Kyrosmagica Publishing – The Magical Home of Books, Writing, Photography and Inspiration
Merry Christmas everyone!
Wishing you a lovely festive day xxx
Our starter…
Turkey to come. We have been for a nice walk to inverlieth Park in Edinburgh.
Now stuffed! Have eaten turkey and all the trimmings.
Enjoy Christmas and wishing you a very happy 2023! From myself, hubby and my daughters! Hubby is cooking and I didn’t get a chance to steal a photo of him… so one of me in costume!
Synopsis:
He doesn’t believe in love, so why can’t he forget her?
Mystery writer, Joel Carpenter, has no time for romance. He has a deadline to meet, and too many skeletons in his closet to trust the slightly spinny artist renting his house.
Christy Taylor has her hands full dealing with an ailing business and a diabetic daughter, she doesn’t need the temptation that is her landlord, Joel Carpenter.
Can a Christmas wish bring two stubborn souls together and give a little girl the gift she wants most?
A family of her own.
My review:
A quick and enjoyable novella to read at Christmas time. It’s my introduction to Jacquie Biggar being the first I’ve read of her collection. I’m sure I will read more. A nice warm-hearted tale with mention of a single mother’s worries about her young daughter’s diabetes giving the tale a deeper aspect to it. The romance between writer Joel and artist Christy is swift – perhaps a little quick for my taste – but this may just be the short format of a novella pushing the story to a quicker resolution. Lots of enticing descriptions and delectably kissable moments to make up for any slight shortcomings.
A lovely read which I can recommend.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Have you read Silver Bells?
View all my reviews
I’m particularly pleased to announce that I will be having a cover reveal for This Is Lockdown soon in paperback format.
It is a shorter version (without the diaries,) with black and white photography to include Covid19 Flash Fiction, contributions from the ‘isolation writers,’ poets and creatives.
Book Description – This Is Lockdown – Paperback verison
An anthology and compilation of short stories, flash fiction, contributions from the ‘isolation writers,’ plus poetry written during the time of lockdown in the UK.
This anthology and compilation is for everyone, wherever you live in the world. We are all experiencing the impact of COVID19 and lockdown. As writers, bloggers and creatives we express our thoughts and opinions in writing: in heartfelt poetry, pieces on isolation and the impact of COVID19 and the ‘new normal.’ There are twenty eight talented contributors, including the creative NHS Mask Making Fundraising Team of Jane Horwood and Melissa Santiago Val. The contributors come from as far afield as Australia, Canada, USA and Zimbabwe, or closer to my current home in England – in Ireland, Scotland and Italy.
It is as Willow Willers, a contributor said, ‘A piece of living history.’
This extraordinary and unexpected time period will be shared with future generations one day.
Compiling and editing this anthology has given me a purpose over the period of Lockdown and for that I am grateful. The book showcases several authors and their thoughts on what it is like to experience ‘isolation’ as a writer. In the final part of the book I include my latest short story idea: a YA romance and various short pieces of poetry, and flash fiction inspired by the pandemic.
The wonderful contributing authors and creatives are many in number!
Richard Dee, (Sci Fi , Steampunk, Amateur Detective author,) Catherine Fearns, (Amazon Bestselling Author of Police Procedural/Mysteries and Music Journalist,) Lynn Fraser, (Author,) Jackie Carreira, (Writer, musician, designer and aspiring philosopher,) Willow Willers, (Poet and writer,) Sharon Marchisello, (Murder Mystery, Financial non-fiction,) Fi Phillips , (Author, Copy Writer) Jeannie Wycherley, (dark stories, suspense, horror,) Chantelle Atkins, (urban fiction, teen/YA,) Tracie Barton-Barrett, (Speaker/author,) Peter Taylor- Gooby, (Crime, Love Stories, Political Fiction,) Ritu Bhathal, (Chick Lit romance, poet,) Alice May , (Author, Artist and Speaker,) Miriam Owen, (Blogger and Doctoral Researcher,) Drew Neary and Ceri Williams (Ghost Horror, Supernatural,) Katherine Mezzacappa, (author name: Katie Hutton,) (Historical Fiction/Romance,) Sally Cronin, (huge supporter of indie community/blogger/author) Debby Gies (D G Kaye), (Memoirist/NonFiction,) Adele Marie Park, (Fantasy, horror, urban fantasy,) Marian Wood, (blogger, poet and writer.) Samantha Murdoch, (Writer, Blogger,) Beaton Mabaso (Blogger, African Storyteller,) Frank Prem (Poet, Author,) Anne Goodwin (Author, Book Blogger) Sherri Matthews (Writer, Photographer, Blogger,) andJane Horwood and Melissa Santiago-Val – Community Masks 4 NHS
Thank you so much to each one of them for being a part of this project.
