Through a Shattered Glass ~ Review

Through a Shattered Glass

By Sarah Pennington

Alys hasn't been in Wonderland since Kai died when she made a decision that changed everything. But she is being summoned back to the world of madness, back through the mirror to a dying world. 

But will she save Wonderland, or will she be the instrument of its final destruction? Alys will have to use what she knew of Wonderland if she hopes to live. And she'll have to put her fears behind her if she is to free her dearest friend from the frozen death he has been trapped in for years.

Through a Shattered Glass is an interesting twist on the Snow Queen, which is blended with  Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There for a wholly unique and enjoyable story. This is a story in which hope and fear vie for control of a land lost in chaos. Alys will have to draw on a strength she doesn't know she possesses to save those she holds dear. But can she find the strength she needs before the White Queen destroys her? 

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book with no expectations, but that I provide my honest opinion, all thoughts expressed are my own.                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Book Description: 

Drop the mirror and you break the world in two.

Alys hasn’t set foot in Wonderland in years. Not since the White Queen’s mirror shattered; not since her best friend, Kai Hatter, was killed; not since Alys fled back to her own world with a shard of enchanted mirror in her eye. She’s done her best to set aside the past and move on — until a red-painted rose appears in her room, and the portal opens once more.

Simultaneously desperate for hope and terrified of what she might find — or cause — Alys ventures back through the mirror. But the Wonderland she finds is not the same one she left behind, and though Kai is less dead than she thought, he still might be past saving. To make matters worse, the mirror shard is still in Alys’s eye, and Wonderland is all too susceptible to its corrupting power.

Only Alys can save the land and friend she loves — but if she’s not careful, she might be their doom instead.

A dark portal fantasy remix of The Snow Queen and Lewis Carroll’s Alice duology. 

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Author Bio:

Sarah Pennington has been writing stories since before she actually knew how to write, and she has no intention of stopping anytime soon. She is perpetually in the middle of writing at least one or two novels, most of which are in the fantasy and fairy tale retelling genres. When she isn't writing, she enjoys knitting, photography, and trying to conquer her massive to-be-read list. 

Find her online at: 

Author Site || WordPress Blog || Blogspot Blog || Goodreads || Facebook || Instagram || Twitter || Amazon

Sticker Promo:

Anyone who preordered Through a Shattered Glass or who purchases the paperback on release day can submit a proof of purchase to receive a set of character art stickers featuring art by the lovely Chloe Grace (@chloegraceartist on Instagram). 

One set of stickers per person; proof of purchase must be submitted by end of the day on December 26. 

Link to request stickers 

Of Ice and Roses ~ Review

Of Ice and Roses

A Flamesend Novel

By Heather M. Elliot

Gemma lives in fear of the forest. As a child, she was lost in it but what she doesn't know is about to change her world and her life. When Gemma extends kindness to a stranger, she sets in motion a series of events that will reveal her mother's hidden talents. Talents that have long protected Gemma from her past.

But the secrets of the past must be revealed if there is hope of a future for Gemma, the man who has captured her heart, and the kingdom of Forstur.

  

Of Ice and Roses takes the tale of The Snow Queen and gives us a new and unique story. A world in peril, a forbidden magic, and a friendship that would risk anything for the other. From the opening, this book captured my attention and drew me in. The characters are intriguing, the setting engaging, and the storyline compelling. The author is new to me and one I hope to read again in the future. And hopefully set in the same story world. 

And can I just say I love the cover? If you judge a book by its cover, this one will be a 5-star all the way! The iced Rose and the Forget-Me-Nots are perfect!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations by that I provide my honest opinion, all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

 Book Description:

The shadow of war hangs over Forstur. In a kingdom where magic is seldom encountered, a conflict with their magic-wielding eastern neighbors would be disastrous. Gemma finds unexpected love in Forstur's crown prince, Ebenezer, but as her fairytale starts, the rest of her world comes crashing down.

Long-held secrets come to light and Gemma learns she has been at the center of the brewing war for almost half her life. A lost friend she barely remembers is the key to gaining vital intelligence that could help her new husband defend their kingdom. There's a problem - the last sighting of her friend was in the magically-formed glacial regions of their foe, the kingdom of Morforst.

Now Gemma must leave everyone she loves and journey beyond the enemy's borders to rescue her friend from the spellcasters who control the region. The journey promises to be fraught with danger - highwaymen, river monsters, spellcasters, and the elements. With each new danger, she must decide what she is willing to sacrifice for the fate of two kingdoms. 

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Author Bio:

Heather lives in Upstate New York, with an impressive number of books, almost as many story ideas, and, sadly, no pets. 

