C.D. Hersh's Blog, page 124
October 10, 2017
Wednesday Special Spotlight The Soul Mate Tree book ten
Shares
Soul Song
by
Mikea Howard
THE LEGEND OF THE SOUL MATE TREE:
I am old, I am ancient, my purpose is clear
To give those who are needy a treasure so dear.
They who come to my roots, touch my bark, stroke my leaves
Find the soul of their lives if they but believe.
When I call and you listen, your prize will be great
If your heart remains open and you don’t hesitate.
Do you yearn? Be you lonely? Is your time yet at hand?
Reach for me and I’ll give to you. I’m yours to command.
For your trust, for your faith, keep my secrets untold
And I’ll gift you forever, to have and to hold.
[image error]
An ancient legend spanning eras, continents, and worlds. To some, it’s nothing more than a dream. To others, a pretty fairy tale handed down through the generations.
For those in critical need of their own happy ending, a gift.
Dottie thought she had it all: a successful singing career, a handsome fiancé, and a starlet’s wardrobe. Sudden betrayal brought it all crashing down around her. Those she trusted most played her as nothing more than a pawn. One misstep while fleeing the scene trapped her in another world alone, save a mysterious visitor.
Guatimozin, an eagle shifter, has spent ages assisting people through the realm between life and death, leading them to join loved ones on either side. No one had ever made him want anything for himself until he discovered this city girl.
Forces plot against them and time is short. Soon, their chance for a happily ever after will be too late.
Buy Link Soul Song
Book Trailer for The Soul Mate Tree Series:
Soul Song Trailer:
Excerpt:
Dottie wiped the tears from her face. Damn him, and damn his floosy too. She’d do what her mother constantly threatened her stepdad with, and remove his cock to wear it proudly on a chain around her neck.
I jus’ gotta find a way out of this kooky forest first.
Making her way back onto her feet, she dusted off her dress in a mindless motion. The fabric passed beneath her strokes smooth and dirt free. She studied the once vibrant red dress she’d worn on stage. The satin now appeared drab and colorless. Her bare feet peeked from beneath its hem, as clean as the moment she’d dabbed them dry from her bath. The blind sprint from her dressing room, across town, and up the hill, should have left them covered in filth.
In exasperation, she threw her arms in the air. “Swell. I mus’ be dead and I’m . . .”
She moved away from the tree to scrutinize her surroundings. As much as Dottie hoped she’d end up in heaven, her mother always insisted that, as a willful child trying to pass as something she wasn’t, her final destination would be a bit further down.
The sensation of electricity passing through the air made every hair stand on end as a matter-of-fact reply came from behind. “No, you aren’t dead, but you’re not exactly alive either. You’re in a realm known as the in-between.”
Spinning around, Dottie came face to face with a stranger. Like the tree, he appeared in color, only he wasn’t pink and purple. Instead, a tall man with reddish tan skin, swirling silver eyes, and waist length striking black hair, stared at her as though regarding a ghost. Thick muscular arms crossed over his chest as his shocked expression eased into a slow smirk, highlighting the defined beak-like nose, high cheekbones, and strong chin framing his mouth.
Nervously licking her lips, she couldn’t help but muse, Di Mi. Well hello, sailor.[image error]
Buy Link Soul Song
Bio:
Writing under Mikea Howard, we are actually Mindy Howard and Kelly Smith, sisters-in-law who share a love for romance, usually paranormal. We have spent the last several years reading and sharing books as well as authors, often making comments about how we’d love to write our own when we ran out of things to read.
While based on our TBR piles, we have not run out of reading material, we decided to write when the muse hit Kelly with a dystopian diesel world and an opening scene with the heroine running out into the woods. Mindy then saw her hero step in, and The Diesel War series was born.[image error]
When Cheryl Yeko and Char Chaffin (AKA CiCi Cordelia) asked us to join this project, we knew exactly who needed this magical tree to find his soul mate. Soul Song is a stand-alone, but set within our Diesel War Series. It is actually Book 2.5, taking place at the same time as Book 3.
