Blog Archives
The Ordinary Adventures of Somerset Soames von Hesse
The book traces the early life of Somerset Soames von Hesse, the youngest son in a missionary family that moves across continents. It follows the family from the United States to Egypt and Lebanon, then later to Colorado and beyond. The story blends personal memory with cultural snapshots. Each chapter unfolds against real historical moments, creating a timeline of growing up inside a strict religious framework while navigating friendships, dangers, family conflicts, school life, and a constant, restless search for belonging. It reads like a memoir wrapped inside a family saga, with Somerset watching the world while trying to figure out his place in it.
I found myself pulled in by the emotional honesty. The writing sometimes feels plainspoken, almost conversational, and that worked for me. It made the moments of fear, frustration, and longing hit harder. I felt a pang when little Wilfred nearly died after drinking kerosene, and the family’s panic filled the pages in a way that made me sit up straight. The author shows these moments without dressing them up. I liked that. At times, the prose wanders, but the wandering feels true to memory. I could almost hear someone telling me the story over a kitchen table. It made the world feel lived-in and messy and real.
Other times, I found myself laughing a little under my breath. Somerset’s charm, even as a tiny kid, is delightful. He’s wide-eyed, always scheming, always trying to impress girls, and it’s just so relatable. The book captures that childlike longing to be noticed, to matter, to be special. I felt protective of him. The chaotic moves, the strict expectations, and the way the adults often seem wrapped up in their own missions, while the kids try to make sense of everything around them. It stirred something in me. I kept thinking about how heavy the world can feel when you’re small and everyone else is busy doing “important things.”
By the end, I felt warm toward the story even when I was frustrated with some of the adults. I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy memoir-style storytelling, especially people interested in missionary life, cross-cultural childhoods, or family histories full of both tenderness and hardship. It’s also a good pick for anyone who likes a slow, reflective read and doesn’t mind scenes that unfold more like memory than plot.
Pages: 462 | ASIN : B0FMSC22T8
The Northern Light Within: Bloom in Winter Shine in Every Season
The Northern Light Within is a warm and steady guide that weaves science, story, ritual, and reflection into a gentle roadmap for moving through the hard seasons of life. It walks through ideas of acceptance, openness, nourishment, breathwork, affirmations, gratitude, and community, all wrapped in metaphors of winter and light. The book’s rhythm feels slow and deliberate. Each chapter reads like a small lantern, lit for anyone navigating inner or outer cold.
As I read, I felt a softness in the writing that was almost disarming. The author’s voice feels close, like a calm friend talking through the dark with you. The honesty and the mix of science and story made the messages stick. I liked how the book never pretends winter is easy. It lets heaviness be heaviness, and that made the hopeful parts feel real. The metaphors sometimes repeated, but oddly enough they didn’t lose their shine. They created a mood. A whole season you could step into.
What really stayed with me was the tone of companionship. I felt moved. I felt like someone was quietly rooting for me to breathe, to shed, to soften. The practices felt doable, which I appreciated. No giant life overhauls. Just tiny moves that feel doable. A candle lit in the evening. A few honest sentences on paper. A small yes where I usually shut the door. Some moments got a bit poetic, yet I still found myself reading slowly and pausing often because the gentleness worked on me.
In the end, I walked away feeling lighter. I’d recommend this book to anyone going through a rough patch or anyone who tends to shut down when life gets heavy. It’s perfect for people who want guidance that feels kind instead of pushy. People who like reflection more than rules. People who want a companion rather than a lecture. If you’re looking for a soft place to land during any kind of winter, this book will meet you there.
Pages: 247 | ASIN: B0G1L6VMDW
The Goldilocks Genome
The Goldilocks Genome blends grief, science, and revenge into a fast, unsettling medical thriller. It opens with Wendy Watanabe von Gelden’s suicide from the Golden Gate Bridge, a scene written with heartbreaking clarity as she weighs her odds, studies the geology around her, and quietly accepts her choice. Her death pulls the story into motion, setting up a chain reaction that exposes how a mismatch between her genetics and her prescribed antidepressant, fluoxetine, may have doomed her from the start.
