Magdalena Gottschalk: The Crooked Trail: Magdalena Gottschalk, #1

By M. Gail Grant

***** 2017 NYC Big Book Award Winner in Juvenile Fiction *****

 

***** 2018 Readers' Favorite Finalist in Children - PreTeen Category 

 

Lily Brooke, where small town charm and a hidden secret converge one fateful late autumn night. The demons of the past are determined to never be locked away again. MALB, the Mystical Alliance of Lily Brooke, consists of six childhood friends that are bound together in loyalty, friendship, and courage. Together, they all face the unleashed enchantments that are haunting the children after their discovery of the forbidden sacrificial cave, crooked trail, and mysterious treehouse. Magdalena has always known she is different from the others, but the cause has always escaped her, until now. Coming to grips with her soul purpose, she must gather courage she never knew she possessed to save her friends and family from the evil forces hiding amongst them. 

Magdalena Gottschalk: The Crooked Trail, is a middle grade to young adult epic fantasy fiction novel, that explores faith, unity, differences, belief in a higher power, magic, and teamwork. It will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat, begging to turn the page, while written for audiences of all ages. With a touch of southern charm and tradition, this novel takes you on a journey not for the faint of heart. Witches, wizards, demons, black magic, and soul searching all have their place in the quaint little town of Lily Brooke.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M. Gail Grant
• Release date: Feb 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9780692912119

Book preview

* 2017 NYC Big Book Award Winner

Category:  Juvenile Fiction

* 2018 Readers’ Favorite Finalist

Category: Children – Preteen

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...Grant crafts a darker and sinister underbelly to the town in a secret that the townspeople have banded together to keep hidden. This is the mystery the children strive to solve in an adventure that often reminds me of the classic mysteries of Nancy Drew or The Hardy Boys, except with demons and magic. Magdalena Gottschalk is a tale of adventure and friendship, courage and heroism, a coming of age story perfect for young adults. The delightful world and wonder of adventure will appeal to all ages.

~ Liz Konkel, Readers' Favorite (starred review)

An enchanting work of young adult fiction, given Grant’s attention to detail for each character, and the well-paced mystery woven through the entire novel. The story is propelled forward by a wonderfully realized world and has readers cheering for the underdog. Grant has created a compelling band of characters who face some truly spooky situations, while the story never loses its core optimism.

~ Self-Publishing Review

The characters are incredibly well developed, and the story is wound around them intricately. It is an easy story to follow, full of excitement and plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked and on edge. The action starts on page one and takes you on a rollercoaster journey of mystery, wizardry, demons and black magic, all leading you to an exciting conclusion that you won’t be able to wait to get to.

~ Anne-Marie Reynolds, Readers' Favorite

(starred review)

~ DEDICATION ~

This is dedicated to the three little loves and inspirations of my life: Annagail, Courtney, and Penelope. Every day spent with you is an adventure that excites me beyond words. And to my husband, Tim, thank you for always supporting my outrageous adventures. You are the glue that holds our family together, and I will forever be grateful for your love and support. To my readers, I hope Lily Brooke brings you magical adventures beyond your wildest dreams. Enjoy!

~ M. Gail Grant

~ Author’s Note ~

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events are all a product of the author’s imagination or have been used in a fictitious nature. Any resemblance or link to actual people (living or deceased), places, or events, is coincidental in nature and does not represent the author’s intent.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

~ One ~

The screams of the children running from one room to another filled the air in the small stone cabin. Life, laughter, and the pursuit of chocolate could not only be heard but felt as friends and family were gathered together for Magdalena’s thirteenth birthday celebration. As Leona Gottschalk looked longingly at her firstborn, the childhood memories flooded through her soul as if time were merely a fabrication of the human mind. It seemed like yesterday she had welcomed her baby girl into the world.

Paulos and Leona had met and fell in love at what some would consider an early age. But, that was a story Leona hoped her children would never hear with the darkness and drama that had surrounded the union. It was very hard for her to comprehend that thirteen years had passed by since the first time she held her precious baby girl bundle.

