November always makes me think about what’s hidden beneath the surface.
Sure, on top, it’s all pumpkin pie, cozy sweaters, and that one relative who insists on discussing politics at the dinner table. But under all that? Gratitude. Connection. The tiny glimmers of light that carry us through the darker days.
In my world—and Harley’s—those glimmers might literally come from beneath the water.
A First Look at Christmas Tides: A Last Ringmaster Novella
On Christmas Eve, Harley discovers mysterious lights beneath the dark waters of the Florida preserve—a hidden community of water fae holding a sacred memorial for their lost. For fifty years, they’ve hidden their ritual behind the human town’s Christmas boat parade. But this year, the parade’s been canceled, and a new development is poisoning their home.
Here’s a sneak peek from early in the story—a moment when Harley first glimpses the impossible.
*****
Excerpt:
“The lights are getting brighter,” Kitty noted, her voice carrying a note of urgency. “And the singing… Harley, I think they know we’re here. They’re… they’re asking for something. In the old language.”
As if responding to her words, several of the underwater lights rose closer to the surface, their blue-green glow becoming more distinct. Harley could almost make out shapes moving with them—fluid forms that seemed to dance through the water with impossible grace.
“Should I cut the engine?” Cole asked, his hand hovering over the controls.
“No, wait,” Harley said, her fae sight picking up something important. “They’re not running from us. Look—they’re doing that thing like when Candy wants us to follow her to something she thinks is cool but probably dangerous.” Harley watched the lights shift their pattern, creating an obvious pathway through the water. “Great. Ancient water fae want to play follow-the-leader into the creepy part of the preserve. Because that’s never gone badly for me before.”
Indeed, the lights had shifted their pattern, creating what looked like a pathway through the water. Some moved ahead, then circled back, as if checking to make sure the boat was following.
“They want us to follow them,” Kitty said with certainty. “The singing changed when they saw us. It’s less mournful now, more… hopeful?”
“Hope’s dangerous,” Harley muttered, though she was already gesturing for Cole to follow the lights. “Hope makes you do stupid things like trust mysterious underwater spirits during a magical crisis.” Her demon coiled tighter in her chest, sensing her growing emotional investment. “Which, obviously, we’re going to do anyway because I’m constitutionally incapable of walking away from people who need help. It’s a character flaw.”
*****
Christmas Tides is a story about remembrance, unlikely partnerships, and the hope that still glows when everything else goes dim. (And yes, there are sparkles. Literal and emotional.)
I’ll be revealing the cover—and the release date—in my next newsletter this Thanksgiving, but for now, I wanted to raise a glass to you. Thank you for reading, for cheering Harley on, and for letting me share my strange little worlds with you. You’re the best kind of found family.
