Tomorrow marks the official release for Witchwood Estate - Cursed, book 3 in the WWE series.

I'm excited to announce the impending release of the latest book in the Witchwood Estate series by my good friend, Patti Roberts. Patti is an awesome chick who lives Down Under. Here's some info about the new release...

Brought back from the clutches of death by a power she does not understand, Alexandria is focused on getting her life back to normal, whatever that means. With new friends, Andrew, Kat and River by her side, Alexandria lets herself believe that her future is looking promising.
Things take a turn, however, when a handsome stranger arrives in Ferntree Falls, and Alexandria begins to wonder if his presence is a blessing or a CURSE.
Whimsical, TV length episodes in an ongoing series. Witches, spells, ghosts, sprites, shape-shifters, wolves, and more.
For all those young at heart - an equal measure of both Magic and Evil.
If you have read book 1 and 2, it is time to continue the journey with Alexandria in book 3 - "Cursed".
Special features: Book contains index of Witches Terminology, Spells, Character list, Birthstones meanings, and the Witches' Pantry.
Grab your broomstick/dustbuster out of the closet and come along for a magical ride!

I have a confession to make. I have put off writing this review for what feels like eternity, and I still don't think I'm ready. You see, my problem is that I don't ...trust myself to do these books justice. When you find an author with a style so perfect, so entrancing, that you know full well you'd read their shopping list if that's what they decided to publish, what could you say to make a difference?
I'm supposed to be good with words, but they fail me now. So I guess I'll just have to stick to being as objective and clinical as I can. Here's what I thought of the first two books in the Witchwood Estate series. First impression: I would read this series 'till the world came to an end. I secretly hope Patti Roberts never ever stops writing. Her imagination is unequalled.
Voice: smooth storytelling, trance-inducing, the kind that seeps into your brain and surreptitiously replaces reality with a fantastic life you couldn't help but want to be a part of.
Plot: Oh, how many possibilities! From a simple intro and clear focus, the action picks up and threads of intrigue, mystery and hidden threats begin to weave into the main fabric. As more characters are introduced, their purpose and intent are implied, understood, twisted and finally revealed to be something no one could have foreseen. There are enough twists in there for at least another ten books! And I want to read them all.

Characters: perfectly formed, from the smallest secondary role to the protagonist. Alexandria is the kind of best friend all of us need. Andrew is so sweet, and his character has so much yet-untapped potential. Then, there is black magic, and shape-shifters, and ghosts.

Descriptions: original and just right for forming the right picture. I felt as if I knew my way around, right there, in the story.

Extras: Flick through the pages, and you'll find spells Alexandria has inherited from her mother. There are illustrations accompanying the spells, with lists of ingredients, method, verses and chants to make the spells work. Patti Roberts' artistic abilities are well-known, but still, this is a very inspired little detail that adds depth and value to the story.

Emotion: The author's ability to share a character's emotion is incredible. Living as an outcast, or at least someone different, comes across very well at the beginning of this series, and is presented with a kindness not many people are capable of. My eyes teared up because I could imagine or identify with many of the sentiments the characters were dealing with, even in this limited portion of the story.

The overall effect is of being at one with the book. Flawless in every way, the writing is exceptional. I fell head-first into the magic and I can't wait to see where the story is heading next. A beautiful, modern tale about a witch and what it takes to make your own way in life. This is a six-star book, at the very least.
Ella Medler.
Author and Editor

Book Trailer - HERE
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#AtoZChallenge: W is for Witchcraft

I've always been intrigued by the whole witchcraft thing. I used to buy all kinds of books about it, one was particularly cool (at the time) because its cover was made of velvet. It was gorgeous. I still don't know what happened to that book. I think it was a book of spells, actually (not that I've ever tried to cast any I might add).
Perhaps this is why I wrote about witches in The Raven Saga... one of the main characters is a witch and comes from a long line of witches. I loved writing her story. It was a lot of fun.
My love of all things Wicca also goes for movies. Give me a good witchy film, and I'm happy. I've already mentioned my love for Practical Magic in this challenge, so you all know it's my all time favourite. However, I do have some other guilty pleasures:

Harry Potter

I hadn't intended to include this but of course it's FULL of witches! No wonder its a favourite book / movie series!

The Craft

I loved both Robin Tunney and Neve Campbell in this eerie teen flick. It was so dark and creepy too. Awesome!

The  Witches of Eastwick

Loved Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer and Susan Sarandon. Not to mention Jack Nicholson.

Hocus Pocus

I adore Bette Midler, she's one of my all time fave actresses (have you seen Beaches? Amazing!) and she was brilliant with both Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy.

Teen Witch

One of the best teen movies... ever! I adored  Robyn Lively.

Don't forget to download your FREE copy of Raven. There are two more books in The Raven Saga: December Moon and The Lost Soul. You can also get a FREE copy of Daisy Madigan's Paradise, a Morgan Sisters novella. The sequel to Daisy Madigan's Paradise is also available: The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw.

How Powell River changed my life

The exact spot in Powell River that changed my life 

Have you ever visited a place and just been blown away by it? I mean, totally and utterly awe-struck by its beauty? That happened to me a couple of years ago when my husband and I first visited Canada. We were immediately struck by how friendly the people were... genuinely friendly, you know? It wasn't just that of course, it was the natural surroundings that just took my breath away.
One particular spot had such a profound effect on me, in fact, that it inspired me to begin writing a whole series of books. That spot was located in Powell River, British Columbia.
We'd driven all the way across from Banff (not all in one go, mind you!) so we'd seen our share of gorgeous locations, but when we stopped and got out of the car, we decided we'd have a picnic. So we carried our food down to the shore and sat on these massive pieces of driftwood that were scattered all over the beach. I'm pretty sure I barely ate anything because I was too busy falling in love.
It was breathtaking... but it was also so inspirational. There was an air of mystery to it too which made me imagine all kinds of weird and wonderful possibilities. After reading, watching and falling in love with the Twilight series, I could imagine supernatural events happening right there in Powell River.
I wanted changelings, witches, vampires, werewolves, ghosts and more, all to have a place in what would later be known as The Raven Saga. It would centre around a young girl who moves to Powell River after her parents disappear and discovers she is part of a supernatural world. The first book, Raven, is out now. You can buy it here, and the second, December Moon will be out in September.
It was that little beach in Powell River that inspired me to write The Raven Saga. In fact, it changed my life. It made me realise my dream. The dream that I can write books that excite people, books that people want to read. I've already had messages from readers desperate to read the sequel! I'd like to thank Powell River for that.