Leigh Goff

Writing Enchanting Ever-Afters

Author Archives: Leigh Goff


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Sweet Escapes: A Decadent Dessert Paired With Your Next YA Book Binge

by Sharon Ledwith

Cherry season is in full bloom, and this chocolatey, sweet treat will tempt even the most disciplined of us. If cherry is your go-to fruit that makes your mouth think you’ve swallowed a piece of heaven, then read on if you dare to concoct this sinful chunk of bliss.

CHOCOLATE CHERRY CHUNK LOAF

A bit of butter for greasing the loaf pan 

1¼ cups + 1 tsp. all-purpose flour 

¼ cup cocoa 

2 tsp. baking powder 

¼ tsp. salt 

¾ cup granulated or caster sugar 

1 cup cherry yogurt 3 large eggs lightly beaten 

1 tsp. vanilla ½ cup mild vegetable oil 

1 cup cherries 

¼ cup sweet chocolate chips 

1 cup walnuts, chopped, use less if you prefer

Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C or 165° for fan ovens, Gas Mark 4).

Grease a 2 lb. (8 ½ x 4 ¼ x 2 ½ inch) loaf pan.

Remove the pits from the cherries and cut each one in half. Place cherries in a small bowl, sprinkle the 1 teaspoon flour over top and toss gently.

Sift 1¼ cups flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl.

Stir in sugar, chocolate chips, and walnuts. Set dry ingredients aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, eggs, vanilla, and oil.

Add yogurt mixture to dry ingredients. Beat with a wooden spoon until all the flour is mixed in and the batter is smooth.

Gently fold in the flour-coated cherries.

Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until cake tester inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

Cool in pan for 20 minutes, then remove cake and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.

 THE GLAZE

1 cup icing sugar, confectioner’s sugar 

2 tbsp. maraschino cherry juice 

1 tbsp. water 

Drop of pink food coloring, optional

Pour icing sugar into a bowl. Whisk in maraschino cherry juice.

Gradually whisk in water, a drop or two at a time, until a smooth, drizzle-able consistency is reached.

Whisk in food coloring, if using.

 Here’s a glimpse of the premises of both my young adult series:

      The Last Timekeepers Time Travel Adventures 

         Children are the key to our future. And now, they are the only hope for our past. 

Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers-legendary time travelers sworn to keep history from the evil Belial-five classmates are sent into the past to restore balance, and bring order back into the world, one mission at a time. 

Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls Teen Psychic Mysteries

                                      Welcome to Fairy Falls. Expect the unexpected. 

In the small, quiet tourist town of Fairy Falls, a new-to-town teen, an unlikely hero who possesses an unusual psychic ability, is drawn into a mystery and is tasked with uncovering corrupt truths that threaten the town’s future. 

Buy Links:

The Last Timekeepers Time Travel Adventure Series: 

The Last Timekeepers and the Noble Slave, Book 3 

UNIVERSAL BUY LINK ׀ AMAZON ׀ BARNES & NOBLE

The Last Timekeepers and the Dark Secret, Book 2 

UNIVERSAL BUY LINK ׀ AMAZON ׀ BARNES & NOBLE 

The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, Book 1 

UNIVERSAL BUY LINK ׀ AMAZON ׀ BARNES & NOBLE 

Legend of the Timekeepers, Prequel 

UNIVERSAL BUY LINK ׀ AMAZON ׀ BARNES & NOBLE

Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls Teen Psychic Mystery Series:

Lost & Found, Book One 

PANDAMONIUM PUBLISHING HOUSE ׀ AMAZON ׀ BARNES & NOBLE

Blackflies & Blueberries, Book Two 

PANDAMONIUM PUBLISHING HOUSE ׀ AMAZON ׀ BARNES & NOBLE


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Why Teens Need Honest YA Stories Right Now

Hey there, fellow book lovers and stressed-out teens,

Being a teenager today is brutal. Between school pressure that feels like it decides your entire future, the constant comparison game on social media, figuring out who you are while everyone else seems to have it all sorted, and that quiet voice in your head wondering if you’re enough…it’s a lot. You’re expected to have your life mapped out, stay positive 24/7, and somehow still have time for friends, crushes, and not completely falling apart.

That’s exactly why I wrote my YA novels.

