The Secrets of Worthington Orphanage by R.A. Douthitt

 Today's read was just released last week. I really wanted to get to it by then but wanted the time to sink in and enjoy the creepiness. Because I had a very good suspicion that this was going to head in that direction. The author just happens to be one of my favorite paranormal authors, and I adored the series, which this one acts as a prequel to (if I understood that right). 

Anyway, ghost and spook fans should get excited because if this one holds everything I suspect it will, it will be quite the fun read.

 

THE SECRETS OF WORTHINGTON ORPHANAGE

by R.A. Douthitt

Middle Grade Paranormal

250 pages

ages 10 to 18

When shadows linger and whisper their secrets, danger is never far behind…

Young orphan Darla Sue Jeffries never imagined the horrors lurking behind the pristine façade of Worthington Orphanage. No one could have.

Desperate to escape the clutches of Ruby Worthington, the cold and calculating director, Darla is determined to expose the truth about the orphanage’s chilling past. With only her wits, the memories of her beloved family, and the help of two ghostly allies, Darla unearths a web of lies that stretches far beyond the orphanage walls.

But Darla isn’t the only one seeking justice. Investigative reporter George Lawson is close to unraveling Ruby's deadly secrets. But he must confront the powerful forces determined to keep the orphanage's dark history buried. Can he release his story before tragedy strikes?

As the past and present collide, Darla faces a harrowing risk her life to save the forgotten children of Worthington Orphanage or succumb to the same fate that claimed so many before her.

In this gripping tale of courage, betrayal, and the unyielding pursuit of justice, The Secrets of Worthington Orphanage will haunt you long after the final page.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON      

MY TIDBITS

Ghosts, dark secrets, and mystery swirl together to create a haunting and grabbing adventure.

Darla isn't ready for the orphanage but doesn't really have a choice, since her parents both died and her brother has already been sent to a boy's home. While she's sure her grandmother has tried to find the best home for her, it doesn't take long for the orphanage's wonderful facade to crack. Already the first night, Darla doesn't only meet other girls but the ghosts of children, who had passed. All claim that breaking the rules could easily leave her locked below without food and water with no hope of ever coming out. Determined to escape, Darla soon realizes the only way to freedom is to expose the horrors the orphanage holds, but they go much deeper than she could imagine.

Right away, the reader can't help but sympathizing with Darla and hope that she makes it through, but she never plays the victim, either. Darla might have a heavy, emotional load when her grandmother drops her off at the orphanage, but she's level-headed and tries to take things in stride. Her fears, concerns, hopes, and goals are understandable as she steers the social situations within the orphanage, not always perfectly but as best she can. The other characters gain enough depth to make them interesting as Darla works with them or deals with whatever situations they bring. There's enough sense of friendship and hope to keep the tale from growing too dark, and the tension holds the entire way through.

This isn't a light, ghost read. The deaths of the ghosts were harsh, which might make this a difficult read for more sensitive ghost fans. The danger is raw and obvious, and the intentions of the evil characters aren't puffed over. So, this is one for upper middle graders even if Darla starts off with a younger flair, at first. She grows quickly as the mystery unfolds. And the clues are well-laid making it very hard to guess where everything is going until the end.

Readers, who enjoy mysteries with bite and ghosts with an air of grit, will enjoy this one.

And here she is...

​Ruth A. Douthitt is an award-winning Christian fiction writer based out of Phoenix, AZ. She currently writes fiction for children and women's fiction and nonfiction for adults.

A teacher, speaker, professional artist, podcaster, runner, and an avid reader of biographies and history, Ruth loves all things creative.

http://www.artbyruth.com/

Today's read... Peter and the Dragon Forest by R.A. Douthitt

Believe it or not, we've reached the beginning of a new month and with it, another Wednesday for IWSG! This is a writer's group founded by the amazing Alex J Cavanaugh, which offers a place for authors, writers, and others to offer thoughts, concerns, support, information and more. Every first Wednesday of the month, there's a blog hop, so we can touch base with each other and say 'hi'. 

Special thanks goes to this month's cohosts: Natalie Aguirre, Kim Lajevardi, Debs Carey, Gwen Gardner, Patricia Josephine, and Rebecca Douglass!

I'm going to just offer a quick wave this time, since I'm off to visit my son and daughter-in-law before he heads for another year's deployment overseas. See everyone next month!

