Signs that Spring is on its Way and a Cover Reveal

The first day of spring, 20^th March, is the release date for my latest book
A Symphony of Dragons, a date to look forward to.
So, I’m giving you a peek at the signs that Spring is on its way…

Snowdrops bring us beauty on the edge of winter, arriving on the cusp of spring…

Snowdrops © Lisa Shambrook

Followed by hellebores giving us late winter roses, the crocus pushing through the earth with hope, and dainty primroses, the epitome of spring…

Crocus, Hellebore and Primrose © Lisa Shambrook

Valentines offer love, passion and the first flush of pending spring romance…

Valentine © Lisa Shambrook

Light changes as days get longer and we are welcomed by dawn’s blush as we wake…

Lighter Days © Lisa Shambrook

Daisies begin to brighten our lawns with friendly faces…

Daisies © Lisa Shambrook

Trumpets of gold herald spring with the most famous flower of the season…

Daffodils © Lisa Shambrook

Ballerina blossom, so delicate and flouncy like soft, thin cotton or candyfloss…

Blossom © Lisa Shambrook

And new leaves sprout ready to dress the trees in finery and spring attire…

New Growth © Lisa Shambrook

Magic arrives with fae and fantasy, sunshine and clarity, and I can introduce you to dragons…

Magic © Lisa Shambrook

The first day of spring this year will bring a collection of tales interweaved with gossamer threads of dragon fire, and the first story will launch you into the seasons on the agile wings of dragons…

Enjoy the flowers – lighter, longer days – romance – and the enchantment of spring.

And I’ll let you know as soon as A Symphony of Dragons is available…
You’re definitely going to want to discover the dragon that brings you spring…and those that compose summer, autumn and winter too!

Let the song of dragons lead you…

Love Bites 2016 – Anti-Valentine Story Contest

I’m teaming up with Ruth, Laura, Lizzie and Cara at Ink After Dark to offer you
Love Bites 2016…
Our Anti-Valentine blog hop, back for a new year!

You know you want to join in…
Open from January 29th – February 12th 2016
So hop over and leave your stories in the comments section of
Ink After Dark’s Love Bites Post (NOT this post).

• Flash Fiction Challenge
• Theme: Thwarted Love OR Vengeful Love
• Submissions Accepted: January 29 – February 12, 2016
• Word Count: 500 Word Minimum / 750 Word Maximum
• Prize Package Announced: February 5, 2016
• Winners Announced: February 15, 2016
• Post stories in comment box on Ink After Dark’s Love Bites Post with word count and Twitter handle (or other way to notify you of victory).

If you want some inspiration…take a look at our previous years stories… 2013 and 2014.

 

Amaranth Alchemy: The Gift of Words

Amaranth Alchemy Winter/Spring Collection

In a few weeks Amaranth Alchemy will have been trading for five months, we’ve had fun and unexpected success and we offer much gratitude to everyone who has supported us! It’s been a delight to share wordy and bookish crafts and rescue books at the same time.

Old, worn and torn books, destined for the county tip, have come into our lives and we’ve been able to use them to enrich and create. Another offer of thanks go to all those who own a piece of our work, especially over Christmas, we hope you love it!

Winnie the Pooh, Alice and Adventure – Amaranth Alchemy

Right now, we’re preparing for Valentine’s and Mother’s Day and Easter won’t be too far behind. February sees lovers sharing hearts and flowers, and if I have anything to do with it, chocolate too, then 15^th March celebrates Mothering Sunday in the UK…in the US I am reliably informed by my ‘the bright side’ diary that May 10^th is ‘Mother’s Day (not the UK)’.

We have gifts for both him and her and would love you to take a peek…

Gifts for Him and Her – Amaranth Alchemy

Aragorn Loved Arwen – Amaranth Alchemy

We cater for fans of all variety…so if The Lord of the Rings is your beloved’s passion, then fall in love with Arwen and Aragorn…

Winnie the Pooh delights all ages, especially mothers on Mother’s Day…

Winnie the Pooh – Amaranth Alchemy

Sun and Moon Dictionary Necklaces – Amaranth Alchemy

You can even find something for the Game of Thrones couple – My sun and stars… and, The moon of my life…

Poetry in motion with Dictionary Scrabble tile style necklaces…choose one of our premade pendants, or contact us and see if we have your special word and tile letter. We have some very happy commission customers!

Love, Star, Elvish Runes and Raven Dictionary Necklaces – Amaranth Alchemy

It’s also highly likely that when we reach our six month mark, we may celebrate with a giveaway…don’t miss out, like our Facebook page and you’ll be ready!

Love Dictionary Necklace – Amaranth Alchemy

Valentine’s Day is on its way! But don’t forget Mother’s Day too!

Little Women Bookmarks and Quote Plaques – Amaranth Alchemy

*All the photographs on this post belong to Amaranth Alchemy, but feel free to share them, especially on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter etc!

Fandom Character List Prints – Amaranth Alchemy

Red Nails: New Book Release for D.C. Legendre

With Valentine’s Day only just gone…grab an opportunity for a fun romance with D. C. Legendre’s new release ‘Red Nails’. I thought I’d take a moment to get to know this lovely new author:

How long have you been writing, and when did you decide to write a novel?
I’ve been writing since I was a child.  I remember writing a short science fiction story when I was eleven years old and received an “A”.  I was so surprised!  I had ideas for a historical romance novel in high school and still have the notes I made.  Over the years I have written fairytales and short stories that are yet to be published.  “Red Nails” came to me several years ago but it is not until this point in time that I chose to publish it as it is.   And, the name for the novel came to me on a long drive late one night last fall and afterwards I realized it should have been so obvious.  I did a “word search” on my manuscript that night and the references to “red” and “nails” were unbelievable.  I will admit the story is intense but the circumstances of the story will allow the reader to see the reason behind this as they “experience” the novel.

Share one positive thing writing does for you?
Writing allows me to share my memories, imagination and feelings in the hope that somewhere along the way even one person will find a bit of understanding in their own life.  I always hope that I will bring a moment of joy or hope to the reader in some way. 

‘Red Nails’ sounds like a hot read, just right for Valentine month, how would you like to be romanced?
I would love to meet and be loved by someone who will accept me for “me”.  In the end, I think we all hope for this.  Sometimes we think we have found it, but then it disappears.  I would love to meet someone in the midst of a thunderstorm in a beautiful castle and find a love that lasts forever.  A dream to hope for…..if this happens I will consider writing a sequel!

Cover design by
Blue Harvest Creative

Blurb:

Red. It becomes the color that Hunter sees every day. After fifteen years of marriage, her husband, Jon, leaves her and their life behind. Hunter is left with the revelation that only she can find the truth behind all the comments about red nails, blonde hair and what happened to her fairytale marriage. One night she discovers a clue on a credit card statement and creates an alter-ego to tempt Jon… into a relationship that will be a source of laughter, discovery, fantasy, and tears. Intense innuendo is the basis for their communications and she learns more than she ever thought possible about herself and Jon. Red Nails is a story of endings and new beginnings and one of beautiful memories and hope for the future.

D. C. Legendre is a freelance writer, aspiring fundraiser and designer who lives in New England. Thunderstorms, fairytales, and castles are some of her favorite things, as well as uncovering the mysteries in life. She believes without a doubt that life is an endless journey of the heart.

Available now on Kindle AmazonUK, Amazon.com and paperback.