Jessica Samuelsen's Blog, page 39

One-Year Anniversary of Ms. Conception by Jen Cumming On Sale!

Ms. Conception by Jen Cumming
Published by Tryst Books on May 4th 2015
Genres: Chic-Lit
Pages: 234
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Abigail Nichols has tried everything from rash-inducing herbal creams to acupuncture in a desperate, last-ditch effort to get pregnant. Wedged into her iPhone schedule among new business pitches and rebranding design meetings is Abby’s ovulation cycle, along with potential opportunities for illicit afternoon quickies. With all of their hopes and savings on the table, Abby and her husband Jack enter the whispered world of fertility clinics. Along with a meddling mother-in-law, competitive pregnancies, and constant obligatory sex, Abby’s baby-track mind conspires to ravage her career, her marriage, and her sanity. One thing she knows for sure: a healthy sense of humor (and the occasional glass of red wine) is the best coping strategy. One thing she wishes she knew: whether it will be enough. Ms. Conception is an honest but light-hearted novel inspired by the ups and downs of fertility treatments and the emotional burden that rests on those trying to conceive.

 

Review Here

Excerpt My assistant Scott appears like a mirage at my door. I stare at him. Do I dare trust him? How badly do I want a child? Can the office gossip keep silent? Maybe we should skip a month. What would happen if we were a few hours late with the needle? Am I willing to risk it?

“Scott,” I begin, very hesitantly. “Scott, I need to tell you something.”

“Here it comes. Wait – let me sit down for this. Okay.” He grips the armrest and I see his knuckles go white. I would have expected him to be gleeful at finding out what I’ve been up to, but instead he appears nervous.

“Actually, I need to ask you a favor. How are you with needles?” What if Scott passes out and I have to call the ambulance with my pants down? Try explaining that away.

“Are you doing drugs?” He arches a perfectly tweezed eyebrow.

“Piss off, Scott. No, I’m not doing drugs. I just need help with a hormone injection. I can’t quite reach.” I gesture toward my derriere.

“Hormone injections are easy. My neighbor down the hall is getting them for gender transformation surgery. Hang on, are you…?” He trails off and looks me up and down.

“I’m not becoming a man. I don’t know how you guys walk around with those–” I gesture to the general area of his crotch “–things. No thank you. Look, this is really personal and extremely private. I need to know I can trust you to keep this a secret.” Scott is nodding furiously. “Seriously, Scott, you are not exactly known for your discretion.”

“It hurts that you think that of me, Abby.” He holds his hand up to his forehead and sighs dramatically.

“Give me a break. You happily tweeted the bra size of the last Ms. F&F.”

“Okay, I’ll give you that one, but come on; she was a double-d–”

“Scott, this is for real. I will kill you if this gets out.”

He nods eagerly.

“Fine. The truth is, I’m–”

“Oh my god, you’re dying. You have cancer and only a short time to live. Oh, the insanity. It’s a cruel, cruel world. So young and no time left.” He whips out a pink handkerchief from his breast pocket and fans himself. I fix him with a sober glare, waiting for him to run out of steam.

“Are you finished?” My serious gaze prompts him to pantomime zipping his lips. With a sigh, I continue, “Scott, I’m not dying. I’m trying to get pregnant.”

“What? You’re not dying?”

“No, I’m fine. I’m – well, not just me – we’re, Jack and I, are a tad … reproductively challenged. But it’s okay, we’ve got ourselves a membership at a fertility clinic.”

“Fertility clinic? Wait, this means you’re going to be a mom. My little Abby is going to be a mom.” He claps his hands together loudly.

“Hush,” I hiss. “I’m not pregnant yet. Can I trust you to keep this between us?”

“Of course, honey. I’m just so glad you aren’t dying. This place would be rather lonely without you.” His somber expression gives way to a glimmer of hope. “Can I be Uncle Scott? Please?”

“Well–”

“Please, Abby, please. I’ll take your secret to my grave.”

I crack a playful grin. “I thought you might actually be Auntie Scott.”

“Auntie Scott; I love it. I can’t believe I get to help make a baby.”

