HERE BE NEWS for June 29, 2020

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Monday, June 22 - 
"HERE BE NEWS" - All the latest from the fantasy romance authors at Here Be Magic, including a new release. 

Tuesday, June 23 -
"PICKLES ‘N ICE CREAM" - A Sci-Fi Flash Fiction by Linda Mooney. Read it now on Here Be Magic. 

Thursday, June 25-
"BRAVE NEW (AND SOME OLD) WORLDS" - Have your reading habits changed this year? Author PG Forte finds herself leaning into futuristic fiction that doesn't look like the present.

Now Available as an Audiobook:

RUNNER'S MOON

BOOK 2 - TIRON

by Linda Mooney

Sci-Fi  Romance

Word Count:  59.4K

$3.99 e / $9.99 p / $19.95 a

Narrated by Susan Marlowe

Length: 6 hrs, 54 min

HEAR A SAMPLE

Nearly six years ago they landed on Earth--thirty-one aliens, fugitives from a lifetime of slavery and cruelty. Now they were dispersed among the populace, unidentifiable because of their shape-shifting abilities.

Tiron had found sanctuary in Crescent City as “Roni.” But her own self-hatred, beaten into her at the hands of the Arra, had her earning her living as a common street prostitute.

Lieutenant Thom DeGrassi worked vice for the police department. He had busted prostitutes in the past, but nothing had prepared him for what he felt when he met Roni.

Worse, there was some sicko out there getting his jollies cutting up hookers. Now DeGrassi was faced with two impossible situations—keeping Roni off the streets while he sorted out his feelings for her, and trying to find the man responsible for the deaths of four other women.

Warning! Contains too much short and not enough sweet, night court, flowered quilts, tight black pleather, the scent of baby powder, a job interview from hell, and a middle-of-the-night risk that would begin with gunshots and end in a blood-splattered grove.

Excerpt and Buy Links

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HERE BE NEWS for February 10, 2020

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Monday, February 3 - 
"HERE BE NEWS" - All the latest from the gang at Here Be Magic, including an ebook sale.

Wednesday, February 5 -
"WRITING ADVICE - CHARACTER GOALS" - Every story needs stakes, every character needs purpose, but did you know that every scene needs a reason? Author Nicole Luiken discusses goals big and small.

Saturday, February 8 -
This week's Bring It Back(list) feature is "HEARTFAST", a Sensuous SciFi Series by Linda Mooney. Scroll below for all the details.

HEARTFAST 
Book 1 of the HeartFast Series 
by Linda Mooney

They are the Guardians, sixteen special men and women with incredible powers who have sworn their lives to the protection of their galaxy, while upholding the laws of their world.

It was a world that, eons ago, had suffered a devastating plague that had rendered more than half its population unable to reproduce. As a result, in order to assure the survival of their species, the HandFast law was enacted. Every month, twenty couples were drawn by lottery. Couples whose sole purpose would then be procreation, the continuation of the species. For the length of one year, two complete strangers would follow the edicts of the HandFast, until the woman conceived.  Once that was accomplished, the couple was no longer bound to each other, and they could go their separate ways while the child was given to a couple unable to bear children.

It was a cold and impersonal law, but it worked.

However, the Guardians were exempt from having their names drawn in the lottery.  The very nature of their jobs, risking their lives day in and day out to protect their galaxy, precluded any thought of bearing children.

Which was why, when StarLight and Master Hunter heard their names called out to be HandFasted, their neat, orderly lives were turned upside-down. Gone was the comfortable companionship they'd known. Gone was the brother-sister working relationship and the friendship.  

Now they would be forced into an intimacy neither had wanted,  nor expected.

Neither would they be prepared for the overwhelming passion they would find in each other's bodies, as well as in their hearts. 

And things would only get more complicated and dangerous. Because their names had been deliberately placed on the lottery, and the drawing had not been a fluke.  Instead, it was the first step in destroying their world and every Guardian living.

BUY LINK: https://lindamooney.com/HeartFast.htm 

PS - During the month of February, all 3 ebooks are just 99 cents each! (Available at all vendors and Linda's website.)

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DON'T MISS THIS INTERVIEW! 

Here Be Magic alumnus Veronica Scott interviewed our own Jenny Schwartz for the Amazing Stories website last week. Here's the link to check it out:
"Author Jenny Schwartz on Space Specters, the Allure of the Galactic Frontier and More" 

New Release by Jenny Schwartz
SPACE SPECTER
Interstellar Sheriff Book 3 

The Saloon Sector is the Federation’s official frontier, but beyond it lurks the Badstars. Bandits hide there. The Saloon Sector is Sheriff Max Smith’s territory. Since the revelation of his secret identity, life has changed for Max and Thelma. Their relationship is under increased pressure.

