All posts by Kelly S

Novella, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR22 – #Review – My Road Trip Romance by Jennifer Daniels

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My Road Trip Romance

Author, Cassidy Nixon hides in her stories. It’s much easier than feeling anything real for anyone other than her family.

Interested in attending the Harvest Pick and Read writer’s convention, Cassidy, her brother Darren, and his wife Sam set out on the long drive to the event.

The first stop starts off with a bang, when Cassidy runs headfirst into a handsome stranger. And for the first time in a long while, Cassidy is taken with this hardheaded stranger that she will never see again. Or will she?

She runs into this handsome man a second time and thinks its just coincidence.

When he shows up at the same event in the room next door, Cassidy thinks he’s a stalker. But he convinces her he isn’t.

All Cassidy had to worry about was the safety of her raccoons while she was gone.

Now will she have to worry about her heart?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Super cute, quick read! If you are one who frequents author events as a read or an author, this is a great read. Ms. Daniels puts a sweet spin on Cassidy, an author getting ready for an event to meet readers, having a road trip with her brother and sister-in-law but also finding a bit of love on the way. Cassidy is one of those types of people that I would call an extroverted introvert. They tend to keep to themselves unless they really know you. However, the pull that Cassidy has to Jack makes her a bit more adventurous. Oh, and the raccoons, they have a special place in my heart. I would have liked the story to be a bit longer as some of it felt a bit rushed but overall, I recommend this if you are looking for a cute and quick read.

NA, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Review, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, Witches, YA

#Review – 13 Ways to Midnight (The Midnight Saga Book #1) by Rue Volley

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13 Ways to Midnight : (The Midnight Saga, Book #1) by [Rue Volley]



TWILIGHT meets PRACTICAL MAGIC with a dash of SUPERNATURAL.

You’ll never miss the sunlight until it’s gone.

Sixteen-year-old Echo Navarri, daughter of world-famous archaeologists, Alice and Peter Navarri, has spent her life traveling from one expedition to the next as her parents unearthed lost civilizations. On their thirteenth dig, Midnight, Echo’s twin sister, disappears without a trace. This prompts a year-long search that leaves the family nearly broken. In an attempt to find some closure they reluctantly host a mock funeral for Midnight without ever recovering her remains. Nearing the one-year anniversary of Midnight’s assumed death, Echo is sent to live with her eccentric Aunt Luna who is the caretaker of the centuries-old Navarri Estate in Port Royal, Maine. Echo attempts to settle into her new life in Port Royal, but soon finds that she’s destined for adventure as the mystery of her family’s history, the sunless town, and its oddly intriguing people teeter on the supernatural.



Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

First and foremost, I LOVE THIS COVER! Second, I have no idea why it took me so long to read this book!

“Curiosity is for the devil and fairytales.”

 I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love the world that this author has built. It is intriguing, compelling and truly captivating. A beautiful story of loss, love, and some crazy, sprinkled with the perfect amount of humor and teenage angst.

“You’ll be okay. Embrace the journey, little one.”

The fresh take on the paranormal world was amazing. It teetered on paranormal for a good part of the book, so it really kept you guessing and turning the page to figure out what is happening.

“Then I closed my eyes. I could feel a dark presence behind me. Something ancient and evil. Something that hunted without mercy. I turned to face it, and my mouth lay open.”

I sort of started to roll my eyes when it started to go in the direction of Twilight, but the author stopped almost as sudden as it started and went in a completely different direction. This again had me turning to the next page. This is the type of story that kept me saying, “just one more chapter”, well into the early hours of the morning. I truly love Echo’s Aunt Luna. You can always sense that something is a bit off with her but she is an amazing character in the story. The same can be said about Echo’s new friends. There are still so many secrets to unravel that I can’t wait to continue Echo’s journey. Bravo, Rue Volley! You have yourself another fan!

 

Rue Volley

Connect with Rue:

Website: http://www.ruevolley.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruevolley/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rue-volley

Twitter: @RueVolley

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Rue-Volley-146299465525490/?fref=ts



Part of a Series, Writers on the River Attending Author, Zombie

#WOTR22 #Review – Broken Undead (Stay Dead Book #3) by L.C. Mortimer aka Sophie Stern

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Broken Undead (Stay Dead Book 3) by [L.C. Mortimer]

Zombies never stay dead.

It’s been a month since the zombie infection took hold of humans everywhere. One month and six days and still we don’t know what started the infection or how far it’s spread. All we know is that we’ve got to take this thing one day at a time if we want to stay alive.

And trust me: we want to stay alive.

Our little group has found ourselves in the heart of an undead city. Trying to make our way around the city didn’t work so well. We finally decided to just try to make our way through. We’re searching for other survivors. We’re searching for food. We’re searching for anything that can help us get Greta home to her family.

None of it is going to matter if the zombies claim us before we make our next move, though.

None of it’s going to matter if we can’t make it home.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Being plagued with the biggest nightmare of the emptiness looming in the future while searching for something that you aren’t going to find is sometimes what keeps you surviving. This group of survivors is one of my absolute favorites in the Zombie world. Everything from them surviving a sinking ship, a short adventure on a tiny island and the journey back to the mainland has brought them closer together…and is incredibly realistic. I swear that the journey this group is could absolutely happen. Darkness and death are literally everywhere. They holed up in a place to take a break and regroup. When they decide that it is time to go to try and get Greta home, they run into more twists and turns that they will have to navigate carefully through this madhouse that is the zombie apocalypse. This is a fast paced, very well written, page turner that you won’t be able to put down. I am on pins and needs for book four ‘Fear the Undead’!

L. C. Mortimer

L.C. Mortimer likes zombies, shifters, and things that go bump in the night. When she’s not busy dreaming up her next story, Mortimer can be found dancing, traveling, or curled up with a cozy mystery.

Coming of Age, Fantasy, NA, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR22 #Review – Analissa, Guardians of the Origin by Miranda Shanklin

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Analissa: Guardians of the Origin by [Miranda Shanklin]

Everybody always knew that Analissa would be the new Leader of the Guardians of the Origin. She took it for granted that she would take over for her mother with her best friends by her side. It didn’t exactly work out the way that she thought it would. Now, she has to take on the new responsibility while her best friends moved on to something else, without her, while she tries to deal with her insecurities. When she finally meets her soul mate those insecurities are doubled. She knew she was not good enough for him. Ozias knew that he was not the type to find one person and settle down with her. He had yet to meet a woman that could hold his attention for even a first date. When he first saw Analissa all of his beliefs were put into question. Now, he is expected to walk away from his realm and take on responsibilities he didn’t ask for while trying to decide if he has been wrong about himself and what he believes. He is certain she would never want to be with him if she knew how he had treated women in the past. This is a new adult spin off the Soul Series and is intended for an older reader. This does contain some adult content and is not intended for young adult.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

This is an intriguing read full of emotion but most of all it is about overcoming the crazy obstacles life gives us. Analissa and her family, including aunts, uncles, and cousins, all live in the same home near the origin. The Origin has tasked the adults as the Guardians of the Origin. She always knew that she would become the leader but wasn’t ready for what was in store for her. Having your life determined for you before you were even born makes you question a lot about life. She found here soul mate, from another realm no less. Other species have not been together in the past and this tosses a curveball into the already crazy mess of emotions that she is going through. She is often questioning whether she actually wants to be with Ozias or if she is just supposed to be with him. On the other hand, he questions the same thing. They both go through what I call “normal” relationship issues with insecurities and what not but they do make it through. And it is a sweet love story.

“You were meant to help each other and be there for each other. Neither one of you is stuck with the other. Your souls were created to complete each other. You’re a part of each other.”

I really enjoyed the story. However, I was hoping for a bit more information regarding the Origin itself and possibly more action. They are the Guardians of the Origin, so I assumed that there were be some crazy fight that ensues. There is one, but it was more of a skirmish. I do look forward to reading the rest of these because I feel like there is so much more to unfold.