These stories don’t hand you perfect characters with flawless lives. They follow real teens navigating anxiety, heartbreak, identity struggles, toxic friendships, first love, and the messy courage it takes to stand up for yourself (and others). You’ll meet protagonists who feel invisible one day and discover their voice the next. Characters who mess up, breakdown, screenshot texts they regret, and still keep going.

The big theme running through every book? You are not broken for struggling and your story is worth telling.

In a world that loves to tell teens to “just calm down” or “it’ll pass,” these novels say the opposite: Your feelings are valid. Your questions about the future matter. The way you see the world is important. Whether you’re dealing with family drama, fighting for something bigger than yourself, or simply trying to survive junior year, these books are your reminder that you’re stronger than you think, and brighter days and better people are waiting.

If you’re craving YA that gets it, start here — BUY LINK

What’s one thing you wish more YA books talked about honestly? Drop it in the comments.

#YAReads #TeenBooks #MentalHealthMatters #BookTok


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✨Magic, Romance & Renewal Before Classes Begin

End of Summer Checklist: Magic, Romance & Renewal Before Classes Begin


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End of Summer Checklist: Magic, Romance & Renewal Before Classes Begin

Summer is slipping away like fireflies at dusk—make these final weeks count. Before the books pile up and the alarm clocks return, carve out time for joy, mystery, and gentle self-care. Here’s your enchanted end-of-summer checklist.

✨ Magic

  • Watch the sunrise or sunset with intention—journal what you want to release and what you want to call in for the new semester.
  • Take a full-moon walk and whisper your dreams to the night sky.
  • Read Disenchanted, Bewitching Hannah, and Koush Hollow—these spellbinding stories are the perfect bridge between summer magic and academic focus. Aim to finish all three before syllabi land in your inbox. BUY LINK

❤️ Romance

  • Plan a dreamy date night: picnic under the stars, stargazing with a loved one, or a sunset drive with the perfect playlist.
  • Write a love letter (to yourself or someone special) sealed with wax and a pressed flower.
  • Dance barefoot in the grass or living room with your summer fling to slow, sultry music—no audience required.

🧖‍♀️ Renewal

  • Declutter your space and wardrobe—make room for fresh energy and cozy fall layers.
  • Treat yourself to a DIY spa day: face mask, herbal bath, and your favorite playlist.
  • Meal prep nourishing foods and hydrate like the magical being you are.

Print this list, check it off with colorful pens, and savor every golden moment. Summer’s end isn’t goodbye—it’s a soft transition into a new chapter filled with possibility. You’ve got this. Now go make it memorable. 🌙


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Wednesday Special Spotlight Red, White, and Enchanted: Celebrating America’s 250th Through the Streets of Wethersfield

Wednesday Special Spotlight Shines On The ever-engaging Leigh Goff who brings us her latest captivating YA novel and dedication to a recently …

Wednesday Special Spotlight Red, White, and Enchanted: Celebrating America’s 250th Through the Streets of Wethersfield


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Novel Settings

By C.D. Hersh

One of the most asked questions to authors is, “Why did you set your book there?” For us it started with a car commercial. In the commercial, a grandmother is telling her granddaughter that she met grandpa under a tree. Then the two hug the tree and in a subsequent scene are joined by the child’s parents. As they leave the area, the car passes a sign marked Woodstock.

Honestly, we don’t even remember the make of the car that was being advertised, but we did remember the tree hugging scenario and the Woodstock sign. When Donald proposed the setting of Woodstock to me (Catherine) I was like, What???? It wasn’t a place I expected him to go. But the more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea. After all, who doesn’t like a walk down memory lane? I was into folk music in the Sixties. I sang and played Peter Paul and Mary songs on my guitar so many times I could have done it in my sleep, and I liked rock ‘n’ roll. And maxi coats and the cool threads. Since we’re both musicians, it was a short leap to making our hero and heroine musicians, too.

Because Rose, our heroine, is a music teacher, who plays several instruments, we decided to give her a love of all music, including classical. To broaden her horizons, we introduced classical music rebels into her music lexicon.

In one of the scenes, she is wandering around the festival grounds when she happens on another female hippie playing her flute and twirling to the melody. Rose decides to join in and plays a counter melody on her flute. Then the hippie begins playing “Bach’s Minuet in G”, to which Rose creates a counter melody.

We were so intrigued with the idea of two flutes playing Bach’s Minuet in G that we decided to compose the counter melody Rose played. If you click on the audio link, you can hear what we heard in our minds when we created this scene.

