It’s never to late to follow a dream it is never too late to write. Lovely, inspiring interview of Marcia Meara via Janice Spina at Jems Books.
#ABRSC #Review Fairies, Myths, & Magic: A Summer Celebration – Colleen Chesebro
Thank you to Colleen Chesebro for an ARC of her latest book: Fairies, Myths & Magic: A Summer Celebration. Receiving a free copy in no way influences my review. All opinions are my own.
Amazon Synopsis:
Step into a world where fairies, dragons, and other magical beings converge in a collection of poetry and short stories inspired by the celebration of Litha, the Summer Solstice.
Meet Drac, a dragon cursed by his own poisonous deeds, and two pixies who help an old man remember a lost love. You’ll meet a pair of fairies with a sense of humor, and a young girl who fulfills her destiny after being struck by lightning. Learn what happens when a modern witch’s spell goes terribly wrong. Meet the Sisters of the Fey, a group of Slavic Witches who sign a pact with the Rusalki Fey to preserve their magic for the good of all.
Atmospheric and haunting, the prose and poetry, will rewrite the mythologies of the past bringing them into the future.
My review:
A charming collection of short stories and poetry which I read through in delight, enthralled by it all. It would particularly appeal to those who love the allure of fairies, myths, fairy-tales and magic.
It begins with a short introduction to Lithia – the Midsummer Solstice – the longest day of the year which begins on June 21st.
There is a section on the different kinds of fairies: brownies, elves, pixies, sprites, dryads, leprechauns, and the author’s own amazing experience seeing her first fairy!
All the stories and poems are fantastic.
Below are my personal favourite stories and poems in the collection:
‘Just What the Doctor Ordered.’ – a couple of pixies get up to some cheeky mischief!
‘The Fairies Spider’s Lair.’ – evocative poem.
‘The Sisters of The Fey: The Beginning, A Short Story.’
‘A Fairy Love Spell’ – this is what happens if you play with magic – so funny!
‘Believe’ – A short story with the bees!
‘Waiting For A Summer Love’ – a poem.
‘The Healer – A Short story’ – with a dragon, and a blood witch. Fantastic.
‘A Litha Celebration – a poem.’
‘A Fish Tale – Short Story’ – so charming.
‘Halloween Magic’ – anyone who has had their fill of laundry will love this story. It is so funny!
‘The Leaving. A Story of Supernatural Magic.’ Definite favourite.
Colleen M. Chesebro is an American Novelist writing YA fantasy and magical realism, cross-genre fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. She loves all things magical which may mean that she could be experiencing her second childhood—or not. That part of her life hasn’t been fully decided yet.
A few years ago, a mystical experience led her to renew her passion for writing and storytelling. These days she resides in the fantasy realm of the Fairy Whisperer where she writes the magical poetry and stories that the fairy nymphs whisper to her in her dreams.
Colleen won the Little and Laugh Flash Fiction Contest sponsored by the CarrotRanch Literary Community.com in November 2017 for her piece, called “The Bus Stop.” Her debut novel, The Heart Stone Chronicles: The Swamp Fairy won gold in the 2017 AuthorsDB.com cover contest.
Colleen lives in Colorado with her husband, Ron. When she is not writing, Colleen enjoys spending time with her husband and friends. She also loves gardening, reading, and crocheting old-fashioned doilies into works of art. You can learn more about Colleen at www.colleenchesebro.com.
My rating: 5 stars
Here is the Country Tagged Universal Book Link: Smarturl.it.FairiesMythsMagic”>http://smarturl.it/FairiesMythsMagic”>Smarturl.it.FairiesMythsMagic
You can find Colleen in all the usual places. Drop by anytime.
colleenchesebro.com Author Blog
Sisters of the Fey Group Blog
I’ve written loads of reviews. Please follow to links to read more of my reviews:
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#Book #Release Fairies, Myths, & Magic ~ A Summer Celebration – Colleen Chesebro
Congratulations to my dear friend Colleen Chesebro on the publication of her first book of poetry and short stories. Today I am delighted to be sharing her specially written post about her book release:
HAPPY SUMMER SOLSTICE!
I’ve planned this day out in my mind for over a year… Today, as a tribute to the Summer Solstice, my first book of poetry and short stories has become a reality. Fairies, Myths, & Magic ~ A Summer Celebration is now available on Amazon.
From June 21st through June 27th, this book will be featured at the introductory price of $.99! Grab your copy today!
Here is the Country Tagged Universal Book Link: http://smarturl.it/FairiesMythsMagic“>Smarturl.it.FairiesMythsMagic
Blurb:
Step into a world where fairies, dragons, and other magical beings converge in a collection of poetry and short stories inspired by the celebration of Litha, the Summer Solstice.
Meet Drac, a dragon cursed by his own poisonous deeds, and two pixies who help an old man remember a lost love. You’ll meet a pair of fairies with a sense of humor, and a young girl who fulfills her destiny after being struck by lightning. Learn what happens when a modern witch’s spell goes terribly wrong. Meet the Sisters of the Fey, a group of Slavic Witches who sign a pact with the Rusalki Fey to preserve their magic for the good of all.
