Blog Archives
Delaware from Railways to Freeways: First State, Second Phase
Delaware from Railways to Freeways by Dave Tabler is a captivating exploration of the state’s history, focusing on the period from 1800 to 1907. It’s the second installment in a three-part series that sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of Delaware’s past. This book is a treasure trove of intriguing facts about the people, places, and ideas that have shaped Delaware. The skillful pairing of these facts with illustrations and fascinating photographs makes it a delightful read for anyone residing in Delaware. History enthusiasts, in particular, will revel in the abundance of unusual facts associated with the state.
Tabler introduces readers to a wealth of information, from the development of railways to the emergence of freeways, unveiling lesser-known facets of Delaware’s history. Notably, he delves into the unique Delaware tradition of Return Day, providing insights into its origins. Additionally, he explores valuable resources found in Delaware, such as the versatile Bald Cypress Tree, which played a pivotal role in various aspects of daily life. One captivating highlight in the book is the development of Duck decoys during the early 19th century and its intriguing connection to steamboats and punt guns in Delaware. Such revelations add depth and intrigue to the state’s historical tapestry. While the book brims with captivating facts, images, and illustrations, I would’ve liked a more explicit connection between these fascinating tidbits and their unique significance within Delaware’s history. Such contextualization could have elevated the book from feeling like a trivia collection to a more engaging historical exploration.
Delaware from Railways to Freeways offers readers a captivating journey through Delaware’s lesser-known history. It is an excellent choice for those who relish reading about unusual facts and harbor a passion for history, even if it occasionally leans toward trivia. This book provides a valuable contribution to understanding Delaware’s rich heritage.
Pages: 110 | ASIN : B0C9NKB828
No One Is All Good or Evil
INFINITY: There be Pirates follows a knight tasked with hunting down a pirate who ends up falling in love with the woman he is supposed to apprehend. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My goal was to create a pirate romance that wasn’t the typical misogynistic nonsense that authors write in this genre. If you’ve never read a pirate romance… you’re not missing much. They’re all the same. I’ll give you a brief breakdown. A naïve, adolescent, virgin girl is kidnapped against her will by a philandering brute who attacked her ship and murdered her friends and family. She warms up to this lunatic for the sake of her survival. The leading man is a violent, unrepentant, criminal with no depth and no motivation other than to get rich and get laid. Then I, the reader, am expected to applaud at the end of this Stockholm Syndrome story when this dumb girl falls in love with her oppressor. My inspiration for writing my pirate romance was how terrible they normally are. I know what you guys are thinking. “Didn’t Sarah abduct Matthew? Isn’t that the same situation?” No, and this is why. Matthew wasn’t some defenseless teenage girl. He was a deadly military operative who was hunting Sarah and her crew. The only way she could survive was to trap him first. Also, Matthew and Sarah have a complicated past. They are not strangers. He didn’t fall in love with his abductor. He remained in love with a woman he was already in love with long before she was a pirate.
This story blends fantasy and historical fiction in an alluring and creative way. What books do you think most influenced your work and the creation of this series?
I love classic books and I get inspiration from them:
Treasure Island
Peter Pan
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Sinbad the Voyager
King Arthur and the Knights of Camelot
Robinhood
Pirate stories are filled with action and adventure on the high seas making for an entertaining and engaging novel. What was your favorite scene in this story to write?
My favorite scene in this adventure book was not adventurous at all. It was the scene where Matthew is taken back to the pirate stronghold on the Isle of Maroons and he enters this whole new world. Pirates are outlaws. As a British knight and a navy captain, it’s his duty to apprehend and execute them. Yet he empathizes with them to some extent. Matthew knows there are circumstances that would cause him to commit the same crimes. I enjoyed this scene because it’s the part of the story where he humanizes his rivals. He realizes that no one is all good, and no one is all evil. People are a complicated mixture of both.
What future plans do you have for Matthew and Sarah, and when can your fans expect the next book?
The next book will be INFINITY: Love & Treasure which is the swashbuckling conclusion to the buccaneer trilogy. Pirate books require a lot of time and research so it probably won’t be released until the fall of 2024. I know that’s a long time from now but I want to make sure I am writing a book that is worthy of my readers. I’m also in the process of making video editions of my books on YouTube. I appreciate all the Infinity fans. Thanks so much for your support. https://youtu.be/6XafzpfUonY
Author Links: Website | YouTube
Includes 30 illustrations.
INFINITY: There be Pirates
Pirate hunter Sir Matthew Galahad is about to embark on a mission to find and stop the reign of terror being perpetrated by the crew of The Wraith. The Wraith is rumored to be manned by ghosts and led by a female captain whose wickedness is head and shoulders above all others. Matthew sees everything he wants lying just out of reach–a marriage to the esteemed Amelia Gray and a position in the King’s court as a duke. Matthew must find it within himself to complete the task and win the battle ahead–and the war raging within.