Now that you’ve heard the music in our heads, we hope you’ll enjoy an excerpt from our story.

The Soul Mate Tree . . . An ancient legend spanning eras, continents, and worlds. To some, it’s nothing more than a dream. To others, a pretty fairy tale handed down through the generations. For those in critical need of their own happy ending, a gift.

Our book, Can’t Stop the Music, is a blast back to the Sixties and Woodstock. For college senior and hippie wannabe Rosemary—Rose for short—a teaching job is within her grasp, but she wants more. She wants love, the kind of love that has bound her parents for so many years. When she’s dumped by her current boyfriend because her morals can’t bring her to give in to free love, she finds herself at Woodstock in the middle of the biggest free-love, music festival of the Sixties. Alone, again. Until a magical tree grants her wish and she finds the man of her dreams—and loses him before she really knows who he is.

Dakota meets the girl of his dreams at Woodstock, but a jealous wannabe girlfriend drives them apart before he can discover Rose’s last name and where she comes from. After he sees a disappearing tree that promises him true love, a frantic search to find Rose comes up empty-handed.

Magic and music brings them together at Woodstock in 1969. Misunderstandings tear them apart. Will two flower children find one another again, or live with missed opportunities? 

Short Excerpt:

As they made their way to the festival site, Rose and her friends grooved to the music coming from the stage. 

When they reached the makeshift bridge over the road, someone yelled, “Hey beautiful! You with the red hair.” 

She looked around to see if there was anyone else with red hair. Then she glanced up and spotted two guys, one blond and the other dark-haired, leaning over the side of the bridge. 

“Yeah, you,” the blond called out as he caught her gaze. 

Willow halted beside her. “He’s cute. How about him?” 

Rose looked away, her gaze landing on the other guy. 

He jabbed his companion in the ribs. “Quit trying to pick up every girl you see.” Then he leaned farther over the rail. “Don’t pay any attention to him. He’s high.” 

“So, she’s not beautiful?” Willow yelled to the hippie. 

She poked her friend. “Stop it, Willow, you’re making a scene.” In spite of her protest, her gaze remained on the dark-haired guy. 

He rested his elbows on the rail and stared back at her. The intensity of his expression shot heat into her belly. 

“I didn’t say that, just that she shouldn’t pay attention to him.” He flapped a hand at his blond buddy, then tapped his own chest with his thumb several times as if to say, ‘Choose me!’ 

Does he want me to pay attention to him? Her heart thumped in rhythm to his jabbing thumb. 

“Take that one,” Willow whispered. “He’s the real cutie.” 

Before she could respond, the crowd pushed them forward. When they reached the other side of the bridge, she looked back, searching for the dark-haired hippie, but the spot where he’d stood was empty. 

Just my luck. I see someone who’s intriguing and he disappears.

With a sigh, she continued the trek to the festival grounds.

Putting words and stories on paper is second nature to co-authors C.D. Hersh. They’ve written separately since they were teenagers and discovered their unique, collaborative abilities in the mid-90s. As high school sweethearts and husband and wife, Catherine and Donald believe in true love and happily ever after, and that’s why they write romance.

In addition to writing Catherine and Donald love antiquing, traveling, singing, and going to the theatre. Catherine is also an avid gardener and has drawn Donald into her garden as a day laborer. They figure the couple who plays together and works together, stays together—and that’s just what they aim to do.

Second Editions Coming Soon:

Ghosts and Gardenias

The Promised One The Turning Stone Chronicles Book 1
Blood Brothers The Turning Stone Chronicles Book 2
Son of the Moonless Night The Turning Stone Chronicles Book 3
The Mercenary and the Shifters The Turning Stone Chronicles Book 4

Social Media Info:

Website

Blog

Facebook

Amazon Author Page

Twitter

Goodreads


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Red, White, and Enchanted: Celebrating America’s 250th Through the Streets of Wethersfield

As fireworks light up the summer sky and we prepare to mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, there’s no better time to revisit the historic towns that built this nation. One of those living pieces of American history is Wethersfield, Connecticut—one of the oldest settlements in the state, rich with colonial charm, Revolutionary spirit, and yes… a touch of witchcraft lore. In honor of this milestone Independence Day, I’m thrilled to spotlight Disenchanted, a captivating YA novel steeped in the very soil where early Americans forged their identities, faced their fears, and sometimes paid the ultimate price for being different.

