Shards of Secrecy by N.D. Testa Excerpt & Giveaway

Shards of Secrecy
N.D. Testa
(The Sapphora Series, #1)
Publication date: December 18th 2024
Genres: Fantasy, New Adult

Disguised as a mortal and robbed of her memory, an Egyptian sorceress is thrust into a daring quest to reclaim her fate or suffer at the hands of those who want her dead.

When a mummy attack at the city museum shatters the illusion of her ordinary life, twenty-year-old Noellia Taviani discovers a shocking truth: her entire life has been a lie. She isn’t a normal adolescent born into a Connecticut family. She is Sapphora, a princess with magical powers from the realm of Avogadro, a parallel universe to Ancient Egypt. Framed for treason against the crown and failure to fulfill a prophecy, she’s exiled to the harsh prison of Salutem. There she must relearn her craft to protect herself from those who seek to destroy her.

However, time is running out. The Nefarious Pharoah has escaped the underworld and threatens to not only conquer both realms, but to destroy everyone she loves. To stop him, Sapphora must overcome deadly challenges created by the Ancient Gods to recover a stolen spellbook before her birthday on the Winter Solstice. As she navigates this treacherous path, she’s drawn to a forbidden love with an Egyptian god, a dangerous temptation that could be her undoing.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

I enter the dim oppressive atmosphere of the Mummy Tomb, and stare at the stark glow of the glass box that houses the three-thousand-year-old sarcophagus. My breath catches in my throat when I see Alex, unconscious on the cold stone floor.

“Alex!” I sprint forward and crouch by his side. I turn him over to his back. Taking my phone I dial 911, but there is no service. Within seconds, the screen goes black, and the icon indicating the need to charge appears. I could have sworn my battery was a hundred percent a few minutes ago.

I reach forward, and place my hand against the wrinkled skin on his neck. A faint pulse kisses my fingers. Relief floods through me that Alex is still alive. But that reassurance is short-lived as a crackling sound fills the room. Turning to the glass display, my jaw drops as cracks weave through the clay sarcophagus. The case shakes violently, then the lid explodes. Pieces of the tomb smack against the plexiglass, forming chips and small cracks. My stomach twists into knots as a bandaged arm rises from inside the sarcophagus. The mummy has come back to life.

Author Bio:

N.D. Testa is a fantasy author who conjures immersive worlds filled with magic, mystery, and adventure. With a focus on inspiring hope, her stories transport readers to realms of wonder and possibility. When not lost in the pages of her imagination, she's an avid fitness enthusiast, fashion lover, and animal advocate. From snowboarding the slopes to exploring new cultures, N.D. Testa finds inspiration everywhere. She believes in the power of books to change lives and is committed to crafting tales that resonate with readers of all ages. At night she enjoys being by the fire with a cup of tea in her hands.

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Brian and Mina’s Holiday Hits by Kitty Thomas Excerpt & Giveaway

Brian and Mina’s Holiday Hits
Kitty Thomas
Publication date: December 18th 2024
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Dark Romance, Romance

“Be honest with me, Brian. Are we going on a cross-country killing spree?”

“I’d hardly call it a spree.”

Brian Sloane is a pure psychopathic monster… to everyone but Mina.

She was looking for a good man to scratch a particular itch but instead ended up bought by the violent enforcer of a submissive training house.

Against all odds, the villain became her hero. She was the light to his dark until the lights went out, and the darkness inside her came out to play.

Now they’re both killers, chasing the blood lust, running toward their demons, each hit job more dangerous than the last. From a twisted Easter hunt, to an explosive Fourth of July, from a deadly masquerade ball, to an even deadlier Krampus run, culminating in the Do or Die Valentine’s Day Kill that will either seal their doom or their happily ever after.

Do killers even deserve a happy ending?

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

It’s after dark when we arrive at the Windsor Estate. The heavily guarded iron gate extends around Drake Windsor’s massive property which seems to go on for miles. I grip Brian’s arm and lean in to whisper in his ear as we walk along the well-lit path up to the front door.

“What about weapons?” I whisper.

“No weapons,” he says. “They’ll pat us down and send us all through a metal detector inside.”

“Then how in the f**k are we going to do this? Are you planning to kill him with your bare hands?”

Brian shrugs. “I could. He’s too refined to get his own hands dirty. He’s old money.”

“What does he do? Besides hiring assassins to kill all his enemies.” You’d think Brian would have listed this man’s profession on the murder wall.

“Oil magnate.”

“Is that even still a thing?”