We love meeting readers, and try to get to at least two conventions a year. Of course, if we can’t meet in person, you can always find us at the following places:
Find Mikea Howard at:
Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads Instagram Amazon Author page
Other blogs/info on The Soul Mate Tree books:
Book One: Realm of the Dragon, by CiCi Cordelia, Blog post
Book Two: Can’t Stop the Music, by C.D. Hersh, Blog post
Book Three: Between Venus and Mars, by S.C. Mitchell, Blog post
Book Four: The Trail to Love , by Tina Susedik, Blog post
Book Five: Make Me a Match , by Mackenzie Lucas, Blog post
Book Six: A Promise Remembered , by Erin Riley, Blog post
Book Seven: Never Give Up On Love , by Maggie Mundy, Blog post
Book Eight:Once Upon a Lady by Addie Jo Ryleigh, Blog post
Book Nine: Sweet Sacrifice by L.D. Rose, Blog post
October 9, 2017
Tell Again Tuesday After Writing
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
A Stroll on the Estate Side
By M. L. Buchman
I’m going to break from the fiction side of romance and writing this month and I’m going to take a peek under the curtains of the non-fiction side. Specifically, Estate Planning.
Now don’t run away screaming (assuming you haven’t already). These are actually practical thoughts that apply to any type of artist…or even if you just wish you were better organized on behalf of your heirs.
A Bit of Background
There I was merrily writing away, enjoying myself in the wondrous world of romance. Short stories, novels, series…I was having a great time! My wife co-operates our publishing business and is an awesome assistant as well. (I married a research librarian, what can I say. I love librarians! Literally, in her case.)
Anyway, there I was, writing happily along and she said, “There’s no way I can do what you do for the business. I’m so screwed if you die first, so you’re not allowed to. Period.” When someone as mild-mannered as a librarian lays down an edict, it’s time to pay attention.
So, I started looking at how I could organize all my “stuff” so that she had a chance of dealing with it. Or worse yet, my kid, who has had no part in the business beyond being amazingly supportive while growing up. (“Everything is fine here. Now go to your room and write.” I was always reluctant to leave the family evenings, even when they ordered me to do so.) What could I do to organize it for my kid?
So here’s the outline of the solution that took me over a year of research to formulate. . . .
For the rest of the blog go to:
October 5, 2017
Friday Feature YA Fantasy
New Release
Bewitching Hannah
by
Leigh Goff
Hot off the press is Leigh Goff’s exciting YA Fantasy release by Mirror World Publishing. Wizards and witches prevail in this can’t-put-down novel. A must read for everyone, no matter your age, who loves to curl up with a captivating book.
Hannah, the thirteenth great-granddaughter of the Wizard Earl Fitzgerald, has always known she was descended from a troubled legacy of alchemy and dark magic. Although a stranger to her coven in Annapolis, she is no stranger to grief and denial; however, when an ancient prophecy reveals the rise of a young, powerful witch and the impending death of another, she realizes she can no longer afford to suppress the magic that has taken away so much. She seeks out the frighteningly scarred, yet mysterious W who is destined to change her life, but even he cannot prepare her for the secrets she must unlock – including one that reveals the location of an unimaginably powerful elixir.
Enemies will hurt her. Loved ones will make her vulnerable. And the impending prophecy that drives her to unleash her magic will cause her to unearth the sins of the past and doubt any promise of a future. Without knowing whom her true rival is, Hannah isn’t certain she’ll survive the game Fate is playing, and if she loses, she may lose everything, including the ones she loves.
EXCERPT
The imposing entrance segued into the main part of the old family chapel. Shadows flickered across the white walls as candlelight streamed down from an ornate iron chandelier cradling clear-colored hurricanes. Angelic sculptures hung between the arched windows and beneath the cloud-painted ceiling that Michelangelo himself would have envied, four wooden pews graced each side of the aisle.
I tiptoed farther in and spotted another black-lined white envelope on the altar. I was definitely in the right place.
My fingers trembled as I traced the letters that formed my name. This was way beyond ordinary, but why and—more importantly—who?
“W?”
A hint of the Shadow’s amber and woods scent mixed with the faint candle smoke of the chapel. “No. Way.” I spun around ready to stomp right out of there.
In that moment, a heavy gaze fell on me and the air felt charged with electricity. I searched right and left, seeing no one. “W? Whoever you are, show yourself.”
“This will be the hardest thing you’ve ever done.” His potent voice reverberated off the walls and seemed to come from everywhere, including the inside of my head.
