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J.L dressed as Twinkle

The response to the book was truly overwhelming. Over 450 copies sold in its first festive season — and here’s the part I’m most proud of: only seven of those came from Amazon. Every other sale came directly through me, independent shops, and local supporters. I’ll share more soon about why I’ve chosen to stay exclusively independent, but for now, let’s just say — it’s personal, it’s intentional, and it means every book reaches its new home with love.

After such an incredible debut, I knew Twinkle’s world wasn’t finished. So this year, I signed on for the sequel: Nutmeg Joins the Circus, teaming up once again with the brilliant illustrator Aisha Haider.

This new adventure follows Nutmeg the baker elf, a character I originally created for my Christmas team. In real life, Nutmeg was played by my talented friend Stephanie McLaughlin — who, funnily enough, later stepped away from elfing to follow her own circus dreams! From aerial hoops to trapeze and even fire tricks, Stephanie’s journey was nothing short of inspiring. So naturally, Nutmeg Joins the Circus became a heartfelt tribute to her courage, creativity, and sparkle.

Stephanie (Nutmeg) & J.L (Twinkle) are good friends not just in the North Pole

It’s been a year of stories, friendships, and full-circle magic — the kind you can’t quite plan but feel grateful to experience.

Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Here’s to the elves, the dreamers, the storytellers — and to all of you who believe in the power of imagination.

With love and fairy dust,

J. L. Givens

Dive into the world of J.L Givens, Here, I share stories, insights, and all things books for our wonderful fans and readers. Join the conversation and let us know what you think!

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Comments

Emma

4 months ago

My daughter loved your visit she enjoyed meeting Nutmeg the Elf and learning all about the elves in the north pole. We have ordered both the books for the elves to bring in December. She hasn't stopped talking about it since she came home.

Stephanie

5 months ago

Ahhh I love this!! I'm so proud of you and everything you have done. Can't wait to see wjat comes next

Lesley

5 months ago

This is why I couldn't find your witch book online. I thought it was online. I didn't know it was available in Waterstones either. Congratulations on your journey. We saw you at Paisley Book festival and my children really enjoyed it.

Sandra H

5 months ago

My LG has your book and we attended your launch last year. It is so lovely that the stories are based on real people. Even better you can meet the characters. I had no idea you had published other books. I will be buying some for Christmas. Congratulations. What an achievement.

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Sharon Stalker

a month ago

Love you, you are an inspiration and a sensational writer

Grace Lawrie

Sent a preview copy of The Girl they Targeted

This touching collection really helps the reader to process difficult emotions thanks to the author’s perseverance, openness and awareness.

Caileigh and Caisey's mum.

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful story for anybody who has went through loss and then brought home a rainbow baby. It's such a hard subject to tackle but this was handled so delicately and had me bubbling the whole story. Such a lovely story to read to your rainbow baby about their sibling and a beautiful way to keep your angel baby close and involved. It's Caisey's bedtime story and we always end it by saying goodnight to her big sister in heaven Caileigh. This is a moment I cherish every night as I effectively get to tuck them both into bed together.

Louise Wilson - Owner of Pagan Fellowship Events

Wow, what can I say, this hit home, truly powerful words, if you have ever been bullied or persecuted for just being you then these poems will connect with you. You will not only read them, you feel them in every part of your being. J.L again brings raw, powerful emotions through her words to connect with the reader by showing you parts of her soul, helping you reconnect with your own.

Anon

I cried reading many of the poems in Her Body Remembers, but the tears were not from sadness. They came from recognition. From seeing myself reflected in her words and feeling those deep, rooted similarities that come from being a woman. This book mis vulnerable and powerful in equal measure. It speaks to the way our bodies hold memory, pain, and resilience all at once. There is strength in these poems, not loud or forceful, but steady and true. Reading it felt both moving and empowering, like being gently reminded that I am not alone in what I carry.

Christina Enever

The Girl they Targeted - Beautiful!!!!!
J.L Givens opens herself in these poems to show wounds that don’t show on the outside- not only bullying but gas lighting, emotional abuse, and being made to feel “too much.” The poems don’t ask for pity but are a form of reclaiming self whist finally allowing the inner child to be comforted.
When I worked as a youth and community worker the biggest thing I struggled with was bullying- kids bullied at school and even home. As adults woman we are meant to be ‘over these things’. These poems address the fact that wounds are deep and often pushed down.
J L Givens brings these into the light, as a reader I am reminded of similar events in my own life and perhaps through reading these poems we allow ourselves to bring what’s dark into light- tell our younger self her feelings are not ‘too much’ and allow her to heal.

Iain Denham

"While I've never been one for poetry, I found what I read both moving and thought-provoking. From great hardships to regaining inner strength, I consider this truly worthwhile reading material." – Her Body Remembers

Stephanie O

The Girl They Targeted by J.L Givens - Review

I am so honoured to have been sent an ARC of J.L Givens new upcoming book to read and review. @j.l_authorofficial

The book centres around and will resonate most with those who have endured emotional abuse, and difficult mother daughter relationships and or been bullied in the past or are still being taunted now.

What an absolute heart wrenching beautiful story of how to overcome and defy the gaslighting and shaming of bullies. The poems were so carefully curated to show strength and resilience whilst healing yourself from the hurt of childhood.

I particularly loved "Why can't you just..." as I feel there is a lot of pressures surrounding women to shrink themselves and conform to please others and this simultaneously resonated with me and broke my heart at the same time.

It's a beautiful collection of poems and I cannot wait to get a physical copy in my hands when it is released. Thank you for creating and trusting me with these poems.