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Universal Theme of Love
Bella & Chantey: Mama Wants a Blue Mushroom follows a pig and her macaw sidekick as they set out on a rainforest adventure to find a rare mushroom. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
We work with the Ngäbe people who live on the Comarca or reservation where I had the story take place. The children do not have children’s books per se, and I wanted to write some stories for them and include their environment.
What is it that draws you to write children’s literature?
I love to watch young children learn about new places, different countries, and people in the world. I also enjoy seeing children being entertained and laughing over stories. I place educational material in the backmatter of my books to educate the children besides giving them an entertaining story. I also try to have a universal theme of love, family, or learning experience that children can see themselves in or identify with the story.
The artwork in your book is wonderful. What was the collaboration with illustrator César Meléndez like?
César is excellent to work with. He has unique ideas for illustrations and is very realistic in his drawings. He has emotions in animal faces and does a fantastic job with water scenes. He asks for suggestions and always asks if they are ok. An excellent fit between author and illustrator- we think alike.
Can fans expect to see more adventures featuring Bella and Chantey? What are you currently working on?
I am working on a chapter book with main characters from the Ngäbe Comarca, Double Trouble on the Comarca. Benny the Boa is an adapted Ngäbe folklore story, which is almost completed, and yes, a second book with Bella and Chantey, also taking place on the Comarca.
I had some people from a nearby church ask if I could write a children’s bible story picture book, so I have done that, and it is currently at a traditional editor to see whether they will accept it. Another editor I work with said if it’s not accepted, go ahead and self-publish it because she likes the story.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
His Daddy’s Car
Bobby Brandt’s journey in His Daddy’s Car is a deeply emotional, nostalgic, and unexpectedly suspenseful ride. The story follows Bobby, a man with a complicated past, as he moves to Texas, reconnects with his family, and unwittingly steps into a mystery involving his high school love, Patty, now known as Katie. Their teenage romance, built around the restoration of his beloved 1965 Chevrolet Corvair Monza, resurfaces in a way neither of them expects. As Bobby pieces together Katie’s disappearance years ago, he finds himself entangled in secrets that put both their lives in jeopardy. What starts as a sentimental look back at first love slowly transforms into a gripping narrative filled with intrigue, hidden identities, and government cover-ups.
From the beginning, the novel’s strength lies in its richly detailed nostalgia. The car itself becomes more than a vehicle; instead, it’s a symbol of Bobby’s youth, his love for Patty, and, ultimately, a connection to the past he never let go of. The writing shines in these reflective moments, painting a vivid picture of teenage love and dreams wrapped up in the scent of motor oil and the feel of a fresh coat of paint. One particularly touching scene is when Bobby’s father surprises him with the Corvair, setting the foundation for the sweat and labor Bobby pours into its restoration. The novel captures the essence of a coming-of-age story while subtly building tension underneath.
Where the book takes an unexpected turn is in its gradual shift into suspense. Bobby’s move to Texas seems straightforward until he meets JR, the son of his old love, and notices too many familiar details. The slow realization that JR is actually his son is handled with an aching subtlety that feels authentic. The moment when JR innocently mentions the car’s personalized plate, “PattyKat,” hits like a gut punch. This scene is crafted beautifully, with Bobby’s past and present colliding in a way that leaves the reader just as stunned as he is. The layers of secrecy around Katie’s life and the U.S. Marshal’s involvement add depth to the plot, making it more than just a romance, it becomes a compelling mystery.
The story has a rich level of detail, especially in the beginning, where Bobby’s move and initial interactions are given ample attention. While the pacing picks up strongly in the latter half, some areas could be streamlined to maintain momentum. The vivid descriptions effectively set the scene, though a bit of tightening in certain spots might enhance the flow. Katie’s fainting at the sight of Bobby adds dramatic impact, highlighting the depth of her shock and buried emotions. The book’s open-ended elements add intrigue, and a bit more closure on certain aspects of the government involvement could make for an even more satisfying resolution.
His Daddy’s Car is a deeply personal story wrapped in layers of mystery and sentimentality. It’s perfect for readers who love a blend of romance, nostalgia, and slow-burning suspense. Car enthusiasts will appreciate the attention to detail in the Corvair’s restoration, while fans of emotional storytelling will find themselves invested in Bobby and Katie’s fate. If you enjoy stories that intertwine past and present with a touch of hidden danger, this book is absolutely worth the ride.
