Ellwyn’s Blog

Monster Science: Create Your Own Genetic Masterpiece

Available on Amazon

Available in French and Spanish!

Book Blurb:

Bored of their toys, Maya and Jordan have a monstrously brilliant idea:

create a pet monster! 

Join their hilarious, high-stakes adventure as they dive headfirst into the fascinating world of genetics to build the perfect companion.

Your young readers will laugh along as Maya and Jordan’s experiments lead to unexpected challenges and funny mishaps. But amidst the chaos, they’ll uncover the amazing secrets of DNA’s double helix structure, discover how chromosomes carry our genetic code, and learn how genes shape everything from fur color to eye color!

This exciting STEM comic book adventure comes packed with engaging activity sheets to reinforce learning. It’s the perfect way to introduce young learners to the wonders of cellular biology and heredity, sparking their curiosity and imagination!

For Parents & Educators:This book aligns with elementary science curriculum standards related to genetics, providing a fun and engaging supplement for classroom learning. Perfect for science for kids and educational comic book fans!

Are you ready for a genetic adventure like no other!

About The Author:

Hey there, future scientists and dreamers!

My name is Victoria, and I write children’s books that prove science is wildly fun and for everyone.

As a real-life scientist with over a decade in research—from investigating wine bacteria to studying the nervous systems of transparent worms—I’m passionate about sharing the wonders of discovery.

My books are crafted to bring diverse characters to the forefront, ensuring that every child can see themselves as a brilliant scientist.

With FunSci Books, our mission is clear: “Making science FUN and INCLUSIVE, one book at a time!”

Get ready for captivating stories where learning feels like play, and young readers are inspired to dream big and explore the amazing world of STEM.

First Light Book Tour & Giveaway

A promise filled with hope in a world not meant for dreamers

First Light 

Tales of the Vanguard: Rune Saga Book 1

by Verity Rose 

Genre: Epic Fantasy 

In a world struggling with political and religious differences, eighteen-year-old Arkrune—”Rune” to his friends—dreams of something greater than the quiet life in his small village of Locke. Trained by his stern but loving father, a renowned blacksmith and former warrior, Rune sets his sights on joining the famous monster fighting guild known as the Vanguard.

When Rune embarks on his journey to the city of Hilden to pursue his destiny, he carries with him more than just a finely crafted sword—but also a mystery tied to his bloodline and the dormant power within him. Along the way, Rune forms bonds with battle-hardened warriors, fends off deadly attacks by monsters and men alike, and begins to uncover the hidden strengths he didn’t know he possessed.

**New Release – Oct 25!** 

Amazon * B&N * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJZ9121Y

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-light-verity-rose/1147911457?ean=2940181775749

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/first-light-58?sId=b85e8aa3-4094-47f7-8d62-84b5cb7db493&ssId=Rx5MpvI0gt8NiAOEiYDV7&cPos=1

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/first-light-tales-of-the-vanguard-rune-saga-book-1-by-verity-rose

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239309987-first-light

About the Author 

Verity Rose grew up in a blink and you’ll miss it Indiana town where the school library doubled as an escape hatch.

She wrote her first fantasy scenes at thirteen, lost the thread for a while, wrestling with undiagnosed ADHD and mental health potholes.

She rediscovered her voice after becoming a mom and stumbling into a gaggle of online book nerds who egged her on.

Armed with a social work degree from Ball State and a lifelong conviction that characters are as real as the hands on the keyboard, she now pours that people first empathy into stories that refuse to stay quiet.

When she isn’t tormenting her characters, Verity is probably reverse engineering a Korean street food recipe, sourcing single origin coffee beans from ethical roasters, or hoarding trash in Dragon Age or Skyrim.

Her literary inspiration is equal parts Rick Riordan’s mythic swagger, Suzanne Collins’ high stakes heart, and John Flanagan’s cozy camaraderie.

Verity was raising her family (and her caffeine tolerance) amid Indiana cornfields and now adventures in the Pacific Northwest with them. She’s always down to swap book recs, coffee tips, or preferred RPG builds.

