Blog Archives
Nurturing the Mystic Within
Nurturing the Mystic Within follows Catherine S. Tuggle’s journey to understand the message that arrived through a vivid dream. The dream delivered five simple words. Those words shook her ideas about God, fear, and love, and eventually inspired her to explore belief, trauma, and spiritual healing. Through autobiography, psychology, and a reinterpretation of the Genesis story, she builds a pathway that helps readers uncover the fears that shape their reality and block their ability to perceive life as Paradise. Much of the book focuses on the unconscious roots of fear, the formation of beliefs, and the personal exercises she developed to help dissolve the veil that hides unconditional love.
Tuggle’s writing blends intimate storytelling with big ideas; she writes plainly and openly. She doesn’t try to sound like a guru. Her willingness to expose painful memories gives the book a raw honesty that made me trust her voice. I found myself wincing at the childhood scenes. The moment Agnes threw the valentines on the floor, or the wrenching knife incident, forced me to stop for a breath. Those stories aren’t there for drama. They serve the purpose she claims for them. They show how beliefs take root long before we know the meaning of the word belief. I felt myself wishing she had lingered a little less on theory and more on lived moments, because her lived moments are where the book shines.
I also found myself moved by her interpretation of Genesis. I appreciated how she questions long-held assumptions without attacking them. The way she ties Adam and Eve’s fear to our own unconscious habits made the old story feel surprisingly fresh. The shifts between memoir, theology, and psychology come a little fast, but the blend mostly worked for me. I liked the sense of searching. I liked watching her move from confusion to clarity. The dream sequence she shares in the preface kept me thinking about the idea that love is all that exists. It sounds simple on the surface, almost too simple, and yet the book spends hundreds of pages showing just how hard it is to believe that in everyday life.
I would recommend Nurturing the Mystic Within to readers who enjoy spiritual memoirs, especially ones that grapple with fear, trauma, and the desire for inner peace. It would also suit people who like gentle psychological insight wrapped in a story rather than textbook-style instruction. Anyone who has ever felt trapped inside old beliefs or puzzled by the tension between the world’s harshness and the idea of a loving presence will find something worth holding onto here.
Pages: 216 | ASIN : B0G2DLBVHQ
Grounded in Reality
The Little Girl’s Mother centers around a family who becomes the target of a powerful criminal syndicate after their daughter witnesses a murder. How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
In my mind, it felt like these events were naturally happening at a fast pace, with the whole story taking place over only a handful of days. The pace was driven by the plot in that way and the parents’ (and Tyra’s former teammate’s) desire to “fix the problem” (so to speak) and to remove their daughter from danger as soon as possible. The very nature of the deeds that they had to undertake from the start to the end of the book meant the action and tension were not really going to let up.
Because this is the first book that I have ever written, and because it just sort of started one day, my whole approach to writing it was very inefficient and largely unstructured. I had the general plot, a few key scenes, and the rough chronology of it in my mind, but I wasn’t sure how it all joined together. I wrote an initial 10,000 to 15,000 words or so, and then I went back and read through it, making refinements and/or completely changing certain parts. Then I continued from where I left off, writing another 5,000 to 10,000 words before repeating that whole process again. I did this several times until I got to the end. Along the way, I noticed there was a drop in the action and tension around halfway through, and I immediately recognised that was the perfect point for me to add in the flashback story that Paul tells about how incredible a soldier Tyra is and why her former team mates are so indebted and in awe of her. It was like fitting that piece of a jigsaw that completes a key part of the total picture, and it felt perfect in every way to me when it was in place.
What was your favorite character to write for and why? Was there a scene you felt captured the character’s essence?
Tyra. Absolutely Tyra. She is formidable! Like her former teammates and her husband, Stephen, I am in total awe of her. If she were real, then she is the person you would want by your side in any eventuality. But my goal was to make her feel plausible and real, not some sort of bulletproof superhero who can smash through walls and defeat any foe. Metaphorically, she definitely can do those things, but I wanted her character grounded in reality. She was/is an incredibly skilled soldier and a ferocious, almost animal-like fighter, but what makes her so lethally effective is her mind and her intellect. It is like a tactical supercomputer that instantly knows what the best action is in any situation, and when that’s coupled with her other skills, she is awesome! I often find myself thinking “I wish I were like her.”
There are many moments in various scenes when I think this is clear to the reader, including in the very first chapter, when we literally see her switch from civilian mode back to Special Forces team leader mode. If there were still any doubt in the reader’s mind as to what Tyra’s essence is, I think it is absolutely clear in the finale, where we see how brutally lethal she can be. I loved discovering this about her in this story.
What was your favourite part (or parts) to write?
I genuinely enjoyed writing it all, especially the chapters for the flashback and the finale. Or perhaps it’s fairer to say that I enjoyed what I created because, to be totally honest, there were times when the writing was hard.