Pages: 242 | ASIN : B0B5KV774Z
Our Collaborative Effort
The Big Dream follows two best friends who want to enter a remote-controlled car race, but first, they must raise $2000 while dealing with school, family & a mischievous crow. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The Big Dream has a transformational tale. It is book two in The Crow’s Tales series; however, it was written before book one. The most recent publication is the second edition of what originally was a Christmas gift for our four grandchildren. Since then, we’ve taken a more serious approach to writing and the story underwent a substantial makeover. The genesis of the story is attributed to Thorir more than fifteen years ago scribbling notes about his ten-year-old self growing up in Iceland with his friends. Pigeons, ravens, and seabirds were accessible and gave inspiration to the book’s pet crow, Ralph, and the original title, The Pigeon Flyer. Retirement sparked our collaborative effort on Thorir’s drafts, resulting in a lasting story for our grandchildren and a shared passion.
There were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
Thank you for the comment and the question. The Big Dream’s twists and turns occurred as a hybrid of planning and merely following where the story took us. The crafting of those events, however, was carefully staged. As new writers, we’ve learned pacing is one of the critical elements of a good middle-grade story, and having twists and turns hit in the right place encourages reader engagement.
Constant action, fast pace, and a quick read is our attempt to compete with computer games, tablets, TVs, and other electronic social media for kids’ attention. It’s an uphill battle. Victoria is a retired schoolteacher and has a background in shaping young minds. We try to cater to how kids think today and how fast their world has become, it keeps us racing through our golden years.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
We strive to create contemporary realistic fiction for young readers offering important themes without being in-your-face didactic. Each book in the series offers its unique theme. The Big Dream is a quietly compelling story of honesty while integrating additional important values such as friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. These themes are woven into the narrative, offering young readers meaningful insights while maintaining the story’s engaging, lighthearted tone. The book subtly imparts lessons on these themes, illustrating how challenges can be overcome through collaboration and understanding.
The challenge we set for ourselves is to write relatable and wholesome narratives featuring characters and events that readers can identify with, providing entertainment and meaningful value. The Crow’s Tales series, The Bird Caper, book one, explores “change,” The Big Dream, book two, shines a light on “honesty”, and book three, The Crow’s Ring, will explore “truth.” All valuable life lessons.
When will book three be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
We are super excited about working on the third book of the series, The Crow’s Ring, and expect it to be released early in 2026. It’s a mystery and it will keep readers on their toes. The main characters are older, and the story’s plot gets precarious. Brandon’s (our protagonist) friends (and pet crow) become entangled with a scruffy old police detective – the Captain – who owns a rusty dank tugboat destined to be scrapped by the city (Riverside). Roped into helping him save his tug, the kids find a confidential police file on board of an unresolved jewelry heist that took place in the 1930s, the Stony Creek Case. Solving this cold case could save the crusty Captain’s career and repair his tug with the million-dollar reward for finding the stolen loot. It’s a journey filled with nail-biting adventures that turn Riverside upside down and capture the imagination. Through their hair-raising experiences, Brandon learns the value of truth. He and his friends learn the importance of history, determination, and the meaning of working as a team to resolve complicated questions and conflicts, to uncover the truth.
Pages: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The Big Dream – The Crow’s Tales Series (Book 2)
“Holy Ravioli! The police are forming a special unit to investigate thieving birds in my hometown, and even though I’m only twelve years old, I can’t shake the vision of myself behind bars in an orange jumpsuit! We’ve got to stop Ralph before it’s too late!”
The small city of Riverside is buzzing with excitement as the spectacular remote-controlled car race approaches. For Brandon, this is the chance to make his dream come true and prove himself to the world. But with distractions at every turn, including a pesky English assignment and a mysterious bird thief, will he be able to stay focused and build his winning car in time?
With the help of his family, friends, and pet crow, Ralph, Brandon sets out on a journey of hard work and determination. But as the race draws closer, a special unit of the police is formed to investigate the bird thefts, leaving Brandon worried about his fate. Can he raise the funds, construct a victorious speedster, and win the race before time runs out?
The Big Dream is the second book in The Crow’s Tales series, a thrilling action-adventure about chasing your dreams and never giving up. If you loved the heartwarming story of The Million Dollar Race, the suspense of The Vanderbeekers On the Road by Karina Yan Glaser, or the humor in How To Win A Slime War by Mae Respicio, you’ll love this book! Don’t wait, read now, and DREAM BIG! Perfect for boys and girls 8-12.
Sometimes it Takes a Village to Raise a World-Class Hot Rod!
Bonus! Teacher Reading Resources Included.
Don’t forget to read The Bird Caper! Book 1 of THE CROW’S TALES, a 3-book series. Exciting stories with wholesome values from award-winning authors Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson.
Living at the Edge of the World – Spring
Living at the Edge of the World – Spring by S.J. Barratt is an adventure-filled middle-grade novel that follows 12-year-old twins, Tabitha and Timothy, as they adjust to life on the remote island of Papala. Sent to live with their Great Uncle Tamhas while their parents sail the world, the twins encounter a way of life starkly different from their modern London upbringing. Tabitha, initially skeptical, misses her WiFi and social media, while Timothy embraces the island’s wonders, from crofting to peat cutting. But as they navigate their new reality, the island reveals secrets of its own Viking artifacts, legends of giants, and the challenge of preserving history while living in the present.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is how naturally it immerses readers in the rugged beauty of island life. The descriptions of Papala are vivid, making the wind, the sea, and the isolation feel tangible. Early on, the stark contrast between the twins’ reactions to the island sets up their character arcs beautifully. Tabitha’s obsession with social media, particularly her “#Living@TheEdge” platform, is a clever way of showing her struggle between connection and isolation. Meanwhile, Timothy’s love for soil experiments, crofting, and nature makes him an instantly likable, curious character. Their opposing views create some charming sibling tension, but more than that, it highlights the push and pull between modernity and tradition.
The book’s sense of adventure is captivating, particularly when it introduces elements of history and mythology. One of the most gripping moments is when the twins and their friend Fenella stumble upon a Viking helmet buried in the peat. The discovery sparks a debate, should the artifact stay in Shetland, or be sent to a major museum? The book doesn’t provide an easy answer, making readers think about the weight of history and the impact of social media in spreading (or distorting) information. Tabitha’s impulsive decision to post about the Viking find creates unexpected consequences, making this subplot both exciting and thought-provoking. The story doesn’t just entertain; it subtly educates, weaving Shetland’s history and crofting traditions into an engaging mystery.
That said, one of my favorite elements is the emotional depth beneath the adventure. The relationship between the twins evolves in a way that feels authentic. Tabitha, though initially resistant to island life, starts to appreciate its magic not just for social media clout but for real. Timothy, always enthusiastic, faces moments of doubt and responsibility. Their friendship with Fenella and Omar also adds layers to the story, as each character brings a different perspective. And then there’s Uncle Tamhas, the wise but humorous figure who acts as both guide and anchor in their island journey. His presence gives the book a warmth that balances its wilder elements.
Living at the Edge of the World – Spring is an engaging, heartwarming, and educational read, perfect for middle-grade readers who love adventure and discovery. The story blends humor, curiosity, and a touch of historical mystery, making it an easy recommendation for kids who enjoy books like The Island at the End of Everything or Swallows and Amazons. It’s also a great pick for young readers interested in the natural world, archaeology, or Scottish culture. With its mix of adventure and heartfelt moments, this book makes you want to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and look for a hidden story waiting to be uncovered.
Pages: 121 | ASIN : B0DWB36FKJ
Crimson: BadAss Biker Bitches Book 2
Darlene Mellors’ Crimson is a wild, adrenaline-packed ride full of revenge, romance, and unapologetic badassery. It follows Crimson, a fierce woman with a painful past, as she navigates her way through family feuds, deep betrayals, and the gritty world of motorcycle clubs. At its heart, the book is about reclaiming power and finding love in the chaos. With a past lover, Talon, thrown back into her life, the story unravels in a storm of passion and violence, revealing long-buried secrets that could destroy them both.
Crimson is the kind of heroine I love to root for. She’s strong, brutal, calculating, and doesn’t take crap from anyone. There’s this one scene where she gives a guy the first ten punches before she lays him out cold. It’s refreshing to see a female lead in a romance novel who isn’t just tough on the outside but truly unbreakable. Mellors writes her with such raw energy that I felt every punch, every glare, every ounce of her determination. And her relationship with Talon is complicated, messy, and full of tension in the best way possible.
There’s no sugarcoating and no tiptoeing around dark topics. The book is brutal at times—there’s blood, betrayal, and people literally being buried alive. Some parts made me wince, but that’s what makes it feel so real. The dialogue is sharp and full of sass, and every character has a distinct voice, which I really appreciated. That said, sometimes the writing leans a little heavy on the inner monologues, especially when Crimson and Talon are stuck in their will-they-won’t-they cycle.
One of my favorite things about Crimson is how the story plays with history. The Hatfield and McCoy-style family feud adds so much depth to the plot, making everything feel more personal and high-stakes. It’s not just about love, it’s about legacy, blood debts, and a history that refuses to stay buried. There’s this scene where Crimson is standing over the body of a man who tried to kill her dad, and you can practically feel the weight of generations pressing down on her. The mix of romance, action, and deep-seated family drama kept me flipping pages way past my bedtime.
If you love strong women, brutal action, and a love story that’s tangled up in danger and history, Crimson: BadAss Biker Bitches Book 2 is definitely for you. It’s got that Sons of Anarchy energy but with a heroine who takes center stage and owns every scene. Just be ready for some dark, violent moments and a lot of heated, tension-filled romance.
Pages: 149 | ASIN : B0DPT7ZJP2
Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom
Lena Gibson’s Rebels and Saints is the gripping third installment of the Long Haul trilogy, a dystopian saga that follows a ragtag group of rebels fighting against the oppressive rule of GreenCorps, a corporate regime that controls food, water, and livelihoods in a post-collapse America. Set in the year 2195, the novel continues Elsa’s journey as she leads the fight to distribute long-lost seed reserves that could free people from corporate dependency. With high-stakes train-hopping, underground bunkers, and daring escapes, the book is a thrilling blend of adventure and rebellion, all while exploring themes of survival, autonomy, and hope in a bleak world.
Right off the bat, the pacing had me hooked. This is a full-throttle, edge-of-your-seat kind of ride. One of my favorite scenes happens early on when Mason and his team are sneaking off a train into enemy territory. Gibson has this great way of making every movement feel significant and every risk feel personal.
What really made this book stand out wasn’t just the action it was the characters. Elsa, Walker, Mason, and Caitlyn aren’t just rebels with a mission they’re people with relationships, regrets, and fears. Elsa’s internal struggles, especially in moments where she realizes just how much power she wields, feel incredibly real.
The world-building is superb. Instead of drowning readers in exposition, Gibson reveals details naturally through the rebels’ experiences. The concept of train-hopping as a means of resistance is brilliant, adding a sense of motion and unpredictability to the story. And the contrast between GreenCorps-controlled zones and rebel havens is stark. That contrast makes the fight for freedom feel even more urgent.
By the time I hit the final chapters, my emotions were all over the place. There’s a sense of triumph, yes, but also loss—because the fight doesn’t end just because the book does. That’s the hallmark of a good dystopian novel. If you love fast-paced adventure with heart and if you enjoy stories about found families and underdogs taking on impossible odds, this book is a must-read.
Pages: 371 | ASIN : B0DVNLNMGC
SuperPower The Ability to Fly or to Become Invisible: In Ashes Phoenix Eagles Shall Rise (Book 4)
What if SuperPowers were more than just a fantasy? What if they came with political schemes, corporate warfare, and personal vendettas? Roger E. Pedersen’s SuperPower: The Ability to Fly or to Become Invisible – In Ashes, Phoenix Eagles Shall Rise is a sprawling and chaotic ride through a world where SuperPowers aren’t just about heroics, they’re about power plays, manipulation, and, sometimes, outright lunacy. The book is a tangled web of high-stakes business drama, espionage, bizarre characters with unique abilities, and a never-ending series of plot twists that make it hard to tell who’s winning and who’s losing.
From the moment Glenn Peterson, an international chess master, steps onto the scene in Chapter 1, I knew this wasn’t going to be your typical superhero story. Instead of capes and spandex, we get high-level corporate negotiations, deadly rivalries, and a world where SuperPowers are just another tool in the arsenal of those vying for control. The writing jumps from serious to fun in the blink of an eye. One moment, characters are discussing financial deals and the next, someone is using their abilities to manipulate a poker game or wreak havoc at a fashion show. At times, it feels like a corporate thriller collided with a comic book and then was sprinkled with satire.
