K.A. Ramstad

Tribute to C.E. White

You may have heard the sad news, but author friend C.E. (Connie) White left this world in April after an intense fight with cancer. She is with the Author of Life now, so cancer didn’t win the battle, but let’s pause to remember her as a thought-provoking storyteller and a serious, die-hard follower of Jesus.

I wrote a review of her picture book When Your Dragon Is Too Big for a Bath, which was posted on Jennifer Hallmark’s blog. Click on the button to learn more.

My Review of Dragon Book

She also wrote the middle grade novel Vincent in Wonderland, which I got to read before it was published. Let me tell you, it’s a unique twist on the classic story and the historical artist. Lorehaven wrote a review on it, so click here to learn more:

Lorehaven Review on Vincent in Wonderland

There’s a prequel to the Vincent book, too, and I’m currently listening to the audiobook version of it. I say it’s an intriguing story so far, and it’s great for fans of A Wrinkle in Time. If you’re curious, here’s Lorehaven’s review:

Lorehaven Review on The Worlds Next Door

Rest in peace, Connie. I and your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ will see you soon.

First Lines of my Novella (Plus My Co-Authors’)

Still haven’t picked up a copy of Of Dangers and Dreams? Here are the first lines of my and my co-authors’ novellas in this volume of fairy tale retellings.

“Water Maiden” by Jenny A. Bee

I’ve been told that when I was just a baby, I was only content in water, be it bath, puddle, or the beautiful Whulge that flowed past the headlands of our home.

“Nottingham” by Liv Hammonds

Once upon a time, in a kingdom called Sherwood, there was a small, poor village called Nottingham.

“Friend of the Dire Wolf” by K.A Ramstad

The voices of the inn’s guests reverberated in the common hall as they stayed up that night and drank mead.

To learn more about Of Dangers and Dreams, check out the Amazon link. It’s available in both Kindle and Paperback.

Of Dangers and Dreams on Amazon

Happy Early Mother’s Day – Plus A Book Honoring Moms

I want to wish all you moms a Happy Mother’s Day!

There’s also a book for kids that celebrates an attentive and resourceful mom. It’s actually the sequel to Rose Wolves, a graphic novel I reviewed on Jennifer Hallmark’s blog.

Book Review on Rose Wolves

In Rose Wolves Book Two: Out of the Blue, it shows the girl going on a picnic with her mom. She introduces her mom to her old friend: a Rose Wolf, or a wolf that lives part of his life as a rose in a bush. In this book, sadly, the rose bush wilts during the cold season, which means the Rose Wolf is gone during that time, leaving the girl grief-stricken. However, her mom uses her cleverness to bring a Rose Wolf to life, and it involves grafting a twig into a plant. This Rose Wolf is different from the original Rose Wolf, but the girl loves him just the same. You’ll witness the joy as she bonds with him, and *spoiler alert* she does see her old Rose Wolf friend again. This is especially great if you prefer happy endings.

Sounds intriguing? Check this book out, especially if you love stories about children with their pets and loving family relationships. You’ll also get a kick as you see the main character play with her beloved Rose Wolf (including the Wolf knocking chess pieces over). It’s also fun to see the girl celebrate the holidays with her new wolf friend, which includes singing Christmas carols. As a big bonus, moms will cheer for the mother as she thinks of ways to keep a Rose Wolf alive during the cold months.

Enjoy this book (It’s on Hoopla, by the way.), and enjoy your holiday!

Don’t Forget About Fairy Tale Frenzy

To all of you who bought Of Dangers and Dreams, which has my dire wolf story, thank you so, so much.

There are more Fairy Tale Frenzy books, too, all published by Beyond the Bookery. Both contemporary and fantasy retellings are included. Take a look at these gorgeous covers.

For the descriptions of these volumes of fairy tales, check out the link to Amazon.

Fairy Tale Frenzy (14 book series)

Another Book Review! A Fairy Tale One

I wrote a book review on a collection of short stories by Emmarayn Redding, called The Madman of Elkriahl and Other Fairy Tales. When you read this collection, you will be immersed in the nostalgia that comes with reading a classic fairy tale.

This volume is friendly for both the young and young-at-heart. Click on the link below for the full review.

The Madman of Elkriahl Book Review

A Wolf Book Review . . . Plus a Summer Bash!

Hi, all.

If you haven’t heard yet, I wrote a review on a fairy tale story, and it’s complementary with my “Friend of the Dire Wolf” novella. It’s the Caldecott Medal winner Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China, and you can find it on Jennifer Hallmark’s blog.

Lon Po Po Book Review

There’s also a summer bash coming! I know, I know, it’s not summer yet, but Beyond the Bookery can’t wait to invite you to join their party on Facebook. It’s their Summer Book Bash, where there’ll be giveaways for you to join. Who knows? You may have fun new books to add to your collection, including clean fantasy.

