Leigh Goff

Author

Category Archives: Fiction


by 2 Comments

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!


by Leave a comment

A Glam Summer Reading Pick: Bewitching Hannah 

If you’re hunting for the perfect summer read that’s equal parts addictive, romantic, and dangerously magical, look no further than Bewitching Hannah.

One must rise. One must die. 

Sixteen-year-old Hannah Fitzgerald has spent her entire life suppressing the dark, restless power humming in her veins. But when an ancient prophecy awakens, foretelling the rise of a deadly young witch and the brutal death of another, her hidden magic begins to stir — and it’s hungry. Suddenly thrust into a lethal game of dark magic, hidden rivals, and shifting alliances, Hannah must confront secrets that could destroy everything she loves. 

Enter W, the mysterious, breathtaking stranger bound to her fate. With eyes like midnight and a past even darker than her own, he might be her salvation… or her downfall. In a world where trust can be fatal, Hannah quickly learns that no one is who they seem, not even the boy she’s falling for.

Glamorous, tense, and spellbinding, Bewitching Hannah delivers everything you want in a summer YA fantasy: slow-burn romance, high-stakes magic, fierce friendships, and a protagonist who’s both powerful and deeply relatable. 

Perfect for:

  • Teens who love strong heroines, dark romance, and witchy vibes
  • Moms who enjoy reading the same books as their daughters (hello, epic mother-daughter discussions!)
  • Fans of Serpent & Dove, The Cruel Prince, and These Violent Delights

Whether you’re poolside, beach-bound, or curled up with iced coffee on the porch, this newly relaunched edition is the glamorous escape you’ve been waiting for.

One prophecy. Two fates. No second chances. 

Bewitching Hannah is out now on Amazon — grab your copy today and let the magic pull you under. Have you started reading yet? Drop your favorite witchy or dark fantasy read in the comments — I’d love to hear what you’re obsessed with this summer! Happy reading.

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! 


by 1 Comment

Some Curses Are Born of True Love…

What if the boy who saves your life is the one person destined to destroy you?

Something wicked is coming soon… and if you love witchy YA fantasy with forbidden romance, dark family secrets, and impossible choices, you’re going to want to hear this. 

Sixteen-year-old Sophie comes from a long line of powerful witches, but she’s barely keeping her unpredictable gifts hidden. 

That’s the least of her problems. 

When a dangerous thief tries to rip her mysterious heirloom necklace from her throat, she’s saved by the last person she’s allowed to want—Alexavier Mather, a descendant of the man who sent her ancestor to the gallows. He carries a devastating secret that could destroy them both. 

To survive, Sophie must awaken the dangerous power sleeping inside her diamond charm. But unlocking it means digging into the wicked, blood-stained pasts of both their families… and risking far more than her heart. 

Because some curses are born of true love.

And the only way to break this one might cost Sophie her soul. 

If you love:

  • Slow-burn, forbidden romance with serious tension 
  • Ancient curses and witchy lore with teeth 
  • Deep family secrets and high-stakes choices

…then keep your eyes on this space. Big news about Disenchanted is headed your way soon.

 In the meantime, I’d love to know: Would you risk everything, including your soul, for a love you’re forbidden to have? 

Drop your answer in the comments. 


by 2 Comments

A Tea Party Steeped in Magic–Annapolis, 1774

Unknown-2Steeped in rebellion and patriotism, the Annapolis Tea Party remains a pivotal moment in American history. In Bewitching Hannah, the historic Annapolis Tea Party has a magical connection to the novel’s characters and the event is highlighted in the story’s climax.

It was October 1774, and the Peggy Stewart brig arrived in Annapolis from London…loaded with tea. Since this was not the first time the owner, Anthony Stewart, had tried to import banned goods, he decided in order to unload the two thousand pounds of tea, he would pay the tax.

