Beyond the Birch
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Eleven year old Macy dreams of action and adventure that will take her far beyond her family's farm. But what will happen when that adventure finds her?
Long ago, faeries were banished from the land after a legendary battle. So long ago that many wonder if faeries really exist or if the battle was just a tall tale. But one mysterious night, Macy's mother is attacked, and ever since, unusual things start happening. Missing items, changing moods, and most strange of all, the family's sheep start behaving unusually.
Her mother is suddenly determined to get rid of the sheep, and Macy suspects that the reason may be sinister. When Macy meets a boy her age, the aloof and sarcastic Jay, they embark on a journey to discover the truth and save her mother. In this twist on The Wonderful Birch, you won't find kings, queens, or evil stepmothers. Instead, you'll find two courageous pre-teens from the outskirts, ready to defend Odele from the magical forces that threaten it.
Excerpt:
“Oh, yes,” the old woman sighed. “There was a terrible fire, and I lost my home. I am going to my sister’s to stay with her for a while. If I can make it there.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Laurel smiled at the woman, “If you’d like to rest for the night, you are welcome to stay with my family. We have a farm just outside of town.” Though they didn’t have much, Laurel knew she would be able to spare some bread and find her some blankets for the night. She couldn’t bear the thought of leaving the woman alone in the dark wood.
“I wouldn’t want to impose.”
“Nonsense, we’d love to have you.”
The old woman’s shoulders visibly relaxed, “Oh, thank you! Thank you!” she cried. “You can call me Dores.”
“Well, Dores, I was just heading home anyway. It seems my daughter left the pasture gate open again, and a sheep got out. I was hoping to find him before dark, but it seems I will have to keep searching in the morning.”
“I can’t thank you enough dear,” the old woman said, shivering.
Laurel was used to the crisp, cool night air. Without a word, she removed her shawl and offered it to Dores.
All at once, Laurel was overwhelmed with an ominous feeling in the pit of her stomach. She inhaled sharply and looked frantically about, trying to place the source of the sudden sensation, but it was too late. There was a flash, and both women let out a shriek.
“Oh, yes,” the old woman sighed. “There was a terrible fire, and I lost my home. I am going to my sister’s to stay with her for a while. If I can make it there.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Laurel smiled at the woman, “If you’d like to rest for the night, you are welcome to stay with my family. We have a farm just outside of town.” Though they didn’t have much, Laurel knew she would be able to spare some bread and find her some blankets for the night. She couldn’t bear the thought of leaving the woman alone in the dark wood.
“I wouldn’t want to impose.”
“Nonsense, we’d love to have you.”
The old woman’s shoulders visibly relaxed, “Oh, thank you! Thank you!” she cried. “You can call me Dores.”
“Well, Dores, I was just heading home anyway. It seems my daughter left the pasture gate open again, and a sheep got out. I was hoping to find him before dark, but it seems I will have to keep searching in the morning.”
“I can’t thank you enough dear,” the old woman said, shivering.
Laurel was used to the crisp, cool night air. Without a word, she removed her shawl and offered it to Dores.
All at once, Laurel was overwhelmed with an ominous feeling in the pit of her stomach. She inhaled sharply and looked frantically about, trying to place the source of the sudden sensation, but it was too late. There was a flash, and both women let out a shriek.
About the Author:
Author Torina Kingsley masterfully creates a world where things aren't always as they seem. Beyond the Birch is an imaginative spin on an old folktale that reminds us all to hold our loved ones close and always believe in own our capabilities.
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ReplyDeleteSuch a creative and unique cover. Love it.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
ReplyDeleteSeems like an amusing book, creative premise.
ReplyDeleteI can't thank you enough!
ReplyDeleteThe cover gives me a very good sense of the type of story I can expect.
ReplyDeleteI would so enjoy reading this book and I like the cover too.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds perfect for my oldest son
ReplyDelete