Fantasy, Magic, Romance, and Mystery!

Fantasy has become one of the most popular genres because you are taken into a completely new world. A world of magic and mystery, where almost anything can happen! In The Isian Series by Serena Clarke, we have a tender love story, an enchanting kingdom, and mystical creatures that reside in the forests.

The Treasure of Isian is the first book in the series. Prince Garin is a brave, proud, adventure-seeking prince. Elani is his most trusted servant and she would do anything for him. Their quest to find the mystical Treasure of Isian is immediately interrupted and they find themselves confronted by giants, elves, dragons, and a vengeful water-witch. Elani must face her greatest fears to save her prince and her kingdom. Will they be able to make a great sacrifice to save the kingdom?

“The Treasure of Isian was a stirring tale of an enchanted servant and a handsome prince. The adventures they face together as they search for the fabled treasure of Isian that will grant the bearer any wish they desire. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. The author did a wonderful job pacing the story and connecting me to the characters. Superb story that brought a smile to my face and helped me remember that sometimes, we can overlook the most valuable treasures in life if we’re not careful.” --Author Charissa Stastny

In the second book, The Alliance of Isian, the queen decides to make an alliance with their long time enemies.  Isian sends a proposal, offering their daughter to the prince, in order to ensure an alliance. Princess Gabrielle and Prince Alec must learn to work together and trust each other in order to triumph in the approaching war. With a mysterious beast attacking the kingdom, their lives in danger, and overcoming their vast cultural differences, will love grow despite their trials?

This fantasy has magic and mythical creatures, but it also has a beautiful love story where Alec and Gabrielle have to learn to understand one another because their society and culture is so unlike their own. Cheryl Larson wrote: “I am always intrigued by stories of arranged marriages and how they turn to marriages filled with love. There is plenty of action and intrigue in the storyline.”

The Secret of Isian is the last book in this series. Many prophecies have been uttered about the impending war and those who will seek to stop it. With the war finally upon them, Rimelda, a talented seer, has heard the prophecies and believes she can help. Prince Ander, doubtful of her abilities and her true intensions, but determined to save his kingdom accepts her help and they proceed on a quest to end the war. Hindered by enemies as well as their own doubts, Ander and Rimelda must search for guidance in unlikely places and unravel the mysteries of the prophecies. With the world shrouded in darkness, will Ander accept his destiny in time to save the kingdoms and will he admit his true feelings for Rimelda?

“The Secret of Isian is a fast moving tale. Not only does it have romance, but also lots of action, intrigue, and battles as the characters make their trek to save the kingdom. While Prince Ander learns to accept his destiny, he also realizes that his love for Rimelda is growing day by day. For the first time in his life, he has met his match! She is spunky, obstinate, and frustrating…but at the same time, she intrigues Ander because she demands respect. Even from the prince!” –Author Linda Weaver Clarke

About Author:

Serena Clarke is from Sunny Southern Utah and has taken several writing classes in college. She loves fantasy with a dash of romance. Serena has a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design and is a member of the Red Mountain Shadows Publishing team. She not only is an author, but also creates book covers for authors. She is passionate about learning, education, art and design.

Links:
The Treasure of Isian: http://www.amazon.com/Treasure-Isian-Serena-Clarke/dp/1477540105

The Alliance of Isian: http://www.amazon.com/Alliance-Isian-Book-ebook/dp/B00I11H7N8

The Secret of Isian: http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Isian-Book-ebook/dp/B01AOU7VZM

Links for Audible Audiobooks:

The Treasure of Isian: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/The-Treasure-of-Isian-Audiobook/B01F7U4V4I

The Alliance of Isian: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/The-Alliance-of-Isian-Audiobook/B01L2A5ACY

The Secret of Isian: 

http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/The-Secret-of-Isian-Audiobook/B01MQVA4PP

Interview with Inspirational Author Colleen L. Reece

Colleen L. Reece learned to read by kerosene lamplight in a former one-room school house where her mother once taught all eight grades. There Colleen dreamed of someday writing a book. God has multiplied her “someday” book into 150+ “Books You Can Trust,” with six million copies sold.

Welcome to my blog. Please tell us about Joy to the World. What is it about?

