Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an American horror and fantasy writer, addicted to reading dark fiction and Gothic literature. I’ve always loved the spookier things in life and wrote my first horror story when I was nine. When not writing books, I love breaking a sweat in Jiu-Jitsu class, baking desserts, and traveling. I hope you enjoy the books on this list as much as I have.


I wrote

Strange Luck

By Amie Irene Winters,

Book cover of Strange Luck

What is my book about?

Beneath the coastal charm of Sea Salt, California rests a strange world where wizards, fairies, time-altering portals, and dark magic…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Neverending Story

Amie Irene Winters Why did I love this book?

I grew up watching The Neverending Story. It simultaneously scared the hell out of me and enthralled me, so when I discovered that the movie was based on a book, I immediately picked it up. As most people argue, the book is always better than the movie and in this case I felt that the movie didn’t even come close to doing it justice. In fact, I found it interesting that the story itself is spread across movie sequels, whereas everything is in one book. There’s also so much more emphasis on the strange creatures, ever-changing world, and magical components with plenty of twists in between. Overall, I was surprised by how much I loved it even as an adult, and I found myself smiling while reading it. If you’re looking for something fun and fantastical, look no further.     

By Michael Ende, Ralph Manheim (translator),

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked The Neverending Story as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 10, 11, 12, and 13.

What is this book about?

Read the book that inspired the classic coming-of-age film! From award-winning German author Michael Ende, The Neverending Story is a classic tale of one boy and the book that magically comes to life.

When Bastian happens upon an old book called The Neverending Story, he's swept into the magical world of Fantastica--so much that he finds he has actually become a character in the story! And when he realizes that this mysteriously enchanted world is in great danger, he also discovers that he is the one chosen to save it. Can Bastian overcome the barrier between reality and his imagination…


Book cover of Chocolat

Amie Irene Winters Why did I love this book?

This was actually the book that inspired me to become a writer and was the springboard for me writing my own book. Having only seen the movie (which I greatly enjoyed), I didn't know what to expect when I picked up the book nearly a decade ago, but I instantly fell in love with it. At the time, it was like nothing I had ever read. I absolutely adored the quirky and welcoming world that Joanne Harris created, the hints of forbidden magic, and especially the sweetness she sprinkles throughout. I ended up reading everything Joanne Harris ever wrote and then finding similar authors like Sarah Addison Allen and Alice Hoffman. Chocolat will forever be close to my heart, and hopefully close to yours. Be warned though, you will get hungry!

By Joanne Harris,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked Chocolat as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Even before it was adapted into the Oscar-nominated film starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp, Chocolat entranced readers with its mix of hedonism, whimsy, and, of course, chocolate.

In tiny Lansquenet, where nothing much has changed in a hundred years, beautiful newcomer Vianne Rocher and her exquisite chocolate shop arrive and instantly begin to play havoc with Lenten vows.

Each box of luscious bonbons comes with a free gift: Vianne's uncanny perception of its buyer's private discontents and a clever, caring cure for them. Is she a witch?

Soon the parish no longer cares, as it abandons itself to temptation,…


Book cover of The Sugar Queen

Amie Irene Winters Why did I love this book?

This book is full of quirky characters, mouth-watering food, fairy tale elements, and magical realism. It was the first book I read of Sarah Addison Allen’s, and it wasn’t the last. All her books are amazing, but quite simply The Sugar Queen is my favorite. Not only is it cute and clever, it’s also a charming, quick pleasure read. Be warned though, you will get hungry, so have snacks nearby.

By Sarah Addison Allen,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Sugar Queen as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Twenty-seven-year-old Josey is sure of three things: winter in her North Carolina hometown is her favorite season; she's a sorry excuse for a Southern belle; and sweets are best eaten in the privacy of her hidden closet.
For while Josey has settled into an uneventful life in her mother's house, her one consolation is the stockpile of sugary treats and paperback romances she escapes to each night . . .
Until she finds her closet harboring none other than local waitress Della Lee Baker, a tough-talking, tender-hearted woman who is one part nemesis - and two parts fairy godmother .…


Book cover of Coraline

Amie Irene Winters Why did I love this book?

This dark fairy tale is deeply imaginative and unique, with a hint of creepiness. Although it’s meant for children, I enjoyed reading this as an adult but found myself wondering if this would’ve freaked me out as a kid. Those button eyes sure paint a spooky image! I love Gaiman’s other books as well, and as a result, he was a major inspiration for me to start writing. I used to read his interviews on how to get started in the industry and what makes a good writer. Coraline is a great example of a well-written, magical, and original tale that has left an impressionable mark on readers. I can only hope that my books do the same.