There Be Pirates is part of Catalina DuBois’s INFINITY series, which follows a pair of ill-fated lovers across continents and through time. This particular installment features Matthew as a young man who sees his future wavering before him as he takes on a pirate ship under the direction of Sarah Nightingale. Theirs is a history like no other.
This is not the first of DuBois’s INFINITY books I have read. I admire the creativity it requires to place Matthew and Sarah into new and challenging circumstances and settings while keeping their relationship’s integrity and relatability. This particular book is my favorite so far. The glimpse into Matthew and Sarah’s life together before their encounter on The Wraith shows Sarah’s strength and resilience in no uncertain terms. She is a stellar character and is one that can span genres. While the fiery romance and tension between Sarah and Matthew is one definite draw of Dubois’s work, Sarah’s unmatched passion and drive are undeniably appealing.
DuBois is tops when it comes to dialogue. It can be challenging to find a book of the romance genre that doesn’t veer primarily toward the vulgar side. However, DuBois knows precisely how to appeal to her readers and keep them interested in the romance between Sarah and Matthew and the ever-present tension of their strained history. Their exchanges are charged with an energy that makes the reader anxious for their next interaction.
There Be Pirates is a masterful blend of romance, adventure, and drama with the perfect amount of humor thrown in. DuBois has done it again with this Matthew and Sarah saga installment. Romance fans looking for a new author providing a fresh take on historical romance will appreciate Catalina DuBois.
Pages: 368 | ASIN : B0CCQPB4QM
Mental Health Mayday
Mental Health Mayday: A Firefighter’s Survival Guide from Recruit through Retirement is a revolutionary work by author Gregg Bagdade that extensively explores the oft-neglected topic of mental health in the arduous field of firefighting. Bagdade, leveraging his profound experiences as a paramedic, firefighter, and trained counselor, illuminates the unseen hardships and psychological tolls endured by these brave professionals.
Bagdade’s personal anecdotes form the core of this literary masterpiece, enabling readers to intimately connect with the author and his peers on a profoundly human level. In a society where we may primarily focus on our health and safety, this book serves as a poignant reminder that the professionals safeguarding our lives are humans, too, subject to the same emotional strains and stressors. Bagdade candidly discusses how the nature of their profession may sometimes leave them at a loss when grappling with emotional adversities.
One particularly affecting account is the tragic loss of one of Bagdade’s friends and colleagues. He poignantly conveys the initial grieving process he and his wife underwent, which gradually evolved into a collective grieving as other couples joined them. They found solace in mutual support, recalling shared memories, and speaking openly about the painful loss. This experience underscored for Bagdade the profound importance of mental health in his professional community, and it catalyzed his journey to becoming a counselor.
Mental Health Mayday sparks an essential dialogue about the significance of mental well-being in professional spheres. This is particularly critical for vocations like firefighting, where individuals regularly encounter the harsh realities of human suffering, loss, and tragedy. The importance of managing these experiences, especially when one’s role is to serve and protect, cannot be overstated. This book, I firmly believe, is a crucial step towards fostering a future of increased awareness and compassion within such challenging fields.
I recommend Mental Health Mayday to anyone aspiring to be a paramedic, doctor, or firefighter or simply seeking a deeply moving narrative. Gregg Bagdade, with this book and his life’s work, has made an immense contribution, perhaps even more than he comprehends. He has equipped his peers with tools to navigate the inherent trials of their professions and has laid the foundation for future generations of firefighters. Bagdade’s unflagging dedication and resilience are indeed commendable. Figures like him, who make a significant difference one step at a time within their communities, are the torchbearers leading us toward a more empathetic world.
Pages: 110 | ISBN-10 : 1957354224
Unique Mythology
The Blood Inheritance Novels Series Two-Book Set: Endow and Resist follows the journey of three friends as they make a dangerous trip through the realms. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have loved to write for as long as I can remember and although I can’t recall what exactly what inspired the Blood Inheritance Quartet, I believe one major influence was a paperback which I received called of Legends of the Fire Spirits: Jinn and Genies from Arabia to Zanzibar by Robert Lebling. Shortly after that, I began developing stories around the fictitious world of Sumir, in which the Blood Inheritance Quartet takes place. Like many legends, I find the mythology pertaining to Jinn and Genies fascinating and when creating the unique mythology for the world of Sumir, the Jinn were the main focus to start with. From there the idea continued to grow and before I knew it, I had planned a series.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
The situations in these books may be fictitious and take place in a fantasy world, but the self-questioning that occurs and the doubt, those are things we face every day. I like to say that the protagonists do the best they can with the information that they are given and have found out, especially as they learn and accept more about themselves and each other.
