If you've been sneakily taking bets on whether or not C.L. Carhart would manage to finish Gift of Water in time for release day, here comes the truth.

Gift of Water is complete at last, and Jasmin's beginning to discover how much better it is to have a real relationship as opposed to a fake relationship. 😜 And the author's discovering she may have burned out her creative brain yet again. Thankfully I've got a teeny bit of a break right now, although another one of my stories is sniffing for bonus content. More about that later....

In today's newsletter, you'll find a Gift of Water Q&A and discount code, one more snippet, and the usual batch of book fairs, freebies, and other books by my fellow authors. Plus a lake picture in honor of Jasmin the water witch.

💦 Gift of Water Q&A 💦

Q: Judging by the blurb and the snippets you've shared, it sounds like Gift of Water takes place in the same village and involves some of the same characters as Gift of Darkness. If I haven't read that book yet, will I get confused about this story's events and characters?

A: Gift of Water occasionally mentions events that occurred in the previous book, mainly because its timeline and Gift of Darkness' timeline nearly coincide. There might be a few things that'll arouse curiosity about the previous book's events, but I've tried to offer enough explanation to keep new readers satisfied. As for the characters, you might just find yourself wanting to know more about Amira's experience in Gift of Darkness, which can be found here:

https://clcarhart.com/products/gift-of-darkness-ebook

Q: What if I've never read ANY of your books in the Teutonic Fantasy Realm yet? (Yep, I'm actually admitting it.) Can I start with Gift of Water or should I read Book 1 in the series—or one of your other books—first?

A: Each of the full-length novels and novellas in the Elemental Bloodlines series can be read as standalones, since each book follows the love story of a different couple. So yes, Gift of Water can totally be your first foray into the Teutonic Fantasy Realm! Jasmin would be honored to welcome you. 💖

Q: This book takes place in Germany, right? How do you pronounce 'Jasmin,' anyway?

A: Gift of Water actually takes place in Austria, which is one of the countries south of Germany. (Nope, Austria does NOT have kangaroos. 😉) As for how to pronounce Jasmin's name? It's YAZmin.

Q: You've hinted this book involves a fake relationship. What in the WORLD is a 'fake' relationship? How can someone fake something romantic unless they're an actor or actress?

A: I've literally been wondering the same thing while I wrote Gift of Water. I'll be first to admit I'd already fallen for Jasmin's "fake muse"—Gregor—within the first few chapters. (Oops.) Guess I'm not a good actress? 🙃 As for Jasmin herself, she soon finds herself grappling with stirrings Gregor awakens within her....

Q: So aside from the romance, what else can I expect to get out of Gift of Water? I'm guessing there's magic involved, since you've mentioned Jasmin is a water witch?

A: You've better believe it! You can find various types of Teutonic magic—from the standard elemental variety to harrowing blood rituals and spiritual journeys—in Gift of Water, along with every other book set in my Teutonic Fantasy Realm. You'll also get the chance to explore a variety of Alpine peaks alongside Jasmin, Gregor, and their friends—sometimes as a spirit! And you might start rethinking all your preconceived notions about a certain undead priest along the way. 🤔

Q: Ooooo, Gift of Water involves another one of your undead priests? Pretty sure you've convinced me now. Remind me where I can grab a copy of Gift of Water?

A: You can grab the eBook from any of your favorite retailers, or snag it from my book shop. Remember, indie authors receive a LOT more of your hard-earned money if you buy directly from their book shops, because the only fees taken out of the price are the standard credit card or PayPal fees. On the retailers, authors receive only 70% royalties at most.

Get Gift of Water right here, and enter the code WATERWITCH at checkout for 15% off:

https://clcarhart.com/products/gift-of-water-ebook

Q: Um. What if I want a paperback?

A: Are you my mom or dad??? (Literally nobody buys paperbacks from me except for my parents, LOL!) You'll just have to wait a little longer for a paperback copy, since the formatting takes more time. 😝

Gift of Water Snippet #3

Let's catch up with Jasmin and Gregor at the outset of their fake relationship, while they hike to a fictional Alpine lake known as the Wildersee.

We talked about rock climbing on our way out of the neighborhood and onto the trail, a dozen cars already occupying its parking lot. A popular destination for locals and tourists alike, the Wildersee was the loveliest small Alpine lake I had ever visited. Kayakers and hut employees reached the lake using a gravel road that wound its way up the mountain, the trail following a similar path a bit further into the woodland.

“How much elevation change can we expect?” Gregor asked when the trail began its ascent, his fingers still threaded perfectly through mine.

“Almost none. It’s only a four hundred meter climb to the lake. There are two trails behind the hut that go much farther, one that connects with the route along the peaks from Landeck south to Italy.”

“I’m planning on spending a few days on that trail while I’m here. I hope that won’t mess things up for us.” Gregor shot me a look that appeared more concerned than jovial. Doubtless because we neared another group of hikers. Other people could not know our romance was mere fiction.

“As long as you do that while I’m working, we’re good to go. I was thinking maybe we should have breakfast together tomorrow in Kramhof’s little garden.” My cheeks flushed with heat as I spoke, tension coiling in my stomach as though my words were more than an attempt to continue our charade.

