Tag: magic

#TuesdayBookBlog Like Frail Boats on the Sea (Little Sister Island Series Book 4) by Caren J. Werlinger

Post author By olganm
Post date April 29, 2025
19 Comments on #TuesdayBookBlog Like Frail Boats on the Sea (Little Sister Island Series Book 4) by Caren J. Werlinger

Hi, all:

I bring you a book by an author I love, in a series I adore. And it’s another one of Rosie’s Book Review Team discoveries. What else shall I say?

Like Frail Boats on the Sea (Little Sister Island Series Book 4) by Caren J. Werlinger

Home.

Molly Cooper thought she knew what home was. Little Sister Island—the place she was born and raised. The place her people have lived since the 1760s. The place that was literally tied to her by blood.

Eryn Grant had grown up thinking she knew what home was, but then she found out about Little Sister Island and her mother’s side of the family. A place and people she never knew existed. Being on the island awakens more than just a desire she can’t quite put her finger on.

A series of island tragedies—past and present—shake all of the islanders. Eryn is inexorably drawn by these events, back to the place she needs to be, but for Molly, everything she thought she knew is turned upside down. She’s adrift in the world. Even the love of her mate, Kathleen, isn’t enough to hold her steady in this storm.

The island’s magic is powerful, but is it powerful enough to heal rifts this deep?

Like Frail Boats on the Sea is the fourth book in the Little Sister Island series.

About the author:

Bestselling author Caren Werlinger published her first award-winning novel, Looking Through Windows, in 2008. Since then, she has published seventeen more novels, winning several more awards, including the 2021 Alice B medal. Influenced by a diverse array of authors, including Rumer Godden, J.R.R. Tolkien, Ursula LeGuin, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Willa Cather and the Brontë sisters, Caren writes literary fiction that features the struggles and joys of characters readers can identify with. Her stories cover a wide range of genres: historical fiction, contemporary drama, and fantasy, including the award-winning Dragonmage Saga, a fantasy trilogy set in ancient Ireland. She has lived in Virginia for thirty years where she practices physical therapy, teaches anatomy, and lives with her wife and their canine fur-children.

Check out her blog: http://cjwerlinger.wordpress.com

My review:

I write this review as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team (author, check here if you are interested in getting your book reviewed) and thank her and the author for this opportunity.

I have read and reviewed several of Caren J. Werlinger’s novels and enjoyed them all, but I must admit I am a fan of the Little Sister Island Series. This is the fourth book in the series, and I couldn’t wait to revisit the island and meet the characters I’ve grown so fond of over the years.

The author explains at the beginning of the book that it had taken her two and a half years to finish this book, something unusual for her, and shares an insight into the reasons for that, including a change in her regular activity and life in general. I am sure readers will be grateful that the author managed to finish the book, and I can say it was worth the wait.

We reunite with some of our most beloved characters from the series, and with some that have just newly arrived or are trying to find their way, like Eryn, who feels a strong pull towards the island and starts to experience strange dreams where she is channelling the experiences of one of the first Irish people to arrive to the island (in 1761). And although some of these experiences are wonderful, not all are. Trying to convince her mother to return to the island proves tricky, but eventually she discovers why her mother has been so reluctant and why she left and never went back. And the explanation comes as a surprise to her.

We also revisit Molly, who is not feeling in tune with the island, and starts to think that she does not belong there. She loves Kathleen but thinks that her partner is more attached to the island and her role there than to her, and she does not think she has a part to play, other than being the sheriff and doing repair jobs. That is not enough for her, and she decides to accept a job offer that takes her away from the island and Kathleen. The job offer and her move are only temporary, although…

Molly’s situation is further complicated by a fire that destroys one of the houses on the island, whose resident blames her. What will the island residents decide?

In this novel, we learn more about the traditions, the ceremonies, and the rituals that take place in the island, and we get to see more of its magic and how it works. We also learn that not everything is idyllic in Little Sister Island, and not only now, with tourists taking over the island in the summer and misbehaving at times, and people accusing their neighbours of misdeeds, but also in the past. There are tragedies and small miracles, heartache, love, strong family ties, secrets, hints at new beginnings, and more stories to come.

Like all of the novels in the series, this one is beautifully written, and it combines a gripping plot (with several strands that end up creating a bigger and satisfying picture), with great characters, whose psychological makeup is complex and realistic. Some of the characters have bigger parts than others, but this is a choral book, and the story is that of the island, so we get a chance to connect with all the characters we have met before and see how their lives are progressing. It is like visiting old friends and having a good catch-up, with many adventures and some new characters making an appearance (including a wonderful dog Molly adopts, and so do Blossom and Kathleen).

I love this series, as I have said before, and I recommend anybody interested in Irish Celtic rituals and Native-American folklore and mythology, good writing, and great characters, to check it out. To be enjoyed as it should, it is best to read the four books in the right order. The story keeps building up and growing, as does the community on the island, and I hope there will be many more books to come, because I look forward to my visits to this wonderful and magical place.

A small sample of the writing:

Waves washed gently onto the sand as Kathleen stood, hands in the pockets of her windbreaker, watching the orange disc of the sun break over the hard black line of the horizon. Its light created a wash of diamonds in the water.

Thanks to Rosie for her hard work and the team for their support, thanks to the author for bringing us another wonderful novel in this series, and thanks to you, readers and followers, most of all. Keep smiling, take care, and stay safe. ♥

Tags Caren J. Werlinger, First Nation, Irish Celtic tradition, magic, mythology, RBRT, The Little Island Series

Book reviews TuesdayBookBlog

#TuesdayBookBlog The Song of Youth by Effrosyni Moschoudi (@FrostieMoss)

Post author By olganm
Post date September 3, 2024

Hi, all:

I bring you a new novel by an author whose magical and romantic novels set in Greece are great reads any time of the year when we need a bit of sun and cheer.

The Song of Youth by Effrosyni Moschoudi

Emilia wished to be young again… and then, it happened.

Emilia Paschos is feeling distraught on her 45th birthday. Believing that she’s lost out on life, she makes a wish to be young again. And then, a mysterious gypsy called Esmera offers her the chance to become younger at will, simply by singing a song. Soon, unexpected news sweeps Emilia off to the island of Milos with an opportunity to start her life anew.

A nosy neighbor, a flirtatious ex, and an obnoxious cousin cause trouble, but then two strange girls, Elise and Chloe, turn up and begin to help in miraculous ways, being just as magical as Esmera. They are all angels, except Emilia has no idea…

Being young again whenever she wishes it makes Emilia feel exuberant, but it pales in comparison to the way Andreas, a handsome widower and newly established restauranteur on the island, makes her feel. Together, they rescue a puppy, and now she feels like she is being rescued too.

Because Andreas, who is in his 50s, has eyes only for the real her, not for her younger self. The only problem is, her angelic gift keeps expiring in the most awkward moments!

How much longer can she keep her secret? And, what will she choose? The exhilarating gift of youth… or the sweetness of love?

Order now this hilarious supernatural romantic comedy and get ready for a fun romantic escape on a Greek island paradise… but keep the hankies at the ready. And, whatever you do, do not read when hungry. You have been warned!

About the author:

Effrosyni Moschoudi was born and raised in Athens, Greece. As a child, she loved to sit alone in her garden scribbling rhymes about flowers, butterflies and ants. Today, she writes books for the romantic at heart. She lives in a quaint seaside town near Athens with a British husband, two naughty cats, and a staggering amount of books and DVDs. Her little town is heavenly enough, yet her mind forever drifts to her beloved island of Corfu.

The Ebb, her new adult romance that was inspired from her summers in Corfu in the 1980s, is an ABNA Q-Finalist. Her debut novel, The Necklace of Goddess Athena, won a silver medal in the 2017 book awards of Readers’ Favorite. Her ghost romance novella, The Boy on the Bridge, was a Top 10 winner in the “50 Best Indie Books” awards of Readfree.ly in 2021.

Effrosyni’s books are sweet romances (low heat and no sex scenes). Running Haunted, My Corfu Love Story, and The Necklace of Goddess Athena are clean & wholesome. All the books are Amazon bestsellers, having hit #1 several times, and are available in kindle and paperback format.

Go here to download FREE books by this author: http://effrosyniwrites.com/free-stuff/

Visit her website for her travel guide to Corfu, delicious Greek recipes, and a plethora of blog posts about her life in Greece: http://www.effrosyniwrites.com

**Like her on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/authoreffrosyni

**Follow her on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/frostiemoss

**Find her on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7362780.Effrosyni_Moschoudi

My review:

I write this review as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team (author, check here if you are interested in getting your book reviewed) and thank her and the author for this opportunity.