“Joy” contains 40 short true and fictional stories, articles, poetry, hymns with their origins, and inspiring author-narration. 

Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

My niece, Julie Reece-DeMarco, and I have co-authored a dozen+ books with more than a million copies sold. Many are Christmas novels: i.e., Homespun Christmas, Patchwork Christmas, Seasons of the Heart.

Wonderful stories of God’s grace and mercy have come down through generations of our family. They provide the foundation for Joy to the World.

You love to write Christmas Stories. What is your motivation for writing seasonal works like this?

Our goal is to encourage readers to stop in the midst of their “busyness,” look beyond the tinsel, and remember Whose birthday we are celebrating.

Will you please give us an example of one of the stories in this book?

“The Blessings of Grace”

A single mother struggles to reflect joy when the “Baker family tree” is a tilting branch trying to pass itself off as a Christmas tree in the corner of a barren room. Hanging snowflakes cut from old newspapers doesn’t help. Or the lone, newspaper-wrapped presents: two-liter bottles of soda

Sleeping on mattresses on the floor with macaroni and cheese as the designated Christmas dinner, the last thing Grace needs is to help deliver care packages to the needy. Yet the church has been there for her and her five-and -seven-year-old daughters. She reluctantly agrees—and begins an unexpected journey.

Where can my readers find you online?

At Amazon: amazon.com/author/colleenreece_booksyoucantrust

Thank you, colleen, for this interview. I hope my readers will check out your new Christmas book.

Interview with Romance Author Brooke Williams

Brooke Williams is a stay at home mom/freelance writer/author. She writes both children’s books and romantic comedy novels. Brooke has two young daughters, Kaelyn and Sadie and has been married since 2002. She is excited about her next romantic comedy release, “The Leftover” in June.

Welcome to my blog, Brooke. I noticed that you love to write romantic comedy. Please tell us about your novel: Backwards Christmas.

Backwards Christmas is about the fictional town of South Pole, Alaska. This town is very touristy around Christmas because they do Christmas completely backwards. Every tradition is backwards. People bring presents TO Santa. The mistletoe is painted on the ground. Carolers come to your home and then you have to sing to THEM. The town created Backwards Christmas to get through a hard financial time and it really took off. In the midst of the backwards everything, there’s a very heartfelt love story. A “What could have been” type story between two people that used to date, but broke up when tragedy hit the little town.

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

My publisher asked me to be a part of a compilation that included Christmas stories. Using Alaska in a story had always been in the back of my mind. The rest fell into place and came together in my mind bit by bit.

What kind of research did you do?

I’d like to say I went to Alaska to research. Actually, I HAVE been there, but that was over a dozen years ago. I used that experience for some of the backdrop. The rest, I just made up. Tis the joy of a fiction writer.

Haha. So true. Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

I loved Noelle because her name symbolizes everything for the season. She is sweet and kind and would do anything for anyone. At the same time, she doesn’t let people walk all over her.

Where can my readers find you online?

They can visit my website www.authorbrookewilliams.com

@authorbrookew

https://www.facebook.com/authorbrookewilliams

Thank you so much for this interview, Brooke. I really appreciate it. I hope my readers will check out your book. Humor is so important in our lives.

Interview with Inspirational Romance Author Christina Lorenzen

Christina Lorenzen juggled homeschooling her children and writing until her children graduated and moved on to college. She is the author of 3 books, A Husband for Danna, A Wife for Humphrey, and Snow Globe Reunion. She is currently at work on a pirate romance set on Long Island, New York where she lives. When she isn’t writing, she spends her time reading, watching old movies and wrangling her menagerie of pets, a Cocker Spaniel and 3 very stubborn cats. If she weren’t a writer she’s pretty sure she’d be running a hotel for cats.

Welcome to my blog, Christina. Harvest Blessings is a Christian Romance. Please tell us about your novel.

Professional musician Tacy Clark hasn’t been back home to Hill Top Orchards since the death of her beloved Uncle Jerry. When she gets an email from her aunt, the guilt she’s been feeling since her uncle’s death forces her to make the trip back home.. When her car breaks down, a ride from her aunt’s neighbor, Brody Porter, is the beginning of a roller coaster of emotions, as Tacy is forced to deal with guilt and the pain of never having known her mother. Intending to stay only as long as it takes to harvest the apples for the annual festival and be free from guilt, Tacy is determined not to get involved with Brody Porter and his little girl Cami.

