It's that time again...

 Yep, another cover reveal signup, this time for the Gray side of things ;) If you'd like to help share the cover for REMNANT OF US, reveal day is June 12, 2023. 

Check it out HERE!

TITLE REVEAL: SARA FRANCIS' NEXT NOVEL!

 Hey everyone! I'm stoked to share the title reveal for Sara Francis' upcoming novel. I'm excited for its release and after checking out the deets, I hope you are too! So let's get to it! Scroll for the title AND the blurb! 

Make sure to follow Sara Francis on Instagram and Facebook ASAP, and add She Whispered through the Woods to your Goodreads shelf ASAP! 

Are you excited for this book too? Sound off in the comments below!

RELEASE DAY | THE HEALER OF THE BRIGADE

 Today's the release day for The Healer of the Brigade! Check it out below!

A mysterious healer and an injured soldier, both caught in the crossfire of war.

Aurelie was exiled to Absricht at a young age, cast away by a father who swore she was cursed. Now, with no one to trust but herself, her life is thrown into upheaval when war approaches. But Aurelie knew the war would come.

Word of Princess Evangeline’s return has swept the globe, and a mysterious enemy soon emerges, bent on conquering Lanaria and its surrounding nations. Horace is the first to board the warship sent to aid Absricht, determined to find out why the little country landed in the crosshairs so soon.

When Horace arrives injured at Aurelie’s doorstep, she has a decision to make. Does she hold the key that will end the war? How many secrets will she need to sacrifice in the process? Meanwhile, Horace is quickly flung into deeper waters as he realizes there is more than meets the eye behind the war: as both prophecies and traitors emerge surrounding Lanarian soil, will he unravel the enigma in time?

AMAZON | GOODREADS

Two Secret Projects and Two Opportunities!

 

Hey everyone!

So apparently I'm a glutton for punishment, and I'm currently working on five WIPs concurrently while launching The Healer of the Brigade. I'll be sharing more on a few of them very soon, but for now, I'm looking for a few stellar candidates for alpha and beta feedback! Please consider each form below and sign up if you're game! 

Project: A thirty-day devotional geared toward overcoming hurt and giving control of our lives to God.
Wanted: Beta Readers with a background in writing devotionals, faith-based expositions, lay-pastors (or pastors also!)
Manuscript Sent: June 19, 2023
Feedback Due: July 22, 2023 
Signup form: HERE

Project: A YA Christian nonmagical fantasy with faint Nutcracker vibes, with tropes like long-lost friends to lovers, sibling bonds, brother bonds, and more. 
Wanted: Alpha Readers who love any of the above! 
Manuscript Sent: June 25, 2023 
Feedback Due: July 30, 2023 
Signup form: HERE

REVIEW: THE LONG MARCH HOME by Marcus Brotherton & Tosca Lee

 Hey everyone! I had the opportunity to read The Long March Home by Marcus Brotherton and Tosca Lee, which is a gripping WWII novel. If you're a history buff, you'll definitely want to pick up a copy of this book. 


BLURB

Jimmy Propfield joined the army for two reasons: to get out of Mobile, Alabama, with his best friends Hank and Billy and to forget his high school sweetheart, Claire.

Life in the Philippines seems like paradise--until the morning of December 8, 1941, when news comes from Manila: the Japanese have bombed Pearl Harbor. Within hours, the teenage friends are plunged into war as Japanese warplanes attack Luzon, beginning a battle for control of the Pacific Theater that will culminate with a last stand on the Bataan Peninsula and end with the largest surrender of American troops in history.

What follows will become known as one of the worst atrocities in modern warfare: the Bataan Death March. With no hope of rescue, the three friends vow to make it back home together. But the ordeal is only the beginning of their nearly four-year fight to survive.

Inspired by true stories, The Long March Home is a gripping coming-of-age tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the power of unrelenting hope.

AMAZON | GOODREADS

MY REVIEW
This is such a personal, deeply impactful book. Wow. With "Hacksaw Ridge"-like details and depth, but with character storylines characteristic of a "coming of age" story, this historical war novel is an absolute MUST read. I haven't torn through a historical book like I did this one...like, ever. Such deep themes of personal growth, of tearing down what we thought we were just to rebuild ourselves how God wants us, of sacrifice and the horrors of WWII, some of which I don't think anyone is really taught about. The characters will stay with you for a long time, and the book is definitely re-read worthy. Masterfully written. Do you enjoy reading historical fiction about wars?

COVER REVEAL: LIKE A SHIP ON THE SEA by Kellyn Roth!