“Whoa, I only need you to give me a needle – not your swimmers.”

He mimes slapping on a pair of latex gloves, eyes gleaming with mischief. “Bend over, boss, I’m going to enjoy this.”

About Jen Cumming

Jen Cumming had two dreams: to be a mother and a writer. The first was much harder than she’d imagined, but it gave her plenty of material for her second dream. Now she’s realized both and traded drug cocktails and early morning line-ups at the fertility clinic for juice boxes and evening PTA meetings.

Jen’s latest dream is to live in a small village in France and eat croissants. Being allergic to wheat might hamper that dream, so in the meantime she does her best to balance life with two young children and run a business with her husband in Toronto. She loves to spend time at the cottage in the summer, ski in the winter, and travel whenever she can.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Review – A Drop in the Ocean by Jenni Ogden

A Drop in the Ocean by Jenni Ogden
Published by She Writes Press on May 3rd 2016
Genres: Women's Fiction
Pages: 295
Source: Netgalley

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Amazon

On her 49th birthday, Anna Fergusson, Boston neuroscientist and dedicated introvert, arrives at an unwanted crossroads when the funding for her research lab is cut. With her confidence shattered and her future uncertain, on impulse she rents a cabin for a year on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. However Turtle Island, alive with sea birds and nesting Green turtles, is not the retreat she expected. Here she finds love for the eccentric islanders who become her family; for Tom, the laid-back turtle whisperer; and for the turtles whose ancient mothering instincts move her to tears. But Anna finds that even on her idyllic drop in the ocean there is pain, and as the months fly past her dream for a new life is threatened by a darkness that challenges everything she has come to believe about the power of love. Evocative and thought-provoking, A Drop in the Ocean is a story about second chances and hard lessons learned in the gentlest of ways."

Anna Fergusson has been a research scientist for twenty-five years leading research on Huntington’s disease. On her forty-ninth birthday, she gets noticed that her funding is cut and she loses her lab. At a loss what to do an opportunity to spend a year on the great Barrier reef on island is brought to her attention. She takes it. Little does she know that her worlds will come full circle as she is challenged from to go outside of herself by the other islanders. Anna Fergusson is surprised at what she finds.

In an Oyster Shell – This was a very moving story, that will stay with the reader long after they are done.

The Pearls – As you have seen me point out in other reviews, I love coming of age stories in women who think their life has passed them by. This is an invigorating story about second chances. The premise is promising and delivers more than one could imagine.

The descriptions and the settings of small island life were just breath-taking. The author really delivered on taking the reader into the story. I loved the descriptions of the wildlife and the weather. I felt like I was taking my own vacation of the Great Barrier Reef.

The romance in this story was real and bittersweet. The inter-personal relationships were realistic and would leave one feeling raw with emotion. The author fit so much real life experience into this book told through all the characters. The romance was sweet but realistic leaving it a little bit bitter. That’s life sometimes. This author did an amazing job painting a real world relationship.

The Sand – This book was perfect.

5 Pearls!


About Jenni Ogden

Reading and writing fiction is my passion. Even when I was a neuropsychologist, I wrote books that, while true, were all about story—the courageous struggles and triumphs of people who had suffered brain disorders. (My text, Fractured Minds, first published in 1996 with a 2nd edition in 2005, is still popular, mainly, I think because it is full of stories about real people, as well as facts about neuropsychology and brain disorders. Trouble In Mind , my book for the general reader, was published in the USA in 2012 and in Australia in 2013. If you like Oliver Sacks’ stories about his patients, you will probably like this too.)

In 2008 I changed careers, so I could concentrate on writing novels, in the “bookclub/women’s fiction” genre, and usually with a psychological or medical theme. A Drop In The Ocean will be published in May, 2016 by She Writes Press in the US. I’d love you to sign up for my e-mail list and monthly newsletter (subscribe via my website, www.jenniogden.com). I write from our home on a beautiful and remote island off the north coast of New Zealand—islands seem to feature in my novels as well! John and I have four grown kids and five young grandchildren, all who love books and reading. Some of my favourite authors are Sebastian Faulks, Anna Quindlen, Pat Conroy, Richard North Patterson, Rumer Godden, Ann Hood, Lionel Shriver, Nicholas Evans, Deborah McKinley, Jodi Picoult, Lisa Genova, Ian McEwan.

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Review – The Thing Is by Kathleen Gerard

The Thing Is by Kathleen Gerard
Published by Red Adept Publishing on February 9th, 2016
Genres: Women's Fiction
Pages: 299
Source: Author

I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Amazon

Meredith Mancuso is depressed. Ever since the death of her fiancé, she has shrunk from the world. Even with her successful writing career, she's not motivated to work. When her sister, Monica, begs for a favor, Meredith wants nothing more than to say no. But she’s ultimately roped into pet-sitting an orphaned Yorkshire terrier named Prozac.

Blessed with spiritual wisdom and a high IQ, Prozac is an active pet therapy dog. To heal broken-hearted Meredith, he rallies his fan club at Evergreen Gardens, an independent living facility, where he visits each week.

Prozac and the community of resilient older folks challenged by losses of their own propel Meredith, often against her will, back into the land of the living. Meredith learns that most people carry some sort of burden, but it's still possible to find meaning, purpose, and joy—and sometimes, even love—along the way.

Merideth Mancuso has been hiding from the world since the tragic death of her beloved fiance′. In a whirlwind of circumstances deemed by fate Merideth is asked to watch cute little dog Prozac while his owner is healing from a broken ankle. Begrudgingly she takes on the task. Prozac is a therapy dog with commitments to Evergreen Gardens and independent living facility. Prozac’s crazy antics and social commitments slowly draw Meredith out of the emotional fortress she has been living in for so long. Meredith finds surprising comfort as Prozac and his people reach out to her.

In an Oyster Shell –  This was a cute but very emotional read that deals with grieving over the loss of loved ones.

The Pearls – The premise of this story was cute and imaginative. A mensa qualified dog? Are you kidding me? It was cute, funny and very poignant. I thought this was a clever way to deal with the subject of grief.

The characters were well developed. I don’t often come across animal characters but Prozac the dog was a hoot. What was going through his mind at different times was just so funny. It is easy to imagine that pets might have an ulterior motive when they come into our lives. The residents at Evergreen Gardens were crazy and realistic.

The overall concept is what one me over in the end. Animals helping us through grief. It was an emotional read that I would suggest to anyone.

The Sand – I enjoyed the book thoroughly, though the concept of a reincarnated dog was a bit of a stretch for me.

4 Pearls!


About Kathleen Gerard

Kathleen Gerard is a writer whose work has been awarded The Perillo Prize, The Eric Hoffer Prose Award and nominated for Best New American Voices and Short Story America, all national prizes in literature. Kathleen writes across genres. Her short prose and poetry have been widely published in magazines, journals and anthologies. Her essays have been broadcast on National Public Radio (NPR).

Kathleen’s woman-in-jeopardy novel In Transit won The New York Book Festival – “Best Romantic Fiction” (2011). Kathleen is a book reviewer for and a contributor to Shelf Awareness and maintains the blog, “Reading Between the Lines.”

Website | Goodreads

Blog Tour with Review – The Lightning Luminary by R.S. Mcoy

The Lightning Luminary by R.S. McCoy
on April 26, 2016
Pages: 301

I received this book for free from YA Bound Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Amazon

Talia Stanley may look like the typical wealthy New Yorker, but she's hidden her secrets for more than a thousand years. One of the last surviving members of an ancient race called Luminaries, Talia has suppressed her ability to control lightning in exchange for safety.

And for generations it worked. Talia's hermit lifestyle protected her from strong Luminaries that want her power. All that changed the day Mason Rathbone walked into her life.

A good-looking artist, Mason is just the guy to get Talia out of her penthouse apartment and show her what it means to live again. But just as she starts to get comfortable, Talia gets sucked right back into her vicious past.

A new paranormal romance novel by RS McCoy, author of the Sparks Saga.

