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Love is Possible
Hold Me follows a woman diagnosed with fibromyalgia who has put her life on hold for years and now questions her future after reuniting with a man from her past. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Due to this story being set in the village of Greengrove, where all my books are currently set, I wanted Dawn to meet someone from her past who was better than someone she went to school with. That way they shared a past but not enough that they knew each other too much. I also wanted to show that people with conditions such as fibromyalgia are just as capable of falling in love and being in relationships as long as they have someone who understands them and their condition.
Who is your favorite character to write for and why?
My favourite changes with every book. For this book, I think Debbie was my favourite because she was the sister that you would love to have supportive but annoying, strong but loving and funny.
Is there anything from your own life included in Dawn and Connor’s experiences?
I have Fibromyalgia so when I wrote Dawn’s experience of it I had to use a lot of mine from being diagnosed to falling over and cuddling the concrete to the shower pin pricking me as the water runs down on me. I wanted it to be as realistic as possible but I knew that everyones fibromyalgia can be different so I was mindful of that.
Can fans look forward to a fourth installment in the Greengrove series? Where will it take readers?
Yes there will be a fourth installment of the Greengrove Series it’s called Second Chances and I am writing it now it is Debbie’s (Dawn’s twin sister) story and how she accidentally bumps into the man who broke her heart in London while she was there for a weekend away. Only it turns out that things are not as simple as that.
Author Links: X | Facebook | Website | Book Review
Dawn had lived in Greengrove all her life. Love had never been a priority in her mind. She had plenty of time for that, especially after watching her twin sister Debbie fall in love and have her heart shattered. Why would you put yourself through that?
For the past few years, Dawn has been suffering from ill health. Being given a diagnosis was a double-edged sword. Yes, they now knew what was wrong with her, but now she feels useless. All those things that she had put on hold may now not happen. Falling in love and having children is no longer a possibility. Who would want to stick around with her now?
But a chance meeting with one boy she went to school with proves her wrong. Can she believe he could love her and her broken body?
Hold Me (A Greengrove Novel)
Helen Kelly’s Hold Me: A Greengrove Novel is an intimate and touching exploration of life’s challenges, resilience, and relationships within the small-town setting of Greengrove. Through the intertwined stories of Dawn and Connor, the novel delves into themes of chronic illness, personal rediscovery, and community connection, all underpinned by the comforting yet dynamic rhythms of village life. Dawn’s journey with fibromyalgia and Connor’s commitment to balancing duty and personal growth anchor the story with realism and depth.
What struck me most about Hold Me was its emotional authenticity. Kelly masterfully captures Dawn’s struggles with her chronic illness, painting a vivid picture of her physical pain and emotional turmoil. The spoon theory—used to symbolize limited energy—was woven into the narrative with clarity and care. Dawn’s sister Debbie’s persistence to push her out of her comfort zone, particularly with the choir, was heartwarming.
The writing also shines when exploring the quieter yet equally profound moments of connection between characters. Connor’s warmth and sense of responsibility as he helps Jane and Dawn after choir practice, or when he reflects on his father’s legacy, adds layers to his character. His scenes often left me smiling, especially his banter with James about joining the choir. Kelly’s ability to balance levity with earnestness—as seen in Connor’s conversations—keeps the narrative engaging without feeling heavy-handed.
By the end, I felt uplifted and hopeful, which is a testament to Kelly’s skill in addressing heavy topics with grace. Hold Me is a book for anyone seeking a heartfelt story about perseverance and the power of community. It will particularly resonate with readers navigating their own challenges or those who enjoy character-driven tales set in charming, close-knit communities. Helen Kelly reminds us through Dawn and Connor’s journeys that vulnerability can lead to strength and that the smallest steps forward are often the most meaningful.
Pages: 288 | ISBN : 978-1739607463
Reading Hunger
The Objective Scholar is a collection of poems exploring themes such as love and loss, growth and community, and resilience. What was the inspiration for your collection?
