Blog Archives
Is the Grass Greener?
Having It All follows a devoted mother and Wall Street trader, who tries to hold together a demanding career and a family when one disaster after another hits, leaving her to make a desperate decision. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I started out with the idea to show three women with very different lifestyles, a single woman, a stay-at-home mom and a working mother, and show that each was a viable option. And you see these three characters in the book. But the working mother ended up being the focus. Perhaps because that was what I was most familiar with myself.
Dalia is a relatable character that many modern women will see parts of themselves in. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
There was plenty! This was originally my first attempt at writing a novel. I gave Dalia a security trader position because that was my job and I figured it would save on the research involved with using an alternative. So, I had the long commute, the stressful day and the child and husband to juggle.
I put the manuscript away for years because I couldn’t resolve some issues with the plot, but five published books later, I knew how to fix the problem. I kept the book set in 1997 because that’s when I started writing it, and if the characters had modern technology, the story wouldn’t work, and the trading details wouldn’t be accurate anymore.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Back in the day, they led women to believe they could have a perfect life as a working wife and mother with nothing having to suffer. That it should all be a simple snap of the fingers. But everything in life has its ups and downs. Also, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, so be sure to take time to be grateful for what you have.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m working on the second book in my Findale Fae Mystery series with hopes to have it available by the end of 2026.
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1997––Dalia Roberts had it all––a successful career on Wall Street, a big beautiful house, a loving marriage, and two fantastic kids. But along with those blessings came the work-related stress, the harried days and sleepless nights, the long commutes, and the constant, never-ending juggle of marriage, children, and finances.
Despite being a two-paycheck family, Dalia and Joel Roberts must juggle to make ends meet. Then disaster after disaster hits, leaving their once-perfect home life, along with the professional persona Dalia had worked so hard to perfect, in shambles. Burnt out and unable to think clearly, Dalia makes a desperate decision. Will this ill-thought-out move be the answer or only cause further heartbreak?
Belinda Gordon’s poignant new contemporary fiction unpacks the complex struggles and financial challenges working women with families face when trying to have it all.
Having It All
Having It All follows Dalia Roberts, a devoted mother and sharp Wall Street trader, as she tries to hold together a demanding career, a young family, and the emotional weight of a past that shaped her more than she cares to admit. The book opens with a gripping evacuation during a high-rise fire that sets the tone for the chaos woven through her days. From there, the story settles into the everyday struggle of keeping her daughters healthy, her marriage steady, and her job secure. Along the way, she leans on her sister, her mother, and her own stubborn strength as she learns what having it all really means in a life that is far from picture-perfect.
I felt pulled right into Dalia’s world. The writing has a warm and steady rhythm that fits her character so well, and I liked how the author keeps the stakes grounded in real life instead of forcing big melodramatic twists. The scene where Dalia rushes to help the daycare babies during the fire hit me hard. It showed her instincts, her fear, and her heart all at once, and I found myself rooting for her immediately. I also enjoyed the family scenes, especially the ones with her sister, Melanie. Their kitchen conversations feel lived-in, messy, and familiar, which gave the story a sense of comfort even when the stresses around them grew heavy.
At times, though, I felt frustrated with Dalia in a way that made her feel even more real. She holds herself to impossible standards, and the book doesn’t hide how that pressure wears her down. Watching her panic over Kelly’s sniffles or stress over bills from years past made me ache for her. I appreciated that the author never mocks these moments. Instead, she treats them as honest pieces of a woman trying her hardest. I also liked how the story quietly challenges the shiny magazine version of the “perfect working mom,” and I caught myself laughing when Dalia scoffed at an article claiming women can effortlessly manage it all. Her reaction felt like a wink to every woman who has ever tried to juggle too much at once.
The story’s message is gentle but firm. You don’t “have it all” by matching someone else’s idea of perfection. You have it when you learn to value what’s already in your hands. That conclusion landed beautifully for me, simple and true in a way that lingers after the last page. I’d recommend Having It All to readers who enjoy heartfelt domestic fiction, stories about motherhood, or character-driven novels that explore work, family, and identity in a relatable way. If you like books that sit somewhere between comfort reading and emotional honesty, this one fits right in.
