Happy Wednesday. Can you believe it’s nearly May? I apologize for missing my last newsletter. And for sending this so late. This month has completely gotten away from me.
As you know, I recently returned to working full time. The past week has been particularly difficult, trying to rewrite my lesson plans to include my in-class tutor. Throw in three interviews for next year, two dance competitions, and a karate tournament, and I really have had no idea what day it is.
Not that I’m complaining. I am enjoying my time in the classroom. Even my more challenging students. And we are still finding time for family activites.
This weekend, we went to the amusement park. We told the children we were going to our religious education class. It took nearly 20 minutes for the first one to say "It doesn't usually take this long to get there." About 20 minutes later, they expected us to turn around. It wasn't until we pulled into the parking lot that they realized where we were going. And they had a ball. It was a much needed Family Fun Day.
What about you?
Now, since I’m still adjusting to my new schedule, I am sending the same What's New with Ashleigh to each of ny newsletters this week. So, if you receive multiple emails, you may want to scroll down to the free reads and deals tomorrow.
Hartfield Chronicles
Hartfield Chronicles follows the lives of Melinda, Pat, and their friends as they navigate their way through boarding school life.
Each episode features two stories, one from Melinda's point of view and one from Pat's, along with an excerpt from Melinda's writing journal.
New episodes are published every Wednesday.
Free Books
Camp Piquaqua
INDEPENDENT PUBLISHERS OF NEW ENGLAND
2021 BOOK AWARD FINALIST
Ana has the perfect job. Unfortunately, it means working with TJ.
We quickly huddled together, burying our heads under our bags. I lost track of time under the table with TJ's arm around me, shielding me from the storm. I was surprised that this annoying creature could make me feel so safe. I squeezed my eyes shut as a barrage of unfamiliar noises assaulted my ears and wondered whether I would ever open them again.
Seventeen-year-old Ana cannot wait for summer, when she gets to co-lead the overnight hikes at her uncle's family camp. Sure, it means working with her brother-in-law, TJ, a boy her age whom she cannot stand. But, she is willing to put aside their differences in order to have a fantastic summer. When tragedy strikes, Ana and TJ must work together, with the help of the legendary piquaqua bird, to help restore the camp in time for summer.
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Becoming Birgit
When I went to bed, I dreamt that a girl slightly younger than I was sitting at my desk in my room, writing in her reflections journal. Her unkempt hair reached halfway down her back and her head was bowed low to the desk as she wrote feverishly. After a moment, the girl looked up and her soft brown eyes caught sight of me. She put down her pen, closed her journal, and stood, turning to face me. As she handed me her journal, she spoke in a quiet, pleading voice.
"I know you don't think much of me now," she began. "But, my writing is immature. Give me a chance to grow before you make your decision."
She was gone in the blink of an eye and I was left standing in the middle of my room with the journal in my hand.
When Birgit discovers an old diary, she assumes reading it will help her identify the author. As she delves deeper into the journal, however, she receives the guidance to learn more about herself and her Catholic identity than she ever anticipated.
Happy Wednesday. Can you believe it’s nearly May? I apologize for missing my last newsletter. And for sending this so late. This month has completely gotten away from me.
As you know, I recently returned to working full time. The past week has been particularly difficult, trying to rewrite my lesson plans to include my in-class tutor. Throw in three interviews for next year, two dance competitions, and a karate tournament, and I really have had no idea what day it is.
Not that I’m complaining. I am enjoying my time in the classroom. Even my more challenging students. And we are still finding time for family activites.
This weekend, we went to the amusement park. We told the children we were going to our religious education class. It took nearly 20 minutes for the first one to say "It doesn't usually take this long to get there." About 20 minutes later, they expected us to turn around. It wasn't until we pulled into the parking lot that they realized where we were going. And they had a ball. It was a much needed Family Fun Day.
What about you?
Now, since I’m still adjusting to my new schedule, I am sending the same What's New with Ashleigh to each of ny newsletters this week. So, if you receive multiple emails, you may want to scroll down to the free reads and deals tomorrow.
Free Books
Arctic Lynx An Arctic Druid Short Story
Can a single hunting trip change the future of an entire village?
After a week of hunting, Gil spots an arctic lynx. No one in his village has ever killed one. They believe doing so would bring bad luck.
Gil is determined to challenge their superstitions. Surely returning to the village with a lynx will show them he is ready to join the hunters as an adult.