Colonial Annapolitans rushed into a rage and demanded Mr. Stewart be publicly punished by tarring and feathering him. They protested in front of his house, threatening his life and his family. A local committee of Maryland citizens decided the best course of action was to burn the Peggy Stewart and her cargo in the harbor.

The night of October 19th, 1774, several patriots including Charles Ridgely accompanied Mr. Stewart on board the brig. Mr. Stewart hesitated to touch his torch to the ship until Mr. Ridgely warned him that if he didn’t, his life would be in danger. The ship and her cargo burned and sank in the harbor, thereby entering the Annapolis Tea Party into the history books.

Unknown-3Eventually and in fear for his life, Mr. Stewart relocated to Nova Scotia, Canada. As for the ship, according to the Maryland Historical Society Library, the Peggy Stewart‘s remains lay beneath what is now Luce Hall at the U. S. Naval Academy.


In the excerpt below, Hannah, a reluctant sixteen-year-old witch, discusses her fear of October 19th—the date of the upcoming tea party reenactment.

EXCERPT

“I want to assume you found the trunk key I left for you, and you’ve been studying your father’s notes from the attic. If you’ve been up to anything more than that do not tell me,” Aunt J said.

“I have been reading his notes.”

“Good. Keep doing that, but you should know something else. Your father’s ring, the one on your hand—there is more to it than meets the eye. Your father was working on its secret before he died, but he never figured it out.”

“He always told me it held a secret and secrets would reveal themselves to me once I proved worthy.”

“That’s true, and I have a feeling you’re exactly the worthy kind of witch that ring deserves. You need to pick up where he left off. Uncover its secret. You might need it.”

I stared at the Fitzgerald crest, the weight of my heritage falling heavy on my shoulders. “The way you say it scares me.”

“You need to be scared.” She stared straight ahead, but her knuckles on the steering wheel paled white as she gripped it harder.

“How much time do you think I have?”

“I don’t know. Momentous events surrounding witches usually occur during planet alignments or natural disasters.”

I wasn’t clairvoyant like Mrs. Meier, so predicting a volcanic eruption or tidal wave was out of the question unless the date came to me in a fog-free dream. However, I wasn’t counting on that. I reached for my phone and Googled “upcoming astral events.” I scrolled through the list. My eyes nearly popped out of my head—one impending big, amazing, blood moon-slash-total lunar eclipse. With anxious fingers, I checked my phone calendar. The eclipse was occurring on October nineteenth, the night of the tea party re-enactment. I swallowed the lump in my throat and slipped the phone back in my pocket. Aunt J would be there with other members of the coven for the painting unveiling and everyone else in town for the re-enactment. I sighed, frustrated. “Can you drop me off at Mateo’s.”

“Mateo? We’re talking about your actual life, not your social life.”

“I promised him.”

She frowned. “If you prunus domestica to consider what I’ve told you.”

“I promise that, too.” We parked in front of Mateo’s house. I waved goodbye to Aunt J and dashed to the front door.

Summer greeted me with a huge smile. “Come in. I’m glad you’re okay.” Her gaze drifted to the cloudless blue sky. “Why do you look so damp and disheveled?”

I sighed, filled with frustration and stress. “Long story.”

“Mateo’s in the backyard. He’s been waiting to show you his stupid sacred treasures,” she said as if it wasn’t a big deal to anyone except Mateo. She pointed to the sliding glass doors. “He’s out there, but come back when you’re done.”

“Sure.”

Mateo, sitting at the sunny picnic bench in the middle of the yard, eyed me up and down. He set his small brush down. “You look like you got in a fight with a fish and the fish won.”

“Maybe I did.”

“Seriously?”

I shrugged. “Emme.”

“She doesn’t know when to quit, does she?”

“That’s for sure.”

He puttered around with a shell thingy. “So you gonna tell me exactly what happened after you left the beach by the cliff?”

I slid onto the bench opposite him. “Stupid really. Went to the pond, got distracted, and fell into a drainage ditch.”

He laughed. “I’m serious.”