Brody Porter was burned by his estranged wife, Carrie Ann, a struggling actress, who came into his life during a lull in her career and then left him alone to raise their daughter, four year old Cami. He’s vowed never to play the knight in shining armor again. His only interest in Tacy Clark is making sure she gets those apples harvested for the town's annual festival. Without that harvest, the festival might not raise enough funds for the church preschool. Without a place for Cami to go every day he won't be able to put the time he needs into his livelihood, his coffee shop, Brews & Bites.

Tacy Clark and Brody Porter are both determined to get what they want and go their own ways. Will the sweet scent of apples and a harvest moon soften the hearts of two people who need each other more than they know?

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

Fall is my favorite time of the year. We always go pumpkin picking but I’ve never gone apple picking. It’s on my to do list this year. Because of that and the fact that I love small town stories, I thought it might be fun to write a story about a family owned apple orchard. From there the characters just came to me. Aunt Ruby is convalescing alone at home and a handsome, nosy neighbor decides it’s time her city living niece come home and give her a hand.

What kind of research did you do?

Since Tacy is a professional violinist I did a little research about the violin, but most of my research was about how apple orchards are run. I needed to learn about what who worked on the orchards and what was used to pick the apples. But in this story, since the orchard hasn’t been worked since Uncle Jerry died, I didn’t need all that information. The very small crew worked needed very little to get the job done.

Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

I have to say that I really became fond of both main characters, Tacy Clark and Brody Porter, but Brody is my favorite. He’s a single dad that has one goal – to give his daughter the best life possible. After his wife leaves him alone with their little girl, Cami, he’s vowed never to let anyone get close to him again. His heart belongs to his little girl. So he thinks.

Where is your website so my readers can check out your recent and past books that you have written?

I love my readers and would love for them to find my home on the web. They can visit me at www.christinalorenzen.com and they can connect with me on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaLorenzenAuthor/ . I encourage readers to sign up for my quarterly newsletter through my website for giveaways and a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card every month.

Thank you so much for this interview, Christina. I really appreciate it. I hope my readers will check out your new Christmas book.

Interview with Inspirational Romance Author Katrina Hart

Katrina Hart but she is always called Katie. She lives in the East of England with her family, two hyper cats Holly and Smokey as well as Jessie her dog. Katrina always had a passion for reading and could spend her life time engrossed in a good book. In her twenties she joined an online writing class, where she fell in love with writing her own stories. She started her first Fantasy novel called Finding Destiny on the course and had it published some time later. She's always writing something mostly in the night because she doesn't sleep, but she always finds it magical writing when the stars are out in the sky. 

Welcome to my blog, Katrina. Please tell us about your Christmas Story, Love In Little Snow.

Thank you for having me... Love In Little Snow follows Dr Bailey Cartwrite who is devastated when his girlfriend, Lucy, is killed. However, in her last act of love, Lucy appears to Bailey as an angel and sends him to the world of Little Snow – the snow globe world for Christmas. Now he must open his heart to the new woman in his life and find his way back to God before the end of Christmas day.

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

I've always loved Christmas, the lights, snow and festive feel that surrounds that time of year ever since I was very young. But one of the best things about Christmas is spending it with those you hold close to your heart.  It's a time for love and helping each other's magical wishes come true.  And the most perfect time of year to find a forever love. For me that was what inspired my story forever once in a lifetime love over one of the most beautiful times of the year...

What kind of research did you do?

For Love In Little Snow I had to do some bible verses research. However, because it's set in a fictional town I mostly just followed my characters through their journey.

Do you consider your female characters to be strong and feisty or meek yet spirited?

Both the female characters who feature in my book are strong in their own way. Lucy is strong because she has accepted her fate and with a loving heart sent Bailey to find love again. Holly is strong and caring, she's good a pushing down her inner feelings and helping others.

Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I've always had a passion for reading ever since I was very little and used to keep my favourite little book Peter Rabbit under my pillow to read by mini torch-light once everyone was fast asleep. Mainly because I never could sleep at night and when I did I would go sleepwalking and move things about in our house or make tea but instead pour the water all over the floor. So books were a great way of making the night go faster while living many adventures in my mind and making up parts of the stories.

Amazon buy link

That is so fascinating. Thank you so much for this interview, Katrina. I really appreciate it. I hope my readers will check out this Christmas story.

Interview with Inspirational Romance Author Linda Shenton Matchett

Linda Shenton Matchett is a journalist, blogger of all things historical, and author of Love’s Harvest and Love Found in Sherwood Forest. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life-from Edison, New Jersey (named for the famed inventor of the lightbulb) and Washington, DC to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (reputed to be the oldest summer resort in America). A varied career has included stints as a crisis counselor, human resources professional, bed and breakfast owner, youth center director, and dining services manager. In her off hours, she can be found volunteering as a docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a Trustee for the Wolfeboro Public Library. She is active in her church where she serves as treasurer, usher, choir member, and Bible study leader.

Welcome to my blog, Linda. Please tell us about your novel, Love Found in Sherwood Forest.

Thanks for having me. Here’s the back of book blurb about my latest publication:

Award-winning Broadway actress Leighanne Webster has it all until an on-stage panic attack brings her career crashing to the ground. Returning to England to help produce the annual Robin Hood Festival play could be the diversion she needs. But with ex-fiance, Jamison Blake, as the play’s director focusing on her new job won’t be easy. Breaking his engagement with Leighanne so she could pursue her dream of being a Broadway star was the hardest thing Jamison Blake ever did. When she returns to Nottingham, his heart insists he made a mistake. Can he convince her to give their relationship another try or will he have to let her go again--this time for good?

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

I wanted to try my hand at writing a romance, and one of the Christian publishers was asking for novella submissions for a series that centered around word trios and locations they provided. When I saw the prompt set in Nottingham, England I was hooked. I have been fascinated by the Robin Hood legend since I was a child and saw Errol Flynn’s 1938 film. Rather than rehash the legend, I decided to make the story a contemporary and embed the legend within the plot.

What a fascinating story! What kind of research did you do?

I researched the Robin Hood legend and the people associated with the legend as well as Sherwood Forest. That’s when I discovered Major Oak, a tree that is thought to be 1,000 years old and to have housed Robin and his men.

Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

I love Jamison because he’s a lot like my husband whose love language is doing things for people. As much as Jamison loved Leighanne, he put her wants above his own and steps back so she can go to New York to pursue a career. Also, when he was a young man, he and his sister lost their parents in an accident, and he becomes her provider. He has regrets, but rather than making him bitter, they draw him closer to God.

Where can my readers find you online?

www.lindashentonmatchett.com

http://www.facebook.com/authorlindamatchett

https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorlindamatchett

http://www.pinterest.com/lindasmatchett

Thank you so much for this interview. I really appreciate it. I hope my readers will check out your book.

Interview with Childcare Author Melissa Martz

Melissa Martz has been a Nanny for 19 years, a writer for 10 years, and has interwoven her two passions together to help others find the best of the best childcare. “Finding and Hiring the BEST Childcare” is her second book, her first is entitled “Inclusive Playgrounds: Play for Every Child”. Before wriitng books, she wrote magazine articles, many on child related topics. When Melissa is not writing or taking care of children, she power walks in multiple races each year, along with being a community advocate for causes passionate to her. At any point of any of these activities, if she is offered a cup of tea, her answer will be YES!

Welcome to my blog, Melissa. Finding and Hiring the Best Childcare sounds like the perfect book for those young mothers who need help. Our children are dear to us and we must be careful. Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

I have been a Nanny since 1997. Since that time, I have been asked multiple times how to find reputable childcare, how I was found by families, if I knew any available childcare providers, and what should they ask a potential provider. It also gave me a chance to debunk the theories people have about hiring a nanny.

What kind of research did you do?

Because this book is filled with general information mixed with my experiences, not much research had to be done. Yes, I did ask a few people to do Q&A's, and their insights on different areas, but a majority of the information was learned information from 19 years as a Nanny.

Will you please tell us one bit of advice while finding childcare?

