Blog Archives
Infinity: The Fifth Bride of Pharaoh
Sara of Nubia, a princess and free spirit in her own right, has been promised to Pharaoh Amenemhat, but she is not one to go quietly into her duties as a bride and the mother of future rulers of Egypt. When Sara and her best friend, Sobek, disguise themselves as commoners and venture out, Sara’s journey of the heart begins abruptly with a clumsy moment, a chance encounter, and a kiss born out of tradition. The stage is set for a long and harrowing struggle to be with the one love of her life and to gain back what is, and always was, rightfully hers.
Catalina DuBois’s Infinity: The Fifth Bride of Pharaoh is the tale of Sara and Matthaios, two people destined to be together against all odds and against the destiny laid out for Sara by her family. Sara is a strong, determined, and admirable main character whose tenacity makes her an easy favorite. Matthaios, imprisoned and forced into servitude, fights with every fiber of his being not to cross the line when it comes to his charge, Sara. His ability to control his overpowering feeling for Sara and the restraint he is able to maintain is touching for his love for her is genuine. DuBois constructs some of the most moving love scenes involving Sara and Matthaios. I am not a fan of romance that contains gratuitous scenes, but DuBois has maneuvered around that type of writing to create stunningly beautiful pictures of two lovers whose hearts are truly one.
DuBois has managed to change a lifelong habit of mine. I have never been a fan of the prologue. More times than not, I skim the prologue to get the gist of what is to come. DuBois, however, has written a prologue so gripping, so detailed and vivid, that I can say it hooked me within the first paragraphs. She has drawn Matthaios as a man of tragedy in juxtaposition to the horrifying Pharaoh as she quickly reveals a backstory steeped in lost love and betrayal of the worst kind.
Infinity: The Fifth Bride of Pharaoh gives readers the best of both worlds with regards to genres. DuBois manages to combine romance and history with an added layer of mystery. I appreciate an element of the unknown when reading fiction of any type. Without a doubt, readers are kept guessing as to the identity of Sara’s and Matthaios’s evil shadow, and the ultimate reveal is breathtaking given the buildup of the character to that point.
Another of my favorite characters is Dimp. A faithful and focused doctor, Dimp is ever willing to help Sara and her friends throughout the book. Not one of the characters who gets a lot of attention, Dimp stands out as one of the most loyal and caring in the kingdom.
Romance fans and those who appreciate elements of mystery in their historical fiction will be drawn to the striking cast of characters created by DuBois. Nowhere else will readers, hungry for historical fiction, find a more well-drawn plot brimming with intrigue, adventure, and perfectly-tied together story lines.
Pages: 181 | ASIN: 1973288710
“Is That Your Aunt in the Attic?”: Another Edna and Edith Adventure
![âIs That Your Aunt in the Attic?â: Another Edna and Edith Adventure by [Fletcher, Barbara, Gauthier, Cheryl]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZRVljCc-L._SY346_.jpg)
Is That Your Aunt in the Attic? is a creative fiction novel that focuses on the characters of Edna and Edith, two sisters that are private investigators. The sisters have traveled across the country to get away from the wrath of an escaped convict whose plans to murder were foiled by the sisters. The ladies travel to San Francisco to get away and visit family, but they still find themselves as a target for the mobster’s hitman. What comes out of it is a strange sequence of events that proves how resourceful the sisters are in solving problems and getting answers to their questions.
One of the aspects of this story that I enjoyed was the whimsical situations that Edna and Edith seem to get themselves into. The authors, Barbara Fletcher and Cheryl Gauthier, are mother and daughter, and at the beginning of the novel, they mention that some of the events that take place in the novel are somewhat true and have happened to them in real life. I liked that disclaimer, because as I was reading the novel I could more easily picture some of the silly events that were happening to the sisters actually happening to someone like me and my sister. Some parts of the novel induced a good chuckle as I read them.
The only thing that I thought took away from the novel was the small talk that Edith and Edna made with each other. For instance, they would bring up a memory of a saying from their father or mention something weird or funny that they did a long time ago. In a way, the small talk adds a more realistic value to the novel; however, it seemed out of place and took away from the overall plot and momentum of the story.
Overall, this was a fun book and I would love to read another novel in this series.
