“I was born a romantic! There is so much hope and magic in love, and it makes me believe that all things are possible.”
Those are the words of J.C. Cervantes, bestselling author YA and adult contemporary romance and fantasy, and so appropriate to consider on Valentine’s Day. In fact, the themes of magic all around and endless possibilities are what Cervantes emphasized when her bestseller, The Enchanted Hacienda, hit the shelves last May. Good news for those who missed it — the paperback is coming in May 2024, with a stunning new cover!
In the book, when Harlow Estrada is abruptly fired from her dream job and her boyfriend proves to be a jerk, her world turns upside down. She flees New York City to the one place she can always call home —the enchanted Hacienda Estrada. With unforeseen twists, romance, and a heavy sprinkle of magic, The Enchanted Hacienda is a captivating coming-of-age debut exploring identity, unconditional family love, and uncovering the magic within us all.
Cervantes is currently working on the sequel, The Anatomy of Magic, which will follow Harlow’s sister Lilly along her own journey of love, romance and self-discovery.
“Creating stories is an alchemical process and one that feels like such an immense privilege,” she says. “I love the creation of it all, the pondering and dreaming, the imagining and unfolding. There is such mystery to it that thrill of turning a corner in the story and thinking, oh, I didn’t expect that!”
Cervantes says she is a romantic at heart, and the hope magic and possibilities with which she describes herself can also been found in her writing. “Writing romance has that same feeling — creating stories with flawed characters facing big challenges while trying to navigate matters of the heart is what I love most.”
Cervantes believes that self-care/self-love rituals are just as important as partner-romance for Valentine’s Day. “I think self-care and self-love are monumentally important,” she says. “We don’t always take the time to think of ourselves when we are trying to take care of our families, when we work tirelessly, when we get swept up in the daily drudgeries of life.”
“But imagine a world in which you carve out time to care for your own soul? I love long hikes, luxurious bubble baths, spending a couple of hours at the spa for a good facial or massage. But self-care can also be the small things like a good cup of tea in a beautiful cup, watching the sunset while listening to your favorite tunes.”
“Really, it’s anything that makes you feel more alive, more beautiful. It’s only then can we conceivably take care of others.”
J.C. Cervantes – a romantic indeed, who makes readers easily feel her magic!
About J.C. Cervantes:
J.C. is a New York Times best-selling author. Her books for children, young adults, and adults have been published in more than twelve countries and have appeared on national lists, including the American Booksellers Association New Voices, Barnes and Noble’s Best Young Reader Books, as well as Amazon’s, Apple’s, and Audible’s Best Books of the Month. She has earned multiple awards and recognitions, including the New Mexico Book Award and the NM Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts.
She currently resides in the Land of Enchantment with her family and spoiled pups, but keeps part of her heart in Southern California, where she was born and raised. When she isn’t writing, she is haunting bookstores and searching for magic in all corners of the world.
