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Thursday, April 30, 2020

Interview - Letters to God by Krystal Doolittle #authorinterview

If you were not a writer what would you be doing?
For quite a while I was a virtual assistant, so I would probably still be doing that if I never started writing. But, I do ghostwrite along with writing my own books at this point in time.
If you wrote a book about your life what would the title be?
Strength From Within
What is the hardest thing about being an author?
For me, it’s definitely putting myself out there. I’m more reserved and observant than a “hey, look at me” kind of person. In order to do this, you have to be willing to talk about yourself and what you’re doing and that’s been a struggle for me.
What is the best thing about being an author?
Telling my stories. I’ve always been a bit of a storyteller, so getting to share these stories from my mind and having others love them is the best feeling. I love getting an email, message or review telling me how much someone loved one of my stories.
Have you ever been star struck by meeting one of your favorite authors? If so who was it?
You know, I’ve never gotten the chance to meet anyone yet, but I hope to in the future.
What book changed your life?
“The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman. To me, his writing defies genres. That was the first book of his that I read and I remember having the thought that books don’t have to fit in a mold to be good. They just have to tell a story that draws you in and makes you feel.
What were some of your favorite books growing up?
I couldn’t get enough of any of the Goosebumps books, anything by Roald Dahl or Shel Silverstein.
What books are currently in your to be read pile?
I plan to re-read Rhiannon Frater’s “As the World Dies” trilogy. I also have “Soulstruck” by Natasha Sinel, “Wishtree” by Katherine Applegate and “Her.” by Pierre Alex Jeanty
Which do you prefer ebooks, print, or audio books?
I really prefer holding the actual book in my hand. But, I also don’t mind ebooks in certain circumstances. After all, you only have so much shelf space!
If you could live inside the world of a book or series which world would it be and why?

That’s tough considering a lot of the books I read are post-apocalyptic, so I wouldn’t want to live there! But if I had to live in one, it would probably be the “Outlander series”. I wouldn’t mind a little bit of Jamie Fraiser. *wink wink*

Letters to God
Krystal Doolittle

Genre: Religious/Spiritual
Date of Publication: March 13, 2020
ISBN: 9798612411468
ASIN: B08544CKH9
Number of pages: 120
Word Count: 37,413

Cover Artist: Krystal Doolittle

Tagline: What if God looked like you and me?

Book Description:



Rowan MacAllister never realized that she had become stuck in a boring cycle in her life until one day everything comes crashing down. Her best friend insists that they go to a new local psychic shop as a way to break out of the rut she’d been stuck in. But Rowan finds herself receiving wise advice that she takes to heart. She should start writing letters to let out everything that had been bottled up for far too long.

Penning a letter to God, she finds strange things happen the next day along with meeting an older woman named Mary. The two become fast friends and Mary seems to unknowingly address the letters that Rowan continues to write to God while they are apart. The coincidences become too much for Rowan who begins to wonder if perhaps Mary IS God.

Rowan searches for answers while putting the pieces of her life back together. Meanwhile learning that her thoughts truly do alter her reality and that sometimes the things you think are a curse can turn out to be a blessing in disguise.


Excerpt:

