Welcome to Realm Explorers!  In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors.  Enjoy your travels!  And don’t forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book. (In this case, you can get it for free!)

Author’s name: Alex McGilvery
Title of book and/or series:  Tales of Ever After (an anthology)
Brief summary of the story:  A Week After Midnight is a follow up of the classic Cinderella. What happens when the farm girl moves into the palace? The prince is shy, and the magic has worn off, or has it?
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story: The story is set in a fairy tale land, but it has problems with drought and taxes. I have a fair number of fairy tale stories, so imagine it connecting with Snow White’s land over to the west, and mountains with trolls to the north. While I don’t name it in the story, I think of it as Charmant, a Kingdom of Prince Charmings I created decades ago.
If we were to visit Charmant as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
The palace is always interesting, but there are also local craftspeople who would love to show you the work they do. After all, someone needs to pay for all that luxury.
What dangers should we avoid in Charmant
While the evil witches live to the west, one should be careful when buying apples from old crones, you never know. And if you get lost in the woods, neither gingerbread houses nor porridge are recommended for consumption.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Charmant?  If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used. 
Magic is mostly the province of the nobles, with the occasional exception for seventh sons. The people of Faerie who have maintained the enchantments for generations are getting bored, so they might get silly and confuse the stories, there is nothing quite like the Frog Prince and the Seven Giants. Good thing his name was Jack.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Charmant? 
While one can count on royal balls for one reason or another, the regular folk are busy farming and working, but do find time to poke fun at the royals while drinking a pint or two at the inn.
What is the political or government structure in Charmant?  Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Being a magic Kingdom, the government is nominally a monarchy, but as in most places the bureaucracy does all the real work. A wise ruler lets them get on with the day to day business and concentrates on doing what royals do best, which is alternately befriended and annoying the Faerie.
Author Autobiography:  
Alex is an author and editor. He’s been writing books for decades, but only started publishing in the last ten years. He now has 16 books in print. He writes in genres from fantasy to horror to thriller to steampunk to contemporary fiction. He has a free collection of fairy tales and other stories.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)?  
All my books are available in all formats in most ebook retailers. With the ISBN on the book sample page at https://alexmcgilvery.com one can order a print book from a bookstore. Here is the landing page to take you to the retailer of your choice. https://www.books2read.com/ap/x2o0ZR/Alex-McGilvery
Where can readers connect with you online?  
On alexmcgilvery.com you can read samples of all my books as well as some of the short stories he’s written over the years. You can also connect through my facebook page www.facebook.com-/Author.AlexMcGilvery.
“A Week After Midnight” is a short story in the Fellowship of Fantasy anthology Tales of Ever After, which is available for FREE! Find out more below.
Rescue a princess, meet a mermaid, win your reward.

The authors of the Fellowship of Fantasy tackle fairy tales from once upon a time to happily ever after. Explore twists on old tales and brand new magical stories. Meet feisty mermaids, friendly lampposts, and heroes who just might be monsters themselves.

This fourth anthology from the Fellowship of Fantasy will lead you on a quest for entertainment and storm the castle of your imagination. So make a wish and enter the deep dark woods to find stories that will make you laugh, shiver, and maybe even fall in love.


I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Charmant.  Questions about the world or the book?  Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!  

Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.

Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world in next week’s edition of Realm Explorers!
Are you an author of a sci-fi or fantasy novel that takes place in another world? Click here to find out about having it featured on Realm Explorers!
-Annie Douglass Lima

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Book Tour Grand Finale for
Northern Deception
By Laurie Wood
We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:
Launch – Note from the Author

I’m thrilled to bring you my first book from Anaiah Press: “Northern Deception: Heroes of the Tundra, Book One”. I’ve dreamed of writing Canadian stories and Anaiah Press made my dream a reality. Northern Deception takes place in Churchill, Manitoba which is aptly called the “Polar Bear Capitol of the World”. Canada has more to offer than ice, snow and polar bears but I wanted to catch an editor’s eye with our well-known Canadian icon, and I did!…

Reading Is My SuperPower – Review

“The thrilling ride that is Northern Deception captures readers from the first word and keeps them riveted throughout the remainder of the story. Non-stop action, stunning twists and chilling suspense (quite literally) combine seamlessly with a sweet second-chance romance and poignant reflections on faith. Wood has skillfully created layered characters and a vivid setting, and I look forward to more books from her in the near future!”

Mythical Books – Excerpt

Kira Summers shivered as she stood beside her brother’s open grave. Winnipeg Memorial Cemetery stood bleak and empty. The November sky churned with rain clouds as purple as bruises.

Her fingers trembled on the handle of her black umbrella. Sleety snow swirled across the grass and lashed around her ankles in her short dress boots. Kira’s pulse roared in her ears, and for a split second she swayed, feeling light-headed. She stifled her sobs with a tissue.

“I’m sorry I’m late.”

“Oh,” she gasped. Her heart thrummed against her chest. She didn’t need to turn around to know who was behind her.

Rockin’ Book Reviews – Review

“I absolutely love this intense and truly romantic story. The story line is fantastic. Once I started to read I couldn’t put it down. . . . I highly recommend this book!”

E-Romance News – Excerpt


A van screeched up beside her driver’s door, sliding sideways onto the grass as it came to a stop. She glimpsed a male driver with sunglasses and a ball cap just before her door was thrown open by another man.

“Out, out, out!”

The man wore a navy blue ski mask. He grabbed her by the shoulders and hauled her halfway out of the car. Muscle memory allowed her to shove her right palm hard against his nose. It gave a satisfying crunch even as he pulled her from the safety of the driver’s seat. He clasped her arms like a vise, but she kicked hard and felt the solid heels of her boots connecting with his shins.

My Devotional Thoughts – Review

“I enjoyed the fact that the readers were brought immediately into the action, and it is great that realism is seen from page one and following. Sometimes these romance stories have little real conflict and they follow the same, exact formula. The author departed from the formula and added her own special touches thus making this book truly her own.”

Wishful Endings – Guest Post

Interview with Character Ruby Gallagher

AUTHOR: Hello, Ruby thanks for taking the time to speak to us today. I guess you know plenty about Churchill, Manitoba, and Kira Summers and Lukas Tanner.

RUBY: Hi, thanks for having me. I was born in Churchill and I met my husband Rob when he came here as a commercial pilot in the early ’70’s. We bought a bakery on the main street and built on to it until we made it into a Café and a store for essentials like cold weather clothing and tourist gifts…

Remembrancy – Review

“Debut author Laurie Wood transports readers to the barren and dangerous Canadian tundra while delivering a story that doesn’t let up from the first page to the final one. . . . Great character development, intense action, and the unique setting make Northern Deception a debut you don’t want to miss.”

Meagan Davenport – Review

“Ahhh … this was a great book. Mystery! Suspense! Dogsleds! Canadian spelling! LOL. . . . a fast-paced read that I’d happily revisit. I especially enjoyed the medical components, working in that industry myself, as well as the Canadian setting.”

Colorimetry – Guest Post

The Story Behind The Story

To be honest, I decided to set my romantic suspense in a small sub-arctic Canadian town because polar bears are such a Canadian icon. And I had fun delving in to the research about Churchill, Manitoba, researching polar bears and the conservation efforts preserving their species…

Christy’s Cozy Corners – Review

“I loved Northern Deception! . . . The characters in this book are ones you’ll fall in love with….Kira, Lukas, Ruby, Sophie….even the minor characters are great…well not the bad guys. But, you probably won’t be able to figure out who the bad guys are…at least not all of them…until close to the end. . . . You won’t want to put it down once you start! I give this five big stars!”

