SPOTLIGHRT w/INTERVIEW - - THE FABLECASTLE CHRONICELS by Trina Spillman

The Fablecastle Chronicles

by Trina Spillman

Publisher: Trina Spillman

Cover Artist: BrainyGeeks

Genre: Magical Realism

ISBN: 9798649138604

ASIN:B08956JDBP

Number of pages: 252

Word Count: 47,500

Tagline: How do you report the truth when the truth could end everything?

BLURB

Maggie McCullough is a star reporter for the Daily Mirror. In her monthly column, Setting the Record Straight, she revealed the truth behind the fables you may remember from your childhood. Those interviews brought her to the attention of someone in another dimension, someone claiming to be Lucifer. 

Join Maggie and Andrew Wolfgang, her boyfriend and quasi bodyguard, as they travel to Earth and hopscotch across this strange dimension, in pursuit of a story that explains the truth behind Lucifer’s origins, the mutation he unleashed on Earth’s inhabitants, what really happened to the ark following the great flood, and why pyramids dot the planet. 

Can Maggie write her earth-shattering article and escape Earth before all hell breaks loose?

Amazon

Watch the Book Trailer

Excerpt
Maggie and Andrew approached the bar and were relieved they had arrived twenty minutes early. That is, until an attendant approached Maggie and said, “Good evening, Miss McCullough. If you would follow me, I will lead you to your private cabana. Your guest has already arrived and is waiting for you.” Maggie held up her finger and said, “I’ll be right with you.” “Certainly, take all the time you need.” The man moved to the end of the bar and waited discreetly. Maggie grabbed Andrew’s elbow and dragged him to the opposite corner of the bar. She was a little frazzled. “I am not going into a closed tent without you being able to watch me, especially since I have no idea who I’m supposed to be interviewing.” “Tell the waiter you are claustrophobic, and you need one of the side flaps on the cabana removed. That way I can keep an eye on you during the interview.” “Perfect.” Maggie summoned the waiter and explained what she needed. He seemed irritated but, without a word, walked to the cabana and unzipped the side flap, revealing an attractive man of medium build with a head of thick auburn hair lit with natural highlights of red and blond. Hair color to die for, Maggie thought. She squeezed Andrew’s elbow and whispered, “Here goes nothing.”
Andrew didn’t want her interviewee to be alerted to his presence, so keeping a respectable but short distance from Maggie, he nonchalantly whispered, “You’ll do great.” Maggie followed the attendant to the cabana where the man was sitting. He stood as she approached and held her chair out for her. She thanked him and sat. Turning toward the waiter, the stranger authoritatively commanded, “Bring the 1869 Chateau Lafite.” “Very good, sir. Will there be anything else?” “No,” he said dismissively. The waiter left. The man sitting across from Maggie said, “Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Lucifer, but you can call me Luc.”
“Pleased to meet you.” Maggie extended her hand. The man sitting across from her looked at it with disgust. She slowly withdrew her hand and placed it in her lap. A palpable energy radiated from him and made her skin crawl. Maggie quickly drew a protection spell in her notebook and was relieved when the unsettling sensation abated. Luc addressed Maggie. “There are a few ground rules that will need to be established before we commence.” Maggie said, “Absolutely. Please, continue.” “First, don’t speak unless spoken to. Secondly, there is a lot of information to cover and I will tell you what is important and what isn’t. Lastly, don’t be irritating. Keep your questions relevant and we will get along swimmingly.” What a dick, Maggie thought, but bit her tongue since she was positive such a comment would undoubtedly irritate him. “Duly noted.” “You may proceed and ask your first question.” Maggie jumped right in and asked, “What story do you want to set straight?” Luc chuckled. “I am not the figure humans have made me out to be and I would like to tell my side of the story.”

Author Info

Trina Spillman, who also writes under the pen name Selene Greenleaf, crafts both practical witchcraft guides and immersive works of fiction that span romance, magical realism, and contemporary thrillers. Splitting her creative life between Colorado’s mountain landscapes and a growing library of story ideas, she blends current events, folklore, plant magic, and real-world rituals to invite readers into transformative experiences. Under Selene Greenleaf, she’s the author of Witchcraft Essentials: A Modern-Day Guide to Spells, Herbs, and Crystals; Cupid's Craft: Love Spells for Valentine's Day; and her forthcoming Plant Magic Encyclopedia: Rituals & Remedies, resources designed to help modern practitioners weave intention and botanical wisdom into everyday life. 

Writing as Trina Spillman, she’s best known for her engaging fairy tale retellings. Upcoming projects include: 

A New Dawn — a gripping political thriller of power, ethics, and love, to be released by The Wild Rose Press 

Collateral Justice — the powerful sequel to A New Dawn, where a hidden alliance of the world’s elite blurs the line between justice and vengeance. 

The Witches of Fablecastle— When a witch hunter’s mirror exposes her forbidden magic, Holly McCool flees through a portal to Fablecastle, only to learn she’s the one destined to stop him from tearing both worlds apart. 

The Quantum Hitchhiker’s Guide to Escaping the Matrix — a witty, mind-bending manual on how to hack reality, rewrite your personal code, and manifest with humor, consciousness, and a touch of modern witchcraft.  

Whether she’s exploring the ethics of power in a thriller or sharing herbal recipes for daily rituals, Trina/Selene’s work reflects her unwavering belief in the healing and transformative power of words. 

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Interview with . . . Trina Spillman . . . 

LIGHTNING ROUND
What genre do you read?
Political thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, and romance. Humans are most revealing when power, imagination, and desire collide. Occasionally, all in the same chapter.

What genre do you write?
Political thrillers when I am feeling honest.
Science fiction and fantasy, when honesty needs a change of scenery.

Romance, when humans insist love is not, in fact, a battlefield.

What was the first book you fell in love with?
Swan Song. A dystopian future with a hopeful ending. An ambitious concept. I admired the optimism.

What was a book you said you would never pick up again?
The Satanic Verses. I tried. I truly did. We were not meant for each other.

Which fiction character do you love?
Huckleberry Finn. Resourceful. Charming. Remarkably skilled at convincing others to do the work. A talent worth respecting.

Which fiction character do you love to hate?
Luc, from The Fablecastle Chronicles. Self-aware, irritating, and entirely too pleased with himself.

Which fiction character do you hate?
The villain with no imagination. If you are going to be monstrous, at least be interesting.

What beverage do you drink while reading?
Water. Occasionally tea. I prefer a clear head while observing chaos.

What do you snack on while reading?
Grapes, cherries, pistachios, and Jelly Belly jellybeans. Civilization exists for a reason.

Have you always enjoyed reading?
Yes. Trips to the mall in the eighties always ended with a book. My father never objected. I suspect he was simply relieved I was quiet.

These days, I have written a book for my four-year-old grandson, Leo. One hopes the habit continues. Reading is an excellent defense mechanism.

Thank you Trina Spillman for joining the Lightning Round and giving a little insight to you. Your work is appreciated.
https://authortrinaspillman.com 
https://authortrinaspillman.com/mailing-list
https://www.instagram.com/authortrinaspillman/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18389879.Trina_Spillman

Hosted by

Presented by

BOOK BLITZ w/EXCERPT - MYSTERY - THE MAGIC OF PAINTED CREEK by Robyn Kilgore

The Magic of Painted Creek

by Robyn Kilgore

Publication date: June 24th 2025

Genres: Adult, Magical Realism

BLURB

She only came back to settle a will, but her roots ran deeper than she bargained for…

Mabel Morrison considers herself fortunate to have a thriving art business at only twenty-five years old. After the sudden passing of her grandmother, Mabel leaves her mother, her only living relative, in Columbus, Ohio and finds herself back in Painted Creek, North Carolina to settle her grandmother’s affairs.

The longer she is stuck in town, the more she learns about her grandmother’s legacy and the family that came before her. As she starts to piece together a found family of her own, Mabel begins to embrace her other natural gifts within her paintings that she’s been denying for years. Suddenly, she imagines what life could be like in Painted Creek surrounded by friends, magic, and love. The future seems brighter than ever as she slowly begins to stray further from the path that was laid out for her when she was young.

But her newfound confidence is shaken when her new friendships are tested, setting off a chain of events that could change the course of Mabel’s life forever. Has Mabel inherited more than she bargained for? Or will she find the inner strength to embrace all of her gifts and hold on to everything she has never let herself want?

Goodreads

Amazon

EXCERPT

The alarm clock crashed to the floor as I smacked at it for the last time. “I’m leaving that damn thing here,” I grumbled to myself. I felt crazy for having such strong feelings about an inanimate object, but I hated that alarm clock. Sitting upright and running my hands down my face, I felt more like a zombie than a human girl. Woman.

Whatever.

Unfortunately, I’d missed the off button for the alarm and the clock’s fall from the table hadn’t broken it or ripped the plug from the wall, so it was still happily wailing away from under the bed. And it didn’t sound muted. Oh no, now it somehow seemed to reverberate through the entire room as if the under bed acoustics were the perfect amplifier for my morning agony. Flipping myself over the edge of the bed and hanging upside down, I yanked the cord from the wall and huffed in relief at the sudden silence. Calling on core strength I absolutely did not have, I wriggled upright and collapsed back into the pillows.

In the sudden stillness, I took a moment to really look around my bedroom in the apartment I’d had for the last five years, the first place I could call my own when I moved out of my mother’s house. Looking at it now though, I wondered if I really could call it mine. I paid the rent and other bills, sure, and maintained my responsibilities, and theoretically made all the decisions. But I felt no sense of “me” in this space. The walls were a dull builder grade beige, as was the carpet. Hell, even my comforter was a slightly darker shade of beige. The only pop of personality in the room was my dark purple sheets, and even they were hidden away when the bed was made.

My mother had helped me choose the apartment, and all the things in it, when she finally conceded to my desire to move out at twenty years old. I had been financially self sufficient for a couple years, I was lucky in that way. My painting business had really taken off right after high school, and in a mere year I had acquired a nice little nest egg that continued to grow while I still lived at home.

I shook my head, not wanting to mentally relive the fights we’d had when I told her I wanted a place of my own. But I couldn’t help but wonder as I looked around my bedroom if this is what I would have chosen for myself. Even the artwork, now carefully wrapped up and ready to move, was bland and muted in color. Neutral. Safe.

I glanced back over at the offending alarm clock. My mother had even gifted me that alarm clock, saying that productive people got their day started early. “You started this.” I narrowed my eyes, pointed at it, and huffed. I realized the clock probably sounded louder because the room was now almost completely empty, and therefore echoey, not because the electronic device was actually yelling at me.

After one more second of reflection, and one more glare at the clock, I squared my shoulders and got out of bed. “No time like a new beginning to change your interior design choices. And I’m more productive at night anyway.” With that, I headed to the shower, vowing to leave the alarm clock and all things beige behind in the move.

 

Author Info

Robyn Kilgore lives in Tennessee with her husband, kids, dog and business manager (the cat). When she’s not working on a writing project or reading, you can find her chauffeuring her kids to activities… usually by way of a coffee shop drive through. Her love of vintage treasures, whimsical findings, and seeking magic in every day life led her easily to write magical realism novels. Robyn also has a small handmade jewelry and craft business, her first (and forever) passion turned business venture. She gives a nod to the experience of making jewelry in her first novel, The Magic of Painted Creek.

Website / Goodreads / Instagram / Facebook

GIVEAWAY!
The Magic of Painted Creek Blitz

Presented by

BOOK BLITZ w/EXCERPT - WOMEN'S FICTION - SEVEN HUNDRED BEACHFRONT by Ligia de Wit

Seven Hundred Beachfront

by Ligia de Wit

Publication date: July 22nd 2025

Genres: Adult, Magical Realism, Romance, Women’s Fiction

BLURB

Some places hold memories. Others have opinions.

I didn’t mean to run again.
But when life gets tangled, I untangle it by leaving. And this time, my escape came with strings attached: a five-year-old brother I never signed up to care for, a seaside town I barely remember, and a tattered house on stilts that belongs in Renter’s Hell.

I told myself it was just for the summer. A break. A pause. A way to escape the people I care about but can’t seem to fit with anymore, and the choices I don’t know how to fix.

But the sea doesn’t let you stay distant for long.