Talia Stanley is living an anonymous life in New York city. She is in hiding from her very dangerous past. There are others like her that are looking for her and she does not want to be found. She lives a life of isolation until she helps save Mason Rathbone. He brings her out of hiding which in turn opens her up to being found by other of hher race called Luminarys.  Can Talia save Mason from perilous danger that her race brings to others?

In an Oyster Shell – A provocative paranormal romance that is well worth the read.

The Pearls – The premise of this book was really exciting. An ancient race with special gifts like being able to create lightning. I like how this author used mythology to be a point of reference for this race. It was just a fun idea that was well executed.

There were multiple POV’s. I was a little nervous at first because it made the story feel disjointed. As you kept reading, the multiple POV’s started to make sense and became very necessary to tell the whole story.

The characters were well developed. Every character including the supporting characters had something to offer to the storyline. I really enjoyed the variety of characters.

The setting was enjoyable. I always enjoy a story set in New York, but it was also set in an ancient Island somewhere near Greece I believe… No matter where the characters were the setting was well described.

The Sand – Though it worked in the end, the multiple POV’s were confusing at first.

4 Pearls


About R.S. McCoy

Rachel McCoy is a Texan living in New Jersey. Between binge watching MTV reality shows and baking gluten free treats, she writes paranormal fantasy and science fiction novels. She is the self-published author of the Sparks Saga trilogy as well as numerous short stories, some of which now reside in anthologies. Back when she lived in the real world, Rachel earned a degree in marine biology, which contributed to her die-hard love of manta rays. 

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Review – The Lighthouse Secret Amelia Moore Detective Series #7 By Linda Weaver Clarke

The Lighthouse Secret: by Linda Weaver Clarke
Series: Amelia Moore Detective Series #7
Published by Smashwords Edition on February 29th 2016
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 240
Format: Mobi
Source: Author

I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Amazon

Amelia Moore, the founder of the Moore Detective Agency, specializes in missing persons. With the help of her partner, Rick Bonito, the business is flourishing.

Rick Bonito’s uncle supposedly drowned five years ago and his body was never found, but something did not seem right about the report. Uncle Antonio was an excellent swimmer. His disappearance seems quite suspicious to Rick’s father. He never felt the complete truth had come out about his brother. It is now up to Amelia and Rick to find out the truth about his uncle.

Rick Bonito’s uncle supposedly drowned five years ago. To the family, it never made sense that would happen since he was such a strong swimmer. Amelia his new bride, and detective suggests they make it a case and find out for sure what happened. They unearth some heavy clues that lead them on an unexpected journey. Will the Bonito family be able to get closure on what happened all those years ago?

In an Oyster Shell – It was a classy conclusion to a wonderful series.

The Pearls – Reading this book was bittersweet because I know it is going to be the last in the series. I have really enjoyed the book and I think I can safely say this was my favorite book in the series. We get more of a glimpse into Rick Bonito’s life and you see the man behind all the stories in the series, up close for the first time. This points to the wonderful character development the author has kept solid through the entire series.

The characters in this book were unique because most of them were relatives to Amelia and Rick. It gave enlightening peek into their background and really tied the series together well.

The plot of this story was incredible. It kept me on the edge of my seat. There was great foreshadowing that kept you guessing. In the end, the conclusion still comes as a surprise.

I am sad to say good-bye to these characters. A good story is always too short. I am glad the author went out when she did. A good author knows when a story is done. Sadly, this one is done, but it was a good run. I hope you read the series they are quick, fun, easy reads.

The Sand – I would have liked to see more of a glimpse into the future of Rick and Amelia but it was a sweet ending nonetheless.

5 Pearls!


About Linda Weaver Clarke

Linda Weaver Clarke travels throughout the United States, teaching a “Family Legacy Workshop,” encouraging people to write their family history and autobiography. She is the author of the historical romance series, “A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho,” which includes: Melinda and the Wild West – a semi-finalist for the “Reviewers Choice Award 2007,” and a new mystery series, “The Adventures of John and Julia Evans.”