Look at her now, she thought, running around so full of life and energy. Magdalena entering the world of a teenager would bring about new challenges, new experiences, and a renewed curiosity about the world around her. For a fleeting moment, a sense of dread seemed to choke Leona. She realized there would be some very difficult situations that could arise now that Magdalena was becoming more aware of her surroundings. And, there was always the possibility the ghosts of the past would resurface, no matter how well buried they were.

Regardless of the fear, today was not the day to dwell on the potential un-pleasantries of the future. Today was a day to celebrate life, renewal, and rebirth. It was a day she would thank her lucky stars for the gift of motherhood, as she knew all too well it was to be treasured and embraced.

The ability for Leona and Paulos to bring forth children into the world was not something she had taken for granted. Especially with her background, the likelihood had been considered slim to none. But, she told herself very few people would ever know those circumstances, and it was this reassurance that kept her from pure panic.

Her eyes began to well with tears, just thinking about the past. Leona wiped away the nostalgic sadness and decided to focus on the exciting festivities of the day.

Allison! screamed Leona. Get down off that table!

Allison looked at her mother. Okay, mother. Sorry.

She jumped down off the table displaying the layers upon layers of yummy chocolate cake. It smelled so good that she seemed almost completely captivated. The icing looked so smooth, she just wanted one little lick but didn’t dare for the wrath of her momma was a force in which to be reckoned. That was one life lesson that even she had mastered at a ripe young age.

Leona mumbled, Little rascal, as she watched her second born, Allison, run off into the distance.

She and Paulos had been blessed with not just one child, but a second child. Unreal how fast even the past seven years had flown. Little Allison was such a beauty. She had long, flowing, blonde hair that often laid in natural waves, and the biggest blue eyes one had ever seen. Allison’s curiosity and spirit were one of pure sweetness. Her heart was kind, her mind was sharp, and her demeanor was giving. At the age of seven, Allison already had a bright future, for a heart of gold was considered a treasured gift. Leona had always felt as though Allison’s personality had come from Paulos, her father, and it made her so very proud.

Paulos Gottschalk was a third-generation president of the local bank. His grandfather had opened the First Bank of Lily Brooke many years ago. He was proud to carry on the generation of the hard-working and kind-hearted Gottschalk family. Paulos often found himself taking from his own profits to help fund local farmers and friends in his community. He felt it was his civic duty to give back to those who had believed in him and continued to put their trust in him daily. Of course, it came at a price for his own family, but Leona understood the man she had married. She had fallen in love with his simple and devout nature. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his family or his community, and to her, that meant more than wealth could ever mean. The Gottschalk family did well, but not over the top. Living a comfortable and modest lifestyle, they graciously remained participating members of the Lily Brooke community.

Mom! screamed Magdalena. I want cake! When are we cutting the cake?

Magdalena! We haven’t even served lunch yet. If you would like to usher everyone into the courtyard, we can begin serving lunch. Have patience, my dear child!

Ugh, mother! Okay, Magdalena mumbled as she gave a quick faint smile. Everyone! Lunch is being served in the back courtyard. Hurry, please, so we can have cake!

Leona rolled her eyes and made herself a quick mental note to try and teach Magdalena a little more patience as it didn’t seem to be one of her child’s strongest attributes. Oh, the trials of raising a young teen were not lost on Leona.

Magdalena skipped around the picnic tables that had been set up for the luncheon with such excitement that she almost couldn’t contain herself. Her birthday was her absolute most favorite day of the year, even more so than most people enjoy their birthdays. Magdalena had been hoping that this day would bring about clarification of her life purpose. She was a very deep-souled little girl. She was whimsical, full of life, vibrant, and had more energy and curiosity than most her age. Sometimes, that curiosity got her into a little trouble. But overall, she was a very pleasant child.