I have read several novels by this author and have come to look forward to the magic, the light, and the wonderful landscapes she peppers her stories with. And this novel is no different.

We have a protagonist, Emilia, who has reached 45, has spent her youth looking after others, and feels she is far too old now to have a chance at love and happiness. If she were only twenty years younger, all of her problems would disappear and she could be happy!

This being a novel by Effrosyni Moschoudi, a fairy godmother (well, Esmera, a mysterious gipsy woman who has otherworldly powers and qualities) comes and gives her the chance to try out what it would be like to be younger again, and see if that life suits her better than her current one. But “the gift” that allows her to go back in time comes with some conditions and provisos. And, to make matters a bit more complicated, Emilia’s dear aunt dies in the island of Milos, a place full of good memories for her, and her passing gives her an unexpected opportunity. It also means that Emilia has to interact with some people she isn’t that fond of, and her experience of being young again gets more and more complicated. One thing is to become young again in a place where nobody knows you, and quite a different one is to do it where people know you and remember you as a young woman. How will she manage to pull that off, and what will happen when she finally meets somebody who might be the right one?

I am not going to reveal all that happens, as you can probably imagine that there will be romantic events, more than one close call, and complications galore. Emilia is accompanied by some collaborators of Esmera (a young woman with an old-fashioned hairstyle and a young child), but even with their guidance, things aren’t easy.

This novel, told in the third person, mostly from Emilia’s point of view, but also from Esmera´s and her two helpers, has all the elements one could wish for in a romantic comedy: misunderstandings, handsome strangers (Andreas is a wonderful character, even though he comes with some baggage), a puppy, wonderful food, a beautiful island… and it reminded me of farces, where there are people pretending to be somebody they are not, wearing disguises, hiding and disappearing in the last minute, a lot of close calls, enemies and their machinations (in this case, Emilia’s nasty cousin and a former boyfriend who cheated on her with said cousin), plenty of coincidences, and some hurdles. Because, as we all know, true love never does run smooth. Emilia has to face some hard truths and heartaches; there are lessons to be learned, not only by her, but by some of the other characters too. And there are plenty of hilarious moments as well. I particularly enjoyed the epilogue, where some characters get their more-than-deserved comeuppance. (And a couple of owls play an important part, so, of course, I loved it!)

Even readers who don’t have much in common with Emilia will warm to her, because she has endured some terrible losses, and she’s a very relatable and understandable character. Who wouldn’t want to get a new chance at life if they’d gone through what she did? I loved the “magical” characters as well. A bit like Greek gods, they aren’t beyond playing pranks or making mistakes, and thanks to Chloe, we get to understand how they gain their knowledge and learn the ropes. We even see her undertake another mission, one that will take us back to our school days and will make us smile.

The book is full of delightful descriptions of the island, its people, its food, its smells… and the writing vividly captures the atmosphere and the landscapes of the Greek islands, transporting the reader there. This is a gentle romance, with no explicit sex, and despite the main character’s age, I think it is suited to all young and older readers. Anybody who has ever wondered what they would do if given a second chance at life, lovers of romance and stories with a magical twist will enjoy this novel and are likely to start thinking about spending their future holidays in Greece and its islands.

Oh, do read the author’s note at the end. I found it very moving, and it reminds us of the healing power of writing and stories.

Thanks to Rosie and all the members of her team for their support, thanks to the author for the opportunity, and thanks to all of you for your patience, for reading, writing, liking, sharing, and for being always there. Keep smiling!

Tags Angels, Effrosyni Moschoudi, Greek Islands, magic, romance, second chances

Book launch New books

#Cover-reveal. ‘A Little Magick’ by Marie Lavender (@marielavender1). Because sometimes a little magic goes a long way.

Post author By olganm
Post date July 17, 2015
38 Comments on #Cover-reveal. ‘A Little Magick’ by Marie Lavender (@marielavender1). Because sometimes a little magic goes a long way.

Hi all:

As you know, on Friday I usually bring you new books and/or guest authors. It’s always with great pleasure that I can bring you new books by authors who have already visited my blog (as that proves that writing is alive and well). Today, Marie Lavender, who is not only a great writer but also an staunch supporter of other writers, has a cover reveal for her new book ‘A Little Magick’ and I’m very happy to be able to bring it to you.