Atmospheric and haunting, the prose and poetry, will rewrite the mythologies of the past bringing them into the future.
What’s Litha ~ the Summer Solstice?
Litha is the celebration of the Summer Solstice—June in the Northern Hemisphere, and December in the Southern Hemisphere. Here in North America, the Litha Sabbat honors the longest day of the year with the most hours of sunlight.
Pagans celebrated Litha by observing and honoring the power of the sun. The sun’s influence reminded the people that the summer months represented fertility, ensuring the survival of the species.
During midsummer, magnificent fruit burst forth from the flowers, shrubs, and trees, providing ample food for all. Summer was also the most favorable time for the birthing and survival of animals, birds, and insects. This also included humans where the most births occurred during the months of July through October, which still continues today.
For the ancients, nothing represented the power of the sun more than fire. On the Solstice Eve, huge bonfires were erected on hilltops celebrating the link between the earth and heavens. Festivities lasted for days before and after the main event.
Yet, the primitive people recognized the need for balance between fire and water. Some celebrations included setting a wheel on fire, then rolling it downhill into a body of water, signaling the power of the sun at it’s mightiest, and also the day the sun’s power begins to diminish.
For me, a Summer Solstice celebration was the perfect day to share my collection of poetry and short stories inspired by the magic of the ancient pagans. I hope you’ll enjoy this collection. <3
Colleen M. Chesebro is an American Novelist writing YA fantasy and magical realism, cross-genre fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. She loves all things magical which may mean that she could be experiencing her second childhood—or not. That part of her life hasn’t been fully decided yet.
A few years ago, a mystical experience led her to renew her passion for writing and storytelling. These days she resides in the fantasy realm of the Fairy Whisperer where she writes the magical poetry and stories that the fairy nymphs whisper to her in her dreams.
Colleen won the Little and Laugh Flash Fiction Contest sponsored by the CarrotRanch Literary Community.com in November 2017 for her piece, called “The Bus Stop.” Her debut novel, The Heart Stone Chronicles: The Swamp Fairy won gold in the 2017 AuthorsDB.com cover contest.
Colleen lives in Colorado with her husband, Ron. When she is not writing, Colleen enjoys spending time with her husband and friends. She also loves gardening, reading, and crocheting old-fashioned doilies into works of art. You can learn more about Colleen at www.colleenchesebro.com.
You can find Colleen in all the usual places. Drop by anytime.
colleenchesebro.com Author Blog
Sisters of the Fey Group Blog
Wishing Colleen much success in her book launch.
Sally works as a Senior Ambassador for Tropic #Vegan #CrueltyFree #Natural #Skincare
Hi Sally, it’s a great pleasure to welcome you to my blog today.
Sally and I are ‘old,’ Edinburgh school friends! Hey, not so old! We’re in the prime of our lives… I swear that we ladies come into our prime at this age… Our kids are grown up, we start spreading our wings and being more adventurous!
It’s quite remarkable how we have reconnected via Facebook after so many years apart.
I thought it would be interesting to interview Sally about her role as a Senior Ambassador for Tropic.
Tell me a little about your role at Tropic, Sally.
I am a Senior Ambassador (we start as Ambassador and the next stage is Senior, so I am very much at the start of the Tropic journey!)
When did you decide to join?
I joined in February of 2017.
Do you see it as a hobby or a full-time vocation?
At the moment I am doing it as a hobby as I love the products so much and believe in the ethics of Susie Ma’s brand.
What is it about Susie Ma’s brand that particularly attracted you to Tropic?
Susie was brought up to always use natural ingredients on the skin and inside the body and not to take medicines. (Her grandma was a biochemist). All her products are Vegan and Cruelty Free certified and freshly made – that is what drew me to the company in the first place. The main bread and butter is skincare, but we do body care; sun-care; hair care; makeup and tan products.
Tell me about the Glambassador Events.
I have been to three of their Glambassador Events where they recognise Ambassador achievements and show us new products for the coming seasons (this happens twice per year – March and September) – a glamorous event where we all dress up and entertainment is laid on plus dinner.
Are there other events too?
I have also been to Susie’s Road Show, which she does every January; up and down the country. She does a talk to tell people about why she promotes ‘greener beauty’; the chemicals in the beauty industry and why she is so passionate about her ” PURE. HONEST. EFFECTIVE” range of skincare and makeup.
Sally’s VIP Tropic Skincare & Make Up – Facebook Page
https://www.tropicskincare.co.uk/shop/sallystagg
Do you have a product you would like me to advertise on my blog? I have 54,180 hits, over 1,500 followers, 3,300+ followers on twitter. I may be able to help if your product is a good fit with my blog, (I particularly welcome Vegan, natural products and products/services that will be popular with a teenage audience as I write YA!) and I can promote your company at a very reasonable price. Or, perhaps you might like me to sample a product? Get in touch via the comment button below.
Have you tried Tropic? Do comment below if you have. Would love to hear your thoughts on these natural skincare products.
I’d love you to leave a comment.
