Cover Reveal for MERCY'S GIFT

Cover reveal for MERCY'S GIFT, Book Two in the fantasy series He Who Finds Mercy:

Peace is fragile. Gifts have limits.

While Prince Valerian adjusts to marriage as well as his new title, conspiracy brews in the south among disgruntled lords who wish to separate from the north. The situation is made even more volatile by a charismatic rebel leader whose guerilla tactics are swift and brutal.

The clandestine efforts of a witch hired by one of the lords render Valerian's gift of Sight ineffective, and Merry's Healing efforts are sorely tested.

It has become dangerous for a northerner living in the south, and if the gifted young royals fail to stop the growing rebellion, evil will reign in Levathia.

The story begins in Book One, MERCY'S PRINCE:

A heart of peace in a time of war

As second son of the King of Levathia, seventeen-year-old Valerian desires the quiet life of a scholarly monk. But when he fails to save his older brother in battle, Valerian must instead become crown prince.

While a traitorous knight schemes against him, Valerian meets Mercy, a pacifist Healer with whom he can speak mind-to-mind like the great dragons. Their bond emboldens Valerian to seek out the legendary dragons and ask for their help against the monsters who killed his brother.

Can Valerian survive the traitor’s assassins long enough to find the dragons? And if he does, can he convince them to lay aside their hatred of humans and help him save the land from destruction?

Praise for MERCY'S PRINCE: 

"Easily one of the best indie books I've ever read." Story Sanctuary

"A truly believable fantasy world saturated with suspense." Marcha's Two-Cents Worth

"The action is heart-stopping, the love is pure, and the emotions are real." Amazon reader

"A lovely, spiritual tale with all the adventure, mystery and romance a reader could want. Oh. And dragons!" Amazon reader

MERCY'S PRINCE will be FREE on Amazon September 17-19, and MERCY'S GIFT will be released September 25.

Friday Author Spotlight: Shari L. Tapscott

Today I'm privileged to interview Shari L. Tapscott about her wonderful Eldentimber fantasy series, the newest of which, ANWEN OF PRIMEWOOD, is available for pre-order at Amazon!


1. I'm so impressed with the detailed fantasy world you've developed for your series. Did you begin with this world in mind, or did it gradually take shape as you wrote the first story?

SHARI: My goodness, thank you! Pippa of Lauramore was a last minute Camp NaNoWriMo project. About a week before July, I decided I was going to participate. It was my second NaNo, and the first one was a mess. I made my word count, but that manuscript is such a nightmare, I still haven't tackled it.

This time I decided I needed a plan. I hunted down a bunch of character and setting questionnaires online. Iced coffee in hand, I sat down and filled them out. It was fun—it reminded me of taking the teen quizzes in fashion magazines (I used to love those!). They were also helpful. They prompted me to think of environment and economy. They answered questions I hadn't even thought to ask. Before I started writing, I had a pretty solid idea of what my world looked like.

2. I love the character of Pippa. She's so strong and spunky, and yet has a sense of honor that breaks your heart, because she's willing to put aside her heart's desires for the sake of her kingdom. Was she the inspiration for this series? How did you actually begin?

SHARI: Ah, Pippa. She was such a fun character to write. She's beautiful and charming, but because she's the kingdom's darling, she grew up a little wild. She absolutely inspired the book. Another princess may have sat back and hoped a handsome victor would take the win away from Lionel—but not Pippa. She was bound and determined to find her own champion. One of the things I loved about writing her was her heart. It isn't obvious in the beginning of the book, but she is a fiercely loyal, caring character.

3. Your setting details are deliciously realistic. Did you have certain actual places in mind while writing?

SHARI: Absolutely! We visit Colorado's San Juan National Forest at least once a summer, and that's where a lot of my ideas for Lauramore came from. It rains a lot, so everything is always bright and green, and there are some spectacular waterfalls in the area. It's not unusual to see flocks of sheep grazing on the rocky hillsides. It's just an amazing part of Colorado.

The lower areas of Lauramore, below the terraces, were inspired by the National Forest area above Vega State Park, also in Colorado. Some of the trails go through some pretty dark, thick areas. I'm pretty sure we're going to run into a grim boar one of these days.

