Indie Bookstores are Awesome!
Aug 20, 2023 5:13 pm
Indie Bookstores are Awesome!
So, I may have "peopled" again yesterday. My friend and fellow indie author, Huckleberry Rahr, hopped on the Phoenix Express to visit an indie bookstore in Sheboygan, BookHaven Wordhouse.
As has become our habit, Huckle and first I stopped at a local eatery (a.k.a. a bar that serves food.) We chose a motorcycle-themed bar called the Superior Bar & Grill. Our server was a lovely leprechaun by the name of Liz, stalwart guardian of the Pot of Silver. The food was excellent. Huckle and I shared an appetizer platter heavy on the deep-fried cheese (like good little Wisconsinites). I had a brat patty slathered with brown mustard.
I also took a few pictures of the art pieces I found interesting.
I believe this is a Harley Davidson engine tricked out with fiber-optics. Kind of looks like a heart, doesn't it?
Can't you just imagine this as a robot waitperson in a space opera story?
After lunch, it was time to head over to the WordHaven BookHouse. It's a wonderful place with good lighting, a welcoming ambiance and a quirkiness that appeals to me. Often, there are cute dogs hanging out by the clerk's kiosk, and there are plenty of comfy couches and chairs available where you can curl up to enjoy a book. This bookstore is worth the visit if you happen to be near Sheboygan, WI.
If you've been following me for awhile, then you no doubt realize we've been to this bookstore on several occasions before to hold writing workshops for both budding and experienced authors. This time, instead of running a class, we spent an hour or two kibbitzing with the patrons and selling signed copies of our books.
Talking with strangers can be exhausting, but worthwhile, in my opinion. You really can't get anywhere in your chosen field without networking with other, likeminded people. It can really be a lot of fun - even for an entrenched introvert like me. I'm learning to step outside my comfort zone, and I'll always be grateful to my friend, Huckle, for helping me with that.
Without further ado, here are some books for you to check out!
Stuff your Kindle!
Time for a 'Dog Days of Summer' Fantasy Adventure - Kindle Unlimited Promo
Tis the days of the Dog Star! Well, not technically … According to Google, the dog days were July 3 - August 11. Anyway, here’s a Kindle Unlimited sales promotion for fantasy of all subgenres except fantasy romance, but don’t fret if romance is your jam! Some of these books may contain romantic subplots. Browse through the selection and find a new book or series to wolf down.
FREE BOOKS!
YA/Middle Grade Christian Fiction
Here are wholesome reads that all ages can enjoy!
Clean-ish Scifi and Fantasy
Exciting fantasy and science fiction adventures with up to a PG-13 rating. Snag these freebies while they last!
August Free Books
Searching for your next favorite story? Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time.
Disclaimer: I have not read all of these books and cannot vouch for content quality. If you aren’t satisfied with what you find, please don’t send the Brute Squad after me.
Goodreads Giveaways!
Here's an opportunity to win a free book from excellent Christian indie authors.
Or you can purchase their books online.
The Witch’s Curse by J.F. Rogers
Steal the Morrow by Jenelle Leanne Schmidt
Have you read Wyldling Snare?
A knight’s first duty is to his realm. When another world calls, will he answer? The wrong choice might destroy all he loves.
Apprentice knight Enoch Northward isn't ready to lead. But when he returns home to find his mentor dead and the heir-apparent missing, he knows he must rise to the challenge.
But the horrifying truth of his guardian’s death and disappearance of his friends leaves the grieving knight with no time to mourn. In search of answers, he ventures into the forbidden forest. There he discovers a portal leading to another world - and a girl who shares his faith and dreams.
The realm hangs in the balance as a mysterious enemy schemes to destroy it, but not all peril comes from the outside. Enoch himself harbors a secret that could destroy all he loves…
Featured Clean Fantasy Books - YA, Epic, Portal, Adventure
These EPIC books are available for purchase on Amazon and/or to read for free on Kindle Unlimited.
