Below the Moon Week One Update + Salt Lake City Events

It is hard to comprehend that my novel Below the Moon—book two in The 8th Island Trilogy—has been out for a whole week! It’s been a busy time to say the least.

Here are my top 5 highlights:

1) Virtual Book Tour

2) Forward Review’s Book of the Day

3) More Read-In Week School Visits

4) Young Entertainment Magazine Twitter Takeover

5) Book Review published in Forward Reviews Magazine

Photo by my friend and fellow author Deb Brandon

Here is the whole review:

BELOW THE MOON

Alexis Marie Chute’s fantasy novel Below the Moon is as fast and bizarre as its prequel, with enough new elements to keep the imagination soaring.

Ella was supposed to be enjoying herself on a cruise before her inevitable death from cancer, but thanks to her grandpa Archie, she and a host of other survivors are stuck in the magical world of Jarr, where everything good is unraveling. More than just Ella are running out of time. In a desperate attempt to save both their worlds, humans and creatures alike must find a way to overcome their differences and fight against the looming darkness.

Told in alternating points of view, Below the Moon is refreshing. The constant shifts allow for different aspects of Chute’s fantastical world to be enjoyed. Each character brings new light to the story: Ella has an eye for detail, Archie is protective, and Luggie wrestles with conflicting loyalties. Characters from the previous book continue to contribute: Lady Sofia still provides comic relief; Nate, charm. Each individual has to figure out what they’ll fight for, and their continuing development is relatable and realistic, even when situations are anything but.

Fantastical elements are introduced with liberty, sometimes at such a rapid pace that it can be difficult to track what has just happened. Sudden plot twists, new rules, and strange enemies keep the story exciting, if somewhat hard to buy; there always seems to be a convenient magical solution available when things go wrong.

With never a dull moment, Below the Moon is an action-packed fantasy sure to excite and engage anyone willing to embrace its magic.

Reviewed by Vivian Turnbull

Join me for a Party!

What: Below The moon officially hits shelves October 15 and we want to celebrate with you!

When: Saturday, November 2, 2019

Location: Audrey’s Books ,10702 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5J 3J5

Details: Join us from 2-4 pm. There will be a reading from Below The Moon,  followed by an Author Q&A and booksigning

This is a family friendly event so grab the kids and come on down to Audrey’s Books and show your support for literacy and our local independent bookstores!

About BELOW THE MOON:

Caught in a web of betrayal, mistaken identities, secrets, and love triangles, Ella, Tessa, and Archie must overcome their troubled pasts to ensure a future for all worlds. On this journey―armed with unearthly abilities and unexpected allies―each member of the Wellsley family will learn the power of love in the face of their greatest fears.

COMING – OCTOBER 2019

Order Below the Moon from your local bookstore

Request Below the Moon at your local library

SALT LAKE CITY EVENTS!

Free! Join me! Please share!

Creativity to Heal and Empower

With artist/author Alexis Marie Chute

RSVP on Eventbrite by clicking here. 

Join us for a community art-based support workshop for people looking to begin their journey through grief.

Join us for a ground-breaking community art-based support workshop for people looking to begin their journey through grief. This day-long workshop includes creative writing, collage, painting, and sculpture to work aid the healing process. All adults looking to uncover a unique healing vocabulary through art are welcome.

Participants are welcomed into a judgement-free space to express and discuss their experiences of loss. The group will use creative writing to look at grief from different angles and uncover each individual’s unique healing vocabulary. The writing will be a jumping off point to create meaningful and symbolic collages. The art making will evolve to include paintbrush and paint. Finally, the creative journey will culminate with a discovery of the healing-freedom of explorative-play through clay sculpture that can be painted at home. This workshop gifts participants valued insights and keepsakes for their healing journeys.

Lunch will be provided

Art supplies generously donated through a grant from Clever Octopus. Visit them at CleverOctopus.org.

Date And Time

Sat, October 26, 2019

9:00 AM – 4:30 PM MDT

Add to Calendar

Location

The City Library-Main Branch, Conference Room E

210 East 400 South

Salt Lake City, UT 84111

United States

RSVP on Eventbrite by clicking here. 

The Salt Lake City Screening of the Expecting Sunshine Documentary

RSVP to the documentary screening on Eventbrite by clicking here.

Description

Expecting Sunshine: A Journey of Grief, Healing and Pregnancy After Loss, the award-winning documentary, is based on the best-selling memoir by author-artist-filmmaker Alexis Marie Chute. The film brings viewers along on real-life medical appointments, introduces them to other bereaved parents and medical professionals in thought-provoking interviews, right through to the delivery room where she welcomes her “rainbow baby.” By producing this film, Chute seeks to break the taboo around pregnancy loss and pregnancy after loss. The film investigates different perspectives on traumatic birth, how loss affects personal identity and faith, and the ways families change, thrive and cope through grief. Also highlighted is the decision-making process around family planning after loss and the unique stresses of subsequent pregnancies. With poignant narration about grief and the healing journey, the documentary casts fresh light on a private and isolating experience, also offering hope & encouragement.

More information about the documentary can be found on the website, www.ExpectingSunshine.com.

Come join us for the Salt Lake City screening of the award winning documentary, Expecting Sunshine!

6:30pm – Doors Open
7:00pm – Screening
8:00pm – Q&A with the Filmmaker

Friday, October 25, 2019

Auditorium
Salt Lake City Main Library
210 East 400 South
Salt Lake City, UT
84111

General Admission – Free

RSVP to the documentary screening on Eventbrite by clicking here.

More information about the documentary can be found on the website, www.ExpectingSunshine.com

Okay, I’m off to finish packing for Salt Lake City!

Thanks for reading!

   –   Alexis Marie Chute