“Me, too. Fortunately, I didn’t die there.”

“What had you so distracted you didn’t see the ditch?”

“Siris, my raven showed up.”

He looked up from cleaning. “I thought familiars were supposed to be helpful.”

“He was helpful. It was my fault. I wasn’t paying attention.”

“So what happened?”

I pressed my lips together, not sure how he would take the news. “That’s where William found me.”

BEWITCHING HANNAH

Being a witch is the last thing Hannah wants…

51l+xEpRjJL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_

Immerse yourself in a spellbinding tale of magic, forbidden love, and self-discovery. Meet sixteen-year-old Hannah Fitzgerald, a reluctant witch who’s hesitant to unlock her powers while succumbing to a whirlwind, star-crossed romance.
As she navigates her newfound abilities, Hannah confronts a web of challenges and secrets that will keep you under her spell. With its Beauty and the Beast-inspired twist, this captivating story will cast a hold on your heart and keep you turning the pages until the very end.

BUY LINKS

Amazon

B&N

IndieBound

CONNECT

79410-leigh2bgoff-1502bret.jpgJoin the enchanted community! Connect with Leigh and her readers to receive exclusive content, news and updates by clicking the blue “Follow” button.


by 2 Comments

Word Witches & the Magic of Snacks

bouquet of tulips near coffee mug

Photo by Brigitte Tohm on Pexels.com

Writing can be a deliciously creative endeavor. We all know that food fuels the mind, so why not indulge in a few tasty treats to keep your energy levels high and your inspiration flowing? Whether you’re tackling a daunting deadline or embarking on a brainstorming session, here are a few fun snacks that are sure to satisfy your cravings and fuel your writing process.

Let’s start with the magical combo of chocolate and coffee. The velvety goodness of dark chocolate pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that can give you that extra boost of creativity. The caffeine provides a jolt of energy, while the sweetness of chocolate adds a touch of decadence to your writing ritual. Take a break from your keyboard, savor a moment of bliss with this duo, and let your imagination run wild.

If you’re looking for something a little more spellbinding, tap into your inner child with a plate of colorful, bite-sized snacks. Think mini sandwiches, fruit skewers, or a bowl of mixed nuts and popcorn (see fun recipe below!). Not only are these treats fun to eat, but they also offer a variety of flavors and textures to keep your taste buds entertained.

By incorporating fun snacks into your writing routine, you can indulge your taste buds and invigorate your mind. Whether you opt for the enchanting chocolate and coffee combo or explore a whimsical array of bite-sized treats, these snacks will add an extra sprinkle of enjoyment to your writing sessions. So, grab a snack, sit back, and let the magic happen as you embark on your next writing adventure.

Sweet & Salty Marshmallow Popcorn

Sweet-and-Salty-Marshmallow-Popcorn-4
(Recipe & photo from Two Peas and Their Pod)
Ingredients
  • 8 cups popped popcorn we use air popped popcorn
  • 1 1/2 cups pretzels
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 12 big marshmallows
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup M&M’s

Instructions

  • Place the popcorn and pretzels on a large baking sheet that has been lined with a Silpat baking mat. Set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup and cook until melted and combined. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and salt.
  • Evenly pour the marshmallow caramel mixture over the popcorn and pretzels. Gently stir until the popcorn and pretzels are well coated. It will be sticky! Stir in the M&M’s. Taste and season with additional salt, if desired. Store in an airtight container for up to one week. The popcorn will stay sticky and soft!
  • Note-if you need the recipe to be gluten-free, make sure you use gluten-free pretzels. You can also use peanut M&M’s or stir in peanuts!

LeighGoff-150RETLeigh Goff is an author from the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area. She is represented by Lauren Bittrich at Lucinda Literary. She has three published novels, DISENCHANTED (2015), BEWITCHING HANNAH (2017), and KOUSH HOLLOW (2020). She is also a member of SCBWI and a graduate from the University of Maryland.