Find her online at: Website || Blog || Facebook || Instagram || Amazon || Goodreads

Shattered Reflection ~ Review

Shattered Reflection

The Shattered Lands #1

By Madisyn Carlin

The land is on the verge of slipping into yet another war, distrust is taking hold, and the crown is threatened by the very people who are entrusted to protect it. Can those who have been broken by the past hope to restore what was lost? Or will the icy evil that is attempting to steal their hearts and souls prevail? 

Layree's brother Loren Alocer has been stolen away by the royal crown guards- a crown that is at the mercy of a cruel and evil hand. Layree is determined to get her brother back no matter what and by any means necessary. And by any means, she will be forced to accept the help of a man she now views as an enemy. But she saw what happened to her brother before he was taken away, and she won't stop until he is freed.

Nordica Icerri is the heir to the crown, but until her aunt and uncle deem her fit to rule, they will act on her behalf. And to be considered fit, she must be purged of any and all emotion. And her uncle is more than happy to help her obtain such coldness of heart. And the methods he is using will surely break her eventually.

Shattered Reflection is an interesting retelling of The Snow Queen. The story is told through the viewpoints of five characters who have different reasons for doing what they are doing, but at their core, caring and wanting to protect others is their motivation. This is excellent reading and a series debut that is not to be missed. The characters and settings are more than a two-dimensional place on the page; there is depth and layers to everything if one is looking.

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations -  all thoughts expressed are my own.

Book Description:

Can hope be found for four shattered souls? 

Princess Nordica Icerri’s crown will be purchased with blood—her blood. Now the sole heir to the throne, she is determined to be the queen the Snowlands deserve, but that comes with a price: a numbed heart and soul. Only when she meets kidnapped physician Loren Alocer does Nordica allow herself to hope she can become queen without completely losing herself. But not everyone wants what’s best for the Snowlands, and Nordica’s upcoming rule is compromised at every turn. Can the criminal physician—and his faith—thaw Nordica’s heart, or is she destined to be the heartless queen she is being forced to become? 

War shattered not only Breac Finson’s heart, but his faith as well. Tired of fighting, Breac only wants to be left alone, but his efforts are for naught when a friend calls in a favor. He soon finds himself in an unexpected alliance with Layree Alocer, a woman determined to find her wrongfully-kidnapped brother at all costs. Can a broken soldier help right a wrong—and find his faith again in the process? 

Sides must be chosen and loyalties will be tested as a new war approaches. Can broken lives be mended in time to help save the Snowlands, or is evil already too deeply embedded?

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Author Bio:

Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious book dragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action. 

Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin

The White Queen’s Spell ~ Spotlight

The White Queen’s Spell

By Wyn Estelle Owens

Coming January 19, 2023

Book Description:

Last Summer, Ailsa stumbled her way into a tangled web of curses and power that resulted in her not only rescuing her Kingdom’s princesses, but also freeing the Fae King of Summer from his century-long imprisonment. This Summer has been much more peaceful, as she awaits and anticipates not only Princess Mairead’s wedding to her best friend Fionn, but her own to Summer’s King.

But when Ailsa lets her guard down and stumbles her way into not one, but two terrible curses, the wheel of fate begins to turn again.

Fiachra, King of Summer, has spent the year since his release strengthening his realm and wooing the lady who freed him from his curse--only to have his betrothed snatched away by Winter’s Queen. And not only is Ailsa trapped in another court, but the doubled curse upon her has left her only a shadow of herself. But it is Summer, and duties tie him to his Court—but Ailsa is not friendless.

Fionn and Mairead are determined to repay Ailsa for all her help, and set out on a dangerous journey across Faerie and through the Courts of the Seasons, to the very depths of Winter itself, where a terrible power awaits.

There is more than one way to become heartless, after all.

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Author Bio:

Wyn Estelle Owens is the pen name of a young woman who’s still figuring out what this whole ‘adult’ thing is all about. She lives in a big, old house in Maryland by a Hundred Acre Wood (dubbed Neldoreth) with her parents, three occasionally obnoxious brothers, her dog Jackie, and her personal plot bunny, Joker. 

She is fond of reading, writing, drawing, speaking in dead or imaginary languages, playing video games, quoting classic or obscure literature, being randomly dramatic, and generally making things out of yarn. Her dream is to write stories that inspire people to chase after the wonderful world of storytelling. 

Her favorite all-time author is J.R.R. Tolkien, who first inspired her to pursue novel writing when she read the Hobbit at the age of seven. 