Pages: 262 | ASIN: B0794PB8FR
The Cold Trail
![The Cold Trail (The Sean Kruger Series Book 4) by [Fields, J.C.]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51odsFX%2BqNL._SY346_.jpg)
J.C. Fields has brought back our favorite FBI special agent Sean Kruger in The Cold Trail. Without missing a beat, we pick up where we left off: Kruger is retired, teaching at a university and things are moving along for him. However, when an incident that reminds him of an unsolved set of cases from his past pops up, Kruger goes back to where he’s most comfortable: to the FBI. Kruger is truly in his prime as he works to apprehend a malicious murderer who has haunted him all these years. It’s an emotional roller coaster that involves international intrigue and understanding of the human soul. Fields does not disappoint in this installment in the saga that is Sean Kruger’s life.
There’s no denying that Kruger’s retirement from the FBI in the last installment of the series may have left fans wanting more. Whether it was planned or not, Fields has given us more time with Kruger. The chilling case that Kruger couldn’t solve in the nineties has come back in full force as he attempts to settle in at the university. We know Kruger isn’t made for this and he soon returns to the FBI, hot on the trail of the elusive perpetrator of heinous acts. The emotion is raw as Fields uses his skill to describe a very disturbing chain of events that left several college athletes missing. The best part about a book by Fields is that while it is not lacking in action and intrigue, there is also compassion and an excellent unveiling of the human heart and mind.
There are moments when the reader will hold their breath, waiting in anticipation of what will happen next. Fields keeps all of us guessing who the true criminal is while pulling out all the stops along the way. Characters we know and love from earlier installments in the series make their appearance and Fields has clearly crafted a spectacular world. Characters don’t suddenly act contrary to how they were portrayed in earlier books which can be hard to do when you’ve been spanning four full length novels. While it might seem unrealistic to develop four full novels in less than five years, Fields does it and he does it well.
The best part about reading a Fields book, aside from wonderfully crafted characters, is the fact that he makes his genres easy to read for those who may not be familiar with them. Mysteries and thrillers set in a law enforcement atmosphere run the risk of inundating readers with terminology and actions that will be alien to them unless they have worked in that field or have been aggressively reading books in that setting for a long time. Fields knows this and uses just enough vernacular to make it believable while also catering to all types of readers.
Anyone who is looking for an excellent read about the human condition and what we are all capable of needs to pick up a copy of J.C. Fields’ The Cold Trail as soon as possible. Readers will no doubt come to love Sean Kruger and his band of merry agents as they traverse the country in their quest to quell the darkness of the human soul.
Pages: 357 | ASIN: B07DTJN5X2
Jagdlied: A Chamber Novel for Narrator, Musicians, Pantomimists, Dancers & Culinary Artists
The very fabric of her being is coming undone. She has always lived such a sheltered life, she is not ready for the massive shift that is about to take place in her life. The socialite is heiress to a fortune earned through investments and work at a multinational. She is faced with all sorts of questions about life and even touches on the possibility of a world without art. This princess will learn a few things the hard way. She will be bruised and knocked around a few times, but such is life.
The author has skillfully crafted a tale of sour love, questionable characters, jealousy and revenge. The story is told vividly and imaginatively. It is a thrilling literary ride through the protagonist’s experiences as a princess whose castle is falling apart by the brick. On one hand, you feel bad for her but on the other you would rather not bother. This quality leaves the reader so gloriously torn between the characters of the book. Not to mention glued to the pages as the story unfolds.
This story is told in an unusual tone. A tone that is quite indescribable but is quite fitting for the story and characters therein. The grammar is impeccable. The sentences are artfully crafted with relatively simple language. The reader will find themselves quite easily drawn into the story. The unusual tone and a touch of simplicity for the complex plot are welcoming and appealing. They beg the reader to read just one more page. To find out what happens next and then next. The term- page turner- was coined for this book.
The characters are well developed. Each has a quality that the reader will identify with. There is a certain intrinsic quality that just makes the characters quite lovely to dabble with. A certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ so to speak. This quality in the character development is consistent throughout the book, but makes it so hard when the book comes to an end. The trio really did a good job with this.
To the intrigued reader, beware, this book is quite a dirty sex crazed romp. Conservatives better brace themselves, keep a bible handy, and an open mind because you will hate how much you enjoy the erotic quality of this book. Rarely does a book possess so many winning qualities. Humor, drama, erotica, tragedy and much more. All delivered with expert craftsmanship and a generous dose of thrill. The erotica may be a little strong for some but if read with an open and relaxed mind, this is a very enjoyable and entertaining ride.
