WIP – Gateskin Chronicles Book 3 coming along!

Posted on February 21, 2024 by jjspina

This latest book in the Gateskin Chronicles is demanding and time consuming. I am already over 300 pages and over 44K words and no end in sight! Yikes!

Being a pantser I never know when the characters are going to end the story. They are particularly long-winded right now. I thought that I would be seeing the light of day soon and end it at 450 pages and maybe 60K words but I don’t think so. Sigh!

In the meantime, please check out the other two books in this series. The first book, The Legend of the Taken Ones: Gateskin Chronicles has received a Book Excellence Finalist Award and Readers’ Favorite Book Awards 5-Star Review.

BOOK EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER – FINALIST!
5-STAR REVIEW FROM READERS’ FAVORITE BOOK AWARDS!

This is Book 1 of a fantasy series that will have six books in all. In this book learn about the three children of King Gateskin and his wife, Queen Solinara. The children have had powers since they were quite young..

Serena was three years old when she learned of her power to move objects with her mind. Her brother, Simon, can fly and their sister, Catalina, can become invisible or blend into her surroundings. They live with their parents in Sovorotskina, the Land of Light.

With these powers comes responsibility. The children must try to use their powers for the common good and responsibly to help others. The three children befriend a Sprite named Spindle who accompanies them on their adventure. Along the way they meet up with their aunt and uncle, their mother’s brother and his wife, Wizard Hotenfaran and Fairy Procelina. The group must travel into the evil land of Parotovina, Land of Darkness, to save King Gateskin, who was kidnapped, and also rescue some of the descendants of their friends and fellow Sovorotskinans who were captured and taken by the Evil Ones. These descendants have been waiting a long time to be free to return to the villages of their ancestors.

The children have many trials and adventures along the way. Will they be able to rescue their father and fellow Sovorotskinans without endangering their own lives? Will the evil King Kaposkaran and his Queen Beregina stop Serena and her siblings from being successful or will they turn Serena and her siblings to their dark ways?

In the new book you will find plenty of excitement with something happening at every turn keeping the main protagonists busy. There will be spells, magic, danger, wolves, strange creatures and more characters to discover.

Writing this series has been exciting for me creating lands, wizards, Sprites, fairies and strange things to entice readers and keep them actively coming back for more. I hope if you haven’t discovered this series yet that you will give it a try. I would love to hear your thoughts and read your reviews.

Here are what others are saying about this series.

Gateskin 1
The Legend of the Taken Ones
Gateskin 1
Gateskin 1 gif 2
Gateskin Chronicles Book 2
Gateskin 2
Gateskin Chronicles 2
Gateskin Book 2

Here are book trailers that I created for both books.

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post. Stay tune for more updates on books, reviews, special offers on my books, and whatever else pops into my overcrowded head. I appreciate your kind and continued support and welcome reviews wherever you purchase my books.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in Amazon book reviews, Gateskin Chronicles, Gateskin Chronicles 2, The Legend of the Taken Ones (Gateskin Chronicles Book 1), The Unknown Territory (Gateskin Chronicles Book 2), Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Review of Mission of Love: Branyrd the Angel Series Book 3!

Posted on February 20, 2024 by jjspina

I recently gifted a long-time friend of mine Book 3 of Branyrd the Angel Series – Mission of Love. This lady is a former neighbor who I have known for many years. She recently lost her husband who was a dear, sweet, man who did so much good in his lifetime. I dedicated this book to his memory and included him and her in the story. When I told my friend, Marianne, that she and her husband, Martin (Mac), were characters in the book, she was surprised and honored especially after losing him. I did keep him alive in the story though. He will always be remembered as a wonderful neighbor and friend who want above and beyond to help me or anyone else whenever we needed him. Thank you, Mac! May you RIP!

Marianne called me recently to share her thoughts about the book. She also reviewed the other two books previously. Since she does not go online to do reviews, I told her I would post her review here. Thank you, Marianne!

Here is what she said:

“I really enjoyed this book, Janice. I don’t know how you come up with all these stories! It was nice to see Mac and me in it. Thank you for that.”

Branyrd is on another mission which may be the toughest one so far. She has been sent to a troubled island in the South Pacific that is being attacked by the fellow islands in the archipelago. Her mission is to rescue some children from an orphanage during the attacks.

