Blog Archives
June’s Big Wave
June’s Big Wave tells the story of a little girl named June who is spending a fun day at the beach with her family. Everything seems perfect until worry sneaks up on her, turning her sunny day into a swirl of “what-ifs.” June feels scared and anxious. What if the wind blows everything away? Through her imagination, she learns how to handle her worries by comparing them to waves. She learns to breathe, float, and swim through them rather than fight them. The book ends with June feeling proud and calm, and there’s even a caregiver’s guide in the back that gives parents tips for helping kids deal with anxiety too.
I really liked how this story makes something as complicated as anxiety feel easy to understand. June feels real. Her worries sound like the ones I had as a kid. The “what-ifs” idea is so clever and relatable. The author doesn’t sugarcoat the feelings, but she also doesn’t make them scary. The tone is gentle and warm, and the way June learns to face her fears feels empowering. The breathing exercise and the idea of swimming with the wave are just so smart. It’s practical, but also imaginative enough to keep a child’s attention.
The caregiver’s guide at the end caught me off guard in the best way. It’s full of real advice that makes sense, not just fluffy “stay calm” stuff. It talks about what anxiety looks like, what not to do, and how to actually help a kid work through it. I love that the book treats both the child and the adult as part of the same team. You can feel how much the author cares about kids and families. The writing is calm and kind, and it feels like a hand on your shoulder saying, “You got this.” The illustrations evoke a gentle and peaceful atmosphere, perfectly suited for a children’s picture book. The soft watercolor technique, combined with a colorful palette, creates a warm and inviting scene.
June’s Big Wave is a sweet and meaningful children’s book that balances story and support perfectly. I’d recommend it for kids ages 5 to 9 who struggle with worries or big emotions, and for parents, teachers, or counselors who want to help them. It’s not just a picture book; it’s a tool that makes you feel seen and understood. A great book to keep on the shelf for those days when the “what-ifs” roll in.
Pages: 56 | ISBN : 1968996001
Sam and His Amazing Flying Crib
Sam and His Amazing Flying Crib follows a little boy named Sam, who decides one night that he can visit the magical island from his favorite bedtime book. He ties blankets to his crib, turns it into a flying ship, and soars into the night. Along the way, he meets angels who give him moon dust, and he lands inside his story where he befriends two children living in a camp. Together, they face misunderstood “beasts” who turn out to be enchanted creatures in disguise. With a sprinkle of magic and kindness, Sam helps reveal their true forms, the Unicorn and the Dragon, and learns about hope, friendship, and compassion before returning home.
I loved how this story mixed dreamlike adventure with real emotion. It’s whimsical in the way only a child’s imagination can be, but it also has this gentle message about displaced families that hits differently once you realize who Jennah and Naitham are. The writing feels soft, like a lullaby, and the pictures paint such cozy chaos. It’s got that genuine childlike wonder that feels authentic.
What really stayed with me was how the story blends fantasy and empathy. The magical parts are fun, sure, but what really makes it special is the kindness at its core. You feel the ache of kids far from home, yet the story never gets heavy, it keeps this bright, hopeful tone that says, even in strange places, magic and goodness can still find you.
The illustrations have such a wonderfully warm and nostalgic feel, like a scene pulled directly from a classic children’s book you’d cherish forever. The soft, textured art style and muted colors create a cozy, dreamlike atmosphere that’s instantly comforting. I particularly loved the scene early in the book where the baby is staring at the moon. It lets us share in the quiet moment of wonder as they gaze at the friendly, smiling moon. All the little details, like the teddy bear companion add so much charm and story to the piece, making it feel magical.
I’d recommend this picture book to parents, teachers, or anyone reading to a child who loves adventure but also needs gentle reminders about kindness and hope. It’s perfect for bedtime, because it’s magical enough to dream about but meaningful enough to talk about after. It’s a sweet and heartfelt little journey that young readers will enjoy.
