AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
BETH BARANY
Beth Barany
Facebook TwitterAward winning author, Beth Barany writes in two genres: young adult adventure fantasy and fantasy romance. Inspired by living abroad in France and Quebec, she loves creating magical tales of romance and adventure to empower young women and girls to jump into life with both feet and be the heroes in their own lives. In her off hours, Beth loves walking her neighborhood, gardening on her patio, and watching movies and traveling with her husband, author Ezra Barany. They live in Oakland, California with their cat-dog named Leo, an electric piano, and over 1,000 books. Beth is also an avid speaker and teacher. For school visits and presentations, contact Beth through her site at http://author.bethbarany.com, or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. She looks forward to presenting to your school or book club, and she adores hearing from her readers at beth@bethbarany.com.
Henrietta The Dragon Slayer
by Beth Barany
She's a legend at 17, but only Henrietta knows the price she paid for her fame ... and it was much too high.From the Winner of the California Fiction Writer's Book Contest comes this thrilling adventure of a young warrior on one final quest ... against an opponent she swore never to face again.Henrietta, the legendary Dragon Slayer of Bleuve, can't face the thought of another kill. She's lost family, friends and home on her rocky road to fame. But when the young warrior is summoned by a King to retrieve the Dragon Stone from the last dragon in existence, she can't refuse--her mentor lies dying, and the healing stone is all that can save him. This quest will be her most harrowing of all, for it means facing mysterious assassins, the dreaded choppy sea, and all with a misfit band--a young witch, a jester and a surly knight. And at journey's end, someone must die ... the dragon, or Henrietta.Perfect for fans of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, Collins' The Hunger Games, McKinley's Hero & the Crown, and Paolini's Eragon. Get your copy of Henrietta the Dragon Slayer today!"This is a fun book with all the essential elements of a YA quest adventure. We have the feisty heroine on a mission to save her mentor, a trainee witch, a noble knight and a food-obsessed bard/jester. Henrietta's mission gets more complicated as it goes along, and it is paced well." -- Graeme, Goodreads"Henrietta The Dragon Slayer was a wonderful book. I loved Henrietta as a character and I truly enjoyed getting to know the side characters as well. Following them on their journey to conclude Henrietta's quest brought this feeling of fulfillment and happiness to me as a reader, which I thoroughly enjoyed." -- Kelly, @YAfantasyfanHenrietta The Dragon Slayer is book #1 in the Five Kingdom series. Book #2, Henrietta and The Dragon Stone will be out Summer 2013. Book #3, Henrietta and the Battle of the Horse Mesa, will arrive in 2016.HENRIETTA THE DRAGON SLAYEREXCERPT -- Chapter 1Battle-hardened and braveReady for the fightHenrietta the Dragon SlayerSwings with all her might--From the chorus of the Song of the Dragon SlayerHenrietta strode away from the tavern, fists clenched so hard they hurt. At two paces from the forest edge, the ground crunched in the black night behind her. Even with her ale-fogged brain, she sensed the presence of a man, smelled on him soot, leather and metal, and knew he was armed, but wore no armor.She didn't have time for this."What do you want?" Henrietta whirled to face the thrill seeker, her long sword drawn, her long red hair whipping across her chilled cheeks. Above her head, the bitter wind keened through the forest trees.The man hovered five feet-lengths away from her, out of sword reach, his face shadowed by the light of the tavern behind him. "I heard your story back there." His voice, thick with a foreign accent she couldn't place, held no compliment. "I hear you're looking for a new quest."
