Milestone Birthday and Fresh Starts…

If you’re reading this post on February 2^nd, this day marks a milestone in my life. I turned 65, and I’m now officially a senior citizen. Yay, me! Yes, being well-aged and full of wisdom from the past six and a half decades, I qualify for my Canadian Old Age Pension, as well as a slew of other benefits our government passes on to their seniors. The other milestone in my life is a new knee that’s long overdue after 50 years of knee pain issues and two previous surgeries. Darn those school sports in the 70s! In retrospect, I should have never tried a new long-jump technique that I discovered in a book I found in the school’s library without consulting a teacher! Wink. As mentioned in my January 5^th post HERE, a LOT went on in 2025 that cleared my slate from the past, so I could rebuild my personal and author life for 2026, and beyond.

Yes, I found two publishers willing to take my back list, and future books when my former publisher decided to close up shop by the end of 2025. And yes, we managed to get those second editions published and marketed by the end of the year. My new Canadian publisher, Pandamonium Publishing House also ran a Fairy Falls writing challenge open to the elementary schools I contacted in my area for grade four through to grade eight with the theme, The Day I Heard an Animal’s Thoughts. The winner of the contest received a prize basket which included a signed copy of Lost & Found, a bookmark, a journal, fancy pens, a winner’s certificate, a plush cat toy, and cozy blanket. The winner was announced the first week of December 2025, and it was my privilege to deliver the prize to grade eight student Lexi R. of Erie Migration Elementary School in Kingsville, Ontario. Way to go, Lexi!

If you’re curious, below is Lexi’s winning submission (in its original format to preserve the author’s
authenticity and voice), and judged by a panel at Pandamonium Publishing House:

When I woke up, my palms were sweaty and my right cheek burned with pain. I slowly sat up from the cold, hard ground, my head throbbing and my vision blurring slightly. I bring my hand up to my face, gently touching the cut on my right cheek. The wound wasn’t deep, but it still stung. When my vision came back, I looked around to take in my surroundings. Tall, dark green pine trees surrounded me. They seemed to tower over me, like sky scrapers in a city. Where am I? I thought to myself. That’s when I remembered; I had gone on a walk in the forest to clear my mind. I must’ve tripped and scraped my face on something before passing out. I looked around, and just to my side was a jagged rock that I must’ve hit my face off of. I was busy trying to remember how deep through the forest I was when I heard rustling in the bushes behind me. My stomach dropped as I realized I wasn’t alone in the forest. I whipped around, startled by the sound. But there was no need to be startled, because standing in front of me was a deer, it’s burnt caramel-colored fur almost shimmered because of the cracks of sunlight peeking through the pine trees. The deer’s innocent eyes looked directly into mine, and I realized that something was very wrong. The deer’s bones seemed too visible, like it hadn’t eaten in days. “I need help.” My eyes grew wide as I heard those three words echo in my head. “Did you just-” I paused, unable to even comprehend what just happened. “Us forest animals, we need help. People from your community keep ruining our forest and stealing our food.” The dear lowered it’s head in disappointment and defeat. My heart shattered just looking at the starving deer standing right in front of me, as well as for the other animals suffering with the same problem. It had never occurred to me how much humans could be affecting animals and their environments. “I’m so sorry that this is happening to you. Is there.. anything I could do to help?” I asked. The deer raised its head. “Yes, helping us would be greatly appreciated.” Right afterwards, I immediately tried to do as much as I could to help. I created posters and flyers about how we should stop ruining the animals homes and lives, and instead we should do everything we can to save their habitats and keep them safe in the future. I decided to start a volunteer group to spread awareness for the animals, and we started fundraisers to help them. Weeks later, I was taking a stroll in the same forest when I heard someone talking in my head. “Thank you for everything. We owe you very much.” The deer bowed its head, this time in respect. Before I could say anything, the dear bounded away, deep towards the core of the forest.

Boy, I’m glad that I didn’t have to judge. I’d probably have picked all the submissions. LOL! Seriously though, I loved Lexi’s story and her commitment to nature and the environment. We need more empathetic and kind kids like her who know they will have their hands full cleaning up the mess past generations have created. I’ve also realized through this contest that I need to focus on getting back into the habit of writing at least three to four times a week. I’ve severely slacked off my writing discipline this past year with all the juggling I had to do finding new publishers for all my books. It’s been a roller coaster year for sure!

Now that the craziness of 2025 is behind us, I usually put my books on sale for the entire month of February to celebrate my birthday. However, since the first book in my young adult time travel adventure series is permanently free, I thought I’d showcase The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis ebook in case you haven’t had a chance to download it. Here’s the blurb and an excerpt to whet your reading appetite…

The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, Book One:

Children are the key to our future. And now, they are the only hope for our past.

When 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her classmates land themselves in hot water after a cafeteria food fight, they're assigned to yard duty as punishment. After the kids uncover a mysterious stone arch hidden in the overgrown backyard owned by the Witch of White Pines, they learn that it's an ancient portal created by the lost civilization of Atlantis.