First, a little bit about Marie:

Bestselling author of UPON YOUR RETURN and 20 other books. Poetry winner of the 2015 PnPAuthors Contest. Honorable Mention in the 2014 BTS Red Carpet Book Awards. Finalist and Runner-up in the 2014 MARSocial’s Author of the Year Competition. Honorable mention in the January 2014 Reader’s Choice Award. Liebster Blogger Award for 2013 and 2014. Top 50 Authors on AuthorsDB.com. Winner of the Great One Liners Contest on the Directory of Published Authors.

Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and three cats. She has been writing for over twenty years. She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands. She is a multi-genre author. Since 2010, Marie has published twenty-one books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, fantasy, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. Her current series are The Heiresses in Love Series, The Magick Series and The Blood at First Sight Series. Feel free to visit her website at http://marielavender.com/ for further information about her books and her life. Marie is also on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

A list of her books and pen names are as follows:

Marie Lavender: Upon Your Return; Magick & Moonlight; Upon Your Honor; Second Nature; “Lovers Like Us” (from the book anthology, Poets & Writers in Action); A Little Magick

Erica Sutherhome: Hard to Get; Memories; A Hint of Scandal; Without You; Strange Heat; Terror in the Night; Haunted;Pursuit; Perfect Game; A Touch of Dawn; Ransom; Leather and Lace

Kathryn Layne: A Misplaced Life

Heather Crouse: Express Café and Other Ramblings; Ramblings, Musings and Other Things; Soulful Ramblings and Other Worldly Things

Here, the cover:

Little Rosie goes to stay with her uncle. There she meets some new friends…and some enemies. She doesn’t know that her emotions will trigger something unusual. So far from home, suddenly Rosie has become a full witch like her mother. For a time, it is great fun to use her powers the way she wants, but can Rosie figure out how to use these newfound powers for good or will she be lost to the dark side forever?

Here, the pre-order links:

Amazon: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00YJSGE40

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/547154

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-little-magick-marie-lavender/1122044476

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/a-little-magick-magick-series-book-2

Ah, and the Goodreads link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25652268-a-little-magick

And don’t forget to check the video:

Thanks so much to Marie for bringing us the cover reveal for her new book, thanks to all of you for reading and you know what to do, like, share, comment and CLICK!

Tags 'A Little Magick', magic, Marie Lavender, promote, romance, supernatural, witches

Blog Tour Book launch

#MagicalWeddings (15 Enchanting Romances) Blog Tour (only $0.99). And #giveaway!

Post author By olganm
Post date June 12, 2015
32 Comments on #MagicalWeddings (15 Enchanting Romances) Blog Tour (only $0.99). And #giveaway!

Hi all:

As you know on Friday I bring you new books or guest authors, so when one of the authors who has visited as before, Jody Kessler contacted me about this amazing collection of books, I grabbed the chance. Then I realised I also know Tamara Ferguson, although she hasn’t come for a visit yet, so I’m putting her on notice. Ah, and don’t miss the giveaway! Notice the giveaway runs for the 15th to the 28th of June.

Magical Weddings ~ 15 Enchanting Romances

Whether real or only in the hearts of the bride and groom, the magic of weddings is undeniable and irresistible! As these 15 enchanting happily-ever-afters by bestselling and award-winning authors prove.

From sweet to spicy, the romances bundled into this set cross time and unite hearts, cast spells of laughter, battle wedding jitters and fight back tears, while weaving love’s hopeful magic throughout 1400 pages.

The box set is available for pre-order now – only .99 cents!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Ibooks | Google Play

~~~More About the Books~~~

Her Wedding Wager by Leigh Michaels, National bestselling and Award-winning author of over 100 novels. Celia’s doomed to an arranged marriage–unless she can win the most important bet of her life!
~~~

The Last Wedding at Drayhome (Breens Mist Witches) by Aileen Harkwood. Never underestimate the power of a witch and warlock in love who have nothing left to lose.
~~~

The Dress by Eve Devon. Two couples, 400 years apart. From a masquerade ball in Venice 1615 to a wedding in England 2015, can a dress laced with magic weave its spell through the fabric of time?
~~~

