Annie is the author of four published books of poetry, Butterflies and Bumblebees, Apron Full O Apples, Frog Houses and The Sandpiper. Her writing is extremely poignant and emotional. She stresses good times and bad. Her words bring laughter and tears. At The End Of The Cotton Rows, is different in the fact that it is not poetic, instead, her words simply paint a picture of life as she knew it, so clearly you can feel the sweat drops on your brow and feel the pull of the pick sack on your shoulder. Your eyes will dim and burn at the brightness of the sun beaming down in the middle of the afternoon while you are surrounded by cotton stalks almost as tall as the little girl and her brother as they run up the rows to catch up with their family as together they move over one cotton row at a time. She writes a story of family closeness that tied one family together for a lifetime with memories, good and bad, that each brother and sister still draw from. The advice given by loving parents still ring true as they are passed down generation after generation. Annie has never forgotten the main source of advice from her parents, No matter where you go, never forget where you came from. Her honest, humble beginning is the one thing she is most thankful for.

In a world ruled by fierce warrior queens, a grand empire was built upon the backs of Phoenix Riders legendary heroes who soared through the sky on wings of fire until a war between two sisters ripped it all apart. Sixteen years later, Veronyka is a war orphan who dreams of becoming a Phoenix Rider from the stories of old. After a shocking betrayal from her controlling sister, Veronyka strikes out alone to find the Riders even if that means disguising herself as a boy to join their ranks. Just as Veronyka finally feels like she belongs, her sister turns up and reveals a tangled web of lies between them that will change everything. And, meanwhile, the new empire has learned of the Riders' return and intends to destroy them once and for all. Crown of Feathers is an epic fantasy about love's incredible power to save or to destroy. Throughout is interspersed the story of Avalkyra Ashfire, the last Rider Queen, who would rather see her empire burn than fall into her sister's hands. PRAISE FOR CROWN OF FEATHERS "Draws you in with the first flaming feather and doesn't let go." - Kendare Blake "A feast of magic, action, and romance." - Elly Blake "A fierce and incendiary tale of warrior women, sisterhood, and the choices that define us." - Lisa Maxwell "A beautifully told story about justice, sisterhood, and warrior women. This richly woven world had me turning pages well into the night. Nicki Pau Preto is one to watch." - Shea Ernshaw "The unique and imaginative world of the Phoenix Riders had my rapt attention from the first sentence. Nicki Pau Preto is a bright new talent, and I can't wait to read more!"- Morgan Rhodes "An action-packed adventure that will leave fans of epic fantasies eager to find out more. The ending is the perfect setup for a sequel." - School Library Journal "This is a new twist on fantasy favorites, and Pau Preto's first novel is as ambitious as it is lyrical." - Booklist "Epic in the truest sense . . . it's the perfect series kickoff." - Quill and Quire "Debut author Pau Preto's series opener steadily gathers steam before closing with a pulse-pounding crescendo. Veronica, Tristan, and conflicted imperial soldier Sev trade chapters, their stories interweaving to heighten tension, deepen character, and illustrate the importance of empathy, equality, community, and knowing one's own truth." - Publisher's Weekly