Chosen by an Atlantean Magus, Amanda and her reluctant companions are swept into the secret world of the Timekeepers: legendary guardians entrusted with preserving history from a sinister force known as Belial. Their first mission? Travel back to 13th-century England to ensure a young Robin Hood fulfills his legendary fate.
But time travel comes with strict rules, and one wrong move could rewrite the past... and erase the future.

Packed with high-stakes adventure and a touch of ancient magic, THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS AND THE ARCH OF ATLANTIS is the first book in Sharon Ledwith's series of novels for middle grade readers and adults alike.

Excerpt:

They were almost inside the glowing archway. Its light felt warm and welcoming, like the rising summer sun. Treena stuck her thumbs in the straps of her khaki backpack as if it doubled as a magic parachute. Amanda mimicked Treena and grasped the straps on Jordan’s backpack that she was still wearing. Ravi was the only other person wearing one, so all the rest had nothing to break their fall if that light suddenly cut them loose.

The brilliant, fathomless glow swallowed Amanda, blinding her. Calm and silence overrode her senses. In that moment, two things happened—Amanda sensed that there was no separation between her and the others—as if they were all connected by these tiny threads of light. Second, she started to feel as though she were free falling, moving fast and out of control. She regained her vision, just as the white light exploded into a whirling rainbow.

Drake laughed. “Wicked! This feels like a ride at Disneyland!”

“It feels better than that!” Jordan replied. “I’ve been to Disneyland twice, and there’s no ride that even comes close to this!”

“It’s as if we can fly!” Treena shouted, doing a somersault in mid-air.

“It does feel wonderful, doesn’t it?” Melody said dreamily.

Amanda grabbed both ankles and flipped herself over. She giggled. This freedom, this feeling, this flux was awesome. The huge, spiraling rainbow surrounding the group of seven gently juggled them in mid-air like floating balls in a never-ending lottery game. She glanced over at Jordan’s uncle. His cheeks were sucked in, and his body flopped one way then another like a fish out of water.

“Is your uncle okay, Jordan?” she asked.

Jordan maneuvered over to his uncle by spreading his arms and legs wide as if he were a free-falling parachutist. He grasped his uncle’s shoulder and shook him. “Uncle John? Uncle John! Don’t make me slap you again!”

He reached over, grabbed Jordan, and kissed him on the forehead. “It’s all true, Jordan! It’s all true!”

Jordan squirmed. “What’s true?”

“Time flows through us,” he answered, his voice cracking as if he were a young boy again.

The whirling rainbow burst into shards of light, and they all touched bottom.

It felt soft—like a cushy trampoline—as Amanda, her classmates, Melody, and Professor Lucas bounced easily until they all stood still. Then the ground became solid again. Polished marble walls and finely crafted pillars materialized through the fading light. A sudden high-pitched buzzing noise made her wince. Everyone seemed to hear it too; they cringed in unison. The sound of waves crashing against a shore replaced the buzzing, and a set of deep purple curtains miraculously appeared in front of them. Amanda rubbed her eyes. In the time it took her to take a breath, the curtains were drawn. The brilliant white light that had pulled them into the stone arch now hovered between the open curtains. It started to radiate out, then draw in, out, then in, changing its shape with each rhythmic movement, until it finally transformed into a woman.

The woman was beautiful in an otherworldly way. She had long, fair, flowing hair adorned with quartz crystals. Piercing blue eyes stared back at Amanda like she was peering into her soul. She had a long narrow face with high cheek bones that tapered down to a firm chin. Her nose was long and slender. Amanda smiled at her. The woman smiled back. Her teeth were white, small, and even. She was perfect in every way. A rich-blue sleeveless linen robe adorned her slim body, accentuating her ivory skin.

I wonder if she’s a princess. Amanda didn’t doubt it, especially with all the jewelry the woman wore. A sparkling metallic snake bracelet wound around her left arm, a string of gleaming pearls and shells hung around her neck, and a silver belt strewn with various green, blue, and red gems hugged her waist. The only piece of clothing that didn’t seem to belong was a plain pair of woven sandals.

Melody pushed Drake behind her and took a few steps forward. “I demand that you tell us where we are!”

The beautiful woman gave Melody a gentle smile, and nodded. She opened her arms wide and said, “Welcome to the Temple of Poseidon, in the City of the Golden Gates.”

Melody jerked. “I-I beg your pardon?”

“Atlantis,” Professor Lucas answered in a whisper. “We’re in Atlantis.” 

UNIVERSAL BOOK LINK: https://books2read.com/u/4NE2kx

Are you celebrating any milestones this year? Did you change your life around so that it looks unrecognizable from last year? I’d love to read your comments. Cheers, and as always, thank you for spending your time reading my blog! 

Five Classmates. Two Time Portals. What Could Possibly Go Wrong…

The month of September marks new beginnings. For some it’s their very first day of school. For others, it’s moving up a grade or even on to high school, college or university. For many, it’s back to work, a return to routines, and moving forward in the new season. However, autumn also marks the harvest season for hard-working farmers who reap what they have sown throughout the late spring and summer. I’m harvesting my own kind of crop by bundling Books 1-3 of the Last Timekeepers series so readers can escape to the past, and have a blast anytime of the year. Your reading adventure awaits…

Blurbs:

Books 1-3 in the Last Timekeepers series now available in one volume. Escape to the past and have a blast!