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bluesky * Amazon 

Author Links

Website: https://vrosefantasy.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/p/Verity-Rose-Fantasy-Author-61574899375272

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veerozeauthor

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/verityroze.bsky.social

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Verity-Rose/author/B0FK31VFQQ

Giveaway

Digitally Signed Special Ebook Copy, 

$20 Amazon or Paypal 

– 1 winner each! 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://sdbook.promo/FirstLight

Direct link:

https://gleam.io/RThdh/first-light

What Goes Around Book Tour & Giveaway

A relentless thriller that explores the unbreakable bonds that transcend time.

What Goes Around 

by Michael Wendroff

Genre: Thriller

‘Relentless and gritty, Wendroff expertly weaves a narrative that begs, “just one more page”.’ J.D. Barker, New York Times bestselling author

EVIL HAS MANY FACES
Chilling murders terrorize a town and bring together two detectives to face the hardest tasks of their lives. Jack Ludlum, who relies on his brawn to get things done, is now paired with his archenemy, Jill Jarred, a brilliant investigator with keen intuition. As they delve into the secret world of incels and white supremacists, and conflict between local authorities and the FBI rages, a media frenzy further complicates the mission.

Is there a serial killer on the loose? Or something entirely different? Will the detectives’ clashing personalities be their undoing, or can they unite to stop the killer before they kill each other?

What Goes Around is a dynamic thriller that examines the intricacies of love, loss, and the unbreakable bonds that transcend time. With its pulse-pounding pace, captivating characters, and a revelatory twist that challenges the boundaries of life and death, this novel will keep you hooked from the first page to the last, and thinking long afterwards.

‘Starts off at a breakneck pace and doesn’t let up until it reaches its unexpected conclusion.’ Lisa Black, New York Times bestselling author of the Locard Institute thrillers

‘An adrenaline-fueled novel, the action breathlessly driven by two detectives relentlessly pursuing the bloody trails left by a serial killer with a dark sense of justice, deadly groups of white supremacists, and one lonely, alienated boy caught up in the violence.’ Kathleen Kent, New York Times bestselling author
‘Fast-paced propulsive thriller that doesn’t let up – highly recommended!’ Lori Brand, author

‘I could barely put this book down! The twists and turns. The references to current political climate and the unanswered “who dun it” questions kept me engaged until the last page. Great read. Fast paced and an unexpected ending. Kudos for Wendroff’s debut novel!’ – Amazon review

‘I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat. He is a colorful writer and the characters just come to life. They become very real, and the interplay between them is really intriguing. I highly recommend this book.’ – Amazon review

**Paperback edition just released Oct 7, 2025 – Get it now!**

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/What-Goes-Around-Michael-Wendroff/dp/1035918935

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/what-goes-around/id6478964088

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-goes-around-michael-wendroff/1144473565?ean=9781035918935

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Michael_Wendroff_What_Goes_Around?id=L_QlEQAAQBAJ

Kobo: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Michael_Wendroff_What_Goes_Around?id=L_QlEQAAQBAJ

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/what-goes-around-a-gripping-thriller-set-in-modern-america-that-challenges-the-boundaries-of-life-and-death-by-michael-wendroff

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209559150-what-goes-around

Book Trailer:

About the Author 

Michael Wendroff is the author of What Goes Around, a debut thriller published by Bloomsbury, which bestselling author Eric Rickstad calls a “brilliant debut,” and bestselling author Lisa Black says, “starts off at a breakneck pace and doesn’t let up until it reaches its unexpected conclusion.”

Plus, #1 bestselling author J.D. Black says, “Relentless and gritty, Wendroff expertly weaves a narrative that begs, ‘just one more page…’”

The book was inspired by what his mother said to him the second he was born: “Oh! How nice to see you–Again!”

Michael has an MBA in marketing from NYU, and was inducted into their Hall of Fame. He is a global marketing consultant. He shares his time between New York City, Sarasota, Florida, and Lake Garda, Italy. He is married and has three wonderful children.

His mother was an editor (watching his mother scribbling in red ink on manuscript pages at home on weekends prepared him for his own editor’s comments!).