Path of a Novice by R.K. Lander
Fascinating and gripping first novel in The Silvan Series, by best-selling author R.K. Lander. Path of a Novice is an epic fantasy story of battle and magic, honour and discovery. The Silvan Series will bring together the greatest warriors of their time. In the name of justice; in the name of love.
His face would kindle love, garner hatred, inspire loyalty - bring persecution.
An immortal half-blood becomes a novice warrior and joins the ranks of the Silvans as they battle Sand Lords and Deviants. He only ever had one dream; to become a Silvan captain in an army commanded by the dominant Alpine elves, colonizers of the Great Forest. There had once been another dream though – to know who his father was, but years of unanswered questions later, he told himself it didn’t matter anymore.
Meanwhile, the powerful Alpine lords weave a story of racial superiority, relegating the native Silvans to second-class subjects. Village leaders, Spirit Warriors and Foresters are starting to rebel.
Fel’annár learns the true meaning of warrior hood when he travels as the only novice warrior in a multi-racial patrol into the Deep Forest. As he battles the enemy for the first time, a power unfolds, one he cannot control – does not want. While friendships are forged, a destiny begins to unravel, one that is tied to a past he knows nothing about. For others though, it is only a matter of time before the truth is revealed and the danger becomes real.
Can Fel’annár overcome his fears, become the warrior he always wanted to be, or will his dreams be stunted by his own shrouded past? By one elf’s lust for absolute power?
If you love fantastic worlds with compelling characters on a dangerous mission, you can’t miss this first installment of The Silvan.
The Quest for the Emerald Rattleback by Marie-Hélène Lebeault
A Clean YA Epic Fantasy
Join the magical journey of four young students as they navigate the trials and tribulations of their first year at the Institute, where magic and danger collide. Can they overcome the obstacles in their path and save their Kingdom from impending threats?
Herja, Penelope, Kaia, and Wickham are ready for a new adventure as they reunite at the Institute for witches and dragons. Their excitement is short-lived as news of King Diesel's passing and the Odentia army marching toward Eldavon puts everyone on high alert.
The crown is concerned for their youngest daughter, Adina, who is among the first-year witches. The students are sent on a quest to collect the shed skin of the Emerald Rattleback, but their mission is cut short by an attempted kidnapping. The witch students, including Adina, are pursued by spies and must navigate the Silent Marshes to evade them. Join these young witches and dragons on a thrilling adventure of magic, bravery, and friendship.
The Quest for the Emerald Rattleback is the first book in the Defenders of the Realm series.
Have you read the prequel? Read A Journey to Power first!
About the Defenders of the Realm Series
5 action-packed clean YA epic fantasy books
4 clean YA fantasy romance novellas
Body positive. Inclusive. Diverse. Low Trigger.
Witches. Dragons. Fated Mates.
In the land of Eldevon, a group of 13-year-old witches and dragons join forces to prevent an enemy kingdom's kidnapping of magical children. While attending a magical academy, they go on several quests to prepare for their sacred duty: defending their kingdom. Characters navigate societal expectations, personal relationships, and the concept of fated mates as they grow older and face new challenges. Through their quests and experiences, they understand their bonds and the importance of their relationships.
Stay in the loop! Join Marie-Hélène's newsletter for writing updates, sales, upcoming events, and special promotions at www.mhlebeault.com
Black Bane by Zee Kelley
A quest to stop the black bane.
An adventure unfolds in this epic fantasy short story of wondrous creatures, clashing cultures, a mysterious evil force, and four distinct races fighting against an unknown enemy determined to destroy them all.
During the previous full moon, the ancient salvus trees prepared to display their fall colors and stood sentry over the Florix tribes who lived in the branches below. But, as fast as storm clouds rolling in, a fatal black sludge attacked the plant life, poisoned the water, and left the forest people sick and dying. Painful black boils appeared on farmers’ and herb-gatherers’ hands and arms, and in mere days the killing disease spread to entire families. Within a month, the bane decimated entire villages. Nothing would stop the spread of death. Not even their healer
That's all for now. As a reward for reading this far, here is a picture of my cat, Graefin, in all of her disdainful majesty.
All the best to you and yours!
A.R. Grimes