4. The medieval tournament to win the hand of a noble lady, since it's based on historical fact, is one story that never grows old with me. But you've managed to make it more exciting and much more dangerous. You must have done a lot of research for at least part of it, though, right?

SHARI: This is a hard question to answer. When I was young, I was obsessed with the medieval time period. However, I definitely romanticized it. In my mind, everything was perfect—princesses wore beautiful dresses, the men were chivalrous and handsome, and unicorns could and should grace every fountain.

Obviously, when I got older, I learned that the times were very difficult and that things weren't nearly as lovely as I had imagined…and there were no unicorns (that was probably the hardest blow).

However, I remained interested. So while I never specifically sat down to do research for Pippa, by that point, I had thoroughly immersed myself in medieval books, fairy tales, movies, and even video games. Though I can't specifically say where my knowledge of the marriage tournament came from, I was familiar with the basic concept when I came up with the idea. And after that, I just wrote a story that made me happy (and that my five-year-old self would be proud of).

5. I'm anxious to read your newest book in this series. Are there any more in the works?

SHARI: Yes! Originally, I had planned to write four books, but now it's looking like I will be adding a fifth. My sister contacted me a few weeks ago and begged me to add just one more. She had the greatest idea…so my quartet is now a quintet!

The second book in the series, Anwen of Primewood, will release on September 17^th. Seirsha of Errinton, the third book, is complete and about to go through editing. It will release in January 2016. I don't have dates set for the next three, but the fourth book is outlined, and I'm chomping at the bit to get started. I'm hoping to hold off until November's NaNoWriMo, but I'm not sure I'll be able to wait that long!

To read Pippa of Lauramore (which you MUST read--I gave it 5 stars), go here.

To read the 15,000 word prequel, Grace of Vernow (which you also MUST read--I gave it 5 stars), go here. 

To learn more about Shari, check out her Amazon author page. 

Friday Author Spotlight (on Thursday): Tamara Grantham

This week I get to interview Tamara Grantham to help spotlight her new fantasy release, DREAMTHIEF.

1. What inspired you to write this story? Did you begin with Olive?

Tamara: Dreamthief started out as a question asked by my brother-in-law. He worked as a military policeman at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma. Apparently, he’d pulled over quite a few people who were a little off. They also happened to display fairies and unicorns on their car’s bumpers. “Are people who read fantasy books and collect fairy stuff a little weird?” he had asked.

Hmm… Were they? And if they were, then why? These questions evolved into my book’s premise. What if they’ve really been to fairy world and can’t remember it? And what if their lost memories are causing their societal abnormalities and mental disorders? And if so, who would treat them? A half-elf who can remember both earth and fairy world?

2. Since Olive is a therapist, did you do any research to make her believable?

Tamara: I’m lucky that my husband attended medical school and learned a few things about mental disorders, so I frequently picked his brain. I also suffered with depression while I was pregnant with my last two babies, so I guess you could say I did some, “in the field” research. It also helps to have quirky friends and family members, but hey—don’t we all?

3. I'm intrigued with your fairy world Faythander. I noticed there are dragons and other dangers there. What is the scariest thing about this realm?

Tamara: In book one, the goblins are the scariest. They’re more like zombies than traditional goblins, and their skin excretions are poisonous. I suppose I like a good scare now and then, so I had fun writing about the bad guys.

4. I love the trading cards you had designed for your giveaways. How did that come about?

Tamara: My friend and fellow author Kelly Risser did character spotlights to introduce her Never Forgotten series, and she suggested I do something similar. At the time, I had five weeks before my book’s release, and oddly enough, five major races in Faythander, so it made sense that I would connect the two. Marya Heiman with Strong Image Editing designed the cards, and I think she did a fabulous job. I recommend her to everyone.

5. When did you first begin to write for publication?

Tamara: After I wrote my first book, it became obvious that if I ever wanted anyone to read what I’d written, I would have to publish.

6. How do you manage to keep writing with five children?

Tamara: Ha! If I had a nickel for every time I get asked that one… You know, I’m not really sure. I just do it. I honestly think it helps to have kids around. They make me take breaks, give my mind a minute to rest, and then I’m ready to get back to writing again.