She stood and hurried toward the hall and I saw her slip into the bathroom. After a moment, I heard the sink turn on with a rush of water. Soon, it was turned back off and she reappeared with a damp rag.
“Here,” she said as she draped it over my face. “Lean back and relax for a moment.”
I did as I was told, resting my head on the back of the couch and closed my eyes. She positioned it so that the bulk of it was on my swollen eyelids. It was cold, but it felt good against my skin.
“Your clothes are fine, so you don’t need to change. But where could we go?” she said as if she were speaking to herself. Plus, I had to admit that it felt nice to have someone taking care of me at the moment. Even if she was trying to force me out into the world.
“We can go nowhere,” I pointed out. “That would be a win in my book.”
“You need to get out of your rut,” Lila said, sounding unperturbed by my stubbornness. “That means we need to do something you’ve never done before,” she mused.
“I’ve never stayed home and eaten a whole pizza by myself,” I said as I lifted the washcloth from one eye so I could look at her.
“You aren’t winning,” she said raising an eyebrow at me. “So get over it.”
“Ugh,” I said as I dropped the washcloth back. “Why am I friends with you again?”
I could hear the smile in her voice when she responded. “Because I’m the only one that can put up with that stubborn streak you have. I know how to get you to open up and see what a wonderful world awaits you. There’s a big, bright world out there waiting for you, Rowan. I’m the one that can convince you to do things that you don’t want to do but are actually good for you.”
“Uh-huh,” I said, not convinced. “You’re doing a bang-up job at that, you know?”
“Oh hush,” she said. Finally, I felt as if my face had cooled and my eyes weren’t as puffy, so I pulled the washcloth off and tossed it on the glass coffee table.
“Look, I don’t really have the money to go out anyway,” I said shaking my head.
“Oh, I got it!” she said loudly as she clapped her hands. “I know the perfect place.” I looked at her, waiting for her to tell me what it was but she kept talking. “It must be luck that I drove by and saw the place. But it’s absolutely perfect. I wanted to go anyway, I just didn’t know who else to take.”
“Earth to Lila. What are you talking about?” I asked as I waved my hands in front of her.
“Sorry,” she said as she turned to me. “I saw this place that must have recently opened. It’s a psychic reading shop. They had a sign out front that said two readings for $100.”
“I definitely don’t have that kind of money right now,” I sighed. “I’m a single woman now with bills to pay.”
“Don’t worry, I do,” she said waving her hand at me. “It’s perfect. You can get a reading to find out what exactly is going on in your life and how you can change things up!”
“I don’t know. That’s a lot of money for someone to tell you a bunch of vague words and silly predictions,” I said shaking my head.
“Oh, come on. Live a little, Row. Let’s go have some fun and see what’s in store for your future.” She wiggled her fingers at me and I laughed.
“If I do this with you, does that mean I’m off the hook for the next nail salon trip?” I asked. Lila was always convincing me to go with her so she had someone to talk to. I, on the other hand, hated having my nails done.
“Yes,” she said with a nod before grinning so wide I thought her face would split.
“Fine, I’ll go then,” I said. “As long as you’re paying.”
“Definitely,” she said with a nod. “Oh my gosh, Rowan! I’m so excited.” She couldn’t seem to hold still which for me, wasn’t comforting.
“Well, that makes one of us,” I said grumpily. “Let me get my shoes.”


About the Author:


Krystal lives in rural southeast Kansas, on the outskirts of an official ghost town with her husband and children, along with a multitude of animals. She can often be found taking a walk in nature, shuffling one of her many decks of tarot cards or finding something new to watch.

As a writer, she loves to craft stories that may be shorter in length, but are packed with unforgettable characters and situations that her readers can relate to. She understands that every villain can be a hero and every hero a villain.






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Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Cover Reveal - Shadow Magic by Sherry Soule #coverreveal #preorder



Shadow Magic
Macabre Academy
Book One
Sherry Soule

ASIN: B0871P32M5
Release Date: May 1, 2020
Genre: Paranormal Mystery
Subgenres: Paranormal Romance, Love Triangle, Academy
Upper-YA, New Adult, and Adult

Book Description:

Do you enjoy not-so-cozy paranormal mysteries, slow burn romances, and unconventional heroines? Then you'll love reading this new series by Sherry Soule.

Welcome to Macabre Academy!

Ghost summoning? No biggie. Raising the dead? Bring it on. Solving my sister’s sudden disappearance? A bit more complicated...

I’m Serena LeStrange, a necromancer who prefers to hide her freakishly fabulous skills from others. Only my sister makes me feel less of a weirdo, so when she mysteriously vanishes from college, I enroll at Macabre Academy to start my own investigation.

Except this is no ordinary school for the magically inclined, it’s home to all monsters—even the most dangerous ones. And after meeting an incredibly gorgeous vampire and a sinfully hot reaper, I find myself entangled in a passionate, yet forbidden, flirtation. To complicate matters, I get stuck with a ghostly genie sidekick and suspect a sinister sorority of misdeeds.

To solve the mystery, I’ll need all the help I can get. Someone at Macabre knows what happened to my sister, and I won’t stop until I dig up the truth.

Unfortunately, some dark secrets prefer to stay buried.

About the Author:

Sherry Soule is a multi-genre author, who lives in Northern California with her family and two spoiled rescue cats. She likes to surround herself with positive people and reads daily.

Sherry writes exciting tales of passionate romance, epic drama, and thrilling suspense. Many of her books have been on the Amazon bestseller lists and nominated as top picks in the “Best Paranormal Romance” categories on numerous review sites.


