Tag Archives: Miranda Shanklin

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

 

 



Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR22 #attendingauthor #Spotlight – Miranda Shanklin

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Miranda Shanklin

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Miranda Shanklin I live in Central Illinois with my husband, our two children, our 100 lab, two cats, our sons 10 month old lab and our daughter’s cat. I work full time during the day as a Paralegal at a very busy law firm. That job is very demanding and stressful. I love my job, but I also love I get to come into my home office (which hubby built for me and is everything I wanted) and escape into another world for the weekend.

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

For me the first book in a series is the easiest one to write. I think it’s the last book in the series that’s the hardest to write. I had such a hard time with it I had a spin off trilogy already planned because it wasn’t coming together the way it needed to in order for that to be the end. Luckily, the last book in the Trilogy (which took me three times as long to write) was able to give me that completed feeling.

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

Yep. My series is a serial series. It needs to be read in order. The spin off trilogy isn’t really as much but it’s better if it’s read in order. It’s also better if you read the series first because I always refer back to things that happened in prior books.

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

I have cried many times while writing. All that means is I put all of myself into my writing. To me writing is personal. Don’t separate yourself from your writing. Immerse yourself in the story. Write a story you would want to read.

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

I don’t typically write during the week. As I said my day job is demanding and stressful. I am usually drained by the time I get home. I want to make sure I am giving my characters my all. On the weekends it depends. I had some health issues that had to be dealt with and some anxiety issues and now that I’m back I make sure to get at least 5,000 a weekend but try for more. I currently have three fantasy series, a second chance romance, a contemporary fiction, and a dystopian I am working on so sometimes it’s just a matter of taking notes or writing a few scenes in my journal I carry around just for that purpose.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

I do, I love this character. I really wish I could tell you about her, but she is in a book that I’m still working on. She is one of the main characters in one of my fantasy series. I will tell you it is about dragon shifters!

If any of your books were to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it? What book and who?

That’s a hard one. I’m thinking it would be one three different ones. Of course, I can’t tell you about those either because I’m still working on those too ! I know authors can be so frustrating can’t they?

What is your definition of success?

Most people would answer this with some kind of money measurement. That just isn’t who I am. If one of my books helps someone through a tough time, then I am a success. Or if I inspire someone to reach for their dream, then I am a success. I have a job that pays the bills, I don’t do this for the money. I do this because I love it. When I was about ten years old my mom let me read Stephen King for the first time (I had been bugging her for about a year and she finally caved) and I was hooked. He is the reason I became a writer. I thought if I could help one person escape whatever is bothering them like he did for me, I couldn’t do anything better for someone. There is no greater honor in my opinion.

What are your social links?

www.mirandashanklin.com

https://www.facebook.com/mirandashanklinauthor

https://www.instagram.com/mlshanklin/

What are your buy links?

https://author.amazon.com/home

Want to buy tickets to Writers on the River?

go to www.WritersontheRiver.com

VIP is $45. 12-1 VIP signing Time, Swag bag and 1-4 general signing time.  Plus includes After Party.

Early Access is $25. 12-1 VIP signing time, Swag bag, and 1-4 general signing time.  No After Party.

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After Party is $35. After Party 7:30-11:30 ONLY

Paranormal

#WOTR21 #newrelease #Paranormal – Prophecy : The Stregheria Book 1 by Miranda Shanklin

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Prophecy: The Stregheria Book 1 by [Miranda Shanklin]

Mira thought she had left her father and his obsessions behind her many years ago when she slipped away in the darkness of night. When her past catches up to her, it’s her daughter who has to pay the price and there is nothing she can do to stop it.

Lilly has lived the most boring life imaginable. Then in the blink of an eye her world goes from safe and comfortable to not knowing who she can trust, being torn from everyone and everything she has ever known and finding out why she has never felt like she fit in. Everyone has lied to her and now they want her to trust them. She has to figure out what is true, what she is meant for and how to handle this all on her own.

Goodreads

Miranda Shanklin resides in Central Illinois with her husband and their two children. When she is not working at her day job as a paralegal, running her children to practices or supporting them at events she is writing. She has been an avid reader most of her life and has always dreamed of writing her own books someday. Now that her children are reaching their teenage years she is finding the time to sit down and chase her dream.

Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR20 #Review #SeriesStarter #5YearFamily – Soul Journey, Soul Series Book 1 by Miranda Shanklin

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Soul Journey (Soul Series Book 1)

It has been many lifetimes since the cycle began.

