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Signed Paperbacks

  • The Goblin and the Dancer (Signed Copy)
    The Goblin and the Dancer (Signed Copy)
    $10.00
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  • The Reluctant Godfather (Signed Copy)
    The Reluctant Godfather (Signed Copy)
    $8.00
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  • A Royal Masquerade (Signed Copy)
    A Royal Masquerade (Signed Copy)
    $9.00
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  • Poppy's Peril (Signed Copy)
    Poppy’s Peril (Signed Copy)
    $5.00
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  • A Flash of Magic (Signed Copy)
    A Flash of Magic (Signed Copy)
    $13.00
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  • The Key To the Chains (Signed Copy)
    The Key To the Chains (Signed Copy)
    $4.00
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Amazon / Kindle Links

  • The Goblin and the Dancer
    The Goblin and the Dancer
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  • The Reluctant Godfather
    The Reluctant Godfather
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  • A Royal Masquerade
    A Royal Masquerade
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  • Poppy's Peril
    Poppy’s Peril
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  • The Key to the Chains
    The Key to the Chains
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  • allisonteboauthor

    allisonteboauthor
    This is a fairly accurate depiction of me during # This is a fairly accurate depiction of me during #aclassicretold collaboration, wouldn’t you say @authoralissajzavalianos @worldofvindor @songsofheroes @jenellelschmidt @tspecfiction @ninaclarebooks @rosies_bookshelf @hkayewrites? 😆

A Classic Retold is a series of nine standalone novels retelling classic literature as you have never seen it before! Each one is an adventurous fantasy full of hopeful themes and clean content. Want to help spread the word? Click on the link in my profile or stories to join the cover reveal team! Trust me, these covers are epic and you are going to want to be a part of it! 😍

QOTD: If you could retell any classic novel, which one would you choose?
    I have been sitting on this announcement for nearl I have been sitting on this announcement for nearly two years.

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At the end of 2021, the #villainseverafter collaboration was wrapping but I knew I wasn’t done.

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I had SO MUCH FUN doing a multi-author series that I made a very typical decision. I decided to organize my own collaboration!

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I am thrilled to announce A Classic Retold: nine fantasy retellings of classic literature as you have never seen them before!

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Don’t forget to check out to follow all of the authors in this collaboration and check out their recent posts to find out more about their contributions to their series!

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The book covers in this graphic are temporary. You can also sign up to join the COVER REVEAL team by clicking on the link in my stories and profile. You can also find the link to add Break the Beast to your Goodreads shelves in my stories and profile as well! 

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Do you have any questions about A Classic Retold? Do you have any questions about Break The Beast? Drop them in the comments below!

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: #AClassicRetold #Retellings #fantasyretellings #ClassicLitRetelling #classicliteratureretellings #BreaktheBeast #Beowulf #beowulfretelling
    QOTD: How many rounds of edits do you do when you’re writing a book?

I do (more or less) two rounds. One first draft, then a developmental edit is given and I rewrite the book based on that.

LINE EDITS, however, take me much, much longer. Someone take my red pen away and zip me up in a perfectionist-crazy straitjacket. 😭🤪
    QOTD: What’s your least favorite part of the wri QOTD: What’s your least favorite part of the writing process?

My upcoming release that I announced yesterday - Break the Beast - was edited within an inch of its life. 🤪 There were many days when I felt like screaming.

In retrospect, I probably should have screamed. That might have helped. 😅
    Guess what? I'm publishing a new book in September Guess what? I'm publishing a new book in September!

My next book is a retelling of the legend of Beowulf and I couldn't be more excited. Beowulf has long been very dear to my heart and being able to put my own unique spin on it has been an honor.

Check out the temporary cover and swipe to read the blurb! 

 
4 WAYS THIS BOOK IS DIFFERENT FROM ANY OF MY PREVIOUS BOOKS: 

1. It's longer. Up to this point, The Goblin and the Dancer was my longest book at approximately 50k. Break the Beast is approximately 70k. 

2. It's not funny. At all. It's the most serious thing I've ever written. 

3. It has a lot of symbolism (my favorite). 

4. It's written in first person, present tense - a first for me!

 COMP TITLES:

Break the Beast combines the mythic feeling of Lord of the Rings with the chivalrous and honorable sensibilities of King Arthur, the topics of Into The Heartless Woods and The Last Battle, and the writing style of Rosemary Sutcliff!

I'm going to be revealing the official cover in August, so I would deeply appreciate any help in sharing it (believe me, it's gorgeous!)

Click on the link in my profile or stories to join my cover reveal team and/or to add Break the Beast to your Goodreads shelf!

QOTD: What piece of classic literature have you always wanted to be retold well?
    Rant incoming. Again, and again, I’ve had peopl Rant incoming.

Again, and again, I’ve had people not buy my books because they were “too expensive.” Again and again, I’ve given away my short fiction for pennies because magazines “couldn’t afford” to pay even minimum wage. I’ve seen young writers, so desperate for an audience, even give their stories away for FREE to e-zines.

A freelance cover designer can make $200 to $300 for a book cover they design in a week. A freelance editor can make $500 to $1000 editing a single book in thirty days.

The writer makes $2.00 dollars for a book they worked on for years.

It can take us YEARS to make the amount of money an editor makes on a single project.

To make it worse, TikTok is proliferated now with “hacks” on how to “get books for free.” They really mean piracy. Quora and the internet are flooded with questions like: “Why are books so expensive?” 

As someone who has spent six years of her life writing books, the real question should be: why are books so cheap?

The average American spends $11 to $20 on Starbucks every single week—on a cup of coffee that was made in five minutes and downed in three. And yet, the enigma continues of people perpetually lowballing writers for their work.

Statistics show that people are being paid less than half a living wage for their creative labor in the global trend of “devaluing of creative labor.”

What’s wrong with this picture?

To be honest, I don’t know the answer. I don’t understand what makes society undervalue artists and authors. I don’t understand why a coffee is worth it, but a book is not.

But it needs to change.

And if you are one of those people (like me) who never splurge on Starbucks and really can’t afford to buy tons of books—ask me in the comments for ideas of how to support your favorite writers for free! There are tons of options and they make a difference in an author’s lives!

Speaking of pricing, KDP just announced that print costs for books are going up starting in June! That means book prices are going up just so indie authors can make their two dollars per book.

All that to say, if you want my books at a rock-bottom rate – do it now! This is as low as they are ever going to be!
    🌟 SIGNED PAPERBACK GIVEAWAY! To celebrate the 🌟 SIGNED PAPERBACK GIVEAWAY!

To celebrate the recent reveal of my first artwork for #thetalesofambia and #thegoblinandthedancer, I am giving away a signed paperback copy of each of these books!

But I have another purpose for this giveaway aside from wanting to spread joy and merriment everywhere I go. 

I am seriously considering buying the commercial rights to the artwork I commissioned so that if someone wanted to buy prints of Burndee and the gang, you could do so. BUT, I need to gauge interest from all of you, so that is why, to enter into this giveaway, you are required to fill out a SUPER QUICK FORM letting me know whether you would be interested in buying a high quality character art print from me. 

1) Fill Out The Form In My Profile (Art Print - Feedback)
2) Sign Up For My Author Newsletter
3) Follow Me On Instagram (do not follow to unfollow or you will be baked into Burndee's next cake. 
4). Tag three friends in the comments. 
5). Share this post and tag me! 

I'm afraid this is open from US residents only, BUT, because I don't want anyone to feel left out, I put the Kindle editions of both The Reluctant Godfather and The Goblin and the Dancer on sale for only $0.99! 🎉 

Giveaway Closes May 23rd!
    QOTD: Who is your favorite fictional bro squad? H QOTD: Who is your favorite fictional bro squad?