The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis: After 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her classmates uncover a mysterious stone arch, they learn that it's an ancient portal created by the lost civilization of Atlantis. Chosen by an Atlantean Magus, Amanda and her companions are swept into the secret world of the Timekeepers: legendary guardians entrusted with preserving history from a sinister force known as Belial.

The Last Timekeepers and the Dark Secret: In Nazi-occupied Amsterdam during World War 2, the Last Timekeepers are tasked with locating an ancient book before it falls into enemy hands. With help from the Dutch Resistance and a mysterious baron, they must stay one step ahead of a regime determined to silence the truth.

The Last Timekeepers and the Noble Slave: On his third Timekeeper mission, eleven-year-old Drake Bailey must confront a dark chapter of history: the antebellum South. In a time of fear and cruelty, Drake must outwit his captors, protect a vital bloodline, and find the courage to break the chains that threaten to destroy him. Do the Timekeepers have what it takes to complete their mission and protect the timeline?

Excerpt from The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis:

They were almost inside the glowing archway. Its light felt warm and welcoming, like the rising summer sun. Treena stuck her thumbs in the straps of her khaki backpack as if it doubled as a magic parachute. Amanda mimicked Treena and grasped the straps on Jordan’s backpack that she was still wearing. Ravi was the only other person wearing one, so all the rest had nothing to break their fall if that light suddenly cut them loose.

The brilliant, fathomless glow swallowed Amanda, blinding her. Calm and silence overrode her senses. In that moment, two things happened—Amanda sensed that there was no separation between her and the others—as if they were all connected by these tiny threads of light. Second, she started to feel as though she were free falling, moving fast and out of control. She regained her vision, just as the white light exploded into a whirling rainbow.

Drake laughed. “Wicked! This feels like a ride at Disneyland!”

“It feels better than that!” Jordan replied. “I’ve been to Disneyland twice, and there’s no ride that even comes close to this!”

“It’s as if we can fly!” Treena shouted, doing a somersault in mid-air.

“It does feel wonderful, doesn’t it?” Melody said dreamily.

Amanda grabbed both ankles and flipped herself over. She giggled. This freedom, this feeling, this flux was awesome. The huge, spiraling rainbow surrounding the group of seven gently juggled them in mid-air like floating balls in a never-ending lottery game. She glanced over at Jordan’s uncle. His cheeks were sucked in, and his body flopped one way then another like a fish out of water.

“Is your uncle okay, Jordan?” she asked.

Jordan maneuvered over to his uncle by spreading his arms and legs wide as if he were a free-falling parachutist. He grasped his uncle’s shoulder and shook him. “Uncle John? Uncle John! Don’t make me slap you again!”

He reached over, grabbed Jordan, and kissed him on the forehead. “It’s all true, Jordan! It’s all true!”

Jordan squirmed. “What’s true?”

“Time flows through us,” he answered, his voice cracking as if he were a young boy again.

The whirling rainbow burst into shards of light, and they all touched bottom.

It felt soft—like a cushy trampoline—as Amanda, her classmates, Melody, and Professor Lucas bounced easily until they all stood still. Then the ground became solid again. Polished marble walls and finely crafted pillars materialized through the fading light. A sudden high-pitched buzzing noise made her wince. Everyone seemed to hear it too; they cringed in unison. The sound of waves crashing against a shore replaced the buzzing, and a set of deep purple curtains miraculously appeared in front of them. Amanda rubbed her eyes. In the time it took her to take a breath, the curtains were drawn. The brilliant white light that had pulled them into the stone arch now hovered between the open curtains. It started to radiate out, then draw in, out, then in, changing its shape with each rhythmic movement, until it finally transformed into a woman.

The woman was beautiful in an otherworldly way. She had long, fair, flowing hair adorned with quartz crystals. Piercing blue eyes stared back at Amanda like she was peering into her soul. She had a long narrow face with high cheek bones that tapered down to a firm chin. Her nose was long and slender. Amanda smiled at her. The woman smiled back. Her teeth were white, small, and even. She was perfect in every way. A rich-blue sleeveless linen robe adorned her slim body, accentuating her ivory skin.

I wonder if she’s a princess. Amanda didn’t doubt it, especially with all the jewelry the woman wore. A sparkling metallic snake bracelet wound around her left arm, a string of gleaming pearls and shells hung around her neck, and a silver belt strewn with various green, blue, and red gems hugged her waist. The only piece of clothing that didn’t seem to belong was a plain pair of woven sandals.

Melody pushed Drake behind her and took a few steps forward. “I demand that you tell us where we are!”

The beautiful woman gave Melody a gentle smile, and nodded. She opened her arms wide and said, “Welcome to the Temple of Poseidon, in the City of the Golden Gates.”

Melody jerked. “I-I beg your pardon?”

“Atlantis,” Professor Lucas answered in a whisper. “We’re in Atlantis.”

Excerpt from The Last Timekeepers and the Dark Secret:

“I wonder what else is down here.” Drake beamed his cell phone across the basement, hitting jars of jams, pickles, and relishes. His stomach growled.

Jordan pulled the cheese from his pocket and handed it to Drake. “Trade you for your phone.”

“Best. Trade. Ever.” Drake passed his phone to Jordan.

Jordan walked over and grabbed a jar of pickles off the dusty shelf. At least they wouldn’t arrive at the baron’s place hungry. He hoped his uncle had managed to stop Amanda’s bleeding. His hand tightened over the jar, the ridges of the lid cutting into his palm. A scrape from behind the shelves made Jordan jump.

“Hello?” he asked, pushing jars aside. He flashed the cell phone into the small, dark area.

“Who ya talking to, Jordan?” Drake asked with his mouth full of cheese.

“Shhh, Drake.” Jordan listened. Hearing nothing, he shrugged and turned back around.

“I thought I heard—” Jordan stopped and pointed the phone at Ravi. His jaw dropped. “A-Are you serious, Sharma?”

Drake spat out his cheese, snorting with laughter.

“Is there a problem?” Ravi asked, tying the bowtie of his tuxedo.

“You look like a penguin with attitude!” Drake slapped his knee.

“Say what you want, but I’m glad we didn’t hit the cleaners on the way to school now,” Ravi replied, pulling down his sleeves, “or else I wouldn’t have these dry clothes.”

Jordan chuckled. Suddenly, he heard a door creak open, followed by heavy footsteps squeaking down the stairs. Panicking, Jordan stuffed Drake’s phone in his track suit jacket’s pocket and waved Drake over by the shelves. Drake slipped behind Jordan just in time, before the small light bulb above the bottom of the stairs clicked on. Jordan swallowed hard. There, staring directly at Ravi was a portly man in a blood-stained apron. Tufts of blond hair sprouted from the sides of his balding head. His brown trousers were pulled up past his waist, making him resemble an evil garden gnome. In one of his hands, he held a huge butcher knife, its blade flecked with blood.

Wielding the knife, the man pointed at Ravi. “Who are you?”

Ravi licked his thick lips nervously. “The name’s Bond. James Bond.”

Excerpt from The Last Timekeepers and the Noble Slave:

Drake glanced at Elvis standing by the back of the wagon, and their eyes locked. He didn’t appear to be dressed like the slaves Drake remembered in movies or had seen in textbooks. Wearing a dark frock coat over a white linen shirt, and a pair of tan trousers, Elvis seemed dressed more for city living instead of country life. He smiled at Drake and tipped his charcoal derby at him again. “Is…is Elvis your slave?” Drake asked.

“He’ll be free once I pass on.” The sides of Dixie’s hazel eyes crinkled. “But Elvis sometimes thinks he’s the one who wears the pants on account he takes care of me. Taught him how to read and write as best I could, but as you see, people don’t know what to make of him. His skin’s lighter than some white folks I know.”

“So Elvis is an albino.” Drake rubbed his chin. “I thought so. His skin would be the same color as mine if it wasn’t for the lack of a particular enzyme in his body.”

“Not sure what the devil you said, but sounds like you’re one smart boy. If I was you, I wouldn’t show off your schooling to the people ’round here. Folks don’t take too kindly to educated blacks, free or not.” 

“Don’t worry, Dixie, he’ll keep his mouth shut.” Jordan nudged Drake. “Right?”

“When hell freezes over,” Drake whispered to Jordan. He looked up at Dixie and grinned. “Right.”

“Let’s go, children, into the wagon.” Melody gave them the come along sign. “We don’t want to take up any more of Dixie’s valuable time.”

Dixie guffawed. “Pay no mind to the time, Melody. My pappy taught me that you get what you need in life, and I got plenty of time to help others get to where they need to be.”

The sound of Treena grunting into the back of the wagon made Amanda giggle. Drake caught Treena scowling at Amanda while Jordan helped her in. Ravi followed Jordan, careful not to brush his sherwani against the rough wooden sides. The wagon creaked against the added weight, but it seemed sturdy enough to transport them on the rugged dirt road. The Prof assisted Melody into the wagon, and she found a place next to Treena near the front. Jordan and Amanda sat next to each other near the back gate, while Ravi brushed away the dust from one of the sacks of grain before he planted his butt on it. Drake had never known Ravi to be this anal about anything, especially clothes.

“Come on, Drake,” The Prof held out his hand, “last but not least.”

Drake started toward the wagon and stopped, feeling a twinge in his bladder. Looking both ways, he spied a copse of tall shrubs leafy enough to allow him some privacy. “Um, give me a sec, Prof. Nature calls.”

“Hold on, I’ll come with you.”

“No thanks. I think I can handle this task.” 

Drake darted toward the shrubs before Professor Lucas or Melody could protest. Finding the most appropriate spot, he unzipped his pants and proceeded with his business. As soon as he was done, he zipped up his pants the same time a calloused hand roughly covered his mouth. Drake’s neck muscles corded while he was dragged deeper into the forest with what felt like a gun shoved between his shoulder blades.

UNIVERSAL BOOK LINK:  https://books2read.com/u/b5ExvR

This Summer, Welcome to Atlantis. We've Been Expecting You...

