It’s #bookqw and Annmar won’t be ‘made’ to comply.
More from Chapter 1:
Derby, England
September 1868
A volley of curses rang out, adding to the noise of sputtering steam engines and the clanking from the open windows in the towering factory walls. Giving a side-glance to the drivers of two mechanized carts that had nearly collided, Annmar Masterson walked on. She had precious few minutes to ensure she had her lines right. “While I appreciate your consideration, Mr. Shearing,” she recited, “I cannot accept your offer of a drafting shop.”
Her friend Polly groaned. “Too ladylike.” She stopped Annmar. “Look me in the eye and say only the ending line as firmly as you meant it last night.”
Annmar closed her eyes briefly. When Derby’s most successful tradesman first urged her to pursue her own business, his encouragement fueled her dream of the shop she and Mother planned to open before Mother died. With her own shop, Annmar could turn a profit instead of funneling the proceeds of her illustrations to her employer, Mrs. Rennet, or whichever business-savvy art dealer offered money for materials and the largest cut. Except, over the months, Mr. Shearing’s offer of sponsorship became less about the shop and more about…him.
Remembering her disappointment made it easier to lower her voice and say, “I cannot accept your offer of a drafting shop.”
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An epic fantasy of witches, shapeshifters, mystery and magic in a spellbinding cottagecore fantasy! The Unraveling, Volume One of The Luminated Threads is a free first novel of a serialized cozy fantasy — download it from my Payhip Store and major retailers.
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I’ll be signing my books at the family-friendly Gaithersburg Book Festival
Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 10 am to 6 pm
at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
It’s free to attend and free to park!
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