Learn more about her and her writing on her website. Stay connected on Instagram, Twitter, and Amazon.


by 2 Comments

Unleash the Magic of Self-Care

woman in white sleeveless shirt lying on wooden surface with fairy lights

Photo by stayhereforu on Pexels.com

People, we need a break from the keyboard and our phones! It’s time to unleash the magic of self-care and I’m sharing some ideas on how to recharge and nurture our spirits.

Engage in regular exercise to boost energy levels and clear the mind. Yoga, pickle ball, or dancing to your favorite tunes can do the trick.

Fresh air can do wonders for the soul! I like to take breaks throughout the day and walk my golden retriever. I get to enjoy being in nature and my dog’s company, win-win!

Practice mindfulness and meditation to find balance amidst the chaos of everyday life. Mute the phone, step away from the laptop, and take a few moments each day to simply breathe and be present. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning and think about what brings you peace or joy.

Connect with friends or peers, even if it’s online. Share experiences, seek support, and celebrateUnknown each other’s successes. I have a wonderful group of writers I connect with called Authors Moving Forward. We bounce ideas and situations off one another and their feedback has proven essential.

Treat yourself to a cozy reading session with a favorite book or explore new genres for fresh perspectives. I’m currently reading Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus and I’m really enjoying it. If you need book suggestions, let me know.

Prioritize restful sleep. Your mind thrives when it’s well-rested, so make sure to give yourself enough downtime for quality sleep. Find a linen spray like this one in a relaxing scent and spritz that on your bedding before bedtime. It will help you drift into a peaceful sleep.

Remember, self-care is essential to nourish our creativity and overall well-being. Take care of yourself, and you will flourish!

LeighGoff-150RETLeigh Goff is an author from the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area. She is represented by Lauren Bittrich at Lucinda Literary. She has three published novels, DISENCHANTED (2015), BEWITCHING HANNAH (2017), and KOUSH HOLLOW (2020). She is also a member of SCBWI and a graduate from the University of Maryland.

Learn more about her and her writing on her website. Stay connected on Instagram, Twitter, and Amazon.


by 2 Comments

KOUSH HOLLOW RE-RELEASE!

BIG BOOK NEWS!

61P16ZY4r8S._SL500_KOUSH HOLLOW, a suspenseful Southern novel filled with mystical characters, small-town secrets, and deadly lies, has a shiny re-release date and is available now in audiobook, e-book, and paperback formats on Amazon.

Books make great gifts, and as a treat I’m including a cocktail recipe below that pairs perfectly with the book and may protect the reader against the evil antagonist in the story.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

After an unimaginable family tragedy, sixteen-year-old Jenna returns to the mystical bayou town outside of New Orleans. Her powerful Southern stepmother is a corrupt energy executive who is polluting the local waters, lining the pockets of her exclusive social club members, and planning to induct the meddling, strong-willed Jenna into her sparkling seductive world where all that glitters is not what it seems. While the dying bayous around them hide their many secrets beneath the murky surface, Jenna will have to find the strength to resist everything she’s always wanted in order to uncover the truth she’s always needed.

5-Star Review:

Suspense, twists and turns, and an ending you don’t see coming

Suspenseful, lots of twists and turns, had me on the edge of my seat, shocking ending! I loved everything minute of it. I also highly recommend it, along with the author’s other books, “Disenchanted”, and “Bewitching Hannah” Awesome Reading.

PURCHASE KOUSH HOLLOW -AMAZON LINK

fresh-cranberry-vodka-4KOUSH HOLLOW COCKTAIL

Ingredients:

4 oz. club soda

2 oz. good gin like Bombay

1 oz. cranberry juice

Splash of lemon juice

Cranberries

Sprig of rosemary (for protection against evil stepmothers!)

Ice

Directions:

In a cocktail shaker add ice and gin, cranberry juice, and lemon juice. Shake well. Strain into an ice-filled collins glass. Stir in soda and add a festive garnish of cranberries. And don’t forget the rosemary sprig!

ABOUT THE AUTHORLeighGoff-150RET

Leigh Goff is a writer from the Washington, D.C./Baltimore area. She is the author of three published novels and is represented by Lauren Bittrich at Lucinda Literary.

When she writes, she wants to write for readers looking with a shimmer in their eyes to escape into fantastic worlds; worlds filled with sparkling magic and brave characters. She wants readers to get lost in her stories and hopefully find themselves there, too.

Please visit her website and Amazon page for more information.

Website

Amazon Page


by Leave a comment

NEW RELEASE for STELLA MAY

It’s here for all you time travel fans to enjoy in e-book or paperback! 

Time & Again, Book 2 in the Upon a Time series by Stella May, is by far her best novel yet. Here’s a little to intrigue you on May’s latest romantic fiction.

E63 Marina Cover Reveal TimeandAgainCoverAfter months of working like a woman possessed, Nika Morris kept her promise. Coleman House is finished. It’s gorgeous. Spectacular. Brilliant.

It’s breaking her heart.

Because once the new owners move in, she’ll be cut off from the time portal to 1909, where she met and fell in love with Eli Coleman. Now stranded in her own time, she’s waited months for the key to reappear in its hiding place. Only it hasn’t. Which means Eli must have believed the terrible things she was accused of.

Back in 1909, Eli is stunned at his best friend’s deathbed confession of a shocking betrayal. Nika—his Daisy, his time-traveling wonder—was innocent. Once he finds the key, he wastes no time stepping through the portal, determined to make things right.

But the moment Eli stumbles into her shiny, noisy, confusing future, he realizes reconciliation won’t be simple. There is more than one emotional bridge to rebuild before he and Nika can return to the time their love was born—and live their destiny out to the fullest.

Amazon Buy Link

Marina No GlareTalented author Stella May is the penname for Marina Sardarova who has a fascinating history you should read on her website.

Stella writes fantasy romance as well as time travel romance. She is the author of ‘Till Time Do Us Part, Book 1 in her Upon a Time series, and the stand-alone book Rhapsody in Dreams. Love and family are two cornerstones of her stories and life. Stella’s books are available in e-book and paperback through all major vendors.

When not writing, Stella enjoys classical music, reading, and long walks along the ocean. She lives in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband Leo of 35 years and their son George. They are her two best friends and are all partners in their family business.

Follow Stella on her website and blog Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.


by 8 Comments

You Can Call Me Jenna…

The mystery guest interview today is with Jenna Ashby, a self-described cool eco-warrior from Koush Hollow.

Unknown-10

What’s your full name?

Technically it’s Jennifer Ashby, but don’t call me Jennifer. Rayna, my mother, calls me that. I prefer Jenna (most of the time) and my middle name is Crossland, which is my mother’s maiden name, however, I have a feeling that’s not really what it’s supposed to be…

Tell us about your parents.

They divorced when I was little and I moved with my dad from Koush Hollow outside of New Orleans to Atlanta. I was fifteen when my dad died tragically last year, and I had to move back to live with Rayna. She’s rich, ambitious, and she pretty much has my whole life planned out for me, which is so not going to happen. One day she wants me to take over her exclusive social club, the Diamonds & Pearls, but I’m an eco-warrior at heart and have no intention of hanging out with those snobby women, attending balls, or wearing pearls. Needless to say, life with Rayna is going to be a challenge—mostly for her.

Do you have any distinguishing features?

Besides my cool short, blonde spikes of hair, I have these interesting red marks on my hands. They’re crescent moon-shaped and Dad always told me they mark me as special, but Rayna hates them. What’s strange is that since I’ve returned to Koush Hollow, they’ve been acting up. I think it has something to do with being near the bayou, but I’m not sure why.

diamonds-and-pearls-3-gina-sullivanWhat is your greatest regret?