She remarried a literary agent, so Michael was friendly with many authors, and even spent a vacation with Robert Ludlum. Watching Ludlum hand-write his 450 page novels on yellow legal pads didn’t dissuade Michael from trying to write a novel (though he’s thankful for his PC).

What Goes Around was launched in the USA, UK, and Australia, and foreign language rights have been sold in Italian, Japanese, and Hungarian. The hardcover went through 3 printings, and now the trade paperback is available (along with audio book and e-book).

Fun fact: Michael’s great-grandfather was brought over by Thomas Edison from the University of Copenhagen to work with him. He holds a number of patents, including for plastic buttons. Michael proudly wears button- down shirts whenever he can.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website:  https://michaelwendroff.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelWendroffAuthor/

X: https://x.com/mwendroff

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mwendroff

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/michael-wendroff

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Michael-Wendroff/author/B0CY9QKXLV

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47314462.Michael_Wendroff

Giveaway

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $30 giveaway!

https://sdbook.promo/WhatGoesAround

Guest Post By Meri Robie-Craven

Interview with Eve Craven on helping her mom write a book

By way of introduction, here is Meri Robie-Craven’s bio:

Meri Robie is a writer and editor living in BalImore. Her play, “Light Strikes a Deal” was included in the Rapid Lemon Theater’s Varia%ons on Night fesIval (2025), and she earned Honorable MenIon for the 2023 Page One Contest
by Gutsy Great Novelist.

She is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins WriIng Seminars. Find her at merirobie.com.

Meri Robie published Wildflowers on Sept 1, 2025. Her youngest daughter, Eve, was twelve through fifteen while Meri was writing the book.

Meri read chapters and sections to Eve and received plenty of reactions and criticism. Meri sat with Eve to talk about the process and what Eve remembers about it:

Mom:

How did you get involved with writing this book?

Eve:

You had already been interested in writing books, and you were writing another book about music, and so we would have long car rides when you were working on that book in your car, and when you picked me up, you would ask me advice about parts you had been working on.

Mom:

Give me an example of something you helped with.

Eve:

Building on Honey’s character, like modern-day words like emojis and social media. Honey is very homey and safe.

Mom:

The thing I remember, well two things — one is that I wanted a person to be sort of throwing something at a house because she was so angry at her ex-boyfriend. And I couldn’t really think of something good to throw. Do you remember what you said?

Eve:

Did I say eggs?

Mom:

Nope, you said pickles. So I made it jars of pickles that she throws at the wall.

Eve:

(laughing) I don’t remember that at all! That’s really funny!

Mom:

The other thing I asked was really serious. I said, there is a woman who is really
sad and defeated, and she gets very, very sick. I don’t know whether she should die, or recover. Do you remember that one?

Eve:

Yeah, I do remember that. I think I said she should pass away. It made it show thatnot everything has a happy ending, and it made it feel more… like it made it feel like it happened for something?

Mom:

Like it was more satisfying to, not really to have closure, but to complete that
storyline in a way?

Eve:

Mm-hmm.

Mom:

Do you want to be a writer? Or are you one already?

Eve:

I think writing would be a fun thing to do in the future-future, maybe when I’m out of dance. But I have written a few stories and I have written lots of poetry. But I wouldn’t consider myself a writer-writer. I do like doing it for myself, but I wouldn’t put anything out there yet.

Mom:

I do remember showing you some blogs and you said, “Oh wow. I need to get better.” And that’s one thing that shows me that maybe writing is in your future because you know quality and can really resonate with good writing.

Eve:

I think that’s the reason why I don’t want to do it now, especially since there’s another career path I want to get to. I would love to focus on [writing] more in the future.

Mom:

So should I call you for my next book?

Eve:

Yes!

Mom:

Also, Eve is now my social media manager. You can check her work out on my Instagram! Wink wink.

Eve:

Thank you!

Available on Amazon

Book Blurb:

Three elder stateswomen in the music industry, scarred by scandal, addiction, and forced retirement, go all in to create a killer comeback album.