Other children loved to be around Magdalena and felt her positive energy infectious. At times, she was quite the challenge for her teachers, though due to her inquisitive nature. Magdalena would come up with questions that sometimes left her teachers speechless. Not because they didn’t want to spend the class time answering her questions, but because quite frankly, sometimes they didn’t know the answers which led to some awkward moments, to say the least.

Intellectually, Magdalena had the ability to see far beyond the surface of a problem. She possessed a level of intelligence that stunned her superiors. The ability to question the inner workings of many facets of the world around her was a blessing and a curse, all rolled up into one. She seemed to sense and know things that most average people, young and old, did not. It was something that she was beginning to notice herself and was mildly starting to struggle with the concept.

Magdalena! Sit by me! screamed Hubert.

Magdalena, I saved you a seat right here, said Gabriel as he patted the seat beside him.

Without even slight hesitation, Magdalena strode over to Gabriel and planted herself beside him.

Thank you, Gabriel. She turned to Hubert and said, Hubert, come sit beside me on my other side.

The fireworks exploded in his head as he quickly stood up, crossed the yard, and took his place on the left side of Magdalena.

Thanks, Mags! he exclaimed loud enough for just about everyone to hear.

Of course, Hubert, she softly spoke, slightly embarrassed for him.

She turned to look at Gabriel and whispered into his ear, I am so glad you were able to come to my party. It means the world to me to have my dearest and best friend beside me today.

Gabriel squeezed her hand and whispered, I would not have missed it for the world. Today is your special day, and I’m honored to spend it together.

Meanwhile, Hubert didn’t like the fact that Magdalena and Gabriel were whispering, but there wasn’t much he could do about it. At least he got his moment of fame and was honored by being able to sit beside the birthday girl, he thought. Secretly, he had the biggest crush on Magdalena. Well, he thought it was secretly, but most of Lily Brooke could see he had his eyes fixed on the girl. Little did Hubert know that the comical and sassy nature he used to disguise his true feelings were transparent. He came across to others as the class clown, and his constant need to be the center of attention was simply to be noticed by one special thirteen-year-old girl.

Long straight brown hair, green eyes, soft white dewy skin, and the mind of a child genius, described Magdalena to perfection. Her complexion and facial features were reminiscent of her mother’s. It was quite the contrast to her father and Allison’s natural glowing tan skin. One would have thought her father and sister came from one side of the family while she and her mother from the other side of the family. It wasn’t something that Magdalena had dwelled upon, but something she had noticed at a young age.

As Mr. and Mrs. Gottschalk began carrying out the sandwiches for each picnic table, everyone began scurrying to grab their seat. Magdalena’s classmates scattered around the tables as well as friends from the community. Her party was well attended with over a hundred people packed onto the back patio.

The courtyard had always been such a special place for Magdalena. It was the perfect spot to celebrate this milestone birthday. Vines full of luscious green and red grapes provided the perfect canopy for shaded space. They were hundreds of years old, and the stalks were thick and sturdy, reminding her of their history. Magdalena remembered her young childhood years growing up playing underneath those vines. She used to pretend she was trapped inside of a hidden cave, and the fruits of the vine had kept her alive.

Magdalena’s mouth began to water as she caught a whiff of the Fleischsalat sandwiches that had been prepared the night before just for her. Oh, how she just loved them! She had stood over her mother’s shoulder, watching her prepare the spread. Leona chopped up bologna and pickles into very small pieces and combined them in a little bowl. She then added a pinch (or two, or four) of sugar and a few teaspoons of pickle juice.

Once the ingredients were mixed, Magdalena then helped her mom spread the mixture onto rye bread slices. She could hardly contain herself. Well actually, when her momma was looking the other way, she may have tasted a sandwich or two, just to be sure they tasted okay before serving to the guests. The special sandwiches were being served with candy buttered carrots and Leona’s homemade German-style potato salad. Dear Lord, the heavens were about to open in glory. Adding the sparkling pink lemonade made everything just perfect, she thought.

