Blog Archives
The Green Wave
The Green Wave takes on a big subject with even bigger stakes: how the shipping industry, a cornerstone of global trade, can move away from fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy. The book is structured as a wide-ranging tour through history, technology, economics, regulation, and future trends. It covers the evolution of ships from wooden rafts to today’s steel giants, then dives into renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydrogen, and biofuels. It discusses technological breakthroughs in clean propulsion, ship design, and retrofitting. It also highlights the financial realities of sustainability, the importance of regulation, and case studies of companies already making the leap. In its closing chapters, it looks forward to global collaboration, workforce training, and how public perception will push the industry toward greener horizons.
The research is thorough, and the ideas are hopeful. The writing leans on big metaphors and detailed passages that can feel dense if you’re not steeped in the subject. The author works hard to cover every angle, which gives the book an encyclopedic feel. I found myself drawn in by the case studies like retrofitted cruise ships and tankers switching to LNG or rotor sails, and those concrete examples carried more emotional weight than the broader discussions of efficiency or emissions. The author’s care for the subject is evident, and that urgency shines through in ways that are often inspiring.
I think the strongest parts are where the book shows the human side of the industry. When it talks about shipbuilders experimenting with new materials or port operators installing charging stations, the story feels alive and relatable. I did come away with a better grasp of the real options on the table. It made me hopeful that change is possible if industry leaders, governments, and consumers push in the same direction.
I’d recommend The Green Wave to readers who want a detailed, almost textbook-level overview of green shipping, but also to anyone who enjoys seeing how technology and human ambition collide with global challenges. It’s not a breezy read, but it’s a meaningful one. Policymakers, environmental advocates, and business leaders will probably get the most out of it. For casual readers curious about clean energy, it may feel overwhelming, though still worthwhile if you stick with it.
Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0CPKDBWSB
Reigning Cats and Frogs
Reigning Cats and Frogs, by V.F. Diefenbacher, is an intriguing middle-grade historical Christian fiction novel set in Ancient Egypt during the Biblical Exodus. Centered around Kafele, a 13-year-old boy grappling with societal expectations and personal identity, the book offers a refreshing perspective on a well-known biblical narrative. The intertwining of Kafele’s journey with the plagues of Egypt paints a vivid picture of life during a tumultuous time, providing a backdrop for a story that is rich in historical detail and cultural depth.
Diefenbacher’s writing style is both accessible and engaging, successfully catering to a middle-grade audience while offering enough complexity to captivate older readers. The character development, especially Kafele’s, is skillfully executed, allowing readers to connect with his internal conflicts and growth.
What sets this book apart is the unique lens through which Kafele views historical figures like Moses, Aaron, and the Pharaoh. This perspective brings a fresh and intriguing dimension to familiar tales. While I enjoyed the story, I felt that, at times, the narrative pace seemed to slow somewhat under the weight of historical accuracy, which may affect its flow for some readers.
The themes explored in the book, such as faith, authority, and the nature of divine protection, are thoughtfully presented. These elements provoke reflection on the part of the reader, elevating the book from a simple historical retelling to a deeper exploration of spiritual and moral dilemmas.
Reigning Cats and Frogs is a great blend of historical fiction and biblical narrative that succeeds in bringing Ancient Egypt to life through the eyes of a young protagonist. It’s a recommended read for middle-grade readers who enjoy historical fiction and for older readers interested in a new perspective on the Exodus story. The book’s appeal lies in its ability to provide a fresh take on a familiar story, making it a valuable addition to the genre of historical Christian fiction.
Pages: 319 | ISBN : 978-1960982001
One of the Earth’s Oldest Civilizations
In Temple in the Sand, you give readers an in-depth look at the life of a lesser-known historical figure of Pharaoh Seti I. What inspired you to write this book?
It wasn’t until the pandemic, when like the rest of the world, I was at home with time to view videos, that I came across Seti’s magnificent temple in Abydos, Egypt. Like his burial chamber, which is sometimes referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt,” the raised relief artwork inside its walls is considered to be some of the best, if not the best that ancient Egypt ever produced. Looking at the artwork captured by photographers on Flickr, allowed me to enlarge their photos on my computer screen to see the fine details of those high-relief carvings. I got a quirky idea of writing a type of ghost story in which a woman gets inadvertently locked in the temple overnight and is visited by the spirit of the pharaoh, who talks to her about art, aesthetics, and politics.