Pages: 216 | ASIN : B09JN2Y6DY
THE CHAMPAGNE CRUSH: A Romance Novel
Caroline O’Connell’s The Champagne Crush is a sparkling romance that blends high-stakes business drama with personal reinvention, set against the lush backdrop of Napa Valley and the glitz of Manhattan. The story follows Catherine Reynolds, a poised yet uncertain PR consultant with a tattered romantic past and high-society roots, who gets swept into the whirlwind launch of a prestige sparkling wine. Thrust into the world of billion-dollar wine deals, boardroom egos, and a brewing corporate showdown, Catherine must navigate her way through professional upheaval—and an unexpected, slow-burn attraction to the company’s enigmatic president, Chris McDermott.
From the get-go, I found myself charmed by O’Connell’s easygoing prose. There’s something magnetic about her style—it doesn’t try too hard, and it never talks down to you. I genuinely enjoyed how she layered Catherine’s vulnerability with determination. The pacing is solid, with just the right balance between dialogue and description. The emotional beats felt authentic, and the banter (especially between Chris and Catherine) often had me grinning. It’s not just romance. It’s about personal grit, professional ambition, and finding steadiness in chaos. I also appreciated the behind-the-scenes peek into the wine world, it added sophistication without veering into snobbery.
I had mixed feelings about the romantic arc. There’s a definite chemistry between the leads, but at times, the push-pull dynamic dragged on a bit. Catherine’s back-and-forth decisions could be frustrating, though believable, given her circumstances. And Chris? He grew on me. What first felt like a stiff CEO trope slowly morphed into a more relatable and grounded man trying to juggle ambition with integrity. The book also isn’t afraid to explore class dynamics, financial stress, and emotional trauma with subtlety, which gave the setting some welcome emotional weight.
The Champagne Crush is an effervescent and satisfying read. Equal parts heart and hustle. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves smart, emotionally resonant romance with a touch of glamor and grit. If you’ve ever daydreamed about walking through vineyards in Louboutins or pitching a startup under chandeliers while nursing a broken heart, this one’s for you. It’s a modern fairy tale with just enough fizz to leave you smiling.
When the Fall is All There Is
Joe Pace’s When the Fall Is All There Is hit me like a punch to the gut. It’s a novel about failure, but not the kind that comes from a lack of effort. It’s the kind that creeps in despite talent, intelligence, and hard work—the kind that haunts a person. Ted Gray was once the pride of Stockbridge, New Hampshire. Quarterback. Valedictorian. Class president. A golden boy destined for greatness. But instead of conquering the world, he ends up right back where he started, a man with a past too big for his present. The novel follows Ted as he wrestles with his own shortcomings, navigating the expectations of a town that once saw him as its shining star.
Pace’s writing is razor-sharp, full of sentences that cut deep. The opening lines set the tone perfectly: “Stockbridge tasted like failure, merciless and bitter.” That bitterness bleeds into every scene as Ted moves through the town that once worshiped him. The details about Stockbridge itself, the war memorial, the rundown train station, the high school that still holds ghosts of his past make the setting feel alive. Pace has a way of making small-town nostalgia feel both comforting and suffocating at the same time.
What makes the novel really hit home is its brutal honesty about success and expectations. Ted isn’t a washed-up loser, but he’s not a winner either; he’s something in between, stuck in a limbo that’s painfully relatable. There’s a scene where he walks past his old high school, seeing his former self in every brick and blade of grass, and it’s heartbreaking. He’s not just mourning lost potential; he’s trying to figure out if he was ever that great to begin with. And then there’s Jill Ward, a woman from his past with a quiet grudge against him. Their interactions crackle with unspoken resentment and regret, adding another layer to Ted’s unraveling identity.
The sports element especially the football flashbacks is handled masterfully. The game commentary interwoven with Ted’s memories of the championship he lost is a gut-wrenching device. The repeated countdown of the final seconds, mirroring his fall from grace, builds a tension that lingers long after the scene ends. But it’s not really about football. It’s about the weight of expectations, about how a single moment can define a person even years later. Pace makes it clear: Stockbridge hasn’t forgotten Ted Gray’s fall, and neither has he.