She is escorted, once again, by her Guardian Angel, Benedicto, who is there as counsel and aide as she completes her mission. What Branyrd finds there is devastation and heartbreak as she tackles the mission, this time one of love for the children and the rest of the islanders who have lost family and homes.

There are many obstacles that stand in her way and danger for the children and others as she must rescue not only them, but also another island that is in danger of sinking.

It brought tears to my eyes when I wrote the story but I became even more emotional when my friend died in the middle of my writing it. What shocked me most about the book was that he was already in it along with his wife and I hadn’t realized it. When I went back to finish it after his wake and funeral, I saw what was so evident about the characters – they were my friend and her husband!

It was a dedication that was meant to be whether he had passed or not. I think my subconscious created the characters after I heard that he was failing in health earlier.

If you haven’t read this series yet, please begin with Book 1, The Misunderstood Angel, then Book 2, Mission of Mercy. Book 4 will be coming out later this year. Book 1 explains the character, Branyrd, and how she learns to be an Angel and later matures in each book.

This was a different kind of genre for me, dealing with a spiritual theme, moreso in this book than in How Far is Heaven. This series deals with important issues that are relevant in our troubled world today. Branyrd does her best to solve these issues and make the world a better place. If we only had more Branyrd’s in our world today to help solve the problems we have that no one seems to be able to do.

Here is a book trailer I created.

I hope you enjoy this story and feel the emotion that I put into it. Thank you for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in Book trailer for The Misunderstood Angel: Branyrd the Angel Series Book 1, Branyrd the Angel Series, Mission of Love: Branyrd the Angel Series Book 3, Novels for 18+, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Help me Celebrate – over 2K Posts – Free Ebooks!

Posted on February 19, 2024 by jjspina

I just realized that I have over 2K posts since 2012. Thank you for your kind support and for keeping me blogging and happy doing it.

I can still remember the first post I wrote. It was tentative and I didn’t know if anyone would read it. Thank goodness some of you did. That inspired me to keep writing and creating posts to entertain you and draw you back for more.

I want to show my appreciation for your continued support by offering one ebook of your choice to two readers who send me a review of one of my books. Of course I would love another review of these books too if you are the winners. Hurry and send your review to me today.

All you have to do is send me a link to a review of one of my books that you have read and I will send any ebook of your choice from the selection below to the first two people I hear from with a review. Send your link to me at jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net with FREE EBOOK, in the SUBJECT LINE. I will share your reviews on my post and announce the winners at that time – only first names but winners will receive an email from me with the link to the ebooks on Amazon.

Jemsbooks Children’s books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

MG/PT/YA books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Purchase YA books here.

Novels for 18+ books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble and also by clicking on covers to the right of this post.

Keep reading and I will keep writing. It is what I love to do. Thank you! I look forward to hearing from you soon. I love sharing my books with my readers and welcome reviews!

Thank you for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support! Come back again soon!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in book reviews, Free ebooks, Reading, reading for all ages, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Guest on Robbie Cheadle’s Blog!

Posted on February 18, 2024 by jjspina

I was honored to be on Robbie Cheadle’s blog today! Check out Robbie’s lovely blog below and give her some support.

Thank you, Robbie. I enjoyed being on your blog.

Growing Bookworms – Meet prolific children’s book author, Janice Spina, and a review #GrowingBookworms #readingcommunity #childrensfiction

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in award-winning children’s books, Children’s Books, Guest post on others’ blogs, Jemsbooks for all ages, Reading, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Wonderful Review of Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series: The Case of the Sad Mischievous Ghost!

Posted on February 17, 2024 by jjspina

It is always a thrill to receive a review like this! Thank you, Robbie Cheadle! I appreciate and am sincerely grateful for the time and efforts of readers to do a review!

Twins Davey and Derek Donato are enlisted by two new characters, Abby and her cousin Holly, to assist them in finding and capturing the spooky beings that haunt their house. When the boys visit Abby’s house, they discover that this old Victorian holds many secrets and shocking revelations. Davey and Derek soon find that they need the assistance of their Great Aunt Gigi to handle these mischievous phantoms.