Yes! The poems I write are inspired by real-life experiences, day-to-day activities, and current events. I set this collection up by grouping all poems to ensure I include something for everyone from all walks of life. Reading works from other writers showed me a level of intellect, class, and thought-provoking skills. I wanted to do the same, but in my way, with my spin on it. So many times, I’ve encountered supporters who ask for more. I’ve read some collections that made me want more as well. I ensured I shared enough to satisfy their reading hunger (food for thought).
Can you share a bit about your writing process? Do you have any rituals or routines when writing poetry?
Yes! My writing vice emerges within me at the weirdest times and moments. I can be working at my job, as random thoughts come to mind. The spark can hit me when I’m in the shower, sleeping in the middle of the night, driving in my car (which is the craziest), in a conversation, and reading a book.
Currently, my favorite and most productive writing routine I have is sitting in a Starbucks with a hot cup of Chi Tea Latte. Other times I may find a quiet place in a library, beach, or local park.
How much do real-life events and personal experiences influence your writing?
I would say more than 50% of my writing is heavily influenced in that way. I respond to real-life events most times after learning of the occurrence. For the personal experiences when I’m reflecting back on it. This approach came to me reading other poets and realizing that their voice spoke as they saw it.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I don’t want to spoil the surprise but I am writing several manuscripts all untitled at the moment. I’m piecing them all together one step at a time. However, my goal is to push to have one complete and ready over the next 1, 2, or 3 years.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Written to eloquently deliver sounds, rhythm, and style that honor and bend the rules, the content is a resource for librarians, teachers, and professors to use when working with novice writers. These poems are fueled by the author’s experiences and observations as an Afro-American male within Black America, offering a solid confluence of themes and ideas relevant to the present-day.
Finding Common Ground
Whispers in the Vineyard follows a woman looking to learn more about her heritage and winemaking who falls in love with the son of a rival family. What inspired the setup of your story?
Whispers in the Vineyard draws inspiration from a rich textile of sources, combining elements of classic romantic literature, the time-honored tradition of vineyard cultivation, and the vibrant cultural heritage of Ghana. The central theme of the story—rival families with a complicated history finding common ground through the younger generation is a twist that highlights reconciliation and cooperation instead of tragedy.
The novel also taps into the universal appeal of returning to one’s roots. The protagonist (Loom)’s journey to learn more about her heritage and the art of winemaking serves as a metaphor for exploring one’s identity and reconciling with one’s past. This theme resonates deeply in a global context where many seek to reconnect with and understand their cultural backgrounds. Additionally, the setting in a vineyard is particularly symbolic. Vineyards, which require patience, careful cultivation, and a deep understanding of the land, parallel the process of nurturing relationships and building communities. They are places where nature meets human craft, where each season brings new challenges and opportunities for growth—much like the personal and communal growth experienced by the characters in the novel.
Lastly, the choice to set the story in Ghana—with its rich history, diverse cultures, and beautiful landscapes—provides a backdrop that enriches the narrative with authenticity and a sense of place. It allows the story to delve into specific cultural practices, particularly those surrounding agriculture and communal living, that shape the characters’ lives and the plot’s development.
Overall, the setup of Whispers in the Vineyard was inspired by a desire to weave together themes of love, heritage, and personal growth within the evocative setting of a Ghanaian vineyard, offering readers a story of enduring human connections forged in the face of historical rivalries.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
For characters in a novel like Whispers in the Vineyard, emotions such as longing, redemption, and reconciliation are often inspired by universal human experiences. These emotions are frequently explored in literature and reflect common human conditions—struggling with one’s identity, resolving past conflicts, seeking understanding and common ground, and experiencing the growth that comes from overcoming challenges.
