Once Upon A Rose by Lorri Moulton

Release date: October 11, 2019

Subgenre: Fairytale Novella 

About Once Upon A Rose: 

 

In this clean/sweet fairytale, a princess uncovers a plot against her kingdom and tries to stop it with the help of her friends.

 

Excerpt:

 

“What are you doing here?” Avaleen whispered.  “It’s too dangerous for you to be here right now.”

“I want to ask you about something,” Celsiana whispered back, “but not until we have some privacy.

They walked to the middle of the garden and began weeding.  “So, what did you want to ask?”  Avaleen brushed her hands together.  “The soil is almost too wet to weed today.”

Celsiana nodded.  “I wanted to find out more about the guilds and if they’re involved in what’s happening at the castle.”  She glanced over at her friend.  “And why is your brother so upset?”

“This morning, the head of the guild told Nicholas he could no longer study in the other village.”  Avaleen shook her head.  “It’s not fair, and I don’t want to be the reason he has to stay here.”

“I heard what your father said,” Celsiana admitted.  “Do you really think they would threaten you and your family?”

“I do,” Avaleen replied.  “The guild has always tried to control what happens here, but it’s getting worse.”  She lowered her voice.  “I’ve never seen my father so worried.”

Celsiana debated whether to tell her friend about the diamonds.  She didn’t know if it would help, so instead she asked, “How long ago did the man leave?”

“Why?” Avaleen’s eyes narrowed.  “What are you planning?”

“I think my father needs to know what’s happening in the village,” Celsiana said, “but I doubt he’ll be concerned if Nicholas is not able to return to his studies.”  She hesitated.  “It’s not that he doesn’t care, but his focus will be elsewhere the next few weeks.”

“The weddings?” Avaleen asked.

Celsiana nodded.  “I think if I could see the head of the guild actually doing something that would threaten the safety of our subjects, my father would act.”  Or so she hoped.

“I don’t know what we can do,” Avaleen said.  “Nicholas might help us if you told him who you really are.”

“No.”  Celsiana shook her head.  “He would probably insist I return to the castle.”  She paused.  “I can tell you this.  There are some alliances involved with the wedding that may impact the guild, which might be why they’re so adamant about maintaining control right now.”

“That makes sense,” Avaleen agreed.  “We could try…” She stopped as she heard the shed door slam.

“I don’t want to discuss it,” Nicholas said.  “I’m sorry, Father.  I just need to clear my head.”

“Let’s go.”  Celsiana pulled Avaleen up with her.

“Where?” Avaleen asked.

“We’re going to follow Nicholas,” Celsiana replied.  “I would guess he plans to do more than take a walk.”

“What makes you think that?” Avaleen hurried after Celsiana.

“I have two brothers,” Celsiana reminded her.  “We’ll make sure Nicholas doesn’t do anything he’ll regret.”  She smiled.  “And maybe we’ll find out what’s really going on.”

“Do you think he knows?” Avaleen asked.

“I would imagine he has a fairly good idea,” Celsiana said.  “Royalty or not, men usually don’t share all the details with us.  I think this is one time we need to work together.”

 

Free at

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Apple | Google Play | Scribd

 

About Lorri Moulton:

“You know what the issue is with this world? Everyone wants some magical solution to their problem and everyone refuses to believe in magic.”
--Lewis Carroll

Fairytales are simply stories that remind us to be our best selves. If we do this, we can be successful. Good will triumph over evil. True love is possible....and dragons can be tamed.

The need for fairytales is just as important today as it has ever been. True love is romantic, but it is also means considering what is important to someone else and when necessary, to put their needs before your own. To work together to accomplish the goals that matter to both of you. To be open to the idea that magical and miraculous things happen everyday. And to build a future that will make the world a better place, at least in your little corner of the kingdom.

So, take a step back in time and enjoy an Everyday Romance. Real life fairytales happen all the time. You just have to believe in the possibility…and look for magic in the most unexpected places.

