Blog Archives
The Stolen Heart of the Cape Cod Bay
The Stolen Heart of Cape Cod Bay by J.B. Auchter is a captivating mystery about the theft of a priceless item known as “the heart” during a festive celebration. The story primarily follows Jack, an investigator, and his family as they delve into the mystery, navigating a web of deception and hidden motives. Themes of mystery, trust, and betrayal are skillfully explored, creating a thrilling narrative that keeps readers engaged and intrigued.
This well-written novel adeptly balances suspense with humor and the dynamics of family bonds. The title itself is attention-grabbing, hinting at the story’s essence while maintaining an air of mystery. The book’s engaging start immediately hooks the reader with descriptive writing that captivates from the very beginning.
One of the story’s strengths is its alternating points of view from chapter to chapter, which keeps the narrative fresh and engaging. Starting the story with a journalist’s perspective, rather than diving directly into the plot, adds an intriguing layer that draws readers in. The pacing is well-managed, and the character development is fantastic, especially for a shorter novel, making it an exhilarating read.
At times, the dialogue adds a unique charm to the story, even if it slightly disrupts the narrative flow. The humor adds a light-hearted touch, and the inclusion of additional details and dialogues enriches the world-building. The book’s ending twist is well-executed, and the foreshadowing hints at the potential for a follow-up, which I think enhances the story’s appeal.
The Stolen Heart of Cape Cod Bay offers a compelling mystery with well-developed characters and a satisfying conclusion. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read that leaves readers eager for more.
Pages: 175 | ASIN : B0DBMY2TLK
The Crimson Triangle
The Crimson Triangle by John J. Fife Sr. tells the gripping tale of four scientists—Eliana, Walter, Ana, and Dennis—on a mission to study the Puerto Rican Trench and unravel the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle. During their journey, they encounter a powerful hidden entity protected by strange creatures. The mission takes a dire turn when coastal towns fall victim to relentless attacks by sea vampires, thrusting the team into a race against time to stop the bloodshed. Will they overcome the monsters and save humanity, or will they succumb to the abyss? This story highlights the power of human perseverance and resilience in the face of unimaginable horrors.
One of the book’s standout features is the author’s inventive blend of scientific and mythological elements, offering a refreshing take on traditional vampire tales. The seamless integration of scientific aspects adds a layer of intrigue, elevating the narrative beyond conventional vampire lore. The author’s expertise in oceanography and deep-sea diving is evident through vivid and detailed descriptions, which make the underwater world feel authentic without being overly complex or challenging to follow. Some dialogues lack authenticity, with characters occasionally responding in ways that feel robotic or unrealistic. For instance, when the concept of ‘sea vampires’ is introduced, a more skeptical and resistant reaction from the townspeople would have been expected. The rapid acceptance of such an idea, especially given the mayor’s initial hesitation, seemed implausible. More nuanced reactions and debates would have added depth and realism to the story. The story’s pacing adds an element of mystery, with the timeline between events leaving room for interpretation. This ambiguity invites readers to engage more deeply with the narrative, piecing together the sequence of events and immersing themselves in the unfolding drama.
The Crimson Triangle by John J. Fife Sr. presents a bold and original spin on traditional vampire lore. While mature themes make it unsuitable for young readers, adult readers will find it a compelling and intriguing read.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0D64PN316
The Scorching: Just Press Play
The Scorching: Just Press Play, by Nick Snape, is an exhilarating sci-fi novel set in a future where Earth has been ravaged by a catastrophic climate event known as The Scorching. Amidst this devastation, the insectoid alien race Drathken arrives with their plantships, promising to heal the planet. The story follows Joshua Nkosi, a sea cop whose life of routine security guarding and vlogging in a deep-sea mining operation is upended when he and his tentacled MARC Unit become entangled in a plot to steal radiation-rich materials from the seabed. These materials are crucial to a terrorist faction’s plan to destroy a Drathken plantship and disrupt the alien/human alliance.
Joshua and MARC are thrust into the Burnout Zone, facing extreme temperatures and uncovering deeper conspiracies. Their quest to locate the terrorists’ lab leads them through escalating dangers and harsh realities. The narrative is enriched with humor, interludes, and flashbacks that vividly depict a world in turmoil. Nkosi’s journey with MARC, an intelligent octopus encased in a metal exoskeleton, highlights the complexities of their mission and the dark truths of their world. The story masterfully blends sci-fi, mystery, and thriller elements, culminating in a satisfying conclusion that leaves readers contemplating humanity’s fate.
Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the novel explores the impact of climate change and human-alien alliances. Snape’s engaging writing style, incorporating vlogging and social media formats, adds dynamism and relatability to the story. Joshua Nkosi emerges as a charming protagonist, with his interactions with MARC adding a delightful layer to the narrative. The world-building is exceptional, with intriguing concepts like the Drathken plantships bringing the story to life.
The climate fiction backdrop is seamlessly integrated, portraying the gradual rise in temperatures and societal changes with stark realism. The pacing is well-balanced, mixing action, humor, and introspection. Clever interludes and flashbacks enrich the narrative, providing deeper insights into the characters and their world. One of the book’s highlights is its emotional core, as Nkosi navigates personal struggles and the broader implications of his mission. The final twist and resolution are satisfying, leaving readers with a sense of closure and contemplation.
The Scorching: Just Press Play is a must-read for sci-fi and climate fiction fans. Nick Snape’s creative storytelling, rich world-building, and engaging characters make this book an unforgettable journey into a future that feels both distant and alarmingly close.
Pages: 251 | ASIN : B0D3QS8KGB
Ghost Story, Medical Examiner and a Bottle
Before We Move On follows a 14-year-old boy who struggles with losing the people he cares about and facing his own mistakes. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This novel developed from a short story competition; the prompts were: ghost story, a medical examiner and a bottle. Being a public school teacher for over 20 years, I had seen my share of bullying. For some reason, the opening scene came to me as a “what-if,” and I followed where it took me. Later, I read The Sweet Hereafter by Wally Lamb, and decided to go with multiple perspectives.
In a lot of contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
I moved to the Catksills in upstate NY in 2019 and learned about how the water is periodically released from dams, so I decided to set my story in my new environs. As a teen, I always felt like I lived on the fringes of popularity, liked and respected, but not a cool kid. I think I put some of that into both Kiki and Jesse. Finally, I was the drama coach for my middle school and saw how important drama was for some of the kids, so I included quite a bit of that in my story. In some ways, drama played a big part in Jesse’s healing.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I didn’t realize how many themes would evolve in the book beyond bullying, which was the original impetus. It turns out the importance of friendship and community in overcoming grief and self-forgiveness took over as major themes. It’s all about mental health. I am a strong advocate for people seeking help from a professional when they’re experiencing emotional pain, the same as they would for a physical ailment. There is no shame in doing so, and I wish the stigma our society puts on mental health would change.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I didn’t think I would write a second book, truth be told. But, an idea that originated in real life plopped itself into my lap and said, “Write me.” Here’s the premise: You’re about to graduate college when your grandmother dies. After her funeral, your uncle gives you a box of family artifacts because you’re interested in ancestry. In the box, you discover a family secret that throws everything you’ve known about your family into question. What do you do about it?
I can only hope I write and revise it quicker than Before We Move On, which took two years to write and another three to revise and edit. I have most of it planned out and am working on character sketches now. My goal is to have a first draft by summer of 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Website
Kiki doesn’t realize she’s dead until she sees herself at her own funeral. As a ghost, she struggles to communicate with her mother and searches for the key to crossing over. In her desperation, she turns to Jesse for help, sending his life into a new tailspin. Can their two disparate worlds reconnect? Together, will they uncover the secret to moving on?
Before We Move On weaves a narrative from multiple perspectives, delving into how love and friendship possess the strength to conquer grief. This heartfelt tale effortlessly draws readers in, offering a down-to-earth exploration of life after death and instilling hope in what lies beyond.
The Brain and Time
Nurse Florence®, How Do We Understand Time? follows three friends discussing with the school nurse how the same period of time can feel like it’s going by fast or slow, depending on what you are doing. What gave you the idea of writing about this topic for children?
I love history and physics. Albert Einstein was obsessed with light which is what helped give him the drive to discover the Theory of Relativity. When I learned about the parts of the brain the help process time, I wanted to help people understand that our reality of time is also constructed by how our brain processes things. Some diseases can affect the brain which may also affect the way the brain processes time. I think that is really interesting.
In your book, you discuss the concept of time and how the brain processes it. You also introduce readers to topics like Parkinson’s disease and the methods scientists use to study the brain. How do you strike a balance between providing technical information and keeping your readers engaged without overwhelming them?
I don’t know. I believe I have a gift of synthesizing complex info and bringing it down to the level of a child. We should use our gifts to benefit the world and avoid concealing our gifts.
What’s the most surprising thing you learned while writing your books?
I am surprised that it is not discussed more and not openly known that time processing for people with Parkinson’s Disease can be different from the rest of us. Knowing this can affect our understanding of our world. Our world is complex, and we should embrace the complexity.
What do you hope to teach or inspire in children reading your book?
