Donna Galanti - Where heart and hope meet adventure!

Beyond the Portal Out Today, Book Events PLUS Enter 12-Book Giveaway!

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Yippee! April 4th is finally here. The day Beyond the Portal is out in the world!

I’m sad and happy all at once. Sad that this is the final and third book in my Unicorn Island series but happy that all secrets come to light in the story–and all mysteries solved! You can order Beyond the Portal HERE from your favorite bookseller.

If you’re close to Southeastern Pennsylvania, I’m super excited to be having a special book event at my favorite local bookseller. Join me Saturday, June 10th, 2023, at 1pm at The Doylestown Bookshop to celebrate the release of Beyond the Portal! I’ll have all 3 Unicorn Island books there to purchase and get signed, as well as my other books. Plus, there will be a scavenger hunt, unicorn light giveaway, goodies, a reading–AND your kiddos can get their photo with my extra special friend, Tiffany the Unicorn! Set the date now for a fun afternoon.

Check out this Kirkus Review of Beyond the Portal:

Here is an excerpt from Beyond the Portal:

Sam shielded her eyes against the glaring light. When it disappeared, they stood in another cave. The same blue lightning bugs scuttled around them, illuminating the walls. Sam shivered. It felt more like November in Brooklyn than August in South Carolina.

Sam glanced at Tuck and Barloc and exhaled in relief. “We made it,” she said.

Barloc whinnied softly and pressed his nose against Sam’s shoulder.

“Now we just need to find a way out of here,” Tuck said, his eyes darting around the stone walls. “There!” He pointed to a sliver of hazy light in the distance and motioned for them to follow.

When they stepped out of the cave, they found themselves deep in an unfamiliar forest. There were no live oaks with mossy beards, longleaf pines, or seagulls here.

Instead, tall evergreens loomed beside gray beech trees. Crows cawed overhead, and a lone hawk shrieked across the sky. Jagged, snow-covered mountain peaks loomed in the distance, just as Barloc had described.

A bright moon shone overhead, casting the world in light and shadow. All around them, things moved. It seemed as if the forest were alive, its spindly wooden fingers reaching for them.

Sam moved closer to Tuck. His face was tense as he scanned their new surroundings.

I love reading reviews from book bloggers! Did you know that the best way to help an author is to leave an honest review for books you read? I’d love for you to leave one for Beyond the Portal. 😊

Here’s an early review from Log Cabin Library: “I enjoyed how Galanti explored the grays of the world and that sometimes not everything is as it first seems … This last book showed a lot of character growth and emphasized standing up for your principles … It has strong kid appeal.”

My publisher, Andrews McMeel, also sent me bookmarks and bookplate labels. If you order the book, I’d love to send you a bookmark and personalized bookplate label for you or your favorite unicorn lover. Just email me at donna(at)donnagalanti.com.

My publisher is also so amazing as they are giving away a set of TWELVE of their middle grade books in print to 5 lucky readers! That’s right–12! One book just happens to be Beyond the Portal. Ends April 8th and U.S. only. Check it out and enter here.

Lastly, it’s so amazing to get these lovely surprises in my email from teachers and their students! It warms my heart to know young readers are touched by my stories.  Mrs. Christie said her students love Unicorn Island so much that they decided to write me an opinion letter about it. Here it is in their words.

Happy reading—and happy spring!

P.S. Be sure to take your own magic with you wherever you go

Unicorn Island: Secret Beneath the Sand is out in hardcover today + an excerpt!

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I’m so excited that today is the day the illustrated hardcover of the second book in the Unicorn Island series, Secret Beneath the Sand, is released! You can order it here at your favorite bookseller. If you do, I’d love to send you a bookmark and autographed book plate label for you—or another special reader. Just email me your address and who you’d like the book personalized for at donna@donnagalanti.com.

It’s been a wonderful journey writing the Unicorn Island series and it all started with my publisher who said, “I’d like for you to write a book about a girl who has to take care of a unicorn.” And of course, I said YES to that because … unicorns! They are magical, wondrous, and mysterious. 🦄

In Volume 2 of the series, Sam and Tuck are on their way to becoming unicorn protectors when they discover new secrets about the island that threaten unicorns’ existence! 

Sam can’t believe how much her life and luck have changed since she came to Foggy Harbor: First, she discovered that unicorns are real, and now she’s on her way to becoming an actual unicorn protector! With her new friend, Tuck, by her side during Uncle Mitch’s lessons, Sam finally feels like she’s home.

But as the long-buried dangers of Unicorn Island begin to surface and a mysterious scourge spreads throughout the herd, Sam learns the truth behind Aunt Sylvie’s disappearance and her own connection to the island. With determination, courage, and fierce loyalty to one another—and to their code as unicorn protectors—the kids set out to protect the island’s secrecy and the unicorns’ very existence.

Wonderful news has been rolling in about the book and here are some advance reviews …

“A sweet but not overly sugary treat for unicorn devotees.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The story-line was thrilling … a fantastic page turning, edge of your seat tale.” – Goodreads reviewer

Here is a sneak peek at the amazing artwork by Bethany Stancliffe! 

Download these fun Secret Beneath the Sand activities! And of course you can watch the thrilling book trailer below. 

Check out an excerpt from Secret Beneath the Sand:

Sam frowned. A month ago, it had seemed that Mel, Foggy Harbor’s veterinarian and Tuck’s mom, had cured Barloc of a strange illness. But now that Sam thought about it, the young unicorn had seemed more tired this past week. He was running more slowly and sleeping a lot more.

She knelt in front of Barloc, looking into his violet eyes. I won’t let anything bad happen to you. I promise. She gripped the necklace that Verny had given to her. Made from a unicorn tail, it was a symbol of his trust.

Barloc closed his eyes. I’m just tired. I have been since I got back to the island.

Sam bent her head to his and laid a hand on his horn. It felt warm against her fingers. She frowned and held the back of her hand against his horn to make sure she wasn’t imagining things. It was definitely radiating heat.

“Uncle Mitch,” Sam said, her voice quavering, “I think something’s wrong with Barloc.”

Uncle Mitch quickly knelt down next to her. He checked the young unicorn’s eyes and breathing, then stroked his horn.

“His horn is warm,” Sam whispered. “What does it mean?”

Uncle Mitch shook his head and bit his lip as he continued his inspection. Barloc whinnied softly, looking into Sam’s eyes.

“I know you don’t want to think about this, but . . . it could be the sign of another disease,” Tuck said.

“No!” Sam shook her head and jumped up. As she did, the ground beneath her suddenly rocked. She fell to her knees as the earth buckled. Uncle Mitch grabbed both her and Tuck, pulling them in close as Verny screeched and took to the skies, circling overhead with frenzied dips.

The herd bolted across the meadow in confusion and fear as Barloc bowed his head, digging his hooves into the quaking earth.

Watch for the 3rd and final volume of Unicorn Island to release in hardcover winter 2023. 

Happy Reading!

XXOO–Donna

Winter Projects, Pastimes & Recommendations

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Happy Winter!

First, I’m thrilled to share the BRAND NEW book trailer of Secret Beneath the Sand! This hardcover of the second book in my Unicorn Island series releases March 8th.

Hope you enjoyed that as much as me! So, we just celebrated Valentine’s Day here in the U.S. I’ve always thought of it as a Hallmark Holiday, but it got me thinking about all the forms of love and how they envelop our lives. Shape us. Push us into action. Whether love for a partner, parent, child, or friend. Family and friendship love is a key element to my Unicorn Island books, and all my books, so it’s something I look for in other stories.

Here are a few of my favorite movies that reveal the power of love, some I re-watched this month:

  • Shawshank Redemption (love of friendship)
  • Under the Tuscan Sun (love for self)
  • Seabiscuit (second chance love)
  • The Age of Innocence (unfulfilled love)
  • Second Hand Lions (love of family)
  • Shakespeare in Love (love beyond boundaries)
  • Brokeback Mountain (tragic love)
  • 50 First Dates, Moonstruck, Harry Met Sally, The Wedding Date (happy ending love—so many of those!)

There’s something learned about love in each of these—and how many kinds of love can fill our lives, along with mistakes to avoid when it comes to matters of the heart.

Talking about love! If you’re looking for a heartfelt summer read check out The Edge of Summer by my friend and talented author, Erica George. You’ll be swept away by this big-hearted novel about one girl navigating first loss and first love during her summer on Cape Cod. Out June 14th. Pre-order here!

Here are some other winter pastimes I’ve been diving into … perhaps some will speak to you. First is walking in the woods, of course! Here are winter adventure photos from the 20 acres we’re lucky to roam on our property as well as local nature preserves. I came upon an empty lake and was inspired to leave messages in the snow.

Here are other ways I’m passing my time you might be interested in.

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
I’ve been on a non-fiction kick lately eager to soak up knowledge and inspiration.

  • Echoes: Celtic Reflections on Our Yearning to Belong by John O’Donohue
    This is a book to indulge in slowly with its rich words and thoughts—and one to re-read, which I am. O’Donohue speaks to the divine restlessness in our human heart. This is an exquisitely crafted and inspirational book that explores the most basic of human desires – the desire to belong, a desire that constantly draws us toward new possibilities of self-discovery, friendship, and creativity.
  • Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
    This book is so good for the person seeking focus to produce that I just read it a third time. This includes, handwriting thirty-five pages of notes from it to create my own guide as a Cliff’s Notes version. Newport shows how cultivating a deep work ethic will produce massive benefits and also offers a training regimen for transforming your mind and habits to support this skill. He truly inspires you to grasp how deep work will make you better at what you do and provide the sense of true fulfillment that comes from artisanship.
  • John of the Mountains: The Unpublished Journals of John Muir
    This book is like being vividly shot to a walk in the woods, a stance upon a mountain, or a peaceful spot by the creek. John Muir is known as America’s pioneer conservationist and father of the national park system, and I delightfully discovered recently that he was also a talented literary man. As he explored the wild western part of the United States for decades, he narrated his wanderings in notebooks. This is an unrestrained poetic account that will enrich your senses with the wonder of the natural world.

MUSIC RECOMMENDATIONS
I listen to a lot of instrumental. It’s peaceful and non-jarring. I create soundtracks for writing. It’s lovely at times having no voices in your head, just melody. Spotify is my go-to for creating music collections.

  • Spencer Lewis:
    Met him in person one summer in Manchester, Vermont, at the Hildene Fall Arts Festival. I love his folk music original pieces.
  • Acoustic covers:
    A way to enjoy old favorites in a new way with other performers.
  • Celtic:
    Love a good Celtic session while in the kitchen cooking. Never fails to lift my spirits.

Speaking of music … I went to see Howard Jones in concert this week. He JAMMED! Great acoustic set. His band was the first concert I ever went to waaaaaay back in 1984 when I was 15 years old! Check him out below.

And speaking of throwbacks from 1984, here’s one. Me at 15 with my good friend, Elaine, who I am still friends with after 40 years!

T.V. SHOWS AND MOVIES RECOMMENDATIONS
Longmire:
Am binge-watching this 6-season suspenseful crime mystery with a western feel set in a small town. I fell in love with Walt Longmire, the resolute and unflappable sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming. Recently widowed, he is a tormented man who buries his pain behind a stoic face with an unassuming grin and dry wit.

Mrs. Maisel:
Re-watched season 1-3 to prepare for season 4 out soon! It’s the 1950s and one housewife’s life changes when her husband leaves her – and she decides to become a stand-up comic. This witty, hilarious, and gorgeous show is unlike anything else out there. Midge, wife turned comic, is smart and funny with all the right looks and clothes. She’s perfectly pitted up against her rough and tumble, foul-mouthed manager, Susie.

Ozark:
Re-watched season 1-3 to jump right into season 4. When one married couple relocates their family to the Lake of the Ozarks for money laundering, they have no idea of the life and death challenges they’ll face from small-town corrupt locals to the Mexican cartel. The show is shocking, disturbing, and so darkly intense I can only take this in small doses, but the writing and acting is superb. You never know what twists will happen next!

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before:
And now for something young and sweet! I don’t often watch teen movies, but this is too cute to pass up. In this romantic comedy-drama, Lara Jean writes letters to five of her past crushes meant for her eyes only until one day they get sent out. Her life is soon sent on a crazy path of fake-dating, first-love, and heartache. You’ll champion her as she stumbles but also can’t stop watching Peter, her adorable fake boyfriend. Or is he? 😊

Emma a PBS mini-series:
Another adorable show but set in the Regency period, originally penned a comic novel by Jane Austen. You’ll fall in love with our heroine. Emma Woodhouse seems to be content with a wonderful father, adoring friends, and a beautiful home. But Emma is consumed by matchmaking. She can’t help meddling to find ideal suitors for her friends, putting her own longings on the back burner.

Sanditon on PBS Masterpiece:
This is a well-done take on Jane Austen’s unfinished novel (she died while writing it). I re-watched Season 1 for the fourth time recently to gear up for season 2! Yes, that’s how much I love it and our two appealing main leads: kind-hearted and smart, Charlotte, and the dashing yet tormented, Sidney. This is another show set in the Regency period with a lovely seaside setting. Full of complex intrigue, societal trappings, quirky characters, and misunderstandings, this show entertains while pulling at your heartstrings.

MY CREATIVE PROJECTS
I’m creating my own Etsy Shop! If you don’t know Etsy, it’s a wonderful shopping platform for unique and handmade products and gifts. This project has been consuming a lot of my time. I’m having so much fun doing research, design, product development, and creation of my shop called Go Wild Design. It will feature nature-inspired gifts, gear, and apparel. This is a big project I am very passionate about and hope to launch before summer.

I’m also excited to be plotting a new middle grade book I can’t wait to jump into writing. This new idea has a fun and colorful cast of characters and is a contemporary story of friendship, secrets, and transformation. That’s all I can say for now. 😊

AND this is the week I have a middle grade book going out on submission to editors through my agent, Liza Fleissig. It’s always a nervous time to know your story is “out there” and hope a publisher picks it up. So, wish me luck!

Lastly, let’s talk juggling! Of course, I had to give you an update on my juggling expertise. I have limited time to practice but I am happy to say that I have graduated from one-ball juggling to two! Juggled low here to try and get it in the video. Star the cat approves.

I’m also revising A Healing Element, the third and final book in my Element Trilogy for adults. The first book released in 2012 and I finished the third book five years ago. Yes. FIVE. But I put that aside to write for young readers. However, the 10 year anniversary inspired me to publish it now. This was my first adventure into writing novels that started with thrillers for adults and soon turned into writing thrillers for kids.

Here’s a photo of me at A Human Element launch party 10 years ago with dear friends! This even has the original cover, changed long ago with a new publisher. Check out the newer book covers below it.

Just a reminder that if you pre-order Secret Beneath the Sand, I’d love to send you a bookmark and autographed book plate label for you—or another special reader. Just email me your address and who you’d like the book personalized for at donna(at)donnagalanti.com

Plus, my publisher sent me a gorgeous box of bookmarks and bookplate labels. Check them out!

Stay cozy out there!
XXOO -Donna