Blog Archives
A Cage for Magpie
A Cage For Magpie by Eli Pope opens on a frigid day in Missouri, introducing us to a grief-stricken young girl named Maggie Mae DuVane, affectionately known as Magpie, as she attends her grandfather’s funeral. Magpie is in shock, struggling to cope with the sudden death of her beloved grandfather, David Duncan DuVane. David, an admired and rising fiction writer, had been descending into darkness before his untimely demise. His final novel, NEVER CAGE A MAGPIE, eerily seemed to foreshadow the events that unfolded, as if he had written it to hint at his tragic end. Connor, David’s closest friend, felt compelled to read on, seeking to uncover the causes of David’s madness. Meanwhile, David’s wife, Coraline, was left heartbroken and questioning the dark angels that plagued her husband’s mind. For Magpie, the loss was compounded by her desperate longing for the return of her mother, who had abandoned her.
Pope’s writing style is both intriguing and captivating. His premonition-like hints and deliberate word choices engage the reader, creating a mysterious and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps the pages turning. Like Connor, readers are driven to understand what led David to his tragic fate. The secrets haunting David’s mind and compelling his actions become a central focus, with readers eager to uncover the truth. The character development in A Cage For Magpie is commendable. Pope’s characters are realistic and relatable, each imbued with compassion and depth. As a reader, I felt a personal connection to Connor, Coraline, and young Magpie, with a particular empathy for Magpie’s plight.
A Cage For Magpie is a riveting and emotionally charged novel that showcases Eli Pope’s talent for creating suspenseful and meaningful fiction. The book’s intricate plot, rich character development, and poignant themes make it a standout read. It is a story that not only entertains but also invites readers to reflect on the complexities of the human psyche and the enduring power of love and resilience. Whether you are a fan of mystery and psychological drama or simply enjoy well-crafted literature, this book is a must-read.
Pages: 278 | ASIN : B0D8ZVMW1Y
Murder At Monterey
Ellen Read’s Murder at Monterey is a quintessential traditional murder mystery that transports readers into a world reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s iconic tales. The story revolves around two devoted sisters, Alexandra and Edith, who are invited to a grand party by Prudence, the enigmatic hostess. Their initial reluctance to attend, due to past encounters with the guest of honor, is overridden by the allure of a weekend getaway. Upon arrival, the sisters and their entourage mingle with the eclectic mix of guests, setting the stage for a suspenseful and tragic turn of events.
The narrative takes a dark twist when a guest is found dead, and another is discovered standing over the body, leading to a classic “whodunit” scenario. This homage to Christie’s masterpieces, such as the Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple series, grips the reader from the opening line, “Alexandra felt the loss…” The story is laced with foreshadowing, as exemplified by the line, “I, for one, hope we don’t have any murders while we’re there,” which expertly builds tension leading up to the murderous climax. Ellen Read’s adept use of dialogue enhances the suspense and character development, although the story takes its time to dive into the core action. This deliberate pacing allows readers to become intimately acquainted with the characters and their possible motives, enriching the overall narrative. As the sixth book in the series, Murder at Monterey showcases Read’s ability to create compelling characters and intricate plots.
Murder at Monterey by Ellen Read is a masterfully crafted murder mystery that pays homage to the classic works of Agatha Christie. Through meticulous character development and a well-paced narrative, Read weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re a long-time fan of traditional murder mysteries or new to the genre, this book is a must-read that promises a thoroughly engaging experience. I eagerly await the next adventure in this series.
Pages: 217 | ASIN : B0D48RQQFL
Bibs: Cabbages and Kings Lady of the House
BIBS: Cabbages & Kings is a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable life of Elizabeth Annette Nener, affectionately known as Bibs. Through a rich tapestry of anecdotes, poems, and personal reflections, Byrne L. Corbin captures the essence of a woman who lived her life with an unparalleled zest for learning, writing, and public service. From her early days in Boston to her impactful tenure as Braintree’s first female State Representative, this book offers a glimpse into the mind and heart of a truly inspiring figure.
