Hidden Gypsy Magic – Sunday Snippet
Welcome to Sunday Snippets – Hidden Gypsy Magic. Each week I spotlight one of my books, tell you what’s special about it, and highlight an excerpt. Join me each week for this fun adventure.
This week is the award-winning Hidden Gypsy Magic part of A Witch’s Journey Series revolving around animal rescue, magic, second chances, and paying it forward. I’m sure you’ll love this feel good series! Let me tell you a little secret. I’ve always wanted to visit Salem, Massachusetts, own a cabin in Maine, and live in a lighthouse. Sure enough I live out my fantasies in my books.
I love all my books, but Hidden Gypsy Magic is one of my favorites. A house and cabin that clean and fix dinner. What more could you want? Maybe wildlife rescue? Magic? A handsome veterinarian? AND it available in audiobook! Yep this book as it all.
So lets take a peek into Hidden Gypsy Magic!
Gwen a wildlife rehabilitor, and Brock a veterinarian, discover the consequences of awakening hidden gypsy magic.
The Salem Wildlife Sanctuary is Gwen Taylor’s life work. Her Irish Gypsy heritage provides a hidden talent she uses to help the creatures under her care. But even her magical skills can’t help new rescues in dire need of veterinary care.
The opportunity of signing on as the vet for Gwen’s sanctuary dropped into Brock Scutter’s lap after he expanded his practice to include wildlife. The personal attraction he and Gwen experience is undeniable the more their professional and personal lives collide.
Touring the only “non-haunted” house in Salem they both feel a spark of magic. A trip to his family’s cabin uncovers a heritage he didn’t know existed. If they want a future together, it means facing the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic and a race against the clock to correct past wrongs.
A peek between the pages of Hidden Gypsy Magic:
Seven minutes until midnight. Brock opened his mouth to speak, but Pepper beat him to it.
“Isn’t there some way to banish him forever while he walks among the mortals? I don’t have my spell book with me. Guess I should travel with it after all the recent experiences with you gypsies.” A slight giggle slipped out between her lips.
The somber tone in the room eased for a minute. “I mean, in your painting don’t you…”
“You’re on the right path. That’s why I’m here.” Beth smiled wide. “You can’t battle him outside this house. But with the protections afforded us inside the abode, with our combined magic and grandmother’s grimoire we would be able to do exactly as you suggest. Do we have your full support?”
“Of course.” The group chorused with the exception of Jeremiah, still shell shocked leaning against the wall. But Morgan was all in pumping her fist in the air.
Lance stuck his head out of the upstairs room. “Need us to help?”
“No,” Dylan called up to him. “Protect the children. We got this.”
“Good enough.” Lance slammed the door shut.
A trail of mist floated out of the picture, around the room, and settled beside Beth taking the shape of an older woman holding a thick book spread open. “Granddaughter. Are we ready then? We’ve located the…um….” The elderly ghost switched her gaze from the pages of the book to outside the window. “…proper page.” Then the ghost jerked her chin toward the painting where previously all the Colson family had been but now they gathered in the center of the room inside the painting.
“Let’s do it.” Gwen shared a glance at the clock with him. “Only—”
Beth again put her finger to her ghostly lips and shook her head.
The elderly ghost began to read from the book.
“We are witches, this is our creed. We will help where there is need. Days of old, wrongs to right. Let the truth be known this night. Forever banish from all realms Judge John Hathorne’s spirit and soul are bound. So mote it be.”
Jeremiah rushed to the window, touching the glass with his fingers. The rest of the group followed in time to see the tendrils expand and circle a ghostly shape in top hat and suit, the ground beneath its feet glowed as if molten lava bubbled up from the earth’s core. With a snap, the tendrils and their prisoner sank into the ground leaving no trace except a stench of sulfur seeping into the old house.
The elderly ghost slumped against the wall that held the picture and turned into a white mist returning to the painting.
The door locks clicked, the shutters banged open and the full moon shone brightly in a cloudless star-strewn sky.
Anyone care to take a peek outside?” Brock asked cautiously reaching for the door handle.
Beth’s ghostly hand rested on his. “Give it a minute.” She bent over and picked up a poppet that lay singed on the floor. It crumpled in her hand and turned to ash. She gently blew the ashes into the fireplace. “It is done. We will take our leave but our gratitude will be forever yours.” The ghost faded away.
Next week, a new snippet! I look forward to our next visit!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged animal rescue, ghosts, Hidden Gypsy Magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Salem, Tena Stetler, Time travel by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
The Victor, Colorado Troll & Skeleton Squad
Having heard about the Victor Troll, the Squad insisted that we go take a look. Happy Halloween Spirit Search with the Skeleton Squad. This week the Squad have something a bit different than their usual search. I hope you enjoy. Having heard about the Victor Troll, 
the Squad insisted that we go take a look. Maybe the spirit was hanging out there. So we packed up the truck, with dog, parrot, humans, and Skeleton Squad and headed to the high country.
In forklore, mean hungry trolls live under bridges. However nowadays, human trolls lie in wait as internet agitators. I’ve met a few of those. Whew!
But the Victor, Colorado troll, has been completed and accepting visitors for a couple months. It is a tongue-in-cheek lifesaver and educator.
Thomas Dambo is a Danish recycle artist who builds these trolls. In his world, trolls are concerned about the “little people” causing environmental destruction and fall prey to dangers of their own making. His giant troll sculptures are constructed of scrap wood and attract a cult following around the world. The Victor troll is part of a coast to coast “Way of the Bird King’ ten new trolls construction spree by Thomas Dambo.
According to Dambo, the troll’s design will harken to Victor’s underground gold mining beginning in the 1800’s. The locals used to go and dig holes for the gold mine, the troll is afraid somebody will fall into the little holes all the humans are building.
The troll is sitting on it’s knees, with its extended arms pushing stones the size of melons and intending to plug the developing holes.
Unfortunately, to the dismay of the Skeleton Squad, no Halloween Spirit was found. However, they did enjoy the Victor Troll and suggest if you have a chance to take the short hike in Victor, Colorado, on Little Grouse Mountain Trail, where the Troll sits, will be well worth your trip.
I must warn you the troll sign is easy to miss. Check out the entrance pictures and see if you can find the sign. Hint, it’s the tiny dot in front of the large pine tree at the entrance. Did you find it? What did you think of the Troll?
Now that I’ve told you all about Trolls, let’s take a look at A Vampires Unlikely Alliance. Not what you’ve come to expect from a Vampire Tale! Celebrating Halloween month, A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance is on sale for $1.99 for a limited time. So hurry and grab your copy!
Stefan is a Native American vampire, former assassin for the Vampire Council. In a twist of fate, he now DJ’s the midnight shift for a small radio station in Whitefish, Montana, on the edge of Glacier National Park where his secret is safe until…
Born in Ireland, Brandy now works as a park ranger and trail guide in the park. During a full moon, Stefan and Brandy’s paths cross in a near physical collision on a trail. Their attraction is immediate and undeniable, almost as if fate demanded it.
Their union was foretold long ago in Irish folk tales where vampires and gryphons, warlocks and demons, witches and faeries must work together for the good of man and magic kind. Is a trip to Ireland the key to unravelling secrets and returning the magic? And even more importantly, will their love survive the trip?
See you next week with more adventures of the Skeleton Squad. Will the Spirit of Halloween be found?
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Colorado, Thomas Dambo, Troll sculptures, Victor by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
Samhain or Halloween?
Give a Spooktacular welcome to Mary Morgan, author of several Celtic medieval and paranormal stories – Order of the Dragon Knights.
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cauldron. Take your choice of a bat wing Chocolate Chip or Pumpkin, or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Mary and her Dragon Knights.
My love for this time of year has always held a deep fascination. I begin to feel the tug of the Halloween season in early September. The wind begins to whisper in my ear of the change. Not only do I enjoy the vibrant, colorful, and mystical season, but also the Celtic festival that falls on Halloween. Samhain, the festival celebrated by the ancient Celts marked the dark half of the year between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice.
