. “So much for presentation.”
A deep chuckle sounded behind her. “Need some help?”
“Hey, birthday boy.” Alexi motioned toward Rhys. “Get your gift.”
His eyebrows rose, and a seductive grin eased across his face as his arm circled Alexi’s waist.
Electricity shot through her causing her to shudder. “Not me.” At least, not for now. “The box. In the car.”
“Oh, that gift.” He released her, his hand trailing across her back.
She jabbed at him with her elbow.
He shrugged, his grin playful. “You can’t blame a guy for trying.”
He’d been “trying” for some time now. It was starting to get to her, but there was no way she could afford to give in. Too many things stood in the way.
As he maneuvered his tall body in front of her, his taut abdomen brushed against her in a way she felt was purposely seductive. Old Spice cologne mixed with a manly scent, uniquely Rhys, drifted past her. She loved the way he smelled.
She backed away. He made concentrating difficult. So much that in the year and a half they’d worked homicide, she’d often been tempted to ask for another partner. But the thought of not spending most days with him always changed her mind.
Have you read a story where something has been inserted about a “special” day being missed or used humor about a special day that made the characters seem genuine?
Putting words and stories on paper is second nature to the husband and wife co-authors whose pen name is C.D. Hersh. They’ve written separately since they were teenagers and discovered their unique, collaborative abilities in the mid-90s while co-authoring a number of dramas, six which have been produced in Ohio, where they live. Their interactive Christmas production had five seasonal runs in their hometown and has been sold in Virginia, California, and Ohio. As high school sweethearts, Catherine and Donald believe in true love and happily ever after. Which is why they write it!
The first four books of their paranormal romance series entitled The Turning Stone Chronicles Series page are available on Amazon. Their standalone novella, Can’t Stop The Music , is in the Soul Mate Tree collection with twelve other authors from various genres.When they aren’t collaborating on a book, they enjoy reading; singing; theatre and drama; traveling; remodeling houses (Donald has remodeled something in every home they’ve owned); and antiquing. Catherine, who loves gardening, has recently drawn Donald into her world as a day laborer. Catherine is an award-winning gardener — you can see some of her garden on their website.
They are looking forward to many years of co-authoring and book sales, and a lifetime of happily-ever-after endings on the page and in real life.
You can see excerpts of their books, connect with, and follow C.D. Hersh at:
February 4, 2024
A Recipe and Read for Valentine's Day by Time Travel Romance Author Stella May...
If you love time travel romances, as well as dunking cookies in your coffee or tea, I've got a treat for you today. I've asked my good friend (and fellow time travel writer) Stella May to join me in my virtual kitchen, and whip up something special for the upcoming Valentine's Day. Whether you share these tasty morsels with your loved one, or savor them for yourself, love is truly in the air, and in your stomach. Wink. Please welcome, Stella, while I put on a pot of coffee and preheat the oven...
This is my hubby’s favorite cookie. I must admit it is mine, too. I hope you like them as well. My recipe makes 10 - 12 medium cookies or 7- 8 large ones.
AlmondCookies
4 egg whites, right out of the refrigerator*⅓ cup organic sugar, or ½ cup for a sweeter taste1 tsp. almond extract1 cup almond flour (I use super-fine blanched)Almonds, slivered or whole
Pre-heat oven to 250° F.
Cover cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Pour egg whites into a glass bowl. Set your mixer onhigh speed. Whip until whites are very firm.
Gradually add sugar, almond extract, and flour. Dropdough onto cookie sheet using a tablespoon or a scooper. Add an almond on topof each cookie, then set pan into oven.
Bake for 20-25 min, then turn off the oven, but leavecookies inside for another 40-45 min.
Remove and enjoy.
*Store the yolks inthe fridge to scramble for breakfast the next morning.Here is a peek atStella’s time travel romance novel for your reading pleasure.
One key unlocks the love of a lifetime…but could alsobreak her heart.
Nika Morris’s sixth sense has helped build a successfulbusiness, lovingly restoring and reselling historic homes on Florida’s AmeliaIsland. But there’s one forlorn, neglected relic that’s pulled at her from themoment she saw it. The century-old Coleman house.
Quite unexpectedly, the house is handed to her on asilver platter—along with a mysterious letter, postmarked 1909, yet addressedpersonally to Nika. Its cryptic message: Find the key. You know where it is.Hurry, for goodness sake!
