If you like fantasy worlds, magical abilities, and a bit of intrigue, you’re in luck. I have just the world for you.
Two hearts hurt by relationships, hesitant to trust again. To souls destined to be together. Each afraid to take the next step until the forest insists they must.
Meet Morgan and James. She’s been hurt by every man in her life, even changing her clan to escape. He gave his heart once before and his secret Talent scared the woman he loved so much she was nearly killed trying to get away.
But there is something about each other they just can’t escape. Morgan’s black hair and eyes the color of the sea draw James in. And for her, it’s those darling dimples and green eyes.
And you can get it all for FREE this weekend! Over at Books2Read, you’ll find all the links you need for an escape this weekend.
So come with me to a magical world, where Talents show up in the most unusual places.
It’s that time of year, with the temperatures around here soaring up into the high 90’s. But that’s all right! It means I have an excuse to stay inside and read.
Or write.
But if you’re looking for a different sort of heat, check out Too Many Talents. Things between the First Lord and Lady heat up as she gains control over her Talents. Not like there was no passion before, mind. And with all that Talent between them, stimulating each other psychically, let’s just say things heat up. In a good way.
If you haven’t read Viviane, First Lady, you should check it out as well. As Viviane begins to discover her Talents, the First Lord uses his to enhance their sex life, making her glad she accepted his proposal.
Looking for a sweeter romance with a bit of spice?Morgan–The Pixie and the Green Man. She’s had enough of men and their problems. He’s afraid to get close to anyone due to an unfortunate accident involving his abilities. Can the two of them let go of their fears and find love?
You can find all these magical people and their friends on the wonderful world of Esperance!
Prefer shifters to paranormal abilities?
Damiano and Karianna are a lively couple in Gambler’s Folly.
And don’t forget Dante and Angela in Dante’s Angel. Soulmate challenges are so passionate…
There’s always The Russian. After two hundred years of hunting alone, Mother Nature surprises him with a second soulmate. And it all happens on Gambler’s Folly!
What better way to beat the summer heat than sitting back with a book and sipping something cold and delicious?
This particular story began with a dream. But the dream didn’t begin with the opening scene of the book. I wouldn’t have paid any attention to it, except it kept recurring for several nights. In order to make it go away, I wrote it down.
The next few nights, I dreamed a different scene from the story. Again, it wasn’t the beginning of the book, nor did it follow the scene I’d already written.
So, I decided to sit down and try to figure out how those involved in the story would get to the point of my dreams. And how did they connect?
Sitting down in front of my computer, I let my mind drift off into a daydream and began to write. After I had the beginnings of the story, the rest flowed pretty easily. Of course, there was a lot of editing to do, but at least I stopped dreaming it.
The original story became two books, Jareth, First Lord, and Viviane, First Lady. My editor noticed that i seemed to have one ending, took a breath, and launched back into the story. She felt it would work better if we stopped at the first break and continued in the second book.
Morgan was a character in my first book who touched my heart. I decided she needed a story of her own and spent several days wondering where I should start. And since I write romance, who would be her love interest?
Enter James Ferguson, whose family has Talents related to wood and the forest. His nickname for Morgan is Pixie, since she is much smaller than her is. Because of his abilities, she calls him her Green Man, which is how we arrived at the title.
Book 4 will be coming out soon–Too Many Talents. This one continues the story from Viviane, First Lady and brings in the story line from Clan Belfort and the new heir–her nephew, Connell.
The three book series, Esperance, will soon be joined by a fourth book–Too Many Talents.
How about a little background?
The world I call Esperance was settled during a very disturbed time on Earth. People with a particular remote viewing ability sought new worlds to colonize, as it seemed Earth might not survive. On this new world, these individuals, called Seekers, also helped discover minerals for mining concerns, new food which could be used by the new settlers, and many other things.
As the colony would take time to become self-sufficient, Earth subsidized them with shipments of necessities they couldn’t manufacture yet. Machine parts, medicines and the like were at the top of the list.
Until the shipments stopped coming. The colony struggled to keep going until a mutated virus wiped out over half of the colony. Without the medicines from Earth, they were at the mercy of nature. Many skills were lost, machines broke down with no way to repair them, and the remaining settlers descended into chaos, each man for himself in a bid to survive.
After several decades of this confusion, a few among them developed Talents–psychic abilities such as telepathy, teleportation, telekinesis, and a host of others. Using these new abilities, they got together to impose the rule of law to save what was left of their world.
Dividing the world into clans, each named after one of the original talented men, the colony slowly began to revive. New Talents, which took the place of mechanism and medicines, began to emerge among the people. Some had abilities relating to wood and the forest. Others for various sorts of metal or stone. And those who could heal using energy became the new medical professionals among them, while the herbalists researched various plants to add to the mix. Some had very minor abilities, others became masters in their field.
Until we come down to the time of Jareth and Viviane, several hundred years after the end of the confusion.
Viviane has Talents she should never have developed. Though she has struggled for control, an unfortunate outburst of temper at her brother’s trial nearly takes a life. Now terrified of her abilities, she begins to resist her training, which only makes the outbursts of uncontrolled Talent more frequent. Jareth and her instructor struggle for a way to make her understand how important her training is, as her uncontrolled manifestations of Talent become a daily concern.
Follow her continuing story in Too Many Talents.
We are also introduced to her nephew, Connell.
When the original heir of Viviane’s home clan, Belfort, turns traitor, another heir must be found. He should be of the family line, and still able to access his Talents. The only one who fits the bill is Connell, her sister’s son.
Connell, who is only ten and a half, isn’t sure why he needs Talents to be a ruler. After all, what could go wrong which would require it? And why does he have to come live with his grandparents for this training? But when his friends from home come to the clan center for the Gather, he learns a lesson about jealousy, friendship, and Talent he won’t forget soon.
He also learns how helpful it is to keep control of his thoughts, when he accidentally finds himself in Jareth and Viviane’s study, unannounced and quite confused, after letting his temper get out of control.
Do you like paranormal romance? With a little fantasy?
How would you feel about psychically gifted rulers? Or regular joes like blacksmiths and lumberjacks with abilities related to their work?
Then you’ve come to the right world.
Jareth, First Lord–Book 1 introduces the ruler of Clan Brannach. One of the most talented of the current first lords, he seems to be able call on and control enough energy to do anything he desires. Unfortunately, that doesn’t include winning his lady’s heart.
He met her in her father’s clan, without knowing of her ruling family ties, and took her as part of the spoils in a dispute settlement. Hoping to win her as his first lady, he moves her into the family manor to get accustomed to being a part of the ruling house.
But she has had enough of ruling houses. As the youngest of five siblings, she married to escape her family, though she grew to love her husband. When he died, her family insisted she move back home. With other options disappearing, she asked for a sign. And what she got was Jareth.
But she wanted no part of the first lady bit.
Viviane, First Lady — Book 2 This book continues the story of Jareth and Viviane. In Book 2, she must gain control over psychic abilities which have suddenly developed, which nobody can explain. But with all the various Talents she now possesses, she is beginning to cause problems when emotions run a little too high. With her brother’s trial for treason rapidly approaching, can she win enough control over her Talents and emotions to withstand the rigors of the trial?
But if her training is frustrating and the headaches a royal pain, at least her nights with the first lord are sizzling, as their combined Talents add to their pleasure.
Morgan–The Pixie and the Green Man–Book 3 Morgan was a minor character in Book 1. From Viviane’s original clan of Belfort, she came from an abusive background. So when Jareth came to town with demands, she was a volunteer in the choosing, welcoming a change of clans and hoping for a change in her life.
But mere months after resettling, she is attacked and nearly raped in her new clan. Fortunately, two young men came to her rescue and got her help. One of them was the tall, sandy-haired James, with those adorable dimples.
In that first moment after seeing Moran, muddy and sobbing thought she was, he fell in love with this petite young woman with hair of midnight and eyes the color of the sea. Biding his time, he waited until she’d had some time to recover before asking her out. But as fearful as she was, it took some time for her to agree to as much as a cup of tea across the square.
James had some trouble of his own. His family had a way with wood as part of their talent. They could shape wood, read what flaws there might be in the lumber it would produce, and understand the forest better than anyone else. And this scared a lot of people. One of those people had been a girlfriend of his, who ran out in front of a carriage when he showed her a little of his talent.
Dare he pursue a relationship with Morgan?
And can she open her heart again and accept his love?
Too Many Talents–Book 4 This book is still in editing, but will be out this year. Continuing the story of Jareth and Viviane, we also meet the next heir to Clan Belfort–Connell, a little boy of ten and a half (almost eleven). Viviane’s brother Carl was to have been heir to the house, until he betrayed his first lord and clan. And at ten years old, Connell is getting a late start on his training.
He also doesn’t understand the need for Talents, until some jealous friends harm a little girl who adores him. And then his Talents come out to play to save her from further injury.
Between Viviane’s mishaps in training and Connell’s, it makes for a lively time for a while on this magical, romantic world–Esperance.
If you haven’t read the books in the Esperance Series, you can find them at Amazonor at Smashwords. And as soon as Too Many Talents is out, I’ll let you know!
