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There is No “Perfect Mother”
In Shaken, an exhausted and overwhelmed young mother gives in to the frustrations of raising a toddler and makes a regrettable decision that could change the course of her life. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
The idea came to me about 17 years ago when I saw a poster that said, “NEVER SHAKE A BABY” at the doctor’s office. At the time, I hadn’t heard of the Shaken Baby Syndrome (SSB) and found myself wondering, “Who would shake a baby?” But then I realized there had to be people out there who did, otherwise there wouldn’t be a whole campaign about it. I couldn’t help but think how horrible that would be — to lose control and hurt your baby like that. Later that afternoon, I wrote a scene where a young mother snaps and loses control, shaking her baby without realizing what she was doing. I didn’t know what to do with that character and scene at that point in time, so I shoved it aside to work on other things. When I needed something to present to my writing group in the summer of 2019, I dug out that chapter, read it to the group, and watched as everyone at the table exploded with extreme emotions: horror, shock, disgust, confusion, sympathy, and so on. I realized that if I could evoke such a wide range of reactions, this was a novel worth bringing into the world.
What was the inspiration for Sally’s traits and dialogue?
After I had my own kids, I went to various playgroups and parent-baby classes. There, I observed the put-together moms, the hot-mess moms, and everything in between. As hard as we moms all tried to do the best we could, I soon realized there’s no such thing as the “perfect mother” — you might have it under control one minute, then be a sobbing mess the next. I wanted to take the overwhelm that my mom friends (and myself) had felt during those early years and to amplify it to the extreme, showing how everything could change in one awful moment. Although nobody in my social circle ever abused their baby, plenty of moms expressed their frustrations and how close they got to “going over the edge.”
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think makes for great fiction?
I’m intrigued by those intense, dark moments in life where one bad thing happens, someone reacts to it and makes a bad decision, then another one, and before you know it, their whole life has come undone. Like in the movies when someone finds a bag full of millions of dollars hidden in the woods and they think they can get away with just keeping it, but it’s never that easy. And yet, you can’t help but wonder, “What would I do?” Would I go to the cops? Or keep the money?
With Shaken, I wanted people to really think about what would happen if they actually snapped and lost control — because, deep down, we all have the ability to lose control. Would you try to cover it up? Come forward and share the truth? Run away? What if Sally was your wife, sister, next door neighbor? What would YOU do? Although we tell ourselves we would make better choices if we found ourselves in the same exact situation, there’s no way to know for sure until it’s really happening to you.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m currently revising a young adult mystery about a teen girl, Olivia, who believes her parents didn’t die in an accident but were in fact murdered. As her twin sister fights for her life in the hospital, Olivia rallies the help of two new friends to uncover the truth, but the more secrets they discover, the more Olivia begins to realize her own life might be in danger. This book has been through one round of beta reading with great feedback, so I’m working on fixing remaining plot holes and tightening things up. I hope it’ll be available sometime in 2026.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Enter Alyssa, the teenage babysitter, who is left in charge the night after the incident. As Morgan’s condition deteriorates, Sally’s partner, Charles, grows increasingly concerned. A series of alarming doctors’ visits spiral into a nightmare when authorities are alerted and fingers start pointing at Alyssa. Will Sally come forward and risk losing everything, or will she try to maintain the illusion of being a perfect mother—even if it means someone else takes the blame?
Shaken explores the intense, often unspoken, struggles of new motherhood and the complexities of human fallibility, raising an unsettling question: Does one irreversible mistake define you forever?
Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Lisa Jewell, and Freida McFadden.
Shaken
Jill Amber Chafin’s Shaken is an unsettling yet deeply human exploration of parental burnout, guilt, and the irreversible consequences of a single moment of lost control. The novel follows Sally, a young mother grappling with exhaustion and the relentless demands of raising a toddler, Morgan. Her mounting frustration culminates in a moment of violence—shaking her child in desperation—leading to a spiral of paranoia, self-recrimination, and a desperate attempt to hide the truth. Meanwhile, Charles, her husband, oblivious to the full extent of what has transpired, struggles with his own frustrations as a provider, balancing work and family life with increasing detachment. As Sally’s secret festers, the novel digs deep into the emotional and psychological turmoil of parenthood, revealing just how fragile the line is between loving care and overwhelming despair.
Chafin’s writing is unflinching and raw. She masterfully captures Sally’s descent into fear and guilt with a sharp, visceral intensity. The opening chapter is particularly haunting—Sally’s panic and the creeping realization of what she’s done is stomach-churning. The way Chafin builds tension is remarkable; every moment that follows is laced with dread, making it impossible to put the book down. The portrayal of a struggling mother losing her grip is uncomfortably real, and that’s what makes the book so powerful. It doesn’t shy away from the ugliness of exhaustion, the loneliness of motherhood, and the terrible things people are capable of when they are pushed to their breaking point.
Charles’s chapters provide a necessary contrast offering a glimpse of the “normal” world outside of Sally’s unraveling mind but at times, his storyline feels flat compared to the emotional hurricane Sally is experiencing. His dissatisfaction with his job, the flirtation with a co-worker, and his general cluelessness about Sally’s struggles feel almost too mundane next to the life-or-death stakes of her narrative. That said, his role as the unwitting husband makes the moments when he begins to sense something is deeply wrong all the more gripping. The way he questions Sally, the small details he notices but brushes off, add to the tension beautifully.
One of the novel’s most gut-wrenching strengths is how it forces the reader to empathize with someone who has done the unthinkable. It would be easy to condemn Sally, but Chafin doesn’t allow for simple judgments. Instead, she forces us to sit with her fear, her regret, and her suffocating love for Morgan. The scenes where she desperately tries to convince herself that everything is fine googling symptoms, forcing normalcy, and clinging to the hope that no permanent damage was done are some of the most emotionally brutal moments in the book. And then there’s Morgan himself, quiet and listless after the incident, a heartbreaking contrast to the wild, screaming child he was before. It’s devastating to watch Sally try to interact with him, begging for any sign of his usual energy, realizing in horror that something is profoundly different.
Shaken is not an easy read, but it’s an important one. It’s a book that will resonate deeply with parents, especially those who have ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or teetering on the edge of control. It’s also a gripping psychological drama that will appeal to fans of dark, emotionally intense fiction. While it doesn’t offer easy answers or redemption, it does offer something more vital an unfiltered look at the messy, terrifying, and sometimes dangerous reality of being responsible for another life. If you’re looking for a book that will haunt you long after you’ve turned the last page, Shaken is a must-read.
Pages: 365 | ASIN : B0DPN2JJWP
The Makana’s Legacy
The Makana’s Legacy is an evocative and emotional tale steeped in history, culture, and supernatural intrigue. The story centers on the Leon Guerrero family and their struggles with personal grief, a fractured family bond, and the looming presence of ancient spirits tied to their island’s tumultuous past. As the narrative unfolds, the line between the natural and the supernatural blurs, leading to a gripping exploration of legacy, faith, and resilience.
The prologue paints a vivid picture of the 16th-century CHamoru people’s struggles against Spanish colonizers. The vivid imagery, like the crushing of ancestral skulls by Spanish soldiers, was heart-wrenching and powerful. This historical thread anchors the story and gives it a weight that lingers long after the final page. Aleja’s descriptions are lush and atmospheric, making the island and its cultural heritage feel alive.
The characterization of Joleen and her mother, Annie, forms the heart of the book. Joleen’s emotional turmoil, exacerbated by her relationship with Ben, feels raw and authentic. One poignant moment occurs when Joleen returns home after Ben’s death. Her hesitation to reconnect with Annie while haunted by supernatural forces is portrayed with such nuance that I felt her pain and fear intimately. I found Annie’s character even more compelling. Her quiet resilience and faith contrast beautifully with Joleen’s rebellion, creating a dynamic that felt genuine. The dialogue between them, especially during moments of tension, was strikingly real.
Aleja also delves into supernatural elements that are equal parts thrilling and chilling. The scenes involving Joleen’s haunted apartment with shadows moving, whispers of her name, and the cold drafts are masterfully done. One particularly haunting passage describes Joleen finding Ben’s motorcycle keys inexplicably appearing on the floor, heightening the eerie tension. The interplay between spiritual lore and personal grief is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
The book’s conclusion is both hopeful and bittersweet. It doesn’t offer easy answers but instead underscores the importance of embracing both the past and the present. The spiritual and emotional journeys of Annie and Joleen intertwine in a way that feels earned, even if some plot threads remain unresolved.
