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.
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.
Enter a world of glittering facades that cloak sexual perversion, art forgery & murder
Jenny Kidd
by Laury A. Egan
Genre: Thriller, Romantic Suspense
“A twisted and sinister affaire macabre.”—R.D. Hartwell
While spending autumn in Venice, a young American artist, Jenny Kidd, hopes to create a portfolio of paintings to launch her career and establish her independence from her tyrannical father. At the Guggenheim Collection, she encounters Randi, a colorful British woman, who invites her to a masked ball at the Palazzo Barbon. There, she meets the seductive Caterina Barbon and her brother, Sebastiano, who entice Jenny into a world of glittering façades that cloak sexual perversion, art forgery, and murder. As Jenny struggles between her attraction to Caterina and her growing awareness that she is in danger, Jenny discovers an inner strength and spirit worthy of her infamous pirate ancestor.
“A little gem…a top-notch thriller…Jenny Kidd spins its web as languidly as an afternoon by the canals. Egan’s descriptions of the food, the art, and the general atmosphere are as purposeful as they are evocative. Her prose is full-bodied and elegant, and she makes prosecco and prosciutto as sumptuous as the work of Titian and Tintoretto. As delicious as Egan’s writing is when it comes to describing masked balls, four-course lunches, and miniatures painted in pastels, she also knows how to propel a mean action scene. The last twenty pages or so are a breathless rush of dark passageways, tense interrogations, and perfectly executed gore that leave you gasping and satisfied.” —Jerry L. Wheeler, Out in Print
“A very compelling suspense novel, rife with stunning imagery and shocking plot beats. An eerie, glittering world.” —Jennica Dotson, author of “A Reaper’s Folly”
“The plot becomes…dizzying in its twists and turns. Not only does this book offer a riveting story, but her sentences have a cadence that will carry you along. Once I had reached the half-way point in the book, I found it impossible to put it down.” —Martha Miller, G & L Review
While spending autumn in Venice, a young American artist, Jenny Kidd, hopes to create a portfolio of paintings to launch her career and establish her independence from her tyrannical father.
At the Guggenheim Collection, she encounters a colorful British woman, who invites her to a masked ball at the Palazzo Barbon.
There, she meets the seductive Caterina Barbon and her brother, Sebastiano, who entice Jenny into a world of glittering façades that cloak sexual perversion, art forgery, and murder.
As Jenny struggles between her attraction to Caterina and her growing awareness that she is in danger, Jenny discovers an inner strength and spirit worthy of her infamous pirate ancestor.
At the masked ball:
“Confused by her sexual reaction to the woman in pink and now this male Jester, Jenny wanted to respond. But to which person?
Suddenly, the Jester turned. Behind him stood a slender figure wearing a bauta mask, which was white except for grinning purple lips, crimson circles on the cheeks, and black brows edged in lavender.
The person wore a pale blue satin waistcoat, britches trimmed with silver, a lavender sash across the breast, white hose and gloves, a silver cockade hat, and diamonds on the shoe buckles.
The strings and flutes signaled the beginning of the barcarolle from The Tales ofHoffmann, and with that, Jenny’s hand was grasped.
The person in blue dipped his or her head, asking permission for the dance. Jenny nodded and was gathered up in the arms of her new partner and whisked across the room with dazzling speed.
Whether it was the wine, the smoothness of the figure in blue, or Jenny’s own skill, she seemed to be flying, her black cape flowing off her shoulders in the wind created by their movement.
As the salon blurred into sizzling burgundy and gold, Jenny’s exhilaration rose to a crescendo.
She thought about the opera, how Giulietta steals Hoffmann’s soul, runs away in a gondola, and laughs at his foolishness.
Was she a Giulietta or perhaps a pirate like her forebears? Jenny Kidd, thief of hearts? She wished she had chosen the Comedy mask so everyone could see her smile.
Happy and willing to take any partner—male or female. The new Jenny. Rigid ideas of sexuality melted in the golden light.”
About the Author
Laury A. Egan is the author of fifteen books of fiction: Jenny Kidd (revised edition); Fair Haven; Jack & I; The Black Leopard’s Kiss & The Writer Remembers; The Psychologist’s Shadow; The Firefly; Once, Upon an Island; Wave in D Minor; Doublecrossed; Turnabout; The Swimmer; The Ungodly Hour; A Bittersweet Tale; Fabulous! An Opera Buffa; and The Outcast Oracle.
Two collections have been published; Contrary: Stories and a Play and Fog and Other Stories. Her short fiction and poems have appeared in 90 literary journals and in multiple anthologies.
Two full-length poetry volumes, Snow, Shadow, a Stranger and Beneath the Lion’s Paw, were issued in limited editions, as were two chapbooks, Presence & Absence and The Sea & Beyond.
Laury is also a fine arts photographer, instructor, and former book designer. She lives on the northern coast of New Jersey.
Well, one thing is for certain: everyone will feel something different after reading What It’s Like to Be Me!
Why you ask? It is simply because every single one of us is completely unique; that is what makes us who we are.
The young girl in this book helps us understand that the journey of self-identification is not always easy. In some cases, maybe we just have not given it much thought. I mean, how often do we check in with ourselves? At times we are more focused on what others may think about us, while we are truly unaware of what we even think about ourselves.
With reflection, it is sometimes necessary, and useful, to see ourselves objectively.
The young girl in What It’s Like to Be Me has to look within to find herself. Personal growth will usually assist us in accepting the reality of who we really are. As life changes and we grow through experience, it is up to us to be the best versions of ourselves.
Living your truth is a personal suggestion for making things a little easier when embarking on the journey of knowing exactly who you are. Every experience will change us, maybe a little, or maybe a lot. Who you are going to be in this world starts with you!
I wish you all a wonderful journey!
Truth, love, and respect always,
Elizabeth Ann O’Handley
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt:
Preface
The world we live in can be unpredictable. Life will challenge us and give us reasons to question many things. Life may make us feel uncertain of a decision … make us feel uncertain of ourselves.
Let us help one another affirm our purpose so we can live in a world where we feel more in tune with ourselves.
Life is so beautiful, precious, and filled with meaning. Let us start by finding ourselves and then watch that beauty grow.
May we all find what we are looking for.
About The Author:
What It’s Like to Be Me is Elizabeth Ann O’Handley’s second book. It was inspired by a visit to her hometown of Glace Bay, in the province of Nova Scotia.
Elizabeth graduated from Cape Breton University with a B.A. in 2005, and received a diploma in Acupuncture from the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners & Acupuncturists of British Columbia in 2011.
In realization of many things, Elizabeth is forever grateful for the love she continues to receive from her family and friends. She reflects on her experiences with a humble heart, and is very emotional about being true to oneself.
Elizabeth is convinced that storytelling can be an effective tool in helping anyone find their path.
Elizabeth is committed to creating positive content, in hopes that it will have an impact on all readers of her work.
The Hawthorne University Witch Prequel Series Book 3
by A.L. Hawke
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Romantasy
Burn the Witch.
Allie and I were meant to have a future together—one built on love, not fear. But here in Hawthorne, shadows lengthen, and whispers drift through the woods like curses. So when Alondra falls mysteriously ill, I know exactly who’s behind it.
Desperation drags me into the darkest corners of my magic—places where I no longer fear the spells I once vowed never to cast. Even joining a coven of the wicked no longer feels like betrayal. The deeper I descend, the more I uncover about the witch who haunts me… and the shadow that may not belong to her alone.
Walpurgis Night approaches—the night witches burn. But what happens when it’s the warlock who strikes the match… willing to burn everything—my heart, my soul—to save the one I love?
**New Release! On Sale for Only $2.99 until 10/31!**
The Hawthorne University Witch Prequel Series Book 2
Cursed the moment I fell in love with her.
While home in Raleigh for semester break, I didn’t expect my girlfriend, Alondra, to ask me for a favor: present my Book of Shadows to the leader of a satanic cult. She was looking for a new male witch for her coven. Of course, she knew it wouldn’t be me.
But when a curse took hold of our college campus—and the spirits I thought I’d left behind came back—I realized I couldn’t keep the book closed much longer.
Now something dark surrounds me. Is it the work of the wizard with the devilish goatee? Or is it a little girl possessed by something far worse?
I lit a dark shadow, and now I feel only confusion. Whatever this darkness is, it’s coming for Alondra, our family, and every witch in Hawthorne.
The Hawthorne University Witch Prequel Series Book 1
I fell in love with a goth, but she’s a witch.
Starting school at Hawthorne University was not going well, until I met my classmate Alondra. Allie was different. She was goth. But she was also mysterious, confident and fun. I was into that. My name’s Liam. My friends call me Lee.
Things got weird after I accompanied her to her haunts. Poltergeists and demons attacked little girls. I watched Alondra help exorcise these ghosts, but some of their evil stuck to me.
Well, being attracted to a witch was one thing; dating one was quite another. It seemed the closer I got to Allie, the more her witchcraft endangered my friends. And my soul. You decide. I chronicled everything here in her book.
A.L. Hawke is the author of the bestselling Hawthorne University Witch series. The author lives in Southern California torching the midnight candle over lovers against a backdrop of machines, nymphs, magic, spice & mayhem.
When a dangerous new witch threat rises, only Hunter Astley can stop them… in any way he can…
The Shadow Rises
The Witch Hunter Trilogy Book 1
by K.S. Marsden
Genre: Urban Fantasy
When a new witch threat rises, only Hunter Astley can stop them…In the face of dark magic and evil witches, a secret witch-hunting society works tirelessly to keep them at bay. The Malleus Maleficarum Council have strict rules and practises for eradicating magic. Due to their work, witches have been almost forgotten, relegated to myth; but the rumours are starting to emerge of a new power that will throw the world into chaos.
As the only 7th generation witch-hunter, Hunter Astley is the best the MMC has to offer. With the help of his colleagues, it’s a race to track down this new threat and stop them… in any way he can.
Part one of the Witch-Hunter trilogy. Free download from most ebook retailers.
The world has been thrown into darkness by the Shadow Witch’s revolution. The witch-hunters are scattered, but still strong. The race is now on to gather allies and win the war. New enemies will arise; loyalties will be pushed to the limit. And an important question will be answered: can a witch-hunter that practices magic ever be trusted, or will he be persecuted? It is said that ‘love conquers all’, but this twisted love must stay secret, locked away with the past.
Hunter Astley has always known that he is different: being a witch-hunter that can use magic has sealed his fate. He must destroy the Shadow Witch once and for all, with the help of some unlikely allies. We delve even deeper into the world of the Malleus Maleficarum; into myth, rumour and history that refuses to stay in the past.
Kelly S. Marsden grew up in Yorkshire, and there were two constants in her life – books and horses.
Graduating with an equine degree from Aberystwyth University, she has spent most of her life since trying to experience everything the horse world has to offer. She is currently settled into a Nutritionist role for a horse feed company in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
Her first book, The Shadow Rises, was published in January 2013, and she now has several successful series under her belt.
Outlander meets What the Wind Knows with a dash of The Tudors
Guarded Time
Reincarnated Souls Book 2
by Stephanie Hansen
Genre: Historical Romantasy
Outlander meets What the Wind Knows with a dash of The Tudors
Claudia, Alex, and Marie embark on a perilous journey back through the swirling mists of time, their hopes pinned on averting a looming tragedy. As they navigate the tangled web of history, vivid memories of Alex and Claudia’s enduring love flicker across the timelines, a testament to their unyielding bond. Their destination is the tumultuous Ireland of 1649, a land poised precariously on the brink of siege. It is a treacherous era to traverse, where danger lurks at every corner.
In their quest, they immerse themselves within the ancient covens, becoming an integral part of the tightly knit community of Drogheda. The air is thick with tension, the kind that crackles and hums, as they wrestle with the monumental task before them. Caught in the crossfire of history, they face the daunting challenge of halting the impending slaughter of the town while grappling with the complex emotions tied to saving the beloved of their sworn nemesis.
As the stakes grow ever higher, the question looms large: will the timeless love between Alex and Claudia endure the trials they face, or are there formidable forces at work beyond their control, threatening to unravel the very fabric of their shared destiny?
*Contains mature themes, open door sex scenes, and mature language.
Such a fun, quick, whimsical historical read. If you are a fan of outlander or the tudors this is a perfect combination of both! – ARC reviewer
The girls had forged a bond together like iron that could not be broken. Claudia, Kiersten, Lina, and Florian were on the brink of making history with their powerful feminist movement, but then they suddenly disappeared without a trace.
Alexander was a desperate bootlegger who was willing to risk it all to search for them. Not only were they in cahoots with him to help smuggle feminist contraband and forbidden booze, but Claudia had also unknowingly captivated his heart. He vowed to find them at any cost, but little did he know that their disappearance was part of a much bigger and sinister plot from the upper echelons of society.
Set in 1920s Paris of the Plains, Armored Hours is a thrilling tale of love and mystery interwoven with hints of magical realism.
“I adore Armored Hours so much as it delivered the action packed narration that came with a strong sense of urgency and the undercut of deep emotions. It is set in a world where survival demands resilience, the journey isn’t just the physical but also the mental. The main characters must wrestle with their own personal demons as well as facing external threats. I adore how the chapters build on from the previous chapters as well as pulling you deeper into the conflict. Stephanie did a brilliant job of balancing out the action with a lot more quieter moments of introspection that just add layers to the characters. This book will keep you on the edge with twists as well as it will grips you into the story.” ~Aussie
Stephanie Hansen is a PenCraft and Global Book Award Winning Author as well as an Imadjinn finalist.
Her debut novella series, Altered Helix, released in 2020. It hit the #1 New Release, #1 Best Seller, and other top 100 lists on Amazon. It is now being adapted to an animated story for Tales.
Her debut novel, Replaced Parts, released in 2021 through Fire & Ice YA and Tantor Audio. It has been in a Forbes article, hit Amazon bestseller lists, and made the Apple young adult coming soon bestsellers list.
The second book in the Transformed Nexus series, Omitted Pieces, released in 2022. Her debut spicy paranormal romance, Ghostly Howls, released 2023. Her debut historical magical realism, Armored Hours, released 2024.
She is a member of the deaf and hard of hearing community, so she tries to incorporate that into her fiction.