A Forbidden Love. A Dark Curse. An Impossible Choice.

Sixteen-year-old Sophie descends from a powerful line of Wethersfield witches, but keeping her unpredictable magic hidden is becoming nearly impossible. When a dangerous thief tries to tear a mysterious heirloom necklace from her throat, she’s rescued by the one boy she’s forbidden to want: Alexavier Mather, descendant of the man who once sent her ancestor to the gallows. Their connection is as electric as it is cursed. As old family secrets claw their way into the present, Sophie must awaken the dangerous power sleeping within her diamond charm. But unlocking the truth means confronting the blood-stained pasts of both their families—and risking far more than her heart. Because some curses are born of true love… and breaking this one might cost Sophie her soul. 

Blending forbidden romance, simmering family legacies, and supernatural suspense, Disenchanted brings the hidden magic and resilient spirit of early America to life in the historic streets of Wethersfield. It’s the perfect summer read for anyone who loves their history with a spark of the extraordinary—especially during this landmark 250th anniversary year when we celebrate both the light and shadows of our shared past. Whether you’re spending the Fourth exploring Connecticut’s colonial gems or relaxing with a book between barbecues and parades, Disenchanted invites you to fall under its spell! BUY LINK

A Special Dedication

This post is lovingly dedicated to my dear writer friend, Sloane Taylor, who recently passed away. Sloane was a talented author, a passionate cook, and a warm spirit who brought joy to so many through her blog and her recipes. Her love for creating delicious meals that brought people together mirrored the heartfelt connections found in the pages of Disenchanted.

In her honor, I invite you to explore her wonderful holiday cookbook, Recipes to Create Holidays Extraordinaire. Filled with 113 taste-tempting recipes that are perfect for celebrating life’s special moments.

Thank you, Sloane, for the laughter, the inspiration, and the recipes that will continue to warm kitchens and hearts for years to come. You will be deeply missed.

👉 Buy Sloane Taylor’s *Recipes to Create Holidays Extraordinaire* on Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leigh Goff is a published YA author. She is a graduate from the University of Maryland and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI). 

Born and raised on the East Coast, she now lives in Florida with her husband, enjoying the sun, sea, and a little puppy dog.

CLICK FOLLOW ON THE HOMEPAGE & JOIN THE ENCHANTED COMMUNITY TO RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE CONTENT, NEWS, AND UPDATES!


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☑️ Your Glam Girl Summer Checklist

🌞Radiant Skin Ritual— Start every morning with a full skincare moment. Apply vitamin C serum, SPF glow, and a touch of highlighter. Bonus points for a moon-charged rose quartz face roller.

🌞Witchy Wardrobe Refresh— Flowy maxi dresses, sparkly accents, delicate gold jewelry that catches the light (and maybe a few crystal pieces for that extra aura). Dress like the main character you are.

🌞Golden Hour Magic— Chase sunsets, host candlelit picnics with your closest friends, and practice a intention-setting under the stars.

🌞Slow-Burn Summer Reads— Nothing beats escaping into a spellbinding story. Add Bewitching Hannah to your stack immediately (Buy Link Below).

🌞Signature Scent & Playlist— Curate a sultry summer fragrance and a playlist full of dreamy, atmospheric tracks for those late-night drives and contemplative moments.

🌞Fierce Friendship Check-In— Plan a girls’ night filled with tarot, laughter, and deep conversations, the kind that remind you who your real allies are.

🌞Power Moves Only— Journal your goals, try something that scares you, and embrace the version of you that’s a little darker, bolder, and undeniably magnetic.

BUY LINK

One must rise. One must die.

Sixteen-year-old Hannah Fitzgerald has spent her life hiding the dark power stirring inside her. When an ancient prophecy awakens, her magic turns hungry and unstoppable. Thrust into a dangerous world of hidden rivals, shifting alliances, and deadly secrets, Hannah must decide who she can trust — especially when it comes to W, the breathtaking stranger bound to her fate. With eyes like midnight and a past as shadowed as her own, he could be her salvation… or her destruction.

Glamorous, tense, and utterly spellbinding, Bewitching Hannah is the ultimate summer YA fantasy: slow-burn romance, high-stakes magic, fierce friendships, and a powerful heroine you’ll root for from page one. If you love stories that mix glamour with dark magic and heart-pounding tension, this is your sign to grab a copy and dive in.