“Hmm,” Gregor said, letting go of my hand and gesturing for me to pass the group of slower hikers first. I did so, greeting the three middle-aged ladies while worry continued to knot itself in my gut. Why was my companion keeping me in suspense? Did he think this was how boyfriends ought to act when asked on a date?

He returned to my left side some distance ahead of the ladies, relinking our hands and ducking his head to murmur in my ear, “I’m not sure we should discuss our intentions so publicly. Not unless we want a bunch of matchmaker cameras focusing on Kramhof’s gazebo.”

Laughter overtook me, and I gasped for breath as we ascended a steeper section of the trail. “I don’t think the entire village is interested in our trysts.”

“Yet,” Gregor corrected in an amused tone. “I’m planning on taking a lot of snapshots once we’re at the lake, some including you. Then I can tag Ibex Alm’s Facebook page when I post them, to raise more awareness about our relationship.”

“Genius. I don’t think we’ve friended each other on Facebook yet. We’ll have to do that when we’re at the hut. We can use their Wi-Fi, assuming you’ve brought your phone.”

“I’ve got it, but I won’t have it while I’m on multi-day hikes. The only way you’ll be able to find me is if you use your magic to track me.” Gregor lowered his voice on the final phrase, implications smoldering in his words.

He was really leaning into our fake relationship. If he kept this up, my heart would start to believe there might be something real concealed beneath the façade. There’s not. He’s just doing his part to save you from an arranged marriage with a freakish priest. Any decent Teuton male would do the same thing.

So I raised an eyebrow at him and said, “I’ll consider it,” with a smirk.

When the Wildersee came into view through the trees, Gregor paused to pull his camera from his bag. “There’s nothing more inspiring than spectacular Alpine lakes,” he declared as he took his first round of snapshots.

“I’d have thought you’d be more into volcanoes.” My element rejoiced as it sensed the essence of the lake, its waters a result of ancient glaciers topped with seasonal snow melt.

“Volcanoes are pretty awesome, but it’s not like you can dive right in. At least not into the ones in public parks.” Gregor chuckled as we approached the lake, and I bent to plunge my fingers into its crystal clear waters. A blissful sigh breezed from my lips, my surroundings veiled in blue as my magic soared through my body.

“Have you ever done that? Jumping into a volcano?” I looked up at Gregor, who stood perched atop a gray boulder, focusing his camera on the far side of the lake. The hut sat near the beach, the mountainside rising behind it. White dots of sheep owned by the Rupp family cropped grass and weeds along the slope.

“As a spirit, many times. In my mortal body, only once.” Gregor finished his photo taking and turned his attention to me, his lips curling upward at the sight of my hand swaying back and forth beneath the water’s surface. “Had to sneak off by myself while I studied abroad to accomplish that.”

“Now you’re going to have to tell me that story.” I rose to my feet, allowing my spirit to absorb the water dampening my hand and forearm.

We took the wilder trail around the lake first, intending to return along the path nearer to the road and the expansive beaches. This time we fell into a more leisurely pace, Gregor launching into stories from his years at a university in Linz. As it turned out, he taught courses in social work at that same university now. He had a passion for helping others and teaching people how to make a difference in their communities.

As we ate lunch at the hut’s beer garden, Gregor told me about a nonprofit in Linz that provided support for elders who struggled with poverty. He delivered meals to a number of people several days per week, and he offered extra credit to students who assisted when time allowed. The nonprofit also organized activities for elders to socialize, along with running a clothing closet for the city’s needy.

Gregor’s generosity and respect for others touched my soul, for that was one of many reasons I loved my job at Kramhof. It gave me joy to provide customers with the perfect meal or drink, and support locals who shared their private trials with me. “I never thought about studying social work, but what you’ve described really resonates with me,” I admitted, taking a bite of rye spread with cheese.

“I’d tell you my employer’s program is the best one out there, but I might be a little biased.” Gregor winked at me, his teeth tugging a batch of fresh red currants from the stem. He seemed to relish their sour flavor, an endearing trait. Rolf hated sour foods, preferring bland stuff over anything with a kick.

Now I envisioned myself enrolling in the very college where my companion taught courses on social work, learning how best to use my talents to serve the community. Our fake relationship had opened doors I had never considered. But would it be weird to nurture an established camaraderie with a professor?

There’s nothing scandalous about that, I assured myself when we searched out a peaceful spot on the beach not long afterward. We’re both adults, so it doesn’t matter if we occasionally meet up outside of class. Assuming I end up taking one of Gregor’s classes. If I graduate from the same college Karl attended, my parents couldn’t question my intelligence. Fated to go insane? Not likely.

We spread our towels beneath a towering ash tree growing near the water’s edge, a pair of mallards floating a short distance out on the lake. Gregor asked if I needed any sunscreen but I declined, having put some on before leaving home. “I did the same thing, but I brought a bottle just in case,” he said as he pulled his shirt over his head, revealing a sun-kissed torso.