Legends. We love them. We can’t get enough of them. In fact, we NEED them. Legends connect humanity in ways we can’t fathom. A legend, by definition is a story handed down for generations among a people and popularly believed to have a historical basis, although not verifiable. In book one of my time travel series, The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, Amanda Sault, her four classmates, and two tag-along adults are whisked through an arch they find buried in an overgrown garden and transported to the mythical continent of Atlantis. They’ve been summoned to become Timekeepers—legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from an evil force known only as Belial. Oh, BTW—they’re not just any Timekeepers—they’re the Last Timekeepers. No pressure, right? Well, maybe a smidgen.

The Timekeepers first mission involves going back to 1214 England, actually Nottingham to be precise. There, Amanda and her time traveling cohorts meet an adolescent Robin Hood, although he is known as Robyn Hodekin to the people of Nottingham. So, here’s the rub—in The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, what’s myth and what’s made-up? That’s when it’s up to the reader to seek the truth and dispel the lies.

The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, Book One

Children are the key to our future. And now, they are the only hope for our past.

When 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her classmates land themselves in hot water after a cafeteria food fight, they're assigned to yard duty as punishment. After the kids uncover a mysterious stone arch hidden in the overgrown backyard owned by the Witch of White Pines, they learn that it's an ancient portal created by the lost civilization of Atlantis.

Chosen by an Atlantean Magus, Amanda and her reluctant companions are swept into the secret world of the Timekeepers: legendary guardians entrusted with preserving history from a sinister force known as Belial. Their first mission? Travel back to 13th-century England to ensure a young Robin Hood fulfills his legendary fate.

But time travel comes with strict rules, and one wrong move could rewrite the past... and erase the future.

Packed with high-stakes adventure and a touch of ancient magic, THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS AND THE ARCH OF ATLANTIS is the first book in Sharon Ledwith's series of novels for middle grade readers and adults alike.

EXCERPT

They were almost inside the glowing archway. Its light felt warm and welcoming, like the rising summer sun. Treena stuck her thumbs in the straps of her khaki backpack as if it doubled as a magic parachute. Amanda mimicked Treena and grasped the straps on Jordan’s backpack that she was still wearing. Ravi was the only other person wearing one, so all the rest had nothing to break their fall if that light suddenly cut them loose.

The brilliant, fathomless glow swallowed Amanda, blinding her. Calm and silence overrode her senses. In that moment, two things happened—Amanda sensed that there was no separation between her and the others—as if they were all connected by these tiny threads of light. Second, she started to feel as though she were free falling, moving fast and out of control. She regained her vision, just as the white light exploded into a whirling rainbow.

Drake laughed. “Wicked! This feels like a ride at Disneyland!”

“It feels better than that!” Jordan replied. “I’ve been to Disneyland twice, and there’s no ride that even comes close to this!”

“It’s as if we can fly!” Treena shouted, doing a somersault in mid-air.

“It does feel wonderful, doesn’t it?” Melody said dreamily.

Amanda grabbed both ankles and flipped herself over. She giggled. This freedom, this feeling, this flux was awesome. The huge, spiraling rainbow surrounding the group of seven gently juggled them in mid-air like floating balls in a never-ending lottery game. She glanced over at Jordan’s uncle. His cheeks were sucked in, and his body flopped one way then another like a fish out of water.

“Is your uncle okay, Jordan?” she asked.

Jordan maneuvered over to his uncle by spreading his arms and legs wide as if he were a free-falling parachutist. He grasped his uncle’s shoulder and shook him. “Uncle John? Uncle John! Don’t make me slap you again!”

He reached over, grabbed Jordan, and kissed him on the forehead. “It’s all true, Jordan! It’s all true!”

Jordan squirmed. “What’s true?”

“Time flows through us,” he answered, his voice cracking as if he were a young boy again.

The whirling rainbow burst into shards of light, and they all touched bottom.

It felt soft—like a cushy trampoline—as Amanda, her classmates, Melody, and Professor Lucas bounced easily until they all stood still. Then the ground became solid again. Polished marble walls and finely crafted pillars materialized through the fading light. A sudden high-pitched buzzing noise made her wince. Everyone seemed to hear it too; they cringed in unison. The sound of waves crashing against a shore replaced the buzzing, and a set of deep purple curtains miraculously appeared in front of them. Amanda rubbed her eyes. In the time it took her to take a breath, the curtains were drawn. The brilliant white light that had pulled them into the stone arch now hovered between the open curtains. It started to radiate out, then draw in, out, then in, changing its shape with each rhythmic movement, until it finally transformed into a woman.

The woman was beautiful in an otherworldly way. She had long, fair, flowing hair adorned with quartz crystals. Piercing blue eyes stared back at Amanda like she was peering into her soul. She had a long narrow face with high cheek bones that tapered down to a firm chin. Her nose was long and slender. Amanda smiled at her. The woman smiled back. Her teeth were white, small, and even. She was perfect in every way. A rich-blue sleeveless linen robe adorned her slim body, accentuating her ivory skin.

I wonder if she’s a princess. Amanda didn’t doubt it, especially with all the jewelry the woman wore. A sparkling metallic snake bracelet wound around her left arm, a string of gleaming pearls and shells hung around her neck, and a silver belt strewn with various green, blue, and red gems hugged her waist. The only piece of clothing that didn’t seem to belong was a plain pair of woven sandals.

