When C.L. Carhart asked me to write to you about her third novel, Astral Fantasia, I felt truly flattered. It's a sweet privilege to invite you into my world for a time—a world brightened by friendship, wonder, and love.

My name is Freia Denlinger von Eisenwald, and if you've read the first two accounts of Swanie's saga, then we've met already. I spent my childhood in a small village along the Rhine River, but now I live in the stronghold of Munich with my devoted husband and our children. I love guiding our children as they grow and learn, as they discover and master their elemental magic.

Since by now you know the gist of Teutonic magic, you might be wondering exactly how I came to embody it myself, as a woman born far away from the Teuton kingdom. To understand that, you'll need some background on my relationship with Swanie—the icy Teuton witch from the future. ❄

An Outsider Among Sorcerers

Swanie and I met while I was in the process of escaping an unsafe situation. We traveled to Munich together and made a home for ourselves among the nobility. As a witch of ice, Swanie blended in much more easily than I could, although the young bachelors quickly proved fascinated by my blond hair—something that labeled me a foreigner, an outsider.

A young maiden with no elemental magic of her own.

Eventually I met a charming young man named Heinrich, one who seemed interested in me as a person rather than as an oddity. But his family refused to allow us to marry, since I claim no Teutonic magic. You see, if Heinrich and I bore children together, our children wouldn't have magic, either.

It was a sad situation, one that broke my heart. I've always wanted to raise children—magical or not—and I knew that Heinrich would be a great father.

A Perilous Solution

Enter Swanie—the supportive friend who stalwartly refused to accept my heartbreak. She offered her blood for me, and through an excruciating and deadly ritual, I've claimed her blood as my own. 🩸 You can read that story in Mystic Passage if you want the details. I prefer not to reminisce upon them.

Now heaven's light has opened to me, and my element wields the power to keep the darkness at bay—forever. 🌟 Heinrich and I have settled down to build a home and raise our children, my status as an outsider forgotten.

Unfortunately, Swanie wasn't able to marry her one true love, like I did. Circumstances forced her into a marriage of convenience. Every time I visit her, I see the mask she's forced to wear and imagine the heartache it hides. But as it turns out, the man she truly loves, Augustin, currently resides in the forest not far from where I grew up.

Maybe it's time to tell my parents that I've relinquished my heritage for Teutonic magic. I'm not sure if they'll understand, or if they'll accept me at all. But they've likely believed me dead these past ten years, and they deserve the truth.

Maybe Swanie can share a few moments with her blue-fired priest while I make amends with my family. I long for her to seize the happiness I have.

To learn what comes of our journey into our own pasts, buy a copy of Astral Fantasia today by clicking on the picture above! Swanie and I would love for you to come with us, in case our strength should fail. We need your support! 💪

More Photos From C.L. Carhart's Road Trip

A pristine lake where C.L. Carhart camped out with her husband along their journey. She tells me this is in Kansas, a place I've never seen. Apparently it's really windy there, with lots of wheat farms and cattle. I grew up in a farming community, so that sounds lovely to me! Have you ever been to Kansas?

Something C.L. Carhart calls "prickly pears." I've never seen a plant like this; it looks terrifying! She claims they're edible, but with thorns like that, I'm not sure I'd dare to eat one. Have you ever eaten a prickly pear? 😦

Here are a bunch of ways to try it if you're brave enough:

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/prickly-pear-recipes

C.L. Carhart promises to share a couple more pictures with you next Wednesday, assuming her next side character agrees. Pretty sure she's asking a man to write her next newsletter, so let's hope for the best, shall we? 😉

Start A New Series Today!

C.L. Carhart tells me you adore reading fantasy romance novels. I enjoy a good love story myself, so that's why I've scouted out this great collection of first-in-series for you to browse. All of the books are available on multiple retailers, so no one's left out! Also . . . some of the books are free. 😍

✨ First-In-Series Bonanza ✨

Don't forget to grab the third book in Swanie's saga, so you can find out whether I can make amends with my family . . . and whether Swanie will ever seize true happiness in her romantic relationship. She seems to think there are dangers on the horizon, but as long as I have Heinrich and our children, I can defeat any trials the world throws at us.

Will you come with me?

With sincere friendship,

Freia Denlinger von Eisenwald

Buy Astral Fantasia to join Swanie & Freia: https://books2read.com/hnwaaf

Get the first book in Swanie's saga for FREE: https://books2read.com/hnwaag

Preorder the second half of Swanie's saga for half price:

https://books2read.com/hnwaboxset46

Preorder Lunar Rising for ONLY 99¢: https://books2read.com/lunarrisingset