Moreover, the emotions and journeys that characters like Loom and Feika experience can be modeled on real-life stories of heritage discovery, the complexities of family legacies, and the passionate pursuit of personal and professional dreams. The backdrop of a vineyard adds a layer of connection to the land and a tradition that many readers might find evocative and grounding. Thus, while the characters and their emotions are fictional, they are constructed to echo real human feelings and developments, not the author’s personal life, making them accessible and engaging for readers who may see reflections of their own lives and struggles within these stories.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In Whispers in the Vineyard, several themes were pivotal to enrich the narrative and offer depth to the reader’s experience. Here are some of the key themes explored in the book:
1. Heritage and Legacy: The book delves into the significance of understanding and embracing one’s heritage. Loom’s journey into the world of winemaking is not just about learning to manage a vineyard but also about connecting with her ancestral roots and the legacy left by her family. This theme underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage and how it shapes individual identity.
2. Reconciliation and Forgiveness: The theme of overcoming historical rivalries and personal grievances is central to the novel. The story explores how Loom and Feika navigate their initial animosity and the broader family feud to find common ground. Their journey toward reconciliation serves as a metaphor for healing and building new futures on the foundation of forgiven pasts.
3. Community and Unity: The story highlights the strength and resilience of community bonds. As Loom and Feika work together to revitalize the vineyards, they also strive to unite the community of Domeabra. The book celebrates how collective efforts and shared goals can lead to substantial communal growth and harmony.
4. Love and Partnership: Loom and Feika’s romantic love intertwines with their professional partnership, showing how relationships can evolve from rivalry to deep affection and mutual respect. This theme is explored in the context of personal and professional growth, illustrating how love can drive change and achievement.
5. Connection to the Land: The vineyard itself is almost a character in the story, representing a deep connection to the land that sustains the community. This theme explores how the land shapes the lives of the characters and serves as a legacy that ties generations together. It also reflects on the challenges and rewards of working closely with nature.
6. Resilience and Adaptation: The characters’ ability to adapt to changing circumstances and overcome challenges is a recurring theme. The novel showcases how resilience, often nurtured through adversity, is crucial for both personal growth and community survival.
7. The Power of Stories: Throughout the novel, stories play a crucial role in preserving history, teaching lessons, and bringing people together. The theme of storytelling is celebrated as a means of passing on wisdom, maintaining cultural identity, and strengthening bonds within the community.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently writing a romance novel. As I fine-tune the elements of these stories, considering various factors that will shape their final forms, I will soon decide on the final title and when it will reach my readers. I eagerly look forward to sharing this news with my fans. Stay tuned for updates and teasers that I hope will whet your appetite for the romantic journeys ahead!
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Despite their intermittent clashes, Loom and Feika’s mutual passion for winemaking and respect for tradition kindled a romance that blossomed amidst the challenges they faced. The discovery of family diaries unveiled a history of love and conflict. Nevertheless, that discovery laid the groundwork for understanding, healing, and love.
Bravely confronting the past, Loom and Feika collaborated to unite their vineyards. Their journey, marked by innovation, resilience, and community support, transformed their rivalry into a partnership that revitalized the vineyards and became the heartbeat of Domeabra.
They ultimately got married and were blessed with a baby girl, Loombik. The novel culminates in a grand celebration of the vineyard’s success, symbolizing the power of unity and the enduring bonds of love. They experienced the transformative power of forgiveness and the beauty of a shared vision woven into the rich embroidery of Ghanaian culture.
WAKE UP AMERICA!
When you find yourself wondering why society at large seems to be on a self-destructive path with little hope for survival, one of the most refreshing things that you can find is the idea that not all is, in fact, lost. That idea can mean many things to many different types of people. Whether the thought that we can still turn things around gives people hope or goes so far as to create a road-map for future success, any idea or discussion breathing new life into failing systems is a positive addition to our body of knowledge. Charlie Petersen, long-time technology management specialist turned author, seems to be a good source of game-changing ideas, and many of them make a lot of sense.
Wake Up America covers a lot of ground but is centered around the idea that if we, as global citizens, don’t change our ways we are headed for destruction of two types: war and/or depression. The author, Charlie Petersen, argues that in an ever more globalized society we all have a responsibility to choose a brighter path to planetary stability and harmony.
As it would seem pretty clear that most of us aren’t willing to initiate the kinds of changes that are required to avoid a meltdown, Petersen presents his ideas for change as being ones to be taken up by the governments of the world. He maps out a solution to reduce the dependency on oil and gas, while at the same time focusing on the coming water crises. Petersen discusses what would be required for a global paradigm shift and discusses why those holding power currently are not prepared to act, although they are aware that action is needed.
How can the status quo be reimagined? Who or what forces would be responsible for initiating a new approach? The author of Wake Up America goes to great lengths to answer those questions and more in this important work.
Wake up calls usually come in a couple of varieties. Those which are too far-fetched to do anyone any good, and those that deliver logic and science together with a solid dose of reasoning to make sense of it all. Wake Up America, published by Matchstick Literary, is the latter. All in all, Wake Up America contains in depth research and unique approaches to solving the current problems facing our world.
Pages: 344 | ISBN: 1642540447
Ellie’s Redemption – Trailer
The comforting aroma of fresh baked-and-buttered bread. The hearty spice of cinnamon-oatmeal bars and hot coffee. In 1912 Ohio, The Amish Charm Bakery is the sweet sustaining center of a faith-abiding town built on peace, forgiveness—and ever-surprising love . . .
Ellie Graber couldn’t be happier working at Amish Charm—and making good on a precious chance to reunite with her Amish community. Grief over her mother’s death made her rebel and try the Englischer world, but now she’s home to start again. And quiet, thoughtful Joel Wenger is one of the few willing to understand her as their unexpected friendship develops into something much more . . .
But no matter how hard Ellie tries, Joel’s mother resolutely refuses to approve of her—much less accept her as a potential daughter-in-law. And as painful misunderstandings and a beautiful rival for Joel’s affections threaten to separate the couple for good, can they bridge the gap between distrust and faith to secure a lifetime of love?
Amazing Experiences
M. P. Prabhakaran Author Interview
An Indian Goes Around the World – II recounts your travels through Europe and shares the amazing experiences you had along the way. When you first set out on your journey were you expecting to encounter so many interesting people?
No. It was those “amazing experiences,” as you put it, which I had in the early stage, that made decide that I must travel to as many countries as I can before I kick the bucket.
You come from a teaching an journalism background. How has your professional background helped you write this book?
My thirst for learning is attributable to the two professions I straddled. Whatever writing skill I have is attributable to my background in journalism. English is not my mother tongue. So to survive in journalism in the English language, I had to put in extra efforts to learn the finer points in English. I realize that I will have to continue those efforts until my dying day.
You state in the book that traveling has opened your mind. Do you think that everyone should undertake such traveling?
Yes, it opens your mind to many things you were blissfully ignorant of until then. When you travel to a new place and interact with the people there, you learn to your surprise that many of the notions you had about both were false. So traveling is not anly a learning experience, bout also a correcting process, in life.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
It is a collection of some of the political and social commentaries I published on the online monthly I edit. It is expected to be out in about six months. Side by side, I am also working on my third book in the “An Indian Goes Around the World” series.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
![An Indian Goes Around the World â Ii: What I Learned from My Thirty-Day European Odyssey by [Prabhakaran, M.P.]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51aY1g4hq2L.jpg)
This is the second book by M.P. Prabhakaran on his world-trotting experience. The first one, Capitalism Comes to Maos Mausoleum, was published three years ago. This book is devoted exclusively to the 30-day tour he undertook through 10 countries of Europe in the summer of 2009.
If academic qualifications are a measure of ones learning experience, Prabhakaran says in the Preface to the fi rst book, he has a string of them, including a Ph.D. in Political Science from The New School for Social Research, New York. But, he hastens to add, what I learned from this prestigious American institution and, before that, from various academic institutions in India is no match for what I did from my travels around the world.
