Beautiful Siena! 🇮🇹😍☀️📸

Good morning friends! Happy June! ❤ We’re taking a moment today to appreciate the beauty that is Italian architecture and artwork, whether you like food, street scenes or scenery ~ there’s something for everyone in these upcoming shots! Has anyone been before, and if not, is it on your bucket list? 🥂

Tuscany is the land of ‘Gladiator‘ (the iconic villa wheat scene of his home) and ‘Letters to Juliet‘ (cute ice-cream moment outside the Duomo of Siena) it was so exciting to finally see those rolling hills in person! It definitely didn’t disappoint, and honestly I miss it already 👀 how could you not!

We were also very fortunate to explore a lesser known manuscript gem (rooms and rooms with manuscripts dating back to the 14th Century) that overlooked the Piazza, which had the most peaceful and beautiful sunset views. To think each and every page had to be digitalised and scanned by the staff as well ~ truly incredible.

Stayed tuned for Florence content coming soon, where we got to see Galileo’s preserved finger! 🤪

Let me know which shots below are your favourite! 📸

Enjoy friends and see you for the next post x

‘Caskets of ice’ ~ vote for your favourite quote #1

Happy Thursday! How are you spending the day? The sun has decided to make its appearance, so for that I’m grateful! 🌞 How’s the weather where you are?

Coming to you today with a selection of quotes across my series, predominantly from Book 1 ‘Caskets of Ice‘ to start the ball rolling. (Quotes from ‘Tales from the Manor‘ were uploaded recently, see above in tabs!) Pop over to my Instagram post & stories and you’ll be able to vote for your favourites there too ❤

Hopefully they are able to provide an unbiased range (from different characters, different settings) for you to get a feel of my creations! Ha!

Here we go!

Peter

Alysia

A Dedication

Which was your favourite quote? If you’d like to see more of my writings let me know (especially in their poetry form and I can think about creating more art for them!) Stay tuned for more quotes coming soon 🙂

Stay safe friends! x

‘Tales from the Manor’ ~ vote for your favourite Quote! #1

Hello friends and happy end of Feb! Spring is in the air, and I for one cannot wait for the weather to warm up in chilly old England! To celebrate the arrival of Spring, I am starting a new series where I post some of my favourite quotes from ‘Tales of the Manor‘. For each of the characters, you’ll be given a chance to vote your favourites below in the comments! As the weeks pass, you’ll be seeing some unseen gems from the ‘Caskets of Ice’ series too. Hope you enjoy!

So without much ado, let us begin! ❤

For more info about ‘Tales from the Manor‘, the link to access is below:

Have a great rest of the week, and don’t forget to wrap up warmly! x

Reader reviews for “Tales from the Manor”

Hello friends, another Monday dawns! Hope you’re all staying warm and having a great start to the week 🥰 Today, I’ll be sharing some of the very lovely reviews I’ve received from those who have read “Tales from the Manor” ~ I cannot thank you enough! And if you would like to- please head on over to Goodreads/Amazon to give a review and share your thoughts, experiences, or anything you’d like future readers to know. The link is provided below as always 🤗

And so let’s begin with review number 1!

“Chills… goosebumps… get me out of the manor…

How Kate managed to tie in psychological trauma into manor terrors is phenomenal. Each short story shines on its own and I was on the edge of my seat reading each one. Not to mention, the stories are derived from true events (my personal fav when it comes to horror).

The characters each has a unique tale to tell. Though I have my favourites, each one is special. I don’t want to spoil anything but I’d go back to the psychological elements they entail. This book is more than just fictional horror stories (which is once again, my fav kind!). It makes you question your own fear and ask whether it has manifested in any way similar to the characters’ (I better stop now or I might spoil everything).

If you want a cosy yet thrilling read, I highly recommend Tales from the Manor! You’ll see what I mean!”

~ Lyn

“The book is split into 5 stories, all set in the grotesquely gothic Hartshaw Manor. At first I thought the stories were only connected by the location but as the book goes on it becomes clear that there is much more than that connecting these creepy tales.

Each story is told from a different characters point of view but they all have a dream-like quality. The narrative is split into little sections, the slight disconnect helps time move forward quickly and sporadically. It’s difficult to know if the events are truly happening or if they’re just a dream. I was questioning all the way to the end! It really messed with my head and I loved that!

I really enjoyed each story and each character, but it’s the ending that really blew me away. I’ll say nothing more because I don’t want to spoil it but it is so clever!

And the writing in this is so beautiful. The author truly captures what I mean when I say that I love the beauty in horror! The juxtaposition between the terrifying scene and the beautiful, lyrical words to describe it. It’s so well done!

I love the little afterword at the end from the author too. I was focused mostly on the horror of the situation so I appreciated the few notes at the end pointing out some of the nuances I wouldn’t have thought about.

There really is so much to this little book. It is gripping, gothic, horrifying, disgusting, disturbing and psychologically twisted. I loved every single page.

My only warning would be to proceed with caution, or you may find yourself waking in the night to little green flies crawling all over your skin.”

~ Samantha

“This is a perfect book to read on a rainy day at home (or any other weather, of course)!

Kate created a world that is spooky yet familiar to all of us because sometimes our fear is a projection from our internal world. I was very much immersed in the creepy manor when I read. I actually really enjoyed how it manifested in the manors through paintings, dolls etc.! It’s crazy, I know.

Particularly loved the Kary chapter. I was instantly hooked and wanted to know what actually happened in the past…I won’t spoil it for you.

5 out of 5, I definitely recommend it!”

~Wendy

Though I can only include a small selection here, I appreciate each and every one of you have taken the time to read, be immersed in the world, and are so eloquent in expressing your thoughts in your reviews!


I hope you enjoy this little collection of cosy, gothic short stories that conjure up the image of old manor houses and days snuggled by warm country fires; nestled deep in the English countryside. Lose yourself for a moment.

Follow me… for things are not as they seem. And the power of what you can’t see – can be truly wondrous indeed. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222142687-tales-from-the-manor

Synopsis:

Inspired by true events…

In these five stories, the gothic awaits. From eerie oil paintings that come alive, devilish dolls, and a sinister game of hide and seek; there are more than creepy crawlies that lurk in the crevices of Hartshaw Manor. The secrets the structure holds will keep anyone up at night. But is it the work of mischievous spirits, or are they merely horrors conjured from their own frenzied imaginations?
Join Dinah, Peter, Kary, Tony and Violet as they each spend an unforgettable night deep in the folds of the British countryside.

Read on if you dare, because we’ve saved the best till last….

Tapas.io- Read “Caskets of Ice” for free!

Hi friends! Happy New Year! 🥳🎉🥂

To kick start Jan, I have uploaded episodes (or chapters!) on tapas for free, link below:

https://tapas.io/episode/3400974

Press subscribe directly on the site to read the latest segment when I post a new chapter weekly!☺️ I’d love to hear your thoughts over the course of the trilogy ~ who are your favourite characters, what do you think of the setting of the dreamworld? Do you have vivid dreams?

Synopsis:

How far would you go, if you had the power to control your dreams?

“One thing is true for them all; and what a price to pay-
When they realise the ice caskets, which were once their tomb, are the only thing keeping them alive.”


Entering lands where things are eerily not what they seem, cannibalistic witches and glowing jade cicadas that bring nothing but misfortune. Where a dream devil wanders the dreamscape collecting souls, building his empire on nothing but fear and death. Beyond the caskets of ice, some doors should remain unopened….

Come closer and listen my dear…

Where do we really go when we fall asleep?

If you’d like to own your very own copy to add to your shelves, the link on Amazon, including my latest gothic short story release “Tales from the Manor” can be found below. I have a collection of poetry too for you poetry lovers!

https://linktr.ee/Katewjwhite

Happy weekend friends! ❤

The Rag Dolls ~ Artwork & Happy 2025!

Hello guys! I’m alive again! (Kinda!) Being in dental pain over Xmas is no fun! 😖 Sending hugs to you friends, and be sure to look after yourself! Wishing you the best for 2025 🥳🥂😘

Have you managed to achieve your reading goal, or set up any for the coming year? I read around 56 this time, (58 last year) but to be honest, I’m just going with the flow! I do plan on branching out more with genres- thank you to those who recommended some historical retellings in my last post, I found copies & will be reading them soon!! 🥰

Aside from this, this year was definitely something- it really forced me to prioritise mental and physical HEALTH above all & and if there’s something you’ve been meaning to do, just do it! Really don’t put it off!

So the last post of the year is for the last batch of artwork created for ~ “Tales from the Manor” ~ The rag-dolls Violet finds in the dolls house of each of the friends. (For the rest, you’ll have to read for yourself… 👀)

Violet
Don’t look back ~ Peter
Kary
Dinah
Tony

Writing this collection of short stories was definitely a highlight for me, and I’ve loved sharing the (true!) stories that inspired them! Thank you for those who have shown so much kindness & support and if you’d like to read “Takes from the Manor” and experience this cosy, spooky journey, the link to order is below: ❤️

See you in 2025! 🤩🤗

The Nightmares ~ Artwork & Christmas Read!

Brr, it’s cold outside (typical UK!) so what better way to celebrate than by reading something gothic & cosy over Xmas? ❤

What are your fav book features? I made sure to add gold foiling & ribbons inside my little hardcover creations! It doesn’t change the content, but it certainly adds a little happiness to the reading experience I think! 🙂

Showcasing the little horrors artwork for ‘Tales from the Manor’ that correspond with each of the stories in the book. Which are your favourite? 🙂

If you’d like to get your hands on a copy & have it delivered in time for Christmas (either for you or a loved one!) scroll below. The full link can also be found in ‘Tales from the Manor’ tabs!