Admiral Astyages, newly appointed in command of the Frontier Fleet, manipulates them into joining a Navy expedition to map a safe route to the wormhole on the far side of the Badstars.

Alone in hostile territory and separated from their allies, Max and Thelma couldn’t be less prepared for their encounter with the legendary specters.

But it’s not the specters who’ll betray them.

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HERE BE NEWS for August 5, 2019

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Monday, July 29 - 
"HERE BE NEWS" - All the latest from the gang at Here Be Magic.


Thursday, August 1 -
“WHAT WE'RE READING THIS SUMMER - by the Here Be Magic Authors” – Writers are readers too, so some of the HBM gang decided to reveal the books they've been enjoying this season. 

SPACE RODEO
(Interstellar Sheriff Book 2)
by Jenny Schwartz

On the galactic frontier, the Federation’s wildest (and most scientific) citizens have gathered to ride in the Space Rodeo. The Navy’s in charge—of the arena. 

But beyond the naval perimeter, there is only Interstellar Sheriff Max Smith to keep the peace. Fortunately, he has some extraordinary allies. And enemies. And then, there is his girlfriend.

Thelma Bach attracts trouble like the bunyaphi attract feuds.

She should have been safe, riding for an urself inventor in the Space Rodeo. So how did she end up in the middle of a mercenary corporation’s devious designs for galactic war?


Buckle up for a thrill ride of bandits, shadowy government agents, cyborgs, AIs and strange science.

Buy link:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VYG46DQ

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99¢ KINDLE EBOOK SALE 

Love faeries?

Here's your chance to grab all 4 books in the Grim Series:

STORM WARRIOR, STORM BOUND,

STORM WARNED, STORM CROSSED

BUT HURRY - sale ends August 31st!

LEGEND ∙ LORE ∙ LOVE ∙ MAGIC

  

The fae are cunning, powerful and often cruel. The most beautiful among them are often the most deadly. Hidden far beneath the mortal world, the timeless faery realm plays by its own rules—and those rules can change on a whim. Now and again, the unpredictable residents of that mystical land cross the supernatural threshold…

In this enchanting romance series from Dani Harper, the ancient fae come face-to-face with modern-day humans and discover something far more potent than their strongest magic: love.

You can find all of Dani's books here:
https://www.amazon.com/Dani-Harper/e/B004FD8RV2

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HERE BE NEWS for April 29, 2019

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In Case You Missed It:

Monday, April 22 - 
"HERE BE NEWS" - All the latest from the gang at Here Be Magic.

Tuesday, April 23 -
“NEW DIGS” – Author PG Forte offers a sneak peak at her new website – including the new covers for two of her series.

Thursday, April 25 -

“SINCE WE'RE NOT SNAILS” – If you could live in any building in the world, which would you choose? Author Jenny Schwartz reveals her choice.

Saturday, April 27 - 
"IT WAS A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT..." This week's Bring It Back(list) feature is “STORM WARNED” by Dani Harper.  Like faeries? These ones are for grownups! Enjoy an excerpt and learn more about the Grim Series. Scroll below for details.

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Bring It Back(list):
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Every story in the
Grim Series can stand alone

STORM WARNED

Book 3 of the Grim Series

By Dani Harper

Available in paperback, Kindle ebook and Audiobook

When Caris’s unearthly musical talent attracts the attention of the Wild Hunt, the Welsh farm girl is stolen away to serve as a faery grim, a herald of death. Two centuries later, she’s finally escaped back to the human world—and into the present-day life of a reclusive and heartbroken American musician.

Music was Liam’s whole life—until a crushing betrayal left him desperate to flee the public eye. Yet long-dormant passions awaken within him after a powerful storm strands a beautiful, strong-willed woman on his isolated farm. When a Fae prince bent on ruling both human and faery realms threatens Caris’s life, Liam must decide if he can finally believe in love again, not just for her sake—but for the sake of two worlds.

Read an EXCERPT on Here Be Magic:

https://herebemagic.blogspot.com/2019/04/it-was-dark-and-stormy-night-bring-it.html 

You can check out and purchase ANY of Dani’s books on her Amazon Author Page: 

https://www.amazon.com/Dani-Harper/e/B004FD8RV2

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Since We're Not Snails

Snails, those lucky slitherers, have no problem deciding where to live. They bring their houses with them. If you could live in any building in the world, which would you choose? Don't be practical!