Samhain begins at dusk around October 31st, usually lasting three days. This signified the transition between the year’s lighter and darker halves and was celebrated throughout the ancient Celtic communities of Europe, including Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. These ancient tribes believed the veil between the human and spirit realms was lifted. During this sacred time, many assembled to settle important business matters. Debts were repaid and trials for the more flagrant crimes were held, with justice served out accordingly. Samhain was also considered a favorable time for the druids—a stronger way to connect with the spirit world than usual.
As an author of Celtic medieval and paranormal stories, I’ve woven the season of Samhain heavily in the Order of the Dragon Knights series, beginning with Dragon Knight’s Sword. My love for the season of Samhain encouraged me to incorporate this magical time of year, and the Dragon Knights gave a rousing cheer of approval.
Dragon Knight’s Sword, Order of the Dragon Knights, Book 1
What’s it about your ask:
Duncan Mackay will do anything to lift the curse from his family—even forfeit his own life. Yet his plans change when he encounters the woman from his dreams. She is from the future, somehow has his lost sword, and can talk to the Great Dragon who is able to lift his family’s curse.
Brigid O’Neill has spent her life listening to the mythological legends from Ireland and Scotland. When an ancient sword lands at her doorstep and she starts dreaming of a rugged Highlander, Brigid drops everything and takes on a quest that will alter everything she believes.
Before their journey ends, not only will Duncan and Brigid battle an ancient curse, but they must also find the courage to believe in the destiny that brought them together.
Sneak preview from Dragon Knight’s Sword
As he stood next to the waterfall, beads of water glistened from his dark locks. Brigid watched as they trailed down his chiseled torso, traveling down to where his tartan was wrapped low around his waist. The power coiling within and about him as mystical as the land he stood upon.
“Ancient warrior,” she uttered softly.
When she gazed into his eyes, they smoldered with desire, and it startled her. A delightful shiver of yearning ran through her body. The raw desire to be in this man’s arms, touching and tasting him was so potent that she could feel her heart hammering inside her chest.
He tilted his head to the side as if studying his prey.
Brigid didn’t know if she should run, or step into his massive arms.
He took a step towards her, and her pulse quickened. The very air around her seemed electrified. He then took another…and another until he stood merely inches in front of her.
Her breathing became labored as he bent his head leaning close to her ear. She was engulfed in a sensual haze wanting his lips to touch her anywhere and put an end to her torture. His mouth was so close that she could feel a dark lock of his hair against her cheek, and she shuddered.
“Bring me back my sword,” he growled into her ear.
Brigid’s eyes flew open, her hands clutching the sheets while the last fragments of her dream faded.
Universal Buy Link: books2read.com/u/31Y9Vr
About the Author:
Mary Morgan is an international best-selling author of award-winning historical fantasy and paranormal romance novels. During her research travels with her knight in shining armor to England, Ireland, and Scotland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.
Her passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic and Norse mythology, Mary’s tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance.
If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of fantasy, then journey back in time within the pages of her books.
Connect with Mary here ~
Website/Blog: https://www.marymorganauthor.com/
Amazon Author: http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMorganAuthor/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marymorgan2/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-morgan
Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Mary-Morgan/B00KPE3NWI
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-morgan-2634a77a/
It’s been great having you with us today. Good luck with your handsome Dragon Knights!
Happy Halloween!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Celtic medieval, Dragon Knights' Sword, Halloween, Mary Morgan, Order of the Dragon Knights, Samhein by Tena Stetler with 9 comments.
Charmed Cocktail Cozies by Maureen Bonatch
Give a Spooktacular welcome to Maureen Bonatch, author of Charmed Cocktail Cozies.
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cauldron. Take your choice of a bat wing Chocolate Chip or Pumpkin, or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Maureen and her Charmed Cocktail Cozies.
Who loves Halloween more than witches? While writing my Charmed Cocktail Cozy books I thought about how Willow Hill’s retirement community of witches might embrace this time of the year by going all out for Halloween. But there is one problem with wearing costumes and disguises — it’s the perfect cover for a crime. What’s worse than a bunch of elderly witches in provocative Halloween costumes? One dead one.