Listen to your instincts....not who others think you should get....not whose resumes read of who should hire. This has happened myself as a Nanny. I declined a job offer, because it just didn't feel right to me.

Where can my readers find you and this book online?

Facebook: Melissa Martz

Twitter: @write_nanny

Instagram: melissa.martz

Thank you, Melissa, for this wonderful interview. I hope my readers will check out your book. Anyone interested, you can buy her book on Amazon here.

Interview with Regency Romance Author Donna Hatch

Donna Hatch, author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series," is a hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart. A music lover, she sings and plays the harp. She is a multi-award winner, a sought-after workshop presenter, and juggles multiple volunteer positions as well as her six children. A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.

Welcome to my blog, Donna. I love your books because they’re not just about romance, but also “intrigue” and “adventure.” Please tell us about this novel: Courting the Countess.

In a nutshell, it’s about two people with trust issues learning to love. Of course, there are family issues, a crime ring, stolen rubies, and a duel, so they have plenty of trouble to overcome before they find their happily ever after.  

When charming rake Tristan Barrett sweeps Lady Elizabeth off her feet, stealing both her heart and a kiss in a secluded garden, her brother challenges Tristan to a duel. The only way to save her brother and Tristan from harm—not to mention preserve her reputation—is to get married. But her father, the Duke of Pemberton, refuses to allow his daughter to marry anyone but a titled lord. The duke demands that Elizabeth marry Tristan’s older brother, Richard, the Earl of Averston. Now Elizabeth must give up Tristan to marry a man who despises her, a man who loves another, a man she’ll never love.

Richard fears Elizabeth is as untrustworthy as his mother, who ran off with another man. However, to protect his brother from a duel and their family name from further scandal, he agrees to the wedding, certain his new bride will betray him. Yet when Elizabeth turns his house upside down and worms her way into his reluctant heart, Richard suspects he can’t live without his new countess. Will she stay with him or is it too little, too late?

This sounds like an intriguing book. Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

It basically started with me talking with a friend about popular tropes in novels such as long lost loves, best friends falling in love, star-crossed lovers, etc. I mentioned that I really love the arranged marriage/marriages of conveniences. It’s been a while since I’ve written that kind of story so I started brainstorming about how I could write it with a fresh new twist. I decided having characters getting married to prevent a duel fit the bill nicely.

What kind of research did you do?

I’ve been researching the Regency Era for over ten years so I understand that pretty well but I always come up with new place or situation that I don’t know. For this book, I researched Vauxhall Gardens in order to write a scene there. I also researched what is required for a gentleman to serve in Parliament because my hero kicks around the idea of making that a career. I found both of those topics interesting and I probably over researched it just because they were so fun to explore. But hey, that’s what makes me a history nerd.

Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

I love both characters! Lady Elizabeth has no reason to believe in herself because of her upbringing, yet she still inheritably knows she is a worthwhile person who deserves happiness. She works hard to find who she is, all the while always looking for others to help and lift. Richard is wonderful because he’s so determined to do the right thing for the right reason. He is the perfect English lord who places duty and honor ahead of his own desires. Though he appears strong and confident on the outside, he has a vulnerable side that needs desperately to be loved. I love that combination in a romance novel hero.

You love to write about rogues, rakes, and swashbucklers. What intrigues you most about these characters?

They are confident and strong and have a sense of adventure. Yet they all have a missing component in their lives—true love. This kind of hero needs a strong heroine who is his match in wit, courage, and inner strength. Such a combination often results in fun banter and each making some concessions for the other in order to find common ground on which to build a lasting, loving relationship.

That is so true. I also love the concept of a rogue who fights for the underdog…those less fortunate!!! Thank you so much for this interview, Donna.

Here is the buy link for Courting the Countess: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1509209484

Would you like a free e-book copy of Donna Hatch's Regency Romance novel The Stranger She Married? It's easy! Everyone who follows this link will get one free: http://donnahatch.com/stranger-she-married-free-download

Interview with Historical Author Heidi Thomas

Heidi M. Thomas grew up on a working ranch in eastern Montana, riding and gathering cattle for branding and shipping. Her parents taught her a love of books, and her grandmother rode bucking stock in rodeos. She followed her dream of writing, with a journalism degree from the University of Montana. Her first novel, Cowgirl Dreams, won an EPIC Award and the USA Book News Best Book Finalists award, and her second novel, Follow the Dream, won a WILLA Literary Award. Dare to Dream, the third in the novel trilogy, was a finalist in the International Book Awards. Cowgirl Up! is Heidi’s first non-fiction book and won the Global E-Book Award for non-fiction/history.