Then there’s him. Quiet. Grumpy. Mysterious. The kind of man who doesn’t ask questions, but somehow sees more than he should. I don’t even like talking to him, and yet… here we are. Sharing long silences. Unexpected moments. Maybe even something more.

And as for the house? Let’s just say it has opinions—and it’s not afraid to share them.

Seven Hundred Beachfront is a heartfelt, magical story about learning to stay, letting people in, and discovering that healing doesn’t always come the way you expect it. But when it does, you’ll feel it down to your bones.

Goodreads

Amazon

EXCERPT

Carole hadn’t sent a thing to keep him busy, damn woman, and I’d only used the TV for movies. Wait a sec—Jessie left a Star Wars movie at my place, the first one, so I should have it here.

“No Scooby, kiddo,” I said while looking in the boxes, “but you’re gonna like this one. It’s the real thing, not a single goofy character one mile near it.”

“ ’Kay.” He sat on the old, flowery couch and gazed at me, expectant.

“How do you want your fish?” I asked while putting the movie on, realizing I had no idea what Bobby liked.

“Dead.”

I gave a small smile. “But how do you like it prepared? Pan fried?”

“No. Like Mom does it.” He lifted his little arms and mimed putting something in a pan. “Like this.”

“You’re not much help, kiddo. I’ll cook it pan fried.”

“ ’Kay,” Bobby whispered, gaze down.

After leaving him with the movie, I got ready to cook. The stove burners were a little rusty but worked. I prepared pan-fried fish, along with steamed vegetables and wild rice. Maybe I didn’t have many accomplishments in my life, but, damn, I could cook. It had been either that or be resigned to eating frozen dinners.

When other kids watched cartoons, I watched cooking shows. At ten, I prepared chicken cordon-bleu. Even Aunt Marie was impressed. Carole just grimaced. It’s overcooked, she’d said.

The aroma of spices and well-cooked fish filled the space, and any knot in my body vanished.

My cell rang, and I picked it up, frowning at the caller ID. “Hey,” I answered flatly.

“Honey!” Carole’s voice came clear. “Darling, you have no idea what a marvelous flight we had.” She laughed, evidently delighted. “First class. The only way to fly. Don’t you ever dare fly coach again, Beverly.”

“Sure. Will do that next time I fly overseas in, I don’t know, my next life, I guess.”

“Oh, don’t be such a bore! Don’t you want me to spill the tea, girlfriend?”

She giggled. Giggled.

“Are you drunk, Mother?”

She sobered up. Nothing like reminding Carole of the maternity role she’d never wanted.

“Sweetheart, you are such a bore.”

I put her on speaker and placed one of my unopened boxes on the counter while Carole talked nonstop about her marvelous, fantastic flight and the wonderful five-star hotel in Madrid.

My Lladró figurine lay wrapped in newspaper. Carefully, I unwrapped it and placed it on the counter. Crap, one of the fruits had broken off.

“Bobby and I are okay,” I managed to say when she took a small pause. “The house’s too old, though. I don’t know if this is a good place for me.”

The wind moaned, and the noisy branch thumped above.

“You haven’t asked me a thing about Madrid,” Carole complained. “Make sure to check the pictures I posted because they are a-ma-zing. I already have more than one-hundred likes!”

“Thank heavens for the social media gods.”

“Don’t give me that snarky tone of yours. You need more good energy in your life, girlfriend. You need a man.”

“Ugh, please.”

“You do. And not that silly cowboy—”

“Gary’s a friend. One of my best friends, actually. Since you’re my girlfriend, then you certainly remember I’ve known him since the seventh grade.”

 

Author Info

Ligia de Wit writes fantasy romance adventures with heart, humor, and just the right dose of magic. A lifelong romantic with a soft spot for fairy tales and found family tropes, Ligia writes characters who are strong in more than just a physical sense. Her characters face fears, fight for themselves, and find love in the most unexpected places.

When she’s not writing (or rewriting) her imaginary worlds, she works for a global distribution company and dreams up stories during lunch breaks. You’ll often find her with her nose in a book, exploring a new city, hiking through forests, or acting like a total goof at theme parks. She’s a proud kid at heart—and owns it.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

GIVEAWAY!
Rafflecopter Giveaway

Presented by

SPOTLIGHT - SUPERNATUAL THRILLER - THE FAKE GHOAST by nuzo Onoh

A supernatural thriller of vengeance and occultic magic.

