Glen Dahlgren: Author Q&A

Glen Dahlgren is an award-winning game designer and the author of the young adult book series The Chronicles of Chaos, which fantasy legend Piers Anthony called “what fantasy fiction should be.”

Glen has written, designed, directed, and produced critically acclaimed, narrative-driven computer games for the last three decades.

Please welcome Glen.

Firstly, congrats on your book baby making its way out into the world. It sounds like a ripper of a series! If you could go back to the start of The Child of Chaos’s publishing journey and give yourself any advice, what would it be?

Mostly, get moving! It took me 20 years to complete this book and get it published. That said, I learned a lot in that period that enabled me to take this step. But I’m really hoping it takes me far less time to publish my next book!

You have had a very impressive career in the gaming industry, was it always a dream of yours to write books or was it just a natural progression from computer game story telling?

Actually, making games was my dream and I lived it for a long time. In the course of doing that, I was able to create stories inside the worlds of established SF and fantasy authors. While I truly enjoyed that, there’s nothing as satisfying as constructing a world and characters of my own and releasing it into the world.

Also, making games is a team activity. I love working with talented people to bring something extraordinary to life—but this book is truly my baby. That said, even the Child of Chaos owes a lot to my beta readers, my cover artist, and my son who drew the interior illustrations. This novel wouldn’t be the same without them.

Can you tell us a little about how you come up with the idea for The Chronicles of Chaos?

It actually started as a premise I created for a computer game–but upon reflection, I realized it wasn’t a game at all. At that moment, even though I had never written a novel before, I knew this would be my first. I just didn’t suspect it would take 20 years to write!

It all started out with a simple question: what if there was no real difference between good and evil? In a world governed by temples, each representing a different god/aspect of Order, good and evil (among many others) were just two equally respected callings. But those who had had no calling to any temple were “faithless”, and that was much worse.

I am looking forward to reading The Child of Chaos now that it is out in the world. What are you currently reading (or what was the last book you read)?

Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman, The Shepherd’s Crown (and all the other Diskworld novels) by Terry Pratchett. I guess I have a penchant for fantasy writers from the UK! But my inspirations are the classic fantasy authors, like Robert Jordan, Terry Brooks, Margaret Weis, Tad Williams, and many more.

Thank you to Glen for popping in for a chat.
Be sure to check out The Child of Chaos > > >

RELEASING TODAY!
The Child of Chaos (The Chronicles of Chaos, #1)
by Glen Dahlgren
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Adventure
Publication: August 16th, 2020
Publisher: Mysterium Storyworks

“This is what fantasy fiction should be.” —Piers Anthony, New York Times bestselling author and fantasy legend.

Galen loves dreaming up stories, but he never expected to be pulled into a nightmare.

An irresistible longing drags Galen to an ancient vault where, long ago, the gods of Order locked Chaos away. Chaos promises power to the one destined to liberate it, but Galen’s dreams warn of dark consequences.

He isn’t the only one racing to the vault, however. Horace, the bully who lives to torment Galen, is determined to unleash Chaos–and he might know how to do it.

Galen’s imagination always got him into trouble, but now it may be the only thing that can prevent Horace from unraveling the world.

“There is a quality of imagination and detail here that impresses me. This is no ordinary sword and sorcery story. [Glen Dahlgren] is a novelist who I think will become more widely known as his skill is appreciated.” —Piers Anthony

To find out more about Glen and The Child of Chaos, visit Glen’s Blog or Goodreads, or to purchase head to Amazon AU, Amazon US & Bookdepository.
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Frankie and the Gift of Fantasy: Book Spotlight

Join us for this tour from August 3 to August 14, 2020!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Frankie and the Gift of Fantasy by Ruthy Ballard
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 260 pages
Genre:  Fantasy and Magic
Publisher:  WhipSmart Books
Release date:   June 16, 2020 (ebook); October 1, 2020 (print)
Tour dates: August 3 to August 14, 2020
Content Rating:  G.