Find her online at: Goodreads || Facebook || Amazon

Rose Petals and Snowflakes ~ Review

Rose Petals & Snowflakes

The Austen Fairy Tale #4

By Kendra E. Ardnek

A promise given years ago between friends gives young Ginny a home. But all too often, she felt less than the Bethim family. Only Kaimund, the Bethim's son, makes Ginny feel wanted and is her best friend, her only friend. 

Twelve years have passed since Ginny first came to Snowfield Palace, and this year everything is about to change for her and those who call Snowfield home. 

A silk rose, a forbidden love, and a magic mirror what could possibly go wrong?

Snowfield Palace is the fourth book in The Austen Fairy Tale series, which is a fairy tale / Jane Austen mashup. This time author Kandra E. Ardnek uses Austen's Mansfield Park and The Snow Queen to give the reader a truly unique reading experience. One wouldn't necessarily think the two would work well together, but it does. Elements of both blend together in beautifully. This book could be read as a standalone, but it would be better to first read the previous books in the series to fully enjoy and appreciate the story. This is one of those books you'll want to read again looking to find threads that bring the whole together. Snowfield Palace would makes a lovely gift for a Jane Austen fan

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations and thoughts expressed are my own.

Book Description:

Ginny doesn't belong in Snowfield Palace, but she has nowhere else to go. An old promise between her mother and Lady Bethim keeps her off the streets when she's left alone in the world, and she's eternally grateful for the home - and the friendship of Kaimund, Lady Bethim's son. She makes herself useful however possible, and life is quiet. 

Until the far-too-charming Prince Hans and his sister Maia visit and send her world spinning. A shattered mirror is nothing to laugh about, and a new, dark magic could destroy everything. 

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BBSRX4ZC/

Add Book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60712076-snowfield-palace

Series Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RW49WHQ

Author Bio:

Kendra E. Ardnek is the self-proclaimed Arista of Fairy Tales. She lives in the Piney Woods of East Texas with her dragon babies and a massive herd of mini-giraffes, and she is still waiting for one of her fifty nutcrackers to come to life and marry her. When not writing, you can usually find her sitting in a random box, and she's frequently known to act before she thinks.

Find her online at: Website || Blog || Goodreads || Facebook || Twitter || YouTube || Newsletter || Instagram || TikTok || Tumblr || Amazon 

Estuary ~ Cover Reveal

  Today I'm taking part in Lisa T. Bergren's Estuary cover reveal! This is the first book in the fantasy trilogy, Oceans of Time, but is also related to her well-loved River of Time series. Lisa Tawn Bergren is releasing from Enclave Publishing in June 2023! This is the first book in the fantasy trilogy, Oceans of Time and is available to #preorder in hardcover today at https://bit.ly/EstuaryLisaTBergren

Can a family bond stand the test of time?

Lady Tiliani Forelli is the epitome of the She-Wolves who raised her, an adept archer with a mind of her own. It is long past time for her to wed, but she deems each young lord who comes to bid for her hand lacking. With battles upon their border, and rumors of war growing louder on every front, Lady Forelli’s decision could secure her kingdom’s peace...or bring about its destruction.

Centuries later, history major Luciana Bettarini takes a summer job alongside her twin, Domenico, as a period actor at Castello Forelli in Italy. As incoming college seniors, this might be their last chance to spend meaningful time together, so she’s soaking up every minute. But when Dom’s theory that their lost Bettarrini relatives have traveled through time becomes potentially real—and they might be able to follow—Luci fears they’ll be forever divided.

#estuary #lisatbergren #oceansoftime #enclavepublishing

#fantasybooks #christianbooks #timetravelbooks #romanticfantasy

Book Signing Fun

The Author Book Signing at the Bloomer Public Library today, December 10, was really fun and interesting getting to meet several area authors. I even got my picture taken with Kathryn Springer and Jenny Sargent-Blaisdel. (My 30 seconds without a mask during the whole event) Yes, those are llamas on my top.

                              

Kathyrn gave some great advice to first-time book-signing authors!

Find us all online at

jennyblaisdell.com

kathrynspringer.com

booksbymeagan.com

I had fun interacting with the different people who came up and asked me about my books. The nerves before were the biggest issue. But I had fun setting up my table. I had this pretty fabric red-and-black plaid with white snowflakes all over it that made the perfect “tablecloth” that had a wintery feel to it. Appropriate as it was snowing today.

Anyone who couldn’t make it but wants a signed copy, please email me a copy of your receipt, and I can mail you an autographed sticker to put in your book. Email me at BooksbyMeagan@booksbymeagan.com