 

Miranda Shanklin

 

 



Apocalyptic, Reverse Harem, Review, Suspense, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR22 #Review – Creepy: A Post-apocalyptic Reverse Harem Romance (The Zombiepidemic Book 1)  by Morgan Jane Mitchell

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Creepy: A Post-apocalyptic Reverse Harem Romance (The Zombiepidemic Book 1)

Welcome to Creepy, Louisiana, Population 1.
Sissy outlasted the Zombiepidemic, but when other survivors arrive, she finds herself with another dilemma, too many men to choose from. Sounds like a good problem to have if it weren’t that a parish over, her ex has become the king of a gang of savages called the Stayers. Dillon is hell bent on making her his. Can her new suitors save her from an old one or can she really have them all?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

There were many different aspects of this book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Sissy lives in Creepy and is the only resident. She has a routine for scavenging, stock piling, and keeping safe. Her ex has assured her that no one will mess with her but he has to give him some ‘Miss Mary’ in return. They have quite a past and the way he changed really has her messed up inside because she doesn’t understand it. She keeps him sated so he will keep his thugs away from her. Then one day, a new neighbor comes to town. But this neighbor is hawt! Then another! All of a sudden, it’s a party, LOL! There is a lot of tension and angst that is built up throughout the book with a good storyline. It really makes you think about what you would do if you were in the same situation and how you would handle it. I imagine that I would be a lot like Sissy. She is a great female lead for this story. The push and pull between her and her men is delicate but just blooming too. There is a lot more to develop on this level and I imagine it will explode. Now, I generally use books as my escape so I must say that the only thing I didn’t care for is that the handling of the Zombie pandemic was very similar to the handling of the Covid pandemic, and I am sort of over it. Other than that point (and it was not dwelled on long) the story was great and has me looking forward to the next in the series.

 

Morgan Jane Mitchell

www.morganjanemitchell.com

www.facebook.com/themorganjane

www.twitter.com/morgijane



Contemp. Romance, NA, Review

#Review – The Fisher Men X My Heart: Book 1 by Rebel Nicks O’Dey

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The Fisher Men X My Heart

After the incident, four brothers vowed to love, but never date her.

Morgan made her chicken soup to feed her body and soul.
Connor taught her what love is during their weekly movie date.
Xander held her when the demons wouldn’t let her sleep.
Zack made her a badass who is no longer afraid of the dark.

The girl next door is coming home, all grown up, and ready to claim one of them. Has it been long enough?
Separating the girl who needed them, from the woman who wants just him, will make navigating a relationship through the hooks of the Fisher Family, and the mysteries that surround them, difficult at best.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Girls, I’m hooked! This is the first book I have read by this author but it most certainly won’t be the last! I need more of the Fisher Men in my life! I don’t normally get too into romance stories but this one, let me tell ya, is soooo much more! This isn’t your normal romance. There are some reverse harem aspects but nothing that crosses the line. Basically, these guys all protect her but have a pact to not date or claim her. They will do anything to make sure she is safe and protected. These boys were raised right! There is a trigger warning at the beginning of the book that the author outlines stupendously. She even has it marked in the book so that if you are uncomfortable, you can skip that part and not miss the story. The Fisher’s parents founded ‘Safe Space’ and help people that are victims of abuse or are in cult type situations. But when Kateri (the Fisher’s sister) and Samantha are assaulted, both need very different things. These boys are fixers and Samantha needed that. This book takes place after Samantha left for college and comes back to town as a woman. When she and the Fisher’s collide there is a different type of tension that grips your heart. I mean this will give you ALL the feels! I don’t really want to say a lot about the story because I don’t want to give anything away but you absolutely NEED to read this. There are quite a few characters that are very important to the story which is told from many of their points of view. The author did this seamlessly and it makes the story just that much better! This is an amazing story of self-discovery that is heart wrenching, panty melting, swoon worthy, but wholesome with a ton of the feels! Boy, I never thought I would put those words in a sentence together but this author, Rebel, you made me do it! Bravo! Can’t wait to put my hooks in the other Fisher Men!