Uplifting Reads – Guest Post

Kira Summer’s Fun Polar Bear Facts:

I love doing research and learning about polar bears was no exception. Some of these facts made it in to the book and some didn’t:

– Canada is home to about 15,000 polar bears
– Adult males weigh 772-1,543 lbs and measure 7ft 10in–9ft 10 in in total length…

It’s All About the Romance – Guest Post

Recurring Themes

NORTHERN DECEPTION is my first published novel but I’ve written three others which will never “see the light of day”, as the cliché goes. The recurring theme of what I write is loss and forgiveness and every novel has dealt with it in various ways. NORTHERN DECEPTION is no different.

Splashes of Joy – Review

“There is quite a bit of action going on here, several twists to the story that will have you wondering what is going on and the question of whodunnit! And you might just be surprised just who is behind all of the suspense! This debut novel is sure worth your read. Pick up this new thriller from new author Laurie Wood and have a seat for a few hours of thrills and chills!”

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven’t already…

Northern Deception
(Heroes of the Tundra #1)
By Laurie Wood
Inspirational Romantic Suspense
ebook, 170 Pages
December 4th 2018 by Anaiah Press

Reunions can be deadly.

After a savage attack in university, Kira Summers fled to the safety of northern Canada and her work as a polar bear scientist. But when her whistleblower brother dies in a mysterious car crash, she must return home to bury him and pack his belongings. Unaware she’s carrying explosive evidence someone’s willing to kill for, she has no choice but to rely on the one person she never thought she’d see again.

Lukas Tanner, a widowed single father of a special needs toddler, moved to Churchill five years ago. As the proud owner of Guiding Star Enterprises, a wilderness tour company, he and his daughter lead a simple life. But when Kira comes crashing back into his world, he realizes God has other plans. Now, Lukas and Kira must confront a merciless killer as their past and present collide in a deadly race—a race they must win if they have any hope of a future together.

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About the Author

Laurie Wood has followed her RCAF serving husband across Canada, raising their two special needs children to adulthood, and “keeping the home fires burning” while she began her writing career. She’s a member of Romance Writers of America, where she’s finalled in several prestigious contests, as well as American Christian Fiction Writers. She writes romantic suspense and historical novels.
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Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive a 100 page hardcover Journal + matching pen, magnetic bookmarks, wooden Christmas ornament, and Abalone and Silver Polar Bear necklace, ebook of NORTHERN DECEPTION. (NOTE: wooden box holding up bookmarks and ornament pictured is NOT included.)
Open to US and Canada

Ends December 12, 2018
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On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Book Tour Launch for
Days of Fantasy for Christmas

We’re excited to be sharing books from 13 fantasy authors with you this holiday season! Each
day different author and book or series will be featured. There is also a fabulous giveaway!
If you love reading fantasy, or are looking for a gift for someone who does, join us on this tour!

Tour Schedule
(Links won’t work until the posts go live.)
December 1st: Launch
December 2nd: Gillian Bronte Adams – The Songkeeper Chronicles
December 3rd: Morgan L. Busse – Mark of the Raven
December 4th: Evangeline Denmark – Curio
December 5th: Kate Avery Ellison – A Gift of Poison
December 6th: J.M. Hackman – Spark
December 7th: Ronie Kendig – Embers
December 8th: C.E. Laureano – Oath of the Brotherhood
December 9th: Belle Malory – The Twelfth Keeper
December 10th: Melissa McShane – Voyager of the Crown
December 11th: J. Ellen Ross – The Remembered Queen
December 12th: Jennifer Silverwood – Silver Hollow
December 13th: Melissa Wright – Blood & Brute & Ginger Root
December 14th: Morgan Wylie – The Age of Alandria Series
December 15th: Grand Finale

Books on Tour



Blogs Participating

Among the Reads
An Indie Adventure
Andi’s Book Reviews
Angela Walker’s Reviews
Book by Book
Bri’s Book Nook
Brooke Blogs
Coffee Books and Cakes
Colorimetry
Cover Lover Book Review
Deal Sharing Aunt
Declarations of a Fangirl
Heidi Reads…
Jorie Loves A Story
Locks, Hooks and Books
Mythical Books
Nicole’s Book Musings
Reading On The Edge
Remembrancy
SilverWoodSketches
Stacking My Book Shelves!
Teatime and Books
We Write Fantasy
Wishful Endings

Tour Giveaway

Grand Prize #1: Winner will receive a FIRE HD 8 TABLET along with the following ebooks (open to those who are eligible for the Fire Tablet in their area can receive Kindle gifted copies of ebooks):
– CURIO, MARK OF BLOOD and ALCHEMY (The Curio Prequel), and THE ICE CHILD (a holiday novelette) by Evangeline Denmark
– A GIFT OF POISON by Kate Avery Ellison
– THE TWELFTH KEEPER by Belle Malory
– SERVANT O THE CROWN or VOYAGER OF THE CROWN (winner’s choice) by Melissa McShane
– THE REMEMBERED QUEEN by J. Ellen Ross
– SILVER HOLLOW by Jennifer Silverwood
– THE FREY SAGA (Books 1-3) ebook box set by Melissa Wright
Grand Prize #2: Winner will receive the following print books (open to continental US residents):
– ORPHAN’S SONG by Gillian Bronte Adams
– MARK OF THE RAVEN by Morgan L. Busse
– SPARK by J.M. Hackman
– ABIASSA’S FIRE 3-book collection by Ronie Kendig
– The complete set of SONG OF SEARE TRILOGY by C.E. Laureano
– SILENT ORCHIDS by Morgan Wylie
Ends December 19, 2018

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Release Blitz for
Dream Of Me This Christmas Eve
By L.A. Sartor

Dream Of Me This Christmas Eve
(Star Light ~ Star Bright #4)
By L.A. Sartor
Contemporary Romance, Christmas
ebook, 127 Pages
December 1st 2018

Boulder, Colorado, attorney Maximillian Henderson III is in a bind. His new law office won’t open on schedule unless he finds immediate help to finalize his building’s renovation.

Award-winning designer Caroline Young is visiting Boulder for a family wedding and has promised to stay through Christmas. Meeting Max at the wedding and hearing his problem, she accepts his plea for help. But if she can make him see past his own nose, she could make it even better.

Creating a new design only works if she commits to staying longer. By doing so, she puts her heart and her treasured independence at risk.

Max is aware her life and business are in California, and a long-term relationship is impractical. Still she adds vibrancy to his plain black and white world, and his dream of her on Christmas Eve convinces him to try.

On Christmas Day, Caro reveals that she must return home for a vital meeting, breaking her promise and his heart.

Max has new plans for his office but no Caro. Can he convince her to return to him and find a way to meld their lives?

