Synopsis

 

The bestselling author of The Witch of Tin Mountain and Parting the Veil mines the subtle horrors of 1950s America in a gripping novel about a woman under pressure—from the living and the dead.

The first day of autumn brought the fever, and with the fever came the voices.

Missouri, 1955. Loretta Davenport has led an isolated life as a young mother and a wife to Pete, an ambitious assistant professor at a Bible college. They’re the picture of domestic tranquillity—until a local girl is murdered and Loretta begins receiving messages from beyond. Pete dismisses them as delusions of a fevered female imagination. Loretta knows they’re real—and frightening. Defying Pete’s demands, Loretta finds an encouraging supporter in parapsychologist Dr. Curtis Hansen. He sees a woman with a rare gift, more blessing than curse.

With Dr. Hansen’s help, Loretta’s life opens up to an empowering new purpose. But for Pete, the God-fearing image he’s worked so hard to cultivate is under threat. No longer in control of his dutiful wife, he sees the Devil at work. As Loretta’s powers grow stronger and the pleading spirits beckon, Pete is determined to deliver his wife from evil. To solve the mysteries of the dead, Loretta must first save herself.

 

 

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Praise

 

“A brilliantly layered suspense thriller and feminist nightmare wrapped into one, The Devil and Mrs. Davenport grips you and never lets go. This book will cement Kennedy as one of the most important voices in modern feminist literature at a time when we need it most.” —Constance Sayers, bestselling author of A Witch in Time

“Paulette Kennedy is the modern Daphne du Maurier with her dazzling ability to usher readers into any point in history while making it feel vibrant and fresh with her magical, gothic touch. Her newest novel deftly captures both the simplicity and horrors of being a midcentury housewife in a patriarchal society. With gorgeous lyricism and a determined heroine, the story spellbinds from the first page until the harrowing end.” —Heather Levy, Anthony Award– nominated author of Walking Through Needles

“Powerful, poignant, and soul-stirring, The Devil and Mrs. Davenport will haunt you with its chilling supernatural phenomena and claustrophobic domesticity, Paulette Kennedy brilliantly explores the limits of forgiveness while centering deep and compassionate love. You’ll weep and cheer for Loretta as she fights a truly terrifying evil. This is a book to treasure!” —Jennifer Sherman Roberts, author of The Village Healer’s Book of Cures

“Mesmerizing from start to finish! Paulette Kennedy delivers suspense, empathy, compassion, resilience, and just a hint of the paranormal in a way that keeps the reader guessing until the last page.” —Mansi Shah, bestselling author of The Direction of the Wind

 

 

Review

 

What devil is worse – the known or unknown?

This book combined many of my favorite genres, with a few others sprinkled in to round out the story. It is a combination of suspense, historical, horror, paranormal, and a touch of romance.

Loretta Davenport is trapped in a marriage that has gone downhill over time. But is it her doing or her husband’s fault? The answer is not that simple, and with the book set in the 1950s, there is more she has to overcome than just a bad relationship. This is a time where women were not allowed to open bank accounts without a male family member’s permission and signature. That alone sends shivers down my spine. Top that with women are considered weak and crazy, it isn’t hard to see why Loretta is fighting for her life and her children.

There is another twist to the story: Loretta is psychic and doesn’t discover her abilities until later in life. She isn’t sure what is going on, but her husband, Pete, is no help whatsoever. However, there is a psychologist who studies parapsychology, and he is able to guide her in these new abilities. It doesn’t hurt that he can use her as a study subject for his field. It isn’t all work for Dr. Curtis Hansen, and there is attraction and admiration for Loretta that brings them closer together.

It is hard to sum up this story in a few words or sentences. The story is gripping, and if you have ever been exposed to the Pentecostal faith and casting out of demons and such, you might understand this book a bit more. There is the time setting that works against Loretta, and then Pete’s religious fanaticism causes issues for them. It is like a train wreck that you can’t look away from because you know what is going to happen.