By Neil Gaiman, P. Craig Russell (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

16 authors picked Coraline as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 10, 11, 12, and 13.

What is this book about?

"Sometimes funny, always creepy, genuinely moving, this marvellous spine-chiller will appeal to readers from nine to ninety." - "Books for Keeps". "I was looking forward to "Coraline", and I wasn't disappointed. In fact, I was enthralled. This is a marvellously strange and scary book." - Philip Pullman, "Guardian". "If any writer can get the guys to read about the girls, it should be Neil Gaiman. His new novel "Coraline" is a dreamlike adventure. For all its gripping nightmare imagery, this is actually a conventional fairy story with a moral." - "Daily Telegraph". Stephen King once called Neil Gaiman 'a treasure-house…


Book cover of Rhymes from the Wicked Nursery

Amie Irene Winters Why did I love this book?

Although this isn’t a novel, this poetry collection simply sounded magical with a hint of spooky – my favorite! I met J.D. Estrada years and years ago when we were both starting out. We worked together on several projects, including panel discussions and interviews about publishing and writing. He has since produced eighteen books. I need to catch up! Rhymes From the Wicked Nursery is his latest. I love that this collection focuses on poetry inspiring fear instead of relief. That in a sense is its own kind of unique magic. All in all, this is a great, quick read full of thought-provoking and fun prose that I greatly appreciated.   

By J.D. Estrada,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Rhymes from the Wicked Nursery as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Rhymes from the Wicked Nursery is a poetry collection full of verses that will definitely not go gently into the night. So tuck in, keep a night light handy, and read at your own risk.

This is JD Estrada's 18th release. He really hopes it keeps you up at night while feeling bad at the things that make you giggle.


Explore my book 😀

Strange Luck

By Amie Irene Winters,

Book cover of Strange Luck

What is my book about?

Beneath the coastal charm of Sea Salt, California rests a strange world where wizards, fairies, time-altering portals, and dark magic looms. A world where memories can be your greatest currency—and weapon. A world where you can never reclaim what's been taken from you. After stumbling into the mysterious world, Daisy's memories begin to rapidly disintegrate, but she doesn't even know she's losing them. As if things couldn't get any worse, Daisy learns she is the only one who can save herself. Daisy's very identity is at stake, but the odds aren't in her favor. Can she discover the secret to win back her freedom before it's too late?

A spine-tingling fantasy, Strange Luck will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes fairy tales.

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Raising an Entrepreneur: How to Help Your Children Achieve Their Dreams - 99 Stories from Families Who Did

By Margot Machol Bisnow,

Book cover of Raising an Entrepreneur: How to Help Your Children Achieve Their Dreams - 99 Stories from Families Who Did

Margot Machol Bisnow Author Of Raising an Entrepreneur: How to Help Your Children Achieve Their Dreams - 99 Stories from Families Who Did

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve become passionate about telling parents how to raise happy, resilient, creative, confident, entrepreneurial children who are doing something that gives them joy. So many young people are unhappy; parents don’t understand how to help. They think their children should follow their path, but that no longer works for many. For the last 10 years, I’ve been speaking to parent groups; I was an Advisor to EQ Generation, an after-school program that gives children the skills to succeed; on the Advisory Board of MUSE School, preparing young people with passion-based learning; and on the Board of Spark the Journey, mentoring low-income high school students to achieve college and career success. 

Margot's book list on learn how to raise confident children

What is my book about?

This book shakes longstanding assumptions of parenting.

Through 99 stories of people who are now changing the world, it shows how to raise creative, confident, resilient children who are filled with joy and purpose. Based on interviews with top entrepreneurs and their parents, it guides you to help your children identify their passion and figure out how they can spend their professional lives doing something they love. 

Parents' well-intentioned efforts often boomerang. By ignoring their children’s skills and interests, parents can inadvertently create pressure and anxiety, thwarting their children's ability to excel and find happiness. Too often, following your heart…

Raising an Entrepreneur: How to Help Your Children Achieve Their Dreams - 99 Stories from Families Who Did

By Margot Machol Bisnow,

What is this book about?

Learn how successful entrepreneurs were raised! Could your children start a company that disrupts existing industries? Or a non-profit that helps people around the world? Or follow their passion as an artist or activist? And most important, lead a life of joy and purpose, to be happy and fulfilled? Margot Machol Bisnow, mother of two thriving entrepreneurs, reveals how to raise creative, confident, resilient, fearless kids who achieve their dreams, through 99 stories of families who did it.

Read stories from 70 families who raised true game changers. See family photos of these thriving entrepreneurs, both when they were young…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in magic-supernatural, France, and North Carolina?

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