Pages: 48 | ASIN : B0F8FWS4RL
Tequila
Tequila follows generations of the Ramirez family, from Sotero’s gamble on aging tequila in the 1950s Jaliscan Highlands to the modern corporate empire known as RAM Industries. What begins as a tale of sweat, soil, and ambition slowly becomes a saga of family betrayal, violence, and power. Across decades, we watch tequila move from rustic distilleries into the bloodstream of global trade, all while the Ramirez family wrestles with love, greed, and blood feuds that never seem to fade. It is a story that swings between passion and brutality, family devotion and ruthless ambition.
I admired the way author Tim Reuben captures place, especially the Mexican highlands where Sotero’s first plants take root. Those early chapters breathe with heat and dust, the struggle of a farmer dreaming big. Then, almost suddenly, the narrative shifts to boardrooms and courtrooms, and it struck me how ambition hardens with each generation. I found myself both hooked and unsettled. The violence was raw, sometimes shocking, yet it felt earned, a natural extension of the world Reuben built.
The writing itself is quick, sharp, and often cinematic. The dialogue snaps, the scenes cut hard, and there is little handholding. I enjoyed that rhythm because it gave the book urgency. But I also caught myself wishing for pauses, more room to breathe, especially when the story moved into modern-day plots with kidnappings, corporate lawyers, and family infighting. Still, I admired the boldness. Reuben doesn’t play it safe. He tells a story that spills over with energy, grit, and heat.
I’d recommend Tequila to readers who enjoy family sagas laced with crime, corporate drama, and old-world passion. Tequila felt like a mix of The Godfather’s family drama, the cutthroat energy of Succession, and the grit of Narcos, all poured together into one fiery shot of a story.
Pages: 407 | ASIN : B0FDH5FYHM
A Mother’s Relentless Drive
Conditional Love follows a woman suffering guilt and regret from the trauma and poor choices she made raising her children, who tries to stop them from repeating her mistakes. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The spark for Conditional Love came from a chat with my husband about what we’d do if we won the lottery. When I half-jokingly said I’d put “conditions” on giving money to one of my siblings, it kicked off a deep, juicy conversation that became the heart of the story. I started thinking about a bold, flawed mom who’s desperate to fix her family’s messy lives. It’s all about that universal question: If you had the power to push someone you love toward a better path, would you have the guts to do it? And what kind of blow-back might happen if you did? That idea fueled Conditional Love’s mix of family drama, tough love, and sardonic humor.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
The human condition is a treasure trove for fiction because it’s so gloriously messy. I’m fascinated by how people often choose paths that hold them back instead of ones that could lead to a fuller, richer life—like sticking with damaging habits or relationships that no longer serve them. In Conditional Love, I explore how past experiences shape the choices we make, often without us realizing it, and how those decisions ripple through families. It’s compelling because it’s so relatable. Everyone has that one choice they wish they could go back and change. Great fiction comes from digging into those choices and struggles, showing how characters wrestle with their flaws, and finding humor and hope in the chaos.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In Conditional Love, I wanted to explore how a family can face a traumatic event together yet process it in their own unique ways, often unaware of its lasting impact on their behaviors. Another key theme is the constant tug-of-war of motherhood, with its doubts, regrets, and love that linger long after kids grow up, and a mother’s relentless drive to ensure her children are ok, no matter how old they get. These themes of awareness, healing, family dynamics, and love make Conditional Love a heartfelt, relatable journey for readers who’ve navigated their own family ups and downs.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m deep into writing Highly Leveraged, a women’s fiction romance that follows L.A. Wyatt, a fierce movie producer, as she navigates loss, empowerment, and an unexpected romance with Cole Grayson, a Clooney-esque Hollywood star. It’s a story of balancing love, motherhood, and ambition against the cutthroat world of Hollywood. It’s packed with high stakes, sharp wit, and plenty of swoon. I’m aiming to have it in your hands by late 2025. Fans can join my Inner Circle at LAarbuckle.com for exclusive sneak peeks, updates, and maybe a few behind-the-scenes tidbits about L.A. and Cole’s journey. Until then, grab Conditional Love for a wild, emotional ride!
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Sassy and unrelenting, she concocts a wild plan to coerce them into changes by issuing a deadline and dishing out the “mother” of all ultimatums.
Her children aren’t buying it. To them, her redemption scheme is a step too far, even for Neva. They push back, and a firestorm erupts that splinters their fragile truce: sparking tempers, opening wounds, and unraveling secrets long buried.