Rebel Nicks O'Dey

Age Gap, Review, Standalone, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR22 #Review – Twisted Ink by Naima Simone

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Twisted Ink

Many women have fallen in love with the wrong men. I’m not the first. Hell, history is full of them.

Helen of Troy.

Anne Boleyn.

Bonnie Parker.

Elizabeth Kendall.

Oh, I’m far from alone. Now, I didn’t fall for one of America’s most notorious serial killers but still… Being in love with Jericho Fox, my mother’s ex-boyfriend, has doom written all over it.

Eat your heart out, Juliet Capulet.

Goodreads

Prolific Works

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I received this book from Prolific Works.

Love me some Jericho! And if I was in Eurydice’s shoes, I think I would have done the same thing!

“…fairy tales are for books in the public library, not for kids south of the train tracks.”

I have no clue how Eurydice’s mother and Jericho ended up together because momma is a hot mess…like gone off the rails of the crazy train mess. Well, Jericho wizened up and left (thank the gods) but he kept in touch with kids. He noticed an art talent that they had and tried to cultivate it. Well her brother followed in her mother’s footsteps but Eurydice keeps on keepin’ on and Jericho mentors her at his tattoo shop, and ultimately gives her a job. These two have been close and no one can come between them. But slowly things between them become “more than friends”. They both can feel this tension and have no idea how to handle it. But when that line is crossed…fireworks explode! This is a very well written story with the perfect amount of tension and angst all leading up to the grand finale of awesomeness. The only thing that I didn’t like about this is the fact that it ended! I so hope that this story continues…fingers crossed!

Naima Simone

Published since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”

She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.

Sci Fi, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, Writers on the River Attending Author, YA

#WOTR22 #Review – The Seer (The Aberration Book 3) by Michel Prince

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The Seer (The Aberration Book 3) by [Michel Prince]

Since Aberrations started appearing across the globe, the world was trapped in a communal nightmare. Children tossed away, instead of nurtured. Their gifts only seen as dangers, not a blessing, all hitting the teenagers right as they are trying to come into themselves.

At some point we all get lost in our dreams of what will be or what could be, but for Peyton Lark, trying to find the right path in his visions has him slipping into a delirium of insanity. The Seer among those who’ve hidden away on an island knows when visions increase, they are closing in on becoming reality.

While he has the ability to see danger coming, it doesn’t mean he can find the path to avoid it. With his other half, his love Claire Lawrence, being taken from him over and over in painful nightmares his main focus turns to saving her, with the rest a distant second. But the path isn’t changing no matter how much he tries to manipulate the dream.

Can Peyton find the way to save those around them from a weapon created for their complete annihilation? Or will he at least be able to spin the dream to save the one person who anchors him fully?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I couldn’t wait for Peyton’s story and I am so glad we finally have it! Peyton came from a good home with good parents but because of his birthdate, was sent to an aberration camp where he endured the unthinkable. Once he was able to escape, he found his place with others like him in Satori. They have all, Aberrations and Harveys (the normal), had to run as they are now being hunted by an Aberration Elder that is the current president. Peyton is a computer whiz and incredibly smart but his greatest strength is also his weakness. He is a seer and gets visions of the future. The only problem is that the future is always changing. He sees the same nightmare over and over where Clair is ripped away from him and no matter what he does or how hard he tries; he cannot manipulate anything to make this future change. He is finding that he is starting to blame himself but also questioning who he can trust. He feels like he is literally going insane. These hunters will never stop and finally Peyton has a breakthrough. He is thinking about things the wrong way. He needs to have EVERYONE work together. No prejudices and social classes. No more what ifs plaguing him to the point of madness. The time has come to band together and get ready for the inevitable. However, when the inevitable comes, another crazy twist comes at us and brings an entirely new type of torture to endure and get through. This story is an incredibly well written YA that can definitely get us adults on edge and turning the pages like crazy. I highly recommend this series and cannot wait for the next installment!

