Ellwyn’s Blog

Align Ourselves Book Tour

Available Today On Amazon

Book Excerpt:

“Your Grace,” they all heard Grace say, “Your wonderful sister has returned.” 

Aria could almost hear the smile in her voice. 

“I see that,” the young man at the front of the room said. His voice was deep and gravely. Aria found it a little scary, if she was honest. 

“And why is it that my sister returns days later than expected,” he asked. Aria could hear him getting up, his chair scraping the floor. 

“Unforeseen complications, Your Grace,” Grace said. Aria was sure that she was smiling now. She could hear him coming down the steps towards them.

She decided to look up. 

He walked towards Grace. When he was standing in front of her, he reached down and offered her his hand. She grasped it, and he pulled her up. And to Aria’s surprise, he hugged her.

Grace wrapped her hands around his neck while he placed one hand on her back and the other on her head. He kissed her cheek before letting her go. 

“Are you okay? Did everything go smoothly,” he asked in a quiet voice.

“Yeah, it was fine,” Grace said. 

He nodded and finally looked past her to the group of people kneeling in the center of the room. 

His eyes landed on Aria’s first. She dropped hers to the ground a second later. 

She heard him take a few steps towards her. He stopped right in front of her. She decided not to look up.

He stood there for a few moments before moving on, walking around the group in a circle. When he was in front of Aria again, he spoke up.

“What the hell is this,” he asked.

Still, Aria didn’t look up. She was pretty sure no one else did, either. 

“I said the exact same thing,” Grace said, joining the king at the front of the group. 

“They’re a bunch of children,” he said, with a little edge to his voice. “Look at them. Not a single one of them can be over the age of twenty. These are the people that the Terra just had to get rid of? As if they’re some great threat,” he said. 

“Apparently,” Grace said. 

“How have they survived? They’re practically skin and bones,” he said like this was some sort of trick. Aria could feel anger replacing her fear. “And you couldn’t have soaked them in some water before bringing them here? They’re absolutely filthy,” he said. 

Aria could feel herself getting tense. Her knee was starting to ache, but she didn’t dare look up. Not just yet. 

“This is their leader,” Grace said.

The king took a step towards Aria. He put a hand on her chin and pushed her head up, making her finally lift her eyes from the ground. 

“Aria…” he said, sounding her name out. “Aria from under the ground. Rise,” he said. 

She stood up; she wasn’t sure how. Her legs felt like jelly. Being closed off in this room, with nowhere to run, made her feel like she was back in that tiny dirt room, trapped. 

He studied her face for a few minutes. 

She felt her cheeks flame under his scrutinizing gaze, aware of how dirty she was. 

“Tell me, Aria, from under the ground, how has such a little girl managed to survive all this time? How has a child convinced brutal warriors not to kill her and her friends? How have you caused so much trouble for the Terra that they would be desperate to be rid of you?”

Something about his tone and the mockery in his eye made Aria angrier than she’d ever been. 

“I don’t know…but perhaps you will find out,” she said before she could stop herself. 

But the king only smirked. 

“Perhaps I will,” he said.

About The Author:

Adrianna is a 28-year-old wife and stay-at-home mom to her 1-year-old baby boy. She comes from a large Mexican American family and was born with Cerebral Palsy.

She also holds an MLIS degree and greatly enjoys getting to tell people she’s a librarian.

Facebook – facebook.com/authoraschuh

Instagram – authoraschuh

Twitter – author_aschuh

Goodreads –  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55885124-align-ourselves

Author website – adriannaschuh.com

Bookbub – https://www.bookbub.com/books/align-ourselves-by-adrianna-schuh

My 2020 Reading Short List

I don’t set a certain number of books to read each year. I read what I want, when I want.

After reading several posts by other readers and the amount of books they read in 2020, I decided to tally up my own pile.

I came in at 27. Keep in mind, I read some of them twice.

It’s a habit I’ve developed over the years. The first read is for pleasure. The second read is to learn new writing/storytelling techniques.

If I really like a book, it earns a place of honor on my book shelf and is constantly taken down to be read again and again and again…

Here’s a list of five books I read in 2020 that were excellent.

1- The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

I was in the middle of reading The Hunger Games Series again when my daughter bought me this book for my birthday. Like every other book in the series, it was awesome!

2- The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Due to Covid-19, my local library was closed.

Unable to scour the shelves there, I haunted a local thrift store. I came across this one and gave it a shot.

Such a great story about redemption and self-acceptance!

3- Cinder by Marissa Meyer

This was also a gift. I did an author Secret Santa and I have to say, my Secret Santa must have had direct access to my home library. I love retold fairytales and this one is at the top of my list.

4- The Moorchild by Eloise McGraw

I found this one at the thrift store too and really enjoyed it. I’m sure I’ll read it again soon.

5- Lily Barlow: The Mystery in the Mangroves by Carla Vergot

I received of an advance copy of this one way back in March 2020 and thought it was just as good as the first story in the series.

I have a few picture books lined up to review on my educational blog Lemon Drop Literary. After that, I’ll probably reread some of my faves before seeking out some new reads.

Happy Reading!

