Ara
by B.R. Eddy
Release
Date: Fall 2014
339
pages
Summary
from Goodreads:
Ara Vertrees is an advisor to the King
in Jimalia, a thriving island nation in the middle of a vast ocean. Her macaws
are trained to fly home to the palace to repeat confidential information. When
their messages become more and more troubling, she finds herself in the middle
of a crisis she never expected. Ara's story is full of adventure, friendship,
mystery, love and loss. Join Ara and her companions as they fight pirates,
uncover deception, find love and fight for Jimalia.
About the Author
My name is Brit and I was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California. My work with animals brought macaws into my life. They frightened me, moved me, hurt me, loved me and made me grow. I hope that my novel will help people understand these birds better! They are breathtaking and intelligent, but do not make good pets for most families. They require a lot of space and attention, can be very destructive and can easily outlive you. They can be incredible companions to the right people. Please keep all these things in mind when considering a macaw as a pet!"
My name is Brit and I was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California. My work with animals brought macaws into my life. They frightened me, moved me, hurt me, loved me and made me grow. I hope that my novel will help people understand these birds better! They are breathtaking and intelligent, but do not make good pets for most families. They require a lot of space and attention, can be very destructive and can easily outlive you. They can be incredible companions to the right people. Please keep all these things in mind when considering a macaw as a pet!"
Author Links:
Excerpt
Ara and Mr. Filbert sat at a table and ate supper
together. While they ate she told him all about her trip to the orphanage and
Bertrand’s prospects with the navy while picking things off of her plate for
Trekker. Whenever she gave him something he really liked, he gave an
appreciative, “Mmmmm!” Which set
everyone in earshot into a chuckle.
Occasionally Trekker relished attention from
strangers. Mostly he preferred to keep to himself, but a mood struck him
tonight. He started dancing so rigorously that Ara’s hair fluffed up and she
had to take him off her shoulder and onto her wrist. He danced and hooted as a
crowd came around to watch his performance, “Whewwww!”
He shrilled, then followed it up with a mumbled imitation of singing.
Mr. Filbert had to laugh, “Nothing is ever usual
around you, Lady Ara.”
“An arm and a leg, ha-HOOOOO!” Trekker’s laugh exaggerated every time another
person joined in their own laughter, until nearly the entire hall was erupting
with laughter.
“Why does he say that?” Mr. Filbert wiped his eyes,
“Thrice now I’ve heard it.”
“I don’t really know, he says it all the time.” Ara
rubbed Trekker’s feathers, “It’s the clearest thing he says, most of the time
he just mumbles. I don’t really know where the phrase comes from, I’ve tried to
research it and only know that it’s used to describe when something is very
expensive, but I’ve never discovered its origins.”
“Well, I think I can settle that mystery for you,
Lady Ara.” Mr. Filbert took a sip of champagne.
“Really! Do go on.” Ara leaned forward, eager to
perhaps finally solve the puzzle.
“Besides carving and sculpture, I paint portraits.
Portrait artists such as myself charge by the limb. The cost can be changed
dramatically by hiding arms and legs behind furniture or other subjects. A full
body portrait is an expensive commission. I believe that is the origin of the
phrase.”
“Aaahh well, that is quite interesting. It certainly
makes sense.” Ara nodded, thinking it over. Unfortunately, it shed no light on
why Trekker would say it.
GIVEAWAY:
No comments:
Post a Comment