My name is Lorri Moulton and I live on a farm in eastern Washington with my family and our five horses. I have a Master’s degree in History and grew up hearing so many wonderful stories about our own family tree. My grandparents spoke of a more simple time, when people loved each other and helped their neighbors. I hope these stories share some of that beauty of the past, with all of you.

 

Website | Author Central | Facebook | Twitter

 

Christmas in Silver Birch Valley by Lorri Moulton

Release date. December 23, 2018

Subgenre: Romantic fantasy

About Christmas in Silver Birch Valley:

 

A man spends the holidays in a small Northwestern town that may not be exactly what it seems...and rediscovers the true meaning of Christmas.

 

Excerpt:

 

PrologueDecember 1913

Two Native-American boys raced through the forest as the snow fell silently around them.  The older one glanced over his shoulder at the tracks they left behind.  Even though they knew the men would find them, running was their only option.

The three men riding horses followed the prints in the snow.  The one in front was angry, kicking his horse to make it go faster.  It would soon be dusk, and he didn’t want to lose the trail. 

“Come on,” he yelled to the others.  “They can’t be far ahead of us.”

The boys ran as fast as they could until they reached the water.  It was too cold to run down the creek to lose the men, so they splashed across it instead.  As the older boy, almost twelve, reached back to help his brother up the hill, the men on horses caught up with them.

“What are you two doing out here?” demanded one of the men.

“I’ll ask the questions,” the angry one said.  “You know that was my deer, don’t you?”

The boys said nothing, which only made the man more upset. 

“Answer me!” he said, bringing his horse up even with the boys.  He leaned down to grab the smaller one, who looked about ten.  Trying to protect his brother, the older boy slapped the horse’s rump.

The horse reared, catching the man off guard.  The reins slipped out of his hand and he fell, face first into the snow.  As his horse ran off, the other men laughed.  The boys glanced at each other, then started running again.

“Help me find my horse,” the angry man demanded, sitting up and wiping the snow off his face.  “Then, I’m going to teach those boys a lesson.”

Silver Birch Valley is a peaceful town, set in the mountains just south of the Canadian border.  The founder of the town had come from Scotland and stopped in the valley to rest his horses.  He and his wife had fallen in love with the landscape and decided to stay and build their home.  The town quickly grew around them as more people stopped to take in the view or rest their horses.  In a land of beautiful vistas, this one took their breath away. 

Silver birch edged the creek, which started as a waterfall coming down from the mountains.  As it made its way into the valley, the creek ran between hills covered with evergreens until it reached the flat.  There, the water wound its way quietly between the clumps of silver birch.  Grass pasture stretched on either side until it met the hills.  Beyond, there were mountains all around except for the two narrow passes, leading in and out of the valley.

When the boys reached the top of the hill, they saw the town below.  The older one grabbed his brother’s hand as they hurried down the other side.  Twice, they almost slipped, but managed to stay upright.  The street lamps of the town could be seen through the snow as they ran across the valley.  It was almost dark, when they finally reached the livery stable.

The men on horses followed the tracks to the livery and dismounted.  Open up!” the angry man yelled, banging on the closed barn doors.  One slowly slid open and a man walked out.

“Can I help you?” he asked, looking around at the other men.

“I want to talk to those boys,” demanded the angry one.

“What boys?” asked the owner of the livery stable.

“You know, who I’m talking about!” the man exclaimed.  “Bring them out here or…”

“Or what?” asked the sheriff, walking up behind them.  It was 1913, but he still carried his rifle, when strangers rode into town.

“Or there’s going to be trouble,” the angry man replied.  “Maybe not today,” he added, glancing at the rifle, “but soon.  You can’t protect those people forever.”

“What people are those?” asked the sheriff, taking another step towards him.

The man glared, then looked over at his friends.  “Things are changing around here.  There’s more moving in, who think the way we do.  It’s just a matter of time before we’re the ones making the rules, then all those Native people will be out of this valley and these mountains.”

“Maybe,” the sheriff replied, “but today is not that day.  Get on your horses and ride out of town.”

As the three men rode past the Christmas tree, the angry one yelled, “You boys can’t hide here forever.  I will find you.”