I rooted for Loretta and admired her attempts to find a way to support herself should she be able to leave her husband. It isn’t easy since women aren’t given high paying jobs, if they can even find one outside of the home as a housewife. But she digs down and finds a way. Top it off with these discovered psychic abilities; she is able to assist in solving several crimes. It is a good thing that some people believe in her abilities!

There are many moments that I held my breath wondering if certain situations would work out for Loretta and those around her. I also appreciated a jump forward twenty years to see where her life ended once everything was resolved.

This was a fantastic read, and we give it 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Paulette Kennedy is the bestselling author of The Witch of Tin Mountain and Parting the Veil, which received the prestigious HNS Review Editor’s Choice Award. She has had a lifelong obsession with the gothic. As a young girl, she spent her summers among the gravestones in her neighborhood cemetery, imagining all sorts of romantic stories for the people buried there. After her mother introduced her to the Brontës as a teenager, her affinity for fog-covered landscapes and haunted heroines only grew, inspiring her to become a writer.

Originally from the Missouri Ozarks, she now lives with her family and a menagerie of rescue pets in sunny Southern California, where sometimes, on the very best days, the mountains are wreathed in fog.
As a history lover, she can get lost for days in her research—learning everything she can about the places in her novels and what her characters might have experienced in the past.

 

 

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Posted in Book Release, Horror, paranormal, suspense, Thriller on February 27, 2024

 

 

Synopsis

 

The year is 1901, and Nicky is attacked, then wakes on board the Ormen, a whaling ship embarked on what could be its last voyage. With land still weeks away, it’s just her, the freezing ocean, and the crew – and they’re all owed something only she can give them…

Now, over one hundred years later, the wreck of the Ormen has washed up on the forbidding, remote coast of Iceland. It’s scheduled to be destroyed, but explorer Dominique feels an inexplicable pull to document its last days, even though those who have ventured onto the wreck before her have met uncanny ends.

Onboard the boat, Dominique will uncover a dark past riddled with lies, cruelty, and murder—and her discovery will change everything. Because she’ll soon realize she’s not alone. Something has walked the floors of the Ormen for almost a century. Something that craves revenge.

 

 

Amazon * Penguin Random House

 

 

About the Author

 

C. J. Cooke is an award-winning poet and novelist published in twenty-three languages. She teaches creative writing at the University of Glasgow, where she also researches the impact of motherhood on women’s writing and creative writing interventions for mental health.

 

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Posted in 5 paws, Cozy, Fantasy, mystery, paranormal, Review on February 24, 2024

 

 

Synopsis

 

This book club is hooked on traveling into books to become the amateur sleuths! In this journey, the club travels to the Kingdom of Everglow.

The royal family is rocked to the core when a key staff member falls dead at a community event. In the turmoil that follows, any evidence of what happened is destroyed, so they must go by the recollection of witnesses who were too busy enjoying the celebration to offer any valuable testimony.

The royal family is further distressed when they return to the castle to see signs of a break in that somehow defied their complex security system. They wake the next day to discover that one member of the royal family has fallen into a deep, deathlike sleep.

Can the Snapdragon Inn Book Club uncover the plot behind this attack on the royal family? Can they find the antidote to wake the sleeping royal from a supernatural slumber? Can they bring peace back to the worried royal family and the frightened community?

Let’s hope they can, since they must solve the mystery and reach The End to get out of the book and back to their home in Colorado.

 

 

Amazon

 

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Review

 

I love this series. It is unique with a story within a story. This book is no different than the previous five in regards to the basic principle of the story, but it is unique with the crime, the banter, and the setting of the mystery they are to solve.

The whole gang is together again. This time, they venture into a fantasy world filled with Sprites. I really liked the descriptions of these characters, their personalities, and how they were no different from humans. There are some quirky characters and a killer among them. It was fun to try and figure out who the killer might be since there are not a lot of clues, but there are a few if you know how to look for them.