The bash is June 26th through 30th, and be sure to RSVP.

Beyond the Bookery Summer Book Bash

Be On the Lookout—More Books!

My publisher, Beyond the Bookery, has more books on the way! They will have a series that fits this description:

A Twist of Tales is a Christian nonmagical fantasy series of genderbent retellings. Be swept away in captivating tales of adventure, sweet romance, faith, and animal companions.

Take a look at all these covers!

Of Ice & Promises: A Retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon by Jenny A. Bee

Of Knives & Nobility: A Retelling of the Princess and the Pea by E.G. Bella

Of Pine & Pretense: A Retelling of Rumpelstiltskin by Laurie Lucking

Of Minds & Monsters: A Retelling of the Beauty & the Beast by Brianna Lynn Campbell

Of Dreams & Desires: A Retelling of the Raven by Riley J. Perrie

Of Shadows & Snow: A Retelling of the Snow Queen by Kaytlin Phillips

Of Truth & Treason: A Retelling of Mulan by Jaiden Phillips

Of Law & Legacy: A Retelling of Androcles and the Lion by Grace Albert

Of Snowfall & Song: A Retelling of the Snow Maiden by Sienna Peake

Of Forests & Freedom: A Retelling of Aladdin by Ellie Hollows

Of Hope & Hiding: A Snow White Retelling by Abigail Kay

Of Swans & Swords: A Retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses by Sara A. Thren

Of Quivers & Noir: A Retelling of Robin Hood by Kaitlyn King

Cool, huh? Here’s the Amazon link to all the pre-order copies of the ebooks:

A Twist of Tales

Another book that’ll be released this year is Michelle Emmanuelli’s Of Might and Mettle: A Brave Tin Soldier Retelling. If you love a story with a Caribbean flair and a wolf puppy, then check it out.

Of Might and Mettle

Happy Resurrection Day! With Donkeys

May you all have a wonderful Resurrection Day, remembering that Jesus washes away the sins of anyone who asks Him to. Let’s praise Him for that! Once He makes you righteous, He gives you the gift of eternal life, and nothing and no one can take away that gift. Hallelujah!

You may have heard the fictional story behind the marking on a donkey’s back. A marking that looks like a cross. Here’s a video where the Free-Ranging Morgans share the story, and we get to see donkeys be themselves. 🙂 They even include the legend for why the donkey has dark markings around its legs.

Thank you, Free-Ranging Morgans, for sharing this on YouTube.

A “Dire Wolf” Quiz

Hi, friends.

Of Dangers and Dreams is now available in ebook and paperback. There you’ll find my “Friend of the Dire Wolf” story, great for tweens and teens.

Of Dangers and Dreams on Amazon

To feed your curiosity, here’s a quiz where you find out which character of the story you are most like. Who knows? You might find a new friend.

Quiz:

1. Your ideal home would be:

A) A cozy cottage in the forest.

B) A majestic castle on a cliff by the sea.

C) What home? I’d rather travel the world and stay at different places.

2. It’s lunchtime. You pick:

A) A pork and vegetable stew with a fluffy roll.

B) A lobster bisque with a crab cake.

C) A chicken sandwich with berries on the side.

3. Your favorite accessory is:

A) A cute ribbon or hair clip.

B) A shiny crown.

C) A fake fur scarf.

4. Your favorite exercise is:

A) Hiking.

B) Jumping on a trampoline.

C) Running.

5. Your peers describe you as:

A) Sweet.

B) Go-getter.

C) Spontaneous.

6. You like to:

A) Read.

B) Climb a tree.

C) Make a craft.

7. Your friend is sad. You:

A) Comfort that friend with kind words.

B) Offer advice on how your friend can fix it.

C) You don’t talk. It’s better to listen than to say something bad.

If you answered mostly A’s:

You’re like Nan, someone who’s sweet, intelligent, and resilient. Click on the link to learn more about her.

Introducing My Red Riding Hood Character

If you answered mostly B’s:

You’re like Prince Deverell. Brave, assertive, and quick on your feet, that’s what you are. Learn more about this amazing prince:

Introducing My Hunter Character

If you answered mostly C’s:

You’re like Silvera. She has the body of a dire wolf, but she’s actually a human changed by an alchemist’s potion. She can be impulsive at times, but she can wow people with her artistic feats. Learn more about this mysterious wolf here:

Introducing My Wolf Character

Take a Look at These Books!

I know, there are more books in the market. *grin* But this is a special catalog where you can find Christian-friendly books in a wide variety of genres. Histrical fiction, contemporary fiction, romance, fairy tale retellings, you name it.

Also, ahem, you’ll see Of Dangers and Dreams, a book yours truly is in.

Check out “The Bookworm,” your friend in introducing new reads.

The Bookworm: Spring Edition Download