But without a doubt, my absolute favourite parts were the “interactions” (!) between Tyra and Shefi (the man who wants her daughter dead). I don’t want to give anything away about those moments when they come in the story, even now, after having read them countless times, I can still read them and feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. As I was imagining those scenes (especially the finale) and as I was writing them and even when I’ve read them back since, I found myself almost acting them out to feel the power of those moments and, really, the power of Tyra herself!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Up until about a month ago, I would have said that I didn’t have one! I always have a fair few ideas kicking around, but they are often just a few bullet points or sentences and totally disparate. This is the first book I have ever written, and it just sort of happened (over a four-year period!).
However, much like what happened with The Little Girl’s Mother, a few of my recent ideas have started to join up and develop to the point where I’m now intrigued and excited to experience this new story myself, so I am 99% certain that I will start writing again in 2026. It won’t be in the same story universe as The Little Girl’s Mother and will be set around the early 1980s, but it will be another Action Thriller with formidable characters and an exciting storyline. As for how long before it’ll be finished, I’m sorry to say that I don’t honestly know (full-time job and full-time family commitments eat up so much free time), but I believe that, from what I’ve learned from writing The Little Girl’s Mother, it will not take me four years to finish!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
A young girl witnesses a gangland murder and barely escapes with her life. The criminal responsible wants her dead at all costs but, when the police seem unable to guarantee their daughter’s safety, the father and the mother, along with the members of the special forces team that she once led, must take matters into their own hands.
There is nothing more fearsome in nature than a mother protecting its young.
This is an Action -Thriller that truly delivers plenty of action and plenty of thrills! You will not be disappointed!
The Secret of Spirit Lake
In The Secret of Spirit Lake, a young adult mystery with a gentle paranormal twist, we follow fourteen-year-old Amy, yanked away from her old life and dropped into a big yellow Victorian on a quiet Virginia lake. She ends up in the tower bedroom, where strange things start happening that point to a girl named Sally who used to live there. The story moves back and forth between Amy’s present-day summer of swim practices, new friends, and family tension, and the late 1930s life of a farm girl named Penny whose path slowly, uneasily, begins to overlap with the lake and the house Amy now calls home. The mystery sits in the space between those timelines, asking what really happened at Spirit Lake and what it means for the people still living there.
I really liked how the book uses that alternating structure. At first I was more invested in Amy, mostly because her voice feels so familiar: grumpy about her parents, irritated by younger siblings, convinced no one understands her, then slowly softening as she gets pulled into swim team life and real friendship. But Penny’s chapters crept up on me. Her world is harder and narrower, full of chores and exhaustion, and then that terrible fire that takes her parents hits with real emotional weight. The mystery works because those two stories start to rhyme. Amy is lonely and displaced; Penny is lonely and trapped. Sally is caught between them as a literal ghost, but also as this symbol of what happens when adults fail kids. The writing itself is clean and straightforward, the kind of YA prose that trusts younger readers to keep up while still feeling approachable. Short chapters keep things moving, and the ghost scenes are eerie without ever turning into nightmare fuel. There is a soft, almost cozy feel to a lot of the pages, even when the subject matter is dark.
What stood out to me most was the way the author chose to center safety and care instead of just creepiness. The ghost is sad more than scary, and the book keeps circling back to the question of who looks out for children when their parents can’t or won’t. You see it in Penny’s encounters with the state worker at the hospital, who is doing her best inside a rigid system, and in how Lucy and Henry neglect and emotionally abuse Hal and Millie behind the façade of a beautiful lake house. You see it again in Amy’s realization that her “annoying” little siblings are actually kind of adorable when she lets herself pay attention, and that her parents, while imperfect, are trying very hard to give their family a better life. As a YA mystery, the book leans more emotional than plot-twist-heavy, and sometimes the coincidences that help the girls solve the decades-old case feel a little convenient, but the emotional payoffs mostly earned my trust. I cared more about Millie hugging her long-lost brother on a sunny balcony than about every logistical detail lining up perfectly.
By the end, I felt like I’d spent a summer at the lake myself, watching Amy grow into her own skin, cheering through swim meets, and then sitting up way too late trying to fit together scraps of diaries and old letters with her and her friends. The paranormal element stays light, but the feelings underneath are not. The Secret of Spirit Lake is the kind of YA mystery I’d hand to a thoughtful middle schooler or young teen who likes ghost stories that are more about healing than horror, or to adults who enjoy warm, character-driven young adult fiction with a bit of intrigue. It would fit well in school and library book clubs, especially with readers who are ready to talk about grief, neglect, and found family in a safe way.