After all the food had been arranged on each table to be served, Preacher Loring, the town religious figure, asked for bowing of the heads. Magdalena bowed her head, clasped her hands tightly together, and prayed for a quick blessing of the food. She knew this wasn’t respectful, but she just couldn’t help it. The aroma of the sandwiches, carrots, and potato salad was about more than she thought she could handle.

Dear Father, we gather here today to celebrate Magdalena’s thirteenth birthday. We are honored to be part of her celebration and would like to thank you humbly, Father, for blessing our meal and filling our humbled bodies in your name. Amen.

Magdalena quickly looked up at Preacher Loring in astonishment. She had never heard a prayer that short. Preacher Loring giggled and made eye contact with Magdalena.

Lord, please forgive me, but that was the shortest blessing I believe I have ever performed. Magdalena, that was my birthday gift to you. I know this is your absolute favorite meal, so by all means, EAT!

Magdalena gave an embarrassed smile and couldn’t hold back any longer. She ate until she literally thought she was going to have to crawl away from the table. Everyone laughed and had the best time ever. The party was light-hearted, and it was everything she had hoped it to be. The sun was shining, early fall was in the air, but it was nothing a lightweight sweater couldn’t fix. The trees were hanging on to their colorful leaves, but she knew within the next week or so, they would all fall to the ground. Magdalena closed her eyes, felt the warmth on her face, and said a little thank-you prayer for the biggest gift of all, friends and family.

Gabriel grabbed her arm and shouted, Wake up! It’s cake time!

Magdalena opened her eyes to see her mother and father carrying the four-tier chocolate cake to the cutting table.

Oh my Gee, she screamed as she ran over to the table.

Everyone laughed and giggled at Magdalena’s excitement. The cake was placed right in front of her on a gorgeous pink ruffled tablecloth, which blended nicely with the pink rose centerpieces found on each table. She could smell the wave of chocolate and its effects on her central nervous system as her legs began to feel weak. I love chocolate cake she rambled over and over in her head.

Everyone arose and sang at the top of their lungs to the birthday girl. Once it came time for Magdalena to make her wish, she already knew her heart’s desire, as she had thought of this moment for what seemed like an eternity. She closed her eyes, held her breath, made her wish, opened her eyes, and blew out all thirteen candles. Everyone cheered, and Magdalena looked as though she had won the lottery. She took her place back beside Gabriel and Hubert while awaiting the first piece of cake. Her father, Paulos, set the dish in front of her, leaned over, and softly kissed her forehead as he said, Happy birthday, my baby girl.

Magdalena whispered, I love you, daddy, then grabbed the fork, closed her eyes, and tasted heaven.

As the rich, buttery, chocolatey icing slid down her throat, Magdalena’s birthday fantasy was complete. Friends, family, and chocolate, just the perfect ending to a perfect day.

LILY BROOKE

~ Two ~

The simplicity of Lily Brooke contributes to its small-town charm. It is one of those places where a stranger could walk down the street and feel welcomed by the aroma of freshly baked bread. The taste buds will instantly come alive as the saliva begins to well in the back of the throat in anticipation of the feast.

Adolphe, the town baker, had most definitely found his calling in life. He could take yeast, flour, and lard, somehow uniquely combine them, and leave one humbled and begging for more. The bread would rise past the top of the pan and keep going for what seemed like the heavens. Yes, it only took one taste to hook you on Adolphe’s food creations. His bread had the texture of soft, warm air that melted in your mouth with a crust that was baked to sheer golden perfection.

His parents were farmers that tilled the land, leaving Adolphe Celt the first-generation baker.  When he became old enough to help pick and harvest his father’s crops, he accidentally discovered a talent for combining ingredients and producing mouth-watering creations. His mother began noticing there always seemed to be a little less of the harvested crops than what she had remembered saving, leaving her canning numbers a little short. Adolphe had to admit, though, his momma’s homemade canned corn relish and sweet pickles were something else, so he always felt a little guilty for sneaking the ingredients for his own keeping.

