Alison Gieschen
Alison Gieschen is an accomplished author, sailor, and former educator with a lifelong passion for storytelling. With a degree in journalism and English from the University of North Carolina Charlotte and a Master’s in Administration and Leadership, Alison spent over 25 years teaching and inspiring students to become writers and storytellers. She later transitioned to full-time writing and sailing, blending her rich experiences into compelling narratives.
Alison has authored several books spanning fiction and non-fiction. Among her works are Blue Ridge, a poignant novel set in the Appalachian Mountains; The Legend of Altor, a middle grade fantasy novel; and Julia’s Vaulting Dream, an inspiring tale for young readers about the sport of equestrian vaulting. Riding the Waves of Reality; the gripping tale of the first five years of her circumnavigation.
Currently, Alison is circumnavigating the globe with her husband, Daniel, aboard a 43-foot sailboat. This journey began in 2017 and has taken them across four continents and to over 50 countries. Her adventures, both on land and at sea, bring authenticity and depth to her stories.
Alison’s life has always been intertwined with animals and the natural world. For 30 years, she owned and operated a horse farm in New Jersey, where she trained internationally competitive horses and equestrian athletes.
Alison has authored several books spanning fiction and non-fiction. Among her works are Blue Ridge, a poignant novel set in the Appalachian Mountains; The Legend of Altor, a middle grade fantasy novel; and Julia’s Vaulting Dream, an inspiring tale for young readers about the sport of equestrian vaulting. Riding the Waves of Reality; the gripping tale of the first five years of her circumnavigation.
Currently, Alison is circumnavigating the globe with her husband, Daniel, aboard a 43-foot sailboat. This journey began in 2017 and has taken them across four continents and to over 50 countries. Her adventures, both on land and at sea, bring authenticity and depth to her stories.
Alison’s life has always been intertwined with animals and the natural world. For 30 years, she owned and operated a horse farm in New Jersey, where she trained internationally competitive horses and equestrian athletes.
Blue Ridge
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Adventure/Light Romance
Growing up in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Laura Atwood endured terrifying abuse at the hands of her alcoholic father. Too many times she felt the brunt of his anger. Violence erupts. Laura flees the demons of her past, determined to make a decent future for herself. Even so, the ghosts of the past aren't so easily shaken. Years pass. Laura meets and marries Jim McBane, a wealthy and successful businessman who sets her up in style. She lives in a ritzy townhouse, drives a BMW, and loves her role as his elegant, beautiful wife. But the modern fairy tale has a dark underbelly. Jim's overbearing nature begins to tarnish the golden dream Laura has built; even worse, when his criminal business dealings put her in danger, she narrowly escapes with her life. Starting over again isn't what she wants, but she has no choice. Laura moves in with her aunt Gracie and begins to rebuild her life. Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains again, though, means her ghosts insist on being confronted. Each day brings a new struggle. But when love turns up again in the form of a kind country veterinarian, Laura finds she must finally face her past, even if it will be her undoing. 
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The Legend of Altor
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Middle Grade Fantasy
Intertwined within the fabric of time is the common struggle between good and evil. Enemies come in many forms but their darkened hearts have a common thread woven throughout human history since the dark ages. The Legend of Altor is revealed to a young girl facing modern day demons. When the forces of man and nature come together with potentially catastrophic results, the magical talisman forged in ancient times may be the only hope in fighting off her enemies and discovering her inner strength. 
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Julia’s Vaulting Dream
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Children’s Realistic Fiction
Nine-year-old Julia has a reoccurring dream where she’s standing on the back of a cantering horse with her arms up in the air. When she tells her mother about this dream, she’s pleasantly surprised to learn that her dream isn’t a farfetched fantasy but, rather, is based on something very real that she saw when she was a baby. Julia’s mother explains that what she saw in her dream is known as equestrian vaulting. It is a competitive sport celebrated all over the world, and Julia had attended such a competition when she was just two years old. Fascinated with the images that stuck with her for so long, Julia makes up her mind to learn more about the sport and decides that she wants to compete, no matter what. But there are numerous obstacles that stand in her way. With nothing more than a faint memory guiding her way, can this little girl turn her dream into a reality? A story of desire, resolve, and unyielding commitment to one’s dreams, Julia’s Vaulting Dream is a compelling tome that will not only educate young readers on the elements of an unconventional sport but will also inspire them to follow their own dreams. 
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Riding the Waves of Reality: Tales of Turmoil and Triumph in Blue Water Sailing
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Non-Fiction
Prepare to embark on a breathtaking voyage as Dan and Alison sell everything they own to pursue their shared dream of sailing around the world. Join Dan and Alison as they embrace the unknown with unwavering resolve, transforming doubt into triumphant victories. Their laughter will echo through your soul, their tears will tug at your heart, and their story will beckon you into a world where destiny unveils its splendor. Set sail with them, and let their experiences become yours, as you discover the exhilaration of living boldly but not always fearlessly. 
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