Author, Karen Black
Since Ivan was the model for Owen, the telecat in Rustic Acres, he wanted all of you to read the story.
Amazon Reviews of Rustic Acres:
“I was captivated from the beginning by the delightful characters in this story…”
“I was pulled into the story from the beginning and thoroughly enjoyed it.”
“This author’s writing is just as magical as the tale itself.”
“Spells written in Heroic Couplets worthy of Chaucer…”
Free through August 25th.
Enjoy the story!
Best wishes,
Karen
Ivan likes to watch the field goal attempts. That flying football gets his attention every time.
And he reacts accordingly when they miss one.
On July 1st I released BOPAMA, a short story, filled with fantasy and the paranormal. When a child exhibits extraordinary ability in the practice of the ancient religion of Bopama, a powerful practitioner is challenged, and will stop at nothing to eliminate the threat to his supremacy.
BOPAMA is free from August 1st through August 5, 2024. Please download a copy and give it a try.
“This delightful short story spans several centuries with memorable characters. The use of spirit dolls–and of course Karen Black’s trademark “critters”–enhance the mood. The writing is exceptional and although I tend toward single word/short-phrase spells, the beautiful rhyming spells fulfill my poetic tendencies. Surely Karen Black is descended from the troubadours of old who sang the most captivating stories because her narrative style is never boring, always edging us on to read one more page.” Amazon Review by Clarissa
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Best wishes for a great August. I hope your favorite football team has a great pre-season!
Cheers!
Karen
The hummingbird babies have hatched and fledged and we’re seeing tiny nectar drinkers hovering in the flowers. Migrating birds, butterflies, and baby critters are my favorite part of summer. The herbs loved that June heatwave and have flourished. I’ve got enough parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, and oregano to last a year. Oregano notwithstanding, I’m sure Simon and Garfunkel would be pleased. Do you remember that song?
If you’re looking for your next novel and enjoy epic adventure and fantasy with a touch of realism, you might enjoy my new release, Goldfield Forest. It’s on sale for $1.99 through July 31st.
In 1783, August Alexander becomes lost during an archaeological expedition in the Amazon jungle. After wandering for days, he has little hope of survival before a mystical clan saves his life. August doesn’t realize his ancestors were guardians of the fae, or that his encounter with the clan of lion people sets off a series of events that spans two centuries.
Like August, Maria Goldfield is an archaeologist. She is also a 21st-century guardian of the fae. When Lena, a supernatural lioness, needs help to prevent the destruction of the rainforest and the demise of its magical inhabitants, she turns to Maria. Risking her life and the future of the little people she protects in Goldfield Forest, Maria agrees to accompany the lioness to the Amazon jungle. There, they confront Bagrim, a warlock, and fight to protect the plants that provide the only cures for illnesses that could cause the death of otherwise immortal fae worldwide.
The novel has Ivan’s seal of approval! Of course, Ivan approves almost anything that doesn’t wake him.
Here’s what some editorial reviewers had to say about Goldfield Forest.
“This enchanting novel will transport you to a world of magic and wonder, filled with mystery, intrigue, and unforgettable characters that will keep you turning the pages until the very end.” Midwest Book Review
“…a narrative filled with intrigue, suspense, and fantastical creatures, keeping readers eagerly flipping pages through fantastical settings to discover the fate of these highly lovable characters.” Readers’ Favorite
“…a fantasy lover’s fantasy. This novel is sprinkled with fairy dust. There are little people everywhere, waving and winking at you … with natural imagery, you’re going to love spending time in these forests.” Independent Book Review
I hope your summer is filled with magic. Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter!
Karen
Do you like fantasy? If so, sit back, put your feet up, and relax for fifteen minutes as you take a trip to Goldfield Forest.
When an 18th-century archaeologist saves the life of an elf in the Amazon rainforest, he has no idea his kindness will set off a chain of events that, two and a half centuries later, will affect a contemporary witch and the little people she protects.
Goldfield Forest will be released on July 4th, but you can read the first two chapters in Preview of Goldfield Forest now. It’s free at Amazon and most other ebook retailers.
Until next time, keep reading and writing!
Cheers!
Karen and Ivan
Lounging on the beach, or lounging in your living room, if you enjoy mysteries, it’s nice to settle back and get lost in one. Race into Murder is free today through May 27th. https://amzn.to/3zKNpZZ
Jeff Frazier trains racehorses, and his dream of a champion is about to come true. But a jockey is murdered, an innocent man is arrested, and Jeff’s dream becomes a nightmare. The racing world is in chaos as the killer is torn between justice & morality. “A crime tale with an engaging setting and some intriguing characters” Kirkus Reviews. “…driven by the strength of its characters…well-plotted murder mystery…” Book Review Directory.
For those who enjoy short stories, Unwelcomed, by John Podlaski is a good one. It will keep your attention. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1040426
When Johnny comes home from Vietnam, he thinks he’s done fighting. But when the battle comes to his doorstep, he doesn’t hesitate. “…a thought-provoking, action-filled short story…” Amazon Review, Jan S. “…pulled me in with the first paragraph and kept me wondering what was going to happen next.” Amazon Review, Charles Jones.