Michel Prince

Apocalyptic

#Review – Angels in the End (The End Saga Book 4) by C.L. Zelle

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Angels in the End (The End Saga Book 4) by [C.L. Zelle, Christina L. Rozelle, LC Ellez]

When a “divine culling” of the human population doesn’t go as planned, two heroes—one royal, and one unsung—brave the deadly new world to save a woman they both love for different reasons. Only, she doesn’t know they exist.

Desperate for answers and reeling from their part in the eradication of mankind, when their world collides with hers in the ensuing chaos and upheaval of the End of Days, all bets are off.
Will their prophesied fates shift in the rubble of the aftermath?
Will their love for her be enough to make things right, though her entire life has been a lie, and they have always known the truth?

King Daemon won’t go down without a fight. He’s been in love with Grace since he knew what the word meant, and he will do everything in his power to save her, even if it means sacrificing her to the man she loves.

****************************************

DEAR READER,

“Angels in the End,” though written for adults, and in a separate series altogether, is also an *unofficial* Treemakers Trilogy prequel. Unofficial, because the author has plans for a future YA prequel more closely related to that series, but readers 18+ who have enjoyed The Treemakers Trilogy will find the value in “Angels in the End,” (and the rest of the series) as certain events contained herein are directly linked to The Treemakers Trilogy.Please read below.

**Content Advisory/Trigger Warning for The End Saga: Due to the inclusion of realistic world-ending scenarios, such as death/gore/torture/violence/steamy scenes/sexual violence/drug/alcohol use/abuse, and because of explicit language, this series is recommended for readers age 18+, and those who aren’t sensitive to these topics.Reader discretion is advised.
**It is recommended that this book be read after having read The Treemakers Trilogy, as “Angels in the End” may contain some spoilers for that story.
**Please note: the content in this 4th installment of The End Saga is considerably “cleaner” than the first three books in the series, due to it being from the POV of (mostly) different characters, as well as for its connection to the author’s YA series, The Treemakers Trilogy.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Holy what?!?! I am speechless.…This is a very hard review for me to write because the story is so intricate and intense with all the feels. I felt this one deep down. When you know you are the scary thing that lies awake in the dark and you don’t feel good about it…that’s when you know these are the games gods play. This journey gives us a new main character that has been in the background that we were completely clueless about. There are so many details that we were completely unaware of. The story is incredibly intense. Mind bending and maddening doesn’t even begin to touch it! The characters are all gracefully flawed and have their own, very different, demons to fight. What is truly right and truly wrong, and when have you crossed the line? Daemon, the main character, has been told about his destiny his entire life and just knows that things are going to go the right way. BUT… when the journey actually begins, he finds out that things are definitely not what they seem. He begins to question exactly who knows what and exactly how much of life is orchestrated. The story makes you turn the pages trying to piece everything together. The author does an amazing job making you feel everything that Daemon feels. I mean, the only way out of the madness is through. Daemon, along with the rest of the characters are all very deep and complex. Oh, and guess what?! Murray is back!! I absolutely love that Angels in the End can be read 1st or 4th in the series. I can’t wait to get to the next level!

C.L. Zelle

About C.L. Zelle

Zelle’s writing roots sprouted with poetry and prose in countless journals in her early years, continuing through her tumultuous teenage years, and well into her turbulent young adult life. Though her younger self dreamed of scribing non-fiction and poetry someday, when she discovered the magic in creating fiction she never looked back. Overcoming countless obstacles of her own, the wisdom gained along her personal path through healing breathes life into her beautifully dark, yet hopeful tales of triumph. Filled with an array of emotional triggers, not many topics are off limits in her works. Zelle’s exceptional storytelling dives deep into the survival and growth journeys of diverse, broken characters and unlikely heroes. Authentic, gritty, intricate, and wildly imaginative, her stories also offer hope—a light in the dark—as her characters discover their own inner strengths and worth in the midst of debilitating adversity.

