Marianna Leal ( Hubrism ) loves romance and everything she writes has strong elements of it, whether in YA or NA, in categories like contemporary, fantasy, sci-fi and supernatural. These days she makes it a point to always have a protagonist from her home country, Venezuela, because she is a strong proponent of diversity and representation. She has also traveled her fair share, having lived in three countries across two continents. Currently she resides in Florida, USA, where she works a full time corporate job. Her favorite hobbies aside from reading, writing books and odes to her couch, include complaining about drivers, the weather and noisy neighbors.

Her poem Christmas Without You is inspired by the recent loss of her father. She hopes that if you are facing dark times as well, this piece will help you hold on to the beautiful moments of a life shared with your loved ones.

Please enjoy this heartfelt anthology!