Maria Savva's Blog - Posts Tagged "magnolia-belle"

As most of you already know, I am a resident author at http://www.bestsellerbound.com a wonderful forum for readers and writers dedicated to bringing you the best in indie fiction.

We are very proud to announce that the first BestsellerBound Short Story Anthology is now published!



It's free to download from Smashwords in any format you choose.

Here's the link you need: BestsellerBound Short Story Anthology on Smashwords

It includes an exclusive new short story by me, 'Flames', which you won't find in any of my currently published collections.

The themes in the Anthology include: romance, mystery, fantasy, wizards, witches, music, torture

It's a very diverse collection sure to contain a story or two that you'll fall in love with whatever your taste. So, click the link and download your free copy, and don't forget to tell all your friends about it.

Here's a list of the story titles and authors:

Wish Upon A Star by Lainey Bancroft

Tears For Hesh by J. Michael Radcliffe

You Can Call Me Ari by Darcia Helle

Flames by Maria Savva

Minor Details by Jaleta Clegg

Ice Cream Man by Neil Schiller

No Eyes But Mine Shall See by Sharon E. Cathcart

The First Texas Twister by Magnolia Belle

Shadow Lantern by Gareth Lewis

Stained by Amy Saunders

We hope you'll enjoy the stories, please do let us know what you think!

Happy reading :)

Bestseller Bound Anthology by Darcia Helle

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


One of my short stories is featured in this collection, 'Flames'. My review does not include that story.



This is a diverse collection of stories, there's something for everyone in this anthology.



Wish Upon A Star by Lainey Bancroft

An insightful tale about a gifted singer who falls prey to the ravages of fame. Lainey is an author who understands the human psyche well.



Tears For Hesh by J. Michael Radcliffe

An entertaining fantasy tale, containing wizards, magic, curses, and spells. Hesh is a likeable character and I felt compassion for him. Well written with a tragic twist.



You Can Call Me Ari by Darcia Helle

A chilling, suspense story to keep you on the edge of your seat. By far the most vivid story in the collection. The descriptive quality of the writing pulls the reader in. Fans of Darcia's writing can be assured that even though this is just a short story it is just as scary as her novels!



Minor Details by Jaleta Clegg

A humourous tale about two teenage girls, one of whom can't spell. This leads to an unfortunate turn of events (or, fortunate, depending on how you look at it!) A fun read.



Ice Cream Man by Neil Schiller

Having read and enjoyed Neil's collection of short stories Oblivious, I was not disappointed by this story. It contains the same moody feel as much of his writing. It is in essence a poignant story of disappointment.



No Eyes But Mine Shall See by Sharon E. Cathcart

Sharon Cathcart sets the scene well in this heartbreaking story of a love denied. I liked the descriptive quality of the writing. Much of the story is written in the form of a letter that will never be read, making it all the more heartrending.



The First Texas Twister by Magnolia Belle

A fun and entertaining tale about how the Wild West collided with Native American culture to create the first tornado.



Shadow Lantern by Gareth Lewis

An interesting concept. A short story told entirely through dialogue with no narrative. At first, I didn't think it would work, and must admit to being a bit confused as to which character was speaking at times. By the end, however, I found myself entertained by this fantasy tale.



Stained by Amy Saunders

I hadn't read any of Amy's work before this short story, but now I will be seeking out more of her writing. I was very impressed by the way the author deals with the main character's emotions after a traumatic event. The tale is enthralling and the ending is moving. All believable characters.



All in all, this is a great collection and a wonderful way to introduce readers to some very talented independent authors.



View all my reviews

The BestsellerBound Anthologies, Volumes 1 & 2 are now both FREE on Amazon Kindle!

Get your copies by clicking the links below:

Volume 1 on Amazon US

Volume 2 on Amazon US

Volume 1 on Amazon UK

Volume 2 is still priced at 86p on Amazon UK, but we are hopeful it will be available free in the near future. UK readers can download a free kindle version from Smashwords.com

Here are the list of contents:

Volume 1:
Wish Upon A Star by Lainey Bancroft
Tears For Hesh by J. Michael Radcliffe
You Can Call Me Ari by Darcia Helle
Flames by Maria Savva
Minor Details by Jaleta Clegg
Ice Cream Man by Neil Schiller
No Eyes But Mine Shall See by Sharon E. Cathcart
The First Texas Twister by Magnolia Belle
Shadow Lantern by Gareth Lewis
Stained by Amy Saunders

Volume 2:
1. What Was Lost by James Sophi
2. The Art of Breathing by Jaime McDougall
3. Soul Windows by Jaleta Clegg
4. I Didn't Know His Name by Darcia Helle
5. Red Route by James Everington
6. Make A Wish by Susan Helene Gottfried
7. The Last Chance Motel and Mausoleum by Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick
8. Isolation by Maria Savva
9. Beyond The Green Hills by Tom Gahan
10. From Joy We Come, Unto Joy We Return by Ami Blackwelder

A few BestsellerBound members currently have free books available on Amazon.