With the weather we’ve been having, I’m not too sure. A few days ago it was nearly 80 degrees when the Bear and I went walking. Yesterday’s highs were in the 60’s, and it got down to 38 degrees this morning. Glad I didn’t plant anything yet.
Anyway, how is everyone else out there? And more importantly, what are you reading?
I’ve been into cozy mysteries lately, and reading theKnitorious Murder Mystery series, by Reagan Davis. As a knitter, I love the way she weaves the skill into her stories.
But if you’re looking for something more along the lines of fantasy romance, with a little paranormal or magic thrown in, check out my book, MORGAN–The Pixie and the Green Man.
In the first book of the Esperance series, Morgan is introduced as a secondary character. When Jareth went to Clan Belfort to demand repayment of stolen goods, part of the penalty for ignoring his previous communications was The Choosing–a tithe of marriageable women to take back to his clan.
Morgan volunteered to go with him in order to get away from an abusive family situation. But shortly after arriving in her new home, she is assaulted by a young man who’s invitations she had declined. Two men passing the area came to her rescue and when she’s recovered, she testifies at the young man’s trial, but she is even more hesitant around the male of the species.
We don’t hear too much more from Morgan after this, but her story intrigued me. I decided to give her a book of her own, and help her find her happily-ever-after.
“Morgan? Is something wrong?” Mrs. Kennoway asked. “No, I was talking with James Ferguson. He came in for some fruit. I think I need more sleep.” “Did you have breakfast this morning?” “Yes. Coffee, and toast with jam. It’s what I usually have.” “It’s time you had some lunch, young lady. Take yourself into the back room and take your break.” Morgan slowly ate the lunch she’d brought. It wasn’t much—she didn’t usually eat much—just an apple, some cheese, and some bread. After finishing her meal, she made a cup of tea before going back to work. “You look a little better,” Mrs. Kennoway told her. “Did James say something to upset you? He’s usually such a polite boy.” This “polite boy” had to be a little older than she was Morgan thought, and she was twenty-five. “No, he was nice enough,” she answered, looking down at her hands on the counter. “Well, then why won’t you look up and tell me about it?” the older woman asked. Meeting her gaze, Morgan flushed. How could she tell this sweet lady that the idea of going anywhere with a guy scared her to death? “He asked me out for lunch,” she said, embarrassed and exasperated all at once. “And what did you say?” “I told him I would be busy all afternoon.” “You needn’t stay in here all day. A break for lunch might have done you some good.” “I can’t. I just can’t,” said, nearly in tears. “You poor girl. You’ll have to take the first step sometime. I know his father and mother. James is a good boy. He’d do you no harm.” “I know. I’ll think about it, if he asks again.” A few days later, James came back to the market. It was earlier in the day, but his excuse was the same. Could she suggest something for a snack? What was good today? He chose some pears and a little cheese before he walked back to pay for his items. “Could I coax you out of here for lunch today?” he asked. How could his eyes have so much sparkle? And that smile was so warm and inviting. “I don’t know, James. I’m not particularly social. Maybe another time.” Not to be deterred, he asked, “What about dinner after work? You have to eat sometime. We could go to the little place across the square. It’s small and not crowded, but the food is good.” “Maybe not today, but thank you for asking.” He seemed really nice, but she was terrified. “Are you sure? They have roast chicken worth killing for.” “Isn’t that normally worth dying for?” she asked. “Yes, but I’m not planning to die any time soon.”
So if you’re looking for a sweet little romance, with a bit of spice and magic, check out MORGAN–The Pixie and the Green Man.
Yes, all the books from my Esperance Series are on sale this weekend! If you’re like me, you love a book sale. I have several series I’ve started I need to finish. Since they’re all several books long, I wait for a sale to stock up.
And you can do the same!
Just go to Smashwords and check it out. All three books in the current series are on sale for only $0.99 each! Full length novels you can sit back and get into.
So if you’re looking for a place to get away, Esperance may be what you’re looking for–a place from an earlier time, ruled by psychic lords, and normal, everyday people with maybe a touch of Talent to make life a little easier for them.
You won’t need a passport or airline tickets. No need for a Covid test. All you need is a comfy chair, something delightful to drink, and maybe a fireplace.
And of course, a book. Or an e-book. Either way, it won’t cost much. But such a world you’ll find.
Discovered by the seekers when Earth began to expand into the universe, the colony was just getting on its feet when tragedy struck. They were cut off from their home world without warning while facing a pandemic which was wiping out the population.
After weathering this time of trouble, the survivors fell into a world of chaos and confusion. It became a world of every man for himself and damn the consequences.