*******

Today's read heads towards castles, dragons, and royalty...and happens to be from an author, whose works I've enjoyed before. I'm expecting quite a bit of fantasy with an interesting twist with a picture book atmosphere? Or something like that. Let's just dive in and find out.

 

PETER AND THE DRAGON FOREST

by R.A. Douthitt

Illustrated by Scott O. Douthitt and R.A. Douthitt

Middle Grade Fantasy

69 pages

ages 6 to 10

Prince Peter dreams of being a real prince, but he's never had the chance to prove himself.
He's surrounded by people who tell him what a real prince should brave, courageous, strong, and able to slay dragons.
One day, he decides to enter the dangerous Dragon Forest to slay the fiercest dragon that ever lived. That'll prove he's a real prince!

Once inside the Dragon Forest, Peter discovers that things aren't what he thought they'd be. The Dragon isn't the terrifying creature he'd been warned about, and the forest contains secrets and mysteries that he never knew existed. Instead of slaying dragons, now it's up to Peter to save the forest, his father's kingdom, and himself from the dangers of looming war. Peter learns that being a real prince involves more than slaying the dragon—it involves being kind and compassionate, too. With its vivid illustrations, Peter and the Dragon Forest is a must-read for all aspiring princes and princesses.

Join Peter as he discovers that there's more to being a real prince than meets the eye.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON    

MY TIDBITS

A prince with a good heart will have readers dreaming of their own dragon adventures.

Peter is a prince, who knows what a prince should be like but hasn't had the chance to help his father, the king, out and prove that he is prince-worthy. When problems arise, Peter decides to secretly head out and solve the problem for his father...after all, that's what a good prince should do. That means sneaking into the cursed forest, and that means that he might not ever return again. But one thing is certain, he is going to face the beast and become the prince he is meant to be.

This is a perfect book for either a story-time setting or for those individuals, who are pretty good with their words but still enjoy the full-sized illustrations on every page. The text is only a paragraph on every page, keeping it relatively light. Still, this is a full-developed plot with danger, surprises, and heart. The prince's bravery is inspiring, but it soon becomes clear that he might be in over his head. It allows readers to connect with him and cheer him on as he tries his best to do that which he knows he should. And who doesn't dream of being a hero?

The illustrations are colorful and fill the entire page, every page. This makes it more accessible to beginning readers and helps to understand the scenes. The emotions come across well enough, and it's fun to see the dragon. 

There are a few unexpected twists to keep this one from growing 'too' scary, while tension stays high enough to make it interesting. The ending puts a smile on the face and adds a nice touch of dreams and adventure. 

And here she is...

Former writing teacher Ruth A. Douthitt is an award-winning multi-published author who puts her heart and soul into her work, hoping to encourage others through her stories. Winner of the 2022 Christian Indie Award-First Place in YA, and the 2017 Moonbeam Children’s Books Award-Bronze Medal for Best Book Series, Ruth is  a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and hosts A Writer’s Day podcast.
Ruth lives in Arizona with her husband and their little dog. When she isn’t writing, Ruth loves to run, draw, paint, and garden. For more information about Ruth and her books, visit her website: http://www.artbyruth.com and find her on Facebook and Instagram

Today's read... Little Puffs of Clouds by R.A. Douthitt

Happy Saturday! I don't know about you, but our weather is finally cooling down a tad bit, which means that being outdoors is more enjoyable, too. While I still try to avoid any grass and weeded areas (chiggers!), outside is the place to be. That's one reason this book made me smile. Cloud gazing is something which not only gets a person out under the sky but calls to creativity. So, I was more than happy to take a peek at this book and see if it holds as much goodness as I suspect it might.

LITTLE PUFFS OF CLOUDS

by R.A. Douthitt

Illustrated by Scott O. Douthitt & R.A. Douthitt

Picture Book

76 pages

ages 4 to 8

What do you see when you stare at the puffy white clouds in the sky?

In their secret haven, a grassy meadow nestled amongst whispering trees, Jane and her brother Joey lie on the grass, heads tilted back, gazing up at the ever-changing tapestry of clouds. Each fluffy formation becomes a creation of their Dragons, castles, or unicorns. As they venture deeper into their whimsical creations, the children transcend the ordinary. They embark on grand adventures without ever leaving the sanctuary of their beloved meadow.

But when their little brother Jimmy interrupts their adventures, they push him aside. So, Jimmy sits alone on a hill as the clouds pass him by. Will Jane and Joey realize that gazing at clouds is more fun together than alone?