The Makana’s Legacy is a richly layered story that blends cultural heritage with a moving family drama. It’s a perfect read for those who enjoy stories of intergenerational conflict, supernatural intrigue, and emotional depth. It’s a book that stays with you, a tribute to the resilience of both family and culture.
Pages: 333
Stone of Hope, Book 4 Stones of Iona
Stone of Hope, by Margaret Izard, masterfully blends romance, history, and fantasy into an enthralling narrative that sweeps readers across the evocative landscapes of Scotland and Egypt. Dominic DeVolt, drawn by the mystical power of the Eye of Ra, finds himself entangled in the life of Moira White, an archaeologist whose brilliance and beauty transcend the ordinary. With his niece and nephew’s lives at stake, Dominic plunges into Moira’s excavation, a place where ancient secrets meet modern treachery. For Moira, Dominic is a puzzle—an enigmatic figure who might bring salvation or destruction. Together, they face mystical forces and personal doubts, testing whether love can bridge the vast chasm between their worlds.
The novel’s richly imagined settings elevate the story, transforming them into living, breathing elements of the narrative. Scotland’s misty hills and Egypt’s sun-drenched ruins resonate with a sense of wonder and danger, adding depth to every scene. These locations are more than mere scenery; they enhance the storytelling, immersing readers in a vibrant atmosphere that lingers long after the pages turn. Dominic and Moira’s chemistry is undeniable, igniting the heart of the novel. Their journey through love, betrayal, and sacrifice explores universal themes of trust and redemption, drawing readers deeply into their emotional struggles.
The element of time travel adds layers of complexity, intensifying the stakes and offering new dimensions to their characters. This interplay of personal growth and high-stakes drama demonstrates Margaret Izard’s skill in crafting intricate relationships that captivate and resonate. Fantastical elements weave seamlessly into the plot, enriching the story without overshadowing its central romance. Izard’s deft integration of folklore and fantasy into historical and contemporary contexts creates a dynamic, multifaceted narrative. The result is a tapestry that sparkles with magic while remaining grounded in its characters’ heartfelt struggles and triumphs.
Stone of Hope concludes with a sense of fulfillment, yet it leaves the door ajar for future adventures. This balanced resolution offers closure while tantalizing readers with the promise of more, a narrative approach that ensures the story remains vivid in their imaginations. Hope and suspense intertwine, ensuring the tale’s impact lingers well beyond the final chapter. For readers seeking a story where love transcends time and the boundaries of past and present collide in breathtaking ways, Stone of Hope offers an unforgettable escape. Margaret Izard’s expert storytelling and genre-blending prowess make this a must-read for fans of historical fantasy and romance.
Pages: 187 | ASIN : B0DLBMNKHG
A Meticulous Plan
A Meticulous Plan, by A. Mohit, weaves a heartfelt narrative set against the backdrop of a nation in turmoil. This story delves into the intertwined lives of its characters, focusing on themes of love, identity, and cultural boundaries. It begins with the serendipitous meeting of Bakhtiar Khan, a shy yet charismatic young man, and Pooja Roy Chowdhury, a confident and enchanting woman, in Bangkok. Their chance encounter unfolds into an emotionally rich tale that explores the complexities of love across divides of culture and religion.
The writing has its moments of brilliance. I was drawn into the vivid portrayal of Bakhtiar and Pooja’s meeting. The description of their quiet moments, like Pooja resting her head on Bakhtiar’s shoulder during a flight, is tender and captivating. While I feel the dialogue occasionally veers into being overly sentimental, the story is buoyed by the emotional depth of its characters and the sincerity of their struggles.
The ideas in the book are thought-provoking and timeless. Mohit raises important questions about societal prejudices and the boundaries of tradition through Pooja and Bakhtiar’s love story. For instance, the tension created by Pooja’s family opposing the match due to Bakhtiar’s religion is heart-wrenching yet relevant in many societies. I particularly appreciated the subplots, like Madhuri’s attempts to mediate and win over the family elders, as they added layers to the story. Some sections, such as the detailed descriptions of cultural rituals, felt a bit slower-paced, and I found myself wishing for a slightly more concise narrative in those moments.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the exploration of human vulnerability. Bakhtiar’s insecurity after meeting Pooja resonated deeply with me. His internal monologue when he berates himself for not asking for her contact information felt raw and genuine. Pooja’s character, too, is wonderfully nuanced. Her simultaneous confidence and yearning make her incredibly relatable.