Nightmares abound… (Violet)
The Doll ~ (Kary)
Night at the Carnival ~ (Tony)
The Crypt ~ (Peter)
Serving of Greenflies ~ (Dinah)
The Grandmaster ~ (Tony)

Paper, hardcover & e-book versions are all available for you to choose from! ❤ If you are based in the UK and would like a signed copy, feel free to send a message over in the ‘contact me’ page.

Stay warm friends! Kate x

Reader Reviews for “Labyrinth of Souls” #2

“Thank you again to Kate, for gifting me a copy in exchange for a honest review.
Kate has done it again, her story is only growing stronger in this action-packed, whimsical world! I now know what it’s like to live in one’s dreams. The characters are still growing and the love for them is growing too, even the villains are perfect. There are a lot of new characters in this dark world, plus the comfort of regular ones, cannibal witches being a favourite of mine. This took me on a spectacular journey, which I will retake. And i cannot wait to see what comes next, as the ending of book 2 definitely leads the way to infinite possibilities. Again high praise to Kate, for this lovely, exquisite work of art. Can’t wait to dive back into Alden and Dinahs world.” Natalia (Goodreads)

“Looked forward to reading this sequel to Caskets of Ice and I wasn’t disappointed with the writers atmospheric writing. The author is also an accomplished poet and her ability to create a dark and menacing scene is second to none. The idea of dreams being an entrance to another world is a captivating one and I will certainly enjoy dipping into this book again from time to time. Highly recommend it.” Nicholas (Goodreads)

“The general flavor of this novel is like Inception/Interview with the Vampire with maybe just a splash of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth! In keeping with the tone and beautiful poetic, almost Gothic writing of the authors first book “Caskets of Ice” this sequel is set in a decadent dream world… but with Dinah’s presence things are not all dark in the dream world as before. You can tell the author took notes from her readers and included more narrative so I had a much easier time (and felt much less stupid 😅) reading Labyrinth of Souls comparitively. This sequel fills in details about the main characters from the previous story and also adds some new very imaginative creatures and foes. If you’ve ever imagined what it would be like to live in your dreams and maybe get a little lost in them too then this is a must read. As Alden might say…Well, what are you waiting for? 😏” Cerissa Sample (Goodreads)

For more reviews, or to post one: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58382076-labyrinth-of-souls

~ Feathers fall in the forest ~

Feathers fall in the forest,

through the cracks of the early morning sun,

footprints buffered by waves that hit shore- they too fade,

for like seasons that flitter past the underbelly of a tomb, she weathers it all,

weighed down with armour, past the-

obscene feathers glistening with an acid curling of poisoned dreams

Those doors locked shut should never be opened,

the storms of sorrow that pull the corners,

like phantom strings of a ventriloquist’s muse,

marooned on the shipwreck of her youth,

it grows roots, flames that lick the skin of furnished walls,

Porcelain figures, shaken loose from oiled pages kept in shadows

For Hell is here.

Shrouded by grotesque wisps; eye sockets distorted; shattered,

don’t touch – don’t look,

through lantern flames she weaves through the deepest part of night,

whispering with strength beyond the raging of a tempest- ’follow me’,

and reflected beyond the seductive eyes of a devil- you do.

Copyright © 2019 by Kate W J White (All Rights Reserved)

The Count of Monte Cristo ~

I always loved “The 3 Musketeers” and “The Count of Monte Cristo” is another by Alexandre Dumas. It’s a powerful book about loyalty, commitment, determination, strength of spirit, of seeking justice and yet not giving up hope. And along with that, if you like sword fights, revenge, disguises, deception, then it’s right up your alley!

“Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes.”

No truer words said! As the main character finds out, he finds his ‘truth’ in the most unexpected way, through the people he meets that come into his life only briefly and teaches him something at the moment he needs it the most. 

Edmond Dantes is unjustly framed for treason and sent to a prison fortress for 14 long years. A fellow prisoner is able to teach him all he knows, to figure out his purpose and to plan his vengeance on his duplicitous ‘best friend’ who stole is life, and love. With the secrets to the treasure of Monte Cristo, he is able to re-instate himself in society as the mysterious Count, surrounded by wolves in disguise, he learns to keep his enemies close….

So, no matter what, we must endure. Nothing is perfect in life or happens as we expect, it’s about our mindset when we face disappointment and adversity, and how we act that counts.

*

“When you compare the sorrows of real life to the pleasures of the imaginary one, you will never want to live again, only to dream forever.”