A Book Award for The Never Witch!
The Never Witch is perfect for readers who like their fantasy grounded in emotion and their magic served with a side of grit.
The Never Witch is now a Literary Titan Award Winner. At the end of October, the judges notified me that it had earned a 5-star review, and early this month, I learned that it had won a gold Literary Titan medal.
What also helps new readers find the books are reviews. Here are two I’m very proud of:
McLean’s writing has never been more stylish and powerful—this book raises the bar on craft.
Original, unique, clever, deftly crafted, and a simply riveting and fun read from start to finish.
Last In-person Event of 2025
My last in-person event of the year is at the Queneesh Holiday Market this Sunday, December 21, at the Florence Filberg Centre in Courtenay. I’ll be manning a table of books written by local authors . Stop by and peruse the wide assortment of books available.
Saturday, December 20, 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday, December 21, 10 am – 5 pm
411 Anderton Avenue, Courtenay, BC.
On the Home Front
For the past couple of years my husband and I have enjoyed prime rib, beef Wellington, and even chicken for the main event, but this year we’re going traditional with turkey, stuffing, mashed spuds, and all the fixings. Except dessert. I don’t know about you, but when my plate’s empty, I’m always too full to stuff in another bite, even if it’s a whipped light-as-a-feather slice of pumpkin pie, a sticky Christmas pudding, or a spicy yule log. Nope. Can’t do it. (But that’s not to say those desserts won’t be welcome after leftovers in the coming days.)
What I’m Reading
I’m currently reading Aeterna by Kim Bannerman. Kim and I often bump into one another at local author events. Her covers, which her husband designs, are beautiful, and Aeterna’s storyline intrigued me. It’s a dystopian story of vampires that live in a luxurious underground world they’ve created for their kind after they wiped out humans. But an opportunity to return to the old human cities during the vampires’ Bloodlet Right threatens to unravel their utopia.
I’m also listening to Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros. It’s the third book in her Empyrean series. The first book was Fourth Wing, followed by Iron Flame. They’re lengthy books, and though I’m into the third in the series, I still haven’t figured out the landscape. What I love about the books is the flying and the relationships between the riders and the riders and their dragons. And because they’re audiobooks, they’re keeping me company while I prep meals, wrap gifts, and get ready for company.
And just in case you think my head’s always in the clouds, I’m also reading War Resisters by Joline Martin, which tells the story of Vietnam war resisters who settled in Canada, including some who settled right here on Denman Island.
Happy Christmas
And finally, from my home to yours this festive season, may your celebrations be filled with love and all your favourite things, and your New Year be happy, healthy, and peaceful.
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Until next time…
XO
Jo-Anne
My final event of the year will be Comox Valley Makers’ Market Decorates Christmas. It’s a two-day event, December 7th and 8th, at the Comox Legion. I love attending Makers’ Market events. There’s a warm sense of camaraderie among the vendors and loads of laughs. I hope you’re able to make it, and if you do, please come by and say hello.