Here we go! The last and final piece of artwork I commissioned from @beanireen18 😍 Reviewers have pointed out that my books are as much about "bromance" as they are romance (probably more so). Platonic friendships - particularly between dudes - is one of my favorite things to write and Burndee and Prince Colin are some of my special favorites. What ARE they exactly? Even they don't know. They're prince and subject, fairy guardian and fairy ward, enemies and friends, in-laws and enemies, brothers and enigmas. They drive each other crazy and yet they would be lost without one another (they would just never admit it). 

They're so central to The Tales of Ambia, I simply had to get artwork done of my two disaster bros. 

BLURB FOR THE RELUCTANT GODFATHER:

Burndee is a young and cantankerous fairy godfather who would rather bake cakes than help humans. A disgrace to the fairy order, Burndee has only two wards entrusted to his care . . . a cinder girl and a charming prince. A royal ball presents Burndee with the brilliant solution of how to make his wards happy with the least amount of effort. He’ll arrange a meeting and hope the two fall in love.

Available for Purchase on Amazon.
    QOTD: Who is one of your favorite bookish couples QOTD: Who is one of your favorite bookish couples of all time?

I simply CAN'T STOP SHARING the artwork I commissioned from @beanireen18 😍 Here is artwork number three! Naturally, I had to ask for some artwork of Prince Colin and Cynthia. To find out while, you'll have to read my book. *winks* Stayed tuned for the last and final piece of artwork tomorrow!

BLURB FOR THE RELUCTANT GODFATHER:

Burndee is a young and cantankerous fairy godfather who would rather bake cakes than help humans. A disgrace to the fairy order, Burndee has only two wards entrusted to his care . . . a cinder girl and a charming prince. A royal ball presents Burndee with the brilliant solution of how to make his wards happy with the least amount of effort. He’ll arrange a meeting and hope the two fall in love.

Available for Purchase on Amazon.
    QOTD: What's your favorite retelling of Cinderella QOTD: What's your favorite retelling of Cinderella? 

I meant to give my newsletter subscribers a sneak peek and eek out the suspense regarding my newly commissioned artwork but, because I have no chill, I am dropping the next piece of art from @beanireen18 now!

Friends, I finally have artwork for my series #thetalesofambia! 

I can't stop swooning over this piece. Their expressions, their clothes, the background, THE FLOUR ON THE TABLE. *fans self* 

The Reluctant Godfather was my debut novel and Burndee (the fellow featured here) is my most special baby. Of all my characters, he is probably my favorite, so this artwork is very special to me. 😍

BLURB FOR THE RELUCTANT GODFATHER:

Burndee is a young and cantankerous fairy godfather who would rather bake cakes than help humans. A disgrace to the fairy order, Burndee has only two wards entrusted to his care . . . a cinder girl and a charming prince. A royal ball presents Burndee with the brilliant solution of how to make his wards happy with the least amount of effort. He’ll arrange a meeting and hope the two fall in love.

Available for Purchase on Amazon.
    QOTD: Do you like bookish art? I am thrilled to QOTD: Do you like bookish art? 

I am thrilled to announce that I have commission my very first artwork for my books! Ladies and gents, take a gander at this brilliant artwork from @beanireen18 that that she did for my book The Goblin and the Dancer!

More character art is coming so stayed tuned! Newsletter subscribers get to see sneak peeks before anyone else, so if you can't wait, sign up for my newsletter by clicking the link in my profile or stories!

BLURB FOR THE GOBLIN AND THE DANCER: 

Grik the goblin spends his days as a janitor cleaning the Metropolitan Dance Hall, drawn to the Elvish world and tired of the darkness of his underground home. He secretly pines for the ballet company’s lead dancer, Rosanna, but his own ugliness and shyness stand in the way of confessing his love.

When a handsome soldier named Paul appears on the scene to make a bid for Rosanna's affections, Grik’s jealousy bubbles over and he commits the unthinkable, plunging all of them into the river and down into the depths of the earth.