I locked my wandering gaze on the loft above the entrance where I spotted his silhouette. “Was leaving me in a burning wreck the hardest thing you ever had to do? Was it?” I raised my volume. “Who are you? Why did you leave me for dead?”
His intake of breath was audible. “I would never. I mean. I didn’t want to do that. I don’t.”
“Oh, lucky me.” I stuck my hands on my hips and tapped an impatient foot on the floor. “If you don’t want to finish me off, then you lured me here to do what, exactly?”
“To help you. I want to help you.”
“Ha!” The sarcastic laugh burst out before I could stop it. “You’ve done a bang up job inspiring my confidence and trust in that department.”
He simmered in silence for a moment. “What do I have to do to inspire you to follow my directions?”
Following someone else’s directions was definitely not my strength. I grimaced, but curiosity got the better of me. “What do you want?”
“You read the note.”
His desire to remain in the shadows was increasingly irritating. “I consider myself a very smart girl, so when a guy who left me in a burning car tells me he wants to help me take on a different deadly problem, I have to wonder if he’s not setting me up to fend for myself again. What’s your motive?”
I dropped my eyes to the envelope, turning it to and fro.
“Emme Blackstone is a mutual enemy and means us both harm.” A tinge of anger laced his tone.
The anger, I understood. After all, we were talking about Emme, but there was also a hint of sadness that intrigued me further. “Why do you think Emme means you harm?”
“It’s inevitable—because of what I am.”
What was he besides completely contemptible?
“It’s in her blood and I believe it’s in her destiny to wreak havoc, especially against someone who can challenge her in talent like you can.”
I dropped my hands to my sides, still clasping the enveloping. “Whoa. Like me? You don’t know me. You don’t know anything about me. How could you? I’ve been gone for the last year.”
A chortle caught in his throat. “What’s a year when you come from a bloodline with hundreds of years of history? A history that’s written down and available to certain people with the right—pedigree.”
Confused, I creased my brow as I continued to stare at his silhouette. “Have you been cyber-stalking me on Ancestry.com or something?”
“Hardly.” There was disdain in his voice as if he considered cyber-stalking to be worse than leaving a girl to die.
“Look, whatever you think you know about my family, I’m not like them. I’m not talented, and I don’t want to challenge Emme. I just want to live a normal life. Normal.” My voice escalated. “Do you hear me all the way up there?”
He huffed. “Normal? You don’t get to pretend to be normal when you’re not. It doesn’t work like that. Not in Annapolis. Someone always knows. Someone always unravels your secrets.”
I thought of the Witch’s Grave. I pictured the women’s slender figures dangling from sturdy, gnarled branches. Their tragic endings proved what I already knew. Magic only brought suffering and death. “You make it sound like I don’t have a choice. I’m telling you I do, and I won’t be a part of this.” I stomped my foot hard on the floor.
He shifted from the shadows into a dim ray of light, seething. “You read the note and you know Emme won’t stop. You need my help.”
I glared, trying desperately to make out the details of his face. “I don’t need anything from you.”
“You don’t have to like it, but that doesn’t change the fact that you are a part of this. You know you are or you wouldn’t have come here. However, if that’s how you feel then you should leave.” The cold in his voice crystallized.
My pulse escalated. “Yup. That’s how I feel. And I’m only leaving because that’s what I want to do, not because you suggested it. Bye.” I marched to the door and wrapped my hand around the knob. I yanked it open. From the moment I’d first laid eyes on him, he’d been nothing but trouble. Horrible, awful trouble. However, as much as I hated to think it, he knew about me and the other witches in town. He was full of answers—answers I needed. I shut the door and turned back around. “How do you know all this about Emme and me?”
Leigh Goff loves writing young adult fiction with elements of magic and romance because it’s also what she liked to read. Born and raised on the East Coast, she now lives in Maryland where she enjoys the area’s great history and culture.
Leigh is a graduate of the University of Maryland, University College and a member of the Maryland Writers’ Association and Romance Writers of America. She is also an approved artist with the Maryland State Arts Council. Her debut novel, Disenchanted, was inspired by the Wethersfield witches of Connecticut and was released by Mirror World Publishing. Leigh is currently working on her next novel, The Witch’s Ring which is set in Annapolis.