Welcome to my blog. Please tell us about your book: Cowgirl Up! A History of Rodeo Women.

When someone says “Cowgirl Up!” it means to rise to the occasion, don’t give up, and do it all without whining or complaining. And the cowgirls of the early twentieth century did it all, just like the men, only wearing skirts and sometimes with a baby waiting behind the chutes. Women leaned to rope and ride out of necessity, helping their fathers, brothers, and husbands with the ranch work. But for some women, it went further than that. They caught the fever of freedom, the thirst for adrenaline, and the thrill of competition, and many started their rodeo careers as early as age fourteen.

This book won the Global E-book Award for non-fiction/history. Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

This book was inspired first by my grandmother who rode bucking stock in rodeos during the 1920s. The research I did for the novel trilogy based on her life led to a non-fiction history of those women who competed with men on bucking broncs, bulls and steers.

What kind of research did you do?

I read books about the old-time cowgirls, researched newspaper articles, I had stories my dad told me about my grandmother, and I interviewed descendants of some of the cowgirls.

America is known for their rodeos. What makes you so interested in cowgirl and rodeo history?

My grandmother. After she passed away when I was about 12, my dad and I were going through some photo albums and he made a casual remark: “Did you know Grandma rode steers in rodeos?” I knew she loved horses and preferred riding the range to domestic chores, but that tidbit of information intrigued me. I filed it away until many years later when I decided to write a book to tell her story. That casual remark led to four published books!

Where can my readers find you online?

My website is http://www.heidimthomas.com

On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Heidi-M.-Thomas/e/B004QT2N4M/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Heidi-M-Thomas-Author-113945861994671/

Twitter: @heidiwriter

Thank you for this interview, Heidi. I hope my readers will check out this book.

Interview with Contemporary Romance Author Charissa Stastny

Charissa Stastny hails from Las Vegas, Nevada, but has never pulled a handle of a slot machine and can't shuffle cards to save her life. Her hobbies include reading, writing, painting, spending time outdoors, and savoring good food (especially sushi and chocolate...but not together). She resides in Salem, Utah with her husband, children, and lazy English Cream Retriever (where shuffling isn't required, thank goodness). She has written four books: The Bending Willow Trilogy and Between Hope & the Highway.

Welcome to my blog. Please tell us about your novel, Between Hope & the Highway.

This is a heart-warming redemption story with a forgiveness theme. Here’s the blurb:

Sometimes things get so messed up you have to pick up and get the heck out of Dodge. That’s what Liz Ruthersford does. Memories can be weapons, and hers have become incoming missiles. Fleeing home and her parents’ pity, she seeks refuge on a remote ranch in Montana where no one knows her tragic past. When she meets Bentley and Rawson Law, brothers with wounds of their own, life veers off course from her plans. Embers of hope and love flicker to life, but will Liz let them burn bright enough to warm her heart? Or will she hit the highway and run once again?

Some of your books are suspense/romance, but this one is different. Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

My first three books were contemporary romantic suspense. This one doesn’t have the danger and intrigue those had; it’s a lighter romance set on a Montana ranch with cowboys, horses, cattle, and lots of heart. Part of my inspiration came from this quote I heard on Oprah. It’s by Lily Tomlin: Forgiveness means giving up all hope for a better past. My characters have some issues they are trying to heal from so their past mistakes don’t define the present.

My husband is a real fan of your works and talks about them quite often. What kind of research did you do for this book?

In comparison to my first three suspense works, I felt this book only required ‘mild’ research. I didn’t feel like I would alert the FBI by my search terms of drug cartels, torture methods, and guns like last time. For this book, I researched the workings of cattle ranchers, horse trainers, different horse breeds, and stuff like that. It was fun.   

That was what grabbed me. I loved the setting for this book and I loved the lightheartedness of the characters. You had me laughing so much. Do you consider your female character to be feisty or meek yet spirited?

