Blog Archives
They Tried Their Best
The book follows the inner life of a woman navigating modern loneliness, love, and survival. It begins with quiet domestic scenes that show the strange mix of comfort and despair in everyday routines, then tumbles into awkward dates, toxic men, obsessive scrolling, and a world tilting into chaos. Her dog, Honey, is her anchor, and later, a new puppy joins the mix. As personal heartbreak runs alongside collapsing politics and rising paranoia, she turns toward building a bunker—half symbol of safety, half desperate project. The story blends personal confessions with dark humor, showing both the numbness of screen-soaked nights and the ache of wanting to be loved.
I found the writing raw and often uncomfortable, but that felt intentional. It reads like opening a diary, one full of shame and yearning and sharp observations. The author captures the rhythms of loneliness so well, like the endless scrolling, the forced laughs, the hollow comfort of TV and apps that pretend to connect. At times, I felt impatient with the narrator, but then I realized that was the point. She is flawed, and the honesty of those flaws is what makes her compelling. The style is jagged, almost chaotic, but that messiness mirrors the world she lives in.
Emotionally, the book hit me in waves. Sometimes I laughed at the biting asides, other times I felt a knot in my chest from the self-doubt, the grasping at crumbs of affection. There’s a scene after a disastrous date that made me want to throw the book down in anger at men like that, but then the vulnerability after, the quiet moment of self-love, pulled me back in. The bunker storyline in particular moved me. It’s absurd and practical at the same time, a metaphor for needing safety when the world feels hostile. The writing is simple, sometimes stark, yet it holds these emotional punches that sneak up on you.
I think this book would be powerful for anyone who has felt let down by people and yet still holds onto hope. It’s not for readers who want neat plots or tidy resolutions. It’s messy, alive, and sometimes exhausting, but in a way that feels real. I’d recommend it to those who like character-driven stories, people who aren’t afraid to sit with discomfort, and anyone who has ever curled up with their pet while the world outside seemed to spin out of control.
Pages: 184 | ASIN : B0FC83DT39
Nothing Is Ever Black And White
A Game of Masquerade follows a time-traveling professor who goes back in time to London in 1888, where he ends up working with Scotland Yard to find a serial killer, all while avoiding any alterations to history. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have always had a huge interest in stories involving time travel. There’s something fascinating about someone experiencing history firsthand – being brought face to face with the people who are living it as present day. It’s quite a different scenario than simply picking up a book and reading about the past. Suddenly these people are real and no longer a footnote in history. But stepping into history means there is a risk of altering established events – if you change one thing then what happens to the future you expect to happen?
Another enduring fascination of mine is the mystery surrounding Jack the Ripper. Even if his identity had been discovered, the brutality of his crimes would still engender interest, but the fact that he was never caught, maintains the mystery which invites endless speculation and gives a writer the chance to think outside the box.
What intrigues you about this time period enough to write such a thrilling period piece?
The East End of London in the 19th century is a rich character all its own! The hardships – how people survived such a tenuous existence, the opportunists preying on the vulnerable, the attitudes of the time – there is so much detail that the story takes on a life of its own. Introducing Jack the Ripper into this already volatile setting is like striking a match in a powder keg igniting fear, intolerances and anger in an already-turbulent sphere. It is both a shocking and fascinating study.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I believe that, more often that not, nothing is ever black and white. In the case of my novel, Jack the Ripper has his reasons for killing which can never be condoned, yet these reasons have left damaging psychological scars. But it is his choices, made of his own free will, which creates the monster. It’s an interesting element to explore and makes for great storytelling.
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?
The novel is a stand-alone piece however the protagonist, Professor Orlando Delbrotman’s story, has not finished and I have some ideas as to his fate! I have sketched out some thoughts and will take the Professor to another time in history long before the 19th century. It will take time to write, but it will be time well spent so please stay tuned!
Author Links: GoodReads | TikTok
But what if there is more to this mystery than meets the eye? What if the identity of the murderer is more than
human? A fugitive from another world who joins forces with Scotland Yard is soon to discover that past and future
events have created a monster, which ignites fear and outrage on the streets of the East End.
To stop the murderous rampage in 1888, Professor Orlando Delbrotman must solve one of the most brutal mysteries of the 19th century…without changing history…
Be Kind and Do Good
Amber Luna My Bright Light weaves together the stories of two teenage girls navigating the challenges of middle school, family expectations, and their own self-doubt. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I have three young adult children. As I watched them grow up, I remember feeling so grateful that each of them had genuinely good friends. As they became teenagers, I was impressed by how my children handled some tough situations with those friends—whether it was helping them through a personal problem, forgiving them after a petty fight, or walking away when a friendship became unhealthy.