We also learn more about Frank’s past and how he came to be a part of this magical library. His past becomes advantageous to the group in this new world. You will have to read the book to learn more about that, but it is revealed fairly quickly in the book.

I also liked how the characters spoke about the author and how authors may make mistakes in their books. I had a good chuckle from some of the conversations.

There are quite a few witty lines sprinkled throughout, so I had a good chuckle as well.

This has become a favorite series, and I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Elizabeth Pantley is the international bestselling author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and twelve other books for parents, published in over twenty languages.

She simultaneously writes well-loved cozy mysteries: The Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic book series and the Magical Mystery Book Club series.

Elizabeth lives in the Pacific Northwest, the gorgeous inspiration for the setting in many of her books.

 

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Posted in 4 paws, Book Release, excerpt, paranormal, Review, Trailer, Young Adult on December 18, 2023

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

The desert town of Rattlesnake isn’t a destination. It’s a last resort. Seventeen-year-old Jonah Guthrie’s aunt sold their home in New England and fled to this place to escape the humiliation of his dad’s indictment for embezzlement and subsequent disappearance.

While their late uncle left them a house and a silver mine, the house is in shambles and the mine is defunct. They’re almost out of money, so they have no choice but to stay in Rattlesnake. Then, Jonah discovers they’ve inherited something else. Her name is Catherine, and she’s been dead for over a hundred years. Now, she needs his help.

 

 

Amazon * Smashwords * Kobo * B&N

 

 

Excerpt

 

For a moment, the sun balanced on the tip of the tallest peak, then slipped behind the mountains, turning them black against the sky. They were out of options all except for going back to Old Cemetery Road and dealing with the property. From somewhere far out in the desert came the loneliest sound Jonah had ever heard. That high-pitched yowl caught him at the center of his stomach. Suddenly, he felt eyes on him from every direction, and the shadows grew teeth.

 

 

Review

 

This story will appeal to those who enjoy time travel and paranormal books.

Jonah and Allie, along with their Aunt Margaret, move from New Hampshire to Rattlesnake, Nevada. This is what some might classify as a dying town. I don’t remember the population, but around 500 sounds right. So you can imagine what sort of folks live here and what environment these newcomers might face. There is a bully that runs the town, with his son a bully at the high school. The townfolks are very closed-minded and do not like outsiders at all, save a few.

I enjoyed watching the story unfold, from learning to navigate a new high school to trying to figure out what this ghost needs help with. Both kids are dealing with more than they should have in their lives, not only with the move but with trying to come to terms with the allegations against their father. Margaret is trying to support their little family, but it is hard to gain acceptance from the local residents, which in turn makes it hard for her to find a job.

Jonah is a bit of a wild card. He isn’t afraid to go after what he wants or stand up to the local bully, Snake. He can also see a ghost that needs his help in finding something, but she doesn’t know what. It takes an unusual turn of events for Jonah to figure out what she needs help with and then try to assist 100 years in the future.

This story is fraught with emotions, from loneliness to fear to desperation. There is even a little romance in the story. It depicts what people might encounter if in a similar situation. There is a silver lining at the end. It will appeal to a wide variety of readers, not just those who like young adult or paranormal aspects in their novels.

We give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Until about a year ago, my writing was all about what was real and current in the world. I’ve written about cutting (Sliding on the Edge, 2009), death of a parent (The Princess of Las Pulgas, 2010), illiteracy (Double Negative, 2014–voted as one of the top ten novels for YA), homophobia (Sudden Secrets, 2014), injustice (Not Guilty, 2019, and paraplegia (Shattered, 2021–finalist in the Indie Book Awards). Then suddenly…Rattlesnake, my first other-worldly YA.

It was probably a reaction to what was happening in my personal life as well as the world around me during the Covid shutdown, but I needed escape, and I thought others did as well, so I gave this story my best shot.

When I’m not writing, I’m hiking, traveling, or practicing yoga. I love to cook, and I love to eat. I love to talk with friends, and while I’m not a snob about it, I appreciate good wine—all of these seem to pair well of an evening.

I live on the edge of a forest and don’t hate cities, but I can only take them in short stays before I itch to return to where there are a lot of trees or an ocean.

 

Website * Substack * Goodreads * Facebook * Instagram

Posted in Cozy, Giveaway, Guest Post, mystery, paranormal on December 10, 2023

 

 

 

 

Killing Grinds (Orchard Hollow Mystery)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Oliver-Heber Books (November 28, 2023)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 274 pages

 

Synopsis

 

Piper Addison is in it deep. Turns out, finding out how your ghost familiar met her doom is not as easy as it sounds…

Tourist season is over and Orchard Hollow is as peaceful as ever. Piper Addison, the town witch and cafe owner, finally gets to kick back her sneakers and relax. The weather is glorious, her dusty love life has been resurrected, and she’s all caught up on binge watching shows. Nothing can be better!

Well, except for one slight problem.

Piper promised her ghost familiar she’d help find out what landed her in the land of the non-living.

It wouldn’t be so bad if the ghost didn’t have a case of amnesia and a serious need of an attitude adjustment. One thing is for certain, Piper’s familiar didn’t kick the bucket by choice.

Between figuring out the mystery of Stella’s demise, battling a raccoon for cookies, and tracing her mom’s steps hoping to reunite with a father she never met; Piper has her hands full. And this time, even her strange magic might not be enough to get her out of this bind.

Killing Grinds is a paranormal cozy mystery complete with an unlucky witch, a ghost familiar, and a feisty raccoon with a talent for getting into sticky situations.

 

 

 

Amazon

 

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Guest Post

 

A Guide to Writing an Addictive Series

 

Choosing to write a series is an exhilarating challenge that allows authors to fully immerse themselves into the intricacies of their worlds and characters. However, it comes with its own set of unique challenges. The longer the series, the more chances there are to mess it up. So how do we keep ourselves on track and continue to engage our readers book after book? Every author has their own way of dealing with series writing. After having written multiple series, some as long as 8 plus books, I have a few tips under my sleeve.

 

1. Plan with Precision:

Before you start typing away, take the time to plan your series meticulously. Develop an outline that spans the entire series, including major plot points, character arcs, and the overarching narrative. Having a roadmap will not only keep you on track but also ensure consistency and coherence across the entire series.

 

2. Strong Foundation – The First Book Matters:

The first book in your series acts as the foundation upon which everything else rests. It introduces the world, establishes the tone, and hooks readers. Ensure that the first installment is captivating, with well-developed characters and a compelling plot. Make readers invested from the start, and they’ll eagerly follow you through the entire series.

 

3. Character Development Across the Series:

Your characters should evolve over the course of the series. Map out their arcs and ensure they face challenges that allow for growth. Readers should witness the transformation of your characters, making them more relatable and engaging. Consistency in character development is key to maintaining reader interest.

 

4. Introduce New Elements:

While maintaining consistency, don’t be afraid to introduce new elements to keep things fresh. This could include new characters, locations, or plot twists. These additions will prevent your series from becoming predictable and will keep readers eagerly anticipating what comes next.

 

5. Manage Pacing Effectively:

Balancing the pacing of a series is crucial. Each book should have its own rhythm while contributing to the overall flow of the series. Be mindful of the tension and release within each installment, creating a satisfying reading experience that leaves readers eager for more.

 

6. Foreshadowing:

Weave in subtle hints and foreshadowing early on, hinting at future events. Throw backs to earlier books in the series create a sense of continuity and reward dedicated readers.

 

7. Stay Organized:

With the complexity of a series, maintaining organization is paramount. Keep detailed notes on characters, settings, and plot points. This will help you avoid inconsistencies and make it easier to pick up where you left off when writing subsequent books. A good series bible will save you a lot of trouble in the future!

 

Happy writing!

 

 

About the Author

 

A.N. Sage is a bestselling, award-winning author of young adult fantasy and mystery. She has spent most of her life waiting to meet a witch, vampire, or at least get haunted by a ghost. In between failed seances and many questionable outfit choices, she has developed a keen eye for the extra-ordinary.

A.N. spends her free time reading and binge-watching television shows in her pajamas. Currently, she resides in Toronto, Canada, with her husband, who is not a creature of the night, and their daughter, who just might be.

A.N. Sage is a Scorpio and a massive advocate of leggings for pants.

 

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Giveaway

 

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Posted in 5 paws, Giveaway, paranormal, Review, Short Story, suspense, Trailer on December 9, 2023

 

 

 

THE EDGE OF TOO LATE

 

Harbor Pointe Series, #5

 

by

 

Jan Sikes

 

 

Ghost Suspense / Contemporary Short Stories / Action & Adventure Romance

Publisher: RiJan Publishing

Date of Publication: November 28, 2023

Number of Pages: 126pages

 

Scroll down for Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

Brandon Miller has his dream job, financial security, and he’s madly in love. Only one thing is missing—a commitment.

Angela Cooper’s ex-husband left her with deep scars, souring her on the concept of marriage. She’s not interested in a do-over. Not with Brandon or anyone. Her heart is locked securely away behind a thick wall.

With a ring in his pocket and hope in his heart, Brandon arranges a romantic getaway to the historic Harbor Pointe Inn, where he plans to pop the question.

Before they reach the inn, Angela’s got her camera in hand and ghosts on her mind. But they arrive to find a much more tangible horror.

Accident or foul play?

Someone is up to no good, and Angela is the next target. When suspects can be worldly or otherworldly, danger and secrets lurk everywhere.

Poised at the perilous edge of too late, Angela and Brandon face the fight of their lives.

 

 

 

 

Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking for a spooky novella? This might be the answer to what you are seeking.

Brandon and Angela are in a somewhat serious relationship, and he decides to take her on a romantic weekend, where he plans to propose. This could go one of two ways, considering she is still gun-shy when it comes to relationships, thanks to her previous one. But that doesn’t deter Brandon in the least. He realizes what a gem she is and will not be swayed to wait! However, he does not expect the outcome of this weekend. But then, I don’t think anyone would!

Angela is an empath and has a passion for photography. She is able to see several ghosts around the inn where they are staying. Some believe her, and some do not. But that doesn’t deter her from her beliefs. She also hopes to capture a ghostly orb on film.

This is set before a time of cell phones and digital cameras. I really enjoy books like this because the characters can’t rely on technology to do what is needed.

While this may be a short story, I found myself engrossed in the tale, cringing at several conflicts and hoping that all would work out in the end. Luckily, it does! There are some somewhat violent parts, but we are left to imagine the scenes on our own, and the minute details are not shared. Considering how vivid my imagination can be, it isn’t hard for me to picture it in my mind.

There is one character I do not like from the initial introduction, and for good reason. Let’s just say he is not a nice guy.

While this is part of a series, each book stands on its own, and the inn is what ties the books together.

This book does not read like a short story, so I was surprised when I finished it so quickly. I wanted to know more about Brandon and Angela and where their lives would take them after this weekend at the Harbor Pointe Inn. We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jan Sikes writes compelling and creative stories from the heart.

She openly admits that she never set out in life to be an author. But she had a story to tell. Not just any story, but a true story that rivals any fiction creation. She brought the entertaining true story to life through fictitious characters in an intricately woven tale encompassing four books, accompanying music CDs, and a book of poetry and art.

And now, this author can’t find a way to put down the pen. She continues to write fiction and has published numerous award-winning short stories and novels.

Jan is an active blogger, an avid fan of Texas music, and a grandmother of five. She resides in North Texas.

 

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GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!