Robbie Cheadle

5.0 out of 5 stars An entertaining read for youngsters

Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2024

This is the fifth book in the Davey and Derek Junior Detective Series. Davey and Derek, who are warlocks under the tutelage of their aunt, a witch, have already solved four mysterious cases and they have gained a reputation as detectives. Abby and her cousin, Holly, seek them out at school. The two girls believe the house they have recently moved into, called the Sheridan House after its previous owner, is haunted by a ghost. They have experienced some strange happenings. Davey and Derek agree to investigate and see if they can discover the source of the strange happenings and visitations.

With some advice from their Aunt Gigi, the pair set out to determine the cause of the girls’ anxiety. They embark on an intriguing adventure including cold spots, ghostly forms, and secret tunnels.

This book was reminiscent for me of the Secret Seven adventures series by Enid Blyton which I read as a young girl. It is full of the same energy and excitement as Enid Blyton’s books, but the Davey and Derek Junior Detective Series incorporates a taste of magic and the supernatural which appeals to modern children. This series also tackles topical issues faced by 21st century youngsters. The language is appropriate for the target audience and will keep young readers engaged and interested.

I enjoyed the subtle demonstrations of respect and family values incorporated throughout this book, which send an excellent message to young readers. An enjoyable book with an interesting storyline

Although I am not familiar with the author Enid Blyton, it is always an incredible compliment to be compared to other authors who have been successful. Others have mentioned her to me too that my writing is reminiscent of hers. I have since researched her work and am honored to be compared to her.

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please remember to review books you love or not for all the hard-working authors out there. We appreciate your efforts.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in Amazon book reviews, book reviews, Davey & Derek Junior Detectives, Book 5, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Footprints in the snow!

Posted on February 16, 2024 by jjspina

I have lived in New Hampshire for many years now and it still is exciting to see footprints in the snow. It’s amazing to see how many animals traversed our back, side and front yard and we never see them. They probably passed through the night undetected.

We have even had a deer in our front yard at the foot of our stairs going to our front deck eating a pumpkin. I have shared that photo before. We had no idea the deer had been that close to our house. Our neighbor took the photo. Now that I mentioned that I will have to share it again. Right? Incredible, huh?

Can you decipher what made these prints? Some are turkeys, deer, a feral cat while others could be a fox, Fisher cat and whatever else passed through.

Living in New Hampshire is never boring. There is always something to do, see and experience. I wouldn’t live anywhere else in the world.

I hope you are happy with wherever you live too and stay safe and well.

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Feel free to come back anytime.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in animal prints in the snow, winter, Winter in New England, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

New Crochet Projects!

Posted on February 15, 2024 by jjspina

In between my WIP and everything else, I have been crocheting up a storm, gifts for family, These afghans I make are quite popular with everyone.

I use Bernat Blanket Yarn for adult projects and the baby yarn for the little ones. Both yarns are soft and warm.

Here are some of my recent completed work.

I am even receiving requests now to make some in specific color combinations. I love crocheting with this yarn; it so soft, comfy and cozy to have on my lap especially in the cold winter months. It is quite expensive though and some colors are out of stock.

An average afghan can cost from $50 – $100 to make not taking into consideration the time it takes to complete the work. If I didn’t love it so much I wouldn’t do it. My husband always sighs and sees dollar signs each time a large box is delivered to our door! Haha!

I will have a lot of yarn leftover which I will put to use making an afghan of many colors; reminiscent of Dolly Parton’s ‘coat of many colors.’ I will donate it to the needy.

I have offered pillows to my readers in exchange for a review of one of my books, but there have not been any responses.

Well, back to my WIP then another afghan to complete. My two favorite things to do – write and crochet.

Thank you for stopping by to read this post. come back again soon! There is always something brewing at Jemsbooks!!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

BARNES & NOBLE (18+ NOVELS)

Posted in afghans, Crocheted pillows, crocheting | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

A Happy Valentine’s Day!

Posted on February 14, 2024 by jjspina

Today is Valentine’s Day and a happy occasion because I got my roses! Even if I had no one to purchase roses for me, I would buy them for myself. Haha! I am blessed with a thoughtful and generous husband who always remembers me on this day and others.

I wrote a poem for him and also baked a banana bread and made, for the first time, Dark Chocolate Butter Crunch, a recipe from a neighbor. My husband loves both of these, so he is a happy hubby today. Lucky for him that I love to bake. I spent most of the day in the kitchen and am just sitting down now to share this with my readers. Here are the efforts of my baking and my gorgeous flowers.