Official Author Blog:  http://sherrysoule.blogspot.com  


Twitter: https://twitter.com/SherrySoule13 @SherrySoule13


Friday, April 17, 2020

Author Interview - Bay of Darkness by S.K. Andrews #authorinterview



- If you were not a writer what would you be doing?

I would be the owner of a metaphysical bookstore and coffee house.

- If you wrote a book about your life what would the title be?

The Rise of The Phoenix.

- What is the hardest thing about being an author?

Fixing stupid little grammatical items in sentences when you are on a roll with your main character.

- What is the best thing about being an author?

Surrendering to my imagination and creativity!

- Have you ever been star struck by meeting one of your favorite authors? If so who was it?  

Yes.  I met R.L. Stine of Goosebumps fame at a book signing, and he is a wonderful man.  He is very down to earth, humble, and his wife sat by his side.

- What book changed your life?

Sacajawea, by Anna Lee Waldo.  I was in junior high when I read this book and it was my first long, more grown up novel.  Also, the historical figure of Sacajawea and her life inspired me.

- What were some of your favorite books growing up?

Grimms’ Fairy Tales, Nancy Drew books, and books about ghost stories

- What books are currently in your to be read pile?

True Ghost Stories, Unquiet Souls, and For the Love of You.

- Which do you prefer eBooks, print, or audio books?

I prefer print books, because I love to hold a book in my hand.  However, I read many eBooks on my train ride.

- If you could live inside the world of a book or series which world would it be and why?

I would live in Their No Strings Affair, by Charlotte O’Shay, because much of the book takes place in a brownstone in NYC, which has been remodeled and the description in the book is gorgeous!  The kitchen alone I would live in.  That is my dream to live in and own a townhouse on the upper west side.


Bay of Darkness
The Kelly Society
Book One
S.K. Andrews

Genre: Paranormal Mystery
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Date of Publication: October 2, 2019
ISBN: 1509227792
ASIN: B07WDL6HT6
Number of pages: 418
Word Count: 95,000
Cover Artist: Debbie Taylor

Tagline: To save the modern world, psychic Vivien Kelly channels an ancient Celtic life of treachery and murder—at the peril of her own soul.


Book Description:

After witnessing her fiancé’s murder and almost dying herself, Vivien Kelly’s mission is to destroy Dagda—a Celtic God turned demon.  When Vivien discovers she worshiped Dagda in an ancient life as Boudicca, the Celtic warrior queen, she’s compelled to the quaint Northern California town of Half Moon Bay. 

There Vivien finds Dagda’s creatures tormenting the locals—from a Fear Dorcha, to the Headless Horseman.  The Kelly Society is then born—her own paranormal cleansing team and the race is on when people around her begin to die. 

While banishing a Banshee, Vivien meets Neal Harrington—a soul partner who can promise true happiness.  But when Dagda’s black vapor creates a New World of darkness, her time is up.  Can Vivien abandon everyone she loves and succumb to Boudicca’s barbaric force to defeat the demon?  Her actions not only determine her future—but the future of the modern world.