Book Description:

Frankie Russo doesn’t brood about the past or worry about the future. He lives in the present moment, frolicking in a world of make-believe that drives his high-achieving parents crazy. They have lofty ambitions for him, but Frankie has no interest. He prefers to flip helium burgers on Jupiter or rule a kingdom of mermen in the Caspian Sea, up inside his head, where all the fun is. Frankie’s parents nag him endlessly, worried he’ll come to nothing. But all that changes when he disappears through a mysterious crack in his bedroom ceiling and finds himself on a distant, two-mooned planet called Urth. Why was he drawn there? He doesn’t know, but as he embarks on a delightful, mind-blowing adventure, Frankie’s desperate parents think he’s been abducted, and an innocent man is
arrested and charged with the crime! On the surface, Frankie and the Gift of Fantasy is a lighthearted science-rich adventure story that takes its middle grade readers on an entertaining romp to the other side of the galaxy. But the undercurrent is one of discovery and redemption, where a ten-year-old boy, through an unexpected journey, finds a way to escape his parent’s stifling shadow and emerge into a future of his own choosing.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
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Meet the Author:Ruthy Ballard is a children’s book author, artist, and scientist who lives in Sacramento, California. By day, she’s “Dr. Ruth Ballard,” a professor and forensic DNA expert. By night, she romps in an imaginative playground of colors and words. Ruthy is the author of Frankie and the Gift of Fantasy and Tales by Moons-Light: Stories from Before the Great Melt. She is currently working on the third book in her Tales by Moons-light series: Elvia and the Gift of Passion. Her entertaining stories lure middle grade readers into science, but her creative ventures don’t stop there. She’s also a folk artist whose colorful “cartoons” delight and inspire both children and adults. Ruthy is married to a musician and is the mother of two sons, three cats, and a Samoyed dog named Mush, all of whom appear in her work, in various guises, from time to time.

Connect with author:  website facebook goodreads

Tour Schedule:Aug 3 – Splashes of Joy – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 3 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 4 – Book Paradise – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 4 – Pick a Good Book – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 5 – Books, Tea, Healthy Me – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 5 – Library of Clean Reads – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 6 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 7 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 7 – Hall Ways Blog – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 7 – Writer with Wanderlust – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 10 – The Book View – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 11 – Pen Possessed – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 11 – The Bespectacled Mother – book spotlight
Aug 12 – Sarah Says – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 13 – Haddie’s Haven – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 13 – Reading Authors Network – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 13 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 14 – Adventurous Bookworm – book spotlight / giveaway

 

Enter the Giveaway:

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Until next time, enjoy your shelves 🙂

#LoveOZYA release blitz

Title: Reign of Secrets
Author: L.L. Hunter 
Genre: YA Fantasy
Cover Designer: Stephanie Sew of Sevenstar Book Covers
Publication Date: June 30th, 2020
Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR
Blurb:
At the Midnight Ball, leave your inhibitions at the door and be who you were born to be…
In the magical kingdom of Sydlandia, 17 year old Grace is hiding a secret.
You see, she’s the heir to the Sydlandian throne. But according to hundreds of years of tradition and history, those with her particular secret are not allowed to be Queen.
Grace is torn between two worlds: the one where she is queen, reigning over her people with strength and authority.
Then there’s the other world: the one where she doesn’t have to pretend. Where she can be herself. Where magic and secrets come out to play.
The Midnight Ball gives her the freedom to be someone else for the night.
But for Grace, that is not so easy.
When a devasting event upends Grace’s world, it will force her to rethink everything she’s ever known.
And question everyone around her.
After all, she’s not the only one hiding secrets.
From the bestselling author of The Dragon Heart series and the Legend of the Archangel series, comes the first book in an all new YA fantasy series.
L.L. Hunter is the author of over 20 published works, including The Legend of the Archangel Series and The Garden of Eden. She has studied everything from veterinary nursing, forensic science, and dramatic arts, but has always known her true calling was to be an author. She has been writing since her teens – everything from fan fiction to song lyrics, to plays and musicals. When not working on her next paranormal romance, she can be found at home in Australia, reading somewhere comfortable with one or both of her “fur babies.” Follow her on Facebook, Twitter @llhunterbooks, and her blog.
Thanks for visiting sarahfairbairn.com 🙂
Until next time, enjoy your shelves 🙂

Taste My Wrath: Blitz & Giveaway

Taste My Wrath
Debbie Cassidy
(The Iron Fae #1)
Publication date: June 18th 2020
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

A dead earth, a handful of survivors, and a game that could wipe out humanity.

I was one of the few humans to be saved by the shining ones. Powerful beings who came from the stars just in time to stop the annihilation of mankind.

But they’ve been here before.

Earth was once their home and humanity has another name for them. Fae.

Now we live in iron cities paying for haven as workers and conscripted warriors.

We owe them after all.

Until they ask too much.

The Regency Tournament is about to begin. A test of prowess for the shining ones to determine which House will rule their people for the next century.

And we humans? We’re the prey.

But I didn’t survive earths almost destruction to be hunted like a beast.

If I’m going to go down, then I’ll be taking these pointy eared wankers with me.

And I have an advantage. A shadow companion—protective but tough. My mentor has trained me in the art of survival. With his smooth dulcet tones in my head, and his shadowy form at my back, I’ll no longer be prey.

And when I hunt the shining ones, they won’t even see me coming.

An Urban Fantasy Romance adventure.

 

Experience the magic of the Fae set against a Post-Apocalyptic back drop in a dystopian world.

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Bio:

Debbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head – in a totally non psychotic way of course. She writes Urban Fantasy, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

 

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Feisty Heroines: Promo & Giveaway

Feisty Heroines: Romance Collection of Shorts
Genre: Paranormal, Contemporary, Fantasy, Historical, Romance
Publication: June 16th, 2020

With stories by: D.F. Jones, Tia Didmon, Margo Bond Collins, Dariel Raye, Miranda Lynn, Ruth A. Casie, Savannah Kade, Stephany Tullis, Suzanne Cass, Teri Riggs, Donya Lynne, Ashlee Price,  Brenda Trim, Claire Angel, Lauren Wood, Angela Sanders, Sheri-Lynn Marean, Maggie Adams, P. T. Macias, I. D. Johnson, Felicity Brandon, Kayla Wolf, Dr. Sharon A. Mitchell, Ellen Mint, Lane McFarland, D. B. Sieders,Rachel Tsoumbakos, Maria Vickers, Theresa Hissong, Allie Marie, Amy Hale, Renee Regent, Barabara Bettis, Karen Muir, Ana Morgan, Tess St. John.

Over 30+ pulse-racing shorts to capture your heart with USA Today, The
Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Award-winning authors in the mix.

Paranormal, Contemporary, Fantasy, and Historical Romance that will whet your
appetite with titillating, heart-pounding tales you’ll want to read
again then beg for more.

Fall in love with your next book crush!

**Only .99 cents (US)**

View on GOODREADS and AMAZON

Net profits from sales of the book will be donated to the International Red Cross and the Association for Critical Care Nurses!

**Pre-order the set for only .99 cents (US) and go HERE to get over 30 FREE books!! **
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$20 Amazon
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Thanks for visiting sarahfairbairn.com 🙂
Until next time, enjoy your shelves 🙂

See All Evil: Cover Reveal

Title: See All Evil

Series: Academy for the Wicked #1

Author: Majanka Verstraete

Genre: New Adult Reverse Harem / Academy / Paranormal Romance

Release Date: June 2, 2020

On my eighteenth birthday, a zombie-like version of my mother told me I was invited to join the Academy for the Wicked.