🌞Tag your glam witch besties and tell me which checklist item you’re doing first! Happy summer, beautiful. May your days be golden and your magic untamed✨. 


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Pack Your Bags (No Passport Needed!)✈️✨

3 Epic Magical Destinations Waiting for YOU in Books📚

Wethersfield, Connecticut – Curses, Ancient Bloodlines & Hidden Power 🏠✨First stop, a historic New England town where the past doesn’t just haunt you—it tries to control you. In Disenchanted, 16-year-old Sophie is dealing with wild, unpredictable gifts and a mysterious heirloom necklace that pulses with dangerous magic. One wrong move and centuries-old curses could destroy everything. Picture cobblestone streets hiding family secrets, haunted graveyards whispering forgotten spells, and a girl fighting to break free from her bloodline’s grip. If you love stories where history collides with explosive magic, small-town drama, and a protagonist figuring out who she really is… this is your portal. Warning: you might never want to leave.

Ready to ditch reality and dive headfirst into worlds packed with curses, secrets, and seriously powerful magic? Books are your ultimate escape ticket—zero suitcases, zero airport drama, and 100% pure adventure. If you’re craving small-town mysteries, coastal thrills, or bayou supernatural vibes, these three reads will teleport you straight into the action. Let’s go!

Annapolis, Maryland – Waterfront Magic, Rivalries & Destiny ⛵🌊⚡Next up, sail into the moody, breathtaking waterfront of Annapolis in Bewitching Hannah. Here, 16-year-old Hannah gets pulled into an ancient prophecy that could change everything. Hidden rivals, magic waking up inside her, and a high-stakes game where one wrong choice could cost her everything. Imagine kissing a star-crossed love under stormy skies, coven meetings in the shadow of the historic statehouse, and a girl discovering she’s way more powerful than she ever imagined. Fast-paced tension, beautiful maritime vibes, and that delicious “who can I even trust?” energy—this book is pure adrenaline for anyone who loves prophecies, rivalries, and swoony romance.

Koush Hollow, Louisiana – Bayou Secrets, Dark Waters & Rebel Energy 🐊🌿🔮 Last (but definitely not least), plunge into the misty, mystical bayou near New Orleans in Koush Hollow. When 16-year-old Jenna returns, she walks straight into exclusive social circles, environmental mysteries, and waters hiding way more than alligators. Beneath the Spanish moss and humid nights lies a battle for truth, power, and doing what’s right in a town built on secrets. There’s a forbidden romance, too. If you’re into rich, atmospheric worlds, strong heroines who refuse to back down, and stories where magic and real-world stakes collide—this one will pull you under (in the best way).

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a blanket, some snacks, and your next favorite escape. These books don’t just tell stories—they transport you. No passport. No limits. Just pure magic. Which destination are you packing for first? Drop your pick below—I need to know! 📖🌍

BUY LINK


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It’s a Peach, Hon!

From Sloane Taylor

A sizzling summer deserves a cool dessert. This tasty treat is one my family loves and because it’s so easy to make we have it often.

Peach Crumble

1 – 15.25 oz. can peach chunks in heavy sauce

½ tsp. cinnamon

1½ tbsp. cornstarch

¼ cup apple juice

Pour peaches into a small saucepan. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, lower heat and cook for 1 minute. Stir constantly so the mixture doesn’t burn. If the sauce is too thick add more apple juice one tablespoon at a time.

Scoop peach mixture into an ungreased 1 quart, or slightly smaller, ovenproof casserole. Individual ramekins work well, too.

Topping

½ cup flour

½ cup sugar

2 tbsp. butter or margarine, cut into bits

Preheat oven to 375° F.

Combine flour and sugar in a small bowl. Add butter bits then use your fingertips to blend the mixture into coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over peaches.

Bake 20 – 25 minutes or until topping is a lightly golden.

Serve smothered in whipped cream.

May you enjoy all the days of your life filled with good friends, laughter, and seated around a well-laden table!

Sloane

Sloane Taylor is an Award-Winning author with a second passion in her life. She is an avid cook and posts new recipes on her blog every Wednesday. The recipes are user friendly, meaning easy.

To learn more about Taylor go to her website Stay in touch on Blogger, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Taylor’s cookbooks, Hot Mean Wear Aprons, Date Night Dinners, Date Night Dinners Italian Style, Sizzling Summer, and Recipes to Create Holidays Extraordinaire are released by Toque & Dagger Publishing and available at all book vendors.