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Live What You Beleive

J. Andrew Rice Author Interview

Seeds of Bliss follows a man living in rural East Texas who relies on faith to get through troubling times that those in his hometown are facing. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

There are many examples of men in my part of Texas who live what they believe. They are not perfect people, but life has deep meaning to them. Each day is permeated with existential experiences. Some of this story is autobiographical. I am writing what I know.

Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?

I think the love of community is a big part of my life, as it is in Scott Mitchum’s life. Memories of East Texas forests, characters, football games and churches are all a part of my past. The trips to Galveston have been numerous in my life, also.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

The theme of living what a person believes, especially the spiritual motivation in mental, emotional and physical decisions, is the most important theme to me.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

I am working on a volume of East Texas short stories and another novel about East Texas. I hope to have at least one of them published this year.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website

Explore Southeast Texas in Seeds of Bliss, where humor, danger, and the faith of hometown hero Scott Mitchum come together in a thrilling Americana tale.

Seeds of Bliss is about the East Texas town of Lyric, its triumphs and its struggles, and the people who are an integral part of it. The novel focuses on a hometown man, Scott Mitchum, and his daily goal to live out his faith in God, how he translates it into practical actions which he inoculates into his relationships and his will to survive and thrive. The story includes other characters who are positively influenced by Scott, and those who wish him harm primarily because they don’t like him. The setting and plot are filled with the environment, the culture, the humor, and the danger of East Texas.

Seeds of Bliss

Seeds of Bliss, by J. Andrew Rice, offers a multi-faceted exploration of life in a rural East Texas community called Lyric. This narrative delves into a spectrum of themes, including rural existence, mortality, interpersonal relationships, and racial dynamics, all while threading a significant focus on Christianity, belief systems, and faith.

The plot is set in motion with the disappearance of a college student named Amy, an event that serves as a catalyst for unfolding the deeper layers of Lyric and its inhabitants. The author artfully navigates the interplay of religion and everyday life, particularly highlighting how faith is a source of strength during challenging times. This is exemplified in the bond between characters Scott and Robert, and through engaging theological dialogues that encompass a variety of perspectives, including end-times theories and the differing worldviews of Christians and atheists.

Rice’s narrative achieves a commendable balance, juxtaposing serious themes with lighter elements. The setting in Texas is not just a backdrop but a vibrant character in itself, offering insights into the state’s culture, the significance of football, and the nuances of rural life. Concurrently, the story does not shy away from addressing complex issues such as racial tensions, particularly in relation to the character Jesse’s professional journey. This book is a rich and substantial read, perfect for those who savor an immersive, character-driven experience. Its detailed descriptive style adds depth, enhancing the novel’s engaging exploration of diverse theological concepts within an imaginative fictional framework.

Seeds of Bliss is a captivating choice for readers who appreciate drama-filled narratives set within a religious context, as it offers an insightful journey into the complexities of faith and community life in a charming small-town Texas setting.

Page: 353 | ASIN : B0BXMZ7SPK

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Longing for You

Arianne Whiteley is a wealthy New Yorker, she has all that life can offer, but the dangerous men of this world are what she wants most. We see this unfold as she visits the state of Montana to visit a friend after they were kidnapped by their evil brother. While there, Arianne meets Lucas Grayson, a member of the notorious Pit Vipers. Lucas starts a tumultuous affair in hopes of using Arianne to his advantage, to the dismay of her bodyguard, Mark. But as their desire grows, so does trouble. Even with all the challenges they face, they won’t let anyone or anything come between them.

Longing for You by author Alessa Kelly has everything a good romance novel should have, suspense, lust, and angst. She hits all the elements without going into too much detail. The steamy scenes between Lucas and Arianne have enough description to get a feel for the moment without being over the top. Readers will find this is more than just a romance novel, there is a strong storyline that the romance is built into, rather than a romance novel with a flat backstory.

Kelly’s writing is entertaining, and there is never a dull moment with the characters she has created. The character development is well done and each of the protagonists is multi-layered and dynamic. There is action and suspense throughout the novel. I wanted to race to the end of the book to see what happens to our characters, but I also didn’t want it to end. I enjoyed Arianne’s character as she is a strong female that knows what she wants.

This fast-paced novel has an action-filled plot that will keep readers engaged from the beginning. The action and the story blend well together, giving the novel a cohesive feel while keeping readers on their toes as characters race from one dramatic moment to the next.

Longing for You is a well-written and exciting contemporary novel. Readers that are attracted to the genre of western literature with action and romance mixed in will find this book a great book to sit back and relax with.

Pages: 315 | ASIN : B09VD6PYR6

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