The 10 Best Books I read in 2018

This was a milestone year for me. I made it to the big 6-0, which I wasn't sure I would reach, and my family threw a fun party for me, including this AMAZING cake by my uber talented youngest sister.

In that bookish vein, I managed to read more than 55 books, including fantasy (almost half the total), science fiction, historical fiction, romance, nonfiction, and children's (and that doesn't count all the books I've read multiple times to my granddaughter). Out of these, ten rose to the top like fine cream, and it was difficult to sort them into numerical order. I loved them all! Several other 5 star books I read didn't make the final cut, not because they weren't good, but they didn't tug at the heartstrings, like these did.

So here, beginning with #10, are my favorites (and Book Dragon's) for 2018:

10. Sunbolt by Intisar Khanani

This fantasy had an exotic flavor to it, with gritty realism, great suspense, and a plucky main character who managed to get into SO much trouble! I love this author's writing style and plan to read more of her books!

9. The Electrical Menagerie by Mollie E. Reeder

This was a fantastic romp through a quirky, well-imagined steampunk universe. The main characters are unforgettable in this fantasy murder mystery!

8. Secrets: Visible & Invisible by 7 authors of Catholic Teen Books

This is one of the best anthologies I've ever read! Each story is well-written within a wide range of genres, from dystopian to historical fiction to mystery to contemporary.

7. Heartsong by Annie Douglass Lima

Having loved all of this author's fantasy stories, I was reluctant to read her science fiction, but I shouldn't have worried; this is a powerful story of conflict between races from two planets. The alien world is fascinating, and the main character extremely sympathetic and compelling. The "heart song" concept resonated with this reader, big time!

6. The Last Motley by D. J. Edwardson

This is a beautifully written epic fantasy about my new favorite reluctant hero, a cursed child, and an assortment of allies and enemies on their quest to find a way to undo the curse.

5. Common by Laurie Lucking

I really liked this fantasy romance because of the POV character, Leah, who was such an endearing person, I HAD to follow her story and find out if she overcame the unfair situation that befell her!

4. Aerisian Refrain by Sarah Ashwood

I didn't think I'd connect with the main character, who is a world-famous singer, but she was such a real and amazing human being, I was sucked into her perilous journey into a beautiful and dangerous fantasy world. I loved that the magic was tied to music, as well as the Native American elements!

3. The Other Side of Freedom by Cynthia T. Toney

This book has won all kinds of awards, with very good reason. Stellar historical fiction about the struggles of an Italian immigrant family in 1925.

2. The Nameless Soldier by Annie Douglass Lima

Though much shorter than the other stories I've read in this author's Annals of Alasia fantasy world, this is an almost flawless, deeply emotional story of a young soldier's unexpected experiences during an invasion. The reader can FEEL his pain and despair! I connected with him so much! And one line near the end is one of my favorite lines in fiction!

1. Spice Bringer by H. L. Burke

This book is powerfully written fantasy with an Asian flavor, memorable characters, and fantastic world-building. But the thing that makes it one of the favorite books of my life is the connection I felt to the main character, who is living with a fatal disease. She is so honestly written and so strong, she inspired me not to give up in a low point in my life. This book has a powerfully written line that spoke directly to me. For so many reasons, Spice Bringer is my favorite book of the year, and in the top five for my entire life.

I've reviewed all these books here on this blog, and hope you'll give some of them a try. Let me know what you think about these or other great books you read in 2018!

Huge Sale on Clean Indie Fiction Black Friday thru Cyber Monday!

I’m excited to tell you about a HUGE sale that is going on this weekend! There are over 150 titles available and they are all either $.99 or FREE! There is also a long list of paperbacks for sale at incredibly discounted prices as well! And the good news is they are all clean reads! Be sure to go check out this amazing sale here.

There is also an amazing giveaway going on! Grand Prize winner receives 20 paperbacks and the 2^nd place winner gets 20 e-book titles from the sale for free!

You can sign up for the giveaway here.

Giveaway runs from November 22^nd till November 26^th @12AM ET Grand prize open to US winners only. 2^nd place prize is open Internationally.

2nd Place Winner Receives 20 E-books

Gather Round the Fables by Erika Matthews

The Case of the Tabloid Tattler by Perry Kirkpatrick AudioBook

The Twelve Cats of Christmas by Perry Kirkpatrick Audiobook

Coffee Shop Christmas Ebook by Ryana Lynn Miller

The Land of Cotton ebook by Ryana Lynn Miller

Entertaining Angels, Entertaining Angels Book 1 by Emerald Barnes

Secret’s Kept by Jennette Mbewe

The Firethorn Crown by Lea Doue

Beyond Broken Pencils by Julie C. Gilbert

Ashlynn's Dreams by Julie C. Gilbert

Soldier On by Vanessa Rasanen

Burning Rose by Hope Ann

Iced and Nailed by Avery Daniels

Imani Earns Her Cape by Bokerah Brumley

October by J. Grace Pennington

Disowned by Sarah Addison Fox

My Compass Home by Michaela Bush

Summer Shadows and Necessary Evil by Killarney Traynor

Grand Prize Winner Receives 20 Paperbacks

Mythical Doorways by Jenelle Schmidt

Faith is the Victory by Faith Blum

Kiera by Kate Willis

Because Anonymous Diana L. Sharples

After: Book One in The Neverway Chronicles by Savannah Jezowski

Specter: Book Two in The Neverway Chronicles by Savannah Jezowski

Leandra’s Enchanted Flute by Katy Huth Jones

Eagle Eyes by Tammy Lash

London in the Dark by Victoria Lynn   

When Beauty Blooms by Victoria Lynn

Aerisia: Land Beyond the Sunset by Sarah Ashwood

Iced and Nailed by Avery Daniels

There Was Always Laughter in Our House by Sarah Holman

Bridgers: A Parable (paperback) by Angie Thompson

Love Blind (paperback) by Angie Thompson

Code by Angie Thompson

Christmas Eve at the Backdoor by Rebekah Morris

The Seven Drawers by Kendra E. Ardnek

He's Making Diamonds: A Teen's Thoughts on Faith Through Chronic Illness by Sara Willoughby

Participating Authors

Kate Willis

Hope

C.B. Cook

Vincent Trigili

Malachi Cyr

E. J. Willis

Diana L. Sharples

Sarah Addison-Fox

Annie Douglass Lima

Marc Secchia

Katy Huth Jones

Savannah Jezowski

Kandi J Wyatt

Joan Lightning

Angela Watts

Ava Mallory

Sara Bourgeois

Jaye L. Knight

Sarah Ashwood

Killarney Traynor

Zanna Mackenzie

Valerie Howard

Bokerah Brumley

Kat Bellemore

Faith Blum

RJ Conte

Abigayle Claire

Tayla Alexandra

Kristen Iten

Emily Selby

Stephanie Damore

Erika Mathews

Frances Hoelsema

J. Grace Pennington

Rebekah A. Morris

Frankie Bow

Martha Fuller

Lena Karynn Tesla

Allison Tebo

Sarah Monzon

Victoria Lynn

Sonia Parin

T.I. Lowe

Lia London

Tammy Lash

maria grazia swan

Deany Ray

Paige Sleuth

Jenny Berlin

Annie Louise Twitchell

Jordaina Sydney Robinson

Kelsey Gietl

Kendra E. Ardnek

Frances Hoelsema

Stacy Juba

Laura Guenot

Michaela Bush

Tricia Mingerink

Hailey Rose

Ryana Lynn Miller

Angie Thompson

Nadine C. Keels

Kellyn Roth

Angie Thompson

Vanessa Rasanen

Julie C. Gilbert

Jennette Mbewe

C. S. Johnson

Amy Williams

April Lynn Newell

Lauren Lynch

Lea Doue

Kelsey Bryant

Avery Daniels

Sarah Holman

R.M. Archer

Emerald Barnes

Jenelle Leanne Schmidt

Cathy Perkins

Laura Jackson

P.D. Workman

Emily Hinkle

Hannah Loviisa

Claire Banschbach

Rebekah Jones

Faith Potts

Sara Willoughby

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Presenting the Fellowship of Fantasy's Fun Feline Anthology!

Whether you are a cat lover or just love to read a good story, you're sure to find something purr-fect in the Fellowship of Fantasy's fifth anthology, Paws, Claws, and Magic Tales! Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a paperback of this magical collection!

Here are the story blurbs to whet your appetite:

The Witching Hour by Savannah Jezowski: As shadows encroach on the city of Lite, one cat stands between humanity and the hounds of darkness. Will true love save the day?

Tale of Two Kitlings by Sharon Hughson: Two kitlings. One tail. A mother's sacrifice and a brother's betrayal. Who will survive the Siamese curse?

Black Knight by Laura L. Zimmerman: When a jingly bell goes missing, there's only one supercat to solve this crime--the mysterious Black Knight.