Amazon      BN     Kobo     Scribd     Indiebound


Excerpt:
Announcing her presence, Vivien slapped open palms against the bedroom door. Shrieking stopped, as the Banshee tried to stab into her intuitive power—not even making a dent.
Julie I’m here to help. Don’t be afraid. After sending her telepathic message, she felt a definite shift. The young girl now had hope.
Sensing another female entity in the bedroom, Vivien tuned in sharper. A spirit connected to the house stood in front of Julie, also protecting her.
“That horrible noise stopped.” Neal eyed the door urgently. “Is that good or bad? I mean, is Julie safe?”
“Yes, she’s safe. I put a protective light around her.”
Heaving a sigh of exhaustion, he rubbed his temple. “Oh, right—the light thing. This is all so weird.” Neal’s head popped up. “No offense.”
“None taken.” She grinned like a debutant about to dance with the coolest boy in school.
“What now?”
Vivien desperately prayed for someone to slap her in the face. Where was Donna when she needed her? Clasping her hands tightly, she pressed on. “I go in and—” Her mouth stopped moving. A dustbowl of black energy swirled through the house coming from Neal, as well as Julie’s friends. “Please bring the other girls to me. Tell them we need to help Julie.”
“What?” His horrified face reflected his confusion.
“Do you trust me?” Relaxed eyes connected with his.
Neal’s voice came out in a whisper. “I do trust you. I don’t even know why.”
The universe ceased movement while they gazed at each other again. Finally, Vivien cleared her throat and Neal turned on his heel. “I’ll get the girls.”
After he rounded the corner, Vivien’s head dropped into her hands. He distracted her to the point of possible error, and that she couldn’t afford. Why did she have to meet him on a case? A damn weird one at that. Bringing her head up, Vivien found three nervous girls peeking out from behind Neal’s legs.
Neal looked down upon them with an encouraging smile. “It’s okay. Vivien is here to help.”
They gawked at her like fawns caught in the headlights of a tanker truck. A red-haired, freckled girl held Neal’s hand, a brown-eyed girl grasped his thigh like a rope tow on a ski slope, and a sandy-haired, blue-eyed girl sporting a pink kitty shirt clung to his second hand. All three held guilty faces.
Then it hit Vivien like a shot to the chest— they believed they’d abandoned Julie to a horrible fate. Neal got them out, but before Julie could escape, the creature sealed the door with an oozing black substance. “I want to tell you all something—and you too.” Neal looked at her with surprise. “Yes?”
“I feel and can see the terror you’re all in right now. Everything in this world has energy, and you’re sending out powerful fear. That’s what the creature wants. So, when you’re scared, you’re actually feeding the banshee and making her more powerful.”
Her helpful speech made the girls burst into tears. Stretching out her arms, she kneeled in front of them. “Wait! I know how we can fix this.”
“We didn’t mean to! We really didn’t!” The girls proclaimed between sobs.
“Now, listen to me.” Beautiful young eyes gazed back at her expectantly. “Go back to Neal’s bedroom and sit in a circle. Hold hands and think of the best, most fun memory you have with Julie. I see you all at the beach making sand- castles. Use that one, or another, but focus on the joy of that day. It’s like a daydream. Keep that vision going until I’m done.”
Neal came forward. “I’ll do it with them. Let’s go.”
Amazed at his instant acceptance of her task, she stood.
Suddenly the girls sprang to life, all smiles and nods. They pulled Neal down the hallway, chattering about which memory they would choose. Neal walked with them, but gave her a last, concerned glance before turning the corner. He wanted to protect her but didn’t know how.

Glowing from the inside out, Vivien realized it had been a long time since a man worried about her well-being.

About the Author:

When Starra Andrews wasn't swimming the Pacific Ocean in her hometown of Laguna Beach, California, she busied herself by writing fantasy stories and acting on stage. 

Having grown up watching Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone and Night Gallery shows on TV, Starra quickly fell in love with paranormal tales with a message of wisdom and love.  Also, being a fan of romance novels and non-fiction ghost stories, she decided to marry the two and write paranormal novels of suspense, adventure, and intrigue with a strong romantic foundation. 

The sense of adventure inside her came from summers of camping with her family in Mexico (Baja California) and walking along beaches with no other footprints but hers, as her family members unpacked the camper and got ready to collect clams right off the shoreline for dinner.  Starra attained a B.A. degree in Theatre from University of California, Irvine, and a Professional Acting Certificate from LACC Acting Academy.  Starra is also a member of the International Thriller Writers, which hosts the Thrillerfest writers conference every year in NYC.

The beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York is where Starra now calls home.  She loves being a quick train ride from New York City, but also enjoys country life.  Her two tabby cats Audrey Hepburn and Vivien Leigh are her constant writing companions, and love to curl up on the table next to her laptop.

Her heroine, psychic/paranormal cleanser Vivien Kelly and her team are in a race to rid the modern world of deadly Celtic creatures in her book trilogy, The Kelly Society.  Bay of Darkness is the first book of the series.








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Monday, April 13, 2020

Interview- Witch Tease by Cindy Keen Reynders #authorinterview



If you were not a writer what would you be doing?

I attended college intending to become a TV reporter or a journalist or become a computer programmer. Since then, I’ve worked in many different jobs at many different places doing many different things. For the last 18 years in my dream job, I’ve worked in a small newspaper office, writing, editing and dabbling in social media, marketing and graphic design. If I had the chance to go back and change career, I’d love to become a dancer. And write, of course. 

If you wrote a book about your life what would the title be?
“All Over the Map.”

What is the hardest thing about being an author?

Marketing my work. I’d love to lock my office door and write forever, but authors need to go out and talk with people to let them know about our books. 

What is the best thing about being an author?