I thought I would let you know about them.

Here's a list of some of the delights you can get for free for your Kindle :)







Enemies and Playmates by Darcia Helle

I've read this novel, and it's amazing. Grab it while it's free, and I am sure you'll want to try some other books by Darcia Helle. Darcia writes suspense novels and also short stories. There is always a dark side to her writing, but there is also a healthy dose of humour and a touch of romance in most of her tales. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, she's one of my all time favourite authors.

Here's the link to the FREE Amazon ebook: Enemies and Playmates





Tears for Hesh by J. Michael Radcliffe

Tears for Hesh is a fantasy short story. I read it as part of the BestsellerBound Short Story Anthology Volume 1, and really enjoyed it. I have just finished reading The Guardian's Apprentice by the same author, and can't recommend it highly enough. I'm definitely becoming a fan of J. Michael Radcliffe. He is one of our favourite Bestsellerbound members.

Here's the link you'll need to download a free copy of Tears for Hesh on Kindle: Tears For Hesh





Ripples by
Thomma Lyn Grindstaff

Thomma has only recently joined BestsellerBound, but she has definitely won our hearts. She fits in well in our friendly and fun community.

I haven't read this short story, Ripples, but intend to do so, and I also want to try some of her other books.

Here's the link to the free book on Amazon: Ripples






T'on Ma by Magnolia Belle

Magnolia Belle is one of our most active members on BestsellerBound. She's had a story featured in the BestsellerBound Short Story Anthology Volume 1, which I really enjoyed. She created a great book trailer for the Anthology. I haven't read T'on Ma yet, but it's on my to-read list.

Here's the link you'll need to download the free novel: T'on Ma

The BestsellerBound Anthologies are free on Amazon, of course. Well, Volumes 1 & 2 are free, and we're hoping that Volume 3 will be free shortly.

Here are the links to Volumes 1 & 2 on Amazon:



Volume 1





Volume 2

Happy reading!

About the book:

In early medieval days, bandits beset a caravan taking Lady Gwendolyn Hampton of England to marry Angus Dewar in Scotland. In the confusion, she escapes, while the bandits think her maid, Madeleine, is her. From one peril to another, Madeleine must keep the ruse in order to stay alive. Lady Gwendolyn’s brother, Lord Richard Hampton, wants Madeleine as his consort, and tries to rescue her. Through betrayal, intrigue and murder, she becomes a woman of title, and must decide if she wants the life he offers.







Buy the book:

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Lady-Gwendolyn-...

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lady-Gwendoly...

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lady-...

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...

Website: http://blackwolfbooks.com/index.php?c...

Book trailer: http://youtu.be/ANtk2-2niS0



About the author: In her own words

My pen name “Magnolia Belle” came from a dream of one day owning a riverboat that offered dinner, sultry jazz and hot R&B while floating down the Mississippi. Realizing I didn’t have the millions it’d take to get that dream off the ground, I took the name to write under. I figured it’d be one hard to forget. Plus, it’s as southern as I am.
I live in Texas with my husband and our ‘pack’ of fuzzy children (aka dogs). Before that, I grew up in a military family and lived all across the US and in the Orient. In 1977, I got married and in 1978 I graduated with a degree in Accounting from Tarleton State University. Yeah, I know. BIG leap from accountant to novelist. As editor of the University paper, I won first place in the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Editorial competition in 1977. I was also a member of “Who’s Who Among Colleges and Universities” in 1977-78, and graduated with high honors. A singer/songwriter and guitarist, I played with a band in the 1980s that made 3 albums.

I started my company, “Black Wolf Books” in 2005 as a venue to publish and sell my work. The name “Black Wolf” comes from the first series of 5 novels I’ve written (and am still working on).

My heritage includes at least two Indian nations, one on my mother’s side and the Iroquois on my father’s. Because of that, I write about American Indians with great respect. I also spend inordinate amounts of time in researching history, facts and personalities in the era they are presented. Historical events and documentation (such as treaties) are cited in my novels, so readers can see what really happened.

My characters become very real to me, and I often find myself not writing, but rather taking dictation as they tell me their stories. That’s also why I tend to write in series of novels. My characters are a gabby bunch!

Connect with Magnolia:

Website: http://www.blackwolfbooks.com/