 

FIVE WINNERS:

 

1st: $20 Amazon gift card

 

2nd & 3rd: audiobooks of The Edge of Too Late

 

4th & 5th: eBooks of Flowers and Stone

 

(US Only; ends midnight, CST 12/15/23)

 

 

 

 

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Visit the Lone Star Literary Life Tour Page

 

For direct links to each post on this tour, updated daily,

 

or visit the blogs directly:

 

12/05/23 Jennifer Silverwood Review
12/05/23 Hall Ways Blog Excerpt
12/06/23 Boys’ Mom Reads Review
12/06/23 LSBBT Blog BONUS Stop
12/07/23 JennCaffeinated Review
12/08/23 Librariel Book Adventures Review
12/08/23 Chapter Break Book Blog Character Interview
12/09/23 StoreyBook Reviews Review
12/10/23 The Clueless Gent Review
12/11/23 Bibliotica Review
12/12/23 Rox Burkey Blog Review
12/12/23 Forgotten Winds Author Interview
12/13/23 It’s Not All Gravy Review
12/14/23 The Plain-Spoken Pen Review

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Cozy, Giveaway, mystery, paranormal on November 8, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

Genie and the Ghost (Genie and Adriana Darling Cozy Paranormal Ghost Mysteries)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
1st in the Series
Independently Published (September 18, 2023)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 218 pages

 

Synopsis

 

New York jewelry designer Genie Darling has returned to her childhood home in quaint Cobblewood Cove for one reason only: to sort through generations of old family heirlooms and hand anything of historical interest over to the local museum.

But after a failed mugging attempt, and the appearance of a beautiful but ghostly young stranger in a vintage evening dress, Genie realises there’s something suspicious – and spooky – going on.

The glamorous and friendly spectre turns out to be Genie’s own great-great-aunt Adriana, who died in 1929 in mysterious circumstances.

When there are more attempts on Genie and her home and her main suspect dies in a suspicious accident, she decides to get to the bottom of the mystery.

Does it have anything to do with Adriana’s death and reappearance?

With her unflappable, pet-whispering aunt and cat Cleo by her side, Genie sets out to lay this ghost to rest by solving the mystery and unmasking the culprits.

But digging up the past can be deadly …

 

 

Amazon

 

 

About the Author

 

Carmen has spent most of her life with ink on her fingers and a dangerously high pile of books and newspapers by her side.

She has worked as a newspaper reporter on two continents and always dreamt of becoming a novelist and screenwriter.

When she found herself crouched under her dining table, typing away on a novel between two earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand, she realised she was hooked for life.

The shaken but stirring novel made it to the longlist of the Mslexia competition, and her next book and first mystery, The Case Of The Missing Bride, was a finalist in the Malice Domestic competition in a year without a winner. Since then she has penned several more cozy mysteries, including the Jack and Frances series set in the 1930s.

Genie and the Ghost is her first paranormal cozy mystery.

Carmen now lives in Italy with her human and her four-legged family.

 

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Giveaway

 

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Posted in excerpt, Fantasy, Giveaway, paranormal, Young Adult on October 5, 2023

 

 

Synopsis

 

Resa Stone is one of the first humans to set foot on a foreign world. But ever since arriving on planet Wandelsta, the introverted teen witch can’t sleep. Visions of a mysterious jeweled forest haunt her dreams. Who is the ghostly shrouded girl who emerges from those woods? And what is the meaning of the ominous message she delivers: You are the one?

And when the unearthly messenger appears in her waking life and leads her to a mystical glowing gem, Resa learns of an ancient legend that suggests the stone may be a remnant from a crystalline paradise called Gemja and harbors great power. On a quest to discover the significance of the stone, Resa is transformed by love, betrayal, magic, and hidden secrets. And when danger befalls her, she must summon the courage to journey into her dream realm to confront the ghost for answers…

Only to discover that deciphering the message reveals a painful truth…

One that may cost Resa her life.

 

 

 

Amazon

 

 

Excerpt

 

“Grams, have you heard of Gemja?”

She shook her head. “No, what is that?” She pulled me toward her so that my back was leaning against her.

“A magical crystal planet where only peace and love exist,” I said, not doing the legend justice. “Maybe it’s where we’ll all meet again one day.” I didn’t want to leave her. I rested my head on her shoulder.

