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My Home Country
The Dream Lives On follows a man fleeing with his children and mother from Ukraine to the US to seek refuge, who falls in love with a successful woman searching for meaning in her life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When the war began in Ukraine, it came as a tremendous shock for me. I moved to the United States from Ukraine back in 2005, but I still feel a very strong connection to my home country. I used to visit Ukraine every year. Many of my friends and relatives still live in Kyiv and I am in touch with them regularly. I was completely devastated and extremely worried about everyone when the war started. Unfortunately, the situation has not improved since the war began. Ukrainian residents still suffer from missile and drone attacks daily-just last night there was a deadly air attack that injured and killed people, as well as damaged some buildings. This is a nightmare with which we are forced to live since 2022.
Given all this background, it was only natural for me to start writing a fiction novel that takes place during the first months of the war. This is what was on my mind the whole time.
While all the characters of the novel are fictional, the events are not. As the Russian army started approaching, Ukrainians needed to make a choice of either staying or leaving Ukraine. This was not an easy choice…The characters in my novel took different routes and outcomes were quite different. Not everyone survived, unfortunately. You’ll need to read the book to know how things worked out for them.
As to the romance between the main characters, Viktor and Teresa, I wasn’t originally planning on that. But this idea came to my mind as I was progressing through the book. I thought that both Viktor and Teresa were wonderful people who faced a lot of adversity (for very different reasons). They deserved to find their happiness in the end. And happiness for me means being with a person who loves you, respects you, and truly understands you. It does not involve money, power, or other similar things.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
For me, the most interesting ones are growth and development. Throughout their lives, people have new experiences, they learn, they adapt, they evolve and hopefully become better people in the end. In my current novel, characters learn to live in completely new circumstances. Their world essentially comes crashing down, but they remain true to their values. They help each other and build a new future. It might be quite different from the one they expected originally, but they learn to live in it. The most important thing in life is staying true to your values, no matter what happens.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
There are multiple scenes in my novel which capture the essence of war and tremendous hardships faced by civilians, especially small children. I tried to watch as many documentaries as possible to give an accurate account of what happened. Some of the most critical scenes are those that depict the damp bomb shelter in which adults, children and their pets gather; the Yurchenko family’s miraculous escape from the town of Irpin under the Russian missiles, and the crowded train platform where thousands of frightened people wait for a scarce train to Warsaw.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?
I have two books in the works.
One of them is the sequel to The Dream Lives On, which would complete the trilogy. There are still some unanswered questions remaining. First, we still need to know why Solomon left his home country of Tanzania and moved to Ukraine. What prompted him? Did something bad happen to him back home? We also need to know what happened to Solomon’s sister, Gloria. Does she still live in Tanzania, or did she move away? What did her life turn out like? I know some answers already, but not all, so more work remains to be done.
The second book I’m writing is a novel inspired by the expat life in Uzbekistan. For the last two years, I’ve been living in Uzbekistan together with my family due to my job (I work in international development). I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would be living in Central Asia, but sometimes life takes you to the most unexpected places. I must say it’s been a very interesting experience which I would very much like to reflect in a new fiction novel. I already have a few chapters written and I hope to finish the book before I leave my posting in Uzbekistan.
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All he is looking for is a refuge for his family; falling in love is the last thing he expects on the other side of the Atlantic. What’s more, he would have never guessed that his journey could help his relatives connect the dots in a decades-old family mystery.
Teresa Jameson, a top executive in an international company, has lived for sixteen years in a seemingly happy marriage. Or maybe she just closed her eyes too often and refused to face the reality?
As ample cracks start to show, she needs to dig deep into her soul. Will she look away just one more time, or give the new relationship a chance to flourish?
The Dream Lives On
War tears lives apart but in rare, unexpected moments, it forges powerful connections. The Dream Lives On by Valeriya Goffe is a poignant exploration of this paradox, unfolding against the backdrop of a brutal conflict. As the war in Ukraine escalates into a devastating reality, Viktor Yurchenko makes a split-second, life-altering decision: flee to America with his three children and aging mother. Their journey exposes them to the raw, immediate face of war, but also to something just as powerful compassion, solidarity, and the invisible threads of human connection that stretch across borders and generations.
In stark contrast, Teresa Jameson lives in a pristine, orderly world. From the outside, her life gleams with success. A top executive at a prestigious firm, mother to a high-achieving daughter, and wife to an equally driven husband, she appears to have it all. Yet beneath the polished surface, her life is hollow. The illusion soon shatters, forcing her to confront uncomfortable truths and reevaluate what truly holds meaning. Authenticity, purpose, and emotional depth, things long buried begin to resurface.
These two seemingly unconnected lives intersect in a profound way. What follows is a richly layered narrative of healing and rediscovery. Through shared experience and vulnerability, Viktor and Teresa find common ground. Their paths, shaped by chaos, clarity, and courage, illuminate the resilient spirit of the human heart.
Goffe’s storytelling is both tender and unflinching. Her portrayal of war’s civilian toll is vivid, her narrative pulsing with fear, uncertainty, and loss. Yet she also captures moments of grace, small but powerful glimpses of humanity’s enduring warmth. Each character embodies resilience in a different form. Whether fleeing danger or navigating emotional upheaval, they persist, adapt, and ultimately evolve.
Told through multiple perspectives, the novel builds with subtle intricacy. Each voice is distinct, and each storyline is purposeful. As the narrative threads weave together, the plot expands in surprising, satisfying directions, offering both emotional resonance and structural sophistication.
The Dream Lives On is a tribute to the everyday people swept up in the tides of war. It speaks softly but powerfully of endurance, compassion, and the pursuit of light, even when surrounded by darkness. Goffe reminds us that even in the most fractured moments, the human spirit has an extraordinary capacity to survive and connect.
Pages: 267 | ASIN : B0DWJYRSM2
Kissing Toads
Danissa Wilson’s Kissing Toads is a nostalgic, heartfelt, and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny journey through the highs and lows of finding love in the 80s and 90s. At its core, it’s a coming-of-age story wrapped in a romantic memoir, following Annie as she navigates the minefield of romance, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Raised with the belief that a woman’s worth is tied to the man she lands, Annie embarks on a decades-long quest to find her “Prince Charming” by kissing an array of metaphorical (and sometimes literal) toads. Through first loves, bad boyfriends, and the chaos of early online dating, her story unfolds with a mix of humor, nostalgia, and a healthy dose of reality. But just when you think you’ve figured out where it’s headed, Wilson throws in an unexpected twist that flips the script entirely.
Wilson’s writing shines in its ability to be both sharp and self-deprecating. The humor is biting but never forced, and Annie’s voice is refreshingly honest. The opening chapter, where Annie details the absurdity of being named after her mother’s beloved golden retriever, immediately sets the tone. Lines like, “Being the namesake of the family pooch? Does it get more humiliating than that?” make it clear that this book isn’t just about romance; it’s about identity, self-worth, and breaking free from expectations. The book doesn’t shy away from the awkwardness of young love either. Annie’s high school relationship with the Ozzy Osbourne-worshipping, eyeliner-wearing “Oz” is painfully relatable, showing how teenage romance can be both intoxicating and utterly misguided.
One of the most compelling aspects of Kissing Toads is its exploration of societal expectations placed on women, particularly in past decades. Annie’s mother, a woman who abandoned her own dreams for the role of perfect wife and mother, serves as both a loving figure and a cautionary tale. She constantly reinforces the idea that Annie’s happiness hinges on finding a man. This generational pressure is woven throughout the book, making Annie’s journey all the more meaningful. When she starts to question whether she’s searching for love or simply fulfilling a script handed down to her, the book reaches its most thought-provoking moments. Scenes like her internal struggle over a sexist “No Fat Chicks” sticker she bought as a teen highlight the subtle ways misogyny is ingrained in everyday life. Wilson brilliantly captures how these influences shape Annie’s choices, often without her even realizing it.
The book’s pacing is another strong point. Wilson moves seamlessly from high school heartbreaks to the cringe-worthy infancy of online dating, never lingering too long on any one phase of Annie’s journey. Each relationship teaches her something new, sometimes through devastation, other times through sheer absurdity. The dialogue is snappy, the 80s and 90s references are spot-on, and there’s an authenticity to Annie’s experiences that makes her deeply relatable. However, what sets Kissing Toads apart from a typical rom-com or coming-of-age novel is its refusal to tie everything up in a neat bow. Without giving too much away, Annie’s “happily ever after” isn’t what you’d expect but it’s so much more satisfying because of it.
This book is for anyone who has ever looked back on their past relationships and cringed, laughed, or wondered what the hell they were thinking. It’s for Gen Xers who lived through the rise of online dating, for women who’ve been told that their worth is measured by their romantic success, and for anyone who loves a story that balances humor with heartfelt moments. Wilson has crafted a novel that’s both wildly entertaining and deeply resonant, proving that sometimes, kissing toads isn’t about finding a prince, it’s about finding yourself. Highly recommended.
Pages: 180 | ASIN : B0DGVT1XVC
Karmic Debt
What the Living Do follows a woman navigating the wreckage of her past, a harrowing cancer diagnosis, and the line between self-destruction and redemption, all while searching for meaning and healing. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have been curious about what happens to the animals hit on our roads and wondered about those who had to dispose of them. If it was a woman doing that job, what would she be like? What would make her want a job that would bring her so close to death? She would have to be tough or want to be bullet-proof, and she would need a history that caused her to be so tough. Most stories begin with the question, “What if…?” So I asked, “What if she was diagnosed with cancer?” Well, maybe she thought she deserved it, and maybe she believed she didn’t deserve any of the good things in her life… hence, Brett was born.
How did Brett’s character evolve during the writing process?
For the most part, Brett is frustrated and frustrating. She pushes back against the good in her life and seriously considers running away to die. Through her encounters with animals—ones she hits, ones she finds, and her sweet dog, Beckett, she starts to pay attention to what is true. Even though she doesn’t seem to be listening to anyone, she actually hears everything. Most readers want to give her a wake-up slap but ultimately find they can understand and relate to her character.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The misguided idea that illness or disease is somehow deserved was the underlying theme. How we ask ourselves, “What did I do wrong?” when faced with a grave diagnosis, having an accident, suffering a loss, etc. From believing that God is punishing us for our sins to imagining we must repay a Karmic debt to what we ate or drank… many of us experience guilt when misfortune falls. We assume it must be our fault.
I also wanted to highlight the exploitation of sexual pleasure in children, and how those experiences can have damaging and lasting repercussions on one’s sexual attitudes.
Grieving is a long, long process, and everyone’s process is their own.
There’s also a nod to how difficult it is to adopt when one isn’t able to birth one’s own.
What do you hope readers take away from Brett’s story, especially those who may see parts of themselves in her struggles?
That it’s not your fault! Shit happens. And to find comfort in the goodness in one’s life, whatever form that might take.
Author Links: GoodReads | Substack | Write Your Way In | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The Complexities of Dating
Kissing Toads follows a woman now in her 50s who shares her journey of looking for her Prince Charming and the journey of self-discovery she wound up on in her quest for true love amid societal expectations. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The book concept was initially inspired by one of my middle-aged girlfriends who, fresh off a divorce, dove headfirst into the online dating scene. As she regaled me with stories of her disastrous dates, I found myself laughing out loud and wanting to tell a similar story.
However, I actually wrote chapter 4, “Nash,” first. I wrote it during the height of the Me Too movement in 2017 or 2018. I never intended to publish it or even share it; I was just reacting to the many stories I was hearing from women all over the country and decided to write a fictional story that represented the ways in which women were treated at that time (late 80s/early 90s) by law enforcement and the society in general. Then, when COVID hit and we were quarantined at home, I found that creative writing became a good way for me to channel my anxiety. I took the Nash story and I built around it.
In a lot of contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
Haha. Well, sure. There are definitely trace elements of the real me in this story. However, the main events and characters are fictional. Although, I will admit that here was one part that was 100% accurate. The dogs. My family did have four Golden Retrievers when I was a kid: Toby, Liberty’s Lady Annabelle, Starbelle, and Cooper. There was indeed an oil-on-canvas portrait of Toby (the mutt) hanging in my childhood home, and Annabelle and her pups were allegedly the spawn of President Ford’s dog (albeit, I can offer no proof of it—just my mom’s testimony). On my website, there is a picture of Toby’s portrait as well as a picture of Toby and me in my childhood backyard for anyone who would like to see them. https://www.kissingtoadsnovel.com/
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I really wanted to explore the complexities of dating and finding one’s sexual identity in the late 20th century from a feminist perspective. I wanted my generation, Generation X, to be highlighted and celebrated in a way that I don’t see too often. I also wanted it to be an honest reflection of what it was like to come of age during this time period. So many of these rom-com or coming-of-age novels that I read don’t feel raw or real. I wanted mine to have that sort of authenticity. That’s why I decided to craft it as a fictional memoir.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?