One of my favorite characters was Harmony. Her ability to turn people into mindless zombies with her words makes for some darkly comedic moments. She uses her power to expose her mother’s awful suitors, manipulating them into revealing their worst secrets. It’s hilarious, in a twisted way, to watch these men spill their guts and then have their lives ruined. But Harmony isn’t just playing games, later, she helps Myrena Gorgona, a ruthless businesswoman, control the fashion industry by putting potential buyers into trances. There’s something both fascinating and disturbing about how power is wielded in this book.
Another standout is Justice Nemesis,who doesn’t just bring justice she makes sure the mighty fall, and she does it with a supernatural touch. The scene where she causes a sleazy lawyer’s downfall is satisfying. He thinks he’s untouchable, but one touch from Justice, and his life crumbles faster than a house of cards. I loved the concept of justice as an unavoidable force, something that comes for you whether you’re ready or not.
Chapter 29 sticks out in mind because of how it took an ancient myth—the quest for the Golden Apples of the Hesperides—and turned it into a modern-day, high-stakes mission. The idea of Apollo Steele being sent on what feels like a corporate version of a Herculean labor is both hilarious and oddly fitting. It’s one of those moments where the book fully leans into its myth-meets-business-thriller vibe, and I found that strangely entertaining.
That brings me to the book’s biggest strength: it’s completely unpredictable. Some scenes are genuinely engaging, while others feel like fever dreams. The dialogue is snappy, the writing style is fast, almost frantic at times, and the sheer number of characters, organizations, and schemes can be overwhelming.
If you love chaotic, high-energy stories where power is everything, this book is for you. It’s like watching a reality show mixed with a superhero flick but with extra betrayals and ridiculous SuperPowers. If you need tight plotting and clear stakes, though, this might drive you crazy. It’s messy, it’s weird, but it’s definitely a ride. If that sounds like your kind of thing, buckle up because you’re in for something unique.
Pages: 365 | ASIN: B0DFBXKY2C
The Dog Roses: Na Feirdhriseacha
David H. Millar’s The Dog Roses: Na Feirdhriseacha is an exhilarating historical fantasy that plunges the reader into a world of ancient Gaelic warfare, mysticism, and political intrigue. The novel follows the twin sisters, Brighid and Danu, as they navigate their birthright, destiny, and the brutal conflicts that define their world. From the stormy shores of Ériu to the blood-soaked battlegrounds of their homeland, the sisters must harness their strength, wit, and the mystical bond of the feirdhriseacha—the dog roses—imprinted on their chests. Their journey is one of leadership, betrayal, and resilience, all set against the backdrop of Celtic mythology and the harsh realities of Iron Age survival.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its ability to immerse readers in a richly detailed and authentic world. Millar’s grasp of ancient Gaelic culture, from its warrior code to the complexities of clan politics, is impressive. The descriptions of battle are visceral, and the political maneuvering is sharp and unforgiving. The scene where Danu and Brighid are confronted with the weight of leadership at Ráth Na Conall is particularly compelling. The tension between personal desires and duty is palpable. The author builds an entire realm that feels as real as the history it is inspired by.
The dynamic between the twin protagonists is another element I liked. Their relationship is raw and full of conflict. Brighid’s impulsiveness and fiery spirit contrast beautifully with Danu’s calculated and strategic mind. Their clash in the Great Hall, where Draighean, their Sidhe mentor, berates them for their discord, is one of the novel’s most powerful moments. This moment, more than any other, encapsulates the novel’s emotional depth.
Millar’s writing style is both poetic and brutal, a balance that suits the novel’s tone perfectly. The action scenes are unflinchingly graphic, bringing the horrors of war to life in a way that is both mesmerizing and unsettling. The passage where Maolán faces off against the alpha wolf, Silverback, is a perfect example—nature and man, predator and prey, all locked in a desperate fight for survival. At times, the descriptions of violence and suffering push the boundaries of comfort, but they also serve a purpose, reinforcing the novel’s themes of endurance and the unrelenting nature of conflict.
The Dog Roses: Na Feirdhriseacha is a gripping read that will appeal to fans of historical fantasy, especially those with an interest in Celtic mythology and ancient warrior cultures. The depth of world-building, the complexity of the characters, and the sheer intensity of the storytelling make this a novel worth savoring. If you enjoy books like The Mists of Avalon or The Last Kingdom, this one should be on your list.
Pages: 365 | ASIN : B0BDT3ZC72
LITERARY TITAN 