Not spending more time with my dad before he died. I’ve really struggled to deal with him being gone, too. Rayna wants me to forget about him and focus on being perfect, but I’m not perfect. I’ve made bad choices. I keep making mistakes because of other traumatic events that keep sending me whirling. I regret the mistakes, but that’s what being sixteen is all about. It means making mistakes. No one’s perfect. We all have regrets and maybe others can learn from my mistakes.

Unknown-9Who is the most important person in your life?

My dad was the most important, but since I’ve arrived in Koush Hollow, I’ve met someone who makes me question what’s going on in the world that Rayna wants to paint as perfect. His name is Hayden and he’s more like me than any of the wretched Pearls. He irritates me most of the time, but he’s smart and cares about Lake Pontchartrain and the bayous around us, which aren’t as healthy as they used to be. He blames Rayna and the nuclear power plant where she works, but she’s a former marine biologist. There’s no way she would do anything to hurt the environment, right?

Who are your friends?

I had the coolest friends back in Atlanta. We would cosplay together and have the best times. I even had a long-distance boyfriend who I detest now. In Koush Hollow, I hang out with Lauren and Abigail. They’re Pearls and on Rayna’s approved list, but they are starting to grow on me. They want me to become a Pearl, too, so I can meet with the mysterious Marais sisters and have access to their stupid beauty treatments. What they don’t know is that I’ve already met them. Lauren keeps hinting at the price I’ll have to pay to be a Pearl. We’ll see what happens.

images-4What is your favorite food?

The one thing I love about being back in New Orleans is the food! It’s all freaking amazing. A perfect day would begin with beignets for breakfast, a Muffuletta for lunch, shrimp and grits for dinner, bread pudding with bourbon sauce for dessert, and Zapp’s Voodoo chips to snack on while I binge on Netflix shows.

Unknown-13Speaking of Voodoo, are the Marais sisters seriously Voodoo priestesses?

What I can tell you is that they’ve got all kinds of mystical stuff going on at their place on the bayou. I’ve seen them painted as skeletons, dancing, chanting, and tossing fish into a bonfire. There’s Mama Ismay, she’s the oldest, although they all look so young, it’s hard to tell. Lisette is sexy, Destine is into health food, and they all tell me I remind them of their late sister Chelsea. I don’t know how that’s possible, but they’re so beautiful beyond their appearance, I like the comparison.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leigh Goff is a young adult author with type 1 diabetes who is inspired by caffeine, enchanted spells, and unforgettable, star-crossed fates.

Although she’s terrible at casting any magic of her own, she is descended from the accused witch, Elizabeth Duncan of Virginia, who went to trial in 1695 for charges including bewitching livestock and causing birds to fall from the sky.

You can find more information at www.LeighGoff.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

unnamedBUY LINKS

Parliament House Press

Amazon

Barnes & Noble


by Leave a comment

Pollution Solutions: Time to Detox

garbage on body of water

Photo by Yogendra Singh on Pexels.com

“Sip a glass of cool, clear water as you read this, and you may think water pollution is a problem somewhere else. But while most Americans have access to safe drinking water, potentially harmful contaminants—from arsenic to copper to lead—have been found in the tap water of every single state in the nation.”[1] When we think about detoxing, we think about our health. However, our rivers, lakes, and oceans are in trouble just as the lake and bayou are in my upcoming novel, KOUSH HOLLOW, and none of us, including my fictional characters, can be healthy without clean water.

Water pollution comes from things like pesticides, farm waste, oil spills, and industrial and radioactive waste. Radioactive disasters like what happened at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Japan can send hundreds of tons of radioactive water into the sea before leaks can be contained. For marine life, radioactive pollution in general can kill fish, create strange mutations, and the radioactive poison can be passed along the food chain. According to the EPA, almost half of our rivers and more than one-third of our lakes are polluted, which means they’re not safe for swimming, fishing, or drinking.

nuclear power plant

Photo by Markus Distelrath on Pexels.com

In KOUSH HOLLOW the locals believe the town’s lake is polluted from sewage and wastewater, but the dirty secret is that the pollution is coming from a nefarious source. The effects are disastrous on life in and around the lake and bayou and on the people who live near them. The main character, Jenna is vigilant and curious. Her suspicions lead her to uncover the corruption at the local nuclear power plant and stave off the pollution. Then Jenna starts up the Green Eco Warriors who pick up trash around the lake and send in water samples for testing.