I hope many children will consider careers in the health sciences.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Sometimes it seems only a nurse can bring technical information down to an understanding that an ordinary person can grasp. The Nurse Florence® book series provides high quality medical information that even a child can grasp. By introducing young kids to correct terminology and science concepts at an early age, we can help increase our children’s health literacy level as well as help to prepare them for courses and jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We need more scientists so I hope that many children will enjoy this book series and consider a job involving science. Introducing Some Medical Words to Kids in Every Book A Movement of Global Health Promotion and Literacy
Blending Music, Art, and Faith
The Prodigal Son: Illustrated Lyrics of Faith is a poignant adaptation that blends Joe Guadagno’s lyrical poetry and scriptural passages with stunning illustrations, retelling the parable of redemption and forgiveness for both young and old readers. Why was this an important book for you and your husband to publish?
Producing Christian children’s books has been a long-standing aspiration of mine, but finding the right entry point into the genre was a challenge. Then, an idea given to me from above came all at once, providing incredible inspiration. I could hardly sleep that night, so eager was I to begin this new project.
My husband, Joe Guadagno, led a Christian band called JGnFriends where I contributed with keyboards and vocals. Over the years, Joe composed many beautiful original songs that conveyed parables and inspirational biblical messages resulting in two CDs of heartfelt music.
In my recent moment of inspiration, it became clear that while Joe’s music is available on major streaming platforms, his reflective lyrics could also be shared in a different way—through a book that families, starting with young children, could enjoy together. This led to the creation of The Prodigal Son: Illustrated Lyrics of Faith, a picture book that combines Joe’s lyrics with stunning watercolor-style illustrations to retell the parable of redemption and forgiveness.
The book offers a unique experience by integrating QR codes that allow readers to listen to the accompanying music while they read. “The Prodigal Son” is one of Joe’s most cherished and popular songs, making it the perfect choice for the first installment of our “Illustrated Lyrics of Faith” series. This project is important to me because it merges my faith and my passion for children’s literature with Joe’s musical legacy, creating a rich, multi-sensory experience that fosters discussion and can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
The positive feedback from our live audiences and listeners on streaming channels plus the beautiful review from Literary Titan Book Reviews have been heartening. In today’s world, where we often face challenges and uncertainties, “The Prodigal Son” serves as a poignant reminder of the power of God’s love and forgiveness, showing that He is always waiting for us, ready to help and welcome us with open arms.
Can you share more about the creative process behind the watercolor-style illustrations and how they complement the narrative?
Creating the illustrations for The Prodigal Son: Illustrated Lyrics of Faith was a collaborative journey. We spent countless hours searching for the perfect style and imagery to complement each part of the song and communicate its message deeply. Each illustration was thoughtfully crafted to enhance the accompanying lyrics and evoke the emotional depth of the story. Our aim was to create a visual experience that truly resonates with readers and enriches their engagement with the music.
How did the collaboration between you and Joe Guadagno influence the final version of the book, especially regarding the integration of his song?
The collaboration between us profoundly shaped the final version of The Prodigal Son: Illustrated Lyrics of Faith. Every element of the book was meticulously crafted to enhance the lyrics and convey the story’s emotional depth. The discovery that QR codes could be included and make the music newly accessible to many was an awe-inspiring moment for us. Additionally, including the actual scripture of the parable at the end of the text provides context and encourages further discussion.
Bringing Joe’s music to life in this new way was deeply moving for us both. Translating his song into book form allowed us to explore and express its message through both text and illustrations. The final images often moved us to tears as they resonated with the lyrics, guiding us to ensure the book was both emotionally impactful and true to the song’s spirit. We hope this unique product brings joy, meaningful discussions, and the message of God to many.
This project has been a significant experience for us and has inspired us to continue this journey together. We look forward to adapting more of Joe’s songs into new books for our series, creating additional opportunities to share our passion for God’s truth and Word with readers.
As this is the first book in a series, can you give us a glimpse into what other biblical stories or themes you plan to explore in future installments?
Absolutely! We have an exciting lineup planned and can’t wait to share it with our readers. Future installments will explore a variety of biblical stories and themes through Joe’s music and beautiful lyrics. Upcoming entries will include the book of Jonah, the story of a woman healed by Jesus, and Jesus calming the storm. We’ll also delve into songs of invitation and inspiration, the wisdom of the Father, and the heartfelt prayers Christian parents have for their children, and more.
Each book will follow the same format, featuring captivating illustrations and providing access to Joe’s words, music, and the related scriptures for your family’s enjoyment. We’re eager to continue this journey and bring more of these timeless Bible truths to others through our series.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Istagram | LinkedIn | Website
Experience one of the world’s most beloved parables in this beautifully illustrated book, where each page is adorned with stunning artwork that vividly brings Joe Guadagno’s touching song, The Prodigal Son, to life. His lyrics, which form the text of this captivating picture book, are complemented by images that enhance the story’s emotional depth.