A powerful American leader is reborn as a black child in an African hut.

The Fake Ghost
by Nuzo Onoh
Genre: Supernatural Horror, Magical Realism

A dark farce and a supernatural thriller of rebirth, betrayal, vengeance, occultic magic, mysterious invocations and creepy rituals–from Nuzo Onoh, recipient of the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement and “the Queen of African Horror.”

Set both in Nigeria and the USA, The Fake Ghost follows the whacky and sinister travails of the President of the United States, reborn as a black child in a tiny African hut. As the child grows, he insists on being called POTUS and hears disturbing voices in his head that often cause him to be cruel and selfish. Until one day an accident separates the linked souls. With the help of a medicine-man, the president must find a way to free his trapped soul and return to the United States to prevent a dastardly political plot against him. But first, he must enter a diabolical blood pact, which might return to haunt him with devastating consequences.

"Sometimes shocking, fantastical and hilarious, but also tinged with hope, this ghost will haunt you long after the final page." —Tim Lebbon, author of The Last Storm

**Releases Aug 12, 2025!**

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Indigo.ca * Deadsky Publishing * Goodreads

 

Nuzo Onoh is an award-winning Nigerian-British writer of speculative fiction She is a pioneer of the African horror literary genre. Hailed as the “Queen of African Horror”, Nuzo’s writing showcases both the beautiful and horrific in the African culture within fictitious narratives. Nuzo’s works have featured in numerous magazines, podcasts and anthologies, as well as in academic studies. She has given talks and lectures about African Horror, including at the prestigious Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies, London. She is a Bram Stoker Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Nuzo holds a Law degree and Masters degree in Writing, both from Warwick University, England. She is a certified Civil Funeral Celebrant, licensed to conduct non-religious burial services. An avid musician with an addiction to JungYup and K-indie, Nuzo plays both the guitar and piano, and holds an NVQ in Digital Music Production. She resides in the West Midlands, United Kingdom.

Linktree * Bluesky * Substack * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $10 giveaway!

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Presented by

SPOTLIGHT w/EXCERPT - MAGICAL REALISM - THE KES TO RIAD by C.D. Damitio

Will the keys to the riad be the key to her happiness?

 Or will they open up the door to ruin?

The Keys to the Riad
by C.D. Damitio
Genre: Metaphysical, Magical Realism, Romance

Colette, the quintessential New York 'it-girl,' has a life many envy. But as her 40th birthday nears, she feels an undeniable void. Seeking a unique gift, she discovers a set of ancient North African keys—but what she doesn't know is that the keys come with ownership of an ancient mansion steeped in magic, historical intrigue, and family feuds.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of modern Africa, Colette embarks on an unexpected journey that takes her far from the familiar streets of New York. As she unlocks each door of the riad mansion, she delves deeper into its hidden passages and whispered legends, revealing stories of love, betrayal, and long-buried secrets. Each room holds a puzzle that Colette must piece together, not only to understand the riad's mysterious past but to find her true self.

The riad is not without its dangers. As Colette unravels the mysteries that lie within, she encounters a tapestry of characters—some seeking to help, others intent on keeping the riad's secrets hidden at any cost.

Will the keys to the riad be the key to her happiness? Or will they open up the door to ruin?

Amazon * B&N * Bookbub * Goodreads

Pierre's hooves clip-clopped as they made their way on the hard cobbled road but became silent as he stepped into the sand. In short order, they began winding their way through a maze of towering dunes. The hump of his back was padded over with a large woolen blanket and his long tan neck stretched towards the sun beating down from overhead amidst the deepest blue skies she had ever seen. As she sat in the basket, the motion of the camel caused her to sway and groove and the song of the Berber nomads who stood on the dunes above made her feel confident that Pierre had never changed but only her perception of him had. Kneeling down so she could easily get off, Pierre swept the top hat from his head and motioned her forward with a bow. And she wondered at how she had forgotten half of his name for so long and mentally appellated his second name on the first. Pierre-Antoine. He turned and walked back into the desert from which they had just emerged. She watched him struggle up the dunes - an old man in the desert - his walking stick creating a third track paired with his feet. Time stood still as he shrank in the distance until he disappeared from sight first but then also from mind. Colette stood alone surrounded by the desert wilds. A black tent made of old blankets strung on a round-pointed frame stood in front of her. The two women motioned her inside and she was not surprised they were her mother and Destiny standing on either side of the doorway.

Tapping into his eclectic adventures exploring the physical world, mystical philosophy, and other planes of experience, CD Damitio weaves tales spanning the spectrum of life. Like the storytellers of old, his narratives transport readers into diverse landscapes of the imagination.

X * Instagram * Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $20 giveaway!

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Presented by

SPOTLIGHT - MAGICAL - DREAMS OF DROWNING by Patricia Averbach

 Board a ship that travels between real time where lives are buffeted by political conflict, tragedy and loss and another mysterious time where pain is healed, and love is eternal.  

Dreams of Drowning

by Patricia Averbach

Genre: Literary Fiction, Magical Realism

Dreams of Drowning is a work of magical realism that moves between real time where lives are buffeted by political conflict, tragedy and loss and another mysterious time where pain is healed, and love is eternal.

It’s 1973 and Amy, an American ex-pat, is living as an illegal immigrant in Toronto where she’s fled to escape the scandal surrounding her twin sister’s death by drowning. Joanie’s been gone two years, but Amy still hears her cries for help. Romance would jeopardize the secrets Amy has to keep, but when she meets Arcus, a graduate student working to restore democracy in Greece, she falls hard. Arcus doesn’t know about Amy’s past, and she doesn’t know Arcus has secrets of his own, including the shady history of an ancient relic he uses as a paperweight.

In 1993 Toronto, Jacob Kanter, a retired archaeologist, is mourning his dear wife and grappling with his son’s plans to move him to a nursing home. Despite double vision, tremors, and cognitive impairment, he remembers sailing as a youth and sets out toward the lake where he boards a ferry boat embarking on its maiden voyage. He expects a short harbor cruise, but the Aqua Meridian is larger than it looks, and time is slippery on the water. When he hears a drowning woman call for help his story merges with Amy’s, and they discover they have unexpected gifts for one another.

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Patricia Averbach began her writing career at sixteen as the entirely unqualified literary assistant to Anzia Yeszierska, Jewish-American author of the immigrant experience. A native Clevelander, she’s a former director of The Chautauqua Writers Center in Chautauqua, New York. Her upcoming novel, Dreams of Drowning (Bedazzled Ink, 2024), was a finalist for the Tucson Festival of Books and Chanticleer’s Somerset Award for Literary Fiction. Previous novels include Painting Bridges (Bottom Dog Press, 2013) and Resurrecting Rain (Golden Antelope Press, 2020.) Her poetry chapbook, Missing Persons, (Ward Wood Publishing, 2013) was cited by Times of London Literary Supplement (November 2014) as one of the best small collections of the year. She lives with her husband in a suburb of Cleveland when she’s not visiting her daughters in Toronto, Maui and Peru or hanging out in a virtual world called Second Life. To learn more go to http://www.patriciaaverbach.com.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$50 Amazon

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Presented by

SPOTLIGHT w/INTERVIEW - YA MAGICAL REALIZM - THE HEART OF CHENOA (The Black Dove Legacy, #1) by Creole Noir

The Heart of Chenoa

The Black Dove Legacy, #1

by Creole Noir 

Date of Publication: June 2nd 2023

Cover Artist: Creole Noir 

Genre: Magical Realism, YA, Coming of Age

ISBN:  979-8396415935

ASIN: B0C6VYSPF1

Number of pages: 275 pages

Word Count:  44,953

Tagline: Everyone knew she was the belle of the ball, and it was hard to imagine anyone ever taking her crown away from her.

BLURB

The Heart of Chenoa is a heartwarming tale about a young woman's courage to leave her abusive boyfriend and start a new life in a new town. Along the way, she finds a group of misfit friends who become like family to her, including the inseparable siblings Brooke and Jerald, and the popular but conflicted JC, who harbors a secret love for Jerald. As they navigate high school drama and personal trauma, they come together to seek revenge against a conniving classmate, and ultimately learn to embrace their unique gifts and find strength in their bond.

The story explores themes of love, friendship, betrayal, and redemption as the characters navigate their way through the ups and downs of life. Brooke's premonitions and Lucille's powers add a touch of magic to the story, while Jerald learns to control his trauma-induced alter ego. Ultimately, they discover that they have grown and evolved in unexpected ways and that their bond is stronger than anything life can throw at them.

Amazon

Excerpt:
Amidst the sprawling fields of Chenoa, a small town nestled in the heart of the Texas, a tale of resilience and friendship unfolds. At its core lies the story of a young woman named Indigo, whose journey from darkness to light weaves a tapestry of courage, love, and the transformative power of friendship.
Indigo had known no other reality than the one she shared with her abusive boyfriend, Troy. The shackles of fear bound her tightly, choking the life out of her dreams. But one fateful night, fueled by a flicker of courage ignited deep within her heart, she made the decision to break free.
With nothing but a few belongings and a trembling resolve, Indigo set out on a journey to start anew in a town where nobody knew her name. Chenoa welcomed her with open arms, offering sanctuary from the storm that had raged within her for far too long.
As Indigo tentatively navigated the unfamiliar school of her new home, she stumbled upon a group of misfits whose warmth and acceptance enveloped her like a comforting embrace. Among them were Brooke and Jerald, inseparable siblings whose laughter echoed through the halls of Chenoa High School, and JC, whose inner turmoil simmered beneath his charming exterior.
Together, they formed an unlikely family, bound not by blood but by the unbreakable ties of friendship and shared experiences. Each member of their motley crew bore scars of their own, but together, they found solace in the company of kindred spirits.
As high school dramas unfolded and personal traumas resurfaced, Indigo and her newfound companions stood united against the tide of adversity. They rallied together to seek justice against a conniving classmate, their bonds growing stronger with each shared victory.
But beneath the surface of their idyllic friendship lay secrets waiting to be unearthed. JC harbored a love for Jerald that dared not speak its name, while Brooke's premonitions whispered of futures yet to unfold. And in the shadows, Jerald battled with the demons of his past, struggling to tame the beast within.
Yet through it all, they clung to each other, their hearts intertwined in a tapestry of love and loyalty. As they confronted their deepest fears and embraced their unique gifts, they discovered that strength lies not in solitude but in the unbreakable bonds of friendship.

In The Heart of Chenoa, amidst the Spanish moss trees and the whispering winds, Indigo and her friends learned that the greatest battles are fought not with fists but with hearts open wide. And as they embraced the magic woven into the fabric of their lives, they found redemption in the unlikeliest of places: within themselves, and within the hearts of those they held dear.

Author Info

Creole Noir is an author who has a passion for writing stories that not only bring suspense, but also delve into deeper themes of social justice and class disparities. His debut novel Cry of the Black Dove follows London and her friends as they embark on a mission to get revenge after being wronged by those in power. Creole hopes his work will help readers think about these issues and the marginalization that often follows. Outside of writing, he enjoys hosting a podcast with Kinky Boots. Creole currently lives in Tyler, Texas where he obtained an Associates degree in General Studies from Tyler Junior College before engaging in healthcare labor such as caregiving and teaching life skills. He now writes full-time.

Keep in touch with Creole Noir's work by following him on Instagram or checking out his podcast. He loves hearing from readers about their favorite stories and characters. With Creole Noir’s vivid imagination and captivating voice, each of his novels will keep you hooked until the very end.

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Interview with . . . Creole Noir . . . 

How would you describe your style of writing to someone that has never read your work?

I'd describe my writing style as a mix of Southern Gothic, weird, eerie, and mysterious elements. I like to dive into topics that might be seen as taboo, especially focusing on black culture. Southern Gothic influences my work, bringing in themes of decay, redemption, and the strange. But I also love adding layers of mystery and suspense with the weird and eerie stuff. I'm all about exploring the darker side of life and human nature, pushing boundaries to create stories that make you think.

The Black Dove series is inspired by the writing style of the alternative goth community. It captures the vibe of the gothic subculture, embracing darkness, deep thinking, and going against the norm. Just like gothic fashion mixes dark elegance with rebellion, the series mixes mystery, darkness, and supernatural elements. Characters go on journeys through mysterious worlds, digging into their feelings and finding hidden truths. Like the alternative goth community, the series challenges rules, talks about topics others might avoid, and celebrates being unique. It's a journey into a world where light and darkness blend, perfect for anyone who loves something a little different.

Have you found yourself bonding with any particular character(s)? If so, which one(s)?

One character from "The Heart of Chenoa" that I really connect with is Brooke. She's the kind of friend who lifts everyone's spirits with her positivity and support. Brooke has this amazing ability to brighten up the darkest of days. She's always there for her friends, offering a listening ear or a helping hand whenever they need it. Even when she's dealing with her own struggles, she puts others first.

What I love most about Brooke is how she handles the chaos in her life while also dealing with her developing powers. As she discovers her supernatural abilities, she faces fear and uncertainty. But instead of letting it overwhelm her, she faces it head-on with courage.

I find myself bonding with Brooke because she feels so real and relatable. Her strength and resilience inspire me, and her kindness reminds me of the importance of supporting those around me. So yes, Brooke is definitely one of my favorite characters in the book. She's someone I can't help but root for as she navigates the challenges of her journey.

Do you have a character that you have been working on that you can't wait to put to paper?

In one of the stories from the anthology book "Series of the Bizarre," there's a character named Moses who embarks on a journey of self-discovery that leads him to uncover his connection to the Nommo-sapiens. Moses, a young man grappling with feelings of alienation and otherness, finds himself drawn to the mysterious history of the Nommo people. As he delves deeper into their lore, he begins to uncover startling similarities between their experiences and his own.

The Nommo people, according to legend, are a race of beings who descended from the stars to impart wisdom and knowledge to humanity. However, their teachings were met with fear and rejection, leading to their eventual exile and isolation from human society. Similarly,  Moses has always felt like an outcast, never quite fitting in with those around him. His journey to uncover his connection to the Nommo people becomes a quest for identity and belonging, as he seeks to understand the significance of his heritage and the role  he plays in the larger tapestry of existence.

As Moses delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Nommo people, he begins to unlock latent abilities and insights that set him apart from those around him.

Can you share your next creative project(s)? If yes, can you give a few details?

I'm in the process of creating a horror anthology called "Series of the Bizarre," deeply rooted in African American culture and ancestral lore. Each story draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of African American folklore, traditions, and myths, weaving together tales that reflect the essence of our heritage. Through this anthology, I seek to explore the depths of our cultural roots while delving into the eerie and mysterious. These tales dive into our rich traditions and myths, exploring our ancestral roots in a spooky way.

If you could go ANYWhere, money is not a concern, and spend one full year. Where would you go and what would you do with this time?

If I had the chance to go anywhere for a whole year, money no concern, I'd pick Charleston, South Carolina. It's got everything I love: amazing food, rich culture, and that eerie, Southern Gothic vibe.

First off, the food scene in Charleston is unbeatable. I'd spend my days trying out all the classic Southern dishes like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, rice stuffed fish, fried shark steak, and garlic crab. Every meal would be a new adventure!

Then, there's the Geechee culture, deeply rooted in the Lowcountry. I'd soak up as much as I could, attending events, visiting historical sites, and connecting with locals to learn about their traditions and history. It's a side of Charleston that's so unique and important.

And of course, Charleston's Southern Gothic atmosphere would be the perfect backdrop for my adventures. I'd wander through moss-covered trees, enjoy the scent of magnolia blossoms and saltwater from the nearby coast, visit the quiet corners of hidden gardens and secret courtyards and soak in the mysterious ambiance of the city. It's the kind of place that sparks creativity and imagination.  

Overall, a year in Charleston would be an incredible journey of discovery and inspiration. It's a city that's steeped in history, culture, and delicious food, and I'd make the most of every moment.

Thank you Creole Noir for joining and giving a little insight to you and your process. Your work is appreciated. I may have to stop in Charleston this summer on my road trip through the South.

Keep in touch with Creole Noir via the web:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creole.noir

FB: https://www.facebook.com/lafrance.johnson.144 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creolenoir8 

Hosted by

Presented by