Hours later, the diner I worked at was overrun by creatures that shouldn’t exist. Alec, a warlock, who appeared out of thin air and made a glass levitate – which is probably the least of his powers. A demon named Christian, the culprit who was behind my mother’s zombie-like episode this morning. Damian, the vampire, who promptly killed my manager, and Tristan, a necromancer who could summon the dead, and the most mysterious one of them all, a mesmer called Ronan.

All of them swore they would protect me from the nightmare that has haunted me for years: the red room, the throne of blood, the Queen of Maggots. I have had the same horrible nightmare for years, but now it seems the Queen of Maggots is no longer confined to the world of dreams…

With five gorgeous guys eager to protect me, I should feel safe, but the Academy is unlike anything I’ve ever had to endure. The students and teachers all keep secrets, and the Academy itself is a deadly trap.

To survive my first semester at the Academy of the Wicked, I will need to figure out who and what I truly am, and why the Queen of Maggots wants me dead…

Pre-order SEE ALL EVIL here!
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Author Bio

Majanka Verstraete studied law and criminology, and now works as Legal Counsel. Writing is her passion ever since she learned how to read.
She writes about all things supernatural, her books ranging from children’s picture books to young adult novels, all the way to new adult academy and reverse harem books.
Check out her website for more information about her current series and her upcoming projects: http://majankaverstraete.com

Giveaway

Win an eBook copy of SEE ALL EVIL upon its release!

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Free Prequel Novella

Download the Prequel Novella to Academy for the Wicked for FREE!

Two ways to get your free novella:

  • Join Majanka’s mailing list by going here to her blog, and signing up in the sidebar! All you need to add is your email address. As an added bonus, you’ll get monthly updates about my latest releases.
  • Go here and download immediately!

Happy reading!

Thanks for visiting sarahfairbairn.com 🙂
Until next time, enjoy your shelves 🙂

Crossed: Cover Reveal

Crossed

Keeper Witches 0.5

by Kristy Centeno

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy

Bryn McCaskey lived by simple rules: kill demons, never use magic against
school bullies, and avoid running her mouth in front of her Grams.

It all seemed easy enough to follow.

Until Rhyzel Connor rolled into her life.

Suddenly everything she thought she knew about demons is put to the test as
she finds herself teaming up with the most unusual of teammates to
save a fellow witch from a hit.

Only problem is she doesn’t know how trustworthy Rhyzel is.

When magic is involved a good outcome isn’t always guaranteed and Bryn
will have to put her neck on the line to get to the bottom of the
well, even if it means unmasking Rhyzel and everything he stands for
in an attempt to solve the biggest mystery she’s ever come across.

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo

Kristy Centeno loves to spin tales of creatures that go bump in the night,
with a sprinkle of romance to top them off. Her passion for writing
stems from a lifelong enjoyment of reading and the pleasure derived
from the magical worlds created by authors like her. She prefers her
female leads strong, independent, and stubborn who will stop at
nothing to save their loved ones and protect those they care for.

Kristy currently resides in Pennsylvania with her five kids, a quartet of
noisy parakeets, and a spoiled puppy. When she’s not working or
writing, she juggles her free time between raising a handful of
minions and pursuing other career goals.

Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

$10 Amazon

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The roar of an engine speeding in our direction drew the Snotty Four’s attention away from me and to a piece of black and green hunk of metal on two wheels headed right for us. Karen and Natasha squealed as the front tire of a beautiful Yamaha motorcycle sped toward them. They jumped to the side, leaving Marianne, Jill, and me in its destructive path.
Marianne and Jill released their iron grip on me and quickly hightailed it after their besties, rushing to the parking lot of the abandoned restaurant to my left as the motorcycle screeched to a stop a mere three feet from my right foot. I had a mini heart attack, but instead of running for cover, I stood frozen to the spot as if my shoes had been superglued to the sidewalk.
I brought my gaze up to the rider, unsure if I should thank him or curse at him. Who the hell drove their motorcycle off the road and right in the direction of five teenagers? No one. Not unless they were crazy, drunk, or stupid. Or all three. There were a lot of psychos out there nowadays.
“Hey, jerk!” Karen yelled at the stranger, who failed to acknowledge her.
Instead, he lifted the helmet off his head and directed a set of green eyes at me. His hair was the color of copper and contrasted against his pale skin. He was very attractive, there was no denying that, but something about him instantly put me on alert.
For starters, no normal person had specks of red in their irises along with their natural color. Second, he gave out an interesting vibe. Like he was surrounded by some inner force that, although invisible, I could still sense.

