Wicked Winter, A Paranormal Romance Ebook Boxset for Charity

LOS ANGELES - Nov. 14, 2016 - PRLog -- The soon-to-be-released boxset, Wicked Winter, is a collection of fifteen original winter-themed, paranormal romance novellas from some of today's hottest USA Today and Amazon Best Selling authors. After months of writing and editing, these authors have given their time and talent to help others, as 100% of the proceeds from this collection are going to the Alzheimer's Association, to help fight this horrible disease.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of April, 2016, there are 47.5 million people world wide who are afflicted with some form of dementia, with 7.7 million new cases every year. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, contributing to 60-70% of all cases, and having a lasting impact on family, friends and caregivers of those afflicted (WHO website Fact Sheet). But it's organizations, like the Alzheimer's Association, who are there for these individuals in their time of need.

"In November of 2014, my step-dad died from Frontotemporal Dementia, a disorder related to Alzheimer's," explained contributing author, Virginia Cantrell. "This disease turned my strong, stoic father into a completely different person. Our family watched helplessly as he became childlike and slowly lost himself. He died at the age of 60. During my family's hour of need, the Alzheimer's Association was there for us, so it's an honor for me to be involved in this anthology and to be able to give back to them so they can help others who are still suffering from this tragic disease."

Many of the authors associated with the Wicked Winter Collection have in some way been touched by this disease. Rene Folsom, author and graphic designer, spoke of time spent with her grandmother before her passing, "Even though I would never take back a single moment I spent caring for her while a senior in high school, I still cannot express enough how gut wrenching this disease is—not only for the person suffering, but also for those who care for them and have to watch their minds deteriorate day by day. Our family relied on charities, including a part-time daycare facility called Al'z Place, where I would pick her up after leaving school so my parents could work."

"My uncle passed away from Alzheimer's a few years ago," said author, Rebecca Brooke. "It was hard to watch as he slowly lost pieces of himself as he slipped away."

In addition, author Katherine Rhodes relays to us the overwhelming destruction Alzheimer's played in her family. "My grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 1985. It was a horrible journey, that culminated in my grandmother turning her back to move the wash to the dryer--and in those 2 minutes she had her back turned, he walked out of the house and disappeared into the Pine Barrens. A group of deer hunters found my grandfather alive, dehydrated and disoriented 3 days later. He was taken to the hospital, and was never the same again. He died peacefully on August 20, 1996. In 2004, my grandmother, his wife, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's as well. Another 10 year descent into the madness, and then nothingness in the end. We knew she had only hours left on the morning of August 20th, 2014--yes, the same date--and I was able to give her just three words of farewell. 'Thank you, Grandma.' She died just 5 hours later. No one should go through that."

The collection has offered these writers the opportunity to give back. For only .99¢, the purchaser can help donate to an important cause.

"I do a series which has Alzheimer's," added U.K. author Lavinia Urban. "I do this as a paranormal twist and I know friends who have family members who suffer from this condition and they have told me how they like my take on it. So when I was given this opportunity I really thought it would be great to do this and to raise awareness for such a worthwhile course."

We asked organizer, Magen McMinimy, what it was like working with the other authors. "It's been great. Many of them have marketed their hearts out in an effort to see this box set succeed. Mostly I can't wait to read all the stories, with all the talent in this group I really think we have created a steal of a set, only $0.99 for 15 stories written by some of the hottest PNR authors out there and for a great cause."

Contained within the collection are the following novellas: Bitter by Alexia Purdy, Imara by Jessica Cage, Winter Runes by Rebecca Brooke, Fall of Winter by Virginia Cantrell, The Oak by S.L. Dearing, Frigid by Rene Folsom, Holly by Danielle Gavan, Immortal Revealed by Magen McMinimy, Cooling by Morgan Jane Mitchell, Turned by Katherine Rhodes, Mated by Katie Salidas, Cold Hearts by Emma Shade, The Cottage by Lavinia Urban, Everlee Frost by Emily Walker, & Petals in the Snow by Jax Walsh.

"I'm really excited to be working with all these amazing authors," added McMinimy. "While organziing this project, I've heard many stories and personal accounts of this devastating desease. I'm really hoping that our efforts to raise money and awareness will see a profitable return for the Alzheimer's Association."

With the holidays coming, this collection would be the perfect gift for the one's you love. Please help these authors spread awareness and hope for less than a dollar.

Currently available for pre-order. You can find it at these retailers: Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble and Kobo. The collection goes live 12/6/2016 http://www.risingindiesunited.com/2016/10/blog-tour-wicke...