KEY WEST MAGIC by Ciar Cullen

Key West Magic
by Ciar Cullen

Available Dec. 7 at Samhain Publishing

A haunted-to-the-rafters inn. A haunted heart. A sexy Irish ghostbuster must face both before he can love one woman.

Key West. An island of green on turquoise waters, populated with poets, artists, drifters, Jimmy Buffet fans—and the most stubborn ghosts imaginable.

When psychic and all-around sexy Irishman Trent Light takes on the challenge to ghost-bust Calloway House, he encounters something more than your normal, haunted-to-the-rafters inn. He butts heads with the spirit of Emily, a flapper with a sordid past and short fuse. Emily’s guardian angel won’t let her cross to the other side until the infamous “Hemingway Mystery” is solved—a mystery Emily caused during her own lifetime. Trent locks horns with another stubborn woman, inn owner and Key West newcomer Julie Calloway. Frustrated that the sexy Julie isn’t satisfied with being just his lover, yet unable to leave nor to commit to her, Trent is at his wits’ end. And then there’s that sentient Parrot that won’t shut up. It’s a tough assignment, but Trent and Julie steam up the tropics as they try to solve the mysteries of Key West, of love, and of redemption.

A Note from Candace Havens

It’s difficult for me to believe that I just turned in my fifth book, “The Demon King and I,” in five years, and now “Charmed & Dangerous” is coming out in mass market on Dec. 4. I still remember sitting on my bed at two in the morning, the night before my very first meeting with an editor. Another writer friend told me I needed to have more than one idea to pitch to the editor, and I was frantically trying to make something up.

It was a strange feeling when I finally wrote about a character who had been dancing around in my head for some time. I’d just heard that “Buffy” was going off the air, and I was angry with creator Joss Whedon for not going one more year. In retrospect they ended at the right time, but back then I was mad. What would I do without my weekly dose of “Buffy?”

That night before the meeting I put pen to paper and created a character who had the attitude of Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) but the power of Bad Willow (Alyson Hannigan). She would use that power to protect important people, and to save the world. I can’t remember how I came up with the idea for the prime minister, but I wanted a really powerful, cool leader. So of course I had to make one up. (Smile)

That one-page synopsis became a book just a few months later, and crazy stuff happened along the way. A love triangle between Sam, Bronwyn and Sheik Azir developed out of thin air one day. Azir met the Prime Minister in what was supposed to be an information finding expedition, but as I described Azir, I fell for him. Funny how that happens when we least expect it.

The powerful wizard Garnout came from the need for Bronwyn to have some sort of mentor. I love Garnout. He’s one of my favorite people. I also wanted to create my dream town. A place where magic abounds, but overall people are friendly with one another. And of course, great food can be found on every corner in Sweet, Texas.

Even though I’ve moved on to new characters that crazy witch Bronwyn is still dancing around in my head. I sometimes wonder if I’ll ever run out of stories for her, and I hope to write many more. It still freaks me out a little when I realize these funny stories have turned into very real books. I’m so grateful to Bronwyn and to all the adventures we’ve had together.

- Candy Havens

Reviews for DRAGONS' CHOICE

LeeAnn at Fallen Angels Review enjoys my work!

She gave Dragons' Choice 5 Angels!!!!

Here's a quick snippet of her comments:

The characters are beautifully crafted, and draw the reader quickly into their world. There is danger, adventure, humor, and you can feel the air rushing across your skin each time the dragons take flight. The plot moves quickly, and holds your attention with the special kind of magic I have enjoyed in Ms. Mumford’s previous works. I will be waiting for each new installment of this series as we discover the fates of all of Sorcha’s children.

Read the complete review here.

Buy Dragons' Choice here.

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Flash Me Magazine has started a review page and they chose my books as their inaugural effort! The books they review are either collections of flash fiction or books written by authors they have published in the past. I'm pleased to qualify for their new service and thrilled that they chose to review both Second Sight and Dragons' Choice.

The reviews are only available in the subscription PDF version, but here's a link to the announcement. You can subscribe here.

Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Dawson reviewed Dragons' Choice. Ms. Dawson said:

"Mrs. Mumford’s delightful storytelling makes every scene vivid and entrancing. She has an excellent ability to look at humans from a dragon’s point of view."

and:

"The book flows between brother and sister in a seamless fashion, carrying two stories easily. Mrs. Mumford’s light tone and vibrant characters make every chapter a pleasure to read."

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Dragons' Choice's review with The Long and the Short of It earned 4 Books! Woot!!

Zinnia said, "I found this story a nice change of pace from the usual shape shifter story. It is unusual to find a paranormal/shape shifter story set in what can only be described as the Middle Ages."

As to my female characters, she said this:

"...writing some very strong female characters. Aislinn was a breath of fresh air. She never hesitated in any step of her journey. She went after everything with a strength and determination that was admirable. Senga is at first, rather unlikable, but as she comes to realize her true feelings about Taran and life in general, she started to grow on me. And of course I must mention Sorcha. As a mother and human she has a unique perspective to what her children are experiencing. She mother’s with the best of them. She knows when to step in and offer advice and when to just get out of the way."

Read the entire review here.

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White Russian Highly recommends Dragons' Choice!

There is so much more going on in Sorcha’s Children: Dragons’ Choice than I have touched upon. Sub-plots abound—damn good ones too! I absolutely loved this fantasy tale and wholeheartedly hope that the other children’s lives will also be written about.

Yay! She wants to read about the other kids!!

Summary: A rich and delightful read. Ms. Mumford has an exceptional talent in making fantasy reality. Nothing is unbelievable; my mind accepted everything as fact, without question. Well done to Ms. Mumford in yet again making me believe that dragons do exist. Fantastic imagery, very good word use—a tale written with superb aplomb. I highly recommend Sorcha’s Children: Dragons’ Choice. A magnificent novel that I wished had gone on and on and on…

Is that not an awesome summary statement? And SIX champagne flutes to boot! Thanks for a wonderful review, White Russian! You've made my week!

Read the entire review here.

Buy Dragons' Choice now.

"Dream by the Fire: Winter Magic" is Available Now

Warm your heart and hearth this winter with nine naughty and nice stories of hope and love.

Available December 4 at Freya's Bower

Christmas in Ireland, a kiss beneath the mistletoe, a snowstorm centuries in the past, Mother's Night in wintry Germany, and the sweet gingerbread aromas of a fine bakery are only a few of the gifts you can give yourself and loved ones this year.

Come visit to find out what other winter treasures await. Help yourself to an excerpt while you're there!