Connections DEC 2014 | Page 35

She inherits a world of traditions, well-kept secrets and magical powers, and is left to piece together her clan’s past, using nursery rhymes taught to her by her mother. Learning some of the secrets not only confuses her, but places her in mortal danger. When a sinister man appears, Ilona connects his presence to a series of mysterious deaths. He can influence others to kill her, but why can’t he touch her? There are clues around every corner, and the elusive answers draw her further into the hidden world of her people. As if the mysteries aren't enough, her life becomes more complicated when she meets a dashing stranger. Although he saves her life by putting his own life in danger, she senses evil in him. The first book of The Ancestor’s Secrets series raises questions such as: what if there is a secret society exists hidden among us with its strict rules and fiercely enforced laws, and certain members come to possess magical powers? What if finding love, despite the obstacles thrown our way, is possible? What if we could have the power to visit the ancestors in the past and create our own future? READ FOR ANIMALS ANTHOLOGY SERIES I was thinking about how to help animals in shelters and in animal hospices other than donating money I could afford. What can I do as a writer to help animals in need? I had an idea. I'm a writer; I can write, sell the book and donate the money - after publishing fees - to animal shelters. I started putting together the short stories I have written the past few years and asked my animal lover author, poet and artist friends if they'd like to participate in my Read for Animals project. The response was overwhelming, the stories and poems started flooding in and together we made this book possible to help our furry, scaly and feathered friends.