I am about 75% done with my next book called The Station. It is very different than Kissing Toads, however. The Station could be categorized as magical realism or even paranormal literature. It is essentially a story that explores the questions about what happens to us when we die. Like Kissing Toads, it does include moments of humor as well as moments of heartbreak. And yes, there may be a love story embedded in there as well.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
A feminist tale at heart, Kissing Toads is a fictitious memoir that tells the story of a now 50-something-year-old woman named Annie who takes the reader on her decades-long quest to find her “Prince Charming.” Believing that if she kisses enough toads, she will eventually find her prince, Annie has one goal as a budding young woman: fetch herself a man. Set in the late 1970s through the mid-1990s, the reader follows Annie throughout young adulthood as she searches for her soulmate amid the backdrop of misogyny, a loving but overbearing mother, and gender and societal expectations. Sometimes cheeky, sometimes heartbreaking, Kissing Toadsexplores Annie’s messy yet authentic misadventures in dating. But just when you think you’ve reached the happily-ever-after, brace yourself for an exhilarating plot twist. Kissing Toads is not just another coming-of-age tale; it’s a celebration of self-discovery, liberation, and the courage to write your own fairy tale.
Kissing Toads
Danissa Wilson’s Kissing Toads is the kind of book that sneaks up on you. It starts out like your typical coming-of-age tale of a young woman, Annie, wading through the chaotic waters of romance in the ’80s and ’90s, hoping to find her Prince Charming. But as you turn the pages, you realize this is more than just a love story. It’s a messy, hilarious, and sometimes gut-wrenching journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the realization that sometimes, the fairy tale we’ve been chasing isn’t the one we actually need.
One thing I absolutely loved about Wilson’s writing is her ability to balance humor with heartbreak. Annie’s experiences range from laugh-out-loud ridiculous to moments that truly sting. These are the moments that make Kissing Toads feel so raw and real. Wilson doesn’t just give us a woman searching for love; she gives us a woman navigating a world that constantly tells her what love should look like, only for her to realize that maybe she’s had it all wrong.
Annie’s mother is relentless in her belief that her daughter’s ultimate goal in life should be to “fetch herself a man.” That pressure is both maddening and relatable. The contrast between Annie’s youthful determination to fulfill that expectation and her later, painful questioning of whether she wasted her best years chasing a dream someone else planted in her head is beautifully done. One of the most poignant moments comes when she wonders if she failed in getting her “MRS” degree while earning her BA. That single line encapsulates so much about the way young women are conditioned to prioritize romance over self-fulfillment.
And then, there’s the love story at the heart of it all, just not the one Annie expects. The book’s final act brings both a twist and a moment of clarity. After years of chasing after one “toad” after another, Annie doesn’t find a prince, but someone even more unexpected. That’s what makes Kissing Toads so satisfying it’s not about Annie magically finding love, but about her finally seeing herself clearly enough to recognize it.
I’d recommend Kissing Toads to anyone who’s ever been on the wrong side of a bad relationship, struggled under the weight of expectations, or just enjoys a damn good story with characters who feel like old friends. It’s funny, it’s sharp, and it’s got a heart big enough to make you laugh and cry in the same chapter. Danissa Wilson has crafted a book that doesn’t just explore what it means to find love but it questions everything we’ve been told about it.