 

Amazon

 

About Lorri Moulton:

“You know what the issue is with this world? Everyone wants some magical solution to their problem and everyone refuses to believe in magic.”
--Lewis Carroll

Fairytales are simply stories that remind us to be our best selves. If we do this, we can be successful. Good will triumph over evil. True love is possible....and dragons can be tamed.

The need for fairytales is just as important today as it has ever been. True love is romantic, but it is also means considering what is important to someone else and when necessary, to put their needs before your own. To work together to accomplish the goals that matter to both of you. To be open to the idea that magical and miraculous things happen everyday. And to build a future that will make the world a better place, at least in your little corner of the kingdom.

So, take a step back in time and enjoy an Everyday Romance. Real life fairytales happen all the time. You just have to believe in the possibility…and look for magic in the most unexpected places.

My name is Lorri Moulton and I live on a farm in eastern Washington with my family and our five horses. I have a Master’s degree in History and grew up hearing so many wonderful stories about our own family tree. My grandparents spoke of a more simple time, when people loved each other and helped their neighbors. I hope these stories share some of that beauty of the past, with all of you.

 

Website | Author Central | Facebook | Twitter

Magic's Betrayal by Anna-Violetta Carsini

Release date: August 14, 2017

Subgenre: Epic Fantasy

About Magic's Betrayal: 

 

Magic was their best defense...until it betrayed them.

800 years ago, a dark lord invaded the fairy kingdom, planning to steal all that made the lands special. He brought ships and men, but the four fairy groups fought back with their magic. The lord grew impatient and decided to use a much darker magic to destroy them.

An evil sorceress created a crown with the power to defeat the fairies, but they were all betrayed during the final battle. Now, a mysterious prophecy warns that the battle never ended, but will begin anew. Two humans, a noble and commoner, are the key to victory...but the fairy groups must get past their mistrust of each other if they hope to survive.

 

Excerpt:

 

Pat turned to Jamie and Robin.  “A kelpie’s power is to entrance those, who might injure it.  So, all kelpies look beautiful in their human form.  It’s their only option…unless they try to appear as another being, which takes a great deal of energy and the image cannot be held for very long.”

As they talked, a beautiful woman with auburn hair, green eyes and a sexy smile came up to them.  Robin and Jamie turned and gasped.  “Sam?” asked Jamie.  “Is that you?”

Pat smiled.  “She loves to do that.  Or should I say he?”  With a shimmer, the woman was gone and a man stood before them with red hair, green eyes and that same smile. 

Jamie laughed. “You’re too good looking even as a man.  I can see why it’s difficult not to draw attention to yourself.”

Robin walked up to Sam.  “Can you really look like another person?  Could you look like Liam?” 

Sam waited a moment, then shimmered.  “You mean, could I take his place if we have a chance to rescue him?”  And the red-haired man was gone.  Instead, a tall young man with dark hair stood before them.  He had his hair tied back and his dark brown eyes looked sad. 

Robin gasped and wiped at one eye.  “You do look so much like him.  Do you think we could use the confusion to free my brother?  Could we get Liam out of the castle before you grew too tired?”

Sam smiled at Robin, then shimmered back into the lovely woman with auburn hair.  Touching Robin’s arm, she said, “I would hold the image for however long it takes to get Liam to safety.” 

Pat looked at Jamie and said, “Let’s go.”  As Jamie and Robin walked ahead, Pat fell back with Sam and whispered, “If you do it for too long…it could kill you.”

Sam turned to Pat and said very quietly, “I would do anything to set him free.”

 

Amazon Kindle | Paperback

 

About Anna-Violetta Carsini:

Anna-Violetta Carsini writes steamy paranormal romantic suspense and epic fantasy. Her book, "Moonlight, Roses & Murder" is the first in this series. "Magic's Betrayal" is an epic fantasy story with fairies, humans, villains and even a shape-shifting kelpie.

These stories are written under the pen name for Lorri Moulton. 

Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

Robin and Jamie: An Original Fairytale by Lorri Moulton

Release date: August 14, 2017

Subgenre: Fairytale

About Robin and Jamie: 

 

Action, adventure, magic and romance. An ancient curse has returned to the lands and Robin and Jamie must help a fractured group of heroes reunite. Only by working together to solve an age-old prophecy, can they stop an evil sorceress and Lord of the North.

I started writing Robin and Jamie as an experiment. What can we do in a book that would not be possible in a TV show or movie? Never tell the reader if the main characters are men or women. I wanted to make the two main characters (and one of the water fairies) known for what they believed in, what class they came from, why they were fighting, how they fought, what their alliances might be...everything except whether they were the guy or the gal. I've always loved fairytales (alright, and the dresses) but it seems very impractical to be running around in the forest wearing one. I hope you enjoy the story!

Excerpt:

Prologue

A long time ago, the lands were new and green, surrounded by the bluest water imaginable.  All sorts of plant and animal life flourished on the lands and in the waters.  To the First Ones, who came to this land, it was a paradise.

For many generations, the people enjoyed long life and prosperity.  Artisans and craftspeople developed unique and beautiful methods for their work and eventually, the lovely lands were known for the wonderful items its people produced.

As the First Ones continued to live in freedom and harmony, they explored the more spiritual side of their beliefs.  They discovered that it was possible to reach a state of sublime oneness with all the plants and creatures in their lands and waters.  They slowly specialized in these various abilities as they had their arts and crafts.  For some, this ability led them to ascend to a higher plane of existence, while others chose to remain in the beautiful lands they loved.

After many, many generations, those who remained found they lived longer than their predecessors.  They were able to do more creative tasks with their new abilities, which some considered magic.  The people’s appearance changed slightly as they began reflecting these new abilities.

Far beyond their lands, there was rumor of a great lord, who envied the First Ones and their magic.  It was said that he was raising an army to take the land and the people, who dwelled there.  He also planned to learn the secrets of the plants and animals, believing they somehow held the key to the magical abilities of the inhabitants.  He would come and strip the land of everything that made it special, then bring it all back to his own kingdom.

The First Ones could have left and traveled to other places. Some even thought about following the few, who had ascended to the higher plane of existence, but that would do nothing to protect their lands and all that they loved.  So, they decided to stay and fight the lord.  They had no weapons, no defenses…only their magic.

As the lord arrived, they used their tricks and conjuring to confuse the soldiers and keep them contained to the beaches.  After many weeks, the soldiers grew tired of fighting and started to appreciate the beauty of the lands they saw.  Many left the lord as he slept, escaping to the lands beyond…and he was forced to start guarding his own men.  Those, who were loyal to him encouraged the lord to fight one final battle and defeat the magical beings, while they still had enough troops to be victorious. 

The lord had brought a lady with him, who was both beautiful and mysterious.  She was rumored to be a powerful sorceress and it was said she possessed a magic much darker than any found in this land.  The lord asked his lady for a way to defeat the First Ones and let him possess all that they had.

She told him it would cost him everything he desired, but she would do as he asked…

Amazon

About Lorri Moulton:

“You know what the issue is with this world? Everyone wants some magical solution to their problem and everyone refuses to believe in magic.”
--Lewis Carroll

Fairytales are simply stories that remind us to be our best selves. If we do this, we can be successful. Good will triumph over evil. True love is possible....and dragons can be tamed.

The need for fairytales is just as important today as it has ever been. True love is romantic, but it is also means considering what is important to someone else and when necessary, to put their needs before your own. To work together to accomplish the goals that matter to both of you. To be open to the idea that magical and miraculous things happen everyday. And to build a future that will make the world a better place, at least in your little corner of the kingdom.

So, take a step back in time and enjoy an Everyday Romance. Real life fairytales happen all the time. You just have to believe in the possibility…and look for magic in the most unexpected places.

My name is Lorri Moulton and I live on a farm in eastern Washington with my family and our five horses. I have a Master’s degree in History and grew up hearing so many wonderful stories about our own family tree. My grandparents spoke of a more simple time, when people loved each other and helped their neighbors. I hope these stories share some of that beauty of the past, with all of you.

 

Website | Author Central | Facebook | Twitter