Second Chance Bride by Raine English, USA Today bestselling and Award-winning author. She thinks she’s marrying the man of her dreams, until a telepathic rescue dog leads her to someone else… Will this bride-to-be say “I do” to the wrong man?
~~~

Two Hearts Surrendered by Tamara Ferguson, Bestselling and Award-winning author. Will two warring hearts be strong enough to survive the ultimate battle?
~~~

Something Borrowed, Something Blue by Lynda Haviland. She has a wedding to crash–until love gets in the way!
~~~

Heart of the Secret (Witches of Lane County) by Jody A. Kessler, Bestselling and Award-winning author. A 500 year-old curse, a witch who will do anything to marry her one true love, and the heart of a secret that will either divide them or bring them together…forever.
~~~

The Jealous Love of a Scoundrel by Jane Lark, National bestselling author. How do you fight a calling that comes from your soul?
~~~

A Wedding Across the Winds of Time by Bess McBride, National bestselling author. Darius and Molly found each other Across the Winds of Time. Now, it’s time for their wedding!
~~~

Kiss This by L.L. Muir, National bestselling and Award-winning author. You never expect the florist to catch the bouquet…
~~~

Caution is a Virtue by Jennifer Gilby Roberts. How much is too much to risk for love?
~~~

Loving Lindy by Jan Romes. In order to become the bank’s new Vice President, Gunther Justin has to be “settled.” With Lindy McPherson posing as his fiancé everything is set to go off without a hitch–until real feelings get in the way.
~~~

With this Kiss by Heather Thurmeier. Does a simple kiss have enough magic to reunite lovers?
~~~