Pages: 335 | ASIN : B0FLM38VSC
Fang, Bang and the Midnight Mouse: The Christmas Call
The Christmas Call, the latest installment in J-J Murray’s Fang, Bang, and the Midnight Mouse series, is tailor-made for cozy holiday read-alouds shared with family. Illustrated by Katie Tayler, the story opens on a snug Christmas Eve with the Jollie family, where cat detectives Fang and Bang are reveling in their favorite season. The warmth doesn’t last long. Trouble strikes at the Hill Inn when a prized wheel of Stilton cheese disappears without a trace. Summoned to investigate, the two feline sleuths follow a tantalising trail of crumbs far from home, all the way to Cambridge, where they come face to face with Midnight Mouse and her mischievous crew. What follows is a brisk, festive mystery packed with sharp twists, seasonal mayhem, and more than a few cat-astrophes.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is how naturally it weaves together humor, intrigue, and genuine warmth. The pace is swift and confident, keeping young readers absorbed as Fang and Bang pursue clues through snowy streets, bustling museums, and even a Christmas carol service. The language remains light and approachable, sprinkled generously with cat puns that will prompt giggles from children and knowing smiles from adults. At times, the narrator speaks directly to the reader, posing questions and inviting them to think alongside the detectives, which adds a playful, interactive dimension to the story.
Katie Tayler’s illustrations brim with energy and charm. Every page feels alive with movement and warmth, allowing Fang and Bang’s distinct personalities to shine. The festive settings are richly imagined, and the artwork supports the text beautifully, guiding young readers through the action while deepening the cozy Christmas atmosphere.
Beneath the mystery lies a thoughtful message about generosity and empathy, particularly fitting for the holiday season. Midnight Mouse is not portrayed as a simple villain. Her motivations are handled with surprising tenderness, offering children a nuanced understanding that mistakes do not define a character’s worth. A brief section at the end exploring the history of Stilton cheese adds an unexpected educational touch, enhancing the story without interrupting its momentum.
Overall, this is a delightful choice for families seeking a festive tale that balances entertainment with heart. The Christmas Call is witty, inventive, and warmly inclusive, an excellent pick for young readers who enjoy mysteries, animal heroes, and Christmas adventures wrapped in charm.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0FXNP9YC4
True Meaning of Home
Have a Good Trip, Lucky! follows a sweet little dog from Conakry, Guinea, who gets adopted by a U.S. diplomat and then has to travel across the world when his owner gets transferred to Washington, DC. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The Dog Diplomat Adventure series is actually inspired by my real-life rescue dog, Lucky! This book, Have a Good Trip, Lucky! – is the second book in the series.
Lucky found me when I was posted to the U.S. Embassy in Conakry, Guinea, in West Africa. After becoming part of both my family and the U.S. Embassy community family, Lucky was surrounded by love and friendship. However, as those in the foreign service and military service know, new assignments often lead to new destinations. Lucky’s Diplomat Mom receives new work orders, and she is being transferred back to a job in the United States. Lucky is about to embark on his overseas move or trip!
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
There are three themes in the book that I hope children and families take away after reading it.
INNER COURAGE – Lucky must find his inner courage in order to embark on his first overseas move and trip. Life inevitably presents challenges, and both children and adults need to summon their inner strength when confronted with difficulties.
LOVE – This story depicts a temporary separation between Lucky and his Mom. She arranges for Lucky to stay with her sister’s family until they can be reunited. This mirrors real-life situations where parents might leave their children for school, camp, or other commitments. Lucky learns that even in her absence, his Mom continues to care for him through trusted family members and friends.
TRUE MEANING OF HOME – Lucky discovers that HOME is not a building or place but is comprised of family and friends. And as long as you have your loved ones with you, you are at HOME, no matter where in the world you may land.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Actually, the ending of the book was the most enjoyable to write. When Lucky arrives in New York and meets my sisters and their families! I had the opportunity to honor my family in this story. Without their love and support, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish my job.
This book is a tribute to all family members who stand by their loved ones serving in the foreign service and military.
Will this book be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
Yes – this book is the second installment in the Dog Diplomat Adventure series!
The first book – Lucky Puppy Finds Two Families – narrates Lucky’s journey from being a homeless puppy on the streets of West Africa to finding not just one, but two loving families. Inspired by my real-life rescue dog Lucky, this series chronicles his adventures.
In Have a Good Trip, Lucky! – the second book, I share how Lucky became an integral part of both my family and the U.S. Embassy community, surrounded by love and friendship. However, as is common in foreign and military service, new orders often lead to new destinations. Lucky’s Diplomat Mom receives orders to transfer back to the United States, leading to Lucky’s exciting overseas adventure!
Have a Good Trip, Lucky! – follows Lucky’s first big trip and explores courage, change, and the comfort of finding the true meaning of “home.”