In this heartfelt tale of friendship and wonder, with its colorful illustrations, Jane and her brothers embark on their celestial odyssey of their vivid imaginations, one puffy cloud at a time.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /   AUTHOR'S WEBSITE

MY TIDBITS

The art of cloud-gazing swirls with imagination in this fun adventure.

Jane and Joey enjoy their time outside by lying on the grass and gazing at the clouds. The forms and shapes soon have them dream of more than just a little adventure...until their little brother ruins the fun. They shove him off to the side, but that won't be the end of it.

I'll admit that the 76 pages made me wonder, considering this is a book aimed for at the preschool/kindergarten/lower grade audience, but it works wonderfully for a story time. The tale runs smoothly and hits the age group nicely. There's just enough text to tell the story without bogging down, and the illustrations do the rest as they allow the fantasy to take flight. There's enough humor to bring smiles, and the messages cause a little food for thought. It's something readers can sympathize and identify with...and be inspired by.

While the story is grabbing and the message wholesome, it also opens the doors to allow young readers to take the time to try cloud-gazing themselves. The adventure in this tale stretches the imagination and creates the opportunity for readers to cloud-gaze themselves. That makes this one great not only for reading at home, but also for groups and classrooms, since it can be tagged on to an obvious activity. 

And here she is...

Former writing teacher Ruth A. Douthitt is an award-winning multi-published author who puts her heart and soul into her work, hoping to encourage others through her stories. Winner of the 2022 Christian Indie Award-First Place in YA, and the 2017 Moonbeam Children’s Books Award-Bronze Medal for Best Book Series, Ruth is  a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and hosts A Writer’s Day podcast.

Ruth lives in Arizona with her husband and their little dog. When she isn’t writing, Ruth loves to run, draw, paint, and garden. For more information about Ruth and her books, visit her website: http://www.artbyruth.com and find her on Facebook and Instagram

Review: The Road to Home by R.A. Douthitt

Today's read comes from one of my more-read authors. I enjoy her style, and luckily, she writes a fairly broad spectrum of genres. This one is packed with heart, and I do love the cover with the girl and dog. It fits so well to the atmosphere of the read. But why don't we just continue on and take a peek?

THE ROAD TO HOME

by R.A. Douthitt

Upper Middle Grade / Tween Contemporary

262 pages

ages 10 - 14

Thirteen year old Molly moves with her family to a small town after the death of her mother. There she meets an abandoned dog who grieves the loss of his family, too. Together, they help each other cope. But Molly resents her father's decision to remarry. Being forced to leave behind the life she once knew and accept a new family proves to be too much change for her broken heart to handle. Can she learn to trust again? Or will she always yearn for the road to home?

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON   /  B&N   /   BOOK DEPOSITORY

MY TIDBITS

This is a read to snuggle up with and let emotions flow.

The passing of Molly's mother has left, understandably, a large hold in her heart. The therapist claims that within the first year, she shouldn't make any major decisions. Yet, Molly's father marries, and then, moves them to a small town. To say that Molly is a little resentful is an understatement. She does like the new home, and she soon finds a new friend or two, but she's still not finding comfort. When a stray dog shows up on their property...the town's dog as she soon learns...her heart goes out to him, especially when she discovers that he stands in the middle of the road every day, waiting for his owners from two years before to return for him. Maybe between the dog and her new friends, she might learn to deal with her broken heart.

Readers, who seek tons of heart, will enjoy this read. Molly is a girl, who is truly full of life, but suffers understandably after her mother's death and her father's life changes. She has extremely sharp edges in regards to the relationship with them, and that's not surprising. If fits the situation as well as her age group and comes across naturally. Even when she does 'bite', the love she actually has for her father is obvious even though it's hidden. And she's trying, but sometimes, things are rough.

There is a lot of symbolism in these pages, which weaves wonderfully into the tale. There are not many scene descriptions, which did make this come across as a tale for younger readers at times, but the story is driven forward by dialogue and character actions. The dog as well as the other characters provide sub-plots which harmonize with the main story and allow everything to thread together nicely at the end. The life messages are clear and never preachy. The relationship with the dog is inspiring and warms the heart.

The pacing is steady and allows the reader to really get to know Molly well. She's the kind of girl, who would easily become a friend and is simple to relate to. It was a bit slow for me, at times, but then, I'm not a heavy reader of contemporary fiction, and I do see many readers of the intended age group enjoying this one quite a bit.