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Excerpt

Feel this? Seriously, she wanted him to do what? After that sigh, he wasn’t sure he should. “Why are you so excited about an afghan?”
“Not just any old afghan, this one is vicuña. Seriously, feel it.”
If he hadn’t reached out to take it from her, the throw would have fallen to the floor, and Max had an idea that would have been akin to sacrilege in Caro’s eyes.
Despite himself, he held it up to his cheek. Soft, supple … Whoa, his thoughts were spinning in wild directions, all because of the woman sitting in front of him. “Nice.”
“Nice? Do you know what vicuña is?”
“Nope, can’t say that I do.”
“It’s the wild relative of the llama. Pretty rare these days. The Incas believed the critters were reincarnations of lovely young maidens, so only Incan royalty were allowed to wear the fleece. Their wool is incredibly expensive. Nevertheless, I’d love to find some.”
Max handed her back the throw, only to see her again bury her face into its softness. And damn if his body didn’t heat up a few degrees thinking about her nuzzling his neck with the same passion. Sucking in a lungful of the chilly air wafting through the front door cleared his mind. Just. “First, how do you know all this? And second, what would you do with the wool if you were to find and then afford it?”
“First, I love random facts. My teachers hated that, especially when I spouted off in class, answering a question with a fact or even another question.”
“And yet you were valedictorian of your high school class. Phi Beta Kappa, and magna cum laude at university.”
“How’d you know?”
“Brice. He talks about you all the time.”
“Oh, did he tell you that I knit?” She gestured Vanna White style to the sweater still topping her maid-of-honor gown.
Max felt his brows rise in surprise, and there was nothing he could do to stop his obvious reaction to her last reveal. Knitting seemed like such an old-fashioned art for a free spirit like Caro.  He prided himself on reading people—it was one of the traits that made him a successful attorney. Yet Caro, in the past few hours, delivered him one surprise after another. His interest level in her ratcheted up and went beyond his physical attraction.
If she agreed to his plan, this could be an interesting week ahead, matching wits and wherever anything else led. “You read structural and interior design plans, right?”
“I create design plans for structural engineering. So yes.”
“My designer has the flu and can’t finish the work on my new office building. I could use your expertise to help complete the final phase so it’s open by the new year.”
“I’m not really an interior designer.”
“It’s a bit more than that.”
“How much more?”
She pulled the afghan up on her lap a little higher and he realized the draft continued.
“Hold on a sec, I’m going to see if the door was left open. It’s letting in minus-degree cold.”
Everyone had left the house. He closed the slightly ajar door, feeling instantly warmer, then returned to Caro and perched on the sofa’s arm.
“Okay, so you’re not an interior designer. And you asked how much more.”
She nodded, then poured a bit more champagne into her glass and sipped.
“The building is old and I’m having a lot of work done to the interior. And some new windows added. And—”
He stopped when she held up her hand. Uh oh.

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

I started writing as a child, really. A few things happened on the way to becoming a published author … a junior high school teacher who told me I couldn’t write because I didn’t want to study … urk … grammar. I went to college, moved a few times, came home and found the love of my life (that is another novel worthy story, but for later), and got married.

We were super busy with our respective careers, mine a custom jewelry business with my mom, who was also teaching metalsmithing at the time, and my husband a crazy law career. We had two fur babies, Fudge (and briefly her brother Smudge, but sadly he didn’t live very long) and Two. Our cats would sleep with us and when they’d stretch out to their full length, we’d end up sleeping on the edge of the mattress.

I have always been a voracious reader and one night after throwing a particularly bad book at the wall (even putting a small ding in said wall), I realized that I could do better. I told my husband, and he said go for it. I called Mom and she revealed the junior high teacher story and she told I’d been writing all the time up to that point.

That blew me away. I didn’t remember any of it. But I started writing again, nearly the next day, pen and paper, learning, making mistakes, winning contests, nearly getting an agent, becoming disenchanted with the publishing industry and moving away from novel writing to screenwriting, getting a contract for a script and doing really well in screenwriting contests.

But none of that was making me much money. After numerous scary robbery drills I wanted to move away from my bank job (yes, this is many years later and a lot of stuff in between) and write full time for the green stuff.

My husband told me repeatedly that independent publishing was becoming a valid way to publish a novel and people were making big dollars. I didn’t believe him even after he showed me several Wall Street Journal articles. I thought indie meant vanity press.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

I started pursuing this direction seriously, retired from the bank and hit the keyboard, learned a litany of new things and published my first novel. My second book became a bestseller, and while I’m not rolling in dough, I’m absolutely on the right course in my life.

So if you have a dream, pursue it as hard as you can. Life can get in the way, but never give up.

Please come visit me at www.lasartor.com, see my books, some pictures, some screenplays and sign up for my mailing list. I have a gift I’ve specifically created for my new email subscribers. And remember, you can email me at [email protected].

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Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive ebooks of all four books in the Star Light ~ Star Bright Series and a $15 Amazon eGift Card
US only

Ends December 2nd
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Welcome to Realm Explorers!  In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors.  Enjoy your travels!  And don’t forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book. 

Author’s name: Sarah Delena White
Title of book and/or series: Rothana (Star-Fae Trilogy book 2)
Brief summary of the story:
A new queen falls. A death lord rises. An ancient foe looms in the shadows.

Sylvie Imanthiya is desperate to lead Faerie well and deepen the bond with her husband, former king Taylan Ashkalabek. But all hope of that vanishes when the winter solstice ceremony ends in disaster, stranding her and Taylan in the Deathrealm, and stripping the kingdom from her.

With Faerie in chaos, Zad and Diza are separated once again: Zad to reconcile with an old mentor to stabilize the kingdom, and Diza to confront the nefarious Casimir in the mortal realm. But Casimir claims that a greater evil seeks to destroy both realms, an evil that Diza’s unique death magic can hold at bay—if she could only remember how.

In the Deathrealm, Taylan is succumbing to the lure of specters from his past, and pushing away Sylvie’s love. Overwhelmed by decay and darkness, Sylvie must summon unexpected magic from the soul of Kyure to fight for her convictions and her husband’s heart.

Shadows divide them. Their friends are in peril. If Sylvie fails, her marriage and her world will fall.

Sabellyn looks a lot like this!
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Halayda is set in Kyure, a world with several dimensions. There is the realm of Faerie, a wild land of magic, strange peoples, and semi-sentient forests and mountains. There is the Deathrealm, the fae underworld. But much of the book takes place in the city of Sabellyn, a prosperous human city-state with steampunk technology. The people of Sabellyn prize industry and innovation, and the city is a center of burgeoning trade, a lucrative black market, and cutting-edge alchemical research.
If we were to visit Sabellyn as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
The College of Alchemy is the centerpiece of the city. It’s an impressive building, but good luck getting inside! The alchemists guard their secrets very carefully. Instead, stroll around the city’s central square and admire it from the outside, along with the ornate government buildings and villas of the upper city. If you’re in the lower city, stop by The Goodly Goose for some curry. The food is truly terrible, but it’s a quintessential Sabellyn experience.
What dangers should we avoid in Sabellyn?
Dangers lurk everywhere in the city. Avoid walking the streets of the lower city at night unless you know what you’re doing. Otherwise you might accidentally walk into black market business. The upper city seems much more civilized, but there are plenty of rumors of what happens when someone gets too close to the secrets of the College of Alchemy. Of course, if you’re fae or half-fae, it’s best to avoid the city completely! All the iron and smog are dangerous for faeries, and most people in Sabellyn are hostile toward fae and their magic.

Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Sabellyn?
The denizens of Sabellyn have a taste for exotic imported foods. Even in the slums, taverns like The Goodly Goose serve curry, though whether it’s worth eating is another story. If you’re in the more fashionable area of the city, make sure you stop by The Lace Fan café for tea and scones!
map of Kyure drawn by Julia Busko
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Sabellyn?
Trolleys are the most common way to travel within the city, and trains and barges run regular routes between Sabellyn and surroundings towns. If you can’t afford a trolley fare or are going to some of the less savory areas of the city, hitching a ride on a passing horse cart is your best option.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Sabellyn that we don’t see on Earth?
Sabellyn is inhabited mostly by humans. However, the city is built beside a gateway to Faerie, so you will occasionally see elementals or shifters there. Sabellyn is also a place where unwanted fae children are abandoned as changelings, and there are some people of mixed fae and human heritage as well. Changelings and half-fae have a limited life-span in the iron-filled city, though, and they keep a low profile to avoid the human inhabitants’ superstitions and prejudices against fae.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Sabellyn?  If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
The people of Sabellyn are deeply wary of magic. Magic is the domain of the fae, who have been at odds with mortals for ages. A small percentage of humans possess “soul-sense,” an innate ability that allows alchemists to create and control their potions. Alchemists are both feared and honored for their abilities, as people are wary of their power but Sabellyn is built on their inventions.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Sabellyn?  If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
Alchemy is the most advanced science in Sabellyn. It has many uses, from practical, everyday ones like keeping food fresh, to deadly ones used to protect the city from fae and other threats. Sabellyn has steampunk technology, including an elaborate railway system, steel mills and other large factories,
Is there a particular religion practiced in Sabellyn?  Please describe what it involves.
The people of Sabellyn don’t have much sense of the supernatural. Most of its people ignore the possibility of a higher power and pursue moralism or scientism instead. Some people have a vague notion of a pleasant afterlife for good souls, while others disregard this. The people of Sabellyn dislike and fear anything that doesn’t fit within their predetermined notions of the world. Fae magic, notions of fate, and the guidance of the Lyrium are all considered threats and mysteries, as there is no place for these things in the mindset of Sabellyn’s people.
What is the political or government structure in Sabellyn?  Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Officially, Sabellyn is ruled by an elected council with representatives from all districts of the city-state. Unofficially, the city is controlled by the wealthy factory owners and the most successful inventors. Arguably the most powerful person in Sabellyn is the Chancellor of Alchemy, Nevion Caylus (though those who have read Halayda will know him by a different name), who wields a vast amount of influence over the Ruling Council and the political and scientific direction of the city.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
Sabellyn was somewhat inspired by Amman, Jordan, where I lived for a while. Like Sabellyn, Amman is built on steep hillsides, and it’s a place where modern innovations are built on ancient foundations. Modernized western part of the city is a sharp contrast to the older and more traditional eastern part, similar to the contrast between the upper and lower city areas in Sabellyn. Granted, Sabellyn is very different culturally, and nothing in the world of Kyure is explicitly based on Jordan. Still, a bit of my experience walking the streets of Amman crept into Sabellyn.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
My goal, first and foremost, is to tell a good story, and my books are always driven more by characters than issues. There are some common themes in my books, though they’re not necessarily controversial. These include the inherent value of all life, the dangers of placing too much faith in science or pleasure, the possibility of redemption and second chances even for people who have done terrible things, and the power of love, hope, and beauty in dark worlds.
Author Autobiography:
Sarah Delena White was raised by wolves in an alternate dimension. She writes eclectic speculative fiction that reworks mythology with a fine balance of poetry and snark. She’s an experienced world traveler who loves to weave world folklore and ancient concepts into vibrant, original story worlds. She is the administrative manager for Uncommon Universes Press. When she’s not writing, she can be found making elegant designer bead jewelry, traveling to folk music festivals as a professional ballad singer, drinking tea, and seeking to create the perfect latte. She can be bribed with dark chocolate.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)?  Please include links.
Where can readers connect with you online? 

Party Time!

Join Uncommon Universes Press and Laura A. Grace of Unicorn Quester to celebrate the launch of Rothana by Sarah Delena White! Includes games, giveaways, exclusive behind-the-scenes, and more. Also features guest authors Bethany A. Jennings and Morgan L. Busse. Save the date to hang out with these fabulous authors!

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, November 26th

Tuesday, November 27th

Wednesday, November 28th

Thursday, November 29th

Friday, November 30th

Saturday, December 1st

Monday, December 3rd

Tuesday, December 4th

Wednesday, December 5th

Thursday, December 6th

Friday, December 7th

Saturday, December 8th

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Sabellyn.  Questions about the world or the book?  Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!  

Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.

Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world in next week’s edition of Realm Explorers!
-Annie Douglass Lima

Welcome! I wanted to tell you about a HUGE sale that is going on this weekend! There are over 150 titles available and they are all either $.99 or FREE! There is also a long list of paperbacks for sale at incredibly discounted prices as well! And the good news is they are all clean reads! 


Be sure to go check out this amazing sale here.

There is also an amazing giveaway going on! Grand Prize winner receives 20 paperbacks and the 2nd place winner gets 20 e-book titles from the sale for free!

You can sign up for the giveaway here.
Giveaway runs from November 22nd till November 26th @12AM ET. Grand prize open to US winners only. 2nd place prize is open Internationally.

2nd Place Winner Receives 20 E-books
Gather Round the Fables by Erika Matthews
The Case of the Tabloid Tattler by Perry Kirkpatrick AudioBook
The Twelve Cats of Christmas by Perry Kirkpatrick Audiobook
Coffee Shop Christmas Ebook by Ryana Lynn Miller
The Land of Cotton ebook by Ryana Lynn Miller
Entertaining Angels, Entertaining Angels Book 1 by Emerald Barnes
Secret’s Kept by Jennette Mbewe
The Firethorn Crown by Lea Doue
Beyond Broken Pencils by Julie C. Gilbert
Ashlynn’s Dreams by Julie C. Gilbert
Soldier On by Vanessa Rasanen
Burning Rose by Hope Ann
Iced and Nailed by Avery Daniels
Imani Earns Her Cape by Bokerah Brumley
October by J. Grace Pennington
Disowned by Sarah Addison Fox
My Compass Home by Michaela Bush
Summer Shadows and Necessary Evil by Killarney Traynor
Grand Prize Winner Receives 20 Paperbacks
Mythical Doorways by Jenelle Schmidt
Faith is the Victory by Faith Blum
Kiera by Kate Willis
Because Anonymous Diana L. Sharples
After: Book One in The Neverway Chronicles by Savannah Jezowski
Specter: Book Two in The Neverway Chronicles by Savannah Jezowski
Leandra’s Enchanted Flute by Katy Huth Jones
Eagle Eyes by Tammy Lash
London in the Dark by Victoria Lynn   
When Beauty Blooms by Victoria Lynn
Aerisia: Land Beyond the Sunset by Sarah Ashwood
Iced and Nailed by Avery Daniels
There Was Always Laughter in Our House by Sarah Holman
Bridgers: A Parable (paperback) by Angie Thompson
Love Blind (paperback) by Angie Thompson
Code by Angie Thompson
Christmas Eve at the Backdoor by Rebekah Morris
The Seven Drawers by Kendra E. Ardnek
He’s Making Diamonds: A Teen’s Thoughts on Faith Through Chronic Illness by Sara Willoughby

Giveaway:

On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Book Tour Grand Finale for
Ava’s Prize
By Cari Lynn Webb
We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:
Launch – Note from the Author
Welcome to my blog tour with Prism!
I’m thrilled to be celebrating the release of my new book, Ava’s Prize, in my City by the Bay Stories with Harlequin Heartwarming. Ava’s Prize is a sweet contemporary romance that brings together, paramedic, Ava Andrews and inventor, Kyle Quinn…
I Am A Reader – Guest Post

Family Game Night

In my new release, Ava’s Prize-a Harlequin Heartwarming sweet romance-my heroine, Ava Andrews plays a game called: You Know What We Need with her family and friends…

Hearts & Scribbles – Excerpt

Kyle opened the door to the suite and welcomed his guests inside. He would’ve explained his plans to work that afternoon if Ben hadn’t disrupted the silence with a drawn-out whoa.