Numerology is Undeniable and Reliable
Sara Bachmeier Author Interview
Egyptian Numerology is a guide to living by your soul chakra and helping readers use their highest frequencies. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I know that when we are living our true authentic life, we share a sense of purpose and meaning that inspires the world to do the same. I believe we all agreed to a soul contract that is coded in our DNA, Birth Name and Date. We will continue to struggle in life until we find and follow through with what we came here to do. When we raise our frequencies, we are able to connect to Spirit through our intuition, psychic and healing abilities. Ultimately, these three areas are the strongest abilities that all number frequencies take us to but each number has a unique flavor of bringing this forth into the world. My job is to show you how.
What do you think is one common misconception people have about numerology?
That it is used as a means toward fortune telling. In actuality, we have choices and it depends on how we use our frequencies. For the positive or the negative. Numerology is undeniable and reliable in potential but only the individual can decide how they are going to manifest their gifts in this world. Egyptian Numerology won’t tell you what isn’t already coded in your DNA.
You are a certified instructor in Egyptian Numerology and have been charting Egyptian Numerology since 2016. How has your experience helped you write this book?
I know through my charting that these frequencies are true and valid. If a person does not resonate with their frequencies, it is because they are choosing not to for fear of the unknown. It is my goal to help people see how these frequencies are active in their life and how they can be nurtured and used to become their most powerful allies through demonstration channeled in abilities, qualities and potential.
Do you have other books planned on this subject? If so, when will they be available?
I do. I have my second book coming out in the beginning of next year. It is called the “Path of the Wounded Healer; Liberation is for the asking”. It is a sequel to the first book and covers more advanced features in Egyptian Numerology and a more in-depth study of cycles, patterns and of course Master Numbers and our wounded healer numbers.
Author Links: Website | LinkedIn | Amazon
Egyptian Numerology works with a persons highest qualities and potential. Most people are satisfied with the traditional numerology which uses the frequencies of numbers to dissect the good and bad aspects of their character. I refer to this as the mind reading technique because for some reason people like to be told what they already know about themselves and what can be revealed by just looking into the mirror and being completely honest with oneself. The paradigm for numbers has shifted over the past few decades and it is vital that we acknowledge this change and accept the knowledge available to us during these radical times of change. Egyptian Numerology takes your reflection and enhances the view by using your number frequencies and taking it into the fifth dimension to show you what is possible to achieve in this lifetime. The fifth dimension has been described as the plane of love and of living totally from the heart. It will give you the opportunity to discover areas of your life that have the greatest potential and what they are meant to look like in an elevated frequency rating. It is compatible to giving you a new prescription for lenses in order to see yourself clearly. If you are already using your highest frequencies, than this type of charting can be used as a geographical confirmation that you are on the right track or it can be used as a reference point to what is possible to achieve in a perspective not always revealing. It will give you a description of what your life looks like when you are living through your heart chakra.
Beyond the Physical Realm
J. Elizaga Author Interview
Penchant Revealed follows Miles as he discovers his superhuman anomaly after he protects his wife from a paranormal attack. What was the inspiration for the setup to this thrilling novel?
I originally outlined a simple possession/horror story but it did not feel exciting or unique. Plus, I did not want yet another story showcasing an evil subject getting away with things. By chance, I watched a rerun of Ancient Aliens which speculated that alien DNA had been incorporated into human DNA. Suddenly, the idea that if nature finds a way, and alien DNA had been suppressed in human DNA, that it would manifest eventually– that is why there are seers who can see beyond the physical realm, or ghost whisperers who could speak with spirits–came to me, my Eureka moment I suppose.
Miles Penchant is an intriguing character that, I felt, continued to develop as the story progressed. What were some obstacles that you felt were important to the development of his character?
I wanted to introduce a superhero/superhuman who does not rely on any machines or lab-introduced enhancements, who was not aware of his power, and who has a biological weakness. You see his character change as the story unfolds.
This book is filled with some fantastic paranormal and ancient alien sci-fi. What balance did you want to strike between realism and the supernatural?
On the setting, I picked a tropical and sunny location on the planet (near the equator) to show that evil exists everywhere, not just in dark and dreary locations. The characters have regular jobs and the usual differences. On the character of Lucifer, he was initially the standard evil being who possesses people on Earth. But religious texts mention that Lucifer was defeated in a battle and imprisoned for a million years. So how can he possess people on Earth if he’s imprisoned somewhere? In developing his character, I had to answer questions on where he came from and what turned him into the ultimate evil against humans.
