Okay, okay. I’ve heard it before–we all have. You can’t rush something. Things happen in time. Well, I really wanted to rush my tulips.
I love flowers! What can I say? I even feature them in my novel, THE WITCH OF BELLE FLEUR.
What happened next?
In March I gave a friend a flower pot with tulips and she sent me a photo of her tulips and they had several buds. I thought, surely I had done something wrong. My tulips that I had in the sun didn’t have any buds.
I then moved my smaller flower pot inside. I was so delighted when I saw the first bud! I felt so accomplished! Luckily my outdoor flower pot was too heavy for me to move. So it remained in the sun.
As the days passed, I would go outside and look at my tulips in sun with mixed emotions. I was glad their color was a rich green, and they looked so healthy, but they didn’t have any buds yet. What was taking them so long?
Well, to this day, my tulips in the sun have not bloomed, but they now have beautiful and healthy buds ready to open when they are truly ready. My plants are healthy and are even producing small bulbs near the soil! I have never seen this with tulips, before. What a joy!
Rushing my indoor tulips gave me one flower, but it was short lived. My tulips have shown me to have more patience in my life.
Tulip time, not my time.
So, as this year continues to flow, I am more mindful allowing things to unfold in their time, not mine.
Thank you for reading!
All the best,
Isabelle
- Want to see amazing tulip photos from Skagit Valley, Washington and learn more about this lovely flower? Visit https://tulipfestival.org/
The photo below is from my beautiful tulips in the sun. Photo credit: Isabelle Hardesty
About Isabelle Hardesty
Isabelle Hardesty writes stories about people doing magical things and kicking butt. She writes for all readers, and people like her, who didn’t see themselves in their favorite fantasy adventures growing up.
She is the author of several YA book series including The Destroyer Witch Chronicles, Sea Witch High duology, and The Delacourt Shapeshifter trilogy. She is best known for her novel about a telenovela actress turned witch, The Witch of Belle Fleur.
As an author, she loves sharing her work with readers. She loves attending conventions, and enjoys discussing her books, writing, witches, and more!
Isabelle Hardesty is a Miami native who uses her creative work to share her experiences growing up in South Florida. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and son. Discover more about Isabelle’s books at www.IsabelleHardesty.com
Tulips in the Sun and Having Patience
NewsOkay, okay. I’ve heard it before–we all have. You can’t rush something. Things happen in time. Well, I really wanted to rush my tulips.
I love flowers! What can I say? I even feature them in my novel, THE WITCH OF BELLE FLEUR.
What happened next?
In March I gave a friend a flower pot with tulips and she sent me a photo of her tulips and they had several buds. I thought, surely I had done something wrong. My tulips that I had in the sun didn’t have any buds.
I then moved my smaller flower pot inside. I was so delighted when I saw the first bud! I felt so accomplished! Luckily my outdoor flower pot was too heavy for me to move. So it remained in the sun.
As the days passed, I would go outside and look at my tulips in sun with mixed emotions. I was glad their color was a rich green, and they looked so healthy, but they didn’t have any buds yet. What was taking them so long?
Well, to this day, my tulips in the sun have not bloomed, but they now have beautiful and healthy buds ready to open when they are truly ready. My plants are healthy and are even producing small bulbs near the soil! I have never seen this with tulips, before. What a joy!
Rushing my indoor tulips gave me one flower, but it was short lived. My tulips have shown me to have more patience in my life.
Tulip time, not my time.
So, as this year continues to flow, I am more mindful allowing things to unfold in their time, not mine.
Thank you for reading!
All the best,
Isabelle
The photo below is from my beautiful tulips in the sun. Photo credit: Isabelle Hardesty
About Isabelle Hardesty
She is the author of several YA book series including The Destroyer Witch Chronicles, Sea Witch High duology, and The Delacourt Shapeshifter trilogy. She is best known for her novel about a telenovela actress turned witch, The Witch of Belle Fleur.
As an author, she loves sharing her work with readers. She loves attending conventions, and enjoys discussing her books, writing, witches, and more!
Isabelle Hardesty is a Miami native who uses her creative work to share her experiences growing up in South Florida. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and son. Discover more about Isabelle’s books at www.IsabelleHardesty.com
Valentine’s Day Love by Isabelle Hardesty
NewsWe 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.
You matter.
You are unique.
You are important.
You make a difference.
I am special.
I matter.
I am unique.
I am important.
I make a difference.
Happy reading!
Best wishes,
Isabelle
About Isabelle Hardesty
She is the author of several YA book series including The Destroyer Witch Chronicles, Sea Witch High duology, and The Delacourt Shapeshifter trilogy. She is best known for her novel about a telenovela actress turned witch, The Witch of Belle Fleur.
As an author, she loves sharing her work with readers. She loves attending conventions, and enjoys discussing her books, writing, witches, and more!
Isabelle Hardesty is a Miami native who uses her creative work to share her experiences growing up in South Florida. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and son. Discover more about Isabelle’s books at www.IsabelleHardesty.com
Mango Batido Smoothie Recipe Inspired by The Witch of Belle Fleur by Isabelle Hardesty
NewsEnjoy 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
She is the author of several YA book series including The Destroyer Witch Chronicles, Sea Witch High duology, and The Delacourt Shapeshifter trilogy. She is best known for her novel about a telenovela actress turned witch, The Witch of Belle Fleur.