Website

Sunday Post – May 1st 2016

Hi Everyone! I have been so busy the last couple months I’ve been skipping out on the Sunday Posts. I want to thank everyone for hanging in there. There a lot of you that still come to visit even though I’ve been scarce! You guys are so great.

This week it’s all about Serena Clarke’s Isian Series – Click the image to go to the review.

This week’s discussion is blogging slump. Talks a little bit why I’ve been off the radar.

Other Notable things – Nothing really going on. I will get back to a regular posting schedule starting this week!

Question of the Week – What are your big plans for May?

Happy May Day!

Friday Coffee & Bookish Speaks – The proverbial blog slump

Hey, Everyone! I am sorry I have been so scarce this month! I got so overloaded with life and other various things. I am back. Today I am drinking fresh roasted Papua New Guinea with cream. What are you drinking?

So when I first started blogging I read everything I could on the subject matter. I came across several articles on how not to get burnt out. I read other articles where blogging slumps were inevitable. It took me over a year of blogging to hit it but people I hit the wall. Like a smart car to a stack of bricks!

I would say the number one cause of the slump was taking on too much. I was doing a blog tour a week and two reviews and then took on some professional review jobs. It was more than I could keep up with. That is what caused my burn out taking on too much. This is my MO in life usually I take more than I can handle then scale back.

Another thing I learned is what was realistic for one season of your life might not be for another. Reading 4-8 books a week worked for me when I started the blog but now I have other things going on. So my advice would be this 1 – try not to take on too much. 2 – Be flexible!!! Don’t give up on the whole enchilada just because you missed a post or three!

So this post today is not so much about how to avoid a slump but how to deal with them. With all the blogs I follow I have not seen one that hasn’t hit this proverbial wall at one point or another.

How do you suggest dealing with slumps?

Review – The Secret of Isian Isian #3 by Serena Clarke

The Secret of Isian by Serena Clarke
Series: Isian #3
Published by Smashwords Edition on January 15th 2016
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 239
Source: Author

I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Amazon

Many prophecies have been uttered about the impending war and those who will seek to stop it. With the war finally upon them, Rimelda, a talented seer, has heard the prophecies and believes she can help. Prince Ander, doubtful of her abilities and her true intensions, but determined to save his kingdom accepts her help and they proceed on a quest to end the war.Hindered by enemies as well as their own doubts, Ander and Rimelda must search for guidance in unlikely places and unravel the mysteries of the prophecies.

With the world shrouded in darkness, will Ander accept his destiny in time to save the kingdoms and will he admit his true feelings for Rimelda?

Prince Ander is on a quest to end the darkness of the war that is open the world. He seeks the help of seeyer Rimelda who he feels has led him astray. As peril seeks to destroy everything they know they proceed. Will they find the one who can save them from imminent destruction?

In An Oyster Shell – An astounding conclusion to the Isian Series.

The Pearls – Prince Ander was a strong supporting character in the first book and made a small appearance in the second book. You get a great peek at his character in those two roles. It is just expanded upon in this book. I am glad Prince Ander got his own book he is a really great character. Character development is one of Clarkes big strengths.

The world-building phenomenon continued. It was nice to have continuity set from the previous books. I felt like you still got to see a new side to the world. More magical creatures!

Each book in the series works well as a stand-alone but shines brightly as a series. I like this authors talent for great plot. The plot was strong in this book and a series. Serena Clarke is a very talented writer. Can’t wait to read more from her!

The Sand –  The pacing of this book was a little slower than the previous ones.

4 pearls!


About Serena Clarke

Serena Clarke is from sunny Southern Utah and has taken several writing classes in college. She loves fantasy with a hint of romance. Serena has a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design and is a member of the Red Mountain Shadows Publishing team. She not only is an author, but also creates book covers for authors. She is passionate about learning and education, art and design. The fantasy/romance novels she has written are The Treasure of Isian, The Alliance of Isian, and The Secret of Isian.