 Hey everyone! Today I'm excited to share a cover reveal for Kellyn Roth's upcoming novel, Like a Ship on the Sea! It is the first novel in The Hilton Legacy series, and if you're a fan of Christian Historical Fiction or Women's Fiction, you're in for a treat. Check out the info below.

If God asks you to confront a storm, how dare you stay in the harbor?

Lady Mary Cassidy O’Connell has a dream that can be summed up in three connecting ideas: a loving husband, adorable children, and a home of her own. Her mother’s lack of care makes life difficult for Cassie, and an escape is necessary. The plan? Marry Aubrey Montgomery, the man her parents have chosen for her, and find the peace she craves.

Unfortunately, Cassie is uneasy about marrying Aubrey. Her apprehension grows as she witnesses her dearest friend’s loving marriage take place. At this wedding, she catches the eye of Patrick Hilton, son of a wealthy American. Like Cassie, he’s also set to marry a woman chosen by his parents—only, Patrick claims, he is content with this choice.

Torn between her desire for happiness and the knowledge that God is leading her in a different direction, Cassie confronts the impossible decision. Is a loveless marriage of obligation better than being alone, or will she set sail on a voyage without a safe harbor?

Like a Ship on the Sea is the first novel in The Hilton Legacy, a stand-alone trilogy featuring characters from the author’s first series, The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy.

This book arrives September 5, 2023!

For more information on the book, click HERE | AMAZON | GOODREADS 

And now for the absolutely gorgeous cover!

Are you excited for this release too? Sound off in the comments below!

MAKENZIE GRAY: BOOK 4 TITLE + BLURB REVEAL

 Hey everyone! So if you're following the Gray side of things, today is the title and [rough] blurb reveal for BOOK FOUR in the Midnight Hour series! You ready?

Following Halfway’s destruction, the survivors must fight their way to escape the Order’s grip as well as a new rebel group. With two targets on their backs, they must navigate the new horrors they’ve discovered. Truth mixes with fiction. The dead are alive, but traitors lurk in the midst. Who can they trust now?

As the world spins closer to The End, the mission of the Unmarked must shift in order to survive. Turmoil unfolds as the world prepares for war. Allies of the Order are assassinated as Tarik Azrael ascends in power. And as the heavens pause before the final battle, the unthinkable explodes.

A story on seeing and following Adonai’s plan when we are broken beyond repair, REMNANT OF US is the fourth installment of the Midnight Hour series.

So...what do you think? Let me know in the comments below! 

COVER REVEAL: A BOND OF BRIARS by Erin Phillips!

 Hey everyone! Today I'm so beyond thrilled to share the cover reveal for A Bond of Briars by Erin Phillips! I absolutely adore A Crown of Chains, which Phillips published last year, so to say that A Bond of Briars is one of my most-anticipated TBRs of the year is an understatement. Check out the info below and then look at that cover! 

BLURB

She is bonded to a spirit who demands her blood.
She serves a mother-in-law who resents her power.
She meets a man who challenges everything she’s ever believed.

After a fatal illness takes Caitrin’s husband, she finds herself obligated to care for her mother-in-law, Meara, at any cost…even if it means traveling to Croìthe, where magic is outlawed. Hounded by the suspicious townsfolk and burdened by Meara’s bitter grief, Caitrin struggles to keep all of her secrets hidden and make a new life in the foreign land.

However, when the charming and charitable Callen Lockhart, a wealthy lord who is at odds with the town, welcomes her without judging her past, Caitrin worries that his generosity will come at a price she is unwilling to pay.

As her bond grows stronger, Caitrin must prove her blood magic isn’t dangerous or suffer the consequences of the truth being discovered.

A Bond of Briars is a YA dark fantasy retelling of the Biblical story of Ruth, with fresh twists based on the original context and respun into a spooky cottagecore romance that is filled with dark magic and mysterious curses, sacrificial love and redemption, perfect for fans of House of Salt and Sorrow, and Sing Me Forgotten.

PREORDER NOW (Hardcover and Kindle available!)
ADD ON GOODREADS

NOW FOR...

THE COVER

Isn't. That. Gorgeous?!?! Are you as excited for this book as I am? Sound off in the comments!

RELEASE MONTH SALES!

 

Hey everyone! SO. To celebrate the release of Book Two in the Legends of Lanaria series, The Healer of the Brigade, I'm running a sale on The Lady of Lanaria (Book One) for Kindle! So check out the schedule below, snag a copy, and get ready for The Healer of the Brigade to arrive! If you don't have an updated edition (ICYMI, I polished TLOL back in February), now's your chance to grab a copy for free!