2020 Lemon Drop Literary Book Awards

I’ve taken all the Independently Published books I’ve reviewed from 2020 on my educational blog Lemon Drop Literary and awarded one a Certificate Of Excellence In Literature for its educational value.
When I review a children’s picture book, I strive to keep students, teachers and the rigors of lesson planning in mind.

A few of the questions I ask are: How will this book translate into the classroom? How will it help teachers meet their lesson plan objectives? Is it engaging and fun? Did I enjoy reading it and most importantly do I want to read it again?

Congratulations, Ansaba Gavor! In my humble opinion, Children Are Like Cupcakes, has met all the criteria to earn a place on my virtual classroom bookshelf!

Available on Amazon

This year I’d also like to recognize two authors who’ve created two wonderful educational learning series that also belong on my virtual classroom and home bookshelves.

Amelia Griggs’ The Bella And Mia Adventure Series and its companion workbooks Bella And Friends Learning Series. Each book is adorable on its own; combined they’re a complete set of learning fun with an extra scoop of sweetness!

Available on Amazon

Robin Woods Prompt Me Series. I’ve been using her Prompt Me Novel for my own story development and my characters are coming to life more than ever before!

Available on Amazon

Thank you, ladies, for all you do to help children and aspiring writers achieve their full learning potential. 

Reading In The New Year

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Jed Doherty, Host, Executive Producer – jedlie@jedlie.com         

Alejandra Doherty, Producer of Special Events   

For Immediate Release

LOCAL AUTHOR TO BE FEATURED IN “READING IN THE NEW YEAR”, A VIRTUAL FAMILY LITERARY FAIR CELEBRATING THE NEW YEAR AND READING TOGETHER

The Reading With Your Kids Podcast, host of the first “Reading In The New Year” Virtual Family Literacy Fair, has announced that Philadelphia resident Ellwyn Autumn, and their children’s book Teddy Bear Tea will be featured in this exciting event.

“We want to give families a way to say goodbye to the difficulties of 2020 and hello to a bright future in 2021!” said Jed Doherty, also known as Jedlie, the host of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast, an iHeartRadio Award Nominee.

“Since everyone’s holidays will look a little different this year, we wanted to give families entertainment that was educational and fun. We are creating an event that will feature some of the best children’s authors reading their books aloud, songs, and some downloadable activities for some off-screen family fun time. The podcast is about celebrating all of the benefits kids and families experience reading together and that is the focus of the fair as well.”

The event will be held online at www.ReadingInTheNewYear.com . It begins Christmas morning and will run until January 1, 2021. The event is free and open to everyone.

Ellwyn Autumn’s Teddy Bear Tea is an award winning book about friendship and diversity.

The Reading With Your Kids Podcast can be found on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and where ever you find your podcasts. To date they have published over 900 interviews with authors from around the World, including LeVar Burton, Brad Meltzer, Kate DiCamillo, Candice Cameron Bure and so many more. The podcast has been included on many “Best Podcast” lists and was nominated for the iHeartRadio Best Kids & Family Podcast Award. You can learn more by visiting www.ReadingWithYourKids.com

Align Ourselves Cover Reveal

Lex wants an alliance for his kingdom. Aria wants a safe place for her people to call home. Neither one wants to be married. But when Aria’s own people threaten the kingdom, she realizes that Lex is the man she’s always wanted. And she’ll do anything to save him.


Release Date: 01/14/2021
Genre: New Adult Fantasy Romance
Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ND7878T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_oF53Fb3JENJS9
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55885124-align-ourselves

About The Author

Bio –
Adrianna is a 28-year-old wife and stay-at-home mom to her 1-year-old baby boy. She comes from a large Mexican American and was born with Cerebral Palsy. She also holds an MLIS degree and greatly enjoys getting to tell people she’s a librarian.

Facebook – facebook.com/authoraschuh
Instagram – authoraschuh
Twitter – author_aschuh
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55885124-align-ourselves
Author website – adriannaschuh.com
Bookbub – https://www.bookbub.com/books/align-ourselves-by-adrianna-schuh

Astrid V.J.’s The Apprentice Storyteller

FREE Today

Synopsis:

The Apprentice Storyteller: The Alchemist meets fantasy with a splash of space opera. Viola Alerion, a renowned storyteller in the Haldrian Empire, wants to be left in peace.

For years, she’s been hounded by her past, never to find a moment’s rest. Then she meets a boy who wants to become her apprentice. He refuses to take no for an answer, and she reluctantly yields, even though she knows taking him with her could endanger his life.

As their journey progresses, Viola begins to understand she’s not the only teacher in the equation. The nameless boy also has something to teach, but Viola makes for a reluctant student.

Can she give way to possibility and embrace a future in alignment with what she’s always wanted? Can she find the courage to embrace the principles that will transform her life? Can she overcome her circumstances and face her past? Or will she keep on running with nowhere to hide? And what of the boy who guards untold secrets and exhibits mysterious powers that defy belief?

About The Author

Astrid Vogel de Johnsson is an award-winning South African author, social anthropologist and transformational life coach. She currently resides in Sweden with her husband and two children.

In early childhood, she showed an interest in reading and languages–interests which her family encouraged. Astrid started writing her first novel at age 12 and now writes high fantasy, exploring her passion for cultures and languages.

When she isn’t writing, Astrid likes to read, take walks in nature, play silly games with her children, do embroidery, and play music.