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Meet Guest Author Sally Cronin
via Chris at the Story Reading Ape Meet Guest Author Sally Cronin
#RRBC #RWISA Review: Conflict by Eric Halpenny
I chose “CONFLICT” by Eric Halpenny (RWISA Member) as my #RRBC June Book of The Month.
https://mjmallon.com/2018/06/07/rrbc-june-books-of-the-month/
Goodreads Synopsis:
The Canadian army was widely viewed to be one of the finest fighting forces in WWI, acclaimed by friend and foe alike. However, historical figures and newspaper articles do little to illuminate the true nature of war. For that, one must see through the eyes of those that fought the war. One must stand in their shoes, sleep with their dreams, and shudder at their fears. This venture into the fictional lives of John and Greg attempts to offer that experience. Bound by friendship, these young warriors embark on a journey of trial and tragedy in Conflict, a 20th Century historical fiction. They face death, loss, and grief as compatriots fall in battle and hopes of glory die with them.
Review:
I don’t normally read war novels/short stories but I made an exception after I sneaked a peek in the look inside feature of Conflict on Amazon.
I loved how Eric Halpenny used quotes and/or poetry from Wilfred Owen, General Horace Smith-Dorrien, Major John McCrae, Sir Robert Borden, Kaiser Wilhelm II, memoirs of David Lloyd George, excerpts, war diary entries, military songs and letters from real and fictional soldiers in the novel, giving the narrative a very human feel.
This is a powerful WW1 short story about two fictional characters, Greg and John as they ‘leave boyhood and childishness, naivety and innocence, behind,’ to join with the brotherhood of men in war. Chronicling their heroic journey through the living hell of WW1. There are many aspects of the novel that moved me, thoughts expressed about: the young soldier’s naivety, the building of trust, endless suffering, (even the weather became an enemy,) patriotism, and the futility of war.
Greg’s experience of being haunted by a German that he killed at close quarters provides a stark, disturbing reminder that the enemy is human, has a face, a life, friends and family .
Conflict is an exceptionally riveting read, evoking strong emotions. I read it in one setting, in one morning.
The ending is so sad and so true to life. You will have to read Conflict to see what I mean!
Highly recommended for everyone! Even if you don’t normally read war novels/short stories.
My rating 4.5 stars.
Have you read Conflict? I’d love to hear your views on it if you have…
Link to Eric Halpenny’s blog: https://www.erichalpenny.com/books/
Link to: Eric Halpenny’s Amazon Page
I have written in excess of 100 book reviews on my blog of independent and traditionally published authors:
A – M List https://mjmallon.com/2015/09/28/a-m-of-my-book-reviews/
N – Z List https://mjmallon.com/2016/11/27/my-kyrosmagica-reviews-n-z/
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Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge No. 88 Praise and Excite
I’ve been so busy of late trying to find a new job – I was meant to be starting a new contract just after the bloggers bash in London – but found my proposed terms of the new employment unacceptable which is a story in itself! When I read through the company pack it seemed that perhaps they might have a rat problem, asbestos on site and random drug testing – so that didn’t appeal! Lol. I decided not to accept that role. So, it’s been time-consuming trying to find another job.
In the meantime I’ve been taking my mind off the horrendous hassle of job hunting by writing book reviews, creating a mobi/epub copy of Book One for reviewers (SO REVIEWERS IF YOU’D LIKE A COPY DON’T BE SHY!) and working on Book Two in the Curse of Time series – The Golden Healer – which is currently standing at a rough draft of about 50,000 words.
Lots still to do in The Curse of Time Series. I’m starting to think about the potential for a powerful dragon – a volcanic stirrer of passions in Book Three!
It is my intention that Book Three will feature the Dragon Chronopage designed by Dr John C Taylor OBE who I had the pleasure of meeting in September 2017 with Tina Fotherby.
Images via Dr Taylor, courtesy of his publicity lady Tina Fotherby at Famous Publicity: http://www.famouspublicity.com/
So, my Tanka is dedicated to the dragon, the grasshopper and the fly which are all Chronopages created by Dr John C Taylor, OBE.
The dragon gave thanks,
To the kleptomaniac,
Grasshopper who danced,
Now came dragon’s pearly chance,
To spark volcanic passions.
For praise I used the synonym gave thanks, and for excite I chose spark.
To join in the poetry fun please follow the link to Colleen’s blog: https://colleenchesebro.com/2018/06/12/colleens-weekly-tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-88-praise-excite-synonymsonly/
Hope you enjoyed the Tanka. Much love Marje xx
I’d love you to leave a comment.
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Buy Book link: http://mybook.to/TheCurseofTime
Unique Selling Point: Unique, Imaginative, ‘Charming, enchanting and richly layered this is purely delightful.’
“This delightful book will appeal to teens and young adults who love stories filled with magical crystals, dark family curses, and mysteries waiting to be solved around every corner. Each chapter leads you on a journey of discovery where Amelina earns the right to use three wizard stones to reset the balance of time and finally break the curse that holds her family hostage.
A captivating tale!” – Colleen M. Chesebro (Editor)
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