Corbin’s writing is both engaging and intimate, making the reader feel as though they are part of Elizabeth’s journey. One of my favorite parts of the book is the inclusion of Elizabeth’s poems, such as “Aftermath,” which vividly portrays the day after Christmas with charming details that evoke nostalgia and warmth. The way Corbin seamlessly blends Elizabeth’s personal writings with his own narrative voice adds a unique depth to the biography.
The stories in this book highlight Elizabeth’s multifaceted personality. For instance, her column “Cabbages and Kings” for the Braintree Sunday News showcases her wit and wisdom. The excerpt where she describes the unpredictability of life at fifty and her journey from youthful apprehension to embracing the golden years is both humorous and inspiring. It’s clear that Elizabeth had a knack for turning everyday observations into thoughtful reflections.
The historical context provided by Corbin enriches the reader’s understanding of Elizabeth’s contributions. Her advocacy for women’s rights and her role in naming the Abigail Adams Overpass are particularly noteworthy. The anecdote about her legislative victory in securing funding for AIDS research in the early 1980s is a testament to her dedication to public health and welfare. This biography is a comprehensive and richly detailed account of Elizabeth Annette Nener’s life, offering an abundance of stories, poems, and personal reflections. While the depth and breadth of content provide a thorough understanding of her remarkable journey, condensing some sections could make the narrative even more impactful. I think streamlining the book would maintain its essence while allowing readers to appreciate Elizabeth’s legacy in a more concise format, making it accessible to an even wider audience.
BIBS: Cabbages & Kings is a beautifully crafted homage to a woman who lived a life full of purpose and passion. It’s a great read for anyone interested in women’s history, public service, or simply looking for an inspiring story of a life well-lived.
Pages: 698 | ISBN : 1412063248
What is Right or Wrong?
Dreams Never End follows a man struggling to regain his grasp on reality who returns to the underworld in hopes of finding purpose in his life as it continues to fall apart. One of the most enjoyable parts of this book is Giels’s relationships with friends. How did you write the characters’ interactions to develop their bond?
It’s funny. The original draft had a couple more friends join the adventure, but I found so many characters diluted the interactions, as you might expect. This was a learning process for me, as I hadn’t had this many characters drive a story before. I was happy with the groups it ended up with, however. Because the secondary characters had little air time, so to speak, I thought of them like the groups of dwarves in The Hobbit or Snow White, where each individual had their own quirk that would come through. No one is named Sneazy, of course. These are realistic people with a degree of complexity and subtlety. But their salient traits ultimately play a role in the serial, which informs the nature of the interactions and how those interactions push the story forward in every chapter. Their growing bonds are essential to those interactions and were probably evident in the writing out of necessity.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
Not to give anything away, but one underpinning I try to hold with my themes is the ambiguity of morality. Geils is confronted with some opposing realities and viewpoints that he initially rejects, but they seep into him, becoming part of him. That’s one of his biggest struggles. It might be a bit subtle, but in the end, when he and Cleo talk about “going back” or not, they are talking about two very different things. Giels is alluding to how they cannot go back to the type of life they had, and Cleo is talking about literally going back to the place they’d been to. So not only is Giels feeling the change in perspective despite himself, but he’s also not even talking about the same things with the person he’s closest with, whose perspective has, since the beginning of the story, been at odds with his own. So, whose morality is correct? Should Giels protect his tribe by hiding what Giels is learning, or not? And, should they return to, and help, a culture in need that lives life in a way that doesn’t mesh with their world? During a time in our culture when so many people express their views with such absolute certainty, I like to dig into the uncertain, shaky substrate of what makes a person “right” or “wrong.”
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
This serial will have three more installments. I expect the characters in the next installment to have to sort through some of the moral delemmas described above. Decisions need to be made, and those decisions will orient the characters towards their final paths for this serial.
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The world below isn’t just a place for the dead.
After being forced into the Underworld and losing his grasp on reality, Giels strives to regain his leadership role at home. But fails.
Mysterious messages coax him back to the strange industrial land of the departed by giving him hope of finding purpose in his fraying life.
Will receiving aid from the Underworld denizens be Giels’s greatest gambit or worst mistake?
Galatians 6:9
In Due Season follows a fourteen-year-old boy who escapes a life of abuse by stowing away on a ship bound for the colonies, where he grows deeper in his Christian faith. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I like to “hook” my readers from page one of my stories, and an escape scene does just that. I’ve always been a fan of Charles Dickens, so I wanted to start with an “Oliver” twist by setting the story in a London workhouse. Five chapters later, he ends up in Williamsburg, Virginia, which is my favorite place to visit! I love the colonial era of American history, and with the Revolution taking place during the time of my story, there was a lot of action from which to draw. I also decided on the five major characters, all living in one household: James, the father, a loyalist with a debilitating disease; Bradley, his arrogant patriot son; Rebekah, James’ daughter embittered by her blindness and recent jilting by her fiance; Elizabeth, the newly orphaned housekeeper who is also tasked with the impossible job of helping Rebekah out of her self-pity, and John, the mistreated indentured servant. I had a general plot in mind, but with the characters’ differences and unique situations causing internal and external conflicts, they practically wrote the story themselves!
John endures many hardships and setbacks, but these only strengthen his faith as he moves forward. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development and the development of his faith?
I love the character of John. He has suffered much, but because of a man who cares about his dire situation, he realizes God’s love for him and gives his heart to Christ. That decision, although he’s not perfect and struggles with anger, hurt, and bitterness, allows him to have the inner strength to face more difficulties. He grows in patience, love, and most importantly, the ability and desire to forgive.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Forgiveness is a major theme, not just in this book but in most of my stories. The title, In Due Season, is taken from the Scripture verse, Galatians 6:9 – “Be not weary in well doing, for in due season ye shall reap if ye faint not.” This is the promise Elizabeth clings to when the progress in helping Rebekah seems slow.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
I never intended for this to be more than a standalone book. However, it is now Book 1 in a trilogy. Book 2, Season of Uncertainty, is scheduled to be released on October 1st! It covers 1778-1781. I was amazed when researching for the book how many things relating to the American Revolution happened in and around Williamsburg. It’s made for a very exciting story! The beloved characters from Book 1 are back, and some new characters are introduced. (There’s some sweet romance, too, as in all my books, but, as usual, it takes a back seat to the main plot.)
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Website
The Vacant House
Tamara G. Cooper’s The Vacant House immerses readers in a web of intrigue as it follows mystery writer Sophie O’Brion. Wrongly accused of murdering her neighbor and former teacher’s cat, Sophie soon unearths a trove of hidden secrets that only lead to more questions. When her neighbor goes missing, Sophie’s curiosity propels her into the investigation, even as her former flame, now local policeman Burke, is also on the case. With all evidence pointing to Sophie, the suspense builds: Did she commit the crime? Is her neighbor truly missing? Or is Sophie being set up?
As the first installment in the Sophie O’Brion Mysteries series, Cooper has crafted a riveting debut. The story grips the reader from the start, keeping them on edge and eager for answers alongside the protagonist. Cooper’s exceptional writing, particularly her use of descriptive language, enhances the narrative. For instance, in the opening chapter, she writes, “The fierce warrior rose up inside me, and I tossed the covers, grabbed my robe, slid my tired feet into slippers, and shuffled across my bedroom.” Such vivid imagery not only illustrates everyday activities but also deepens our understanding of Sophie’s character, fostering a strong connection between the reader and the story. Throughout the book, the constant emergence of unsolved mysteries keeps readers hooked and yearning for more. Cooper’s compelling storytelling is further elevated by the fresh perspective of having a mystery writer as the main character. This is a book I highly recommend, and I am eager to see where Cooper takes Sophie O’Brion next.