Review: Dragon Games by R. A. Douthitt

Today's review heads into the realm of fantasy and dragons and elves...or at least, I'm pretty sure that's where we're going. I haven't read the first book in this series, but since I tend to jump in on the second book (a bad habit of mine), that shouldn't matter. I have read works from this author before. Honestly, I adore her middle grade Children Under the Ice series (mystery, ghosts, tension). So, I'm looking forward to what adventure these pages will hold.

Who else wants to dive into a world with dragons? 

DRAGON GAMES

The Elves of Vulgard, Book Two

by R.A Douthitt

Young Adult Fantasy

223 pages

Winning the Dragon Games is all that Kieron ever wanted. To win the tournament means a chance to be on the Queen's elite Dragon Riders force. But when Kieron discovers bandits abducting dragons to fight in the arena, suspicious dragon games are exposed and it's more horrifying than Kieron had ever imagined. Kieron decides to risk it all to free the dragons...even if it means never flying with the Dragon Riders.

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON  

MY TIDBITS

First off, I didn't read the first book in this series, and while I would recommend starting with book one, it wasn't overly difficult to understand what was going on in this book. 

This wasn't exactly the normal 'dragon' read, in many respects, and that's a good thing. Dragon lovers will sink right into this world. The descriptions are very well done, and that includes the dragons. They come across with wonderful vividness, which invites to dreams. But it was the attitude toward and with the dragons, which impressed me the most. These dragons are ridden and steered, but that doesn't mean they are just  'steeds'. They have personalities, are 'spoken' with, and have a atmosphere which makes them simply worth more respect. Kieron's fight to help them just hits home.

Of course, there's so much more than dragons. The main character Kieron is a hero to cheer for from beginning to end. He makes mistakes and learns from them. His personality and especially dialogue comes across naturally. It's easy to understand his choices and sympathize with him. He's a hero with everything needed.

The pacing in this one is, for the most part, quick and steady. Kieron has quite a bit to accomplish , and the characters and obstacles are well woven to keep him on his toes...and more. There were a few sections in the training, which slowed the pace, but it wasn't enough to disrupt the tale. The tension remained high to keep me in the pages, and the ending held a nice, unexpected twist. It's a rich tale and an enjoyable read.

And here she is...

Former writing teacher, R. A. Douthitt is an award-winning author of many books for middle grade readers and adults in fiction and non-fiction.  She is the winner of the Moonbeam Children’s Books Award-Bronze Medal for Best Book Series and the Gateway to the Best third prize winner of the Missouri Romance Writers of America contest. Ruth is working on a Christian-themed women's inspirational fiction series, coming soon. She currently lives in Arizona with her husband Scott and their little dog. When she isn't writing, Ruth loves to run, draw, paint, and garden.

www.artbyruth.com 

Review: The Cafeteria Club by R.A. Douthitt

THE CAFETERIA CLUB

by R.A. Douthitt

Middle Grade Fiction 

164 pages

Toby and her friends start a club to combat bullying in middle school but when their club grows in popularity and fame, the cafeteria tables are turned. Will Toby become what she despises most...A bully?

MY TIDBITS

School drama, fears and a perfect pinch of humor make this to a well-paced read, which kids can identify with.

Toby is ready. Well, maybe not completely, but middle school begins. She and her friends are no longer a part of the little kids, but they aren't embraced by the older kids yet either. Stuck in between, they weave their way through the first days. But the cafeteria gives them trouble. The eighth graders are blocking the tables, and Toby is going to have to figure out a way to handle the bullying. Hopefully, she doesn't fall into the role herself.

Toby and her friends are a delightful bunch, who face school and their problems in believable ways. Their troubles are easy to relate to and will have readers shaking their heads as they see themselves in some of the very same positions. The school relationships come across naturally and the dialogue is a treat. A few facts about the school made me and my kids wonder, since they didn't reflect the school life or definitions as we know them, but we're sure that this won't be true for all readers.

The lessons are understandable and never preachy. Toby is a bundle of energy and her friends quite creative. It's this spunk and desire to fit in which make this an enjoyable read which never comes across as preachy. Readers ages eight to twelve will surely enjoy diving into these hallways and joining this fun bunch as they tackle troubles many kids face.

Review: The Children of Manor House by R.A. Douthitt

THE CHILDREN OF MANOR HOUSE

by R. A. Douthitt

Middle Grade Mystery/Thriller

318 pages

Mikey and his friends thought they had successfully freed the ghosts of the children in the garden, but they were mistaken. Now faced with a new mystery, Mikey and his friends must enter a haunted mansion, uncover its secrets, and finally bring the killer to justice once and for all in this final book of the Children series. Can Mikey trust a ghost to solve a mystery one last time?

This series is the

Winner of the Moonbeam Children's Books Award 

Bronze Medal

 MY TIDBITS

In a whirlwind of ghosts, mystery and layers of hidden secrets, this is a breath-catching ending to a series which is sure to keep young mystery fans on the edge of their seat.

Mikey and his friends have one goal, save Lexie from the evil gang of ghosts, but the rescue mission ends with an unexpected twist. Another murder mystery unfolds, this time one which involves the most well-known family of the town's history and present. Mikey promises to solve the mystery, but he already has his hands full with the full-fledged murderer still on the loose—one who landed his father in the hospital. To top it all off, Mikey's birth mother shows up and wants him back in her life too. It's an attack from all sides, emotional and simply deadly. Somehow, Mikey has to sort it all out before he looses everything, even the lives of his family.

This is the third novel in the series and should not be read as a stand-alone. The first chapter opens up as a continuation of book two, and the reader will be lost without the necessary background information.

What an ending to the series! If Mikey thought things were tough in the first two books, this one takes him on a high-speed roller coaster ride. Every twist, every turn leads him and his friends into a thicker weave of secrets, mystery and danger. It's impossible not to feel sorry for the boy, especially when his long-time run-away mother appears and hits him with an emotional concrete wall. Luckily, Mikey is surrounded by support: friends, family and unexpected newcomers too. While many think his ghost stories are crazy, others believe him. And this trust goes a long way.

Compared to the first book, this one takes ghosts up to a whole new level. While some need help and give a hand where they can, Mikey and his friends are up against some very evil, vengeful terrors. The suspense seeps from the pages, the danger is real, but yet, the author still keeps it tight enough to stay fitting for the intended age group, readers ages nine and up. It's creepy and the heart races, but it never tips into horror, gore or harsh violence.

Mikey and his friends aren't just ghost hunting and mystery solvers, they are a normal bunch of kids. The relationship side expands in this book too, allowing the characters to grow and form more intense bonds. Mikey has to battle more personal issues, which, for him, are harder than the ghosts. But all of these are problems and things normal kids of that age face. Add the corny jokes of his friends and the silly banter that sometimes gets thrown in, and the gang stays natural and comes across as a regular bunch of friends from down the street.

I can only recommend this series to mystery and ghost fans. Not only kids will love this one, but it's written so well that adults who are young at heart will be enchanted by this series as well. Definitely, not one to miss.


 And here she is. . .

R. A. Douthitt is the Moonbeam Award-winning author of the Children series and The Dragon Forest trilogy. She resides in Arizona with her husband and their little fat dog. 

Review: The Children in the Garden by R.A. Douthitt

THE CHILDREN IN THE GARDEN

by R. A. Douthitt

Middle Grade Mystery/Thriller

414 pages

Now that Mikey and his friends have solved the mystery of the children under the ice, they are off to solve another murder mystery with the help of a little girl ghost and her dark secret of the children in the garden. Can Mikey catch the killer before he hurts what he loves most...his family? Or will the killer catch him first? Find out in this thrilling sequel to The Children Under the Ice!

This series is the

Winner of the Moonbeam Children's Books Award 

Bronze Medal

 MY TIDBITS

This is a wonderful mystery, which holds all of the thrills, chills and intrigue while still keeping it perfect for the middle grade audience.

Mikey has solved the first mystery, The Children Under the Ice, and is waiting to play his part in the up-coming trial—something he's pretty nervous about. But when a ghost appears, it's clear he won't have time to dwell on his fears. The girl needs Mikey's help to solve not only her own death, but that of several boys as well. The case isn't nearly as clear cut as the first one, and soon Mikey finds himself wrapped up in more murders and clues than he bargained for. If he isn't careful, not only could the killer escape, but he and his entire family might become the next victims.