The message triggers an irresistible drive to findthat key. When she does, one twist in an old grandfather clock throws herback in time, straight into the arms of deliciously, devilishly handsome ElijahColeman.
Swept up in a journey of a lifetime, Nika finds herselffalling in love with Eli—and with the family and friends that inhabit a time noteven her vivid imagination could have conjured. But in one desperate moment ofhomesickness, she makes a decision that will not only alter the course of morethan one life, but break her heart.
’Til Time Do UsPartis available in Kindle and Paperback at AMAZON.
Talented author Stella May is the penname for Marina Sardarova who has a fascinating history you should read on her website. Stella writes fantasy romance as well as time travel romance. She is the author of 'Till Time Do Us Part, Book 1 in her Upon a Time series, and the stand-alone book Rhapsody in Dreams. Love and family are two cornerstones of her stories and life. Stella’s books are available in e-book and paperback through all major vendors.
When not writing, Stella enjoys classical music, reading, and long walks along the ocean. She lives in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband Leo of 35 years and their son George. They are her two best friends and are all partners in their family business.
Follow Stella on her website and blog Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
January 31, 2024
Come Celebrate Sharon Ledwith’s Birthday Bash this February in Atlantis and Fairy Falls…
Welcome to Atlantis.I’ve been expecting you. Welcome to Fairy Falls. Expect the unexpected. Okay,not the real Atlantis or Fairy Falls, but the next best thing! Since Februaryis my birthday month, I like to celebrate the whole month by giving my readersa good deal on my books to bulk up on their winter reading. This year, I’m kicking off my annual birthday bash month by giving readersa discount on each of my books, including my box sets. Starting February 1stand running until February 29th, ALL my ebooks and books will be onsale for $3 off the listed price through the Mirror WorldPublishingonline bookstore. This way, readerscan pick and choose which books or ebooks they would like to dive into.
The discount code for February's promotion is BIRTHDAYBASH. To make this eveneasier for my amazing readers, here'sthe link for the sale which automatically applies the discount, along with theQR Code below it if you wish to use that:
https://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com?cc=BIRTHDAYBASH
The year, 2024, also marks the 10th Anniversary for mypublisher, Mirror World Publishing, which is a big deal in my humble opinion,and quite an achievement. Why, you ask? Well, since I’ve been a publishedauthor, I’ve witnessed many publishers who’ve closed their doors throughbankruptcy or failed business practices, and left their authors to find otherpublishers or alternatives. Many authors never did, and some had a hell of atime getting their rights returned to them. I feel grateful for connecting withMirror World Publishing when I did, as the publisher I was contracted with shutdown in 2015. Call it kismet. Call it fate. Call it destiny. It was totallymeant to be, and I applaud my publisher for keeping up with the times, andchoosing their brand wisely. Kudos, Justine, Robert, Sabrina, and Rhiannon!
If you’re interestedin a journey to Atlantis or Fairy Falls, check out the covers and blurbs foreach book featuredat Mirror World Publishing’s online bookstore. You never know. Maybe you’ll get an intuitive hit of living inAtlantis in a past life, or have a nostalgic feeling of visiting a smalltourist town like Fairy Falls where anything is possible. Wink.
The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis(Book #1):When 13-year-old Amanda Sault andher annoying classmates are caught in a food fight at school, they're given achoice: suspension or yard duty. The decision is a no-brainer. Their two-weekcrash course in landscaping leads to the discovery of a weathered stone arch inthe overgrown back yard. The arch isn't a forgotten lawn ornament but anancient time portal from the lost continent of Atlantis.
Chosenby an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers--legendary time travelers sworn to keephistory safe from the evil Belial--Amanda and her classmates are sent on anadventure of a lifetime. Can they find the young Robin Hood and his merry bandof teens? If they don't, then history itself may be turned upside down.
Legend of the Timekeepers(prequel):
Lilithwas a young girl with dreams and a family before the final destruction ofAtlantis shattered those dreams and tore her family apart. Now refugees, Lilithand her father make their home in the Black Land. This strange, new country hasno place in Lilith’s heart until a beloved high priestess introduces Lilith toher life purpose—to be a Timekeeper and keep time safe.
Summonedthrough the seventh arch of Atlantis by the Children of the Law of One, Lilithand her newfound friends are sent into Atlantis’s past, and given a task thatwill ultimately test their courage and try their faith in each other. Can theTimekeepers stop the dark magus Belial before he changes the seers’ prophecy?If they fail, then their future and the earth’s fate will be altered forever.