Cooking up characters and plots is my favorite activity. I love creating difficulty for my people, then finding ways to get them out of pickles. 

Have you ever been star struck by meeting one of your favorite authors? If so who was it?  

Roberta Gellis! It amazes me that in addition to writing, she held a master’s degree in biochemistry and medieval literature. She was at a conference I attended many years ago and I could hardly believe my luck. She wrote the most amazing medieval romance—full of history and memorable characters. As a teenager, I read everything she’d written that I could get my hands on. 
I talked to her after one of the workshops and told her how much I loved her work and how dazzled I was to meet. She seemed genuinely shocked and embarrassed and said something like, “Oh wow, I really can’t be your writing idol, can I?”

What book changed your life?

“Rhiannon,” by Roberta Gellis. I dreamed of writing books like that, too. 

What were your some of favorite books growing up?

“Green Eggs and Ham,” by Dr. Seuss when I was in grade school. Then all of the books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. 

What books are currently in your to be read pile?

Too many! I love romance, mystery, paranormal—whatever catches my eye. I am reading through the Bible right now, and I’ve many chapters to complete.

Which do you prefer ebooks, print, or audio books?

I love to listen to audio books while we are on the road. Ebooks are wonderful, but I still love the feel of a paperback book in my hands. 

If you could live inside the world of a book or series which world would it be and why? 

There are so many! But I believe I’d want to live in my Wysteria Hedge Haven Clan and be one of the witch sisters. I’m fascinated by good witches, white magic and sorcery. What wonderous things I could accomplish for humankind if I had powers like the Rose sisters!


Witch Tease
Wysteria Hedge Haven Clan
Book Three
Cindy Keen Reynders

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Solstice Publishing
Date of Publication: December 19, 2019
ISBN: 978`677131563
ASIN: 781677 131563
Number of pages: 272
Word Count: 70,000


Tagline: Elizabeth, “Lizzie” Rose, high witch of the Wysteria Hedge Haven Clan, must enlist the assistance of her former lover, Kincaid McAllister, the famous Spirit Wulver, to save her coven from a banshee attack.

Book Description:

As the Wysteria Hedge Haven Clan prepares to celebrate Mabon (autumn equinox) by holding a “Blessing of the Brooms” ceremony at the Royal Witch Arena, a banshee swarm attacks. While clan members are held captive, the banshee leader, Sorcha, barters with the Supreme Witch’s Council to bestow life to her group within the next 48 hours.

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Rose, high witch of the Wysteria Hedge Haven Clan, has recently been running late to coven events. She arrives at the arena after the banshees’ attack, and manages to escape.

She hires the famous Spirit Wulver, who is known in the magical world for dispatching demons and evil spirits. When he arrives, she realizes it is Kincaid McAllister—the same man she fell in love with centuries ago, back in Scotland.

Kincaid and Lizzie set aside their personal feelings in order to save her clan. Unfortunately, Kincaid’s typical pest exterminations fail. As a last resort, he plans to travel to the Land of the Fae to consult with the Faery King to determine the best way to get rid of Sorcha’s gang.

Despite the dangers, Lizzie insists on going with Kincaid. After rekindling their love, the two vow to spend their lives together. They find Uaithne; a magical harp that will destroy the banshees. Possession of the item requires the sacrifice of a life. To Lizzie’s dismay, Kincaid offers his.

Refusing to accept Kincaid’s fate, she frees her clan, then begins the process of returning to the Land of the Fae where she hopes to free her lover. Hopefully, Lizzie’s timeless love for Kincaid will unlock powerful magic to fuel her quest.



Excerpt:

Breathing in the old magic wafting through the glade, Lizzie entered a ring of tall standing stones and placed the basket of herbs on the ground. The ancients had worshipped here, her Druid ancestors who had practiced otherworld mysteries by tracking celestial bodies.
They knew about life and its beginnings and they understand the nature of humans and other creatures. Much of their knowledge had been lost over time, but she and her Hedge Haven Clan did their best to pass along the fundamental teachings and learn the old ways.
At last Kincaid pushed his way through layered green foliage. Tall, powerful and exuding raw sexuality, he strode up to Lizzie. His familiar musky scent drifted toward her, and she breathed in his intoxicating presence. A smile curled her lips, but it faded when she realized he wore woolen soldier’s attire complete with a red plaid kilt.
Her stomach clenched. “What’s going on? Why are you dressed that way?”
“Come to me, lass,” he said in his thick Scottish brogue, his blue eyes dancing. “You ken I want you.”
“And I want you,” she whispered, momentarily forgetting her fears as he pulled her into his arms. When he lowered his shaggy head, his lips met hers in a warm, passionate kiss. Desire wrapped around her and she melted into his protective, loving embrace.
As the kiss deepened, Kincaid gently eased her down into the soft grass. She moaned as his talented mouth found the curve of her neck, nibbling the sensitive skin. His warm, moist lips thrilled her as he blazed a fiery trail of warmth. Nimbly unlacing the ribbons on her bodice, he made his way to her cleavage, then her nipples.
She arched her back as his lips encircled the rosy tips, sucking and licking until the center of her being nearly burst. Untying her cloak, she spread it out beneath them. Breathing heavily, she undressed him as he undressed her. Before long, they lay naked beneath the sky.
“I’m cold,” she managed before her teeth began to chatter. “We’ve barely entered the spring equinox and the weather still chills my soul.”

“Then ‘tis my job to warm ye.”

About the Author:


Cindy Keen Reynders is a contributing editor and staff writer for LCSD1’s Public Schools’ Chronicle. She worked as a book critic for Storyteller Alley and has published articles with True West and Wild West magazines.

She is the author of mysteries The Saucy Lucy Murders, Paws-itively Guilty and A Killer Slice. Additionally, Solstice Publishing released The Seven-Year Witch in March, 2019. The second book about the Wysteria Hedge Haven Clan sisters is, A Witch at Midnight, which was released in July, 2019. Witch Tease, is the next book in the series.

Besides reading, writing and crocheting, Cindy’s favorite activity is seeing new places. She was born in Portland, Oregon and has lived all over the United States and in Misawa, Japan. She has visited Canada, the Philippines, Samoa, Hawaii, both the western and eastern Caribbean and New Zealand.

From baby alligators to glow worms, Cindy has seen a variety of life’s wonders.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cindy.k.reynders           









Interview- The Thorn Princess by Bekah Harris #authorinterview


- If you were not a writer what would you be doing (or alternatively, what is your “day” job if you do both)?

Teaching. I currently teach 9th grade English in rural East TN. 

- If you wrote a book about your life what would the title be?

Well, That Didn’t Go as Planned: A Memoir

- What is the hardest thing about being an author?

The hardest thing about being an author is, hands-down, sticking to a writing and publishing schedule while balancing work and family.

- What is the best thing about being an author?

Sending my stories out into the world to be enjoyed by others. There is no greater compliment than hearing from fans who are invested in my characters.

- Have you ever been star struck by meeting one of your favorite authors? If so who was it?

I met Adriana Trigiani at Writers Day of the Virginia Highlands two years ago. I was beside myself and might have sputtered indecipherable sentence fragments at her. She bought my book and then signed a copy of Big Stone Gap for me. She called me a “Rock Star.” My life is complete.

- What book changed your life?

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. I first read this story in sixth grade after checking it out at our school library. Here was a book about growing up that wasn’t sweet, sentimental, or sugar coated. She presented a perfectly imperfect snippet of teen life as it is with all its beautiful struggles, tragedies, and conflicts. This is still my favorite novel.

- What were your some of favorite books growing up?

      Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
      The Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
      Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor
      The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
      After the Rain by Norma Fox Mazer
      The Secret Circle and The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith
      Anything by Christopher Pike, R.L. Stine, and Richie Tankersley Cusick

- What books are currently in your to be read pile?

Oh, no, I’m so behind!

      Wayland by Rita Quillen (currently reading, and it’s amazing so far!)
      Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare
      The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
      Wicked Academy Term 3: Dirty Little Secrets by Nissa Leder
      Echo in the Bone and Written in my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon


- Which do you prefer ebooks, print, or audio books?

While I do love the weight of a good book in my hands, I have been reading more and more ebooks as my time is limited. They are available with the click of a button during a super busy time in my life when I have little time to do much bookstore browsing.
If I am buying a book for research purposes, though, I always buy print so that I can scribble notes in the margins and highlight.

Recently, however,  I have been listening to more audiobooks for entertainment. It’s a great way to stay current on my TBR pile while multitasking.

- If you could live inside the world of a book or series which world would it be and why?


I would have to give up daily showers and indoor plumbing, but I have to say I would love to live in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, especially in the mid-series books, which are set in pre-Revolutionary North Carolina. So many of the areas Gabaldon writes about are practically in my backyard, and to be a part of those adventures would be nothing short of extraordinary. Hopefully, I would be one of the heroes of the story and not one of Claire’s patients who dies of something currently treatable, like dysentery or small pox. 


The Thorn Princess
The Iron Crown Faerie Tales
Book 1 of 6
Bekah Harris

Genre: YA Fantasy/Fairytales
Publisher: Dreamlake Media
Date of Publication:  March 1, 2019
ISBN: 1796394653
ASIN: B07NDRHYLC
Number of pages: 268
Word Count: 57099

Cover Artist: Ana Bazyl

Tagline: What is Ivy Hawthorne? 

Book Description:

Ivy Hawthorne has always felt like an outsider, but now she is starting to wonder who—and what—she really is.

She can see people’s auras. Animals watch her wherever she goes, and worst of all, sometimes her dreams actually come true.

But recently, things have gone from strange to downright bizarre.

The animals have started following her. Strangers have started watching her. And when she gets angry or upset, inexplicable things are bound to happen.

But the craziest thing of all is the sudden arrival of Barrett Forbes, a mysterious transfer student who finds her fascinating.

The more she gets to know Barrett, the more she learns about the dark truth behind her lonely, isolated childhood. As she digs deeper into her past, Ivy discovers the shocking realities about her lineage and where her destiny lies.

Filled with magic, romance, and mystery, The Thorn Princess is the first book in Bekah Harris’ captivating new series, the Iron Crown Faerie Tales.



Excerpt:

Ivy Hawthorne could feel its eyes on her.
            An old screech owl was common enough in the mountains. What wasn’t so common was the way it watched her, its huge yellow irises round as saucers, its head moving to follow her figure up the path to the dining hall, where breakfast was already underway.
            Ivy had always been good with animals, but sometimes, the way they focused on her was unsettling. Like right now. It was almost seven-thirty. The owl should have been roosting in its nest, settling into sleep for the day.
She trudged past the tree where it perched, its downy brown and white feathers puffed out against the cold, as the main buildings of the Kingston Academy campus rose up in the distance. The series of towering stone buildings loomed over her like sinister shadows as the near-hidden sun touched a bleak winter sky. Locked away from the rest of the world, the students who attended the historic boarding school were protected in the safe arms of the campus by a tall iron gate that separated the school from the treacherous mountain terrain and wildlife that surrounded it.  The spindles were too close together for even a child to slide through, and the fence was too tall, slick, and sharp to climb. Which was just how the parents and administrators wanted it.
Unless you were a squirrel or bird, there was no going in or out without getting stuck. Or impaled if you managed to climb high enough.
The morning was still and quiet. The only sounds were the rattling of naked tree branches and the crunching of Ivy’s boots in the frozen snow. On mornings like this, Ivy resented the school uniform requirement at Kingston. The wind tore through the thin black leggings she wore beneath her pleated skirt, as she readjusted her heavy bag that drooped toward the ground.
            The lone owl hooted as Ivy left it behind. Unable to help herself, she turned, stopping to watch it for a moment. Her gaze connected with the owl’s, its wizened expression examining her with a fixation that made her wonder if it could see her future. Or maybe even her past. When she was a little girl, Nan used to tell her stories about birds and other animals that could see into a person’s soul. Nan believed it like gospel, but Ivy had always figured they were just old wives’ tales. Folklore from the superstitious mountains where they lived. But the owl’s penetrating gaze was enough to make her question those beliefs.
            Checking her smartwatch, Ivy shook off the eerie feeling and hustled up the path until she reached the sidewalk, which, mercifully, had been shoveled and salted. She stomped the snow from her boots and rushed up the stairs to the dining hall. When she opened the door, the smell of frying bacon and maple syrup filled her senses, as she absently handed her meal card to Rhoda, the cashier who smiled and said “Good morning,” just like any other day.
But Ivy’s nerves sloshed in her belly as she approached the dining room. She had dreamed about the dining hall last night. Like any of the places she saw in her dreams, she was wary to enter. Taking a deep breath to calm her irrational anxiety, she stepped into the room and scanned the scattering of round oak-colored tables and chairs.
            Most of her classmates weren’t early risers, so in twenty minutes, they would be scrambling from their beds and rushing to their eight a.m. classes. But Ivy usually woke up early after a night of tossing and turning between restless dreams, which had been the case that morning. The dreams were becoming more frequent lately, just like her animal sightings.
This morning it had been an owl.
Yesterday, she had seen a cardinal, which wasn’t altogether strange.
But the way it had flitted behind her from tree to tree until she had walked inside had been odd. A few minutes later, it had perched in the windowsill of her lit class, peeking inside.
            “There you are!”
 Jules McKinnon, Ivy’s best friend since the early years at Kingston, waved at her from their usual table. She gestured to the untouched plate in front of the empty seat beside her. She had piled on French toast sticks, honey, and apple slices. Ivy’s favorite. Just as her stomach growled, she stopped short, examining Jules. Her textured black pixie was sticking out in all directions this morning, rather than being swept softly to the side.
Oh, no.
If Jules had actually made the effort to fix her hair, then she’d been up for more than the ten minutes it took to throw on her uniform, brush her teeth, and walk to the dining hall. Which also probably meant she’d been up for hours and hadn’t been tempted to hit snooze five times. It meant she had been wide awake and obsessing over something.
Ivy focused, narrowing her eyes in an effort to see Jules’ aura, a fuzzy light that emanated from most people in a variety of colors determined by their emotions. Ivy had possessed the strange ability for as long as she could remember, though it wasn’t something she advertised. Sure enough, Jules’s aura glowed in a dark yellow halo that shone from her head and shoulders. She was worried. Probably about her grades. Ivy learned a long time ago that, as smart as Jules was, she would always freak out over tests, quizzes, grades, and her GPA. All the women in her family had gone on to Hollins University, and Jules was determined to get in, too, even if it caused her to have a nervous breakdown in the process.
“I thought you were never going to get here. I fell asleep studying last night like a narcoleptic dumbass and am now doomed to fail Crenshaw’s lit quiz this morning. Thank God I woke up at four. Anyway, you’re good at all this poetry crap. Tell me…” She looked down at her notes. “What are the underlying Romantic elements of the Lady of Shallot?”
“First of all, it’s Shalott,” Ivy said. “Shallots are a type of onion.”
She dunked a piece of French toast in honey, chewing while Jules went into full-on panic mode.
“Oh my God, I am so screwed. I thought last year’s phi lit class was awful. But this semester? British Poets? Just kill me!  Crenshaw is going to see to it that my four-point-oh is a pleasant dream of the past, achieved and maintained for ten years but snatched away in an undignified attempt to interpret poetry.”
“Dramatic much?”
“Not cool, Ivy. Can’t you see I’m desperate? Why couldn’t this be calculus? I get math.”
“Poetry is mathematical,” Ivy said. “It’s about structure and pattern, rhyme, meter, and rhythm. Anyway, stop freaking out. Just remember that the Romantic philosophies of the day were about…”
Ivy lost her train of thought. Her stomach cramped and twisted as he walked in. The boy from the dream. She watched him as he moved past her with a confident gait and sat at the fourth table from the coffee bar. Just as she had dreamed. Ivy blinked, shaking her head. She tried to look away but couldn’t.
“About…?” Jules glared impatiently until she followed the direction of Ivy’s stare. “Ah. I see you’ve discovered Kingston’s latest flavor of eye candy.”
The boy was tall and thin, but lean, not skinny. He looked completely out of place in the required gray blazer and khaki pants. With skin the color of porcelain and dark black-blue hair, he looked more like a leather jacket sort of guy than a prep school student. His aura glowed from him in a soft red. Confidence. Strength.
It took a lot of concentration, but Ivy had been seeing auras since she was a small child. Nan called it “the sight” and had taught her how to read them. Had taught her never to tell anyone that she could see them.

Just like he had in the dream, the boy was surrounded by a red glow as he sat down. Her dreams always seemed so real, and when she woke, Ivy always had a sense that she had been to a different time or a different reality. But she didn’t often stare down her dreams in the daylight.


About the Author:

Born and raised in the mountains of East Tennessee, Bekah Harris has been writing since she could hold a pencil. The beauty of her home in the Appalachian Mountains, along with the legends, myths, and folklore of that area, is what inspires the unique plots and settings captured in her young adult fiction. In addition to her love of all things fictional, Bekah is also a freelance writer and editor, as well as a high school English teacher. When not working, Bekah can be found at home making art with her son, as well as drinking coffee and watching Netflix with her husband.