Real Magic by Elsa Winckler. She’s the bridesmaid, he’s a best man. Will the magical evening stay just that or will it turn out to be real after all?
~~~

The Wedding Guests (A Tassamara Short Story) by Sarah Wynde. When unexpected guests attend Akira and Zane’s wedding, lives will change forever. But for better or for worse?

***Meet the Authors***

Leigh Michaelsis the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 books, including historical romance and contemporary romance. Her non-fiction book, On Writing Romance, has been called the best guide available for romance writers, and she teaches romance writing online at Gotham Writers Workshop.

Six of her books have been finalists in the RITA contest sponsored by Romance Writers of America, and more than 35 million copies of her books are in print in 25 languages and more than 120 countries. Her books have been published by Harlequin Books, Sourcebooks, Montlake Romance, Writers Digest Books, and Arcadia Publishing.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Aileen Harkwoodis a Readers’ Crown finalist who lives in the Southern Rockies. The Last Wedding at Drayhome is the prequel to two concurrent series of fantasy romances, Spell Touched: Breens Mist Witches, Book 1, and Wedding Spell, first in the Breens Mist Weddings series, due out in September 2015. She’s passionate about green chile and the mysteries hiding in antique photographs. Check in with her at:

Website | Newsletter | Facebook

Eve Devon: Growing up in locations like Botswana and Venezuela gave Eve Devon a taste for adventure. Her love of romances began when her mother shoved one into her hands in a desperate attempt to keep her quiet during TV coverage of the Wimbledon tennis finals. She lives in leafy Surrey in the UK, a book-devouring, slightly melodramatic, romance-writing sassy heroine with her very own sexy hero husband! Visit the author at her website: http://www.EveDevon.com

Facebook | Twitter

Raine English USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Raine English writes sweet small-town romance, paranormal, and Gothic romantic suspense. She’s a Daphne du Maurier Award winner and a Golden Heart finalist. Her new lighthearted contemporary romance series, Love Always, will be available June 2015. It features three childhood friends who encounter a lot more than anticipated while searching for love. Raine lives in New England with her family and her French bulldog, Bailey.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Tamara Ferguson: A member of the Romance Writers of America, as well as the FTHRW Chapter, Tamara

Ferguson is the best-selling and multi-award winning author of the Tales of The Dragonfly Romance Suspense Series. Tales of the Dragonfly Book II: In Flight was a 2014 WINNER at the Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards. Her latest release, That Unforgettable Kiss, was recently a top ten Amazon bestseller in Kindle Saga Fiction.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Lynda Havilandshares her chaotic and creative life with her chef husband, two artistic teenagers, and an aging bearded dragon. She admits to being heavily influenced by hazelnut coffee, chocolate with caramel, and romantic comedies. Something Borrowed, Something Blue is a stand-alone romantic short story written for the Magical Weddings Boxed Set. But Nellie Pearle can’t be contained. Look for her and other oddly entertaining residents of Pearl Key in an upcoming paranormal suspense series.

Website | Newsletter | Facebook

Jody A. Kessler’s debut novel, Death Lies Between Us, is a #1 best-seller and the winner of the Readers’ Crown Award. She writes paranormal romance, historical time travel fiction, and contemporary fiction.

Website | Amazon | Newsletter

Jane Lark: Jane is a Kindle bestselling author and a writer of authentic, passionate and emotional Historical and New Adult romances, and she’s a sucker for a love story. “I love the feeling of falling in love and it’s wonderful to be able to do it time and time again in fiction.” She loves writing intense relationships and she is thrilled to be giving her characters life in others’ imaginations.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Bess McBrideis the bestselling author of over fifteen time travel romances as well as contemporary, historical, romantic suspense and light paranormal romances. She loves to hear from readers, and you can contact her at bessmcbride@gmail.com.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

L.L. Muir lives in the shadows of the Rocky Mountains with a charming husband who makes her laugh, but does not make her do pans. Like most authors, she is constantly searching for, or borrowing pens. The best ideas always begin on a napkin.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Jennifer Gilby Robertshas a degree in physics and a postgraduate certificate in computing, so a career writing fiction was inevitable really. She was born and grew up in Surrey/Greater London, but now lives in North Yorkshire with her husband, her small daughter, a middle-aged cat and a lot of dust bunnies.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Jan Romesis a hopeless romantic who grew up in northwest Ohio with eight zany siblings. Married to her high school sweetheart for more years than seems possible, she is also a proud mom, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She likes to read all genres and writes witty contemporary romance.

Website | Twitter | Amazon

Heather Thurmeieris a lover of margaritas and a hater of spiders. Born and raised in the Canadian prairies, she now lives in New York where she’s become an odd Canuck-Yankee hybrid. Heather’s currently writing her next romance, which will probably be filled with sassy heroines, sexy heroes that make your heart pound, laugh out loud moments and always a happily ever after.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Elsa Winckler: Inspired by the writing of Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Henry James, and the Brontë sisters, Elsa Winckler likes her heroines beautiful, feisty, independent and headstrong. She married her college boyfriend who, after 40 years, still makes her weak in the knees. They have 3 interesting children, 3 beautiful grandsons and live in the picturesque little seaside village of Betty’s Bay, South Africa.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Sarah Wynde graduated from Wesleyan University with a degree in English, which she actually managed to put to use by becoming an editor. She’s worked on magazines, websites, and books, including ten years spent as a senior acquisitions editor with Pearson. Eventually, her love of writing pushed her into independent publishing. She likes to think of the stories she writes as unexpected fiction—bending, blending, and occasionally breaking genres.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Watch the Video Trailer