Liz Ruthersford is sweet and strong, but very vulnerable. She’s been verbally beaten down all her life by a hen-pecking mom who has never seen eye to eye with her, but she’s still resilient and kind-hearted despite that obstacle. She harbors deep insecurities because of her upbringing though, that she has to overcome over the course of the story.  

I agree, and she sure can be strong and sassy when she wants to get even with Rawsom. Haha. Where can my readers find you online?

My website’s the best place to go. It has all my social media links, as well as Amazon links, blurbs, and trailers for each of my books. If you sign up for my newsletter there, I will send you a free book as a welcome gift.

• Website – http://www.charissastastny.com/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/CharStastny
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/c.stastny.author
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/c.stastny.books/
• Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5840671.Charissa_Stastny
• Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/charstas/

Thank you for this interview, Charissa. I hope my readers will check out this book. Here is my review for this book below.

“I truly enjoyed this story. It’s done in first person and each chapter is from a different person’s viewpoint: Liz, Rawson, and Bentley. Liz is an adorable young woman and I love both her innocence and spunkiness. Bentley is a 12-year-old boy who is physically disabled and has a heart of gold. Rawson is very masculine and has a great sense of humor. He is the complete opposite from Liz. He had me laughing so much, simply because of his love of Star Wars and his flirtatious attitude toward Liz. I loved how he gradually changed to be a better person throughout the story. This book is done in 4 parts and I love how the author slowly develops the love story between Liz and Rawson. It did not take long for Rawson to realize that respect of Liz’s values was the way to win her heart. They were an adorable couple. This story is one that I would read again.” Review written by Linda Weaver Clarke

A Tale of Fantasy, Mystery, and Romance!

Magic is always a common element in fantasy. In this story, you find out that some magic is good, while others use it for evil. Katie Watkins, of Katie’s Clean Book Collection, wrote:

“I love a good story with an arranged marriage in it--especially if it involves royalty. How could I not love this one? Gabrielle is offered up to marry handsome Prince Alec in order to forge an alliance that will help in the coming war. Their relationship progresses slowly and naturally and I really enjoyed watching it unfold.

“Gabrielle wants to be loved, but she remembers the prince from her younger years and always thought of him as a playboy. I know I would have a hard time getting over those memories and she wasn't any different. I can't imagine being thrown (forced) into a new situation like that. I thought she did a good job of making the best of her situation.

“I loved the mystery and adventure and thought there was just the right amount of fantasy. Of course, my favorite parts were the romance. I loved how kind and gracious this couple was and how they worked together to find a solution to the problems at hand. I really liked the first book, but I loved this one! So far, they just keep getting better!”

In The Alliance of Isian, war is coming and all the kingdoms must choose a side. Isian decides to make an alliance with their long time enemies in order to defeat a common enemy. So Isian sends a proposal, offering their daughter to the prince, in order to ensure an alliance. Princess Gabrielle and her new husband, Prince Alec must learn to work together and trust each other in order to triumph in the approaching war. With a mysterious beast attacking the kingdom, their lives in danger, and overcoming their vast cultural differences, will love grow despite their trials or tear them apart? Enjoy the fantasy, danger, mystery, and romance!

Jonel Boyko, Confessions of a Bibliophile, wrote: “Wow! This series just keeps getting better. Clarke melds fantasy with a vivid manner of storytelling that had me hooked. The intricate descriptions lend themselves to Clarke's vivid world building while the intimate voice allowed me to really get into the exciting and fast paced plot.

"I love how Clarke showed the separation between those who approve of magic and those who don't. It's not just a given thing in this world. Many are against it, and for good reason. This divide added a complexity to this tale that I never expected.

"I love how character driven this story was. It really allowed me a mulit-perspective view of the story. Beyond that, I truly enjoyed getting to know these new characters. They quickly and easily found a place in my heart. All in all this was a fantastic story on it's own and an unforgettable addition to the Isian series.”

Visit Serena Clarke’s website: http://serenaclarke.wordpress.com.

Read her book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alliance-Isian-Book/dp/B01L2A4VUQ

Listen to a sample at: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/The-Alliance-of-Isian-Audiobook/B01L2A5ACY

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