As they learn to trust themselves and dive back into songwriting, they entwine their lives and voices in ways they couldn’t have imagined alone.

Everyone has forgotten about soul singer Honey Conaway, except that she stabbed a producer’s eye out at a party and left drunk and stumbling like some glitzy Medea.

Everyone loves Gloria Redmond: Girls grew up listening to her country-tinged, smart-alecky tunes, but she has become irrelevant past her prime.

And everyone knows Sian Star, not for her time fronting the pop band The Whirlygirls, but for driving a red Porsche into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

When these three women create an award-winning comeback album together, each is challenged by the version of herself that pushed her out of the spotlight in the first place.

Ghosts Of Border House Book Tour

Experience centuries of Scottish hospitality—whether you’re breathing or not.

Series Intro:

Border House has stood on the River Tweed since 1100, witnessing centuries of Scottish history and accumulating many permanent residents along the way. This ancient fortified manor, once a hunting lodge and defensive tower, now serves as both a charming hotel and an unintentional retirement home for spirits who can’t or won’t move on to the next realm.

The house is home to a medieval king, a turncoat scribe, a lonesome English soldier, two Victorian ladies, one unhappy go-go girl, a Scottish Brewmaster, and more. Each ghost brings their own quirks, complaints, and centuries-old drama to daily life at Border House. Whether you’re a living guest checking in for the weekend or a long-dead resident who’s been here for ages, everyone has a story to tell.

Welcome to Border House—where checkout time is optional, and some guests have been extending their stay for centuries.

This series features standalone paranormal romances written by various authors.

Love Lost & Found 

The Ghosts of Border House Book 1 

by Vanessa Victoria Kilmer

Genre: Paranormal Romance 

When a love haunts every lifetime, you have to grab it and hold on.

In 1566, Thomas Kincaid is murdered at Border House by agents of the Scottish King. Thinking himself betrayed by his soulmate, Sara Mae Stuart, Thomas curses her to a life of reincarnation with his dying breath.

When Sara Mae dies of a broken heart, she is reborn again and again.

After 450 years of reincarnation, Sara Mae returns to Border House to perform a séance and break her curse. She discovers a host of unsettled spirits, each harboring their own hidden agendas, and Thomas, lurking inside her crystal ball. 

Can love survive revenge, guilt, and a quirky spiritual divide?

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FRYFGL41

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/love-lost-found-by-vanessa-victoria-kilmer

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241870274-love-lost-found

The Brewmaster’s Kiss

The Ghosts of Border House Book 2 

by Leah Miles

Genre: Paranormal Romance 

Fifty-five years of longing, and a love that transcends death.

After fifty-five years, Nova Guthrie has returned to Scotland for the annual Halloween Ball at Border House. Or that is her excuse to return to the home of her youth and bid farewell to memories of her lost lover. 

What she doesn’t know is that Donnal Stuart still haunts the grand mansion, along with a few other ghostly characters—one of whom will do everything she can to keep them apart.

This story is about true love and secret ghost powers bundled up in a haunting tale of second chances. 

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FRXH422B

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-brewmaster-s-kiss-the-ghosts-of-border-house-book-2-by-leah-miles

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241861199-the-brewmaster-s-kiss

About the Authors

Vanessa Victoria Kilmer told her first story to an angel who visited her when she was locked in a dark, medieval attic at the age of four.

She grew up in the Salzburg region of Austria, surrounded by fortified castles, primal salt mines, and the drama of ancient places. 

Her fiction teems with murder, magic, and madness. She explores the abuse inflicted by those closest to us and the various ways people deal with the damage.

She currently lives in northern Florida with her daughter, son-in-law, grandson and two black cats. Between writing novels, she paints, takes pictures with her white camera named Traitor and embroiders tapestries.

Please visit her website at vanessavictoriakilmer.com and sign up for her newsletter to get updates on current work in progress and new release information.