“Ah, then it must be a wonderful place,” she said, stroking my hair. “If I can go to this Gemja, I will,” she reassured me. “I’ll wait for you there.”

“Promise?”

“Of course,” she said, “but you had better make me wait a very long time. There is so much for you to do in your realm. Come now. It’s time.” She patted my arm as a signal for me to stand. “You have to go meet Nitika before it’s too late. I fear the white creature will come for you unless we stay one step ahead of it.” She held out the single filament. “It’s time. Help me sever it.”

I dug into my bag, feeling for something that could snap the filament. I pulled out a pair of wire cutters.

“That’s my girl,” she said. “Always prepared.” She held out the filament for me to cut, but I hesitated. “It’s all right now,” she said, laughing. “You’re giving me life. What better gift could there be?”

I had to see her one last time, so I turned on the flashlight. When I looked into her eyes, there was no fear in them. No uncertainty. They were shining brightly with hope.

I opened the cutters around the filament and paused. I wished that she could have closed them herself, but the angle was all wrong. “Still want to be the lone red daisy?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Her answer startled me. “I would have it no other way,” she said. “And I’m hardly alone. I have you. Both of us were chosen…to do something wonderful, I imagine. The universe doesn’t give you more than you can handle, so you must embrace being red.” She put her hand to my face. “No tears. This is not the end. You’re giving me life. Remember to tell your grandfather.”

“I will, I promise.” I didn’t want to leave her. I had so much to ask her. So much to tell her. I had just said hello, and now it was already time for goodbye?

“Hurry, you must turn off the flashlight,” she said. “Do it now. Both our lives depend on it.”

“I love you, Grams,” I said.

“And I you, my darling. It’s time. I’m ready to go.”

I wasn’t ready. Still, I forced my hand shut. The cord snapped. And my grandmother floated upward, transforming into a beautiful barn owl before flying out of sight, leaving one lone feather and a sparkling trail of violet stardust in her wake.

 

 

Praise

 

“An edge-of-your-seat adventure…sweeps to a cliffhanger climax. A rousing introduction to a promising new series.” –  Booklife Reviews by Publishers Weekly

“A fast-paced tale with richly drawn characters that revels in mythical worldbuilding…It blends fantasy and SF elements, along with witchcraft and teenage romance, with a degree of skill that’s likely to satisfy fans of all these genres.”  – Kirkus

“Gemja: The Message offers a compelling blend of witchcraft and magic and establishes an immersive fantasy realm. Protagonist Resa is an alluring and relatable teen witch. Readers will eagerly engage with her as she attempts to unravel the mystery behind her visions of a ghostly figure.” – Critic’s Report: The Booklife Prize

“Messina blends witchcraft, prophesies, aliens and interplanetary tensions into a highly enjoyable young adult drama…set to be a captivating and popular series.” (Starred Review, Notable Book – Blueink Review

“Climactic moments and powerful revelations are plentiful. Worlds of unexpected wonder and danger abound.” – Clarion

“A wonderfully, well-written read. 5 stars.”  – Readers Favorite

 

 

About the Author

 

K.M. Messina is an earth and space science teacher, a dog mom, and a lover of all things mystical. Her black German shepherd Luna is the star of her award-winning picture book, IF YOU COULD ASK YOUR DOG ONE QUESTION, which won the Best Independent Book Award (BIBA) and the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for best picture book for all ages. She lives on the rocky coast of Long Island, New York, where she enjoys feeding wild turkeys, moon gazing, and adding to her ever-growing collection of stones and crystals.

 

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Giveaway

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Posted in 4 paws, Book Release, Horror, paranormal on September 25, 2023

 

 

Synopsis

 

Vesper Wright is in hell. The night she gets fired from her unglamorous restaurant job, she comes home to find an invitation waiting on her doorstep from her estranged family to the wedding of Vesper’s cousin and childhood best friend, Rosemary, the one person she regrets losing touch with. Something inside her is telling her she has to attend the wedding, even if it means suffering through a weekend in the Satanist community she defected from. When Vesper’s homecoming exhumes a horrifying family secret, she’s forced to reckon with her family’s fanatical beliefs and her own unexpected identity.