In describing what he felt at the end of the 2009 European tour, he goes a step further. The more I travel, he says, the more I discover my ignorance. He admits that his description is a
mangled version of poet Shelleys immortal words: The more we study, the more we discover our ignorance. But, he adds, he could not find a better way to express his enlightening experience.
The tour of 10 European countries, he says in the Preface to this book, opened his mind to various aspects of European cultures he had been quite ignorant of. Through the subsequent pages of the book, he shares with readers the knowledge he gained from conversations with people and from events and objects he got exposed to during that tour.
Laugh, Cry, Get Angry and Love Them All
Lea Ann Vandygriff Author Interview
Seasons takes place in a small town that’s struck by a tornado, which sets of a series of terrible events. What was your inspiration for this novel?
I grew up in a small town much like Rhinehart. Many people think small town life is ordinary and simple. Not always the case. Although the book is fiction, some events were actual in nature. Rhinehart is a community riddled with secrets, devastation, gossip, deception and violence. On the other hand, the community is filled with compassion, kindness, joy and forgiveness. The book is designed with colorful and unique characters and events for a reason. My hope is that everyone who reads the book would identify, connect and be inspired by the community of Rhinehart.
You use faith as a guide to help your characters overcome obstacles. What were some themes you felt were important to capture?
One theme that transpires over and over is forgiveness. There is an instance in the book where a victim’s forgiveness is upsetting to the reader. While it is not the most popular outcome, it does cause you to think about how your decisions affect others.
Another theme would be to do what is right and love your neighbor even when they don’t deserve it. The community comes forward to help a family that has caused nothing but trouble and aggravation to the town. This is a theme I would hope the readers would practice among their own neighbors. There is a feeling of incredible accomplishment when you can set aside your differences and do what is right.
There are so many interesting and intriguing characters in this novel. Who was your favorite character to write for?
I had so much fun creating them all. I would say the most fun to write is the interaction between Aunt Ida, the sassy grocery store owner and Sheriff Richards, the pot belly law man. The two are always matching their wit and the Sheriff usually loses. Daniel’s brothers are wild and unpredictable, they keep the community on their toes. Aubree the young teen is the glue that connects the characters. She has a heart of gold and sees the good in everyone.
The characters are all special and the variety of personalities will cause you to laugh, cry, get angry and love them all at the same time.
I felt like this book ended perfectly for a sequel. Are you planning to write a follow up book?
Yes! The second book Seasons Justice is Not for The Weak is a little over half written.
The second book takes you into the High School years for Aubree and her friends. Daniel and his brothers return to Rhinehart and begin their rampage once again. Aunt Ida and Uncle Leo go missing and a search begins. Derek and Dillion take advantage of the fact the Sheriff is busy, to go on a crime spree. Phil their father trying to stop them finds himself on the run for their crimes and a man hunt is underway. The brothers as always go home to roust at their grandmothers. Daniel protecting the Sheriff does the unthinkable. Unable to live with what he has done runs away. Aubree is kidnaped by a local man who is mixed up and has a history of being violent. The community must come together to find her. In the mist of all the tragedy one of wild brothers finds himself for the first time on the right side of the law and helps apprehend a criminal. He turns to Jesus for help in putting his family back together and sets out to look for his father and Daniel to bring them back home.
The rest of the story is in process, even I can’t wait to see how it’s going to end. Lol.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Blog
![Seasons: Once Upon My Innocence by [Vandygriff, Lea Ann]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51AuxlSF6GL.jpg)
In Seasons, we explore the loss of innocence when adversities hit a little southern town. We often ask, where is God in all this? What happens when you have difficult choices to makechoices that will affect everyone around you? How do you find answers to why God allows terrible things to happen to good people? How do you feel about God when his answer to your question is no?
The world around us is harsh, and we long to feel safe and special. Perhaps in Seasons you will be able to find that, by one young girls journey through innocence lost, you can learn to accept, forgive, and find comfort in the strength God has given her in some of the darkest days and endless joy that surrounded her life.
LITERARY TITAN 