Kindle Price: $2.99
LEARN MORE NOW!Category: Science Fiction & Fantasy; Teen & Young Adult
A Cupcake Christmas (A Christmas Elf Romance) (Touchstone Book 5)
by Beth Barany
What if you risked losing your baking legacy by cooking up a love truly special? Florian MacMillian needs a final job to complete his baking resume—preferably a job where he’s unlikely to blow things up with his unruly magic—before returning to the North Pole and taking his rightful place as Master Baker to all the elves. Kate Delore desperatelyneeds help in her fast-growing cupcake business in downtown San Francisco. Florian is a perfect fit, so she brings him on as baker. For a short time, Florian is happily up to his elbows in batter, and Kate’s business is booming. But when things heat up between them, Florian wonders if he should risk his legacy to cook up something truly special. Another Magical Tale of Romance and Adventure by award-winning novelist, Beth Barany “I truly enjoyed it. I am a sucker for anything Christmas and Santa related which probably didn’t hurt. … Overall the story was light, charming and just right for a pleasant escape from the daily grind, kind of like a good dessert (yes, I love my sweets). I have to say this was my favorite of Beth Barany's romances I’ve read thus far…” — Beth Chapmon (Book Reviewer) “I really enjoyed this story, it left me with a smile. It made me laugh, smile and feel good! Loved the Santa twist… totally unexpected! A good addition to the Christmas collection!” — Dodie Coe (Writer Avid Reader) “Did I feel attached to the characters? Definitely. Kate was cute, smart, and ambitious, cutting herself off and leaving me rooting for her to open up. Florian was mysterious, dark, and handsome and I obviously wanted more about him. That might just be me, though.” — Alex King, A New Reader to Romance All the Books in the Touchstone Series 1. Touchstone of Love (A Time Travel Romance) (#1) 2. A Christmas Fling (A Christmas Elf Romance) (#2) 3. Parisian Amour (A Fairy Tale Romance) (#3) 4. A Labyrinth of Love and Roses (A Fairy Tale Romance) (#4) 5. A Cupcake Christmas (A Christmas Elf Romance) (#5) Get the first book in the Touchstone series here: http://author.bethbarany.com/free-romance-story/ ABOUT THE AUTHOR Award-winning novelist Beth Barany writes magical tales of romance and adventure to enchant readers into worlds where anything is possible. In her off-hours, Beth enjoys gardening, walking, and watching movies with her husband, author Ezra Barany. Together they live in Oakland, California, with their cat and over 1,000 books. You can sign up for Beth’s newsletter for news and free books at her site: http://author.bethbarany.com, or follow her on Twitter and Facebook. A Short Read: A Long Novella or Short Novel Please note that this is a story of 43,000 words. If you like your Christmas stories with a touch of myth and folklore, if you like a tasty holiday treat, if you like bit of paranormal in your stocking, then stock up on this lovely short romance. A Cupcake Christmas is a "clean" romance, suitable for ALL ages. Tags: Christmas, Holiday, Romance, Humor, Cozy, Clean, Holidays, Short Reads
Kindle Price: $3.99
LEARN MORE NOW!Category: Literature & Fiction; Romance
Henrietta and the Dragon Stone (Henrietta The Dragon Slayer Book 2)
by Beth Barany
Book 2 in the Five Kingdom series of the continuing adventures of Henrietta The Dragon Slayer. By award-winning novelist, Beth Barany. What if all those you loved were threatened by a force you couldn't see or fight? Henrietta the legendary ass kicking dragon slayer wants to return to her village for a heroes’ welcome. But an unknown sorcerer rides after her and her Dragon Stone, and aims to destroy everyone she cares about. Can she claim her newfound powers sparked by the Dragon Stone and keep her loved ones safe, especially her more-than-friend, and her stalwart bodyguard, before the sorcerer destroys her and everything in his path? A medieval-set world with magic and magical creatures. A 86,000-word novel. Beth Barany empowers young women to be the heroes of their own lives. Book 1 in the Five Kingdoms series, Henrietta The Dragon Slayer, is an award-winning novel. WHAT READERS ARE SAYING "Ambushes, magic, dragon stones, and mystery, a lot is afoot in Henrietta and the Dragon Stone... Henrietta is a wonderful role model as a heroine, as we watch and come along she grows from an unconfident girl to a more assured young woman." -- Chris “…A real page turner and is apt to please anyone who loves young adult fantasy or adventure novels.” – Anonymous Reviewer “…Strong writing and intense focus -- Beth Barany has stepped up her game in this one… no confusing parts and hits no false notes…” – Matt Posner “…I found a real gem in this book with its magical world steeped in mystery, magic, and action… I highly recommend this book to those who appreciate a well written fantasy :)” – Merri House A STRONG HEROINE Set in a middle ages type world, this medieval fantasy includes swordfighting, kickass heroines, and lots of adventure. Beth Barany has craft a strong heroine that girls can relate to. A fantasy for girls and women, this story is for those who want to see more girl heroes in the world.