The LastTimekeepers and the Dark Secret (Book #2):
Fourteen year-old Jordan Jensenalways considered himself a team player on and off the field, until thesecondTimekeeper mission lands him in Amsterdam during World War Two. Pulled into theworld of espionage, torture, and intolerance, Jordan and the rest of theTimekeepers have no choice but to do whatever they can to stay one step aheadof the Nazis in order to find and protect a mysterious book.
With the help of the Dutch Resistance, an eccentricbaron, Nordic runes, and an ancient volume originating from Atlantis, Jordanmust learn that it takes true teamwork, trust, and sacrifice to keep time safefrom the evils of fascism. Can Jordan find the hero within to conquer thedarkness surrounding the Timekeepers? If he doesn’t, then the terrible truth ofwhat the Nazis did will never see the light of day.
The LastTimekeepers and the Noble Slave (Book #3):
Eleven-year-old Drake Bailey is an analyticalthinker and the genius of the Timekeeper crew. However, no logic ormathematical acumen can change the color of his skin, or prepare him for thisthird Timekeeper mission in antebellum Georgia. To survive, Drake must learn toplay the role of a plantation slave and when confronted with the brutality,hatred, and racism of the deep south, he’ll have to strategically keep one moveahead of his sadistic captors to ensure his lineage continues.
In a dark world of Voodoo, zombies,and ritualistic sacrifice, the Timekeepers must ensure a royal bloodlinesurvives. Can Drake remove both literal and figurative chains to save bothhimself and a devout slave girl from a terrible fate? If he can’t summon thenecessary courage, humanity could stand to lose one of its greatest leaders.
Lost and Found,Book One: Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls:
The Fairy Falls Animal Shelteris in trouble. Money trouble. It’s up to an old calicocat named Whiskey—a sheltercat who has mastered the skill of observation—to find a new human pack leader so that their home willbe saved. With the help of Nobel, the leader of the shelter dogs, the animalsset out to use the ancient skill of telepathy to contact any human who bothersto listen to them. Unfortunately for fifteen-year-old Meagan Walsh, she hearsthem, loud and clear.
Forced to live with her Aunt Izzy in the safe and quiettown of Fairy Falls, Meagan is caught stealing and is sentenced to do communityhours at the animal shelter where her aunt works. Realizing Meagan can hearher, Whiskey realizes that Meagan just might have the pack leader qualitiesnecessary to save the animals. Avoiding Whiskey and the rest of shelter animalsbecomes impossible for Meagan, so she finally gives in and promises to helpthem. Meagan, along with her newfound friends, Reid Robertson and NatalieKnight, discover that someone in Fairy Falls is not only out to destroy theshelter, but the animals as well. Can Meagan convince her aunt and co-workersthat the animals are in danger? If she fails, then all the animals’ voices willbe silenced forever.
Blackflies and Blueberries, Book Two:Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls:
City born and bred, Hart Stewart possesses the gift ofpsychometry—the psychic ability to discover facts about an event or person bytouching inanimate objects associated with them. Since his mother’s death,seventeen-year-old Hart has endured homelessness, and has learned ways to keephis illiteracy under wraps. He eventually learns of a great-aunt living inFairy Falls, and decides to leave the only life he’s ever known for anuncertain future.
Diana MacGregor lives in Fairy Falls. Her mother was a victim of asenseless murder. Only Diana’s unanswered questions and her grief keeps hergoing, until Hart finds her mother’s lost ring and becomes a witness to hermurder.
Through Hart’s psychicpower, Diana gains hope for justice. Their investigation leads them into thecorrupt world threatening Fairy Falls. To secure the town’s future, Hart andDiana must join forces to uncover the shocking truth, or they risk losing thetrue essence of Fairy Falls forever.
Remember,this fantastic deal won’t last long! Plus, I can’t think of a better way toride out the forecast that Mr. Groundhog gives us than relaxing with a goodbook, a comfortable chair, and cozy blanket. Unless you live in the southernhemisphere and get to enjoy reading by the pool or at the beach. Keep warm (orcool), and I hope you choose to escape to the past and have a blast with me,this February! Cheers, and thank youfor taking the time to celebrate my birthday month with me. I appreciate you!