Sulfur and Sunshine by Grace Bridges: How to Handle a Dragon, Feline Edition. On a volcanic shore, the accidental appearance of a local fire-guardian has unusual consequences for a street cat.

The Magic of Catnip by A. J. Bakke: An impulse purchase of catnip leads to unexpected shenanigans.

The Secret Treasons of the World by J. L. Rowan: When Braelin stumbles upon an outlawed Guardian, she must choose between his safety and her own--and the cost may be more than she can bear.

The Poor Miller and the Cat by Leila Rose Foreman: When a poor miller rescues a cat, it promises to make him a wealthy man. But what is true wealth?

Alex the Cat and Alex the Prince by Ace G. Pilkington: The prince's parents are telling him he has to marry for money, and his cat says it could cost him his life.

Whisker Width by H. L. Burke: Get a cat, they said. It'll be fun, they said. No one mentioned the portals to a mysterious realm opening up in Kara's bathroom.

The Honorable Retrieval of Miss Sunbeam Honeydew by Pamela Sharp: When two princesses of the realm claim the same cat, how far will their loyal retainers go to see that each princess gets her way?

The Witch's Cat by Rachel Harris: Walk under ladders. October the 13th. A black cat. Perhaps the only way to bring two lovers together is through the worst luck.

The Cat-Dragon and the Unicorn by Janeen Ippolito: Ademis the cat-dragon only wants his freedom but must graciously help a scared unicorn girl who should be glad of his benevolent assistance.

Destined for Greatness by Jenelle L. Schmidt: Kendall knows he is destined for great things. The problem is, the Fates--even if they exist--don't seem to agree.

Sammy's Secret by Karin De Havin: A ring is lost. A friendship is ruined. A cadre of cats is on the case!

Death Always Collects by Jeremy Rodden: Loki, a regular old Siamese cat, finds Death looming to take his human. Bargain as much as you want, but remember: Death always collects.

The Wild Hunt by Naomi P. Cohen: When an immigrant violinist's music enchanted a Cait Sidhe, she's entangled in the secret world of the New York Fae.

Purchase links: Amazon or Books to Share

Find on Goodreads or request an ARC copy

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Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Beautiful fantasy with stellar characters and worldbuilding

The Book Dragon has finished Spice Bringer by H. L. Burke and gives it a resounding five claws!

My 5 star review: "Once in a blue moon you read a book that affects you so profoundly it's difficult to tell whether the book is just that good or you read it at just the right time. In this case, I think it's both. I've read most of Burke's writings, and she's a fantastic storyteller, but Spice Bringer is more than a great story. It's profound on many levels, has stellar characters, superb world-building, and a twisty plot full of so many unexpected things, I was left in a puddle of emotions. I just finally read The Fault in Our Stars but this book is a thousand times better showing the reality of a young girl living with a terminal disease because it's full of love and hope. Niya is an inspiration; such a strong character! Jayesh is so vibrantly real, and Alk the fire salamander is one of the most memorable characters ever! I know I'm gushing, and I don't care. This is the best book I've read in a long, long time (even better than The Curse of Chalion, and I didn't think a fantasy could be better than that one), and it deserves to be made into a movie. Highly recommended for lovers of fantasy with more than a dash of romance...." NOTE: Be sure to have tissue handy while reading this book!!!!

My favorite quote: "Life, precious life, always bound to her by a spider's thread when everyone else had an iron chain."

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A fun collection of original fairy tales!

The Book Dragon has read Tales of Ever After, a Fellowship of Fantasy anthology, and gives it five happy claws!

My 5 star review: "This is a fun and thoughtful collection of fairy tales, but nothing like Disney even though they're all clean. Many original, clever stories are found within these pages, and every one of them has something special to recommend! Usually when I read an anthology, one or two become special favorites, but I can't say that about this one; I liked all of them!"

This anthology is the fourth published by the Fellowship of Fantasy, a group of authors who write clean indie fantasy. All of them are FREE to download and well worth reading. The Book Dragon is confident you will find a new favorite author or two.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A stellar science fiction story for all ages!

The Book Dragon has finished Annie Douglass Lima's Heartsong and gives it a resounding five claws!

My 5 star review: "I put off reading this book because I wasn't sure I'd like Ms. Lima's sci fi as much as I love her fantasy novels, but I should NOT have hesitated. This is a powerful story of a sympathetic young orphan who has built a wall around her heart in order to survive multiple traumas in her life. I ached for her pain and couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what happened to her. Ironically, this is not an action-packed book, but it IS an emotion-packed book with a fascinating and detailed alien culture into which the young protagonist becomes immersed. I loved the concept of the title "heartsong" and the powerful theme of not making judgments until all the facts are gathered. Highly recommended for lovers of science fiction, no matter what age you are!"