7. Name one fun fact about Dreamthief you'd like to share with readers.

Tamara: Okay, this one may sound odd, but I’m a member of the Mormon church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), but I’m not from Utah and I never went to BYU, which is usually how one can tell if you’re Mormon. I still wanted my readers to know that I was Mormon, so I put a few hints in Dreamthief. Two hints, actually, Nehor and Pahoran, which are names of people from the Book of Mormon. And now you know my secret!

8. Name one fun fact about Tamara Grantham. :) 

Tamara: I can’t spell the word rhythm to save my life. Thanks goodness for spell check!

9. Is fantasy your favorite genre to read and write?

Tamara: Absolutely, although I’ll read anything if I feel like it’s well written.

10. What is your next writing project?

Tamara: I’ve just finished Dreamthief’s sequel, called Spellweaver, which will release tentatively in January, and now I’m outlining book 3.

I want to give a special thanks to Katy Jones. What an inspiration! Whenever I feel low, I think about Katy and what she endures, and it gives me the courage to keep going. Thank you for your strength, Katy!

Aw, thanks, Tamara! I've really enjoyed meeting you through the Clean Indie Reads group and can't wait to read DREAMTHIEF! 

Get your copy of DREAMTHIEF at Amazon today!

Check out Tamara's blog, Tamara Dares to Write!

Release Day! Tamara Grantham's DREAMTHIEF

Dreamthief

By Tamara Grantham

Olive Kennedy, Fairy World MD. (Book 1)

This is a Crimson Tree Publishing Title

Release Date: September 1st, 2015

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Tour Dates: September 1st - 12th

Visiting Faythander is a nasty business. Forget the fairies and unicorns, most people come back with lost memories and mental problems. Olive Kennedy knows. She's the therapist who treats patients suffering from Faythander's side effects. Despite her empty bank account, she takes pride in her job as Houston's only Fairy World medical doctor. She's never failed to cure a client—until now. 

Traveling back to Faythander wasn't on Olive's to-do list. But she has no choice. The fate of both Earth and Fairy depends on her ability to stop an ancient being called the Dreamthief. To complicate matters, she may be losing her heart to someone who can't love her in return. Saving the world, she can handle. Falling in love—not so much. 

As if battling the forces of evil wasn't difficult enough…

Amazon | Goodreads 

Tamara Grantham was born and raised in Southeast Texas. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Lamar University. After marrying her husband David, she followed him through his training to become a burn surgeon. Tamara and David have five active, sweet, and almost always well-mannered children, ages zero to ten years. Their two pets, June and Chester help to keep the house lively (in addition to the children.)
Sign up for Tamara's email list by clicking here!

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Friday New Book Spotlight: Tamie Dearen's Alora 2!

Cover Reveal for Alora: The Portal

The compelling story of the young soulmates, Alora and Kaevin, continues...

The adventure begins with Alora: The Wander-Jewel.

Fifteen-year-old Alora has visions.

Only while in the shower. And only of one stranger: a handsome boy with long brown hair, intense green eyes, and the oddest clothes. A boy who vanishes whenever she opens her eyes.

And then one day, he doesn't…

Alora's safe world is soon turned upside-down as she's thrust into another realm where her soulmate waits, magic abounds, and unfathomable evil seeks to claim her.

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The epic fantasy continues in Alora: The Portal.

Cover design by StunningBookCovers.com

If one of them dies, they both die.

Bound together as soulmates, something compels Alora and Kaevin to abandon the safety of their refuge for the dangers of Kaevin’s realm. The soulmates arrive in the midst of a raging battle as Stone Clan warriors defend their capital, an attack made more deadly by the pervasive evil of her father. Alora and Kaevin face mortal danger as they fight against man and magick to preserve Kaevin's home and heritage. For Alora's father will have her allegiance. Or her death.

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Praise for Alora

"...I have to admit - I wish the book had not ended! ...The romance is sweet rather than steamy making this a clean read for young adults, but the action and adventure is thrilling enough to keep any age reader turning pages..." Today's Visions "I found Alora to be a breath of fresh air in the YA fantasy genre! ... A YA fantasy with characters you will adore and cheer for, Alora is a book I would recommend to any of my friends!" Books Are Sanity Alora: The Portal is available on Amazon for the special pre-order price of 99¢ through the August 31 release date! As a bonus, Alora: The Wander-Jewel will be FREE on August 30 through August 31! Find Tamie Dearen on her website, Amazon, Facebook, and Twitter.

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Excerpt from Alora: The Wander-Jewel

Alora fought the urge to beat on the tile wall. He’d disappeared again. Who was this boy she kept seeing? Why did he only appear when she was in the shower? He seemed so real, and she could have sworn he looked as confused as she felt. As if he was trying to figure out who she was, as well. Was he a figment of her imagination? His eyes were so unusual. They were green. Not an ordinary green, but a deep, intense jade, the color of her aunt’s emerald ring. He was really cute, although he wore his wavy brown hair a little long for her taste. Yet she could only see his head—never his clothes or the background. Today he’d tied his hair back in a ponytail. Surely the fact he’d changed his hair was significant. Wouldn’t a figment of her imagination have his hair the same every time? She peeked around the shower curtain at the clock on the bathroom counter. It was five a.m. on a Saturday, and she had chores to do, feeding the horses and letting the chickens out. But it was winter, so she had plenty of time to spare before the rising sun tolled the beginning of her responsibilities. Living on a ranch in the backcountry of Montana meant cold winters, lots of work, and little time for leisure. It was the only life she’d ever known, and she usually enjoyed it, despite the heavy work involved. But right now, she wanted another stab at seeing that boy. The image was always so fuzzy. If only he wouldn’t disappear when she opened her eyes. She couldn’t summon his visage at will. He didn’t come every time she closed her eyes in the shower; it seemed to happen when she was relaxing and letting the water beat down on her head and shoulders. Maybe, if she were soaking in the tub, she might see his image again. She pushed the curtain back, put in the stopper, and turned the faucet on full blast. As an afterthought, she added bubble bath, filling the tub with fragrant suds. Soon the bath was full, with aromatic bubbles foaming on top. She eased into the soothing water, closing her eyes at the blissful caress of the heat on her tight muscles. And she waited. Anticipating. Would he come? She tried to stay alert, but the relaxing warmth seeped into her skin, lulling her to sleep. Awakening with a start in the cold water, disappointment formed a knot in her stomach—he’d never appeared. She released some water down the drain and added hot water, swirling it around until the temperature was comfortable again. She had five more minutes before she had to abandon her bath to start her workday. She lay back down, sinking below the water with her eyes closed, swishing the fresh water over her skin to remove the bubble bath film, her face floating above the surface to breathe. He appeared. She held her breath, clamping her eyes shut tight, trying to hold the image as long as possible. Though the apparition was still slightly blurry, she could see all of him, head to toe. She took advantage of her increased perception, thoroughly studying his image. She almost clapped her hands when her mental measurement estimated his height at over six feet. At five feet ten, she was taller than most boys her age. But she scolded herself for examining him as if he were a potential boyfriend. He wasn’t even real. His clothes were made of supple-looking brown leather. The attire was odd—held together with ties and toggles rather than buttons or zippers. The fit was close enough that his well-formed muscles were evident. She noted his long hair was tied back, as it had been earlier. She could only see the front of him as he stood frozen, stock-still, with his mouth agape, his jewel-green eyes wide and... moving. His eyes were moving, up and down, as if he were scanning her body as she had done. And it occurred to her if she could see all of him, he might be able to see all of her. She gasped, opening her eyes to dispense with the specter. But his image remained, now sharp and clear. And he seemed to be standing in her bathroom. She cowered under the water, attempting to hide under the few remaining bubbles. His eyes dropped down to her navel, and as they widened, he whispered, “Wendelle?” Lunging for her towel on the floor, she screamed at the top of her lungs. Hastily covering herself and preparing to leap from the tub, she looked up, only to discover the vision was gone—if indeed it had been a vision.

Read the first two chapters of Alora: The Wander-Jewel here.