Website

Review – Alliance of Isian by Serena Clarke Isian #2

The Alliance of Isian by Serena Clarke
Series: Isian #2
Published by Red Mountain Shadows Publishing on November 4th 2013
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 344
Source: Author

I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Amazon

War is coming and all the kingdoms must choose a side. Isian decides to make an alliance with their long time enemies in order to defeat a common enemy. So Isian sends a proposal, offering their daughter to the prince, in order to ensure an alliance. Princess Gabrielle and her new husband, Prince Alec must learn to work together and trust each other in order to triumph in the approaching war. With a mysterious beast attacking the kingdom, their lives in danger, and overcoming their vast cultural differences, will love grow despite their trials or tear them apart?

Enjoy the fantasy, danger, mystery, and romance!

To keep war from dooming their world Prince Alec and Princess Gabrielle unite their kingdoms with marriage. Neither expect to fall in love, resigned to the necessity of their marriage. They learn a lot about each other and possible misconceptions of each others culture. Can the learn to work together and possibly find love too?

In an Oyster Shell –  This was another fantastical read in the Isian series. I recommend it.

The Pearls – The story building was again, very impressive. Set in a different kingdom than the previous book, you get the fantasy world without all the usual elements of fantasy. It’s more implied than obvious. Which makes the book even more enjoyable.

The characters were well developed. You couldn’t help but be pulled into the dynamic of the arranged marriage. The stress of not marrying for love, yet still having to find a way to be a companion. It was a worthy romance and I enjoyed it very much.

The plot of the whole series really comes to life in this book. It’s great to see all the kingdoms come together in this story. I look forwad to reading the next book.

4 Pearls!

About Serena Clarke

Serena Clarke is from sunny Southern Utah and has taken several writing classes in college. She loves fantasy with a hint of romance. Serena has a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design and is a member of the Red Mountain Shadows Publishing team. She not only is an author, but also creates book covers for authors. She is passionate about learning and education, art and design. The fantasy/romance novels she has written are The Treasure of Isian, The Alliance of Isian, and The Secret of Isian.

Website

Review – Treasure of Isian by Serena Clarke Isian #1

The Treasure of Isian by Serena Clarke
Series: Isian #1
Published by Red Mountain Shadows Publishing on September 17th 2012
Genres: Romance
Pages: 256
Source: Author

I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Goodreads
Amazon

Prince Garin is a brave, proud, adventure-seeking prince. Elani is his most trusted servant and she would do anything for him, even die for him. Their quest to find the mystical Treasure of Isian is immediately interrupted and they find themselves confronted by angry giants, soul-stealing elves, bewitched dragons, a vengeful water-witch, battling foes, and a mysterious kingdom.Elani must face her greatest fears to save her prince and her kingdom. Garin must decide what the most important things are in his life. Will they be able to make a great sacrifice to save the kingdom? And will Elani find true love?

Become lost in the adventure, love, loyalty, and mystery of The Treasure of Isian!

Prince Garin is off to find the elusive treasure of Isian, the one that will make princes wishes come true. Followed by a few good men and his faithful servant Elani they make their way. Little does he heed the warning that the treasure may not be what it seems. They search on in the lands where many magical creatures dwell, what they discover is most unexpected.

In an Oyster Shell –  A mind-blowing fantasy read with a sweet romance intertwined.

The Pearls –  The world building was just amazing. I love how this author took creatures that we may know from other fantasy stories and made them her own. I was over the moon as the party moved towards the land and the encountered magical creature after magical creature. She did a very good job at making each species distinctive to this story.

The story was romantic and poignant. The book read almost like a fairy tale of old. It had a moral that the reader could take with them long after they put the book down.

The characters were well defined. They played well of each other Garin and Elani. The supporting characters were helpful as well.

The Sand – This was a really good book

4.5 Pearls.


About Serena Clarke

Serena Clarke is from sunny Southern Utah and has taken several writing classes in college. She loves fantasy with a hint of romance. Serena has a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design and is a member of the Red Mountain Shadows Publishing team. She not only is an author, but also creates book covers for authors. She is passionate about learning and education, art and design. The fantasy/romance novels she has written are The Treasure of Isian, The Alliance of Isian, and The Secret of Isian.

Website