The cycle that still haunts Annisa Lawson.

A spell cast in desperation to help, which only caused heartache.

Now, Annisa has found her way out of the varying repeats of her past; only to bring more danger to herself, and those around her. Now she must learn to survive with the help of her friends: Chase, Penelope, and Landon have all gone through each life cycle with Annisa. Sometimes helping, sometimes hindering. Now that Annisa has broken the cycle of their collective punishment, she finds that she needs her friends more than ever to keep their enemies, known, and unknown, at bay. As the group of friends learn of their souls’ journeys through their many life cycles, they must also learn to control the magick they have discovered within themselves and each other, in order to defeat the most feared assassin in their world.

Goodreads

This is a fun, quick read with a blast of supernatural! The book is categorized as YA (I believe because of the age of the characters) but is more on the NA side (as there are some adult situations that at times make it a little more adult-y). First, this cover is gorgeous and super eye catching and second, the synopsis sounds like a great read. I am a sucker for just about anything paranormal. I dive into this story head first and before I knew it was the end! The author was very clear with the world and character building. This is a story of witches that basically are reincarnated and go through life cycles over and over again. The reason they stand out is that the four main characters are cursed and have to not repeat past mistakes…but not in this life time. Annisa finally makes a decision that breaks this punishment but now the punishment is over they are faced with a lot of situations that no one can really help them with as they have never made it this far in past lives. One of the things that I didn’t care too much for was the fact that the four teens break the punishment with almost no struggle (well, some teen angst) and as they come together they don’t really have any struggles on a teen level anymore. So I feel like there could have been a little more of a story with some other types of struggles but that didn’t make me stop reading. The bond the teens form is unbreakable and just works. The villains in this story are some of my favorite! And once they are introduced into the story you will totally understand why. As for the story as a whole, I am definitely going to continue as I would like to see what other types of struggles and issues the teens come up against. I am looking forward to how the story progresses and how the author continues to grow. Super intrigued here!!!!

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Miranda Shanklin

Miranda Shanklin lives in Central Illinois with her husband, two children, and the family security system, a 100 pound lab named Fido. Paralegal by day, mom/wife by night, she writes during those rare but precious moments of downtime. An avid reader her entire life, Miranda’s dream was to someday become an author. That dream was realized in 2015 when her handsome and intelligent husband said three beautiful words: go for it.

Author Spotlight

#WOTR20 #5YearFamily #AuthorSpotlight – Miranda Shanklin

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Miranda Shanklin

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Miranda Shanklin I write paranormal romance about witches. I live in central Illinois with my husband and two teenage children. we have two dogs, a turtle and three cats. I am a paralegal for my day job and write every chance I get. My mind is always spinning and coming up with the next story or working out what will come up next in the story I’m working on now. My family sometimes has a hard time keeping my attention because I will get lost in the story in my head, but instead of getting annoyed it has become a family joke.

When you are writing, what are some go to’s that you needs? IE Foods to eat, noise level, place to sit.

I used to need it to be silent. My husband built me an office and put extra insulation around it as a sound barrier. Now I have to play Pandora so there is some kind of noise in the background. I always have peanut butter M&Ms and Mountain Dew there too.

What are you favorite things about attending signings?

I love seeing other authors that I have met at other signings but I have to admit I can’t beat the feeling of meeting readers who have read one of my books and is there just to find me and wants the next book. Or hears what the books are about and gets excited to read them. That is what I do this for, the readers, so when they get excited it makes it all worth it.

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

Stephen King. I have been reading his books since I was a preteen. I don’t know if I would even be able to say anything if I came face to face with him. I would completely fan girl.

When you are writing, do you have a consistent schedule where you write every day at the same time or are you a sit and go on different days to get it done kinda person?

I’m a sit and go whenever I have a chance kind of person. Just like I write. I don’t plan anything. I feel it’s too forced if I plan it out because then I have to follow this plan that’s already laid out. Then if something new comes to me I can’t do that because it will mess up the rest of the plan. I am just as surprised as to what is going to happen next in my books as everyone else. I tried doing a schedule and I ended up sitting there at a blank screen. I had to go back to just sitting down and writing when it felt right to me.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

I get a booth at a local festival every year and sell copies of my books. I had to stop writing for a little bit while I had some health issues. I had one woman come to my booth every year and ask if I had gotten my trilogy written and published yet. This year I had just gotten the last book published before the festival. She was so excited she was bouncing as she paid for the books. She said she was going home to re-read the series and then start the trilogy.
she was so excited. She didn’t lose interest, instead she just kept waiting and couldn’t wait to read what I had written. I am still amazed by that.

