Welcome to my stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for Falling into Magic – A Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Mystery by Elizabeth Pantley. Stop by each blog on the tour for interviews, guest posts, spotlights, reviews and more!
Falling into Magic – A Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Mystery by Elizabeth Pantley
I received this book free to review; however, all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive compensation at no cost to you.
Falling into Magic – A Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Independently Published
Number of Pages 299
When Hayden was a child, she lost her cat. Adults told her the cat has escaped the house and ran away, but she knew the truth. The mirror had taken her. She knew because the mirror had given her a glimpse of an alternate world and had nearly pulled her in, so she was certain the cat had suffered that fate.
Twenty years later Hayden discovers the true secret of the mirror when she is thrust into it by a mysterious villain. She learns of a world she never knew existed, and a family she never knew she had. But danger brought her here, and it followed her. And now, Hayden is on a mission to see that the threat is removed, so that she can begin her magical, meaningful new life in this enchanted world.
My review of Falling into Magic
Falling into Magic is an enchanting cozy mystery book. I truly felt like I had been transported into Destiny’s Falls while I was reading this book, and now that I’ve finished, I miss it already!
You never know what you’re going to get when you read an author’s debut novel. But, the fact that Elizabeth Pantley has written 13 books, albeit they’re nonfiction, really comes through. You can tell that she’s intelligent and knows her grammar and style, and that’s something I really appreciate. I come from a long line of English teachers…okay, not so long….my mom and grandma…but good grammar is ingrained in me! If I use incorrect grammar, it’s on purpose! Though good grammar has nothing to do with the story, it makes the book more enjoyable and easier to read.
The world-building in Falling into Magic is phenomenal. The exquisite details took my imagination straight through the portal to Destiny’s Falls right along with Hayden. I love the magical components in this cozy mystery. It’s not a Harry Potter type of magic with witches and wizards and muggles; this is an entire magical realm that even the characters have a difficult time describing.
Speaking of characters, the main characters are incredibly well-developed, and the side characters aren’t just there as “fluff”. They serve a purpose.
This mystery truly is puzzling. It’s not really about solving a crime; it’s about discovering who wants to harm Hayden and why. Though the mystery is partially solved, the ending confirms that there is much more to the story. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series entitled The Disappearance of Emily.
If you love your cozies with a touch of magic, a bit of humor, and a beautiful setting, you’ll be delighted with Falling into Magic. I highly recommend it!
Guest Post: When a Character Gets Downright Pushy
I’ve written thirteen parenting books that were research based. I was guided by science and studies and I felt that presence every step of the way. When I embarked on writing my first novel, I was excited to know that I had no such guide. I could write whatever I wanted and make all my own decisions. But I was shocked to discover that was not entirely true.
I was deep into writing a scene where my main character was heading out for a day-long mountain hike with a new friend. I felt that at this point I needed to have a third person along for the adventure. I spent a day pondering the right choice of character to fill this spot. I reviewed all my options, but no one seemed exactly right.
The next morning, I woke up and it was as if one of my characters was standing in the room saying “Pick me! I want to go on the hike.” But it made absolutely no sense. Why on earth would this character be hiking with Hayden?
I went downstairs to breakfast and the character met me in the kitchen, again tickling my brain: “Pick me! I’m the one who should tag along on the hike!” I started to consider how this might work, but kept shaking my head, nope. It doesn’t make any sense.
But my character would not leave my head! She was very persistent, and then got downright pushy. Slowly, the scene unfolded in my mind. Yes! Not only did it make sense – it was absolutely the right direction for the story. I’d been led to the perfect person to tag along!
I headed to my office and began to type. The chapter flowed so quickly I could barely keep up. This character was not only the perfect choice, she was the only choice.
Here’s a short excerpt leading up to Hayden’s discovery of her additional hiking partner.
EXCERPT from Falling in Magic, Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic, 1
Olivia and her stunning dog, Hercules approached me from the driveway. I said hello to her and petted her companion. He was seriously the most unique dog I’d ever seen. He seemed to remember me and licked my hand, luckily keeping those massive canines under control. I asked Olivia if I could give him a treat, and she approved, so I pulled out the baggie of beef pieces I brought along just for him. He gobbled them up and I had a feeling I’d just cemented our friendship.
Olivia looked sheepish. She told me that someone else would be joining us today, and she really hoped I didn’t mind. She had been chatting with this person in town when she had stopped by the coffee shop. Then she held up two cups and offered me one with an apologetic smile. “She pretty much invited herself along,” said Olivia, “and I’m too weak to say no in a case like that.”
“Oh, not to worry!” I said, “That’s not being weak, it’s being polite. Also, there’s safety in numbers and having three of us plus Hercules makes me feel even safer.”
“Phew!” said Olivia, dramatically wiping her brow.
She smiled and waved to someone coming up behind me.
I turned around, and you know that expression, ‘you could have knocked me over with a feather’? Well, I really get it now. You are not going to believe who was going hiking with us . . .
About Elizabeth Pantley
Elizabeth Pantley is the international bestselling author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and twelve other books for parents. Her books have been published in over twenty languages. She lives near Seattle and is the mother of four and nana to one. This is her first work of fiction.
Author Links
WEBSITE: https://www.nocrysolution.com/books/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethPantleyNoCryAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethpantley/
Pinterest: ht https://www.pinterest.com/nocrysolution/_saved/
Blog: https://elizabethpantley.com/
Enter the giveaway Ended
Tour Participants
November 16
Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
November 17
Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT
November 18
Literary Gold – CHARACTER GUEST POST
Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW
November 19
I Read What You Write – GUEST POST
November 20
I’m All About Books -SPOTLIGHT
November 21
Brooke Blogs – CHARACTER GUEST POST
November 22
Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW
November 23
Sapphyria’s Book Reviews -SPOTLIGHT
November 24
Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
November 25
Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, GUEST POST
Thoughts in Progress – SPOTLIGHT
November 26
FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
November 27
Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
November 28
Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
November 29
Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
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This sounds like a wonderful book filled with excitement!! Can’t wait to read it.
@tisonlyme143
This book sounds wonderfully crazy , with all the good stuff.
@tisonlyme143
It looks like a good read.
This book sounds wonderful!
@tisonlyme143
The excerpt left me wanting to read more, who is going on the hike with them?