One day, Mrs. Celt realized Adolphe was nowhere to be found. Wondering where he could be, she went searching and discovered him in an unused walk-in closet in the basement. She was utterly stunned and at a loss for words as she had completely forgotten the little closet even existed. Why it probably hadn’t been used in years. When she opened the closet door, she saw handmade shelves lined with buckets of grains, dried fruits, vegetables, and spices. In the middle of the closet stood a simple wooden table. The years of use were visible from where she stood. Where in the world had the table come from, she wondered, and all this food?

Adolphe, where did this table come from? she had asked.

I made it, momma. I used wood from fallen trees in the forest back behind our house. I didn’t chop any new trees down, just used the fallen ones that looked as though they had been lying there for years. I sanded down the wood and built my table, he replied.

The ambiance of the room was so warm and cozy with the lit soy candles that were scattered around. As she walked slowly closer towards her son, she began to see a hidden door behind him. Upon questioning Adolphe, Mrs. Celt confirmed where all her missing crops had gone these last few years.  At that moment, she learned about Adolphe’s true purpose in life, and she was determined to help her son pursue his passion if it was the last thing she did.

Mrs. Celt walked over to the little-hidden door as Adolphe sat on the only bar stool in the room. He watched his mom reach for the door handle and felt a sense of fear as the doorknob began to turn. What would she think of his well-kept secret?

As the door opened, the proud mother felt the warmth of the next room, and the aroma overcame her. There, in front of her eyes, she saw a handmade make-shift fireplace created from stacked river rocks. Inside of the fireplace were black cast iron skillets and a large kettle that sat above an iron grate. Underneath the grate was the soft golden glow of a small cooking fire. As she moved in closer, she realized the sophistication of the little fireplace.

The stones were stacked up perfectly to a visible hole in the outside wall as high up as the ceiling. Adolphe had been sure to create a ventilation system for the hand-crafted oven. The smoke traveled up the rock fireplace, through the opening, and into the backyard of their home, avoiding detection. Adolphe had been baking in this make-shift oven for quite some time. For a boy the age of fifteen, this seemed virtually impossible to her.

Mrs. Celt had turned to Adolphe with tears in her eyes and exclaimed how proud of him she was at that moment. From that day forward, Adolphe baked for his family. When he turned eighteen, he opened the first Lily Brooke bakery. The original sign still hung over the humble bakery door announcing, Adolphe’s Fresh Baked Delicacies.

And, so it began all those years ago, and still to this day, the handmade goodness could be smelled blocks away. He worked so hard, keeping the town supplied with his delightful edible creations. It always seemed as though Adolphe was in the kitchen every morning baking before most of the town had awakened. The light coming from the bakery in the wee hours of the morning to late in the evening had become a staple in the town of Lily Brooke.

For a brief moment, Gabriel contemplated popping into the bakery to see if he could catch one of the first donuts of the day. But, then, he thought better of it as he was anxious to get the day started.

There was something about the morning air as Gabriel strolled down Rownalt Street through the heart of town. It was brisk, and he walked with his head down, hands in his front pockets, and watched his shoes step on each dry leaf along the sidewalk. The morning was so silent that you could hear the crunch of the leaves underneath his shoes.

Gabriel was such a sincere and thankful child. His childhood had been fraught with a sense of loss that he carried with him daily. Sweet Rachel Bach, his mother, had delivered him into this world, loved and held him for a few brief moments, smiled, and kissed his sweet cheek before closing her eyes forever. Gabriel had grown up with his father, Otis Bach, in a warm and loving home. Mr. Bach had made sure Gabriel was at church every Sunday morning to give thanks to the Lord above. Gabriel loved his father very deeply, and although he didn’t have any memories of his mother, he would often awaken in the morning with the feeling she had been near while he slept. He told no one, but he felt a sense of fulfillment from her perceived presence.

Gabriel had big plans for his life. He hoped to one day take over his father’s blacksmith business. More importantly, he hoped to be able to find the passion his father had for his work. He had seen Otis create the most beautiful wrought iron gates with his hands. One of them could