Earlier in the week Nomad Authors let you know about a new anthology by Devin Govaere, Maggie McBay, and Laurie Keck, Halloween Magic. Here’s the follow-up book, Halloween Thrills!
Halloween Thrills is the second anthology of Halloween stories written by Devin Govaere, Maggie McBay, and Laurie Keck. All three stories take place in Forget-Me-Not, Oregon, a town where ordinary and extraordinary people live their unique lives in harmony.
Blurb:
Halloween Thrills
Forget-Me-Not, Oregon, Book 2
The magic of Halloween continues in Forget-Me-Not, Oregon. Halloween Thrills contains three stories for Halloween about witches, their magic, and finding love with classic “monsters.”
The Patchwork Man
Beauty is more than the sum of its parts…
When her magic vanishes, conjuring witch Daisy Summers loses the most important part of herself. She refuses to accept that she’s destined to be normal. After a fatal crash, Haven Knight is looking for a place to hide. Haven would give anything just to be normal. But who needs normal when they can have extraordinary?
All Wrapped Up
One shrouded in mystery, one searching for answers…
As Keeper of the Archives, air witch Nia Curtis finds herself all too often wrapped up in the things of old and romanticizing about times long gone. Desmond Cole is a man who, long ago, fell into a dire situation. Now there’s hope he’s found the one woman who can unravel his past. Together, they discover that only love can truly bind.
The Wild One
He’s ready for a silver bullet. She’s ready for a mate.
Kathryn “Ryn” Deeds possesses the blood of werewolf hunters in her veins. When a werewolf shows up in the Savage Woods, it’s Ryn’s job to keep her community safe. Ryker James is a man destined to turn into a raging beast—and Ryn’s chosen mate.
Will she be able to save him before the moon destroys what is left of his humanity?
Excerpt:
Prologue
The New Home
The refugees who had fled from their homes in the east thrived in the village of Forget-Me-Not. With the freedom to pursue their livelihoods, the ability to trust their fellows, and the peace that allowed them to live in harmony against such a lovely backdrop, each citizen worked hard, cared for one another, and looked forward to a bright and promising future.
The swishing of skirts through the long grass caught Silas’ attention as Constance Curtis came to stand beside him. “It’s beautiful here.”
“Indeed it is. How goes construction on your lighthouse?” Master Deeds asked.
“Master Summers has it in hand. He feels we should be operational within a fortnight.” She laughed. “Even conjuring has its limitations at times.”
“I look forward to sending the fishing boats out,” he said, “but we need to know they will find their way home.”
Constance sighed. “Home. I feel happiness in my heart just saying the word.”
“As do we all,” he said with a smile. “And the windmill?”
“I have created a diagram for Ariana Hargrove. With her affinity to the air, and with Master Summers’ aid, I have no doubt it will be spinning within a week.”
“That is indeed good news. I have spoken with the Great Leader and his shaman, Po’laklie. They have agreed quite readily to aid us with food for the winter and gift us with seeds. Our earth elementals can nurture them in the sun houses throughout the cold months, and with their skills, I hold no doubts we will soon be able to repay them in kind. And Richard?” His voice held tenderness as he spoke of his younger friend and fellow Conclave member. “How is he bearing the strain of creating a new community?”
Constance laughed. “The man does not sleep. He enjoys this, Master Deeds. His power grows stronger every day with the freedom to create.”
Silas Deeds raked his gaze over the cottages, the cobblestone streets, and the wagons and equipment Richard had created for their use. “He has done well. We owe him much. The man will soon need a chance to recoup his strength and spend time with his wife. Let us hope there are soon more Summers conjurers to add to our home.” He winked at Constance.
He let his glances linger on the children playing merrily in the fields and the women who watched them with fondness as they washed their clothing in the River Strong. He touched upon the farm animals they had transported across the vast expanse, milling in the grasses, growing fat and healthy. The men were engaged in conversation as they worked to make their community a real home, and each looked hale and hardy.
“And you, Constance? How are you here in this new place?”
“I am well beyond my hopes, Master Deeds. My family is very happy here.”
“Grandmother!” A young woman ran toward them across the field. She heaved a breath as she came up short, laughing as Master Deeds reached out to catch her.
“What is it, Grace?”
“Master Summers needs you. Something about…the cradle?” A rosy blush spread over her face.
“Aye, my darling,” Constance said with a smile, “but not that kind of cradle. The cradle that will hold the candles for illumination.”
Master Deeds tried to meet Grace’s eyes, but she successfully avoided him.
“Grace dear, how is life with your new husband?”
“Very well, Master Deeds,” she replied, blushing furiously.
“You will soon be adding a new citizen to our roster?”
Grace’s mouth dropped open. “How did you…”
“It shows in your eyes, my dear. Your happiness, your devotion to your husband, his devotion to you. When one finds her True Intended, it is hard to maintain a secret.” He grasped her hand and lifted it to his lips. “And thoroughly unnecessary. Share your good news with the others. We will celebrate tonight.”
Grace picked up her skirts and ran toward her husband, waving madly. He caught her in his arms and spun her around.
Silas watched her as Constance followed her granddaughter with her loving gaze. He had never felt more content in his life, and he knew, in this place, contentment would be felt by all.
For many, many years.
Buy link:
Author Bios:
Devin Govaere is a freelance editor and fiction writer. She has published over a dozen novels and fourteen novellas, writing under her own name as well as several pseudonyms. She lives in North Carolina and can be contacted at dgovaere@gmail.com.
Maggie McBay enjoys writing paranormal stories filled with romance and suspense. She has published several novels and novellas, writing under her own name as well as several pseudonyms. Touched with a bit of wanderlust, she’s lived in several states over the years and looks forward to traveling in the near future. You can contact Maggie at maggiemcbay@gmail.com.
Laurie Keck lives on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. She frequently visits the beach with her two small dogs and enjoys quiet time in natural surroundings. As much as Laurie enjoys the ocean, she is equally at home amidst the forest and mountains. She loves nature and wildlife. Her passion is writing stories about true love and fantasy.
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