But when Gil finds his village is not as he left it, he wonders if his lynx is responsible.
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Blood of a Fallen God The addictive fantasy epic begins...
Unveiling the Spellbinding Beginning to a Breathtaking Epic Fantasy Saga: Blood of a Fallen God
In the shadows of ancient gods and the glimmer of divine possibility, ‘Blood of a Fallen God” weaves a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the unyielding pursuit of destiny. William Reis, born of a lineage scorned and hidden, embarks on a forbidden journey to resurrect the forgotten arts of the Forgemaster, wielding powers bestowed by the gods themselves. In a world where the smith's hammer shapes the fate of empires, William's quest to join the prestigious Smithing Guild is more than a mere ambition; it's a battle for survival and legacy.
Stealing into the cursed Mistlands, William procures a shard of the god Amder's essence, setting into motion a chain of events that will challenge the very foundations of power in Alos. Alongside his cousin Duncan, a relic hunter with secrets of his own, William crafts a masterpiece that promises entry into the guild. Yet, as ancient forces stir in the shadows, the cousins find themselves ensnared in a web of political intrigue, divine machinations, and dark curses that threaten to unleash chaos upon the world.
From the hidden forges of the Reach to the opulent halls of Ture, William and Duncan must navigate a world where gods whisper in the ears of mortals, and the lines between ally and enemy blur. With the priesthood seeking to erase his bloodline and a high priestess of the Blood God manipulating fate, William's journey is fraught with peril. But the revival of Amder, the God of Craft, offers a glimmer of hope—if William can embrace his destiny as the last Forgemaster.
"Blood of a Fallen God" is a riveting odyssey of magic, intrigue, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
As William battles to save his cousin and resurrect a god, he must also confront the ultimate question: what is the price of divine power, and can it forge a new destiny for a world on the brink of destruction?
This is a very busy time of year for our family. Earlier this week, I mentioned some of our favorite traditions, new and old. However, no Easter would be complete without our favorite tradition: the egg hunt.
As a child, we spent every Easter at my grandparent's house. They lived on about an acre of land, so there was plenty of room to hide plastic eggs. I think we were told we could only find a certain number, but that may be something I started when I had children of my own. The eggs were filled with chocolate eggs and jelly beans and other candies that I stopped enjoying long ago.
We would also participate in egg hunts at my church or the town green. We would stand behind a starting line while the adults threw chocolate eggs all over the grass. I remember the first time I saw that, I was disappointed. My relatives took such care hiding the plastic eggs, why couldn't they? (Of course, there were a lot more children at these public hunts, but at six, I didn't understand that.) However, there was no limit to the amount of candy we could find and my brother and I always competed to see who could get the most.
I cannot remember the origins of this tradition with my own children. I just remember one year, we started hiding plastic eggs. One year, we tried ones that had been prefilled with toys. The children were very disappointed and we vowed never to do that again. One year it was a scavenger hunt, where they children had to find a certain number of each colored egg (three blue, two pink, one gold, etc). I think the Easter bunny did an egg hunt one year. That was the year we got a new camper and it took the kids a while to find the eggs hidden in it.
Last year, we had Easter at my brother-in-law's and I volunteered to do a hunt for all the cousins. My kids helped me fill eggs. I kept one empty of each color and the kids all drew them from a basket. That was the color egg they had to search for. Since my eldest niece is in college, she volunteered to hide the eggs and the little kids had a lot of fun looking for them all. We all got in on the fun when we lost an egg. (Still never found it!)
This year, my kids insisted on another hunt. I put my middle daughter in charge of it. She helped pick out the candy: a different kind for each kid. We bought the jumbo plastic eggs and picked out stickers to mark each child's eggs. We're bringing them to their grandparents' house to do after Easter dinner. As for who's hiding them? We're not sure.
One year, we had the children hide each other's eggs. We're thinking of doing that again. Or maybe Daddy or a grandparent will hide them. We may do it inside or outside. The possibilites are numerous and I'm looking forward to this tradition.
What about you?
Free Books
Davin The Sabela Series Prequel
She needed a friend more than a lover - would he understand?
They say laughter is good for the soul. Something that had been lacking in Sabela's life since her father suddenly passed away.
Davin was smooth and spoiled, not her type but he made her laugh and she had grown fond of him quickly since their unexpected encounter but she didn't love him and didn't know if she ever could. Would Davin understand?