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram | Amazon
Lucky is a Dog Diplomat with a nose for excitement and a big heart! His life in West Africa is full of sunshine and friends-but everything changes when his Diplomat Mom moves across the world. Now, Lucky has to take a huge trip all by himself, from West Africa all the way to the United States! Facing travel surprises, delays in Paris, and wondering who will be waiting on the other side, is Lucky brave enough to conquer these challenges?
Join Lucky as he discovers his inner courage and the true meaning of home! Perfect for any child who’s ever moved, missed someone far away, or simply loves dogs and adventures. This fun-filled journey proves that a brave heart can find fun, friendship, and a place to call home-no matter where in the world your paws may land!
Steamy Distraction
Sydney and Heather are both interesting characters trying to move past their last bad relationships. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
The Unwritten Rule’s two main characters were both a pleasure to write about. I loved discovering their slow-burn relationship and the sizzling chemistry that ignited amidst global travel, high-stakes sports events, and Formula One’s glamour.
Heather’s experience as a writer definitely made her an easier character to write. I connected with her motivation of wanting a career that her entourage could understand, but she was also keen to write about people falling in love. I wanted her to be a heroine readers could identify with, a character who, like newcomers to the Formula One romance genre, was also unfamiliar with the world of motorsport. But as I wrote more about Heather, she became much more than that—she had her own dreams and insecurities, which made her so endearing.
Sydney was more challenging because he’s more guarded—the sting of his past relationship still raw. But throughout the writing process, he revealed himself to be also sweet and considerate towards Heather and others. Everything a reader would expect and more from a modern and sexy Highlander. I loved seeing him open up to Heather during their interview questions for his biography. Writing about him falling in love again was satisfying after months of having to pull answers from Sydney—much like Heather did during the course of the story!
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
There were many scenes I had fun writing for The Unwritten Rule, from the meet-cute in the Canadian Rockies to the action on track across the racing season, so it’s hard to find just one! Especially since I wrote it with dual points of view, as I wanted to create an immersive reading experience. I enjoyed writing about Heather’s first meeting with Sydney, and how it parallels the romance book she’s writing in the story. For fans of romantic comedy, I think they’ll laugh as hard as I did when I was writing it!
I also had fun integrating motorsport elements into the storyline and getting the reader to feel like they are in the car with Sydney. To do so, I rewatched old footage of past Australian and Canadian Grands Prix—among many others—which helped me realistically assess his championship ambitions, along with the difficulties he encountered on track. As an F1 fan, adding those small details from the driver’s point of view is key to writing my Formula One romance novels.
It might not be a scene, but compiling the glossary to help new readers understand all the motorsport terms and Scottish slang peppered throughout the story was a fun exercise. Since my contemporary romance novel is set in a more niche subgenre, I don’t expect all the readers of The Unwritten Rule to be Formula One fans just yet, but maybe by the end of the book, they will be!
When will Book Two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
The Rival Hearts, the second book in The Racing Line series, is scheduled for publication in Spring 2026. It follows the story of Ethan and Maggie, two side characters from The Unwritten Rule, as they go from being rivals to lovers.
Here’s book two in a few sentences: She’s the first female F1 title contender. He’s the steamy distraction on track. The race weekend plan didn’t include waking up married to the rival rookie driver. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, right?
Readers can expect to see familiar faces, discover new racetracks, as well as plenty of banter and spice. As with all the interconnected stand-alone books in The Racing Line series, they are filled with international travel, irresistible chemistry, and a swoon-worthy hero in a race suit.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Sydney
To match his legendary father’s record on the track, Sydney McKinnly needs a third world championship win. But after a dreadful year in and out of the cockpit, the only way he’s keeping his driver’s seat is by agreeing to have his bloody biography written.
It wasn’t supposed to challenge his decision of not getting distracted by love this season. Harder said than done when the biographer is none other than his Rockies holiday fling. And the sparks are still flying high.
Can he keep to their no-strings-attached deal? Or is their chemistry putting everything he’s been working for this season at risk?
Heather
Heather Everett-Fortier is a successful biographer, yet each new book brings her further away from her dream of writing romance novels.
After a bad breakup, travelling the world with the St-Pierre Racing team provides Heather with unparalleled opportunities for gathering romance story-setting inspiration. But it also brings Heather closer to her one-night stand. As strangers, they weren’t supposed to see each other again, let alone work together! And yet, when they meet again, they can’t pull away. Writing Sydney’s biography brings Heather closer to her dreams, but will their steamy attraction steer her off track?
Can Heather and Sydney keep their passion in check long enough for them to finish this biography?
The Unwritten Rule is book #1 in the Racing Line Series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but they are interconnected. This is a high-octane contemporary sports romance filled with open-door spice, swoon-worthy moments, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
LITERARY TITAN 