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We don’t have to wait for Valentine’s Day to celebrate love! Love is more than romantic love. It’s also self love, love for family, love for nature, and love for life. And as an author, it can also be a love for reading! Which books do you love? Which book relationships, made you swoon or smile? Each of my readers is special. The following is for you. I’ve made the kind statements below and have changed then changed the “You” to “I” so that if you would like, you can print and place it somewhere to remind you of how special you are. Or take a photo with your phone. You are special.
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Enjoy this mango batido smoothie recipe inspired by The Witch of Belle Fleur by Isabelle Hardesty.
In my book, The Witch of Belle Fleur, there are several delicious Caribbean foods and drinks that I added to celebrate my heritage . One that is easy to make is the Mango Batido, or Mango Smoothie.
Finally, blend, and be sure to add a pop of fun with a tiny umbrella, a slice of orange, or something that makes you smile!
What batido can you create with the fruits you may have in your kitchen today? Glad you were able to enjoy this mango batido smoothie recipe inspired by The Witch of Belle Fleur by Isabelle Hardesty
About Isabelle Hardesty
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Hello from Mill Creek, I am thankful for you! Thank you for being part of my journey as an author. I wish you all the best in your various projects you may have going on starting soon. I now have my books on Kobo, Nook Etsy and Amazon! Check out these links! By the way, only Etsy has my limited author book box! 🙂 Etsy shoppers click here! Grab your copy of my most popular book, The Witch of Belle Fleur, today!
AMAZON Here are links to my books. Have you read them all? 🢂The Witch of Belle Fleur About Isabelle Hardesty
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A fun Q & A with Juliette Mariana Fontaine. She’s the The Witch of Belle Fleur!
Q. What’s it like being a telenovela actress?
A. It’s crazy, fun and connects me to my aunt. We love watching them together.
Q. Who’s your BFF? Are you blushing?
A. No, I’m not blushing. My best friend is Victor.
Q. Where is your favorite place in the world? I assume you’d be there with your BFF.
A. Yes, he’s pretty much always with me, unless I’m on set or at home doing boring stuff. It would be the swamp. Don’t look so scared, you’d be surprised how relaxing and nice that place can be. It centers me.
Q. Well, that’s a lot to say about a place that gives me the creeps. Don’t the alligators and snake scare you?
A. I guess I have a way with animals, they don’t bother me at all. Don’t freak out, but I have a pet alligator, Heathcliff.
Q. Well, that’s a new one. Okay, last question. Belle Fleur was once called the most magical city in the US. So, I have to ask, do you believe in magic?
A. I mean, yeah, who doesn’t?
Q. Why are you laughing? It’s a serious question. Some of our readers want to know.
A. I thought you were going to ask questions about telenovelas and acting.
Q. Ok, I see the question makes you uncomfortable. How about this. If you could be a witch, would you?
A. Maybe, if it could make the world a better place.
Oh, here’s a new review for The Witch of Belle Fleur! Thank you, readers! Please keep these reviews coming!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Wow – what a ride!
Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2020
“Just when I think I know what’s going to happen, I guess wrong, and go forward to read on in this roller coaster of witchcraft and excitement. What a really great read! So happy I was turned onto this writer – looking forward to reading more of her work!”
Here are links to all my books. Have you read them yet?
🢂The Witch of Belle Fleur
🢂Midnight in Belle Fleur
🢂Jade’s Awakening
🢂Jade’s Descent
🢂Jade’s Paradox
🢂The Delacourt Shapeshifter Trilogy Complete Boxset Books 1-3
About Isabelle Hardesty
Thank you for those of you who stopped by during my FB live on the 11th. Well, for the first few seconds, it was pretty daunting. All these thoughts raced through my brain. What would I do? What would I say? And then I relaxed. I made believe I was speaking to one reader, just one, who wanted to know about Juliette, Victor and the magical world in Belle Fleur. And then I went on and on for 47 minutes! LOL!
So, I guess I actually like going live on FB. Next stop will be Instagram, for all you Intagrammers out there! 🙂
I’m proud of myself for doing something that I would have never thought of doing before this year. What are you thinking about braving this year? Maybe you are saving it for next year, that’s fine, too. Click below to see the video. No, you don’t have to watch the whole 47 minutes, but you can if you’d like! 🙂
Oh, I’m almost at 10 book reviews, for The Witch of Belle Fleur! Thank you so much! Want to see what readers are saying?
5.0 out of 5 stars Juliette’s Journey
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2020
“What an exciting ride for Juliette! Finding out her friend Victor is more than he says he is and then being tossed into a world of secrets, monsters, witches, shifters, etc. The author creates a world that draws you in and makes you want to keep reading and keeping you on the edge so that you cheer for the main characters. Caring for their outcome is fun to cheer for and I think readers of all ages will really feel close to this book. There is some romance in there as well, but I think it only adds to the realism and does not draw from it. That is tough in fantasy to me. Great book and recommended to all.”
AMAZON
About Isabelle Hardesty
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Happy October! I hope this new month finds you well. Even though I’m from Miami, I do like the cooler fall weather and fall colors!
What I’m thinking about!
I’m having so much fun writing Midnight in Belle Fleur. I love writing about strong female characters. Growing up, I had many moments in life when I wasn’t sure if I should own my strength.
When I doubted myself, I always had my siblings and mother to remind me of who I was. When we shrink from our strength, it doesn’t help anyone. I hope my books remind my wonderful readers of their strength.
Book Spotlight!
I was so thrilled when a reader said she saw The Witch of Belle Fleur in this fabulous article! 10 Witchy Reads for FallI am so pleased that my book is listed with these amazing witchy books! Thanks, Denise B. Young!
Did you know….
Reviews are as easy as 1,2,3!
I will be happy to give a free ebook copy of The Witch of Belle Fleur to any reader on my newsletter who can complete an honest book review in the next 3 1/2 weeks.
If this sounds good, please respond to this email and I send you a free e-book copy. Thanks!
If writing a book review feels like writing a book report from high school, don’t fret! It’s as easy as 1,2,3.
1. Write one sentence and let others know if you liked the book.
2. Write one sentence about your favorite character.
3. Would you recommend this book? How many stars will you give this book? Now, go to this link and add your review for The Witch of Belle Fleur.
If you’ve read some of my other books, click here to leave a review for them. Thank you, ROYAL REVIEWERS!
Book Review Q&A:
Q: Should I write a summary/synopsis of the book?
A: No. This isn’t a book report for school so, relax. Also, readers don’t want any spoilers.
Q: I’m shy. Is there a way to leave an anonymous review?
A: Yes! On Amazon, go to the book review page and click on the light blue bar at top. Now edit your name.
Done! 🙂

“What I read definitely had me wanting the rest of the story and that’s what makes a good book to me.
I will definitely be buying the next book in the series!”
Kindle Review
About Isabelle Hardesty
For Juliette, nature is part of her magic. Her favorite place in the world is the swamp. Its sounds, aroma, and views make her heart leap. Victor Hernandez, her drop-dead gorgeous best friend makes her heart leap, too.
The two of them discover that there is more than the love of the swamp between them as magic takes over both of their lives.
Magic is a way for Juliette to help her sick aunt. As she learns who she really is, magic becomes a two-sided force that scares her. She’s both Destroyer and Healer witch and fears that the Destroyer side is pulling her in, deeper and deeper.
She grows in magic as it lifts her to new experiences in her life. It allows her to try new things and find her strength.
Magic is life. When she’s at death’s door, nature’s magic saves her, linking her to a force greater than herself.
To read the first two chapters of The Witch of Belle Fleur for free, click here and go to the “Look Inside” feature above the book cover.
As always, thank you for stopping by!
Have a magical day!
Isabelle Hardesty is a writer of young adult fantasy.
She enjoys writing about characters who are like people you know and people you want to know.
Isabelle lives in Seattle with her husband and son. She loves being with her family, eating chocolate, and connecting with readers. When she is not writing, you can find her either researching for her next book or painting.
The blackberry bushes are finally ripening! I really thought it would happen quicker, but it’s been nice watching Mother Nature take her time and make these beauties. This is my first year seeing the process!
Now, years later, I am living back in Atlanta and we have brought our love of blackberries with us! We have a thriving blackberry bush in the backyard and it’s growing lovely berries!
Which is your favorite berry?

About Isabelle Hardesty

So much has happened since I wrote that popular blog post, Cheerio on my Mat, back in February. I don’t have to walk you through what’s been going on in the world. We know all know, too well.
Instead this post is about how I’ve found my way back to my yoga mat in an entirely different way. Previously, my yoga class was in a group of people with an instructor. It was great, it was what I needed at that time.
Now, my yoga practice has evolved into using What’s App, Google Hangouts, and You Tube. Several weeks ago, my neighbor asked me if I’d like to join her and a few of her friends for virtual yoga.
Previously, I had asked my niece, who is a yoga instructor, if she could recommend a yoga instructor on You Tube. She recommended Adriene, but between writing, running after my toddler, and regular day-to-day activities, I had forgotten to follow up and actually get on the mat.
So this virtual class was exactly what I needed. I jumped in on day 14 of Adriene’s 30 Days of Yoga. It was great as I moved my body and took time to find my center. In two days, we begin again, at day one. I can’t wait!
Maybe it’s a virtual yoga class with a few other people. Maybe it’s something else that finds you.
Whatever it is…let it find you.