Also, I incorporated real science elements in the story. For example, there is a chapter that alludes or pays homage to nuclear fission. 🙂
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am in the midst of finishing a new short story inspired by the story of Joseph Merrick, known as the Elephant Man, hopefully ready by winter. After that, I return to Miles Penchant and the continuation of his story. Now with the knowledge that he has superhuman abilities, what does he do with that power?
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Smashwords
![Penchant Revealed by [Elizaga, J.]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51gWZE0R6UL.jpg)
Miles Penchant keeps a secret from his wife. But even he isn’t sure what his secret is, until he defends his wife from a paranormal attacker and a band of otherworldly beings discover who he really is. This short story reveals the beginning of Miles Penchant’s fate, entwined with ancient aliens and archangels.
The Emotional Devastation
Richard Carroll Author Interview
Burned in Stone continues the story of three archaeologists as they now set out to find the Ark of the Covenant. Where did you want to take this book that was different from The Lost Photographs and what were some things you felt had to stay the same.
The original characters remained the same, and Stephanie was added. I worried about having my story enter the realm of science fiction in the sign from God, but I have learned that many of my readers believe we would have a much better world to live in if it really happened.
I chose Ann Tyler to be the one who died instead of my new character, Stephanie. That was a shock and very sad. I was hoping it would be a story my readers would not quickly forget. I am still not sure I made the best choice. Matt found how deeply he loved her. That may be too much for Stephanie to overcome.
Stephanie’s tragic childhood and her unfortunate upbringing make for fascinating reading. What traits were important for you to develop and explore in her character?
I wanted to bring out the vulnerability of a child and the emotional devastation caused by abuse and lack of love as depicted by Stephanie’s childhood and early years. However, she “pulled herself up by the boot straps” and discovers love is not selfish but is caring about others. She develops a successful career and does not use her childhood trials as a crutch to flounder in pity.
I enjoy how you explore ancient artifacts and ruins to bring new life to old stories. Did you always have an interest in archaeology or is this an idea developed just for your novels?
From an early age, I have been fascinated by bible stories and archaeological finds. After retirement I was able to travel extensively visiting many countries and ruins–Africa, Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Thailand, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, many countries of the Far East to name a few. I try to incorporate the sights, sounds, and smells of those many places into my stories to enhance the importance of exploring the past and its influence on the future.
Do you plan to continue Matt, Ann, and Jim characters in other novels, possibly a series? If so, what will the next book be about?
I plan to continue with most of the same characters. Unfortunately, one of my favorite characters, Ann Tyler, was brutally murdered in Burned in Stone, but Matt, Jim, and Stephanie still need to pursue at least one more biblical artifact.
My wife and I love to travel to places we have not yet seen in the world. I believe we will take a few trips and as we travel I will be putting my pen back to the paper.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Amazon
![Burned in Stone by [Carroll, Richard Ira]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41QwkWAMccL.jpg)
BURNED IN STONE A Novel by Richard Ira Carroll You won’t be able to put down “Burned in Stone”, a page-turning adventure with twists and turns that keeps you guessing at what happens next. You’ll have to stay up an extra hour. You’ll want to see how they get out of this one. Steam was shooting out everywhere from the ancient ore-hauling steam engine. If I give it full throttle now, would it go around the curve too fast and tip over? I had no choice. It was now or never! “Burned in Stone” is a novel of epic proportions, a story the reader will not easily forget. A thoroughly researched and well-written prologue sets the stage for this slam-bang novel. Dr. Mathew Lane, Ann Tyler, and Jim Morgan, the three archaeologists who discovered Noah’s Ark on Mount Ararat, are on another dangerous undertaking as they search for the crown jewel of biblical artifacts, the real Ark of the Covenant! Love, jealousy and heart-wrenching tragedy enter the story when Stephanie, a stunning beauty who possesses an ancient parchment map, agrees to join them in the search. Every area our adventurers search reveals another clue leading to another place or another country. This fast-paced journey takes them from Thailand, to the depths of the Mediterranean Sea, to Jerusalem and finally to Mount Sinai in Egypt. Here they discover something so totally unbelievable. . . something so phenomenal. . . it will have a profound effect on every man, woman, and child on the face of the earth! “Burned in Stone” is the sequel to an equally exciting novel, “The Lost Photographs”, also available at your favorite book store.
LITERARY TITAN 