If you have a minute, I need your help! It appears some of my newsletters are being kidnapped and routed to junk. To combat the problem, I’m told the receiver needs to comment on the email or add the sender’s address to the contact list. So, even if you didn’t need to search your spam to find this newsletter, would you please write a short comment? Just “hello” or an emoji should do the trick and I would appreciate it.
Until next time, keep reading and writing.
Cheers!
Karen
These days, I’m busy waiting for the hummingbirds and watching the baby rabbits who have already begun dashing around the yard in the evenings. Happy Spring! This momma rabbit has been living in our yard for years and builds her nests in some of the strangest places!
Now, I need your help! It appears my newsletters are being kidnapped by the spam stalkers and routed to junk instead of inboxes. I’ve gotten several inquiries from subscribers who say they are not receiving my emails. At my suggestions, they located them in their spam folder. At first, I figured it was simply a glitch, but it wasn’t. Apparently, if a large number of emails are sent, they are tagged as spam and go to the receiver’s junk folder. I’m not sure what a “large number” is but it appears to be relatively small.
In any event, the only way to combat it is for the receiver to either comment on the email, mark it as “not spam,” or add the sender’s address to the contact list. Of course, you need to see the email in order to do that and if you’re like me, you don’t often think to check what’s in your junk folder! So, even if you didn’t need to search your spam to find this newsletter, would you please write a short comment? Just “hello” or an emoji should do the trick. Thank you!
Whether they get to where they’re aimed or not, I’ll continue to send you notice of free and discounted books, book reviews, and an occasional author interview. If you’re interested in being featured in a future newsletter or blogpost, please let me know. And if you’re a reader, I’d love to hear from you, too. Maybe it’s time to feature someone who likes to read. What do you think?
Until next time,
Karen
Juan Velasquez is no stranger to violence and crime is a way of life. Juan’s Path to Justice, a free short story introduces Juan & takes him from the gang-controlled streets of Mexico to a new direction where the law of justice is sacred, legal or not. https://amzn.to/3EvVJir
Deadly Repercussions, on sale for $.99 from 4/26/24 through 4/29/24, tells the rest of his story. https://amzn.to/3xcvwBa
As the holiday season comes to an end, I’m seldom in a hurry to put the decorations away, although I try to have everything done by Valentine’s Day. Does anyone else keep their tree up until the last week in January?
During the past year, many of you have read my books, subscribed to my blog, connected on social media, and visited my website. Thank you! With thousands of books and blogs available, I appreciate it every time someone chooses to read one of mine.
Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2024!
Our tree is decorated, the baking is done, gifts are wrapped, and I consumed two entire quarts of eggnog this past week! I’ve heard it’s a scientific fact food and drink have no calories from the week before Christmas until New Year’s Day. How lovely that would be …
Speaking of gifts, I have one for you. DEADLY REPERCUSSIONS is free from today through December 26th. The link is below.
Best wishes for a lovely Christmas and a New Year filled with health, happiness, and lots of books!
Your comments are always welcome. I’d love to hear from you.
Until next time, keep reading and writing!
Karen
While I’m basting the turkey and mashing potatoes, I’ll be thinking about my next novel, which is almost finished. A fantasy, set primarily in the Amazon rainforest, it includes a cast of supernatural characters and magic of all kinds, along with a contemporary family whose interactions with the fae keep their lives interesting.
But I need a title! If you have any ideas, please leave them in the comments. If I use your suggestion, or even a variation of it, I’ll send you a book of your choice from any I’ve written.
If you like sweet contemporary romance, especially one that includes a rodeo and some horse races, Ride into Romance might be one for you. It’s on sale for $.99, from today through November 28th.
A Wish and His Demand and Juan’s Path to Justice are both free this month. Scroll down for the details.
Until next time,
Best Wishes!
Karen
A rhyming tale to make you smile!
You’re Mine
Karen Black
This night was special, Halloween! Twelve months had passed since he’d last seen his faithful friend of many years. When she arrived, sometimes his tears still fell as he remembered when she’d left him. She was only ten. Renee, his pal, his special friend. He’d been the one who caused her end.
It happened on the railroad track. He often wished he could go back to that October thirty-first. That cold, dark night he made the worst choice of his life. He let her walk alone that night. They’d talked of costumes, trick or treat, and after dinner where they’d meet.
Renee was picking lavender. Having such fun, she never heard the train. It rumbled down the track and struck her squarely on her back. A momentary jolt of pain, her life extinguished by the train. Her spirit floated to his side where she decided to abide.
It happened sixty years ago. Since then, he’d never truly known a day alone in all that time. Each day, she told him, “You are mine.” She never blamed him for her death but made it clear she’d never rest without her friend. Most times a voice, yet Halloween allowed her spirit to be seen.
He lit a candle for some light within his room that moonless night. Then hovering above the flame, he saw her, and she called his name. And when she stood, the room turned cold. He reached for her, so he could fold her in his arms. He hugged his beautiful Renee, and like always wished she could stay.
Though once a year, she could pass through, the spirits’ barriers, he knew that every day, at least one time, he’d her softly say, “You’re mine.”
***
Stories By Karen 