“Apparently,” he says.

“I thought you’d tell me he was in the tech industry.”

Brian laughs. “I said old money.”

“Fossil fuel. Checks out.” Dinosaurs are for sure old.

I stop talking as we get closer to the house. It’s so big, even the word mansion doesn’t quite cover it. The security detail are all big burly guys wearing suits and electronic ear pieces. They give us both a once over, their eyes staying on me a bit longer than is actually necessary.

The first one pats Brian down, and then goes for me, but Brian closes a tight grip over the man’s wrist.

His voice is low and calm when he speaks. “Elvin, I swear to every power living and dead that if you touch her, you will not survive to see your daughter’s first Christmas.”

The guard swallows hard. “I have orders…”

“You have metal detectors. You and I both know that’s the real security. This pat down business is just security theater—a display of Windsor’s power and nothing more. You think about whether it’s worth your life to participate in this charade.”

He nods. “Go on in, Mr. Sloan.” Then he nods at me, “Ma’am.”

Author Bio:

KITTY THOMAS writes dark stories that play with power and have unconventional HEAs. She began publishing in early 2010 with her bestselling COMFORT FOOD and is considered one of the original authors of the dark romance subgenre.

To find out FIRST when a new book comes out, subscribe to Kitty's New Release List: KITTYTHOMAS.COM

Website / Goodreads / X / Bookbub / Instagram

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The Devil I Love by Kay Freeman DIY Ornament, Excerpt & Giveaway

DIY Fabric Ornament

Materials:

Scrap ribbon or fabric

Twine

Twig

  

Instructions:

Cut-up fabric or ribbon

Tie to twig in a simple knot

Repeat until twig is full

Cut ends

Attach twine for hanging

The Devil I Love

The Devil Chronicles

Book Two 

Kay Freeman

Genre:  Contemporary Gothic Romance

Publisher: Kay Freeman

Date of Publication:  02/10/2024

ISBN: 979-8-9853618-4-1 

ASIN:  B0CQ4KH1K9

Number of pages:  247

Word Count: 68,180

Cover Artist: Consuela Parra

Tagline:  She was supposed to be my wife, not my rival’s slave.

Book Description: 

I promised to go legit. The truth—I can’t. It’s who I am. 

When I break the news, River returns my ring and relocates like I knew she would. I don’t tell her the rest. My only hope, he sees the engagement is off and decides our deal is too and leaves her alone. 

If he doesn’t and takes her, she’ll become his and I'll never escape the hell I've created.

Amazon     BN     Apple     Kobo     Smashwords

Excerpt

"We need to postpone the marriage." My words echo through the cavernous space, sounding harsher than I intended. The yellow flames from the candles reflect in River's eyes and a tear slides down her cheek. It's like when you're passing a car wreck; I don't want to look, but I can't stop myself. My bedroom is the quietest room in The Palace, which is the reason I brought River here. Everywhere else in the house is frenzied and boisterous with my employees getting ready for work. They live here with me and that's the way it's always been, and it seems it's going to remain that way.

River's shoulders slump. "I can't believe you're doing this, Cruz." She collapses onto my throne, carved from ebony. I purchased the piece at auction. It was a steal. In the past you had to come from royalty to sit on one or kill someone who did. Most people today don't feel comfortable sitting on one unless it’s in jest. You need a large ego to do it, which suits me fine. No one sits on it but me. River realizes she's made a mistake and gets up quickly. Her face crumples. "Why must we?"

"I thought I could, but I can't. I've lived in The Palace since I was twelve and—"

River staggers toward me. "You promised. You said we'd be a family. You're going back on your word." Her forehead wrinkles.

"I can't give up a business I'm good at it. I've done it a long time and—"

"You have Monsters now. It's a nightclub, and it's legal, not against the law like…" But she holds the rest of her words, while holding her hands at the same time. She doesn't call it a whorehouse, a brothel, or any of the other nasty names people use to describe what I do.

"Be realistic, River. Monsters doesn't come close to earning enough money. It’s just another Chicago nightclub. I make ten times the amount in receivables in a single day with The Palace. I'm sorry, River, but I can't give it up, or any of the others…yet. I've got too much overhead."

"But maybe someone else can run it and—"

"I can't; no one else can manage the women."

"When will you be ready to marry and give up the brothel?" River twists her engagement ring. The smell of burning sage is the only thing keeping me strong. I want to take back my words before I say them. Do anything to stop what's coming. But it has to be done. I need to make her go. I'd said several chants to build my strength earlier, but it won't protect us from what will happen when I say these next three words.