Regarding these heroines especially, I wanted them to be strong and believable characters that held different behaviors, ideas, and moral beliefs, and I strove to maintain their differences in order to show the distinct ways each young woman thinks.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Some of the themes that I felt were important to explore were: BETRAYAL, LOSS, FEAR, SURVIVAL, COURAGE, HEROISM, DISCOVERY, POWER, MAGIC, ISOLATION, ACCEPTANCE, IDENTITY, and MORAL DILEMMA.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I have a lot of ideas for the world of Sumir, but in regard to the main characters in this series, I would like to explore what would happen if Amanda came face to face with the guardian that she trapped in the space between the realms. The truth is, I am already working on a few short stories that take place in this fictional world. My hope is to include them in my next short story collection.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Experience the epic fantasy in book three Endow: A Blood Inheritance Novel
Picking up where Lost ended, Endow takes Emily, Amanda, and Kiami on a dangerous trip through the realms. Amanda is determined to prove that the stones they were given are the very ones from the ancient myth. To do so she may have to divulge a few of her dark secrets.
The fate of Sumir is sealed forever in book four–Resist: A Blood Inheritance Novel.
With the end at hand, Amanda seeks redemption. But the myths of Sumir are only half-truths, and the layers of deception go deeper than she ever imagined. After an unknown ally tips her off, completing the puzzle, a bargain is struck, and it’s a race against time.
Once the half-bloods are united, the celestial will come at them with everything he has…
Included short Stories:
Bavmorda Part One: The Journey
Bavmorda Part Two: Lessons
Delaware’s Wonderful Cultural Contributions
Delaware Before the Railroads: A Diamond Among the States shares the rich and fascinating history of the little state of Delaware. What made you write a book about this topic? Anything pulled from your life experiences?
Because of Delaware’s diminutive size, a lot of non-Delawareans either have a very limited view of the state or draw a blank altogether. Some think of us first for tax-free shopping. Others for our fabulous beaches. Still, others think of Delaware as the place where corporations incorporate. All of which are true. And all of which are only a sliver of the whole picture. I wanted to tell a fuller story about Delaware. I think of the First State as the mustard seed in the eponymous Biblical parable. Though in the geographic scheme of things we are tiny, from our wee 3 counties have sprung a host of influential people (a president, actors, musicians, scientists, etc), inventions (nylon, ATMs), and influences on Americana (log cabins as we know them originated here, not in the Land of Lincoln). From my own experience: I worked in NYC for a number of years and was always startled by how uninformed New Yorkers often were about Delaware heritage. It was at such odds with what I knew about the place. So this book is an attempt to give the reader an “Oh! I didn’t realize that!” moment about Delaware’s wonderful cultural contributions.
History texts sometimes will overwhelm readers with too many facts, or they are told in a sterile manner. You have managed to create an entertaining and educational book. What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I love that you see in my book both entertainment and educational value. It’s tricky to balance the two audiences. On the one hand, I research my topics deeply, aiming to use primary sources and come up with fresh historic interpretations of those topics. My book’s been accepted into the permanent collections of both the Delaware Public Archives and the Delaware Historical Society. So I’ve succeeded with that demanding group of historians. On the other hand, I don’t want to get bogged down in endless footnotes and citations. I want to offer up a page-turner. Many of my readers are vacationers from other places who come to the beaches in the summer. They want to be entertained on their vacation.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
My 8th-grade geography teacher, Mr. Jarboe. He intuitively knew that history would be a grinding chore to middle school students if it wasn’t presented in a funny, energetic, surprising way. He was one of those storytellers whose eyes lit up the room as he unfolded his tales. Being in his presence was magical. If I can capture a fraction of his essence in my books, I’ll have honored his memory.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
That history is full of surprises!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Overcoming Adversity
Mangrove Sands–The Enchanted Sea World: The Epic Journey follows five children with challenges who are brought together to go on an undersea adventure together. What was the inspiration for your story?
My inspiration for The Epic Journey came to me when I discovered I was going to be a first-time grandma. I wrote this book for my beautiful Australian grandson who has a Swedish heritage.
All the characters in this magical story are engaging and interesting. What was your favorite character to write for and why? Was there a scene you felt captured the character’s essence?
