Urcelia Teixeira's Blog

I sobbed my heart out during the month of love!

WHAT DOES LOVE HAVE TO DO WITH MY CHRISTIAN MYSTERY AND SUSPENSE SERIES?

You might be frowning wondering what Valentine’s Day has to do with my Adam Cross Christian Mystery and Suspense series.  But please bear with me as I explain.

We have the ancient Romans to thank for giving us Valentine’s Day when they celebrated the beginning of spring in the middle of February. What they didn’t realize at the time, though was that the emotion they had tapped into then would centuries later evolve into an entirely different type of emotion.

When they celebrated the start of spring, it was the sensation of utter joy that revealed itself through dancing and singing. However, today we celebrate Valentine’s Day expressing our undying love for someone special through gifts and romantic gestures.

But here’s the thing about both these seemingly different emotions. Joy and love are not that different. In fact, they go hand in hand. Love brings joy, and joy allows you to feel love. It is no wonder then that these two emotions are two of the nine Fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5—and the first two, no less!

Experienced separately they can do great things, but combined, they are emotions so powerful our bodies literally cannot handle the adrenaline that pushes through every one of our cells.

That feeling or sensation manifests itself by overwhelming our senses and leaving us breathless, weak in the knees, and crying uncontrollably. In fact, this emotional combo is so powerful that some say it has the ability to literally break our hearts.

And this was precisely what I felt was happening when, two days before Valentine’s Day, I received the news, that the first book in my new Christian Mystery and Suspense series had won a silver medal for best Christian Fiction in the 2021 Illumination Awards!

But it didn’t stop there!

One week later, Every Good Gift received a second award! The Readers’ Favorite Five-star Seal award!

Be still my breaking heart!

Even though there was no money, no prize, or a coveted TV deal that came with either of these two awards, the news was so overwhelming that it had me instantly drop to my knees and sobbing my heart out. To where I thought I was going to faint. In fact, I am still not over it!

An exaggeration, ridiculous… perhaps. You might even assume that it was sheer pride and ego that triggered the writing of this post—as are usually the culprits accompanying such honours.

But I’m here to tell you you’d be dead wrong on all the above!

I felt nothing but awe and love for God! Overwhelming, ecstatic joy and abounding love, and that is why I fell to my knees in praise and sobbed my heart out!

Allow me to put it in context.

When I ended my beloved Alex Hunt Adventure Thriller series (which many of my colleagues said was author suicide) and introduced you to Adam Cross and the residents of Turtle Cove, it was not a fleshly, foolish decision. In fact, it made no business sense at all, and it was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. But I had to. I had to because it was in response to a calling, a Godly calling to be precise. So receiving both these awards was not for my excellent writing ability or anything else author or career worthy, they were awards for my obedience to my Savior. For doing what I was asked to do and evidently succeeding at it.

Every Good Gift was God-breathed, every single word! I wrote the entire book in answer to what God had placed in my heart. So too were Every Good Plan which I wrote in just thirty days, and Every Good Work that’s due out next month. All three books were inspired by Biblical Scripture and specific themes God wanted to relay through the talent He gave me. In other words, divinely purposed to bring God glory.

The messages behind them were not my doing. I am not saying this lightly or conceitedly; I know this to be true because I don’t plan out my plots ahead of writing like so many authors do. Not one paragraph or chapter. I pray, I listen, and I write whatever and wherever the Holy Spirit guides me.

So when I won these awards, it wasn’t the badges that dazzled me. Instead, all I heard in those moments was ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’

There is no emotion greater than the love and joy you feel knowing you are in the Will of the One who gives you life.

Knowing you have obeyed Him.

Knowing you have honored Him.

Knowing you have pleased Him.

The pride I feel when sharing this news with you is a Godly pride. The kind that comes from having had the privilege to play a small part in God’s plan for those who have already and will still read the Turtle Cove Series. And while I don’t have the slightest idea how the stories might inspire, encourage, or guide you in your lives, I trust God knew exactly what purpose it would serve for each one of you when he put me to this task.

My prayer is, therefore, that you will meditate, pray and seek God while reading Every Good Gift, Every Good Plan, and Every Good Work and allow the Holy Spirit to declare the message/s God has for you.

God has more in store for me, and you, and I am excited to roll out what He is busy laying on my heart.

To receive notifications about forthcoming releases, special discounts and sneak peaks into what’s coming next, make sure you sign up to my email list!

When you do, you’ll also get a FREE BOOK as a special thank you.

Signup at here

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Beautiful Bari, Italy!

Travel to Bari…virtually!

As I write this it’s the middle of March 2020 and the coronavirus COVID-19 has taken the world hostage.  Schools have shut down and non-perishable goods are being stockpiled as people isolate themselves at home.  Several countries have already closed their borders, cancelled public events and seized all travel in a desperate attempt to stop the virus from spreading.

Italy was hit particularly hard where a shocking 35,713 cases and 2,978 deaths have already been recorded at the time of this post.   With tourism and travel having been brought to a dead halt, the once bustling village streets are now desolate and gripped in fear under a blanket of doom.

But, as the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining and just because we can’t physically spend sunny days leisurely meandering through the quaint villages and coastal towns, it doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy all the beauty Italy has to offer.

So, snuggle up in your favorite reading chair and allow me to transport your mind through the streets of beautiful Bari, Italy!

A BIT OF BARI HISTORY

Once a quaint fisherman’s village, Bari, the capital of Puglia, is now a bustling Mediterranean cruise port on the southern coast of Italy.  Apart from it’s obvious seaside charm it is deeply rooted in history.  Believed to have initially been Illyrian, Bari was in fact controlled by the Greeks first before the Romans later took over.

Bari’s Latin name is Barium and dates as far back as 5500 BC when the first inhabitants were a tribe of Proto-Indo-Europeans from Greece.  In the Middle Ages, Bari became a major entry port for the Slavic slave trade and it’s only once it became a haven for some of the most famous Saints of the second century, that it attracted pilgrims and the economy began to truly flourish.

BARI OLD TOWN – BARI VECCHIO

Bari’s Old Town, also known as Bari Vecchio, sits on a peninsula and overlooks the old harbour.  Winding alleys, ancient cobbled streets and cozy piazzas tease your senses with the smell of garlicky tomatoes and freshly baked bread amidst the buzzing Vespas.

Bursts of loud chatter between the locals stationed at their front doors remind you that life in Italy is happy and simple.

Watch the women make their traditional Le orecchiette in the streets and soak up the music and Italian charm! (It’s worth watching till the end.)

BARI ATTRACTIONS

There’s so much to see in this historic city but it’s entirely possible to do it in a day.  In the walled Old Town you’ll find most of the historic attractions in Bari.  Like the Basilica di San Nicola, home of Saint Nicholas where the remains of our modern day Santa Claus is kept. (My 5th book, The Bari Bones  is all about this ancient Christian Saint and his remains! Yes, Santa is real!)

Or visit the 12th century Cathedral of San Sabino, which houses the remains of Saint Sabinus.

The Castello is an original Byzantine-Romanesque building which was converted to a prison and later a signal station in the 16th century. Now it’s a museum with copies of Apulian-Norman sculptures and temporary art exhibitions.

The magnificent Teatro Petruzzelli dates to 1903 and is the fourth largest theater in Italy. A few of the great Italian artists that have performed there include Luciano Pavarotti, Rudolf Nureyev, Ray Charles, Liza Minnelli, and Frank Sinatra.

Also worth visiting is the Piazza Mercantile which was where petty criminals and debtors were tied to the column in the corner of the Piazza and publicly ridiculed.  The lion now marks this historical landmark.  Thankfully it’s now a pleasant piazza lined with street cafés and restaurants where many locals meet up daily.

BARI FOOD AND TRADITIONS

And what would any trip to Italy be without food?  Because Italians are synonymous with eating, nothing quite screams Bari Adventure like a crisp Foccacia with fresh olives and tomatoes!  Prepared by local street vendors or in any of the nearby Barese restaurants, this flatbread with a texture similar to pizza is very much a Bari tradition.

Take up this free online cooking class by a (very longwinded but passionate) Bari local and make your own!

(PS:  Make sure you share your success in the comments!)

Another must-do experience is making sure you enjoy all the Adriatic has to offer.  If you walk along the harbour walls around mid morning you will find several local fishermen sell their daily catch of seafood.

And because Italians know how to enjoy life, they almost always have a glass (or three!) of vino (wine) with any and every meal.  Add to that the festive sounds of locals singing and you’re bound to join in the festivities also!

BEACHES IN BARI

And now that you’ve filled your tummy, it’s time to finally relax and unwind on one of the serene beaches in Bari!  Though there are only a few, each has something unique on offer.  Take a walk over the powdery white sand into the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic while the sun soothes your cares away.

Favorites include Cala Porto Beach, Pane e Pomodoro Beach or nearby Polignano a Mare’s Cala Paguro Beach.  Whether you like baking in the sun or strolling the shores at sunset, Bari’s all year round mild climate will ensure you leave all your worries behind.

If you want to learn more about Bari, Italy, why not download your copy of The BARI BONES where you’ll find an exclusive free Bonus content file containing all of my research and links used while I wrote the book.

Feel free to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below or drop me an email at books@urcelia.com.

Adventure Thriller Books by Urcelia Teixeira


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10 facts about the Palace of Versailles

DISCOVERING THE HISTORY BEHIND VERSAILLES

It was once the envied French royal residence.  It took 36,000 workers and 50 years to build the Palace of Versailles. Now, the awe-inspiring estate has become one of France’s historical landmarks visited by millions of people from all around the world. But unbeknownst to many, the Palace of Versailles never started out as an extravagant palace.

Dating back to the 17thcentury, the Palace of Versailles echoes elegance and history and has undergone many transformations.  Here are 10 facts about the history of the Palace of Versailles.

1. It was originally a hunting lodge

In 1607 a young Louis, soon-to-be King Louis XIII, accompanied his father, King Henri IV on a hunting trip.  Enamored by the natural forestry and wildlife, he returned on his own, years later after he took the throne. Perfectly situated between Paris and his main residence at Saint-Germain-en-Laye, he recognized the expansive land’s potential and, in 1623, set out to build his very own hunting lodge. Surrounded by woods that were rich with pheasants, boars and stags, he became fonder of it by the day, eventually spending more time there than at his residence.

2. A residence fit for a King

Since preferring to spend most of his time there, King Louis XIII renovated his humble hunting lodge in 1631, transforming it into a small palace used as a royal getaway. When he passed soon after, his young son took the throne at only four years old. The young King Louis XIV later moved the aristocracy to Versailles in 1682, and it became his primary residence and the foundation of what would become the Palace of Versailles as we know it today.  Also known as ‘The Sun King’ due to his emblem of Apollo, he built the property on an east-west axis to follow the rising sun.

3. The Hall of Mirrors is its pride and joy

Now known as the Sun King, King Louis XIV spared no expense and in 1684, the now famous Galerie des Glaces, better known as the Hall of Mirrors was complete.  357 handcrafted mirrors adorned the more than 200 feet long passage.  Crafted by Venice’s master glassmakers, its placement was carefully designed to reflect the natural light from the large windows onto the room’s marble walls, crystal chandeliers, gilded mouldings and painted ceiling.

4. Marie Antoinette pretended to be a peasant

Along came King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette and the Palace of Versailles was to enter its most lavish transformation yet.  While King Louis XVI threw himself into the estate’s opulent gardens, his queen longed to escape her royal life.  Seeking a simpler life equalled to that of a peasant, she ordered the construction of a cluster of cottages fondly referred to as The Queen’s Hamlet. Removed from her regular gilded quarters, she frequently retreated to her rustic cottages that lay nestled between streams and ponds, pretending to be a peasant.

5. The French Revolution marked the end

Outraged by the royals’ disregard for their poverty-stricken subjects, a mob of angry women stormed the Palace of Versailles on October 5, 1789 and forced the royal family to leave.  This act of rebellion was the catalyst for the now infamous French Revolution. Fearing for their lives, the king, his queen and their children left their palace and it was never lived in again.

6. The National Mall was inspired by Versailles

In 1791 George Washington commissioned the French-American architect, Pierre Charles L’Enfant to design a “Federal City” of the United States of America.  The architect suggested a design that almost perfectly resembled the garden of Versailles as is quite obviously seen in the long walkway leading up to the building we now know as The National Mall.

7. Versailles became a museum in 1833

Astoundingly the Palace of Versailles survived the French Revolution regardless of the fact that, for the most part, its art and furniture had been sold off or sent to museums all around the world.  Enduring a wave of uproar post the revolution, it was eventually decided to convert the palace into a museum in 1837.  Serving as a means to honour France’s history throughout the monarchy’s reign, it was restored to its former glory at the end of the 19thcentury.  Continuing on today, it marks the significant events in French history.

8. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site

Almost three hundred and fifty years later, in 1979, the Palace of Versailles was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Having housed several French kings from Louis XIV to Louis XVI, designed and embellished by several generations of decorators, sculptors, architects and landscapers, it is seen as the perfect example of a royal residence. To this very day it serves as the epitome of royal residences across the world.

9. It’s the second most visited monument in France

Each year more than 3 million people flock to the Palace of Versailles to take in its splendour.  More popular than the Eiffel Tower and second to the world-famous Louvre, this monument has become the crowning glory of France and all it had to endure to where it is today.

10. It holds more than a few secrets

With its staggering 2,300 rooms spread cross 75,532 square yards (equal to about 15 1/2 football fields) it conceals more than a few secrets.  Hidden between its walls are mysterious chambers, hushed apartments and secret undiscovered passages; used by King Louis XIV to sneak his several mistresses in and out of the palace.

There you have it.  10 facts about the Palace of Versailles.

Click on the two video links below to learn more about the Palace of Versailles by taking a virtual tour or, visit it and explore it in the flesh!

Video 1:  Explore inside The Palace of Versailles

Video 2: Explore the Gardens of Versailles

Video 3: A Historical overview

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Your chance to download my latest book for FREE NOW!

Filled with mystery and suspense, you will be glued to the pages!

The Papua Incident is a fast-paced action adventure thriller that you won't want to put down until you finished it!
If you like reading modern-day Indiana Jones adventure thrillers, then this is right up your alley. Plenty of twists and mystery to keep you flipping the pages.

The Papua Incident sets the stage for the five-star Alex Hunt Archaeological Adventure Thrillers series.



The PAPUA INCIDENT: An ALEX HUNT Adventure Thriller

GET YOUR FREE BOOK HERE

http://download.urcelia.com/

 

 

So Alex and Sam introduced you to the spectacular Tanzania, Africa in ALEX HUNT and The Chase for Rhapta, but here are

10 Surprising Facts about Tanzania, Africa you never knew!

1.  Dr. Leakey, the famous East Africa archaeologist, discovered the earliest human skull in the world, which dated back 2 million years in the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania.

 

2.  The coconut crab is the world’s largest crab and native to Tanzania.  Apparently it is also one of the tastiest crabs in the world!

 

3.  Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the rock band ‘Queen’ was born in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

 

4.  The world’s longest river, the Nile, originates from Lake Victoria, Tanzania.

 

5.  Once a year a million wildebeest migrate from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara National Park in Kenya. The world-renowned migration is so epic that it became one of the seven natural wonders of the world!

 

6.  Tanzania sports the famous mount Kilimanjaro which is the world’s tallest free standing mountain at roughly 5900 meters (19340 feet) above sea level.

 

7.  The moon shines so brightly at night that you won’t need a flashlight to see where you’re going.

 

8.  The most expensive wood in the world comes from the Mpingo trees commonly seen in Tanzania. This wood is used in many top quality music instruments.

 

9.  Tanzania houses the world’s largest volcanic crater, Ngorongoro, which has a diameter of 19kms (11.8miles) and is 600 meters (1968 feet) deep.

 

10.  Tanzania is home to the world’s only tree climbing lions!

 

 

Let me know which is your favorite fact you never knew about Tanzania!  Leave a comment at the end of this post or email me.

 

The world is full of wonderful places to see and experience. So why don’t you live life to its fullest and take a trip to the fascinating Tanzania, Africa and walk where Alex and Sam experienced their first adventure together!

 

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Photo by AP

 

Since the release of ALEX HUNT and The Golden Urn (Book 2 in The Alex Hunt Adventures), my inbox has been flooded with questions about the Golden Urn.

Thank you to all of you who have already purchased my book!

 

 

Similar to the lost city of Rhapta in ALEX HUNT and The Chase for Rhapta (Book 1 in The Alex Hunt Adventures), the Golden Urn is indeed a true-life relic which was in reality stolen.

So, in the spirit of sharing the history and true facts behind this remarkable ancient relic, I have put together a couple of images and a news article for you to enjoy.  Of course it is important for me to reiterate that my book, Alex Hunt and The Golden Urn is purely fictional; based on the events surrounding the urn’s theft and not necessarily real.

 

 

 

This was the float they used to transport the Urn with in a massive parade up the mountain to the Oudong temple.

 

 

 

 

Thousands of people gathered in the streets along the 40km (approx. 24 miles) journey to Oudong.

 

 

 

 

The Royal family and  dignitaries arriving at the Oudong Temple to return the Golden Urn to the shrine. 

 

 

 

The majestic Oudong Temple

 

 

 

 

Oudong Temple at the top of the mountain displaying the four stupas.  The largest on the right is the one the Golden Urn is kept in.

 

 

For those who would like to read a little more about the actual incident, please click here

 

Now that you have some of the facts and visuals down, I’d like to just mention that I am incredibly proud of this book!  I started my writing journey exactly one year ago with two light novellas that are not worth mentioning!  I fondly refer to them as my bicycle training wheels.

In December 2017, I self-published Alex Hunt and the Chase for Rhapta and, 5 months later, Alex Hunt and the Golden Urn was born.

I had an incredible virtual journey through Cambodia and Vietnam as I dug my heels into this baby of mine in the hope of having you, my readers, join me on my imaginary relic adventure.

With at least five more ALEX HUNT books brewing, I am beyond excited to show you what Alex and Sam get up to next!  So, watch this space!

If you haven’t subscribed to my VIP Reader list yet, please do so here.  My VIP Readers get special behind the scenes emails packed with exclusive information on upcoming books.  (I don’t spam your inbox.  I’d far rather be writing another book!)

Should you have any questions about ALEX HUNT and the Golden Urn, you’re welcome to shoot me an email at books@urcelia.com  or leave your comments at the end of this blogpost.

Lastly, Alex and Sam would love to go on Summer vacation with you, so don’t forget to pack at least one (or two!) of their adventures! You can pick them up here

 

Thanks for reading!  You’re welcome to Like and Share with your friends and family.

 

Disclaimer –  Alex Hunt and the Golden Urn is a work of fiction. Characters, events and dialogue found within are of my imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, either living or deceased, is purely coincidental. Follow Follow Follow Email Follow

ALEX HUNT Adventures Book 2: Another action-packed Treasure Hunt laced with conspiracy and crime!

With just 10 days to go before ALEX HUNT and The Golden Urn releases on Amazon Worldwide, I thought to share a few of my personal experiences in South-East Asia!

