DUST TO DUST ( A Broken Fairy Tale) is the first book in my new stand alone Contemporary Romance series that tells a tale about a woman who feels broken after a tragedy changes the path of her life.  It's a suspenseful story of strength, perseverance, and love. 

I am so very excited to announce that my first Contemporary Suspenseful Romance novel, Dust to Dust (A Broken Fairy Tale) will be released on March 4th!  Woot!!
I have had the best time writing my YA fantasy series, Secrets of Shadow Hill, but had decided to take a dip into the adult romance world and developed a 4 book stand alone series that will explore characters who feel broken or have had to deal with difficult situations, but find the light in the cracks of their life.  The second book of the stand alone series, His Jar of Hearts (A Broken Fairy Tale) is also expect to come out in late July!  Check back for information about cover reveals, excerpts, and signings.

Be sure to check back on my events page soon too, I will be attending two more book signings on the West Coast this summer that I am very excited to announce soon!

I never expected to publish one book, so all of this is very exciting for me, and I hope you all too!  I am looking forward to sharing all of my books with you in 2014, and don't forget to get Always and Forever and The Prophecy today!  War of Wizards will be out before you know it.

Happy reading!

So, I'm not the best getting on here and blogging, I apologize for that.  Now that I have my monthly newsletter, be sure to get on the mailing list so that you can get all of the latest updates about my new releases in 2014.

As I have said before, I have been working hard the past several months on finishing not only the last book in the story of my Secrets of Shadow Hill series, War of Wizards, but I also completed my first contemporary romance, Dust to Dust (A Broken Fairy Tale).  The Secrets of Shadow Hill series is my baby, and it has actually been slightly heartbreaking to write this last book in the series.  It has been incredibly rewarding and challenging to weave the trilogy into a tale of love, loyalty, and honor.  However, the more I wrote War of Wizards, the more I felt that there is still more to tell about Shadow Hill, but Ava and Dalton's story will be complete.  So keep your eyes open for more about the series I am developing that will focus on Hannah and her place in this magical world.
For now, Always and Forever will be on a blog tour for the next few weeks so I hope you will all stop in and check out the interviews, excerpts, reviews, and share my books with your friends!  You are the people that are the most powerful in spreading the word for authors!

Another bit of exciting news is that I will be announcing the release date for Dust to Dust (A Broken Fairy Tale) in two weeks, so keep your eyes and ears open.  It will be followed closely by the cover reveal as well.  I am SO SO  excited to get this book into your hands in a few months!  It is a much more mature novel than Secrets of Shadow Hill, which is a Young Adult Fantasy novel.  My Broken Fairy Tale series will be following people who feel broken in one way or another, but learn that without the cracks, there is no way to let the light in.  Dust to Dust is a second chance suspenseful romance that will break your heart, have you fall in love again, and show you that there can always be a happily ever after.

Happy Reading!

It's been a good week so far, even though it is moving in slow.....motion.....! Life has been beyond crazy this past month with writing, marketing, lesson planning for my 3rd graders, and actually trying to make time for my family.  But this week, I finished the final edits on my first contemporary romance, which is HUGE!  I am loving this book and had fun writing a story that takes place in the "real world".  It is always a feeling of exhilaration typing the last period and knowing I've accomplished a goal that I've set for myself!
This week has also been a lot of fun talking with so many of my fellow authors and bloggers who are beyond supportive of my release of THE PROPHECY next week!  I know I've been saying this for months now, but I.CANT.WAIT!!!  I am so excited that those who had an ARC of THE PROPHECY have been giving me such positive reviews and are falling as much in love with Dalton and Patrick as I have.  Each book of the Secret of Shadow Hill series explores and reveals the reasons for the powers and connections each wizard has.  I hope you will be pleasantly surprised when reading THE PROPHECY, and be excited to read what will continue to be excited as all of the puzzle pieces begin to come together!
My new covers for ALWAYS AND FOREVER and THE PROPHECY have been the cherry on top of the past week, making me so proud to share my work with you all.  When I saw the cover for THE PROPHECY, I instantly thought that's Ava.  There is a scene in the book that fits perfectly and is how I've always pictured Ava in my imagination. 
I hope that next Tuesday, you will all join me on my Facebook page to celebrate the release with a giveaway and a chat.
Don't forget, the best way to help and thank an author is to write a friendly review:)
Happy Reading!


Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/SP-Cervantes/101496710001043

I keep having to tell myself that patience is a virtue as I wait for The Prophecy to be released!  I am so excited for you all to read this book, even more so than the first.  It was a really fun book for me to write, and was done under much better circumstances than writing Always and Forever...I wasn't pregnant with twins this time! I wrote this book almost a year ago, and I have been chomping at the bit for you all to read it! 

I have to admit that my original idea for the direction of the Secrets of Shadow Hill series was slightly altered by the insistence of my sister and her love for Patrick.  She fell in love with Patrick from the very beginning, when it was just a manuscript on my laptop.   Patrick's place in Shadow Hill and his connection with Ava will be at the center of The Prophecy. Patrick and Ava have always had a strong bond, and even with her powerful relationship with Dalton growing stronger, Patrick and Ava try to find a way to redefine their relationship. There are more secrets that Connor has kept in order to protect Shadow Hill that will be revealed in this story that will put Ava once again in danger.  Her relationship with Dalton will be put to the test as she fights to protect her coven and her heart.