Freebie Days: Monday, May 1; Monday, May 8; Monday, May 15th; Sunday, May 21st through Monday, May 22nd. Check it out HERE and grab your copy on a freebie day!

AND don't forget to preorder a copy of The Healer of the Brigade will be on a special preorder price until Tuesday, May 23rd (release day), when the price will bump up to $2.99. Right now, you can snag it for just under a dollar AND request preorder goodies! Click HERE to order and HERE for your goodies. 

THE HEALER OF THE BRIGADE: THE HEART BEHIND IT

“Aurelie forced an impassive expression to hide the fear flickering through her veins. She could do little for him. In a different world, she could help. But in this one? She could make him comfortable and pray.”

The heart behind THOTB – well, there are two main motivations behind it. First, the assurance that even despite our shortcomings, our insecurities, our pain: God can use them all and use us to do mighty things in His name for His kingdom. The second: the strength and courage it takes to be who God created us to be no matter who we’ll offend or what worldly suffering we’ll encounter as a result. Aurelie has a big character arc to accomplish, and I hope you’ll stick around to see why. 

Preorders are still open (HERE) and ARC applications will be closing on the 30th (HERE). If you've already preordered, check out the preorder form anyway to request your goodies!! 

ARC APPLICATIONS: THE HEALER OF THE BRIGADE!

Annnd with that, ARC applications are now open! While I’m still working on finalizing the ARC draft, I’m looking for twenty dedicated fantasy fans who would love to read The Healer of the Brigade before anyone else. Check it out HERE.

BLURB: 

A mysterious healer and an injured soldier, both caught in the crossfire of war.

Aurelie was exiled to Absricht at a young age, cast away by a father who swore she was cursed. Now, with no one to trust but herself, her life is thrown into upheaval when war approaches. But Aurelie knew the war would come.

Word of Princess Evangeline’s return has swept the globe, and a mysterious enemy soon emerges, bent on conquering Lanaria and its surrounding nations. Horace is the first to board the warship sent to aid Absricht, determined to find out why the little country landed in the crosshairs so soon.

When Horace arrives injured at Aurelie’s doorstep, she has a decision to make. Does she hold the key that will end the war? How many secrets will she need to sacrifice in the process? Meanwhile, Horace is quickly flung into deeper waters as he realizes there is more than meets the eye behind the war: as both prophecies and traitors emerge surrounding Lanarian soil, will he unravel the enigma in time? 

PREORDER | GOODREADS | SIGNED COPIES

PREORDERS NOW OPEN: THE HEALER OF THE BRIGADE

 Hey everyone! One super-quick update for The Healer of the Brigade: 

Preorders are NOW OPEN, which means you can snag your copy for less than a dollar and have it delivered right to your Kindle at approximately 12:01am on May 23rd. Click HERE to check it out! The price is a special offer through release day, so make sure to snag it while it's on sale!

If you would like to preorder a signed copy for $10, please check out this form HERE! 

COVER REVEAL: THE HEALER OF THE BRIGADE

 Hey everyone!! Wellp, it's that time again. You ready to see the cover reveal for The Healer of the Brigade, PLUS see the blurb? Check it out below and let me know what you think! 

A mysterious healer and an injured soldier, both caught in the crossfire of war.

Aurelie was exiled to Absricht at a young age, cast away by a father who swore she was cursed. Now, with no one to trust but herself, her life is thrown into upheaval when war approaches. But Aurelie knew the war would come.

Word of Princess Evangeline’s return has swept the globe, and a mysterious enemy soon emerges, bent on conquering Lanaria and its surrounding nations. Horace is the first to board the warship sent to aid Absricht, determined to find out why the little country landed in the crosshairs so soon.

When Horace arrives injured at Aurelie’s doorstep, she has a decision to make. Does she hold the key that will end the war? How many secrets will she need to sacrifice in the process? Meanwhile, Horace is quickly flung into deeper waters as he realizes there is more than meets the eye behind the war: as both prophecies and traitors emerge surrounding Lanarian soil, will he unravel the enigma in time? 

RELEASING MAY 23, 2023

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Preorders are open now at a special rate of $0.99 until release day. Keep your eyes peeled! If you want a signed paperback, I'll have a request form for that available later on. 

So. I guess you guys came here for a cover reveal, right? 

What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

COVER REVEAL: A PRINCE IS LURED by R.J. Setser!