I can’t wait to hear about Charmed Cocktail Cozies!
What’s worse than a bunch of elderly witches in provocative Halloween costumes? One dead one. Hi, I’m Marissa Hale. I should’ve known that mixing cocktails, costumes, and meddling would end with a corpse.
One of the best things about living at the Willow Hill retirement condos with Gran is that Halloween is a month-long celebration. One of the worst things is that the elderly witches gorge on more gossip than treats. These magic mavens love to get the scoop, as long as they aren’t the headline.
When the informant for the condo newsletter ends up dead at the Halloween party, there are more suspects than skeletons in these closets. While I’m trying to figure out whodunit to the hostess most likely to be stabbed, the thirsty rambunctious residents raid my charmed cocktail station.
My furry sleuthing side-kicks and I might need a few tricks to ensure that things don’t get even more deadly…
“I didn’t realize they were going to clear the shelves of the cheap, provocative costumes from the discount store.” I turned and got my first look at Gran crammed into my cocktail waitress uniform. Her abundant bust was straining the seams. “You could have at least taken off my name tag.”
She put her hands on her hips and shimmied to and fro. “You don’t think people will think I’m Marissa?” She winked and then gave me a once-over. “What are you supposed to be?”
I pulled the hard white hockey mask over my face. My pink hair made it hard to fool anyone since, well that, and being the youngest resident by multiple decades since I’d temporarily moved in with Gran. “I’m a Halloween horror character.”
Gran shook her head. “Why didn’t you wear a sexier costume than those coveralls and boots?”
“Wait, my costume isn’t complete.” I scanned the table where I’d gathered a variety of glasses, alcohol, mixers, and spelling ingredients. “Where’s my machete?”
Gran waved me off. “Let’s hit the dance floor.”
“I’ll stick with mixing drinks.” Not much could keep me from shaking my groove thing, but I was in my element mixing my charmed cocktails. Sometimes the unexpected side effects could be good, like the magical mishap that enabled me to communicate with my cat, Jasper. Other times, well, I was still learning.
“I’m ready for more shots.” Fran Stokes filled her tray as if she were actually delivering medicine with her nurse costume. She didn’t fool me. That prescription pad was nothing more than a place to compile gossip for her next edition of the Willow Words newsletter.
Gran rushed back from the makeshift dance floor and gripped the edge of the table. “Marissa, did you bring a real machete?”
I set the tequila bottle down. “Yes. I wanted my costume to be authentic, plus I needed something to cut the lemons and limes. Why?”
Gran peered over her shoulder and then worried her lower lip between her teeth. “I think I found it.”
I followed Gran’s gaze and gasped. Martha was face down in what looked to be a plate of rum cake. This was an early-to-bed, early-to-rise group, although Martha hadn’t even made it to bed. “Maybe she’s sleeping it off?”
I abandoned my post to follow Gran. When she bent to shake Martha I thanked the goddess she wasn’t wearing a thong today or we’d all be subjected to a full moon.
Martha slumped over, spilling her drink. The ruler she’d been clutching to accent her teacher costume fell from her grip.
It appeared Martha had her last Murderous Marissa Martini. I now regretted using my name for the cocktail, even though it didn’t appear to be the cause of death—not with my machete protruding from her back.
“Maybe this is someone’s idea of a joke,” I said with a tremble in my voice. I’d been fooled by spells before when one of the witches started with the shenanigans. Halloween was one of the biggest holidays for pranks and especially for paranormals. “Are you sure that Martha isn’t trying to combine the sexy and scary look as a bloody teacher?”
“Nope. That’s real blood.”
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlbonatch.author/
Newsletter: https://www.maureenbonatch.com/free-book/
It’s been great having you with us today. Good luck with Charmed Cocktail Cozies!
Happy Halloween!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Charmed Cocktail Cozies, Halloween, Maureen Bonatch, Mystery, Paranormal, Shih Tzu dog, Willow Hill retirement condos, Witches by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
