Short Story Review: Magic In Memphis - Yule (A Celtic Tapestry Collection, Book 6) by Hunter S. Jones

 The wheel of the year turns, bringing the joy of spring, the warmth of summer, the richness of autumn, and the merriment of winter. But eight Celtic festivals link these seasons together, bringing with them romance, lust, danger, and even magic. From a city under threat from night-time creatures at Ostara, to a selkie caught by the light of the Lughnasadh moon, to a writer caught in the flames of a fiery goddess at Imbolc.

Eight authors have come together to give their own twist on these festivals, weaving each story with a blend of myth, magic, and contemporary telling…to create A Celtic Tapestry.


Where to Buy

Amazon            Barnes & Noble           Goodreads



My Thoughts

Victoria thought the Christmas party would be just like any other, until she meets James Wellington. He has a girlfriend back in the UK, but the two can't resist each other. For Victoria, it's love at first sight, but James makes it clear that despite their mutual attraction, his life is already mapped out and he can't change fate. But fate, and a little Yule magic, have a way of making miracles happen.

Magic in Memphis is one hot short story. The chemistry between James and "Vix" actually had my glasses steaming up, but I also loved how the author weaved in elements of the pagan tradition  along with the romance. I enjoyed the back story about Victoria's grandmother teaching her the old ways and her beautiful Yule rituals just as much as I rooted for James and Victoria to find a way to be together.  This is one novella that proves there is more than one way to weave a little magic.

Short Story Review: Shadows In The Darkness - Samhain (A Celtic Tapestry Collection, Book 5) by Miranda Story

 The wheel of the year turns, bringing the joy of spring, the warmth of summer, the richness of autumn, and the merriment of winter. But eight Celtic festivals link these seasons together, bringing with them romance, lust, danger, and even magic. From a city under threat from night-time creatures at Ostara, to a selkie caught by the light of the Lughnasadh moon, to a writer caught in the flames of a fiery goddess at Imbolc.

Eight authors have come together to give their own twist on these festivals, weaving each story with a blend of myth, magic, and contemporary telling…to create A Celtic Tapestry.


Where to Buy

Amazon            Barnes & Noble          

About the Author

I'm Miranda Stork, and I'm addicted. Addicted to writing and reading books, anyway. And chocolate, but that's another issue - no interventions, please.

I live in the middle of a forest in North Yorkshire, spending my spare time as the wild woman of the woods, scaring small children and upsetting the sheep. On the days that I feel like being civilized, or I haven't got any unicorns to ride, I sit down and pour the tumbling thoughts in my head out onto digital paper. Mainly the thoughts and characters come out in paranormal form, with a good smattering of romance, because everyone likes a good cuddle. But you can also find strong elements of thrillers, myths, and even dystopia amongst the pages of all my novels. I've wanted to write books ever since I first realised that fairytales were not the newspapers of the fairy kingdom, but the imaginings of actual people who wanted to tell fancy made-up stories to other people. From that moment, I was hooked.

Why do I write? Good question. It might be easier to just keep the stories in my head, or even just to write them for myself. But I want to share them. There is no greater delight for a writer than when a reader devours your book, and declares, "Something in that novel resonated with me. And I want MORE." So grab your lucky clover and a baseball bat (there's some nasty paranormal creatures where we're going), eat the cookie with 'eat me' tagged on it, and enter through the tiny door into the world of Miranda Stork.

Connect with Miranda


 blog: http://mirandastork.com/
 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/authormirandastork
 Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mirandastork
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/writerofshadows/

My Thoughts

Rebecca doesn't really believe in past lives, but she agrees to let her Wiccan friend do a regression on her anyway. She never expected it to work, but she suddenly finds herself in a Viking village, witnessing a traumatic event she's sure can't be anything more than her overactive writer's imagination. But long after she comes out of the mediation, she's still seeing one of the men from her regression, as well as a shadowy figure she's certain means her harm. She can't blame it on her imagination when the electric goes haywire and she finds herself in very real danger.  Somehow, Rebecca must delve back into her past in order to save her future.

Shadows in the Darkness was an amazing read. I loved everything about it, from the brilliant detail of the guided mediation in the first chapter to the surprising ending.  This paranormal romance has some steamy scenes, but it also delves into the pagan traditions surrounding Samhain, the time when the veil between worlds in thinnest. I enjoyed all the many layers of this story and look forward to reading more works from this author. I already have a few more loaded onto the kindle!

Short Story Review - The Picnic - Fall Equinox (A Celtic Tapestry Collection, Book 4) by Elodie Parkes

Ava McCartney relaxes from her stressful job by walking in the woods. One day she chances upon Morgan Green. He's hypnotic in more ways than one and Ava doubles back to take another look at him. A mystery man, an enigma, sexy as hell, Morgan just might be the man Ava longs for.
His beauty and gentleness hide a powerful man. Who is he really?