 Hey everyone! I'm so excited to share the cover reveal for A Prince is Lured by R.J. Setser, book 2 in The Tunockian Series! This book is pretty high on my TBR list for 2023, so I'm currently drooling over the cover. I've reviewed A Queen is Knighted on my blog HERE if you want to get into the series before this book is released! Here's some info on A Prince is Lured: 

BLURB

The Beyond was his dream; until he woke up.

Prince Zack of Tunock has spent his whole life suppressing what his kingdom calls “The Curse of The Beyond”; the desire to explore the mythical world rumored to lie outside the borders of The Three Kingdoms. But after war breaks out and he’s taken prisoner, The Curse of The Beyond grows ever stronger in his mind until he can think of nothing else, driving himself mad as he slowly starves inside his cell. That’s when he wakes up; in the care of his rescuers on the border of the very mountains that hold the mythical passage to The Beyond.

The line between right and wrong is blurred as Tunockian siblings Lauraine and Zack make choices with the “greater good” in mind. But trust is broken and disagreements abound. Are the Three Kingdoms even worth saving when a world like Nilvanria exists?

In book two of The Tunockian Chronicles, continue the story of Queen Lauraine, Prince Zack, and their friends as they trod through Nilvanria to save the kingdoms of Tunock, Taus, and Wilmington while facing their own dreams—and nightmares.

This book is arriving in October 2023. Preorder for Kindle HERE and autographed paperbacks HERE. Preorder goodies are available! 

COVER

Isn't that gorgeous? Is the series on your TBR yet?? 

REVIEW: THE HAVEN DECEPTION by Jule Voelk!

 Hey everyone! Today I'm privileged to share a review of The Haven Deception by Jule Voelk! I had the wonderful opportunity to work with this author on this debut dystopian, and I couldn't be more proud of her and the work she put into it. Check out some information below, then my review, and make sure to pick up a copy soon!

BLURB 

A hundred years ago, humans damned their world with selfish desires. Greed, power, and genetic experiments created things no one thought would ever be more than a myth. Made from human experimentation, vampires and werewolves drove the rest of humanity underground. Now, these subspecies control the new world.

The Haven, first built as a nuclear bomb shelter, is the first bunker to decide it’s time for humankind to take a stand again; live, not just survive. Until this moment, members of The Haven have only heard varied stories of the world above. The new generation finally has a shot to change the storyline, and eighteen-year-old Helene is among them, claiming her chance of becoming a Scout. They have been trained to assess the outside world and deem it safe. She wants to change her life for the better.

But what will she find on the other side of The Haven? 

GOODREADS | AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jule is a German-born writer now living in the U.S. She is still pursuing high school and has written in school magazines while also specializing in young adult fiction. Jule has written and published The Haven Deception alongside a high school career as a student and a double varsity sport athlete. She currently lives with her parents, brother, and dog in New York. 

FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

MY REVIEW 

With dynamic and immersive worldbuilding, Voelk has an excellent knack for drawing readers into her world. Her idea is original and attention-grabbing, and she keeps readers at the edge of their seat with what's going to happen next. Told in multiple POVs torn between the above-ground world and the bunker that characters have come to know as The Haven, readers watch the characters rapidly unravel a mystery surrounding their best friend Helene -- and the answer might not be what you expect. Voelk has a way of catching readers with building tension, with a dash of romance, and vivid storytelling. If you like dystopian, you'll want to pick this one up ASAP. 

Have you read The Haven Deception yet? And if you haven't, are you adding it to your TBR now??

MAKENZIE GRAY: EYES TO SEE RELEASE DAY!

 Hey everyone! Today is the release day of Eyes To See, book 3 of the Midnight Hour Series. If you want to know why everyone who's read it so far is currently screaming over the ending (sorry ARC readers) pick up a copy today before the special preorder price goes up! 

Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to read this, to share encouragement, to help out with title crises (yes, plural) and to read and freak out and enjoy this book and its series. I so appreciate you guys!!! 

Check it out on Goodreads HERE (if you don't believe what I said about the ending) and on Amazon HERE. Paperbacks are also available, if you prefer to throw your books across the room. :) 

WHERE GIANTS FALL: AUTHOR PANEL PART TWO

 Hey everyone! So co-host/epic mastermind Angela R. Watts and I are both racing against weather-related problems to get this author panel to you, so Part Two of the Where Giants Fall author panel, celebrating the first anniversary of Where Giants Fall, is brought to you here! 

Don't forget to check out Part One HERE, featuring the Matt Starr, Sarah Ryder, and Angela R. Watts! 

This panel features Michael LaVoice, Sara Francis, M.H. Elrich, and R.J. Setser!  Keep reading and make sure to snag a copy of Where Giants Fall -- it's the perfect read for "weather warn days" like this if you're an East Coaster. (And even if you're not, it's still highly recommended!) 