Though her wanderlust calls her to a nomadic life of traveling the world in planes, trains, ships, and RVs, Zelle currently resides in a small town in Texas, USA with her four wonderful children.

If you’d like to stay in touch, and get up-to-date info on new releases, as well as giveaways and promotions, sign up for her mailing list: C.L. Zelle’s Dark Army: https://www.subscribepage.com/CLZellesDarkArmy

If you’ve enjoyed any of her books, you can thank CL by leaving an honest review of any length on Amazon.

For up-to-date info on new releases and promotions, you can also find CL at the links below:

C.L. Zelle’s Reader Lounge: http://bit.ly/CLZellesReaderLounge

C.L. Zelle’s Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/CLZellesFBpage

Recommended reading order of the books in these two series’:
The Treemakers Trilogy
The Treemakers
The Soultakers
The Seeker’s Keys
The End Saga
Willows in the End
Ravens in the End
Beacons in the End
Angels in the End

M/M, Mystery, Review, Suspense

#WOTR21 – #Review – The Pinkerton Man Series by C.J. Baty

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The Pinkerton Man Series (The Pinkerton Man, #1-2)

BOOK ONE:
THE PINKERTON MAN
Stiles Langberry leaves England under the dark cloud of blackmail.
He resettles in America with a new name, becoming a Pinkerton Agent.
His new employer sends him undercover to a brothel that serves homosexual men, where prostitutes are being murdered. In the course of his investigation, he becomes involved with Paul, one of the prostitutes. Complicating matters, one of the suspects draws Stiles like no man before him. Stiles knows he must stop the killer before he strikes again.

BOOK TWO:
HOME ON THE RANGE
Pinkerton Agent Stiles Long is sent to the Circle W Ranch to uncover who is killing the ranch’s cattle. In order to discover the truth about the goings on at the ranch, Stiles has to prove to the ranchers he’s more than a good-looking city slicker.
Savage Beare, the head ranch foreman, is far from happy that Stiles is there to check things out. He has secrets of his own.
Stiles finds Savage incredibly good-looking, but cold and aloof.
He’s also a suspect. One of many.
When Stiles’ best friend and partner, Lizzie Ferguson, is kidnapped things begin to shake apart.
Stiles doesn’t trust anyone and he needs to find Lizzie before time runs out.

Goodreads

Review by Kelly

A provocative detective series set in the late 1800’s that won’t disappoint. Stiles has moved to the United States after being blackmailed for being a gay man in England. He never loses himself but rather reinvents himself. On the boat he forms a wonderful friendship with Lizzie and soon these two become the best of friends. Stiles eventually moves to St. Louis and becomes a Pinkerton Man. He has to go undercover for his first assignment to a brothel that caters to M/M. While investigating he gets attached to one of the gentlemen at the club. He ends up having one of the hottest nights of his life. Things take a turn for the worse. His “friend” ends up murdered. He takes this incredibly hard but has to move on. The silver lining is that Lizzie ends up popping back into his life. These two go on the road undercover together to solve another mystery. In true Stiles fashion, he ends up playing while working and grows rather fond of the foreman. Things really go crazy when Lizzie is kidnapped. Stiles could never live with himself if something happened to her. This is a rollercoaster of a story. I don’t normally read M/M books but the actual story is what keeps me going. I look forward to continuing their journey!

C. J. Baty

C. J. Baty lives in southwest Ohio. Her heart however, lives in the mountains of Tennessee where she hopes to retire some day. The mountains have always provided her with inspiration and a soothing balm to the stresses of everyday life.

The dream of writing her own stories started in high school but was left on the back burner of life until her son introduced her to fan fiction and encouraged her to give it a try. She found that her passion for telling a story was still there and writing them down to share with others was much more thrilling than she had ever expected.

She has a loving and supportive family who doesn’t mind fixing their own meals when she is in the middle of a story. And a network of friends, who have encouraged and cheered her on in her quest of being an author.

One thing she has learned from life and she is often heard to say is: “You are never too old to follow your dream!”