ME AND MY FLOWERS WITHOUT MAKEUP! YIKES!
ROSES

BANANA BREAD
DARK CHOCOLATE BUTTER CRUNCH

I always add another special ingredient to my baking that isn’t in the original recipe. I like to spice things up a little. John tried the bread and approved! So, I guess it worked with the extra something in it.

I hope you and your loved ones had a wonderful day today. I wish you much joy and love always.

Thank you for stopping by to read this post and for your kind and continued support. Come back again soon! You are always welcome.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in Happy Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Happy Valentine’s Day to Everyone!

Posted on February 14, 2024 by jjspina

Hope you have a lovely Valentine’s Day! Be kind to someone you love today! A previous post to be shared again.

image

Some of the roses I have received from my husband for Valentine’s Day! Enjoy!

What does Valentine’s Day mean to you?

Is it spending time with your loved one?

Your brother or husband or son?

Is it receiving gifts or giving them to others?

For your father or mother?

Do you think of chocolate and red roses?

Do you think of a romantic dinner?

Having his/her favorites will surely be a winner.

Just being together, your significant other and you?

It can be all of this, that is true.

It is everything that means anything to you.

It is whatever you want this day to be.

All I need is for my wonderful husband to say he loves and needs me!

And I am as happy as happy can be!

Wishing everyone a special and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Thought for the day: Say, “I love you” to someone special in your life today.

image

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Come back again soon for many more posts about books, reviews, fish, birds and whatever else pops into my head.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in flowers, Happy Valentine's Day, love, roses, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Posted on February 13, 2024 by jjspina
Happy Valentine’s Day! 2018
Happy Valentine’s Day 2019

I put past years’ flowers up for you to enjoy!

How many of you know the story behind Valentine’s Day? Well, there are many written online. Here is one that I found that you might like.

https://www.olrl.org/lives/valentine.shtml

Here are some quotes by famous people about Valentine’s Day. These are beautiful words to share.

Here is the link to read them all.

https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/valentines-day-quotations-1

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.–Helen Keller

Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.– Aristotle

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.– Lao Tzu

My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite.– William Shakespeare

If I had a flower for every time I thought of you … I could walk through my garden forever.– Alfred Tennyson

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.– Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Young love is a flame; very pretty, often very hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. The love of the older and disciplined heart is as coals, deep-burning, unquenchable.– Henry Ward Beecher

There is no remedy for love but to love more. — Henry David Thoreau

I hope you enjoyed these lovely words. Don’t we all wish we could have thought of them first?

I feel blessed to have a husband who is a romantic. He buys me roses, takes me out to dinner or cooks a special dinner for me with lobsters, steamers, shrimp cocktail or whatever else just to display his love. I love every minute of his attention to me. He never expects any gifts in return but I do write him a poem each year to express my love for him and appreciation of all he does for me. We enjoy just being together.

What do I think of love? These are my truisms or lovisms. (I know, I made up that word.)

Love is sharing the deepest part of your heart with another.

Love is sharing all of yourself and being the best you can be.

Love is doing all you can do to make your significant other happy.

Love is thinking of another person more than yourself.

Love is caring for another until death do you part.

Love is loving another even if they have faults.

Love is forgiving another when you disagree and argue with them.

Love is precious and should be cultivated like a garden so it can flower and prosper. Sprinkle liberally with love so it will grow.

Love is being there when you are needed.

Love is loving that person through good times and bad.

Love is loving that person even when they grow old.

Love is loving that person even if their beauty is fading with time.

Love is having a piece or two of dark chocolate and sharing it with the one you love.

Love is keeping that person close to your heart and cherishing your relationship always.

Love is so many things to me that I could go on forever. What does love mean to you?

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post. I hope it puts you in the mood to show some love for that special person in your life.

REMEMBER: READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! 

SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS.COM ALL YEAR THROUGH! 

HAPPY READING!

Jemsbooks.com – Books for All Ages!

Please leave some love for authors by reviewing their books wherever you purchased them. We authors will love you back! Thank you for your kind support!

May you have a lovely Valentine’s Day! Sending warm wishes to you!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in Happy Valentine's Day, love, roses, Valentine's Day | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments