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Whitney & Davies #1.5
While Shepherds Watch: A Christmas Story
“Of all the ghastly holidays, Christmas is the worst!”
When apprentice magician Maia Whitney’s plans for a quiet Christmas with no obligations toward anyone are disrupted by a friend in need, she resigns herself to yet another holiday filled with indigestion and artificial cheer. Things look up when her friend and fellow magician Len Davies joins the adventure, but Maia is still far from feeling merry or bright.
Len would go with Maia to the ends of the earth, but this crumbling manor in the remote Yorkshire countryside tests even his goodwill toward man. He doesn’t object to the ghost supposedly roaming the halls, but he wishes he knew just what has his host’s young sister so scared. To top it all off, he can barely spend any time with Maia, as she is so busy helping her friend.
Will ghosts, curses, cads, and thieves ruin this Christmas for everyone? Not if the intrepid duo of Whitney & Davies has anything to say about it! It will take all their magical abilities and ingenuity, but they are determined to make this a happy Christmas for all.
When apprentice magician Maia Whitney’s plans for a quiet Christmas with no obligations toward anyone are disrupted by a friend in need, she resigns herself to yet another holiday filled with indigestion and artificial cheer. Things look up when her friend and fellow magician Len Davies joins the adventure, but Maia is still far from feeling merry or bright.
Len would go with Maia to the ends of the earth, but this crumbling manor in the remote Yorkshire countryside tests even his goodwill toward man. He doesn’t object to the ghost supposedly roaming the halls, but he wishes he knew just what has his host’s young sister so scared. To top it all off, he can barely spend any time with Maia, as she is so busy helping her friend.
Will ghosts, curses, cads, and thieves ruin this Christmas for everyone? Not if the intrepid duo of Whitney & Davies has anything to say about it! It will take all their magical abilities and ingenuity, but they are determined to make this a happy Christmas for all.
73 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2021
About the author
E.L. Bates
8 books45 followersE.L. Bates is a writer of fantasy and adventure, usually (though not always) historical in nature.
When not writing, she enjoys reading, knitting, ice dancing, and spending time with her husband and two children. She is usually seen with a cup of tea in hand, and keeps a stash of dark chocolate hidden in her desk for emergency inspiration.
Perhaps as a result of reading and writing so many adventures, she can't help but feel that life is best lived with a sense of anticipation, seeking adventure around every corner, looking for the magic that still lurks in the hidden places of the world, waiting for those with the eyes to see it.
When not writing, she enjoys reading, knitting, ice dancing, and spending time with her husband and two children. She is usually seen with a cup of tea in hand, and keeps a stash of dark chocolate hidden in her desk for emergency inspiration.
Perhaps as a result of reading and writing so many adventures, she can't help but feel that life is best lived with a sense of anticipation, seeking adventure around every corner, looking for the magic that still lurks in the hidden places of the world, waiting for those with the eyes to see it.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
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November 15, 2021I wrote this novella as a gift to myself as much as to anyone else--I wanted to write something fun and frothy, a Christmas tale that was both light-hearted and heart-warming. How well I succeeded each reader will have to determine for his- or herself, but it certainly filled my heart with delight while I was writing it, and even when reading it afterward--the true test for any author. Happy Christmas to all the friends of Maia and Len! I hope this little tale adds to your holiday cheer.
November 3, 2021
A fun, quick Christmas read
When Maia is summoned to an ancient family estate on behalf of a friend, Len finagles a way to come along. Mysterious guests, talk of ghosts, midnight adventures, and of course, magic-this was a delightful story featuring our magicians, a cozy mystery and plenty of 1920’s style.
When Maia is summoned to an ancient family estate on behalf of a friend, Len finagles a way to come along. Mysterious guests, talk of ghosts, midnight adventures, and of course, magic-this was a delightful story featuring our magicians, a cozy mystery and plenty of 1920’s style.
December 24, 2021
Another winner.
I love how the author uses a large vocabulary with words seldom seen. The characters were true to form and the touches of humor are refreshing. I anxiously await the next book.
I love how the author uses a large vocabulary with words seldom seen. The characters were true to form and the touches of humor are refreshing. I anxiously await the next book.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews