I’m so excited to have Diana here today to share in her latest release, Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver! Here’s my five-star review 🙂 LINK
Thanks so much for kindly hosting me on Day 6 of my tour, Denise. It’s a delight to head south into northern California’s wintery weather today and visit with you and your followers.
Thus far, on my tour, I’ve been sharing the folklore origins of my magical beings, creatures, and monsters on which the characters of the Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver are based. Today, I’m going in a different direction and talking about my thoughts behind autumn and the personification of the season in the Autumn Prince.
He’s a main character, full of romantic possibility, and I couldn’t leave him on the tour’s sidelines.
To me, autumn is a season of contradictions. The days are getting shorter, the light fading. Gardens are going to seed. Worms and bugs are chomping on what’s left of the kale and squash. Rain and cooler weather are harbingers of the coming frost and snow and all the hardships winter brings. Autumn is in many respects a time of drawing back and dying.
And yet, autumn is also welcome, a reprieve from the heat of summer and a time of harvest and plenty. Most of all, it’s astonishingly beautiful. How clever of Mother Nature (or the Autumn Prince) to link such beauty with the process of letting go and dying—to the point that we almost don’t notice the approaching winter until it arrives on our doorsteps.
On the magical isle of Innishold, where glamour holds sway and life is always perfect and everlasting, the charmed courtiers lack emotional complexity. They’re immortal; they’re bored, and they fill their time with dancing and feasting and courtly drama. Suffering, especially human suffering, is alien to them. But not so with the Autumn Prince who lives eternally on the brink of loss.
And perhaps that’s why Erith, half mortal and half charmed, finds him so compelling.
Excerpt: Erith and Brynlan Firesage, the Autumn Prince
I graciously accepted the prince’s invitation, and he whirled me into a dreamlike waltz, his elegance effortless, his every movement a study in grace. Without pause, we transitioned into a brisk twirling sprint that left me warm to my toes. I begged off a third spin around the bonfire, needing a moment to catch my breath, and he accompanied me to the tables where mulled wines and buttery spirits spilled into silver-banded goblets.
“Water please,” I said when he reached for the wine.
“It’s all water.” He filled a goblet. “You will taste wine, smell its flavors, and feel its warmth, but only if you give yourself over to its glamour.” He angled a look at me, awaiting my opinion.
I swirled the ruby liquid rippling in my cup. Perhaps my human half prevented me from seeing the water for what it was. When I braved a sip, I tasted wine, smooth and sweet, infused with hints of winterberry and woodsmoke.
“Wine,” I said with a laugh, my guardedness surrendering at his feet. “You’re not an illusion, are you?”
He studied me through his dark lashes, his amused smile shaded with a melancholy he covered with a quiet chuckle. “Of course. To a degree. Aren’t we all, in some way, illusions?”
“No.”
“Is that so?” His eyebrows rose in challenge. “Tell me, are there times when you hide your feelings? Hold back your words? Pretend you are braver than you feel? Is it truly your nature to dress in black? I suspect those are all illusions.”
“In a sense. But I’m incapable of glamour. I’m half human, part of the mundane world.”
“A coveted mix.” He sipped his wine. “I envy your connection to the human imagination.”
I blinked at the odd confession and turned to the merriment unfolding within the fire’s ring of light. “For most villagers here, it’s the other way around. They envy the magic. They’re dazzled.”
“And those who fear us? Where are they?”
“At home, waiting for spring. They need the change in seasons more than the charmed do. Their lives depend on it.”
“And the charmed depend on them.”
“On humans?” I faced him, smirking at the strange perspective. “I’ve listened to village storytellers who spin tales about the charmed, and it’s usually the other way around. Some accounts are as gentle as a hare, others as fearsome as the wylyali. All wondrously fanciful, and not always true.”
“The difference is imagination.” He tapped his forehead. “Human beings are excellent storytellers. Better than the Mori Duglum. Leagues better than us. You shall see it for yourself.” I gave him a sideways glance, and he chuckled. “You’re skeptical, but I assure you, immortality leads to a numbing level of monotony. Day in and day out, little changes. Thus, it all becomes stale.”
“Unless one accounts for glamour. You can turn anything and everything beautiful.”
“Beauty without substance.” He raised his goblet to the bonfire. “Unlike in the mortal world where stories create history, shape the present, and write the future. What are we but the sum of our joys and tragedies? Where humans use stories to make meaning of their lives, the charmed rely on the human imagination to exist.”
“Already the animals starve. Soon the bonemen will follow, the Moss Folk and woodlings, the watermaids and humans. Then the charmed will fade. And all who will roam a dead world are dead things. Until they too vanish for lack of remembering. Still, Weaver, it is not too late.”
In the frost-kissed cottage where the changing seasons are spun, Erith wears the Weaver’s mantle, a title that tests her mortal, halfling magic. As the equinox looms, her first tapestry nears completion—a breathtaking ode to spring. She journeys to the charmed isle of Innishold to release the beauty of nature’s awakening across the land.
But human hunters have defiled the enchanted forest and slaughtered winter’s white wolves. Enraged by the trespass, the Winter King seizes Erith’s tapestry and locks her within his ice-bound palace. Here, where comfort and warmth are mere glamours, she may weave only winter until every mortal village succumbs to starvation, ice, and the gray wraiths haunting the snow.
With humanity’s fate on a perilous edge, Erith must break free of the king’s grasp and unravel a legacy of secrets. In a charmed court where illusions hold sway, allies matter, foremost among them, the Autumn Prince. Immortal and beguiling, he offers a tantalizing future she has only imagined, one she will never possess—unless she claims her extraordinary power to weave life from the brink of death.
Bio
Best-selling author D. Wallace Peach grew up surrounded by her father’s well-loved paperback books. Fantasy was a staple, but it was Tolkien’s The Hobbit that planted the seeds which would grow into a passion for writing.
Peach started writing later in life when years of working in business surrendered to a full-time indulgence in the imaginative world of books. She was instantly hooked.
In addition to fantasy books, Peach’s publishing career includes participation in various anthologies featuring short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. She’s an avid supporter of the arts in her local community, organizing and publishing annual anthologies of Oregon prose, poetry, and photography.
Peach lives in a log cabin amongst the tall evergreens and emerald moss of Oregon’s rainforest with her husband, two owls, a horde of bats, and the occasional family of coyotes.
Links
Thanks, Denise, for hosting Diana. Engaging dialogue, Diana, and I especially liked, “Aren’t we all, in some way, illusions?” I appreciate the poetic flow of the words and a sense of the characters glimpsed through the banter.
Thank you so much for the kind comment, Grant. The story is in Erith’s POV, so I needed to rely heavily on dialog to create a connection to the prince. I’m delighted that it worked. And yes, aren’t we all, in some way, illusions, as well as storytellers, making up our lives as we go along? 🙂 Thanks for swinging by Denise’s today. You’ve started my morning with a smile.
Happy to spread the word of Diana’s latest and fantastic read, Grant. It is a beautifully written passage.
I recently read The Seasons’ Weaver. Diana’s writing is beautiful, and the story is so layered and rich!
I saw your review yesterday, Priscilla. Thank you so much for reading and for your kind thoughts about the book. I’m delighted that you enjoyed it and took the time to review. I did a little happy dance. Thanks for stopping by Denise’s place today to add to the fun. Hugs.
I completely agree, Priscilla! A beautiful story.
A delightful excerpt!
I so agree about autumn. I hate the days growing shorter, but I’m sometimes overwhelmed by how beautiful October can be.
