Introduction

For today's "Author Spotlight", I'm excited to introduce you to Sarah Butland, a Canadian author whose bibliography is as diverse as it is impressive. From romance and thrillers to children's books and non-fiction, Sarah is a prolific writer who refuses to be boxed into a single genre. Based in Nova Scotia, she juggles a busy life while pursuing her dream of storytelling, creating characters and worlds that resonate with readers of all ages and interests.

Juggling Dreams and Reality: Sarah Butland's Journey

Sarah Butland's writing journey is a testament to perseverance and the drive to create. Born in Ontario and raising her family in Nova Scotia, she describes herself as a "discombobulated conundrum" who is living her dream, even if the path has been winding. Sarah started creating stories before she could even walk, a passion that has stayed with her through the years.

Today, she balances her writing career with a full-time job, homeschooling, and freelance reporting. She is a mother to a "superstar son" and has been married to her high school sweetheart for years. Sarah openly shares that she is not perfect, but she tries hard every day to do the right thing, often taking the "sidewalk instead of the road" to achieve her goals. This grounded, hardworking approach shines through in her work, whether she is writing about finding love later in life, solving a murder mystery, or teaching children about healthy eating.

Novels of Life and Love

Sarah's longer fiction explores the humorous and heartfelt sides of life, particularly the journey of self-discovery.

• Losing it at 40: This novel introduces Annabelle, a woman who, upon dreading her upcoming fortieth birthday, decides it is time to shake up her mundane life. Comfortable in her own skin but seeking change, she sets out on a humorous and heartfelt quest to lose her virginity and find romance. It’s a candid look at dating, physical challenges, and finding confidence at any age.

• Gaining it at 41: The story continues in this sequel, where Annabelle faces an entirely new set of surprises. Just when she thought she had things figured out, life throws a curveball in the form of a surprise pregnancy and a "miracle child," proving that Annabelle’s adventures are far from over.

Thrills and Shadows: Novellas

Sarah also crafts compelling novellas that pack a punch, ranging from romantic suspense to forensic thrillers and sci-fi mysteries.

• The Shadows Behind Us: This romance delves into the darker side of love and memory. Childhood friends Jessie and Shawn are reunited by their employer after a long separation caused by a dark past. The story navigates a tumultuous path of regret, forgiveness, and the struggle to let go of the shadows that haunt them, offering a mix of spice and emotional intensity.

• Arm Farm: In this suspenseful thriller, university student Natalie Hartman is driven by a promise she made to her seven-year-old self: to find her parents' killer. A forensic science student, Natalie travels across the nation searching for answers while being hunted by a stalker. It’s a journey of self-discovery and terror that offers a glimpse into the human reality of forensic science, steering clear of Hollywood clichés.

• Blood Day: The Novella: Expanding on her award-winning short story, this novella answers the burning question: what is Veronica? Readers follow Veronica, a being who doesn't bleed or breathe like a human, as she discovers her true nature while helping a traumatized child heal. It’s a unique blend of mystery and science fiction that challenges the definition of what it means to be a person.

Short Tales and Quick Reads

Sarah’s versatility shines in her shorter works, where she explores a wide array of genres from the quirky to the poignant.

• Blood Day: The Short Story: This award-winning story introduces the mystery of Veronica, a character who questions her own existence because she doesn't bleed or breathe like a human. It offers a fascinating glimpse into a life that defies biological norms, blending sci-fi elements with a deep sense of intrigue. 

• Brain Tales: Volume One: This collection offers a series of bite-sized stories designed to leave a lasting impression. From a mother’s fading memory to a case of mistaken identity, these quirky tales range from the weirdly scary to the delightfully surreal, perfect for readers with only a few minutes to spare.

• Life Imitated: In this emotional short story, Sarah tackles the heavy subject of assisted suicide. It follows Asher, a twenty-three-year-old golfer whose dreams are shattered by a drunk driver. Unable to move and feeling like he has lost his identity, Asher faces a heartbreaking decision about his own future.

• Dancing to Silence: This contemporary short story follows Charlotte, a woman who has lost her job and is the last surviving member of her family. Stripped of the labels that once defined her, she must figure out who she is when everything else falls away, capturing the raw feeling of being lost and the desire to feel alive again.

• Save Your Breath: Sarah dips into the post-apocalyptic genre with this brief but intense story. In a world where carrying an oxygen tank is vital for existence, the narrator must decide how far they are willing to travel—and what they are willing to endure—to help save what remains of the world.