Please do visit their websites and buy their books to discover the huge variety of writing and creative talent amongst them ranging from talented short story and poetry writers to horror, fantasy, supernatural thriller, romance and memoir writing. And more!!! Plus the wonderful fundraising Community Masks 4 NHS initiative from Jane Horwood and Melissa Santiago-Val which has become Sew Positive.
There truly is something for everyone amongst this international group of writers and creatives who are based in the UK, Ireland, Canada, Italy, America and Zimbabwe.
This is a tough time for writers as it is for everyone. The arts and creative industry is under threat as are businesses worldwide.
PLEASE NOTE – The paperback does not include my personal COVID diaries originally published on the kindle. These are available to read on the kindle version of This Is Lockdown.
The kindle version of This Is Lockdown will be on a Christmas countdown deal from 13th December. So, grab your copy quickly to get the best bargain. It will be sold at a reduced price until 20th December when it will revert to its usual selling price.
The kindle of This Is Lockdown has received excellent reviews as has my poetry, prose and photography collection Mr. Sagittarius.
This Is Lockdown Kindle Purchase links – Amazon.co.uk – offer in progress:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/This-Lockdown-COVID19-Diaries-Fiction-ebook/dp/B08CD1MCFB/
Mr. Sagittarius Kindle purchase link – Amazon UK:
Mr. Sagittarius Kindle purchase link- Amazon.com – offer available from 8.AM PST:
https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Sagittarius-Poetry-Prose-Mallon-ebook/dp/B084DQV3HW/
Also there is a Paperback Deal on offer for Mr. Sagittarius, the price dropped to £6.99 from £9.00 until 20th December !!!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mr-Sagittarius-Poetry-Prose-Mallon/dp/1999822447/
Goodreads Synopsis:
As engaging as a tail wag.
Celebrating the simple things in life as seen through the eyes of our old time favorite furry friends, “As Good as Gold” is a volume of poetry revealing the talent and humor we always knew our dogs possessed.
Dogs are full of questions, yet they are famed sellers of innocence especially when it comes to explaining their mishaps and often foolish effervescence through such pondering as “Why IS a Cat Not Like a Dog”, “As Brown as Chocolate”, “Silver Stars and Puppy Tail” or, best yet, “Dog or Book?”
A book with an enormous heart for readers of all ages, it includes 35 poems and haiku accompanied by expressive portraits of our canine friends. The poems are grouped in: Questions, Colors, Musings and Haiku.
* Ideal to boost you up by reading one poem at a time,
* Great conversational piece to have around on a rainy day,
* Fantastic tool to discuss colors in nature and everyday questions with your little ones,
* A gentle way to introduce children to animals’ feelings,
* Amazing picture to cheer you up.
* An ideal gift for any dog lovers!
My review
A very sweet book of poems and haiku about dogs, nature and dog’s human! It made me smile a lot. I really enjoyed the poem at the end about cats too (cats are my preferred animal but I love dogs too.) This would particularly appeal to readers who enjoy poems about animals, snowmen, Christmas, and life through the eyes of some very cute dogs. I loved the lovely photos of our furry friends in the book too.
It’s a feel good collection of doggy poetry which would be an ideal gift for Christmas.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for a fair review. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
Recommended, particularly for doggy and poetry enthusiasts!
My rating: 4 very woof woof stars.
Goodreads Author Profile:
Patricia Furstenberg is the author of Amazon Bestseller Joyful Trouble. She writes children stories about real and imaginary dogs and about animals in general. Patricia believes each creature has a story and a voice, if only we stop to listen.
Patricia came to writing though reading, her passion for books being something she inherited from her parents. “When I write, I write,” she usually says.
When she’s not writing she likes to read, listen to music, dance and bake.
One of the characters portrayed in her children stories is Pete, the yellow toy elephant. Not many know, but Pete exists and lives in Pat’s home.
This Romanian born writer is living happily with her husband, children and dogs in sunny South Africa.
Patricia Furstenberg Author Page and Blog: http://alluringcreations.co.za/wp/
Have you read As Good As Gold? Let me know in the comments.
Social Media Links
Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com
Collaborative Blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
#ABRSC: Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/
Tumblr: http://mjmallonauthor.tumblr.com/
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and all the best for a Happy New year.
I’d like to spare a thought this Christmas for all those who are lonely, or devastated by terrible news. Not everyone is surrounded by family and friends at Christmas. Perhaps someone you know will be at home eating baked beans alone. I know someone who is. His partner works shifts as a hospice carer, she will be working Christmas day, so he will be alone. Fortunately, they are having their celebration the day after on Boxing Day with a big family get together.
My heart goes out to my daughter’s friend this Christmas. Her mum is terminally ill with cancer and will not live much longer. I feel for her and her brother who are overwhelmed with much responsibility and sadness at such a young age. To add to their plight their parents are separated and they are young adults living alone.
Reflecting upon these overwhelming emotions are perhaps one of the reasons why I became a writer – to express those emotions that are not always easy to understand or to live with. Life can be cruel, but it can also be wonderful. So, I am going to spare a kind thought for her family this Christmas, and hope she finds the strength to deal with the ordeal that will surely follow. From what my daughter has told me she is a resourceful, admirable young woman, and I am sure her mother would be so proud of all she is doing.
2017 hasn’t been the best of years, has it?
There has been much senseless violence, sadness and loss of life, but I discovered a wonderful tweet from one of my writing hero’s: Stephen King which lifted my spirits …
Wishing for you all acts of love and ordinary kindness this holiday season. In the end, you know, most people are good.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) December 22, 2017
Let’s hope that 2018 is a better year and that ordinary kindness and love will prevail.
Do enjoy the festivities, smile a lot, drink and be merry for life is short, but make it sweet.
I will be taking a bit of blogging break for a few days but I’ll be back in the New Year.
Much love, xxxx
I’m signing off for a blogging break until the New Year, so this is just a quick post to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a fantastic New Year.
If you’d like to see my light-hearted, very silly contribution to Solveig Werner’s Advent Calender this Christmas Eve – here’s the link to my story:
Solveig Werner’s Advent Calendar – Christmas Eve – Serena’s Bubble Monster
Much love, and snowman kisses!!!!
Marje @ Kyrosmagica xx
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KYROSMAGICA is nearly at the spectacular milestone of 1,000 followers – see if you can get me up to that magic number with three exciting zeros.
If you do I will be very, very chuffed !!!! Either way, come and enjoy yourselves. After all it’s not all about the number of followers, it’s really and truly about the friendships you make via blogging. I count myself very lucky in that respect – there are so many lovely bloggers who I now count as friends.
There will be lots of fun, a dash of sparkling magic and a large dollop of fantasy to be had. Prepare to party on the ice, and bring all your links, Christmas cheer, and any news you would like to share for this Bloggers Link Up Party.
R.S.V.P:
Marje @ Kyrosmagica
– Transport via Rudolf’s golden, shimmering sleigh from The Grand Arcade, Cambridge…. to …
Venue: Magical Winter Wonderland Cambridge, UK…. 🎄 🎅 ☃ ❄⛸ 🎈 🎉
I’ve been wondering how to add falling snow, and I found the perfect answer. It is very simple just:
Find out more by clicking the link at the end of this post- including lots of other Christmas ideas to adorn your blog… : WordPress Holiday Snow Transformation
For the 1st of December I thought it would be a lovely idea to join in with Ronovan Writes Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt Challenge.
The prompt words this week are gold and sing : Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge, Gold and Sing
To understand a little of what the following haiku is about I urge you to read a piece of writing that I enjoyed doing some time ago, when my bubble bath took on a bit of an extraordinary form that grew and grew into a swirling mass of monster imagination….
My theme for the following haiku….. is to continue this preposterous fun.
Thereafter, I will be writing a piece of flash fiction about the Bubbly Snowman for Solveig Werner’s Advent Calendar on the 24th of December so keep a look out for that on Solveig Werner blog. I’m hoping that the snowman might just melt your heart…
As well as this I am joining in with Ronovan’s suggestion to add photos to this post. This is in conjunction with the 52 day Photo Challenge – Extra – The Aran Artisan Photo Challenge– I’ve been baking my Christmas cake – which I’ll be adding extra sherry to!!! and lots of nuts, fruit, glace cherries,….. yum! The recipe is via Natalie at There She Goes. Thanks Natalie for the awesome recipe, it looks like it’s turned out well…
The mix …
The cake… turned out heavenly, in fact I could still smell the wonderful Christmassy aroma well into the evening.
So on to those 1st of December promised haiku Snowman kisses…
Bubbly Snowman Kisses
The Bubble Monster,
Appears in all disguises,
Often he may sing.
A hearty Snowman song.
On Snowy Christmas days,
He greets you.
Singing golden verse,
He’s always chillingly sweet,
Jewelled admirer.
This Christmas Cracker,
Bubbly terror of the tub,
So hot, he’s soon gone.
Grab him while you can…
Watch out for his sweet kisses,
They might leave a mark.
Like all cool, chic guys,
He’s bound to rush away fast,
Swirling down the plug.
Before he is caught.
By much loved, bearded, guess who?
Prize bubble catcher.
Santa’s no nonsense,
He’ll get the reindeer on him,
Send him on his way.
***************
Trying not to cry,
Teardrops from frosty Lapland,
I sigh, once, twice, thrice.
Farewell, Adieu,
Poor Snowman – you melt my heart,
Santa’s cute rival.
© Marjorie Mallon 2016 – aka, Kyrosmagica. All Rights Reserved.
Ha ha!!! Yes I did say it was going to be preposterous and I wasn’t joking. Well why not? Life is too short to be too serious!
Hope you enjoyed my silly haiku. I enjoyed writing it.
Bye for now.
