Today I am sharing an excerpt from The Red Slippers by USA Today Bestselling author Ruth A. Casie. This historical romance is a standalone novella in her Druid Knight series. Grab some hot cocoa and check out the Red Slippers. Be sure to enter the giveaway before grabbing your copy!

The Red Slippers

Amazon* | Goodreads

It would take magic for Cosette to believe in her abilities.

It would take Avery to conjure up the spell.

Cosette Binet has dreams of being a ballerina. When she learns the Paris Opera Ballet needs additional dancers, she applies. While practicing for her audition, she dances into the arms of the handsome artistic director and dancer, Avery Dubois. The subsequent audition is magical. It is a dream come true.

Avery Dubois is enchanted by Cosette and impressed with her talent. He offers her a well-deserved place in the corps de ballet. His keen eye sees a great dancer as well as a woman he could love.

Cosette captivates the audiences as she has captivated Avery’s heart. She is chosen to dance more roles but is plagued with doubt. When she has difficulty dancing she is sure she is not good enough for the ballet or for Avery. But Avery believes her doubt is a self-fulling prophecy. While trying to help her, he comes upon a pair of worn red ballet slippers. He gives them to Cosette telling her they are the shoes of a great dancer and are filled with magic.

Do the red slippers hold the magic to make Cosette a great ballerina and remove her doubts about Avery’s love?

*available in KindleUnlimited

Read an Excerpt

About the Author

RUTH A. CASIE is a USA Today bestselling author of historical swashbuckling action-adventures and contemporary romance with enough action to keep you turning pages. Her stories feature strong women and the men who deserve them, endearing flaws and all. She lives in New Jersey with her hero, three empty bedrooms and a growing number of incomplete counted cross-stitch projects. Before she found her voice, she was a speech therapist (pun intended), client liaison for a corrugated manufacturer, and vice president at an international bank where she was a product/marketing manager, but her favorite job is the one she’s doing now-writing romance. She hopes her stories become your favorite adventures.

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Giveaway

One lucky winner will win a signed copy of The Knight of Runes (Book 1 in the Druid Knight Series). If an international winner is drawn, they will receive a $10 gift card and signed bookplate. Giveaway ends December 7, 2022.

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Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2022/11/newrelease-the-red-slippers-by-ruth-a-casie.html

The Apparition is a memoir that charts your journey through the mental health system while providing information and research on various aspects of mental illness, particularly hearing voices. Why was this an important book for you to write?

Tricia: I wanted to lend dignity to people who suffer from extreme mental health challenges. There’s a tremendous amount of shame attached to this kind of suffering, and, as a result, we would rather push it away than admit it to anyone. I wanted to bring the topic down to a very personal, down-to-earth, relatable-to-some level. The educational components of the book are meant to provide at least a primer on the various manifestations of mental illness. Although the reverberations between my own mental health and my daughter’s originally compelled me to write the first part of the book, which took many years, in the end it was the hearing voices population that propelled me to action, the poignancy of their pain that urged me to go public. I wanted to do something for the people who were so distressed by their voices that living a “normal” life was a battle. I wanted to help humanize the phenomenon. I have been aided by the honesty and sincerity of so many writers along the way, and I wanted to contribute, in my small way, to that same body of literature.

Annie: While my mother is the primary author, it was important for me to contribute to this book because the experience of hearing voices is still so misunderstood within the traditional mental health system. I felt compelled to share my journey, both with hearing voices and other mental health challenges, in hopes that others may connect with some pieces and feel less alone in their own struggles. Ultimately, it felt important for my experiences not to have been in vain, but to use them to propel some semblance of change.

I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?

Tricia: The personal challenges I wrote about were not things I was eager to share, so none of that was easy. I wondered how family members would react to me knowing these things, and I thought it would be strange for people I knew to suddenly know these most intimate details about me. Would I be straining the relationships in my life? Would I offend anyone or put them off? I have always been an extremely private, introverted person, and it goes against the grain for me to be so public. But I am far along in life now and have the long-view perspective of wanting to contribute something to our greater understanding of mental illness, as well as make meaning of my own experiences.

What I worried about most, though, was possibly causing further damage to my daughter. I did not want her to feel bad about herself in any way. Parts of the story, I knew, would be hard for her to review, but she trusted that I was not out to write an account of “gory details” and I tried hard to honor that trust. On the other hand, she was fully onboard throughout the process, and I was grateful for her contributions.

Annie: The hardest portion for me to write was my ending piece, which details where I am in my life now. During this time, I was actively fighting for my life. It was painful to capture these experiences in brutal honesty. But as difficult as it was, the act of writing helped me to hang on and keep fighting.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is hesitant to seek treatment for their mental health issue?

Tricia: I would try to remind that person that there are times when the weight of our problems is simply too much to bear on our own. I understand the shame one can feel about reaching out for help. I wish that I had not felt that so acutely in my own life, but I did. I think I would have suffered far less if I had allowed myself to be more human and admit I had problems. Not only is there no shame in seeking treatment, but it is equivalent to accessing medical treatment for any debilitating physical condition. Treatment can enable us to look at the problem and set things right, or at least on a better course. Simply put, reaching out for help has the potential to be lifesaving.

Annie: To someone who is hesitant to seek treatment for a mental health issue I would say that you should not have to suffer alone – you deserve support. While it may take time to find treatment that is the right fit for you, do not give up. It takes immense courage to reach out for help, but what lies on the other side could be transformational.

What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?

Tricia: I hope that readers learn something about the different ways the mind can respond to chronic stress. I also hope they develop an appreciation for the complexity of their inner lives and see the detriment of sweeping difficult emotions under the rug. For example, if they feel particularly troubled by a problem which causes them to repeatedly stumble, perhaps they can do something about it. As mentioned in the book, in my own life social anxiety was a particular scourge. Although I was a pretty good student, I dreaded the classroom environment because of the stress it caused me. I wished I could have spoken up when I was a young person, but I did not know how, nor did I have the strength or courage to do that. Perhaps in the future, knowing how hard it is for people to admit they suffer from social anxiety, students could be screened for it and offered a more comfortable learning environment. We have made great strides in the school system with other learning differences, and perhaps this could be another one we learn to accommodate. I also hope readers take away the knowledge that listening deeply and with compassion to someone who is struggling goes a long way toward easing their pain and discomfort.

Annie: What I hope readers take away from the book is the power of unconditional love. My mother’s love made more of a difference in my healing than any service or medication ever could. When I lost hope, she held that hope for me. Unwavering, consistent love is one of the few forces that can transcend even the most difficult of mental health conditions. I wish this kind of love for everyone.

Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/30/actively-fighting-for-my-life/

In SWAP: Marketing without Money, Therese Tarlinton shares ways of growing your brand and marketing your products in the most professional manner. The author, having a background in marketing, understands the vital areas to cover that will assist the reader. Therese Tarlinton gets the reader to fully comprehend the technical terms by using familiar words and phrases that the average person can identify with. This informative book caters to readers of all levels and is especially helpful to beginners in entrepreneurship and marketing.

The author starts the book by discussing partnerships in marketing. In the first chapter, Tarlinton shares her journey when she began marketing in the 1990s, how she made a successful career in marketing with huge brands, and the different marketing styles and collaborations she used. Tarlinton goes out of her way to share the most impactful experiences in her career and how she has fared over the years. When narrating, she does not leave out any essential details. Instead, she tells it all and tells it in depth. While reading about partnership marketing, you get inspiration as a small business owner as the content the author writes about is applicable.

One of the well-written topics was on the different types of partnerships. I appreciate how the author defined and gave the differences between partnerships and influencer marketing, given how popular the latter has become. The discussions on this subject display another strength in Therese Tarlinton’s writing; her knack for solutions to recurrent branding and marketing affairs. The author gives practical solutions and engages the reader through tables and symbolic questions. Her style of interacting with her readers makes SWAP: Marketing without Money an essential read.

The arrangement of information is flawless. The writing is in prose, with points given in bullet form and others in numbered lists. I like the inclusion of famous quotes from renowned entrepreneurs and moguls in some chapters, as it was refreshing for the reader to start with words of wisdom. Therese Tarlinton mentally prepares the reader for the topic to be discussed before delving deeper into the subject matter. She does this by starting off every chapter lightly, then getting into technical topics where everything is explained to the reader.

This book is the perfect read for individuals looking for light reads that cover everything to do with marketing, branding, and selling yourself and your products. By the end of the reading, you realize that everything is possible if you have the right mindset. You do not need a big budget to become a massive brand; start small with the little resources, and make use of the tips shared by the author, and your business will flourish. 

Pages: 170 | ASIN : B09RGSW7V8

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/30/swap/

When a young boy from California visits his cousins for the first time in Hawaii, he becomes confused about why people keep calling each other trash. What starts as simple misunderstanding blossoms into frustration and anger between the young cousins. It takes a patient Pupu (grandmother) to explain the real meaning of Mahalo and teach the children a valuable lesson about their Hawaiian culture.

Mahalo Does Not Mean Trash is an educational and inspiring story about family, traditions, and culture. Written by AJ Paki Perkins and his three teenage children, they work together to create this fascinating and outstanding children’s book. This is more than just a story about the meaning of Mahalo; it is the blending of cultures and sharing of one’s heritage. It is also a lesson in gratitude and appreciation for each other and the land that we live on.

One of my favorite parts of this magnificent book is the resources at the end. Hawaiian words can be confusing to non-natives, especially the pronunciation. The authors have included a pronunciation guide and a list of Hawaiian language words with their definitions. This children’s book is on the longer side, at over 60 pages, but the colorful illustrations play well with the vibrant setting of Hawaii. The character’s expressions really add to the story and keep children engaged. While some of the dialog can get confusing, it is a beautiful lesson for small children on diversity. The details the authors have included make this story personal and relatable.

Mahalo Does Not Mean Trash is an engaging and beautiful written children’s book that teaches about the culture of Hawaii and the importance of gratitude. Children will love reading about the cousins as they spend time with the Pupu and Papa and experience the wonderful things that the island of Hawaii has to offer.

Pages: 65 | ASIN : B0BMSKP91Z

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/30/mahalo-does-not-mean-trash/

The Palladium follows a dispirited and lonely writer who’s trying to find his way back into life. He is lured to a bizarre hotel by the promise of a cash prize from a pirate radio station. With a bit of help from a curious bell hop, he stumbles into Wonderland just like Alice. From that moment on his life takes a series of supernatural turns, from slight to outlandish, that sets him on a wild and immensely entertaining journey. When a supernatural portal materializes in his living room and a woman jumps out and punches him in the chin, I knew I was hooked.

“Imagine it as a twisted game based on an ancient contract between a divine being and the realms of hell. And every person on this … planet, alive or dead, is not only a potential player but also the bet.” – The Palladium

Author Thorsten Brandl has created a story with an innate sense of mystery and intrigue. This urban fantasy novel exudes magic, action, and adventure throughout. Readers follow two main protagonists who separately are thrust into surreal situations before eventually coming together to embark on an epic journey.

I was enthralled with Michael’s story from the beginning. There was a palpable air of intrigue that was so fascinating. While I was a bit confused by the POV switch between chapters, I was excited to see that Cleo and Michael’s storylines collide. The story immerses the reader in the action and starts building the world’s lore right from the beginning. There are so many questions built into the storyline which, even when answered, lead to further questions. This left me always wanting to know.

Creative imagery and powerful metaphors are two elements that really stand out in this book. This is a unique urban fantasy novel with some intriguing mystical elements that is hard to put down. The writing is inventive and gives the whole story a magical atmosphere. There are many elements and locations throughout that are enhanced by the authors use of vivid imagery. Every character in the story has their own unique flair or feel. What’s interesting, and a nod to the authors writing talent, is that the characters are rarely simply described. Their uniqueness comes about naturally and through the story, which gives them surprising depth that I always relished.

The Palladium is wonderfully written and wildly imaginative. Thorsten Brandl’s novel reminds me of Jordanna Max Brodsky extraordinary reimagining of Greek mythology in her book ‘The Immortals’, but with the inherent fun of Dan Hanks ‘Swashbucklers’ novel. I heartily recommend this slick adventure novel for its creative use of mythology, history, exceptional character building, and relentlessly entertaining plot.

Pages: 327 | ASIN : B0BD6Y4ZB8

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/30/the-palladium/

K P Weaver’s The Gift in Gratitude will make you find new meaning in life and appreciate the little things the universe offers. The author has extensively written about gratitude as a virtue, dealing with successes and failures, and how human beings process thankfulness. Does gratitude have a formula? The author writes about the formula of gratitude, which may appear simple but, in reality, has its complexities. K P Weaver describes a winning gratitude formula as gratitude plus emotion bundled together with focused intentions and aligned action. The tone applied by the author throughout the book is affirmative and encouraging. K P Weaver uses moving words that get the reader in the moment and makes one reflect on how they show gratitude to themselves, others, and the universe in general.

K P Weaver is an excellent author and does not complicate the text in the book; rather, she uses words and phrases that are easy to digest.  K P weaver also discusses finding joy, which was one of my favorite parts of the book. The author encourages readers to prioritize joy as much as possible. The world we are living in can be depressing, and as an individual, it is your duty to look for ways of making yourself happy without external input. K P Weaver will get you to focus on the constructive aspects of your life and be contented with what you have. The text in the book is simply transformational.

The use of diagrams in the book is praiseworthy. The author uses charts and figures when she wants to explain a difficult subject in the most simple of ways. K P Weaver’s diction and sentence structure are other astounding elements of her writing. The various topics tackled in the book are helpful to the reader as an individual and valuable to society.  The author is making everyone ponder on ways of showing gratitude and the impact it has on souls. 

Some of the most remarkable topics in the book for me were gratitude and money, the science of gratitude, grateful parenting and relationships, gratitude in business, being grateful even when you are not feeling it, and finding gratitude in procrastination. Each of these chapters was exceptionally written, with life-changing content.  I like how the author ended the book with gratitude through moving stories. This section of the book is significant and even more intriguing as she tells personal stories from different people to make the point home. 

The major takeaway from ‘The Gift in Gratitude’ is that showing gratitude and being appreciative will bring you joy, happiness, and fulfillment.  To summarize, the book, The Gift in Gratitude, can be described as perceptive and heartwarming. The stellar writing displayed by the author is one of the many excellent things about this book.

Pages: 154 | ISBN : 978-0-6455205-8-3

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/30/the-gift-in-gratitude/