Thanks for visiting sarahfairbairn.com 🙂
Until next time, enjoy your shelves 🙂

Boys on the Brink: Freebie

Today I gave a little guest post and Promo for you from Author Jamie Deacon. I read and reviewed Jamie’s novella Defensive Play from her Boys on the Brink series at the start of 2019 and loved it!  Now I’ll hand the post over.


Thank you so much for allowing me to stop by today to share a little about my new Boys on the Brink short story, available FREE AND EXCLUSIVE to everyone who signs up to my newsletter! Off Course is a sweet YA LGBT+ romance centred on Jason and Taz, rivals on their county cross country team, and can be downloaded by subscribing here.

I hope you have as much fun reading my story as I had writing it, and I look forward to welcoming you to my quarterly newsletter, where I share reading recommendations, updates on my writing, and anything else I think might be of interest to my readers, including the occasional cute dog photo!

About the Story

Blurb

OffCourse

Available free and exclusive to newsletter subscribers.

He should never have gone running that afternoon—not with the roads so treacherous, and certainly not without checking his phone was charged. Then again, if there’s one thing seventeen-year-old Jason Connor is famous for, besides being the star of his cross country team, it’s his impulsiveness. So, when an injured ankle leaves him stranded in the woods with no means of calling for aid, it isn’t the first time a rash decision has led him into trouble.

As dusk approaches, Jason believes his situation can’t get any worse…until rescue arrives in the form of Tarek Bahrani—beautiful, infuriating, and the very last person Jason would choose to find him sprawled in the mud. The two have been enemies since clashing at the Brookshire County Championships, but while Taz is a constant reminder of Jason’s biggest mistake, he might just be the only one who can help him put things right.

Sign up here to get your free copy!

Teaser

My head snaps up and I strain my ears to listen. Footsteps. Not the hurried, uneven footsteps of someone fleeing a pursuer, but the measured pace of a serious jogger. My heart high-jumps into my throat, then drops in an ungainly tumble to my stomach. God, not him. Please let it be anyone else but him.

Even as the prayer forms in my mind, I know it’s hopeless. I grind my teeth, frustrated at my own impotence, and watch for the figure to come into view. There’s only one person around here dedicated enough to be out running with the clouds about to burst, and it also happens to be the last person in the world I’d choose to find me on my backside in the mud.

Catching sight of me, he slows to a halt a few paces away. He brushes the dark curls off his sweaty forehead and raises an eyebrow. “Jason Connor. Fancy meeting you here.”

I glare up at him, summoning all the venom I can muster whilst in a crumpled heap on the ground. Christ, of all the residents of Oakmere who might have stumbled across me, why did it have to be him? Tarek Bloody Bahrani. Beautiful, infuriating Taz. My nemesis. The one boy who has seen me at my worst.

About Jamie Deacon

Author Bio

JamieDeacon

Born in 1982, Jamie Deacon lives close to the River Thames in Berkshire, England, and is a full-time author of young adult fiction featuring characters across the gender and sexuality spectrums. When not writing, Jamie loves to read, play board games, and solve cryptic crosswords.

Jamie’s debut novel, Caught Inside, was published by Beaten Track in 2016 to much acclaim, including two Rainbow Awards. It was also nominated for a Lambda Literary (Lammy) Award, a Bisexual Book Award, and a Next Generation Indie Book Award.