Note: I also enjoyed how the protagonist loves to read, and one of the named books on her reader is another science fiction book by one of my other favorite authors!

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Fantastic steampunk universe!

The Book Dragon has read The Electrical Menagerie by Mollie E. Reeder and gives it a resounding five claws!

My 5 star review: "Not sure I can do this book justice with a review, because all I want to say is, Wow! Great character development, a fantastic steampunk universe full of delicious details, and a plot that pulls the reader along with suspense, surprises, and shivers. The Electrical Menagerie is a must-read for those who like steampunk, and especially for those who have never read one. This book will make you a fan!

"Bravo to the author and her jolly good show!"

Because my review doesn't supply any details, here's the blurb to whet your appetite:

For fans of Caraval and The Greatest Showman: a quest for fame and fortune in a stardust-powered empire brings debt, scandal, and danger in spades. 

The Electrical Menagerie, one-of-a-kind robotic roadshow, is bankrupt. 

Sylvester Carthage, illusionist and engineer, has the eccentric imagination the Menagerie needs to succeed creatively — but none of the people skills. Fast-talking Arbrook Huxley, meanwhile, has all the savvy the Menagerie needs to succeed commercially — but none of the scruples. 

To save their show, Carthage & Huxley stake everything in a royal talent competition, vying for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform for the Future Celestial Queen. In this stardust-and-spark-powered empire of floating islands and flying trains, the Menagerie's bid at fame and fortune means weathering the glamorous and cutthroat world of critics, high society, and rival magicians — but with real conspiracy lurking beneath tabloid controversy, there's more at stake in this contest than the prize. 

Behind the glittery haze of flash paper and mirrors, every competitor has something to hide… and it’s the lies Carthage & Huxley tell each other that may cost them everything. 

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Beautifully written fantasy with magic, music, and Cherokee folklore

The Book Dragon has read Aerisian Refrain by Sarah Ashwood and gives it a rip-roaring five claws!

My five star review: "This book was an amazing read! I didn't think I would connect with the MC, Annie, who was a world-famous singer, but she had a depth of character and humility that made me wish she was real so we could be friends. She was strong, yet caring, and I hurt with her at all the losses and pain she suffered in the course of the story.

"The fantasy elements were terrific! I had previously read the first Aerisian trilogy and was already loved the fantasy world the author had created, but this book made everything deeper, more resonant, and more meaningful. The descriptions are beautiful and poetic and totally immersed me in the land of Aerisia. I love how some of the magic is tied to music. It feels real! And the dragons and their riders are memorable, even though they don't play a huge part in this story.

"One of the best things about this book is the friendship Annie develops with her fellow traveler from Earth, the Artan, Hannah, and the BEST part is the relationship Annie develops with Cole, the Simathe Lord who was my favorite in the first trilogy. The ending was surprising, with all kinds of unexpected elements, good and bad.

"I highly recommend this engrossing tale of adventure, love, betrayal, magic, fairies, dragons, and the beautiful Cherokee folklore references. I'm having a hard time writing this review because I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I want everyone to read it, it's that good! Can I just say, "Wow"?"

Better shot of the beautiful cover:

Fantastic new fantasy release!

I'm so excited about this one, I'm spotlighting Aerisian Refrain before Book Dragon can write his review! When I heard it had music, magic, dragons, fairies, birds, AND Cherokee folklore, as well as many of the characters I'd come to love in the original Aerisia trilogy, I HAD to read it.

Tagline: On Earth, Annie's voice brought her fame and fortune. In Aerisia, her voice brings her magic, but the cost of that power might mean the destruction of Aerisia itself.

Blurb: Following the prophesied Artan's victory over the Dark Powers, the land of Aerisia is finally at rest, until ancient beings, long imprisoned, begin to stir....

Eight years after Annie Richards' stellar voice and musical talents skyrocketed her from rural Oklahoma to international fame, haunting visions have begun threatening her sanity. While she's returning to her childhood home to convalesce, creatures straight from her nightmares bring down her plane. Annie wakens in a parallel world, Aerisia. Here, she discovers her musical gifts translate into magical powers--the legacy of a banished race who have been invading her dreams.