Conditional Love, L.A. Arbuckle’s debut, blends Midwest grit with witty, literary prose, earning “literary gold” praise (Women’s Insider). Likened to Big Little Lies and The Nest, this bittersweet drama explores family, trauma, and forgiveness with complex characters and a surprise ending. Conditional Love is a bold, bittersweet clash of family, love, and the conditions we place on them both. Grab your copy today!
Conditional Love
Conditional Love is a raw and unflinching novel that plunges readers into the life of Kris Stevenson-Walker, a woman scarred by childhood trauma, stifled by a manipulative marriage, and desperate for redemption and self-worth. The story kicks off with a gut-wrenching depiction of domestic violence that sets the emotional tone for the rest of the book. Through decades of dysfunction, the narrative follows Kris’s struggle to break free of her past, rebuild her identity, and protect her son, Trent, from the generational wreckage she’s been trying to outpace her whole life.
This book gripped me from the first page with its brutal honesty. The writing is vivid, sometimes painfully so. Arbuckle doesn’t ease you into the story. She throws you into the fire. It’s not just the violence or trauma that makes the writing so visceral, it’s how it’s paired with razor-sharp dialogue and quiet moments of inner struggle that feel devastatingly real. I could feel Kris’s heartbreak and desperation in my bones. She is a flawed and relatable character, and I couldn’t stop rooting for her even when she made choices that made me want to scream. Arbuckle nails the slow, aching pace of healing, the whiplash of old wounds reopening, and the way people cope, sometimes badly, with lives they never asked for.
What really stuck with me, though, was how the book handles generational trauma. The way Kris sacrifices her own dreams to keep her family from falling apart felt too real. And Carl? Arbuckle captures toxic manipulation without making it cartoonish. Carl’s subtle, insidious control tactics hit hard because they’re so believable. You want to shake Kris, but you also get it. And then there’s Neva, the firecracker of a mother who’s both hilarious and heartbreaking. I went from wanting to throttle her to crying over her. Every character is layered. Even the side characters had bite. And the emotional whiplash is exhausting, but in that “I stayed up all night reading and now I’m a mess” kind of way. The best kind of book hangover.
Conditional Love is a story about survival, grief, complicated love, and finding a voice after years of silence. If you’ve ever struggled with your past or felt stuck in a life that doesn’t feel like yours, this book will crawl under your skin. I’d recommend it for fans of gritty family dramas, stories of female resilience, and anyone who’s not afraid to sit with discomfort if it means finding something real.
Pages: 262 | ASIN : B0F31FT54K
Being Middle
Lori Orlinsky’s Being Middle is a heartwarming picture book that speaks directly to the woes and wonders of being the middle child. Told through the eyes of a young girl caught between her older and younger sisters, the story starts with frustration and ends with pride. She laments hand-me-downs, cramped car rides, and cold showers, classic middle-child grievances, but slowly learns that being in the middle isn’t just tolerable. It’s kind of amazing.
What really grabbed me was the honesty in Ellie’s voice. That opening line “My tummy is achy, and I feel quite queasy” sets the stage for a raw, relatable peek into the middle-child mindset. She feels overlooked and underappreciated, evoking a strong sense of empathy as her emotions unfold on the page. The moment she laments receiving only hand-me-down shoes is both humorous and strikingly relatable, an all-too-familiar reality for many middle children. When she remarks, “Most of the time, they don’t even call me the right name,” it brings to mind the common mix-ups that happen in families with multiple children, a small detail that rings true and adds to the authenticity of her experience.
What truly sets this book apart is its thoughtful shift in tone. Rather than dismissing Ellie’s feelings, her mother gently reinterprets them, offering a new and affirming perspective. The line, “There’s a sis to look up to and one who looks up to you,” stands out as particularly poignant, reframing the middle child role as one of unique connection and importance. In this way, being in the middle transforms from a source of frustration into a powerful metaphorical bridge. The comparison to the center of an Oreo, universally regarded as the best part, adds a lighthearted yet effective touch, reinforcing the message with humor and warmth.
Visually, the illustrations by Vanessa Alexandre add a playful, expressive energy to the story. They carry just the right mix of whimsy and warmth. Every pout, eye-roll, and smile feels familiar, especially for anyone who’s ever been stuck in the middle seat. The layout flows well, too, making it perfect for a bedtime read or a classroom circle.
I found Being Middle to be a thoroughly enjoyable and meaningful read. It strikes a careful balance of thoughtful without being didactic, and heartfelt without veering into sentimentality. I would recommend this book to families with multiple children, particularly those with a middle child who may be struggling to find their place. It would also serve as a valuable resource for educators seeking to initiate discussions about family roles, emotions, and self-worth. Even for readers who are not middle children themselves, the book offers a charming reminder to appreciate the value found in the spaces between, whether in families, food, or everyday life.
Pages: 24 | ISBN : 0881441058
The Secrets Kept from His Daughter
Edward Hamilton’s Secrets Kept from His Daughter is a rich, character-driven story that weaves heartbreak, guilt, and love into a slow-burning emotional unraveling. The novel follows Chris Thomas, a once-devoted husband and father, as he quietly vanishes from his home and family in the middle of the night, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions. At its heart, the book explores the rippling effects of silence—how unspoken traumas and bottled-up emotions can fracture even the strongest bonds. Through a dual narrative of Chris and those he left behind, including his wife Carol and best friend Aaron, Hamilton examines the weight of regret and the human urge to run from what haunts us.
What grabbed me immediately was the rawness of Hamilton’s writing. The first chapter lands with a gut punch—Chris rolling away in the night, not as an act of cowardice, but a desperate bid to protect his family from his inner torment. It’s not flashy or dramatic; it’s quiet and devastating. That moment when Carol’s daughter, Melissa, tells her, “He kissed me butterflies and left,” actually choked me up. The writing isn’t trying to be clever—it’s just deeply honest. And I respect that. The scenes in Carol’s perspective are particularly strong. Her descent from confusion to devastation feels real, especially when she opens Chris’s manuscript and realizes he finished his book without telling her. That moment of betrayal hit hard, not just because of what he did—but because of what he didn’t do.
Some monologues felt a little too introspective—like the dream sequences with Aaron. While they helped build mood, I occasionally found myself pulled out of the story. But even then, I couldn’t help but admire how well Hamilton captured the feeling of being stuck between what you want to say and what you actually do. Aaron’s scenes with Sharon were some painfully familiar emotional disconnect. That confusion, that longing for someone to meet you halfway. Hamilton nails that quiet heartbreak. Not with big declarations—but in the silence between them.
Secrets Kept from His Daughter is not a fast read, and it’s not light. But it’s worth sitting with. It’s a story for people who have lived through messy relationships, who understand that love doesn’t always mean clarity, and that sometimes the ones we love most are the ones we hurt without meaning to. I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy introspective, emotionally layered fiction with real, flawed characters.
Pages: 237 | ASIN : B0DZPGK148
A Special Bond
Fuzzy Pickles and the Tale of Two Grannies follows two grandmothers who are asked to babysit their grandson and what begins as a simple babysitting visit quickly turns into a lighthearted rivalry.What was the inspiration for your story?
The two grannies in the story are named after my own grandmothers, Pearl and Essie. They were both so different but I loved them each the same. Pearl loved to bake and serve her family and community. Essie loved to play in the dirt and have picnics.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
There’s a special bond that grandchildren share with their grandparents and there’s enough love to go around.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Nabeel Tahir?
Nabeel has illustrated seven Fuzzy Pickles stories. He’s an excellent communicator and so easy to work with.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’ve recently released my first children’s chapter book. Onex: No Ordinary Dog is based on the true story of a bomb sniffer turned family dog. It’s about how one dog’s journey can teach us about resilience and the deep bonds of family.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Discover how Granny Gerkin fills the house with the sweet smells of baked goods.
Join Granny Pickles in her magical garden, creating mud pies and planting flowers.
Learn alongside Fuzzy as he realizes what matters most about family and love.
This book is a heartwarming tale that captures the essence of family dynamics and the special bond grandchildren share with their grandparents.
LITERARY TITAN 