Blog Archives
Being Afternoon Rebecca
Mike J. Kizman’s Being Afternoon Rebecca follows Rebecca, a young woman navigating faith, friendships, and the awkward-yet-sweet world of online dating. The story kicks off with her first date with Jeff, whom she meets through a Christian dating app. As the novel unfolds, we see her juggling her role in the church, her friendships, especially with her best friend and roommate Maxine, and her position as a bullpen catcher for a local softball team. The book blends romance, faith, and small-town charm while offering glimpses into Rebecca’s struggles, doubts, and moments of personal growth.
One thing that really stood out to me was how effortlessly Kizman captures everyday interactions. The dialogue feels natural, full of warmth, humor, and little quirks that make the characters feel real. Take, for instance, the lunch scene between Rebecca and Maxine at Scott’s Dogs and Diner. Their playful banter about Rebecca’s “weird” way of eating a gyro had me grinning. These small, mundane moments add richness to the story, making it feel like you’re eavesdropping on real conversations rather than reading fictional ones. There were a few moments where the book leans more toward telling rather than showing. At times, emotions are spelled out rather than unfolding naturally through actions.
Another strong aspect of the book is the balance between faith and personal struggles. Rebecca isn’t some flawless heroine. She’s full of self-doubt, second-guessing everything from her feelings about Jeff to her role in the church. One of the best moments is when she reassures a young girl struggling with prayer, telling her that “it’s not about asking for what you want but about establishing a relationship with God”. It’s such a simple but powerful reminder, and it showcases Rebecca’s wisdom and kindness.
Being Afternoon Rebecca is a heartwarming read perfect for anyone who enjoys faith-based fiction with a slice-of-life feel. It’s not overly preachy, nor does it shy away from the messiness of relationships and self-discovery. If you like stories about friendship, small-town charm, and sweet romance with a touch of humor, this book is well worth picking up.
Pages: 194 | ASIN: B0CWSMZYP9
Crazy Has A Name
Crazy Has a Name is a raw, Christian contemporary novel that dives deep into the harrowing journey of Danny, a man haunted by his traumatic past and literal inner demons. From being born into unspeakable circumstances to navigating the voices (or “Others”) that live in his mind, Danny’s story is an emotional rollercoaster. At its heart, this book is about hope, redemption, and the powerful intersection of faith and healing. It’s a blend of brutal realism and miraculous transformations, making it both heavy and uplifting.
Author Nanci Lamborn’s voice is gritty and honest. I appreciated the candidness in Danny’s therapy sessions with Marti, especially when he recounts his childhood in “The Pit” or the horrifying truths about his foster family. One part that shook me was his reflection on being bought for $200 and how casually the adults treated it. That kind of detail sticks with you. I loved the depth of Danny’s character, but I would have loved to have seen some of the secondary characters, like his wife Grace, more fleshed out.
What I found most powerful—and frustrating—were Danny’s interactions with the “Others.” Garrison, Kendra, and the Bossman felt like fully realized characters, almost like spiritual manifestations of his fractured psyche. The scenes where Kendra scolds Danny or Garrison protects him are fascinating. However, I wanted more clarity about what these figures represented. Lamborn dances between psychological and spiritual explanations, which is intriguing.
Lamborn doesn’t shy away from portraying the darker side of life, but she pairs it with intense moments of faith-based healing. When Danny begins to unpack his trauma and face the memories he’s suppressed, you can feel his desperation and yearning for peace. The moment where he confronts his adoptive father’s cruelty while holding onto his belief in Jesus felt both heart-wrenching and hopeful.
This book is not for the faint of heart. It’s for readers who can handle heavy topics like abuse, neglect, and the complexities of mental health, all through the lens of faith. If you’re into Christian contemporary fiction with a raw edge and don’t mind grappling with some tough truths, Crazy Has a Name will grip you from start to finish.
Pages: 246 | ASIN : B0DTC2LS4W
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
Return of the Star Lords: A Dystopian Journey of Survival and Sacrifice
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award February 2025
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
Brotherhood of the Wolf: The Lesser Evil by Wes Al-Dhaher
Stay Curious Journal by Audrey Lawrence
Passion in the Bone by AL Falcon
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
The Mystery from Way Back When
In The Mystery from Way Back When, Carolyn Summer Quinn weaves a compelling narrative that bridges the present and the past with elegance and emotional depth. Benny Finnegan, accompanied by his wife Imogene and daughter Tara, returns to his childhood church in New Jersey for its final Mass. This seemingly routine visit transforms into a poignant journey through time when Benny reunites with Antonia “Baby Face,” a woman he once found as a baby on the church steps alongside his brother. Now a mother herself, Antonia urgently seeks Benny’s help to uncover the identity of her biological mother—a quest made critical by a medical crisis. As Benny reflects on his wartime childhood and the earlier, fruitless search for Antonia’s family, the narrative delicately unfolds layers of memory, revealing how the passage of time brings clarity and resolution to the long-unsolved mystery of her origins.
Quinn balances suspense with warmth, crafting a story that is as engaging as it is uplifting. The intrigue surrounding Antonia’s past, paired with her urgent search for answers, offers just enough suspense to keep readers hooked without veering into melodrama. Simultaneously, the wholesome tone of the book lends a comforting, heartfelt quality that makes the story both accessible and deeply satisfying.
The author’s writing style and pacing are fantastic. The narrative moves seamlessly, blending mild suspense with moments of reflection and revelation. Quinn’s ability to evoke both emotional resonance and curiosity ensures that readers remain fully invested in the characters’ intertwined journeys.
At its heart, this novel is a touching exploration of belonging and identity. Quinn beautifully captures the significance of family bonds and the profound sense of rootedness that comes with understanding one’s history. Through Benny’s and Antonia’s interconnected stories, the book offers a poignant reminder of the enduring importance of connection, whether by blood or choice.
The Mystery from Way Back When is a wholesome, engaging, and thought-provoking read. With its blend of mild suspense and heartfelt moments, it holds universal appeal and is highly recommended for readers of all ages seeking a story that will both captivate and uplift.
Pages: 166 | ASIN : B0DQP1RJ4P
Something Better
Diane Parrish’s Something Better is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and redemption told through the entwined lives of Ruth, Annabeth, and David. The story opens with a tragic accident that irrevocably alters the characters’ paths. As they grapple with grief, guilt, and the search for forgiveness, their narratives weave together in a tale that is both intimate and universal. Parrish’s deft touch reveals the beauty of resilience and the quiet strength of human connection.
What immediately struck me about this book was its vivid sense of place and the intricate details Parrish uses to set each scene. For example, the opening’s snowstorm sets the tone with haunting beauty, drawing me into the foreboding moment that changes everything. It felt cinematic yet intimate like I was right there, bracing against the cold alongside the characters. Throughout the book, the lush descriptions of gardens, cozy kitchens, and bustling towns create a grounding contrast to the emotional storms the characters endure.
I think the characters themselves are where Parrish truly shines. Ruth’s yearning for motherhood and the tension it brings to her marriage are depicted with raw honesty. Her internal dialogue about balancing professional ambition with personal desires resonated with me. Annabeth’s struggles with grief and identity, amplified by the loss of her parents, are equally compelling. Her journey from isolation to finding a fragile but meaningful connection with David unfolds with poignant authenticity. David’s quiet strength and self-doubt round out a trio of flawed yet achingly real individuals. One moment that stood out to me was David’s tender interaction with Annabeth in the overgrown garden. It symbolized hope and renewal in the most understated and beautiful way.
While I enjoyed the story, I felt that some sections, particularly those detailing Ruth’s work dilemmas, repeated certain ideas and slightly shifted focus away from the more emotionally charged storylines. That said, the writing’s sincerity carried me through even the slower parts. Parrish’s prose is simple yet evocative, and her insights into the human condition, particularly the messy, complicated nature of forgiveness, are deep.
What I loved most about Something Better was how it quietly insists that healing is not linear, nor is it solitary. Each character’s growth is supported by the presence of others, be it through Ruth’s church community, Annabeth’s rekindled friendships, or David’s steadfastness. The novel’s emotional honesty brought me to tears more than once, especially during Annabeth’s recollections of her parents and Ruth’s late-night reflections about her struggles with infertility.
I would recommend Something Better to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with a focus on emotional growth and relationships. Fans of Kristin Hannah or Jodi Picoult will find much to love here. It’s a book for those who appreciate the bittersweet beauty of life’s imperfect moments and the resilience of the human spirit.
Pages: 301 | ASIN: B0D9HH7H2R
Afternoon Rebecca
Afternoon Rebecca is a charming, slice-of-life romance about Jeff Linn and Rebecca Firkins, two small-town Christians navigating the world of online dating. It chronicles their awkward but heartfelt journey from their first messages on Church Chat to a tentative first meeting at a restaurant in Centerville. The novel explores themes of vulnerability, faith, and the small moments that build meaningful connections, all set against the backdrop of quaint Indiana towns.
The writing is lighthearted and rooted in the quirks of Midwestern life. Kizman’s prose shines in its humor and detail, particularly in how he captures Jeff’s nervous, rambling internal monologue. For example, the scene where Jeff debates his shoelace while waiting for Rebecca is both endearing and relatable: “Not wanting to trip like a klutz when meeting Rebecca, he stands… drops down to one knee, and begins to retie his laces.” It perfectly sets up their whimsical first interaction, with Rebecca jokingly addressing his kneeling as a marriage proposal. These vivid moments breathe life into the characters and pull you into their world.
The depth given to Jeff and Rebecca’s internal struggles is something I liked, though I did find that the first few chapters focus a bit more on description. Jeff’s preparation for the date, for instance, delves into vivid details like his parrot’s Biblical recitations and his neighbors’ lawn habits. While these moments add color and charm, I felt like they slow the momentum compared to the lively dialogue-driven scenes at the restaurant.
What truly impressed me were the novel’s heartfelt observations about faith and relationships. Rebecca’s backstory, including her reflections on trust after a failed relationship and her connection with her church community, was beautifully handled. These moments, coupled with the light humor sprinkled throughout, make the story resonate deeply.
Afternoon Rebecca is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys wholesome, faith-based romance with a touch of humor. Its small-town charm and lovable characters will appeal to fans of Nicholas Sparks but with a more grounded, quirky vibe. This book is especially perfect for readers looking for a cozy escape that celebrates the joys and challenges of forging authentic human connections.
pages: 143 | ISBN: 196623905X
LITERARY TITAN 