Every new character added to each book is interesting in their own unique way. Saige is a Swedish girl who struggles accepting her leg was amputated. My favourite scene would be when Saige has built her confidence with support from the Enchanted Seaworld and friends and overcomes her fears and declares she no longer needs her magical leg.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
There were several important educational aspects in this book such as environment and overcoming adversity. However, the most important for me was for children to be open to learn and respect other cultures.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I am currently at the tail end of writing my fourth book of the series taking the readers and characters to the origins of the Enchanted Seaworld, a world in a fourth dimension.
Author Links: Facebook | Amazon
A young Swedish girl has recently had her leg amputated. She struggles to accept the loss of her leg and has no interest in making new friends or attempting to walk until she meets her Enchanted Sea World friends and her life is changed forever. She starts doing things she never thought possible. She shows her friends how to make Dala horses, bake Swedish buns, and join in traditional Swedish celebrations.
Mangrove Sands–The Enchanted Sea World: The Epic Journey is full of magical adventures in the Enchanted Sea World including surviving a cyclone, a pandemic, and the realm of horrors. Magical spoons, a magical sea god, a wedding, and a death will keep young minds curious and captivated.
This book is full of fun, adventure, and many magical moments. It aims to provide hope and inspiration to children around the globe and encourages children to embrace, respect, and learn about other cultures and languages. It further encourages children to exercise humility, love, and understanding to all.
Scorn as a Shield
Wings of Death follows an embittered woman who, after being gifted a scarab beetle broach, is inflicted with the curse of the pharaoh and must find a cure. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always loved mythology and ancient legends.
It was in my teens I first read of Howard Carter’s expedition in 1923 to find King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Funded by Lord Carnarvon, many of the artifacts found are on display at the present Earl’s home, which many people will know as the magnificent house used in Downton Abbey.
I was fascinated by the events that followed. Many of the people in the expedition took ill and died after either entering the tombs or handling the artifacts. This caused many people to jump to the conclusion that King Tutankhamun’s tomb was cursed.
However, this wasn’t a new idea. Many ghost stories about a mummy’s curse had been written as far back as the 17th Century.
This was the inspiration for my story.
I enjoyed the depth of the main character, Cassandra Bain. What was your process to bring that character to life?
Cassandra Bain was the most challenging character I’ve written. My idea was for Leigh to give her the scarab to replace her heart, the same as the Ancient Egyptians did when mummifying a body. The story revolved around her heartlessness and her disdain for everyone. She had to be heartless, otherwise, the main theme of the story didn’t work. However, she actually used her scorn as a shield. Her character is complex. Self-assured and disdainful to the world but, in private, crumbling inside. Her miscarriages and her failing marriage had destroyed her more than she was willing to admit.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
This book involved quite a lot of varied research, firstly on Howard Carter’s expedition in 1923 to find King Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Also on various poisons, bacteria, and mold.
Scarab beetles held as much importance in Egyptian religion as the cross is in Christianity. Researching this subject was vital. It was believed the scarab was born spontaneously and so became the representation of the sun. At death, when a body was mummified, the internal organs had to be removed. They were stored separately in jars, as the heart, in particular, had to be weighed by Osiris, the verdict recorded by Thoth on the Day of Judgement. In place of the heart in the mummified body, they placed a scarab.
The scarab Leigh gives Cassandra was supposed to come from the tomb of Imhotep, who was a great doctor and magician and revered as the god of healing. In the 3rd Dynasty, Imhotep was a sage to King Djoser, and a god of healing in his own lifetime. Educated by the Sumerians, he was a man of great medical knowledge and was thought to be a great magician.
Cassandra is a fashion designer, and I enjoyed researching the fashions of the 1950s. I also bring music and other factors such as movies, books, and flowers into my stories.
Wings of Death travels from Melbourne, Australia to London, Paris, Rome, and Cairo. Research had to be done about those cities in the 1950s.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next book to be released on 10th September 2023 is another cosy ghost story. In fact, although the story has two ghosts in it, it isn’t scary. One ghost is a main character. It’s more of a mystery and a second-chance love story. It’s set in Australia, in Queensland, in the outback town of Charters Towers. Its title is The Cook, the Ghost, and Her Sister.
Following this, my first three books in The Thornton Mysteries are being re-released this year, all with new covers. Books four and five will follow early next year.
I have started research for another thriller, following Wings of Death. It will hopefully be ready for release in the latter half of 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon | Linktree
Then Leigh introduces her to Peter Trembath, a professor of Egyptology, who tells her about a pharaoh’s curse. Cassandra wonders if her scarab beetle is cursed, given that it was found in the tomb of Imhotep, a revered doctor and magician, who became known as the god of healing.
Soon afterward, Cassandra reads a headline in a London newspaper announcing the death of an Egyptologist, claiming that the curse of the pharaohs has struck again. From this moment forward, Cassandra is led through a maze of betrayal and murder.
LITERARY TITAN 