I love this series! The author masterfully weaves a murder mystery which holds all the excitement of an adult mystery, but sizes it down just right for kids. Mikey and his friends come across as an average group of kids not only in the relationships, but the way the handle things, joke around or even get on each other's nerves. Mikey might be able to communicate with ghosts (at times) but he still comes across as normal as the kid next door. He makes decision as best he can, values his family and friends more than anything else, stumbles through things like everyone else.

There's never a dull moment in this book. Every scene locks the reader in and offers more to the mystery. Levels upon levels of secrets, twists and turns make it hard to guess where the entire thing will end. Some aspects are predictable letting readers have the satisfaction of knowing they were right, while other twists lead to completely unexpected results. In this book, there is a little more paranormal fantasy built in, which gives the mystery an interesting twist.

In many ways, this borders on a thriller and maybe even the horror end of things, keeping a creepy and tense air the entire way through. But it never goes too dark. The murderer is dangerous and the threat real, but it doesn't tip into violence or gore. Even the ghosts, despite the danger they pose, have borders which keep the scary moments from going overboard. The tension remains high, and not once does the author talk down to the readers but meets them on their level.

In other words, this is perfect for mystery and ghost loving middle graders who are ready to dive into a serious murder mystery and sink into an exciting adventure.



 And here she is. . .

R. A. Douthitt is the Moonbeam Award-winning author of the Children series and The Dragon Forest trilogy. She resides in Arizona with her husband and their little fat dog. 

Review: The Children Under the Ice by R. A. Douthitt

THE CHILDREN UNDER THE ICE

by R. A Douthitt

Middle Grade Mystery

270 pages
ages 10 and up

Twelve year old Mikey hates hockey, but loves newspaper reporting, he’s quirky that way. One night, Mikey discovers the newspaper story of a lifetime when he falls through the ice of the Sherman Oaks Pond and sees the ghosts of children with a secret. And that’s when everything falls apart. No one believes Mikey’s story, not even his dad, the town Sheriff. 

Now Mikey has to let go and trust a ghost to help him solve a crime...can you trust a ghost to solve a crime?

MY TIDBITS

This is one of those books, which demands a flashlight under the blanket and will be read until all hours of the night.

Mikey really isn't wild about his dad's obsession with making him into a hockey star. He'd rather write for a newspaper. When a weird accident causes Mikey to fall through the pond's ice and be declared dead for a few seconds before he's revived, he sees the ghosts of the children who died in the pond around 15 years before. And one of them looks just like him.

This book packs a punch and is not for the more gentle reader. Right away on the first page, the author pulls into a goose bump raising scene--a murder is witnessed by four boys. The second they're caught, it's clear what will happen next. It isn't gruesome, but there is a no nonsense feel to the story. It's dark, it's a mystery and it does send chills up and down the spine. But it holds even more than that. 

Mikey is a normal kid, fighting normal problems. He has friends, some truer than others. He has a loving family, in which the parents are divorced, but he is loved despite the stumbling blocks. And he has a little trouble trying to figure out who he is, especially in relationship to his father and the dreams that the two don't share. The dialogue and relationships with the other characters comes across naturally and realistically. 

Not a single, boring moment seeps in as Mikey is thrown into a mystery. The clues are carefully placed, not too obvious and always with a slight twist. It's hard to see where the whole thing is going and how it will end. It keeps the readers on their toes, while maintaining a lovely sense of tension the entire time. The paranormal aspect weaves in seamlessly, just enough and never too much. It's a bit spooky at times, so there might be the need to check those closets and under the bed, but with Mikey and his friends, it never goes too far into the horror end. In other words, great for kids ten and above who seek a little thrill and chilling moments.

The ending wraps up all loose ends and prods on to continue the series as another eerie moment hints at the next mystery to come.



And here she is. . .

As an artist, R. A. Douthitt had always wanted to illustrate books for children, but never thought about actually writing books. But, with the help of self-publishing tools, she's doing just that. In 2008, her first book, The Dragon Forest, was published. Fast forward to 2017, she has now completed two series for middle grade readers. Her latest series, The Children Under the Ice, The Children in the Garden, and The Children of Manor House, is now available and is receiving excellent reviews from readers of all ages. Next on the agenda? R. A. Douthitt is currently writing and illustrating a Dragon Forest spin-off series called The Elves of Vulgaard to be released this summer. Her dream of illustrating books for children is finally coming true!

www.thedragonforest.com
https://www.facebook.com/ Author-Ruth-Douthitt- 245592525512882/

You can find her other books here!