And Ta, chan! the GIVEAWAY!

The giveaway includes a $20 & $10 amazon gift cards, earrings, ebooks, audiobook, and a signed paperback from the various box set authors.

The giveaway runs from June 15th – 28th.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you for stopping by!

Order your copy here & it will be delivered to your ereader on June 16th!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Ibooks | Google Play

Thanks to Jody for bringing us this wonderful collection, thanks to all the authors for participating, thanks to all of you for reading, and you know, like, share, comment and of course CLICK!

Tags Box set, giveaway, magic, multiple authors, pre-sale, promo, Rifflecopter, romance, weddings

Guest author post

Guest author Teagan Geneviene. Of dreams, cats, writing and lots of magic!

Post author By olganm
Post date September 5, 2014
37 Comments on Guest author Teagan Geneviene. Of dreams, cats, writing and lots of magic!

Hi all:

It’s Friday and as you know I like to bring you guest authors and/or new books in this spot. For the last few weeks I’ve brought you the books, and a bit of information, about some of the blogger authors I follow, as I suddenly realised that after exchanging comments on everything (from recipes, to travelling, diets, healthy lifestyle, funny videos, mediums and magic) with them, I had never brought them to my blog and talked about their books. And it was about time.

Today I bring you Teagan R. Geneviene. I discovered her wonderful writing blog, where readers make suggestions of ingredients, and with her new serial, also magic elements, for each week’s installment, and Teagan delights us with a new chapter every week. Her stories are full of wonderful characters, wit, fun, imagination, and she always finds fabulous illustrations.

We were recently talking about dreams, and what important role they can play both in life and in creativity, and from there came this interview. Here I leave you with Teagan (ah, and the images provided are also her choice!):

“Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before…” Edgar Allan Poe

Learn to Dream

If we tried to describe Teagan’s background, the things that made her who she is, it would take much more than an interview. She joked that the psychiatrist in me could write volumes about it. Actually, Teagan has made many new beginnings in her life – new volumes (not just new chapters).

“Back then a friend looked at me in amazement and said ‘You don’t mind shaking things up, do you?’ More than 15 years later, she still lives in the same place and works at the same job. I sincerely admire her stability. But that wasn’t in the cards for me.”

One of those new volumes began when she changed careers. After a divorce Teagan left low-paying low-level office jobs to become a technical editor. She started at the bottom, earning a Bachelor of Science degree related to information technology (IT). She wanted a solid foundation to launch her career in technical writing and editing. Over the years, she carefully plotted that new profession, making sacrifices that most would not consider, and became a successful and well respected technical editor and writer.

Her most recent “volume” was relocating to the east coast of the USA. Before she moved to her nation’s capital, Washington, DC, her work focused on the combination of IT and healthcare. However, now her 9 to 5 job has more of an analytical and organizational application.

“It was a way to keep a roof over my head, while still working with what I enjoy most – words.”

During all those years she used her spare time to write fantasy stories and novels, honing her skills as a completely different sort of writer and editor.

Dare to Dream

“A friend in New Mexico once shook her head and said, ‘You’re like an onion. Every time I think I know who you are, I see another new layer!’ I took it as a big compliment.”

Teagan suggested that we give this interview a theme, that of dreams.

I used to be very attuned to all manner of metaphysical things, particularly dreams. However, since I’ve been in DC, I’ve felt very disconnected from all that.

I asked Teagan why that would be, and she described one idea about how each person has different physical reactions to various things. She used her egg allergy as an example. One person might enjoy eggs as a healthful food. Another might have a problem with the cholesterol, while another might have a horrible allergic reaction.

“Similarly, maybe locations can have different effects on various people. You might find a place stimulated your interest in everything around you. Another person might feel overwhelmed while in that location, while another feels spiritually disconnected. That kind of thing. Sorry. I enjoy going down these “What If” tangents. We can go back to “dreams” now.”

Atonement, Tennessee by Teagan Geneviene

Teagan told me she wishes to reconnect with that aspect of herself, — with dreams and interpreting them, and with what she calls “all sorts of new-agey things.” Dreams figure into much of Teagan’s writing. Her debut novel, Atonement, Tennessee, has a couple of scenes where dreams play an important part. There is even a chapter called “Bras Bed Dreams,” with an antique bed that causes people to have dreams of the past or even past lives.

It’s not surprising to me that Teagan dreams of being able to make a living from her novels. I finally “escaped from psychiatry” so I understand that wish and how hard it is to make it real.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams…” Eleanor Roosevelt

Writing Dreams

If you could see how animated Teagan gets when she talks about writing, you’d know it really is her dream. I asked if she ever dreams her imaginative stories, and she didn’t really think so. However, she often visualizes them and the characters, rather like a daydream.

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them…” Walt Disney

