Rushing Waterfalls And Spider Lilies 🌹
May 26, 2024 8:20 pm
I might be soooooo late this time around that it's already next week, but today I've got some funky nature photos to share with you. Plus a couple fun stories by other authors and two bookish events.
But this week's big news is that Gift of Light—a bonus novella in Elemental Bloodlines that you can read all on its own—is on sale for only 99¢ until the end of May. You might remember that I wrote Gift of Light on a whim last year as my very first attempt at a fairy tale retelling. So if you've ever wondered (like several of Swanie's children once wondered in Lurid Curse) just what would happen if Beauty and the Beast took place in the Teutonic Fantasy Realm, well....
You can find out in Gift of Light. For only 99 pennies.
Gift of Light was part of the Dukes of Magic anthology last summer, and I originally threw the story together in literally 2 weeks. As is my standard process whenever I write a book, I sent batches of chapters to two of my most faithful beta readers—my parents. And after reading the first two chapters, this is what my dad had to say:
If you, like him, are curious about how Helena ended up with this "Mr. K," find out today by grabbing your eBook copy of Gift of Light. It should be 99¢ on most retailers, but if your country's version of Amazon hasn't quite caught up yet (something the author cannot control), you can snag it on my shop to get a BookFunnel download link instead.
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C92XCZK3
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C92XCZK3
Amazon Canada:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0C92XCZK3
Amazon Australia:
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C92XCZK3
Universal link:
https://books2read.com/ebgiftoflight
Apple:
https://books.apple.com/book/gift-of-light/id6450560314
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/ebook/gift-of-light
Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=8urGEAAAQBAJ
Barnes & Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gift-of-light-c-l-carhart/1143697278?ean=2940160866772
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/1412615
My book shop:
https://clcarhart.com/products/gift-of-light-ebook
Crabtree Falls & Spider Lilies
In case you opened this email just because the title caught the eye of a nature lover, here's what you've been looking for. Last weekend my husband and I took a rather hefty hike to Crabtree Falls in the mountains, hoping to see blooming trilliums along the way. That hope proved in vain, since the blooms are done for the year (will have to go back next April for another try). But the waterfall itself?
Spectacular.
Then just yesterday we drove the other direction to check out an unusual type of flower that blooms along the river rocks at Landsford Canal State Park. The rocky shoals spider lily is lovely and pristine, and quite a few people were out on the river in canoes and kayaks to paddle between huge batches of lilies. My husband and I took our photos from the bank—along with the universe, so these flowers are for people lovers 😜. You may have to zoom in to my photo to get a good glimpse of how they look. If you're in the area, it's definitely worth a visit!
Books & Bookish Events
Another reason my newsletter's late this time around is that I was hoping to have the chance to share a (still secret) giveaway with you around this time. Unfortunately that ended up not coming to fruition quite yet, but in June that opportunity should finally come together. 🤞 For now, please check out this month's social media giveaway sponsored by Get That Book, plus a batch of over 50 fantasy stories—including some complete series!—that you can binge read with a Kobo Plus subscription.
Then check out two books by my fellow indie authors. The first one is for the dragon lovers, and the second is for those of you who'd like a modern take on Beauty and the Beast—no Teuton witches involved this time. 😉
I was prepared for assassins, cunning girls, and magic competitions. But I never considered the King would claim my heart.
The summons from the Dragon King was clear; any woman of age who has never been bedded or wedded must participate in the selection games for Queen consort. The nobility are cutthroat and won't let anything stand in their way. Serf girls like me are easy pickings for assassins and not considered true competition for the throne.
But when the king's eyes flicked over me, I nearly gasped at what I saw. His bright blue eyes bore into my soul. Igniting an unquenchable heat.
I thought he'd laugh at my weakness like others. But his touch made me shudder in pleasure instead.
This is all a game to him, and I want to go back to my quiet and peaceful life. So, I insult him, and instead of sending me home, he kept me.
Like a fool, I want him to touch me again.
Am I destined for death? Or will I become his fated Queen?
Beauty isn't only skin deep....
Reclusive and severely scarred Bellamy Sanders has remained hidden inside a secluded cabin ever since the tragic accident that killed her family and left her badly scarred. Shrouded in shadow, with only the happy memories of the past for company, she has abandoned all hope.
Caught in a fierce snowstorm, handsome and successful Jackson Smythe seeks shelter at a cabin—unaware that its grumpy and disfigured owner is much more than she appears to be. And when he discovers her secret, he realizes that beauty and passion can be discovered in the most unlikely of places.
You'll hear from me again on Thursday this week. Along with another bookish event, I plan on finally coming clean about the novella—and its forthcoming series—that's occupied my (still weary) creative brain for the past few weeks. I've made it to chapter 3 now, so only 8 more left to write.
And yes, the plan is to get it out there on the retailers for YOU to buy in early June. ARC team? Keep an eye on your inbox the first week of June. 🔥
Have a wonderfully weird week, and don't forget to grab your copy of Gift of Light if you haven't read it yet. Find out all about light witch Helena and her unexpectedly beastly muse by clicking the first link below.
Talk to you soon,
C.L. Carhart
Get Gift of Light for 99¢:
https://books2read.com/ebgiftoflight
Elemental Bloodlines series:
https://clcarhart.com/collections/elemental-bloodlines-series-ebooks
Get That Book social media giveaway:
https://getthatbookpromotions.com/may-social-media/
Kobo Plus Fantasy Feast: