Beyond Belzerac, Paperback - ***

Classmates Belle, Tess and Julien discover that a quirky teatime ritual on Wednesday afternoons is the secret gateway into Belzerac, a strange new world of talking animals and a glittering blue forest. But while Belzerac is easy to access, it's a little trickier to return from. After multiple visits, the children realize there are no tried-and-true ways to get home, and they might be stranded if they never find Belzerac's secret exit. Meanwhile, musician Orpheus is grief-stricken when a snake bite claims his bride Eurydice's life on their wedding night. In a do-or-die mission, he departs the living realm and descends into the Underworld in search of her. Heading straight for the royal court of Hades and Persephone, Orpheus hopes to petition the King and Queen for Eurydice's release. To his dismay, however, it seems the royal couple may not be the ones holding the keys to his wife's freedom. In this sequel to the fantasy adventure novel, Tea in Pajamas, Belle and friends--as well as Orpheus and Eurydice--all want the same thing: to be authors of their own fate. But they'll have to learn that salvation isn't about a destination, and has to come from within.

Rachel Tey is an editorial consultant. She enjoys writing, playing the piano, and reading books on medieval European history. She resides with her husband and two children in Singapore. Tea in Pajamas is her first series.