Kindle Price: $3.99
LEARN MORE NOW!Category: Science Fiction & Fantasy; Teen & Young Adult
A Labyrinth of Love and Roses (A Fairy Tale Romance) (Touchstone Book 4)
by Beth Barany
A Hallmark-type romance with a twist of ancient magic! From award-winning novelist, Beth Barany, comes another magical tale of romance and adventure. What if what you wanted got in the way of your destiny? French MBA grad Lili Grenault needs to succeed at her last pitch meeting to fund her international green tech business. But her grandmother tells her to drop everything, find her one true love, and embrace her magical legacy by Beltane, in one week, or chaos and failure in her life will ensue. San Francisco investor Brett Barnaby wants to find his great-grandfather's gravesite in Amiens, France, one of the primary battle sites of World War I. Family legend says that purpose, greater mission, and perhaps even untold riches, will be unlocked when he finds that grave. But his search in Amiens brings up fear, anger, and dire warnings about some wild Green Man. He turns to local Lily Grenault for help. Can these two independent freethinkers work together to prevent chaos from triumphing and find love in time in the labyrinth of roses? ***A short novel. This is a novella of approximately 20,000 words.*** A stand-alone novella, this story is also the fourth in the series, A Magical Tales of Romance and Adventure. OTHER STORIES IN THE TOUCHSTONE SERIES Touchstone of Love (A Time Travel Romance) (Touchstone, 1) A Christmas Fling (A Christmas Elf Romance) (Touchstone, 2) Parisian Amour (A Fairy Tale Romance) (Touchstone, 3) A Cupcake Christmas (A Christmas Elf Romance) (Touchstone, 5)
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LEARN MORE NOW!Category: Science Fiction & Fantasy; Romance
Henrietta and the Battle of the Horse Mesa (Henrietta The Dragon Slayer Book 3)
by Beth Barany
Finally, the sweeping conclusion to the Henrietta The Dragon Slayer trilogy! Parted by destiny, the four friends struggle to rejoin forces and face for a final time, the ruthless sorcerer intent on destroying them all. In the biggest challenge of her life, Henrietta the legendary Dragon Slayer of Bleuve must lead her people into a battle that may end life as they know it. For they face no ordinary army, but the dark forces of a powerful sorcerer bent on overtaking all five kingdoms. And unless she can rescue her dauntless knight Franc, she must do it without his support. Franc will follow Henrietta anywhere. But on a mission to find allies among the Horse People, he is kidnapped and taken to the worst place possible -- the stronghold of the evil sorcerer Eyvindir. Will he find the strength and courage to survive, and fight again at Henrietta's side? Paulette, the young fire witch, must stand trial for a murder committed out of desperation. In despair at her imprisonment and betrayal by her dearest friend, Jaxter, she escapes and flees to the frigid, forbidden land of Varangia to find a witch powerful enough to help her finally master fire. But what must she give up to gain the power to aid her friends? Jaxter, now a king, must come to terms with the heavy responsibilities of ruling the Oro Islands, newly emerged from over 75 years of evil rule. This means doing right, even when it's as difficult as placing someone he loves in a prison cell. Worse, the marauding Varangians press at his borders. He must find a way to defend his home, or none of them will survive. Will Henrietta and her friends be able to stop the ruthless sorcerer from obliterating her, claiming the Dragon Stone, and ruling over the Five Kingdoms? *** Perfect for fans of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, Collins' The Hunger Games, McKinley's Hero & the Crown, and Paolini's Eragon. Get your copy of Henrietta and the Battle of the Horse Mesa today! *** Here's the order of the series. HENRIETTA THE DRAGON SLAYER series Book 1, Henrietta The Dragon Slayer Book 2, Henrietta and the Dragon Stone Book 3, Henrietta and the Battle of the Horse Mesa START THE ADVENTURE FOR FREE with an exclusive prequel! Sign up for that here: http://author.bethbarany.com/henrietta-the-dragon-slayer-a-very-short-prequel-gift/ ABOUT HENRIETTA THE DRAGON SLAYER "A great ya fantasy/paranormal read! ... This is a good, fun read for young adults and older adults also who enjoy magic, fantasy, mysticism, dragons, and little to no violence. This is a fun summer read." -- AAR, reviewer "A must have for your reading collection! ... I have to say I really enjoyed reading this story. Henrietta is exactly the type of heroine I love to read about. She can handle her self in a fight but that doesn’t mean she necessarily goes looking for trouble either." -- Anastasia V. Pergakis "Great read for all ages! ... This is a really cute coming-of-age novel. Barany has created a wonderful cast of characters, including Henrietta, the haughty, kick-butt heroine, Franc, the heroic, chauvinistic knight, Jaxster, the storytelling jester, and Paulette, the quiet, mischievous witch. Through fate, these four characters are cast together on a quest to save Henrietta’s mentor by bringing back the healing stone after killing a dragon. Perhaps my favorite portion of this novel, on the whole, is Barany’s portrayal of Henrietta." -- BN reviewer Strong young woman heroine... if she can see it, she can be it. -- Thank you to Geena Davis and her Institute on Gender and Media for this quote.
Kindle Price: $4.99
LEARN MORE NOW!Category: Science Fiction & Fantasy; Literature & Fiction