As an author, she loves sharing her work with readers. She loves attending conventions, and enjoys discussing her books, writing, witches, and more!
Isabelle Hardesty is a Miami native who uses her creative work to share her experiences growing up in South Florida. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and son. Discover more about Isabelle’s books at www.IsabelleHardesty.com
The Witch of Belle Fleur on Kobo, Nook, Etsy, and Amazon
NewsHello 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!
Kobo shoppers click here!
Nook shoppers:
Amazon shoppers:
AMAZON
Here are links to my books. Have you read them all?
🢂The Witch of Belle Fleur
🢂Midnight in Belle Fleur (PRE-ORDER TODAY)
🢂Jade’s Awakening
🢂Jade’s Descent
🢂Jade’s Paradox
🢂The Delacourt Shapeshifter Trilogy Complete Boxset Books 1-3
About Isabelle Hardesty
She is the author of several YA book series including The Destroyer Witch Chronicles, Sea Witch High duology, and The Delacourt Shapeshifter trilogy. She is best known for her novel about a telenovela actress turned witch, The Witch of Belle Fleur.
As an author, she loves sharing her work with readers. She loves attending conventions, and enjoys discussing her books, writing, witches, and more!
Isabelle Hardesty is a Miami native who uses her creative work to share her experiences growing up in South Florida. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and son. Discover more about Isabelle’s books at www.IsabelleHardesty.com
An Interview with a Witch, Juliette Mariana Fontaine
NewsA 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!
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
She is the author of several YA book series including The Destroyer Witch Chronicles, Sea Witch High duology, and The Delacourt Shapeshifter trilogy. She is best known for her novel about a telenovela actress turned witch, The Witch of Belle Fleur.
As an author, she loves sharing her work with readers. She loves attending conventions, and enjoys discussing her books, writing, witches, and more!
Isabelle Hardesty is a Miami native who uses her creative work to share her experiences growing up in South Florida. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and son. Discover more about Isabelle’s books at www.IsabelleHardesty.com
Why I went Live on Facebook and More!
NewsThank 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
She is the author of several YA book series including The Destroyer Witch Chronicles, Sea Witch High duology, and The Delacourt Shapeshifter trilogy. She is best known for her novel about a telenovela actress turned witch, The Witch of Belle Fleur.
As an author, she loves sharing her work with readers. She loves attending conventions, and enjoys discussing her books, writing, witches, and more!
Isabelle Hardesty is a Miami native who uses her creative work to share her experiences growing up in South Florida. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and son. Discover more about Isabelle’s books at www.IsabelleHardesty.com
Autumn YA Fantasy Book Giveaway & FB Live Event Oct. 11th
NewsAre you ready for some autumn reading? Jump into The Witch of Belle Fleur and immerse yourself in Juliette’s world.
For Juliette, nature is part of her magic. Her favorite place in the world is the swamp. Its sounds, smells 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.
Juliette 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 Juliette to a force greater than herself.
AMAZON
Join Me for a Facebook Live Q&A Event (Sunday) 10-11
3:00 Pacific / 6:00 Eastern – THIS EVENT HAPPENED ALREADY
I’ll be talking about my new book, doing a live reading, and answering questions. Plus, two lucky commenters will win a free digital copy of THE WITCH OF BELLE FLEUR.
About Isabelle Hardesty
She is the author of several YA book series including The Destroyer Witch Chronicles, Sea Witch High duology, and The Delacourt Shapeshifter trilogy. She is best known for her novel about a telenovela actress turned witch, The Witch of Belle Fleur.
As an author, she loves sharing her work with readers. She loves attending conventions, and enjoys discussing her books, writing, witches, and more!
Isabelle Hardesty is a Miami native who uses her creative work to share her experiences growing up in South Florida. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and son. Discover more about Isabelle’s books at www.IsabelleHardesty.com
How to Write a Book Review and Book Review Q & A
NewsHappy 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! 🙂
The Witch of Belle Fleur
“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
She is the author of several YA book series including The Destroyer Witch Chronicles, Sea Witch High duology, and The Delacourt Shapeshifter trilogy. She is best known for her novel about a telenovela actress turned witch, The Witch of Belle Fleur.
As an author, she loves sharing her work with readers. She loves attending conventions, and enjoys discussing her books, writing, witches, and more!
Isabelle Hardesty is a Miami native who uses her creative work to share her experiences growing up in South Florida. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and son. Discover more about Isabelle’s books at www.IsabelleHardesty.com
What it Means to Be A Witch – A Look into Juliette’s World – YA Fantasy Novel Own Voices #ownvoices
NewsFor 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.
Blackberry Bushes and Book Updates!
NewsThe 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
She is the author of several YA book series including The Destroyer Witch Chronicles, Sea Witch High duology, and The Delacourt Shapeshifter trilogy. She is best known for her novel about a telenovela actress turned witch, The Witch of Belle Fleur.
As an author, she loves sharing her work with readers. She loves attending conventions, and enjoys discussing her books, writing, witches, and more!
Isabelle Hardesty is a Miami native who uses her creative work to share her experiences growing up in South Florida. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and son. Discover more about Isabelle’s books at www.IsabelleHardesty.com