I’d recommend When the Fall Is All There Is to anyone who’s ever felt the sting of falling short whether in sports, school, or life itself. It’s for people who know what it’s like to return home and feel like a stranger. It’s for readers who appreciate introspective, character-driven stories with a sharp emotional edge. Pace doesn’t offer easy answers, but he does offer a raw, powerful story about finding meaning when everything you thought you’d be is out of reach. This book lingers. It makes you think. And, like all great stories, it hurts in the best way possible.
Pages: 238 | ASIN : B0DQDY2X9J
Dangerous Shadows
Amanda Shittim’s novella, Dangerous Shadows, dives deep into the steamy and suspenseful world of New Orleans, weaving a tale of love, betrayal, and survival. At its heart is Tessa Lane, a private investigator with a knack for getting in over her head. When her simple surveillance job collides with the enigmatic Dominic Steele, Tessa is pulled into a web of deadly secrets and high-stakes danger. The narrative carries readers through the sultry streets of the French Quarter, where every shadow hides a potential threat, and every kiss feels like a gamble.
Shittim’s writing is sharp and evocative, particularly when describing New Orleans. The city itself feels like a character, alive with its juxtaposition of charm and menace. From the flickering gaslights to the tense alleys, the setting pulls you in, making every scene vivid. I found myself lingering over the description in Chapter 1: “The underbelly of the French Quarter smells like stiff bourbon, desperation, and cigarette smoke.” That line encapsulates the atmospheric grit of the story.
The chemistry between Tessa and Dominic is undeniably electric, but it often feels rushed. Their relationship pivots between hostility and passion so quickly it can feel like emotional whiplash. That said, their interactions are some of the story’s highlights. When Dominic warns Tessa, “You’re supposed to trust me,” the tension crackles, showcasing Shittim’s talent for writing compelling, charged dialogue. Yet, I wished for more gradual development of their bond to balance the fiery, impulsive moments.
The burner phone’s role as the catalyst for the chaos is a strong narrative device, but the frequent “safe house escapes” in later chapters started to feel repetitive. Still, Shittim excels in creating high-stakes action. The chase sequence in Chapter 3 had my heart racing, with descriptions so vivid I could almost hear the pounding footsteps and roaring engines. Dominic’s brooding past and Tessa’s headstrong recklessness sometimes felt more trope-driven than authentic.
Dangerous Shadows is an exciting, fast-paced read that fans of romantic thrillers will devour. It’s perfect for those who enjoy stories brimming with tension, danger, and fiery romance, even if they can overlook some melodramatic moments and familiar plot devices. If you love a mix of steamy romance and nail-biting suspense, this book will keep you entertained from start to finish.
Pages: 106 | ASIN : B0DR67BG3F
Seeking Closure: Someday, You Will Understand
Seeking Closure dives deep into the interconnected lives of its diverse cast of characters, blending personal growth, financial intrigue, and societal upheaval. Spanning decades from the 1990s to the pandemic-stricken 2020s, the book intertwines major historical events like 9/11 and the Great Recession with the intimate struggles of love, ambition, and self-discovery. The story’s heart lies in its exploration of universal questions: What defines love? How do we balance personal desires with societal expectations? It’s as much about financial investments as it is about emotional ones.
One thing that struck me immediately was the writing’s layered texture. The author breathes life into characters with rich, nuanced backstories. For instance, Adam, the protagonist, steps into the financial world with all the polished nerves of a freshly minted MBA, yet his journey is anything but linear. His first encounter with the enigmatic Charlie had me grinning and wincing in equal measure, reflecting on how chance meetings often define our paths. The way Adam’s nervousness on his first day mirrors his internal growth later in the book is rewarding. This character progression feels real and heartfelt.
I enjoyed the story but felt the prose occasionally reaches for more than it needs to, with some scenes feeling a bit overexplored. For instance, the meeting between Adam and Charlie in the early chapters, while engaging, sometimes lingers on details that could have been tightened. Even so, these moments also highlight the author’s enthusiasm for crafting vivid and immersive storytelling.
What I loved most, though, was how the book delves into its philosophical undertones. Each character seeks closure, whether through love, career, or family. The chapter on Jane’s sacrifices for her family versus her career ambitions resonated deeply. Her quiet strength is a sharp contrast to Charlie’s brash assertiveness and Adam’s introverted resilience. I found myself rooting for all of them, even when their flaws were painfully evident.
By the time I reached the closing chapters, I felt like I had lived decades alongside these characters. The final moments are bittersweet, leaving you pondering the very meaning of closure. Is it truly an end or just another beginning?