A Meticulous Plan is a deeply emotional and culturally rich story that will resonate with readers who appreciate tales of love overcoming odds. The heartfelt narrative and layered characters make it a compelling read. I’d recommend this book to fans of romantic dramas, especially those interested in stories set against a backdrop of cultural and societal conflict.
Pages: 284 | ASIN : B0DMWPCGZX
Harpazo: Book One of the Trib Trilogy
Harpazo begins with an explosive premise. It’s the first book in The Trib Trilogy, centering on sudden, unexplained disappearances across various characters’ lives. The story weaves through multiple perspectives, such as Tyler, a young tow-truck apprentice; Georgia, a second-grade teacher; and Bryn, a coffee shop barista. Each chapter introduces someone grappling with the surreal aftermath of loved ones and strangers vanishing into thin air, often leaving behind little but their clothes. Anchored in biblical themes, the narrative reflects on chaos, faith, and the human response to unimaginable events.
I couldn’t put the book down once I started. The opening scene, where Tyler realizes his mentor has vanished mid-drive, immediately sets a gripping tone. The author, Nathalie Bujold Ryan, paints an eerie picture with vivid descriptions—Joe’s empty work boots on the pedals, his clothes eerily intact. The pacing is tight, and the scene transitions are snappy, though I found some moments, like Tyler’s prolonged reaction to the empty truck, slightly drawn out. That said, this added a layer of realism to the shock and confusion Tyler felt, which many readers might appreciate.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is the diversity of perspectives. Georgia’s reaction in the empty classroom resonated with me. The sheer horror of seeing abandoned clothes in a once-bustling space amplified the surreal tone. However, her disbelief and anger at first made her feel human. Ryan captures the disbelief people feel in extraordinary situations beautifully. On the other hand, I felt some characters, like Bryn, could have been explored in greater depth.
Thematically, Harpazo thrives in its exploration of existential dread and religious undertones. The darkness rolling over the city, described in Peter’s chapter, mirrors the emotional turmoil many characters feel. While the book leans on its Christian foundation, particularly referencing the rapture, it doesn’t alienate readers unfamiliar with or outside that context. Instead, it’s an invitation to reflect on universal themes—fear of the unknown, the fragility of human life, and the power of faith.
Harpazo is a haunting and thought-provoking read that blends suspense, drama, and a dash of the divine. While some pacing and character development issues arise, they don’t overshadow the compelling narrative. This book is perfect for fans of apocalyptic fiction with a spiritual twist or anyone curious about how humanity might respond to the unimaginable. If you’re ready for a wild ride packed with mystery and meaning, Harpazo delivers.
Pages: 397 | ASIN: B0DSLFFZ8J
Contending With the Aftermath
To Bloom Like a Tulip follows a family separated by two continents during WWII and their efforts to survive as a Jewish family. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have known quite a few people who survived World War II in Europe. One of the toughest aspects of the war was that people didn’t always know where their relatives were, or what was happening to them if they were separated in different countries by the war. Communications between warring Allied and Axis nations were completely stopped. So in this story, the mother had taken her two youngest children to America to settle her late father’s estate. Her three oldest children and their father stay behind in the Netherlands so the kids can go to school and the father can run his business. They think their country is going to remain neutral as it did in World War I, so they’re not initially worried, although the Nazis are already gearing up to be on the march. Settling the estate takes longer than the mother thought it would, the war comes to Holland when the Nazis invade, and then, they can’t be reunited for years. Right there, that’s a cause for a lot of concern and worry on both sides. So that was the initial setup. Add to that, this is a Jewish family, so the ones under Nazi occupation are in peril. Imagine being in America and having to wonder what’s happening to them! Horrific. Yet it’s exactly what went on with a whole lot of families during that war.