Do you have a book that is your most prized possession? What is it and why is it so amazing?

The first book I wrote. It will always be my most prized possession. It shows that I had a dream and no matter how much I was told it would never happen, I made it happen. I worked hard and I made my dream come true.

What are your social links?

www.mirandashanklin.com;

www.facebook.com/mirandashanklinauthor;

@mlshanklin

What are your buy links? (You can list individual or links to your Amazon/ibooks/Koko/etc Author Home Page.)

https://www.amazon.com/Miranda-Shanklin/e/B00N7X1LMI?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1570986204&sr=8-1

Sugar 4SPICE author event

#Sugar4Spice #AuthorSpotlight – Miranda Shanklin

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Miranda Shanklin

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Miranda Shanklin I write paranormal romance about witches. I live in central Illinois with my husband and two teenage children. we have two dogs, a turtle and three cats. I am a paralegal for my day job and write every chance I get. My mind is always spinning and coming up with the next story or working out what will come up next in the story I’m working on now. My family sometimes has a hard time keeping my attention because I will get lost in the story in my head, but instead of getting annoyed it has become a family joke.

When you are writing, what are some go to’s that you needs? IE Foods to eat, noise level, place to sit.

I used to need it to be silent. My husband built me an office and put extra insulation around it as a sound barrier. Now I have to play Pandora so there is some kind of noise in the background. I always have peanut butter M&Ms and Mountain Dew there too.

What are you favorite things about attending signings?

I love seeing other authors that I have met at other signings but I have to admit I can’t beat the feeling of meeting readers who have read one of my books and is there just to find me and wants the next book. Or hears what the books are about and gets excited to read them. That is what I do this for, the readers, so when they get excited it makes it all worth it.

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

Stephen King. I have been reading his books since I was a preteen. I don’t know if I would even be able to say anything if I came face to face with him. I would completely fan girl.

When you are writing, do you have a consistent schedule where you write every day at the same time or are you a sit and go on different days to get it done kinda person?

I’m a sit and go whenever I have a chance kind of person. Just like I write. I don’t plan anything. I feel it’s too forced if I plan it out because then I have to follow this plan that’s already laid out. Then if something new comes to me I can’t do that because it will mess up the rest of the plan. I am just as surprised as to what is going to happen next in my books as everyone else. I tried doing a schedule and I ended up sitting there at a blank screen. I had to go back to just sitting down and writing when it felt right to me.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

I get a booth at a local festival every year and sell copies of my books. I had to stop writing for a little bit while I had some health issues. I had one woman come to my booth every year and ask if I had gotten my trilogy written and published yet. This year I had just gotten the last book published before the festival. She was so excited she was bouncing as she paid for the books. She said she was going home to re-read the series and then start the trilogy.
she was so excited. She didn’t lose interest, instead she just kept waiting and couldn’t wait to read what I had written. I am still amazed by that.

Do you have a book that is your most prized possession? What is it and why is it so amazing?

The first book I wrote. It will always be my most prized possession. It shows that I had a dream and no matter how much I was told it would never happen, I made it happen. I worked hard and I made my dream come true.

What are your social links?

www.mirandashanklin.com;

www.facebook.com/mirandashanklinauthor;

@mlshanklin

What are your buy links? (You can list individual or links to your Amazon/ibooks/Koko/etc Author Home Page.)

https://www.amazon.com/Miranda-Shanklin/e/B00N7X1LMI?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1570986204&sr=8-1

Part of a Series

#WOTR19 #SeriesStarter #ThrowBackReview – Soul Journey by Miranda Shanklin

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Soul Journey (Soul Series Book 1)

It has been many lifetimes since the cycle began.

The cycle that still haunts Annisa Lawson.

A spell cast in desperation to help, which only caused heartache.

Now, Annisa has found her way out of the varying repeats of her past; only to bring more danger to herself, and those around her. Now she must learn to survive with the help of her friends: Chase, Penelope, and Landon have all gone through each life cycle with Annisa. Sometimes helping, sometimes hindering. Now that Annisa has broken the cycle of their collective punishment, she finds that she needs her friends more than ever to keep their enemies, known, and unknown, at bay. As the group of friends learn of their souls’ journeys through their many life cycles, they must also learn to control the magick they have discovered within themselves and each other, in order to defeat the most feared assassin in their world.