He had made a life-changing proposal to her but what was his alternative motive she wondered?
Everything was moving so fast and Sabela could see vast changes happening in her life in the near future but only if Davin accepted her terms. She had her doubts that he could.
This is the prequel to the Sabela series plus chapter one from Slater, book one in the series.
A steamy suspense romance series with lots of twists that will keep you guessing until the end.
Would you like some free books in exchange for an honest review?
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Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café A Furrever Friends Sweet Romance
What do you do when you meet the guy of your dreams? Set him up with your sister, of course.
Kari doesn't have time for love when she's opening her new cat café. Renovating an old restaurant, hiring employees, fighting with the health inspector – oh, and welcoming 16 shelter cats – keeps her plenty busy. She's doing this for the cats, the community, and most of all her family. The café will give her sister, Marley, a job worthy of her baking skills. Then a tattooed military vet wanders in claiming to be a master baker himself. The café doesn't need another baker, but maybe Marley needs a man. Surely she'll fall for a guy this sweet, this sexy, this tasty.
Colin has other ideas. It's Kari who makes him want to pour on the sugar and turn up the heat. But he's spent the last two years recovering from physical and psychological wounds. Is he really ready for a relationship? He's not even sure he should commit to Samson, the fluffy marshmallow of a cat who steals his heart.
The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the workers and customers at a small-town cat café, and the adorable cats and kittens looking for their forever homes. If you enjoy the friends to lovers trope, work romances, military heroes, and strong heroines completely failing at playing the matchmaker, check out Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café. You'll also find rescue cats with plenty of personality and their own desire for love.
This is a very busy time of year for our family. Earlier this week, I mentioned how our Easter traditions begin on Palm Sunday and continue on Good Friday. This year, we are introducing many new traditions.
About a month ago, my three oldest children became altar servers. This year, they were invited to participate in the Triduum and Easter services. While we have attended some of these haphazardly over the years, the children do not remember much except the year our neighbor was one of the participants in the Washing of the Feet on Holy Thursday.
One of my children didn't really want to participate in any of the services except Sunday. Another wanted to do more but was limited by her dance schedule. However, she participated in the Passion service on Good Friday with her sister, who volunteered for all four services.
While I volunteered to remain home with the younger children, my husband attended the Friday evening service and will attend the Saturday night one. I'm hoping my children will continue to serve these services for the next several years and eventually this will become a tradition. I'm looking forward to attending as a family when the younger children are old enough.
My mother introduced a new family tradition this year. While she has done it before, and I believe my youngest has also participated, it was my first time attending the Blessing of the Easter meal. My mother started several days early, having the children bake the traditional braided egg bread and some cookies. She packaged them in baskets and met us at the church on Saturday morning. The children carried their baskets inside and laid them on the altar. I was surprised by how many people participated in this traditon! And so many families. It was heartwarming to see.
The service was short and we were soon collecting the baskets. My mother took the children to the nearby homeless shelter to donate some of the bread and cookies. I have fallen in love with this tradition and it is definitely one we will continue. I can't wait to share it with my own grandchildren.
What about you?
Free Books
Midnight Deadline
He's dead at midnight...
Unless she saves him.
Sergeant A. J. Lozione is the consummate professional who gives her all to every assignment. But this is no ordinary kidnapping case.
She’s tasked with rescuing Harrison City’s wealthiest resident, a man whose philanthropic generosity makes most people excuse his philandering behavior. But A. J. can’t forgive his wandering ways or the fact that he broke her heart years ago. She’s the only woman who turned her nose up at his money, his adulterous ways, and his presumed entitlement.
The kidnapper’s deadline is midnight.
Will she save Tobias Benjamin Amanscott even though she wants him dead?
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Booked for Murder A Balefire Bay Cozy Mystery
She is a mystery. He is a recluse who writes mysteries. Are they a perfect match or a recipe for murder?
Ivy Kelly is on the run and searching for refuge in the small town of Balefire Bay on the Oregon Coast. But when she arrives, she finds more than just a safe haven. Someone has died and one of her new friends could be the killer. On top of that, the people hunting Ivy want her to disappear permanently.
Ivy isn't on the run long before she meets Aggie, a knitter, book club member, true crime sleuth, and part owner of Balefire Bay's Book and Tea Shop. Aggie introduces Ivy to a reclusive author who offers Ivy the possibility of a new life that includes a dream job working in a library that looks like a mashup of Downton Abbey and Hogwarts. With a new life comes a new mystery, as Ivy finds herself enmeshed in a murder that the town is determined to keep a secret.