Learn more about Leigh Goff on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads
October 3, 2017
Wednesday Special Spotlight Breakfast
Shines On
My family favorites for breakfast from Chris Pavesic . Served with fresh fruit, it can even be considered a somewhat healthy weekend breakfast treat!
COFFEECAKE
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar, packed
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. cinnamon
½ cup butter or margarine
1 cup milk
1 egg
TOPPING
⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
1 tbsp. butter or margarine, softened
¼ tsp. cinnamon
2 tbsp. All-purpose flour
¼ cup walnuts, chopped fine*
Extra butter/margarine and flour to coat the pan
Powdered sugar, optional
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Butter a 10-inch Bundt pan and then lightly coat it with flour.
Add flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon into a large bowl and stir well to blend.
Mix or whisk butter/margarine, milk, and egg into the flour mixture until it forms a batter.
Pour in the batter into the prepared pan.
In a small bowl combine the sugar, walnuts, butter/margarine, and cinnamon. Mix until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly on top of the batter.
Bake 35 – 65 minutes until a sharp knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar.
Serve warm.
Makes 9-12 servings.
*If you use a food processor to chop the nuts, process them until they are a coarse powder but do not let them form a paste.
Chris Pavesic is a fantasy author who lives in the Midwestern United States and loves Kona coffee, steampunk, fairy tales, and all types of speculative fiction. Between writing projects, Chris can most often be found reading, gaming, gardening, working on an endless list of DIY household projects, or hanging out with friends.
Learn more about Chris on her website and blog.
Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, and her Amazon Author Page.
October 2, 2017
Tell Again Tuesday Spain’s influence
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
The Spanish Borderlands: The Mission Trail
By Linda Bennett Pennell
Though it’s dominance of the Borderlands ended long ago, Spain’s influence remains throughout the region. Things as diverse as architecture, clothing, place names, and national parks are testaments to the culture that once held sway from Florida to California. Before there was an Interstate 10 or US 90 connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, there was Old Spanish Trail, an auto route spanning the continent from St. Augustine, Florida to San Diego, California. Begun in 1915, the builders and promoters for OST claimed it followed the route used by the Spanish Conquistadors 400 years earlier. Whether truth or hype, it made for a good story and demonstrates colonial Spain’s reach into the 20th century and beyond. Old Spanish Trail is still a major thoroughfare in the Rice University-University of Houston-Texas Southern University section of Houston.
From its foundational stronghold in present-day Mexico, Spain set her sights north in hopes of finding similar riches to those discovered among the Aztecs, but when . . .
For the rest of the blog go to:
September 28, 2017
Friday Features Paranormal Romance
New Release by
Dominque Eastwick
This Zodiac Shifters Paranormal Romance is definitely another best seller for Dominique Eastwick. Here, see for yourself.
When Kalista’s father suffers a stroke just hours before making an important payment on a loan, she rushes to Greece to make amends before the billionaire tycoon swoops in to take the family business. She is convinced if she gives him the check in person, all will be fine and she can return to help her father on his long road to recovery. She did not anticipate Leonidas Karatasos.
This is not the first time Mr. Vidal has missed a payment, but it would be the last. Leonidas would let no one take advantage of him or his family, but when he steps off the boat on his family’s island, his mate is waiting for him check in hand. Kalista Vidal is everything he wanted and nothing he expected.
With the moon rising into the reign of Leo, Leonidas has one month to woo and bond with Kalista, or he must wait until the next Leo cycle. But with the world’s prides convening on the island for the month, he must deal with dangers his mate could never imagine. All the while figuring out how to let his lion out of the bag.
EXCERPT
Outside the suite, Jason stood in front of the doorway, legs apart, arms crossed. Kalista sat on the floor with her back to the wall. She scrambled to her feet when he stepped out. “Are you sure you want to see it?”
“I will imagine the worst otherwise.”
Even with the snake removed, the damage would be startling. “In your bathroom.”
She followed him into the bathroom and gasped. “Why?”
“Someone wants you gone.”
“Because you want me?”
“Yes.”
“And they think this will send me running?”
“I believe so.”
“They don’t know me very well, then.” She squared her shoulders, and her chin went up. “If they thought this would run me off, they were wrong.”
“Vasílissa mou.”