What inspired you to write your piece in the Where Giants Fall anthology? 

Sara Francis:  “Children of Arnbjgorg” is the prologue to my upcoming dark fantasy novel “The Screecher King”. In the novel, the king’s wife and right-hand man are the only two to survive the beasts lurking within the forest. But how did they get there? Well, naturally I wrote the story. Völundr and Aksinya are characters close to my heart. Their bond as siblings shines forth in this story and is a message of hope to its readers.

Michael LaVoice: I cut my teeth on classic fantasy like LOTR, C.S. Lewis, Piers Anthony’s Xanth novels, Mercedes Lackey, Tracy Hickman, and many others that seemed to share certain themes. Heroes battled encroaching and growing darkness that takes many forms, but always with a reshaping or destruction of the world as its goal at the ultimate cost of the innocent. The heroes always won. Somehow, they stuck it out and they won. When this Anthology’s theme was proposed, I wondered immediately, what if they didn’t? What would that look like? How would a world tossed out of balance between good and evil react in the subsequent chaos? What if there were no more heroes? When there’s no more heroes, the Universe MAKES them. That was the genesis of the story No Hero. 

M.H. Elrich: Back in 2012, I was challenged to write a short story piece as part of a class. I suddenly saw an image of an evil queen torturing a good man. From this grim picture, the story was born, and rewritten several times until it appeared in Where Giants Fall.

Rayleigh Setser: I hate to start this off as “Johnny Raincloud”, but The Silver Dragon was the result of my husband (Joshua) and I losing our daughter very unexpectedly. Written in the months following her death, this story served as a way for us (though mostly me) to process feelings of anger, confusion, and hope in the darkness. Many people told us to look for a “silver lining” but in that moment, we wanted a silver dragon; hence the tagline of the story. 

How did your story change you as a person?

Sara Francis: It re-sparked my love for “The Screecher King”. The nordic/russian snowy universe I have created expanded in this story. It gave me the inspiration to potentially have a sequel for my new dark fantasy novel and further expand upon this brand new world.

Michael LaVoice: I am not great at the short form work of fiction. It seems every time I’ve tried it, I always end up expanding it into at least a novella if not a treatment for a series! I was determined not to do that this time. This story forced me to think small, while still dreaming large enough to world build a believable fantasy realm in which the tale takes place. I was rather pleased with the result. I suppose many others were too, as I have been deluged with requests to expand the short piece No Hero into a novel or series in its own right. A sort of reversal of my usual process! I’m happy to report that I have begun doing just that.

M.H. Elrich: This story grew me as a writer. After receiving harsh feedback from the first version, I almost quit. However, encouragement from others pushed me to persevere in writing. Years later, I was able to come back to it with fresh eyes.

Rayleigh Setser: The Silver Dragon is hands-down the most difficult story I’ve ever brought to life. Its deeply personal inspiration encouraged me to process my grief in an intentional and healthy way. When I felt the anger come out through Athias, I found myself wanting to point him towards the Light and by writing to him, I found myself comforted and encouraged.

Was Where Giants Fall your first publication?

Sara Francis: No, it was actually my 10th! A huge milestone for me. I have previous novels, books, and anthologies published.

Michael LaVoice: I had published military science fiction and LITRPG fiction under a pen name and as a ghost writer for a couple of years before taking on this project, but No Hero was actually the first fiction published under my actual name.

M.H. Elrich: No, I have published novels before. However, it was the first anthology that I’ve been a part of.

Rayleigh Setser: No! Where Giants Fall closely followed our debut publication A Queen is Knighted, book 1 in The Tunockian Chronicles. The Silver Dragon takes place in the same world as that series, but is entirely a standalone.

What was the most enjoyable part of launching this anthology for you? 

Sara Francis: Bittersweet stories is all I write. My mission statement for as long as I can remember has been bringing light to the darkness. To find another group of talented writers who share the same vision has been a blessing.

Michael LaVoice: Finding out my friend and indie film buddy Matt Starr was also getting published in it! Next, coming up with the pantheon of the world featured in the story that the MC constantly references in his head and aloud. I didn’t know it at the time, but the seeds for the expansion of this world and its story were there in those tales of ancient gods and goddesses.

M.H. Elrich: The most enjoyable part was holding it in my hands and realizing that I was featured alongside other great authors.

Rayleigh Setser: Releasing a new book is always so much fun, with cover reveals and the like. I think what made this one unique and special is having so many co-authors! We’re all such a great team and I’ve loved working with them and promoting their other works.

What writerly things have you done since this anthology launched?

Sara Francis: “The Screecher King” (the dark fantasy my story is the prologue for) is currently in the querying phase. In addition, I have drafted a new paranormal romance trilogy where book 1 will hopefully launch in 2024. I have also been accepted into two other anthologies.

Michael LaVoice: In addition to working on expanding the world of No Hero, I have written three novels and partially written the fourth in a four book Space Opera series that I am excited to announce has been picked up by Aethon Books to begin publishing in Kindle Direct, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible this year! I have also been busy coming up with new series ideas to pitch to Aethon to consider after this initial series is done.

M.H. Elrich: I re-released one novella, publishing another collection of short stories in March, and working on the next book in my main series. I also started guest posting for Anilujah, an animation-faith website, podcast, and YouTube channel.

Rayleigh Setser: Since Where Giants Fall, we’ve released a teen Dystopian novel called Program MIRA and finished drafting the 2nd book in the The Tunockian Chronicles (A Prince is Lured). A Prince is Lured will be released in late 2023!

What can readers expect from you next?

Sara Francis: Coming up next is the prologue to  “The Waiting Trilogy” being released in a Halloween anthology! “The Waiting Trilogy” is a paranormal summer camp romance launching in 2024. It has themes of redemption, “who did this to you”, the guy-falls first, self-forgiveness, and so much more. I have so many stories in the works, so I encourage you to follow me on Instagram for updates and check out my website for more!

www.instagram.com/sarafrancis_author

www.sara-francis.com

Michael LaVoice: Galaxy’s Most Wanted book 1 will come out this year, followed by books 2 through 4. After that? The Galaxy’s the limit. You can get updates on my series and lots of other great writers at www.Aethonbooks.com, and follow me for updates on all my projects at www.Michaellavoice.com

M.H. Elrich: This year I am focusing on my newsletter and really making it something that you, a reader, would want to read. In addition to that, I’m finishing Etania’s Destiny, which will be the final book for Etania, but not the final book in the Daughters of Tamnarae series.

Newsletter: https://storyoriginapp.com/giveaways/336d7938-7be0-11eb-a442-67c5b3179815 

Series: https://amzn.to/3RYl7SV 

Rayleigh Setser: The Tunockian Chronicles is our primary focus, with book two releasing this year and book three following shortly after that. If you’d like to receive updates or talk about any of our books, you can go to RJSetser.com or follow us on Instagram @rjsetserauthor! We’re in the height of book buzz, so its a fun time to join us on the socials!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and we hope you enjoyed these interviews! Please make sure to follow these awesome folks and stay tuned for their upcoming projects. Again, make sure to pick up your copy of Where Giants Fall for the sale price of $1.99 HERE. Today's the last day!

NEWSLETTER: EXCLUSIVE SHORT STORY

 

Hey everyone! 

If you're excited for The Healer of the Brigade coming out this spring, you'll be (hopefully) excited to know that you'll get an exclusive sneak peek at the main character, Aurelie, in my upcoming newsletter! March 6th is the date, so make sure you're signed up HERE. If you don't like free stories, I don't know what to do for ya. 

In case you need something to whet your palate, behold: a snippet. "The waves increased their assault on the limestone, soaking the tan rockface to a deeper hue. Perhaps the sea was just as enraged as Aurelie, tainted with the blood of innocents it never wished to consume." 

So what DID the sea steal? I'll see ya Monday and you'll find out.  

And if you need more fantasy shorts to binge before Monday, don't forget about the anniversary sale for Where Giants Fall! Snag your copy HERE.

SALE: WHERE GIANTS FALL

 Hey everyone! Just dropping in super quick to let you know that, to celebrate the first anniversary of publishing Where Giants Fall, we're running a discount on the book! Snag a copy on Amazon ASAP, from February 28th through March 3rd! Grab your copy to support our amazing authors! 

Click HERE to check it out. 

REVIEW: Black Bottle Man by Craig Russell!

Hey everyone! Today I've got a review for a sci-fi/fantasy novel with a great old-style twist. Black Bottle Man by Craig Russell is chilling, attention-grabbing, and a fast read. Check out my review below!

