Twelve-year-old Lottie has learned to fear the marsh. When she strayed from the trail to pick healing flowers, the oozing mud sucked her down and nearly drowned her. Only the prompt action of her older brother, Wade, saved her.

Now, her sweet but foolish brother is in trouble. In pursuit of love he has wandered into terrible danger. Only Lottie can rescue him, but she will have to enter the terrifying marsh. She is about to discover that the greatest wonders live next door to her worst nightmares.

The Cottage in the Marsh is book one of Lottie's Ballad, a gripping tale of adventure told in verse.

Please note that the suggested age range is 9 to 12. Some younger readers may find this story a little too scary.