She cocked her head at him. “What did you just say?”
“I called you my queen.”
“Not princess?”
“Never princess.” He stalked around her. “You are a woman in charge of her destiny. Though I yearn to take care of you, you stand on your own and need no man. You are a queen.”
“Your queen.”
“It is ever my hope.”
BUY LINKS
Amazon – Books 2 Read
Award-Winning author Dominique Eastwick currently calls North Carolina home with her husband, two children, one crazy lab and one lazy cat. Dominique spent much of her early life moving from state to state as a Navy Brat. Because of that, traveling is one of her favorite pastimes. When not writing you can find Dominique with her second love…her camera.
Learn more about Dominique Eastwick on her website, blog, and Amazon author page. Be sure to join her Newsletter for up to the minute info on new releases, contests, and more.
Stay connected on Facebook Twitter, Tublr, and Pinterest.
September 26, 2017
Wednesday Special Spotlight Yellow Summer Squash Casserole
Shines On
Emma Lane who brings us her Yellow Summer Squash Casserole. Good any season of the year.
Yellow Summer Squash has much potential for food creativity. I’m not a gourmet cook, but I love the fat yellow squash that will zoom past ripe if you so much as turn your back on them for a moment. Searching in the huge leaves to find the small tender ones is the ticket. If too big, discard the seeds and use the still tender outside.
This is my modified recipe and I heartily encourage you to create your own. For me the addition of Ritz Crackers is the secret to a tasty, easy meal. I presume any sort of crackers will do, but do try for the Ritz-only the best, ya know. Humming while I execute a fancy step or two around the kitchen. This recipe makes a perfect side dish for four.
Summer Yellow Squash Casserole
5 medium yellow summer squash (washed and parboiled)
½ onion, chopped fine
1 carton unflavored and unsweetened yogurt
½ cup cream cheese
1 egg slightly beaten
¼ cup milk
1 stick butter melted
1 package Ritz Crackers
Black pepper and salt to taste
Arrange squash and onion in casserole dish. Set aside.
Combine yogurt, cream cheese, and egg in a small bowl. Crumble crackers in a separate bowl, pour melted butter over and stir.
Pour liquid ingredients over squash and onion. Spread cracker mixture over the casserole evenly.
Cover and cook in microwave oven for approximately 15 minutes on high. Remove cover after 10 minutes and finish.
If desired, add small amount grated carrot, Parmesan cheese combined with Ritz Crackers, crumbled cheddar cheese over squash added before crackers.
FOR A COMPLETE MEAL
Oven baked pork chops covered with mushroom soup
Summer Squash Casserole
Corn bread (or biscuits)
Sliced tomatoes drizzled with Italian Zesty dressing on bed of lettuce
Peaches a la mode sprinkled with fresh blueberries
While you’re waiting for everyone to come home for dinner, here’s a teaser from one of my Regency books.
What happens when a strong heroine meets an arrogant, but handsome hero? Sparks fly. It’s a Regency Romance Romp!
Miss Amabel Hawkins acknowledges her unusual upbringing, but she thinks James Langley, the Duke of Westerton, might be a tad unbalanced when he protests her efforts to right his badly managed properties. The duke, who has been away on the king’s business, demonstrates no respect for the beautiful but managing Miss Hawkins. Amabel has taken refuge at Westerton, fleeing from a forced marriage to a man who claims to be her relative in order to gain control of her young brother’s estate.
The Duke arrives home to find his estate under the firm control of a beautiful but managing female. His suspicions are fueled by his recent task of spy-hunting and he wonders if Amabel Hawkins is just who she seems. While a dastardly spy lurks, a wicked man poses as her cousin threatening to take over the guardianship of her young brother. Amabel might be falling in love, but she knows for certain the duke would never approve of a meddlesome woman, and she decides to flee his estate. Will the duke finally realize the true value of the woman he loves or will his prejudice ruin his chances forever?
Amazon Buy Link
Emma Lane enjoys leaving her garden for a few hours to dip into the romance genre Regency era of history. Join her for a glimpse of a half selkie fairy as she teases a powerful duke and fights the curse of a lowly, evil warlock. Other Regency romances are available on Amazon and Wild Rose Press. As Janis Lane she writes a series of Cozy Mysteries for Soul Mate Publishing.