Wendy’s voice is sad, sharp, and painfully rational, and the writing pulls you into her head without melodrama. The small scientific observations she made, even minutes from death, got to me the most because they felt like the last sparks of the person she was. That restraint in the writing made the moment linger long after I turned the page.
Jonas, her husband, is a totally different emotional experience. He’s arrogant, rigid, and weirdly fragile, and watching him spiral after Wendy’s death was both frustrating and compelling. His disbelief feels delusional, and yet very human. When Anne later explains the “Goldilocks effect,” the shock and fury Jonas feels actually rubbed off on me. The data about CYP2D6 variants and how Wendy couldn’t metabolize Prozac correctly made the tragedy feel maddeningly preventable.
The book really hooked me once Jonas shifts from grieving to calculating. His transformation into a methodical avenger is slow enough that I caught myself almost sympathizing before remembering he’s crossing lines he can’t uncross. His “gift” to Wendy’s psychiatrist, a rare 1811 port that becomes his chosen method of revenge, was one of those scenes where I literally whispered “oh no, don’t open that.” It’s twisted, but in the gripping, can’t-look-away way.
What surprised me most is how entertaining the science is. Pharmacogenomics, enzyme polymorphisms, metabolizer types, none of this should feel dramatic, but it does because the book keeps tying the technical details to emotional stakes. By the end, I was thinking less about the murders and more about how often real-world medicine relies on guesswork.
I’d recommend The Goldilocks Genome to readers who enjoy thrillers grounded in real science, fans of Crichton, medical mysteries, or anything that mixes brains with adrenaline. It’s sharp, tense, and surprisingly moving.
Pages: 306 | ASIN : B0CJBQX6WR
Fiercely ME
Fiercely ME, by Stephanie Rowe, is a poignant, nonfiction narrative that delves deeply into the life of a woman who has faced unimaginable hardships. Neglected by parents battling addiction and haunted by suppressed memories of sexual abuse and domestic violence, Rowe’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Her path to self-actualization, marked by intense therapy and a burgeoning sense of control over her destiny, underscores a powerful message: one’s past does not dictate the future.
The book draws parallels with Sapphire’s Push, offering an unvarnished look at a life riddled with pain, yet it surprises readers with moments of dark humor. Rowe’s playful prose, amidst the recounting of her harrowing experiences, adds a layer of complexity to her story, showcasing her indomitable spirit. As readers navigate through the emotionally charged narrative, they encounter a profound exploration of healing and empowerment. Rowe’s discussions on therapy and personal growth illuminate the transformative power of facing one’s demons with courage and finding the right support.
While Fiercely ME is a challenging read, laden with raw and often unsettling truths, it is also an inspiring account of overcoming adversity. Rowe’s willingness to share her story demands respect and attention, inviting readers to bear witness to her truth. This book is not just a memoir; it’s a resonant declaration of resilience, offering hope and guidance to those who may tread similar paths. Through her unwavering determination and vulnerability, Stephanie Rowe presents a powerful narrative of triumph over trauma.
Pages: 252 | ASIN : B0FHY75LK4
Dancing with Chaos: Embracing the Complexity of Nature
Dancing with Chaos lays out a sweeping tour through the hidden order that sits inside disorder. It begins with the building blocks of complexity and walks through the birth of life, the rise of humans, and the fragile ecosystems that now depend on us. Each chapter ties natural patterns together with stories about cells, galaxies, evolution, and culture. The book pulls all of this into one big picture that shows how chance and necessity constantly shape everything around us.
As I moved through the chapters, I felt pulled in by the author’s sense of wonder. There is a warmth in the way he connects scientific ideas to patterns we see in onions, trees, and even human families. The writing feels steady and thoughtful. Sometimes it slows down to explain a concept with care, and other times it leaps into a new idea with a burst of excitement that feels contagious. I liked that the book never pretends the world is simple. It makes complexity feel alive, almost like a character of its own, and that gave me a sense of respect for how little we usually notice. At times, the explanations run long, but the clarity and the enthusiasm kept me engaged.