About the Author:

Kay Freeman spent the early part of her career as a professional artist. She's shown her work throughout the United States under her professional name, Kay A. Klotzbach. She was awarded two Geraldine Dodge fellowships for her paintings from the state of New Jersey. Kay was a full-time art professor in South Jersey for over twenty-three years and was granted a Princeton mid-career fellowship for her teaching and her community-based learning projects from Princeton University.

Kay decided to pursue her passion for writing after her manuscript, Truth Moon, was selected by Romance Writers of America's RAMP program in 2021, which led to the publication of her debut novel, Truth Moon, by The Wild Rose Press. Kay has gone on to self-publish four other novels. She also writes a publication for romance authors, What Do Romance Authors Think About, a free newsletter, on substack.

Freeman is passionate about contemporary gothic and suspense romance. Kay loves to balance dark characters with more spiritual ones when writing her novels, providing ways for heroes and heroines to transform themselves into better people. Besides her passion for art, reading, and writing, she loves blues music, tequila, her husband Barry. This list is not intended to be in any particular order. Kay lives in Wilmington, DE, in a mid-century, modern kit home designed by Donald Scholz that she and her husband are still in the process of restoring.

https://www.kaylaafreeman.com

https://kayfreeman.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/kayfreemanthewriter/

https://www.facebook.com/kayfreemanthewriter/

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Jingles by D.F. Jones Excerpt

 

With Christmas Eve fast approaching, Nick must convince Clara to trust in the magic they share before the magic fades forever—and with it, the spirit of Christmas itself.

 

Title: Jingles

Author: D.F. Jones

Publication Date: November 1, 2024

Pages: 96

Genre: Women's Short Stories/Women's Fiction

Jingles by USA Today bestselling author D.F. Jones is a heartwarming tale set in the picturesque town of HollyHaven, where Christmas magic is more real than anyone could imagine. At the heart of this magic is Jingles, a beloved Christmas shop that has always been the town’s festive centerpiece. But this year, something is different—the magic is fading, and the very spirit of Christmas hangs in the balance.

Enter Nick, the reluctant heir to the Claus legacy, who’s been tasked with saving Christmas before it’s too late. While Nick knows the pressure is on, he isn’t expecting the key to saving the holiday to come in the form of Clara, a talented baker who runs the town’s cozy café, The Cinnamon Stick. Clara, still healing from past heartbreaks, has wrapped herself in the warmth of her bakery, keeping her heart and belief in magic safely guarded.

As Nick and Clara’s paths cross, sparks fly, and magical happenings begin to unfold around them. Nick sees something special in Clara—something that might just be the answer to restoring the holiday magic. But more than that, he feels a growing connection he can’t explain.

With Christmas Eve fast approaching, Nick must convince Clara to believe in the magic of the season and the love blossoming between them. Together, they must find a way to restore Christmas before it fades away forever.

Jingles is a feel-good, magical romance filled with the joy of the holiday season, perfect for anyone who loves a good dose of Christmas spirit, love, and second chances. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes, the greatest magic of all is simply believing.

Jingles is available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DJDQLY66 .

 

Book Excerpt

Nick ran his fingers over the delicate, gilded edges of the ancient book, its weight heavy in his lap, both literally and figuratively. The Saint Nicholas Revelation. The magic of Christmas resting on his shoulders? He had always imagined he’d carry on the family traditions, but not like this—not with the ticking of an unseen celestial clock urging him forward.

His father, Nicholas Sr., stood across from him, eyes weathered by centuries yet still bright with the same magic that pulsed through the very fabric of their family. He had seen countless Christmases come and go, carrying the burden of wonder and joy on his back like a well-worn cloak. But now, the mantle would fall to Nick, and it felt impossibly heavy. Between them hung a silent bond of understanding. The older man had walked this path once before, and while his demeanor was as steadfast as the North Star, Nick could feel his father’s concern beneath the surface.

“What if I don’t want to fulfill the prophecy?” Nick's voice wavered, betraying the doubt that had crept in under the cover of the predawn hours when uncertainty tends to dig deep.

Nicholas Sr.’s eyes softened, though his voice carried the weight of centuries. “It’s not about wanting, son. It’s about destiny. The magic isn’t just a job—it’s in our blood, the essence of who we are. There was a time when I asked myself the same question.” He paused, his gaze steady as he stepped closer. “But I won’t force you into anything. You've always had free will, just as I did. The choice is yours, but know this: without the magic, Christmas as the world knows it might just become another winter day. The joy and hope fade without someone to keep the spark alive.”

