Earth Magic

"Sneaking into the Hills house is something that Jenna will remember for the rest of her life. Unexpectedly transported to a parallel Earth, where magic abounds, Jenna is about to find out that someone wants to use her. In addition, they will use anything to get her to help them, including using her cousin. Jenna is now going back to Earth One to find her cousin. She will find that magic does come in handy, especially in dangerous situations. Jenna Douglas thought the only thing she had to worry about was spring break. However, after going into an old house, she finds things turn out very strange. Now friends with a blind boy and his talking cat, she must find her cousin, Annie, who disappeared when she was caught up in a spell Jenna was doing. Robert Hathaway is a blind apprentice. Along with his talking cat, Victor, he has been trying to do his school work and get his tests done. However, meeting Jenna, he now has more things to do, like making sure she does not hurt herself or others. EARTH MAGIC is a story that will intrigue and thrill young adults into fantasizing of far off places in realms of magic. Jenna was a young girl who did not believe what she is seeing; but in the end had to believe to help others and herself. Rob is a young boy who would let nothing stand in the way of what he wanted, even if he was blind. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, even if it is for children." ~ Sheryl for Coffee Time Romance (October 2004) FIVE STARS

"All of Jenna Douglas' life she has heard whispers that the house on Violet Hill is haunted, and one night her brother Cal, her cousin Annie, and Jenna go to find out for themselves. The first obstacle is to get past the big black cat Brutus guarding the door. Jenna, the only one to make it into the dark house, is drawn to a light in the back. The light leads her out the back door where she enters a parallel universe, Earth One. In Earth One, Jenna meets Master Sorcerer Master Nigel; Victor, a talking cat; and Rob, an apprentice sorcerer. She learns of an evil sorcerer, Remus, who is on Earth Two wanting to take over Earth One. Master Nigel, Victor, and Rob help her find the portal so Jenna can return to her own universe. Then a week later, during spring break on the Gulf Coast, Alice turns up missing. Jenna knows it has something to do with the parallel universe she visited, but how will she find her way back there and save Alice? She knows the people around her will never believe there is a parallel universe. Will Master Nigel, Victor, and Rob be able to help her and will she be able to help them fight against Remus? EARTH MAGIC is brimming with adventure, action, magic, and talking cats. The reader is drawn into the story with every turn of the page. The story is fast-paced and exciting and the dialog moves it along smothly. Jenna is your average 12-year-old with a thirst to quench her curiosity. The reader can relate to Jenna's fear to tell her parents the truth, knowing if she tries, they will never believe it. Master Nigel is very much the accomplished sorcerer and works well with Rob, Victor, and Jenna. Rob is every bit the determined student and the readers find themselves pulling for him to succeed. I found the plot refreshing with its fantasy world and I had to remind myself this was a Young Adult Book... I highly recommend EARTH MAGIC for young and old alike! Paula Blais Gorgas talent shines thorugh in this tale and she shows us why she is a former winner of the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart for her previous young adult novel, COURT OF HONOR." ~ Carol Durfee (2001)

"Acting on a dare, twelve-year-old Jenna Douglas, her older brother Cal, and her cousin Annie investigate the much-whispered about Hill House. Jenna suspected something strange goes on there, and she is determined to ferret out the house's secrets. Unexpectedly, Jenna finds herself transported to a parallel universe complete with magic, sorcerers and talking cats. Transported to an alternative universe, Jenna meets Nigel, Master Sorcerer of Earth One, his young friend, Rob Hathaway, and Rob's adopted brother, Victor, a telepathic feline. Victor, the oversized feline who acts as Rob's guide dog, but seems to think he is human. Jenna must find a way home, and when her cousin is inadvertently transported from earth, find her as well. Otherwise, Remus, a sorcerer from Earth Two that is another parallel universe, will gather enough magic to Cross Over into her world. Soon Jenna learns of her own ability for magic in these alternative worlds, and finds she must pit her newfound abilities against the very dangerous elements which threaten her own universe. EARTH MAGIC is a snappy adventure certain to entertain young adults and the young at heart. Written in an irreverent, delightfully humorous tone, EARTH MAGIC transports the reader from a world of the mundane into a world of magic. Be careful when you start EARTH MAGIC, for it's a page turning adventure that's impossible to put down. This reviewer certainly hopes for a sequel to EARTH MAGIC from Paula Gorgas." ~ C. Penn for Wordweaving (2001) FIVE STARS