The Vacant House by Tamara G. Cooper is a well-crafted mystery that hooks readers from the very first page. With its intriguing plot, well-developed characters, and rich descriptive language, this book sets a high standard for the Sophie O’Brion Mysteries series. Cooper’s ability to weave suspense and curiosity ensures that readers are continually engaged, eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth. This debut installment promises an exciting journey ahead for both Sophie and her readers.
Pages: 245 | ASIN : B07SNGSCTK
Consciousness Is All There Is: How Understanding and Experiencing Consciousness Will Transform Your Life
Consciousness Is All There Is delves into the profound and often elusive topic of consciousness, proposing that consciousness is not merely a part of our existence but the very foundation of it. The book intertwines ancient wisdom from traditions like Advaita Vedanta with modern scientific perspectives to present a cohesive theory that consciousness is the fundamental reality. By exploring the depths of consciousness, the author seeks to address essential questions about life, the universe, and our place within it.
The author effectively blends philosophical discussions with scientific explanations, making complex concepts accessible to a broad audience. I found the book compelling, especially in the sections where ancient spiritual teachings are linked with contemporary scientific discoveries. This fusion provides a holistic view of consciousness that is both intellectually stimulating and spiritually enriching.
One of the standout elements of this book is its treatment of the relationship between consciousness and reality. The author convincingly argues that our perception of the world is entirely dependent on the modes and patterns of our consciousness. This idea is elaborated on with examples from quantum mechanics and neurological studies, making it clear how our understanding of reality is shaped by our inner experiences.
The book also ventures into visionary territory, particularly when discussing the potential of consciousness to resolve global challenges like war and environmental degradation. This perspective inspires readers to think about the far-reaching implications of the consciousness paradigm. The author’s bold ideas encourage readers to imagine new possibilities and consider how a deeper understanding of consciousness could lead to innovative solutions for some of the world’s most pressing issues.
Consciousness Is All There Is is a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of consciousness and its implications for our understanding of reality. It is an excellent read for anyone interested in the intersections of science, philosophy, and spirituality. The book’s integration of ancient wisdom with modern science makes it particularly appealing to those seeking a deeper understanding of both the self and the universe.
Pages: 504 | ASIN : B0C2T3R2HG
God is an Atheist
God is an Atheist is a provocative collection of poems that delves into the complexities and contradictions of faith, humanity, and the institutions that govern them. Through a series of candid and often unsettling reflections, White explores the nature of God, the failures of organized religion, and the inherent flaws of human nature. Each poem serves as a critical examination of the relationship between mankind and the divine, challenging readers to rethink their preconceived notions of spirituality and morality.
White’s writing is both raw and eloquent, providing a stark contrast to the often sanitized narratives presented by mainstream religious discourse. For instance, in the opening poems, White dismantles the idea of Christianity as a beacon of hope, suggesting instead that it perpetuates suffering and moral ambiguity.
One of the most striking aspects is the author’s ability to intertwine personal reflection with broader social commentary. His critique of the church’s historical and ongoing complicity in colonialism, greed, and moral hypocrisy is particularly compelling. In a poem reflecting on the Doctrine of Discovery, White condemns the church for subjugating indigenous populations and perverting spiritual values for the sake of power and wealth. This theme resonates throughout the collection, emphasizing the destructive impact of institutionalized religion on both individual and societal levels.
Despite the often heavy subject matter, White’s poems are infused with a sense of dark humor and irony. His depiction of God as a disillusioned janitor or a confused maintenance man hiding from the messes created by humanity offers a satirical yet poignant critique of divine responsibility and human folly.
God is an Atheist is a thought-provoking and challenging read that will appeal to those interested in exploring the intersections of faith, philosophy, and social justice. Benjamin B. White’s unflinching honesty and poetic prowess make this collection a powerful testament to the complexities of belief and the often-overlooked consequences of religious institutions.
Pages: 63 | ASIN : B0D2L1CFKB
LITERARY TITAN 