Save the Wolf
The wolf, Jazira, in QUINN’S CHRISTMAS WISH has special meaning for me. I thought I’d share why with you.
When I was young, my father came home one day to let us know that he’d purchased a trap line. Now, I consider myself a HUGE animal lover. Always have and always will. Needless to say his news devastated me, and I wanted nothing to do with it (hard to do when you’re a child without much say).
Unfortunately, time went on and so did the activities on the trap line. Every weekend I prayed the traps would be empty. One particular weekend just before Christmas, my parents decided we would go spend time at our trap line cabin. This is a very rustic cabin to say the least. I decided to bring my best friend along. Quading was a big thing for us back then.
Before I headed out, my father lectured me about the Timber Wolf trap he had set along the trail I would pass by. I didn’t pay much attention because THANK HEAVENS I’d never come across anything in the trap before.
So off my friend and I went, cruising along the trail, carefree and having fun. It all ended when I rounded a corner and there in my path stood the largest black wolf I’d ever seen. I slammed on my brakes skidding to a halt not more than 30 feet away from the giant animal. He was caught by the toe in the trap. Our eyes locked and my heart broke. I will never forget that moment…I wish I could. My girlfriend was screaming and clinging to the back of me terrified the wolf would eat us.
I promptly slammed the quad into reverse and pressed on the throttle. Well, I backed up over a large bush and high centered my machine. We quickly got unstuck and took off back the way we’d come. The whole way I prayed silently that the wolf would pull himself free because I knew the fate of the poor creature.
When I got back to the cabin I told my father. I begged him to leave the wolf. Still to this day I’m unable to forgive myself. If only I could have kept it secret. I cried for months and even remembering it now brings tears to my eyes. How I wished I could bring him back to life, then when I started writing this novella, I pretended I was, and I did. For me this wolf lives in Jazira.
I have always loved wolves and now I have Alaskan Malamutes, which are the closest domestic animals I can find to a real wolf. I’ve attached a photo of my giant Alaskan Malamute Dozer.
I’d love to hear your comments and if you haven’t had a chance to read QUINN’S CHRISTMAS WISH, visit my website for details. www.lawnamackie.ca
I know I’m prejudice, but it really is a heartwarming story…perfect for Christmas!
Quinn’s Christmas WishA Bandit Creek Paranormal
By Lawna Mackie
As far as twelve-year old Quinn is concerned Christmas has lost its magic. Since his father’s death life has lost its sparkle. His mom is now a widow struggling to put food on the table. Quinn is no help, and the mysterious illness afflicting him only makes things worse. Even Christmas, complete with decorated trees, ribbons and bows has no meaning…then along comes Jazira.
Jazira doesn’t know what happened to her former self, the eleven-year old little girl. She drowned, didn’t she, along with half the other folk of Bandit Creek in 1911? Somehow, she’s grown four furry legs complimented with a large wolf head and body. Scared and alone, she reaches out to Quinn and a strong bond is formed. Jazira learns Quinn, and his mother, are threatened by a wealthy powerful citizen of Bandit Creek. She is determined to protect her new family, no matter what.
Christmas Eve finds Quinn staring up at the adorned tree and muttering a quiet prayer. Will the Spirits of Christmas grant his wish, or will the evil surrounding Bandit Creek prevail once again?
My Thoughts:
Quinn's Christmas Wish was a nice light novella to read. At first I thought it was going to be a young adult paranormal, because Quinn is a young boy, however that changed as it went into a romance complete with a descriptive sex scene.
I enjoyed the storyline, but found I wasn't drawn or felt connection to any one character. As with any Christmas story, the ending was predictable and sweet - something I enjoy and expect when reading a holiday story.
I think my largest problem was with the timeline - it just moved too quickly. For me, this story should be longer and over a longer time frame and I think it would have been perfect. Mind you, I am biased as I prefer novels where everything is in-depth and fleshed out. Lawna has a great imagination and I truly loved the storyline.
If you are looking for a quick Christmas read that has a different twist, this might be the novella for you. Remember though, this one's not for the kids.
About the Author:I have always believed in fairy tales and when I got tired of the old ones I made up my own. Each story would have a hero and heroine, but they were anything but typical.
I devoured my first romance novel when I was a teenager. I couldn’t read them fast enough. Years later I stumbled across my first paranormal romance…an injustice would be done if I tried to explain my joy when I found this genre of romance. My passion was finally in print.
Now, with the help of my bizarre dreams and crazy imagination, I have started to write and intend to share my stories with you. I hope you’ll love them as much as I do.
I am truly blessed. My husband and my animals are my inspiration. We live on a small acreage in Didsbury, Alberta, with our most beloved companions, Dozer, Daisy and Mandarin.
Happy reading everyone, I sure would love to hear from you. www.lawnamackie.ca
Quinn’s Christmas Wish – December 1, 2011 available through Amazon and Smashwords.
IMPOSSIBLE TO HOLD – December 19, 2011 released through Liquid Silver Books http://www.liquidsilverbooks.
ENCHANTMENT – January 13, 2012 released through Muse It Up Publishing http://museituppublishing.com
I received a e-copy of this book to read and honestly review for this tour.