Nick swallowed, his throat dry as if the weight of his decision had sucked the moisture from the air. “But what if I fail? What if I’m not strong enough? You’ve had centuries to perfect it… I’m just—” He hesitated, unsure of how to put into words the inadequacy that gnawed at him. “I’m not you.”

A gentle and knowing smile tugged at the corner of his father’s mouth. “I never expected you to be. Each of us carries the magic in our way. I wasn’t my father either. But the magic… it grows with you, Nick. It shapes itself around your heart, your desires, your dreams. And yes, your fears, too.”

Nick’s hands gripped the book's edges, feeling the ancient, worn leather under his palms. It was alive with an energy he didn’t fully understand yet. “What if the magic’s not enough?”

Nicholas Sr. went to him, placing a hand on Nick’s shoulder. “The magic is always enough. The question is, will you allow it to be? This world, this time we live in, needs more than ever what we have. It needs belief, Nick. Not just in the magic of Christmas but in something greater. In hope, in light, in the power of love to heal what’s broken.”

The room fell silent for a moment, save for the faint sound of the wind outside, gently brushing against the frosted windowpanes. Nick nodded, feeling the gravity of his potential choice settle over him like a cloak of invisible snow. He looked down at the book in his lap, which now seemed to pulse with ancient, expectant magic as though it were waiting for him to open it to begin the next chapter in their family’s story.

“The magic may be enough,” Nick said, finally meeting his father’s eyes. “But I’m not sure I am.” Nick turned his gaze to the large sash windows, where the snow-covered peaks of Reflection Ridge sparkled like a thousand diamonds under the afternoon sun. The sight was familiar, yet today, it felt distant. For a fleeting moment, he imagined life without the enchantment of the mountain, without the reindeer or the elves bustling about the workshops, and without the secret joy of slipping through time and space to bring wonder to children everywhere. Could he really bear the weight of that loss? “What about the store? What about Jingles? Items are selling like crazy, and the sales help create funds for those in need.”

Nicholas Sr. leaned back, his eyes reflecting the deep connection between their family’s magic and the store. “Jingles isn’t just a store, Nick. It’s an extension of you, of the magic that runs through your veins. Every ornament, every stocking, every trinket sold carries a touch of that magic. It’s why people feel a little more joy when they walk out of those doors, why they believe just a bit more. The magic within you breathes life into Jingles, and in turn, Jingles spreads that magic out into the world.”

Nick’s brows furrowed. “So, you’re saying if I don’t fulfill my destiny—if I step away—the magic in Jingles fades?”

His father nodded slowly. “That’s right. The store thrives because your belief and commitment to Christmas are embedded in every aspect of it. Without that, without you, Jingles becomes just another quaint holiday shop. The enchantment fades. It’s not just about selling ornaments; it’s about keeping the spirit alive. If your magic dims, so does the store’s. It’s all interconnected.”

Nick swallowed hard, the gravity of it all sinking in. But then a thought surfaced, one that gave him hope. “If I want to keep the store after the transition, is that possible?”

His father’s lips curved into a warm smile, the twinkle of Christmas magic in his eyes. “With Christmas magic, everything is possible, Nick. You can continue, Jingles—you can continue everything, but it must come from the heart. The Magic is about more than fulfilling a duty. It’s about love, belief, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. The store can thrive as long as you carry those things with you.”

Nick breathed out slowly, a tiny flicker of reassurance settling within him. He wasn’t just stepping into his father’s shoes—he could make this legacy his own. Nick took a deep breath and exhaled, the weight of the decision pressing in on him. “How does the transition take place, Father?”

Nicholas Sr. smiled, a gleam in his eye that Nick hadn’t seen in a while. “It starts with finding your soul mate. Without Mrs. Claus, the North Pole wouldn’t work how it needs to. Your mother and I have kept this going for centuries, but we’re ready to retire, to hand over the reins, so to speak, to you and a new generation.”

Nick blinked, feeling the ground beneath him shift. The enormity of it all—a legacy more significant than anyone—hit him anew. His father’s words echoed in his mind. A soul mate? It wasn’t just about magic, the North Pole, or Christmas. It was about partnership, about love. That, more than anything, had been the key all along. 

“A soul mate? I don’t understand,” Nick muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, yet it carried the weight of his turmoil. “How does this even work? Am I supposed to conjure her with a spell? How do I find this woman—the one destined to be my partner of Christmas?”