Connect with Jamie

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads


If you’re interested in reading my review of Jamie’s novella Defensive Play that I mentioned before, click HERE.
It was a warm and fuzzy five star read for me.

Thanks for visiting sarahfairbairn.com 🙂
Until next time, enjoy your shelves 🙂

The Coven Queen: Excerpt

Become the witch you were born to be.
Harley Sinclair has had more than her share of heartbreak, and now she’s all alone once again, trying to hold her life together and move on from the tragedies and the losses of both the dead and the living.
However, she cannot indulge in grief over heartbreak nor death.
Bodies are being found all over London, and then one turns up in the Coven’s confines. Someone is hunting witches and wizards, and with the Coven leaderless, they are more vulnerable than ever.
In order to escape the memories haunting her, she agrees to fly to Chicago to find the source of the murders before everyone she knows is killed.
Discover the magic, mystery, and mischief in the final installment of the #1 bestselling Coven Series!

*** PLUS *** books 1-4 are 99c each!

EXCERPT:

The man yanked Harley up from her seat, still keeping the gun on her, and pulled her across the hall, kicking open the door where Caelum was being held.

He was being held still by two men, while the one woman held a silver blade to his throat. The third man had a gun pulled on him from the corner of the room. His wrists were bright red, as was the area of his neck where the blade touched. The silver was burning him. They had figured out he was a shapeshifter.

“What are you waiting for? Kill him!” the man holding her commanded.

Everything after seemed to happen in slow motion. The woman dug the tip of the blade into his throat and moved it downward, obviously to stab his heart and kill him. Caelum gasped and closed his eyes, absolutely helpless. He looked ready to swoon from the pain.

Harley’s body began to tingle from head to toe as her magic blossomed within her, hot and angry and ready to strike as though it was a living thing.

The man holding her let go abruptly, as her magic burnt him, eyes wide as he stared at her.

She paid him no mind, however. Her eyes, and her heart, were on Caelum.

No!” she cried, and at her word, as though it was a command, her magic seemed to break free, uncontrolled and harsh. The cuffs holding her snapped apart and fell to the ground with multiple clinks while her green magic flew out, attacking every single human in the room. As if it were a wave, it dispersed, knocking all six humans into the walls. Now not held up by anyone, Caelum fell in a heap to the ground, blood slowly dripping from his wounds.

No longer shaking and filled with brimming magic, Harley rushed forward, not checking on a single human. She kicked the knife out of the way and felt for a pulse on Caelum. It was there, they hadn’t reached his heart yet when her magic had stopped them.

“Caelum,” she whispered, feeling her hand tremble as she held her palm over his wounds. “Plaga reparo,” she cast over and over, until he was no longer leaking blood. Without saying a word, her magic went out on its own once more and shattered the handcuffs so that he was no longer burning. Gingerly, she took his hands in hers and healed the round burn marks on his wrists.

People clattered behind her and she leapt up, ready to defend them both if need be. But to her surprise, she saw Director Mancini and three other agents from the PID. Judging by the Dark energy, two of those agents were vampires.

“What happened here?” Mancini asked, looking around.

“We found the hunters’ lair,” Harley replied. “I will fill you in later; Caelum needs help. He fainted as they were trying to stab him with a silver blade.”

Mancini went down by Caelum and said, “I believe he’s simply unconscious now, but we will take him back to the PID and get a Medic to look at him. Are you all right?”

“Yes, sir,” Harley said.

“How the Hell did you knock them all out?” one of the other agents asked, nudging one of the hunters with her boot.

“I–” She wasn’t sure what to say. To admit that she didn’t have full control of her magic to the paranormal police was a bad idea.

“Never mind. Are they all alive?” Mancini asked.

“Not this one.” The other vampire agent pointed to the woman who had held the knife to Caelum’s throat. “Her skull’s been shattered.”

Thanks for visiting sarahfairbairn.com 🙂
Until next time, enjoy your shelves 🙂