Where to Buy

Amazon         Barnes & Noble          Goodreads

My Thoughts

Ava meets a handsome stranger while going for a walk in the woods. The two of them have instant chemistry, but their feelings for each other are only one thing they share. The woods they both love are in danger of being destroyed and the two of them team up to stop the land from being leveled. Ava has the degrees, but Morgan has something even more unique up his sleeve.

The Picnic is a short story with a hot and heavy romance, beautiful foliage depictions, and a surprise ending that was not what I expected when I started the story. In addition to providing an entertaining tale with a paranormal twist, it also has an underlying moral about preserving nature. Definitely a fun, quick read.

Short Story Review: Shore's Edge by Tara S. Wood

The wheel of the year turns, bringing the joy of spring, the warmth of summer, the richness of autumn, and the merriment of winter. But eight Celtic festivals link these seasons together, bringing with them romance, lust, danger, and even magic. From a city under threat from night-time creatures at Ostara, to a selkie caught by the light of the Lughnasadh moon, to a writer caught in the flames of a fiery goddess at Imbolc.

Eight authors have come together to give their own twist on these festivals, weaving each story with a blend of myth, magic, and contemporary telling…to create A Celtic Tapestry.

Where to Buy

Amazon        Barnes & Noble       Goodreads

My Thoughts

Saoirse is the daughter of a clan leader, and she's furious when her father wants to trade her innocence for a peace treaty with their enemy. Refusing to accept a marriage with a man she hates, she runs away, only to come face to face with a selkie named Ronan. It turns out the same man who wants to marry Saorise, has been kidnapping the female selkies, including Ronan's sister  While the selkie warns her that he must eventually return to the sea, the two form a pact to stop the evil clan leader and find a little romance along the way.

Shore's Edge is a beautifully written historical fantasy lush with vivid scenes and endearing characters. There are intense battle scenes and lovemaking that will leave you sweating, all mixed with the magical elements of the mythical selkie. I thoroughly enjoyed this short story. It's a quick read that merges several of my favorite genres and I will definitely be looking for more works from this author in the future.

Short Story Review: Blade's Magic - Midsummer (A Celtic Tapestry Collection, Book 2)

The wheel of the year turns, bringing the joy of spring, the warmth of summer, the richness of autumn, and the merriment of winter. But eight Celtic festivals link these seasons together, bringing with them romance, lust, danger, and even magic. From a city under threat from night-time creatures at Ostara, to a selkie caught by the light of the Lughnasadh moon, to a writer caught in the flames of a fiery goddess at Imbolc.

Eight authors have come together to give their own twist on these festivals, weaving each story with a blend of myth, magic, and contemporary telling…to create A Celtic Tapestry. 

Where to Buy

Amazon           Barnes & Noble      Goodreads


My Thoughts

Danie and her coven are enjoying the magical energies of Midsummer. During a trance state, she finds herself shadowing the handsome Maxfield as he flees the demons his own father sent to pursue him. At first Danie isn't sure if the visions are real or only her imagination, but the more intense they become, the more certain she is that Max is real and needs her coven's help.

Blade's Magic is a short story that has it all. There's magic, battles, and a love that breaches the barrier of alternate dimensions. I love how the author weaved in real elements of pagan ritual into the storytelling. It's an exciting tale and a quick read fans of many genres can enjoy. Another great addition to the Celtic Tapestry anthology.

Short Story Review: Crimson Beat by Elle J. Rossi

 The Spring Equinox brings a slew of nasties to the streets of Nashville. Huntress Josie Hawk is determined to get her arch enemy to sign a treaty, whether the Assembly is behind her or not. But when Keller O'Leary--sexiest vampire alive--returns, will Josie learn to be a team player, or will she stake the heart that has captured hers?

 Where to Buy

 Amazon    Barnes & Noble      Goodreads

About the Author

Elle J Rossi grew up in rural Indiana surrounded by great people, a huge family and more animals than she could count. But the sites and sounds of the world beckoned, so she left her small town to escape into a creative world full of music. As a full time singer she was able to lose herself in a thousand different songs in a hundred different places.

After meeting the love of her life and settling down, she yearned to find a new and fulfilling creative outlet. Overly fond of the happily ever after, she wondered what it would be like to have her own characters lead her down dark and twisted paths. The very first word on the very first page sealed her fate. She'd found a new love. She'd found her escape.

Now along with weaving haunting tales about the journey to love, she's creating cover art for authors around the world and loving every second of it. For fun, she cranks country music to take her back to her roots, and sings karaoke anytime she gets a chance. Her husband, two children, and two cats that rule the roost keep her company along the way and guarantee she doesn't get lost in the enchanted forest. She wouldn't have it any other way.

You can find out more about Elle J Rossi in these places!

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ElleJRossiAuthor

Twitter - https://twitter.com/ElleJRossi

Website - http://www.ellejrossi.com/

Moon Rose Publishing - http://www.moonrosepublishing.com/#!elle-j-rossi/c6b8

My Thoughts

Josie Hawk is only half human. She spends part of her time running a bar and the other half defending the city of Nashville from monsters. Everything from vampires to djinns stalk the streets. As Ostara approaches, a day when the hours of light and dark are equal, they only get stronger. She's ready to do battle, but what she's not ready for is the return of her sexy vampire ex-boyfriend and his band, The Crimson Beat.

I LOVED this sexy short story. Josie Hawk is such a fun character with well-developed personality traits.  She's filled with strength, spunk, and a whole lot of stubbornness. It's hard not to fall for Keller's sexy Irish accent and you can see why Josie has a hard time staying away from him. In the midst of their sizzling romance, there's also no lack  of knife-welding action. A variety of intense battles lead Josie to the door of the leader of the dark in the hopes of bringing peace to Nashville, even if she has to die trying.

Crimson Beat is a fast paced and exciting read and I fully intend to dive into the rest of the Josie Hawk series.

Book Spotlight - A Celtic Tapestry Box Set

The wheel of the year turns, bringing the joy of spring, the warmth of summer, the richness of autumn, and the merriment of winter. But eight Celtic festivals link these seasons together, bringing with them romance, lust, danger, and even magic. From a city under threat from night-time creatures at Ostara, to a selkie caught by the light of the Lughnasadh moon, to a writer caught in the flames of a fiery goddess at Imbolc.

Seven authors have come together to give their own twist on these festivals, weaving each story with a blend of myth, magic, and contemporary telling…to create A Celtic Tapestry.

Where to Buy

Amazon US    Amazon UK    Smashwords   Create Space   Moon Rose Publishing

Celebrate Imbolc with a Creativity Spell & A Copy of Brigid's Flame!

 Blurb

The wheel of the year turns, bringing the joy of spring, the warmth of summer, the richness of autumn, and the merriment of winter. But eight Celtic festivals link these seasons together, bringing with them romance, lust, danger, and even magic. From a city under threat from night-time creatures at Ostara, to a selkie caught by the light of the Lughnasadh moon, to a writer caught in the flames of a fiery goddess at Imbolc.

Eight authors have come together to give their own twist on these festivals, weaving each story with a blend of myth, magic, and contemporary telling…to create A Celtic Tapestry.

In Brigid's Flame, a struggling writer finds inspiration in the arms of the Goddess Brigid on Imbolc night. Check out this story and the whole series of tales inspired by the Celtic Festivals.

Where to Buy- Only $.99!


Amazon           Smashwords 

Also be sure to check out all the other stories in the series. There is one for each of the pagan holidays in the Celtic Wheel of the Year. 

   

 

Brigid’s Flame is my contribution to the anthology and it was inspired by my patron goddess, Brigid. She is the goddess of poetry, smith craft and childbirth.  In my story, a struggling writer invokes Brigid on the sacred night of Imbolc to help rekindle his creativity with her eternal flame.  The chant my hero uses in one I wrote myself and have used many times to help overcome writer's block.

“Brigid, I call you on this sacred night.

I summon your flame. I invoke your might.

The words will come. My mind will soar.

My strength and confidence will endure.

Goddess Brigid, fill me with creativity.

As I will it, so mote it be.”

There is a simple spell anyone can use along with the chant to help bring some inspiration into their lives.  All you need is a candle (preferably orange or yellow, but white can also be used), a bowl, and a few ice cubes. If available, snow or icicles would be even better.  Set the items up on your altar or some other space where you have privacy. Place the ice cubes or snow into the bowl and light your candle.  Stare into the flame and focus of what you are trying to accomplish. Imagine that the ice is your creativity. Right now it’s frozen and blocked.  Now see that flame warming the ice, melting away those blocks. Continue this visualization as you chant the spell.  Once the ice has melted, drink the water. This is your creativity flowing freely back into you.     

Brigid's Flame Released as A Stand Alone!

 Brigid's Flame is a special story for me because it was the first time I stepped out of my safety zone and tried my hand at an adult story. Last year it was released as part of an anthology, but Moon Rose Publishing decided to release each one as individual short stories. In Brigid's Flame, a struggling writer finds inspiration in the arms of the Goddess Brigid on Imbolc night. Check out this story and the whole series of tales inspired by the Celtic Festivals.

 Blurb

The wheel of the year turns, bringing the joy of spring, the warmth of summer, the richness of autumn, and the merriment of winter. But eight Celtic festivals link these seasons together, bringing with them romance, lust, danger, and even magic. From a city under threat from night-time creatures at Ostara, to a selkie caught by the light of the Lughnasadh moon, to a writer caught in the flames of a fiery goddess at Imbolc.

Eight authors have come together to give their own twist on these festivals, weaving each story with a blend of myth, magic, and contemporary telling…to create A Celtic Tapestry.

Where to Buy- Only $.99!


Amazon           Smashwords
 

Cover Reveal & Giveaway - Alabaster Nights by Elle Rossi

Coming December 2013

A Vampire with a soul. A Huntress with a knife. In Nashville, Blood equals Power. Will one taste of Josie Hawk cost Keller everything?

Discover the world of Josie Hawk in Crimson Beat, a novella within the A Celtic Tapestry anthology.

About this author

Elle J Rossi is a writer of Dark Paranormal and Fantasy Romance. Overly fond of the happily ever after, Elle lets her characters take control as they lead her down dark and twisted paths on their haunting journey toward love.

When not writing, you'll more than likely catch her hanging with her husband, two kids and a cat who truly does rule the roost, or stealing the mic from her friends as the duel over country karaoke.

 

http://www.ellejrossi.com

  Buy the Book Amazon | Goodreads

Amazon.co.uk

Barnes & Noble

www.moonrosepublishing.com

 

The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive a digital copy of A Celtic Tapestry in the format of their choice. Giveaway is open worldwide and will end 9/19/13. Winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply before a new winner is selected. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blitz: A Celtic Tapestry – Moon Rose Publishing Anthology

The wheel of the year turns, bringing the joy of spring, the warmth of summer, the richness of autumn, and the merriment of winter. But eight Celtic festivals link these seasons together, bringing with them romance, lust, danger, and even magic. From a city under threat from night-time creatures at Ostara, to a selkie caught by the light of the Lughnasadh moon, to a writer caught in the flames of a fiery goddess at Imbolc.

Eight authors have come together to give their own twist on these festivals, weaving each story with a blend of myth, magic, and contemporary telling…to create A Celtic Tapestry

  Buy the Book Amazon | Goodreads

Amazon.co.uk

Barnes & Noble

www.moonrosepublishing.com

 

 

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A Celtic Tapestry Giveaway Sponsored by A Celtic Attic

The wheel of the year turns, bringing the joy of spring, the warmth of summer, the richness of autumn, and the merriment of winter. But eight Celtic festivals link these seasons together, bringing with them romance, lust, danger, and even magic. From a city under threat from night-time creatures at Ostara, to a selkie caught by the light of the Lughnasadh moon, to a writer caught in the flames of a fiery goddess at Imbolc.

Eight authors have come together to give their own twist on these festivals, weaving each story with a blend of myth, magic, and contemporary telling…to create A Celtic Tapestry

 

  Buy the Book Amazon | Goodreads

Amazon.co.uk

Barnes & Noble

www.moonrosepublishing.com

 

   

 

Brigid’s Flame is my contribution to the anthology and it was inspired by my patron goddess, Brigid. She is the goddess of poetry, smith craft and childbirth.  In my story, a struggling writer invokes Brigid on the sacred night of Imbolc to help rekindle his creativity with her eternal flame.  The chant my hero uses in one I wrote myself and have used many times to help overcome writer's block.

“Brigid, I call you on this sacred night.

I summon your flame. I invoke your might.

The words will come. My mind will soar.

My strength and confidence will endure.

Goddess Brigid, fill me with creativity.

As I will it, so mote it be.”

Here is a simple spell anyone can use along with the chant to help bring some inspiration into their lives.  All you need is a candle (preferably orange or yellow, but white can also be used), a bowl, and a few ice cubes. If available, snow or icicles would be even better.  Set the items up on your altar or some other space where you have privacy. Place the ice cubes or snow into the bowl and light your candle.  Stare into the flame and focus of what you are trying to accomplish. Imagine that the ice is your creativity. Right now it’s frozen and blocked.  Now see that flame warming the ice, melting away those blocks. Continue this visualization as you chant the spell.  Once the ice has melted it, drink the water. This is your creativity flowing freely back into you.     

   

The Giveaway

To help celebrate the release of The Celtic Tapestry, my friends over at A Celtic Attic are offering one lucky winner a beautiful Brigid's Cross wall plaque. To enter just fill out the rafflecopter form below. This giveaway will end on 4/11/13 Open WORLDWIDE. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again A Celtic Attic for offering this fantastic prize.


 a Rafflecopter giveaway

***Please note I received no form of compensation for this post***