Determined to redeem himself, Grik leads Rosanna and Paul through the place he calls home: but even a goblin can’t be prepared for everything that is found underground. Trapped in the dark, nightmares both within and without rise to the surface, threatening to destroy them all.

A magical and heartfelt retelling of The Steadfast Tin Soldier about finding your worth.

Available for Purchase on Amazon.
    GIVEAWAY! (and exciting news) Guess what? I’m b GIVEAWAY! (and exciting news)

Guess what? I’m being published in another anthology; and this time it’s a collection of Sleeping Beauty retellings! Perchance To Dream releases in early May and I’m giving away a free paperback!

How to enter? Sign up to my author newsletter! (link in stories and profile) and share this post in your stories! Then comment DONE below.

One of my subscribers (US residents only, sorry) will be randomly selected next week and will get a free copy of this delightful collection.

 
My newsletter is quarterly, but I send out special bulletins when I have news – and I have a special email going out THIS WEEK. You’ll want to sign up to my newsletter right now so you don’t miss that bulletin BECAUSE...

1). I am thrilled to announce that I have commissioned my very first character art! It’s so exciting to see a version of my characters come to life on paper, and I can’t wait for the official reveal here on my account! I’m going to be sharing it next month but, if you sign up to my quarterly author newsletter, you can get a sneak peek at the character art before anyone else!

2). I’m going to be sharing about a special ebook sale but ONLY newsletter subscribers will know about it and I’m only going to be talking about it in this week’s exclusive email, so if you have been wanting to read my books at a discount, sign up to find out about the sale!
    QOTD: What are you attempting to grow this year? D QOTD: What are you attempting to grow this year? Do you have a garden?

As I traverse the hard path towards healing, I’ve been thinking a lot about stories that focus on fragile, growing things—The Secret World Of Arietty. Arietty, like the profusion of flowers in the garden she visits, is small and delicate, and yet, somehow, she not only survives, she blooms. It’s something I’ve been thinking about lately as I start my mini garden—one of the most healing things you can possibly do. While grubbing in the dirt, you’ll find that more than just flowers—peace will blossom inside you too.

Someone I know uprooted some peppermint from her garden for me to plant my own starters and, needless to say, I was thrilled! I have named her Peppermint Patty and I’m looking forward to enjoying her leaves throughout the rest of the year.
    “Arietty, my heart is strong now because you are “Arietty, my heart is strong now because you are in it.”

 

The Secret World of Arietty is one of my favorite Ghibli films for many reasons: and one of them is the themes of overcoming. Faced with the unknown, chaos, change, and the terror of death—Sean peace. Arietty, a tiny Borrower with a heart no bigger than a pea, and Sean, a boy with a heart that does not work properly, find themselves, miraculously, strengthened. They are both afraid their life is over—but then they meet—and their connection revives them. Their beautiful friendship cheers them, forces them to examine their convictions, and spurs them on to be the best version of themselves.

 

Once in a while, you are fortunate enough to meet that fellow soul that makes your own soul stronger, your heart greater, the future less daunting, and life more worthwhile.

I’d like to take a moment to thank (just a few) of the Sean and Arietty’s in my life.

@maryhercegauthor - your gallant heart has reached out to mine selflessly and continuously. Through typos and travails, you are always ready to come to the rescue. Thank you for your unflagging faithfulness, your brilliant mind, your great laugh, and sparkling personality.

@joellenkemper – your gentle soul gives me hope. Thank you for the way you have introduced joy and beauty (and Ghibli!) into my life, and walked with me in the healing journey. Your sweet voice and smile that never fails to make me believe in goodness.

@ahartleyscribbles – your bright spirit has given me the camaraderie of storybooks. Thank you for making me laugh, for being an instigator of wonderful things, and for being my buddy in everything from “sinking ships” to Bible studies. The Bilbo to my Gandalf: I’d adventure with you anywhere!