 

 ABOUT THE BOOK

Winner -- Gold Medal Moonbeam Awards
Finalist for Prix Aurora Award & McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award
A CCBC Best Books for Teens selection

From the back cover:
Forced to move every twelve days, what would happen to your life? It’s 1927. Rembrandt is the only child in the tiny community of Three Farms and his two aunts grow desperate for babies of their own. Hope and Hell arrive in a mysterious black bottle, and on a moonless night a dark spell is cast. Soon after, a man wearing black top-coat, and a ‘glad-ta-meet-ya’ smile comes to visit. The devil seeks payment, and a dangerous wager is made. Until they can defeat him, Rembrandt, Pa, and Uncle Thompson must embark on the journey of their lives, for if they stay in one place for more than twelve days terrible things happen. But where and when will they find a champion capable of defeating the Black Bottle Man?
Time ticks. Lives change. Every twelve days.

AMAZON | GOODREADS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Craig Russell’s fantasy novel, Black Bottle Man won the Moonbeam gold medal for YA fantasy and was a Canadian Aurora Award finalist. His SF climate crisis novel, Fragment was selected for the Yale University Climate Connections reading list and was shortlisted for the Michael Van Rooy Award. Craig a retired lawyer living in Winnipeg, Canada.

MY REVIEW

This book is a fantastic fantasy that bridges Old West and literary genres. It’s a great, thought-provoking story, with engaging prose that I absolutely loved. While it took me a little bit to get into the groove of reading it — I loved the beginning but found a few chapters hard to follow — I ended up reading the majority of the book in one sitting. While my eyes will never recover from that, it’s a story that you’ll want to mull over long after you’ve closed the cover. 4.5/5 stars!

THE HEALER OF THE BRIGADE + COVER REVEAL SIGNUPS

 I'm not letting the grass grow under my feet right now, folks, and here's proof: I'm sharing a few tidbits about The Healer of the Brigade, book two of the Legends of Lanaria series, and also opening up cover reveal signups! 

As it stands now, the first draft of The Healer of the Brigade is finished. I'm letting it marinate in its own creative juices for a couple weeks before getting in there to slash and hack it apart for the dreaded second draft. It may be a bit shorter than TLOL, but still within ballpark. I've been surprised, excited, and pulled my hair out over this draft, and I'm excited and also a bundle of nerves to finally share it with everyone.

So. Before I do that....

How would you like to be part of the cover reveal team for this book baby?

The cover reveal will be March 20, 2023 -- when THOTB goes on preorder -- and I'd love help from anyone who's excited about the Legends of Lanaria series, whoever loved TLOL and is interested to see what I have in store, anyone who's willing and able to share on March 20th and not a day before ;)

Sign up HERE.

EYES TO SEE by Makenzie Gray: Updates!

 Hey everyone! I just wanted to drop in and let you know that Kindle preorders are still live for Eyes To See, the third installment of the Midnight Hour series through my pen name Makenzie Gray! $2.99 for a brick of a book full of gritty faith that moves mountains despite being broken and bleeding, of deep depths and how nothing will separate you from God -- but you have to accept the hand He holds out to you, not shy away from it. You can't be full of faith and full of doubt at the same time, or you'll be no more than waves tossed by every wind that passes through. 

I remember boldly setting the release date for ETS and then not being able to write for months because I was so fixated on what I felt needed said and done. There was no life in the idea. I thought I was seeing the end of the series before I got to the parts I'm most excited for. But instead, I had to surrender my ideas. Trash the plot I had figured out. Trash the multi-book arc I had for the rest of the series. And restart again. And only then did the ideas start coming, a flood of them. I had to throw away my fears that this book would be too much, that there would be too much of some stuff and too little of other things, redo themes, and then ended up dumping the title I had given it for MONTHS because it felt weird and then something hit me square in the forehead at church.  This was a challenging book to write, safe to say. But now that I have the author copies ordered, I can't wait to read it again. ETS is full of new ideas I haven't mulled over for very long, but I very strongly felt that they had a place in this book. I'm excited to start work on book four, which will hold a lot of the answers to questions presented and cliffhangers in Eyes To See. A lot happens. A few ideas that I took from headlines that were coming out as I drafted ETS. And there's still a long way to go for these characters. I hope you'll join me for the ride.  

Click HERE to snag your Kindle copy, or if you just can't wait, the paperbacks are live N O W. 

BLURB:

A false messiah emerges, Tarik Azrael announces a death penalty for Unmarked, and wicked beasts lurk in the shadows.

Two months after Noam’s prison escape, Tikvah and the group find themselves on a new mission: find Halfway, a strange place promising shelter, buried deep in abandoned woods. But there’s a price on their heads and the work of liberating Unmarked refugees grows harder. Riskier. Even Noam’s liberation was not a clean escape.