Goodreads

This is a fun, quick read with a blast of supernatural! The book is categorized as YA (I believe because of the age of the characters) but is more on the NA side (as there are some adult situations that at times make it a little more adult-y). First, this cover is gorgeous and super eye catching and second, the synopsis sounds like a great read. I am a sucker for just about anything paranormal. I dive into this story head first and before I knew it was the end! The author was very clear with the world and character building. This is a story of witches that basically are reincarnated and go through life cycles over and over again. The reason they stand out is that the four main characters are cursed and have to not repeat past mistakes…but not in this life time. Annisa finally makes a decision that breaks this punishment but now the punishment is over they are faced with a lot of situations that no one can really help them with as they have never made it this far in past lives. One of the things that I didn’t care too much for was the fact that the four teens break the punishment with almost no struggle (well, some teen angst) and as they come together they don’t really have any struggles on a teen level anymore. So I feel like there could have been a little more of a story with some other types of struggles but that didn’t make me stop reading. The bond the teens form is unbreakable and just works. The villains in this story are some of my favorite! And once they are introduced into the story you will totally understand why. As for the story as a whole, I am definitely going to continue as I would like to see what other types of struggles and issues the teens come up against. I am looking forward to how the story progresses and how the author continues to grow. Super intrigued here!!!!

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Miranda Shanklin

Miranda Shanklin lives in Central Illinois with her husband, two children, and the family security system, a 100 pound lab named Fido. Paralegal by day, mom/wife by night, she writes during those rare but precious moments of downtime. An avid reader her entire life, Miranda’s dream was to someday become an author. That dream was realized in 2015 when her handsome and intelligent husband said three beautiful words: go for it.

Paranormal, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR19 #CompleteSeries #Paranormal – Soul Series by Miranda Shanklin

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Soul Journey: Soul Series Book 1 book 1 Soul Redemption (Soul Series Book 2) book 2

Soul Knowledge (Soul Series Book 3) book 3 Soul Freedom (Soul Series Book 4) book 4

Soul Discovery (Soul Series Book 5) book 5

Book 1-

It has been many lifetimes since the cycle began.

The cycle that still haunts Annisa Lawson.

A spell cast in desperation to help, which only caused heartache.

Now, Annisa has found her way out of the varying repeats of her past; only to bring more danger to herself, and those around her. Now she must learn to survive with the help of her friends: Chase, Penelope, and Landon have all gone through each life cycle with Annisa. Sometimes helping, sometimes hindering. Now that Annisa has broken the cycle of their collective punishment, she finds that she needs her friends more than ever to keep their enemies, known, and unknown, at bay. As the group of friends learn of their souls’ journeys through their many life cycles, they must also learn to control the magick they have discovered within themselves and each other, in order to defeat the most feared assassin in their world.

book 2-

Just when Annisa and her friends were starting to think maybe the Counsel would leave them alone, two new students arrive at school. In any other town, new students wouldn’t be a sign that something big was about to happen to Annisa, Chase, Landon, and Penelope; but this wasn’t a normal town and they weren’t normal teenagers. They had come into their powers and defeated the most feared assassin in their world, so the appearance of new witches in their small town could only mean one thing…..the Counsel was ready to make another attempt to destroy them.

After watching the new students alienate them from everyone they know, including their parents, Annisa and her friends break through the spell and things start to calm down for them. It’s not until an old enemy returns with news that will shock them that they realize everything is not as it seems. Now they have to decide whether or not to trust an old enemy claiming to help them, or try and fight against the Counsel’s most trusted Advisors on their own.