That idea lasted until I heard a discussion with Egyptologist, Dr. Kara Cooney, about a woman called Omm Sety, who seems to have had past life memories of a life lived at that temple and an affair with the pharaoh. My “ghost story” was nothing compared to her story. However, I got a book by Jonathan Cott on Omm Sety and in it, I found a wonderful idea. It is written in the temple that Pharaoh Seti left a personal diary hidden somewhere in the temple. It has never been found, but if it ever is, it would be the only such document written by a pharaoh himself. Then the real initiating spark lit things up: I would write the pharaoh’s diary.
I imagine this book required quite a bit of research. Can you share with us one of the things you found most surprising about Pharaoh Seti I’s life?
As I researched, I began to discover a person from a non-royal background, whose life as a soldier, commander, and even vizier was fantastic enough, without the added accolade of being pharaoh. As improbable as it might seem, Seti’s family was handed the throne when Pharaoh Horemheb realized he would have no heirs. He chose the family of his trusted comrade-in-arms, Paramessu, (Ramesses I) who had a capable mature son (Seti) and a healthy young grandson (Ramesses). Ramesses I held the throne for only about 18 months before dying around the age of 70. His son, Seti, did the heavy lifting to restore
Egypt to its former glory which had fallen away during the reign of Akhenaten.
The idea that Seti, this supreme soldier and superb administrator, was also someone with an extremely refined aesthetic sense and a taste for art was something that I wanted to present to the world. I wanted to show how someone of fairly “common” origins was indeed a stellar entity who always brought his A game to the table, whether in war, politics, or artistic creations. I wanted the reader to see that behind all that power and royal regalia, there was a real person, not so different from us, but one who was able to grasp the reins of destiny and move a whole nation in a different direction. Yet, he was also someone who suffered sorrowful defeats in his personal life. As we all know, no one gets to have it all.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Temple in the Sand?
I’d like the readers of Temple in the Sand, the Memoirs of a Pharaoh to be able to sit with the humanity of this person as he writes in the wee hours of the morning, revealing his life in relation to the chapels in his temple. Each chapel deals with a different god who rules a different aspect of life which the pharaoh contemplates in terms of his own lived experience. I’d like for the reader to enter the world of one of the earth’s oldest civilizations and enjoy their time on the Nile in the company of the king.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
In terms of other books that I may write, I am updating a novella, Beautiful Imperfections, which deals also with art and two cities that I love, San Francisco and Toronto. It will reappear with a new cover this spring on Amazon.com. I have a partial outline for another novella set in Avignon, France where I lived for eight years. I would like to finish that one, a fun, whimsical piece with a bite (it deals with a local folklore creature known as the Tarasque) before I go to Egypt (depending on world conflict conditions). Once there, my focus will be on that wonderful raised relief art found in the Seti Temple and in his tomb, as I’d like to create a novel about the artisans who created the work that the pharaoh commissioned.
Author Links: Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Amazon
It is that temple, the Temple of Seti, that forms the structure of this novel which attempts to recreate the diary of the pharaoh. It is written on the temple walls that the king kept a diary and had it hidden somewhere in the temple. As yet it has not been found, but one can easily imagine the king in the solitude of the night writing of his life, as he realizes his shortness of breath and pressure in the chest may mean it is the last year of that magnificent life. Temple in the Sand, the Memoirs of a Pharaoh is a tribute to the mysterious and beautiful sacred structure built by Pharaoh Seti I in Abydos and to the man behind the royal regalia.
Temple in the Sand: The Memoirs of a Pharaoh
Temple in the Sand, by Marjorie Vernelle, delves into the enigmatic world of Pharaoh Seti I, a lesser-known yet arguably remarkable figure of Egypt’s Nineteenth Dynasty. Within the hallowed confines of Egypt’s Temple of Seti, a place dedicated to the Egyptian lord of the desert and warfare, an intriguing secret unveils itself – the diary of Pharaoh Seti I, concealed with utmost care upon his demise, providing a rare glimpse into the thoughts and actions of this exceptional ruler. While his son Ramses II may have garnered more fame, Seti I is hailed by many scholars as the paramount king of the Nineteenth Dynasty, and it is his story that Marjorie Vernelle passionately endeavors to recreate. Through the meticulous exploration of Pharaoh Seti’s diary, readers are offered a profound understanding of his inner workings, motivations, and the elements that shaped his greatness.