I also enjoyed how personal the book felt, even when the subject was huge. The stories about early life and evolution made me pause and think about how fragile everything is. When the author shifted to modern issues like climate change, the tone sharpened and carried a quiet urgency. The way he blends science with human meaning worked for me because it felt honest. The ideas are big, but the writing stays grounded. It speaks plainly and never hides behind heavy language, which made the whole journey feel approachable.
This book is for anyone who loves to step back and look at the world with fresh eyes. It suits readers who enjoy science but prefer it told with heart and curiosity instead of stiff formality. If you like learning how life fits together, and you don’t mind being nudged to think about your place in it, this book will land well.
Pages: 319 | ISBN : 1419613154
Immense Beauty and Terrifying Wilderness
Blood of Yarumaya follows a botany student from Stanford, headed for an internship in the Amazon rainforest, who learns about a rare tree and its resin, which holds the secret to human longevity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the setup of BLOOD OF YARUMAYA is my college-student daughters, and imagining them experiencing this story and wondering how they would respond and adapt to being forced into such a dramatic situation. The protagonist, Isabella Bryn Delgado, is a Gen Z girl from Malibu with a privileged life and a certain naivety about the world, similar to my own daughters. I wanted to explore how Isabella would respond and grow as a result of her experiences.
Was there a reason why you chose this location as the backdrop for your story?
The reason I chose the Amazon rainforest as the setting is simple: Its immense beauty and terrifying wilderness that transform it into its own unique character, and its isolation from civilization. There are so many mysteries associated with the rainforests that it became the logical choice to immerse the reader in. Plus, I am fascinated with the Amazon rainforests and their wildlife and people.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
A theme of survival was critical to the growth of the young protagonist. In the most primal situations, we are all subject to our instinct to survive, and out of this instinct grows knowledge, confidence, and a deeper understanding of who we are. Intertwined with survival is a theme of environmental issues that Izzy has to face and make choices where she stands. Other themes involved finding genuine love and how rare and precious it is once discovered, and how it drives us to do things we didn’t think possible before–pushing us to do the impossible. A theme of power and corruption was intertwined in the story: The exploitation of indigenous tribes, government conspiracies to steal and monetize the greatest scientific discovery in history, and the attacks on the natural resources of our rainforests, and from that a theme of ethics emerges. If you possessed a secret that could save the world and extend life expectancy dramatically, would you share it or keep it hidden away?
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My current project is Book #5 of my Timepiece Series, titled The Timepiece Origin. It is the fifth and final book of the series and a prequel to the story. The book should be available in late Spring 2026. Books One through Four are currently available on Amazon in eBook and paperback.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Isabella Bryn Delgado thought a research trip to the Amazon would breathe life into her failing Master’s degree in botany—and give her one last shot at salvaging her gymnastics scholarship before her injured knee gave out for good. Far from Stanford’s campus and the chaos of Palo Alto, she just wanted a quiet jungle escape. No pressure. No balance beam. And no more awkward run-ins with her soon-to-be ex.
But the man who was supposed to supervise her internship—reclusive microbiologist Dr. Dominic Quinn—is nowhere to be found when she arrives at his remote field lab. Alone in one of the most dangerous ecosystems on Earth with no contact to the outside world, Isabella soon realizes she’s been dropped into more than just a science experiment.
When a mysterious man claiming to be Dr. Quinn finally appears, he brings with him secrets buried deep in the rainforest: an uncharted tribe, a sacred tree called Yarumaya, and a miraculous resin that may hold the secret to human longevity. But the trees are dying—and the tribe’s survival is in danger.
As Isabella and Quinn race to uncover the cause, they find themselves tangled in a web of ancient rituals, vanishing ecosystems, and a connection neither of them expected. But some secrets aren’t meant to be shared. And some discoveries are worth killing for.
Blood of Yarumaya is a pulse-pounding eco-thriller about love, legacy, and the dangerous line between scientific discovery and cultural exploitation.