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bluesky * TikTok * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://vanessavictoriakilmer.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/vanessavictoriakilmer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessavictoriakilmer/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/vanessavkilmer.bsky.social

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vanessavictoriakilmer?lang=en

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/vanessa-victoria-kilmer

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Vanessa-Victoria-Kilmer/author/B0C9BCLCDG

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21922461.Vanessa_Victoria_Kilmer

Leah Miles writes romance and paranormal fiction from her small-town in South Georgia, where she lives with her husband and cocker spaniel while running an insurance agency and Airbnb business.

After a dozen years in news production at CNN, Leah Miles now manages an insurance agency and an Airbnb business in rural Georgia, while writing romantic suspense and paranormal romance featuring take-charge heroes and fierce heroines.

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://leahmilesauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahmilesauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahmilesauthor/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/leah-miles

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Leah-Miles/author/B08F77ZDS6

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20574235.Leah_Miles

Giveaway 

$10 Amazon or Paypal 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://sdbook.promo/GhostsOfBorderHouse

Direct link:

https://gleam.io/ue8nu/ghosts-of-border-house

Nora And The Lighthouse Book Tour & Giveaway

This heartwarming story celebrates the excitement of milestones, the bond between grandparents and grandchildren, and the thrill of achieving something new.

Nora & the Lighthouse 

by Robin Murphy

Illustrated by April Burril

Genre: Children’s Picture Book 

Five-year-old Nora is thrilled for a sleepover at her Nana and Grandpa’s condo—but what she really dreams of is climbing to the top of the Concord Point Lighthouse.

There’s just one problem: she needs to be 42 inches tall. Determined and hopeful, Nora spends the day imagining she’s grown just enough.

After a fun-filled evening and a good night’s sleep, she finally visits the lighthouse. Is Nora tall enough? Will the view from the top be everything she dreamed it would be?

This heartwarming story celebrates the excitement of milestones, the bond between grandparents and grandchildren, and the thrill of achieving something new.

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FQC9WXRB/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/nora-the-lighthouse-by-robin-murphy

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241408073-nora-the-lighthouse

About the Author

Robin Murphy, an Amazon best-selling author, writes across genres including paranormal mysteries, humorous romance, chick-lit, and nonfiction.

Based in Havre de Grace, Maryland, she also works as a self-employed virtual executive assistant and freelance writer.

Her ability to blend imaginative fiction with practical, real-world topics showcases both her versatility and engaging narrative style.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website:  https://nextchapter.pub/authors/robin-murphy

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/authorrobinmurphy

X: https://x.com/authorrmmurphy

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/authorrobinmurphy

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/robin-murphy

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robin-Murphy/author/B06XGLL6HT

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4837368.Robin_Murphy

Giveaway 

$10 Amazon or Paypal 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://sdbook.promo/NoraAndTheLighthouse

Direct link:

https://gleam.io/Nbt6I/nora-the-lighthouse

To read my review please click here!

Preorder Now! Enchanted Caves

Preorder now an Amazon

Enchanted Caves is a collection of ten short fantasy stories suitable for YA and adult readers featuring caves that is raising funds for Bat Conservation International.

Bats require very specific habitats to thrive and this charity works to improve cave ecology the world over to keep bats safe and happy.

The stories in this collection are:

Empire of Monsters by Vanessa Thurgood, an epic fantasy escape.

To Steal a Destiny by Elena Shelest, a historical fantasy gender swapped Aladdin retelling

To Wake a Storm by Sky Sommers, a quirky contemporary Snow White/Sleeping Beauty mashup

Amira’s Quest by Ashley Anne Steffenson, an uplifting anthropomorphic fantasy adventure

Lament of Salt and Sea by Susan Stradiotto. It’s perfectly gothic.

No Honor Among Thieves by Meadoe Hora, an Amazonian pirate adventure

Echoes of the Depths by Rashmi P Menon, a Himalayan chosen one story

The Secret Life of an Unknown Pharaoh by Donna White, which is a contemporary fast-paced action adventure story

Iolani and the Cave of Many Paths by Haley Whitley, a Pacific Island set story about a young girl who discovers the multiverse

Worn Shoes by Astrid V.J., which is a Historical fantasy retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses

There is a little something for everyone in this wonderful collection, and so many amazing authors to discover here.