Kyle shut the door and turned around to find the young boy bouncing from one foot to the other, his gaze darting around the suite. Ben never moved from his father’s side, as if he waited for a referee to blow a start whistle to let the games begin.

Remembrancy – Review

“Cari Lynn Webb quickly threw off my misgivings and invested me in her story (in large part due to said friends). . . . Webb gives readers a taste of the lonely high life with Kyle’s home, workspace, endless invitations, and press scrutiny. That’s juxtaposed against Ava’s simple life in which she’s working more than forty hours a week to make ends meet but she’s surrounded by friends and family she loves and who love her in return. The addition of the contest and the inventions are just icing on this story cake.”

Wishful Endings – Guest Post

Work Spaces and Offices that Inspire

In my new release, Ava’s Prize, a sweet contemporary romance from Harlequin Heartwarming, my hero, Kyle Quinn has a second-floor suite that doubles as both his living and work space in San Francisco…

Heidi Reads… – Excerpt

But Ava was here. Dressed in a bold bottle-green dress and looking like the model she never claimed to be. Kyle wanted to be near her again. That should’ve made him run in the other direction. Instead, he moved through the crowd, offered a chin dip acknowledgment to different guests, yet never lost sight of Ava.

Finally, he stood within touching distance. And hesitated like he’d stepped back into middle school and watched the party invites flash across cell phones in the hallway. He’d always held his breath, waiting for his phone to vibrate with a new text alert. The invites had never arrived. He’d long since stopped hoping.

Reading Is My SuperPower – Review

“Ava’s Prize is a solid story with electric romantic chemistry and several sweet moments. Both Kyle and Ava experience steady character growth over the course of the novel, and readers will experience a wide range of emotions as they follow the plot. The fact that several characters have specific medical needs not usually seen in contemporary romance adds another dimension to this already layered story and keeps readers invested in the characters.”

Colorimetry – Guest Post

San Francisco and First Kisses

Ava’s Prize, my new sweet contemporary romance from Harlequin Heartwarming, is set in San Francisco. One of the most iconic images from San Francisco is the cable car. Fortunately, a cable car ride led to the first kiss between my hero, Kyle Quinn and my heroine, Ava Andrews.

Rockin’ Book Reviews – Review

“This is a fabulous romance. I like the way two people who are determined to live their lives alone find something so different in their futures. . . . I highly recommend this book to others who like a good romance and fun friendships.”

Among the Reads – Interview

Other than the ability to create your own happily-ever-after endings, what is your favorite thing about being an author?

[Cari] Other than getting to work out of my house and spending most days in my comfy clothes (aka pajamas) and pony tails, I like the writing friends I have made that have become best friends and my writing tribe. There is a very strong writing community in romance and I can’t say enough about the support I’ve found among other authors. I also really like meeting readers – it is so much fun to meet people who share the same passion about books as I do.

Book by Book – Review

“…the story unfolds in a way that challenges them to grow and change, and it is oh so enjoyable.

So, if you’re a reader of contemporary romance, check out Ava’s Prize. It’s a heartwarming, delightful read that does not disappoint.”

E-Romance News – Excerpt

Ava changed directions midstep and veered toward the buffet. She strolled along the table, stopping as if considering her options. One glance over her shoulder confirmed her bathroom reporter still watched her. Ava grabbed a plate and piled food on it, in no particular order. Stacking the crackers on top of the cheese, she balanced fruit on top of the crackers. Adding a strawberry for color, she studied the plate. If she added another layer, would it collapse like she worried her own world might? Perhaps being a risk-taker wasn’t her thing after all.

Reading On The Edge – Guest Post

You bought what?

Kyle Quinn, my hero in my new release, Ava’s Prize-a sweet contemporary romance from Harlequin Heartwarming-is an inventor. Kyle invented a medical earbud that sold for a rather large profit and became a popular commercial product on the market.

Harlie’s Books – Review

“The romance in the book is fabulous. Talk about two people that didn’t want to fall in love but did. And then fought it every step of the way. It’s plausible, relatable and sweet.”

My Devotional Thoughts – Guest Post

Senior Pets Need Love Too

In my new release, Ava’s Prize-a sweet contemporary romance from Harlequin Heartwarming-my heroine, Ava Andrews fosters senior cats and dogs thanks to her good friend, Sophie Callahan. Sophie owns The Pampered Pooch, a pet store in the city and takes in rescues quite often. (The Charm Offensive, Book 1, City by the Bay Stories). Ava fosters the senior pets as often as she can, preferring to spread her love around to the older animals until Sophie finds the dogs and cats their forever homes.

underneath the covers – Excerpt

Outside the conference room door, Kyle stopped Ava with a hand on her arm. “By the way, I’m flattered.”

One side of his mouth tipped up, drawing Ava’s gaze. “Flattered?”

“That you’re trying to win me, too.” His voice was quiet and tempting.

Ava jerked her gaze away from his mouth. “I’m not…”

Kyle touched her chin with his knuckles, closing her mouth and stopping her protest. “But there can’t be anything more between us than this.”

Andi’s Book Reviews – Review

“I enjoyed reading this storyline, as it was different than most other romances out there. I also enjoy characters who are deeper with more complexities that they have to work through. It allows for measurable growth, which you want to find in a good book. And I like those romances where an unlikely friendship and romance can blossom from what seems to be an improbable place.”

Inside the Mind of an Avid Reader – Review

“I enjoyed the witty commentary of this book. Ava and Kyle are great. . . . This book has it’s highs and lows that can be hard to connect with but the highs definitely out weigh the lows.”