Is Ivy's new employer a possible love interest or a stone-cold killer? As her past collides with her present, Ivy must risk everything to uncover the secrets of Balefire Bay. Join Ivy on this thrilling journey and find out who she really is and who wants her gone.
This is a very busy time of year for our family. The other day, I mentioned how our Easter traditions begin on Palm Sunday. Well, they continue on Good Friday when we dye our Easter eggs.
When I was a child, my mother would spend a couple of days during Lent hollowing eggs. It involved a sewing needle, a large bowl, and a lot of time and patience. Then one night (probably well before Good Friday, knowing my mother), we would dye the eggs. Sometimes we added the shrinkwrap and/or stickers. Some years we bought the glitter paint that went on the eggs. When the eggs were dry, my mother would display them on the kitchen table along with all the ones from previous years that had not cracked. The beauty of hollow eggs were that they could last for years.
When I was in second or third grade, I was sitting at lunch one day when one of my classmates pulled out an egg she had dyed for Easter. I was fascinated that she could eat the eggs she had dyed. Until that moment, I had never known it was an option! (Then again, at the time, no one in my family actually ate hard-boiled eggs.)
Of course, my husband grew up with the hard-boiled egg tradition. And he eats them. So when we had a family of our own, we dyed hard-boiled eggs. Somewhere along the way, the tradition became dying eggs on Good Friday. And, because my children make a mess, we always do it on the floor. To me, that was common sense, but my in-laws found it strange the one year we did eggs at my brother-in-law's house.
I boil the eggs early, either in the morning or maybe on Thursday or Wednesday. Then Friday night, we lay the craft tablecloth on the kitchen floor (it's the same one we use for carving pumpkins and painting Christmas ornaments). We have lots of dye cups, egg dippers, and wax crayons. While I mix the colors, the kids (and Mr. Stevens) write on their eggs. Then, they get to color the eggs.
The younger ones will stick with one color and are usually done in a few minutes. As they get older, though, the kids have learned to use multiple colors. Sometimes they color the entire egg in a few colors to create a unique shade. Other times, they dye part of the egg at a time to create a striped effect. They are very creative and I love seeing their creations each year.
One year, I hope to introduce my children to hollow eggs. But since they enjoy eating their eggs, I don't think they will mind learning it later in life.
What about you?
Hartfield Chronicles
Hartfield Chronicles follows the lives of Melinda, Pat, and their friends as they navigate their way through boarding school life.
Each episode features two stories, one from Melinda's point of view and one from Pat's, along with an excerpt from Melinda's writing journal.
New episodes are published every Wednesday.
Free Books
Pariah's Lament An epic fantasy story full of intrigue, action, discovery and love.
So often it’s the forgotten who possess the power to change the world.
When an attempt is made on the life of Ashara, Keeper of Yurr, his young, hapless advisor Edvar must uncover and stop those behind it. With enemies in the capital city and the belligerent Tesh, Keeper of neighboring kingdom Karrabar stirring trouble in the Borderlands, can Edvar hold together Ashara’s brittle reign?
The troubles ripple throughout Yurr, affecting an ancient race of people known as the Amast, who in their time of utmost need, turn to pariah Isy for salvation. Rejected by society, kith and kin, can Isy guide the Amast to safety during the greatest turmoil Yurr has known since the War of the Damned?
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Diary of a 9th Grade "D" Cup Growing Up Girls
Kate is embarking into a great unknown - HIGH SCHOOL! Will it be the new start she hopes for?
Growing UP was hard for Katie. Throughout middle school, she was teased and tormented for her crime of being the first one in class to get a bra. From then on, she was labeled as the girl with the "boobs." But now as Kate, high school provides an opportunity for a clean slate and a new world with different kids and endless opportunities to remake her image and start from scratch as just another teen. Diary of 9th Grade "D" Cup continues Kate's journey into the new realm of high school finding a new set of rules, trials and triumphs with boys, school and preparing for the world of adulthood, Will she find her new stronger and wiser self a match for high school? The Growing UP Girls series of books celebrates and chronicles the trials and triumphs of middle and lower high school girls 10-16 who are just trying to grow up with as few scars as possible, despite a school of teasers, mean girls, dumb boys and bullies.
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