Last year, I was absolutely captivated by a book cover for a proposed anthology. I loved it so much, in fact, that I applied to participate.

And I knew exactly which story I wanted to write.

Today, that story, "The Witch in the Woods," is available to read as part of Shadow Magic: A Limited Edition Folkloric Romance Anthology.

The witch referred to is Old Mother (Mary Alice), the cunning woman who produces such spectacular visions in the Sunshine Walkingstick Series.

"The Witch in the Woods" takes place between Cemetery Hill and Witch Hollow in that series, as a matter of fact, and features another regular, Sunny's cousin Trey.

I tried to keep the focus on the budding romance between Trey and Mary Alice, around the other central plot, and also tried to flesh out some of Mary Alice's particular brand of magic.

The result is an action-packed novelette that I hope readers will enjoy diving into.

Here's a little more about it:

She brought an old magic to the mountains. He only wanted to thank her.

When Trey Carson thanked her for helping his cousin, Mary Alice had no idea his gifts would lead to a vision. But with the Seeing pressing against her mind, she had no choice but to use those gifts to See what the magic wished to show her.

Now, trouble is on the way, and Trey has to deal with it whether he wants to or not. The problem is, Mary Alice intrigues him like no woman ever has. Can he protect her from the coming trouble, or will her visions of blood and anger haunt them both for the rest of their lives?

Several other authors contributed stories to Shadow Magic, including Kat Parrish, who participated in 2022's Magic & Mystery anthology as Katherine Tomlinson. The collection should be a fun read!

I hope you enjoy Old Mother and Trey's story!