Having recently enjoyed an adventure holiday with my family in fantastic Phuket, I had the advantage of recollecting the sounds and smells of a South-East Asian jungle, the scorching heat, and humidity in the middle of the day and the fascinating culture that greets you on every curb!  So it wasn’t that hard to pour these experiences into the pages of my latest book which is set in neighboring Cambodia, for you to enjoy.

Our family adventures took us deep into the jungle on an elephant safari in the midst of torrential rains.  To adequately describe the exhilarating sensation of feeling a giant elephant’s scruffy skin under my bare feet as it slides through the muddy mountain paths is just about impossible!  At this point, I must mention that I do not support animal cruelty and captivity of these majestic creatures!  Our elephants were roaming the jungle freely and exceptionally well taken care of by a certified veterinary run sanctuary.  Touching their flapping silky ears and feeding them bunches of organic bananas was an experience we will never forget!

With three boys (and a husband that permeates positivity) no adventure is ever complete without some sort of risky water activity so, again, we headed deep into the lush jungles where the locals made the most rural of rafts from a couple bamboo poles held together on both ends by jungle vines!  The mountain river was in full flood with the seasonal rains so balancing on these rafts were quite a skill.  Of course we got wet!  The water was crystal clear as we navigated the raging rapids through the winding jungle river.  Coiling green jungle snakes just missed our heads as they hung from the branches above us.  Scary indeed, but, boy!  What an adrenalin rush?

We visited several shrines and temples allowing us to acquaint ourselves with the Buddhist faith and culture.  As a Christian, watching their discipline and reverence for their god was admirable.  One cannot but have respect for their centuries-old traditions and practice.

Remnants of the December, 26th 2004 Tsunami that left thousands injured and dead was evident throughout our visit, but what struck me the most was how dedicated and humble the people were.  Many have lost loved ones, and yet, they smiled and displayed total contentment in their overly simplified lives.  Happy and satisfied with very little!

Our adventures also included snorkeling in the middle of the Andaman Sea.  I got some solace in learning that the sharks were all vegetarian! (Yeah, right!)  Thankfully, they decided to stay away, and all limbs remained intact.

Now, in the event, some of you are wondering where this is leading.  My visit to Phuket planted the seed for my latest release, ALEX HUNT and The Golden Urn which is available on Pre-Order Now!

Though the culture was very hospitable, there were certain alleys and neighborhoods one would just not dare to venture into.  Day or night!  So this sparked my research into the crime related activities that are rife in most of Asia.  And when I found the news article on the Golden Urn that had been stolen from a mountain shrine in Cambodia, my creative mind ran away with it!  YES! ALEX HUNT and the Golden Urn is based on a true story!

If you’re interested in reading more about this incident, please click here.

Now, if you are curious to find out what exactly our sassy Alex Hunt and her sidekick, Sam Quinn got up to in Cambodia, click on the Pre-Order link below and pick up your copy of my latest book ALEX HUNT and The Golden Urn now!  It is currently in Ebook format but will also be available in Paperback on May, 26th 2018!

What I will say is that Alex kicked some serious butt! I had a lot of fun writing this Adventure Thriller, so I do hope you enjoy it.  For those who have already ordered your copy, THANK YOU!  Your support is much appreciated!

Over the  next 10 days I will be sending some extra tidbits out on the book, so if you’d like to be included in it, please do sign up to my VIP Reader’s list below!

See you between my pages!

BUY NOW!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ALEX HUNT and the Chase for Rhapta receives a warm literary welcome with the distinguished Readers’ Favorite 5-star seal!

I’d like to share with great joy (and pride!) that Alex Hunt and the Chase for Rhapta just received the highly renowned Reader’s Favorite Five Stars Seal!

Reader’s Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet.  They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors.
They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award contest companies.