I hope you will all enjoy this book as much as I loved writing it! Starting in October, I will be posting my cover reveal, teasers, a book trailer, and of course giveaways!  Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or right here to get all of the updates!

Happy Reading!

I thought I would take a minute to share the good news I have been waiting for.  I am so excited to have gotten the release date for the second book of the Secrets of Shadow Hill Series, The Prophecy...drum roll...It will be released on November 19th!

I know a lot of you have been waiting a while for the sequel, and I have been dying to get it out to you too.  I will be posting the cover reveal, book trailer, teasers, and giveaways as the release get closer, so stay tuned.  Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Twitter to get the most current updates too:)  My Facebook page name has been changed to my pen name, S.P. Cervantes, that way my website, Facebook, and Twitter accounts can all be found by the same name.

I've spent a lot of time working on a novel separate from Secrets of Shadow Hill.  It is a contemporary romance and has been so much fun to write.  I love writing fantasy stories because anything can happen.  But with my new novel, I have really enjoyed coming back to the real world and hopefully will connect to my story in a much different way.  I will be excited to start sharing snippets with all of you soon.  I feel so lucky to be able to have the privilege to write, and share the craziness that goes on in my head!

Happy Reading!

  
 
Welcome S.P Cervantes author of Secrets of Shadow Hill
Always and Forever #c1books 

 @spcervantes What sparked the idea for your novel? #c1books

I was on bed rest with my twins and was reading a lot of Fantasy novels...so
decided to write my own fantasy with twins#c1books

@C1Books  @Spcervantes Your
favorite monster/villain. #c1books
‏@spcervantes       
My favorite villain probably Valentine from the Mortal Instruments series. #c1books


 @AshleyNChappell    spcervantes How does your own experience as a twin affect your characters Ava and Hannah? #c1books
@AshleyNChappell a lot!I tried to make them much different than my sister and I, but played on the powerful connections twins have #c1books

 @larabookvampire   spcervantes Did you always want to write? #c1books
@larabookvampire I have always loved to write, but had only done it on a personal level until Always and Forever #c1books

 @rondapaige  @spcervantes So if you're stranded on an island, what would you have with you, no restrictions #c1books
@rondapaige I would take The Lord of the Rings, my family, seeds for food, and chocolate #c1books

@C1Books     @spcervantes When did you first, without hesitation, call yourself a writer? #c1books
@C1Books
Once my book was picked up to be published.  It was the ultimate validation #c1books

 @larabookvampire    @spcervantes That's cool your a twin, did you conciously decide to write about twins because you are one yourself? #c1books
@larabookvampire  was more inspired by being pregnant with m own twins.  My twin sister also has twins...we multiply in my family!

@C1Books   @spcervantes When naming your characters, do you give any thought to the actual meaning? #c1books
@C1Books  Some of the names I used were family names.  Dalton is my grandparents last name
and they were very important people to me #c1books

@spcervantes As a 3rd
grade teacher, have you considered writing children's or middle grade books as well as YA? #c1books
@AshleyNChappell I have been thinking of a parallel series for grade school children.  I think my
students will kill me if I don't #c1books

 @larabookvampire  @spcervantes Who was  the most influence on you, in your past, for writing; a teacher, parent, or a sibling? #c1books
@larabookvampire My students and children honestly inspired me daily!  They are so creative and not
afraid to take risks #c1books
@larabookvampire In the past, my sister influenced me a lot.  She was always an avid reader and writer. 
#c1books

@RebekahMcClew     @spcervantes Scariest thing you have ever read/written #c1books
@RebekahMcClew The scariest thing I have ever read was Gone Girl...That was one crazy novel.  
don't know how she thought of that #c1books
@RebekahMcClew    I remember reading that, absolutely amazed! #c1books

@SkittyPandora     @spcervantes Is there a key person or group that has inspired you in the process in writing? #c1Books
@SkittyPandora I love to listen to music when I write.  The Killers, Coldplay, Civil Wars help the
words pour out!  #c1books
@SkittyPandora     @spcervantes Love listening to them too ^^  #c1books

@C1Books   @spcervantes Reveal your secret “author” crush. #c1books
@C1Books That's hard.  Veronica Roth and Cassandra Clare are great! I can't forget about @AshleyChappell! #c1books
@RebekahMcClew     That would be a hard one to answer since there are many, I'm addicted to all the books at Center One! #c1books
@AshleyNChappell   @spcervantes Why Susan! You flirt ;-) #c1books

@rondapaige     @spcervantes So do you have a secret character crush #c1books
@rondapaige Will, from Infernal Devices. Loved him!  #c1books

@C1Books     @spcervantes Imagine your characters are on survivor. Who will they vote out of the book? #c1books
@C1Books They would probably vote out Aidan first because he is strong and athletic.  They always
vote out the strong first! #c1books

@MasonLinden     @Spcervantes Who is your target reader or do you prefer a wider audience? #c1books
@MasonLinden I think my books reach a broad audience.  I would say 12 and up:) #c1books

@Lisa_Cray   @spcervantes What was the hardest part to write in the book in Always and Forever #c1books
@Lisa_Cray the relationship between Patrick and Ava.  There so much more to their story, and I
didn't want him to sound weak #c1books
@AshleyNChappell   @spcervantes The  feeling's mutual! You've left us waiting too long to see what happens next with Ava and Dalton :-) #c1books
@RebekahMcClew   I agree #c1books

@C1Books   @spcervantes Which of your characters is your favorite and why #c1books
@C1Books That's like asking me my favorite child:)  Probably Dalton.  I tried to make him level
headed and smart. #c1books
@RebekahMcClew   I love your answer for that! #c1books
@AshleyNChappell     @spcervantes You did just that with Dalton! I think I had a crush on him, too :-) #c1books
@RebekahMcClew   My favorite from your book has to be Patrick #c1books
@RebekahMcClew He is my sister's too.  I wrote The Prophecy because she wanted more Patrick! #c1books
@larabookvampire    @spcervantes, I read your book also and fell in love with it! Both Patrick and Dalton were amazing #c1books
@larabookvampire Glad you loved them as much as I do.  I would not want to be Ava.  I cold never
choose! #c1books

 

 

I've had such a great start to summer!  I am a teacher, which means that I get to have a summer vacation.  It is my first summer in years that I am not teaching summer school and tutoring, and I have to say, I am relaxed.  I have been spending every second with my kids, which I love. My twins are 3 1/2 and my son is 7, so we can actually go to the beach or pool and play.
Having a summer vacation also means I don't have to feel guilty when I lock myself in my room to write.  During the school year I always try and wait until they are all snuggled in bed, and after I am done lesson planning for the next day of class to write.  But now...I can just say, "Mommy has to work" and I can write away.
Yesterday I had a Twitter interview with all of the awesome authors at Center One Books.  It was such a new and fun experience for me!  After going to my son's basketball game, then hanging at a pool party with a ton of kids, I got to answer all kinds of fun questions about my writing process, Always and Forever, and also the next book in the Secrets of Shadow Hill Series, The Prophecy!  It was awesome.  I am most excited because I am so proud of The Prophecy.  I am DYING for everyone to read it because it was the most fun I have ever had writing!  When I wrote Always and Forever, it was not initially intended to be published...It was something I wrote while on bed rest with my twins to keep my mind fresh and occupied by something other than T.V..  I think people will be surprised an excited by the direction the series is taking.  There are a lot of times through The Prophecy and the third book, War of Wizards, that I hope my readers will be on the edge of their seats saying, "I can't believe it!"  As more secrets are revealed, they will see how each relationship between my characters is important and plays an important role in the survival of their world.
I am looking forward to completing War of Wizards this summer and begin work on my next work of love, a contemporary  romance/mystery.
If you haven't read Secrets of Shadow Hill, Always and Forever yet, you need to before The Prophecy comes out this fall!
Happy Reading My Friends!

I have had a fun, yet busy couple of months since I've been on here.  I was busy editing the final touches for the second book of The Secrets of Shadow Hill series, The Prophecy, and working closely with my Third Grade class in writing their own stories.  It is always an exhilarating feeling hitting the last period of a novel, but I have to say this time, getting my final edits done was the icing on the cake for me.  I know it's my own book, so of course I should love it, but I am beyond excited for everyone to read the second book of
the series...I just love it and know you will too. 

The Prophecy picks up a year after the battle with the Sabatino coven, with Ava, Hannah, and the rest of their close knit group returning to New Jersey for the first time since they were abruptly taken to Shadow Hill.  I think that most of the readers will be surprised with the direction this book has taken, and be as addicted to reading it as I was to writing it.  This book was easy to write for me because I am just so in love with each character.  I can hardly wait for the Fall when you can all have the chance to read it too!

Now I am back to  writing the third book of the series, and am about a quarter of the way in.  I had taken a break for a month from writing to read some great books, both YA fantasy and some best sellers.  I read all of Cassandra Clare's books in a month (yes, all of them) and fell in love with her writing style....she has definitely
become one of my inspirations in this genre along with Elisabeth Naughton.  This entire process of being a newly published writer, and connecting with other authors has been an experience  I will treasure forever.

Another exciting time for me over these past couple months is guiding my Third Graders in writing short, five chapter books for an Author's Tea we do every year.  It is always my favorite time of the school year because I get to work closely with each student, helping them develop their ideas, and teach them about the writing process.  It was especially fun this year being that I now have a published book out there and experience to derive first hand knowledge from.  I love teaching, but this is my favorite part of it.  I can honestly say that each of my students turned about amazing stories, all at different levels of writing, but all ended the project with a sense of pride.  And that's what it is all about....giving these kids the confidence to believe in themselves.  I have no doubt that we will all be reading books from a few of these kids one day in the future.  They truly are my inspiration.  I feel blessed every day to have to opportunity to teach and write.

I would love to hear from any of you about some great books or writing experiences you have had too!  Please feel free to share!