Lust simmered within me as I admired his physique, his lean muscles toned to precision. I suspected he spent some of his free time at the gym and likely at whatever sunbathing parks existed in Linz. Freeing my hair from my hat, I folded my sunglasses and laid them upon my towel, then proceeded to discard my shorts and shirt. My tan could use some work; I needed to spend more time at the lake.

The waters summoned me forward, and I left our belongings behind without a second thought, watching the mallards’ progress. I assumed Gregor would do the same, but I stopped when my toes touched the cool waters, realizing I was alone. Glancing back, I asked, “Aren’t you coming?”

Gregor stood at the edge of his towel clad in a tight red bathing suit, a smirk heightening his charm as he studied my bikini-clad figure. “One of my college buddies used to say, ‘As much as we hate seeing you walk away, we love admiring the view.’”

***

How long will Jasmin be able to resist falling for Gregor's "fake" charms? Find out in just a couple days by reserving your copy of Gift of Water from your favorite retailer or from my book shop! If you buy from my shop, don't forget to enter the code WATERWITCH at checkout for 15% off.

https://clcarhart.com/products/gift-of-water-ebook

SC Lake From High Above

Now that you've hiked to the Wildersee with Jasmin and Gregor, it's time to marvel at a picture I took of Lake Jocassee in South Carolina just a few summers ago. This particular view of the lake can be found only at Jumping Off Rock, an overlook at the top of a rutted gravel road.

Who wants to join Jasmin for an elemental dance around this lake? 🤩 Have to admit, sometimes I wish I were a Teuton witch myself. It'd be wonderful to summon elemental magic at will and glide through the air as a freed spirit.

Book Fairs & Giveaways

Be sure to browse all the intriguing tales lurking in this week's book fair at the graphic above. Every click makes this indie author feel loved, so you know what to do! Also, heads up that the final link in the batch below involves 4 sexy freebies you can't find anywhere else. 👀

Fairy Tales And Fantasy Romance

Paranormal Romance - Free Books

LoveBite Free Books & Giveaway

Other Books You Might Like

Got two books by my fellow indie authors for you to check out. One's a new release, and the other is free with newsletter signup. If either—or both—strike your fancy, be sure to nab yourself a copy today!

A harlot knows there's only one rule… Never fall in love, but especially not with a Lord.

Céleste knew her heart was doomed from the moment roguishly-handsome playboy Lawrence D'Armory swept into her life at the Red Lantern. Son of arguably the most prominent family in New Orleans, she knew the future held no promise for them.

Unfortunately for Céleste, she's not only fallen in love, but she discovers she's pregnant with his child. As Lord Lawrence grapples with conflicting loyalties, torn between love and the expectations of his prestigious family, Céleste finds solace and unexpected passion where she least suspected.

But as Céleste navigates the complexity of her emotions, she and her friend Ravenna mistakenly uncover a hidden world of spirits and magic that pulses beneath the surface of their city, where a malevolent force lurks in the shadows.

Can she and Ravenna harness their magical abilities to overcome the encroaching darkness? And will love conquer all, or will the shadows consume them and everyone they love?

✨ All Retailers ✨

Is one night enough to thaw her grumpy boss’s ice-cold heart?

Lila

I came to New York City to make something out of myself and now my chance has arrived. All I need to do is convince upper management to invest in the boutique hotel I’m proposing. A single roadblock stands in my way… Dalton Keller… aka Grumpy GQ. The only thing that matters to him is the bottom line.

Dalton

There’s no way spending the weekend with a junior employee is going to change my mind about adding the property she’s proposing to our portfolio, especially if the numbers don’t add up. But when an ice storm cuts us off from the outside world, I find myself wondering if there’s room in my heart for more than my love of numbers… like the curvy girl with the amazing assets who I can’t seem to keep my hands off of.

✨ FREE On BookFunnel ✨

That's all for me, because I've got to tie off all the last second behind-the-scenes tasks before Gift of Water hits the retailers on Sunday, August 20th. Don't forget you can grab your copy for 15% off from my book shop with the code WATERWITCH.

If you've been wondering whether my husband and I managed to enjoy that cherry pepper from our garden, we most certainly did! We ate it along with some grilled hot dogs last Saturday, and it was super spicy and flavorful. Hoping our plants will give us some more before the end of the season. 🌶

Now grab yourself a copy of Jasmin's love story with Gregor, and I'll catch you later on this weekend with the usual "YAAAAAY it's out!!!!!!" email. 🤩

Talk to you soon,

C.L. Carhart

PS - YOOOOO to my ARC team of Elemental Bloodliners! Gift of Water is in your inbox waiting for you to read & review. I'm counting on YOU to give Jasmin & Gregor's story a nice review boost on release week, so don't let me—or our water witch heroine—down! 💖

Get Gift of Water & enter code WATERWITCH at checkout for 15% off:

https://clcarhart.com/products/gift-of-water-ebook

C.L. Carhart's book shop:

https://clcarhart.com/

Get Dukes of Magic for free:

https://dl.bookfunnel.com/7yzvslyqb9

This week's book fair:

https://bf.clcarhart.com/sale_promo/ge6gb09986