Look for information about writing and plants on her 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.
September 25, 2017
Tell Again Tuesday eBook Pricing
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
Aspects to consider when pricing your eBook that no one talks about #WriterWednesday #AuthorMarketing #MarketingTips
By D.E. Haggerty
When I first started publishing my writing, I wasn’t concerned with how I was going to price my work. I was just excited if someone actually read it! In fact, my first published novel, Unforeseen Consequences, is now permafree because of that philosophy. (Truth be told, that book probably should be free. Not trying to beg compliments here. Just being brutally honest.)
Anyway, when I realized that being an author was about more than writing books, I dove into researching all aspects of the writing profession from author platforms to marketing books to – wait for it – . . .
For the rest of the blog go to:
September 21, 2017
Friday Features new LitPRG book
Coming September 25, 2017
a LitRPG by
Chris Pavesic
For those who may not be familiar with the genre, LitRPG is a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy which describes the hero’s adventures within an online computer game. Here is a glimpse of this fascinating new story.
When hydrologists inscribe the consciousness of a human mind onto a single drop of water, a Revelation sweeps the land. The wealthy race to upload their minds into self-contained virtual realities nicknamed Aquariums. In these containers people achieve every hope, dream, and desire. But governments wage war for control of the technology. Terrorist attacks cause massive destruction. The Aquariums fail. Inscribed human minds leech into the water cycle, wreaking havoc.
Street gangs rule the cities in the three years since the fall of civilization. Sixteen-year-old Cami and her younger sister Alby struggle to survive. Every drop of untreated water puts their lives in peril. Caught and imprisoned by soldiers who plan to sell them into slavery, Cami will do anything to escape and rescue her sister. Even if it means leaving the real word for a life in the realms, a new game-like reality created by the hydrologists for the chosen few.
But life in the realms isn’t as simple as it seems. Magic, combat, gear scores, quests, and dungeons are all puzzles to be solved as the sisters navigate their new surroundings. And they encounter more dangerous enemies than any they faced in the real world.
Time to play the game.
PROLOGUE
I was born into a world where silicone still ruled. Where the products of the earth outshone those of the sea. Integrated circuits ran all electronic equipment and scientists strove to make the conducting lines smaller and smaller. Silicon Valley tried, and failed, to make chips fast enough to upload human consciousness.
The Revelation came a few years later from the hydrologists. They designed a system that did not use silicone, but instead worked with water molecules. The hydrologists managed to imprint the consciousness of a human mind on a single drop of water.
The water was to be kept in self-contained, sealed aquariums—pure, undiluted, eternal—where virtual realities were constructed to meet every need and desire. All of human knowledge encoded and stored in literal pools of data and integrated with the drops of human consciousness. It was, the hydrologists claimed, utopia achieved.
The obscenely rich were the hydrologist’s first clients, many taken near the end of their lives. The procedure did not always work, but there were enough successes to spur people’s interest. People suffering from terminal illnesses volunteered to be inscribed, and the hydrologists worked and refined their process. Private companies formed and competition forced price wars. Hundreds of customers grew to thousands, and then to millions. There were landmark court cases arguing whether or not health insurance should cover the cost of the inscription—whether or not this was a medical procedure designed to save lives or a form of physician assisted suicide. The law struggled to decide if life ended when the body was drained to a dry, leathery husk, or if life continued inside those glowing, sealed aquariums.
I was thirteen when the governments seized control of the laboratories, first in the Eastern European countries. Then the labs of Europe and the Middle East were swallowed up. Terrorist attacks soon followed and destroyed most of the civilized world over the next three years. The United States, Canada, and Greece, those bastions of democracy, did not fall until the very end. Of course, by then no one cared whether or not the government or the private companies ran the uploading programs. Many of the aquariums ruptured in the strife and the droplets, imbued with human consciousness, re-entered the water cycle of the planet.
Chris Pavesic is a fantasy author who lives in the Midwestern United States and loves Kona coffee, steampunk, fairy tales, and all types of speculative fiction. Between writing projects, Chris can most often be found reading, gaming, gardening, working on an endless list of DIY household projects, or hanging out with friends.
Learn more about Chris on her website and blog.
Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, and her Amazon Author Page.