Out of this tribulation, people with special abilities emerged. Descendants of the seekers who had come with them, they developed strong psychic abilities. Eventually they were able to enforce the rule of law back onto the population and divided the lands into clans. Each clan was ruled by one of these psychically talented First Lords.
Our first story begins several hundred years after this time of confusion, in Clan Brannach, which is ruled by First Lord Jareth. A widowed ruler with no heir, he has no heart for finding another wife, until he meets Viviane from a neighboring clan.
But will he win her heart before the two of them start a clan war?
The story continues in Book 2, where we learn more about Talents and the problems they can cause.
Book 3 is inset into the main story line, following the tale of another girl from the neighboring clan, of her struggles, and of finding the possibility of love. With a little more psychic magic involved, there are some surprises along the way.
So, beginning with Jareth, First Lord, continuing with Viviane, First Lady, and moving on to Morgan–The Pixie and the Green Man, the wonders of this world unfold. Next up will be Too Many Talents, continuing Viviane’s story and bringing in Connell, of Clan Belfort, the new heir to the clan.
All these books are available on Amazon, Smashwords, and most major booksellers.
So take a break. Take a vacation. Come with me to a simpler, more magical time and place.
Settled by pioneers from Earth, the planet was far from being self-sufficient when they lost contact with Earth, and with the supplies they needed to continue building their world. Without the medicines from Earth, the population was devastated when a pandemic hit, leaving less than half the people of the original settlements.
With society now in total chaos and anarchy, it was every man for himself until a few people with unusual psychic abilities were able to force their will on the population and bring law and order back to their world. These men became the original First Lords.
Dividing the remaining population into clans, the First Lords gave their names to the clans, gradually rebuilding a successful society on their world. While it was far from what they’d had when Earth was subsidizing them, this frontier world, they had food, shelter, and a sense of direction.
As the population grew, so did these unusual Talents. Only the First Lords had the multiple Talents needed to rule their clans, but others developed abilities related to their work, or for healing and nurturing.
The first book in the series, Jareth, First Lord, is about one of these Talented men and the woman he hopes to win. Set a couple centuries after the Age of Confusion, his clan is well established and prosperous. Two years previously, he had lost his wife in childbirth, losing the baby as well. He knew he had to remarry, but was surprised when he found the woman of his dreams in another clan with which he had a dispute.
Book two,Viviane, First Lady, continues their story and tells of Viviane’s struggle to learn how to control Talents she has suddenly developed before they cause any more trouble. While having psychic abilities seems like it would be a great deal of fun, learning to control them, instead of having them control you, can be a trick.
Book 3, Morgan, tells of a young woman who came to Brannach during the Choosing. She had determined to live her life alone, after being abused by nearly every man she’s known in her life. When James begins to show her attention, she isn’t sure what to think. As for James, his family has a couple Talents which can make people nervous. As his attraction grows for Morgan, so does his anxiety about sharing his secret with her.
Watch for new books in the future!
Esperance. A world full of mischief, magic, and romance.
According to legend, Esperance was found by the Seekers, ancient people from old Earth with psychic abilities including remote-viewing. After millennia of abuse Earth was dying. Now her people sought new homes among the stars. With lush, rich vegetation, deep forests, and forbidding mountains this new world resembled a much younger Earth—an Earth before modern man had left his mark.
Seeking a simpler life on this unspoiled and bounteous land, they would tame this bold new world as their ancestors had tamed the rugged highlands on Earth. Learning from history, they would take from it only what they needed, preserving everything else as a pristine paradise.
Initially Esperance relied on Earth for items they couldn’t yet produce. Fabricated metals, manufactured machine parts, and advanced medicines would take years to perfect. Mining and smelting also took time to become profitable.
Once again, the abilities of the Seekers came to their aid, helping to locate mineral deposits, potable water sources and native foods to supplement their diet. They helped ease strife during the difficult times by exerting a calming effect toward those around them. Even as the colonists adapted to this new land, they grew more susceptible to its native bacteria and viruses, relying on medicines from Earth to overcome disease.
Without warning Earth’s ships stopped coming. They were then helpless when a new virus depleted their medical supplies. Thousands died in the first wave and in each subsequent wave. As equipment failed irreparably and skills were lost to the grave, society crumbled into vicious and bloody chaos.
Many decades later, the descendants of the Seekers gained enough strength to lead their people out of confusion. With skills tempered in the forges of hell, these warriors enforced their will on the remaining few, forming clans to preserve what little was left.
Refining their Talents, these First Lords passed those abilities down through the generations, down through nearly two centuries to the time of Jareth, First Lord of Clan Brannach.
So what has been going on since that time? Read the books from the series and find out about these wonderful and Talented people!
