Monday, December 19, 2016

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

Monday, December 12, 2016

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?


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

Saturday, December 3, 2016

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

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.