Central to the narrative is the omnipresent influence of religion in the Nineteenth Dynasty. The book astutely illustrates how Egyptian beliefs permeated every facet of life, even extending their grasp over the mighty Pharaoh Seti. A devout believer in the afterlife, Seti dedicated himself to the construction of monuments and temples in homage to the gods, diligently seeking their favor. Vernelle’s deep-seated familiarity with Egyptian mythology and belief systems is unmistakable, casting an authoritative and well-researched aura over the memoir. It is evident that not only is the account skillfully penned, but it also incorporates the subtleties of meticulous historical research. By utilizing the prevailing beliefs and ideologies of the era, the author humanizes the God-king, offering readers a multifaceted and empathetic portrayal. Furthermore, the narrative cleverly speculates on how Pharaoh Seti may have responded to various circumstances and the underlying reasons behind his construction of temples and monuments, painting a more balanced and humane portrait of the Pharaoh. I feel that a more judicious trimming of some repetitive elements could enhance the overall reading experience in this otherwise brilliant narrative.
In Temple in the Sand, Marjorie Vernelle crafts an engaging and informative tapestry of Pharaoh Seti I’s life and times, offering readers an intimate encounter with the man behind the throne. With its intricate exploration of religion, meticulous historical research, and captivating storytelling, this book proves to be a valuable addition to the library of anyone intrigued by ancient Egypt and its extraordinary rulers.
Pages: 274 | ASIN : B0CK2PGC12
Infinity: A Crown of Golden Leaves
![Infinity: A Crown of Golden Leaves by [DuBois, Catalina]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/5115M4X6N0L.jpg)
Matthaios is a prince and Sara is a slave girl. In ancient Rome, their love is forbidden. In fact, true love like theirs is not what royal marriages are made of. Matthaios is not cut from the same cloth as his father, Titus. Titus, being Caesar, is prone to all the atrocities and savagery of his title. Matthaios, kind and loving, is forced to marry a woman he does not and cannot possibly love. When Sara’s untimely death is foreseen by her trusted friend, the course of both their lives and any life they may ever have together takes a sudden and tragic turn.
Yet again, I am drawn to the characters in Catalina DuBois’s series. Infinity: A Crown of Golden Leaves is filled with a myriad of characters from all walks of life. From Medusa to Daniel, a merman and best friend of Sara, to Titus and Arrecina, his bride, DuBois pens some amazing and rich portraits of her cast of characters.
I didn’t want to be drawn to Titus. I fought hard against it for several chapters. Everything in me told me that Titus was not supposed to be my pick, but that’s exactly how outstanding DuBois’s writing is. She spins a backstory like no one else in this genre. Titus, in all his loathsome and vile glory, is truly the standout in this book. Without giving away too much, I will say the backstory the author has chosen to give him is heart-wrenching and sheds new light on his choices and his treatment of Sara. He absolutely stands as my favorite in the long list of DuBois’s characters.
I enjoy the mix of settings DuBois provides within the Infinity series. I didn’t expect to come across the element of fantasy so deeply intertwined with historical fiction. If an author isn’t careful, that cross can become an awkward and difficult pill for readers to swallow. DuBois however combines the two seamlessly. The reader quickly accepts the change of setting from above sea level to below as all part of the charm of the story.
As with DuBois’s other Infinity installments, romance is plentiful. However, DuBois constructs tasteful scenes that never border on vulgar or obscene. Her writing is touching and truly conveys a sense of deep and lasting love between her main characters.
Just as DuBois writes vividly of true love, she creates excruciatingly realistic scenes of her characters’ pain and heartache. I had a similar experience with Infinity: The Fifth Bride of Pharaoh. DuBois includes some of the most engaging prologues I have ever read. She pulls you in from the first paragraphs and keeps your interest piqued throughout the reading, moving along a roller coaster track of emotions and back again.
Readers seeking a quick but gripping historical fiction book with a tasteful amount of fantasy won’t be disappointed with the love story of Prince Matthaios and the love of his life, Sara.
Pages: 185 | ASIN: B076JLW85G
Infinity: The Fifth Bride of Pharaoh
Sara of Nubia, a princess and free spirit in her own right, has been promised to Pharaoh Amenemhat, but she is not one to go quietly into her duties as a bride and the mother of future rulers of Egypt. When Sara and her best friend, Sobek, disguise themselves as commoners and venture out, Sara’s journey of the heart begins abruptly with a clumsy moment, a chance encounter, and a kiss born out of tradition. The stage is set for a long and harrowing struggle to be with the one love of her life and to gain back what is, and always was, rightfully hers.
Catalina DuBois’s Infinity: The Fifth Bride of Pharaoh is the tale of Sara and Matthaios, two people destined to be together against all odds and against the destiny laid out for Sara by her family. Sara is a strong, determined, and admirable main character whose tenacity makes her an easy favorite. Matthaios, imprisoned and forced into servitude, fights with every fiber of his being not to cross the line when it comes to his charge, Sara. His ability to control his overpowering feeling for Sara and the restraint he is able to maintain is touching for his love for her is genuine. DuBois constructs some of the most moving love scenes involving Sara and Matthaios. I am not a fan of romance that contains gratuitous scenes, but DuBois has maneuvered around that type of writing to create stunningly beautiful pictures of two lovers whose hearts are truly one.
DuBois has managed to change a lifelong habit of mine. I have never been a fan of the prologue. More times than not, I skim the prologue to get the gist of what is to come. DuBois, however, has written a prologue so gripping, so detailed and vivid, that I can say it hooked me within the first paragraphs. She has drawn Matthaios as a man of tragedy in juxtaposition to the horrifying Pharaoh as she quickly reveals a backstory steeped in lost love and betrayal of the worst kind.
Infinity: The Fifth Bride of Pharaoh gives readers the best of both worlds with regards to genres. DuBois manages to combine romance and history with an added layer of mystery. I appreciate an element of the unknown when reading fiction of any type. Without a doubt, readers are kept guessing as to the identity of Sara’s and Matthaios’s evil shadow, and the ultimate reveal is breathtaking given the buildup of the character to that point.
Another of my favorite characters is Dimp. A faithful and focused doctor, Dimp is ever willing to help Sara and her friends throughout the book. Not one of the characters who gets a lot of attention, Dimp stands out as one of the most loyal and caring in the kingdom.
Romance fans and those who appreciate elements of mystery in their historical fiction will be drawn to the striking cast of characters created by DuBois. Nowhere else will readers, hungry for historical fiction, find a more well-drawn plot brimming with intrigue, adventure, and perfectly-tied together story lines.
Pages: 181 | ASIN: 1973288710
Numerology is Undeniable and Reliable
Sara Bachmeier Author Interview
Egyptian Numerology is a guide to living by your soul chakra and helping readers use their highest frequencies. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I know that when we are living our true authentic life, we share a sense of purpose and meaning that inspires the world to do the same. I believe we all agreed to a soul contract that is coded in our DNA, Birth Name and Date. We will continue to struggle in life until we find and follow through with what we came here to do. When we raise our frequencies, we are able to connect to Spirit through our intuition, psychic and healing abilities. Ultimately, these three areas are the strongest abilities that all number frequencies take us to but each number has a unique flavor of bringing this forth into the world. My job is to show you how.
What do you think is one common misconception people have about numerology?
That it is used as a means toward fortune telling. In actuality, we have choices and it depends on how we use our frequencies. For the positive or the negative. Numerology is undeniable and reliable in potential but only the individual can decide how they are going to manifest their gifts in this world. Egyptian Numerology won’t tell you what isn’t already coded in your DNA.
You are a certified instructor in Egyptian Numerology and have been charting Egyptian Numerology since 2016. How has your experience helped you write this book?
I know through my charting that these frequencies are true and valid. If a person does not resonate with their frequencies, it is because they are choosing not to for fear of the unknown. It is my goal to help people see how these frequencies are active in their life and how they can be nurtured and used to become their most powerful allies through demonstration channeled in abilities, qualities and potential.
Do you have other books planned on this subject? If so, when will they be available?
I do. I have my second book coming out in the beginning of next year. It is called the “Path of the Wounded Healer; Liberation is for the asking”. It is a sequel to the first book and covers more advanced features in Egyptian Numerology and a more in-depth study of cycles, patterns and of course Master Numbers and our wounded healer numbers.
Author Links: Website | LinkedIn | Amazon
Egyptian Numerology works with a persons highest qualities and potential. Most people are satisfied with the traditional numerology which uses the frequencies of numbers to dissect the good and bad aspects of their character. I refer to this as the mind reading technique because for some reason people like to be told what they already know about themselves and what can be revealed by just looking into the mirror and being completely honest with oneself. The paradigm for numbers has shifted over the past few decades and it is vital that we acknowledge this change and accept the knowledge available to us during these radical times of change. Egyptian Numerology takes your reflection and enhances the view by using your number frequencies and taking it into the fifth dimension to show you what is possible to achieve in this lifetime. The fifth dimension has been described as the plane of love and of living totally from the heart. It will give you the opportunity to discover areas of your life that have the greatest potential and what they are meant to look like in an elevated frequency rating. It is compatible to giving you a new prescription for lenses in order to see yourself clearly. If you are already using your highest frequencies, than this type of charting can be used as a geographical confirmation that you are on the right track or it can be used as a reference point to what is possible to achieve in a perspective not always revealing. It will give you a description of what your life looks like when you are living through your heart chakra.
The Emotional Devastation
Richard Carroll Author Interview
Burned in Stone continues the story of three archaeologists as they now set out to find the Ark of the Covenant. Where did you want to take this book that was different from The Lost Photographs and what were some things you felt had to stay the same.
The original characters remained the same, and Stephanie was added. I worried about having my story enter the realm of science fiction in the sign from God, but I have learned that many of my readers believe we would have a much better world to live in if it really happened.
I chose Ann Tyler to be the one who died instead of my new character, Stephanie. That was a shock and very sad. I was hoping it would be a story my readers would not quickly forget. I am still not sure I made the best choice. Matt found how deeply he loved her. That may be too much for Stephanie to overcome.
Stephanie’s tragic childhood and her unfortunate upbringing make for fascinating reading. What traits were important for you to develop and explore in her character?
I wanted to bring out the vulnerability of a child and the emotional devastation caused by abuse and lack of love as depicted by Stephanie’s childhood and early years. However, she “pulled herself up by the boot straps” and discovers love is not selfish but is caring about others. She develops a successful career and does not use her childhood trials as a crutch to flounder in pity.
I enjoy how you explore ancient artifacts and ruins to bring new life to old stories. Did you always have an interest in archaeology or is this an idea developed just for your novels?
From an early age, I have been fascinated by bible stories and archaeological finds. After retirement I was able to travel extensively visiting many countries and ruins–Africa, Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Thailand, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, many countries of the Far East to name a few. I try to incorporate the sights, sounds, and smells of those many places into my stories to enhance the importance of exploring the past and its influence on the future.
Do you plan to continue Matt, Ann, and Jim characters in other novels, possibly a series? If so, what will the next book be about?
I plan to continue with most of the same characters. Unfortunately, one of my favorite characters, Ann Tyler, was brutally murdered in Burned in Stone, but Matt, Jim, and Stephanie still need to pursue at least one more biblical artifact.
My wife and I love to travel to places we have not yet seen in the world. I believe we will take a few trips and as we travel I will be putting my pen back to the paper.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Amazon
![Burned in Stone by [Carroll, Richard Ira]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41QwkWAMccL.jpg)
BURNED IN STONE A Novel by Richard Ira Carroll You won’t be able to put down “Burned in Stone”, a page-turning adventure with twists and turns that keeps you guessing at what happens next. You’ll have to stay up an extra hour. You’ll want to see how they get out of this one. Steam was shooting out everywhere from the ancient ore-hauling steam engine. If I give it full throttle now, would it go around the curve too fast and tip over? I had no choice. It was now or never! “Burned in Stone” is a novel of epic proportions, a story the reader will not easily forget. A thoroughly researched and well-written prologue sets the stage for this slam-bang novel. Dr. Mathew Lane, Ann Tyler, and Jim Morgan, the three archaeologists who discovered Noah’s Ark on Mount Ararat, are on another dangerous undertaking as they search for the crown jewel of biblical artifacts, the real Ark of the Covenant! Love, jealousy and heart-wrenching tragedy enter the story when Stephanie, a stunning beauty who possesses an ancient parchment map, agrees to join them in the search. Every area our adventurers search reveals another clue leading to another place or another country. This fast-paced journey takes them from Thailand, to the depths of the Mediterranean Sea, to Jerusalem and finally to Mount Sinai in Egypt. Here they discover something so totally unbelievable. . . something so phenomenal. . . it will have a profound effect on every man, woman, and child on the face of the earth! “Burned in Stone” is the sequel to an equally exciting novel, “The Lost Photographs”, also available at your favorite book store.
LITERARY TITAN 