• I Saw The Forest: A suspenseful short story about Hannah, a woman running from a terrified past while physically running from an angry bear in the woods. It is a gripping look at internal and external monsters.

Inspiration and Guidance

Sarah’s desire to help and inspire others shines through in her non-fiction, poetry, and children’s books.

• Sending You Sammy: In this delightful children's book, Sarah introduces BananaBoy, a superhero dedicated to helping kids see fruits and vegetables in a new light. It’s a fun, engaging story designed to encourage healthy eating habits and making good choices.

• Write Your Way: A Handbook for Indie Publishers: Drawing on her experience publishing over fifteen books, Sarah offers a helping hand to aspiring writers. This handbook answers common questions about the indie publishing world, sharing what has worked for her (and what hasn't) to help others navigate the journey from writer to author.

• Being Grateful, Being Thankful: This book serves as a gentle reminder of the power of gratitude. It encourages readers to shift their perspective, appreciate the little things, and remember the true essence of the Law of Attraction to bring more positivity into their lives.

• Cherish Your Treasures: Adopting a playful pirate theme ("Shiver me timbers!"), this short read asks readers to stop looking for greener grass and start appreciating the "treasure" that is right in front of them, focusing on mindfulness over materialism.

• Through the Eyes of a Teenager: This collection of poetry captures emotion at its rawest. It offers a glimpse into the intense feelings of love, loss, and betrayal that shape us during our formative years.

What Readers Are Saying About Sarah Butland's Work:

Sarah's diverse bibliography has garnered praise for her relatable characters, emotional storytelling, and ability to surprise readers across multiple genres. Here is a selection of what readers are saying:

• "A wonderful first novel...Sarah certainly has a knack for creating likeable and relatable characters. I loved the progression of the main character's reinvention of herself." - Lana Shupe on Losing it at 40, 4 Stars, Goodreads
• "Impossible to put down!!...The story revolves around Jessie & Shawn. Beautifully developed between the past and present...Ms. Butland has written her finest, giving us a story that is well written, plotted and paced." - Angela Ford on The Shadows Behind Us, 5 Stars, Goodreads
• "Charlotte’s story feels so raw and real...The author captures that feeling of being lost but still wanting to live, to feel something again, and I really connected with that." - Emelia on Dancing to Silence, 5 Stars, Goodreads
• "What an interesting book, kept me turning page after page. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes a great thriller. Great storyline." - Patti Richards on Arm Farm, 5 Stars, Goodreads
• "Captivating from the very first line...The writing brings vivid imagery to mind, as we read about Veronica's mysterious ability...Strong writing and enticing plot, definitely worth the read!" - Angella Jacob-Cormier on Blood Day, 5 Stars, Goodreads
• "This is a great anecdotal account of Sarah's publishing journey with some really good advice spread throughout. This is a great guide for those starting out who want to know more about the business..." - Damien Richard on Write Your Way, 5 Stars, Goodreads

Readers on Amazon have also praised her children's book, Sending You Sammy, highlighting its delightful illustrations and endearing storyline that makes healthy eating appealing to young imaginations. Her short story collection, Brain Tales, has been described by Amazon reviewers as well-thought-out and clever, with stories that are thought-provoking, engaging, and occasionally "scarily weird."

A Call to Connection

I encourage you to explore the vast creative world of Sarah Butland. You can connect with her and follow her updates on her website, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads.

You can purchase her books through the Amazon affiliate links below: 

• Losing it at 40
• Gaining it at 41
• The Shadows Behind Us
• Arm Farm
• Blood Day: The Novella
• Blood Day: The Short Story
• Brain Tales: Volume One
• Life Imitated
• Dancing to Silence (free to read with Kindle Unlimited)
• Save Your Breath (free to read with Kindle Unlimited)
• I Saw The Forest
• Sending You Sammy (free to read with Kindle Unlimited)   
• Write Your Way: A Handbook for Indie Publishers
• Being Grateful, Being Thankful
• Cherish Your Treasures
• Through the Eyes of a Teenager

Conclusion

Sarah Butland is a storyteller of remarkable versatility. Her prolific output—spanning romance, thrillers, children's literature, and non-fiction—demonstrates a boundless creativity and a deep desire to connect with readers of all kinds. Whether you are looking for a laugh-out-loud rom-com, a suspenseful mystery, or a guide to gratitude, Sarah has a story for you. I highly recommend exploring her diverse library and finding the book that speaks to you. 

Thanks for reading!

Angela G. Williams

*This post contains affiliate links. For more information about my affiliate relationships, please see my Affiliate Disclosure.