Nicholas Sr. let out a chuckle, the sound tinged with nostalgia. “Love isn’t conjured, Nick. There’s no spell for it, no incantation. It’s not a trick or a treat. She’ll find her way to you, as your mother did to me, turning everything extraordinary in the most mundane moments.”

Nick frowned, the gears of logic turning in his mind. “But how will I even know? What if she’s just—” He waved his hand vaguely, “—some mortal passing through? What if she doesn’t believe in magic at all?”

“Ah,” his father said, his eyes twinkling with a secret knowledge. “That’s the tricky part. The magic only reveals itself to those who believe. She'll see it if she’s the one, just like your mother did. But you can’t force it. You can’t rush the magic.”

Nick wasn’t convinced. “And what if she doesn’t come at all?” He asked the question again, frustration creeping into his voice like frost over the windowpane. “What if I’m not cut out for this? For love, for magic, for any of it?”

His father tilted his head slightly, his gaze never wavering. “Then we live as mortals, and the world turns,” he said. “We adapt. We let Christmas become just another day on the calendar.”

Nick felt a surge of indignation at the thought. Adapt? That wasn’t in their blood. Adapting was for people who settled, who gave up the extraordinary for the mundane. His jaw tightened, a flicker of resolve igniting deep within him.

“I won’t let that happen,” Nick muttered under his breath, though the conviction rang between them like the unmistakable chime of a sleigh bell.

Nicholas Sr. smiled knowingly, a twinkle in his eye suggesting he’d once stood in this spot, facing the same dilemma. But he didn’t press further, allowing the weight of Nick’s choice to settle around them like the snow falling outside.

The room seemed to hum with ancient magic as if waiting for Nick’s next move. One thing was sure: time wouldn’t wait for him forever.

– Excerpted from Jingles by D.F. Jones, D.F. Jones, 2024. Reprinted with permission.

 

About the Author

 

Ever wonder what it’s like to step into a world where angels, demons, witches, wizards, and time travel collide? That’s the magic D.F. Jones weaves into every story she tells—worlds where the supernatural and romance meet, pulling you in until reality and fantasy blur in the best way possible.

Before she became the USA Today bestselling author, D.F. Jones had a pretty different gig. She worked as a broadcast consultant at an ABC Affiliate in Nashville. But then, in 2015, she decided to downsize her ad agency to take care of her family and focus on something constantly tugging at her heart—writing fiction.

Writing, for her, is more than just putting words on a page. It’s her escape, a place where the stress of everyday life melts away, and anything is possible. And she wants to share that world with you. The stories she crafts aren’t just filled with magic—they’re packed with action, love, and characters you’ll be thinking about long after you turn the last page.

At home, D.F. Jones shares a love story of her own. She’s married to her best friend, a man who keeps her laughing every day. Together, they raised two incredible sons, who are the true lights of her life and the spark behind the heart and soul in her books.

When she’s not writing, you’ll probably find her in her flower garden. She loves the feeling of her hands in the soil, coaxing life from the earth just like she does with her characters on the page.

So, if you’re ready to escape into a world where love and the otherworldly go hand-in-hand, D.F. Jones is the perfect guide. Her books promise adventure, a bit of whimsy, and heart-pounding moments that’ll keep you hooked. Welcome to her world, where the impossible is just the beginning.

Website ➜ http://www.dfjonesauthor.com

Twitter ➜ https://twitter.com/Author_DFJones

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/DFJones.author

Instagram ➜ https://instagram.com/D.F.Jones_Author

Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/GoodreadscomdfjonesAuthor

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Princess Sophie and the Magic Elixir by Mike Martin Excerpt & Interview

Princess Sophie and the Magic Elixir is the story of a young girl who loves Christmas. When she sees that the people of Melodica are losing their Christmas spirit, she sets out to help them rekindle their magic...

Title: Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir

Author: Mike Martin

Publication Date: October 15, 2024

Pages: 24

Genre: Mezzo Publications

Princess Sophie and the Magic Elixir is the story of a young girl who loves Christmas. When she sees that the people of Melodica are losing their Christmas spirit, she sets out to help them rekindle their magic. At the end she finds that all we really need is to believe in the power of love.

Princess Sophie and the Magic Elixir is available at Amazon.

 

Book Excerpt

Princess Sophie lived in the tiny kingdom of Melodica with her father King Olav and her mother Queen Bianca. She loved her friends who were the birds and the rabbits and the squirrels who lived in the nearby forest. Princess Sophie especially loved Christmas. In fact, she loved everything about Christmas.