“What are we but the sum of our joys and tragedies?” That sums it up!💙
I’m a fan of autumn and all its contrasts, Merrill. It was fun to personify the season in this character and then share this excerpt at Denise’s today. He’s a main character, much more thoughtful and grounded than the other frivolous, capricious charmed, so he needed a day on the tour. Thanks for stopping by and for the lovely comment. Have a beautiful day.
You’re most welcome! Have a wonderful day!
Fall is such a beautiful time of year, Merrill, and Diana captured it perfectly in this character.
Fall is beautiful–well, maybe not so much late fall. 😉
Late fall can definitely kick to it!
🙂
I really liked the Autumn Prince, Diana. I wasn’t sure if he was trustworthy at first, but I didn’t trust anyone around Erith until they proved themselves. And he did many times. Thanks for hosting, Denise!
I’m glad you didn’t quite trust the prince at the start, Teri. He is, at heart, immortal and fae, so despite his insights into the mortal human world, he isn’t human. It was a tricky balance. You’re so right that none of the charmed could be trusted at the start (except maybe for Mazheven). 🙂 Thanks for the wonderful visit to your blog and for stopping by Denise’s today!
I was thinking the very same thing about him too, but at same time loved his character, Teri:)
Autumn is my favorite season – and I loved the Autumn Prince. What a great book!
Thanks for swinging by Denise’s today, Noelle. The prince was an interesting character to write. He personifies all my impressions of autumn. I’m glad you enjoyed him and the story. Have a lovely day, my friend.
It is a great book, Noelle, and what a way to capture such a great season!
The Autumn Prince was one of my favorite characters. I loved the romance that bloomed with him and Erith, as it added another dimension to the story. A wonderful post today! Thank you for hosting, Denise. Congratulations to Diana and best wishes for tons of sales!
Thanks for the wonderful comment, Jan. The story did seem to need a little romance since Erith was under such stress. Their relationship gave little breaks, plus it was fun to write. <3 Thanks for stopping by Denise's place and adding to the fun. Hugs.
Happy to be sharing this story, Jan! I loved this relationship, too, and his season. It was an easy couple to root for.
I remember reading this part in the book, about the water tasting/smelling/looking like wine. And then his explanation. It really got me thinking about what’s real and what’s perception. Excellent review!
I love how Diana does that in her books, Jacqui. Makes for a fantastic read, doesn’t it?
It was a good way to introduce the idea of “glamour,” Jacqui. And yes! It does raise questions about the difference between what’s “real” and what’s our “perception,” of reality. Those may not be the same thing at all, and often aren’t. We see/feel what we want or expect to see/feel. Thanks for stopping by Denise’s today and checking out her review too. 🙂 Have a great day at Carol’s!
Good morning, Denise. Thanks you so much for hosting me today and for sharing the link to your review too. I was doing a happy dance when I read it. This is one of my favorite shares of the tour. I loved creating this character and infusing him with everything I feel/think about autumn. The seasons all have such strong personalities to me. Lol. And a little romance seemed appropriate too. 🙂 I’m looking forward to hanging out and chatting with your followers. Should be a fun day. <3 <3
Happy to have you here, Diana 🙂 I loved your book and this character captured my heart. You did manage to infuse the magic of fall in him. Yes, each season has its own special personality for sure. I am really enjoying our visit here! Xo
Thanks for being so welcoming, Denise. It’s been a fun morning!
🙂
Congratultions to Diana on the excellent review! I enjoyed her thoughts today on the Autumn Prince. I’ve reached the point in the book where things seem to be heating up between him and Erith.
Nice, Liz. I hope you enjoy the touch of romance. There isn’t much time for it with the end of the world closing in. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by and taking a deeper peek at the prince, and for checking out Denise’s review, which made me very happy! I hope you enjoy the rest of the read. Hugs.
My pleasure, Diana!
Glad I could share the review, although not sure it does the story justice. You are at a good point. Enjoy the rest of your read, Liz.
I will!
A wonderful sounding book, Diana. Congratulations. Thanks, Denise for hosting Diana today.
Denise is always a kind and enthusiastic host, John. It’s a pleasure to be here and I appreciate your kind congrats!
It’s a good one, John:) I’m happy to spread the word on Diana’s latest!
😊
It’s wonderful that you hosted Diana, Denise. Your review of her beautiful story is fantastic.
Thanks so much for taking a look at Denise’s review. It was just lovely and I’m so pleased. I appreciate the visit and the comment, Tim. So kind of you. Have a wonderful day.
You have a wonderful day too, Diana.
Thank you, Timothy 🙂 It’s hard to capture such a beautifully written story in a paragraph.
Yes, indeed. My pleasure, Denise. 😊
You are so right, Diana, Denise is a prolific writer of all genres and one never knows what she will come up with next. Oh and how did you know (other than reading me today) that Autumn skies would warm me up in a most needed way. I love the character of the prince and I can see stars in the eyes of promised romance. Your book is heating up and so are the skies and the chill factor is warming so I best hurry and get Duke walking. Thanks for hosting Denise and I’m already excited for the summer chapter now.. 💓😆
Thanks so much for reading my intro to Denise’s post. She’s highly talented and prolific, and you’re right about never knowing what’s up next. 🙂 I’m glad the prince warmed you up! Lol. Along with a little romance. Get out there in the sunshine and enjoy it while it lasts. Happy Reading.
Thank you for that wonderful introduction, Diana, and reposting that review 🙂 huge hugs xo
My pleasure. I hope it gets you some followers and readers!
You’re so welcome of course. Yes, she is and so are you. I am too. A little romance and the sunshine are a great combo and I did have a great walk. Reading away! 💗
<3
Thanks, Cindy 🙂 I’m never bored, that is for sure! It is a perfect read for a cold winter day, especially with the charming Autumn prince. Happy to be sharing this one.
-grin- the Autumn Prince /is/ yummy. 😀
Hehehe. What can I say to that. Lol. Thanks for making me laugh, Andrea. Always a pleasure. <3
I agree, Andrea 😉
Hi Denise,
Hoping my looooong comment is in moderation?
Please let me know.. Yikes.. thanks! 🙏🏼
My comments can be testy at times and take their time posted. It’s here and thank you!
Diana delivers again.
Thanks so much for swinging by Denise’s, Sandra, and for making me smile. I want to know when your next one is coming out!
She sure does, Sandra xo
Ahh, the Autumn Prince sounds wise beyond his immortality.
Diana, thanks for the snippet with him! He has added intrigue to this book tour.
Denise, thanks for hosting! You are the hostess with the mostess.
I read Diana’s review of your latest book. Congratulations!
I agree the Autumn Prince has definitely added to this tour and the book. Thrilled to be hosting and spreading the word for Diana. Lol, I’ll take that. It was a review that brought lots of smiles, thank you, Resa 🙂
Welcome!
I adore Diana’s stories, but more. She is an excellent writer, whose thoughts and descriptions are easy to follow.
Again, thank you for hosting the mosting!
Thanks for swinging by Denise’s, Resa. And I’m so glad you read my post introducing her. I get as excited about those as the tour stop. Lol. And the prince … yes, wise, but also immortal, so a little less stressed compared to Erith. I knew I had to include him in the book tour even though he’s not “borrowed” from other mythologies. And Denise’s blog was the perfect spot. Stay warm, my friend. Hugs. <3 <3 <3
Denise is a perfect hostess for this tour.
You should get excited about these stops. You worked hard, and now is the time to enjoy the fruits.
You’ve got a nasty King. A cool Prince is a must. Or a Duke, or a Count or a Marquis.
Oh! I like that word.
Yes, it’s going down to -31 F when the wind gusts tonight. We will have to leave a tap on tonight, so the pipes don’t freeze.
Hugs! (and hugs to Denise)
💖🌟
Ps (I guess I didn’t need to email you with my spam paranoia)
Hugs back and brrrr…that’s way too cold! Stay warm. Xo
Yeah… brrr! xx
OH, that’s so cold. Be safe and stay warm.
🥶🥶🥶
I am reading this book right now and am absolutely loving it! I’m about 80% through it. It’s fantastic. Diana has created a marvelous world. Thanks for hosting today, Denise!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalliero.blogspot.com
I felt the same way, Yvette. She created a marvelous world. Happy to spread the word. Xo
Thank you so much, Yvette. I’m delighted that you’re enjoying the book! And oh my, almost done. 🙂 Denise has been a wonderful host and you just added to the fun. I appreciate the kind visit and comment. Have a beautiful day.
I agree with about autumn–it’s a a time of slowing down and dying, but it’s also incredibly inspiring with its many contradictions. Diana has such mastery over dialogue. This excerpt so clearly conveys the characters and their personalities. I can’t help but to read this excerpt in a British accent in my mind (a quirk I developed as a kid when I first read Tolkien’s work), and the characters’ voices are so mellifluous and engaging. Brilliant writing by a wonderfully talented author. 😊
Autumn is a special mixture, Mike. I agree about Diana’s mastery over dialog. I love you read this in an English accent, it fits and would for Tolkiens stories too. Yes, very talent writer, thanks for dropping by!
Your comment made me laugh, Mike, because I also hear the voices in the Tolkienesque British accent. When I get around to making the audio version, I’m certain that’s the voice I’ll choose. I enjoy all the seasons, but there’s something about those contradictions in autumn that draws my imagination, and the character of the prince came easily. I’m so glad you enjoyed this excerpt. You copy should arrive tomorrow! I can’t wait.Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely day. Hugs, my friend.
What a delightful review! I look forward to reading this book and writing a review. Thank you again, Diana, for your wonderful review of my book, “Sun Haiku.” I’ve shared it today on my blog.
Thanks for swinging by Denise’s place today, Dawn, and thanks for reminding me to stop by your blog today. It was my pleasure to read your poetry, and I’m delighted that you enjoyed the review. Have a lovely day!
Thank you, Dawn 🙂 You have a great read ahead!
Wonderful review and spotlight on Tale of the Season’s Weaver, Diane! My sincere congratulations to Diana. I’m reading the book now and very much enjoying it. I hope to have a review ready within the week.
Thank you so much for your kindness, Gwen, and I’m full of happy-nerves to know that you’re reading the book now. Woo hoo! I hope you’re enjoying the magic and the touch of romance. Hugs, my friend, and have a beautiful day. <3 <3 <3
You are definitely reading a good one, Gwen 🙂 xo
I’m still enjoying this blog tour and getting to know the characters. Autumn Prince is my 2nd fav character after Erith. Hugs xx
I’m so glad you enjoyed his character, Debby. He was a challenging one to write – trying to get a good balance between immortal charmed characteristics and human-ish ones. I’m so glad it worked! Thanks for following the tour and swinging by Denise’s place. I appreciate it! Hugs.
Precisely. You did a fabulous job with the challenge!!! Always a pleasure. <3
<3
The Autumn Prince keeps me guessing until the very end. His glamour is different from that of the Spring Princess and Summer Queen. I agree that Erith is under so much stress, and I’m glad the prince is there for her. I have always loved autumn. My granddaughter Autumn was born when I still lived in Southern California. My first response was that I could appreciate autumn every year during Autumn’s birthday!
Thank you for sharing your fabulous review and hosting Diana’s tour, Denise!
Thanks for stopping by Denise’s place for the tour, Miriam, and I’m sorry I missed your lovely comment. The prince was an interesting character to write because he isn’t human and his immortal nature can’t be ignored, but he is a lovely and provides a romantic break from all the danger. That’s such a lovely comment about “your” Autumn. Yes, you get to enjoy Autumn all year round. Hugs, my friend.