In the real world, we can all be vigilant and do our part, even if we don’t live near a lake. We can reduce our dependence on plastic. Properly dispose of toxic chemicals, petroleum products, and old batteries to keep those chemicals from seeping into the groundwater. If you’re not a vegetarian/vegan consider implementing a no-meat Monday to reduce meat consumption, which will reduce agricultural demand, and in turn reduce farm waste. When you’re ready to purchase a car, consider buying an electric car that doesn’t use oil, antifreeze, or gasoline.

“Nearly one million tons of oil makes its way into marine environments each year.”[2] If needed, use natural fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides in your yard and consider planting native species of plants that will soak up rain and prevent runoff. Our waterways touch all of our lives. Let’s keep them clean!

EXCERPT from KOUSH HOLLOW

“Dejection washed over me as they disappeared. In Atlanta, strange things had stopped happening and I blended with everyone else. Here? Not so much. The crescent marks were burning like fire ant venom and the fight to fit in was wearing on me. I hadn’t felt more awful than I did at that moment.

I dipped under the surface and swam around, needing a layer of silence between the drama and me. I brushed my fingers along fish scooting past, their silver scales shimmering like mercury in the fractured moonlight.

A rockfish swayed lazily back and forth. I reached for it, sending it into panic mode. He sped off so I pursued, curious where it was going. I kicked hard and caught up. It slowed and turned sideways, and I caught sight of its face. A puff of air bubbles escaped my mouth. Several bulbous tumors marred its appearance. Shocked, I popped above the surface and inhaled a deep breath. What in Fukushima was that?

In the distance, there was no sign of any of the boats. The silence broke a minute later with the rumble of a small engine. I spotted a gray Boston whaler heading in my direction. I hoped it was someone friendly with a dry towel and a bottle of vodka under the seat. I flung my arms up and waved them down. “Over here.”

A flash of light caught me and the whaler sputtered closer. The boat light shined in my eyes, preventing me from seeing who my rescuer was. Splash. An orange life jacket landed next to me.

“Don’t need a vest.” I grabbed hold of it and swam closer.

“I’ll save you,” the boy yelled. Splash.

I latched onto the side of the whaler. He swam up behind me and wrapped one arm around my waist. “I’ve got you.”

“Feeling Hayden’s warm body in the water next to mine, that’s when I realized I was only wearing underwear. Wet underwear. I closed my eyes. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Jenna?”

We bobbed up and down with the waves. “Hayden, we’ve got to stop meeting in the water like this.”

He slicked his dark, wet hair back. Water glistened on his lips and his whole face seemed to sparkle. “I thought you were a needy girl drowning.”

“Is this what drowning or needy looks like?”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leigh Goff is a young adult author with type 1 diabetes who is inspired by caffeine, enchanted spells, and unforgettable, star-crossed fates.

Although she’s terrible at casting any magic of her own, she is descended from the accused witch, Elizabeth Duncan of Virginia, who went to trial in 1695 for charges including bewitching livestock and causing birds to fall from the sky.

You can find more information at www.LeighGoff.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

unnamedBUY LINKS

Parliament House Press

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

 

 

 

[1] Denchak, Melissa. NRDC. (5-4-18). From https://www.nrdc.org/stories/water-pollution-everything-you-need-know#prevent  Retrieved on 2/11/20.

[2] Denchak, Melissa. NRDC. (5-4-18). From https://www.nrdc.org/stories/water-pollution-everything-you-need-know#prevent  Retrieved on 2/11/20.