I thought of the British Library. Books, books, glorious knowledge!

Then there's the Sydney Opera House - for the location and performances.

There's also the whole Night at the Museum idea. Very cool that some museums, like the Smithsonian are making that possible with sleepovers.

Or a wilderness retreat, although how to choose between all the glorious possibilities, I don't know. Lions in Africa, tigers in India, echidnas in Australia. LOL see, Australian wildlife isn't all out to kill you!

Maybe a cave home, like those in Matera, Italy or Cappadocia, Turkey. Or the hobbit house in New Zealand.

But I think I'd be happiest in a lighthouse. I can't decide on which one, but the romance of it, the sense of isolation, and the underlying metaphorical idea of seeing clearly all appeal.

My romance novella, Light Kisses, has a hero with a lighthouse. It's free on Amazon till Sunday April 28. Link: https://www.amazon.com/Light-Kisses-Jenny-Schwartz-ebook/dp/B00Y20A1PS/

HERE BE NEWS for April 1, 2019

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In Case You Missed It:

Monday, March 25 - 
"HERE BE NEWS" - All the latest from the gang at Here Be Magic.

Tuesday, March 26 -
“THE MAGIC OF POOH” – A. A. Milne’s charming books may appear simple but they’ve proved to be both timeless and incredibly wise. Author Cindy Spencer Pape shares some of her memories, plus the influence Pooh stories continue to have in her life. 

Wednesday, March 27 -
“THE ZEN OF RENEWAL” – Author PG Forte’s been digging through old files—and unearthing forgotten treasures like the  hysterical trailer for “The Zillionaire Vampire Cowboy's Secret Werewolf Babies”.

Thursday, March 28 -

"OUT TODAY! NEW RELEASE: BOUND MAGIC" - 
The second book in the Faerene Apocalypse series by Jenny Schwartz is now available on Amazon.

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New Release:
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BOUND MAGIC
Book 2 of the 
Faerene Apocalypse
by Jenny Schwartz

Available on Amazon exclusively here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N5WY96H/


Six billion people are dead. More are dying. The Faerene Apocalypse isn’t over, but the seeds for a new beginning have to be planted, now.

The future of Earth is that of a planet of many sentients: of the invading, magical Faerene and mundane, traumatized humanity.

But a few, exceedingly rare humans do have magic. Amy Carlton is one of them. Forced to bond with the black griffin, Magistrate Istvan, and act as his familiar, she doesn’t understand the magic she possesses. Nor does she understand the Faerene society she is thrown into.

She’ll have to learn fast because the cost of Amy’s ignorance couldn’t be higher. Death stalks an apocalypse, and the lives lost could be those of people she loves.

***

Book 1 in the Faerene Apocalypse is STRAY MAGIC, available at:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N5ZVNLY   

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Events and News:

Dani Harper's latest novel, STORM CROSSED (Book 4 of the Grim Series) has been selected as a finalist for a 2019 Write Touch Readers’ Award by the Wisconsin Chapter of the RWA. 

You can read more about the book and the series on Dani's website: http://daniharper.com/grim-series/storm-crossed/

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Out Today! New Release: Bound Magic

Bound Magic, the second book in the Faerene Apocalypse series by Jenny Schwartz, is out today! It's available on Amazon exclusively as it is in Kindle Unlimited.

Buy link:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N5WY96H/ 

Six billion people are dead. More are dying. The Faerene Apocalypse isn’t over, but the seeds for a new beginning have to be planted, now.

The future of Earth is that of a planet of many sentients: of the invading, magical Faerene and mundane, traumatized humanity.

But a few, exceedingly rare humans do have magic. Amy Carlton is one of them. Forced to bond with the black griffin, Magistrate Istvan, and act as his familiar, she doesn’t understand the magic she possesses. Nor does she understand the Faerene society she is thrown into.

She’ll have to learn fast because the cost of Amy’s ignorance couldn’t be higher. Death stalks an apocalypse, and the lives lost could be those of people she loves.

***

Book 1 in the Faerene Apocalypse is Stray Magic,   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N5ZVNLY 

HERE BE NEWS for March 4, 2019

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In Case You Missed It:

Monday, February 25 - 
"HERE BE NEWS" - All the latest from the gang at Here Be Magic, including a new release and a contest.

Tuesday, February 26 -
“WHICH APOCALYPSE?” – Author Cindy Spencer Pape talks about “end of the world” scenarios and humanity’s greatest characteristic.

Wednesday, February 27 -
“ACT THREE” – Author PG Forte is feeling Zen about her birthday and her new phase of life – and you can help her celebrate by entering her ebook giveaway!

Thursday, February 28 -

“PROCRASTINATION AS AN ARTFORM” – Are you just stopping to smell the roses? Or are you avoiding something? By author Jenny Schwartz.

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Sales, Contests and Events:
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Image: Bigstock.com

EBOOK GIVEAWAY

Author PG Forte is feeling pretty Zen about her birthday and her new phase of life – and you can help her celebrate by entering her ebook giveaway! 

You could win your choice of one of her awesome backlist titles.

Enter the Rafflecopter HERE or go to PG's terrific "Act Three" blog post.


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Win a paperback!

Dani Harper's been working on cleaning out her office since the beginning of the year - and was surprised to discover a box of Changeling Dream paperbacks! 


Check out her latest post and enter to win a signed copy!

https://herebemagic.blogspot.com/2019/02/bring-it-backlist-changeling-dream-by.html

Procrastination As An Artform

Okay, so the title of this post, "Procrastination As An Artform", may be a little over the top. But if you're reading it ... ahem ... chances are YOU too are procrastinating. Congratulations! High-five! Wanna chocolate?

Years ago, back when I was studying for some boring post-grad thing (public law, ugh), I had to delete Tetris from my computer. It's the only computer game where self-discipline wasn't enough to save me. If I was at that computer, I played Tetris. So I was interested to read that Tetris is now used to treat PTSD. It's an excellent example of how an activity that we think is pure procrastination may actually be having an important and beneficial effect on us.

These days I procrastinate with Facebook. Twitter is vanishing from my life. I seem to have hit peak social media engagement and am now ever so slowly withdrawing from it. I'll maintain a presence - I love chatting about books with people - but on the whole it chews up too much time and emotional energy.

A few months back I cut out one of my biggest procrastination aids by radically pruning the number of blogs I follow and eliminating almost all newsletter subscriptions. That freed up an immense number of brain cells. Instead of tracking intriguing news items, I focused on my writing - you know, that thing that's meant to pay the bills!

A good choice of procrastination activity is one that adds to your well being. If at the end of it you're not calmer, happier or healthier, then question whether you're avoiding something. Or is that just me? It's definitely okay to focus on something that's not on your to-do list. To-do lists are not all-powerful! Although, yes, mine would rule my life if I let it.

At its best, procrastination is about enjoying something your subconscious mind hasn't yet been able to convince your conscious mind that you need. Happy procrastinating!

HOW TO GIVE YOURSELF A VALENTINE - by the Authors at Here Be Magic

We associate Valentine's Day with couples, but the holiday isn't just for lovers. It's a great time to show yourself a little kindness too. After all, how many of us are genuinely nice to ourselves? 

And whether you have a significant other or not, Valentine's Day can be a great opportunity to do a little something for a neighbor, a friend, a family member, or even a stranger. 

The Here Be Magic gang has gotten together to share ideas, treats, and memories from the holiday devoted to love.

PLUS we have some Valentine goodies for YOU at the end of this post!

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LINDA - "Treat yourself to something you haven’t had or been able to do in a long, long time. Whether it’s that decadent dessert you’ve been eyeing but denying, a short trip to a location you’ve been wanting to revisit, or it could be something as simple as calling up an old friend you haven’t heard from in a while and letting them know you were thinking of them.

"After all, bringing a little happiness to someone else will always lift your spirit too." ~ Linda Mooney

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CINDY - "My freshman year at university was mostly an exciting time, but it was also a big adjustment. I wasn't homesick in the beginning, but by mid-winter, it had been creeping in. My roommates were friendly, but not real friends, and the guy I'd been dancing around dating had recently decided he was still in love with his girlfriend back home. Valentine's Day was going to seriously suck...

"That's when the card from my parents showed up. It was the first time they had actually written me, other than sending money, since I'd gone away. It was such a little thing--a Valentine from my folks. But it changed the entire tenor of the holiday, because it made me feel special and loved." ~ Cindy Spencer Pape

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JODY - "Self-care: What makes ME feel the best that I can do for myself? For me, I like to FINISH. I like to write THE END. And since I can’t guarantee I’ll be finishing a book or project around the fourteenth of February, I can instead guarantee I’ll be finishing something on my TO-DO LIST.  :)

"What I plan to do for myself on Commercialized Candy Day is clean out some clutter and donate it. I’ll feel better because I completed a task I’ve probably been putting off for a long time, and donating to the right types of charities is good for society." ~ Jody Wallace

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RUTH - "What do I do to feel special...