During those moments, I often wondered: Would my life as a struggling teen have been different if one of them had been my friend? Writing Amber Luna My Bright Light was my way of giving myself that friend.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Friendship—having a good friend or being a good friend—is at the heart of this story. Kindness, helping others, personal growth, and gratitude are all key themes woven into the story as well. When I was writing Amber Luna, I wrote myself a note and read it every time I sat down to write. It said, “Not every act of kindness comes with applause or an award. Often, our best intentions go unnoticed. Be kind and do good anyway. You have the power to change one person’s life, and the ripple effect of your kindness, the light you shine, will multiply in ways you may never see.”
It was just as important for the story to convey that we all have doubts and insecurities. No one has all the answers, but with time and experience, we gain knowledge and the courage to step into who we’re meant to be.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes! I’m currently drafting the sequel to Amber Luna My Bright Light (working title: Mari’s Light Burning Bright). The story follows Mari’s healing journey, showing that tending to our mental health is rarely a straight line. It has ups and downs, and at times it may feel like there’s no destination. But it’s in the process of seeking answers, taking small steps forward, and learning from the people who come into our lives that helps us discover our strength and our light.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website
Amber’s bold, colorful style and quick wit make her stand out—but underneath, she’s a whirlwind of doubts, hiding a secret talent she’s too afraid to share. Mari, quiet and cautious, is carrying far more than just her bags. She’s struggling under the weight of guilt, expectations, and trauma she hasn’t been strong enough to face—yet.
They’re both 13. They’ve both just finished eighth grade. And they’re about to meet at Camp Evergreen, a summer camp in the middle of nowhere. As their unlikely friendship grows, their differences don’t keep them from discovering something they’ve both been missing— the freedom to be themselves.
Told from two perspectives, Amber Luna My Bright Light is a tender and empowering story that reminds us that finding yourself isn’t about changing or conforming but remembering who you’ve always been. Sometimes, it takes borrowing someone else’s light to see your own. And the bravest thing you can do is let it shine.
Life Is Lifey: The A to Z’s on Navigating Life’s Messy Middle
Sarah Shahi’s Life Is Lifey is a raw, funny, and unapologetic blend of memoir and advice that doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. The book weaves through her personal journey of divorce, self-discovery, and career pivots, while also doling out blunt yet compassionate lessons about courage, boundaries, aging, sex, self-love, and learning to actually live your own life rather than the one others expect. It feels less like a self-help manual and more like sitting down with a brutally honest big sister who mixes tequila shots with therapy sessions, making you laugh even as you cry.
Reading this book felt like an unexpected jolt of energy. Shahi’s writing is conversational, raunchy, and full of personality, which is what makes it so compelling. I loved how she knocked down the polished façade of self-help and leaned into the chaos instead. Her stories are sometimes shocking, sometimes tender, and always relatable. The honesty is refreshing. I found myself nodding, laughing, and pausing to underline lines that hit uncomfortably close to home. It doesn’t read like something written from a pedestal, and that made me trust her voice even more.
I enjoyed the boldness, but sometimes I wished the narrative slowed down so that certain insights could breathe. The profanity and sex-heavy sections might turn off some readers, but for me, that unfiltered edge is exactly what gives the book its charm. Shahi’s refusal to sand down her experiences into something polite is what makes it ring true. She is vulnerable without being sappy and hilarious without being flippant, which is a balance that not many writers can pull off.
Life Is Lifey isn’t for people who want a neat list of steps to fix their life. It’s for those who are tired of pretending everything is fine, who want to laugh through their tears, and who need a reminder that the second act of life can be wilder, richer, and more authentic than the first. If you’re someone who craves honesty laced with humor, and you’re not afraid of a little mess, this book will feel like a permission slip to live unapologetically and on your own terms.
Pages: 256 | ASIN : B0DYZZDKHG
The Backyard Detectives: Operation Family Mystery
When I first opened The Backyard Detectives, I thought I was stepping into a lighthearted story about kids solving a simple puzzle. Instead, I found myself pulled into Rose and Jacob’s tender, brave attempt to piece together the truth about their family. It starts with whispers in the night, a word spoken that shakes their world, and from there the children form their detective agency to uncover what their parents won’t say out loud. The story follows them as they gather clues, scribble notes, and stumble into painful truths about divorce, betrayal, and the shaky ground of family change. Beneath it all, it’s about love, resilience, and the way siblings can hold each other up when the world feels like it’s falling apart.
Reading this book stirred a lot in me. I was moved by how raw and honest the writing felt, especially when seen through the eyes of kids who don’t have the words yet for heartbreak but feel it anyway. The mystery framework was clever, but what really struck me was how the author captured the silence that children notice, the small details that adults think slip by but never do. I felt protective of Rose and Jacob, and at times, I caught myself clenching my jaw at the father’s actions. The scenes in the attic, with the hidden box of photos, hit me hard. I could almost feel the air leave the room. The emotions were messy, which made them real.