She has a few works in progress, if no time to devote to them. However, she does find time each week to write an episode of the interactive culinary mystery serial that is featured on her blog, Teagan’s Books. It’s a 1920’s story, and a big departure from her novels.

“I’ve been influenced by several authors, mostly fantasy writers. However, my debut novel — ‘Atonement, Tennessee’ is different from the quest-type fantasy (as I like to call it) that I usually write. I call Atonement an urban fantasy with a side order of mystery. I would never compare my work to someone as talented and successful as Charlaine Harris, but if you like her Sookie Stackhouse books, I think you would like my ‘Atonement’ stories.

Teagan always aspires to work on book-two in the Atonement series, and kicks herself for not managing to do more on it. Right now it looks like the only way she will be able to finish “Atonement in Bloom” this year is to take a sabbatical from the blog serial.

Some of the magical artifacts that caused trouble in the first book will be back, including that bras bed I mentioned, and the mirror of truth and justice. Many of the characters will return, including a “device” she used in book-1 — the cat. The story is written in first person. So when Teagan needs to tell the reader about something the heroine can’t see, she writes that scene from the point of view of Lilith, the calico cat.

“The supernatural parts of Atonement are loosely inspired by the ancient myth of Gwydion fab Don. I bring in additional Celtic myths for the sequel and with it new trouble-making characters.”

So there you have it — the latest “volume” in the story of Teagan and a little about her books too.

Thanks so much to Teagan for her kindness and her great interview and images, thanks to you for reading, and you know what I always say, if you’ve enjoyed it, don’t forget to like, share, comment, and CLICK!

Tags Atonement, blog, cats, Charlaine Harris, IT, magic, recipes, Teagan Geneviene, Teagan's books, Tennessee, three ingredients, Washington

Miscelánea

The magic of bookshops. A Goodreads discussion

Post author By olganm
Post date February 11, 2014
2 Comments on The magic of bookshops. A Goodreads discussion

Hi all:

As you will remember, I have posted once (and revisited it as a Christmas special) asking everybody (readers in particular) what your ideal bookshop would be like. I also posted the same question in one of the groups in Goodreads (the UK group). Although my original question was posted months ago, it keeps getting replies. There are some that reach genius status (somebody wanted a bar in it, fireplaces figure highly, nooks and labyrinthine settings, comfy chairs, coffee, tea and cakes…), but there was a recent post that made me dream. I thought it deserved to be spread more widely and I (and E. whose reply I copy and the link to the bookshop she refers to too, as I really want to go and visit) hope our encouragement will make Sarah go forth writing a story about her magical bookshop. Go Sarah!

message 80: by Sarah

Jan 17, 2014 07:38PM

Hi all

My ideal bookshop would have the classic deep leather chairs, winding stairs up to the next floor (or two), and little windows that you can peep out of and watch everyone else dashing about while you browse the cosy shop.

To save the walk back down the stairs, there would be a slide back down to the lower levels, made of wood of course.

The shop would have to be magic, for it would feel cosy, yet have enough room for buggies, wheelchairs and people with enormous back packs to browse without hindrance. There would be a lift, with someone dressed in a 1930s/40s Amercian lift attendant outfit, and jazz softly playing. Employees would also be on hand to help wheelchair users have the fun of using the slide too.

Mine would have foreign and literature/non-fiction films to hire, and weekly discussion evenings on such as books, philosophy, films. To reach the higher shelves, a couple of people would be employed who can walk on stilts, dressed up in a wonderful outfit of top hat, stripey trousers and top and for the guy, a long beard would be required.

On cold days, hot chocolate would be served and on warm days, cool homemade lemonade, spiced up for adults drinking it. For those immersed in a book who don’t notice the time and forget to go home, a school bell would be rung, and a friendly golden labrador would gently woof and tug at the sleeves of the dreamers (knowing instinctively those who are afraid of dogs and not troubling them)…

I think I’d better stop now because I could go on indefinitely with this…

message 82: by E.

Jan 18, 2014 06:37AM

Well my local bookshop is a little like Sarah’s although It has crooked uneven floors, so not so good for buggies. It’s a 15th century house with a little coffee shop on the ground floor, and many little interconnecting rooms, plus a rickety staircase. There’s a reading room with comfy old sofas so you can read to your hearts content.
New and second-hand books line the shelves and on some weekends, all the shopkeepers in town dress up in Dickensian costumes. Magic!

Here I asked E. where the bookshop she was talking about was, to add it to my list. And both, E. and I encouraged Sarah to write a story about her bookshops, and she said she hoped to write a children’s story about it.

message 84: by E.

Jan 18, 2014 08:26AM

East Grinstead, west Sussex, we’ve got the longest row of wood framed buildings in the country according to the blurb. I walk past them everyday, it really is a little gem, and you can get a steam train ride here too!
http://www.eastgrinsteadbookshop.co.uk/

And no I’m not on the tourist board LOL!

I leave you a link to the discussion (as there are fantastic links to other places, great ideas, and I’d love to have more contributions there too), and also to my Pinterest board where I’m pinning bookshops that I like the look of (and some I have visited or hope to visit soon). Share yours also!

Link to discussion:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1503963-how-would-your-ideal-bookshop-be

Pinterest board:

http://www.pinterest.com/olganm7/bookstores-booshops-and-interesting-shops/

Thanks for reading, and you know, if you’ve enjoyed it, like, comment, share and CLICK!

Tags Barter Books, Bookshops, children's books, East Grindstead, Goodreads, magic, Tudor buildings

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