Mistrusted by Aerisia's most powerful factions because of her heritage, Annie finds allies are hard to come by. Supporting her are one Simathe warrior, Cole, who refuses to label her as evil, and one woman willing to stand against anything and anyone to help a friend: the Artan herself. Seizing control of her destiny will mean defying both her ancestors and the Aerisian leaders. Mastering her magic may mean making the greatest sacrifice of all . . . or risk becoming the reason Aerisia itself is torn apart.

Author Bio: Don't believe all the hype. Sarah Ashwood isn't really a gladiator, a Highlander, a fencer, a skilled horsewoman, an archer, a magic wielder, or a martial arts expert. That's only in her mind. In real life, she's a genuine Okie from Muskogee who grew up in the wooded hills outside the oldest town in Oklahoma and holds a B.A. in English from American Military University. She now lives (mostly) quietly at home with her husband and three sons, where she tries to sneak in a daily run or workout to save her sanity and keep her mind fresh for her next story.

Sarah's works include the Sunset Lands Beyond trilogy (where I first visited Aerisia) and her fantasy novella Amana.

To keep up to date with Sarah's work and new releases, sign up for her newsletter. You can also visit her website, or find her on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A fantastic collection of short stories

The Book Dragon has read Secrets: Visible and Invisible, a collection of seven stories by different YA authors, and gives it a resounding five claws!

My 5 star review: This is one of the best short story collections I've ever read! Each one fits the theme perfectly, and yet no two stories were remotely alike. I felt like I'd opened a box of chocolates, and ALL of them were delicious! I especially like how the genre is identified at the beginning of each story. Many of them make you wonder if the author has written more about the characters, and in fact, many have!

Dystopian is not my favorite genre, but Corinna Turner's "The Underappreciated Virtues of Rusty Old Bicycles" is an intriguing title. This suspenseful story gripped me and made me anxious for young Margo and Bane, who just wanted to have a picnic and now are in danger from government soldiers hunting subversives.

In "Recreation" by Cynthia T. Toney, Elijah is a realistic teen and stole my heart as the story unfolds and he befriends an elderly neighbor in need of assistance. The ending is one of the most perfect ever! My favorite in the collection.

Theresa Linden's "The Portrait of the Firestarters" is about a youth group, and a painting that has changed each time they meet is mysterious and compelling. An effective device to show how important it is not to judge on appearances.

A gritty historical piece by Susan Peek with a kapow title "On the Brink of Hell" puts the reader in the middle of the scene with the battle-injured Dario. A powerful experience of the power of redemption. Bravo!

I love the tone of T. M. Gaouette's "Sister Francesca." It feels like a legend, even though the setting is modern.

The main character in Carolyn Astfalk's "Behind the Wheel" is so human and so endearing. As a Mom I alternately wanted to shake the MC and hug him. A poignant coming-of-age story!

Leslea Wahl's "More Precious Than Gold" is a fun mystery, and readers of The Perfect Blindside and An Unexpected Role will enjoy seeing those characters together in this story.

Here's a better image of the cover:

All these authors are members of Catholic Teen Books. Visit the site to discover their other works!

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A beautifully written Christian fantasy

The Book Dragon has read The Last Motley by D. J. Edwardson and gives it five claws!

My review: "4.5 stars for one of the most interesting and beautifully written fantasy quests I've ever read. I had no idea what to expect from the intriguing cover (I read it before reading the back blurb), but the story sucked me in from the first page. I love the MC, Roderick the humble tailor. He has become my favorite book Dad, ever! Such a compassionate and God-fearing husband and father, he makes the perfect reluctant hero and guardian for the frightened young orphan, Jacob (the "motley.") Their journey to discover a way to free Jacob from the curse of his motley magic is fraught with peril of every kind, but they do meet a couple of surprising allies along the way.

"I love how Roderick's faith is such a part of him and how his prayers for Jacob comfort the child again and again. This world is so real I can feel the cold and smell the dungeon and taste the hardtack. Recommended for anyone who loves Christian fantasy and quest stories in particular."

Better image of the vibrant cover:

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A fun wish fantasy with an unusual genie!

The Book Dragon has read Jessica L. Elliott's fun short story (or maybe a novella?) Oh, Snap! and gives it five wishful claws!

My 5 star review: "This was a delightful short story and very original! I'll never look at genies the same way again, and I'll be paying closer attention to old teapots in thrift stores from now on. You just never know....

"Recommended for anyone who wishes they had a little real magic in their lives."

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Gritty contemporary Christian romance

The Book Dragon has read Joy K. Massenburge's A Cry For Independence and gives it four claws!

My 4 star review: "Written with gritty honesty and gentle wisdom, this story took me to an unfamiliar place and helped me have greater compassion for others caught in unfortunate circumstances. The two main characters, Tammie and Q, have survived difficult childhoods, rejection by their fathers, prison, abuse, and all manner of terrible things. But the light of God shines as a beacon of hope for both of them, and the way the author brings them out of darkness is heartfelt and poignant. The supporting characters, especially Tammie's loving sister Tee, add much depth to this powerful story of redemption."

A Heroic Giveaway from the Fellowship of Fantasy

The Fellowship of Fantasy consists of authors who are dedicated to writing clean fantasy (with a rating no higher than PG-13).

These are the ebooks included in the prize package, along with a paperback of the second Fellowship of Fantasy anthology, Hall of Heroes.

Enter the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway ends June 15, so don't delay! Happy reading!

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Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A beautifully written, poignant fantasy novella by one of my favorite authors

The Book Dragon has read The Nameless Soldier, a NEW fantasy novella in Annie Douglass Lima's Annals of Alasia series and gives it a resounding five claws!

My 5 star review: "Having read all of the other books in Ms. Lima's Annals of Alasia, I was excited to see there was a new story set in this world. The new POV character, 19 year old Tarvic, caught my attention right away in the gripping opening scene. His anguish and despair are palpable and make him extremely sympathetic. The other characters he meets along the way are wonderfully drawn, and the plot is full of surprises with many satisfying moments. It's almost impossible to put this story down! And near the end is one of the most beautiful lines of prose I've ever read which fits the title perfectly. This story brought tears to my eyes in more than one place. I highly recommend it, and it's not necessary to have read any of the previous books to enjoy the story. Of course, once you read it, you'll HAVE to revisit Alasia with the other wonderful books!"

The Nameless Soldier is only 99 cents for a limited time, so grab a copy today! And while you're doing so, check out all of Ms. Lima's other wonderful books. I can't say enough about what a wonderful writer and storyteller she is.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Uncommon romantic fantasy adventure

The Book Dragon has read Common by Laurie Lucking and gives it a whole-hearted five claws!

My 5 star review: "This story was a wonderful coming-of-age romantic fantasy following the journey of an immensely likable MC, the honorable, hard-working, courageous Leah. I have to add her to my all-time favorite list of heroines! The story is entirely from her POV and works well in first person. Her romantic interest and the several minor characters are well-drawn and believable, and the situation that unfolds has enough twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages to find out if and how Leah can overcome the unfair situation she finds herself in. I've read a few fantasies where the young heroine comes across as a bit whiny, but not Leah. Her determination, even when she's quaking with fear, makes her strongly sympathetic, someone to cheer for, and someone to emulate. Highly recommended for lovers of clean romantic fantasy adventure!"

Indie e-Con Scavenger Hunt 2018 - Stop #5

Next hosted author on the Indie e-Con Scavenger Hunt is Kelsey Bryant!

Kelsey writes: "Hi, everyone! Katy, thank you so much for hosting me on your blog. Isn't it thrilling to be at the 2018 Indie e-Con?

"One of my favorite things about fiction is the settings. To me, the best books take you to places that you can see and feel, and introduce you to people you'd love to meet. I'm from Texas, and the colorful Hill Country in the middle of the state inspired my first published work, Family Reunion, the first of the Six Cousins series. There's something comforting and homelike, as well as natural and wild, about the live oaks and bluebonnets, the coyotes and roadrunners. It's the ideal spot for a big family gathering . . . I love to write about families, their love and their drama.

"The sequel, England Adventure, takes the cousins to England. I'm an Anglophile, so writing this novel felt like planning my own trip to the land of literature, tea, historic houses, and cultural richness. (I've been blessed to visit there for real twice now.) Travel is an ideal plot device for putting people into life-altering situations, so important in fiction.

"My third novel, Suit and Suitability, was my first published venture into historical fiction, and I think I'm hooked on time-traveling. This is a 1930s retelling of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, and I took joy in researching 1930s Ohio and New York, where I set the story, and in figuring out how to transform Jane Austen's beloved characters into 1930s versions. This book is part of the Vintage Jane Austen series.

"If you're interested in learning more about me and my books, you can track me down through my website, Kelsey Bryant, Author. Have fun at the conference, everyone!"

Your fifth clue for the scavenger hunt is E. Your next stop is Dragonpen Press.