These are only three—three precious souls out of SO MANY precious souls that I have come to know here on this app. Thank you for reaching out to me. 

My heart is strong now because you are in it.

In the comments below, tag the people who have been heart-strengtheners to you and let them know what they mean to you!
    QOTD: Who’s one of your favorite “swoony” he QOTD: Who’s one of your favorite “swoony” heroes?
 

For me it’s Pazu from Studio Ghibli’s Castle In The Sky, no question. I can’t talk about Pazu without dissolving into squeals.

 

He’s persistent, energetic, good-natured with a quirky love for flying contraptions, unexplored regions, and machinery that give him just a touch of Nerd.

Also, let’s talk about that charm. One of the first things he says to Sheeta is that he at first believed her to be an angel. Very smooth, Pazu.

 

I love his generosity of spirit: a mysterious girl falls from the sky and he hauls the unconscious girl back to his house, gives up his bed, gets her food, and then proceeds to devote his entire future to her welfare. He’s a true extrovert (It was a relief to see an extrovert portrayed so accurately and favorably. What some decry as clingy, is actually loyalty. Pazu does need people—but he’s so indispensable himself that his “neediness” is not a trial. 

 

He has the best work ethic and, whether it’s seeing to his job at the mines or facing down the barrel of a gun, he doesn’t shirk his duty. Pazu is prematurely mature—but his hard youth is not considered a waste, nor does he view his responsibility as a deficit. Pazu is proud to be a protector and provider. He is the epitome of healthy masculinity: ready to carve out a life, hold down a job, sacrifice for the people he loves, and make a home. He wants all of these things, and is excited to work hard for them.
 
 
Pazu’s love for people and his sense of duty make him one of the most self-sacrificing characters I’ve ever seen. And in the end scene, where he decides he will die to stop the villain, and calmly comforts and encourages Sheeta to stand strong with him melts my heart. He is a picture of what a strong man should be—unwavering, but also gentle.

 
He’s not perfect. He can be naïve. He wears his heart on his sleeve and can get crushed because of it. When he gets depressed (a rare thing) he shuts down completely. He can be reckless. But despite his flaws, Pazu is just an all-around good guy.
 
 
And aside from facing down bad guys, this boy cooks a girl breakfast and is an independent homeowner. What else could you want?
    𝙈𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙨 𝘽𝙤 𝙈𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙨 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨

The adorable @ekmeyer brought this delightful tag to my attention and I had to give it a go! 

𝙒𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙: “Popular” (a book you read because of the hype)

Hmm, there’s been quite a few, but one that comes to mind is How To Train Your Dragon. This was a three-star read for me: it was cute and fun, but not really a favorite. 

𝙃𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙩𝙤𝙣: “You’ll Be Back” (a book you’ll read 100 times)

That would be The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. I have essentially memorized these books from reading them so many times. 

𝘿𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙀𝙫𝙖𝙣 𝙃𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙣: “Only Us” (a book couple you love)

The first couple that eventually came to mind was Saville and Galen from Valiant by Sarah McGuire. 

𝙃𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙮: “Welcome to the 60s” (an oldie but goodie)

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott! This inspiring classic has been a faithful standby for me since I was a wee tot. 

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙊𝙯: “If I Only Had the Nerve” (a book you’re scared to read)

The first one that came to mind is “To Destroy You Is No Loss,” by Joan D. Criddle. I’ve read only sections of this horrific book and I haven’t had the courage to finish. I mean to someday, because it's important to educate ourselves on the evils of Communism. 

𝙈𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙂𝙞𝙧𝙡𝙨: “Someone Gets Hurt” (a book that hurt your soul)

Sweep by Jonathan Auxier. I was weeping freely through certain sections of it – something I hardly ever do. 

𝙒𝙖𝙞𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨: “Never Getting Rid of Me” (a book you can’t stop thinking about)

Currently? Macbeth. I read it for the first time in January and it was like being struck by lightning. 

𝙇𝙚𝙨 𝙈𝙞𝙨é𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙨: “At the End of the Day” (a book you’ll never get to)

The skads of non-fiction I have on my Goodreads to-read shelf. 🫣

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙢 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙊𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖: “Point of No Return” (a book you hated)

Pride and Prejudice. If you dare, look up quotes from Mark Twain and, especially, Ralph Waldo Emerson regarding Jane Austen to get my full thoughts on this author. 😈

How would YOU answer these prompts? I’d love to hear your answers!
    I couldn’t resist. 😁 I do love a good vinyl, I couldn’t resist. 😁 I do love a good vinyl, and there is a gone out there who can resist the #mavericktopgun soundtrack?
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QOTD: What was the last book (or item) YOU bought from a bookstore?
    “This is no thaw," said the Dwarf. "This is spri “This is no thaw," said the Dwarf. "This is spring. What are we to do? Your winter has been destroyed; I tell you! This is Aslan's doing!" 
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As the world embraces the warmth of a new season, I feel trapped in the ice. A health crisis in December (on top of 9 years of chronic pain) has left me frozen inside. I feel left behind in life. Four months of pain and anguish feels like a hundred years. Always winter, but never Christmas. 
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I'm grateful for books like Narnia, that show us what the Bible already declares: all winters must end, because the Lord of New Life has declared it. “When a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor’s stead .. . Death itself will start working backwards.”
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Jesus died once and for all on the cross - and a million times before that. With every breath, He sacrificed his Glory on the altar of death. He endured the humility of humanity, the injustice of a cruel death, and the punishment of Hell so we could be restored to a right relationship with God. He endured, so that Winter might end. No curse can keep us captive forever captive now. The agony of sin and suffering could not withstand the roar of the Lion.
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Right now, I’m waiting in the winter, keeping the flame of faith alive and believing that, someday, all of my enemies will fall back, aghast, and say, “This is no thaw; this is Spring! Allison is whole again. Our power over her has been broken—this is the Lord’s doing!” 
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I don’t know when my Spring will come—perhaps soon, in a sudden miracle of grace, perhaps only after many years of suffering. Perhaps I will have to endure until the Lord’s return: that great and final Spring. 
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My consolation is that, one way or another, suffering is temporary. Just like the 100-year winter in Narnia, renewal will inevitably appear. The Witch's reign will be broken, for the King of Spring will make everything right.
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All the ice entrapping me will melt, the things inside of me turned to stone will come back to life, all the shadows will be banished. The Lion will roar, and sorrow will be no more. 
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Friend, if your heart is still held captive by winter, do not despair. Your spring is coming.
    QOTD: What’s your favorite month? . . I have a l QOTD: What’s your favorite month?
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I have a love/hate relationship with Spring because I love the mixture of cool and warm weather and blooming flowers but I hate Daylights Savings and pollen. Praying for lots of rain and extra sleep for all involved with March. 😅

And also choosing to focus on our gorgeous flowering trees!
    QOTD: How would you describe your writing style? QOTD: How would you describe your writing style? 
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My fairy tales combine the emotional complexity of Studio Ghibli, the heart and magic of Disney, the whimsical world-building and strong friendships of Pixar, and the tongue-in-cheek madcap humor of P.G. Wodehouse novels. 
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I've always loved fairy tales for as long as I can remember, but I never cared for romance novels. Consequently, while my books do have threads and dashes of sweet romances, you'll find a lot of other things I love: bro squads, frenemies, quirky world-building and magic systems, found family, witty dialogue, excessive descriptions of cake, and yes, occasional cartoon-like insanity as my characters find themselves in one crazy scenario after another. Whether it's the sudden appearance of a talking animal in the middle of a wedding to very real political disasters, my babies are always up to something. But one thing you can be sure of is a cozy adventure, something to think about, and a happily ever after.
    Load More... Follow on Instagram
  • I am a participant of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Read more on my full disclosure page.

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