Eleven year old Macy dreams of action and adventure that will take her far beyond her family's farm. But what will happen when that adventure finds her?Long ago, faeries were banished from the land after a legendary battle. So long ago that many wonder if faeries really exist or if the battle was just a tall tale. But one mysterious night, Macy's mother is attacked, and ever since, unusual things start happening. Missing items, changing moods, and most strange of all, the family's sheep start behaving unusually.Her mother is suddenly determined to get rid of the sheep, and Macy suspects that the reason may be sinister. When Macy meets a boy her age, the aloof and sarcastic Jay, they embark on a journey to discover the truth and save her mother. In this twist on The Wonderful Birch, you won't find kings, queens, or evil stepmothers. Instead, you'll find two courageous pre-teens from the outskirts, ready to defend Odele from the magical forces that threaten it.
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It wasn’t long before the sun disappeared behind a hill, leaving Laurel to wander in darkness. It’s no use, she thought, I’m not going to find him tonight. I’d best be getting back home. Maybe Macy can help me search in the morning.
She turned around searching for the lamplights that lined the Jensen farm. She could barely make them out in the distance. Steeling herself for the long walk back, she gathered her skirts once again.
SNAP! The sound of a twig snapping nearby alerted her that she may not be alone.
It was probably just an animal, Laurel told herself. The wind stopped suddenly—as if holding its breath too.
SNAP!
“Hello?” she called out. She whirled around frantically, her eyes searching for the source of the sound. “Is anyone there?”
A frail voice answered her, “I’m sorry, my dear. I didn’t mean to scare you.” An old woman peeked her head around the tree trunk. Upon seeing Laurel, the woman’s face relaxed a little, and she slowly hobbled over. “There are wolves in these woods, and I fear I don’t stand a chance if I run into one. Best I can do is hide and cross my fingers.”
Laurel squinted in the dark, trying to get a good look at her. Her clothes were worn, and her skin was paler than anyone from around these parts. “Are you traveling to Grimsby? You don’t look like you are from around here,” Laurel replied, eyeing the stranger.
About Torina Kingsley...Author Torina Kingsley masterfully creates a world where things aren't always as they seem. Beyond the Birch is an imaginative spin on an old folktale that reminds us all to hold our loved ones close and always believe in own our capabilities.
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ReplyDeleteGreat excerpt, thank you.
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