Secrets of the Ash Tree Cover Reveal

Today is the day for the big book cover reveal and I am so excited to show it to you! Michael Di Gesu stepped in and saved the day when my original plans for a cover fell through. Michael is a wonderful friend and a special kind of brother. He has given me the kind of support and encouragement that only family can give. We may not share the same blood, but our souls truly do connect from Chicago to Norway. Make sure you visit his BLOG  and tell him what you think of his cover design. Maybe he can do yours. He also offers other wonderful services like writing blurbs and intros.

 Michael has a special treat for you today. Not only is he revealing the front cover but he has the back cover illustration posted on his blog as well!

SO HERE IS THE BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATION MICHAEL DID FOR MY FIRST BOOK!

 

A teaser from 'Secrets of the Ash Tree.'


As she approached the closet and slowly opened the door, a stench filled the room. Panic stopped her from moving any further and raised every hair on her body. Through the darkness and inside the shadows lingered a half human shape of what must have been a man. Slowly, with clawlike fingers, it cranked up one of her old toys, and his yellow eyes glowed with evil as he laughed again before singing along in an odd inhuman voice.

"Round and round the cobbler’s bench
The monkey chased the weasel,
The monkey thought ’twas all in fun
POP, goes the weasel!

      Just then, the music stopped, and the small figure of a clown jumped out of the jack-in-the-box, causing Liv to startle and tip over the glass on her desk. Standing there like a puppet frozen in time, she watched as the toy master turned his glowing eyes toward her. Not a single inch of her body listened as she stood there begging to run. Out of the shadows and closer he came, until he stood there in front of her. Pieces of long black hair clung to patches of skin that hung from his head and face. Towering over her, he put his large claws on Liv’s shoulders and drew her near. His foul breath lapped at the air as he said, “So nice to finally meet you, Princess.” He made a crooked bow and then continued to speak with a strange drawl as if half drunk, or as if the words felt strange on his tongue. “Let me introduce myself. I am the one and only blood brother of the almighty Odin, father of all gods. You may call me Loki.” When Liv didn’t say anything, Loki continued to speak.
      “My, you are a pretty little thing. Not what I expected at all.” He paused then took one of his knifelike fingers and traced it slowly over Liv’s breast. “I can feel your heart beating like a scared little rabbit underneath that pale pink skin of yours.” Tilting his head, he leaned over and smelled the small of Liv’s neck, and she shivered as his long tongue swept over her skin, tasting it like a piece of candy. He pushed Liv away, took a step back, and made an attempt to pout.
      “You can make this easy and just give me the necklace. I know you found it . . .” On the verge of tears, he pulled off a chunk of his hair and squawked, “Just look at what’s happening to me!” He then peeled away a small part of his face and exposed an open sore that oozed with puss. Slowly, he composed himself and continued, “My own daughter, Hel, did this to me, and you, my scared little rabbit, are going to help me fix it. All I need is that necklace, and I can get rid of this wretched curse!” Loki backed away and studied her closely, and then tilting his head to the side, he said, “You don’t know what you are, do you?”

Secrets of the Ash Tree available soon everywhere!

If everything goes as planned the Blog tour will run from Monday October 7-14 with a real big birthday FEST on October 9th with Alex Cavanaugh. Giveaways and prizes! Spread the word blogging friends we are in for a big ROCK AND ROLL---LITERALLY! Mark your calendars for party time with Captain Ninja, and the Viking gods! There are some big surprises in store and a treasure chest waiting to explode. If you want to contribute to the secrets in the chest, let me know! Email me at sivmariaottem@gmail.com.

Are you ready to spread the word? Do you love the cover of my book? Do you want to party? Do you have some stash to put in the treasure chest? Offerings to the gods bring good luck!

Have a great week and check back to see what Minnie has been up to, she is in trouble and needs your help!