If you enjoy stories that weave personal dilemmas with historical contexts and explore themes of love, identity, and ambition, Seeking Closure is a must-read. It’s perfect for anyone who loves drama with a philosophical twist or wants to lose themselves in a tale that feels both sprawling and deeply personal.
Pages: 345 | ASIN : B0CW1BSJC5
Missing Pieces of Memory
Eyes of the Beholder follows a photography assistant who worries that her past, which she cannot remember, may destroy the future she is building. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have always liked the idea of missing pieces of memory as a plot driver. It’s a bit like a subconscious driver which turns out to be the thing really running the show. I was inspired to use this by spy novels (the Bourne books by Robert Ludlum (not the movies) I have read that have used this plot device.
Juliette uses hypnosis to uncover the hidden memories of her childhood and find out what happened to her all those years ago. What was your inspiration for this profound event in this character’s development?
I needed a way for Juliette to access those memories, and I was inspired by a hypnotist I saw on stage once.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
My research consists of lived experience. I didn’t go outside the box, so to speak, for these books. Much and more comes from my years as a professional advertising and fashion photographer.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
Book 2 – Hands of the Maker
In Book 2 of the Dark Photography Folio, Saxon and Juliette journey to Canada along with cast and crew to shoot for fashion client Daizu. But the stakes are higher than anyone dreamed because Daizu has plans to change the world of fashion. Forever. As the shoot takes on a life of its own, Juliette begins to buckle under the pressure of dealing with her estranged mother, her own mysterious past, and the presence of Persephone, the Daizu client. Because Persephone is the one thing she can’t compete against, the one thing Saxon is helpless before – a stunning girl who is better at Kung-fu than he is. Then they discover that the whole Daizu shoot is just a distraction for a far more insidious agenda. Hands of the Maker takes the reader deeper into Saxon and Juliette’s world as they try to navigate the dark and treacherous waters of lust, betrayal, and a past that won’t stay buried.
Book 3 – Mouth of the Muse
With the greatest shoot of his career in ruins, cut short by a past he had hoped to keep buried, Saxon Payne must race to retrieve the stolen nano-viewfinder if he hopes to save himself and all he holds dear. But he must do this without Juliette, his attraction to the mysterious Persephone now between them. Meanwhile, Juliette discovers who her real father is and, unbeknownst to Saxon, begins her own perilous journey to finally solve the mystery of what happened to her. From supernatural places that border this world to the Carnival at the End of Time that is Burning Man, Saxon and Juliette must both confront the past and the dark forces arrayed against them.
Book 1 was really an extended setup for what happens in Books 2 and 3.
Yes, that is exactly right. More characters start to appear, and Saxon and Juliette each go on their separate quests.
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Wolf Harvest
J.S. Michael’s literary masterpiece, Wolf Harvest, is a mesmerizing and distinctive wildlife-adventure tale that takes place in the outer reaches of Pittsburgh and northern Canada. The story revolves around a pack of canines and their daily routines, which are keenly observed by two inquisitive college students, Amy and Sam. Although they receive guidance and mentorship from their professor, Amy and Sam continue to follow the pack in their quest to comprehend their ways and establish a bond with Coda, a coyote-wolf hybrid and the central character in the novel.
The author expertly portrays Coda’s point of view, offering a fresh and enlightening perspective on the relationship between humans and animals. The author’s depiction of the animal characters is so realistic that readers can’t help but be drawn into their world. The characters, including Coda, are three-dimensional and well-developed, making it easy for readers to become emotionally invested in their lives and struggles. You can sense and sympathize with Coda’s ever-changing urge to engage with humans while also keeping a distance from them. The narrative is brimming with excitement, humor, and tension, captivating readers until the very end. The author’s engaging writing style is ingenious and lucid, and the characters are skillfully crafted, with the main character being an animal, adding a unique touch to the plot.
Wolf Harvest is a riveting read that will appeal to animal enthusiasts and fans of fantasy-fiction novels. The intriguing characters and unforeseen plot twists make it an excellent choice for readers who enjoy a thrilling adventure. I highly recommend this book, and it is a must-read for anyone seeking an unforgettable reading experience.
Pages: 537 | ASIN : B09BG476N8
LITERARY TITAN 