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven’t already…

Ava’s Prize

(City by the Bay Stories #3)
By Cari Lynn Webb
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
November 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming
He needs a great idea
She can provide it—but at what cost?
The battle lines are drawn when army medic turned EMT Ava Andrews enters a contest devised by San Francisco entrepreneur Kyle Quinn. The first responder isn’t just competing for a tempting grand prize. She’s fighting her attraction to the self-made millionaire…and losing the war. But private and professional boundaries blur when a breach of trust threatens Ava’s future with Kyle.
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Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She’s been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent’s 70 year marriage and her parent’s marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn’t always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers. Visit her at her website.
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Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a$50 Amazon e-Gift Card & e-copy of The Rancher’s Rescue (open internationally)
1 winner will receive a San Francisco Cable Car Ornament, Signed Copy of The Rancher’s Rescue & $50 Amazon Gift Card (US only)
– Ends November 21, 2018
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On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Heiress’s Royal Baby Bombshell
By Jennifer Faye
We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:
Launch – Note from the Author

Hi. 🙂 I’m so glad you can join me on this blog tour for my holiday release: HEIRESS’S ROYAL BABY BOMBSHELL. It is the second book in the Catteneo’s Christmas Miracles trilogy. This is Noemi Cattaneo and Crown Prince Maximilian Steiner-Wolf’s snowy, heart-warming, Christmas romance…

It’s All About the Romance – Excerpt

She glanced around the room but didn’t see any sign of him. Disappointment assailed her. This wasn’t like her. She could take guys or leave them. She thought of asking Stephania if she knew the man’s name but shrugged off the idea. Her life had enough complications. She didn’t need more.

But just the same, her mood had dimmed. Her problems once again started to crowd in around the edges of her mind. Needing some fresh air, she stepped out onto the terrace. There was just enough of the evening sun for her to admire the distant mountain range as a gentle breeze caressed her skin.

“Beautiful.”

The deep rich voice had her turning her head. And there stood the intriguing stranger with the mesmerizing eyes. His voice held a slight accent. She couldn’t place it, but it was extremely sexy—just like the rest of him.

underneath the covers – Spotlight

Wishful Endings – Review

“HEIRESS’S ROYAL BABY BOMBSHELL is a sweet story about two people who didn’t realize what they had when they had it, but by chance, are brought back together at the right time to give themselves a second chance, but with a baby on the way thrown into the mix to complicate things. The setting is at Christmastime, but doesn’t over-dominate the story, making this a read that can be read at any time of the year. There are also some nice familial and small-town aspects that added to the story. An overall enjoyable read!”

Andi’s Book Reviews – Excerpt

He didn’t want to be here.

Not really.

Crown Prince Maximilian Steiner-Wolf, known to his friends as Max, sat in the back seat of his sports utility vehicle as one of his three bodyguards maneuvered it along the windy road in the Swiss Alps. His bodyguard and friend, Roc, sat in the passenger seat while Shaun, a bodyguard of similar stature and looks, sat next to him. He couldn’t go anywhere without at least a small security detail.

Being the crown prince came with certain nonnegotiable restrictions. One of them was his safety. He may insist on traveling but the king demanded that his safety always be taken into consideration. It was a hassle but the guards were very good at becoming invisible unless their presence was required.

Locks, Hooks and Books – Review

“After reading this book, I am now a fan of the series and of hers. I wanted to just read a chapter before bed and wound up staying up until I was done with it! I just loved Max and Noemi’s story. It was so sweet, delightful, and romantic. . . . I highly recommend Heiress’s Royal Baby Bombshell. I am rating it a well deserved Five Plus Stars. I would rate it one hundred stars if I could.”

E-Romance News – Excerpt

“It’s the Prince of Ostania!” someone shouted.

Everyone on the sidewalk turned in his direction.

Quickly Max’s security guards flanked him. None spoke. They didn’t have to. The serious look on their faces said they meant business. Being recognized didn’t happen all the time. However, it happened more than Max would like.

Security escorted him around the vehicle. He forced a smile as he passed the tourists and then dashed into the shop. He hoped the people wouldn’t follow him.

Reading On The Edge – Excerpt

Noemi was on the edge of the group when an excited buzz rushed through the crowd. She paused and turned to a young woman who was holding up her cell phone as though to snap a picture.

“Do you know what all the fuss is about?” Noemi asked.

The young woman with dark hair pulled back in a ponytail smiled brightly. “It’s the best thing. Crown Prince Maximilian Steiner-Wolf has just arrived.”

Noemi had heard the name before, but she knew nothing of the man. It seemed as though she was in the minority as the crowd continued to grow.

Bri’s Book Nook – Review

“The plot moved smoothly and I finished the book in a few hours, and the characters were all very interesting to learn about. I even liked how the story ended, and the little epilogue was adorable. This was definitely a sweet Christmas romance novel! I will definitely be picking up the next book in the Cattaneos’ Christmas Miracles series.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a new holiday romance novel.”

Colorimetry – Excerpt

Noemi had so many questions for Max, but they lodged in her throat. This wasn’t the time or the place to rehash the not-so-distant past.

“Come with me,” he said.

Not waiting for an answer, he took her hand and led her to a waiting black SUV. With the help of two men, they reached the vehicle without people stepping in their way.

She wasn’t sure it was wise being alone with him, not when he still filled her dreams, but it beat being in public where everyone was watching them and eavesdropping. Once inside, she turned to him. She needed answers. She needed to know why he’d kept his title from her. She needed to know so much.

Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader – Review

“Heiress’s Royal Baby Bombshell by Jennifer Faye is the second book in The Cattaneos’ Christmas Miracles series. I like Noemi and Max. A secret baby story that’s about to become scandal is so hard not to like. . . . This is a sweet quick read.”

Book Lover in Florida – Excerpt

Max gave himself a mental jerk. Now that he’d found Noemi again, the last thing he wanted to do was scare her off. What were the chances of them running into each other again?

Slim.

Had she figured out his true identity and planned this reunion? Not possible. He hadn’t decided on coming to Mont Coeur until last night. Even then, he’d only told his trusted staff.

Rockin’ Book Reviews – Review

“This was such a fun, entertaining “Christmas romance”! . . . There were enough twists and momentous occasions, that the reader never once got bored and tempted to “skip to the end”. This will truly add highlight to the romance lover’s Holiday entertainment.”

Jorie Loves A Story – Review

“I honestly enjoy how Ms Faye sets up her characters to find each other – how they seemingly are not meant to be involved but then, there is a door which opens to allow it. She finds ways to let them present themselves in the muddling glow of their lives – here we have two persons who are dearly known in the public eye but their facing hurdles that no one would want for themselves. . . . Faye does a good job of setting up how this hangs on the heart of her characters.”

My Devotional Thoughts – Excerpt

He is a prince?

How is that possible?

Noemi had so many conflicting emotions flooding her body that she didn’t know what to say to him. Part of her longed to fall into his arms and pick up where they’d left off before. But logic told her to tread carefully. Max was a very powerful man. There was no way she was going to blurt out that she was pregnant with his baby. Finding out that he was royalty changed everything. She needed time to think.

“Have dinner with me?” His voice stirred her from her thoughts.

She shook her head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Harlie’s Books – Review

“I pre-ordered Sebastian’s story and bought Leo’s. Yes, I HAVE to know their stories, too. Yes, I loved the characters that much. . . . the ending was just so swoon-worthy. Oh and the epilogue. . . . As I said, I just fell in love with this family and I can’t wait to get my paperback copies of Leo and Sebastian’s stories. Perfect for Christmas.”

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven’t already…

Heiress’s Royal Baby Bombshell
(The Cattaneos’ Christmas Miracles #2)
By Jennifer Faye
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages
November 61st 2018 by Harlequin Romance

One-night miracle…

For the Crown Prince!

In this The Cattaneos’ Christmas Miracles story, rebel royal Max believes his infertility has cost him the throne — until heiress Noemi reveals she’s carrying his baby! And with his country’s future at stake, Max must claim his heir! Noemi is hesitant and fiercely protective of their unborn baby, but at his snow-covered palace can Max offer her the most precious Christmas gift ever — the chance to become a family…

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Freebie

Go to Jennifer’s Contact Page HERE and order your bookmark(s)!