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
The time period of this story is completely crazy so that in itself adds a lot of intriguing drama into the mix. Nazis turned normal life on its head in every one of the countries they took over, and, worse, state-sanctioned murder was legal. The Jewish characters are a nice family that’s just trying to survive and they find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. There are some very good people in this story, like the ones who hide the three children in a movie theater when matters become worse, and there are also some absolutely atrocious folks, hideous ones. A lot of prejudice came to the surface after the Nazis arrived on the scene, and the worst of the civilian characters suddenly think they have a green light to persecute others, in their own small ways. Others are just nosy and are watching their neighbors to see what they’re up to, but that’s terrifying to those they’ve got under scrutiny. So there was a lot to work with there.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I’ve heard that for many, many people who survived the war, the worst part of it wasn’t the war itself, incredibly, but contending with the aftermath. In this case, some of the characters are betrayed. They don’t know by who, and they don’t know why. Imagine making it through, yet having to live with a question like that! It would be like the “whodunit” from Hell, and it happened, for real, to scores of survivors. So that’s the big question they’re all trying to answer in this story, once the hostilities are over and they’re trying to go forward. Who did it?
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m in the middle of writing another mystery, and this one is set in the neighborhood where my dad grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The characters in this one are Catholics. Two little boys find a baby abandoned on the steps of their church. It’s also set during World War II, but on the American homefront. I’m enjoying writing it to the hilt because my father grew up in a very colorful area with a lot of interesting personalities and I was told so many wonderful stories about it. The book should be available sometime this winter. Stay tuned!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The Van Der Graafs, Bram and Charlotta, took the risk of hiding Rika, Henk and Kees Spranger, concealing them in their movie theater. All went well – until they were betrayed. Who could have done it?
TO BLOOM LIKE A TULIP is the unforgettable story of good people in a bad time, their efforts to survive the war, and their ultimate determination to find out the identity of the informer.
The Landlady of Maple Avenue
After reading The Landlady of Maple Avenue, I’m left with a mix of admiration and empathy for the complex family tapestry the book presents. It tells the story of Marceline Gillis and her family, taking us through decades of emotional highs and lows in their lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Marceline, a stubborn yet caring matriarch, navigates the trials of raising her children, managing her properties, and dealing with losses that force her to reckon with her past. The book touches on family loyalty, the bittersweet passage of time, and the undercurrents of pride and generational conflict within a family that can be both loving and tumultuous.
The writing shines when it captures Marceline’s fierce and unbending personality. There’s a scene where she argues with her bank manager about an overdraft, refusing to admit her error until the last minute. Her interactions with the bank manager and her stubbornness felt all too real, showing her pride and aversion to appearing vulnerable or mistaken. But these moments of rigidity are balanced by glimpses of her care for her family, though expressed in non-traditional ways. Marceline’s relationship with her children, especially Bernie and Johnny, is complicated by her own personal struggles and regrets, making her both an imposing figure and a woman weighed down by her choices.
The family dynamics are as rich as they are fraught. Marceline’s interactions with her daughters-in-law, particularly Julie, show an interesting but tense familial push and pull. Julie’s efforts to teach her mother-in-law how to manage checks and the bank registry reveal the gap between their generations. Marceline’s resistance to the “modern” way of banking is both humorous and frustrating, and it speaks to her desire to hold on to some sense of control. The struggle between Marceline’s need for autonomy and her sons’ well-meaning attempts to support her adds another layer of realism to the story, as it reveals the tensions of caregiving that many families experience.
A surprisingly touching part of the book is the unexpected Florida trip. Marceline’s “reluctant” journey with her son Tommy to see alligators adds humor and warmth to the story and provides a rare moment of levity in their otherwise serious lives. Marceline’s confusion about being on a plane and her eventual confrontation with a misbehaving child in flight are memorable for the way they capture her no-nonsense nature in unfamiliar settings. This scene allowed me to see her vulnerabilities in a new light, and I felt both amused and touched by her innocence mixed with her strong demeanor.
The Landlady of Maple Avenue is a heartfelt and thought-provoking family fiction novel that would appeal to readers who enjoy family dramas with intricate but flawed characters. While Marceline’s sternness can be off-putting, her journey through motherhood, loss, and self-reflection creates a powerful story that will resonate with readers.
Pages: 401 | ASIN : B0DJT699SD
LITERARY TITAN 