At the same time, I admired how much heart there was in the writing. Even with the storm of lies and loss, the book never gave up on hope. Rose and Jacob’s loyalty to each other carried everything. I loved how they shifted from being detectives chasing secrets to being, in their own words, the “Heart Team” who protected their mom and each other. That small twist made me tear up. It reminded me of how children often shoulder more than they should, yet they still find a way to turn pain into strength. The dialogue felt authentic, and the pacing kept me hooked. There were moments of laughter too, light scenes tucked into the heaviness, and they mattered just as much as the heartbreak.
The story doesn’t pretend that everything will be okay right away, and I appreciated that. It honors the confusion and grief while still pointing toward healing. I’d recommend this book to parents who want to help their kids navigate big changes, to kids who need to feel seen when their family is breaking apart, and to anyone who has lived through divorce and wants to see that story told with care. It’s not just a children’s book. It’s a reminder that even in brokenness, love can still hold.
Pages: 86 | ASIN : B0FDVKSRRH
Three Faces of Noir Curse Crime Cringe
The book is a deep dive into the shadowy world of film noir, tracing its roots from German Expressionism through Hollywood’s golden age and into overlooked B-movie gems. It weaves together history, criticism, and anecdotes about actors, directors, and the cultural forces that shaped the style. Alongside film reviews of titles like Bluebeard, The Red House, Algiers, and Kubrick’s Killer’s Kiss, the book draws connections between world wars, politics, censorship, and the evolution of the noir sensibility. What comes through most strongly is the author’s conviction that noir is not just a cinematic category but a way of looking at trauma, betrayal, and the darker corners of human nature.
Reading this, I felt a sense of being in a long conversation with a film buff who’s both passionate and sharp-tongued. The writing has a looseness that sometimes wanders, but the enthusiasm makes up for it. I enjoyed the blunt asides and the refusal to bow to accepted “best of” lists. When the author rails against critics who leave out The Red House while praising weaker films, I felt that irritation too. There’s a refreshing lack of pretension here, even while digging into serious topics like war trauma and censorship. The mix of film trivia, political commentary, and personal observation made the history feel alive rather than like a dusty catalogue.
At the same time, the book can feel overwhelming. It piles up names, dates, and filmographies in a way that made me lose the thread now and then. Still, when the pace slows and the author lingers on a single movie or personality, the writing shines. I especially liked the portraits of actors like John Carradine and Edward G. Robinson, where the human stories came through clearly. Those moments made me care not just about the films but about the people who made them, their flaws, and their struggles. I also really appreciated the images and old movie posters sprinkled throughout the book, since they broke up the dense history and gave the whole thing a more vivid, almost scrapbook-like feel.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in film history and wants to explore noir from a less conventional angle. It isn’t a neat academic study, and it isn’t a casual “best of” list either. It’s more like sitting in a dim café with a film lover who talks fast, goes on tangents, and sometimes shocks you with an opinion, but always keeps you interested. If you’re open to that style, this book will reward you with passion, detail, and a personal sense of discovery.
Pages: 346 | ASIN : B0FHZKR1LN
And Then I Heard the Quiet
Set in the charming village of Fort Langley, Alyssa Hall’s mystery novel, And Then I Heard the Quiet, introduces us to Valerie Russo, a young woman grappling with her past while aspiring to coordinate events for the upcoming 2010 Olympics in Canada. In an attempt to find some peace, Valerie takes a temporary gig house-sitting—and dog-sitting—for the affable Carter family. What begins as a serene retreat swiftly turns into a complex adventure, as an unexpected encounter pulls her into a whirlwind far beyond her expectations.
The charm of this novel is anchored in its vividly drawn characters, who, though they echo the familiarity of American sitcom figures, are perfectly suited to the quaint, drama-filled backdrop of Fort Langley. Their distinctive personalities may stretch the bounds of realism, but they leave a memorable impression that enriches the unfolding mystery. Although the plot might initially appear predictable, it expertly incorporates a series of unexpected twists that captivate readers all the way to its sudden and satisfying conclusion.
The portrayal of the protagonist, Valerie, presents a subtle challenge in the narrative. Her tragic past is gently woven into the story from the beginning, with occasional hints throughout that seek to build intrigue. This narrative choice may leave readers eager for more clarity, which could enhance engagement with her character in initial readings. While this stylistic approach subtly teases out her backstory, it’s a technique that may become more noticeable upon re-reading when the element of mystery is familiar.
And Then I Heard the Quiet stands out as an excellent choice for a leisurely vacation read. Its succinct form and engaging twists offer a delightful escape. It’s perfect for anyone eager to delve into a light, captivating mystery. This mystery novel will be a charming pick for readers in search of both relaxation and intrigue.
Pages: 240 | ASIN : B0CYXS9J6D
LITERARY TITAN 