• get a manicure and pedicure
• tuck myself into the comfy chair in the living room and read a book - from cover to cover
• take my daughters out for coffee without the grandchildren - a girls thing (sometimes I take them for a mani/pedi)" ~ Ruth A. Casie

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MAUREEN - "If I want to show myself a little love I buy myself something that I don't really need, but something I've wanted. A little indulgence like new books, soft pajamas, or another item that has been in the 'save for later' basket online because it wasn't really necessary. Or else I forget about the endless chores waiting and settle in to watch a favorite movie with a beverage of choice, even if it's the middle of the day.

"Since my girls were little, my hubby has always gotten them flowers and chocolate on Valentine's Day. I didn't want them to ever think they had to wait for a boy to make them feel special, because they always have their first valentine, their dad." ~ Maureen Bonatch

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JENNY - "The perfect Valentine's Day treat is a walk along the beach. Depending on where you live, you might think I'm crazy (hello, blizzard outside), but here in Australia it's summer. Perfect beach weather. Splashing in the shallows and collecting shells is a little bit of joy and a whole lot of peace. Happy Valentine's Day!" ~ Jenny Schwartz

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DANI - "Playing Easter bunny to my daughters was always one of my favorite things. So it was natural for me to play VALENTINE bunny too! After they'd gone to bed, I'd tiptoe around and leave chocolate treats, cards and heart-shaped goodies of the season on their nightstands or beside their beds. When the girls got to be older teenagers, though, I had to change my method - they were awake a lot longer than I could possibly stay up. (Soooo not an night owl!) However, I WAS an early riser, so the Valentine bunny started making her rounds at 6 a.m. It was a sure thing that no teens would be conscious at that time of day!" ~ Dani Harper

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SHAWNA - "I’ve been divorced now for quite a while, and my ex was never one for flowers and chocolates anyway, so Valentine’s Day and I have had a bit of a spotty relationship over the years. Lately, I’ve learned to warm up to the holiday again, and for that I credit my friends. 

"There was the male co-worker who wished me a happy Valentine’s Day (in an entirely platonic and non-creepy way), probably because he knew I was single and didn’t have anyone at home who would say it to me. A colleague from the evening shift came in extra-early one year so she wouldn’t miss me with her Dove chocolate bounty. A friend of mine who loves my Ravensblood series gave me a handmade ‘un-Valentine’s Day card with a raven on the front. Inside it said I’m raven’ about your writing. 

"What really caused a paradigm shift was a card my friend Andrea sent out to all the lucky people on her ‘card list’. She makes lovely cards for each holiday, and the one year in particular she sent cards that listed, without naming names, all the particular, unique things she loved about each of her friends. 


"I got all sniffly, and realized that Valentine’s Day isn’t about choosing the perfect gift for your spouse or lover. It doesn’t have to be about romantic love at all. It can be a day to remember and celebrate the many people in your life that you celebrate in many different ways. So, Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you." ~ Shawna Reppert

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VALENTINES FOR OUR READERS!

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Linda Mooney is offering up a free ebook of her humorous and erotic novella, SPANK MY VALENTINE  (Tales of the Blakeney Sisters, Book 3).

If you'd like a copy, email her through her website at http://www.lindamooney.com/ and let her know what format you need.



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From Jody Wallace - 

"In February, I will be offering the first volume of my science fiction romance choose your own adventure spoof for free:  
EARTHBOUND PASSION." 

http://jodywallace.com/books/earthbound-passion/ 

"If you want to indulge in the self-care of raunchy, dirty jokes, mockery of tropes, terrible snark, and laughter, this is a very inexpensive way to do it! (Beats sorting through unmated socks, anyway.)"

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Shawna Reppert has a free full-length novel for you!

WHERE LIGHT MEETS SHADOW is an M/M fantasy romance 

The Scathlan elf Kieran journeys through mortal lands in search of new songs and tales to renew his people’s dying culture. His most cherished, most impossible hope is to rediscover the powers of bards from legend in order to wake the queen, in a stupor since the end of the war between his own people and the Leas elves...

Ebook is FREE on Amazon for Valentine's Day at 

https://www.amazon.com/Where-Light-Shadow-Shawna-Reppert-ebook/dp/B011DOUS6W/

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Ruth A. Casie has a brand new release:  

The Pirate's Jewel 
(part of the Pirates of Britannia World series)

Free with Kindle Unlimited, 
otherwise a swashbuckling gift at just 99¢!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M81Y7HM


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