September 19, 2017
Wednesday Special Spotlight Leigh Goff Crab Dip Pretzels
Shines On
BEWITCHING HANNAH, by Leigh Goff, an enchanting young adult fantasy set in Annapolis, Maryland, will released its magic on September 17th. Look for it in print and e-book on Amazon, BN.com, and MirrorWorldPublishing.com.
In the story, sixteen-year-old Hannah Fitzgerald enjoys her carb-loaded snacks, including an Annapolis comfort food favorite—crab dip pretzels piled high with creamy crap dip that incorporates fresh jumbo lump crab from the Chesapeake Bay. This recipe is a Maryland classic that even fictional characters love!
Crab Dip Pretzels
@sallybakeblog
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp. horseradish
½ tsp. minced garlic
2 tbsp. minced onion
1 tbsp. lemon juice
½ tsp. hot pepper sauce
1 (8 ounce container) jumbo lump crabmeat (not canned)
white pepper to taste
4 soft pretzels
2 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese
Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C).
Beat cream cheese, mayonnaise, and horseradish in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in garlic, onion, lemon juice, and hot pepper sauce.
Gently fold in the crabmeat, and season with white pepper to taste. Spoon mixture evenly over the pretzels, and sprinkle each with ½ cup shredded cheese.
Place pretzels in oven until cheese is melted and the topping bubbles, about 20 minutes.
Enjoy!
Here’s a peek at both of Leigh Goff’s exciting novels.
Hannah, the thirteenth great-granddaughter of the Wizard Earl Fitzgerald, has always known she was descended from a troubled legacy of alchemy and dark magic. Although a stranger to her coven in Annapolis, she is no stranger to grief and denial; however, when an ancient prophecy reveals the rise of a young, powerful witch and the impending death of another, she realizes she can no longer afford to suppress the magic that has taken away so much. She seeks out the frighteningly scarred, yet mysterious W who is destined to change her life, but even he cannot prepare her for the secrets she must unlock – including one that reveals the location of an unimaginably powerful elixir.
Enemies will hurt her. Loved ones will make her vulnerable. And the impending prophecy that drives her to unleash her magic will cause her to unearth the sins of the past and doubt any promise of a future. Without knowing whom her true rival is, Hannah isn’t certain she’ll survive the game Fate is playing, and if she loses, she may lose everything, including the ones she loves.
Sophie Goodchild is a sixteen-year-old witch living with her eccentric aunt in the small town of Wethersfield, Connecticut—the sight of the first American Witch Trials. She is descended from a powerful black witch, but struggles with her erratic white magic while dealing with a mean girl witch clique known as the Glitterati, who love to make Sophie feel like she is less than they are.
Sophie is beautiful with wild waves of sable-colored hair, eyes the color of dark blue sapphires, and heart-shaped pillowy lips. More importantly, she is beautiful on the inside, although she hides it well behind her impatience and impetuousness, which makes her very relatable.
It is those heart-strong characteristics that lead her into trouble, and since she is ruled by her heart, she’s all in once she finds trouble. She is fiercely loyal, determined, and fearless and there is nothing she wouldn’t do or sacrifice for the ones she loves, especially when she learns of the true love curse her ancestor cast on the Mather family.
When Judge Mather, a descendant of the reverend who condemned Sophie’s witch ancestor to hang, finds out his handsome son (who has recently returned to Wethersfield with a sexy British accent and a face that could melt a black witch’s heart) has fallen hard for Sophie, things get even more dangerous for her. Dark secrets come to light and impossible choices are made as Sophie sacrifices everything, including her soul to save her forbidden true love.
Buy Links:
Mirror World Publishing
Amazon:
– Bewitching Hannah
– Disenchanted
Leigh Goff loves writing young adult fiction with elements of magic and romance because it’s also what she liked to read. Born and raised on the East Coast, she now lives in Maryland where she enjoys the area’s great history and culture.
Leigh is a graduate of the University of Maryland, University College and a member of the Maryland Writers’ Association and Romance Writers of America. She is also an approved artist with the Maryland State Arts Council. Her debut novel, Disenchanted, was inspired by the Wethersfield witches of Connecticut and was released by Mirror World Publishing. Leigh is currently working on her next novel, The Witch’s Ring which is set in Annapolis.
Learn more about Leigh Goff on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads.