The choice the group makes will change their lives forever.

book 3-
Annisa Lawson and her friends were getting pretty good at surviving. So far, they have defeated every force sent to destroy them. So when they are faced with new forces they had never thought possible, they were not entirely prepared. They were scrambling to catch up their magickal knowledge of the forces that were being sent after them. With their newly strengthened bond, they would have to work together to triumph. Just when they think they have it all figured out, something new pops up.
They are offered help, but will it be enough to once again overcome the forces working against them? The highly misunderstood forces in play will either help or hinder them; the question is, who do they trust?
The collective uncertainty and lack of knowledge could be the downfall of the entire group, testing their ability to trust in their own power, and that of each other. Can they overcome these forces and once again defend their special bond from destruction?
book 4 –
With the stress of graduation and planning weddings, Annisa and her group of friends want to end things with the Counsel once and for all. They strengthen their bond to the strongest it can be and go on the offensive. After they achieve their goal, they find that was not their only problem. Now they have to figure out who will be the next Counsel, and how to deal with other realms that have found their way in.
While the group guards over the Origin, Annisa goes with members of the other realms to track down the wayward travelers, before they cause too much damage in our realm. To prevent this from happening again or any damage that may result, the group, along with their newly appointed Counsel, must come up with a system to allow other realms access to our realm, so they don’t have to constantly be on the lookout for trespassers from other realms.
Can it be done in time for Annisa and her friends to enjoy graduation, and Annisa’s upcoming nuptials? With the help of friends and family, it just may be possible!
book 5-
Annisa and her group have finally made it to the point where they don’t have to watch over their shoulders for someone trying to destroy them. They have put together a system that allows the other realms access to our realm and they are still able to keep an eye on them.
Will the faeries and the trolls outsmart them and accomplish their goal? Will Annisa and the others be able to obtain enough support to keep their realm intact? Or will the faeries and trolls destroy all that this realm stands for?
Chase and Annisa have taken on a task that they are not sure if they can accomplish without the help of the others who have to stay behind and keep things running smoothly at the passageways. They will have to be creative and convincing to pull this one off and create a truce between all the realms.

Goodreads

Miranda Shanklin resides in Central Illinois with her husband and their two children. When she is not working at her day job as a paralegal, running her children to practices or supporting them at events she is writing. She has been an avid reader most of her life and has always dreamed of writing her own books someday. Now that her children are reaching their teenage years she is finding the time to sit down and chase her dream.

 

Paranormal, Part of a Series, Review, Witches, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR18 – #Review – Soul Journey (Soul Series Book 1) by Miranda Shanklin

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Soul Journey (Soul Series Book 1)

 

It has been many lifetimes since the cycle began.

The cycle that still haunts Annisa Lawson.

A spell cast in desperation to help, which only caused heartache.

Now, Annisa has found her way out of the varying repeats of her past; only to bring more danger to herself, and those around her. Now she must learn to survive with the help of her friends: Chase, Penelope, and Landon have all gone through each life cycle with Annisa. Sometimes helping, sometimes hindering. Now that Annisa has broken the cycle of their collective punishment, she finds that she needs her friends more than ever to keep their enemies, known, and unknown, at bay. As the group of friends learn of their souls’ journeys through their many life cycles, they must also learn to control the magick they have discovered within themselves and each other, in order to defeat the most feared assassin in their world.

 

Goodreads

 

This is a fun, quick read with a blast of supernatural! The book is categorized as YA (I believe because of the age of the characters) but is more on the NA side (as there are some adult situations that at times make it a little more adult-y). First, this cover is gorgeous and super eye catching and second, the synopsis sounds like a great read. I am a sucker for just about anything paranormal. I dive into this story head first and before I knew it was the end! The author was very clear with the world and character building. This is a story of witches that basically are reincarnated and go through life cycles over and over again. The reason they stand out is that the four main characters are cursed and have to not repeat past mistakes…but not in this life time. Annisa finally makes a decision that breaks this punishment but now the punishment is over they are faced with a lot of situations that no one can really help them with as they have never made it this far in past lives. One of the things that I didn’t care too much for was the fact that the four teens break the punishment with almost no struggle (well, some teen angst) and as they come together they don’t really have any struggles on a teen level anymore. So I feel like there could have been a little more of a story with some other types of struggles but that didn’t make me stop reading. The bond the teens form is unbreakable and just works. The villains in this story are some of my favorite! And once they are introduced into the story you will totally understand why. As for the story as a whole, I am definitely going to continue as I would like to see what other types of struggles and issues the teens come up against. I am looking forward to how the story progresses and how the author continues to grow. Super intrigued here!!!!

 

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

 

Miranda Shanklin

Miranda Shanklin lives in Central Illinois with her husband, two children, and the family security system, a 100 pound lab named Fido. Paralegal by day, mom/wife by night, she writes during those rare but precious moments of downtime. An avid reader her entire life, Miranda’s dream was to someday become an author. That dream was realized in 2015 when her handsome and intelligent husband said three beautiful words: go for it.