Nov 13, 2013 3 min read

‘Tis the season for hot cocoa, hoodies and lots of shopping. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is here, but as each day comes to an end, comfy sweats and good reading are sure to bring much-needed contentment. Early darkness and low temps at this time of year actually have benefits, as novels and the classics provide a winter warmer and time to escape to places unknown.

A little intrigue, mystery and, of course, a hint of romance can quickly take us to distant lands, away from the day’s stresses – all without leaving the comforts of home.

Lucky for me, my daughters and talented local authors, keep me up-to-date with interesting reading materials. The newest author on my list is Bethel Park wife and mother Stephanie Keyes. After only a few pages, she has her readers engrossed and spellbound in the world of fantasy.

Stephanie became interested in writing and focusing on incredible journeys at an early age, often fantasizing about activities she knew little about. Her captivation continued as editor of the South Fayette High School newspaper, “The Lion’s Line” during her senior year and also receiving an honorable mention from the Post Gazette for her teen’s viewpoint on censorship of the Persian Gulf War.

College degrees under her belt, Stephanie became a wife and mother and searched for an outlet far removed from reality after a family member became ill. The magic of the paranormal was of great interest and filled her needs as she began documenting her ideas and story lines.

First to hit the bookshelves in the young adult fantasy series, “The Star Child,” published in September 2012, brings Stephanie’s vivid imagination alive. Travel with 17-year-old Kellen St. James as he finds himself on the run through a Celtic underworld of faeries, demons, angels and gods, all to save the world from darkness. A beautiful girl haunts his dreams and …

The mythical tale of Kellen and the Celtic goddess Celienta continues in “After Faerie” providing a connection to the trilogy’s second adventure.

“The Fallen Stars,” on the bookshelves since April and a semi-finalist in the 2013 Kindle Book Awards, finds Kellen embracing the dark and turning away from Cali.

Kellen and Cali battle bewitched armies and unknown foes as they fight to stay together in “The Star Catcher,” the last of the series.

“When I worked in the corporate world and traveled through the U.S., I thought I had made it, but I never knew what was missing,” Stephanie said. “Since I started writing and freelancing from home and being with my kids full time, I realized these are the halcyon days of my life. It just doesn’t get any better.”

Once more, Stephanie’s evenings are filled with writing. Set in Pittsburgh, the plot is thickening around a cursed concert pianist and will be available to readers in the near future.

Stephanie is a member of The Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and an active speaker and teacher. Learn more at www.stephaniekeyes.com.

Books are available in eBooks and paperback.

Check out Beyond Bedtime Books and Rickert & Beagle Books in Dormont, through Barnes & Noble at www.barnesandnoble.com/c/stephanie-keyes

or www.bookdepository.com/author/stephanie-keyes.