Pages: 180 | ASIN : B0DGVT1XVC
Inspiring Women
Lunch Tales: Suellen follows a lawyer recovering from a toxic relationship whose attempt to begin again with the ideal man is thwarted by a health crisis. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Lunch Tales: Suellen is personal for me as I went through a similar medical crisis at the same age and know firsthand all the feelings and emotions she had to go through. I have met so many extraordinary and resilient women in my lifetime—inspiring women who have had to overcome hardship and health challenges. This book is for all of them.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
The law office scene is drawn from my own personal experience in working at a major New Jersey law firm for several years where I met a lot of colorful characters and made lifelong friends.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
In writing and developing my characters, I wanted them to be as truthful as they could be in dealing with the seriousness of the challenges they faced, emotionally, realistically, and morally. The guidelines for realistic fiction are simple. Be totally honest and reliable in the telling, no matter how difficult or heart-wrenching. When it comes to authenticity, readers are quite intuitive.
Can we look forward to more books in the Lunch Tales series? Where will it take readers?
More books in the Lunch Tales series are forthcoming. Lunch Tales: Teagan is slated to publish in January of 2026. Teagan is Suellen’s best friend and her story is uniquely compelling. They are major characters in each other’s story, and the same supporting characters are in both novels. Originally, when I drafted Lunch Tales, it was from four women’s points of view in one novel. After I read it through, I decided to give each of these women more space for the reader to get to know them better and gave them their own standalone novel in the Lunch Tales series. Once I did that, they evolved in ways I never imagined at the start.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Suellen Atkins’ trust fund has given her everything except love. As the youngest attorney in a major law firm, her life is filled with reckless spending and meaningless flings. But when she dumps her latest wild guy, he doesn’t leave quietly.
Unable to shake the feeling she’s being watched, Suellen runs into an old classmate at a colleague’s farewell. Adam Isaacson is one of the good guys — and that might be more scary than her stalker ex. With the echoes of her parents’ tumultuous marriage still ringing in her ears, Suellen can’t imagine anything this promising.
When a shock medical diagnosis complicates things, her proclivity for self-sabotage goes into overdrive. As life turns upside down, her lunch friends at the law firm become a lifeline in the storm. But even they, with all their good intentions and well-meaning advice, can’t save Suellen from herself. Nor can the man who’s fallen in love with her. Only she can do that.
Easter At The Three Coins Inn
Easter at the Three Coin Inn, by Kimberly Sullivan, is a delightful and heartwarming novel that immerses readers in the serene beauty of the Italian countryside. The Three Coins Inn, tucked away in the tranquil village of Umbria, serves as a sanctuary for both its owners and guests. The inn, lovingly maintained by Emma and her husband Mark, offers not only breathtaking views and rich history but also the opportunity for relaxation and renewal through its peaceful ambiance and spa. As the season’s guests begin to arrive, Emma and Mark hope to continue their tradition of offering a haven where visitors can rediscover themselves.
For guests Grace, Kathryn, Heike, Chris, and Madison, the two weeks they spend at the inn become transformative in ways none of them could have predicted. Throughout the novel, Sullivan masterfully captures the restorative power of the inn’s setting, and while the characters drive the plot, it’s the enchanting surroundings that work their quiet magic. Sullivan writes with evident affection for the Italian landscape, effortlessly weaving together the journeys of the diverse group of visitors, each of whom is grappling with their own life challenges. Chris and Madison, both reeling from relationship troubles, come to the inn seeking solace, Chris to reflect and Madison to hide from her problems. Grace and Heike, two widows brought together by their shared grief, find comfort in each other, though their friendship is tested as long-buried secrets emerge. Meanwhile, Kathryn, Grace’s granddaughter, is on the cusp of adolescence, struggling to define herself amid her parents’ expectations. Each character arrives at the inn for different reasons, yet all leave transformed, having gained something invaluable from their stay.
Themes of healing through introspection, the power of honesty, and the possibility of second chances resonate throughout the novel. Even Emma and Mark, the innkeepers, embody the spirit of perseverance and love, setting the tone for the personal growth their guests experience.
In Easter at the Three Coins Inn, Kimberly Sullivan crafts a beautiful narrative of personal growth, healing, and second chances, all set against the idyllic backdrop of the Italian countryside. The charm of the inn, coupled with the journeys of its diverse characters, makes for a captivating and heartwarming read. While some plot points may feel familiar, the novel’s emotional depth and vivid setting more than make up for it. This is a story that celebrates the power of introspection, connection, and the restorative magic of a peaceful retreat. Readers will be left hopeful and eager for more from Sullivan’s world.
Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0DBMFD989