To receive this esteemed 5-stars seal is no small feat!  As an author I had the opportunity to submit my book to their pool of 1000+ reviewers and staff in the hope that my book is found worthy of reading.  Thousands of books never get selected and fall by the wayside.  Once a book is selected, the reader will give a completely honest and unbiased review of the book based on several stringent criteria.

Being awarded Five Stars is a high accolade affording you, my readers, the assurance that Alex Hunt and the Chase for Rhapta will make a fantastic read!  So without further delay, here is the review!

Reviewed By Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers’ Favorite

Alex Hunt and the Chase for Rhapta by Urcelia Teixeira is A Relic Chaser Adventure. Alex Hunt lost her mother in the search for the Lost City of Rhapta and now her father has gone missing after a disturbing phone call. Alex must go to Africa because all the clues point to her father being on the same search, but she is agoraphobic, making things hard for her. She bites the bullet and sets off on an adventure with Sam Quinn, the top archaeology student from the university. On the trail to find her father, Alex overcomes many difficulties, searches out ancient civilizations and finds relics, but will she find the Lost City of Rhapta and her father?

Alex Hunt and the Chase for Rhapta: A Relic Chaser Adventure by Urcelia Teixeira is a fun story with plenty of action, all based on a true story, the Legend of Rhapta. This is a fast-paced story, action from page one all the way through. It’s not just about relic chasing and ancient civilizations, it is not all adventure and action; we also have a little romance thrown in for good measure. The addition of historical facts gave an air of reality to the story, blending culture and history with action and adventure, a kind of Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider style of story. The characters were very well developed, and the story follows a natural path with plenty of twists and turns in it. I also thought that the subject of agoraphobia, a serious issue, was very well dealt with. Top marks, great story, and highly recommended for younger and older adults alike.

 

To read the review on the Readers’ Favorite site, please click here

 

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Rhapta Ruins – image courtesy of Seaunseen.com

Is Rhapta Real?

Many of you have emailed me wanting to know if Rhapta really existed? The short answer is YES!

My first book, The Rhapta Key is based on the legend of a real metropolis that mysteriously vanished under the sea and recently, in 2016, a diver by the name of Alan Sutton discovered ruins he believes to be the lost city of Rhapta.

He has written a fantastic blog on his discovery and included some exceptional photographs and even a video for you to watch and learn more.

To read all about it you can go here

For those who have read my book, thank you!  I do hope you will now see it in a different light.

As I am only eight months into my newfound writing career, I humbly ask that you share my book with your friends and on your social media pages.  I have a deep desire to write full time somewhere with a ocean view!

Some inside track exclusively to you my faithful readers…  I am three chapters in on Book 2 in the Alex Hunt Adventure Thriller Series!

Watch this space!

*Updated: The Gilded Treason book # 2  and The Alpha Strain book #3 are available in digital and paperback on Amazon worldwide.

The Rhapta Key

The post Is Rhapta Real? appeared first on Writer.

Rhapta Ruins – image courtesy of Seaunseen.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is Rhapta Real?

Many of you have emailed me wanting to know if Rhapta really existed? The short answer is YES!

My latest book Alex Hunt and the Chase for Rhapta is based on the legend of a real metropolis that mysteriously vanished under the sea and recently, in 2016, a diver by the name of Alan Sutton discovered ruins he believes to be the lost city of Rhapta.

He has written a fantastic blog on his discovery and included some exceptional photographs and even a video for you to watch and learn more.

To read all about it you can go here

For those who have read my book, thank you!  I do hope you will now see it in a different light.

As I am only eight months into my newfound writing career, I humbly ask that you share my book with your friends and on your social media pages.  I have a deep desire to write full time somewhere with a ocean view!

Some inside track exclusively to you my faithful readers…  I am three chapters in on Book 2 in the Alex Hunt Relic Chaser Adventure Series!

 

Watch this space!

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The post Alex Hunt and the Chase for Rhapta – Is Rhapta Real? appeared first on Urcelia Teixeira.