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers’ Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

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Tour Giveaway

1 winner will recieve a $25 Amazon Gift Card + print copy of Cinderella’s New York Christmas (The Cattaneos’ Christmas Miracles Book 1) + swag
US only
Ends November 14, 2018

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Book Tour Grand Finale for
Rescued by the Firefighter
By Catherine Lanigan
We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:
Launch – Note from the Author

Welcome back to Shores of Indian Lake series! For those of you who haven’t visited my series yet or known my characters, I think you’ll love this story of Beatrice Wilcox and Rand Nelson equally as all the other Heartwarming people of Indian Lake…

It’s All About the Romance – Excerpt


Indian Lake, Indiana

July

THE SUMMER NIGHT sounds of chirping tree frogs and cicadas drifted through the open screen window of Beatrice Wilcox’s sixty-year-old log cabin. Loving the wildlife melodies, she closed her eyes, her weary body spent from a long day with ten rowdy, sometimes frustratingly taciturn children and preteens.

But running this camp was her dream. She wanted to create a summer idyll for kids who faced challenges in their young lives, as she had when she’d been a camper herself as a child.

Locks, Hooks and Books – Guest Post

When I think of forest fires, I remember living in Los Angeles, California for over a decade and how so many of our decisions were based on the constant of fires.

We lived on the world’s tiniest houseboat in Marina Del Rey ON the water and far from anything resembling a forest. Yet,my husband’s elderly aunt and uncle lived in Novato, on top of a mountain surrounded by nothing but forest…

Book by Book – Review

“Don’t worry if you have not yet read Lanigan’s other Shores of Indian Lake books. Rescued by the Firefighter can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone. So, if you are in need of a sweet contemporary romance, make sure to check this one out—I recommend it.”

E-Romance News – Excerpt

Cindy came rushing up with five-year-old Ricky Sanders, the youngest child at the camp that week. He was a foster child, hoping to be legally adopted by his new foster parents, and was Cindy’s personal favorite. “Did one of you get the Dunning boys?”

“Eli and Chris are in the last cabin,” Beatrice replied. “I thought you were getting them.”

“I was…” Cindy hesitated, looking at Ricky. She put Ricky in his child’s seat and belted him in. She turned away from the boy so that only Beatrice could hear her. Nearly in a whisper Cindy said, “They weren’t there. That’s why I thought one of you might have gotten to them already.”

Hearts & Scribbles – Excerpt

RAND NELSON PULLED his fire engine to a stop in front of the camp and stared over the steering wheel in disbelief at what he was seeing: a woman running toward the fire.

“No way in…”

He jumped out the driver’s door, his heavy leather-booted feet hitting the ground with a thud. He grabbed his thermoplastic helmet off the console, then his goggles and pigskin gloves.

My Life Loves and Passion – Excerpt

Rand had fought fires from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to Idaho to California. He knew exactly the kind of conditions that it took for Mother Nature to burn. But there had been no thunderstorms here in Indian Lake. No lightning bolts. And not quite enough heat to spark spontaneous combustion. No, this was a fire started by human hands. Rand would bet his reputation on it.

And if he was right, Chris had all the more reason to stay clear.

Rand had one shot at bringing out Chris. He had to take it.

“Chris! I know you can hear me. It’s safe now. Eli is safe.”

Rand kept going, toward the most burned section of forest. It was his guess that it had been near here where the fire started.

Thoughts of a Blonde – Review

“Such a touching story! With a return visit to Shores of Indian Lake, we see lots of the old regulars and meet some news ones as we embark on a heartwarming story of hope. . . . overall a really sweet story of love when you least expect it and reaching for it even when it’s outside of your comfort zone. Sweet kids, a sexy fireman and a story about reaching for the stars and achieving them!”

deal sharing aunt – Review

“From the start I knew that I was going to enjoy these two characters. A caregiver and a firefighter, two people you want to live happily ever after. . . . The ending definitely made me teary eyed, and I can not wait to read more from this author. I would love to read up and see how these characters are doing. Especially the kids and the camp. I am giving this book a 5/5.”

Rockin’ Book Reviews – Review

“Author, Catherine Lanigan, successfully weaves enticing romance into her otherwise, suspense gram stories. . . . it has enough intrigue and writing which keeps it interesting, that the reader still will not want to put it down. The research she did on the subject matters covered in this tale was remarkable.”

Stacking My Book Shelves! – Guest Post

Seriously, when you see all this gear these guys and gals have strapped to their backs and that they carry INTO a fire, all I can think is how strong they have to be to perform their job.

In RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER, Rand Nelson saves Beatrice Wilcox and little Eli Dunning from the raging forest fire. He carries Beatrice and Eli at the same time out of the fire…

Reading Is My SuperPower – Review

“A sweet story that fits in perfectly with the Indian Lake universe, Rescued by the Firefighter reminds us of the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds. Layered characters that are genuinely likable, a charming setting, and great romantic tension – all of these elements make this a great choice for a cozy weekend read!”

underneath the covers – Excerpt

Wincing, she glanced up and saw him.

He was leaning against the doorjamb. Gone were the Nomex suit, goggles and gloves. The helmet. She noticed his thick, dark, nearly black hair first. A hunk of shining, slightly damp hair hung over his strong forehead. His jawline looked like it had been carved from granite. In fact, everything about him was strong. He didn’t need a firefighter’s suit to make his shoulders wide; his presence filled the doorway, the room, the expanse between them. He wore a black short-sleeved T-shirt that stretched over biceps that could only have been built by hours in a gym. His black jeans fitted close to his narrow hips and muscular thighs. He wore no jewelry. No watch, no wedding ring, no tats. There was nothing extraneous or ornamental about this man. It wasn’t necessary—his whole being shouted, “I’m a man.”

He pushed himself off the door and took a short step inside. “You okay?”

Singing Librarian Books – Review

“This novel is full of a cast of characters that readers are sure to enjoy, from the adults and their sweet romance to the children and their fun inclusion in the book. This is a touching and heart-warming sweet contemporary romance that lovers of the Harlequin Heartwarming line are sure to enjoy!”

Kimber Li – Spotlight

Jorie Loves A Story – Review & Guest Post

“I liked how the layers were set early-on, how Lanigan gives you a glimpse of where she wants this story to go direction wise but holds back some of the key bits as well. She wants you to wait it out and see how it unfolds – taking it gently and allowing you to understand her characters without prejudgement.”

Although it’s romantic and fun to conjure visions of me interviewing a crew of firefighters about their emotions and dealings in relationships, that was not quite the case. I did talk to both husbands and wives who deal with the stress of one or both being employed in high risk fields but to be honest, their attitude was “everything in life is high risk”…

Among the Reads – Review

“This is a fun, sweet story. Though there is a dramatic rescue at the onset, it is not a suspenseful or action-filled story, it is more about the relationship between the main characters.”

Harlie’s Books – Review

“Do yourself a favor and read this series and particularly this book. It has heart, some serious issues that need to be dealt with but overall, I sniffled, sighed and I’m thinking about Rand and Bea. That’s great storytelling.”

Remembrancy – Review

“For readers who have been following Catherine Lanigan’s Shores of Indian Lake series, there are plenty of familiar faces (names?) within the pages of Rescued by the Firefighter. And for those who have missed the previous books, this may just be the best time to jump into them because Beatrice and Rand are brand new characters who (at least to my knowledge. But full disclosure: I have read most but not every book in the series) haven’t been introduced before.”

Teatime and Books – Excerpt

“I’ll walk you to your truck,” she said and turned to grab her crutches from the porch railing.

“No need. I can see the way.”

“Good night vision, too, huh?”

He decided he didn’t want their time together to end, so he stood at the bottom step as she followed him down. “You’re getting pretty good with those things.”

“I’m trying,” she said and walked alongside him to his truck.

Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader – Review

“Rescued by the Firefighter by Catherine Lanigan is a great read. This book is a welcoming visit back to Shores of Indian Lake. . . . I enjoyed this exciting heartwarming romance.”

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven’t already…

Rescued by the Firefighter
(Shores of Indian Lake #10)
By Catherine Lanigan
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
November 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He saved her life…

But will he destroy her dreams?

Firefighter Rand Nelson is tall and handsome and has literally walked through an inferno for Beatrice Wilcox. He’s a hero…and that’s exactly the problem. Beatrice knows all too well the risks of loving a man with a dangerous career. But when Rand’s report threatens her beloved children’s camp, Beatrice can’t refuse his offer of help…even though she knows they’re both playing with fire.

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About the Author
Catherine Lanigan is the international bestselling and award-winning author of over forty-five published titles in both fiction and non-fiction, including the novelizations of Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile. Ms. Lanigan’s novels have been translated into over twenty-four languages. Lanigan was tasked by the NotMYkid foundation to pen a collection of compelling and informative true stories of teen addicts. Ms. Lanigan’s SHORES OF INDIAN LAKE series for HARLEQUIN HEARTWARMING includes LOVE SHADOWS, HEART’S DESIRE , A FINE YEAR FOR LOVE, KATIA’S PROMISE, FEAR OF FALLING, SOPHIE’S PATH, PROTECTING THE SINGLE MOM, FAMILY OF HIS OWN, HIS BABY DILEMMA, RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER and MY RACING HEART (2019).
Ms. Lanigan is a frequent speaker at literary functions and book conventions as well as inspiring audiences with her real stories of angelic intervention from her Angel Tales series of books. She is an outspoken advocate for domestic violence and abuse and was honored by The National Domestic Violence Hotline in Washington, D.C. She has been a guest on numerous radio programs including “Coast to Coast” and on television interview and talk show programs as well as blogs, podcasts and online radio interview programs. She writes a monthly blog for Heartwarmingauthors.blogspot.com.

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Blurb:
A Chinese Legend. A British Secret. Star-Crossed Lovers with Incompatible Magic.
Brixton Flew works as a professor of wielder instruction at Rembrandt Academy, hoping to erase the regrets of his youth along with the resulting debt. But when he comes face to face with his biggest regret—the woman who broke his heart, Adelaide Favan—Brixton soon realizes his troubles have only begun.
Unable to control her magic, Adelaide knew leaving Brixton was the only way to protect him when they were younger. Now she discovers he is the key to recovering the Dragon Eyes, a legendary treasure connected to her magic and her family’s disgraced legacy—and she knows the risk is great, to both his life and her heart.
With others seeking the power of the Dragon Eyes, Brixton and Adelaide must outwit their foes and face down their families to save London from an ancient legend that sleeps beneath the magic portal in their city.
But the renewed passion growing between them may prove to be the greater peril …
One Flew Through the Dragon Heart is the first book in a new steampunk series by C.S. Johnson, blending together history, romance, mecha-dragons and magic against the glittering backdrop of 1880’s Victorian London.
Snippet:
The door creaked open with the same welcoming familiarity it always had as Brixton stepped inside. He took off his greatcoat, and at once, the small townhouse seemed to reach out with its own essence, bathing him in the scent of oranges and animals, flooding him with the sensation of a million memories. He breathed it in and reveled in it. Deep down, nothing in the world could dislodge his home from his heart—not the Board at Rembrandt, not the government, not even all his secret hopes and dreams—and there was unspeakable comfort in knowing that.
“We’re in the kitchen, Brix. Come on in. I’ve just finished pulling out a rack of biscuits.”
Brixton sighed, both in exasperation and gratitude. His mother was never surprised when he arrived, no matter the hour. He used to wonder if she had a spy in her service, but he knew now, having his own talent for magic, that she was able to sense emotions. Her talent made her one of the most accomplished veterinarians in London.
That was also why the house always smelled of all sorts of creatures. Philippa Flew often brought her work home with her, and today, Brixton saw as he walked into the next room, was no exception.
“Who does that belong to?” he asked, gesturing toward the large peacock sitting on the table.
The large fan of its tail sprouted at his voice, making him jump back as the hundreds of colorful feathers unfolded before him.
The peacock squawked, clearly sore at the disruption.
Luella’s laughter rang through the room as Brixton recovered. He glanced through the feather-fan of exotic bird feathers to see Luella’s blonde curls bouncing as she walked around from the other side of the table. 
“It’s Mrs. Fordyce’s,” Luella said. “He has a broken leg, so Mum brought him home for me to help take care of.”
“Why do you need to help him if it’s just a broken leg?” Brixton rolled his eyes. “It seems silly for you to have to use your magic on him.”
“Come on. Don’t be so stuffy.” 
“I’m just concerned. You really ought to be more careful when you use your magic.” Brixton sat down on the chair at the far end of the table. “If you’re not, the mage-ragers will realize you have plenty of talent, too, and they’ll come running to sign you up to work at Rembrandt along with me.”
“Oh, Brix. It sounds like you had another hard day. I thought as much when you came in.” Philippa sighed. Her hair, a shade darker than Brixton’s and lined with wispy grays, snapped behind her in a braid as she hurried to press a loving kiss to her oldest child’s forehead.
Brixton might have waved her off when he had been younger, but now he welcomed his mother’s affections. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek in return as Luella giggled again.
“I would not mind going to Rembrandt, but don’t think they would want me to teach the newbies just yet,” Luella said, jutting her pointed chin forward proudly. “I’m only fifteen.”
“You know as well as I do that some magic comes in early.”
Many of the first wielders experienced it as a secondary trait, one that appeared toward the beginning of adulthood. As Mendel and Darwin’s theories speculated, magic moved down through the bloodlines, and as the talents were able to be recognized earlier, it became generally accepted that most magic began to appear during adolescence.
But there were still the occasional stories of talented children who knew of their magic long before it appeared, and Brixton knew that a great many of those stories were true.
After all, he had been best friends with one of the most powerful wielders London had ever seen.
“There’s no need to brag,” Luella said with a huff. “We all know that you were a prodigy right from birth. The rest of us will bow down to you one day, I’m sure, but in the meantime, the requirements for specialized magical instruction start at sixteen. Even you didn’t have to go until then.”
“I was actually thinking of—”
Brixton went silent as his chest tightened, his heart clenched, and his fingers shook.
He had only just barely stopped himself.
He had come so close to saying her name.
It was appalling to think after nearly four years he still thought of her—thought of her, dreamed of her, but never spoke of her.
How could he? Remembering her was like lighting himself on fire and forgetting how much it burned.
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