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers’ Favorite
Kevin D. Miller delivers a captivating environmental thriller in Blood of Yarumaya. Isabella Delgado is two weeks late in arriving for her assignment with Dr. Dominic Quinn in the Amazon. This was her opportunity to write her thesis on botany with firsthand rainforest experience, but now the doctor is missing. She just broke up with her boyfriend and is still dealing with a knee injury that shattered her gymnastic goals. To make things worse, the radio is broken, it’s humid, and the mosquitoes are hungry. When Dr. Quinn finally arrives at the field lab, he doesn’t resemble the forty-something man Isabella expected. Instead, he looks closer to her twenty-six years. What follows is a race to uncover the secrets of the Kawirén people’s longevity and help them survive the impending destruction of the Amazon.
Author Kevin D. Miller proves to be a master storyteller. Vivid descriptions immerse readers deep in the rainforest and awaken all their senses. With strong protagonists leading the story, there’s no doubt about wanting to turn those pages and keep reading. The pace is swift, creating an urgency that drives the plot forward. It ticks all the right boxes for action, adventure, love, and discovery, ensuring any reader will fall in love with the Amazon and making Blood of Yarumaya perfect for fans of nature and science. The dialogue is sharp, and the detailed stages of experimentation won’t leave you confused. Due to some strong language and closed-door sexual scenes, this book is best suited to a mature audience.
The Darker Undercurrents
Dark, Cold Eyes follows two private investigators who are investigating a series of murders linked to a long-forgotten cult in a small upper-crust neighborhood. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My passion for infusing my narratives with real historical facts is unparalleled. These facts breathe life into the story in a way that nothing else can. When readers uncover that the unsettling details are rooted in truth, the story resonates more deeply. Michigan, for instance, has a rich and often overlooked history with both cults and mafia organizations, spanning decades from the past into the present. It’s not the only state with such shadows, but it’s rarely the one people think of first. Even with the Jimmy Hoffa mystery resurfacing in national headlines from time to time, the darker undercurrents of Michigan’s criminal past remain largely unnoticed. Bringing these truths forward doesn’t just enrich the setting; it gives my characters real-world forces to navigate the kind of conflicts any of us might unexpectedly encounter.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
Creating characters with deep human traits is at the heart of my storytelling. I ensure they have fundamental flaws because none of us is perfect, and neither should they be. Life unfolds in awkward, messy, and sometimes unexpected moments, and I want my characters to reflect that. Maybe it is a playful wife choosing the worst possible moment to grab her husband’s tush, or a spouse becoming angry even after the other just saved the day because the situation could have gone terribly wrong. These imperfect reactions feel genuine. Even something as simple as a character tripping while walking across a room can make them feel alive and relatable. Human moments like these anchor a story in truth and draw readers closer.
What was the hardest part about writing a mystery story, where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?
I am not a fan of obvious foreshadowing, but I love weaving subtle hints throughout the story. My readers have probably learned to pay close attention to that first chapter. I often hide key information early on, then bury additional clues deep within the narrative. A few chapters later, they discover that the small detail my characters casually dismissed actually plays a significant role in the mystery. The problem is that you don’t know exactly which detail to pay attention to. That mirrors real life, where we often overlook something vital until it suddenly matters.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
I am not sure yet. No new storylines for Keri and Jade Shaw have come to me. I have always struggled to write books in a strict sequence, which is why I usually work on two series at once. Moving between them helps keep my creativity flowing. What I never want to do is force a story onto my characters. Stepping back for a while, much like taking a real vacation, often gives me the space to let the proper storyline rise to the surface.
Author Links: GoodReads | BlueSky | Facebook | Pinterest | Website
Book 4 in the Shaws Investigation Series
by Kay A. Oliver
Six murders. One small town. And a case that refuses to play by the rules.
When Lieutenant Valencia begs the Shaws to break their cold-case-only rule and dive into an active investigation, Keri and Jade Shaw reluctantly agree. But nothing about this case is ordinary.
Jade unknowingly sets off a chain reaction when he takes an ancient book linked to a long-forgotten cult—unleashing danger that hits far too close to home. Now, their strongest ally, Valencia, has been taken hostage. They have to find her before she’s killed.