 

 

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Review

 

I wasn’t sure what category to classify this book. Part of me says horror, and apparently, this is what the author writes, but it wasn’t horror like I usually see. Horror light, maybe? Or perhaps just a dark novel. I will say it wasn’t until I was further into the book that I understood why it was classified in this genre. To give away that would ruin the book for the future reader.

Vesper left her family at 18 and ventured into the real world. Let’s just say she grew up in a religious cult, and when you leave, you are cut off from everyone. However, she receives an invitation to her best friend’s wedding, back in the cult, and she decides to attend. This sets off a chain of events that is just a bit insane. Vesper learns the truth about her family and is put into a position that she really doesn’t wish to be in. I think she regretted going back to the wedding.

The story is quite intriguing, and there are twists that I didn’t expect. At least not until we understood more about her family. It also explains a little bit more about Vesper and some situations that arose during her time away.

While I’m not sure I would read any other horror books, I do like to expand my horizons. This book might leave you in disbelief or perhaps even chuckling at different scenarios. I liked the ending, and it leaves me wondering about Vesper, her father, and the rest of her family.

We give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Rachel Harrison is the National Bestselling author of CACKLE, SUCH SHARP TEETH, and THE RETURN, which was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a First Novel. Her short fiction has appeared in Guernica, Electric Literature’s Recommended Reading, as an Audible Original, and in her debut story collection BAD DOLLS. She lives in Western New York with her husband and their cat/overlord.

 

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Posted in 5 paws, Cozy, mystery, paranormal, Review on September 22, 2023

 

 

 

 

Secrets and Scallywags: Magical Mystery Book Club
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Setting – A Small Oceanfront Community
Independently published (August 10, 2023)
Digital Print length ‏ : ‎ 256 pages

 

Synopsis

 

When this club selects a book, magic happens. They become the main characters in the story when the mystery comes to life.

This month’s book selection takes them to a charming island community that’s abuzz over a mysterious boat that washed ashore. Rumor has it that it’s the same pirate boat that sunk a year ago in the bay. The one that supposedly sank with treasure aboard.

When the club meets the ghosts of the men from the boat, they learn the astonishing secrets of the treasure. These ghosts can’t move on until it is found.

Can the motley group find the treasure and free the ghosts? They better, since it’s the only way they can exit the book and get back home.

 

 

Amazon

 

Read for Free via Kindle Unlimited

 

 

Review

 

This is such a fun series, and if you haven’t picked up any of the books, you need to do that, and soon! Make sure to start with the first book to understand how this all came to be for Glo and Paige.

The concept for this cozy series is unique and brings in paranormal aspects. I love how they get thrown into a book and have to solve the crime. The characters are all unique and blend well together. I have to laugh at how much these characters also love to eat. I swear they are eating all of the time!

This plot is a little different than some of the others as it brings in pirates, and the crime isn’t really a murder that they are trying to solve. I enjoyed the twists and turns and how this story came to its conclusion. I thought that one of the characters might stay behind in the book, and I was surprised when this one did not. You might come to the same conclusions, so I hope I haven’t spoiled anything for the reader.

One of these days, Frank and Zell are going to spill the beans on how long this book club has been meeting and how long they have been participants. I am very curious what their background is with this book club. I also like how the right new member always appears. It is definitely a merry band of book lovers and crime solvers.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Elizabeth Pantley is the international bestselling author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and twelve other books for parents, published in over twenty languages.

She simultaneously writes well-loved cozy mysteries: The Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic book series and the Magical Mystery Book Club series.

Elizabeth lives in the Pacific Northwest, the gorgeous inspiration for the setting in many of her books.

 

NoCrySolution​.com | Facebook

 

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Giveaway

 

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