She loved the jingles and jangles. She loved the horns and the hooters. She loved the lights, the wrapping, the singing and clapping. She loved everything about Christmas. What she liked most was that warm, comfy feeling that you got just before Christmas. That something really good was going to happen. That feeling lasted for 12 whole days while Christmas went on in Melodica.

But this year something was just not right. There were still sparkles and sprinkles and lights all around. There was even a giant Christmas tree in the middle of the town square. Yet, Princess Sophie did not have that feeling, that special Christmas feeling. In fact, it felt a bit sad. She asked her mother, her father and her teacher but nobody knew what had happened. Worst of all, no one knew how to fix it.

“Oh, no,” said Princess Sophie to her favourite rabbit friend, Hopper. “We have to do something. We can’t have Christmas without that special Christmas feeling. What can we do?”

Well, Hopper was a great friend, but he couldn’t speak human. So, he started hopping instead. He hopped and hopped and hopped until Princess Sophie got tired of all the hopping and asked him to stop. But the hopping somehow had given her an idea.

“When I am sick, nurse gives me special medicine to help me feel better,” she said. “Maybe we can find a medicine that brings back the Christmas spirit. But where we would find a medicine like that? Princess Sophie asked her mother, her father and the nurse but nobody had ever heard of a medicine like that.

Now Princess Sophie was getting sad herself. “There must be somebody who can help us, but who? Hoppy didn’t have that answer so he hopped and hopped and hopped until Princess Sophie finally told him to stop hopping. “Your hopping has given me another idea,” she said. Christmas is magical, so the Christmas spirit must be magical, too. Who should we talk to about magic?” The rabbit just looked at her.

“A magician, of course,” said Princess Sophie. She asked her father who was the best magician in Melodica. 

“Why, it’s Lady Ariana,” said King Olav. “She is absolutely the best.”

– Excerpted from Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir by Mike Martin, Mike Martin, 2024. Reprinted with permission.

 More Children's Books by Mike Martin

 

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Beaver-Mr-Mike-Martin/dp/1777131464

https://www.amazon.com/Friend-Christmas-Mike-Martin-ebook/dp/B0CLJ57CHV

About the Author

Mike Martin was born in St. John’s, NL on the east coast of Canada and now lives and works in Ottawa, Ontario. He is a long-time freelance writer and his articles and essays have appeared in newspapers, magazines and online across Canada as well as in the United States and New Zealand.

He is the award-winning author of the best-selling Sgt. Windflower Mystery series, set in beautiful Grand Bank. There are now 15 books in this light mystery series with the 2024 publication of Too Close for Comfort. 

He is also the author of 3 Chldren’s Christmas books. The Christmas Beaver, A Friend for Christmas and now Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir.

Interview:

Where are you from?

I am from Canada’s capital city, Ottawa

Tell us your latest news?

My latest book is Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir, the charming story of a lovely princess who discovers the magic of Christmas.

When and why did you begin writing?

I have been a writer for a long time, ever since I was a kid. Graduating from short stories and very bad poetry into books and much better poetry.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I became a ‘writer’ when I said it out loud. From that moment on, I just wrote and wrote and wrote. First as a freelance writer and then on to a mystery series and now children’s Christmas books.

What inspired you to write your first book? 

My first fiction book was The Walker on the Cape, the first book in the award-winning Sgt. Windflower Mystery series. The inspiration was that I desperately wanted to write and publish a book. It took me a long time to do it, but I did it. 

Do you have a specific writing style? 

I have a simple and kind of soft writing style. No bad language or explicit violence. That made the transition to children’s books much easier.

How did you come up with the title? 

The titles always come after the story is finished. I knew the main character’s name but didn’t find the title until it was done.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? 

The magic of Christmas is actually inside of ourselves and not about anything that comes from external sources.

How much of the book is realistic? 

I think that while it is magical, it is realistic. That happiness does not come from anywhere but inside of us.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? 

No.

What books have most influenced your life most? 

I love the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

I don’t have one.

What book are you reading now? 

I am reading The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? 

No

What are your current projects? 

I am working on a new Sgt. Windflower mystery and thinking about a new children’s books

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members? 

Several writer’s groups including the Ottawa Independent Writers and Crime Writers of Canada

What would you like my readers to know? 

That readers are just as an important part of a book as writers. That readers make a book come alive.

Let’s Connect!

X ➜ https://www.x.com/mike54martin 

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552604938333 

Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220363612-princess-sophie-and-the-christmas-elixir

 

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