Melody pushed Drake behind her and took a few steps forward. “I demand that you tell us where we are!”

The beautiful woman gave Melody a gentle smile and nodded. She opened her arms wide and said, “Welcome to the Temple of Poseidon, in the City of the Golden Gates.”

Melody jerked. “I-I beg your pardon?”

“Atlantis,” Professor Lucas answered in a whisper. “We’re in Atlantis.”

 UNIVERSAL BOOK LINK: https://books2read.com/u/4NE2kx

ADDED BONUS: The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis eBook is permanently free in all online bookstores! Welcome to Atlantis. We’ve been expecting you.

Here’s a glimpse of the premises of both my young adult series:

The Last Timekeepers Time Travel Adventures…

Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers—legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from the evil Belial—five classmates are sent into the past to restore balance, and bring order back into the world, one mission at a time.

Children are the key to our future. And now, they are the only hope for our past.

Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls Teen Psychic Mysteries…

In the small, quiet tourist town of Fairy Falls, a new-to-town teen, an unlikely hero who possesses an unusual psychic ability, is drawn into a mystery and is tasked with uncovering corrupt truths that threaten the town’s future.

Welcome to Fairy Falls. Expect the unexpected.

Buy Links:

The Last Timekeepers Time Travel Adventure Series:

UNIVERSAL BUY LINK ׀ AMAZON ׀ BARNES & NOBLE ׀

The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, Book 1 Buy Links:

UNIVERSAL BUY LINK ׀ AMAZON ׀ BARNES & NOBLE ׀

Legend of the Timekeepers, Prequel Buy Links:

UNIVERSAL BUY LINK ׀ AMAZON ׀ BARNES & NOBLE ׀

Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls Teen Psychic Mystery Series:

Lost & Found, Book One Buy Links:

PANDAMONIUM PUBLISHING HOUSE ׀ AMAZON ׀ BARNES & NOBLE ׀

Blackflies & Blueberries, Book Two Buy Links:

PANDAMONIUM PUBLISHING HOUSE ׀ AMAZON ׀ BARNES & NOBLE ׀

Introducing the Rebrand for The Last Timekeepers Young Adult Time Travel Adventure Series…

The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, Book One:

Children are the key to our future. And now, they are the only hope for our past.

When 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her classmates land themselves in hot water after a cafeteria food fight, they're assigned to yard duty as punishment. After the kids uncover a mysterious stone arch hidden in the overgrown backyard owned by the Witch of White Pines, they learn that it's an ancient portal created by the lost civilization of Atlantis.

Chosen by an Atlantean Magus, Amanda and her reluctant companions are swept into the secret world of the Timekeepers: legendary guardians entrusted with preserving history from a sinister force known as Belial. Their first mission? Travel back to 13th-century England to ensure a young Robin Hood fulfills his legendary fate.

But time travel comes with strict rules, and one wrong move could rewrite the past... and erase the future.

Packed with high-stakes adventure and a touch of ancient magic, THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS AND THE ARCH OF ATLANTIS is the first book in Sharon Ledwith's series of novels for middle grade readers and adults alike.

UNIVERSAL BOOK LINK: https://books2read.com/u/4NE2kx

The Legend of the Timekeepers, Prequel:

There is no moving forward without first going back.

After the fall of Atlantis, young Lilith and her father seek refuge in the mysterious Black Land, but Lilith's heart remains connected to her lost home—until an encounter with a high priestess reveals her true destiny.

She is meant to become a Timekeeper, a guardian tasked with protecting the very fabric of time itself. When Lilith and a band of newfound friends are summoned through the legendary seventh arch of Atlantis, they are thrust back into a critical moment in history. Their mission? To prevent the dark magus Belial from rewriting a sacred prophecy and unraveling the future of Earth.

Armed with ancient knowledge and trust in one another, the young Timekeepers must navigate a dangerous path. But even together, can they outwit Belial and preserve humankind's future?

An epic adventure rich with ancient mystery, LEGEND OF THE TIMEKEEPERS is the prequel to Sharon Ledwith's The Last Timekeepers series.

UNIVERSAL BOOK LINK: https://books2read.com/u/baxQw6

The Last Timekeepers and the Dark Secret, Book Two:

Only a true hero can shine the light in humanity’s darkest time.

When fourteen-year-old Jordan joins his second mission with the Last Timekeepers, he and his companions are thrust into Nazi-occupied Amsterdam during World War 2.

Tasked with locating a powerful, ancient book before it falls into enemy hands, Jordan and his fellow Timekeepers are plunged into a fight far more dangerous than anything they’ve faced before. With help from the Dutch Resistance and a mysterious baron, they must stay one step ahead of a regime determined to silence the truth.

As danger closes in, Jordan discovers that true courage is forged through trust, sacrifice, and the strength of those beside you. But will that be enough to change the past - and protect the future?

A fast-paced adventure rich with historical detail, THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS AND THE DARK SECRET is the second book in Sharon Ledwith's series of novels for middle grade and adult readers alike.

UNIVERSAL BOOK LINK: https://books2read.com/u/499B8k

The Last Timekeepers and the Noble Slave, Book Three:

True freedom happens only when you choose to be free. 

When eleven-year-old Drake Bailey embarks on his third Timekeeper mission, he must confront a dark chapter of history:  the antebellum South. No amount of genius can prepare him for the dark reality of the past, as he assumes the role of a plantation slave.

In a time of fear and cruelty, Drake must outwit his captors, protect a vital bloodline, and find the courage to break the chains that threaten to destroy him. In a race against time, the Timekeepers confront Voodoo, zombies, and ritual sacrifice. But do they have what it takes to complete their mission and protect the timeline?

The third book in Sharon Ledwith's Last Timekeepers series, THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS AND THE NOBLE SLAVE blends rich historical detail with gripping adventure.

UNIVERSAL BOOK LINK: https://books2read.com/u/bW2jxW

So, what do you think of the rebrand created by my new publisher Next Chapter? Would love to read your comments. Cheers and thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I appreciate you! 

Author in the Kitchen: A Tasty No-Bake Fun Father's Day Recipe and YA Time Travel Adventure Read...

Looking for a great family snack or gift for the upcoming Father's Day that’s easy to make and soooo addictively wicked you’ll need to lock those ranch-dressed, salty bites under lock and key if you want to make them last until the big day with Dad? Then look no further. I've got you covered with my mouth-watering Pretzel Crack recipe. Seriously. Dad will be hooked with his first nibble.

And guess what? No baking is required. It's the perfect gift your kids can create to give to their fathers on their special day. Plus this recipe makes loads for movie watching later on in the week or if you're attending a barbecue with friends or family throughout the summer. It's a win-win gift all around!

PRETZEL CRACK
32 ounce bag of pretzels
16 ounce bottle of Orville Redenbacher’s Buttery Flavor popcorn oil
1 package of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix (dry)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoon dill weed
1 deep foil tray (from dollar store)

Mix all dry ingredients in a medium size bowl.
Stir in popcorn oil.
Add pretzels and coat evenly, then spoon into a deep foil pan.
Air dry pretzels in foil tray, stirring every 15 minutes or so until dry. This can take anywhere from 2 - 4 hours.

Store your freshly made pretzel crack in freezer bags. Voila. Done. Ready for consumption.

Warning: If you find that you or a family member eats a whole bag in one sitting, it’s time for an intervention. Do what you must. Be firm. Then, since the bag is empty, go ahead and make some more. You know you want it.

While waiting for the pretzel crack to dry, might I suggest you enjoy a trip into the past with The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis?

Children are the keys to our future. And now, children are the only hope for our past.

When 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her annoying classmates are caught in a food fight at school, they're given a choice: suspension or yard duty. The decision is a no-brainer. Their two-week crash course in landscaping leads to the discovery of a weathered stone arch in the overgrown back yard. The arch isn't a forgotten lawn ornament but an ancient time portal from the lost continent of Atlantis.

Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers--legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from the evil Belial--Amanda and her classmates are sent on an adventure of a lifetime. Can they find the young Robin Hood and his merry band of teens? If they don't, then history itself may be turned upside down.

BUY LINKS
Amazon - Kobo

Sharon Ledwith is the author of the middle-grade/young adult time travel adventure series, THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS, and the award-winning teen psychic mystery series, MYSTERIOUS TALES FROM FAIRY FALLS. When not writing, reading, researching, or revising, she enjoys anything arcane, ancient mysteries, and single malt scotch. Sharon lives a serene, yet busy life in a southern tourist region of Ontario, Canada, with her spoiled hubby and two shiny red e-bikes.

Learn more about Sharon Ledwith on her WEBSITE and BLOG. Look up her AMAZON AUTHOR page for a list of current books. Stay connected on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, PINTEREST, LINKEDIN, INSTAGRAM, and GOODREADS.

BONUS: Download the free PDF short story The Terrible, Mighty Crystal HERE

Out with the Old Year. In with the New Year…

Justine and I selling our reading wares...

First, I want to wish my readers and followers a very Happy New Year, and all the best in 2019! I can’t believe how fast 2018 flew by. I guess we say that about every year, I’m afraid. I usually start off a new year with a post on what’s happening in my writing life, any newsworthy tidbits, and what I hope to accomplish this year. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a book release in 2018, so I’ve had to reassess and reevaluate my future goals and plans. Something I believe we all should do on a personal and professional level at the end of every year.

That said, shall we get this new year started! In December, I had the pleasure of working with my publisher, Justine Alley Dowsett at a Christmas Market in Windsor. It was so refreshing to get out of my writing lair and meet potential readers. We chatted up eager holiday shoppers and sold many books during our three-week stint each Wednesday night. And I’m happy to report that there’s a lot of young readers out there waiting for the next book in my series, so I’d better get my butt in my chair and finish off the next novel! I also met a teacher who seemed quite interested in our books, and promised to pass along our names to her school’s librarian. Sweet!

At the end of December, I write down where I’d like to be in twelve months—one book published, one book written, outline next book, and how to reach more readers. This strategy usually works for me, but for some reason, I fell short in 2018. Hence the importance of reassessment. Now, everything would have worked out great if I hadn’t applied for a Canadian grant for the Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls series. A grant, by-the-way, I did not receive. Sigh. Glad I developed a thick skin throughout the years of writing! Anyway, I ended up submitting Blackflies and Blueberries, Book Two in Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls series, to Mirror World Publishing last winter, and I’m happy to announce that this book will be released in May, 2019. Woohoo!

In order to reach more readers, I hired a book promotion specialist last January, which helped with my social media presence and got my books out into the cyber-world. Time will tell if this is a good investment or not, but I realize that this publishing gig is a marathon, not a sprint, and patience is the name of the game. I truly believe that hard work eventually pays off, and I’m continuing to see slow and steady growth as an author, and in book sales. I’ve also revamped my website to make it ‘mobile friendly’, updated my author photo, and added a couple of free cookbooks on the site where some of my recipes are featured along with other prominent authors’ recipes. It’s a win-win for readers and foodies! Check out my mobile friendly website HERE.

I also want to announce that I’ve scheduled a week-long Birthday Book Blog Tour starting February 4^th and running until February 8^th to showcase my two book series, and give readers a sneak peek at my upcoming release in May. There will be an international Rafflecopter giveaway for the first book in The Last Timekeepers series and Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls, plus Mirror World Publishing has agreed to put my books up for sale for the entire month of February! I’ll also be busy finishing up the next installment of The Last Timekeepers time travel adventure series set to be released in 2020, and will continue to connect with my readers on the numerous social media networks. So that’s all the news for now. Thanks so much for your continued support throughout the years. Readers Rock!

Below are the links to my website, blog, and social media accounts. Please consider following or connecting with me:

Learn more about Sharon Ledwith on her WEBSITE and BLOG. Look up her AMAZON AUTHOR page for a list of current books. Stay connected on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, PINTEREST, LINKEDIN, INSTAGRAM, and GOODREADS.

Celebrating the Holidays with Cookies for Santa and Books for your Readers...

Holiday baking got you overwhelmed? No worries. I've got you covered. These are the best oatmeal cookies you’ll ever eat. Perfect for serving with tea or coffee during unexpected (or expected) visitor drop-ins during the holiday season, this recipe is guaranteed to make you (or Santa) smile with each bite. These cookies make wonderful gifts too. Fill a festive cookie tin from the dollar store to create the perfect present for teachers, baby-sitters, hair-stylists, and neighbors. You're welcome!

FESTIVE OATMEAL COCONUT COOKIES

Photo by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash

1½ cups brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
¾ cup butter, softened
2 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking powder
1 cup oats
1 cup crispy rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies®)
1 cup flaked coconut

PREHEAT oven to 350° F (175° C).

BEAT sugars and butter together with an electric mixer in a large bowl until smooth. Add 1 egg at a time, allowing the first to blend into the mixture before adding the next. Add the vanilla.

STIR flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder together in a bowl. Beat into the butter mixture until just incorporated into the dough.

FOLD oats, crispy rice cereal, and coconut into the dough. Mix just enough to evenly combine.

DROP cookie dough by teaspoonful onto baking sheets.

BAKE until browned, 8-9 minutes.

COOL cookies slightly on baking sheets before moving to cooling racks to cool completely. Store in airtight containers.

I recommend you sample the cookies along with your favorite beverage and crack open one of my books. May I suggest a visit to Fairy Falls, or if you’re feeling really adventurous, a trip back in time with The Last Timekeepers? Whichever you choose, I guarantee either series will make the perfect gift for the avid reader in your home this holiday season.

Children are the keys to our future. And now, children are the only hope for our past.

When 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her annoying classmates are caught in a food fight at school, they're given a choice: suspension or yard duty. The decision is a no-brainer. Their two-week crash course in landscaping leads to the discovery of a weathered stone arch in the overgrown back yard. The arch isn't a forgotten lawn ornament but an ancient time portal from the lost continent of Atlantis.

Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers--legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from the evil Belial--Amanda and her classmates are sent on an adventure of a lifetime. Can they find the young Robin Hood and his merry band of teens? If they don't, then history itself may be turned upside down.

Fairy Falls was bores-ville from the get-go. Then the animals started talking...

The Fairy Falls Animal Shelter is in trouble. Money trouble. It’s up to an old calico cat named Whiskey—a shelter cat who has mastered the skill of observation—to find a new human pack leader so that their home will be saved. With the help of Nobel, the leader of the shelter dogs, the animals set out to use the ancient skill of telepathy to contact any human who bothers to listen to them. Unfortunately for fifteen-year-old Meagan Walsh, she hears them, loud and clear.

Forced to live with her Aunt Izzy in the safe and quiet town of Fairy Falls, Meagan is caught stealing and is sentenced to do community hours at the animal shelter where her aunt works. Realizing Meagan can hear her, Whiskey realizes that Meagan just might have the pack leader qualities necessary to save the animals. Avoiding Whiskey and the rest of shelter animals becomes impossible for Meagan, so she finally gives in and promises to help them. Meagan, along with her newfound friends, Reid Robertson and Natalie Knight, discover that someone in Fairy Falls is not only out to destroy the shelter, but the animals as well. Can Meagan convince her aunt and co-workers that the animals are in danger? If she fails, then all the animals’ voices will be silenced forever.