Based on the timeless biblical account, this book explores themes of decisions and consequences, repentance, and the profound power of forgiveness. It will resonate with families and readers seeking a message of hope and reconciliation, as well as those who love Scripture.
As the first book in a series, it is an excellent read for families, Sunday school classes, and anyone interested in exploring biblical stories. Future installments will continue to draw from Joe’s many Christian songs, offering additional inspirational picture books for the whole family. The actual verses of the biblical account of the prodigal son are included in the text, and readers can access the song through an included QR code as they read for a truly immersive experience.
A Drunk in the Midnight Choir
A Drunk in the Midnight Choir by Jensen is an enigmatic and thought-provoking work that defies easy categorization. It’s a blend of ideas and reflections that flow together like a series of loosely connected conversations, seemingly random yet purposeful. This piece of writing isn’t easily defined as a traditional essay, novella, or poem; instead, it feels like a collection of oddities that, when woven together, create a narrative that is more than the sum of its parts. Perhaps the best approach is not to define it at all but to experience it for what it is.
Jensen’s work, though the length of a novella or novelette, doesn’t fit neatly into the realm of fiction. Instead, it reads like an essay, with moments that resemble the introspective musings of someone sifting through the complexities of their life. The author, who refers to himself only as Jensen, presents himself as an intellectual, and the insights he shares are never less than captivating. The narrative begins with Jensen recalling a memorable conversation with a friend in Bangkok. From there, the essay takes the reader on a journey through his thoughts on a wide range of topics, including his struggle to write a conventional novel, his behavioral issues as a youth, and his musings on figures like Jordan Peterson and Alexander Humboldt. Along the way, he touches on themes of God, Confucianism, child-rearing, and ESL, among others. The meaning of this eclectic mix of reflections may vary from reader to reader, as is often the case with more abstract works. While it may be best understood as an essay, it is also humorous, thought-provoking, and occasionally quite touching. In essence, the reader is invited to spend time inside Jensen’s mind, which proves to be a fascinating and rewarding experience.
A Drunk in the Midnight Choir by Jensen is a uniquely engaging exploration of one man’s inner world, offering readers a window into the mind of a reflective and intellectually curious individual. It challenges conventional literary forms, blending personal musings with broader philosophical inquiries. The result is a work that is as perplexing as it is captivating, inviting readers to draw their own interpretations from its rich tapestry of ideas.
Pages: 97
THE SECRET RELIGION: Unveiling Hidden Beliefs and Ancient Mysteries in Christianity
The Secret Religion by Tony Sunderland is a compelling and educational exploration of the evolution of religion in Western societies, focusing on the enigmatic esoteric tradition of Christianity known as Gnosticism. Sunderland skillfully contrasts this hidden tradition with the beliefs of traditional orthodox Christians, particularly in their understanding of the origins of their faith and the cosmos. The book invites readers to journey back to the city of Nicaea in 325 CE, where the council of senior church bishops, under the influence of Emperor Constantine, negotiated a uniform conception of Jesus Christ and his relationship with God. Sunderland’s narrative extends beyond historical analysis. He delves into the influence of Gnostic thought in various forms of art, including music and movies, revealing how secretive gnosis has permeated popular culture. Additionally, he explores the intersection of gnosis and technology, offering insights into what the future may hold for humanity.
The Secret Religion is a richly detailed account that will captivate intellectually curious readers. Sunderland provides access to a wealth of quotes and references, including works by notable figures like the controversial academic and author John Allegro, one of the first to link ancient Gnostics to the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s. The book also covers significant historical events, such as the discovery of the Nag Hammadi library in 1945, which sparked a renewed interest in Gnostic practices and ways of experiencing the divine. The book challenges preconceived notions about Christianity’s uniformity throughout history, revealing surprising insights—such as the idea that a medieval pope might condemn the majority of today’s Christians. Sunderland often adopts a detached, objective tone, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions from the evidence and sources he presents. His voice becomes more pronounced towards the book’s conclusion, where he emphasizes the importance of integrating a personal quest for individual enlightenment into one’s spiritual journey.
The Secret Religion is a thought-provoking and eye-opening read for anyone interested in the history of Christianity and the influence of secret religious groups in shaping media and culture. This book offers a fresh perspective on the world and the future, leaving a lasting impact on its readers.
Pages: 339 | ASIN : B0D8RGKC7V
LITERARY TITAN 