When a ghost from Noam’s imprisonment is assigned a deadly new mission, the team scrambles to stay ahead of the game. To make it worse, the horrors they’ve witnessed come calling in unusual ways. Will they have eyes to see the spiritual and physical war they fight against?

A story of sacrificial love and surviving in defiance when the world demands your death, Eyes To See is the third installment of the Midnight Hour series.

Valentine's Day Recommendations!

 Hey folks! If you follow me on Facebook and Instagram, you know that I've been sharing some of my favorite recommendations for a Valentine's Day TBR -- basically, if you love the romantic genre, you'll want to pick up a copy or fifteen ;) BUT I thought it would be a good idea to share some on my blog too, in case you don't follow along on social media. These books aren't ranked in order or anything, but they will have a review linked if I've reviewed 'em. Let me know what your favorite recommendations are -- sound off in the comments!

Brown Roses by Tope Omotosho -- order HERE and read my review HERE.

First In My Heart by Rachel Blanchard -- order HERE and read my review HERE.

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin, one of my favorite books of the year so far -- order HERE and read my review HERE.

A Solstice of Fire and Light by Angela R. Watts -- order HERE.

The Remnant Trilogy by Angela R. Watts -- Okay, so romance is a subgenre in this series but FINN AND AMA, GUYS. FINN. AND. AMA. And if you're more of a fantasy lover, this one's for you. Order HERE.

Tales From The Tower Anthology -- Hosted by Michelle L. Levigne and Deborah Smith. Order HERE! 

Nefarious Creatures by Camille Caliman -- order HERE. 

The Quest of Og by Camille Caliman -- order HERE and obsess with me.

Driving Force by Lynette Eason and Kate Angelo -- order HERE and tell me they aren't OTP.

The Tradewinds Series by Taylor Bennett, perfect for if you prefer beachy settings. Order HERE!

And of course, I can't get away without sharing one more time about the Tell Me You Love Me Anthology, which releases tomorrow. Snag a copy HERE. It's romance galore!

If you're excited for romance, fantasy, and new beginnings, make sure to tune in next week. I've got some updates I'm thrilled to share. See you then -- and make sure to support some of these great authors!

Want Some Free Books?

 

Well, folks, it's that time of year again. If you've been following for awhile, you'll know by now that I do a romance sale every year because, well, the romance author's birthday is close to Valentine's Day, so why not have a freebie sale that bridges both days all at once?

So there ya have it. ALL my romance books will be on sale for FREE from February 10, 2023 through February 14, 2023 -- yep, starting today.

You'll be able to get the new edition of The Lady of Lanaria for free.

My new releases, Between Us and Back To Me, for free.

The upcoming release, Tell Me You Love Me Anthology, for $2.99 preorder special.

And if you've yet to read the Faith, Hope, and Love collection or the Mount Sterling books, those will be free as well.

Load up on reads this weekend!

REVIEW: BROWN ROSES by Tope Omotosho!

Hey everyone! Today's romantic pick is Brown Roses by Tope Omotosho. This was the first book I've read by this author, but I'm excited to read more of her works! Check it out below. 

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

What if the only way to discover who you are is to look for it in your scars?

Erinma Roberts thought her life was perfect because she was the CEO of a multinational beauty corporation, had an adoring boyfriend, and amazing friends. Tragic events, on the other hand, have a way of defining who is most important and what truly matters.

Erinma picks up the pieces of her world after multiple surgeries and therapy sessions, deciding how to best move forward and appease her guilt. She realizes this is the time to ask God what He has in store for her life, but it will necessitate drastic changes that will be met with opposition.

Hurting people hurt people.

Andrew Madu knows firsthand that love stories between two different social classes rarely end happily ever after. He goes out of his comfort zone to make Erinma smile again after seeing her scars and realizing the trauma she's been through. No matter how hard he tries, he can't ignore their undeniable attraction. When history wants to play it again, it introduces a new plot twist and puts their attempts at new beginnings and God's healing power to the test.

AMAZON | GOODREADS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tope Omotosho is passionate about impacting the world through timeless wisdom and knowledge found in her thought-provoking stories and writing that applies to all ages. Her stories and articles cut across love, relationship and romance in a way that does not deny the relevance of God in our everyday life.
She is a devoted Christian passionate about bringing people to the knowledge of God’s true and unfailing love.

MY REVIEW 

This is a great story on God’s calling for your life. While at times I struggled to keep up with the character POVs, the story was great, impactful, and the characters were interesting to follow. The author’s prose is crisp and engaging, very visual. It’s a great story for fans of contemporary Christian romance! And look at that cover!!  4 out of 5 stars!