The Shaws must race against time to unravel the mystery. Because whoever’s behind the killings isn’t just hiding in the shadows…They’re watching. And they’re ready to strike again.
Some secrets kill to stay hidden.
Intrigued By International Espionage
The Flight Enigma follows a couple seeking peace in Magnolia Bluff, only to be drawn into a national crisis when one of their friends becomes entangled in the disappearance of secret stealth technology. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Response: We are always intrigued by international espionage and the intersection it has with the technology world. We love taking technical facts and real world scenarios then place believable characters (okay, fictional) in harm’s way to see what happens. More times than not, the characters advise us of where the story should go and we get surprises we didn’t expect. We’re storytellers.
What inspired your characters’ interactions and backstories with Mike and Ashley? Are they based on anyone you know in real life?
Response: Just about every character we put into our stories has been a real live person we’ve known. Understand that is where we start but then we stretch, pull, and push the character definition so we can stress them and the situation for the drama and realism we want the readers to enjoy. Also, we change the basics of the character for plausible deniability. 😁
What is the creative process like when working together to create your novels and maintain a cohesive tone and voice? How do you handle conflicting ideas about how the plot should develop?
Response: We use our patent pending technology of “Literary ping-pong” to bat the evolving story and characters back and forth between us until we get the polish of the story just the way we want. This literary ‘scrubbing’ also allows us to make the story sound and read like there is only one voice to the reader. Even our first line editor can’t tell who wrote what if we’ve polished the story correctly. As far as creative story conflict, we have always used ‘Rock-Paper-Scissors’ to arbitrate disagreements when they arise. Know that Breakfield has NEVER won a ‘Rock-Paper-Scissors’ conflict resolution. 🤣
What is next for the residents of Magnolia Bluff?
Response: You should understand that the town of Magnolia Bluff is actually a global magnet for crime and mayhem. The residents will just have to expand the cemetery and cheerfully accept new business for it.
Author Links: GoodReads | X Series | X Author | Facebook Series | Facebook Author | Website | Blog Series | Blog Author | YouTube | Pinterest | Instagram | Email
JJ receives an urgent request from his longtime friend, Mike Hayes, a high-ranking official in the U.S. military, to tackle a critical segment of a clandestine project. The development of next-generation stealth technology progresses, veiled in tight confidentiality and restricted to those holding top-secret clearance. As pressure mounts, Mike finds himself increasingly distracted by tumultuous relationship issues with his wife, Ashley, and a series of unnerving health concerns. What was once a meticulously planned operation is now teetering on the edge of collapse, with looming deadlines and compromised communications.
Calamity strikes when a key team member gets unexpectedly hospitalized. Their condition defies medical explanation. Amidst the chaos, the project’s crown jewel—the clandestine stealth technology—vanishes into thin air. Federal authorities storm onto the scene, demanding answers, while the local police, led by the relentless Chief Tommy Jager, scramble to uncover the truth, blissfully unaware of the project’s gravity. JJ finds himself thrust into the eye of a looming national crisis, driven by a desperate need to vindicate his friend and unravel the mystery before it spirals further out of control.
Meanwhile, Jo embarks on her investigative journey, determined to uncover the secrets Ashley harbors and the dark shadows that threaten their friendship. Emotions whiplash through anger, heartbreak, and poignant revelations as the tangled threads of their stories begin to unravel. The specter of fear, veiled threats, and deep-seated shame loom over Ashley, endangering every relationship she holds dear.
JJ and Jo navigate this perilous landscape of deception and intrigue. They uncover a labyrinth of lies that could forever alter their lives. With each revelation, the stakes escalate, and the air thickens with danger. Can JJ and Jo piece together the fragmented clues in time to rescue their friends and avert a national disaster?
‘The Flight Enigma’ is a gripping tale of suspense and mystery, where the slender line between loyalty and betrayal hangs in the balance, and every heartbeat pulses with the urgency of truth, begging to see the light of day.
LITERARY TITAN 