Sunlight & Storytelling: June Newsletter


My Monthly Dispatch

Time to catch up on what's been happening this past month, and see what's coming up.

Hello Reader. I can't believe it's June already. I mean, seriously?! How the hell did that happen? My part of Germany is suffering a very dry spring, although we did have a big thunderstorm yesterday. My poor peonies are now all droopy! It's one of the driest on record, and the sandbanks are showing on the Rhine. It doesn't bode well for summer!

Big Pud has finished her exams for this year, so she's feeling happy and has been spending time with her friends to celebrate. And Little Pud has jetted off to Sweden this morning for a school choir trip. I'm going to miss her!

Anyway, what else has happened since last we spoke? Let me tell you... 💙

May was a month of ups and downs for me. On the bad side, my health took a turn for the worse when I was diagnosed with genetically high blood pressure and cholesterol. So my diet was tweaked, and I was put on tablets. At first, it seemed okay, but when I requested a repeat prescription, somehow I had two different types in my records. Instead of having the ones I'd just had, I was given different ones, which led to some major side effects. For two weeks, I've been a zombie, unable to do anything, let alone write. Imagine all the eurgh side effects you can think of, and I've probably had them. Headache, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea, stomach cramps, muscle cramps, the shakes, and sheer physical exhaustion. I've been sleeping for over fourteen hours a day and still ended up back in bed by 7 pm. However, I went back to the doctor's this week and the error has been sorted, with more of the original tablets given. I'm now back on those and hoping these side effects dissipate quickly. I already feel better than I did at the beginning of the week, otherwise, you wouldn't be getting this email!

On the positive side of things, though, I have made good headway with Ewan and Lowri's story, which is entitled Ravens and Ruin. After doing a couple that are better known, I'm back with the not-so-well-known! This one is a retelling of The White Snake. I've also got the cover, which I'm in love with, so keep a lookout for that soon.

Have you realised the connection between all of the book covers yet?

The ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) form is still open for those who would love an early peek into a realm where ancient prophecies and love's enduring power entwine. 💙

If you would like to put it on your TBR list, then it is currently listed on the sites below. It will also be available widely, once it is released, and I will give those links when I can.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/232328508-daffodils-and-dreams

StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/8909674b-626c-4bf9-b0fc-9f1fcbf4b5ef

Smashbomb: https://smashbomb.com/s/daffodils-and-dreams-brodyr-alarch-4

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/daffodils-and-dreams-brodyr-alarch-book-4-by-morgan-sheppard

Universal Purchase: https://books2read.com/Daffodils-and-Dreams

Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHYH7SRL

The weight of the crown presses heavily on Harri as the day of his coronation approaches. Surrounded by his gathered kin, trusted friends, and noble allies, he prepares to take on the mantle of kingship—but not without charting a new course for his kingdom. Among the honoured guests, Harri has invited the druids of the old faith, signalling a shift toward healing and unity. Central to his vision is the construction of a new Healer’s Hall.

Ffion, daughter of the Head of the Druid’s Order, arrives in Melthkior to fulfil her sacred role in the Heir’s Blessing ceremony. Intelligent, perceptive, and deeply connected to the old ways, Ffion finds herself intrigued by Harri—by his ideals, his burdens, and his unwavering resolve. But it’s the vision of the Healer’s Hall that stirs something deeper within her.

When unexpected forces disrupt the ceremony, goddesses Arianrhod and Creiddylad intervene, setting in motion a fate neither Harri nor Ffion could foresee—one steeped in dreams, curses, and the delicate bloom of hope.

Daffodils and Dreams is a rich and lyrical retelling of the Brothers Grimm’s Little Briar Rose, blending fairytale romance with the deep-rooted enchantment of Welsh mythology. As the fourth instalment in the Brodyr Alarch series, it continues the sweeping journey of Sealed with a Curse, where each brother’s fate is entwined with ancient magic, divine meddling, and the power of love to break even the oldest of spells.


June 2025

June offers a unique opportunity to connect with solar deities and channel their vibrant energy to inspire lasting transformation. As the height of the summer season, this is the perfect time to embrace the sun's power, seize the moment, and embark on a journey of personal growth and fulfilment.

  • June 10: The Celtic Tree Month of Oak begins, symbolising strength and endurance.
  • June 11: The full Strawberry Moon in Sagittarius invites you to channel your energy into ambition, discipline, and the pursuit of long-term goals.
  • June 20-21: The Summer Solstice is a celebration of the longest day of the year, marking the peak of solar energy (midsummer) and the beginning of the sun’s gradual decline. This year's solstice will be celebrated from 7 pm on Friday, 20th June to 8 am on Saturday, 21st June. (Southern Hemisphere: Yule – The Winter Solstice)
  • June 23: Day of the Lady & Lord of the Sidhe. This is a sacred time to honour the Fae and the otherworldly aspects of the divine. This day invites us to connect with the magical and mysterious energies of the Sidhe, celebrating their presence in nature and their role as guardians of the unseen realms. It is a moment to reflect on the balance between the earthly and ethereal, and to offer gratitude for the enchantment they bring into our world.
  • June 24: Not forgetting the Day of Household Deities, a special occasion to cleanse, refresh, and rededicate altars or household shrines, paying tribute to the protective spirits that guard and bless the home. This day is a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewal, as families come together to honour these deities through offerings, prayers, and rituals, ensuring continued harmony and protection within their living spaces.
  • June 25: The New Moon in Cancer is a time to reflect on communication and social skills. Engage in active listening and consider journaling to explore personal growth

FREE BOOKS (June)

Get these books fast! Bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books, and they look amazing! Available for a limited time.


What are you up to this month? Do you have any special plans or events coming up? Let me know if you fancy sharing, and AUTHORS, that includes you!

Don't forget to join my FB group - Morgan's Musings.

Wishing you a radiant June, where every sunrise brings a spark of magic and every evening closes a chapter worth remembering. May your days be rich with wonder, warmth, and words that linger. 💙

Until next month, take care and happy reading! 💙

Morgan Sheppard, Author

Originally from the United Kingdom, Morgan Sheppard now resides in Germany, although she freely admits to having left part of her heart in Wales. Whilst a writer mainly in the fantasy genre, Morgan is more than happy to share her love of reading amongst the many different genres out there, and can always be found with a book close by.

Read more from Morgan Sheppard, Author

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